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Prime Minister Narendra Modi will today interact with people, who have pledged their support to the 'Main Bhi Chowkidar' campaign in all parliamentary constituencies.

The Prime Minister will address the biggest town hall programme at the Talkatora Stadium at 5 PM later today. As many as 5,000 people are expected to attend the town hall.

At the same time, PM Modi will interact with lakhs of people across the country, through video conferencing set up at more than 500 locations across the country.

Taking to the Twitter, Prime Minister wrote, "The day we were most looking forward to is here! At 5 PM, lakhs of Chowkidars from different parts of India will interact in the historic Main Bhi Chowkidar programme. This is an interaction you must not miss."

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
The day we were most looking forward to is here! 
 
At 5 PM, lakhs of Chowkidars from different parts of India will interact in the historic <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MainBhiChowkidar?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MainBhiChowkidar</a> programme. 
 
This is an interaction you must not miss. 
 
Watch it live on the NaMoApp or NaMo TV. <a href="https://t.co/XXKkLUuE7X">pic.twitter.com/XXKkLUuE7X</a>
— Chowkidar Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1112190255849865216?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 31, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Expressing confidence that vibrant professionals especially youngster will facilitate 'Main Bhi Chowkidar' campaign with their presence, Prime Minister said, "These professionals energise and strengthen India. It is their&nbsp;hardwork&nbsp;that is powering the rise of a New India in the 21st century."

'Main Bhi Chowkidar' campaign was launched on March 16 by Prime Minister Modi. A day after the launch, the Prime Minister, as well as a number of BJP leaders across the country, added the prefix ‘chowkidar’ to their Twitter handles as a mark of support to the poll campaign.

On March 20, Prime Minister Modi had addressed over 25 lakh chowkidars from across the country via audio conference. He also launched a scathing attack on the opposition party’s 'Chowkidar Chor Hai' campaign.

The origin of the word 'chowkidar' dates back to the poll campaigning ahead of the 2014 general elections when Modi had promised to work as a 'chowkidar' to guard the people's money and their trust once elected to the top office.&nbsp;

'Main Bhi Chowkidar’ has been started after extensive surveys and data analysis by BJP strategists who feel that Congress president Rahul Gandhi’s 'chowkidar chor hai’ jibe and campaign is not resonating among people. The surveys also suggested that it is actually angering people in the country, according to a release.

A similar strategy was adopted by the BJP ahead of the 2014 general elections, wherein the party turned around senior Congress leader Manishankar Aiyar’s "chaiwallah" jibe into a mass campaign.

This campaign is expected to drive the narrative of the Prime Minister’s strong and decisive image which multiple surveys have conveyed is the main factor in the upcoming elections, the release mentioned.

Under the aegis of this campaign, the BJP has leveraged a tech innovation called conversation cards on Twitter, whereby people will get a personalized message from the Prime Minister on Twitter on participating in this campaign.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will today interact with people, who have pledged their support to the 'Main Bhi Chowkidar' campaign in all parliamentary constituencies.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will today interact with people, who have pledged their support to the 'Main Bhi Chowkidar' campaign in all parliamentary constituencies. The Prime Minister will address the biggest town hall programme at the Talkatora Stadium at 5 PM later today. As many as 5,000 people are expected to attend the town hall. At the same time, PM Modi will interact with lakhs of people across the country, through video conferencing set up at more than 500 locations across the country. Taking to the Twitter, Prime Minister wrote, "The day we were most looking forward to is here! At 5 PM, lakhs of Chowkidars from different parts of India will interact in the historic Main Bhi Chowkidar programme. This is an interaction you must not miss." The day we were most looking forward to is here! At 5 PM, lakhs of Chowkidars from different parts of India will interact in the historic #MainBhiChowkidar programme. This is an interaction you must not miss. Watch it live on the NaMoApp or NaMo TV. pic.twitter.com/XXKkLUuE7X — Chowkidar Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 31, 2019 × Expressing confidence that vibrant professionals especially youngster will facilitate 'Main Bhi Chowkidar' campaign with their presence, Prime Minister said, "These professionals energise and strengthen India. It is their hardwork that is powering the rise of a New India in the 21st century." 'Main Bhi Chowkidar' campaign was launched on March 16 by Prime Minister Modi. A day after the launch, the Prime Minister, as well as a number of BJP leaders across the country, added the prefix ‘chowkidar’ to their Twitter handles as a mark of support to the poll campaign. On March 20, Prime Minister Modi had addressed over 25 lakh chowkidars from across the country via audio conference. He also launched a scathing attack on the opposition party’s 'Chowkidar Chor Hai' campaign. The origin of the word 'chowkidar' dates back to the poll campaigning ahead of the 2014 general elections when Modi had promised to work as a 'chowkidar' to guard the people's money and their trust once elected to the top office. 'Main Bhi Chowkidar’ has been started after extensive surveys and data analysis by BJP strategists who feel that Congress president Rahul Gandhi’s 'chowkidar chor hai’ jibe and campaign is not resonating among people. The surveys also suggested that it is actually angering people in the country, according to a release. A similar strategy was adopted by the BJP ahead of the 2014 general elections, wherein the party turned around senior Congress leader Manishankar Aiyar’s "chaiwallah" jibe into a mass campaign. This campaign is expected to drive the narrative of the Prime Minister’s strong and decisive image which multiple surveys have conveyed is the main factor in the upcoming elections, the release mentioned. Under the aegis of this campaign, the BJP has leveraged a tech innovation called conversation cards on Twitter, whereby people will get a personalized message from the Prime Minister on Twitter on participating in this campaign.

Mai bhi chowkidar campaign: PM Modi to address thousands through video conference

Putting an end to speculation, Congress on Sunday said that the party president Rahul Gandhi will contest from Wayanad in Kerala along with family bastion Amethi, Uttar Pradesh in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.

Congress leader AK Antony made the announcement in a press conference at the party headquarters on Sunday and said Gandhi has agreed to fight from two seats.&nbsp;

''Rahul ji has given his consent to contest from two seats, very happy to inform you that he will also contest from Wayanad in Kerala,'' Antony was quoted as saying.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
AK Antony,Congress: Rahul ji has given his consent to contest from two seats, very happy to inform you that he will also contest from Wayanad in Kerala. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LokSabhaElections2019?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LokSabhaElections2019</a> <a href="https://t.co/Rt7IDNxr0D">pic.twitter.com/Rt7IDNxr0D</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1112227066186006528?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 31, 2019</a></blockquote>
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When asked whether Rahul Gandhi was not confident in Amethi, Congress spokesperson Randeep Surjewala retorted: ''Why did Modi ji leave Gujarat and contest from Varanasi? Was he not confident in Gujarat? These are immature and childish comments, he said and added ''She (Smriti Irani) will complete a hat-trick of losses''.

Earlier, Kerala Congress had requested Rahul to contest from&nbsp;Wayanad Lok Sabha constituency.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Putting an end to speculation, Congress on Sunday said that the party president Rahul Gandhi will contest from Wayanad in Kerala along with family bastion Amethi, Uttar Pradesh in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.

