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Karnataka BJP chief B S Yeddyurappa Friday exuded confidence that his party will win 22 of the state's 28 Lok Sabha seats, and claimed the "differences" between ruling Congress and JD(S) would reach its peak after the results and may lead to the fall of the government.

The 76-year-old leader also said he was not worried about the party "neglecting" him, after stalwarts such as LK Advani, Murli Manohar Joshi and Sumitra Mahajan were denied tickets, and vowed to work for the growth of the BJP regardless of being given any position or not.

"I'm a responsible karyakarta of a national party. Whatever party leadership decides, I will abide by it. I have worked for the party as a common karyakarta for the last 40 years, without any position for the most part of it....In the days to come whether any position is given or not, I will continue to work for party," he said.

On state senior BJP leader K S Eshwarappa's comments that the BJP would not give tickets to Muslims as the minority community did not believe in the party, Yeddyurappa said, "We are not confident of fielding and ensuring victory of a Muslim candidate as of today."&nbsp;

However, he added the BJP considers Hindus, Christians and Muslims as children of one mother.

He claimed there was a "BJP wave" in Karnataka and the party would win 22 of the state's 28 Lok Sabha seats. "In my opinion, compared to 2014, we will gain 14-15 per cent more votes this time."

"As soon as we win 22 seats the differences between Congress and JD(S) will reach its peak. They will fight against each other, and there is feeling among many that in such a situation the government will not survive. Let's wait and watch," he said.

Among the people, he said, he could sense anger against the coalition government and affection towards the BJP.&nbsp;

"If we win 22 seats, infighting between them (the Congress and the JDS) will increase. What stand the disgruntled Congress legislators take will determine the change in the government. We can only wait and watch. There is no question of any operation (lotus)," he added.

Since its formation after the May 2018 assembly polls, the coalition has faced repeated turbulence, with internal dissidence and alleged attempts by the BJP to poach their MLAs to bring down the government.

Yeddyurappa said he visited most of the Lok Sabha constituencies in the state and found that compared to 2014 Lok Sabha polls, "in 2019, the liking towards Prime Minister Narendra Modi has increased".

"Across the country, we will win more than 300 Lok Sabha seats," he said.

Yeddyurappa said the alliance between the Congress and JD(S) would benefit the BJP.

On BJP not fielding a candidate in Mandya, Yeddyurappa said Sumalatha Ambareesh, who is an independent, asked for support. "So without fielding a candidate, we have given unconditional support."

"We have not pressured her to join the BJP, our only intention is that she should win, and she will win," he said.

On denying ticket to Tejaswini, the widow of former Union minister Ananth Kumar, Yeddyurappa said the party state unit had sent only her name for the Bangalore South seat, but the high command cleared the name of Tejasvi Surya, a youth-wing leader.

"We are confident that he will win with a margin of over 2 lakh votes."

Yeddyurappa also said former prime minister H D Deve Gowda, veteran Congress leaders MallikarjunKharge and K H Muniyappa will lose in this poll.

"Write it down, a 100 per cent our candidate in Gulbarga Umesh Jadhav, who recently resigned as Congress MLA, will win against Kharge. The situation of Deve Gowda is also same in Tumkur," he said, adding the situation is similar in Kolar, where Muniyappa is a Congress candidate.&nbsp;

Karnataka BJP chief B S Yeddyurappa Friday exuded confidence that his party will win 22 of the state's 28 Lok Sabha seats, and claimed the "differences" between ruling Congress and JD(S) would reach its peak after the results and may lead to the fall of the government.

Karnataka BJP chief B S Yeddyurappa Friday exuded confidence that his party will win 22 of the state's 28 Lok Sabha seats, and claimed the "differences" between ruling Congress and JD(S) would reach its peak after the results and may lead to the fall of the government. The 76-year-old leader also said he was not worried about the party "neglecting" him, after stalwarts such as LK Advani, Murli Manohar Joshi and Sumitra Mahajan were denied tickets, and vowed to work for the growth of the BJP regardless of being given any position or not. "I'm a responsible karyakarta of a national party. Whatever party leadership decides, I will abide by it. I have worked for the party as a common karyakarta for the last 40 years, without any position for the most part of it....In the days to come whether any position is given or not, I will continue to work for party," he said. On state senior BJP leader K S Eshwarappa's comments that the BJP would not give tickets to Muslims as the minority community did not believe in the party, Yeddyurappa said, "We are not confident of fielding and ensuring victory of a Muslim candidate as of today." However, he added the BJP considers Hindus, Christians and Muslims as children of one mother. He claimed there was a "BJP wave" in Karnataka and the party would win 22 of the state's 28 Lok Sabha seats. "In my opinion, compared to 2014, we will gain 14-15 per cent more votes this time." "As soon as we win 22 seats the differences between Congress and JD(S) will reach its peak. They will fight against each other, and there is feeling among many that in such a situation the government will not survive. Let's wait and watch," he said. Among the people, he said, he could sense anger against the coalition government and affection towards the BJP. "If we win 22 seats, infighting between them (the Congress and the JDS) will increase. What stand the disgruntled Congress legislators take will determine the change in the government. We can only wait and watch. There is no question of any operation (lotus)," he added. Since its formation after the May 2018 assembly polls, the coalition has faced repeated turbulence, with internal dissidence and alleged attempts by the BJP to poach their MLAs to bring down the government. Yeddyurappa said he visited most of the Lok Sabha constituencies in the state and found that compared to 2014 Lok Sabha polls, "in 2019, the liking towards Prime Minister Narendra Modi has increased". "Across the country, we will win more than 300 Lok Sabha seats," he said. Yeddyurappa said the alliance between the Congress and JD(S) would benefit the BJP. On BJP not fielding a candidate in Mandya, Yeddyurappa said Sumalatha Ambareesh, who is an independent, asked for support. "So without fielding a candidate, we have given unconditional support." "We have not pressured her to join the BJP, our only intention is that she should win, and she will win," he said. On denying ticket to Tejaswini, the widow of former Union minister Ananth Kumar, Yeddyurappa said the party state unit had sent only her name for the Bangalore South seat, but the high command cleared the name of Tejasvi Surya, a youth-wing leader. "We are confident that he will win with a margin of over 2 lakh votes." Yeddyurappa also said former prime minister H D Deve Gowda, veteran Congress leaders MallikarjunKharge and K H Muniyappa will lose in this poll. "Write it down, a 100 per cent our candidate in Gulbarga Umesh Jadhav, who recently resigned as Congress MLA, will win against Kharge. The situation of Deve Gowda is also same in Tumkur," he said, adding the situation is similar in Kolar, where Muniyappa is a Congress candidate.

BJP will win 22 of Karnataka's 28 seats, Congress-JD(S) government may fall after results: Yeddyurappa

National Conference leader Omar Abdullah Thursday termed the order banning civilian traffic on the Jammu-Kashmir highway for two days a week as "unprecedented" and demanded its "immediate revocation".

Addressing an election campaign rally at Rafiabadin in north Kashmir's Baramulla district, Abdullah said closing the highway was a glaring admission of failure by the government in managing the state's internal security and a direct consequence of the PDP's tie-up with the BJP.

He also accused the Peoples Democratic Party and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of practising "opportunistic politics".

"The embrace of PDP with BJP wreaked havoc on the security situation in the state. It is for the first time in history that highways are being closed for civilian traffic for two days," the former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister said.

"This is an unprecedented situation and has never happened in the last three decades," he added.

Abdullah was reacting to a government order banning the movement of civilian vehicles on the 300-km long highway on Sundays and Wednesdays between 4 am and 5 pm to ensure safe passage of security forces' vehicles.

The restrictions will remain in force till May 31.

The NC vice president further said that the state had faced dire security situation since 1989 but the highways were never shut.

"The state has witnessed numerous attacks on its vital installations for the last 30 years, but barring civilian traffic from highways is unprecedented and has never happened before," he said.

"This imprudent order therefore needs to be revoked immediately," he added.

"How will the patients who are referred to city hospitals reach SMHS or SKIMS? Why should students suffer who will be not be able to attend schools? How will people reach to their places of work? What will happen to those who are faced with any other emergencies?," he said further.&nbsp;

National Conference leader Omar Abdullah Thursday termed the order banning civilian traffic on the Jammu-Kashmir highway for two days a week as "unprecedented" and demanded its "immediate revocation".

National Conference leader Omar Abdullah Thursday termed the order banning civilian traffic on the Jammu-Kashmir highway for two days a week as "unprecedented" and demanded its "immediate revocation". Addressing an election campaign rally at Rafiabadin in north Kashmir's Baramulla district, Abdullah said closing the highway was a glaring admission of failure by the government in managing the state's internal security and a direct consequence of the PDP's tie-up with the BJP. He also accused the Peoples Democratic Party and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of practising "opportunistic politics". "The embrace of PDP with BJP wreaked havoc on the security situation in the state. It is for the first time in history that highways are being closed for civilian traffic for two days," the former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister said. "This is an unprecedented situation and has never happened in the last three decades," he added. Abdullah was reacting to a government order banning the movement of civilian vehicles on the 300-km long highway on Sundays and Wednesdays between 4 am and 5 pm to ensure safe passage of security forces' vehicles. The restrictions will remain in force till May 31. The NC vice president further said that the state had faced dire security situation since 1989 but the highways were never shut. "The state has witnessed numerous attacks on its vital installations for the last 30 years, but barring civilian traffic from highways is unprecedented and has never happened before," he said. "This imprudent order therefore needs to be revoked immediately," he added. "How will the patients who are referred to city hospitals reach SMHS or SKIMS? Why should students suffer who will be not be able to attend schools? How will people reach to their places of work? What will happen to those who are faced with any other emergencies?," he said further.

Decision to close Jammu-Srinagar highway must be revoked: Omar Abdullah

<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">Didn't name anyone in connection with chopper deal, Michel tells Delhi court; PM Modi says charge sheet names 'Ahmed Patel', 'family'</a>

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;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/egypt-kills-hundreds-of-suspected-militants-in-disputed-gun-battles-report-208140">Egypt kills hundreds of suspected militants in disputed gun battles: Report</a>

Mohamed Abu Amer, a landscape gardener, was working in downtown Cairo when national security agents took him away on February 6, 2018, his family said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/wikileaks-assange-to-be-expelled-within-hours-to-days-british-fm-hunt-calls-him-free-man-208151">WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange to be expelled within 'hours to days' from Ecuador embassy; arrest likely</a>

A WikiLeaks tweets posted on Friday reported that WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange will be expelled within "hours to days" from the Ecuador embassy and that there already exists an agreement with the United Kingdom for his arrest.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israeli-polls-see-netanyahu-ahead-but-many-still-undecided-208162">Israeli polls see Netanyahu ahead, but many still undecided</a>

Final authorised opinion polls published Friday just days ahead of the Israeli general elections showed Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu heading for a fifth term in office, leading a right-wing coalition.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-polls-sp-releases-vision-document-calls-for-mega-transformation-208133">Lok Sabha polls: Samajwadi Party releases 'vision document'; calls for mega transformation</a>

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav on Friday released party manifesto ahead of the Lok Sabha polls due next week. Calling the manifesto their "vision document", Yadav said the document will be used for "answering the BJP".&nbsp;

Didn't name anyone in connection with chopper deal, Michel tells Delhi court; PM Modi says charge sheet names 'Ahmed Patel', 'family' 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.

