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The Supreme Court of India on Monday directed Congress president Rahul Gandhi to explain his alleged contemptuous remarks on recent the April 10 <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/no-political-interference-in-tax-settlement-with-reliance-firm-france-over-le-mondes-rafale-bombshell-210236">Rafale verdict</a>.

The court has asked Rahul Gandhi has to reply to the notice by April 22.

"We make it clear that views, observations, findings attributed to this court in the alleged speeches, remarks made by Gandhi to media/public have been incorrectly attributed to this court. We also make it clear that this court had no occasion to make such observation in as much as it was deciding legal admissibility of certain documents which were objected by the attorney general," the bench headed by Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi said.

The bench also comprising Justices Deepak Gupta and Sanjiv Khanna said, "Having clarified the matter we deem it appropriate to seek explanation from Rahul Gandhi."

The court's directive came on a contempt petition filed by BJP MP Meenakshi Lekhi against Rahul Gandhi for his "<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/main-bhi-chowkidar-vs-chowkidar-chor-hai-who-is-winning-205034">chowkidar chor hai</a>" remark for PM Modi. "The words used and attributed by him to Supreme Court in the Rafale case has been made to appear something else. He is replacing his personal statement as Supreme Court's order and trying to create prejudice," Lekhi said in her petition.

The bench, headed by Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi, was hearing the plea where senior Advocate Mukul Rohatgi argued that Supreme Court's recent dismissal of preliminary objections raised by the government in the ongoing Rafale review plea hearing have been deliberately misinterpreted by the Congress president.

Rohatgi said that Rahul Gandhi had come out in the public to make a remark that the "Supreme Court in its judgement said 'Chowkidar Narendra Modi chor hai'."

The bench said, "You were right to the extent we never said what has been brought in the petition. We will seek clarification."

The Congress president had on April 10 claimed that the apex court has made it "clear" that Prime Minister Narendra Modi "committed a theft".

He had made the statement while interacting with reporters in Amethi after filing his nomination papers where he is contesting against BJP leader and Union minister Smriti Irani.

Rahul Gandhi had also recalled a recent interview by the Prime Minister, in which Modi had said the Supreme Court had given a clean chit to his government on the Rafale deal.

(With inputs from agencies)

The Supreme Court of India on Monday directed Congress president Rahul Gandhi to explain his alleged contemptuous remarks on recent the April 10 Rafale verdict. The court has asked Rahul Gandhi has to reply to the notice by April 22.

The Supreme Court of India on Monday directed Congress president Rahul Gandhi to explain his alleged contemptuous remarks on recent the April 10 Rafale verdict. The court has asked Rahul Gandhi has to reply to the notice by April 22. "We make it clear that views, observations, findings attributed to this court in the alleged speeches, remarks made by Gandhi to media/public have been incorrectly attributed to this court. We also make it clear that this court had no occasion to make such observation in as much as it was deciding legal admissibility of certain documents which were objected by the attorney general," the bench headed by Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi said. The bench also comprising Justices Deepak Gupta and Sanjiv Khanna said, "Having clarified the matter we deem it appropriate to seek explanation from Rahul Gandhi." The court's directive came on a contempt petition filed by BJP MP Meenakshi Lekhi against Rahul Gandhi for his "chowkidar chor hai" remark for PM Modi. "The words used and attributed by him to Supreme Court in the Rafale case has been made to appear something else. He is replacing his personal statement as Supreme Court's order and trying to create prejudice," Lekhi said in her petition. The bench, headed by Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi, was hearing the plea where senior Advocate Mukul Rohatgi argued that Supreme Court's recent dismissal of preliminary objections raised by the government in the ongoing Rafale review plea hearing have been deliberately misinterpreted by the Congress president. Rohatgi said that Rahul Gandhi had come out in the public to make a remark that the "Supreme Court in its judgement said 'Chowkidar Narendra Modi chor hai'." The bench said, "You were right to the extent we never said what has been brought in the petition. We will seek clarification." The Congress president had on April 10 claimed that the apex court has made it "clear" that Prime Minister Narendra Modi "committed a theft". He had made the statement while interacting with reporters in Amethi after filing his nomination papers where he is contesting against BJP leader and Union minister Smriti Irani. Rahul Gandhi had also recalled a recent interview by the Prime Minister, in which Modi had said the Supreme Court had given a clean chit to his government on the Rafale deal. (With inputs from agencies)

Explain contemptuous remarks on Rafale verdict, says Supreme Court in notice to Rahul Gandhi

Repolling is likely in two booths of Outer Manipur constituency, where unidentified miscreants allegedly destroyed EVMs and VVPATs, an official said.

The miscreants had entered the polling stations posing as voters, he said.

"Around 1.30 pm on April 11, unidentified men ransacked two booths at Poi and Chingkhai villages, along with the India-Myanmar border, breaking some of the machines. They fled the scene even before the security guards could react," Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) PK Singh said.

An FIR has been registered in connection with the incidents and police are looking into it, the CEO said.

"The Election Commission is likely to announce a date for repolling after it receives necessary reports on the two incidents, he said.

Polling for the Inner Manipur constituency is slated to be held on April 18.

Repolling is likely in two booths of Outer Manipur constituency, where unidentified miscreants allegedly destroyed EVMs and VVPATs, an official said. The miscreants had entered the polling stations posing as voters, he said.

Repolling is likely in two booths of Outer Manipur constituency, where unidentified miscreants allegedly destroyed EVMs and VVPATs, an official said. The miscreants had entered the polling stations posing as voters, he said. "Around 1.30 pm on April 11, unidentified men ransacked two booths at Poi and Chingkhai villages, along with the India-Myanmar border, breaking some of the machines. They fled the scene even before the security guards could react," Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) PK Singh said. An FIR has been registered in connection with the incidents and police are looking into it, the CEO said. "The Election Commission is likely to announce a date for repolling after it receives necessary reports on the two incidents, he said. Polling for the Inner Manipur constituency is slated to be held on April 18.

Repolling likely in two booths of Outer Manipur Lok Sabha seat

Rafale is the French jet at the centre of controversy and 'Rafel' the name of their village. It's an unfortunate coincidence that makes them the butt of jokes and attracts negative attention, say residents of the Chhattisgarh hamlet who desperately want a name change.

The small village, home to about 200 families, falls in Chhattisgarh's Mahasamund constituency which votes on April 18.

"People of other villages make fun of us, saying we will be subjected to investigation if the Congress comes to power. We even went to the chief minister's office with a request to change the name of our village but could not meet him," 83-year-old Dharam Singh, the eldest in the village, said over phone.

"The name only attracts negative ire because of the Rafale controversy but no one cares about our village. Outside the state, not many people know about the village," he said.

The village, according to Singh, lacks basic facilities such as water and sanitation. Farming is dependent on rain as there are no irrigation facilities.

"Politicians have adopted so many villages across the country but no one even visits our village. Two weeks ago, a few BJP workers came but they were also ground level people. Whoever wins the elections and comes to power, our request will be to change the name," he said.

Singh has no idea why the village is called Rafel and what it means.

"I don't know but this has been the name for decades, even before Chhattisgarh was formed in 2000. I don't know the logic behind the name," he said.

Bharatiya Janata Party's Chandulal Sahu is the sitting member of Parliament from Mahasamund and is contesting again from the constituency. He is up against Congress' Dhanendra Sahu and Bahujan Samaj Party's Dhansing Kosariya.

The Congress and other opposition parties have been targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the government on the Rafale fighter jet deal with France, alleging that the price of each aircraft was sharply hiked and the contract will benefit industrialist Anil Ambani. I

The government and Ambani have denied the allegations.

Rafale is the French jet at the centre of controversy and 'Rafel' the name of their village. It's an unfortunate coincidence that makes them the butt of jokes and attracts negative attention, say residents of the Chhattisgarh hamlet who desperately want a name change.

Rafale is the French jet at the centre of controversy and 'Rafel' the name of their village. It's an unfortunate coincidence that makes them the butt of jokes and attracts negative attention, say residents of the Chhattisgarh hamlet who desperately want a name change. The small village, home to about 200 families, falls in Chhattisgarh's Mahasamund constituency which votes on April 18. "People of other villages make fun of us, saying we will be subjected to investigation if the Congress comes to power. We even went to the chief minister's office with a request to change the name of our village but could not meet him," 83-year-old Dharam Singh, the eldest in the village, said over phone. "The name only attracts negative ire because of the Rafale controversy but no one cares about our village. Outside the state, not many people know about the village," he said. The village, according to Singh, lacks basic facilities such as water and sanitation. Farming is dependent on rain as there are no irrigation facilities. "Politicians have adopted so many villages across the country but no one even visits our village. Two weeks ago, a few BJP workers came but they were also ground level people. Whoever wins the elections and comes to power, our request will be to change the name," he said. Singh has no idea why the village is called Rafel and what it means. "I don't know but this has been the name for decades, even before Chhattisgarh was formed in 2000. I don't know the logic behind the name," he said. Bharatiya Janata Party's Chandulal Sahu is the sitting member of Parliament from Mahasamund and is contesting again from the constituency. He is up against Congress' Dhanendra Sahu and Bahujan Samaj Party's Dhansing Kosariya. The Congress and other opposition parties have been targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the government on the Rafale fighter jet deal with France, alleging that the price of each aircraft was sharply hiked and the contract will benefit industrialist Anil Ambani. I The government and Ambani have denied the allegations.

French jet is poll issue in 'Rafel' village, but not for political reasons

The country was heading towards a coalition government as neither the Congress nor the BJP are unlikely to get an absolute majority despite claims by political leadership, former Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said Monday.&nbsp;

He said the mood of the country is clearly in favour of bringing in a UPA government to reject communal and divisive forces.

The senior Congress leader observed that neither of the two national parties were in a position to cross the 150 marks out of 543, despite claims to the contrary by BJP leaders including Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

In Karnataka, he said the Congress along with its ally JD(S) is expected to win around 20 seats out of 28 parliamentary constituencies.&nbsp;

The first phase of polling is scheduled on April 18 in the state.&nbsp;

Talking to PTI in an exclusive interview during a campaign trail, Siddaramaiah said: "Both Congress and BJP appear not to be in a position to get an absolute majority on their own. The UPA will, however, get a clear majority."&nbsp;

Holding that claims and reality are two different things, he said there is no Modi wave. On the contrary, there is a growing wave of people wanting to curb divisive and communal forces. This has put a full stop to the second term for the NDA.

"According to me, the UPA will get enough seats and will emerge as a single largest front. Naturally, other regional parties will rally around," he said and added the Mahagathbandhan (the grand-alliance) has taken place so that the secular votes are not divided.&nbsp;

He said, "The campaign is against the BJP which is a communal party. All secular forces which were fighting each other, have come together to prevent the division of votes among secular parties. We are fighting against the communal party."

Siddaramaiah, who is also chairman of the Congress-JD(S) coalition committee in the state, is, however, confident that the Congress will be able to make major inroads in Karnataka along with the JD(S), limiting the BJP to anywhere between 8 and 10 seats out of 28 parliamentary constituencies.

The Congress, which is contesting 21 seats in the state, would win 13-14 seats and its ally JD(S) will take the combined tally to around 20, he said.&nbsp;

Rubbishing claims that there was lack of coordination between Congress and JD(S) workers resulting from an unfair allocation of seats, he said the two parties were in perfect harmony and the campaigning was going on satisfactorily.

"This issue has been verified because myself and JD(S) chief H D Deve Gowda jointly toured all constituencies. Look, myself and G T Devegowda of JD(S) fought against each other during the last assembly elections, now we have come together. We have asked workers to work together," he said.

Three out of seven seats allocated to JD(S) are being contested by former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda and his two grandsons, forcing the JD(S) leadership to concentrate on three constituencies of Tumkur, Mandya and Hassan.

Gowda is contesting from Tumkur, his grandson and chief minister H D Kumaraswamy's son Nikhil Kumaraswamy from Mandya and elder son H D Revanna's son Ujwal Revanna from Hassan.&nbsp;

Asserting that the Congress-JD(S) alliance will benefit in this Lok Sabha poll, Siddaramaiah said, "Our vote share will be definitely more than the BJP. Both voters, irrespective of what Congress and JD(S) got in the assembly poll, put together will get more votes."&nbsp;

On too much of Modi bashing in the election campaign, he said, "It is because Modi is prime minister of this country and has completed five years. Who else should I attack? If you attack Modi, it means we are attacking the RSS. He is a symbol of RSS."

He said Congress's narrative of the election campaign is positive, unlike the BJP which is not raising issues concerning the poor people, farmers, youth and women.&nbsp;

"Is Modi discussing these issues in the public meeting? Why he is not mentioning his achievements in the public meeting? He is talking only about surgical strikes" the Congress leader said.

"There were 12 surgical strikes in the past. In the first war against Pakistan in 1948-49, Narendra Modi was not even born then. In 1977, when Indira Gandhi was PM and Bangladesh was liberated, where was he? Was he a soldier in the Indian army?" Siddaramaiah said adding these surgical strikes are taking place frequently in the country after Independence.