Putting an end to speculation, Congress on Sunday said that the party president Rahul Gandhi will contest from Wayanad in Kerala along with family bastion Amethi, Uttar Pradesh in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. Congress leader AK Antony made the announcement in a press conference at the party headquarters on Sunday and said Gandhi has agreed to fight from two seats. ''Rahul ji has given his consent to contest from two seats, very happy to inform you that he will also contest from Wayanad in Kerala,'' Antony was quoted as saying. AK Antony,Congress: Rahul ji has given his consent to contest from two seats, very happy to inform you that he will also contest from Wayanad in Kerala. #LokSabhaElections2019 pic.twitter.com/Rt7IDNxr0D — ANI (@ANI) March 31, 2019 × When asked whether Rahul Gandhi was not confident in Amethi, Congress spokesperson Randeep Surjewala retorted: ''Why did Modi ji leave Gujarat and contest from Varanasi? Was he not confident in Gujarat? These are immature and childish comments, he said and added ''She (Smriti Irani) will complete a hat-trick of losses''. Earlier, Kerala Congress had requested Rahul to contest from Wayanad Lok Sabha constituency.

Lok Sabha polls 2019: Rahul Gandhi to contest from Wayanad in Kerala in addition to Amethi  

Suspense reigns over Congress and Aam Aadmi Party(AAP) &nbsp;alliance in the national capital, as Delhi Congress chief Sheila Dikshit on Sunday further fueled speculations, saying her party will soon make an official announcement in this regard.

"In some time the things will be clear. You will get to know about it in a matter of a few hours, by this evening or by tomorrow. There will be an official announcement,"&nbsp;she said while replying to question about the alliance.

On being asked about the declaration of the name of candidates, she said, "The party (Congress) has been working on it. Today is a holiday, they will make announcements sometime tomorrow."

According to party sources, Congress is ready for both the situation of forging an alliance or going alone and has begun the process of finalising&nbsp;the candidates for all seven parliamentary constituencies of Delhi.

On Saturday night between 10 to 12 PM, a meeting was held at Sheila Dikshit’s residence regarding the alliance in which Delhi in-charge PC Chacko and&nbsp;organisation&nbsp;general secretary KC Venugopal also participated, sources said.

Earlier on March 26, amid the possibility of an alliance between&nbsp;Congress&nbsp;and AAP, Chief Minister&nbsp;Arvind Kejriwal&nbsp;had hit out at former CM&nbsp;Sheila Dikshit-led&nbsp;Congress&nbsp;government and said he would not have had to launch a new party if she had run the government well.

AAP has already announced its candidates for seven parliamentary seats in Delhi.

Suspense reigns over Congress and Aam Aadmi Party(AAP) alliance in the national capital, as Delhi Congress chief Sheila Dikshit on Sunday further fueled speculations, saying her party will soon make an official announcement in this regard.

Suspense reigns over Congress and Aam Aadmi Party(AAP) alliance in the national capital, as Delhi Congress chief Sheila Dikshit on Sunday further fueled speculations, saying her party will soon make an official announcement in this regard. "In some time the things will be clear. You will get to know about it in a matter of a few hours, by this evening or by tomorrow. There will be an official announcement," she said while replying to question about the alliance. On being asked about the declaration of the name of candidates, she said, "The party (Congress) has been working on it. Today is a holiday, they will make announcements sometime tomorrow." According to party sources, Congress is ready for both the situation of forging an alliance or going alone and has begun the process of finalising the candidates for all seven parliamentary constituencies of Delhi. On Saturday night between 10 to 12 PM, a meeting was held at Sheila Dikshit’s residence regarding the alliance in which Delhi in-charge PC Chacko and organisation general secretary KC Venugopal also participated, sources said. Earlier on March 26, amid the possibility of an alliance between Congress and AAP, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal had hit out at former CM Sheila Dikshit-led Congress government and said he would not have had to launch a new party if she had run the government well. AAP has already announced its candidates for seven parliamentary seats in Delhi.

Party to soon clear the air on Congress-AAP alliance: Sheila Dikshit

Fifteen couples got married in a mass wedding ceremony organised for the transgender community here on Saturday.

The ceremony was conducted in traditional Hindu ceremonial style with pre-wedding rituals of 'haldi', 'mehendi', engagement and 'sangeet' held a day earlier on Friday.

"This should have happened a long time ago because we transgenders don’t have anybody to share out joys and sorrows. Nobody understands our sorrows. Today the government has given us such a good scheme and has given us an opportunity to get married. I thank them profusely" said Madhu

Kinnar, a transgender and the mayor of Raigarh in Chhattisgarh who attended the event.

"We are getting life partners, what can be better news than this?" said Madhu adding that the marriage was the first of its kind in the country and hopefully it will set a trend for future such events.

According to the 2014 Supreme Court judgement, transgenders are now recognised as "third gender" and enjoy constitutional rights and freedom.

The event conceived by Raipur-based transgender and social activist Vidya Rajput saw couples from Chhatisgarh and other states.

Fifteen couples got married in a mass wedding ceremony organised for the transgender community here on Saturday. The ceremony was conducted in traditional Hindu ceremonial style with pre-wedding rituals of 'haldi', 'mehendi', engagement and 'sangeet' held a day earlier on Friday.

Fifteen couples got married in a mass wedding ceremony organised for the transgender community here on Saturday. The ceremony was conducted in traditional Hindu ceremonial style with pre-wedding rituals of 'haldi', 'mehendi', engagement and 'sangeet' held a day earlier on Friday. "This should have happened a long time ago because we transgenders don’t have anybody to share out joys and sorrows. Nobody understands our sorrows. Today the government has given us such a good scheme and has given us an opportunity to get married. I thank them profusely" said Madhu Kinnar, a transgender and the mayor of Raigarh in Chhattisgarh who attended the event. "We are getting life partners, what can be better news than this?" said Madhu adding that the marriage was the first of its kind in the country and hopefully it will set a trend for future such events. According to the 2014 Supreme Court judgement, transgenders are now recognised as "third gender" and enjoy constitutional rights and freedom. The event conceived by Raipur-based transgender and social activist Vidya Rajput saw couples from Chhatisgarh and other states.

Chattisgarh: Transgender couples get married in Raipur mass wedding

An Army jawan was killed Sunday after being buried under an avalanche near the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir's Kupwara district, officials said here.

Havaldar Satvir Singh succumbed to injuries after being hit by the avalanche in Kupwara in north Kashmir, an Army official said.

Chinar Corps Commander Lt Gen K J S Dhillon and all ranks offered condolences to the bereaved family, he said.

An Army jawan was killed Sunday after being buried under an avalanche near the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir's Kupwara district, officials said here.

An Army jawan was killed Sunday after being buried under an avalanche near the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir's Kupwara district, officials said here. Havaldar Satvir Singh succumbed to injuries after being hit by the avalanche in Kupwara in north Kashmir, an Army official said. Chinar Corps Commander Lt Gen K J S Dhillon and all ranks offered condolences to the bereaved family, he said.

Jammu & Kashmir: Army jawan killed in avalanche in Kupwara

Accusing the BJP of indulging in “despicable politics”, Bahujan Samaj Party supremo Mayawati, Sunday alleged that the ruling party had conspired to field Bhim Army chief Chandrashekhar Azad from Varanasi Lok Sabha seat to divide the Dalit votes.

Azad had announced earlier this month that he will contest the general elections from Varanasi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s constituency.

