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Priyanka Gandhi Vadra became the latest member of India's storied Nehru-Gandhi dynasty to enter politics in January, but the boost she brings the opposition campaign may not turn the tide against Prime Minister Narendra Modi, polls show.

After years of speculation, the charismatic Vadra joined Congress to help its leader, her brother Rahul, in general elections that begin next week, pitching the party and regional groups against Modi.

Congress hopes the fourth-generation siblings of a dynasty that ruled India for decades after independence from Britain in 1947 and is still revered by many will help energise its ranks and counter Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

In the run-up to the election that starts on Thursday, the 47-year-old Vadra has spent hours campaigning in cars, trucks and even a boat, to woo voters in Uttar Pradesh, which sends more lawmakers to parliament than any other Indian state.

Reuters followed her at two roadshows where she smiled, waved, and shook hands, occasionally wading into crowds as her security detail scrambled along. Her father and grandmother, both former prime ministers, were assassinated.

Thousands of people lined the streets for several kilometres, waving Congress flags and chanting her name.

"There is support for Congress because of Priyanka," said Mahesh Gupta, a shopkeeper in the temple town of Ayodhya, where she visited a shrine in late March.

Gupta, who referred to Vadra by her first name, as many Indians do, voted for Modi in the last election, but said he was considering Congress after seeing her campaign.

Vadra, a marquee campaigner for Congress, chose Ayodhya as one of her first tours to take on the BJP in its own bastion.

Even so, in the face of the formidable political machine of the BJP which also rules the state, Congress may be unable to capitalise on her appeal, pollsters and some party leaders said.

Vadra's campaigning was getting attention for Congress it would not have got otherwise, but it did not look like the party was making gains, said Milan Vaishnav, an analyst at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace.

"Many in Congress say the Priyanka play is more about building up the party for 2022 assembly elections and beyond," he said, referring to state elections in Uttar Pradesh.

Last month, polling agencies CVoter and CNX separately estimated Congress would win just 4 of the 80 seats up for grabs in the state, doubling its tally since the last general election in 2014.

That year's sweep of 71 seats for the BJP paved the way for Modi's clear majority in India’s 545-member Lok Sabha.

A broader poll published by a newspaper on Friday showed Modi's approval ratings across India were higher even than in 2014 when he was making a bid for power.

The poll, by the newspaper CSDS-Lokniti, showed 43 per cent of respondents wanted Modi as the next prime minister, with 24 per cent for Congress leader Rahul Gandhi.

Vote wisely

For years, Vadra helped manage elections for her brother and mother, former Congress president Sonia Gandhi, in their own constituencies, but was reluctant to get into politics herself.

A mother of two, she is married to businessman Robert Vadra and has long been seen as a natural politician with strong speaking skills and an ability to easily connect with people.

One afternoon last week, her 12-car convoy sped past lush fields and small settlements, kicking up a cloud of dust before stopping at the village of Atka in the Ayodhya district.

The saree-clad Vadra jumped out of her car and settled down on the ground surrounded by a group of women, many veiled and others smiling.

"If someone doesn’t work for you, how will you teach them a lesson?" she asked, imploring them to vote wisely. "Vote for those who want to work for you."

CVoter, which has run a daily opinion poll since January, said Congress support in Uttar Pradesh has dropped off after jumping 10 percentage points in the days following the news that Vadra had taken a party post.

Late in March, about 8.9 per cent of state voters backed Congress, a far cry from the 43.4 per cent supporting the BJP and the 44 per cent behind an alliance of two major regional parties.

However, even with Vadra's hectic campaigning, Congress is struggling to get its message of welfare to voters, party officials said.

Six voters in Uttar Pradesh said they had not heard of a Congress election promise for a programme to give India's poorest families monthly handouts of 6,000 rupees.

"They brought her in at a very wrong time," said one Congress official, who declined to be identified because he was not authorised to speak formally to media.

A better time would have been December, just days after Congress won power in three key states, giving her more time to prepare, he added. Others in the party have said it should have been years earlier.

The BJP has dismissed Vadra's formal entry into politics as inconsequential and Modi said it only showed that for some "the family is the party".

Vadra's office did not respond to a request from Reuters for an interview.

But Congress will seize on momentum building against the BJP, said Kamal Nath, a top Congress leader and chief minister of Madhya Pradesh.

"You have to time everything," he told Reuters. "You don't want to peak out too fast."

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra became the latest member of India's storied Nehru-Gandhi dynasty to enter politics in January, but the boost she brings the opposition campaign may not turn the tide against Prime Minister Narendra Modi, polls show.

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra became the latest member of India's storied Nehru-Gandhi dynasty to enter politics in January, but the boost she brings the opposition campaign may not turn the tide against Prime Minister Narendra Modi, polls show. After years of speculation, the charismatic Vadra joined Congress to help its leader, her brother Rahul, in general elections that begin next week, pitching the party and regional groups against Modi. Congress hopes the fourth-generation siblings of a dynasty that ruled India for decades after independence from Britain in 1947 and is still revered by many will help energise its ranks and counter Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). In the run-up to the election that starts on Thursday, the 47-year-old Vadra has spent hours campaigning in cars, trucks and even a boat, to woo voters in Uttar Pradesh, which sends more lawmakers to parliament than any other Indian state. Reuters followed her at two roadshows where she smiled, waved, and shook hands, occasionally wading into crowds as her security detail scrambled along. Her father and grandmother, both former prime ministers, were assassinated. Thousands of people lined the streets for several kilometres, waving Congress flags and chanting her name. "There is support for Congress because of Priyanka," said Mahesh Gupta, a shopkeeper in the temple town of Ayodhya, where she visited a shrine in late March. Gupta, who referred to Vadra by her first name, as many Indians do, voted for Modi in the last election, but said he was considering Congress after seeing her campaign. Vadra, a marquee campaigner for Congress, chose Ayodhya as one of her first tours to take on the BJP in its own bastion. Even so, in the face of the formidable political machine of the BJP which also rules the state, Congress may be unable to capitalise on her appeal, pollsters and some party leaders said. Vadra's campaigning was getting attention for Congress it would not have got otherwise, but it did not look like the party was making gains, said Milan Vaishnav, an analyst at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. "Many in Congress say the Priyanka play is more about building up the party for 2022 assembly elections and beyond," he said, referring to state elections in Uttar Pradesh. Last month, polling agencies CVoter and CNX separately estimated Congress would win just 4 of the 80 seats up for grabs in the state, doubling its tally since the last general election in 2014. That year's sweep of 71 seats for the BJP paved the way for Modi's clear majority in India’s 545-member Lok Sabha. A broader poll published by a newspaper on Friday showed Modi's approval ratings across India were higher even than in 2014 when he was making a bid for power. The poll, by the newspaper CSDS-Lokniti, showed 43 per cent of respondents wanted Modi as the next prime minister, with 24 per cent for Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. Vote wisely For years, Vadra helped manage elections for her brother and mother, former Congress president Sonia Gandhi, in their own constituencies, but was reluctant to get into politics herself. A mother of two, she is married to businessman Robert Vadra and has long been seen as a natural politician with strong speaking skills and an ability to easily connect with people. One afternoon last week, her 12-car convoy sped past lush fields and small settlements, kicking up a cloud of dust before stopping at the village of Atka in the Ayodhya district. The saree-clad Vadra jumped out of her car and settled down on the ground surrounded by a group of women, many veiled and others smiling. "If someone doesn’t work for you, how will you teach them a lesson?" she asked, imploring them to vote wisely. "Vote for those who want to work for you." CVoter, which has run a daily opinion poll since January, said Congress support in Uttar Pradesh has dropped off after jumping 10 percentage points in the days following the news that Vadra had taken a party post. Late in March, about 8.9 per cent of state voters backed Congress, a far cry from the 43.4 per cent supporting the BJP and the 44 per cent behind an alliance of two major regional parties. However, even with Vadra's hectic campaigning, Congress is struggling to get its message of welfare to voters, party officials said. Six voters in Uttar Pradesh said they had not heard of a Congress election promise for a programme to give India's poorest families monthly handouts of 6,000 rupees. "They brought her in at a very wrong time," said one Congress official, who declined to be identified because he was not authorised to speak formally to media. A better time would have been December, just days after Congress won power in three key states, giving her more time to prepare, he added. Others in the party have said it should have been years earlier. The BJP has dismissed Vadra's formal entry into politics as inconsequential and Modi said it only showed that for some "the family is the party". Vadra's office did not respond to a request from Reuters for an interview. But Congress will seize on momentum building against the BJP, said Kamal Nath, a top Congress leader and chief minister of Madhya Pradesh. "You have to time everything," he told Reuters. "You don't want to peak out too fast."

Priyanka Gandhi in uphill battle against BJP in eastern Uttar Pradesh

BJP is set to release its manifesto for the ensuing Lok Sabha elections on April 8.

The manifesto will be released in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP president Amit Shah. Other senior leaders of the party including several Cabinet Ministers will be present at the event.

BJP conducted around three-month long exercise to make this “Sankalp Patra”, or the election manifesto for the 2019 election.

The party had also launched hundreds of chariots for its ‘Bharat Ke Mann Ki Baat, Modi ke Saath’ campaign in February this year as it wanted to seek suggestions directly from the people to prepare its “Sankalp Patra”&nbsp;

The party had sought suggestions from the people from almost every Lok Sabha seat through this campaign.

Earlier on January 6, BJP had constituted 20-member manifesto committee led by Home Minister Rajanth Singh. Rajnath later constituted 15 sub-committees to work on the Manifesto.

Now the long exercise is over and BJP is ready with its 'Sankalp Patra'.

The party will release its manifesto (Sankalp Patra) on Monday in a mega event at new BJP headquarter situated at Deen Dayal Upadhaya Marg.

BJP has promised to make its manifesto “Sankalp Patra”, “voice of the people.”

It remains to be seen what eventually figures out in the manifesto but according to sources- Development, Nationalism, Hindutva, and a special mechanism for job creation are certain to be included in the manifesto.&nbsp;

BJP is set to release its manifesto for the ensuing Lok Sabha elections on April 8. The manifesto will be released in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP president Amit Shah.

BJP is set to release its manifesto for the ensuing Lok Sabha elections on April 8. The manifesto will be released in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP president Amit Shah. Other senior leaders of the party including several Cabinet Ministers will be present at the event. BJP conducted around three-month long exercise to make this “Sankalp Patra”, or the election manifesto for the 2019 election. The party had also launched hundreds of chariots for its ‘Bharat Ke Mann Ki Baat, Modi ke Saath’ campaign in February this year as it wanted to seek suggestions directly from the people to prepare its “Sankalp Patra” The party had sought suggestions from the people from almost every Lok Sabha seat through this campaign. Earlier on January 6, BJP had constituted 20-member manifesto committee led by Home Minister Rajanth Singh. Rajnath later constituted 15 sub-committees to work on the Manifesto. Now the long exercise is over and BJP is ready with its 'Sankalp Patra'. The party will release its manifesto (Sankalp Patra) on Monday in a mega event at new BJP headquarter situated at Deen Dayal Upadhaya Marg. BJP has promised to make its manifesto “Sankalp Patra”, “voice of the people.” It remains to be seen what eventually figures out in the manifesto but according to sources- Development, Nationalism, Hindutva, and a special mechanism for job creation are certain to be included in the manifesto.

Lok Sabha polls: BJP to release election manifesto 'Sankalp Patra' on Monday

Hours after the Election Commission ordered the transfer of state Chief Secretary Anil Chandra Punetha, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu said the EC should work in an "unbiased manner."

Punetha was on Friday shifted to a non-election post, while LV Subramanyam, a 1983-batch IAS officer, was appointed as the new Chief Secretary of Andhra Pradesh.

"For what mistake did EC transfer the Chief Secretary? How can you transfer without telling the mistake he did? Election Commission should work in an unbiased manner," Naidu said.

"I am condemning the transfer of Chief Secretary. I am condemning Centre's conspiracies against Andhra. I will see if they will arrest me tomorrow or day after," he added.

While speaking at a roadshow in Visakhapatnam, Naidu demanded an explanation from the poll body on Punetha's transfer.

He said, "Election commission should be impartial. When the election code came into force, our collector was changed. Two SPs and intelligence are also appointed similarly. Today they changed our Chief Secretary. What does that mean?"

Meanwhile, Naidu, while addressing a rally in Aluru in Kurnool district, assured Muslims that he will give the Deputy Chief Minister post to Muslims if he is voted to power again in Andhra Pradesh.

