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Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday said that the BJP never made promises of transferring Rs 15 lakhs into people's bank accounts during the campaign for Lok Sabha election in 2014.

"Never said that Rs 15 lakh will come (to accounts of people). This was never said. (Bilkul nahi kaha tha ki Rs 15 lakh aenge. Ye kabhi nahi kaha tha). We had said that we will take action (karyawahi) against black money. Action is being taken against black money. It was our government which made SIT on the topic of black money," Rajnath told ANI in an exclusive interview.

His statement comes at a time when opposition parties have been criticising the BJP for having made “false promises" to woo the people of India ahead of 2014 general elections and now repeating it in 2019.

Bringing black money stashed abroad was one of the key issues for 2014 elections and the BJP had promised to crack down on black money parked in foreign banks. In this year’s manifesto, there is a mention of cracking down on parallel economy but it doesn’t occupy pride of place in speeches by political leaders.

The opposition, especially the Congress party, has been quick to point out that the BJP has not delivered on ‘bringing back home illegal wealth stashed abroad’ as was promised.&nbsp;

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday said that the BJP never made promises of transferring Rs 15 lakhs into people's bank accounts during the campaign for Lok Sabha election in 2014.

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday said that the BJP never made promises of transferring Rs 15 lakhs into people's bank accounts during the campaign for Lok Sabha election in 2014. "Never said that Rs 15 lakh will come (to accounts of people). This was never said. (Bilkul nahi kaha tha ki Rs 15 lakh aenge. Ye kabhi nahi kaha tha). We had said that we will take action (karyawahi) against black money. Action is being taken against black money. It was our government which made SIT on the topic of black money," Rajnath told ANI in an exclusive interview. His statement comes at a time when opposition parties have been criticising the BJP for having made “false promises" to woo the people of India ahead of 2014 general elections and now repeating it in 2019. Bringing black money stashed abroad was one of the key issues for 2014 elections and the BJP had promised to crack down on black money parked in foreign banks. In this year’s manifesto, there is a mention of cracking down on parallel economy but it doesn’t occupy pride of place in speeches by political leaders. The opposition, especially the Congress party, has been quick to point out that the BJP has not delivered on ‘bringing back home illegal wealth stashed abroad’ as was promised.

Never said that Rs 15 lakh will come to people's accounts: Rajnath Singh

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/chhattisgarh-bjp-convoy-attacked-by-naxals-policemen-mla-killed-209063">Dantewada: BJP MLA Bheema Mandavi, 5 policemen killed in Naxal attack</a>

A BJP leader and five policemen were killed on Tuesday when the Naxals attacked a convoy in Chhattisgarh's Dantewada.

The incident occurred at Shyamgiri hills when the BJP MLA Bheema Mandavi's convoy was heading towards Kuwakonda from Bacheli area.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/bjp-led-alliance-to-win-thin-majority-in-lok-sabha-elections-2019-poll-shows-ahead-of-vote-209027">BJP-led alliance to win thin majority in Lok Sabha elections 2019, poll shows ahead of vote</a>

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's ruling alliance will win a thin majority in a general election that starts on April 11, an average of four opinion polls showed, with a focus on national security appearing to trump concerns over other issues.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/german-is-woman-accused-of-letting-yazidi-slave-girl-die-of-thirst-209045">German Islamic State woman accused of letting Yazidi 'slave' girl die of thirst</a>

A German woman who joined the Islamic State jihadist group went on trial Tuesday accused of the war crime of letting a five-year-old Yazidi "slave" girl die of thirst in the sun.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/if-nda-wins-they-should-first-implement-river-linking-project-rajinikanth-209026">If NDA wins they should first implement river-linking project: Rajinikanth</a>

Superstar Rajinikanth on Tuesday clarified his stance over Bharatiya Janata Party's election manifesto that was released yesterday.

Speaking to reporters outside his Chennai residence, Rajinikanth termed the mention of linking rivers in the manifesto as a "welcome move".

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/mehbooba-mufti-and-gautam-gambhir-get-into-a-twitter-fight-over-article-370-209020">Mehbooba Mufti and Gautam Gambhir get into a Twitter fight over Article 370</a>

The issue of Article 370 has triggered a war of words between the J&amp;K's former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti and former cricketer and BJP leader Gautam Gambhir.&nbsp;

Dantewada: BJP MLA Bheema Mandavi, 5 policemen killed in Naxal attack A BJP leader and five policemen were killed on Tuesday when the Naxals attacked a convoy in Chhattisgarh's Dantewada.

Dantewada: BJP MLA Bheema Mandavi, 5 policemen killed in Naxal attack A BJP leader and five policemen were killed on Tuesday when the Naxals attacked a convoy in Chhattisgarh's Dantewada. The incident occurred at Shyamgiri hills when the BJP MLA Bheema Mandavi's convoy was heading towards Kuwakonda from Bacheli area. BJP-led alliance to win thin majority in Lok Sabha elections 2019, poll shows ahead of vote Prime Minister Narendra Modi's ruling alliance will win a thin majority in a general election that starts on April 11, an average of four opinion polls showed, with a focus on national security appearing to trump concerns over other issues. German Islamic State woman accused of letting Yazidi 'slave' girl die of thirst A German woman who joined the Islamic State jihadist group went on trial Tuesday accused of the war crime of letting a five-year-old Yazidi "slave" girl die of thirst in the sun. If NDA wins they should first implement river-linking project: Rajinikanth Superstar Rajinikanth on Tuesday clarified his stance over Bharatiya Janata Party's election manifesto that was released yesterday. Speaking to reporters outside his Chennai residence, Rajinikanth termed the mention of linking rivers in the manifesto as a "welcome move". Mehbooba Mufti and Gautam Gambhir get into a Twitter fight over Article 370 The issue of Article 370 has triggered a war of words between the J&K's former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti and former cricketer and BJP leader Gautam Gambhir.

News brief: Big stories of the day

Medical Assistant Chandrakant Sharma who was attacked by terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir's Kishtwar on Tuesday morning succumbed to his injuries, BJP spokesperson Sunil Sethi said.

Sharma, who used to work at a district hospital in Kishtwar was associated with the Rashtriya Swayamsewak Sangh (RSS).

He had suffered injuries during the attack by terrorists this morning while his Personal Security Officer (PSO) was shot dead.

Soon after receiving the report of the incident, a police team rushed to the spot.

Security forces have launched a search operation to nab the perpetrators and a curfew has been imposed in the area.

Sharma was close to BJP state secretary Anil Parihar.

Last year, Anil Parihar and his brother were shot dead by terrorists in Kishtwar district.

Medical Assistant Chandrakant Sharma who was attacked by terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir's Kishtwar on Tuesday morning succumbed to his injuries, BJP spokesperson Sunil Sethi said.

Medical Assistant Chandrakant Sharma who was attacked by terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir's Kishtwar on Tuesday morning succumbed to his injuries, BJP spokesperson Sunil Sethi said. Sharma, who used to work at a district hospital in Kishtwar was associated with the Rashtriya Swayamsewak Sangh (RSS). He had suffered injuries during the attack by terrorists this morning while his Personal Security Officer (PSO) was shot dead. Soon after receiving the report of the incident, a police team rushed to the spot. Security forces have launched a search operation to nab the perpetrators and a curfew has been imposed in the area. Sharma was close to BJP state secretary Anil Parihar. Last year, Anil Parihar and his brother were shot dead by terrorists in Kishtwar district.

RSS worker Chandrakant Sharma, PSO killed by terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir, curfew imposed

The issue of Article 370 has triggered a war of words between the J&amp;K's former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti and former cricketer and BJP leader Gautam Gambhir.&nbsp;

On April 8, PDP chief took a jibe at BJP, in response to a news article over a PIL seeking a ban on Farooq Abdullah, his son and Mehbooba Mufti from contesting Lok Sabha polls, as their "statements are against the Indian constitution".
<img alt="mufti" data-align="center" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="cf36f6bc-bba4-4af4-97d2-47ddc35ebefd" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/1.PNG" />
Reacting to this tweet, Gautam Gambhir wrote that: "Yeh Bharat hai. Koi aap jaisa dhabba nahi jo mit jayega" (This is India. Not a stain like you &nbsp;(Mehbooba Mufti) that it would be erased”.)