“With the ill-intention of dividing Dalit votes &amp; taking advantage, the BJP has conspired to field Bhim Army chief Chandrashekhar from Varanasi LS seat. This organisation was formed under BJP conspiracy &amp; with its anti-Dalit mindset, it is now indulging in despicable politics,” Mayawati said in a tweet.

“The BJP tried hard to help Bhim Army chief Chandrashekhar join the BSP as its mole but failed in its conspiracy. It is very imperative in the national interest to dislodge autocratic, despotic anti-Dalit, OBC &amp; minorities BJP from power. Please ensure no vote goes waste. My Appeal,” she added.

Later, in a statement, the BSP chief said, “Each and every vote of the Dalits is important to remove the arrogant, autocratic, casteist and communal BJP from power. This should not be allowed to go waste so that one regret in future and life does not become hell.”

Azad launched his Lok Sabha campaign with a roadshow in Varanasi on Saturday. He accused Modi of only favouring the rich and “harassing” small borrowers and poor.

The Dalit leader declared at the roadshow that the countdown to Modi’s defeat had begun.

Accusing the BJP of indulging in “despicable politics”, Bahujan Samaj Party supremo Mayawati, Sunday alleged that the ruling party had conspired to field Bhim Army chief Chandrashekhar Azad from Varanasi Lok Sabha seat to divide the Dalit votes.

Accusing the BJP of indulging in “despicable politics”, Bahujan Samaj Party supremo Mayawati, Sunday alleged that the ruling party had conspired to field Bhim Army chief Chandrashekhar Azad from Varanasi Lok Sabha seat to divide the Dalit votes. Azad had announced earlier this month that he will contest the general elections from Varanasi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s constituency. “With the ill-intention of dividing Dalit votes & taking advantage, the BJP has conspired to field Bhim Army chief Chandrashekhar from Varanasi LS seat. This organisation was formed under BJP conspiracy & with its anti-Dalit mindset, it is now indulging in despicable politics,” Mayawati said in a tweet. “The BJP tried hard to help Bhim Army chief Chandrashekhar join the BSP as its mole but failed in its conspiracy. It is very imperative in the national interest to dislodge autocratic, despotic anti-Dalit, OBC & minorities BJP from power. Please ensure no vote goes waste. My Appeal,” she added. Later, in a statement, the BSP chief said, “Each and every vote of the Dalits is important to remove the arrogant, autocratic, casteist and communal BJP from power. This should not be allowed to go waste so that one regret in future and life does not become hell.” Azad launched his Lok Sabha campaign with a roadshow in Varanasi on Saturday. He accused Modi of only favouring the rich and “harassing” small borrowers and poor. The Dalit leader declared at the roadshow that the countdown to Modi’s defeat had begun.

BJP conspired to field Bhim Army’s Chandrashekhar from Varanasi to divide Dalit votes: Mayawati

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address the scheduled public rally here on April 3 at a ground belonging to the Railways, after the West Bengal government denied permission for the venue earlier sought by the BJP.

The new venue for the prime minister's rally sits adjacent to the New Jalpaiguri Railway Station, BJP's Darjeeling district president Avijit Roy Chowdhury said on Saturday.

"The local administration did not give permission for the venue we had earlier selected. Then, we looked for another ground and got permission for it," BJP state president Dilip Ghosh said.

The saffron party had earlier selected a piece of land belonging to the Siliguri Jalpaiguri Development Authority (SJDA) here, which had denied consent for the PM's rally.

"Earlier, too, similar incidents have happened when we were denied permission. But, the TMC cannot prevent BJP's victory march by stopping us from holding rallies," Ghosh asserted.

Modi will address two back-to-back election rallies on April 3, the second public meeting slated at Kolkata's Brigade Parade Ground.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address the scheduled public rally here on April 3 at a ground belonging to the Railways, after the West Bengal government denied permission for the venue earlier sought by the BJP.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address the scheduled public rally here on April 3 at a ground belonging to the Railways, after the West Bengal government denied permission for the venue earlier sought by the BJP. The new venue for the prime minister's rally sits adjacent to the New Jalpaiguri Railway Station, BJP's Darjeeling district president Avijit Roy Chowdhury said on Saturday. "The local administration did not give permission for the venue we had earlier selected. Then, we looked for another ground and got permission for it," BJP state president Dilip Ghosh said. The saffron party had earlier selected a piece of land belonging to the Siliguri Jalpaiguri Development Authority (SJDA) here, which had denied consent for the PM's rally. "Earlier, too, similar incidents have happened when we were denied permission. But, the TMC cannot prevent BJP's victory march by stopping us from holding rallies," Ghosh asserted. Modi will address two back-to-back election rallies on April 3, the second public meeting slated at Kolkata's Brigade Parade Ground.

West Bengal government denies permission for BJP campaign rally in Siliguri

Lok Sabha polls: From Indira's era to rise of NDA, a look at India's electoral history

CRPF convoys moving to and from the Kashmir Valley will now be commandeered by a higher SP-rank officer and a single motorcade will not have more than 40 vehicles at any point of time, the paramilitary force has ordered in the wake of the Pulwama terror attack that killed 40 troops during a similar movement.

PTI has accessed a set of new standard operating procedures (SOPs) issued by the force headquarters in Delhi for vehicle-mounted movement of troops in Jammu and Kashmir, and it has also been ordered that the 'passenger manifest discipline' for each vehicle in the convoy be strictly adhered to.

Amongst the first set of changed SOPs is the move to depute a second-in-command rank officer (equivalent to Superintendent of Police rank) of the force to lead the convoy instead of the current practice of a junior Assistant Commandant-rank (Assistant SP) officer heading the entourage.

This is to ensure that the convoy is led by an experienced and senior official who will have a better understanding and strategy to manoeuvre the convoy to and from the Kashmir Valley which is operationally very sensitive due to terrorist acts and IED threats, official sources said.

This will also upgrade the accountability hierarchy and the new convoy commander will now directly report and coordinate with one of the three Central Reserve Police Force Deputy Inspector General (operations) based in Kashmir.

Till now, the convoy commander or the Assistant Commandant used to report through the Commandant to their higher-ups.

The convoy commander usually travels in the lead in a communications gadget-fitted vehicle comprising armed troops for quick reaction. It has also been decided that the convoy strength will not go beyond 40 vehicles in any case and "all possible efforts" will be made to essentially keep the number of vehicles in a motorcade to the least possible of about 10-20 for effective management and control, they said.

A CRPF bus in the fifth position of a 78 vehicle convoy was targeted by a Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) suicide bomber after he detonated his explosives-laden SUV near it on the Jammu-Srinagar highway in Pulwama on February 14.

The over 2,500 personnel strength convoy was being commanded by an AC-rank officer and all 39 personnel in the ill-fated bus and a sub-officer stationed on the ground, as part of a road sanitisation party, were killed in the deadly blast.

The force undertook a huge and time-taking task of identifying the bodies of its slain personnel as the blast had blown the bus and its occupants to smithereens making it difficult to identify the mortal remains as it is understood that some men changed their vehicles when the convoy last halted.

It has, sources said, hence been decided that all those who are allotted a seat in the vehicle will scrupulously stick to the seating plan and re-board the same bus or truck after the convoy resumes post a refreshment break.

A sub-officer in the rank of an Inspector or a Sub-Inspector will be responsible for ensuring that the passenger manifest of each vehicle remains intact, they said.