He even promised to set up an Islamic bank for minorities.

"Vote for Jaganmohan Reddy means vote for Prime Minister Narendra Modi. If Modi comes to power again, minorities will have to face many troubles. If Modi wins again, he will see Muslims in the country will have no votes at all. Jagan became a slave to KCR (Telangana Chief Minister K&nbsp;Chandrashekar Rao) and Modi," Naidu said.

Andhra Pradesh will go to polls on April 11 for Lok Sabha and assembly constituencies in the state. Counting of votes will take place on May 23.

Hours after the Election Commission ordered the transfer of state Chief Secretary Anil Chandra Punetha, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu said the EC should work in an "unbiased manner.

Hours after the Election Commission ordered the transfer of state Chief Secretary Anil Chandra Punetha, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu said the EC should work in an "unbiased manner." Punetha was on Friday shifted to a non-election post, while LV Subramanyam, a 1983-batch IAS officer, was appointed as the new Chief Secretary of Andhra Pradesh. "For what mistake did EC transfer the Chief Secretary? How can you transfer without telling the mistake he did? Election Commission should work in an unbiased manner," Naidu said. "I am condemning the transfer of Chief Secretary. I am condemning Centre's conspiracies against Andhra. I will see if they will arrest me tomorrow or day after," he added. While speaking at a roadshow in Visakhapatnam, Naidu demanded an explanation from the poll body on Punetha's transfer. He said, "Election commission should be impartial. When the election code came into force, our collector was changed. Two SPs and intelligence are also appointed similarly. Today they changed our Chief Secretary. What does that mean?" Meanwhile, Naidu, while addressing a rally in Aluru in Kurnool district, assured Muslims that he will give the Deputy Chief Minister post to Muslims if he is voted to power again in Andhra Pradesh. He even promised to set up an Islamic bank for minorities. "Vote for Jaganmohan Reddy means vote for Prime Minister Narendra Modi. If Modi comes to power again, minorities will have to face many troubles. If Modi wins again, he will see Muslims in the country will have no votes at all. Jagan became a slave to KCR (Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao) and Modi," Naidu said. Andhra Pradesh will go to polls on April 11 for Lok Sabha and assembly constituencies in the state. Counting of votes will take place on May 23.

Election Commission should work in unbiased manner: Andhra CM Chandrababu Naidu on transfer of state chief secretary

On the 39th foundation day of the Bharatiya Janata Party Saturday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed confidence that its workers would be working day and night to ensure that the party and its allies are "blessed" by people in the Lok Sabha polls.&nbsp;

In his tweets, he said the BJP was born with an unwavering commitment to serve society and take the nation to new heights, and that it has become India's preferred party.&nbsp;

"The BJP stands tall due to its democratic ethos and patriotic zeal. This is a party that is always on the ground, at the forefront of helping fellow Indians. Our development work has endeared the party to all sections of society, across the length and breadth of India," Modi said.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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The <a href="https://twitter.com/BJP4India?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BJP4India</a> stands tall due to it’s democratic ethos and patriotic zeal. This is a Party that is always on the ground, at the forefront of helping fellow Indians. Our development work has endeared the Party to all sections of society, across the length and breadth of India.
— Chowkidar Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1114361434165645313?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 6, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"I am confident that the entire family of BJP Karyakartas would be working day and night to ensure that our party and our allies are blessed yet again by the people of India. In the last 5 years, lots have been done and we want to do much more for the country," he added.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
I am confident that the entire family of <a href="https://twitter.com/BJP4India?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BJP4India</a> Karyakartas would be working day and night to ensure that our Party and our allies are blessed yet again by the people of India. In the last 5 years lots has been done and we want to do much more for the country.
— Chowkidar Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1114361695781183489?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 6, 2019</a></blockquote>
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On the occasion, BJP president Amit Shah called upon party workers to put in an "untiring effort" to build a new India under Modi.

Modi also put out a short video featuring speeches of party's founders, Atal Bihari Vajpayee and LK Advani, besides those of him and Shah.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
39 years ago on this day, <a href="https://twitter.com/BJP4India?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BJP4India</a> was born with an unwavering commitment to serve society and take the nation to new heights. Thanks to the efforts of our Karyakartas, BJP has become India’s preferred party. Greetings to the BJP family on the Party’s Foundation Day. <a href="https://t.co/fBHp3fBQ2a">pic.twitter.com/fBHp3fBQ2a</a>
— Chowkidar Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1114361086139088896?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 6, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The BJP was founded in 1980 by leaders of the erstwhile Jana Sangh, which had merged in 1977 with Janata Party - an amalgam of several anti-Congress parties.

In the first Lok Sabha polls it fought in 1984, the BJP won only two seats but has since gone from strength to strength, winning a majority of seats for the first time in 2014.

On the 39th foundation day of the Bharatiya Janata Party Saturday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed confidence that its workers would be working day and night to ensure that the party and its allies are "blessed" by people in the Lok Sabha polls.

On the 39th foundation day of the Bharatiya Janata Party Saturday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed confidence that its workers would be working day and night to ensure that the party and its allies are "blessed" by people in the Lok Sabha polls. In his tweets, he said the BJP was born with an unwavering commitment to serve society and take the nation to new heights, and that it has become India's preferred party. "The BJP stands tall due to its democratic ethos and patriotic zeal. This is a party that is always on the ground, at the forefront of helping fellow Indians. Our development work has endeared the party to all sections of society, across the length and breadth of India," Modi said. The @BJP4India stands tall due to it’s democratic ethos and patriotic zeal. This is a Party that is always on the ground, at the forefront of helping fellow Indians. Our development work has endeared the Party to all sections of society, across the length and breadth of India. — Chowkidar Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 6, 2019 × "I am confident that the entire family of BJP Karyakartas would be working day and night to ensure that our party and our allies are blessed yet again by the people of India. In the last 5 years, lots have been done and we want to do much more for the country," he added. I am confident that the entire family of @BJP4India Karyakartas would be working day and night to ensure that our Party and our allies are blessed yet again by the people of India. In the last 5 years lots has been done and we want to do much more for the country. — Chowkidar Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 6, 2019 × On the occasion, BJP president Amit Shah called upon party workers to put in an "untiring effort" to build a new India under Modi. Modi also put out a short video featuring speeches of party's founders, Atal Bihari Vajpayee and LK Advani, besides those of him and Shah. 39 years ago on this day, @BJP4India was born with an unwavering commitment to serve society and take the nation to new heights. Thanks to the efforts of our Karyakartas, BJP has become India’s preferred party. Greetings to the BJP family on the Party’s Foundation Day. pic.twitter.com/fBHp3fBQ2a — Chowkidar Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 6, 2019 × The BJP was founded in 1980 by leaders of the erstwhile Jana Sangh, which had merged in 1977 with Janata Party - an amalgam of several anti-Congress parties. In the first Lok Sabha polls it fought in 1984, the BJP won only two seats but has since gone from strength to strength, winning a majority of seats for the first time in 2014.

In last 5 years, lots have been done, want to do much more for the country: Modi

Two civilians were injured in the ceasefire violation by Pakistan in Nowshera sector of Rajouri district, yesterday, news agency ANI reported.

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Jammu and Kashmir: Two civilians were injured in the ceasefire violation by Pakistan in Nowshera sector of Rajouri district, yesterday. <a href="https://t.co/g7DNkmBy3r">pic.twitter.com/g7DNkmBy3r</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1114391319974035462?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 6, 2019</a></blockquote>
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According to the report, Pakistan initiated&nbsp;shelling with mortars and firing of small arms along the Line of Control (LoC) around 2.20 pm.

The violation was then retaliated by the Indian Army.

Earlier on April 4, Pakistan violated ceasefire in Gulpar and Degwar sectors of Poonch.

&nbsp;

Two civilians were injured in the ceasefire violation by Pakistan in Nowshera sector of Rajouri district, yesterday, news agency ANI reported. Jammu and Kashmir: Two civilians were injured in the ceasefire violation by Pakistan in Nowshera sector of Rajouri district, yesterday.

Two civilians were injured in the ceasefire violation by Pakistan in Nowshera sector of Rajouri district, yesterday, news agency ANI reported. Jammu and Kashmir: Two civilians were injured in the ceasefire violation by Pakistan in Nowshera sector of Rajouri district, yesterday. pic.twitter.com/g7DNkmBy3r — ANI (@ANI) April 6, 2019 × According to the report, Pakistan initiated shelling with mortars and firing of small arms along the Line of Control (LoC) around 2.20 pm. The violation was then retaliated by the Indian Army. Earlier on April 4, Pakistan violated ceasefire in Gulpar and Degwar sectors of Poonch.

J&K: 2 civilians injured in Rajouri's ceasefire violation by Pakistan

Taking cognizance of the supplementary charge sheet filed by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in AgustaWestland money laundering case, a Delhi court on Saturday summoned David Syms, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/how-was-charge-sheet-leaked-cbi-court-asks-in-agustawestland-deal-case-208395">alleged partner and director of ''middleman'' Christian Michel</a>’s firm and two other firms to appear before it on May 9.

ED, on April 4, filed a charge sheet against AgustaWestland deal alleged middlemen Christian Michel in Patiala House court, in which it claimed to have traced the trail of 70 million euros that had come allegedly in the form of "kickbacks" in the Rs 3600-crore AgustaWestland VVIP chopper deal.

In the more than 2000-page supplementary charge sheet submitted before Special CBI Judge Arvind Kumar, the agency had named two firms -- Global Services FZE and Global Trade and Commerce Limited, besides David Syms as an accused in the case.

In the last hearing on April 5, Michel, through his counsel Aljo K Joseph moved the Delhi court claiming that he has not taken any names before the Enforcement Directorate.

He also alleged that the central leadership was using government agencies to suit their "personal agendas".

Joseph also told the court that a copy of the charge sheet was provided to media before it was provided to Christian Michel.

Michel, who was extradited from the UAE in December last year, is currently lodged in Tihar Jail in connection with the CBI and ED cases against him related to the AgustaWestland deal scam.

Taking cognizance of the supplementary charge sheet filed by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in AgustaWestland money laundering case, a Delhi court on Saturday summoned David Syms, alleged partner and director of ''middleman'' Christian Michel’s firm and two other firms to appear before it on May 9.

Taking cognizance of the supplementary charge sheet filed by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in AgustaWestland money laundering case, a Delhi court on Saturday summoned David Syms, alleged partner and director of ''middleman'' Christian Michel’s firm and two other firms to appear before it on May 9. ED, on April 4, filed a charge sheet against AgustaWestland deal alleged middlemen Christian Michel in Patiala House court, in which it claimed to have traced the trail of 70 million euros that had come allegedly in the form of "kickbacks" in the Rs 3600-crore AgustaWestland VVIP chopper deal. In the more than 2000-page supplementary charge sheet submitted before Special CBI Judge Arvind Kumar, the agency had named two firms -- Global Services FZE and Global Trade and Commerce Limited, besides David Syms as an accused in the case. In the last hearing on April 5, Michel, through his counsel Aljo K Joseph moved the Delhi court claiming that he has not taken any names before the Enforcement Directorate. He also alleged that the central leadership was using government agencies to suit their "personal agendas". Joseph also told the court that a copy of the charge sheet was provided to media before it was provided to Christian Michel. Michel, who was extradited from the UAE in December last year, is currently lodged in Tihar Jail in connection with the CBI and ED cases against him related to the AgustaWestland deal scam.

Delhi Court summons Christian Michel's partner in AgustaWestland case

The National Investigation Agency on Saturday arrested a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jem-chief-masood-azhars-nephew-mohammad-umar-killed-in-jk-encounter-207826">Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM)</a> operative over his involvement in the 2017 terror attack on a CRPF camp in Lethpora in South Kashmir, officials said.

The accused identified as Syed Hilal Andrabi, an overground worker of the JeM and is allegedly a key conspirator who provided logistic support in the form of sheltering the terrorists and conducting reconnaissance of the CRPF group centre before the attack was carried out.

During the investigation, the trio which carried out the terror attack in 2017 was identified as Fardeen Ahmad Khandey, Manzoor Baba both residents of Pulwama district and a Pakistani terrorist Abdul Shakoor.

''All three terrorists were killed in the encounter. In this attack, 5 CRPF personnel were martyred and three were grievously injured," a statement from the NIA read.