Didn't name anyone in connection with chopper deal, Michel tells Delhi court; PM Modi says charge sheet names 'Ahmed Patel', 'family' 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. Egypt kills hundreds of suspected militants in disputed gun battles: Report Mohamed Abu Amer, a landscape gardener, was working in downtown Cairo when national security agents took him away on February 6, 2018, his family said. WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange to be expelled within 'hours to days' from Ecuador embassy; arrest likely A WikiLeaks tweets posted on Friday reported that WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange will be expelled within "hours to days" from the Ecuador embassy and that there already exists an agreement with the United Kingdom for his arrest. Israeli polls see Netanyahu ahead, but many still undecided Final authorised opinion polls published Friday just days ahead of the Israeli general elections showed Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu heading for a fifth term in office, leading a right-wing coalition. Lok Sabha polls: Samajwadi Party releases 'vision document'; calls for mega transformation Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav on Friday released party manifesto ahead of the Lok Sabha polls due next week. Calling the manifesto their "vision document", Yadav said the document will be used for "answering the BJP".

News brief: Big stories of the day

Minutes after filing the nomination papers for Wayanad Lok Sabha seat in Kerala, Congress president Rahul Gandhi said that he understands&nbsp;his brothers and sisters in CPM would attack him but he won't say a word against them.&nbsp;

''I understand that my brothers and sisters in CPM will now speak against me and attack me, but I am not going to say a word against them&nbsp;in my entire campaign,''&nbsp; Rahul said.

The Congress leader said that he had come to Kerala to send a message that India is one, be it North, South, East or West.&nbsp;

There is a feeling in South India that the way Centre, Modi&nbsp;and RSS are working, it's like an assault on culture and languages in South, Gandhi said and added,&nbsp;''My aim is to send a message,'' he said.

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Rahul Gandhi in Wayanad: I understand that my brothers and sisters in CPM will now speak against me and attack me, but I am not going to say a word against the CPM in my entire campaign <a href="https://t.co/IY8Mu10hYe">pic.twitter.com/IY8Mu10hYe</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1113711400747184128?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 4, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Launching a broadside on Modi, he said youngsters in the country are running from state to state for jobs.&nbsp;

Roadshow

Braving the scorching heat, Rahul Gandhi, accompanied by his sister Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, began a roadshow Thursday in the hilly Wayanad constituency as part of his poll campaign for the April 23 Lok Sabha elections.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> Congress President Rahul Gandhi holds a roadshow in Wayanad after filing nomination. Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and Ramesh Chennithala also present. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Kerala?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Kerala</a> <a href="https://t.co/lVxKhDxGrZ">pic.twitter.com/lVxKhDxGrZ</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1113698589572775937?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 4, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The AICC chief, along with the state leaders including former Chief Minister Oommen Chandy and Leader of Opposition in the Kerala Assembly Ramesh Chennithala, came out in an open vehicle after Gandhi completed the nomination procedures at the district collectorate.

As the massive crowd of supporters gathered on both sides of the road, security personnel had a tough time controlling the workers to clear the way for the vehicle, reported news agency PTI.

Gandhi and Priyanka waved to the crowd.

As the vehicle inched forward, Gandhi was seen shaking hands with many elated supporters.

Earlier, Gandhi filed nomination before the district collector A R Ajayakumar.

Heavy security was in place in and around the Collectorate ahead of the high profile visit of the Congress chief.&nbsp;

(With inputs from PTI)

Minutes after filing the nomination papers for Wayanad Lok Sabha seat in Kerala, Congress president Rahul Gandhi said that he understands his brothers and sisters in CPM would attack him but he won't say a word against them.

Minutes after filing the nomination papers for Wayanad Lok Sabha seat in Kerala, Congress president Rahul Gandhi said that he understands his brothers and sisters in CPM would attack him but he won't say a word against them. ''I understand that my brothers and sisters in CPM will now speak against me and attack me, but I am not going to say a word against them in my entire campaign,'' Rahul said. The Congress leader said that he had come to Kerala to send a message that India is one, be it North, South, East or West. There is a feeling in South India that the way Centre, Modi and RSS are working, it's like an assault on culture and languages in South, Gandhi said and added, ''My aim is to send a message,'' he said. Rahul Gandhi in Wayanad: I understand that my brothers and sisters in CPM will now speak against me and attack me, but I am not going to say a word against the CPM in my entire campaign pic.twitter.com/IY8Mu10hYe — ANI (@ANI) April 4, 2019 × Launching a broadside on Modi, he said youngsters in the country are running from state to state for jobs. Roadshow Braving the scorching heat, Rahul Gandhi, accompanied by his sister Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, began a roadshow Thursday in the hilly Wayanad constituency as part of his poll campaign for the April 23 Lok Sabha elections. #WATCH Congress President Rahul Gandhi holds a roadshow in Wayanad after filing nomination. Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and Ramesh Chennithala also present. #Kerala pic.twitter.com/lVxKhDxGrZ — ANI (@ANI) April 4, 2019 × The AICC chief, along with the state leaders including former Chief Minister Oommen Chandy and Leader of Opposition in the Kerala Assembly Ramesh Chennithala, came out in an open vehicle after Gandhi completed the nomination procedures at the district collectorate. As the massive crowd of supporters gathered on both sides of the road, security personnel had a tough time controlling the workers to clear the way for the vehicle, reported news agency PTI. Gandhi and Priyanka waved to the crowd. As the vehicle inched forward, Gandhi was seen shaking hands with many elated supporters. Earlier, Gandhi filed nomination before the district collector A R Ajayakumar. Heavy security was in place in and around the Collectorate ahead of the high profile visit of the Congress chief. (With inputs from PTI)

'Not going to say a word' against CPM in my entire campaign: Rahul Gandhi

Congress president Rahul Gandhi will file his nomination from the Amethi Lok Sabha seat on April 10 and UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi will do the same from the Rae Bareli parliamentary constituency on April 11, party sources said on Thursday.

Newly-appointed Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra will be present with her brother and mother when they file their nomination papers.&nbsp;

The family will be together on both days with Rahul Gandhi accompanying his mother in Rae Bareli and Sonia Gandhi present while he files his papers in Amethi, the sources said.&nbsp;

They said the filing of nomination papers will be a big show of strength and the top Congress leadership will be present.&nbsp;

A road show is also likely to be taken out after the filing of papers, the sources added.

While both Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi are contesting from the constituencies they have represented for many years, the Congress chief has this time also decided to contest from Wayanad in Kerala.&nbsp;

Rahul Gandhi filed his <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rahul-gandhi-files-nomination-from-wayanad-parliamentary-constituency-207840">nomination papers on Thursday in Wayanad</a>, where he was accompanied by his sister.&nbsp;

Elections in Amethi and Rae Bareli will be held in the fifth phase of elections on May 6. The process of filing of nomination starts on April 10 and continues till April 18.&nbsp;

The Congress has decided to go it alone in Uttar Pradesh after it was left out of the alliance between SP and BSP. They said they will not field any candidates for the two seats being contested by the top Congress leadership.&nbsp;

Congress president Rahul Gandhi will file his nomination from the Amethi Lok Sabha seat on April 10 and UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi will do the same from the Rae Bareli parliamentary constituency on April 11, party sources said on Thursday.

Congress president Rahul Gandhi will file his nomination from the Amethi Lok Sabha seat on April 10 and UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi will do the same from the Rae Bareli parliamentary constituency on April 11, party sources said on Thursday. Newly-appointed Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra will be present with her brother and mother when they file their nomination papers. The family will be together on both days with Rahul Gandhi accompanying his mother in Rae Bareli and Sonia Gandhi present while he files his papers in Amethi, the sources said. They said the filing of nomination papers will be a big show of strength and the top Congress leadership will be present. A road show is also likely to be taken out after the filing of papers, the sources added. While both Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi are contesting from the constituencies they have represented for many years, the Congress chief has this time also decided to contest from Wayanad in Kerala. Rahul Gandhi filed his nomination papers on Thursday in Wayanad, where he was accompanied by his sister. Elections in Amethi and Rae Bareli will be held in the fifth phase of elections on May 6. The process of filing of nomination starts on April 10 and continues till April 18. The Congress has decided to go it alone in Uttar Pradesh after it was left out of the alliance between SP and BSP. They said they will not field any candidates for the two seats being contested by the top Congress leadership.

Rahul to file nomination from Amethi on April 10, Sonia from Rae Bareli on April 11

Christian Michel, alleged middleman arrested in the AgustaWestland VVIP Chopper scam, told a Delhi court on Friday that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/agustawestland-case-michel-identifies-ap-as-ahmed-patel-in-ed-chargesheet-208068">he has not named anybody</a> 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.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi didn't bat an eye in picking up the matter today and slammed the Congress party.&nbsp;

Addressing a rally in Uttarakhand's Dehradun, PM Modi said that those involved in the helicopter scam include 'AP' and 'FAM'. "It is mentioned in the charge sheet that 'AP' stands for 'Ahmed Patel' and 'FAM' is for 'family'," the PM said.&nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> PM in Dehradun: ...helicopter ghotale ke dalaalon ne jin logon ko ghoos dene ki baat kahi hai usmein ek 'AP' hai, dusra 'FAM' hai. Issi chargesheet mein kaha gaya hai ki 'AP' ka matlab hai 'Ahmed Patel' aur 'FAM' ka matlab hai family. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Uttarakhand?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Uttarakhand</a> <a href="https://t.co/f2VskwSC6i">pic.twitter.com/f2VskwSC6i</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1114116752516845569?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 5, 2019</a></blockquote>
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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.

"The court is duty bound to balance it. Even to ensure a free and fair trail the court can temporarily curtail the freedom of media to ensure free and fair trial," the plea said.

"Since this court is yet to take cognisance of the charge sheet, it appeared that the ED has clandestinely provided a copy of the same to the media houses which were publishing the same in installments only to sensationalise the issue and prejudice the accused named therein even before cognisance was taken by this court," the plea claimed.

It said that selective portions of the charge sheet have been published in the media which make it clear that the ED was not interested in a fair trial in a court of law but in a trial by media, PTI reported.&nbsp;

"ED is making mockery of the judicial process resulting in a complete travesty of justice. The extradition treaty prohibited the extradition of accused involved in the political offences and the government is now using the ED and all the investigating agencies for the political purpose. The supply of the charge sheet to the media houses is the best example of that," it said, adding that such hostile remarks might curtail the rights of Michel to a free and fair trial as he was a citizen of another country.&nbsp;

(With inputs from PTI)&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.