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<a href="https://twitter.com/MehboobaMufti?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MehboobaMufti</a> यह भारत है, कोई आप जैसा धब्बा नहीं जो मिट जाएगा!
— Gautam Gambhir (@GautamGambhir) <a href="https://twitter.com/GautamGambhir/status/1115330760930623488?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 8, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Mufti reacted by saying that, “hope your political innings in BJP isn’t as abysmal as your cricket career!”. She later apparently blocked Gambhir and then again unblocked him, resulting in this reply from the latter.

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Hope ur political innings in BJP isnt as abysmal as ur cricket career!
— Mehbooba Mufti (@MehboobaMufti) <a href="https://twitter.com/MehboobaMufti/status/1115482423540834304?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 9, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Mufti though seems to have blocked Gambhir for good who then expressed happiness over this decision and questioned how she would block all the other Indians who are against her views.

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Oh! So you have unblocked my twitter handle! U needed 10 hours to respond to my tweet and come up with such a pedestrian analogy!!! Too slow. It shows the lack of depth in ur personality. No wonder you guys have struggled to solve the issues at hand.
— Gautam Gambhir (@GautamGambhir) <a href="https://twitter.com/GautamGambhir/status/1115490642778566656?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 9, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Gambhir had earlier taken on Omar Abdullah over the latter’s demand for a separate President and Prime Minister in Jammu and Kashmir.

The issue of Article 370 has triggered a war of words between the J&K's former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti and former cricketer and BJP leader Gautam Gambhir. On April 8, PDP chief took a jibe at BJP, in response to a news article over a PIL seeking a ban on Farooq Abdullah, his son and Mehbooba Mufti from contesting Lok Sabha polls, as their "statements are against the Indian constitution".

The issue of Article 370 has triggered a war of words between the J&K's former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti and former cricketer and BJP leader Gautam Gambhir. On April 8, PDP chief took a jibe at BJP, in response to a news article over a PIL seeking a ban on Farooq Abdullah, his son and Mehbooba Mufti from contesting Lok Sabha polls, as their "statements are against the Indian constitution". Reacting to this tweet, Gautam Gambhir wrote that: "Yeh Bharat hai. Koi aap jaisa dhabba nahi jo mit jayega" (This is India. Not a stain like you (Mehbooba Mufti) that it would be erased”.) @MehboobaMufti यह भारत है, कोई आप जैसा धब्बा नहीं जो मिट जाएगा! — Gautam Gambhir (@GautamGambhir) April 8, 2019 × Mufti reacted by saying that, “hope your political innings in BJP isn’t as abysmal as your cricket career!”. She later apparently blocked Gambhir and then again unblocked him, resulting in this reply from the latter. Hope ur political innings in BJP isnt as abysmal as ur cricket career! — Mehbooba Mufti (@MehboobaMufti) April 9, 2019 × Mufti though seems to have blocked Gambhir for good who then expressed happiness over this decision and questioned how she would block all the other Indians who are against her views. Oh! So you have unblocked my twitter handle! U needed 10 hours to respond to my tweet and come up with such a pedestrian analogy!!! Too slow. It shows the lack of depth in ur personality. No wonder you guys have struggled to solve the issues at hand. — Gautam Gambhir (@GautamGambhir) April 9, 2019 × Gambhir had earlier taken on Omar Abdullah over the latter’s demand for a separate President and Prime Minister in Jammu and Kashmir.

Mehbooba Mufti and Gautam Gambhir get into a Twitter fight over Article 370

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-is-engaging-with-united-states-for-second-iran-oil-waiver-mea-207973">Indian refiners </a>are holding back from ordering Iranian oil for loading in May pending clarity on whether Washington will extend a waiver from US sanctions against the OPEC-member, four sources said.

In November, US President Donald Trump withdrew from the 2015 Iran nuclear deal and re-imposed broad economic sanctions.

Washington, however, gave a six-month <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-to-give-iran-oil-sanctions-waiver-to-eight-countries-including-india-south-korea-japan-report-175107">waiver to eight nations </a>including India, allowing them to import some Iranian oil until early May. India, Iran's top oil client after China, was allowed to buy about 9 million barrels a month.

India hopes to get clarity in seven to 10 days on any extension of the waiver, as well as the amount of oil that could be purchased if an extension is given, the sources said.

"We don't know about US thinking, whether they will allow India to buy oil or not," said one of the sources, all of whom declined to be named due to the sensitivity of the issue.

Under the current waiver, India can buy about 300,000 bpd of Iranian oil - about half the amount before the sanctions were imposed - and New Delhi wants to keep buying Iranian oil at that level, Indian sources said last month.

Since November only state-run Indian Oil Corp, Bharat Petroleum Corp, Hindustan Petroleum and Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals have been buying Iranian oil.

State-refiners and India's oil ministry did not respond to Reuters request for comments.

Brian Hook, the special US envoy for Iran, in March said Washington is pursuing its plan to bring Iranian crude exports to zero. Last week Hook said three of eight importers granted waivers by Washington have cut shipments to zero.

"Sanctions against IRGC (Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps) have also added to the uncertainty over supply of Iranian oil ... in the current scenario when enough alternatives are available it is better to wait for a clarity," said another of the sources.

Trump on Monday designated Iran's Guards a foreign terrorist organization. Iran's president Rouhani said Tehran will resist US pressure and hailed IRGC as defenders of Iranians.

Indian refiners are holding back from ordering Iranian oil for loading in May pending clarity on whether Washington will extend a waiver from US sanctions against the OPEC-member, four sources said.

Indian refiners are holding back from ordering Iranian oil for loading in May pending clarity on whether Washington will extend a waiver from US sanctions against the OPEC-member, four sources said. In November, US President Donald Trump withdrew from the 2015 Iran nuclear deal and re-imposed broad economic sanctions. Washington, however, gave a six-month waiver to eight nations including India, allowing them to import some Iranian oil until early May. India, Iran's top oil client after China, was allowed to buy about 9 million barrels a month. India hopes to get clarity in seven to 10 days on any extension of the waiver, as well as the amount of oil that could be purchased if an extension is given, the sources said. "We don't know about US thinking, whether they will allow India to buy oil or not," said one of the sources, all of whom declined to be named due to the sensitivity of the issue. Under the current waiver, India can buy about 300,000 bpd of Iranian oil - about half the amount before the sanctions were imposed - and New Delhi wants to keep buying Iranian oil at that level, Indian sources said last month. Since November only state-run Indian Oil Corp, Bharat Petroleum Corp, Hindustan Petroleum and Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals have been buying Iranian oil. State-refiners and India's oil ministry did not respond to Reuters request for comments. Brian Hook, the special US envoy for Iran, in March said Washington is pursuing its plan to bring Iranian crude exports to zero. Last week Hook said three of eight importers granted waivers by Washington have cut shipments to zero. "Sanctions against IRGC (Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps) have also added to the uncertainty over supply of Iranian oil ... in the current scenario when enough alternatives are available it is better to wait for a clarity," said another of the sources. Trump on Monday designated Iran's Guards a foreign terrorist organization. Iran's president Rouhani said Tehran will resist US pressure and hailed IRGC as defenders of Iranians.

India delays May order for Iran oil, awaits clarity on sanctions waiver: Report

A Jammu and Kashmir policeman was killed during an attack on RSS leader Chandakant in Jammu and Kashmir's Kishtwar town. The policeman worked as the Personal Security Officer (PSO) of Chandrakant who was attacked inside the hospital.

Chandrakant, who works as a medical assistant, suffered injuries in the attack, officials said.

According to eyewitnesses, a man carrying a gun barged into the hospital and snatched the PSO's weapon. They attempted to fire at the RSS leader. In the ensuing scuffle, the policeman was shot dead while the RSS leader received minor injuries.