The convoys will also have a changed strategy of having bullet-proof mobile bunkers which are always deployed at frequent gaps in the motorcade for an armed offensive or defensive action in case of an attack.

Also, each vehicle in the convoy will have armed security personnel as usual, but their numbers and position will be changed dynamically and as per operational requirements, they said.

The CRPF, designated lead force for internal security duties and anti-terrorist operations in Kashmir, is also mulling to create a new full-fledged transit facility for its troops in Udhampur that will reduce by about 70 km, the distance between Jammu and Srinagar.

The present transit camp is in Jammu and it takes about 10-12 hours for convoys to cover about 300 km between these locations.

A transit facility in Udhampur will reduce the time taken and the risk involved in running convoys, which cannot be done away with completely despite the government recently allowing all personnel to take a flight to Srinagar from either Jammu or Delhi, they said.

The around three lakh personnel strength force has about 65 battalions or about 70,000 personnel deployed in the Kashmir Valley and has two sectors, Kashmir and Kashmir operations, headed by two Inspector General rank officers.

CRPF Director General R R Bhatnagar had last week told the news agency that they are going to procure a new fleet of mine protected vehicles, small 30-seater buses and provide more partial armour to its troop carrying buses to ensure safety of jawans post the Pulwama attack, the worst in the valley on security forces in over three decades.

CRPF convoys moving to and from the Kashmir Valley will now be commandeered by a higher SP-rank officer and a single motorcade will not have more than 40 vehicles at any point of time, the paramilitary force has ordered in the wake of the Pulwama terror attack that killed 40 troops during a similar movement.

CRPF convoys moving to and from the Kashmir Valley will now be commandeered by a higher SP-rank officer and a single motorcade will not have more than 40 vehicles at any point of time, the paramilitary force has ordered in the wake of the Pulwama terror attack that killed 40 troops during a similar movement. PTI has accessed a set of new standard operating procedures (SOPs) issued by the force headquarters in Delhi for vehicle-mounted movement of troops in Jammu and Kashmir, and it has also been ordered that the 'passenger manifest discipline' for each vehicle in the convoy be strictly adhered to. Amongst the first set of changed SOPs is the move to depute a second-in-command rank officer (equivalent to Superintendent of Police rank) of the force to lead the convoy instead of the current practice of a junior Assistant Commandant-rank (Assistant SP) officer heading the entourage. This is to ensure that the convoy is led by an experienced and senior official who will have a better understanding and strategy to manoeuvre the convoy to and from the Kashmir Valley which is operationally very sensitive due to terrorist acts and IED threats, official sources said. This will also upgrade the accountability hierarchy and the new convoy commander will now directly report and coordinate with one of the three Central Reserve Police Force Deputy Inspector General (operations) based in Kashmir. Till now, the convoy commander or the Assistant Commandant used to report through the Commandant to their higher-ups. The convoy commander usually travels in the lead in a communications gadget-fitted vehicle comprising armed troops for quick reaction. It has also been decided that the convoy strength will not go beyond 40 vehicles in any case and "all possible efforts" will be made to essentially keep the number of vehicles in a motorcade to the least possible of about 10-20 for effective management and control, they said. A CRPF bus in the fifth position of a 78 vehicle convoy was targeted by a Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) suicide bomber after he detonated his explosives-laden SUV near it on the Jammu-Srinagar highway in Pulwama on February 14. The over 2,500 personnel strength convoy was being commanded by an AC-rank officer and all 39 personnel in the ill-fated bus and a sub-officer stationed on the ground, as part of a road sanitisation party, were killed in the deadly blast. The force undertook a huge and time-taking task of identifying the bodies of its slain personnel as the blast had blown the bus and its occupants to smithereens making it difficult to identify the mortal remains as it is understood that some men changed their vehicles when the convoy last halted. It has, sources said, hence been decided that all those who are allotted a seat in the vehicle will scrupulously stick to the seating plan and re-board the same bus or truck after the convoy resumes post a refreshment break. A sub-officer in the rank of an Inspector or a Sub-Inspector will be responsible for ensuring that the passenger manifest of each vehicle remains intact, they said. The convoys will also have a changed strategy of having bullet-proof mobile bunkers which are always deployed at frequent gaps in the motorcade for an armed offensive or defensive action in case of an attack. Also, each vehicle in the convoy will have armed security personnel as usual, but their numbers and position will be changed dynamically and as per operational requirements, they said. The CRPF, designated lead force for internal security duties and anti-terrorist operations in Kashmir, is also mulling to create a new full-fledged transit facility for its troops in Udhampur that will reduce by about 70 km, the distance between Jammu and Srinagar. The present transit camp is in Jammu and it takes about 10-12 hours for convoys to cover about 300 km between these locations. A transit facility in Udhampur will reduce the time taken and the risk involved in running convoys, which cannot be done away with completely despite the government recently allowing all personnel to take a flight to Srinagar from either Jammu or Delhi, they said. The around three lakh personnel strength force has about 65 battalions or about 70,000 personnel deployed in the Kashmir Valley and has two sectors, Kashmir and Kashmir operations, headed by two Inspector General rank officers. CRPF Director General R R Bhatnagar had last week told the news agency that they are going to procure a new fleet of mine protected vehicles, small 30-seater buses and provide more partial armour to its troop carrying buses to ensure safety of jawans post the Pulwama attack, the worst in the valley on security forces in over three decades.

SP-rank officer to lead CRPF convoys in Kashmir; maximum 40 vehicles at one time

'My critics made me famous,' says PM Modi

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Saturday said that the BJP will win more than 74 Lok Sabha seats in the state in the Lok Sabha elections. He also termed the alliance of Samajwadi Party and Bahujan Samaj Party as "unmatchable."

“BJP was never weak. It won 73 seats in 2014. BJP won 325 seats in 2017 Assembly elections. In the ensuing Lok Sabha elections, BJP will win more than 74 seats,” the Chief Minister claimed while addressing a press conference here.

Taking a dig at the SP-BSP alliance, the Chief Minister said, “Unmatchable alliance won't succeed. Oil and water cannot be together.”

The Chief Minister was speaking at a press conference organised to induct SP leaders Choudhary Virendra Singh, Manish Chauhan, and Harvinder Chauhan into the party. UP BJP president Mahendranath Pandey was also present on the occasion.

Virendra Singh is currently an MLC from the Samajwadi Party. He has been elected to the state legislature six times and was a Cabinet minister in the Samajwadi Party government.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Pandey described Virendra Singh as someone with “great reputation” in the Gurjar community and especially in the western Uttar Pradesh.

Welcoming them in BJP family, the Chief Minister said that he was happy to see that “the people who wish to see a safe and prosperous India are committed to making Narendra Modi the Prime Minister of this country again.”

“I trust they (newly inducted leaders) will contribute immensely to this mission of development and nationalism, a mission that is embedded with Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, which means that development to everyone without any discrimination,” the Chief Minister said.