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. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi didn't bat an eye in picking up the matter today and slammed the Congress party. Addressing a rally in Uttarakhand's Dehradun, PM Modi said that those involved in the helicopter scam include 'AP' and 'FAM'. "It is mentioned in the charge sheet that 'AP' stands for 'Ahmed Patel' and 'FAM' is for 'family'," the PM said. #WATCH PM in Dehradun: ...helicopter ghotale ke dalaalon ne jin logon ko ghoos dene ki baat kahi hai usmein ek 'AP' hai, dusra 'FAM' hai. Issi chargesheet mein kaha gaya hai ki 'AP' ka matlab hai 'Ahmed Patel' aur 'FAM' ka matlab hai family. #Uttarakhand pic.twitter.com/f2VskwSC6i — ANI (@ANI) April 5, 2019 × 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. "The court is duty bound to balance it. Even to ensure a free and fair trail the court can temporarily curtail the freedom of media to ensure free and fair trial," the plea said. "Since this court is yet to take cognisance of the charge sheet, it appeared that the ED has clandestinely provided a copy of the same to the media houses which were publishing the same in installments only to sensationalise the issue and prejudice the accused named therein even before cognisance was taken by this court," the plea claimed. It said that selective portions of the charge sheet have been published in the media which make it clear that the ED was not interested in a fair trial in a court of law but in a trial by media, PTI reported. "ED is making mockery of the judicial process resulting in a complete travesty of justice. The extradition treaty prohibited the extradition of accused involved in the political offences and the government is now using the ED and all the investigating agencies for the political purpose. The supply of the charge sheet to the media houses is the best example of that," it said, adding that such hostile remarks might curtail the rights of Michel to a free and fair trial as he was a citizen of another country. (With inputs from PTI)

Didn't name anyone in connection with chopper deal, Michel tells Delhi court; PM Modi says charge sheet names 'Ahmed Patel', 'family'

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-polls-2019-akhilesh-yadav-vs-dinesh-lal-yadav-nirahua-fight-puts-the-spotlight-on-azamgarh-207977">Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav</a> on Friday released party manifesto ahead of the Lok Sabha polls due next week. Calling the manifesto their "vision document", Yadav said the document will be used for "answering the BJP".&nbsp;

The 16-page document called for 'mahaparivartan' (mega transformation) and emphasised the gaping chasm between the rich and the poor. &nbsp;&nbsp;

While releasing the document, the SP chief said the future of the country should be better for all sections, including farmers and Muslims. &nbsp;

Asked whether the document is an election manifesto, Yadav said, "If I say it is a manifesto, you will ask are you going to form a government. This is a vision document or message to party cadre with which they will reply to the BJP and understand the party's stand on various issues. Our party candidates and workers will take it to people."

"We feel the future of the country should be better for all sections - be it farmers, youth or Muslims. The chasm between rich and poor has become very wide," he said.

The document, studded with the photographs of Akhilesh and party patriarch Mulayam Singh Yadav, also carried Ram Manohar Lohia's quote, "The fight against poverty is a farce till there is discrimination on basis of caste and sex."

(With inputs from PTI)

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav on Friday released party manifesto ahead of the Lok Sabha polls due next week. Calling the manifesto their "vision document", Yadav said the document will be used for "answering the BJP".

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav on Friday released party manifesto ahead of the Lok Sabha polls due next week. Calling the manifesto their "vision document", Yadav said the document will be used for "answering the BJP". The 16-page document called for 'mahaparivartan' (mega transformation) and emphasised the gaping chasm between the rich and the poor. While releasing the document, the SP chief said the future of the country should be better for all sections, including farmers and Muslims. Asked whether the document is an election manifesto, Yadav said, "If I say it is a manifesto, you will ask are you going to form a government. This is a vision document or message to party cadre with which they will reply to the BJP and understand the party's stand on various issues. Our party candidates and workers will take it to people." "We feel the future of the country should be better for all sections - be it farmers, youth or Muslims. The chasm between rich and poor has become very wide," he said. The document, studded with the photographs of Akhilesh and party patriarch Mulayam Singh Yadav, also carried Ram Manohar Lohia's quote, "The fight against poverty is a farce till there is discrimination on basis of caste and sex." (With inputs from PTI)

Lok Sabha polls: Samajwadi Party releases 'vision document'; calls for mega transformation

Trinamool Congress supremo and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee kickstarted Lok Sabha poll campaign in Assam on Friday.&nbsp;

Banerjee, accompanied by cabinet ministers Firhad Hakim and Rabindranath Ghosh addressed a public meeting at Assam’s Dhubri - a minority dominated zone.&nbsp;

She raised the National Register of Citizen (NRC) issue during her speech in Dhubri.&nbsp;

“When 40 lakh people’s names did not find mention on the NRC list. We were the most concerned. We were deeply pained. My party leaders delegation Mohua Mitra, Mamata Bala Thakur, Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar and Firhad Hakim were stopped at Silchar. They even tried to stop me by lodging an FIR against me. But I dare you, stop me if you can. This party (BJP) is only creating a rift between Hindus and Muslims. They are inhuman to keep children in detention camps.,” said Banerjee.&nbsp;

She further claimed that an Assam minister Himanta Biswa Sarma was named by one of the accused of chit fund scam, “You have a minister here, Himanta Biswa Sarma. See, I have this document where the accused of the chit fund scam claims that Himanta took money from him. Why hasn’t the BJP government taken action against him? They only shout Narada-Saradha, but I want to ask them what action have they taken against him?”&nbsp;

Banerjee attacked the Central government for the introducing Citizenship Amendment Bill.&nbsp;

“Citizenship Amendment Bill is another conspiracy of the BJP. Who are they to give us citizenship when we are already citizens of this nation. What’s wrong in Assamese staying in Bengal? Rajasthanis staying in other states? Where is the problem? Some people are trying to give you lollipops. Don’t be fooled by these lollipops,” she said.&nbsp;

The Trinamool Congress has fielded candidates in nine Lok Sabha seats in Assam and Banerjee will campaign for all the nine candidates.&nbsp;

The West Bengal chief minister will address the second public meeting at Naxalbari in North Bengal, part of the Darjeeling Lok Sabha constituency.&nbsp;

Trinamool Congress supremo and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee kickstarted Lok Sabha poll campaign in Assam on Friday. Banerjee, accompanied by cabinet ministers Firhad Hakim and Rabindranath Ghosh addressed a public meeting at Assam’s Dhubri - a minority dominated zone.

Trinamool Congress supremo and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee kickstarted Lok Sabha poll campaign in Assam on Friday. Banerjee, accompanied by cabinet ministers Firhad Hakim and Rabindranath Ghosh addressed a public meeting at Assam’s Dhubri - a minority dominated zone. She raised the National Register of Citizen (NRC) issue during her speech in Dhubri. “When 40 lakh people’s names did not find mention on the NRC list. We were the most concerned. We were deeply pained. My party leaders delegation Mohua Mitra, Mamata Bala Thakur, Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar and Firhad Hakim were stopped at Silchar. They even tried to stop me by lodging an FIR against me. But I dare you, stop me if you can. This party (BJP) is only creating a rift between Hindus and Muslims. They are inhuman to keep children in detention camps.,” said Banerjee. She further claimed that an Assam minister Himanta Biswa Sarma was named by one of the accused of chit fund scam, “You have a minister here, Himanta Biswa Sarma. See, I have this document where the accused of the chit fund scam claims that Himanta took money from him. Why hasn’t the BJP government taken action against him? They only shout Narada-Saradha, but I want to ask them what action have they taken against him?” Banerjee attacked the Central government for the introducing Citizenship Amendment Bill. “Citizenship Amendment Bill is another conspiracy of the BJP. Who are they to give us citizenship when we are already citizens of this nation. What’s wrong in Assamese staying in Bengal? Rajasthanis staying in other states? Where is the problem? Some people are trying to give you lollipops. Don’t be fooled by these lollipops,” she said. The Trinamool Congress has fielded candidates in nine Lok Sabha seats in Assam and Banerjee will campaign for all the nine candidates. The West Bengal chief minister will address the second public meeting at Naxalbari in North Bengal, part of the Darjeeling Lok Sabha constituency.

Lok Sabha polls 2019: Mamata attacks BJP over NRC as she kickstarts poll campaign in Assam 

A blast occurred inside an army camp in Jammu and Kashmir's Lachampora&nbsp;in Handwara area of Kupwara district.

Two soldiers were injured in the blast.

Both soldiers who suffered injuries&nbsp;have been airlifted to the army's 92 base hospital located in Srinagar.

Sources said that among the two, one army man has suffered critical wounds adding that an investigation has been launched to establish the nature of the blast.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

A blast occurred inside an army camp in Jammu and Kashmir's Lachampora in Handwara area of Kupwara district. Two soldiers were injured in the blast. Both soldiers who suffered injuries have been airlifted to the army's 92 base hospital located in Srinagar.

A blast occurred inside an army camp in Jammu and Kashmir's Lachampora in Handwara area of Kupwara district. Two soldiers were injured in the blast. Both soldiers who suffered injuries have been airlifted to the army's 92 base hospital located in Srinagar. Sources said that among the two, one army man has suffered critical wounds adding that an investigation has been launched to establish the nature of the blast.

Blast inside Army camp in J&K; two soldiers injured

The Supreme Court will hear petition&nbsp;challenging the electoral bond scheme on April 10, a day before Lok Sabha polls begin.&nbsp;

Last week, CPI(M), along with NGO Common Cause, filed a petition in the court calling the electoral bond scheme an ''obscure funding system'' unchecked by authorities.&nbsp;

Appearing for the petitioners, senior lawyer Prashanth Bhushan said, “95 per cent of the electoral bonds sold so far have been for the ruling party and this will have a serious impact on elections.”

The petition further stated that most electoral bonds bought since its introduction by the central government has been in the denominations of 10 lakh to 1 crore Indian rupees, hence would be considered corporate funding.

The scheme grants complete anonymity to the donor (The identity of the donor is known only to the bank, which is any case is kept anonymous) and the funds are being used to influence policy decisions, the petitioner added.&nbsp;

Electoral bonds were introduced by amendments made through the finance act 2017 to the Reserve Bank of India Act 1934, Representation of Peoples Act 1951, Income Tax Act 1962 and Companies Act.&nbsp;

In January last year, Modi government notified the scheme, which is in nature of bearer instruments like a promissory note capable of being purchased by an Indian citizen or a body based in India.&nbsp;

These electoral bonds can be purchased from an authorised bank and can be issued to a political party. The political party can encash the bond within 15 days.&nbsp;

The Supreme Court will hear petition challenging the electoral bond scheme on April 10, a day before Lok Sabha polls begin. Last week, CPI(M), along with NGO Common Cause, filed a petition in the court calling the electoral bond scheme an ''obscure funding system'' unchecked by authorities.

The Supreme Court will hear petition challenging the electoral bond scheme on April 10, a day before Lok Sabha polls begin. Last week, CPI(M), along with NGO Common Cause, filed a petition in the court calling the electoral bond scheme an ''obscure funding system'' unchecked by authorities. Appearing for the petitioners, senior lawyer Prashanth Bhushan said, “95 per cent of the electoral bonds sold so far have been for the ruling party and this will have a serious impact on elections.” The petition further stated that most electoral bonds bought since its introduction by the central government has been in the denominations of 10 lakh to 1 crore Indian rupees, hence would be considered corporate funding. The scheme grants complete anonymity to the donor (The identity of the donor is known only to the bank, which is any case is kept anonymous) and the funds are being used to influence policy decisions, the petitioner added. Electoral bonds were introduced by amendments made through the finance act 2017 to the Reserve Bank of India Act 1934, Representation of Peoples Act 1951, Income Tax Act 1962 and Companies Act. In January last year, Modi government notified the scheme, which is in nature of bearer instruments like a promissory note capable of being purchased by an Indian citizen or a body based in India. These electoral bonds can be purchased from an authorised bank and can be issued to a political party. The political party can encash the bond within 15 days.