Curfew has been imposed in Kishtwar district&nbsp;after the incident. The police are investigating the case.

A Jammu and Kashmir policeman was killed during an attack on RSS leader Chandakant in Jammu and Kashmir's Kishtwar town. The policeman worked as the Personal Security Officer (PSO) of Chandrakant who was attacked inside the hospital.

A Jammu and Kashmir policeman was killed during an attack on RSS leader Chandakant in Jammu and Kashmir's Kishtwar town. The policeman worked as the Personal Security Officer (PSO) of Chandrakant who was attacked inside the hospital. Chandrakant, who works as a medical assistant, suffered injuries in the attack, officials said. According to eyewitnesses, a man carrying a gun barged into the hospital and snatched the PSO's weapon. They attempted to fire at the RSS leader. In the ensuing scuffle, the policeman was shot dead while the RSS leader received minor injuries. Curfew has been imposed in Kishtwar district after the incident. The police are investigating the case.

Policeman killed in attack on RSS leader in J&K's Kishtwar

The Supreme Court on Tuesday agreed to hear on April 15 a plea challenging a recent Madras High Court order directing the Centre to ban the "TikTok" app over concerns about access to pornographic content through it.

A bench comprising Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi and justices Deepak Gupta and Sanjiv Khanna agreed to hear the plea filed by Chinese company ByteDance, which said there were over billion downloads of the app and the Madurai bench of the Madras High Court had passed an ex-parte order.

The Madurai bench of Madras High Court had, on April 3, directed the Centre to ban mobile application "TikTok" as it voiced concern over the "pornographic and inappropriate contents" being made available through such apps.

It had directed the media not to telecast video clips made with TikTok. The app allows users to create short videos and then share them.&nbsp;

The Supreme Court on Tuesday agreed to hear on April 15 a plea challenging a recent Madras High Court order directing the Centre to ban the "TikTok" app over concerns about access to pornographic content through it.

The Supreme Court on Tuesday agreed to hear on April 15 a plea challenging a recent Madras High Court order directing the Centre to ban the "TikTok" app over concerns about access to pornographic content through it. A bench comprising Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi and justices Deepak Gupta and Sanjiv Khanna agreed to hear the plea filed by Chinese company ByteDance, which said there were over billion downloads of the app and the Madurai bench of the Madras High Court had passed an ex-parte order. The Madurai bench of Madras High Court had, on April 3, directed the Centre to ban mobile application "TikTok" as it voiced concern over the "pornographic and inappropriate contents" being made available through such apps. It had directed the media not to telecast video clips made with TikTok. The app allows users to create short videos and then share them.

Supreme Court to hear on April 15 plea challenging Madras High Court order asking Centre to ban TikTok app

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday said that it is fair to raise questions in a democracy and there is no harm in asking for details or proof from a government with regard to actions taken by it but it is unfair to ask security forces to give proof.

While responding to a question of why people are branded as "anti-national" and "Tukde Tukde" gang, if they ask for proof of Balakot air strike and Surgical strikes, the Home Minister, in an exclusive interview to ANI, said,&nbsp;"No one is termed anti-national for asking questions, we always give answers to relevant questions...Why should one ask for proof from the Indian Air Force, who only bombed the terrorist centre? Should they count the bodies and give proof?"

On the question of opposition's allegation of politicisation of armed forces, the Home Minister said,&nbsp;"There should not be any politicisation of any system of the government and we never think of doing such a thing...Our Army and other government systems belonged to the country, not to any political party."

He added that the air strike by the IAF in Pakistan's Balakot took place on the basis of credible intelligence input.

"During Balakot air strike, the IAF targeted terrorist training centres in Pakistan and ensured that no harm is done to civilians there. We took precautions while taking revenge of Pulwama terror attack, we made sure that Pakistan's Sovereignty and Integrity is not compromised and only terrorists are targeted. We did not attack Pakistan's army or harm the innocent civilians, we only targeted terrorists," he said.

"As a home minister of the country I am saying that the operation in Balakot took place on the basis of credible intelligence input," he added.

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday said that it is fair to raise questions in a democracy and there is no harm in asking for details or proof from a government with regard to actions taken by it but it is unfair to ask security forces to give proof.

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday said that it is fair to raise questions in a democracy and there is no harm in asking for details or proof from a government with regard to actions taken by it but it is unfair to ask security forces to give proof. While responding to a question of why people are branded as "anti-national" and "Tukde Tukde" gang, if they ask for proof of Balakot air strike and Surgical strikes, the Home Minister, in an exclusive interview to ANI, said, "No one is termed anti-national for asking questions, we always give answers to relevant questions...Why should one ask for proof from the Indian Air Force, who only bombed the terrorist centre? Should they count the bodies and give proof?" On the question of opposition's allegation of politicisation of armed forces, the Home Minister said, "There should not be any politicisation of any system of the government and we never think of doing such a thing...Our Army and other government systems belonged to the country, not to any political party." He added that the air strike by the IAF in Pakistan's Balakot took place on the basis of credible intelligence input. "During Balakot air strike, the IAF targeted terrorist training centres in Pakistan and ensured that no harm is done to civilians there. We took precautions while taking revenge of Pulwama terror attack, we made sure that Pakistan's Sovereignty and Integrity is not compromised and only terrorists are targeted. We did not attack Pakistan's army or harm the innocent civilians, we only targeted terrorists," he said. "As a home minister of the country I am saying that the operation in Balakot took place on the basis of credible intelligence input," he added.

Ask questions on Balakot air strike to government, do not seek proof from security forces: Rajnath Singh

Union minister and BJP candidate Smriti Irani will file her nomination papers for the Lok Sabha polls on April 11, party sources said here on Tuesday.

"She was to file her nomination on April 17, but since it's a holiday, she will now file her papers on April 11," Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) district president Durgesh Tripathi said.

Irani will be accompanied by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, BJP in-charge for Amethi Mohsin Raza, state minister and MLA Jagdishpur Suresh Pasi, besides others, at the time of filing her nomination, party sources said.

The Union textile minister will perform rituals at a temple of Budhan Mai inside the BJP office at Gauriganj on the Banda-Tanda national highway, before reaching the collectorate at Gauriganj (the Amethi district headquarters) in a procession to file her papers.

The Amethi parliamentary constituency, represented in the Lok Sabha by Congress president Rahul Gandhi, has four Assembly segments -- Tiloi, Gauriganj and Jagdishpur (reserved) in Amethi district and Salon (reserved) in Raebareli.

Gandhi is all set to file his nomination on Wednesday.

The district administration has made all the arrangements for the filing of nominations, District Magistrate RM Mishra said.

Amethi goes to the polls in the fifth phase on May 6.&nbsp;

Union minister and BJP candidate Smriti Irani will file her nomination papers for the Lok Sabha polls on April 11, party sources said here on Tuesday. "She was to file her nomination on April 17, but since it's a holiday, she will now file her papers on April 11," Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) district president Durgesh Tripathi said.

Union minister and BJP candidate Smriti Irani will file her nomination papers for the Lok Sabha polls on April 11, party sources said here on Tuesday. "She was to file her nomination on April 17, but since it's a holiday, she will now file her papers on April 11," Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) district president Durgesh Tripathi said. Irani will be accompanied by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, BJP in-charge for Amethi Mohsin Raza, state minister and MLA Jagdishpur Suresh Pasi, besides others, at the time of filing her nomination, party sources said. The Union textile minister will perform rituals at a temple of Budhan Mai inside the BJP office at Gauriganj on the Banda-Tanda national highway, before reaching the collectorate at Gauriganj (the Amethi district headquarters) in a procession to file her papers. The Amethi parliamentary constituency, represented in the Lok Sabha by Congress president Rahul Gandhi, has four Assembly segments -- Tiloi, Gauriganj and Jagdishpur (reserved) in Amethi district and Salon (reserved) in Raebareli. Gandhi is all set to file his nomination on Wednesday. The district administration has made all the arrangements for the filing of nominations, District Magistrate RM Mishra said. Amethi goes to the polls in the fifth phase on May 6.