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&nbsp;Uttar Pradesh, where 80 seats are at stake, polling will be held during all seven phases.&nbsp;

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Saturday said that the BJP will win more than 74 Lok Sabha seats in the state in the Lok Sabha elections. He also termed the alliance of Samajwadi Party and Bahujan Samaj Party as "unmatchable.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Saturday said that the BJP will win more than 74 Lok Sabha seats in the state in the Lok Sabha elections. He also termed the alliance of Samajwadi Party and Bahujan Samaj Party as "unmatchable." “BJP was never weak. It won 73 seats in 2014. BJP won 325 seats in 2017 Assembly elections. In the ensuing Lok Sabha elections, BJP will win more than 74 seats,” the Chief Minister claimed while addressing a press conference here. Taking a dig at the SP-BSP alliance, the Chief Minister said, “Unmatchable alliance won't succeed. Oil and water cannot be together.” The Chief Minister was speaking at a press conference organised to induct SP leaders Choudhary Virendra Singh, Manish Chauhan, and Harvinder Chauhan into the party. UP BJP president Mahendranath Pandey was also present on the occasion. Virendra Singh is currently an MLC from the Samajwadi Party. He has been elected to the state legislature six times and was a Cabinet minister in the Samajwadi Party government. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Pandey described Virendra Singh as someone with “great reputation” in the Gurjar community and especially in the western Uttar Pradesh. Welcoming them in BJP family, the Chief Minister said that he was happy to see that “the people who wish to see a safe and prosperous India are committed to making Narendra Modi the Prime Minister of this country again.” “I trust they (newly inducted leaders) will contribute immensely to this mission of development and nationalism, a mission that is embedded with Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, which means that development to everyone without any discrimination,” the Chief Minister said. 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 during all seven phases.

Will win more than 74 Lok Sabha seats in UP: Yogi Adityanath

Air Marshal NJS Dhillon has been appointed the new chief of Strategic Forces Command (SFC).&nbsp;

The Strategic Forces Command looks after the strategic nuclear arsenal of the country.&nbsp;

Born in 1961, Air Marshal Dhillon hails from Dhand village near Amritsar, Punjab.

He was graduated from the National Defence Academy in Khadakwasla in Pune and went on to attend&nbsp;Defence Services Staff College in Wellington Cantonment.

Dhillon later went to National Defence College in New Delhi.

Dhillon's appointment comes just a week after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/vice-admiral-karanbir-singh-appointed-chief-of-naval-staff-replaces-sunil-lanba-205038">Vice Admiral Karambir Singh</a> was appointed the next Chief of Naval Staff. Singh will be replacing Vice Admiral Sunil Lanba who will vacate the office on May 31, 2019.&nbsp;

Air Marshal NJS Dhillon has been appointed the new chief of Strategic Forces Command (SFC). The Strategic Forces Command looks after the strategic nuclear arsenal of the country.

Air Marshal NJS Dhillon has been appointed the new chief of Strategic Forces Command (SFC). The Strategic Forces Command looks after the strategic nuclear arsenal of the country. Born in 1961, Air Marshal Dhillon hails from Dhand village near Amritsar, Punjab. He was graduated from the National Defence Academy in Khadakwasla in Pune and went on to attend Defence Services Staff College in Wellington Cantonment. Dhillon later went to National Defence College in New Delhi. Dhillon's appointment comes just a week after Vice Admiral Karambir Singh was appointed the next Chief of Naval Staff. Singh will be replacing Vice Admiral Sunil Lanba who will vacate the office on May 31, 2019.

Fighter pilot Air Marshal NJS Dhillon appointed new Strategic Forces Command chief

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/four-killed-as-thousands-protest-at-border-but-gaza-israel-truce-holds-206856">Four killed as thousands protest at </a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/four-killed-as-thousands-protest-at-border-but-gaza-israel-truce-holds-206856">border</a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/four-killed-as-thousands-protest-at-border-but-gaza-israel-truce-holds-206856">, but Gaza-Israel truce holds</a>

Tens of thousands of Gazans gathered at the Israeli border Saturday to mark a year since protests and clashes erupted there, but fears of mass bloodshed were averted after late Egyptian-led negotiations.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/facebook-chief-zuckerberg-wants-more-active-govt-role-regulating-internet-206861">Facebook chief Zuckerberg wants 'more active' govt role regulating </a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/facebook-chief-zuckerberg-wants-more-active-govt-role-regulating-internet-206861">internet</a>

Facebook chief Mark Zuckerberg called Saturday for governments to play a "more active role" in regulating the internet, urging more countries to adopt versions of sweeping European rules aimed at safeguarding user privacy.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/leaders-arrive-in-tunis-ahead-of-arab-summit-golan-heights-in-focus-206862">Leaders arrive in Tunis ahead of Arab summit; Golan Heights in focus&nbsp;</a>

Presidents from Lebanon, Yemen and Iraq were among those who landed in Tunis to attend the summit, which is likely to focus on Washington's recent decision to recognize Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights, as well as its earlier move to recognise Jerusalem as Israel's capital.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/if-special-status-withdrawn-relationship-between-jk-and-union-of-india-will-be-over-mehbooba-206860">If special status </a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/if-special-status-withdrawn-relationship-between-jk-and-union-of-india-will-be-over-mehbooba-206860">withdrawn</a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/if-special-status-withdrawn-relationship-between-jk-and-union-of-india-will-be-over-mehbooba-206860">, ties between J&amp;K and India will be </a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/if-special-status-withdrawn-relationship-between-jk-and-union-of-india-will-be-over-mehbooba-206860">over:</a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/if-special-status-withdrawn-relationship-between-jk-and-union-of-india-will-be-over-mehbooba-206860"> Mehbooba</a>

Hitting back at Finance Minister Arun Jaitley for advocating repeal of the special status of Jammu and Kashmir, PDP president Mehbooba Mufti said on Saturday that the relationship between the Union and the state would be over if Article 370 of the Constitution is revoked.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-cuts-aid-for-some-central-american-countries-over-migrants-206859">US</a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-cuts-aid-for-some-central-american-countries-over-migrants-206859"> cuts aid for some Central American countries over migrants</a>

The United States cut off aid to several Central American countries President Donald Trump accuses of doing nothing to stop the outflow of US-bound migrants, the State Department announced Saturday.

 
&nbsp;

Four killed as thousands protest at border, but Gaza-Israel truce holds Tens of thousands of Gazans gathered at the Israeli border Saturday to mark a year since protests and clashes erupted there, but fears of mass bloodshed were averted after late Egyptian-led negotiations.

Four killed as thousands protest at border, but Gaza-Israel truce holds Tens of thousands of Gazans gathered at the Israeli border Saturday to mark a year since protests and clashes erupted there, but fears of mass bloodshed were averted after late Egyptian-led negotiations. Facebook chief Zuckerberg wants 'more active' govt role regulating internet Facebook chief Mark Zuckerberg called Saturday for governments to play a "more active role" in regulating the internet, urging more countries to adopt versions of sweeping European rules aimed at safeguarding user privacy. Leaders arrive in Tunis ahead of Arab summit; Golan Heights in focus Presidents from Lebanon, Yemen and Iraq were among those who landed in Tunis to attend the summit, which is likely to focus on Washington's recent decision to recognize Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights, as well as its earlier move to recognise Jerusalem as Israel's capital. If special status withdrawn, ties between J&K and India will be over: Mehbooba Hitting back at Finance Minister Arun Jaitley for advocating repeal of the special status of Jammu and Kashmir, PDP president Mehbooba Mufti said on Saturday that the relationship between the Union and the state would be over if Article 370 of the Constitution is revoked. US cuts aid for some Central American countries over migrants The United States cut off aid to several Central American countries President Donald Trump accuses of doing nothing to stop the outflow of US-bound migrants, the State Department announced Saturday.