Supreme Court to hear petition challenging electoral bond on April 10

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/after-advani-writes-blog-modi-says-he-perfectly-sums-up-true-essence-of-bjp-207968">Prime Minister Narendra Modi </a>raised the terror issue to take on the Opposition while addressing an election rally in Amroha in Uttar Pradesh on Friday.

"Replying to terrorists in their own language is not being liked by some people. When India hits back at the enemy, some people here start crying," the prime minister said, adding," When Pakistan is being exposed in front of the world these people start speaking in support of Pakistan."

The prime minister thanked the UAE government for honouring him with the Zayed medal asserting that "this is not an award given to Modi but to the Indian people."

"Congress, Samajwadi Party(SP) or BSP, they have all put your life and future in danger," PM Modi said at the election rally in Amroha.

"Governments of 'Bua' (Mayawati) and 'Babua' (Akhilesh Yadav) released terror accused, they were kind to them," the prime minister said.

PM Modi will later travel to Dehradun in Uttarakhand to address another election rally today. 
&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi raised the terror issue to take on the Opposition while addressing an election rally in Amroha in Uttar Pradesh on Friday. "Replying to terrorists in their own language is not being liked by some people.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi raised the terror issue to take on the Opposition while addressing an election rally in Amroha in Uttar Pradesh on Friday. "Replying to terrorists in their own language is not being liked by some people. When India hits back at the enemy, some people here start crying," the prime minister said, adding," When Pakistan is being exposed in front of the world these people start speaking in support of Pakistan." The prime minister thanked the UAE government for honouring him with the Zayed medal asserting that "this is not an award given to Modi but to the Indian people." "Congress, Samajwadi Party(SP) or BSP, they have all put your life and future in danger," PM Modi said at the election rally in Amroha. "Governments of 'Bua' (Mayawati) and 'Babua' (Akhilesh Yadav) released terror accused, they were kind to them," the prime minister said. PM Modi will later travel to Dehradun in Uttarakhand to address another election rally today.

Replying to terrorists in their own language not liked by some people: PM Modi in Amroha rally

Congress president Rahul Gandhi, in an interaction with students in Pune, said that he loves Prime Minister Narendra Modi and that he has no anger against him.

"I love Narendra Modi and I have no anger for him (at this point )," Rahul Gandhi said amid chants of 'Modi Modi'.

During the interaction, some students asked Rahul for his comments about his sister Priyanka Gandhi calling him courageous. "I deal with what I'm faced with and I am persistent. If I decide to do something I'll do it. I like to stand for people. And I got the courage through experience," said Rahul.

He also talked about the much-talked-about minimum income scheme NYAY introduced in Congress manifesto and said it will be implemented without raising income tax or burdening the middle class. "Money won't be taken from the middle class and income tax won't be raised," he said adding that all calculations have been done to fund the scheme.

He said the Congress manifesto was prepared after taking inputs from all sections of the society, including farmers and the poor.

"The Congress poll manifesto was prepared after speaking to all stakeholders. We spoke to farmers, students and all the stakeholders of the country," Rahul said.

Asked about employment scenario in the country, he said around 27,000 jobs are being lost per hour in India.

The Congress chief promised to reserve 33 per cent seats in Parliament, assemblies for women if his party is voted to power.

Congress president Rahul Gandhi, in an interaction with students in Pune, said that he loves Prime Minister Narendra Modi and that he has no anger against him. "I love Narendra Modi and I have no anger for him (at this point )," Rahul Gandhi said amid chants of 'Modi Modi'.

Congress president Rahul Gandhi, in an interaction with students in Pune, said that he loves Prime Minister Narendra Modi and that he has no anger against him. "I love Narendra Modi and I have no anger for him (at this point )," Rahul Gandhi said amid chants of 'Modi Modi'. During the interaction, some students asked Rahul for his comments about his sister Priyanka Gandhi calling him courageous. "I deal with what I'm faced with and I am persistent. If I decide to do something I'll do it. I like to stand for people. And I got the courage through experience," said Rahul. He also talked about the much-talked-about minimum income scheme NYAY introduced in Congress manifesto and said it will be implemented without raising income tax or burdening the middle class. "Money won't be taken from the middle class and income tax won't be raised," he said adding that all calculations have been done to fund the scheme. He said the Congress manifesto was prepared after taking inputs from all sections of the society, including farmers and the poor. "The Congress poll manifesto was prepared after speaking to all stakeholders. We spoke to farmers, students and all the stakeholders of the country," Rahul said. Asked about employment scenario in the country, he said around 27,000 jobs are being lost per hour in India. The Congress chief promised to reserve 33 per cent seats in Parliament, assemblies for women if his party is voted to power.

I love Narendra Modi, no anger against him: Rahul Gandhi

Union Home minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday said that the country was safe because of its brave soldiers.

Addressing a traders meeting here at the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Convention Centre, Rajnath Singh said, "It is because of the brave jawans of the country that we are safe. If there is any danger to them, each and every citizen of the country will unite and be ready to protect the brave jawans."

"As many as 126 districts of the country were affected by the menace of Naxalism. But in the five years of the BJP government, the menace has been confined to only 5-6 districts. Soon this will also be eliminated," he added.

Asserting that the government wanted better ties with Pakistan, the Union home minister said anyone who tries to harm India would get a befitting reply.

"Pakistan is our neighbour. We want that our ties with it are better. But, if someone casts an evil eye on India, then there will be a befitting reply," he said.

"When the terrorists were attacked in Pakistan, adequate caution was exercised by our jawans so that no innocent (in Pakistan) falls in the ambit of attack," he added.

In a veiled attack on Congress president Rahul Gandhi, he said that he was surprised by the party's promise in their election manifesto to scrap the sedition law.

"Someone threatens to destroy India, and action will not be initiated? How is it possible? I feel ashamed of people who speak these things," he said.

Rajnath Singh also assured the traders that their demands will be looked into after the election process is over.

On the Goods and Services Tax (GST) he said, "I am not saying that the traders did not face any problems due to GST. But, the problems were gradually resolved and solution will be found in future as well."

Union Home minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday said that the country was safe because of its brave soldiers. Addressing a traders meeting here at the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Convention Centre, Rajnath Singh said, "It is because of the brave jawans of the country that we are safe.

Union Home minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday said that the country was safe because of its brave soldiers. Addressing a traders meeting here at the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Convention Centre, Rajnath Singh said, "It is because of the brave jawans of the country that we are safe. If there is any danger to them, each and every citizen of the country will unite and be ready to protect the brave jawans." "As many as 126 districts of the country were affected by the menace of Naxalism. But in the five years of the BJP government, the menace has been confined to only 5-6 districts. Soon this will also be eliminated," he added. Asserting that the government wanted better ties with Pakistan, the Union home minister said anyone who tries to harm India would get a befitting reply. "Pakistan is our neighbour. We want that our ties with it are better. But, if someone casts an evil eye on India, then there will be a befitting reply," he said. "When the terrorists were attacked in Pakistan, adequate caution was exercised by our jawans so that no innocent (in Pakistan) falls in the ambit of attack," he added. In a veiled attack on Congress president Rahul Gandhi, he said that he was surprised by the party's promise in their election manifesto to scrap the sedition law. "Someone threatens to destroy India, and action will not be initiated? How is it possible? I feel ashamed of people who speak these things," he said. Rajnath Singh also assured the traders that their demands will be looked into after the election process is over. On the Goods and Services Tax (GST) he said, "I am not saying that the traders did not face any problems due to GST. But, the problems were gradually resolved and solution will be found in future as well."

India safe because of its brave soldiers: Rajnath Singh

Ratul Puri, nephew of Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath, Thursday appeared before the ED in connection with the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/agustawestland-case-ed-arrests-alleged-middleman-sushen-mohan-gupta-205689">AgustaWestland VVIP choppers</a> money laundering case, officials said.

They said Puri met the Investigating Officer (IO) of the case around 11am.

It is expected that Puri's statement would be recorded under the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/agustawestland-chopper-case-delhi-court-allows-rajeev-saxena-to-turn-approver-205528">Prevention of Money Laundering Act </a>(PMLA).

The central agency had Wednesday informed a Delhi court that Puri, Chairman of Hindustan Powerprojects Pvt Ltd, has been summoned in this high-profile case for interrogation.

He is the son of Nita and Deepak Puri, the CMD of optical storage media firm Moser Baer. Nita is Nath's sister.

The Enforcement Directorate had also informed the court that Puri was summoned for confronting him with Sushen Mohan Gupta, an arrested middleman in the case, whose custodial interrogation was Wednesday extended by three more days by the court.

Seeking the extension of Gupta's custody, the ED had told the court that he was required to be confronted with various people including Puri in the case pertaining to the now scrapped Rs 3,600 crore chopper deal.

Puri, who was summoned to join the probe on Wednesday, denied having "any connection or involvement of any kind in defence or the case".

In a statement, his company had said: "He would be fully cooperating with the ED investigation and provide any clarification or information as may be required."

The about Rs 3,600 crore deal to purchase AgustaWestland choppers for the transport of VVIPs was scrapped by India over allegations of corruption and kickbacks being paid in the deal.

The ED and the CBI are probing the case now and have already filed multiple charge sheets in the case.&nbsp;

Ratul Puri, nephew of Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath, Thursday appeared before the ED in connection with the AgustaWestland VVIP choppers money laundering case, officials said.

Ratul Puri, nephew of Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath, Thursday appeared before the ED in connection with the AgustaWestland VVIP choppers money laundering case, officials said. They said Puri met the Investigating Officer (IO) of the case around 11am. It is expected that Puri's statement would be recorded under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). The central agency had Wednesday informed a Delhi court that Puri, Chairman of Hindustan Powerprojects Pvt Ltd, has been summoned in this high-profile case for interrogation. He is the son of Nita and Deepak Puri, the CMD of optical storage media firm Moser Baer. Nita is Nath's sister. The Enforcement Directorate had also informed the court that Puri was summoned for confronting him with Sushen Mohan Gupta, an arrested middleman in the case, whose custodial interrogation was Wednesday extended by three more days by the court. Seeking the extension of Gupta's custody, the ED had told the court that he was required to be confronted with various people including Puri in the case pertaining to the now scrapped Rs 3,600 crore chopper deal. Puri, who was summoned to join the probe on Wednesday, denied having "any connection or involvement of any kind in defence or the case". In a statement, his company had said: "He would be fully cooperating with the ED investigation and provide any clarification or information as may be required." The about Rs 3,600 crore deal to purchase AgustaWestland choppers for the transport of VVIPs was scrapped by India over allegations of corruption and kickbacks being paid in the deal. The ED and the CBI are probing the case now and have already filed multiple charge sheets in the case.

AgustaWestland VVIP chopper case: Madhya Pradesh CM Kamal Nath's nephew appears before ED

Union&nbsp;minister and BJP leader Smriti Irani on Thursday attacked Congress president Rahul Gandhi for filing nomination from Wayanad constituency,&nbsp;saying his decision to contest from the Kerala seat was an "insult" to the people of Amethi.

Congress president is contesting from the seat in Kerala in addition to his traditional stronghold of Amethi in Uttar Pradesh.