Lok Sabha polls 2019: Smriti Irani to file nomination from Amethi on April 11

<a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.wionews.com/sri-lanka/five-tamil-nadu-fishermen-arrested-by-sri-lankan-navy-198930&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwieh4KkrcLhAhVPUN4KHaBFBMoQFggIMAE&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw0w08GChxo9oUvMKUPgZR41">Sri Lankan Navy </a>apprehended four Indian fishermen, from the state of Tamil Nadu along with a boat on the charges of poaching in its territorial water on Tuesday, officials said.

The interrogation of all the apprehended<a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.wionews.com/world/18-indian-fishermen-arrested-for-poaching-in-sri-lankan-waters-208102&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwieh4KkrcLhAhVPUN4KHaBFBMoQFggFMAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw2yVydPNjTYrWZgbfLuducB"> fishermen</a> is underway at Kankesanthurai naval camp in Sri Lanka.

More details in this regard are awaited.

Fishermen from both countries are being apprehended on a regular basis for breaching each other`s territorial waters or doing suspicious activities.

Sri Lankan Navy apprehended four Indian fishermen, from the state of Tamil Nadu along with a boat on the charges of poaching in its territorial water on Tuesday, officials said.

Sri Lankan Navy apprehended four Indian fishermen, from the state of Tamil Nadu along with a boat on the charges of poaching in its territorial water on Tuesday, officials said. The interrogation of all the apprehended fishermen is underway at Kankesanthurai naval camp in Sri Lanka. More details in this regard are awaited. Fishermen from both countries are being apprehended on a regular basis for breaching each other`s territorial waters or doing suspicious activities.

Sri Lankan Navy apprehends four Indian fishermen

Moderate separatist Mirwaiz Umar Farooq Monday appeared before the National Investigation Agency (NIA) in connection with a case related to terror funding, officials said.

Mirwaiz was provided security upon his arrival at Delhi airport as was assured by the NIA after he raised the issue for appearing at the agency's headquarter in the national capital.

Hurriyat Conference leaders Abdul Gani Bhat, Bilal Lone and Maulana Abbas Ansari accompanied him.

In 2004, the same group of leaders had met then prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and then home minister LK Advani for finding a lasting solution to the Kashmir issue.

The NIA probe seeks to identify the chain of players behind the financing of terror activities, pelting of stones on security forces, burning down of schools and damaging of government establishments.

The case names Hafeez Saeed, Pakistan-based chief of Jamaat-ud-Dawah (JuD), the front for banned Lashkar-e-Taiba, as an accused, besides organisations such as the Hurriyat Conference factions led by Syed Ali Shah Geelani and Mirwaiz, Hizbul Mujahideen and Dukhtaran-e-Millat.&nbsp;

Moderate separatist Mirwaiz Umar Farooq Monday appeared before the National Investigation Agency (NIA) in connection with a case related to terror funding, officials said.

Moderate separatist Mirwaiz Umar Farooq Monday appeared before the National Investigation Agency (NIA) in connection with a case related to terror funding, officials said. Mirwaiz was provided security upon his arrival at Delhi airport as was assured by the NIA after he raised the issue for appearing at the agency's headquarter in the national capital. Hurriyat Conference leaders Abdul Gani Bhat, Bilal Lone and Maulana Abbas Ansari accompanied him. In 2004, the same group of leaders had met then prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and then home minister LK Advani for finding a lasting solution to the Kashmir issue. The NIA probe seeks to identify the chain of players behind the financing of terror activities, pelting of stones on security forces, burning down of schools and damaging of government establishments. The case names Hafeez Saeed, Pakistan-based chief of Jamaat-ud-Dawah (JuD), the front for banned Lashkar-e-Taiba, as an accused, besides organisations such as the Hurriyat Conference factions led by Syed Ali Shah Geelani and Mirwaiz, Hizbul Mujahideen and Dukhtaran-e-Millat.

Mirwaiz Umar appears before NIA in terror funding case

Vivek Oberoi opens up on case against PM Modi's biopic

Putting end to speculations regarding JD(S) supremo HD Deve Gowda’s candidature for the Prime minister’s post, Karnataka Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy on Sunday said that the former is not going to take the post if mahagathbandhan or grand-alliance comes to power.

Speaking to media, Kumaraswamy said, "If mahagathbandhan comes to power HD Deve Gowda will not be the Prime Minister, he will be advisor to the government and will take care of the interests of the country."

He, however, refused to speculate on the name of a probable candidate and added, "The question of who will be the Prime Minister is secondary."

Earlier on February 27, Kumaraswamy had said that if the Congress and JD(S) alliance win at least 20-22 seats in Karnataka, then a Kannadiga can once again become the Prime Minister of the country.

"In 1996, a Kannadiga HD Devegowda became Prime Minister after you (Karnataka people) blessed us with 16 Lok Sabha seats. If you bless Congress and JD(S) with at least 20-22 seats in Karnataka once again, a Kannadiga can be in that place (Prime Minister),"&nbsp;Kumaraswamy had said while addressing a rally in Mandya.

Seven phase elections in the country will begin on April 11 and will go on till May 19. Counting of votes will be done on May 23.

Karnataka will go to polls on April 18 and 23.

Putting end to speculations regarding JD(S) supremo HD Deve Gowda’s candidature for the Prime minister’s post, Karnataka Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy on Sunday said that the former is not going to take the post if mahagathbandhan or grand-alliance comes to power.

Putting end to speculations regarding JD(S) supremo HD Deve Gowda’s candidature for the Prime minister’s post, Karnataka Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy on Sunday said that the former is not going to take the post if mahagathbandhan or grand-alliance comes to power. Speaking to media, Kumaraswamy said, "If mahagathbandhan comes to power HD Deve Gowda will not be the Prime Minister, he will be advisor to the government and will take care of the interests of the country." He, however, refused to speculate on the name of a probable candidate and added, "The question of who will be the Prime Minister is secondary." Earlier on February 27, Kumaraswamy had said that if the Congress and JD(S) alliance win at least 20-22 seats in Karnataka, then a Kannadiga can once again become the Prime Minister of the country. "In 1996, a Kannadiga HD Devegowda became Prime Minister after you (Karnataka people) blessed us with 16 Lok Sabha seats. If you bless Congress and JD(S) with at least 20-22 seats in Karnataka once again, a Kannadiga can be in that place (Prime Minister)," Kumaraswamy had said while addressing a rally in Mandya. Seven phase elections in the country will begin on April 11 and will go on till May 19. Counting of votes will be done on May 23. Karnataka will go to polls on April 18 and 23.

Deve Gowda won't be PM if grand-alliance comes to power: Kumaraswamy

Dhanush Artillery Gun to be inducted into Indian Army

The 2019 election is the first in Tamil Nadu in the absence of veteran leaders J Jayalalithaa and M Karunanidhi. But not a day passes without the candidates and campaigners evoking the names of their respective departed leaders.&nbsp;

But things have reached a new low after the state's chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami alleged that M K Stalin had kept his father and DMK Supremo M Karunanidhi under house arrest.&nbsp;

Regarding the mystery over the prolonged hospitalization and death of Jayalalithaa in late 2016, M K Stalin had said that if voted to power, he would initiate a probe to ascertain the circumstances that led to her demise. Stalin has also been accusing Edappadi Palaniswami of being linked to the break-in and murders at Kodanad Estate - Jayalalithaa's lavish estate in the Nilgiris.

While the attacks have gotten personal, the Chief Minister took it to an all new low while campaigning on Monday. The chief minister started by saying that he had information from senior DMK leaders and functionaries about why Karunanidhi was unable to speak during his final years.