''After his arrest from Jammu, accused Syed Hilal Andrabi was produced before the competent court and his five days’ police custody has been obtained for unearthing the larger conspiracy behind this attack,'' the statement said.

The terrorist attack on the CRPF group centre occurred on December 31, 2017, by three terrorists of proscribed terrorist of JeM.

Further investigation in the matter is underway.

The National Investigation Agency on Saturday arrested a Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) operative over his involvement in the 2017 terror attack on a CRPF camp in Lethpora in South Kashmir, officials said.

The National Investigation Agency on Saturday arrested a Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) operative over his involvement in the 2017 terror attack on a CRPF camp in Lethpora in South Kashmir, officials said. The accused identified as Syed Hilal Andrabi, an overground worker of the JeM and is allegedly a key conspirator who provided logistic support in the form of sheltering the terrorists and conducting reconnaissance of the CRPF group centre before the attack was carried out. During the investigation, the trio which carried out the terror attack in 2017 was identified as Fardeen Ahmad Khandey, Manzoor Baba both residents of Pulwama district and a Pakistani terrorist Abdul Shakoor. ''All three terrorists were killed in the encounter. In this attack, 5 CRPF personnel were martyred and three were grievously injured," a statement from the NIA read. ''After his arrest from Jammu, accused Syed Hilal Andrabi was produced before the competent court and his five days’ police custody has been obtained for unearthing the larger conspiracy behind this attack,'' the statement said. The terrorist attack on the CRPF group centre occurred on December 31, 2017, by three terrorists of proscribed terrorist of JeM. Further investigation in the matter is underway.

NIA arrests key conspirator in 2017 J&K terror attack

Ahead of the Lok Sabha polls, the Election Commission of India has issued a censure to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath over his 'Modi ki Sena'&nbsp;remark.

Censure is to express disapproval of someone/something in a formal statement.

The EC has advised Adityanath to be more careful in the future as a "senior political leader."

While addressing a public rally in Ghaziabad on April 1, Adityanath had referred to the Indian Army as "Modi ji ki sena" while drawing a comparison between the steps taken by the BJP-led central government against terrorism and the previous Congress government.

"Things which were impossible for SP-BSP, are now possible; it is possible since Modi is here. Congress used to feed biryani to terrorists but Modi ji ki sena (Prime Minister Narendra Modi's army) gives them only golis and golas (bullets and bombs). This is the difference," the Chief Minister had said.&nbsp;

Ahead of the Lok Sabha polls, the Election Commission of India has issued a censure to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath over his 'Modi ki Sena' remark.

Ahead of the Lok Sabha polls, the Election Commission of India has issued a censure to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath over his 'Modi ki Sena' remark. Censure is to express disapproval of someone/something in a formal statement. The EC has advised Adityanath to be more careful in the future as a "senior political leader." While addressing a public rally in Ghaziabad on April 1, Adityanath had referred to the Indian Army as "Modi ji ki sena" while drawing a comparison between the steps taken by the BJP-led central government against terrorism and the previous Congress government. "Things which were impossible for SP-BSP, are now possible; it is possible since Modi is here. Congress used to feed biryani to terrorists but Modi ji ki sena (Prime Minister Narendra Modi's army) gives them only golis and golas (bullets and bombs). This is the difference," the Chief Minister had said.

Election Commission issues censure to Yogi Adityanath over 'Modi ki Sena' remark

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/this-time-lotus-will-bloom-in-odisha-modi-at-a-rally-in-sundargarh-208307">Prime Minister Narendra Modi</a> will arrive here on April 13 to campaign for the BJP ahead of the Lok Sabha elections, party sources said.

He will address an election rally at Nehru Maidan in the city at 3.30 pm in which more than a lakh people will take part, the sources said.

Meanwhile, election officer and Dakshina Kannada deputy commissioner Sasikanth Senthil held a meeting here to finalise the security arrangements to be made for the visit.

District superintendent of police B M Laxmi Prasad, city police commissioner Sandeep Patil and zilla panchayat chief executive officer R Selvamani attended the meeting.

The Lok Sabha elections will be held in two phases in Karnataka on April 18 and 23.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will arrive here on April 13 to campaign for the BJP ahead of the Lok Sabha elections, party sources said. He will address an election rally at Nehru Maidan in the city at 3.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will arrive here on April 13 to campaign for the BJP ahead of the Lok Sabha elections, party sources said. He will address an election rally at Nehru Maidan in the city at 3.30 pm in which more than a lakh people will take part, the sources said. Meanwhile, election officer and Dakshina Kannada deputy commissioner Sasikanth Senthil held a meeting here to finalise the security arrangements to be made for the visit. District superintendent of police B M Laxmi Prasad, city police commissioner Sandeep Patil and zilla panchayat chief executive officer R Selvamani attended the meeting. The Lok Sabha elections will be held in two phases in Karnataka on April 18 and 23.

Lok Sabha polls 2019: PM Modi to campaign in Mangaluru on April 13

Congress candidate Milind Deora will be fighting against Shiv Sena's Arvind Sawant in the prestigious Mumbai South Lok Sabha constituency. Mumbai South will be going to the polls on April 29th which will witness a high profile clash between the Congress and Shiv Sena.

Milind is no stranger to the voters in this area since his father, former oil minister Murli Deora won three successive Lok Sabha polls in 1984, 1996 and 1998 from this constituency.

However, it won't be easy for Milind Deora to beat Sawant, 67, since the sitting Shiv Sena MP had beaten the Congress leader by over 1.2 lakh votes in 2014 as the BJP and its ally Shiv Sena swept Mumbai during the all-encompassing Modi wave.

Despite the anti-incumbency factor, Sawant won't be an easy candidate to beat for Congress ex-MP Deora. The Shiva Sena MP has risen to the top through the ranks in the party. He was born in Kumbhavade in Sindhudurg district in Maharashtra and completed his school and college education in Mumbai.

The Shiv Sena MP has been in active politics since the late 1960s for the Shiv Sena.

Arvind, a keen orator, started his political carrier as a social worker and trade union leader winning the Maharashtra legislative council seat for the first time in 1996, then again in 2004.

He has worked in various positions for the Shiv Sena at the grassroots in Maharashtra. He is credited with working for employees of MTNL in Maharashtra helping to fulfil wage agreements.

He was the spokesman and deputy leader of the Shiv Sena before the 2014 elections, after which he began climbing the political ladder. Sawant's victory in the Lok Sabha polls in 2014 was the pivotal moment of his decades' long political career.

After he became an MP, Sawant became a member of the estimates committee and Standing Committee on petroleum and natural gas. He is also a member of consultative committee of ministry and communications and Information Technology.

The sauve guitarist Milind Deora, 42, a Boston University graduate in business, is the president of Mumbai Congress. Deora married Pooja Shetty in 2008, daughter of famous film producer Manmohan Shetty.&nbsp;

He became an MP at the age of 27 after winning the 2004 Lok Sabha polls beating Congress candidate Jaywantiben Mehta with a sizable 10,000 votes from Mumbai South. He was re-elected in 2009 with an even bigger margin of over 1.12 lakh votes.

Deora was given the post in the Manmohan cabinet as MoS Communications and Information Technology during his second term as an MP in 2011 and was given additional charge as MoS Shipping in 2012.

He was also a member of several committees during his tenure as MP including Standing Committee Ministry of Defence and Consultative Committees Urban Development, Ministry of Civil Aviation.

The prestigious Mumbai constituency which is one of the 48 Lok Sabha constituency is now bracing for a war of opposites as the Congress seeks to wrest the seat from Shiv Sena which has made major strides in the state ably helped by its ally BJP.

The results to be declared on May 23rd will be keenly followed since nobody can point towards a clear winner. &nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

Congress candidate Milind Deora will be fighting against Shiv Sena's Arvind Sawant in the prestigious Mumbai South Lok Sabha constituency. Mumbai South will be going to the polls on April 29th which will witness a high profile clash between the Congress and Shiv Sena.

Congress candidate Milind Deora will be fighting against Shiv Sena's Arvind Sawant in the prestigious Mumbai South Lok Sabha constituency. Mumbai South will be going to the polls on April 29th which will witness a high profile clash between the Congress and Shiv Sena. Milind is no stranger to the voters in this area since his father, former oil minister Murli Deora won three successive Lok Sabha polls in 1984, 1996 and 1998 from this constituency. However, it won't be easy for Milind Deora to beat Sawant, 67, since the sitting Shiv Sena MP had beaten the Congress leader by over 1.2 lakh votes in 2014 as the BJP and its ally Shiv Sena swept Mumbai during the all-encompassing Modi wave. Despite the anti-incumbency factor, Sawant won't be an easy candidate to beat for Congress ex-MP Deora. The Shiva Sena MP has risen to the top through the ranks in the party. He was born in Kumbhavade in Sindhudurg district in Maharashtra and completed his school and college education in Mumbai. The Shiv Sena MP has been in active politics since the late 1960s for the Shiv Sena. Arvind, a keen orator, started his political carrier as a social worker and trade union leader winning the Maharashtra legislative council seat for the first time in 1996, then again in 2004. He has worked in various positions for the Shiv Sena at the grassroots in Maharashtra. He is credited with working for employees of MTNL in Maharashtra helping to fulfil wage agreements. He was the spokesman and deputy leader of the Shiv Sena before the 2014 elections, after which he began climbing the political ladder. Sawant's victory in the Lok Sabha polls in 2014 was the pivotal moment of his decades' long political career. After he became an MP, Sawant became a member of the estimates committee and Standing Committee on petroleum and natural gas. He is also a member of consultative committee of ministry and communications and Information Technology. The sauve guitarist Milind Deora, 42, a Boston University graduate in business, is the president of Mumbai Congress. Deora married Pooja Shetty in 2008, daughter of famous film producer Manmohan Shetty. He became an MP at the age of 27 after winning the 2004 Lok Sabha polls beating Congress candidate Jaywantiben Mehta with a sizable 10,000 votes from Mumbai South. He was re-elected in 2009 with an even bigger margin of over 1.12 lakh votes. Deora was given the post in the Manmohan cabinet as MoS Communications and Information Technology during his second term as an MP in 2011 and was given additional charge as MoS Shipping in 2012. He was also a member of several committees during his tenure as MP including Standing Committee Ministry of Defence and Consultative Committees Urban Development, Ministry of Civil Aviation. The prestigious Mumbai constituency which is one of the 48 Lok Sabha constituency is now bracing for a war of opposites as the Congress seeks to wrest the seat from Shiv Sena which has made major strides in the state ably helped by its ally BJP. The results to be declared on May 23rd will be keenly followed since nobody can point towards a clear winner.

Mumbai South: Milind Deora vs Arvind Sawant in war of opposites

BJP leader and Union Minister Smriti Irani on Saturday asserted that farmers have understood the "injustice" done to them over the years by the "naamdar" Congress government.

Addressing a public meeting in Salon block here, she said, "Over the years, people of this block here have understood the injustice done to them by the 'naamdar' (dynast) government and now they are giving chance to our 'kaamdar'&nbsp;Bharatiya Janata Party."

"For the first time, you have a roof over your head and toilets in your homes. This would not have been possible if it were not for the son of a poor mother itself," she said, referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Urging people to vote for the BJP, Irani said, "People must vote for the son a poor mother, who has deposited Rs 6,000 in your bank accounts under the PM-Kisan scheme and supplied LPG cylinders to your houses under the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana."

Smriti Irani is on a two-day visit to Amethi from where she is slated to contest elections. Rahul Gandhi has represented Amethi since 2004.

In the ensuing Lok Sabha elections, he will be facing a challenge in Amethi from Irani.

The 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.&nbsp;

BJP leader and Union Minister Smriti Irani on Saturday asserted that farmers have understood the "injustice" done to them over the years by the "naamdar" Congress government.

BJP leader and Union Minister Smriti Irani on Saturday asserted that farmers have understood the "injustice" done to them over the years by the "naamdar" Congress government. Addressing a public meeting in Salon block here, she said, "Over the years, people of this block here have understood the injustice done to them by the 'naamdar' (dynast) government and now they are giving chance to our 'kaamdar' Bharatiya Janata Party." "For the first time, you have a roof over your head and toilets in your homes. This would not have been possible if it were not for the son of a poor mother itself," she said, referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Urging people to vote for the BJP, Irani said, "People must vote for the son a poor mother, who has deposited Rs 6,000 in your bank accounts under the PM-Kisan scheme and supplied LPG cylinders to your houses under the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana." Smriti Irani is on a two-day visit to Amethi from where she is slated to contest elections. Rahul Gandhi has represented Amethi since 2004. In the ensuing Lok Sabha elections, he will be facing a challenge in Amethi from Irani. The 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.