Referring to the Congress chief, Irani said a person who is here in Amethi for the past 15 years has decided to leave his supporters and has chosen to file nominations from another constituency.&nbsp;

"He is filing his papers from another Lok Sabha seat. This is an insult to Amethi and a betrayal with its people. The people will not tolerate this," she told reporters in Amethi.&nbsp;

Irani said that Rahul decided to contest from Wayanad as he does not&nbsp;have support in Amethi.&nbsp;

Union minister and BJP leader Smriti Irani on Thursday attacked Congress president Rahul Gandhi for filing nomination from Wayanad constituency, saying his decision to contest from the Kerala seat was an "insult" to the people of Amethi.

Union minister and BJP leader Smriti Irani on Thursday attacked Congress president Rahul Gandhi for filing nomination from Wayanad constituency, saying his decision to contest from the Kerala seat was an "insult" to the people of Amethi. Congress president is contesting from the seat in Kerala in addition to his traditional stronghold of Amethi in Uttar Pradesh. Referring to the Congress chief, Irani said a person who is here in Amethi for the past 15 years has decided to leave his supporters and has chosen to file nominations from another constituency. "He is filing his papers from another Lok Sabha seat. This is an insult to Amethi and a betrayal with its people. The people will not tolerate this," she told reporters in Amethi. Irani said that Rahul decided to contest from Wayanad as he does not have support in Amethi.

Rahul's decision to contest from Wayanad insult to Amethi: Irani

The BJP on Wednesday dropped its sitting MP Kirit Somaiya, whose name was opposed by ally Shiv Sena, as its candidate from Mumbai North East and also announced its nominees for the Lok Sabha election against key opposition leaders like Sonia Gandhi of the Congress and SP's Akhilesh Yadav.

The BJP has pitted well-known Bhojpuri actor and singer Dinesh Lal Yadav against Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav from Azamgarh.

It has fielded Prem Singh Shakya against Yadav's father Mulayam Singh Yadav from Mainpuri.

The BJP has named Dinesh Pratap Singh, a local strongman who had left the Congress to join it last year, as its candidate against Sonia Gandhi in Rae Bareli.

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BJP releases 16th list of 6 candidates in Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh for <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LokSabhaElections2019?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LokSabhaElections2019</a> . Manoj Kotak to contest from Mumbai North East (where Kirit Somaiya is the sitting MP), Dinesh Lal Yadav 'Nirhua' to contest from Azamgarh (UP) against SP's Akhilesh Yadav. <a href="https://t.co/uQvwJpGRSl">pic.twitter.com/uQvwJpGRSl</a>
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The seat has long been a bastion of the Gandhi family with the former Congress president representing it in Lok Sabha since 2004.

The party has replaced sitting Machhlishahr MP Ram Charitra Nishad with V P Saroj.

On Mumbai North East constituency, Shiv Sena had been bitterly opposed to Somaiya's candidature. And the BJP's decision to replace him with Manoj Kotal underscores its keenness to keep its Hindutva ally in good humour.

Somaiya, an old BJP hand and one of its leading speakers on economic issues in Parliament, had been a trenchant critic of the Sena.

The BJP named Chandra Sen Jadun as its candidate from Firozabad. The SP had won from Azamgarh, Mainpuri and Firozabad in 2014, with members of its ruling Yadav family emerging victorious.

The BJP on Wednesday dropped its sitting MP Kirit Somaiya, whose name was opposed by ally Shiv Sena, as its candidate from Mumbai North East and also announced its nominees for the Lok Sabha election against key opposition leaders like Sonia Gandhi of the Congress and SP's Akhilesh Yadav.

The BJP on Wednesday dropped its sitting MP Kirit Somaiya, whose name was opposed by ally Shiv Sena, as its candidate from Mumbai North East and also announced its nominees for the Lok Sabha election against key opposition leaders like Sonia Gandhi of the Congress and SP's Akhilesh Yadav. The BJP has pitted well-known Bhojpuri actor and singer Dinesh Lal Yadav against Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav from Azamgarh. It has fielded Prem Singh Shakya against Yadav's father Mulayam Singh Yadav from Mainpuri. The BJP has named Dinesh Pratap Singh, a local strongman who had left the Congress to join it last year, as its candidate against Sonia Gandhi in Rae Bareli. BJP releases 16th list of 6 candidates in Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh for #LokSabhaElections2019 . Manoj Kotak to contest from Mumbai North East (where Kirit Somaiya is the sitting MP), Dinesh Lal Yadav 'Nirhua' to contest from Azamgarh (UP) against SP's Akhilesh Yadav. pic.twitter.com/uQvwJpGRSl — ANI (@ANI) April 3, 2019 × The seat has long been a bastion of the Gandhi family with the former Congress president representing it in Lok Sabha since 2004. The party has replaced sitting Machhlishahr MP Ram Charitra Nishad with V P Saroj. On Mumbai North East constituency, Shiv Sena had been bitterly opposed to Somaiya's candidature. And the BJP's decision to replace him with Manoj Kotal underscores its keenness to keep its Hindutva ally in good humour. Somaiya, an old BJP hand and one of its leading speakers on economic issues in Parliament, had been a trenchant critic of the Sena. The BJP named Chandra Sen Jadun as its candidate from Firozabad. The SP had won from Azamgarh, Mainpuri and Firozabad in 2014, with members of its ruling Yadav family emerging victorious.

Lok Sabha polls 2019: BJP drops Kirit Somaiya, names candidates against Sonia, Mulayam, Akhilesh

Hinting at her prime ministerial ambition, BSP chief Mayawati said Wednesday she would use the experience she has gained as UP chief minister to give the "best government" at the Centre "if we get an opportunity".

She said she has been Uttar Pradesh chief minister four times.

"I have a lot of experience. I will use that experience at the Centre and work for people's welfare," the Bahujan Samaj Party supremo said at a press conference in Visakhapatnam.

"If we get an opportunity at the Centre, we will adopt the UP pattern and give the best government in all aspects. At all levels, a good government," she asserted.

Asked if she would like to become the prime minister, Mayawati, however, said things would be clear when results of the general election are declared on May 23.

The BSP is contesting Lok Sabha and state assembly elections in Andhra Pradesh in alliance with the Jana Sena, the CPI and the CPI(M).

As part of the alliance, the BSP is contesting three Lok Sabha seats out of the 25 in the state and 21 assembly seats of the total 175.

Flanked by Jana Sena chief Pawan Kalyan at the presser, Mayawati said people "want a change" at the national level.

"They want a party in power that takes care of their welfare. They want our country safe," she said.

She pointed out that her party had garnered the third-largest vote share in the 2014 election, after the BJP and the Congress.

Asked if there's a need for a "Third Front", the BSP chief replied it would become clear when the election results come out.

"In the 2014 election, BJP promised big things. But it did not fulfil the promises in five years," she said, adding that the ruling party has diverted people's attention from those promises to "other issues".

On the Congress, she said people rejected the party that has remained in power for the longest time "because it failed to honour its promises" and the BJP "took advantage of it".

"Last time the BJP promised Rs 15-20 lakh for each poor family. Now the Congress is talking on the same lines. It is promising Rs 72,000 per year.

"The Congress should remember, when Indira Gandhi was in power she had started the 20-point programme in the name of Garibi Hatao. Kya garibi hati (Was poverty eradicated)?" Mayawati asked.

She said the BSP always talked less and believed in delivering more.

If BSP gets an opportunity at the Centre, it will work for the poor and the unemployed, irrespective of their caste. "We will give top priority to them. And farmers have multiple problems and we will try to get rid of them," she said.

Her government, if elected, would not be biased towards any state.

"If Congress is in power at the Centre, it supports some states and does not support others. BJP has its own equations. It will not happen with us," she said.

Claiming that the BJP's situation was "very bad", particularly vis-a-vis the BSP-SP-RLD alliance in Uttar Pradesh, the BSP chief said the ruling party was "worried."

"Wherever we have alliance, BJP will suffer," she said.

Mayawati also promised to grant the special category status to Andhra Pradesh.

"AP people are angry that both BJP and Congress did not deliver SCS. If we get a chance at the Centre, we will give SCS," she said.

The BSP chief hoped that the JSP-BSP-CPI(M)-CPI alliance would for the government in Andhra Pradesh and Pawan Kalyan would become the CM.

"People don't want to fall in the trap of regional parties of either Jagan Mohan Reddy (YSR Congress) or Chandrababu Naidu (Telugu Desam Party). They want a new leadership, young blood who could lead the state well... They should give a chance to Pawan Kalyan..."

Hinting at her prime ministerial ambition, BSP chief Mayawati said Wednesday she would use the experience she has gained as UP chief minister to give the "best government" at the Centre "if we get an opportunity".

Hinting at her prime ministerial ambition, BSP chief Mayawati said Wednesday she would use the experience she has gained as UP chief minister to give the "best government" at the Centre "if we get an opportunity". She said she has been Uttar Pradesh chief minister four times. "I have a lot of experience. I will use that experience at the Centre and work for people's welfare," the Bahujan Samaj Party supremo said at a press conference in Visakhapatnam. "If we get an opportunity at the Centre, we will adopt the UP pattern and give the best government in all aspects. At all levels, a good government," she asserted. Asked if she would like to become the prime minister, Mayawati, however, said things would be clear when results of the general election are declared on May 23. The BSP is contesting Lok Sabha and state assembly elections in Andhra Pradesh in alliance with the Jana Sena, the CPI and the CPI(M). As part of the alliance, the BSP is contesting three Lok Sabha seats out of the 25 in the state and 21 assembly seats of the total 175. Flanked by Jana Sena chief Pawan Kalyan at the presser, Mayawati said people "want a change" at the national level. "They want a party in power that takes care of their welfare. They want our country safe," she said. She pointed out that her party had garnered the third-largest vote share in the 2014 election, after the BJP and the Congress. Asked if there's a need for a "Third Front", the BSP chief replied it would become clear when the election results come out. "In the 2014 election, BJP promised big things. But it did not fulfil the promises in five years," she said, adding that the ruling party has diverted people's attention from those promises to "other issues". On the Congress, she said people rejected the party that has remained in power for the longest time "because it failed to honour its promises" and the BJP "took advantage of it". "Last time the BJP promised Rs 15-20 lakh for each poor family. Now the Congress is talking on the same lines. It is promising Rs 72,000 per year. "The Congress should remember, when Indira Gandhi was in power she had started the 20-point programme in the name of Garibi Hatao. Kya garibi hati (Was poverty eradicated)?" Mayawati asked. She said the BSP always talked less and believed in delivering more. If BSP gets an opportunity at the Centre, it will work for the poor and the unemployed, irrespective of their caste. "We will give top priority to them. And farmers have multiple problems and we will try to get rid of them," she said. Her government, if elected, would not be biased towards any state. "If Congress is in power at the Centre, it supports some states and does not support others. BJP has its own equations. It will not happen with us," she said. Claiming that the BJP's situation was "very bad", particularly vis-a-vis the BSP-SP-RLD alliance in Uttar Pradesh, the BSP chief said the ruling party was "worried." "Wherever we have alliance, BJP will suffer," she said. Mayawati also promised to grant the special category status to Andhra Pradesh. "AP people are angry that both BJP and Congress did not deliver SCS. If we get a chance at the Centre, we will give SCS," she said. The BSP chief hoped that the JSP-BSP-CPI(M)-CPI alliance would for the government in Andhra Pradesh and Pawan Kalyan would become the CM. "People don't want to fall in the trap of regional parties of either Jagan Mohan Reddy (YSR Congress) or Chandrababu Naidu (Telugu Desam Party). They want a new leadership, young blood who could lead the state well... They should give a chance to Pawan Kalyan..."