He added that "If Karunanidhi is hale and healthy, Stalin can't become the leader of the DMK. Hence Stalin did not ensure that better treatment was provided for the ailing leader and kept him under house arrest for two years. Had he been taken abroad for treatment, he would have been able to speak," the chief minister said, quoting DMK sources.&nbsp;

As the crowds cheered, he said that "Stalin was the DMK leader who kept his father under arrest."&nbsp;

He also referred to how Stalin was elected DMK President only after the demise of his father Karunanidhi. Palaniswami, who is also the co-coordinator of the AIADMK, said that if such cruelty was meted out to a serving MLA and former chief minister, it is the duty of the government to probe the matter.&nbsp;

The veteran leader had been wheelchair-bound since 2010. Karunanidhi fell ill in October of 2016 due to a drug-induced allergy and was admitted to a private hospital in December 2016. He had undergone a tracheostomy, a procedure to optimize his breathing. Following the illness, he also stayed away from political activities and, in January 2017, his son, M K Stalin, was appointed the working president of the party.

M. Karunanidhi passed away on August 7th of 2018 after a brief hospitalization due to infections and age-related illnesses.&nbsp;

It was on August 28th that Karunanidhi's son M K Stalin was elected DMK President.

The 2019 election is the first in Tamil Nadu in the absence of veteran leaders J Jayalalithaa and M Karunanidhi. But not a day passes without the candidates and campaigners evoking the names of their respective departed leaders.

The 2019 election is the first in Tamil Nadu in the absence of veteran leaders J Jayalalithaa and M Karunanidhi. But not a day passes without the candidates and campaigners evoking the names of their respective departed leaders. But things have reached a new low after the state's chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami alleged that M K Stalin had kept his father and DMK Supremo M Karunanidhi under house arrest. Regarding the mystery over the prolonged hospitalization and death of Jayalalithaa in late 2016, M K Stalin had said that if voted to power, he would initiate a probe to ascertain the circumstances that led to her demise. Stalin has also been accusing Edappadi Palaniswami of being linked to the break-in and murders at Kodanad Estate - Jayalalithaa's lavish estate in the Nilgiris. While the attacks have gotten personal, the Chief Minister took it to an all new low while campaigning on Monday. The chief minister started by saying that he had information from senior DMK leaders and functionaries about why Karunanidhi was unable to speak during his final years. He added that "If Karunanidhi is hale and healthy, Stalin can't become the leader of the DMK. Hence Stalin did not ensure that better treatment was provided for the ailing leader and kept him under house arrest for two years. Had he been taken abroad for treatment, he would have been able to speak," the chief minister said, quoting DMK sources. As the crowds cheered, he said that "Stalin was the DMK leader who kept his father under arrest." He also referred to how Stalin was elected DMK President only after the demise of his father Karunanidhi. Palaniswami, who is also the co-coordinator of the AIADMK, said that if such cruelty was meted out to a serving MLA and former chief minister, it is the duty of the government to probe the matter. The veteran leader had been wheelchair-bound since 2010. Karunanidhi fell ill in October of 2016 due to a drug-induced allergy and was admitted to a private hospital in December 2016. He had undergone a tracheostomy, a procedure to optimize his breathing. Following the illness, he also stayed away from political activities and, in January 2017, his son, M K Stalin, was appointed the working president of the party. M. Karunanidhi passed away on August 7th of 2018 after a brief hospitalization due to infections and age-related illnesses. It was on August 28th that Karunanidhi's son M K Stalin was elected DMK President.

Stalin kept Karunanidhi under house arrest: Tamil Nadu CM E Palaniswami targets DMK chief

India and Sri Lanka Monday agreed to enhance bilateral cooperation in the defence sector, including training Sri Lankan military personnel, as foreign secretary Sanjay Mitra called on President Maithripala Sirisena.

Mitra arrived on a two-day visit to Sri Lanka on Sunday during which he will participate in several high-level defence cooperation meetings.

He will also meet his counterpart Hemasiri Fernando and chief of defence staff Admiral Ravindra Wijegunaratne, besides visiting the central town of Kandy and the north-central town of Anuradhapura.

India and Sri Lanka have agreed for enhanced cooperation in the areas of security and defence including regional security, said a statement from the president Sirisena's office.

The statement came after Sirisena's meeting with Mitra here this morning, it said.

India has agreed to train Sri Lankan defence personnel, it added.

Training of Sri Lankan defence personnel in India became an explosive issue during former Tamil Nadu chief minister Jayalalitha's time.

She had demanded the expulsion of two Sri Lankan officers from the Defence Staff Services College in Wellington in the State.

India and Sri Lanka Monday agreed to enhance bilateral cooperation in the defence sector, including training Sri Lankan military personnel, as foreign secretary Sanjay Mitra called on President Maithripala Sirisena.

India and Sri Lanka Monday agreed to enhance bilateral cooperation in the defence sector, including training Sri Lankan military personnel, as foreign secretary Sanjay Mitra called on President Maithripala Sirisena. Mitra arrived on a two-day visit to Sri Lanka on Sunday during which he will participate in several high-level defence cooperation meetings. He will also meet his counterpart Hemasiri Fernando and chief of defence staff Admiral Ravindra Wijegunaratne, besides visiting the central town of Kandy and the north-central town of Anuradhapura. India and Sri Lanka have agreed for enhanced cooperation in the areas of security and defence including regional security, said a statement from the president Sirisena's office. The statement came after Sirisena's meeting with Mitra here this morning, it said. India has agreed to train Sri Lankan defence personnel, it added. Training of Sri Lankan defence personnel in India became an explosive issue during former Tamil Nadu chief minister Jayalalitha's time. She had demanded the expulsion of two Sri Lankan officers from the Defence Staff Services College in Wellington in the State.

India, Sri Lanka agree for greater defence cooperation

The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) on Monday hinted at the transfer of "cash to the headquarter of a major political party" in the national capital while stating that Income Tax (I-T) Department has detected a well-organised racket of a collection of unaccounted cash of about Rs 281 crore.

"A part of the cash was also transferred to the headquarter of a major political party in Delhi including about Rs 20 crore which was moved through hawala recently to the headquarters of the political party from the residence of a senior functionary at Tughlak Road, New Delhi," said the CBDT in a statement.

"Searches in Madhya Pradesh by Delhi Directorate of Income Tax have detected widespread and well-organised racket of the collection of unaccounted cash of about Rs 281 crore through various persons in different walks of life including business, politics and public service," said the CBDT, which frames policies for the I-T Department.&nbsp;

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Searches in Delhi (group of a close relative of the senior functionary) have further led to seizure incl. cash book recording unaccounted transactions of ₹ 230cr, siphoning off money through bogus billing of more than ₹ 242 cr &amp; evidence of more than 80 companies in Tax havens.
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According to CBDT, "meticulous records of collection and disbursement of cash in the form of handwritten diaries, computer files and excel sheets found and seized corroborate the above findings. Unaccounted cash of Rs 14.6 crore has been found so far, besides 252 bottles of liquor, few arms, and hide-skins of the tiger.

"The searches in Delhi in the group of a close relative of the senior functionary have further led to the seizure of incriminating evidence including cash book recording unaccounted transactions of Rs 230 crore, syphoning off money through bogus billing of more than Rs 242 crore and evidence of more than 80 companies in tax havens," said the CBDT.&nbsp;

Several unaccounted and benami properties at posh locations in the national capital have also been detected. Instances of violations of the Model Code of Conduct are being brought to the notice of the Election Commission of India (ECI), said the Central agency.&nbsp;

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath`s officer on special duty (OSD) Praveen Kakkar`s son Salil Kakkar was picked up on Monday by the I-T sleuths for interrogation, while I-T raids continued at various locations across the country including the residence of Ashwin Sharma, an associate of Praveen Kakkar, who had got most of his companies registered in the name of his son Salil.&nbsp;

On Sunday morning, I-T officials carried out raids at the residences of Nath's private secretary, Praveen Kakkar, in Indore and former advisor R K Miglani in Delhi, on charges of alleged tax evasion. I-T officials conducted searches at several locations in Indore, Bhopal, Goa, and NCR.

The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) on Monday hinted at the transfer of "cash to the headquarter of a major political party" in the national capital while stating that Income Tax (I-T) Department has detected a well-organised racket of a collection of unaccounted cash of about Rs 281 crore.