Farmers have understood 'injustice' done to them by 'naamdar' government: Smriti Irani

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/our-country-is-full-turn-around-trump-to-asylum-seekers-at-mexico-border-208260">Our country is full, turn around: Trump to asylum seekers at Mexico border</a>

US President Donald Trump visited the Mexican border on Friday to deliver a message to would-be illegal immigrants and asylum seekers: don't bother coming.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/boeing-cuts-737-production-rate-by-10-planes-per-month-208263">Boeing cuts 737 production rate by 10 planes per month</a>

Boeing announced Friday it would cut the production schedule of its 737 aircraft line following the two recent crashes that have seen the 737 MAX grounded worldwide.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/as-maldives-heads-for-polls-today-president-solih-hopes-for-majority-to-probe-china-deals-208265">As </a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/as-maldives-heads-for-polls-today-president-solih-hopes-for-majority-to-probe-china-deals-208265">Maldives</a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/as-maldives-heads-for-polls-today-president-solih-hopes-for-majority-to-probe-china-deals-208265"> heads for polls today President Solih hopes for </a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/as-maldives-heads-for-polls-today-president-solih-hopes-for-majority-to-probe-china-deals-208265">majority</a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/as-maldives-heads-for-polls-today-president-solih-hopes-for-majority-to-probe-china-deals-208265"> to probe China deals</a>

The Maldives heads for a parliamentary election on Saturday with President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih seeking a majority for his party to investigate debts to China, which it fears could run as high as $3 billion and risk sinking the economy.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bangladesh-stops-115-rohingya-seeking-to-reach-malaysia-208264">Bangladesh stops 115 Rohingya seeking to reach Malaysia</a>

Bangladesh police have prevented 115 Rohingya refugees from being smuggled to Malaysia in rickety fishing boats, officials said Saturday, but no suspected traffickers were detained.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/canada-pm-justin-trudeau-warns-of-russian-interference-in-parliamentary-polls-208261">Canada PM Justin Trudeau warns of Russian interference in parliamentary polls</a>

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Friday warned of the risk of interference by Russia in Canadian parliamentary elections scheduled for this fall.

&nbsp;

Our country is full, turn around: Trump to asylum seekers at Mexico border US President Donald Trump visited the Mexican border on Friday to deliver a message to would-be illegal immigrants and asylum seekers: don't bother coming.

Our country is full, turn around: Trump to asylum seekers at Mexico border US President Donald Trump visited the Mexican border on Friday to deliver a message to would-be illegal immigrants and asylum seekers: don't bother coming. Boeing cuts 737 production rate by 10 planes per month Boeing announced Friday it would cut the production schedule of its 737 aircraft line following the two recent crashes that have seen the 737 MAX grounded worldwide. As Maldives heads for polls today President Solih hopes for majority to probe China deals The Maldives heads for a parliamentary election on Saturday with President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih seeking a majority for his party to investigate debts to China, which it fears could run as high as $3 billion and risk sinking the economy. Bangladesh stops 115 Rohingya seeking to reach Malaysia Bangladesh police have prevented 115 Rohingya refugees from being smuggled to Malaysia in rickety fishing boats, officials said Saturday, but no suspected traffickers were detained. Canada PM Justin Trudeau warns of Russian interference in parliamentary polls Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Friday warned of the risk of interference by Russia in Canadian parliamentary elections scheduled for this fall.

News brief: Big stories of the day

The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) said it has reached Congressionally-mandated 65,000 <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/h1-b-visa-restrictions-compel-tech-firms-to-hire-more-locals-208225">H-1B visa</a> cap for the fiscal year 2020, after it started receiving the applications for the most sought-after work visa among foreign, including Indian, professionals.&nbsp;

The H-1B visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows the US companies to employ foreign workers in speciality occupations that require theoretical or technical expertise. The technology companies depend on it to hire tens of thousands of employees each year from countries like India and China.

The USCIS, the federal agency mandated with the task of approving such applications, on Friday said, "it has received a sufficient number of petitions projected as needed to reach the congressionally-mandated 65,000 H-1B visa regular cap for the fiscal year 2020."

The fiscal year begins October 1, 2019, and it the USCIS started receiving the visa petitions from April 1.&nbsp;

However, the agency did not reveal the number of petitions received by it in the first five days.

The USCIS said it will next determine if it has received a sufficient number of petitions to meet the 20,000 H-1B visa US advanced degree exemption, known as the master's cap.&nbsp;

The agency said it will reject and return visa fees for all unselected cap-subject petitions that are not prohibited multiple filings. It will continue to accept and process petitions that are otherwise exempt from the cap.

Petitions filed for current H-1B workers who have been counted previously against the cap, and who still retain their cap number, are exempt from the FY 2020 H-1B, the USCIS said.

It did not say if it would resort to the computerised draw of lots as was the case in the last several years.

Last year, the USCIS received 190,000 cap-subjected H-1B petitions. In 2018, it received 199,000 applications while in 2017, 236,000 petitions in the first five days after it started receiving the applications.&nbsp;

The USCIS received 232,972 H-1B cap-subject petitions in 2016 and in 2015, it received 172,581 cap-subjected petitions.

This is the first season of H-1B petitions after the USCIS announced enforcing new rules for the most sought-after US work visa applications for foreign professionals.&nbsp;

The new rules give preferences to those who have completed their post-graduation degree course from any US educational institutions.

This year the USCIS has suspended the electronic registration requirement for the fiscal year 2020 cap season to complete user testing and ensure the system and process are fully functional.

Under the new system, the USCIS first selects H-1B petitions submitted on behalf of all beneficiaries, including those that may be eligible for the advanced degree exemption.

Thereafter, the USCIS will select from the remaining eligible petitions, a number projected to reach the advanced degree exemption. Changing the order in which the USCIS counts these allocations will likely increase the number of petitions for beneficiaries with a master's or higher degree from a US institution of higher education to be selected under the H-1B numerical allocations.

The USCIS says that the change will result in an estimated increase of up to 16 per cent (or 5,340 workers) in the number of selected petitions for H-1B beneficiaries with a master's degree or higher from a US institution of higher education.

"These simple and smart changes are a positive benefit for employers, the foreign workers they seek to employ, and the agency's adjudicators, helping the H-1B visa program work better," USCIS Director L Francis Cissna had said in a statement.

"The US employers seeking to employ foreign workers with a US master's or higher degree will have a greater chance of selection in the H-1B lottery in years of excess demand for new H-1B visas," Cissna said.

In April 2017, US President Donald Trump, had issued the 'Buy American and Hire American Executive Order', instructing the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to "propose new rules and issue new guidance, to supersede or revise previous rules and guidance if appropriate, to protect the interests of US workers in the administration of our immigration system."

The executive order specifically mentioned the H-1B program and directed the DHS and other agencies to "suggest reforms to help ensure that H-1B visas are awarded to the most-skilled or highest-paid petition beneficiaries."&nbsp;

The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) said it has reached Congressionally-mandated 65,000 H-1B visa cap for the fiscal year 2020, after it started receiving the applications for the most sought-after work visa among foreign, including Indian, professionals.

The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) said it has reached Congressionally-mandated 65,000 H-1B visa cap for the fiscal year 2020, after it started receiving the applications for the most sought-after work visa among foreign, including Indian, professionals. The H-1B visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows the US companies to employ foreign workers in speciality occupations that require theoretical or technical expertise. The technology companies depend on it to hire tens of thousands of employees each year from countries like India and China. The USCIS, the federal agency mandated with the task of approving such applications, on Friday said, "it has received a sufficient number of petitions projected as needed to reach the congressionally-mandated 65,000 H-1B visa regular cap for the fiscal year 2020." The fiscal year begins October 1, 2019, and it the USCIS started receiving the visa petitions from April 1. However, the agency did not reveal the number of petitions received by it in the first five days. The USCIS said it will next determine if it has received a sufficient number of petitions to meet the 20,000 H-1B visa US advanced degree exemption, known as the master's cap. The agency said it will reject and return visa fees for all unselected cap-subject petitions that are not prohibited multiple filings. It will continue to accept and process petitions that are otherwise exempt from the cap. Petitions filed for current H-1B workers who have been counted previously against the cap, and who still retain their cap number, are exempt from the FY 2020 H-1B, the USCIS said. It did not say if it would resort to the computerised draw of lots as was the case in the last several years. Last year, the USCIS received 190,000 cap-subjected H-1B petitions. In 2018, it received 199,000 applications while in 2017, 236,000 petitions in the first five days after it started receiving the applications. The USCIS received 232,972 H-1B cap-subject petitions in 2016 and in 2015, it received 172,581 cap-subjected petitions. This is the first season of H-1B petitions after the USCIS announced enforcing new rules for the most sought-after US work visa applications for foreign professionals. The new rules give preferences to those who have completed their post-graduation degree course from any US educational institutions. This year the USCIS has suspended the electronic registration requirement for the fiscal year 2020 cap season to complete user testing and ensure the system and process are fully functional. Under the new system, the USCIS first selects H-1B petitions submitted on behalf of all beneficiaries, including those that may be eligible for the advanced degree exemption. Thereafter, the USCIS will select from the remaining eligible petitions, a number projected to reach the advanced degree exemption. Changing the order in which the USCIS counts these allocations will likely increase the number of petitions for beneficiaries with a master's or higher degree from a US institution of higher education to be selected under the H-1B numerical allocations. The USCIS says that the change will result in an estimated increase of up to 16 per cent (or 5,340 workers) in the number of selected petitions for H-1B beneficiaries with a master's degree or higher from a US institution of higher education. "These simple and smart changes are a positive benefit for employers, the foreign workers they seek to employ, and the agency's adjudicators, helping the H-1B visa program work better," USCIS Director L Francis Cissna had said in a statement. "The US employers seeking to employ foreign workers with a US master's or higher degree will have a greater chance of selection in the H-1B lottery in years of excess demand for new H-1B visas," Cissna said. In April 2017, US President Donald Trump, had issued the 'Buy American and Hire American Executive Order', instructing the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to "propose new rules and issue new guidance, to supersede or revise previous rules and guidance if appropriate, to protect the interests of US workers in the administration of our immigration system." The executive order specifically mentioned the H-1B program and directed the DHS and other agencies to "suggest reforms to help ensure that H-1B visas are awarded to the most-skilled or highest-paid petition beneficiaries."

US reaches 65,000 H-1B visa cap for 2020

Reposing confidence on its sitting MPs, BJP on Saturday released a list of 24 candidates in Haryana, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, Odisha and Madhya Pradesh for the ensuing Lok Sabha election.

The party has announced eight candidates for Haryana, four of Uttar Pradesh, three each of Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Jharkhand and one each for West Bengal and Odisha.

In Haryana, six tickets out of eight have gone to sitting MPs while only on two seats, BJP has announced new candidates-Sanjay Bhatia and Nayab Singh Seni.

Bhatia has replaced current MP Ashwani Kumar. Besides this, in Madhya Pradesh, BJP has put forward Nathan Shah against Chief Minister Kamal Nath's son in Chhindwara.

Meanwhile, in Rajasthan, BJP has announced four candidates for Bharatpur, Karoli, Badmer and Rajsamand Lok Sabha seats. Interestingly, Diya Kumari who was not given any ticket in the last assembly election of Rajasthan will this time contest from Rajsamand constituency on the BJP seat.

Replacing the current MP of Bandha in Uttar Pradesh, BJP has declared that RK Patel will contest the upcoming election.

After Uma Bharti denied contesting the election, her seat was given to Anurag Sharma. In addition to that, BJP on Saturday also announced two candidates for upcoming assembly election in Odisha.

The party also declared two bye-election candidates for Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh.

While Vivek Sahu will contest from Chhindwara, Shashank Sharma candidature has been announced from Uttar Pradesh's Nighasan.

The Lok Sabha election will start on April 11 and will end on May 19. The result will be announced on May 23.&nbsp;

Reposing confidence on its sitting MPs, BJP on Saturday released a list of 24 candidates in Haryana, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, Odisha and Madhya Pradesh for the ensuing Lok Sabha election.