Mayawati hints at her prime ministerial ambition

Lok Sabha elections are going to see some interesting battles this year. Among them is the fight in Baghpat, one of the 80 Lok Sabha constituencies in Uttar Pradesh, where voting will be held in the first phase on April 11.

In the 2014 election, Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) Satyapal Singh won the seat with a margin of 2,09,866 votes defeating Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) leader Ajit Singh. The victory was significant because Satyapal Singh was contesting for the first time and Ajit Singh had been winning the seat since 1999. The election saw a voter turnout of 71.58 per cent. Of the 14 contestants who were in the fray, 11 lost their deposits.

Satyapal Singh, who was the Mumbai Police Commissioner, quit the post to join politics. After the successful electoral contest against the RLD chief, he became a part of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's cabinet.

During his tenure in Mumbai, he is credited with breaking the backbone of organised crime syndicates that terrorised Mumbai in the 1990s, including the Chhota Rajan, Chhota Shakeel and Arun Gawli gangs. That tenure saw several encounter killings in Mumbai with specialists such as Daya Nayak, Pradeep Sharma and Vijay Salaskar given the licence to take on the underworld. It was during this stint that the 25 August 2003 Mumbai bombings at Gateway of India and Zaveri Bazaar took place.

This time, the voting for Lok Sabha election in Uttar Pradesh will be held in seven phases and Baghpat will be going to polls in the first phase. What makes the electoral fight interesting is that RLD has fielded Ajit Singh's son Jayant Chaudhary against Satyapal Singh, who has been chosen again by the BJP.

The RLD has teamed up with the Samajwadi Party (SP) and the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) and the alliance feels that it will benefit from division of Jat votes this time, and that the Muslim, Dalits and backward sections will vote for them.

Counting for the election will be held on May 23. Along with the Baghpat district, the constituency covers parts of Meerut, Ghaziabad and Shamli districts.

After the reorganisation of the parliamentary constituencies in 2008, Baghpat Lok Sabha constituency comprises of five legislative assembly segments, namely Siwalkhas, Chhaprauli, Baraut, Baghpat and Modi Nagar.

Lok Sabha elections are going to see some interesting battles this year. Among them is the fight in Baghpat, one of the 80 Lok Sabha constituencies in Uttar Pradesh, where voting will be held in the first phase on April 11.

Lok Sabha elections are going to see some interesting battles this year. Among them is the fight in Baghpat, one of the 80 Lok Sabha constituencies in Uttar Pradesh, where voting will be held in the first phase on April 11. In the 2014 election, Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) Satyapal Singh won the seat with a margin of 2,09,866 votes defeating Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) leader Ajit Singh. The victory was significant because Satyapal Singh was contesting for the first time and Ajit Singh had been winning the seat since 1999. The election saw a voter turnout of 71.58 per cent. Of the 14 contestants who were in the fray, 11 lost their deposits. Satyapal Singh, who was the Mumbai Police Commissioner, quit the post to join politics. After the successful electoral contest against the RLD chief, he became a part of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's cabinet. During his tenure in Mumbai, he is credited with breaking the backbone of organised crime syndicates that terrorised Mumbai in the 1990s, including the Chhota Rajan, Chhota Shakeel and Arun Gawli gangs. That tenure saw several encounter killings in Mumbai with specialists such as Daya Nayak, Pradeep Sharma and Vijay Salaskar given the licence to take on the underworld. It was during this stint that the 25 August 2003 Mumbai bombings at Gateway of India and Zaveri Bazaar took place. This time, the voting for Lok Sabha election in Uttar Pradesh will be held in seven phases and Baghpat will be going to polls in the first phase. What makes the electoral fight interesting is that RLD has fielded Ajit Singh's son Jayant Chaudhary against Satyapal Singh, who has been chosen again by the BJP. The RLD has teamed up with the Samajwadi Party (SP) and the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) and the alliance feels that it will benefit from division of Jat votes this time, and that the Muslim, Dalits and backward sections will vote for them. Counting for the election will be held on May 23. Along with the Baghpat district, the constituency covers parts of Meerut, Ghaziabad and Shamli districts. After the reorganisation of the parliamentary constituencies in 2008, Baghpat Lok Sabha constituency comprises of five legislative assembly segments, namely Siwalkhas, Chhaprauli, Baraut, Baghpat and Modi Nagar.

Baghpat battle: After defeating father Ajit Singh, BJP's Satyapal Singh pitted against Jayant Chaudhary

Fugitive diamantaire Nirav Modi, who is undergoing <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/nirav-modi-intends-to-appeal-for-bail-in-uk-high-court-207548">extradition proceedings </a>in the United Kingdon (UK), has been charged with violating Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act in an American bankruptcy court&nbsp;which, according to reports, could pave the way for his speedier extradition to India.&nbsp;

Modi is currently in Wandsworth Jail in the UK.

In February 2018, three companies linked to Nirav – Firestar Diamond International, A Jaffe and Fantasy Inc – filed for bankruptcy protection in the United States of America (USA).

A court-appointed trustee probed the companies and filed a complaint against Mihir Bhansali, CEO of Firestar Diamond and Fantasy; Ajay Gandhi, a senior executive in all three companies; and Nirav.

The trio was accused of breaching fiduciary duty, aiding and abetting breach of fiduciary duty, corporate waste, and violations of the RICO Act. “The case in the US is also linked with his [Nirav’s] scam in the country,” a media report said quoting ED source.

Nirav is the prime accused in $2 billion Punjab National Bank (PNB) fraud case.

Under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), the maximum punishment Modi would face in India is seven years’ imprisonment while a conviction under the RICO Act could see Nirav, Bhansali and Gandhi facing up to 20 years in prison. Reports said&nbsp;the ED believes that if Nirav is faced with this possibility, he may not contest India’s extradition request as aggressively as he is now.

London's Westminster Magistrate court on <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-court-rejects-nirav-modis-bail-plea-remands-him-to-custody-206560">March 29&nbsp;rejected </a>Modi's bail plea for the second time.

The judge had fixed April 26th as the next date of hearing. Modi will appear via video link from jail at the next hearing.

Fugitive diamantaire Nirav Modi, who is undergoing extradition proceedings in the United Kingdon (UK), has been charged with violating Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act in an American bankruptcy court which, according to reports, could pave the way for his speedier extradition to India.

Fugitive diamantaire Nirav Modi, who is undergoing extradition proceedings in the United Kingdon (UK), has been charged with violating Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act in an American bankruptcy court which, according to reports, could pave the way for his speedier extradition to India. Modi is currently in Wandsworth Jail in the UK. In February 2018, three companies linked to Nirav – Firestar Diamond International, A Jaffe and Fantasy Inc – filed for bankruptcy protection in the United States of America (USA). A court-appointed trustee probed the companies and filed a complaint against Mihir Bhansali, CEO of Firestar Diamond and Fantasy; Ajay Gandhi, a senior executive in all three companies; and Nirav. The trio was accused of breaching fiduciary duty, aiding and abetting breach of fiduciary duty, corporate waste, and violations of the RICO Act. “The case in the US is also linked with his [Nirav’s] scam in the country,” a media report said quoting ED source. Nirav is the prime accused in $2 billion Punjab National Bank (PNB) fraud case. Under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), the maximum punishment Modi would face in India is seven years’ imprisonment while a conviction under the RICO Act could see Nirav, Bhansali and Gandhi facing up to 20 years in prison. Reports said the ED believes that if Nirav is faced with this possibility, he may not contest India’s extradition request as aggressively as he is now. London's Westminster Magistrate court on March 29 rejected Modi's bail plea for the second time. The judge had fixed April 26th as the next date of hearing. Modi will appear via video link from jail at the next hearing.

US invokes RICO Act against Nirav Modi, may expedite extradition to India: Report

In this year's Lok Sabha elections, some key political battles will determine the fates of many political bigwigs. Among these is the battle royale in Amethi, a small town but holds big political relevance.

Amethi has been the bastion and Lok Sabha constituency of Congress president Rahul Gandhi since 2004. However, his victory margin suffered a major blow when the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) fielded Smriti Irani to take on the Gandhi scion in the 2014 Lok Sabha election from the turf of Nehru-Gandhi family in Uttar Pradesh.

Rahul Gandhi has won three consecutive Lok Sabha elections from Amethi in 2004, 2009 and 2014. While his victory margin in 2004 and 2007 were 2,90,853 and 3,70,198, respectively, it was merely 1,07,903 against Smriti Irani in 2014 Lok Sabha elections, when the BJP was riding on Narendra Modi wave. The close fight showed that Smriti Irani had managed to corner Rahul Gandhi and delivered some crunching blows.

And this year too, the BJP has fielded Amriti Irani from Amethi to take on Rahul Gandhi.

Though Smriti Irani could not win the elections, she made a promise to people of Amethi that she would not turn her back. And since then, the Union minister has been launching a slew of projects and schemes in a bid to turn the fortunes of the people hailing from the Gandhi bastion.

The actress-turned-politician has also been making several trips to Amethi. During one of her visits, in November 2018, Smriti had inaugurated and laid foundation stones of projects of various schemes worth Rs 77 crore. And not just this, the Union minister has promised that by 2022, every family in Amethi will have a house and each household will have electricity.

The Congress, meanwhile, announced that Rahul Gandhi will also contest from Wayanad in Kerala. The announcement gave ammunition to BJP who accused Rahul of running away because he has not fulfilled the promises he made to the people of Amethi. But the Congress president hit back claiming that people in South India "feel hostility" from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and said he decided to contest from Wayanad in Kerala to send out the message that he stands with them.

Wayanad district is in the north eastern part of Kerala and houses various tribal groups of the state. The area was badly affected due to last year's floods. The Congress is hoping to further consolidate its position this time in Kerala.

Top Congress leaders have contested from the South earlier as well.

The 2014 Lok Sabha election witnessed a fierce contest in Amethi between Smriti Irani and Rahul Gandhi. And with the BJP deciding to retain her candidature in 2019 as well, it will certainly be one of the most dramatic battles to be fought during the Lok Sabha election.

In this year's Lok Sabha elections, some key political battles will determine the fates of many political bigwigs. Among these is the battle royale in Amethi, a small town but holds big political relevance.