Even the BJP's manifesto talks of the same old issues such as the scrapping of Article 370 and construction of Ram temple. "It is raising emotional and very old issues. These issues were there since 1982," he noted.

The country was heading towards a coalition government as neither the Congress nor the BJP are unlikely to get an absolute majority despite claims by political leadership, former Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said Monday.

The country was heading towards a coalition government as neither the Congress nor the BJP are unlikely to get an absolute majority despite claims by political leadership, former Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said Monday. He said the mood of the country is clearly in favour of bringing in a UPA government to reject communal and divisive forces. The senior Congress leader observed that neither of the two national parties were in a position to cross the 150 marks out of 543, despite claims to the contrary by BJP leaders including Prime Minister Narendra Modi. In Karnataka, he said the Congress along with its ally JD(S) is expected to win around 20 seats out of 28 parliamentary constituencies. The first phase of polling is scheduled on April 18 in the state. Talking to PTI in an exclusive interview during a campaign trail, Siddaramaiah said: "Both Congress and BJP appear not to be in a position to get an absolute majority on their own. The UPA will, however, get a clear majority." Holding that claims and reality are two different things, he said there is no Modi wave. On the contrary, there is a growing wave of people wanting to curb divisive and communal forces. This has put a full stop to the second term for the NDA. "According to me, the UPA will get enough seats and will emerge as a single largest front. Naturally, other regional parties will rally around," he said and added the Mahagathbandhan (the grand-alliance) has taken place so that the secular votes are not divided. He said, "The campaign is against the BJP which is a communal party. All secular forces which were fighting each other, have come together to prevent the division of votes among secular parties. We are fighting against the communal party." Siddaramaiah, who is also chairman of the Congress-JD(S) coalition committee in the state, is, however, confident that the Congress will be able to make major inroads in Karnataka along with the JD(S), limiting the BJP to anywhere between 8 and 10 seats out of 28 parliamentary constituencies. The Congress, which is contesting 21 seats in the state, would win 13-14 seats and its ally JD(S) will take the combined tally to around 20, he said. Rubbishing claims that there was lack of coordination between Congress and JD(S) workers resulting from an unfair allocation of seats, he said the two parties were in perfect harmony and the campaigning was going on satisfactorily. "This issue has been verified because myself and JD(S) chief H D Deve Gowda jointly toured all constituencies. Look, myself and G T Devegowda of JD(S) fought against each other during the last assembly elections, now we have come together. We have asked workers to work together," he said. Three out of seven seats allocated to JD(S) are being contested by former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda and his two grandsons, forcing the JD(S) leadership to concentrate on three constituencies of Tumkur, Mandya and Hassan. Gowda is contesting from Tumkur, his grandson and chief minister H D Kumaraswamy's son Nikhil Kumaraswamy from Mandya and elder son H D Revanna's son Ujwal Revanna from Hassan. Asserting that the Congress-JD(S) alliance will benefit in this Lok Sabha poll, Siddaramaiah said, "Our vote share will be definitely more than the BJP. Both voters, irrespective of what Congress and JD(S) got in the assembly poll, put together will get more votes." On too much of Modi bashing in the election campaign, he said, "It is because Modi is prime minister of this country and has completed five years. Who else should I attack? If you attack Modi, it means we are attacking the RSS. He is a symbol of RSS." He said Congress's narrative of the election campaign is positive, unlike the BJP which is not raising issues concerning the poor people, farmers, youth and women. "Is Modi discussing these issues in the public meeting? Why he is not mentioning his achievements in the public meeting? He is talking only about surgical strikes" the Congress leader said. "There were 12 surgical strikes in the past. In the first war against Pakistan in 1948-49, Narendra Modi was not even born then. In 1977, when Indira Gandhi was PM and Bangladesh was liberated, where was he? Was he a soldier in the Indian army?" Siddaramaiah said adding these surgical strikes are taking place frequently in the country after Independence. Even the BJP's manifesto talks of the same old issues such as the scrapping of Article 370 and construction of Ram temple. "It is raising emotional and very old issues. These issues were there since 1982," he noted.

Lok Sabha polls 2019: Country heading towards coalition government, says Siddaramaiah

Congress leader and Thiruvananthapuram MP Shashi Tharoor Monday suffered head injuries while performing 'thulabharam' ritual at a temple here.

According to party sources, Tharoor who is aiming for a hat-trick from Thiruvananthapuram Lok Sabha constituency sustained injuries on his head, which required six stitches.

He also suffered a minor leg injury after the hook of the weighing scale came off and hit his head, they added.

'Thulabharam' is a Hindu ritual in which a person is weighed against a commodity such as flowers, grains, fruits and similar articles in temples and the equal value or quantity is offered as donation.

Monday being the Malayalam new year day ('Vishu'), Tharoor performed the ritual at a Devi temple here in the morning before embarking on his poll campaign.

He was accompanied by his family members and party leaders and workers including MLA, V S Sivakumar.

While he was sitting on one of the pans of the weighing scale, the hook came off and fell on his head, the party sources added.

He was taken to Trivandrum Medical College hospital for detailed examination, the sources said.

Television channels showed the former union minister getting into a car with a bandaged head and waving to onlookers wearing a blood-stained kurta.&nbsp;

Congress leader and Thiruvananthapuram MP Shashi Tharoor Monday suffered head injuries while performing 'thulabharam' ritual at a temple here. According to party sources, Tharoor who is aiming for a hat-trick from Thiruvananthapuram Lok Sabha constituency sustained injuries on his head, which required six stitches.

Congress leader and Thiruvananthapuram MP Shashi Tharoor Monday suffered head injuries while performing 'thulabharam' ritual at a temple here. According to party sources, Tharoor who is aiming for a hat-trick from Thiruvananthapuram Lok Sabha constituency sustained injuries on his head, which required six stitches. He also suffered a minor leg injury after the hook of the weighing scale came off and hit his head, they added. 'Thulabharam' is a Hindu ritual in which a person is weighed against a commodity such as flowers, grains, fruits and similar articles in temples and the equal value or quantity is offered as donation. Monday being the Malayalam new year day ('Vishu'), Tharoor performed the ritual at a Devi temple here in the morning before embarking on his poll campaign. He was accompanied by his family members and party leaders and workers including MLA, V S Sivakumar. While he was sitting on one of the pans of the weighing scale, the hook came off and fell on his head, the party sources added. He was taken to Trivandrum Medical College hospital for detailed examination, the sources said. Television channels showed the former union minister getting into a car with a bandaged head and waving to onlookers wearing a blood-stained kurta.

Shashi Tharoor sustains injuries while performing 'thulabharam' at Temple

The Supreme Court on Monday refused to stay Madras High Court's order imposing a ban on Chinese video app TikTok.

A bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi posted the matter for hearing on April 22 as the case is coming up for hearing in the Madras High Court tomorrow.

The apex court was hearing an appeal filed by Chinese company ByteDance against the High Court which said there were over billion downloads of its app and the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court had passed an ex-parte order.

In its April 3 order, the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court had directed the Centre to ban the mobile app, voicing concern over "pornographic and inappropriate content" being made available through the app.

The order also restrained the media from telecasting videos made using the app.

The order had come after the court noted that through this app, children are being exposed to inappropriate content including pornography, adding that minors are also being exposed to strangers through this app.

"It is evident from media reports that pornography and inappropriate contents are made available in this kind of cyber applications. The children are exposed to strangers and there is a possibility of the photographs and other private details of the children are being landed in the hands of predators or third parties," the bench had observed.

"On March 27, an auto driver was arrested for posting a video that included a woman from Chennai on TikTok Mobile App. A 15-year-old girl is said to have committed suicide at Mumbai for being scolded by her grandmother for use of TikTok Mobile App. An old man is said to have fallen in the waterfalls in Valparai, while taking a selfie or Tik Tok video. Before many tragic incidents would occur, the government has to take appropriate steps," the plea filed by Madurai senior lawyer Muttu Kumar read.

TikTok, an app that allows users to create and share short videos with special effects, has over 54 million monthly active users in India.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Supreme Court on Monday refused to stay Madras High Court's order imposing a ban on Chinese video app TikTok. A bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi posted the matter for hearing on April 22 as the case is coming up for hearing in the Madras High Court tomorrow.

The Supreme Court on Monday refused to stay Madras High Court's order imposing a ban on Chinese video app TikTok. A bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi posted the matter for hearing on April 22 as the case is coming up for hearing in the Madras High Court tomorrow. The apex court was hearing an appeal filed by Chinese company ByteDance against the High Court which said there were over billion downloads of its app and the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court had passed an ex-parte order. In its April 3 order, the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court had directed the Centre to ban the mobile app, voicing concern over "pornographic and inappropriate content" being made available through the app. The order also restrained the media from telecasting videos made using the app. The order had come after the court noted that through this app, children are being exposed to inappropriate content including pornography, adding that minors are also being exposed to strangers through this app. "It is evident from media reports that pornography and inappropriate contents are made available in this kind of cyber applications. The children are exposed to strangers and there is a possibility of the photographs and other private details of the children are being landed in the hands of predators or third parties," the bench had observed. "On March 27, an auto driver was arrested for posting a video that included a woman from Chennai on TikTok Mobile App. A 15-year-old girl is said to have committed suicide at Mumbai for being scolded by her grandmother for use of TikTok Mobile App. An old man is said to have fallen in the waterfalls in Valparai, while taking a selfie or Tik Tok video. Before many tragic incidents would occur, the government has to take appropriate steps," the plea filed by Madurai senior lawyer Muttu Kumar read. TikTok, an app that allows users to create and share short videos with special effects, has over 54 million monthly active users in India.

Supreme Court refuses to stay Madras HC order on TikTok app

This segment of WION brings to you top stories of the morning from across the globe. Watch this video to get updated with the latest information.

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - April 15th, 2019

PDP president Mehbooba Mufti's motorcade came under stone-pelting in Anantnag district of Jammu and Kashmir on Monday while she was returning from a shrine there, officials said.

Mehbooba had gone to a shrine at Khirram in Anantnag district to pay her obeisance and was returning to Bijbehara when the incident took place, they added.

One of the spare vehicles in the former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister's motorcade was damaged in the stone-pelting and the driver was hurt, the officials said.

Others in the entourage, including the PDP president, escaped unhurt.

Mehbooba is contesting the ongoing Lok Sabha election from the Anantnag seat, which she had won in 2014. The south Kashmir constituency, spread over the four districts of Anantnag, Kulgam, Pulwama and Shopian, is going to the polls in three phases from April 29 to May 6. 
&nbsp;

PDP president Mehbooba Mufti's motorcade came under stone-pelting in Anantnag district of Jammu and Kashmir on Monday while she was returning from a shrine there, officials said.

PDP president Mehbooba Mufti's motorcade came under stone-pelting in Anantnag district of Jammu and Kashmir on Monday while she was returning from a shrine there, officials said. Mehbooba had gone to a shrine at Khirram in Anantnag district to pay her obeisance and was returning to Bijbehara when the incident took place, they added. One of the spare vehicles in the former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister's motorcade was damaged in the stone-pelting and the driver was hurt, the officials said. Others in the entourage, including the PDP president, escaped unhurt. Mehbooba is contesting the ongoing Lok Sabha election from the Anantnag seat, which she had won in 2014. The south Kashmir constituency, spread over the four districts of Anantnag, Kulgam, Pulwama and Shopian, is going to the polls in three phases from April 29 to May 6.

Stones hurled at Mehbooba's motorcade in Anantnag district of J&K

Reacting to Samajwadi Party leader <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/will-not-contest-polls-if-proven-guilty-says-azam-khan-on-khaki-underwear-remark-210455">Azam Khan’s objectionable comment </a>against herself actor-turned-politician Jaya Prada on Monday said that Azam Khan shouldn't be allowed to contest Lok Sabha Elections as there’ll be no place for women in society if he wins.

“It isn’t new for me. You might remember that I was a candidate from his party in 2019 when no one supported me after he made comments against me. I’m a woman and I can’t even repeat what he said. I don’t know what I did to him that he is saying such things…He shouldn’t be allowed to contest elections. Because if this man wins, what will happen to democracy? There’ll be no place for women in society. Where will we go? Should I die, then you’ll be satisfied? Do you think that I’ll get scared &amp; leave Rampur? But I won’t leave,” she was quoted as saying by news agency ANI.

Earlier on Sunday during a rally Azam Khan said that “I brought her (Jaya Prada) to Rampur. You are a witness that I did not allow anyone to touch her body. It took you 17 years to identify her real face, but I got to know in 17 days that she wears khaki underpants”.

An FIR has also been registered against Samajwadi Party leader Azam Khan for making objectionable remarks against actor-turned-politician Jaya Prada, who is fighting the Lok Sabha polls from Rampur against Khan.