Reposing confidence on its sitting MPs, BJP on Saturday released a list of 24 candidates in Haryana, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, Odisha and Madhya Pradesh for the ensuing Lok Sabha election. The party has announced eight candidates for Haryana, four of Uttar Pradesh, three each of Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Jharkhand and one each for West Bengal and Odisha. In Haryana, six tickets out of eight have gone to sitting MPs while only on two seats, BJP has announced new candidates-Sanjay Bhatia and Nayab Singh Seni. Bhatia has replaced current MP Ashwani Kumar. Besides this, in Madhya Pradesh, BJP has put forward Nathan Shah against Chief Minister Kamal Nath's son in Chhindwara. Meanwhile, in Rajasthan, BJP has announced four candidates for Bharatpur, Karoli, Badmer and Rajsamand Lok Sabha seats. Interestingly, Diya Kumari who was not given any ticket in the last assembly election of Rajasthan will this time contest from Rajsamand constituency on the BJP seat. Replacing the current MP of Bandha in Uttar Pradesh, BJP has declared that RK Patel will contest the upcoming election. After Uma Bharti denied contesting the election, her seat was given to Anurag Sharma. In addition to that, BJP on Saturday also announced two candidates for upcoming assembly election in Odisha. The party also declared two bye-election candidates for Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh. While Vivek Sahu will contest from Chhindwara, Shashank Sharma candidature has been announced from Uttar Pradesh's Nighasan. The Lok Sabha election will start on April 11 and will end on May 19. The result will be announced on May 23.

Lok Sabha polls: BJP releases list of 24 candidates

Union Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-has-achieved-success-in-getting-pakistan-isolated-sushma-swaraj-208266">Sushma Swaraj </a>Friday hit out at Congress president Rahul Gandhi's reported remarks that terrorism was not an issue and asked if that was the case, he should renounce his SPG security cover.

"He (Rahul Gandhi) says a job is an issue, not terrorism. I want to tell Rahul Gandhi ji, if terrorism is not an issue and there is no terrorism in the country, then why do you go around with SPG security?

"From the period of the assassination of (former Prime Minister and Rahul's father) Rajiv Gandhi till now all your family is under the security cover of SPG."

If you feel that terrorism is not an issue then I want to tell you, you write it and give that you do not need SPG security because you feel there is no terrorism in this country and you are not afraid of anybody," she said.

At an election meeting here, Swaraj referred to the air strikes on terror camps in Pakistan's Balakot following the Pulwama attack and said opposition parties who do not have faith in Prime Minister Narendra Modi were taking his Pakistan counterparts statements for granted.

The External Affairs Minister said the air strikes received international support and she received calls from leaders of several countries appreciating India's stand on terrorism.

Opposition parties in the country were taking exception to the BJP claiming credit for the air strikes on Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) in February, she said.

She said the UPA Government should have taken strong action against Pakistan when the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, in which 166 people including 40 foreign nationals were killed, took place.

Narrating the NDA government's initiatives for people, Swaraj said the ruling party's poll plank will be on three issues- security, development and welfare.

She said as many as 1.16 lakh villages have been connected with fibre optic network.

"There were only 77 passport centres in the country now it has gone up to 505 and in Telangana, they were just four and it has gone up to 19," Swaraj added.&nbsp;

Union Minister Sushma Swaraj Friday hit out at Congress president Rahul Gandhi's reported remarks that terrorism was not an issue and asked if that was the case, he should renounce his SPG security cover.

Union Minister Sushma Swaraj Friday hit out at Congress president Rahul Gandhi's reported remarks that terrorism was not an issue and asked if that was the case, he should renounce his SPG security cover. "He (Rahul Gandhi) says a job is an issue, not terrorism. I want to tell Rahul Gandhi ji, if terrorism is not an issue and there is no terrorism in the country, then why do you go around with SPG security? "From the period of the assassination of (former Prime Minister and Rahul's father) Rajiv Gandhi till now all your family is under the security cover of SPG." If you feel that terrorism is not an issue then I want to tell you, you write it and give that you do not need SPG security because you feel there is no terrorism in this country and you are not afraid of anybody," she said. At an election meeting here, Swaraj referred to the air strikes on terror camps in Pakistan's Balakot following the Pulwama attack and said opposition parties who do not have faith in Prime Minister Narendra Modi were taking his Pakistan counterparts statements for granted. The External Affairs Minister said the air strikes received international support and she received calls from leaders of several countries appreciating India's stand on terrorism. Opposition parties in the country were taking exception to the BJP claiming credit for the air strikes on Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) in February, she said. She said the UPA Government should have taken strong action against Pakistan when the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, in which 166 people including 40 foreign nationals were killed, took place. Narrating the NDA government's initiatives for people, Swaraj said the ruling party's poll plank will be on three issues- security, development and welfare. She said as many as 1.16 lakh villages have been connected with fibre optic network. "There were only 77 passport centres in the country now it has gone up to 505 and in Telangana, they were just four and it has gone up to 19," Swaraj added.

Rahul Gandhi should renounce SPG security if terror not an issue: Swaraj

A special CBI court on Saturday said that it needs to come out how the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/didnt-name-anyone-in-connection-with-chopper-deal-michel-tells-delhi-court-pm-modi-says-charge-sheet-names-ahmed-patel-family-208154">charge sheet was leaked</a>. The court was hearing a plea filed by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) seeking issuance of notice to a TV channel for leaking the document before cognisance of the matter was taken.

"It needs to come out how the charge sheet was leaked," said Special Judge Arvind Kumar while directing the agency to submit a report on the leaking of the document. The matter has been posted for hearing on April 11.

Over the ED's request for issuing a notice, the judge said that it will consider the move after considering the reply filed by the agency.&nbsp;

Christian Michel, alleged middleman arrested in the AgustaWestland VVIP Chopper scam, told a Delhi court on Friday that he has not named anybody in connection with the deal during the investigation by the Enforcement Directorate, which has filed a supplementary charge sheet, news agency PTI reported.&nbsp;

The development came shortly after reports emerged suggesting Michel to have identified the initials "AP" as Congress leader Ahmed Patel in a charge sheet filed by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) before a court on Thursday.

Michel, on Friday, alleged that the central government was using agencies for political agenda. He filed an application after the reports appeared that ED in its charge sheet has named politicians of the previous UPA dispensation, defence personnel, bureaucrats and journalists as the beneficiaries of the controversial defence deal.

"Michel has not named anyone in his statement before the agency which is being leaked to media. This is only to make the matter sensational and prejudice the case against my client," his counsel, Aljo K Joseph said.

Michel has questioned as to how the charge sheet was leaked to the media even before its cognisance was taken by the court.

Meanwhile, the agency requested the court seeking issuance of a notice to the TV channel for accessing the charge sheet before cognizance. ED also sought inquiry into the leaking of charge sheet matter.

(With inputs from ANI)&nbsp;

A special CBI court on Saturday said that it needs to come out how the charge sheet was leaked. The court was hearing a plea filed by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) seeking issuance of notice to a TV channel for leaking the document before cognisance of the matter was taken.

A special CBI court on Saturday said that it needs to come out how the charge sheet was leaked. The court was hearing a plea filed by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) seeking issuance of notice to a TV channel for leaking the document before cognisance of the matter was taken. "It needs to come out how the charge sheet was leaked," said Special Judge Arvind Kumar while directing the agency to submit a report on the leaking of the document. The matter has been posted for hearing on April 11. Over the ED's request for issuing a notice, the judge said that it will consider the move after considering the reply filed by the agency. Christian Michel, alleged middleman arrested in the AgustaWestland VVIP Chopper scam, told a Delhi court on Friday that he has not named anybody in connection with the deal during the investigation by the Enforcement Directorate, which has filed a supplementary charge sheet, news agency PTI reported. The development came shortly after reports emerged suggesting Michel to have identified the initials "AP" as Congress leader Ahmed Patel in a charge sheet filed by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) before a court on Thursday. Michel, on Friday, alleged that the central government was using agencies for political agenda. He filed an application after the reports appeared that ED in its charge sheet has named politicians of the previous UPA dispensation, defence personnel, bureaucrats and journalists as the beneficiaries of the controversial defence deal. "Michel has not named anyone in his statement before the agency which is being leaked to media. This is only to make the matter sensational and prejudice the case against my client," his counsel, Aljo K Joseph said. Michel has questioned as to how the charge sheet was leaked to the media even before its cognisance was taken by the court. Meanwhile, the agency requested the court seeking issuance of a notice to the TV channel for accessing the charge sheet before cognizance. ED also sought inquiry into the leaking of charge sheet matter. (With inputs from ANI)

How was charge sheet leaked? CBI court asks in AgustaWestland deal case

India has achieved success in getting Pakistan isolated even among Islamic countries in the aftermath of the terror attacks, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said Friday.

Swaraj was addressing a meeting organised in support of the BJP's candidate in the Malkajgiri Lok Sabha constituency, N Ramachandra Rao.

"We achieved success in isolating Pakistan even among Islamic countries in the world," she said in Hindi.

Swaraj recalled how India was invited to the inaugural conference of the OIC countries in 1969 but could not attend the proceedings due to pressure put by Pakistan.

She added that India attended the OIC's 50th anniversary meet in March even though Pakistan tried to get Swaraj 'disinvited'.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has made relations with Islamic countries so strong and this is the benefit of his foreign visits, she asserted.&nbsp;

India has achieved success in getting Pakistan isolated even among Islamic countries in the aftermath of the terror attacks, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said Friday.

India has achieved success in getting Pakistan isolated even among Islamic countries in the aftermath of the terror attacks, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said Friday. Swaraj was addressing a meeting organised in support of the BJP's candidate in the Malkajgiri Lok Sabha constituency, N Ramachandra Rao. "We achieved success in isolating Pakistan even among Islamic countries in the world," she said in Hindi. Swaraj recalled how India was invited to the inaugural conference of the OIC countries in 1969 but could not attend the proceedings due to pressure put by Pakistan. She added that India attended the OIC's 50th anniversary meet in March even though Pakistan tried to get Swaraj 'disinvited'. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has made relations with Islamic countries so strong and this is the benefit of his foreign visits, she asserted.

India has achieved success in getting Pakistan isolated: Sushma Swaraj

The Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) on Saturday demanded the resignation of Prasoon Joshi from the post of the chairman of Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) for allegedly giving preferential treatment to the makers of the upcoming biopic on Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Talking to ANI, Amey Khopkar, President of Maharashtra Navnirman Chitrapat Karmachari Sena, said, "Prasoon Joshi should resign as Censor board has given preferential treatment to an upcoming biopic on the prime minister, titled 'PM Narendra Modi'."

Kopkar explained, "the makers of the movie have been shooting till March 20 and they get censor board certificate in just fifteen days."

"For a film to get censor board certificate the producer has to submit an online registration and only after fifty-eight days the film can get the certificate," he added.

He further questioned, "Is Censor board giving preferential treatment to some films during the Narendra Modi government?"

Talking about the biopic he further said that, "shooting of the film was done on March 16 at the Dadasaheb Phalke Film City in Goregaon while on March 20 the shooting was done in Varanasi."&nbsp;

The film has come under a cloud with Opposition parties, including Congress claiming that its release was planned with the intention of influencing voters in the ensuing Lok Sabha elections. The seven-phase polls will begin on April 11, the day the film is scheduled to release.

Various political parties also stated that releasing the film in less than a week before the General elections is a violation of the Model Code of Conduct. Several political leaders had requested to delay the release of the biopic.&nbsp;

The Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) on Saturday demanded the resignation of Prasoon Joshi from the post of the chairman of Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) for allegedly giving preferential treatment to the makers of the upcoming biopic on Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) on Saturday demanded the resignation of Prasoon Joshi from the post of the chairman of Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) for allegedly giving preferential treatment to the makers of the upcoming biopic on Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Talking to ANI, Amey Khopkar, President of Maharashtra Navnirman Chitrapat Karmachari Sena, said, "Prasoon Joshi should resign as Censor board has given preferential treatment to an upcoming biopic on the prime minister, titled 'PM Narendra Modi'." Kopkar explained, "the makers of the movie have been shooting till March 20 and they get censor board certificate in just fifteen days." "For a film to get censor board certificate the producer has to submit an online registration and only after fifty-eight days the film can get the certificate," he added. He further questioned, "Is Censor board giving preferential treatment to some films during the Narendra Modi government?" Talking about the biopic he further said that, "shooting of the film was done on March 16 at the Dadasaheb Phalke Film City in Goregaon while on March 20 the shooting was done in Varanasi." The film has come under a cloud with Opposition parties, including Congress claiming that its release was planned with the intention of influencing voters in the ensuing Lok Sabha elections. The seven-phase polls will begin on April 11, the day the film is scheduled to release. Various political parties also stated that releasing the film in less than a week before the General elections is a violation of the Model Code of Conduct. Several political leaders had requested to delay the release of the biopic.