In this year's Lok Sabha elections, some key political battles will determine the fates of many political bigwigs. Among these is the battle royale in Amethi, a small town but holds big political relevance. Amethi has been the bastion and Lok Sabha constituency of Congress president Rahul Gandhi since 2004. However, his victory margin suffered a major blow when the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) fielded Smriti Irani to take on the Gandhi scion in the 2014 Lok Sabha election from the turf of Nehru-Gandhi family in Uttar Pradesh. Rahul Gandhi has won three consecutive Lok Sabha elections from Amethi in 2004, 2009 and 2014. While his victory margin in 2004 and 2007 were 2,90,853 and 3,70,198, respectively, it was merely 1,07,903 against Smriti Irani in 2014 Lok Sabha elections, when the BJP was riding on Narendra Modi wave. The close fight showed that Smriti Irani had managed to corner Rahul Gandhi and delivered some crunching blows. And this year too, the BJP has fielded Amriti Irani from Amethi to take on Rahul Gandhi. Though Smriti Irani could not win the elections, she made a promise to people of Amethi that she would not turn her back. And since then, the Union minister has been launching a slew of projects and schemes in a bid to turn the fortunes of the people hailing from the Gandhi bastion. The actress-turned-politician has also been making several trips to Amethi. During one of her visits, in November 2018, Smriti had inaugurated and laid foundation stones of projects of various schemes worth Rs 77 crore. And not just this, the Union minister has promised that by 2022, every family in Amethi will have a house and each household will have electricity. The Congress, meanwhile, announced that Rahul Gandhi will also contest from Wayanad in Kerala. The announcement gave ammunition to BJP who accused Rahul of running away because he has not fulfilled the promises he made to the people of Amethi. But the Congress president hit back claiming that people in South India "feel hostility" from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and said he decided to contest from Wayanad in Kerala to send out the message that he stands with them. Wayanad district is in the north eastern part of Kerala and houses various tribal groups of the state. The area was badly affected due to last year's floods. The Congress is hoping to further consolidate its position this time in Kerala. Top Congress leaders have contested from the South earlier as well. The 2014 Lok Sabha election witnessed a fierce contest in Amethi between Smriti Irani and Rahul Gandhi. And with the BJP deciding to retain her candidature in 2019 as well, it will certainly be one of the most dramatic battles to be fought during the Lok Sabha election.

Amethi's battle royale: Smriti Irani to take on Rahul Gandhi again

The Pentagon said on Thursday that the space debris from India's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/in-important-message-to-nation-modi-says-india-shot-down-low-earth-orbit-satellite-with-anti-satellite-missile-pm-modi-205973">A-Sat (anti-satellite) missile test</a> would burn up in the atmosphere.&nbsp;

The Pentagon said it stood by Acting Defence Secretary Patrick Shanahan's assessment last week that the debris would eventually burn up in the atmosphere.

Asked on Thursday whether the Pentagon stood by Shanahan's earlier assessment, spokesman Charlie Summers said: "Yes."

NASA had had a slightly different outlook.&nbsp;

NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine had said on Monday 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;

Bridenstine said that was a "terrible, terrible thing".&nbsp;

India had conducted its A-Sat test on March 27, shooting down a satellite 300 kms up in space.&nbsp;

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, announcing the successful completion of the test which had been dubbed "Mission Shakti"&nbsp;or Strength, said the entire operation had taken three minutes.&nbsp;

He added then that India was now an elite space power. And that after the successful completion of the test, only three other countries — the US, Russia and China — had that capability.&nbsp;

India was the fourth.&nbsp;

(With inputs from Reuters)

The Pentagon said on Thursday that the space debris from India's A-Sat (anti-satellite) missile test would burn up in the atmosphere. The Pentagon said it stood by Acting Defence Secretary Patrick Shanahan's assessment last week that the debris would eventually burn up in the atmosphere.

The Pentagon said on Thursday that the space debris from India's A-Sat (anti-satellite) missile test would burn up in the atmosphere. The Pentagon said it stood by Acting Defence Secretary Patrick Shanahan's assessment last week that the debris would eventually burn up in the atmosphere. Asked on Thursday whether the Pentagon stood by Shanahan's earlier assessment, spokesman Charlie Summers said: "Yes." NASA had had a slightly different outlook. NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine had said on Monday that more than 400 pieces of orbital debris from the test had been identified — including debris that was travelling above the International Space Station. Bridenstine said that was a "terrible, terrible thing". India had conducted its A-Sat test on March 27, shooting down a satellite 300 kms up in space. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, announcing the successful completion of the test which had been dubbed "Mission Shakti" or Strength, said the entire operation had taken three minutes. He added then that India was now an elite space power. And that after the successful completion of the test, only three other countries — the US, Russia and China — had that capability. India was the fourth. (With inputs from Reuters)

Mission Shakti: Pentagon says space debris from anti-satellite test will burn up in atmosphere

Jaish-e-Mohammed(JeM)<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/masood-azhar-listing-as-global-terrorist-us-calls-for-public-voting-at-un-security-council-206170"> chief Masood Azhar's nephew</a> Mohammad Umar has been killed in an encounter in Jammu and Kashmir's Tral district, WION has learned.

Azhar's nephew was gunned down on March 11th in south Kashmir, sources have told WION.

JeM used the codename, Khalid, to identify Umar. Sources said JeM even conducted a funeral for him in absentia.

During the encounter a local terrorist named Mudasir Ahmad Khan was also killed. Mudasir was involved in an attack on CRPF camp in Lethpora last year.

Mudasir was also one of the key conspirators of the Pulwama attack in which over 40 CRPF personnel were killed by a suicide bomber on February 14th.

After India conducted the air strikes at Balakot in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province against JeM terror targets on February 26th, there were reports of JeM chief's brother-in-law Maulana Yousuf Azhar being killed, however, it could not be confirmed.

In the past two months, India has pushed for Azhar to be designated as a global terrorist, however, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/masood-azhar-and-chinas-new-great-game-203678">China in a recent vote</a> at the UNSC vetoed the decision of US and France due to "technical reasons", but added that &nbsp;"positive progress" has been made to resolve the issue.

China has so far blocked the move four times in recent years. It recently blocked the US, UK and France resolution in the counter-terrorism 1267 committee with "technical hold" saying that it provides time and space for the relevant parties to hold talks after the Pulwama terrorist attack.

"We believe under the current circumstances forcing a draft resolution at the Security Council is not a constructive move and set a bad example", China's foreign ministry had said.

Jaish-e-Mohammed(JeM) chief Masood Azhar's nephew Mohammad Umar has been killed in an encounter in Jammu and Kashmir's Tral district, WION has learned. Azhar's nephew was gunned down on March 11th in south Kashmir, sources have told WION.

Jaish-e-Mohammed(JeM) chief Masood Azhar's nephew Mohammad Umar has been killed in an encounter in Jammu and Kashmir's Tral district, WION has learned. Azhar's nephew was gunned down on March 11th in south Kashmir, sources have told WION. JeM used the codename, Khalid, to identify Umar. Sources said JeM even conducted a funeral for him in absentia. During the encounter a local terrorist named Mudasir Ahmad Khan was also killed. Mudasir was involved in an attack on CRPF camp in Lethpora last year. Mudasir was also one of the key conspirators of the Pulwama attack in which over 40 CRPF personnel were killed by a suicide bomber on February 14th. After India conducted the air strikes at Balakot in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province against JeM terror targets on February 26th, there were reports of JeM chief's brother-in-law Maulana Yousuf Azhar being killed, however, it could not be confirmed. In the past two months, India has pushed for Azhar to be designated as a global terrorist, however, China in a recent vote at the UNSC vetoed the decision of US and France due to "technical reasons", but added that "positive progress" has been made to resolve the issue. China has so far blocked the move four times in recent years. It recently blocked the US, UK and France resolution in the counter-terrorism 1267 committee with "technical hold" saying that it provides time and space for the relevant parties to hold talks after the Pulwama terrorist attack. "We believe under the current circumstances forcing a draft resolution at the Security Council is not a constructive move and set a bad example", China's foreign ministry had said.

JeM chief Masood Azhar's nephew Mohammad Umar killed in J&K encounter

Traffic restrictions have been issued on Baramulla to Udhampur national highway in order to facilitate unhindered movement of security forces' convoys to eliminate Pulwama like fidayeen terror attacks during the ongoing polls.&nbsp;

As per the notification, the highway would be out of bounds for the civilian traffic on Sundays and Wednesdays till May 31.

The ban on civilian traffic would be effective from Baramulla to Udhampur through Srinagar, Qazigund, Jawahar-Tunnel, Banihal and Ramban, a PTI report said quoting the government notification.

The ban would be in force on the two days from 4 am to 5 pm, it added.

In case of any emergency requiring passage of the civilian vehicle, the police and administrative officials would take appropriate decisions in line with the provisions of movement of civilian traffic during curfews, the notification added.

During his visit to Kashmir after February 14 terror attack on CRPF convoys, Unione Home Minister Rajnath Singh had announced restrictions on civilian traffic during the movement of the paramilitary forces.

Traffic restrictions have been issued on Baramulla to Udhampur national highway in order to facilitate unhindered movement of security forces' convoys to eliminate Pulwama like fidayeen terror attacks during the ongoing polls.

Traffic restrictions have been issued on Baramulla to Udhampur national highway in order to facilitate unhindered movement of security forces' convoys to eliminate Pulwama like fidayeen terror attacks during the ongoing polls. As per the notification, the highway would be out of bounds for the civilian traffic on Sundays and Wednesdays till May 31. The ban on civilian traffic would be effective from Baramulla to Udhampur through Srinagar, Qazigund, Jawahar-Tunnel, Banihal and Ramban, a PTI report said quoting the government notification. The ban would be in force on the two days from 4 am to 5 pm, it added. In case of any emergency requiring passage of the civilian vehicle, the police and administrative officials would take appropriate decisions in line with the provisions of movement of civilian traffic during curfews, the notification added. During his visit to Kashmir after February 14 terror attack on CRPF convoys, Unione Home Minister Rajnath Singh had announced restrictions on civilian traffic during the movement of the paramilitary forces.

Post Pulwama, civilian traffic barred from key road on Sunday, Wednesday every week

Varanasi is again going to be among the most-watched constituencies in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections as Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who won from here in 2014, will seek re-election.

Unlike the last elections, PM Modi will not be contesting from a second seat this time.

Varanasi which will go to elections on May 19 is now ending up being a jam-packed front line in the general elections.

Congress and SP-BSP alliance haven't announced any candidate from Varanasi yet. But there are others who are challenging PM Modi in this battle royale.

111 Tamil Nadu farmers

The distressed Tamil Nadu farmers, who had taken their protests to the national capital to highlight their demands, have decided to fight the electoral battle against the PM Narendra Modi.

On March 23, Tamil Nadu farmers leader P Ayyakannu said that 111 farmers from the state will contest against PM Modi from Varanasi.

BSF constable Tej Bahadur Yadav

The BSF constable who was dismissed from service in 2017 after he posted a video online complaining about the quality of food served to the troops has said he would take on Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Varanasi.

"I will contest against Prime Minister Narendra Modi from Varanasi constituency as an independent candidate," Yadav said announcing his candidature as an independent.

Bhim Army chief Chandrashekhar

Chandrashekhar Azad Ravan officially declared a month ago that he will be contesting Lok Sabha polls from Varanasi against Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

He has already launched his poll campaign by holding a roadshow in the city. BSP chief Mayawati has, meanwhile, alleged that Azad has the ill-intention of dividing Dalit votes.

Rumours about a star-studded contest in Varanasi peaked after reports that Priyanka Gandhi remarked to party workers during her boat campaign last month, "Why not Varanasi?"

But sources close to Congress party have indicated that Priyanka Gandhi, who is party general secretary in charge of east Uttar Pradesh, will not contest against PM Modi because it will weaken the campaign in the rest of the state.

Uttar Pradesh is a standout amongst the most critical states of the politically charged Hindi heartland. With the Samajwadi Party and Bahujan Samaj Party teaming up and the Congress fielding their trump card Priyanka Gandhi Vadra as a general secretary, the state's decisions will be one to look out for.

Varanasi will vote on May 19, in the last round of seven-phase polls that start on April 11. The results will be declared on May 23.