News brief: Big stories of the day

Slamming Rahul Gandhi for his remarks that the Congress, if voted to power, would scrap the NITI Aayog, senior BJP leader Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi alleged on Saturday that the opposition party was "threatening and defaming" constitutional institutions.

The Union Minority Affairs Minister's remarks came a day after Congress president Gandhi said his party would replace NITI Aayog with a "lean" Planning Commission.

The "shehzada" is speaking under the influence of his "arrogance of feudal mentality", Naqvi said in an apparent reference to Gandhi.

When the Congress was in power, "the anarchy and arrogance of the feudal family" was at its peak in "criminal misuse" of constitutional institutions and now in the Opposition, they are "threatening and defaming" these constitutional institutions, he alleged.

For the past five years, the Congress has tried to threaten and defame various constitutional institutions such as the Election Commission, the Central Vigilance Commission and now the NITI Aayog, he told reporters.

The "shehzada and shehzadi, when out power, are behaving like a fish out of water", he claimed.

"They think that power is their birthright, but the people of the country will teach them a lesson in the Lok Sabha elections," Naqvi said.&nbsp;

The Planning Commission, set up in 1950 under the Congress government, was replaced by the Niti Aayog by the Modi dispensation. The Congress is seeking to revert to the original structure of the government think tank.

Slamming Rahul Gandhi for his remarks that the Congress, if voted to power, would scrap the NITI Aayog, senior BJP leader Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi alleged on Saturday that the opposition party was "threatening and defaming" constitutional institutions.

Slamming Rahul Gandhi for his remarks that the Congress, if voted to power, would scrap the NITI Aayog, senior BJP leader Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi alleged on Saturday that the opposition party was "threatening and defaming" constitutional institutions. The Union Minority Affairs Minister's remarks came a day after Congress president Gandhi said his party would replace NITI Aayog with a "lean" Planning Commission. The "shehzada" is speaking under the influence of his "arrogance of feudal mentality", Naqvi said in an apparent reference to Gandhi. When the Congress was in power, "the anarchy and arrogance of the feudal family" was at its peak in "criminal misuse" of constitutional institutions and now in the Opposition, they are "threatening and defaming" these constitutional institutions, he alleged. For the past five years, the Congress has tried to threaten and defame various constitutional institutions such as the Election Commission, the Central Vigilance Commission and now the NITI Aayog, he told reporters. The "shehzada and shehzadi, when out power, are behaving like a fish out of water", he claimed. "They think that power is their birthright, but the people of the country will teach them a lesson in the Lok Sabha elections," Naqvi said. The Planning Commission, set up in 1950 under the Congress government, was replaced by the Niti Aayog by the Modi dispensation. The Congress is seeking to revert to the original structure of the government think tank.

Congress threatening constitutional institutions: Naqvi on Rahul's NITI Aayog remarks

Proscribed Naxal outfit CPI (Maoist) has given a call for Magadh Bandh on April 2 when Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address a rally at Gaya's Gandhi Maidan.

People of Gaya, the Lok Sabha constituency, which falls in the Magadh division, would vote on April 11 in the first phase along with three other constituencies of Aurangabad, Nawada and Jamui.

Aurangabad, Nawada, Jehanabad and Arwal are also part of the division.

The bandh call has been given to unitedly oppose the operation Green hunt and Mission Samadhan, CPI(Maoist) spokesman Manas said in a leaflet.

When asked about the Naxalites announcement of the bandh, Gaya Senior Superintendent of Police, Rajiv Mishra said that all the guidelines have been strictly followed for Prime Minister's election rally and also for ensuring free, fair and peaceful voting.

The Naxal outfits spokesman also claimed responsibility for blowing up BJP leader and ex-MLC Anuj Kumar Singhs house at Bodhibigaha under the jurisdiction of Dumaria police station area on Wednesday night, police sources said.

The Naxalites had called for the boycott of Lok Sabha election and threatened the villagers (of Bodhibigaha) with dire consequences if they failed to ensure a complete boycott of the general election in the Magadha region.

Proscribed Naxal outfit CPI (Maoist) has given a call for Magadh Bandh on April 2 when Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address a rally at Gaya's Gandhi Maidan.

Proscribed Naxal outfit CPI (Maoist) has given a call for Magadh Bandh on April 2 when Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address a rally at Gaya's Gandhi Maidan. People of Gaya, the Lok Sabha constituency, which falls in the Magadh division, would vote on April 11 in the first phase along with three other constituencies of Aurangabad, Nawada and Jamui. Aurangabad, Nawada, Jehanabad and Arwal are also part of the division. The bandh call has been given to unitedly oppose the operation Green hunt and Mission Samadhan, CPI(Maoist) spokesman Manas said in a leaflet. When asked about the Naxalites announcement of the bandh, Gaya Senior Superintendent of Police, Rajiv Mishra said that all the guidelines have been strictly followed for Prime Minister's election rally and also for ensuring free, fair and peaceful voting. The Naxal outfits spokesman also claimed responsibility for blowing up BJP leader and ex-MLC Anuj Kumar Singhs house at Bodhibigaha under the jurisdiction of Dumaria police station area on Wednesday night, police sources said. The Naxalites had called for the boycott of Lok Sabha election and threatened the villagers (of Bodhibigaha) with dire consequences if they failed to ensure a complete boycott of the general election in the Magadha region.

Bihar: Naxals call for 'Magadh bandh' on April 2 when PM will Address rally in Gaya

A civilian was critically injured Saturday as Pakistani troops violated ceasefire by targeting forward posts and villages along the Line of Control (LoC) in Poonch district of Jammu and Kashmir, officials said.

Mohammad Mushtaq was hit by splinters of a mortar shell which exploded near his house at Narala village in Mankote sector, the officials said.

They said the critically injured civilian was rushed to a hospital.

A defence spokesman said the Pakistani Army initiated the unprovoked ceasefire violation by shelling with mortar and firing by small arms from across the border in Mankote and Krishna Ghati sectors at around 2000 hours.

The Indian Army retaliated befittingly, he said, adding that the cross-border firing between the two sides was still continuing intermittently.

Seven persons including three soldiers were killed in the twin districts of Rajouri and Poonch since India's air strike on a Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terror camp in Pakistan's Balakot on February 26 in response to the February 14 Pulwama attack that killed 40 CRPF personnel.

A civilian was critically injured Saturday as Pakistani troops violated ceasefire by targeting forward posts and villages along the Line of Control (LoC) in Poonch district of Jammu and Kashmir, officials said.

A civilian was critically injured Saturday as Pakistani troops violated ceasefire by targeting forward posts and villages along the Line of Control (LoC) in Poonch district of Jammu and Kashmir, officials said. Mohammad Mushtaq was hit by splinters of a mortar shell which exploded near his house at Narala village in Mankote sector, the officials said. They said the critically injured civilian was rushed to a hospital. A defence spokesman said the Pakistani Army initiated the unprovoked ceasefire violation by shelling with mortar and firing by small arms from across the border in Mankote and Krishna Ghati sectors at around 2000 hours. The Indian Army retaliated befittingly, he said, adding that the cross-border firing between the two sides was still continuing intermittently. Seven persons including three soldiers were killed in the twin districts of Rajouri and Poonch since India's air strike on a Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terror camp in Pakistan's Balakot on February 26 in response to the February 14 Pulwama attack that killed 40 CRPF personnel.