Meanwhile, National Commission for Women (NCW) has sent a notice to SP leader over his remark.&nbsp;

National Commission for Women Chairperson Rekha Sharma termed Khan's below-the-belt remarks against the actor as "extremely disgraceful".

Jaya Prada had won the Rampur Lok Sabha seat in 2004 and 2009 on a Samajwadi Party ticket, but she was expelled on account of alleged anti-party activities in 2010. She joined the BJP last month.

The election to 80 Lok Sabha seats in Uttar Pradesh is scheduled to be conducted in all seven phases. Eight seats in the state went to the polls in the first phase on 11 April. The final phase of voting will take place on 19 May. The results will be announced on 23 May.

(With inputs from agencies)

Reacting to Samajwadi Party leader Azam Khan’s objectionable comment against herself actor-turned-politician Jaya Prada on Monday said that Azam Khan shouldn't be allowed to contest Lok Sabha Elections as there’ll be no place for women in society if he wins.

Reacting to Samajwadi Party leader Azam Khan’s objectionable comment against herself actor-turned-politician Jaya Prada on Monday said that Azam Khan shouldn't be allowed to contest Lok Sabha Elections as there’ll be no place for women in society if he wins. “It isn’t new for me. You might remember that I was a candidate from his party in 2019 when no one supported me after he made comments against me. I’m a woman and I can’t even repeat what he said. I don’t know what I did to him that he is saying such things…He shouldn’t be allowed to contest elections. Because if this man wins, what will happen to democracy? There’ll be no place for women in society. Where will we go? Should I die, then you’ll be satisfied? Do you think that I’ll get scared & leave Rampur? But I won’t leave,” she was quoted as saying by news agency ANI. Earlier on Sunday during a rally Azam Khan said that “I brought her (Jaya Prada) to Rampur. You are a witness that I did not allow anyone to touch her body. It took you 17 years to identify her real face, but I got to know in 17 days that she wears khaki underpants”. An FIR has also been registered against Samajwadi Party leader Azam Khan for making objectionable remarks against actor-turned-politician Jaya Prada, who is fighting the Lok Sabha polls from Rampur against Khan. Meanwhile, National Commission for Women (NCW) has sent a notice to SP leader over his remark. National Commission for Women Chairperson Rekha Sharma termed Khan's below-the-belt remarks against the actor as "extremely disgraceful". Jaya Prada had won the Rampur Lok Sabha seat in 2004 and 2009 on a Samajwadi Party ticket, but she was expelled on account of alleged anti-party activities in 2010. She joined the BJP last month. The election to 80 Lok Sabha seats in Uttar Pradesh is scheduled to be conducted in all seven phases. Eight seats in the state went to the polls in the first phase on 11 April. The final phase of voting will take place on 19 May. The results will be announced on 23 May. (With inputs from agencies)

If this man wins, there'll be no place for women in society: Jaya Prada on Azam Khan's derogatory remarks

The Supreme Court Monday took note of the alleged hate speeches made by BSP supremo Mayawati and UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath during poll campaign and sought to know from the Election Commission the action initiated against them so far.

A bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi summoned a representative of the EC for Tuesday while agreeing to examine the poll panel's contention that it has the limited legal power to deal with hate speeches of politicians during electioneering.&nbsp;

The bench referred to submissions of the EC that they can issue a notice, then advisory and finally lodge a complaint against an errant politician for violating the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) by giving hate speeches based on caste and religion during the campaign.

"The EC says they are toothless. They say that they first issue a notice, then advisory and then complain," the bench said, adding it would examine the aspect relating to poll panel's power to deal with hate speeches during poll campaign.

During the hearing, the bench asked the counsel for EC as to what action they have taken against Mayawati and Yogi Adityanath for alleged hate speeches.

The counsel appearing for poll panel said that it has already issued notices against the two politicians.

"Tell us what actions you have taken against Mayawati and Yogi Adityanath," the bench asked and fixed the matter for tomorrow.&nbsp;&nbsp; &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.&nbsp;

The Supreme Court Monday took note of the alleged hate speeches made by BSP supremo Mayawati and UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath during poll campaign and sought to know from the Election Commission the action initiated against them so far.

The Supreme Court Monday took note of the alleged hate speeches made by BSP supremo Mayawati and UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath during poll campaign and sought to know from the Election Commission the action initiated against them so far. A bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi summoned a representative of the EC for Tuesday while agreeing to examine the poll panel's contention that it has the limited legal power to deal with hate speeches of politicians during electioneering. The bench referred to submissions of the EC that they can issue a notice, then advisory and finally lodge a complaint against an errant politician for violating the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) by giving hate speeches based on caste and religion during the campaign. "The EC says they are toothless. They say that they first issue a notice, then advisory and then complain," the bench said, adding it would examine the aspect relating to poll panel's power to deal with hate speeches during poll campaign. During the hearing, the bench asked the counsel for EC as to what action they have taken against Mayawati and Yogi Adityanath for alleged hate speeches. The counsel appearing for poll panel said that it has already issued notices against the two politicians. "Tell us what actions you have taken against Mayawati and Yogi Adityanath," the bench asked and fixed the matter for tomorrow. 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.

Supreme Court takes note of alleged hate speeches made by Mayawati, Adityanath

With the Lok Sabha campaign gaining momentum in Mumbai, the Congress faces an uphill task of reviving itself in five constituencies in the megapolis where it had drawn a blank in 2014. What has made its job difficult is the BJP sealing a pre-poll alliance with the Shiv Sena despite the strained relations between the two saffron allies.

On the other hand, the 'X-factor' that may help the grand old party is MNS chief Raj Thackeray's support. Of the six seats in Mumbai, the Congress is contesting five and its ally NCP is contesting one.

Riding on the Modi wave, the BJP and Sena bagged three seats each last time, defeating Congress stalwarts Milind Deora (Mumbai South), Priya Dutt (Mumbai North Central), Gurudas Kamat (Mumbai North West), Eknath Gaikwad (Mumbai South Central) and Sanjay Nirupam (Mumbai North). BJP's Kirit Somaiya defeated NCP's Sanjay Dina Patil in Mumbai North East.

Five years on, the main contestants are the same, except that the BJP replaced Kirit Somaiya with Manoj Kotak and Kamat is no more. Deora is pitted against sitting Sena MP Arvind Sawant in Mumbai South, Dutt is in the fray against BJP MP Poonam Mahajan in Mumbai North Central, Gaikwad is facing his Sena rival and sitting MP Rahul Shewale in South Central.

Nirupam is trying his luck in Mumbai North West this time while the Congress has fielded actor Urmila Matondkar in Mumbai North against sitting BJP MP Gopal Shetty. Perennial issues of housing, transportation, open spaces, sanitation and crumbling infrastructure continue to dominate the discourse this time too.

Priya Dutt had initially refused to contest, but city Congress leaders persuaded her to change her mind. Dutt's loss in 2014 came as a shock, as Mumbai North Central was a Congress bastion and her father, actor-turned-politician late Sunil Dutt, had represented the seat five times.

A BJP leader claimed that the Congress will put up a real fight only in Mumbai South and Mumbai North West. In the latter, Nirupam can give a tough fight to Sena's Gajanan Kirtikar, especially in Andheri-Versova areas, he said.

In Mumbai South, Sena's Sawant does not have much connection with non-Maharashtrian voters, which could help Deora, who was recently appointed as city Congress chief, the BJP source said. As for Dutt, he claimed that she has been politically inactive for five years, and has no local support as Congress MLA Mohammed Arif Naseem Khan, who wanted a ticket, would not be working wholeheartedly for her.

In Mumbai North, BJP's Shetty, who had defeated Nirupam by a massive 4.46 lakh votes in 2014, is facing Bollywood actor Urmila Matondkar who recently joined the Congress. Matondkar has launched an impressive campaign, reaching out to voters as well as party workers. She is also being seen as articulate.

The BJP is highlighting her marriage with a Kashmiri businessman and is demanding to know her views on Article 370 and 35-A, two laws specific to the restive northern state. Article 35-A, which was incorporated in the Constitution by a 1954 Presidential Order, accords special rights and privileges to the citizens of Jammu and Kashmir and denies property rights to a woman who marries a person from outside the state.

All candidates are holding padyatras (foot marches). Gaikwad and Matondkar are going out on a morning walk to interact with voters.

While Gaikwad is accompanied by MNS leader Sandeep Deshpande during his morning walk at Shivaji Park in Dadar, Matondkar visits Sanjay Gandhi National Park in Borivali. After losing all five seats to the Sena-BJP in 2014, the Congress also performed poorly in the civic elections in 2017.

But Maharashtra Navnirman Sena chief Raj Thackeray's blistering campaign against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP has given it hope. The question is whether the crowds at Thackeray's rallies will translate into votes for Congress. In 2009, MNS candidates had got about one lakh votes in each of the six constituencies, eating into Sena-BJP votes and helping the Congress-NCP combine make a clean sweep.

Deora and Matondkar have been meeting local MNS leaders during their campaigns. A local Congress leader said there is no Modi wave now, and the Congress is not fighting anti-incumbency factor.

"There is no anti-Congress or pro-Congress trend. This works in the Congress' favour. We are weak in terms of organisation, compared to the BJP and Sena. But we have public support," he claimed. Moreover, the MNS' campaign against Modi is helping the Congress, he said, adding, "The fight for Mumbai will not be one-sided like in 2014." Mumbai will go to polls on April 29.

With the Lok Sabha campaign gaining momentum in Mumbai, the Congress faces an uphill task of reviving itself in five constituencies in the megapolis where it had drawn a blank in 2014.

With the Lok Sabha campaign gaining momentum in Mumbai, the Congress faces an uphill task of reviving itself in five constituencies in the megapolis where it had drawn a blank in 2014. What has made its job difficult is the BJP sealing a pre-poll alliance with the Shiv Sena despite the strained relations between the two saffron allies. On the other hand, the 'X-factor' that may help the grand old party is MNS chief Raj Thackeray's support. Of the six seats in Mumbai, the Congress is contesting five and its ally NCP is contesting one. Riding on the Modi wave, the BJP and Sena bagged three seats each last time, defeating Congress stalwarts Milind Deora (Mumbai South), Priya Dutt (Mumbai North Central), Gurudas Kamat (Mumbai North West), Eknath Gaikwad (Mumbai South Central) and Sanjay Nirupam (Mumbai North). BJP's Kirit Somaiya defeated NCP's Sanjay Dina Patil in Mumbai North East. Five years on, the main contestants are the same, except that the BJP replaced Kirit Somaiya with Manoj Kotak and Kamat is no more. Deora is pitted against sitting Sena MP Arvind Sawant in Mumbai South, Dutt is in the fray against BJP MP Poonam Mahajan in Mumbai North Central, Gaikwad is facing his Sena rival and sitting MP Rahul Shewale in South Central. Nirupam is trying his luck in Mumbai North West this time while the Congress has fielded actor Urmila Matondkar in Mumbai North against sitting BJP MP Gopal Shetty. Perennial issues of housing, transportation, open spaces, sanitation and crumbling infrastructure continue to dominate the discourse this time too. Priya Dutt had initially refused to contest, but city Congress leaders persuaded her to change her mind. Dutt's loss in 2014 came as a shock, as Mumbai North Central was a Congress bastion and her father, actor-turned-politician late Sunil Dutt, had represented the seat five times. A BJP leader claimed that the Congress will put up a real fight only in Mumbai South and Mumbai North West. In the latter, Nirupam can give a tough fight to Sena's Gajanan Kirtikar, especially in Andheri-Versova areas, he said. In Mumbai South, Sena's Sawant does not have much connection with non-Maharashtrian voters, which could help Deora, who was recently appointed as city Congress chief, the BJP source said. As for Dutt, he claimed that she has been politically inactive for five years, and has no local support as Congress MLA Mohammed Arif Naseem Khan, who wanted a ticket, would not be working wholeheartedly for her. In Mumbai North, BJP's Shetty, who had defeated Nirupam by a massive 4.46 lakh votes in 2014, is facing Bollywood actor Urmila Matondkar who recently joined the Congress. Matondkar has launched an impressive campaign, reaching out to voters as well as party workers. She is also being seen as articulate. The BJP is highlighting her marriage with a Kashmiri businessman and is demanding to know her views on Article 370 and 35-A, two laws specific to the restive northern state. Article 35-A, which was incorporated in the Constitution by a 1954 Presidential Order, accords special rights and privileges to the citizens of Jammu and Kashmir and denies property rights to a woman who marries a person from outside the state. All candidates are holding padyatras (foot marches). Gaikwad and Matondkar are going out on a morning walk to interact with voters. While Gaikwad is accompanied by MNS leader Sandeep Deshpande during his morning walk at Shivaji Park in Dadar, Matondkar visits Sanjay Gandhi National Park in Borivali. After losing all five seats to the Sena-BJP in 2014, the Congress also performed poorly in the civic elections in 2017. But Maharashtra Navnirman Sena chief Raj Thackeray's blistering campaign against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP has given it hope. The question is whether the crowds at Thackeray's rallies will translate into votes for Congress. In 2009, MNS candidates had got about one lakh votes in each of the six constituencies, eating into Sena-BJP votes and helping the Congress-NCP combine make a clean sweep. Deora and Matondkar have been meeting local MNS leaders during their campaigns. A local Congress leader said there is no Modi wave now, and the Congress is not fighting anti-incumbency factor. "There is no anti-Congress or pro-Congress trend. This works in the Congress' favour. We are weak in terms of organisation, compared to the BJP and Sena. But we have public support," he claimed. Moreover, the MNS' campaign against Modi is helping the Congress, he said, adding, "The fight for Mumbai will not be one-sided like in 2014." Mumbai will go to polls on April 29.