MNS demands Prasoon Joshi's resignation from Censor board over PM Modi biopic

The ruling Telugu Desam Party in Andhra Pradesh Saturday released its manifesto for the general elections promising doles to the tune of Rs 2 lakh to each family every year, with the monetary benefits starting from womb to tomb.

Releasing his party manifesto, TDP president and Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu said while Congress chief Rahul Gandhi promised Rs 72,000 per annum to each poor family, his government if voted back to power, would be giving out Rs 2 lakh to each family every year.

"Nobody can match us in extending such largesse even in imagination," he said.

The TDP promised to continue the Centre's PM Kisan Samman scheme with a matching grant from the state, giving a benefit of up to Rs 15,000 to each farmer per annum.

The principal opposition YSR Congress party also released its manifesto, hours ahead of the TDP, matching the largesse in equal measure, if not more.

The Assembly and Lok Sabha elections are being held simultaneously in Andhra Pradesh which goes to the polls in the first phase on April 11.

While the TDPs promises include raising the limits of various existing schemes for different sections, the YSRC party added several new components to the Nava Ratnalu it announced on the eve of its president Y S Jaganmohan Reddys 'paada yatra' in November 2017.

Officials estimated that the cash-starved state government will require at least Rs 1.5 lakh crore to Rs 2 lakh crore to fulfill the promises of either party.

With the two parties promising 30-45 lakh free houses for different sections, besides waiver of existing loans on old houses, that bill alone is expected to cross over Rs 40,000 crore.

Neither the TDP nor YSRC announced a farm loan waiver but promised several benefits to farmers in varied measures.

The YSRC, on the other hand, promised to introduce the YSR Rythu Bharosa scheme that will give annual benefits from Rs 12,500 to Rs one lakh to each farmer.

Tenant farmers would be given Rs 12,500, according to Jagan Mohan Reddy.

The highlight of YSRC's promises is a health insurance scheme Aarogya Sri, first introduced by former Chief Minister, the late Y S Rajasekhara Reddy, without any cap to ensure universal health coverage.

The YSRC also announced a stipend of Rs 60,000 to junior lawyers, a first-of-its-kind incentive. Besides, a Rs 100 crore Lawyer Welfare Fund would also be created.

While the YSRC chief promised to fill all 2.3 lakh existing vacant jobs in the state government, the Chief Minister merely said all vacancies would be filled, without specifying the number.

Both, however, promised to take up recruitment drive every year to fill future vacancies in the government.

Naidu promised to continue the Pasupu-Kumkuma scheme under which Rs 10,000 would be given to each member of women self-help groups (SHGs).

The YSRC promised Rs 50,000 per annum to SHG women and also interest-free loans.

The TDP promised free higher education and a Rs 25 lakh grant for overseas education while the YSRC promised total fee reimbursement and also an annual Rs 20,000 per student to cover food and accommodation expenses.

Every woman would be given Rs 15,000 a year for sending her children to school.

Another highlight of the YSRC manifesto is a grant of Rs 75,000 for each woman over the age of 45, belonging to the SC, ST, BC and minorities under 'YSR Cheyuta.'

The opposition party also promised liquor prohibition, making it available only in five-star hotels.

A Rs 3,000 crore price stabilization fund for the farm sector, Rs 4,000 crore Natural Calamity Fund and Rs 75,000 crore BC Welfare Fund are the other major promises of the YSRC.

The TDP has also come forward to set up a price stabilisation fund with a corpus of Rs 5,000 crore.

Naidu announced a "five-point vision" for AP development listing interlinking of rivers, construction of capital Amaravati into a world-class city, development of a 974-km long Beach Road with interlink to National Highways and airports, industrial development through 175 MSME Parks and use of pollution-free energy consumption as the key priorities.

"Creating a healthy and happy Andhra Pradesh that is free of poverty is my ultimate aim," Naidu noted, with the slogan 'Your Future-My Responsibility.'&nbsp;

The ruling Telugu Desam Party in Andhra Pradesh Saturday released its manifesto for the general elections promising doles to the tune of Rs 2 lakh to each family every year, with the monetary benefits starting from womb to tomb.

The ruling Telugu Desam Party in Andhra Pradesh Saturday released its manifesto for the general elections promising doles to the tune of Rs 2 lakh to each family every year, with the monetary benefits starting from womb to tomb. Releasing his party manifesto, TDP president and Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu said while Congress chief Rahul Gandhi promised Rs 72,000 per annum to each poor family, his government if voted back to power, would be giving out Rs 2 lakh to each family every year. "Nobody can match us in extending such largesse even in imagination," he said. The TDP promised to continue the Centre's PM Kisan Samman scheme with a matching grant from the state, giving a benefit of up to Rs 15,000 to each farmer per annum. The principal opposition YSR Congress party also released its manifesto, hours ahead of the TDP, matching the largesse in equal measure, if not more. The Assembly and Lok Sabha elections are being held simultaneously in Andhra Pradesh which goes to the polls in the first phase on April 11. While the TDPs promises include raising the limits of various existing schemes for different sections, the YSRC party added several new components to the Nava Ratnalu it announced on the eve of its president Y S Jaganmohan Reddys 'paada yatra' in November 2017. Officials estimated that the cash-starved state government will require at least Rs 1.5 lakh crore to Rs 2 lakh crore to fulfill the promises of either party. With the two parties promising 30-45 lakh free houses for different sections, besides waiver of existing loans on old houses, that bill alone is expected to cross over Rs 40,000 crore. Neither the TDP nor YSRC announced a farm loan waiver but promised several benefits to farmers in varied measures. The YSRC, on the other hand, promised to introduce the YSR Rythu Bharosa scheme that will give annual benefits from Rs 12,500 to Rs one lakh to each farmer. Tenant farmers would be given Rs 12,500, according to Jagan Mohan Reddy. The highlight of YSRC's promises is a health insurance scheme Aarogya Sri, first introduced by former Chief Minister, the late Y S Rajasekhara Reddy, without any cap to ensure universal health coverage. The YSRC also announced a stipend of Rs 60,000 to junior lawyers, a first-of-its-kind incentive. Besides, a Rs 100 crore Lawyer Welfare Fund would also be created. While the YSRC chief promised to fill all 2.3 lakh existing vacant jobs in the state government, the Chief Minister merely said all vacancies would be filled, without specifying the number. Both, however, promised to take up recruitment drive every year to fill future vacancies in the government. Naidu promised to continue the Pasupu-Kumkuma scheme under which Rs 10,000 would be given to each member of women self-help groups (SHGs). The YSRC promised Rs 50,000 per annum to SHG women and also interest-free loans. The TDP promised free higher education and a Rs 25 lakh grant for overseas education while the YSRC promised total fee reimbursement and also an annual Rs 20,000 per student to cover food and accommodation expenses. Every woman would be given Rs 15,000 a year for sending her children to school. Another highlight of the YSRC manifesto is a grant of Rs 75,000 for each woman over the age of 45, belonging to the SC, ST, BC and minorities under 'YSR Cheyuta.' The opposition party also promised liquor prohibition, making it available only in five-star hotels. A Rs 3,000 crore price stabilization fund for the farm sector, Rs 4,000 crore Natural Calamity Fund and Rs 75,000 crore BC Welfare Fund are the other major promises of the YSRC. The TDP has also come forward to set up a price stabilisation fund with a corpus of Rs 5,000 crore. Naidu announced a "five-point vision" for AP development listing interlinking of rivers, construction of capital Amaravati into a world-class city, development of a 974-km long Beach Road with interlink to National Highways and airports, industrial development through 175 MSME Parks and use of pollution-free energy consumption as the key priorities. "Creating a healthy and happy Andhra Pradesh that is free of poverty is my ultimate aim," Naidu noted, with the slogan 'Your Future-My Responsibility.'

TDP releases manifesto, promises Rs 2 lakh to each family

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee Saturday wrote to the Election Commission protesting transfers of four IPS officers, including Kolkata and Bidhannagar police commissioners.

The EC decision is "unfortunate", "highly arbitrary, motivated and biased" and taken at the behest of BJP, the letter said, urging the poll panel to review its decision.

"Should there be any deterioration in the law order situation of the state, would the Commission take responsibility?" said the letter, the content of which was shared with PTI.

It also asked the EC to initiate a probe as to how and under whose guidance the decision on the transfer of the top police officers was taken.

"I strongly feel that the EC plays a neutral role to save democracy in India. But, it is very unfortunate that I have to write this letter today to raise strong protest against the transfer order dated April 5, 2019 issued by the EC by way of removing four senior officers from their existing positions," Banerjee said in her letter.

"The decision of the Commission is highly arbitrary, motivated and biased. We have every reason to believe that the decision of the Commission is at the behest of the ruling party at the Centre, i.E the BJP," the letter read.

Banerjee alleged that the EC transfer orders came soon after Prime Minister Narendra Modi and a BJP candidate alleged in a TV programme that the law and order situation in West Bengal is bad.

The EC had on Friday night removed Kolkata Police Commissioner Anuj Sharma and Bidhannagar Police Commissioner Gyanwant Singh in a major shake-up ahead of the seven-phase Lok Sabha polls in the state.

Rajesh Kumar, Additional Director General of Police (ADG), Pollution Control Board, was made the new Kolkata top cop, while Natarajan Ramesh Babu, ADG and IGP, Operations, was named the Bidhannagar police commissioner.

The poll body also named Avannu Ravindranath, deputy commissioner (Airport Division) of Bidhannagar, as the new Birbhum superintendent of police and appointed Srihari Pandey, deputy commissioner of Kolkata Armed Police, 3rd Battalion, as the Diamond Harbour police superintendent.

The announcement comes days after opposition parties in the state had alleged that free and fair elections would not be possible under these officers.

"The flow of events gives rise to strong doubts whether the Commission is functioning as per its constitutional mandate of conducting free and fair elections or working in a manner to appease the ruling BJP at the centre," the letter said.

Describing Sharma and Singh as "bright and experienced", she said they had played key roles in the seizure of illegal currency, gold, liquor and other prohibited items and in enforcing law and order in strict manner.

"The decision of the ECI to remove these officers leaves a big question mark whether this step is to give a shield to the vested interested parties and their political masters," Banerjee's letter said.

She said those brought in place of the two top police officers had been given the duty of police observers in other states and have little idea about Kolkata and Bidhannagar.

Stating that law and order is a state subject, Banerjee alleged that the state government was not consulted on the transfer.

"By not following the established practice and not seeking a panel of officers from the state government, the action of the ECI is prima facie undemocratic, biased and suffers from principles of natural justice," she wrote.

The EC had written to Chief Secretary Malay De directing immediate implementation of the transfers and sought a compliance report within 24 hours.

It also directed that the police officers who have been transferred should not be involved by the state government in any election-related duty.

Both Sharma and Singh were present when Banerjee began her sit-in on February 3 to protest against CBI's attempts to question former police commissioner Rajeev Kumar in connection with its probe into the Saradha scam.

Kumar was later interrogated by the CBI in Shillong under the orders of the Supreme Court and Sharma had replaced Kumar.

After TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee's wife was allegedly found carrying gold at the Kolkata airport, BJP had lodged a complaint with the EC against Bidhannagar Police commissioner Gyanwant Singh.