The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) on Monday hinted at the transfer of "cash to the headquarter of a major political party" in the national capital while stating that Income Tax (I-T) Department has detected a well-organised racket of a collection of unaccounted cash of about Rs 281 crore. "A part of the cash was also transferred to the headquarter of a major political party in Delhi including about Rs 20 crore which was moved through hawala recently to the headquarters of the political party from the residence of a senior functionary at Tughlak Road, New Delhi," said the CBDT in a statement. "Searches in Madhya Pradesh by Delhi Directorate of Income Tax have detected widespread and well-organised racket of the collection of unaccounted cash of about Rs 281 crore through various persons in different walks of life including business, politics and public service," said the CBDT, which frames policies for the I-T Department. Searches in Delhi (group of a close relative of the senior functionary) have further led to seizure incl. cash book recording unaccounted transactions of ₹ 230cr, siphoning off money through bogus billing of more than ₹ 242 cr & evidence of more than 80 companies in Tax havens. — Income Tax India (@IncomeTaxIndia) April 8, 2019 × According to CBDT, "meticulous records of collection and disbursement of cash in the form of handwritten diaries, computer files and excel sheets found and seized corroborate the above findings. Unaccounted cash of Rs 14.6 crore has been found so far, besides 252 bottles of liquor, few arms, and hide-skins of the tiger. "The searches in Delhi in the group of a close relative of the senior functionary have further led to the seizure of incriminating evidence including cash book recording unaccounted transactions of Rs 230 crore, syphoning off money through bogus billing of more than Rs 242 crore and evidence of more than 80 companies in tax havens," said the CBDT. Several unaccounted and benami properties at posh locations in the national capital have also been detected. Instances of violations of the Model Code of Conduct are being brought to the notice of the Election Commission of India (ECI), said the Central agency. Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath`s officer on special duty (OSD) Praveen Kakkar`s son Salil Kakkar was picked up on Monday by the I-T sleuths for interrogation, while I-T raids continued at various locations across the country including the residence of Ashwin Sharma, an associate of Praveen Kakkar, who had got most of his companies registered in the name of his son Salil. On Sunday morning, I-T officials carried out raids at the residences of Nath's private secretary, Praveen Kakkar, in Indore and former advisor R K Miglani in Delhi, on charges of alleged tax evasion. I-T officials conducted searches at several locations in Indore, Bhopal, Goa, and NCR.

Madhya Pradesh’s Rs 281-cr cash collection racket linked to a political party: IT department

Jyotiraditya Scindia says, ''Lower tax is best way to increase revenue''

Indian Army's urges to J&K mothers: Prevent your sons from becoming terrorists

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister and BJP leader Yogi Adityanath on Sunday hit out at the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) and Samajwadi Party (SP) stating that the former will not be able to win even a single seat, while the latter will find it difficult to retain even the five seats it won in the 2014 Lok Sabha elections.

"BSP is going to be on zero (seats) just like they were in 2014. SP won five seats in 2014. They will find it tough to win even those five seats this time," he told ANI.

Claiming that the Deoband rally of the grand-alliance only showed their panic, the Chief Minister said, "Deoband rally only shows the panic of the parties in the grand alliance which is there because they are finding a threat to their existence."

"Why they did not discuss the anarchic condition during their rule? Why did they not discuss the Muzaffarnagar riots? They don't have guts to reveal the truth," he added while asserting that this only showed grand-alliance leaders are not focused on real issues.

Adityanath alleged that for the sake of their survival, grand alliance leaders are resorting to lies and deception.

"In last two years, our government with the support of Prime Minister Narendra Modi government gave around 23 lakh houses to the poor people in the state. If you look at the two years of SP government, even though the PM Modi government wanted to help yet only 83000 houses were sanctioned," he said.

"We are challenging them to compare 55 years to 55 months," he added.

Taking a dig at those fighting to be Prime Ministerial candidates, he said, "Those who are fighting the election on 36-38 seats are dreaming to become the Prime Minister. Nothing could be more laughable than this."

Reacting to the jibe from the opposition of being drunk on power, the Chief Minister said, " No we are not "high" on power. We work on "sabka sath, sabka vikas".&nbsp; "But, what did the SP, BSP government during their term?"

The Chief Minister also recalled how Akhilesh Yadav changed the name of Kanshi Ram medical college in Saharanpur.

"Dalits should see that how low they (BSP) could go to power," he said while asserting that people of the country want to see Narendra Modi as the Prime Minister of the country again.

Addressing a public rally at Saharanpur district earlier in the day, BSP chief Mayawati had said, "I appeal to Muslims that the Congress is not capable of defeating the BJP."

"Only the alliance parties are capable of doing it. Congress does not want the alliance to win. I appeal to Muslims that vote for alliance only. Do not vote for the Congress," she said.

SP chief and former Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav was also present in the rally, the first one jointly addressed by BSP-SP leaders.

The Lok Sabha elections in Uttar Pradesh is scheduled to be conducted in all the seven phases from April 11 to May 19.

The results will be declared on May 23.&nbsp;

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister and BJP leader Yogi Adityanath on Sunday hit out at the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) and Samajwadi Party (SP) stating that the former will not be able to win even a single seat, while the latter will find it difficult to retain even the five seats it won in the 2014 Lok Sabha elections.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister and BJP leader Yogi Adityanath on Sunday hit out at the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) and Samajwadi Party (SP) stating that the former will not be able to win even a single seat, while the latter will find it difficult to retain even the five seats it won in the 2014 Lok Sabha elections. "BSP is going to be on zero (seats) just like they were in 2014. SP won five seats in 2014. They will find it tough to win even those five seats this time," he told ANI. Claiming that the Deoband rally of the grand-alliance only showed their panic, the Chief Minister said, "Deoband rally only shows the panic of the parties in the grand alliance which is there because they are finding a threat to their existence." "Why they did not discuss the anarchic condition during their rule? Why did they not discuss the Muzaffarnagar riots? They don't have guts to reveal the truth," he added while asserting that this only showed grand-alliance leaders are not focused on real issues. Adityanath alleged that for the sake of their survival, grand alliance leaders are resorting to lies and deception. "In last two years, our government with the support of Prime Minister Narendra Modi government gave around 23 lakh houses to the poor people in the state. If you look at the two years of SP government, even though the PM Modi government wanted to help yet only 83000 houses were sanctioned," he said. "We are challenging them to compare 55 years to 55 months," he added. Taking a dig at those fighting to be Prime Ministerial candidates, he said, "Those who are fighting the election on 36-38 seats are dreaming to become the Prime Minister. Nothing could be more laughable than this." Reacting to the jibe from the opposition of being drunk on power, the Chief Minister said, " No we are not "high" on power. We work on "sabka sath, sabka vikas". "But, what did the SP, BSP government during their term?" The Chief Minister also recalled how Akhilesh Yadav changed the name of Kanshi Ram medical college in Saharanpur. "Dalits should see that how low they (BSP) could go to power," he said while asserting that people of the country want to see Narendra Modi as the Prime Minister of the country again. Addressing a public rally at Saharanpur district earlier in the day, BSP chief Mayawati had said, "I appeal to Muslims that the Congress is not capable of defeating the BJP." "Only the alliance parties are capable of doing it. Congress does not want the alliance to win. I appeal to Muslims that vote for alliance only. Do not vote for the Congress," she said. SP chief and former Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav was also present in the rally, the first one jointly addressed by BSP-SP leaders. The Lok Sabha elections in Uttar Pradesh is scheduled to be conducted in all the seven phases from April 11 to May 19. The results will be declared on May 23.

BSP to remain at zero, SP will find it tough to retain even five seats: Adityanath

Senior Congress leader P Chidambaram Sunday alleged that the government was planning Income Tax raids at his residence in a bid to cripple the Lok Sabha election campaign.

He said the people of the country were watching and would give a befitting reply in this election.

"I have been told that the I-T Department has plans to raid my residence in Sivaganga constituency and in Chennai. We will welcome the search party," he said on Twitter.

"The I-T department knows that we have nothing to hide. They and other agencies have searched our residences before and found nothing. The intention is to cripple the election campaign," he claimed.

The former finance minister said the people are watching the "excesses of this government and will deliver a fitting lesson in the elections".