In Mumbai, Congress banks on lack of Modi wave and MNS support

Gorkha Janamukti Morcha (GJM) leader Bimal Gurung, on the run since the 2017 agitation in the Hills, has claimed that the BJP leadership gave him assurances that it would look into his statehood demand if it returns to power at the Centre. Statehood is a dream for every Gorkha living in the Hills, he said, adding that the saffron party's pitch for a permanent political solution was also "very encouraging".

The BJP, which is eyeing a third straight term in Darjeeling, has made no mention of statehood in its manifesto, but assured a "permanent political solution" in the Hills and scheduled tribe tags for eleven Gorka communities. "We have sent a memorandum to the BJP, demanding Gorkhaland. They(BJP) have assured us that they will look into it. We are happy that their (BJP's) manifesto speaks about bringing a permanent solution to the region," Gurung told PTI in an interview over the phone.

Lauding Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP president Amit Shah for "being sympathetic towards the problems of the Hills", he alleged that Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, on the other hand, has been pursuing "vote-bank politics" to gain her party's foothold in the region. "She(Banerjee) has never addressed the real issues here. She is not interested in developing the region," he claimed, demanding that the Trinamool Congress (TMC) supremo present a white paper on her welfare initiative in the Hills.

Asked what he thought about the BJP not taking any measure in the last five years to create Gorkhaland, the GJM leader was quick to defend the saffron party, claiming that the "the Narendra Modi government's priority was to improve the living standards of people". "Gorkhaland tops our agenda and I will keep fighting for it till the end. But the central government needs to focus on the overall development of the country first. Everything else is secondary. We are hoping that it (BJP) will look into the Gorkhaland issue in the next term," Gurung said.

Refuting opposition's allegation that the sitting BJP MP from Darjeeling, SS Ahluwalia, has done little to develop the Hills, Gurung claimed that the parliamentarian has been trying to work "honestly and sincerely" in the region, but the TMC-led government in the state thwarted his initiatives. "He (Ahluwalia) had tried to initiate several projects in the region, but the local administration and the state government did not cooperate with him. This is why utilization certificates were not issued," Gurung said.

According to records, Ahluwalia has utilized 56.30 per cent of the allotted MPLAD funds. People have not forgotten the atrocities committed by the TMC during the 104-day-long agitation over statehood demand in 2017, Gurung claimed.

"The voters in the Hills are with Modiji. This time, we have urged them to vote against every bullet fired by the TMC during the Gorkhaland agitation. This election is a fight for the restoration of democracy," he asserted. Gurung, then GJM supremo, had gone into hiding after the June 2017 clashes in Darjeeling. The agitation also led to a split in the Morcha, with Binay Tamang, his deputy, emerging as the leader of one of the factions.

"Our boys along with cadres of the Gorkha National Liberation Front and other hill parties are reaching out to the masses to garner support for BJP candidate Raju Singh Bisht. I can assure you that this time we will win by a bigger margin. Winning this election will take us a step closer to realising our dreams," he said. For the first time in about three decades, the demand for a separate Gorkhaland has not figured in the list of poll issues in Darjeeling as parties, including the local GJM and GNLF, have sought development and democracy in the region.

Bisht, who has the support of Gorkha National Liberation Front (GNLF) and the Bimal Gurung faction of the GJM, is pitted against TMC candidate Amar Singh Rai. The Binay Tamang faction and other smaller outfits in the Hills are backing Rai.

Referring to his one-time protege Tamang, who "expelled" him from the party after he fled the Hills, Gurung said people of Darjeeling constituency will never forgive him. "If he (Tamang) is not loyal to me and the Gorkha people, how will he be loyal to Mamata Banerjee?" he wondered.

Asked about his plans to return to the Hills, Gurung said he had wanted to do so, but the police have cordoned off the Bagdogra airport in Siliguri. "I hope to return to the hills soon. Despite the Supreme Court's order, I don't understand why the police want to stop me," he said.

In view of the elections, the Supreme Court had earlier this month allowed GJM leaders Bimal Gurung and Roshan Giri to approach the Calcutta High Court for anticipatory bail in connection with the cases filed against them. 
&nbsp;

Gorkha Janamukti Morcha (GJM) leader Bimal Gurung, on the run since the 2017 agitation in the Hills, has claimed that the BJP leadership gave him assurances that it would look into his statehood demand if it returns to power at the Centre.

Gorkha Janamukti Morcha (GJM) leader Bimal Gurung, on the run since the 2017 agitation in the Hills, has claimed that the BJP leadership gave him assurances that it would look into his statehood demand if it returns to power at the Centre. Statehood is a dream for every Gorkha living in the Hills, he said, adding that the saffron party's pitch for a permanent political solution was also "very encouraging". The BJP, which is eyeing a third straight term in Darjeeling, has made no mention of statehood in its manifesto, but assured a "permanent political solution" in the Hills and scheduled tribe tags for eleven Gorka communities. "We have sent a memorandum to the BJP, demanding Gorkhaland. They(BJP) have assured us that they will look into it. We are happy that their (BJP's) manifesto speaks about bringing a permanent solution to the region," Gurung told PTI in an interview over the phone. Lauding Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP president Amit Shah for "being sympathetic towards the problems of the Hills", he alleged that Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, on the other hand, has been pursuing "vote-bank politics" to gain her party's foothold in the region. "She(Banerjee) has never addressed the real issues here. She is not interested in developing the region," he claimed, demanding that the Trinamool Congress (TMC) supremo present a white paper on her welfare initiative in the Hills. Asked what he thought about the BJP not taking any measure in the last five years to create Gorkhaland, the GJM leader was quick to defend the saffron party, claiming that the "the Narendra Modi government's priority was to improve the living standards of people". "Gorkhaland tops our agenda and I will keep fighting for it till the end. But the central government needs to focus on the overall development of the country first. Everything else is secondary. We are hoping that it (BJP) will look into the Gorkhaland issue in the next term," Gurung said. Refuting opposition's allegation that the sitting BJP MP from Darjeeling, SS Ahluwalia, has done little to develop the Hills, Gurung claimed that the parliamentarian has been trying to work "honestly and sincerely" in the region, but the TMC-led government in the state thwarted his initiatives. "He (Ahluwalia) had tried to initiate several projects in the region, but the local administration and the state government did not cooperate with him. This is why utilization certificates were not issued," Gurung said. According to records, Ahluwalia has utilized 56.30 per cent of the allotted MPLAD funds. People have not forgotten the atrocities committed by the TMC during the 104-day-long agitation over statehood demand in 2017, Gurung claimed. "The voters in the Hills are with Modiji. This time, we have urged them to vote against every bullet fired by the TMC during the Gorkhaland agitation. This election is a fight for the restoration of democracy," he asserted. Gurung, then GJM supremo, had gone into hiding after the June 2017 clashes in Darjeeling. The agitation also led to a split in the Morcha, with Binay Tamang, his deputy, emerging as the leader of one of the factions. "Our boys along with cadres of the Gorkha National Liberation Front and other hill parties are reaching out to the masses to garner support for BJP candidate Raju Singh Bisht. I can assure you that this time we will win by a bigger margin. Winning this election will take us a step closer to realising our dreams," he said. For the first time in about three decades, the demand for a separate Gorkhaland has not figured in the list of poll issues in Darjeeling as parties, including the local GJM and GNLF, have sought development and democracy in the region. Bisht, who has the support of Gorkha National Liberation Front (GNLF) and the Bimal Gurung faction of the GJM, is pitted against TMC candidate Amar Singh Rai. The Binay Tamang faction and other smaller outfits in the Hills are backing Rai. Referring to his one-time protege Tamang, who "expelled" him from the party after he fled the Hills, Gurung said people of Darjeeling constituency will never forgive him. "If he (Tamang) is not loyal to me and the Gorkha people, how will he be loyal to Mamata Banerjee?" he wondered. Asked about his plans to return to the Hills, Gurung said he had wanted to do so, but the police have cordoned off the Bagdogra airport in Siliguri. "I hope to return to the hills soon. Despite the Supreme Court's order, I don't understand why the police want to stop me," he said. In view of the elections, the Supreme Court had earlier this month allowed GJM leaders Bimal Gurung and Roshan Giri to approach the Calcutta High Court for anticipatory bail in connection with the cases filed against them.

BJP has promised to look into our Gorkhaland demand: Gurung

A 25-year-old woman from Chhattisgarh's Dantewada district, one of the worst-hit Naxal regions in the country, has got the 12th rank in the civil services exam, the result of which was declared recently by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC).&nbsp;

Namrata Jain, who hails from Geedam town in Dantewada, ranked 99th in the 2016 civil services exam. She got Indian Police Service and is undergoing training at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy, Hyderabad.

“I always wanted to be a collector. When I was in Class 8, a woman officer had come to my school. Later I was told she was the collector. I was quite impressed by her. At that time only, I had decided to become a collector,” Jain told PTI over the phone from Hyderabad. She said a Naxal-triggered blast that hit the police station in her town a long time ago encouraged her to join the civil services to serve the poor and bring development to the Maoist-affected area.

“The place I come from is badly affected by Naxalism. People there lack basic facility like education. I want to serve the people of my state,” said Jain, who is hopeful of getting the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) this time. She said bringing development to Dantewada could be the best way to check naxalism there.

While her father is a local businessman, the mother is a housewife and her brother aspires to become a chartered accountant. She studied till Class 10 in Dantewada. Thereafter, she went to Bhilai in Chhattisgarh where she completed Bachelor of Engineering.

The result of civil services examination 2018 was declared on April 5. A total of 759 candidates were recommended for different government services.

Kanishak Kataria, a B.Tech from IIT Bombay, has topped the civil services examination 2018. The civil services examination is conducted annually by the UPSC in three stages -- preliminary, main and interview -- to select officers for Indian Administrative Service, Indian Foreign Service (IFS) and Indian Police Service among others. 
&nbsp;

A 25-year-old woman from Chhattisgarh's Dantewada district, one of the worst-hit Naxal regions in the country, has got the 12th rank in the civil services exam, the result of which was declared recently by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC).

A 25-year-old woman from Chhattisgarh's Dantewada district, one of the worst-hit Naxal regions in the country, has got the 12th rank in the civil services exam, the result of which was declared recently by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). Namrata Jain, who hails from Geedam town in Dantewada, ranked 99th in the 2016 civil services exam. She got Indian Police Service and is undergoing training at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy, Hyderabad. “I always wanted to be a collector. When I was in Class 8, a woman officer had come to my school. Later I was told she was the collector. I was quite impressed by her. At that time only, I had decided to become a collector,” Jain told PTI over the phone from Hyderabad. She said a Naxal-triggered blast that hit the police station in her town a long time ago encouraged her to join the civil services to serve the poor and bring development to the Maoist-affected area. “The place I come from is badly affected by Naxalism. People there lack basic facility like education. I want to serve the people of my state,” said Jain, who is hopeful of getting the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) this time. She said bringing development to Dantewada could be the best way to check naxalism there. While her father is a local businessman, the mother is a housewife and her brother aspires to become a chartered accountant. She studied till Class 10 in Dantewada. Thereafter, she went to Bhilai in Chhattisgarh where she completed Bachelor of Engineering. The result of civil services examination 2018 was declared on April 5. A total of 759 candidates were recommended for different government services. Kanishak Kataria, a B.Tech from IIT Bombay, has topped the civil services examination 2018. The civil services examination is conducted annually by the UPSC in three stages -- preliminary, main and interview -- to select officers for Indian Administrative Service, Indian Foreign Service (IFS) and Indian Police Service among others.

Woman from naxal-hit Chhattisgarh gets 12th rank in civil services exam

Congress leader Hardik Patel on Saturday said his party gave a lot of respect and power to MLA Alpesh Thakor which the latter could not handle. 
"Congress party had given so much respect and power but he could not handle it. He started playing blame games," Mr Patel told ANI.

Mr Thakor, who had joined the Congress party in 2017, ahead of last Gujarat Assembly polls, tendered his resignation after 18 months from all party posts on Wednesday evening.

Hardik Patel further alleged that the BJP tried its best to stop him from contesting the Lok Sabha polls.