The party had demanded that Singh be held responsible for the alleged police interference if "prima facie any such incident happened". 
&nbsp;

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee Saturday wrote to the Election Commission protesting transfers of four IPS officers, including Kolkata and Bidhannagar police commissioners.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee Saturday wrote to the Election Commission protesting transfers of four IPS officers, including Kolkata and Bidhannagar police commissioners. The EC decision is "unfortunate", "highly arbitrary, motivated and biased" and taken at the behest of BJP, the letter said, urging the poll panel to review its decision. "Should there be any deterioration in the law order situation of the state, would the Commission take responsibility?" said the letter, the content of which was shared with PTI. It also asked the EC to initiate a probe as to how and under whose guidance the decision on the transfer of the top police officers was taken. "I strongly feel that the EC plays a neutral role to save democracy in India. But, it is very unfortunate that I have to write this letter today to raise strong protest against the transfer order dated April 5, 2019 issued by the EC by way of removing four senior officers from their existing positions," Banerjee said in her letter. "The decision of the Commission is highly arbitrary, motivated and biased. We have every reason to believe that the decision of the Commission is at the behest of the ruling party at the Centre, i.E the BJP," the letter read. Banerjee alleged that the EC transfer orders came soon after Prime Minister Narendra Modi and a BJP candidate alleged in a TV programme that the law and order situation in West Bengal is bad. The EC had on Friday night removed Kolkata Police Commissioner Anuj Sharma and Bidhannagar Police Commissioner Gyanwant Singh in a major shake-up ahead of the seven-phase Lok Sabha polls in the state. Rajesh Kumar, Additional Director General of Police (ADG), Pollution Control Board, was made the new Kolkata top cop, while Natarajan Ramesh Babu, ADG and IGP, Operations, was named the Bidhannagar police commissioner. The poll body also named Avannu Ravindranath, deputy commissioner (Airport Division) of Bidhannagar, as the new Birbhum superintendent of police and appointed Srihari Pandey, deputy commissioner of Kolkata Armed Police, 3rd Battalion, as the Diamond Harbour police superintendent. The announcement comes days after opposition parties in the state had alleged that free and fair elections would not be possible under these officers. "The flow of events gives rise to strong doubts whether the Commission is functioning as per its constitutional mandate of conducting free and fair elections or working in a manner to appease the ruling BJP at the centre," the letter said. Describing Sharma and Singh as "bright and experienced", she said they had played key roles in the seizure of illegal currency, gold, liquor and other prohibited items and in enforcing law and order in strict manner. "The decision of the ECI to remove these officers leaves a big question mark whether this step is to give a shield to the vested interested parties and their political masters," Banerjee's letter said. She said those brought in place of the two top police officers had been given the duty of police observers in other states and have little idea about Kolkata and Bidhannagar. Stating that law and order is a state subject, Banerjee alleged that the state government was not consulted on the transfer. "By not following the established practice and not seeking a panel of officers from the state government, the action of the ECI is prima facie undemocratic, biased and suffers from principles of natural justice," she wrote. The EC had written to Chief Secretary Malay De directing immediate implementation of the transfers and sought a compliance report within 24 hours. It also directed that the police officers who have been transferred should not be involved by the state government in any election-related duty. Both Sharma and Singh were present when Banerjee began her sit-in on February 3 to protest against CBI's attempts to question former police commissioner Rajeev Kumar in connection with its probe into the Saradha scam. Kumar was later interrogated by the CBI in Shillong under the orders of the Supreme Court and Sharma had replaced Kumar. After TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee's wife was allegedly found carrying gold at the Kolkata airport, BJP had lodged a complaint with the EC against Bidhannagar Police commissioner Gyanwant Singh. The party had demanded that Singh be held responsible for the alleged police interference if "prima facie any such incident happened".

'Unfortunate,' says Mamata in letter to EC against transfer of top police officials

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-counters-us-on-mission-shakti-says-debris-will-decay-within-45-days-208355">India counters </a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-counters-us-on-mission-shakti-says-debris-will-decay-within-45-days-208355">US</a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-counters-us-on-mission-shakti-says-debris-will-decay-within-45-days-208355"> on 'Mission Shakti', says debris will decay within 45 days</a>

Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) on Saturday clarified that the space debris from India's A-Sat (anti-satellite) missile test will decay within 45 days.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-polls-shatrughan-sinha-to-challenge-ravi-shankar-prasad-in-bihars-patna-sahib-208336">Lok Sabha polls: Shatrughan Sinha to challenge Ravi Shankar Prasad in Bihar's Patna Sahib&nbsp;</a>

Congress party on Saturday announced that veteran actor and former BJP leader Shatrughan Sinha will contest the ensuing Lok Sabha elections from Bihar's Patna Sahib constituency.&nbsp;

The development came within hours after Sinha officially joined the Congress party today.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/maldives-ex-leader-abdulla-yameen-makes-comeback-in-landmark-vote-208324">Maldives ex-leader Abdulla Yameen makes comeback in </a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/maldives-ex-leader-abdulla-yameen-makes-comeback-in-landmark-vote-208324">landmark</a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/maldives-ex-leader-abdulla-yameen-makes-comeback-in-landmark-vote-208324"> vote</a>

The Maldives on Saturday held its first parliamentary election since former strongman leader Abdulla Yameen was forced to stand down, with his arch-rival expected to make a big comeback in the vote.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/live-updates-ipl-2019-chennai-super-kings-vs-kings-xi-punjab-at-chidambaram-stadium-208329">Live updates | IPL 2019: KL Rahul and Sarfaraz stable Punjab, are 75/2 after 11 overs</a>

KL Rahul and Sarfaraz Khan have stabilise Punjab's run rate after receiving early shocks.&nbsp;

The target seems achievable now.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/india-earn-top-fifa-seat-eye-2026-world-cup-208354">India earn top FIFA seat, eye 2026 World Cup</a>

India set their sights on qualifying for the 2026 World Cup as Praful Patel became their first representative on the powerful FIFA Council on Saturday.

Patel, one of six Asian delegates elected to the Council at the Asian Football Confederation Congress, said the World Cup was the next big step for India after making great strides in recent years.

India counters US on 'Mission Shakti', says debris will decay within 45 days Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) on Saturday clarified that the space debris from India's A-Sat (anti-satellite) missile test will decay within 45 days.

India counters US on 'Mission Shakti', says debris will decay within 45 days Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) on Saturday clarified that the space debris from India's A-Sat (anti-satellite) missile test will decay within 45 days. Lok Sabha polls: Shatrughan Sinha to challenge Ravi Shankar Prasad in Bihar's Patna Sahib Congress party on Saturday announced that veteran actor and former BJP leader Shatrughan Sinha will contest the ensuing Lok Sabha elections from Bihar's Patna Sahib constituency. The development came within hours after Sinha officially joined the Congress party today. Maldives ex-leader Abdulla Yameen makes comeback in landmark vote The Maldives on Saturday held its first parliamentary election since former strongman leader Abdulla Yameen was forced to stand down, with his arch-rival expected to make a big comeback in the vote. Live updates | IPL 2019: KL Rahul and Sarfaraz stable Punjab, are 75/2 after 11 overs KL Rahul and Sarfaraz Khan have stabilise Punjab's run rate after receiving early shocks. The target seems achievable now. India earn top FIFA seat, eye 2026 World Cup India set their sights on qualifying for the 2026 World Cup as Praful Patel became their first representative on the powerful FIFA Council on Saturday. Patel, one of six Asian delegates elected to the Council at the Asian Football Confederation Congress, said the World Cup was the next big step for India after making great strides in recent years.

Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) on Saturday clarified that the space debris from <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/mission-shakti-pentagon-says-space-debris-from-anti-satellite-test-will-burn-up-in-atmosphere-208005">India's A-Sat (anti-satellite) missile test</a> will decay within 45 days.

India chose a much lower orbit of less than 300 kilometres during Mission Shakti for "capability demonstration" and to avoid any threat of debris to global space assets, DRDO Chairman G Satheesh Reddy said Saturday.

"An orbit of around 300 kilometres was chosen for the test for capability demonstration, and the purpose was to avoid any threat of debris to any global space assets," Reddy said.

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DRDO Chief G Satheesh Reddy on P Chidambaram's statement on <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MissionShakti?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MissionShakti</a> : Mission of this nature after a test is conducted can’t be kept secret. The satellite is tracked by many stations across the world. All necessary permissions were taken. <a href="https://t.co/A9mYnttZag">pic.twitter.com/A9mYnttZag</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1114468975524622336?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 6, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Reddy was addressing a press briefing wherein he emphasised the significance of 'Mission Shakti' operation.&nbsp;

India had conducted its A-Sat test on March 27, shooting down a satellite 300 kilometres up in space.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, announced the successful completion of the test which had been dubbed "Mission Shakti" or 'Strength'.

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DRDO Chief GS Reddy: Space has gained importance in the military domain. When a country like India has done an exercise like this and shown capability of interception of a target, you have shown the capability for such operations. Best way of defence is to have deterrence. <a href="https://t.co/8Lnqz7GkM2">pic.twitter.com/8Lnqz7GkM2</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1114470857802420224?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 6, 2019</a></blockquote>
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India's 'Mission Shakti' upset the United States. The US expressed concerns about the spread of debris from the test. On April 4, the Pentagon said that the space debris from India's A-Sat (anti-satellite) missile test would burn up in the atmosphere, thereby standing by Acting Defence Secretary Patrick Shanahan's assessment.

NASA, on the other hand, that more than 400 pieces of orbital debris from the test had been identified — including debris that was travelling above the International Space Station.&nbsp;

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DRDO Chief GS Reddy on <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MissionShakti?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MissionShakti</a>: The country has shown ground-based direct hit deterrence capability, it works for the defence also. <a href="https://t.co/MCODTtglY1">https://t.co/MCODTtglY1</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1114471014489055234?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 6, 2019</a></blockquote>
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NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine said that was a "terrible, terrible thing". &nbsp;&nbsp;

DRDO chief Satheesh Reddy, earlier today, lauded the operation, noticing that space has gained importance in the military domain.&nbsp;

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DRDO Chief Satheesh Reddy on <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MissionShakti?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MissionShakti</a>: Debris will decay in few weeks. Debris won't cause problem to any existing space assets. We have some amount of mechanism to look at these objects. In fact, our radars have picked up the debris immediately after the test also. <a href="https://t.co/8Wpdw8Lmtu">pic.twitter.com/8Wpdw8Lmtu</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1114502402231549952?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 6, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"When a country like India has done an exercise like this and shown capability of interception of a target, you have shown the capability for such operations. The best way of defence is to have deterrence," Reddy told media.&nbsp;

He added that all necessary permissions were taken before conducting the test.&nbsp;

"A mission of this nature after a test is conducted can’t be kept secret. The satellite is tracked by many stations across the world. All necessary permissions were taken," Reddy said.&nbsp;

Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) on Saturday clarified that the space debris from India's A-Sat (anti-satellite) missile test will decay within 45 days.

Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) on Saturday clarified that the space debris from India's A-Sat (anti-satellite) missile test will decay within 45 days. India chose a much lower orbit of less than 300 kilometres during Mission Shakti for "capability demonstration" and to avoid any threat of debris to global space assets, DRDO Chairman G Satheesh Reddy said Saturday. "An orbit of around 300 kilometres was chosen for the test for capability demonstration, and the purpose was to avoid any threat of debris to any global space assets," Reddy said. DRDO Chief G Satheesh Reddy on P Chidambaram's statement on #MissionShakti : Mission of this nature after a test is conducted can’t be kept secret. The satellite is tracked by many stations across the world. All necessary permissions were taken. pic.twitter.com/A9mYnttZag — ANI (@ANI) April 6, 2019 × Reddy was addressing a press briefing wherein he emphasised the significance of 'Mission Shakti' operation. India had conducted its A-Sat test on March 27, shooting down a satellite 300 kilometres up in space. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, announced the successful completion of the test which had been dubbed "Mission Shakti" or 'Strength'. DRDO Chief GS Reddy: Space has gained importance in the military domain. When a country like India has done an exercise like this and shown capability of interception of a target, you have shown the capability for such operations. Best way of defence is to have deterrence. pic.twitter.com/8Lnqz7GkM2 — ANI (@ANI) April 6, 2019 × India's 'Mission Shakti' upset the United States. The US expressed concerns about the spread of debris from the test. On April 4, the Pentagon said that the space debris from India's A-Sat (anti-satellite) missile test would burn up in the atmosphere, thereby standing by Acting Defence Secretary Patrick Shanahan's assessment. NASA, on the other hand, that more than 400 pieces of orbital debris from the test had been identified — including debris that was travelling above the International Space Station. DRDO Chief GS Reddy on #MissionShakti: The country has shown ground-based direct hit deterrence capability, it works for the defence also. https://t.co/MCODTtglY1 — ANI (@ANI) April 6, 2019 × NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine said that was a "terrible, terrible thing". DRDO chief Satheesh Reddy, earlier today, lauded the operation, noticing that space has gained importance in the military domain. DRDO Chief Satheesh Reddy on #MissionShakti: Debris will decay in few weeks. Debris won't cause problem to any existing space assets. We have some amount of mechanism to look at these objects. In fact, our radars have picked up the debris immediately after the test also. pic.twitter.com/8Wpdw8Lmtu — ANI (@ANI) April 6, 2019 × "When a country like India has done an exercise like this and shown capability of interception of a target, you have shown the capability for such operations. The best way of defence is to have deterrence," Reddy told media. He added that all necessary permissions were taken before conducting the test. "A mission of this nature after a test is conducted can’t be kept secret. The satellite is tracked by many stations across the world. All necessary permissions were taken," Reddy said.