Chidambaram's son Karti Chidambaram is contesting the Sivaganga Lok Sabha constituency in Tamil Nadu. He is facing charges of corruption and is out on bail.&nbsp;

Senior Congress leader P Chidambaram Sunday alleged that the government was planning Income Tax raids at his residence in a bid to cripple the Lok Sabha election campaign.

Senior Congress leader P Chidambaram Sunday alleged that the government was planning Income Tax raids at his residence in a bid to cripple the Lok Sabha election campaign. He said the people of the country were watching and would give a befitting reply in this election. "I have been told that the I-T Department has plans to raid my residence in Sivaganga constituency and in Chennai. We will welcome the search party," he said on Twitter. "The I-T department knows that we have nothing to hide. They and other agencies have searched our residences before and found nothing. The intention is to cripple the election campaign," he claimed. The former finance minister said the people are watching the "excesses of this government and will deliver a fitting lesson in the elections". Chidambaram's son Karti Chidambaram is contesting the Sivaganga Lok Sabha constituency in Tamil Nadu. He is facing charges of corruption and is out on bail.

Chidambaram claims IT raids being planned at his residence to cripple poll campaign

India has evacuated its entire contingent of 15 CRPF personnel from Tripoli after the situation "suddenly worsened" in Libya, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said Sunday.

The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) contingent was deployed as a peacekeeping force in Tripoli.

"The situation in Libya has suddenly worsened. There is fighting in Tripoli. Indian Embassy in Tunisia @IndiainTunisia has evacuated the entire contingent of 15 CRPF personnel yesterday itself," Swaraj tweeted.

"I appreciate the excellent work by Indian Embassy in Tunisia," she said.

The Indian Ambassador in Tunisia has the concurrent charge of Libya.

"All Indians in distress in Tripoli may please contact Mr.Mehtab on +218916320278 or Mr.Mustafa on +218924201771 or +218912146640," the minister said.&nbsp;

The military conflict in Libya escalated after forces of Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar launched an air strike Sunday in an area in Tripoli and the government vowed a major counteroffensive.

The United Nations has called for a two-hour truce to allow evacuations of civilians and the wounded.&nbsp;

Rivalries between Haftar and the government threaten to plunge the country into a civil war.

India has evacuated its entire contingent of 15 CRPF personnel from Tripoli after the situation "suddenly worsened" in Libya, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said Sunday.

India has evacuated its entire contingent of 15 CRPF personnel from Tripoli after the situation "suddenly worsened" in Libya, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said Sunday. The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) contingent was deployed as a peacekeeping force in Tripoli. "The situation in Libya has suddenly worsened. There is fighting in Tripoli. Indian Embassy in Tunisia @IndiainTunisia has evacuated the entire contingent of 15 CRPF personnel yesterday itself," Swaraj tweeted. "I appreciate the excellent work by Indian Embassy in Tunisia," she said. The Indian Ambassador in Tunisia has the concurrent charge of Libya. "All Indians in distress in Tripoli may please contact Mr.Mehtab on +218916320278 or Mr.Mustafa on +218924201771 or +218912146640," the minister said. The military conflict in Libya escalated after forces of Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar launched an air strike Sunday in an area in Tripoli and the government vowed a major counteroffensive. The United Nations has called for a two-hour truce to allow evacuations of civilians and the wounded. Rivalries between Haftar and the government threaten to plunge the country into a civil war.

India evacuates peacekeeping CRPF contingent from Libya

The rupee depreciated by 37 paise to 69.60 against the US dollar in early trade Monday owing to increased demand for the greenback from importers and banks.

At the Interbank Foreign Exchange, the rupee opened on a weak note at 69.40 then fell further to 69.60 against the US dollar, showing a decline of 37 paise over its previous closing.

The local unit, however, pared some losses and was quoted at 69.50 against the American currency at 0933 hrs.

The rupee skidded 6 paise to finish at 69.23 per US dollar Friday.

Forex traders said strong US job data and rising crude oil prices in the overseas market added pressure to the domestic unit.

However, foreign fund inflows and higher opening in the domestic equity market restricted the fall in the local unit.

Foreign institutional investors (FIIs) remained net buyers in the capital markets, putting in Rs 797.90 crore Friday, as per the provisional data.

Brent crude futures, the global oil benchmark, rose 0.51 per cent to $70.70 per barrel.

Meanwhile, domestic bourses opened on a bullish note Monday.

The BSE gauge Sensex was trading above crucial 39,000-level and the NSE Nifty was heading towards 11,700-mark in early trade on Monday, led by gains in metal, IT and capital goods stocks tracking robust Asian cues.

The rupee depreciated by 37 paise to 69.60 against the US dollar in early trade Monday owing to increased demand for the greenback from importers and banks. At the Interbank Foreign Exchange, the rupee opened on a weak note at 69.

The rupee depreciated by 37 paise to 69.60 against the US dollar in early trade Monday owing to increased demand for the greenback from importers and banks. At the Interbank Foreign Exchange, the rupee opened on a weak note at 69.40 then fell further to 69.60 against the US dollar, showing a decline of 37 paise over its previous closing. The local unit, however, pared some losses and was quoted at 69.50 against the American currency at 0933 hrs. The rupee skidded 6 paise to finish at 69.23 per US dollar Friday. Forex traders said strong US job data and rising crude oil prices in the overseas market added pressure to the domestic unit. However, foreign fund inflows and higher opening in the domestic equity market restricted the fall in the local unit. Foreign institutional investors (FIIs) remained net buyers in the capital markets, putting in Rs 797.90 crore Friday, as per the provisional data. Brent crude futures, the global oil benchmark, rose 0.51 per cent to $70.70 per barrel. Meanwhile, domestic bourses opened on a bullish note Monday. The BSE gauge Sensex was trading above crucial 39,000-level and the NSE Nifty was heading towards 11,700-mark in early trade on Monday, led by gains in metal, IT and capital goods stocks tracking robust Asian cues.

Rupee slips 37 paise to 69.60 vs US dollar in early trade

The Income Tax (IT) officials on Monday morning continued their raids at various locations here including the residence of Ashwin Sharma, an associate of Praveen Kakkar (OSD to Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath).

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Bhopal: I-T raid still underway at the residence of Ashwin Sharma, associate of Praveen Kakkar (OSD to Madhya Pradesh CM). <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MadhyaPradesh?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MadhyaPradesh</a> <a href="https://t.co/ZEWDfze2j3">pic.twitter.com/ZEWDfze2j3</a>
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A raid is also being carried out at Kakkar's residence.

Security has also been heightened at the location.

On Sunday, IT officials in pre-dawn swoop carried out raids at the residences of Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath's private secretary, Praveen Kakkar, in Indore and former advisor RK Miglani in Delhi, on charges of alleged tax evasion.

Officials conducted searches at 50 locations including Indore, Bhopal, Goa and Delhi, according to sources. Kakkar is Chief Minister Kamal Nath's Officer on Special Duty (OSD).

More details are currently awaited.&nbsp;

The Income Tax (IT) officials on Monday morning continued their raids at various locations here including the residence of Ashwin Sharma, an associate of Praveen Kakkar (OSD to Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath).

The Income Tax (IT) officials on Monday morning continued their raids at various locations here including the residence of Ashwin Sharma, an associate of Praveen Kakkar (OSD to Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath). Bhopal: I-T raid still underway at the residence of Ashwin Sharma, associate of Praveen Kakkar (OSD to Madhya Pradesh CM). #MadhyaPradesh pic.twitter.com/ZEWDfze2j3 — ANI (@ANI) April 8, 2019 × A raid is also being carried out at Kakkar's residence. Security has also been heightened at the location. On Sunday, IT officials in pre-dawn swoop carried out raids at the residences of Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath's private secretary, Praveen Kakkar, in Indore and former advisor RK Miglani in Delhi, on charges of alleged tax evasion. Officials conducted searches at 50 locations including Indore, Bhopal, Goa and Delhi, according to sources. Kakkar is Chief Minister Kamal Nath's Officer on Special Duty (OSD). More details are currently awaited.