Civilian injured as Pakistan violates ceasefire along LoC in J&K's Poonch

'Main Bhi Chowkidar’ campaign: PM Modi addresses nation from Talkatora Stadium

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/balakot-air-strike-never-thought-about-my-political-future-says-pm-modi-206991">Balakot air strike: Never thought about my political future, says PM Modi</a>

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Sunday that he was able to take the decision to order the Balakot air strikes because he had faith in the country defence forces. Modi was speaking at Delhi's Talkatora stadium at a "Main Bhi Chowkidar" event.&nbsp;

 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/court-martial-of-major-leetul-gogoi-completed-may-face-reduction-of-seniority-206943">Major Leetul Gogoi's </a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/court-martial-of-major-leetul-gogoi-completed-may-face-reduction-of-seniority-206943">court martial</a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/court-martial-of-major-leetul-gogoi-completed-may-face-reduction-of-seniority-206943"> complete, he may face </a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/court-martial-of-major-leetul-gogoi-completed-may-face-reduction-of-seniority-206943">reduction</a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/court-martial-of-major-leetul-gogoi-completed-may-face-reduction-of-seniority-206943"> of seniority: Officials</a>

Court martial proceedings against Major Leetul Gogoi, who was at the centre of the 2017 'human shield' controversy, have been completed and he may face a reduction in seniority as a punishment for "fraternising" with a local woman in Srinagar last year, officials said.

 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/over-14-lakh-suspicious-transactions-generated-after-demonetisation-says-fiu-report-206964">Over 14 lakh suspicious transactions generated after demonetisation: Financial Intelligence Unit</a>

The 2016 demonetisation of two high-value currency notes led to the all-time-high generation of over 14 lakh suspicious transaction reports (STRs), a record 1,400% jump over the past, by banks and other financial institutions in the country, a Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) report has found.

The country's elite financial snooping unit has compiled comprehensive data of such instances, including fake currency deposits, for the year 2017-18.

This is the highest-ever figure of STRs since the FIU was set up over a decade ago.

 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/wound-of-migration-cannot-be-solved-by-physical-barriers-pope-francis-206960">'Wound' of migration cannot be solved by physical barriers: Pope Francis</a>

Pope Francis said on Saturday the plight of migrants was "a wound that cries out to heaven" and could never be healed by physical barriers.

 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/india-open-kidambi-srikanth-loses-to-viktor-axelsen-in-finals-206968">India Open: Kidambi Srikanth loses final to Denmark's Viktor Axelsen</a>

Viktor Axelsen defeated India's Kidambi Srikanth 21-7, 22-20 on Sunday to take home the India Open 2019 men's singles title.

After a one-sided first game, Srikanth pulled back in the second game to give the Dane a tough fight. But Axelsen held on to win in straight games. &nbsp;

Srikanth had earlier displayed tremendous grit in the semi-final, bouncing back back from a game down to beat China's Huang Yuxiang 16-21, 21-14, 21-19.

 
&nbsp;

Balakot air strike: Never thought about my political future, says PM Modi Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Sunday that he was able to take the decision to order the Balakot air strikes because he had faith in the country defence forces.

Balakot air strike: Never thought about my political future, says PM Modi Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Sunday that he was able to take the decision to order the Balakot air strikes because he had faith in the country defence forces. Modi was speaking at Delhi's Talkatora stadium at a "Main Bhi Chowkidar" event. Major Leetul Gogoi's court martial complete, he may face reduction of seniority: Officials Court martial proceedings against Major Leetul Gogoi, who was at the centre of the 2017 'human shield' controversy, have been completed and he may face a reduction in seniority as a punishment for "fraternising" with a local woman in Srinagar last year, officials said. Over 14 lakh suspicious transactions generated after demonetisation: Financial Intelligence Unit The 2016 demonetisation of two high-value currency notes led to the all-time-high generation of over 14 lakh suspicious transaction reports (STRs), a record 1,400% jump over the past, by banks and other financial institutions in the country, a Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) report has found. The country's elite financial snooping unit has compiled comprehensive data of such instances, including fake currency deposits, for the year 2017-18. This is the highest-ever figure of STRs since the FIU was set up over a decade ago. 'Wound' of migration cannot be solved by physical barriers: Pope Francis Pope Francis said on Saturday the plight of migrants was "a wound that cries out to heaven" and could never be healed by physical barriers. India Open: Kidambi Srikanth loses final to Denmark's Viktor Axelsen Viktor Axelsen defeated India's Kidambi Srikanth 21-7, 22-20 on Sunday to take home the India Open 2019 men's singles title. After a one-sided first game, Srikanth pulled back in the second game to give the Dane a tough fight. But Axelsen held on to win in straight games. Srikanth had earlier displayed tremendous grit in the semi-final, bouncing back back from a game down to beat China's Huang Yuxiang 16-21, 21-14, 21-19.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Sunday that he was able to take the decision to order the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/with-balakot-airstrike-narendra-modi-government-has-evolved-new-security-doctrine-204805">Balakot air strikes</a> because he had faith in the country defence forces.&nbsp;Modi was speaking at Delhi's Talkatora stadium at a "Main Bhi Chowkidar" event.&nbsp;

After his opening speech, Modi took questions from his audience in Delhi and around the country (via video link).&nbsp;

The second question asked of Modi had been about Balakot.

His questioner asked him how he had been able to take the decision to carry out an air strike on enemy territory and, while reaching that decision, had he ever thought about his political future? What if something had gone wrong?&nbsp;

Modi answered that he was able to take the decision because he had faith in the country's defence forces. And that he knew they would never do anything to shame the country.&nbsp;

"I had faith in their discipline," Modi said.&nbsp;

He added that the country's security forces fight terrorists every day. "Switch on the TV, and you will see," Modi said.&nbsp;

"Where do the terrorists come from?" Modi asked. "Everybody knows.&nbsp;

"They came to Mumbai, they came to Uri...&nbsp;

"Where is the remote control? Everybody knows."&nbsp;

But Modi said, he asked himself "How long will this go on for?"&nbsp;

And that that was when he decided that "this game" would be played where the remote control is, not on Indian territory. &nbsp;

Modi added that the air strike had been carried out by country's&nbsp;jawans, not by him, and that he saluted them.&nbsp;

As for his political future, Modi said that if he had thought about that — "there would never have been a Modi".