India counters US on 'Mission Shakti', says debris will decay within 45 days

Congress party on Saturday announced that veteran actor and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/former-bjp-leader-shatrughan-sinha-joins-congress-208300">former BJP leader Shatrughan Sinha</a> will contest the ensuing Lok Sabha elections from Bihar's Patna Sahib constituency.&nbsp;

The development came within hours after Sinha officially joined the Congress party today.&nbsp;

Shatrughan Sinha, a vocal critic of the BJP leadership, was denied the BJP ticket from Patna Sahib parliamentary constituency in Bihar. The party fielded Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad from the seat instead.&nbsp;

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Shatrughan Sinha to contest from Patna Sahib, Bihar on Congress ticket. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LokSabhaElections2019?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LokSabhaElections2019</a> <a href="https://t.co/giqXNGrEQJ">pic.twitter.com/giqXNGrEQJ</a>
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Sinha had a long association with the BJP. He was the minister for shipping and health and family welfare during former Prime Minister Vajpayee's term.

He won the Patna Sahib Lok Sabha seat in 2009 and then again during the BJP wave under Narendra Modi in 2014.

The National Democratic Alliance, last month, released its list Lok Sabha candidates in Bihar and named <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-polls-nda-releases-list-of-candidates-for-bihar-ravi-shankar-prasad-replaces-shatrughan-sinha-in-patna-sahib-seat-205017">Prasad its candidate from Patna Sahib seat</a>.&nbsp;

The Bharatiya Janata Party, which will contest the general polls in Bihar in alliance with Nitish Kumar's Janata Dal (United) and Ram Vilas Paswan-led Lok Janshakti Party (LJP), will contest 17 seats.&nbsp;&nbsp;

According to reports, the JD(U) will also fight on 17 seats while 6 seats go to the LPJ.&nbsp;

Bihar will vote in all the seven phases of the general election from April 11 to May 19. Counting of votes will take place on May 23.&nbsp;

Congress party on Saturday announced that veteran actor and former BJP leader Shatrughan Sinha will contest the ensuing Lok Sabha elections from Bihar's Patna Sahib constituency.

Congress party on Saturday announced that veteran actor and former BJP leader Shatrughan Sinha will contest the ensuing Lok Sabha elections from Bihar's Patna Sahib constituency. The development came within hours after Sinha officially joined the Congress party today. Shatrughan Sinha, a vocal critic of the BJP leadership, was denied the BJP ticket from Patna Sahib parliamentary constituency in Bihar. The party fielded Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad from the seat instead. Shatrughan Sinha to contest from Patna Sahib, Bihar on Congress ticket. #LokSabhaElections2019 pic.twitter.com/giqXNGrEQJ — ANI (@ANI) April 6, 2019 × Sinha had a long association with the BJP. He was the minister for shipping and health and family welfare during former Prime Minister Vajpayee's term. He won the Patna Sahib Lok Sabha seat in 2009 and then again during the BJP wave under Narendra Modi in 2014. The National Democratic Alliance, last month, released its list Lok Sabha candidates in Bihar and named Prasad its candidate from Patna Sahib seat. The Bharatiya Janata Party, which will contest the general polls in Bihar in alliance with Nitish Kumar's Janata Dal (United) and Ram Vilas Paswan-led Lok Janshakti Party (LJP), will contest 17 seats. According to reports, the JD(U) will also fight on 17 seats while 6 seats go to the LPJ. Bihar will vote in all the seven phases of the general election from April 11 to May 19. Counting of votes will take place on May 23.

Lok Sabha polls: Shatrughan Sinha to challenge Ravi Shankar Prasad in Bihar's Patna Sahib 

BJP's 39th foundation day celebration across the country

Life has never been easy for 53-year old Ramanujam (alias) Radha, but she has chosen a tougher path for herself, a path that nobody from her community in Tamil Nadu has taken. She is the first transgender candidate from Tamil Nadu to be contesting in the upcoming Lok Sabha Polls. She is contesting as an independent and has been allotted the Computer Mouse symbol.&nbsp;

We caught up with her on her campaign trail, as she traversed the busy lanes of T.Nagar, the commercial hub that falls under the South Chennai Parliamentary constituency. She walks along with her friend Nila, casually chatting with passersby and curious onlookers and urging them to vote for a member of the third gender, that has been neglected and ignored by society.&nbsp;

Speaking fluently in English, Radha recalls that she is a proud post-graduate, with a BA in Economics and MA in English. However, her nomination papers mention only 12th standard as her qualification, as her college certificates were damaged during the 2015 Chennai Floods. Radha laments that despite their educational qualification, jobs are hard to find for a&nbsp;trans person. She makes ends meet by working as&nbsp;a cook and housemaid and is cheerful about her culinary skills.&nbsp;

"I can cook a variety of North Indian and South Indian dishes, but continental would be a little difficult as I haven’t had any formal training", she says with a smile. Speaking of her decision to take the political plunge, she says that the rampant sexual violence against women and children, society remaining passive about it is what disturbs her the most. As a transgender, I will fight to ensure health penalty for those behind these crimes.

The other issues that she highlights are the water woes in several areas across her constituency, unchecked disposal of garbage and the lack of adequate toilet facilities outside the famous Kapaleeswarar temple in Mylapore. While the landmark Supreme Court verdict to strike down Section 377 was a boon to the LGBTQ community, she says that they wish to actively campaign for marriage rights, property rights, adoption etc.&nbsp;

Expressing enthusiasm about her campaign, she says, "there has been a very good response from the public and the fishermen community embraced me and performed aarti, but there are few exceptions where people walk away due to apprehension. I am happy that transgender people are being acknowledged and are able to contribute to society by taking up jobs in the fields of medicine, law, police. So why not politics then?"&nbsp;

Radha will be up against the AIADMK’s incumbent MP J Jayavardhan and DMK’s Thamizhachi Thangapandian and Makkal Needhi Maiam’s Rangarajan and several other candidates from small parties, independents. Referring to the electoral battle that lay ahead, she confidently says, "I am bestowed with a man’s strength and woman’s compassion".

Life has never been easy for 53-year old Ramanujam (alias) Radha, but she has chosen a tougher path for herself, a path that nobody from her community in Tamil Nadu has taken.

Life has never been easy for 53-year old Ramanujam (alias) Radha, but she has chosen a tougher path for herself, a path that nobody from her community in Tamil Nadu has taken. She is the first transgender candidate from Tamil Nadu to be contesting in the upcoming Lok Sabha Polls. She is contesting as an independent and has been allotted the Computer Mouse symbol. We caught up with her on her campaign trail, as she traversed the busy lanes of T.Nagar, the commercial hub that falls under the South Chennai Parliamentary constituency. She walks along with her friend Nila, casually chatting with passersby and curious onlookers and urging them to vote for a member of the third gender, that has been neglected and ignored by society. Speaking fluently in English, Radha recalls that she is a proud post-graduate, with a BA in Economics and MA in English. However, her nomination papers mention only 12th standard as her qualification, as her college certificates were damaged during the 2015 Chennai Floods. Radha laments that despite their educational qualification, jobs are hard to find for a trans person. She makes ends meet by working as a cook and housemaid and is cheerful about her culinary skills. "I can cook a variety of North Indian and South Indian dishes, but continental would be a little difficult as I haven’t had any formal training", she says with a smile. Speaking of her decision to take the political plunge, she says that the rampant sexual violence against women and children, society remaining passive about it is what disturbs her the most. As a transgender, I will fight to ensure health penalty for those behind these crimes. The other issues that she highlights are the water woes in several areas across her constituency, unchecked disposal of garbage and the lack of adequate toilet facilities outside the famous Kapaleeswarar temple in Mylapore. While the landmark Supreme Court verdict to strike down Section 377 was a boon to the LGBTQ community, she says that they wish to actively campaign for marriage rights, property rights, adoption etc. Expressing enthusiasm about her campaign, she says, "there has been a very good response from the public and the fishermen community embraced me and performed aarti, but there are few exceptions where people walk away due to apprehension. I am happy that transgender people are being acknowledged and are able to contribute to society by taking up jobs in the fields of medicine, law, police. So why not politics then?" Radha will be up against the AIADMK’s incumbent MP J Jayavardhan and DMK’s Thamizhachi Thangapandian and Makkal Needhi Maiam’s Rangarajan and several other candidates from small parties, independents. Referring to the electoral battle that lay ahead, she confidently says, "I am bestowed with a man’s strength and woman’s compassion".

'I am bestowed with a man's strength and a woman's compassion', says Tamil Nadu's first Transgender candidate

BJP president Amit Shah, who is contesting the Lok Sabha election from Gandhinagar seat, Saturday embarked on a roadshow in the city, on the 39th foundation day of his party.

Before the roadshow, which started from Sarkhej area of Ahmedabad in the morning, Shah garlanded the pictures of Jan Sangh founders Deen Dayal Upadhyaya and Shyama Prasad Mukherjee.

Shah asked the people present there to chant, "Jaha hue balidan Mukherjee, woh Kashmir hamara hai, sara ka sara hamara hai." (Where Mukhejee sacrificed his life, that Kashmir is ours, entire Kashmir is ours).

PDP chief and former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Mehbooba Mufti had recently criticised Shah, saying he was "daydreaming" about abrogating Article 370 of the Constitution that provides special status to the state.

Shah set out on the roadshow in an open vehicle with BJP state unit president Jitu Vaghani accompanying him.

The roadshow will cover several areas of western parts of Ahmedabad city, which falls in the Gandhinagar Lok Sabha constituency. It will pass through areas like Vejalpur, Prahladnagar, Jivraj Park, Mansi Crossroad and will end at Haveli in Vastrapur.

In the evening, Shah would take out another roadshow that will pass through the Sabarmati area.

Shah is expected to meet party workers in Bhopal area of his constituency on Saturday night and interact with them.

He has replaced BJP veteran L K Advani, who had been winning uninterrupted from Gandhinagar since 1998. This is Shah's maiden Lok Sabha election.

The BJP chief had filed his nomination last Saturday in the presence of Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, Home Minister Rajnath Singh, Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray and Chief Minister Vijay Rupani.&nbsp;

BJP president Amit Shah, who is contesting the Lok Sabha election from Gandhinagar seat, Saturday embarked on a roadshow in the city, on the 39th foundation day of his party.

BJP president Amit Shah, who is contesting the Lok Sabha election from Gandhinagar seat, Saturday embarked on a roadshow in the city, on the 39th foundation day of his party. Before the roadshow, which started from Sarkhej area of Ahmedabad in the morning, Shah garlanded the pictures of Jan Sangh founders Deen Dayal Upadhyaya and Shyama Prasad Mukherjee. Shah asked the people present there to chant, "Jaha hue balidan Mukherjee, woh Kashmir hamara hai, sara ka sara hamara hai." (Where Mukhejee sacrificed his life, that Kashmir is ours, entire Kashmir is ours). PDP chief and former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Mehbooba Mufti had recently criticised Shah, saying he was "daydreaming" about abrogating Article 370 of the Constitution that provides special status to the state. Shah set out on the roadshow in an open vehicle with BJP state unit president Jitu Vaghani accompanying him. The roadshow will cover several areas of western parts of Ahmedabad city, which falls in the Gandhinagar Lok Sabha constituency. It will pass through areas like Vejalpur, Prahladnagar, Jivraj Park, Mansi Crossroad and will end at Haveli in Vastrapur. In the evening, Shah would take out another roadshow that will pass through the Sabarmati area. Shah is expected to meet party workers in Bhopal area of his constituency on Saturday night and interact with them. He has replaced BJP veteran L K Advani, who had been winning uninterrupted from Gandhinagar since 1998. This is Shah's maiden Lok Sabha election. The BJP chief had filed his nomination last Saturday in the presence of Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, Home Minister Rajnath Singh, Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray and Chief Minister Vijay Rupani.

Ahmedabad: Amit Shah takes out roadshow in Gandhinagar on 39th foundation day of BJP

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Ahmedabad: Amit Shah takes out roadshow in Gandhinagar on 39th foundation day of BJP