Varanasi is again going to be among the most-watched constituencies in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections as Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who won from here in 2014, will seek re-election.

Varanasi is again going to be among the most-watched constituencies in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections as Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who won from here in 2014, will seek re-election. Unlike the last elections, PM Modi will not be contesting from a second seat this time. Varanasi which will go to elections on May 19 is now ending up being a jam-packed front line in the general elections. Congress and SP-BSP alliance haven't announced any candidate from Varanasi yet. But there are others who are challenging PM Modi in this battle royale. 111 Tamil Nadu farmers The distressed Tamil Nadu farmers, who had taken their protests to the national capital to highlight their demands, have decided to fight the electoral battle against the PM Narendra Modi. On March 23, Tamil Nadu farmers leader P Ayyakannu said that 111 farmers from the state will contest against PM Modi from Varanasi. BSF constable Tej Bahadur Yadav The BSF constable who was dismissed from service in 2017 after he posted a video online complaining about the quality of food served to the troops has said he would take on Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Varanasi. "I will contest against Prime Minister Narendra Modi from Varanasi constituency as an independent candidate," Yadav said announcing his candidature as an independent. Bhim Army chief Chandrashekhar Chandrashekhar Azad Ravan officially declared a month ago that he will be contesting Lok Sabha polls from Varanasi against Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He has already launched his poll campaign by holding a roadshow in the city. BSP chief Mayawati has, meanwhile, alleged that Azad has the ill-intention of dividing Dalit votes. Rumours about a star-studded contest in Varanasi peaked after reports that Priyanka Gandhi remarked to party workers during her boat campaign last month, "Why not Varanasi?" But sources close to Congress party have indicated that Priyanka Gandhi, who is party general secretary in charge of east Uttar Pradesh, will not contest against PM Modi because it will weaken the campaign in the rest of the state. Uttar Pradesh is a standout amongst the most critical states of the politically charged Hindi heartland. With the Samajwadi Party and Bahujan Samaj Party teaming up and the Congress fielding their trump card Priyanka Gandhi Vadra as a general secretary, the state's decisions will be one to look out for. Varanasi will vote on May 19, in the last round of seven-phase polls that start on April 11. The results will be declared on May 23.

Varanasi: Constituency to watch out for this election

Seeking to give a tough fight to Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav in a known socialist bastion Azamgarh, BJP fielded Bhojpuri actor Dinesh Lal Yadav from the constituency.

But coming together of Samajwadi Party and Bahujan Samaj Party, the fight for Azamgarh is expected to be a cakewalk for Akhilesh Yadav.

In 2014, the consolidated vote level of the SP's Mulayam Singh Yadav and BSP's Shah Alam Alias Guddu Jamali in Azamgarh was more than 63%, compared to the 28.8% of the BJP candidate Ramakant Yadav.

Bhojpuri superstar Dinesh Lal Yadav aka ‘Nirahua’ had joined the BJP a few days back during a meeting with chief minister Yogi Adityanath on March 27.

Nirahua, who had acted in dozens of 'Bhojpuri' films and enjoys huge popularity, especially in eastern UP &nbsp;and Bihar, had campaigned for the Samajwadi Party patron Mulayam Singh Yadav in Azamgarh in 2014 Lok Sabha polls.

Akhilesh Yadav is replacing father Mulayam in Azamgarh; the move, however, is also a key move to cement Samajwadi Party's position in the important east UP region which includes Varanasi and Gorakhpur, important for the BJP.

In 2014 Lok Sabha elections, Mulayam had contested from two seats -- Azamgarh and Mainpuri. However, he later gave up Mainpuri seat which was subsequently successfully contested by grandnephew of Mulayam Singh Yadav, Tej Pratap Singh Yadav.&nbsp;

The seven-phase Lok Sabha polls are set to begin on April 11 and will go on till May 19. The counting of votes will take place on May 23.

In Uttar Pradesh, where 80 seats are at stake, polling will be held in all seven phases. Azamgarh will vote in the sixth phase - on May 12.

Seeking to give a tough fight to Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav in a known socialist bastion Azamgarh, BJP fielded Bhojpuri actor Dinesh Lal Yadav from the constituency.

Seeking to give a tough fight to Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav in a known socialist bastion Azamgarh, BJP fielded Bhojpuri actor Dinesh Lal Yadav from the constituency. But coming together of Samajwadi Party and Bahujan Samaj Party, the fight for Azamgarh is expected to be a cakewalk for Akhilesh Yadav. In 2014, the consolidated vote level of the SP's Mulayam Singh Yadav and BSP's Shah Alam Alias Guddu Jamali in Azamgarh was more than 63%, compared to the 28.8% of the BJP candidate Ramakant Yadav. Bhojpuri superstar Dinesh Lal Yadav aka ‘Nirahua’ had joined the BJP a few days back during a meeting with chief minister Yogi Adityanath on March 27. Nirahua, who had acted in dozens of 'Bhojpuri' films and enjoys huge popularity, especially in eastern UP and Bihar, had campaigned for the Samajwadi Party patron Mulayam Singh Yadav in Azamgarh in 2014 Lok Sabha polls. Akhilesh Yadav is replacing father Mulayam in Azamgarh; the move, however, is also a key move to cement Samajwadi Party's position in the important east UP region which includes Varanasi and Gorakhpur, important for the BJP. In 2014 Lok Sabha elections, Mulayam had contested from two seats -- Azamgarh and Mainpuri. However, he later gave up Mainpuri seat which was subsequently successfully contested by grandnephew of Mulayam Singh Yadav, Tej Pratap Singh Yadav. The seven-phase Lok Sabha polls are set to begin on April 11 and will go on till May 19. The counting of votes will take place on May 23. In Uttar Pradesh, where 80 seats are at stake, polling will be held in all seven phases. Azamgarh will vote in the sixth phase - on May 12.

Lok Sabha polls 2019: Akhilesh Yadav vs Dinesh Lal Yadav 'Nirahua' fight puts the spotlight on Azamgarh

The veteran BJP politician LK Advani, a founding member of the party, has written a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/read-the-full-text-of-veteran-bjp-leader-lal-krishna-advani-blog-207942">blog</a> before the BJP's Foundation Day on April 6.&nbsp;

"As one of the Founders of the BJP, I deem it to be my duty to share my reflections with the people of India, and more specifically with the millions of workers of my Party, both of whom have indebted me with their affection and respect," Advani writes in his blog.&nbsp;

He goes on to say that "serving the Motherland has been my passion and my mission ever since I joined the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) at the age of 14" and that "the guiding principle of my life has been ‘Nation First, Party Next, Self Last.’And in all situations, I have tried to adhere to this principle and will continue to do so."

Advani adds that the "the essence of Indian democracy is respect for diversity and freedom of expression."&nbsp;

He then goes on to say that: "Right from its inception, the BJP has never regarded those who disagree with us politically as our 'enemies', but only as our adversaries. Similarly, in our conception of Indian nationalism, we have never regarded those who disagree with us politically as 'anti-national'."&nbsp;

Advani adds that "the party has been committed to freedom of choice of every citizen at personal as well as political level."

And that the "defense (sic) of democracy and democratic traditions, both within the Party and in the larger national setting, has been the proud hallmark of the BJP. Therefore BJP has always been in the forefront of demanding protection of independence, integrity, fairness and robustness of all our democratic institutions, including the media. Electoral reforms, with special focus on transparency in political and electoral funding, which is so essential for a corruption-free polity, has been another priority for our Party."

Advani says that "in short, the triad of Satya (truth), Rashtra Nishtha (dedication to the Nation) and Loktantra (democracy, both within and outside the Party) guided the struggle-filled evolution of my Party.The sum total of all these values constitutes Sanskritik Rashtravad (Cultural Nationalism) and Su-Raj (good governance), to which my Party has always remained wedded. The heroic struggle against the Emergengy rule was precisely to uphold the above values."

He begins to wind down his blog by saying that "it is my sincere desire that all of us should collectively strive to strengthen the democratic edifice of India."&nbsp;

And finally concludes with the lines that: "True, elections are a festival of democracy. But they are also an occasion for honest introspection by all the stakeholders in Indian democracy – political parties, mass media, authorities conducting the election process and, above all, the electorate."

Advani had at the start of his blog said that: " Before I share my thoughts, I take this opportunity to convey my most sincere gratitude to the people of Gandhinagar, who have elected me to the Lok Sabha six times since 1991. Their love and support has always overwhelmed me."&nbsp;

Advani will not be fighting the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. The BJP has instead fielded party president Amit Shah from Gandhinagar, Gujarat.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

The veteran BJP politician LK Advani, a founding member of the party, has written a blog before the BJP's Foundation Day on April 6. "As one of the Founders of the BJP, I deem it to be my duty to share my reflections with the people of India, and more specifically with the millions of workers of my Party, both of whom have indebted me with their affection and respect," Advani writes in his blog.

The veteran BJP politician LK Advani, a founding member of the party, has written a blog before the BJP's Foundation Day on April 6. "As one of the Founders of the BJP, I deem it to be my duty to share my reflections with the people of India, and more specifically with the millions of workers of my Party, both of whom have indebted me with their affection and respect," Advani writes in his blog. He goes on to say that "serving the Motherland has been my passion and my mission ever since I joined the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) at the age of 14" and that "the guiding principle of my life has been ‘Nation First, Party Next, Self Last.’And in all situations, I have tried to adhere to this principle and will continue to do so." Advani adds that the "the essence of Indian democracy is respect for diversity and freedom of expression." He then goes on to say that: "Right from its inception, the BJP has never regarded those who disagree with us politically as our 'enemies', but only as our adversaries. Similarly, in our conception of Indian nationalism, we have never regarded those who disagree with us politically as 'anti-national'." Advani adds that "the party has been committed to freedom of choice of every citizen at personal as well as political level." And that the "defense (sic) of democracy and democratic traditions, both within the Party and in the larger national setting, has been the proud hallmark of the BJP. Therefore BJP has always been in the forefront of demanding protection of independence, integrity, fairness and robustness of all our democratic institutions, including the media. Electoral reforms, with special focus on transparency in political and electoral funding, which is so essential for a corruption-free polity, has been another priority for our Party." Advani says that "in short, the triad of Satya (truth), Rashtra Nishtha (dedication to the Nation) and Loktantra (democracy, both within and outside the Party) guided the struggle-filled evolution of my Party.The sum total of all these values constitutes Sanskritik Rashtravad (Cultural Nationalism) and Su-Raj (good governance), to which my Party has always remained wedded. The heroic struggle against the Emergengy rule was precisely to uphold the above values." He begins to wind down his blog by saying that "it is my sincere desire that all of us should collectively strive to strengthen the democratic edifice of India." And finally concludes with the lines that: "True, elections are a festival of democracy. But they are also an occasion for honest introspection by all the stakeholders in Indian democracy – political parties, mass media, authorities conducting the election process and, above all, the electorate." Advani had at the start of his blog said that: " Before I share my thoughts, I take this opportunity to convey my most sincere gratitude to the people of Gandhinagar, who have elected me to the Lok Sabha six times since 1991. Their love and support has always overwhelmed me." Advani will not be fighting the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. The BJP has instead fielded party president Amit Shah from Gandhinagar, Gujarat.

Have never regarded those who disagree with us politically as 'anti-national': LK Advani

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