"I am accepting the decision of the High Court. BJP lawyers tried their best so that I could not contest the ongoing elections. Congress wanted to take me to the Parliament. I am a 25-year-old young man and many elections will come in the future," he said.

The Supreme Court had declined urgent hearing on Hardik Patel's plea seeking suspension of his conviction in a case of rioting and arson in Mehsana district of Gujarat during the Patidar quota stir in 2015.

Mr Patel had moved the top court challenging the order of the Gujarat High Court, which in August last year suspended his jail sentence but not the conviction. He had joined Congress on March 12 and was given a party ticket to contest the election from Jamnagar in Gujarat.

When questioned about the mention of amending sedition law in Congress's manifesto, he said, "BJP misguided the people. Congress said to remove sedition charges but will not tolerate anti-nationalism. The BJP does not have any issue to fight the elections that is why they always come with issues like anti-nationalism."

The Patidar leader who led the Patidar agitation in 2015 claimed that his community is happy with his decision of joining the Congress party.

"There are a huge number of Patidars who like me and my leadership. Patidar community is happy with my decision of joining the Congress. I believe they will support me and will help in fighting this battle."

Speaking about his campaign for Congress, Mr Patel said: "I will do 42 rallies and we will try to make Congress candidates win. Congress is in favour of the poor and farmers. Achhe din aayenge, Rahul Layenge (Good days will come, Rahul Gandhi will bring them)."

Polling for 26 Lok Sabha seats at stake in Gujarat will be held in a single phase on April 23. The counting of votes will take place on May 23.

Congress leader Hardik Patel on Saturday said his party gave a lot of respect and power to MLA Alpesh Thakor which the latter could not handle. "Congress party had given so much respect and power but he could not handle it.

Congress leader Hardik Patel on Saturday said his party gave a lot of respect and power to MLA Alpesh Thakor which the latter could not handle. "Congress party had given so much respect and power but he could not handle it. He started playing blame games," Mr Patel told ANI. Mr Thakor, who had joined the Congress party in 2017, ahead of last Gujarat Assembly polls, tendered his resignation after 18 months from all party posts on Wednesday evening. Hardik Patel further alleged that the BJP tried its best to stop him from contesting the Lok Sabha polls. "I am accepting the decision of the High Court. BJP lawyers tried their best so that I could not contest the ongoing elections. Congress wanted to take me to the Parliament. I am a 25-year-old young man and many elections will come in the future," he said. The Supreme Court had declined urgent hearing on Hardik Patel's plea seeking suspension of his conviction in a case of rioting and arson in Mehsana district of Gujarat during the Patidar quota stir in 2015. Mr Patel had moved the top court challenging the order of the Gujarat High Court, which in August last year suspended his jail sentence but not the conviction. He had joined Congress on March 12 and was given a party ticket to contest the election from Jamnagar in Gujarat. When questioned about the mention of amending sedition law in Congress's manifesto, he said, "BJP misguided the people. Congress said to remove sedition charges but will not tolerate anti-nationalism. The BJP does not have any issue to fight the elections that is why they always come with issues like anti-nationalism." The Patidar leader who led the Patidar agitation in 2015 claimed that his community is happy with his decision of joining the Congress party. "There are a huge number of Patidars who like me and my leadership. Patidar community is happy with my decision of joining the Congress. I believe they will support me and will help in fighting this battle." Speaking about his campaign for Congress, Mr Patel said: "I will do 42 rallies and we will try to make Congress candidates win. Congress is in favour of the poor and farmers. Achhe din aayenge, Rahul Layenge (Good days will come, Rahul Gandhi will bring them)." Polling for 26 Lok Sabha seats at stake in Gujarat will be held in a single phase on April 23. The counting of votes will take place on May 23.

Alpesh Thakor couldn't handle power given by congress: Hardik Patel

In the wake of reports that it granted huge tax waiver to Anil Ambani's French firm, France Saturday said a global settlement was reached between the French tax authorities and the Reliance subsidiary and that it was not subject to any political interference.

Leading French newspaper Le Monde reported that France waived taxes worth 143.7 million euros to a French-registered telecom subsidiary of Ambani's Reliance Communications in 2015, months after Prime Minister Narendra Modi's announcement of India buying 36 Rafale jets.

"A global settlement was reached between the French tax authorities and Reliance Flag, a telecom company, in a tax dispute pertaining to the period 2008-2012," the French embassy said in a statement.

It further said, "This settlement was conducted in full adherence with the legislative and regulatory framework governing this common practice of the tax administration," the embassy said.

It said the settlement was not subject to any political interference whatsoever.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had announced the procurement of a batch of 36 Rafale jets after talks with the then French President Francois Hollande on April 10, 2015 in Paris.

The final deal was sealed on September 23, 2016.

The Congress has been alleging massive irregularities in the deal, saying the government was procuring each aircraft at a cost of over Rs 1,670 crore as against Rs 526 crore finalised by the UPA government when it was negotiating the deal.

The Congress has also been targeting the government over the selection of Anil Ambani-owned Reliance Defence as an offset partner for Dassault Aviation, the manufacturer of Rafale.

The government has rejected the allegations.

The French newspaper said the company was investigated by French tax authorities and found liable to pay 60 million euros in taxes for the period 2007 to 2010.

However, Reliance offered to pay 7.6 million euros only as a settlement but French tax authorities refused to accept the amount.

The authorities conducted another probe for the period 2010 to 2012 and asked the company to pay an additional 91 million euros in taxes, the report said.

It said by April 2015, the total amount owed by Reliance to the French authorities in taxes was at least 151 million euros.

In October, six months after Modi announced in Paris about the Rafale deal, the French authorities accepted 7.3 million euros from Reliance as a settlement as against the original demand of 151 million euros.

In the wake of reports that it granted huge tax waiver to Anil Ambani's French firm, France Saturday said a global settlement was reached between the French tax authorities and the Reliance subsidiary and that it was not subject to any political interference.

In the wake of reports that it granted huge tax waiver to Anil Ambani's French firm, France Saturday said a global settlement was reached between the French tax authorities and the Reliance subsidiary and that it was not subject to any political interference. Leading French newspaper Le Monde reported that France waived taxes worth 143.7 million euros to a French-registered telecom subsidiary of Ambani's Reliance Communications in 2015, months after Prime Minister Narendra Modi's announcement of India buying 36 Rafale jets. "A global settlement was reached between the French tax authorities and Reliance Flag, a telecom company, in a tax dispute pertaining to the period 2008-2012," the French embassy said in a statement. It further said, "This settlement was conducted in full adherence with the legislative and regulatory framework governing this common practice of the tax administration," the embassy said. It said the settlement was not subject to any political interference whatsoever. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had announced the procurement of a batch of 36 Rafale jets after talks with the then French President Francois Hollande on April 10, 2015 in Paris. The final deal was sealed on September 23, 2016. The Congress has been alleging massive irregularities in the deal, saying the government was procuring each aircraft at a cost of over Rs 1,670 crore as against Rs 526 crore finalised by the UPA government when it was negotiating the deal. The Congress has also been targeting the government over the selection of Anil Ambani-owned Reliance Defence as an offset partner for Dassault Aviation, the manufacturer of Rafale. The government has rejected the allegations. The French newspaper said the company was investigated by French tax authorities and found liable to pay 60 million euros in taxes for the period 2007 to 2010. However, Reliance offered to pay 7.6 million euros only as a settlement but French tax authorities refused to accept the amount. The authorities conducted another probe for the period 2010 to 2012 and asked the company to pay an additional 91 million euros in taxes, the report said. It said by April 2015, the total amount owed by Reliance to the French authorities in taxes was at least 151 million euros. In October, six months after Modi announced in Paris about the Rafale deal, the French authorities accepted 7.3 million euros from Reliance as a settlement as against the original demand of 151 million euros.

No political interference in tax settlement with Reliance firm: France over Le Monde's Rafale bombshell

Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav Saturday said the 2019 Lok Sabha elections are "historic" as they will take the nation in a new direction and restore respect for the poor.

"The BJP wants to create a gulf of hatred," he said at a joint rally of the SP-BSP-RLD alliance in favour of Samajwadi Party candidate Dharmendra Yadav here.

The BJP wants to divide the society for gaining power in the manner in which the British divided us," he said.

"These elections are historic," Yadav said. "They are not just for winning the Lok Sabha, but to take the nation in the new direction, to bring change and restore the respect of the poor who have been humiliated."

Taking potshots at Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, the SP chief said, "Mayawatiji had said that our 'baba mukhyamantri' (chief minister)) has talked about the caste of God.

He referred to claims last year over the community to which Lord Hanuman belonged and blamed BJP leaders for it. This time, the gods are not happy with these people," he said.

Yadav said he did not need to give a certificate of the work done by him when he was the chief minister. Whenever the SP or the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) come to power, development takes place in the state.

"Roads and bridges were constructed, and arrangement for power was made, but the BJP government stopped all the facilities," he said.

"The BJP says the borders are safe as it is their government at the Centre, but I want to tell them that the borders and the country are safe because of our brave Soldiers, he said.

Governments keep coming and going, but the jawans posted at the borders keep the country safe," the SP leader added.

He said people spread rumours, tell lies, hatch conspiracies and misuse the official machinery, but he has faith in them that on the day of polling, they will ensure that SP and BSP candidates are victorious.

Yadav said the country faced issues of hunger, disease and education, and only the opposition alliance can find a solution to them.

"This is an alliance for the poor people living in villages," he said.

The first phase of polling was held on April 11. 
&nbsp;

Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav Saturday said the 2019 Lok Sabha elections are "historic" as they will take the nation in a new direction and restore respect for the poor.

Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav Saturday said the 2019 Lok Sabha elections are "historic" as they will take the nation in a new direction and restore respect for the poor. "The BJP wants to create a gulf of hatred," he said at a joint rally of the SP-BSP-RLD alliance in favour of Samajwadi Party candidate Dharmendra Yadav here. The BJP wants to divide the society for gaining power in the manner in which the British divided us," he said. "These elections are historic," Yadav said. "They are not just for winning the Lok Sabha, but to take the nation in the new direction, to bring change and restore the respect of the poor who have been humiliated." Taking potshots at Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, the SP chief said, "Mayawatiji had said that our 'baba mukhyamantri' (chief minister)) has talked about the caste of God. He referred to claims last year over the community to which Lord Hanuman belonged and blamed BJP leaders for it. This time, the gods are not happy with these people," he said. Yadav said he did not need to give a certificate of the work done by him when he was the chief minister. Whenever the SP or the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) come to power, development takes place in the state. "Roads and bridges were constructed, and arrangement for power was made, but the BJP government stopped all the facilities," he said. "The BJP says the borders are safe as it is their government at the Centre, but I want to tell them that the borders and the country are safe because of our brave Soldiers, he said. Governments keep coming and going, but the jawans posted at the borders keep the country safe," the SP leader added. He said people spread rumours, tell lies, hatch conspiracies and misuse the official machinery, but he has faith in them that on the day of polling, they will ensure that SP and BSP candidates are victorious. Yadav said the country faced issues of hunger, disease and education, and only the opposition alliance can find a solution to them. "This is an alliance for the poor people living in villages," he said. The first phase of polling was held on April 11.

Lok Sabha polls historic, will restore respect for poor: Akhilesh Yadav

Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) supremo Mayawati on Sunday dismissed the claim made by BJP chief Amit Shah that her party remembered Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar only during elections.

In a tweet, the former Uttar Pradesh chief minister said, "The statement of BJP chief Amit Shah that the BSP remembers Babasaheb Ambedkar only during elections is untrue and mischievous."

Describing the BSP as a movement, Mayawati said taking inspiration from Ambedkar, her party was working for all sections of the society.

In another tweet, she said, "BJP leaders have now forgotten development, black money, corruption, poverty, unemployment and farmers. Now they have started raking up patriotism and national security...But after being unsuccessful in that, they are now threatening the voters like it was done by Maneka Gandhi, which is highly condemnable."

In a controversial remark, Union Women and Child Development Minister Maneka Gandhi recently told Muslims to vote for her as they would need her once the Lok Sabha polls were over. She is the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate from Sultanpur in Uttar Pradesh in the ongoing general election. 
&nbsp;

Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) supremo Mayawati on Sunday dismissed the claim made by BJP chief Amit Shah that her party remembered Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar only during elections.

Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) supremo Mayawati on Sunday dismissed the claim made by BJP chief Amit Shah that her party remembered Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar only during elections. In a tweet, the former Uttar Pradesh chief minister said, "The statement of BJP chief Amit Shah that the BSP remembers Babasaheb Ambedkar only during elections is untrue and mischievous." Describing the BSP as a movement, Mayawati said taking inspiration from Ambedkar, her party was working for all sections of the society. In another tweet, she said, "BJP leaders have now forgotten development, black money, corruption, poverty, unemployment and farmers. Now they have started raking up patriotism and national security...But after being unsuccessful in that, they are now threatening the voters like it was done by Maneka Gandhi, which is highly condemnable." In a controversial remark, Union Women and Child Development Minister Maneka Gandhi recently told Muslims to vote for her as they would need her once the Lok Sabha polls were over. She is the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate from Sultanpur in Uttar Pradesh in the ongoing general election.