IT raids continue at various locations in Madhya Pradesh, security heightened

With Lok Sabha polls inching closer, candidates are leaving no stone unturned to woo voters in their favour.

However, there is a village in Bijnor Lok Sabha constituency that has collectively decided to not vote, citing poor condition of roads.

Large numbers of residents of Majlis Taufikpur have threatened to boycott polls if the main road connecting their village to the other part is not constructed.

Speaking to ANI, one of the villagers, Kuldeep Saini, said, "Our village comes under Bijnor Lok Sabha constituency. A lot of leaders are coming because of Lok Sabha elections but no one does anything. The main road is in very bad condition. Now the villagers have decided that vote will be given only when there is a proper road."

Another resident Veer Singh said, "We have a lot of issues but there is this road problem which affects us very adversely. The road is in very bad condition and there are big potholes. A lot of accidents have also happened in which our children have gotten injured. We have now decided that vote will be given only on the basis of work otherwise we will not give the vote. The whole village has unanimously taken the decision".

He also said that there is no inter-college for girls in the village. Village Headman Yogesh Thakur is also supporting the campaign of 'no road, no vote'&nbsp;and told ANI, "Our main road is almost non-existent. The road has broken quite ago in the year 2013 but no one is reconstructing it. We have decided that there will be no vote until we have a road. Every time we get promises but we want work done now."

Seven-phase elections in the country are slated to begin on April 11 and will go on till May 19. Counting of votes will be held on May 23. There are 80 Lok Sabha seats at stake in Uttar Pradesh, polling for which will be held in all seven phases.

Polling in Bijnor will be held in the first phase of elections on April 11.

With Lok Sabha polls inching closer, candidates are leaving no stone unturned to woo voters in their favour. However, there is a village in Bijnor Lok Sabha constituency that has collectively decided to not vote, citing poor condition of roads.

With Lok Sabha polls inching closer, candidates are leaving no stone unturned to woo voters in their favour. However, there is a village in Bijnor Lok Sabha constituency that has collectively decided to not vote, citing poor condition of roads. Large numbers of residents of Majlis Taufikpur have threatened to boycott polls if the main road connecting their village to the other part is not constructed. Speaking to ANI, one of the villagers, Kuldeep Saini, said, "Our village comes under Bijnor Lok Sabha constituency. A lot of leaders are coming because of Lok Sabha elections but no one does anything. The main road is in very bad condition. Now the villagers have decided that vote will be given only when there is a proper road." Another resident Veer Singh said, "We have a lot of issues but there is this road problem which affects us very adversely. The road is in very bad condition and there are big potholes. A lot of accidents have also happened in which our children have gotten injured. We have now decided that vote will be given only on the basis of work otherwise we will not give the vote. The whole village has unanimously taken the decision". He also said that there is no inter-college for girls in the village. Village Headman Yogesh Thakur is also supporting the campaign of 'no road, no vote' and told ANI, "Our main road is almost non-existent. The road has broken quite ago in the year 2013 but no one is reconstructing it. We have decided that there will be no vote until we have a road. Every time we get promises but we want work done now." Seven-phase elections in the country are slated to begin on April 11 and will go on till May 19. Counting of votes will be held on May 23. There are 80 Lok Sabha seats at stake in Uttar Pradesh, polling for which will be held in all seven phases. Polling in Bijnor will be held in the first phase of elections on April 11.

Lok Sabha polls 2019: People of UP village threaten to boycott elections if roads not constructed

National Conference president Farooq Abdullah on Monday said abrogating Article 370 of the Constitution will pave the way for "freedom" for people of Jammu and Kashmir and asked the BJP to try joining the hearts and not breaking them.

Abdullah's remarks come on the day BJP released its manifesto for the Lok Sabha polls in which the party reiterated its commitment to scrap Article 370, which grants special status to Jammu and Kashmir.

The party also resolved to annul Article 35A of the Constitution, which bars people from outside to own property in Jammu and Kashmir.

"They talk of abrogating Article 370. If you do that, the accession will also not stand. I swear by Allah, I think this is the wish of Almighty, we will get freedom from them," Abdullah, who is contesting the Lok Sabha polls from Srinagar constituency, said at an election rally here.

The former chief minister said there would not be anyone to hoist the national flag in Kashmir if Article 370 is abrogated.

"Let them do it, we will see. I will see who is ready to hoist their flag here. So don't do such things that break our hearts. Try joining the hearts, not breaking them," he said.&nbsp;

Launching a scathing attack on the BJP leadership, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Abdullah said, "When you do an election rally do speak a few words of love for Jammu and Kashmir."

"Yes, we are a Muslim majority state and there is no doubt about that. Try as much as you want but you can't change it. You think by removing Article 35A, you will usurp our rights. Will we take this lying down? We will fight it," he added.

The NC president said the special residency laws were brought in by then Maharaja of Jammu and Kashmir, Hari Singh, in 1927 as a safeguard for Dogras so that their numbers were not diluted by influx of population from other parts of India.

"Do you know what is Article 35A? It gives you (people of state) the right to this place. Nobody from outside can buy land here or apply for jobs. This was kept by Maharaja Hari Singh in 1927 so that the population of Dogras does not fall. It was not as much for us as much for them (Dogras). What do they want? Will they bring people from outside and settle them here to dilute our numbers?" he asked.

NC vice president Omar Abdullah used the BJP manifesto to hit out at Governor Satya Pal Malik.

"Recently J&amp;K Governor claimed there was no threat to Art 370 &amp; 35-A and that parties like mine were only using them to drum up fear in the elections. I hope his colleagues in the BJP send him a copy of their manifesto," he tweeted.&nbsp;

National Conference president Farooq Abdullah on Monday said abrogating Article 370 of the Constitution will pave the way for "freedom" for people of Jammu and Kashmir and asked the BJP to try joining the hearts and not breaking them.

National Conference president Farooq Abdullah on Monday said abrogating Article 370 of the Constitution will pave the way for "freedom" for people of Jammu and Kashmir and asked the BJP to try joining the hearts and not breaking them. Abdullah's remarks come on the day BJP released its manifesto for the Lok Sabha polls in which the party reiterated its commitment to scrap Article 370, which grants special status to Jammu and Kashmir. The party also resolved to annul Article 35A of the Constitution, which bars people from outside to own property in Jammu and Kashmir. "They talk of abrogating Article 370. If you do that, the accession will also not stand. I swear by Allah, I think this is the wish of Almighty, we will get freedom from them," Abdullah, who is contesting the Lok Sabha polls from Srinagar constituency, said at an election rally here. The former chief minister said there would not be anyone to hoist the national flag in Kashmir if Article 370 is abrogated. "Let them do it, we will see. I will see who is ready to hoist their flag here. So don't do such things that break our hearts. Try joining the hearts, not breaking them," he said. Launching a scathing attack on the BJP leadership, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Abdullah said, "When you do an election rally do speak a few words of love for Jammu and Kashmir." "Yes, we are a Muslim majority state and there is no doubt about that. Try as much as you want but you can't change it. You think by removing Article 35A, you will usurp our rights. Will we take this lying down? We will fight it," he added. The NC president said the special residency laws were brought in by then Maharaja of Jammu and Kashmir, Hari Singh, in 1927 as a safeguard for Dogras so that their numbers were not diluted by influx of population from other parts of India. "Do you know what is Article 35A? It gives you (people of state) the right to this place. Nobody from outside can buy land here or apply for jobs. This was kept by Maharaja Hari Singh in 1927 so that the population of Dogras does not fall. It was not as much for us as much for them (Dogras). What do they want? Will they bring people from outside and settle them here to dilute our numbers?" he asked. NC vice president Omar Abdullah used the BJP manifesto to hit out at Governor Satya Pal Malik. "Recently J&K Governor claimed there was no threat to Art 370 & 35-A and that parties like mine were only using them to drum up fear in the elections. I hope his colleagues in the BJP send him a copy of their manifesto," he tweeted.

Abrogating Article 370 will pave way for 'freedom' for people of J&K: Farooq Abdullah

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