Mayawati dismisses Shah's claim that BSP remembers Ambedkar only during polls

Once a Congress stronghold, the Raiganj Lok Sabha seat is set to witness a four-cornered contest this time with the candidates of major political parties in the state pitted against each other in a neck-and-neck battle.

Since 1952, Congress candidates have won the seat 13 times including the two terms for party stalwart Priya Ranjan Dasmunsi in 1999 and 2004. His wife Deepa Dasmunsi also represented the constituency in Parliament for a term.

The former Congress bastion in Uttar Dinajpur district has also sent CPI(M) candidates to Parliament four times including the outgoing one.

CPI(M)'s Mohammed Salim, who had won the seat in Uttar Dinajpur district in 2014 by a razor thin margin of 1,634 votes, seems to have an uphill task this time to retain the seat.

In the 2014 general election, the CPI(M) candidate got 3,17,515 votes and the Congress secured 3,15,881 votes. The BJP and the TMC came third and fourth bagging 2,03,131 and 1,92,698 votes respectively.

Congress leaders later said the fight between the party and the Trinamool Congress (TMC) had helped the CPI(M) candidate win the seat in the last Lok Sabha election.

Besides the Murshidabad seat, Raiganj had been the bone of contention between the Congress and the CPI(M) in the seat-sharing talks in the state that did not materialise. The CPI(M) had won only Raiganj and Murshidabad in 2014.

Between 2014 and 2019, the BJP has gained strength in the state eating into the vote share of the Left Front and the Congress, as evident from the 2018 rural election results.

In the three-tier panchayat polls, the TMC had won hands down. The BJP had come a distant second relegating the Congress to the third spot. The LF nominees won only few seats.

The TMC has also poached many opposition leaders into its fold over the years. The Congress MLA from Islampur, 64-year-old Kanaialal Agarwal, is one such.

The TMC has fielded Agarwal, who was once a follower of Dasmunsi, in the Lok Sabha seat. Raiganj Lok Sabha seat is one of the few seats in the state from where the party has never won.

Agarwal said he is confident of winning the seat for two reasons- opposition parties do not have support base in the constituency and the development work done by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.

However, shifting of the proposed AIIMS from Raiganj to Kalyani in south Bengal at the insistence of Banerjee is an issue, Congress candidate Deepa Dasmunsi is banking on.

It was Priya Ranjan Dasmunsi's dream to set up the AIIMS to ensure better healthcare for local people, she said.

Priya Ranjan Dasmunsi had suffered a stroke in 2008 when he was a Union minister, and gone into a vegetative state. He died in 2017. Deepa had won from the seat in 2009.

At a recent rally, AICC president Rahul Gandhi had promised to set up one AIIMS at Raiganj if voted to power.

Agarwal, however, claimed that the AIIMS is no longer an issue here after the chief minister set up the Raiganj Medical College and Hospital.

CPI(M) nominee Mohammed Salim has quite an outstanding performance in the 16th Lok Sabha with 85 per cent attendance. He has also spent Rs 20.50 crore out of the Rs 21.51 crore sanctioned in MPLAD fund for Raiganj during his tenure.

But, he has been accused of being absent in his constituency for long periods of time.

"We have not seen much of our MP in the last five years," says Tapan Das, a resident of Raiganj.

The senior CPI(M) leader, however, denied the charge.

"Probably I am one of the most accessible MPs in the country. People have always got me during their need," he said.

He said he is hopeful of retaining the seat as he has worked hard for the constituency during the past five years.

BJP candidate Debasree Chaudhuri, a familiar face at the BJP state headquarter in Kolkata, asserted that it is imperative that central forces are deployed in each of the 1,623 booths in the seat to ensure a peaceful election.

Coochbehar, where polling was held in the first phase on April 11, witnessed widespread manipulations and strong-arm tactics by the ruling TMC, she told PTI.

"People have seen the Congress and the Left becoming irrelevant. They have also suffered TMC atrocities. So the natural choice for them will be the BJP," Chaudhuri claimed.

The death of two youths at Daribhit School in Islampur in September 2018 in alleged police firing while protesting appointment of an Urdu teacher has found a prominent place in the saffron party's campaign in the constituency, which has a sizeable minority population.

BJP president Amit Shah at a rally had raked up the issue to allege minority appeasement by the TMC government.

There are 14 candidates including five Independents in the fray in the constituency, which will go to vote on April 18 in the second phase. 
There are a total 15.99 lakh voters in the constituency.&nbsp;

Once a Congress stronghold, the Raiganj Lok Sabha seat is set to witness a four-cornered contest this time with the candidates of major political parties in the state pitted against each other in a neck-and-neck battle.

Once a Congress stronghold, the Raiganj Lok Sabha seat is set to witness a four-cornered contest this time with the candidates of major political parties in the state pitted against each other in a neck-and-neck battle. Since 1952, Congress candidates have won the seat 13 times including the two terms for party stalwart Priya Ranjan Dasmunsi in 1999 and 2004. His wife Deepa Dasmunsi also represented the constituency in Parliament for a term. The former Congress bastion in Uttar Dinajpur district has also sent CPI(M) candidates to Parliament four times including the outgoing one. CPI(M)'s Mohammed Salim, who had won the seat in Uttar Dinajpur district in 2014 by a razor thin margin of 1,634 votes, seems to have an uphill task this time to retain the seat. In the 2014 general election, the CPI(M) candidate got 3,17,515 votes and the Congress secured 3,15,881 votes. The BJP and the TMC came third and fourth bagging 2,03,131 and 1,92,698 votes respectively. Congress leaders later said the fight between the party and the Trinamool Congress (TMC) had helped the CPI(M) candidate win the seat in the last Lok Sabha election. Besides the Murshidabad seat, Raiganj had been the bone of contention between the Congress and the CPI(M) in the seat-sharing talks in the state that did not materialise. The CPI(M) had won only Raiganj and Murshidabad in 2014. Between 2014 and 2019, the BJP has gained strength in the state eating into the vote share of the Left Front and the Congress, as evident from the 2018 rural election results. In the three-tier panchayat polls, the TMC had won hands down. The BJP had come a distant second relegating the Congress to the third spot. The LF nominees won only few seats. The TMC has also poached many opposition leaders into its fold over the years. The Congress MLA from Islampur, 64-year-old Kanaialal Agarwal, is one such. The TMC has fielded Agarwal, who was once a follower of Dasmunsi, in the Lok Sabha seat. Raiganj Lok Sabha seat is one of the few seats in the state from where the party has never won. Agarwal said he is confident of winning the seat for two reasons- opposition parties do not have support base in the constituency and the development work done by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. However, shifting of the proposed AIIMS from Raiganj to Kalyani in south Bengal at the insistence of Banerjee is an issue, Congress candidate Deepa Dasmunsi is banking on. It was Priya Ranjan Dasmunsi's dream to set up the AIIMS to ensure better healthcare for local people, she said. Priya Ranjan Dasmunsi had suffered a stroke in 2008 when he was a Union minister, and gone into a vegetative state. He died in 2017. Deepa had won from the seat in 2009. At a recent rally, AICC president Rahul Gandhi had promised to set up one AIIMS at Raiganj if voted to power. Agarwal, however, claimed that the AIIMS is no longer an issue here after the chief minister set up the Raiganj Medical College and Hospital. CPI(M) nominee Mohammed Salim has quite an outstanding performance in the 16th Lok Sabha with 85 per cent attendance. He has also spent Rs 20.50 crore out of the Rs 21.51 crore sanctioned in MPLAD fund for Raiganj during his tenure. But, he has been accused of being absent in his constituency for long periods of time. "We have not seen much of our MP in the last five years," says Tapan Das, a resident of Raiganj. The senior CPI(M) leader, however, denied the charge. "Probably I am one of the most accessible MPs in the country. People have always got me during their need," he said. He said he is hopeful of retaining the seat as he has worked hard for the constituency during the past five years. BJP candidate Debasree Chaudhuri, a familiar face at the BJP state headquarter in Kolkata, asserted that it is imperative that central forces are deployed in each of the 1,623 booths in the seat to ensure a peaceful election. Coochbehar, where polling was held in the first phase on April 11, witnessed widespread manipulations and strong-arm tactics by the ruling TMC, she told PTI. "People have seen the Congress and the Left becoming irrelevant. They have also suffered TMC atrocities. So the natural choice for them will be the BJP," Chaudhuri claimed. The death of two youths at Daribhit School in Islampur in September 2018 in alleged police firing while protesting appointment of an Urdu teacher has found a prominent place in the saffron party's campaign in the constituency, which has a sizeable minority population. BJP president Amit Shah at a rally had raked up the issue to allege minority appeasement by the TMC government. There are 14 candidates including five Independents in the fray in the constituency, which will go to vote on April 18 in the second phase. There are a total 15.99 lakh voters in the constituency.

In West Bengal, 4-cornered contest in cards for Raiganj Lok Sabha seat

Union Minister and senior BJP leader Piyush Goyal Sunday said the Congress party's promise of a minimum income scheme for poor "is a "disaster" in its design itself and could lead to another "scam" as selection of beneficiaries would be full of corruption.

Goyal said he feels it will not be possible to implement this scheme as there is no data for income and salary levels and the Congress promise will "burst like a balloon".

Congress has promised to deposit Rs 72,000 annually into the bank accounts of 20 per cent of the poorest people across the country if it comes to power.&nbsp;

While the Congress leaders and its president Rahul Gandhi have been saying the proposed scheme, which the party has named 'Nyay', has got a huge traction among the voters, the BJP has termed it totally impractical and against economic prudence.

In an interview to PTI, Goyal said, "From the perspective of economic and financial prudence, obviously it is a disaster. I believe that it is near impossible because there is no data of salary and income levels of people.&nbsp;

"And, selection of people (beneficiaries) will be full of corruption and it could become a scam by itself, adding to the several scams that the Congress is famous for," Goyal said.

Attacking the opposition party, the Minister of Railways and Coal said the Congress still seems to be in its old mindset where they believed mere slogans can help them "fool the people", but they should know that people now cannot be fooled by fancy slogans.

"For three generations, their leaders have offered big promises but delivered below-average performance laced with corruption. The people of India are smart and will not be taken in by such untruths anymore, and certainly not by fancy slogans and big promises," Goyal said.

The BJP leader said the Modi government, on the other hand, is working for sustainable development of the country and is committed to a better future for the 130 crore Indians by making them self-reliant self-sufficient and living life of dignity.

"For us, it is the race to the top where everybody is aspiring to go up. For Congress, it is race to the bottom where everybody is forced to go down," he said.

Asked about the issue of unemployment, Goyal said India is the fastest growing economy in the world now and is poised to become the world's fifth largest economy and this cannot happen without generating work.

The opposition parties have been attacking the government on the issue of unemployment, alleging job losses and lack of sufficient employment for the youth.

"You cannot become the world's fastest-growing economy and the sixth largest economy without work being generated. Jobs are being created,"&nbsp;Goyal countered.

He said the BJP has promised to invest Rs 100 lakh crore in infrastructure over the next five years which will lead to further generation of employment and one-third of the capital is expected to be utilised for paying salaries to workers.

"We have announced that Rs 100 lakh crore will be invested in infrastructure and our estimates show that one-third will go into paying salary and wages to different forms of human labour, including direct and indirect," Goyal added.

Talking about the Modi government and its achievements, Goyal said the government has changed the mindset of the country from one of weakness to one of strength and there has been a paradigm shift in the way India works.

He said the country and its people have become aspirational and do not accept the 'Chalta Hai' attitude anymore.&nbsp;

Union Minister and senior BJP leader Piyush Goyal Sunday said the Congress party's promise of a minimum income scheme for poor "is a "disaster" in its design itself and could lead to another "scam" as selection of beneficiaries would be full of corruption.

Union Minister and senior BJP leader Piyush Goyal Sunday said the Congress party's promise of a minimum income scheme for poor "is a "disaster" in its design itself and could lead to another "scam" as selection of beneficiaries would be full of corruption. Goyal said he feels it will not be possible to implement this scheme as there is no data for income and salary levels and the Congress promise will "burst like a balloon". Congress has promised to deposit Rs 72,000 annually into the bank accounts of 20 per cent of the poorest people across the country if it comes to power. While the Congress leaders and its president Rahul Gandhi have been saying the proposed scheme, which the party has named 'Nyay', has got a huge traction among the voters, the BJP has termed it totally impractical and against economic prudence. In an interview to PTI, Goyal said, "From the perspective of economic and financial prudence, obviously it is a disaster. I believe that it is near impossible because there is no data of salary and income levels of people. "And, selection of people (beneficiaries) will be full of corruption and it could become a scam by itself, adding to the several scams that the Congress is famous for," Goyal said. Attacking the opposition party, the Minister of Railways and Coal said the Congress still seems to be in its old mindset where they believed mere slogans can help them "fool the people", but they should know that people now cannot be fooled by fancy slogans. "For three generations, their leaders have offered big promises but delivered below-average performance laced with corruption. The people of India are smart and will not be taken in by such untruths anymore, and certainly not by fancy slogans and big promises," Goyal said. The BJP leader said the Modi government, on the other hand, is working for sustainable development of the country and is committed to a better future for the 130 crore Indians by making them self-reliant self-sufficient and living life of dignity. "For us, it is the race to the top where everybody is aspiring to go up. For Congress, it is race to the bottom where everybody is forced to go down," he said. Asked about the issue of unemployment, Goyal said India is the fastest growing economy in the world now and is poised to become the world's fifth largest economy and this cannot happen without generating work. The opposition parties have been attacking the government on the issue of unemployment, alleging job losses and lack of sufficient employment for the youth. "You cannot become the world's fastest-growing economy and the sixth largest economy without work being generated. Jobs are being created," Goyal countered. He said the BJP has promised to invest Rs 100 lakh crore in infrastructure over the next five years which will lead to further generation of employment and one-third of the capital is expected to be utilised for paying salaries to workers. "We have announced that Rs 100 lakh crore will be invested in infrastructure and our estimates show that one-third will go into paying salary and wages to different forms of human labour, including direct and indirect," Goyal added. Talking about the Modi government and its achievements, Goyal said the government has changed the mindset of the country from one of weakness to one of strength and there has been a paradigm shift in the way India works. He said the country and its people have become aspirational and do not accept the 'Chalta Hai' attitude anymore.

Goyal says Congress 'Nyay' scheme recipe for scam, may burst like balloon

Former cricketer Rahul Dravid will not be able to cast his vote in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/elections">India's general election</a> as his name has been deleted from the voters' list because Dravid had not signed and submitted Form 6 on time.&nbsp;

The Form-6 application is filled for Inclusion of a name in the electoral roll for the first time voter or on shifting from one constituency to another.&nbsp;

Dravid moved out from his paternal home in Indira Nagar, which falls in Bangalore Central parliamentary constituency, but failed to submit the application for transfer of constituency before the deadline.&nbsp;

Dravid was Karnataka's election icon during the 2018 Assemble Election and his appeal was 'Cast your vote. Make democracy win'.&nbsp;

The officials said that his name could not be added as he had not signed and submitted Form 6 on time.&nbsp;

Bangalore Central, Bangalore North and Bangalore South vote on April 18.&nbsp;

Former cricketer Rahul Dravid will not be able to cast his vote in India's general election as his name has been deleted from the voters' list because Dravid had not signed and submitted Form 6 on time.

Former cricketer Rahul Dravid will not be able to cast his vote in India's general election as his name has been deleted from the voters' list because Dravid had not signed and submitted Form 6 on time. The Form-6 application is filled for Inclusion of a name in the electoral roll for the first time voter or on shifting from one constituency to another. Dravid moved out from his paternal home in Indira Nagar, which falls in Bangalore Central parliamentary constituency, but failed to submit the application for transfer of constituency before the deadline. Dravid was Karnataka's election icon during the 2018 Assemble Election and his appeal was 'Cast your vote. Make democracy win'. The officials said that his name could not be added as he had not signed and submitted Form 6 on time. Bangalore Central, Bangalore North and Bangalore South vote on April 18.

Lok Sabha polls: Cricketer Rahul Dravid won't be able to vote this general elections, here's why

As many as 513 ceasefire violations by Pakistan have taken place along the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/month-after-balakot-strikes-pakistan-continues-to-block-airspace-205852">line of control </a>(LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir in the past one-and-a-half month and the Pakistan Army has suffered five to six times more casualties than the Indian Army in the retaliatory action, a senior officer said on Saturday.

The Pakistan Army also used heavy weaponry like mortars and artillery guns in over 100 times during these violations and targeted civilian areas but was given a befitting response by the Indian Army, General Officer Commanding (GOC) of White Knight Corps Lt. Gen. Paramjit Singh told reporters in Rajouri.

“Almost 513 ceasefire violations happened in the past one-and-a-half month and over 100 times during these violations, the Pakistan Army used heavy weapons like mortars and artillery guns and targeted civilian areas. Only yesterday [Friday], four civilians, including two girls, were injured in Poonch,” the GOC said.

However, he said the Pakistan Army is being given a befitting response by the Indian Army.

Responding to a question about the casualties suffered by Pakistan in the retaliatory action, he said unlike the Indian Army, Pakistan does not announce the number of its casualties.

“However, as per our sources, the Pakistan Army suffered five to six times more casualties than the casualties on our side,” Lt. Gen. Singh said.

Ten people, including four security personnel, have been killed and nearly 45 others, mostly civilians, injured in the twin districts since India’s preemptive air strike on a Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) terror camp in Pakistan’s Balakot on February 26 in response to the February 14 Pulwama terror attack in which 40 CRPF personnel were killed.

On the sniping incidents from across the border, Lt. Gen. Singh said such incidents had come to nought over the past several months, especially after the Balakot strike.

“Some incidents of sniping took place earlier and accordingly we have taken some measures to strengthen our defence. As per the data this year, only three incidents of sniping by the Pakistan Army were reported from January to February 26 in which one of the fatalities include a civilian porter,” he said.

“There was no sniping incident from February 27 till date, which means the steps taken by us have been successful,” the officer said.

He said the morale of the troops is very high and as long as they are deployed on the borders, the people of the country need not worry.

“They have every kind of weaponry and explosives with them and their resolve is rock solid and always prepared for any challenge. As long as they are on the border, you are safe,” he said.

Responding to a question, the officer said, “Our message to Pakistan is given every day whenever some nefarious activity happens on the border.”

When asked for a comment on politics being played in the name of soldiers during the ongoing Lok Sabha elections, he said the Army does not want to get into the debate.

As many as 513 ceasefire violations by Pakistan have taken place along the line of control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir in the past one-and-a-half month and the Pakistan Army has suffered five to six times more casualties than the Indian Army in the retaliatory action, a senior officer said on Saturday.

As many as 513 ceasefire violations by Pakistan have taken place along the line of control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir in the past one-and-a-half month and the Pakistan Army has suffered five to six times more casualties than the Indian Army in the retaliatory action, a senior officer said on Saturday. The Pakistan Army also used heavy weaponry like mortars and artillery guns in over 100 times during these violations and targeted civilian areas but was given a befitting response by the Indian Army, General Officer Commanding (GOC) of White Knight Corps Lt. Gen. Paramjit Singh told reporters in Rajouri. “Almost 513 ceasefire violations happened in the past one-and-a-half month and over 100 times during these violations, the Pakistan Army used heavy weapons like mortars and artillery guns and targeted civilian areas. Only yesterday [Friday], four civilians, including two girls, were injured in Poonch,” the GOC said. However, he said the Pakistan Army is being given a befitting response by the Indian Army. Responding to a question about the casualties suffered by Pakistan in the retaliatory action, he said unlike the Indian Army, Pakistan does not announce the number of its casualties. “However, as per our sources, the Pakistan Army suffered five to six times more casualties than the casualties on our side,” Lt. Gen. Singh said. Ten people, including four security personnel, have been killed and nearly 45 others, mostly civilians, injured in the twin districts since India’s preemptive air strike on a Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) terror camp in Pakistan’s Balakot on February 26 in response to the February 14 Pulwama terror attack in which 40 CRPF personnel were killed. On the sniping incidents from across the border, Lt. Gen. Singh said such incidents had come to nought over the past several months, especially after the Balakot strike. “Some incidents of sniping took place earlier and accordingly we have taken some measures to strengthen our defence. As per the data this year, only three incidents of sniping by the Pakistan Army were reported from January to February 26 in which one of the fatalities include a civilian porter,” he said. “There was no sniping incident from February 27 till date, which means the steps taken by us have been successful,” the officer said. He said the morale of the troops is very high and as long as they are deployed on the borders, the people of the country need not worry. “They have every kind of weaponry and explosives with them and their resolve is rock solid and always prepared for any challenge. As long as they are on the border, you are safe,” he said. Responding to a question, the officer said, “Our message to Pakistan is given every day whenever some nefarious activity happens on the border.” When asked for a comment on politics being played in the name of soldiers during the ongoing Lok Sabha elections, he said the Army does not want to get into the debate.

Enraged by Balakot strike Pakistan violated ceasefire 513 times in 45 days, suffered more than India: Army

A day after Nationalist Congress Party leader Sharad Pawar claimed that late BJP leader Manohar Parrikar quit defence ministry because he did not agree with the Rafale jet deal, Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis abrogated his claims and said that it was not right to give such statements after his death.

"Giving statements like this after his death is not right. Manohar Parrikar ji had given a reply to this. Rahul ji too had attempted to say something like this earlier. It was a crass joke but Manohar ji was alive then, so he could give a reply", Fadnavis said.

Fadnavis further said that just eight days before his death Parrikar had said that he should get the chance to campaign for Modi ji in at least two rallies as there won't be a PM like him.

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Maha CM: Giving statements like this after his death is not right. Manohar Parrikar ji had given a reply to this. He was such a man that 8 days before his death he had said that he should get the chance to campaign for Modi ji in at least 2 rallies as there won't be a PM like him <a href="https://t.co/ySRUyUhRbc">https://t.co/ySRUyUhRbc</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1117346089693327360?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 14, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Recently Pawar had claimed that Parrikar returned to Goa and quit as defence minister as he did not agree with the Rafale deal, in which the opposition has alleged corruption.

Parrikar, who died last month of cancer, had said that he always wanted to work in Goa. He returned as the state's chief minister after the assembly polls in 2017 amid demands by BJP's allies that he should be leading the alliance government.

(With inputs from PTI) 
&nbsp;

A day after Nationalist Congress Party leader Sharad Pawar claimed that late BJP leader Manohar Parrikar quit defence ministry because he did not agree with the Rafale jet deal, Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis abrogated his claims and said that it was not right to give such statements after his death.

A day after Nationalist Congress Party leader Sharad Pawar claimed that late BJP leader Manohar Parrikar quit defence ministry because he did not agree with the Rafale jet deal, Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis abrogated his claims and said that it was not right to give such statements after his death. "Giving statements like this after his death is not right. Manohar Parrikar ji had given a reply to this. Rahul ji too had attempted to say something like this earlier. It was a crass joke but Manohar ji was alive then, so he could give a reply", Fadnavis said. Fadnavis further said that just eight days before his death Parrikar had said that he should get the chance to campaign for Modi ji in at least two rallies as there won't be a PM like him. Maha CM: Giving statements like this after his death is not right. Manohar Parrikar ji had given a reply to this. He was such a man that 8 days before his death he had said that he should get the chance to campaign for Modi ji in at least 2 rallies as there won't be a PM like him https://t.co/ySRUyUhRbc — ANI (@ANI) April 14, 2019 × Recently Pawar had claimed that Parrikar returned to Goa and quit as defence minister as he did not agree with the Rafale deal, in which the opposition has alleged corruption. Parrikar, who died last month of cancer, had said that he always wanted to work in Goa. He returned as the state's chief minister after the assembly polls in 2017 amid demands by BJP's allies that he should be leading the alliance government. (With inputs from PTI)

Eight days before his death Parrikar wanted to campaign for Modi: Devendra Fadnavis

Three months after the surprise political debut of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/attempt-being-made-to-destroy-the-constitution-priyanka-gandhi-210337">Priyanka Gandhi Vadra</a>, does the Congress have another surprise in store for its supporters?

She debuted as the AICC general secretary in charge of Uttar Pradesh East and now speculations are rife that she might be pitted against <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-govt-lamented-after-terror-attacks-we-killed-terrorists-in-their-home-pm-modi-210390">Prime Minister Narendra Modi</a> from his home constituency, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/no-decision-yet-on-priyanka-gandhi-contesting-from-varanasi-rajeev-shukla-208559">Varanasi</a>, this Lok Sabha polls.

In fact, the Congress itself is indirectly fuelling the rumours by refraining from announcing its candidate for Varanasi. The constituency failed to feature in the list of seats in Uttar Pradesh for which the party declared its nominees on Saturday.

As for Priyanka, she too hasn't denied contesting polls - not yet.

Reports of the Congress cadre requesting Priyanka to contest from the state have been doing the rounds for weeks now but the Congress leadership has remained tight-lipped about any speculation over Priyanka’s candidature.&nbsp;

Remember, apart from Varanasi, the Congress is yet to name its candidate from Lucknow, from where the BJP has fielded its incumbent MP Rajnath Singh

Will Priyanka Gandhi Vadra be pitted against PM Modi this Lok Sabha polls? According to reports, Priyanka has agreed to contest from Varanasi with the final decision pending with the party high command. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/varanasi-constituency-to-watch-out-for-this-election-207981">Varanasi goes to polls on May 19</a>.&nbsp;

Three months after the surprise political debut of Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, does the Congress have another surprise in store for its supporters? She debuted as the AICC general secretary in charge of Uttar Pradesh East and now speculations are rife that she might be pitted against Prime Minister Narendra Modi from his home constituency, Varanasi, this Lok Sabha polls.

Three months after the surprise political debut of Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, does the Congress have another surprise in store for its supporters? She debuted as the AICC general secretary in charge of Uttar Pradesh East and now speculations are rife that she might be pitted against Prime Minister Narendra Modi from his home constituency, Varanasi, this Lok Sabha polls. In fact, the Congress itself is indirectly fuelling the rumours by refraining from announcing its candidate for Varanasi. The constituency failed to feature in the list of seats in Uttar Pradesh for which the party declared its nominees on Saturday. As for Priyanka, she too hasn't denied contesting polls - not yet. Reports of the Congress cadre requesting Priyanka to contest from the state have been doing the rounds for weeks now but the Congress leadership has remained tight-lipped about any speculation over Priyanka’s candidature. Remember, apart from Varanasi, the Congress is yet to name its candidate from Lucknow, from where the BJP has fielded its incumbent MP Rajnath Singh Will Priyanka Gandhi Vadra be pitted against PM Modi this Lok Sabha polls? According to reports, Priyanka has agreed to contest from Varanasi with the final decision pending with the party high command. Varanasi goes to polls on May 19.

Lok Sabha polls: With Congress tight-lipped about Varanasi candidate, speculations pit Priyanka Gandhi against PM Modi in his home constituency

Speaking on the 128th birth anniversary of BR Ambedkar, PM Modi commended the contribution of Baba Sahab and said it was all because of his efforts that today the country's President, Vice President and Prime Minister have come from the deprived class.

Addressing a rally in Aligarh on Sunday, PM Modi said, "This is the strength of Baba Sahab Ambedkar's constitution that today common men from the deprived and exploited class have become the country's president, vice president and prime minister".

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PM in Aligarh: Ye Baba Sahab Ambedkar ke samvidhaan ki taqat hai ki aaj vanchit-soshit samaj se nikal kar desh ke rashtrapati pad par ek sajjan baithe hain, gaon kisan ke saamanya parivaar se up-rashtrapati pad par koi baitha hai.Baba sahab ki kripa hai ki ek chaiwala PM bana hai <a href="https://t.co/FUM7iyY7hg">pic.twitter.com/FUM7iyY7hg</a>
— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANINewsUP/status/1117366143939956736?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 14, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Attacking the anti-BJP alliance formed for the ongoing Lok Sabha polls, he said while people wanted to get rid of terrorism, those in the "maha milawat" wanted to remove him from power.

"Tell me whether terrorism should be eliminated or not, whether we should enter Pakistan and kill the terrorists, whether we should conduct surgical strikes and airstrikes, whether our jawans should get a free hand or not? Has your chowkidar done the right thing?,&nbsp;" he asked.

"Imagine only for a second that if there was a small goof-up in the surgical strike or airstrikes carried out by us, wouldn't all of them have ripped Modi apart (Modi ki chamdhi udhedh dete ki nahi, Modi ke baal noch lete ki nahi)?.... But what would happen to Modi later on, should the decision be based on this? Modi never thinks about himself, he thinks about the country."

Stating that Uttar Pradesh could not attain the place it deserved in the country due to its politics, Modi said, "People talk about Bengaluru, Chennai and Ahmedabad. Tell me whether they should also talk about UP or not? Should we allow such a powerful state to languish?

"I want to take UP to the number one spot as far as the economy and the social set-up are concerned. I want to restore UP's glory, which it had enjoyed in the era of Lord Ram and Lord Krishna. And for this, I need your support."

(With inputs from PTI)

Speaking on the 128th birth anniversary of BR Ambedkar, PM Modi commended the contribution of Baba Sahab and said it was all because of his efforts that today the country's President, Vice President and Prime Minister have come from the deprived class.

Speaking on the 128th birth anniversary of BR Ambedkar, PM Modi commended the contribution of Baba Sahab and said it was all because of his efforts that today the country's President, Vice President and Prime Minister have come from the deprived class. Addressing a rally in Aligarh on Sunday, PM Modi said, "This is the strength of Baba Sahab Ambedkar's constitution that today common men from the deprived and exploited class have become the country's president, vice president and prime minister". PM in Aligarh: Ye Baba Sahab Ambedkar ke samvidhaan ki taqat hai ki aaj vanchit-soshit samaj se nikal kar desh ke rashtrapati pad par ek sajjan baithe hain, gaon kisan ke saamanya parivaar se up-rashtrapati pad par koi baitha hai.Baba sahab ki kripa hai ki ek chaiwala PM bana hai pic.twitter.com/FUM7iyY7hg — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) April 14, 2019 × Attacking the anti-BJP alliance formed for the ongoing Lok Sabha polls, he said while people wanted to get rid of terrorism, those in the "maha milawat" wanted to remove him from power. "Tell me whether terrorism should be eliminated or not, whether we should enter Pakistan and kill the terrorists, whether we should conduct surgical strikes and airstrikes, whether our jawans should get a free hand or not? Has your chowkidar done the right thing?, " he asked. "Imagine only for a second that if there was a small goof-up in the surgical strike or airstrikes carried out by us, wouldn't all of them have ripped Modi apart (Modi ki chamdhi udhedh dete ki nahi, Modi ke baal noch lete ki nahi)?.... But what would happen to Modi later on, should the decision be based on this? Modi never thinks about himself, he thinks about the country." Stating that Uttar Pradesh could not attain the place it deserved in the country due to its politics, Modi said, "People talk about Bengaluru, Chennai and Ahmedabad. Tell me whether they should also talk about UP or not? Should we allow such a powerful state to languish? "I want to take UP to the number one spot as far as the economy and the social set-up are concerned. I want to restore UP's glory, which it had enjoyed in the era of Lord Ram and Lord Krishna. And for this, I need your support." (With inputs from PTI)

People want to get rid of terrorism, those in 'maha milawat' want to remove Modi: PM

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sudan-coup-new-military-ruler-vows-to-uproot-deposed-presidents-regime-210205">Sudan coup: New military ruler vows to 'uproot' deposed president's regime</a>

Sudan's second new military leader in as many days vowed to "uproot" deposed president Omar al-Bashir's regime and release protesters, in a bid to placate demonstrators demanding civilian rule.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/two-critical-in-australia-shooting-outside-nightclub-210207">One dead in shooting outside Australia nightclub, three injured</a>

A drive-by shooting outside a nightclub in Australian city of Melbourne inflicted "horrific injuries" that killed a security guard and wounded three men, police said.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/venezuelan-president-maduro-orders-militia-expansion-as-guaido-tours-blackout-ravaged-state-210208">Venezuelan President Maduro orders militia expansion as Guaido tours blackout-ravaged state</a>

Nicolas Maduro ordered an expansion of civilian militia by nearly one million members as opposition leader Juan Guaido toured western Zulia state, which has been hard hit by electricity blackouts.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/international-monetary-fund-asks-pakistan-to-share-details-of-loans-from-china-210220">International Monetary Fund asks Pakistan to share details of loans from China</a>

International Monetary Fund (IMF), who is currently considering a bailout package for Pakistan, has asked the latter to share details of loans that it has received from China.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/worlds-largest-plane-makes-first-flight-over-california-210216">World's largest plane makes first flight over California</a>

The world's largest aircraft took off on Saturday. The first flight built by Stratolaunch Systems Corp, started by late Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen, as the company enters the lucrative private space market.

Sudan coup: New military ruler vows to 'uproot' deposed president's regime Sudan's second new military leader in as many days vowed to "uproot" deposed president Omar al-Bashir's regime and release protesters, in a bid to placate demonstrators demanding civilian rule.

Sudan coup: New military ruler vows to 'uproot' deposed president's regime Sudan's second new military leader in as many days vowed to "uproot" deposed president Omar al-Bashir's regime and release protesters, in a bid to placate demonstrators demanding civilian rule. One dead in shooting outside Australia nightclub, three injured A drive-by shooting outside a nightclub in Australian city of Melbourne inflicted "horrific injuries" that killed a security guard and wounded three men, police said. Venezuelan President Maduro orders militia expansion as Guaido tours blackout-ravaged state Nicolas Maduro ordered an expansion of civilian militia by nearly one million members as opposition leader Juan Guaido toured western Zulia state, which has been hard hit by electricity blackouts. International Monetary Fund asks Pakistan to share details of loans from China International Monetary Fund (IMF), who is currently considering a bailout package for Pakistan, has asked the latter to share details of loans that it has received from China. World's largest plane makes first flight over California The world's largest aircraft took off on Saturday. The first flight built by Stratolaunch Systems Corp, started by late Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen, as the company enters the lucrative private space market.

News brief: Big stories of the day

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday launched a scathing attack on Congress alleging that the previous government led by it used to only lament after a terrorist attack but the BJP-led dispensation "killed terrorists inside their home".

Addressing an election rally, the Prime Minister said, "What used to happen earlier was terrorists would come from Pakistan, attack us and the Congress government would only lament before the world that we have been attacked. But in this new India when terrorists attacked Uri, our brave soldiers conducted a surgical strike."

"The second big mistake the terrorists made was in Pulwama after which we killed them in their home through air strikes,`Modi said.

He said, "Only those who have strength are heard in this world. The one who always keeps crying does not get anyone`s attention. Be it the United Nation, Russia, Saudi Arabia, the UAE or Afghanistan, India is being given importance."

Modi said that the capacity to shoot down a satellite was with India for about a decade but the Congress government did not support it.

"However, after our government was formed we immediately gave go-ahead to the project," he said.

He alleged that it is not in the agenda of SP-BSP or Congress to strengthen the country and they only hurl abuses at him.

"Have they ever shared their vision for the country? Did they ever talk about strengthening the country? They have only a one-point agenda and it is to abuse Modi. I have two decades of listening to the abuses and now I am immune to such things," the Prime Minister said.

He said that the Bill against triple talaq will be once again brought in Parliament if his party is elected to power.

Modi also took a jibe at SP chief Akhilesh Yadav and BSP supremo Mayawati for forming an alliance and said, "The `nephew` has in past made many comments against his `aunt` including saying that she had looted Uttar Pradesh... The nephew has also forgotten the days when the aunt used to advice Netaji (Mulayam Singh Yadav) to go to a mental asylum. The elephant is riding cycle now to target the chowkidar. The real danger is on their identity and hence the past has been forgotten."

Earlier in the day, Modi addressed a rally in Aligarh where he lauded B R Ambedkar for framing the Constitution which has enabled the elevation of individuals from weaker sections to key posts in the country.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday launched a scathing attack on Congress alleging that the previous government led by it used to only lament after a terrorist attack but the BJP-led dispensation "killed terrorists inside their home".

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday launched a scathing attack on Congress alleging that the previous government led by it used to only lament after a terrorist attack but the BJP-led dispensation "killed terrorists inside their home". Addressing an election rally, the Prime Minister said, "What used to happen earlier was terrorists would come from Pakistan, attack us and the Congress government would only lament before the world that we have been attacked. But in this new India when terrorists attacked Uri, our brave soldiers conducted a surgical strike." "The second big mistake the terrorists made was in Pulwama after which we killed them in their home through air strikes,`Modi said. He said, "Only those who have strength are heard in this world. The one who always keeps crying does not get anyone`s attention. Be it the United Nation, Russia, Saudi Arabia, the UAE or Afghanistan, India is being given importance." Modi said that the capacity to shoot down a satellite was with India for about a decade but the Congress government did not support it. "However, after our government was formed we immediately gave go-ahead to the project," he said. He alleged that it is not in the agenda of SP-BSP or Congress to strengthen the country and they only hurl abuses at him. "Have they ever shared their vision for the country? Did they ever talk about strengthening the country? They have only a one-point agenda and it is to abuse Modi. I have two decades of listening to the abuses and now I am immune to such things," the Prime Minister said. He said that the Bill against triple talaq will be once again brought in Parliament if his party is elected to power. Modi also took a jibe at SP chief Akhilesh Yadav and BSP supremo Mayawati for forming an alliance and said, "The `nephew` has in past made many comments against his `aunt` including saying that she had looted Uttar Pradesh... The nephew has also forgotten the days when the aunt used to advice Netaji (Mulayam Singh Yadav) to go to a mental asylum. The elephant is riding cycle now to target the chowkidar. The real danger is on their identity and hence the past has been forgotten." Earlier in the day, Modi addressed a rally in Aligarh where he lauded B R Ambedkar for framing the Constitution which has enabled the elevation of individuals from weaker sections to key posts in the country.

Congress govt lamented after terror attacks, we killed terrorists in their home: PM Modi

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