The next question asked of Modi had been about corruption.&nbsp;

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> PM Narendra Modi at Main Bhi Chowkidar program in Delhi <a href="https://t.co/gn41UGabjL">https://t.co/gn41UGabjL</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1112318999226793984?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 31, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"The people who have looted the&nbsp;country, will have to return every paisa," Modi said.&nbsp;

"I promise you, I will do this job," he added.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Sunday that he was able to take the decision to order the Balakot air strikes because he had faith in the country defence forces.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Sunday that he was able to take the decision to order the Balakot air strikes because he had faith in the country defence forces. Modi was speaking at Delhi's Talkatora stadium at a "Main Bhi Chowkidar" event. After his opening speech, Modi took questions from his audience in Delhi and around the country (via video link). The second question asked of Modi had been about Balakot. His questioner asked him how he had been able to take the decision to carry out an air strike on enemy territory and, while reaching that decision, had he ever thought about his political future? What if something had gone wrong? Modi answered that he was able to take the decision because he had faith in the country's defence forces. And that he knew they would never do anything to shame the country. "I had faith in their discipline," Modi said. He added that the country's security forces fight terrorists every day. "Switch on the TV, and you will see," Modi said. "Where do the terrorists come from?" Modi asked. "Everybody knows. "They came to Mumbai, they came to Uri... "Where is the remote control? Everybody knows." But Modi said, he asked himself "How long will this go on for?" And that that was when he decided that "this game" would be played where the remote control is, not on Indian territory. Modi added that the air strike had been carried out by country's jawans, not by him, and that he saluted them. As for his political future, Modi said that if he had thought about that — "there would never have been a Modi". The next question asked of Modi had been about corruption. #WATCH PM Narendra Modi at Main Bhi Chowkidar program in Delhi https://t.co/gn41UGabjL — ANI (@ANI) March 31, 2019 × "The people who have looted the country, will have to return every paisa," Modi said. "I promise you, I will do this job," he added.

Balakot air strike: Never thought about my political future, says PM Modi

Hitting back at Finance Minister Arun Jaitley for advocating repeal of the special status of Jammu and Kashmir, PDP president Mehbooba Mufti said on Saturday that the relationship between the Union and the state would be over if Article 370 of the Constitution is revoked.

"Jaitley must understand this. It is not an easy thing to say. If you scrap (Article) 370, your relation with J&amp;K will be over," Mehbooba told party workers at her residence here.

Jaitley had on Thursday advocated repeal of Jammu and Kashmir's special status and said Article 35A, which restricts non-permanent residents to buy property in Jammu and Kashmir, is "constitutionally vulnerable" and also hampering economic development of the state.

Mehbooba said Article 370 was a bridge between the Union and the state and if the special provision of the Constitution was revoked, then New Delhi would have to "renegotiate" its relationship with Jammu and Kashmir.

The former chief minister has said in case Article 370 is revoked, Jammu and Kashmir will have to rethink whether it wants to stay with India.&nbsp;

"Because if you have given us a special position in the Constitution of India and you break that position, then we will have to rethink whether we would even want to stay with you without conditions," she said.

Earlier, National Conference leader Mohammad Abdullah Wani and Awami Insaf Party chief Ghulam Ahmad Sheikh Saloora joined the PDP, along with their supporters.&nbsp;

Wani and Saloora were welcomed into the party fold by Mehbooba and party patron Muzaffar Hussain Beigh.

Hitting back at Finance Minister Arun Jaitley for advocating repeal of the special status of Jammu and Kashmir, PDP president Mehbooba Mufti said on Saturday that the relationship between the Union and the state would be over if Article 370 of the Constitution is revoked.

Hitting back at Finance Minister Arun Jaitley for advocating repeal of the special status of Jammu and Kashmir, PDP president Mehbooba Mufti said on Saturday that the relationship between the Union and the state would be over if Article 370 of the Constitution is revoked. "Jaitley must understand this. It is not an easy thing to say. If you scrap (Article) 370, your relation with J&K will be over," Mehbooba told party workers at her residence here. Jaitley had on Thursday advocated repeal of Jammu and Kashmir's special status and said Article 35A, which restricts non-permanent residents to buy property in Jammu and Kashmir, is "constitutionally vulnerable" and also hampering economic development of the state. Mehbooba said Article 370 was a bridge between the Union and the state and if the special provision of the Constitution was revoked, then New Delhi would have to "renegotiate" its relationship with Jammu and Kashmir. The former chief minister has said in case Article 370 is revoked, Jammu and Kashmir will have to rethink whether it wants to stay with India. "Because if you have given us a special position in the Constitution of India and you break that position, then we will have to rethink whether we would even want to stay with you without conditions," she said. Earlier, National Conference leader Mohammad Abdullah Wani and Awami Insaf Party chief Ghulam Ahmad Sheikh Saloora joined the PDP, along with their supporters. Wani and Saloora were welcomed into the party fold by Mehbooba and party patron Muzaffar Hussain Beigh.

If special status withdrawn, ties between J&K and India will be over: Mehbooba

A MiG-27 UPG aircraft of the Indian Air Force (IAF) crashed on Sunday morning here. The pilot managed to eject safely. The aircraft was on a routine mission. IAF has ordered a Court of Inquiry to investigate the incident.

"Today morning at around 1145h a MiG-27 UPG aircraft which got airborne from Utarlai Air Force base experienced engine problems leading to a crash about 120 km south of Jodhpur. The pilot ejected safely. Preliminary reports indicate no loss of property/life on the ground," IAF said in a statement on the crash.

MiG-27 UPG is an upgraded version of the aircraft. IAF is now left with the last squadron of the Mig-27 UPG, according to reports. The IAF has witnessed a series of crashes of its machines from choppers to fighter jets.&nbsp;

On March 8, a MiG-21 fighter had crashed in Rajasthan`s Bikaner area. The pilot had ejected safely. On February 1, a Mirage 2000 fighter jet had crashed leading to the death of two pilots.&nbsp;

An inquiry later revealed that jet crashed due to software problems and not human error. A few days before the Aero India show, two Surya Kiran jets collided with each other.&nbsp;

One pilot was killed in the incident. Another MiG-27 fighter jet crashed on February 12 in Rajasthan's Pokharan range. The pilot fortunately survived.&nbsp;

On February 27, a Mi-17 chopper of the IAF crashed killing six IAF personnel on board. Media reports suggested that a surface-to-air missile was fired just before the crash leading to speculations that the chopper was downed by the Indian missile itself.

IAF desperately needs more numbers of modern fighter squadrons to tackle a collusive threat from Pakistan and China. This comes at a time when both China and Pakistan are rapidly modernising their inventory.&nbsp;

While China has inducted Fifth Generation Fighter jets like J-20. Pakistan too is inducting JF-17, co-produced with China in its Air Force.&nbsp;

India's own Fifth Generation Fighter named Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) is still on the drawing board while Tejas MK-2 is still some years away from its first flight.&nbsp;

A MiG-27 UPG aircraft of the Indian Air Force (IAF) crashed on Sunday morning here. The pilot managed to eject safely. The aircraft was on a routine mission. IAF has ordered a Court of Inquiry to investigate the incident.

A MiG-27 UPG aircraft of the Indian Air Force (IAF) crashed on Sunday morning here. The pilot managed to eject safely. The aircraft was on a routine mission. IAF has ordered a Court of Inquiry to investigate the incident. "Today morning at around 1145h a MiG-27 UPG aircraft which got airborne from Utarlai Air Force base experienced engine problems leading to a crash about 120 km south of Jodhpur. The pilot ejected safely. Preliminary reports indicate no loss of property/life on the ground," IAF said in a statement on the crash. MiG-27 UPG is an upgraded version of the aircraft. IAF is now left with the last squadron of the Mig-27 UPG, according to reports. The IAF has witnessed a series of crashes of its machines from choppers to fighter jets. On March 8, a MiG-21 fighter had crashed in Rajasthan`s Bikaner area. The pilot had ejected safely. On February 1, a Mirage 2000 fighter jet had crashed leading to the death of two pilots. An inquiry later revealed that jet crashed due to software problems and not human error. A few days before the Aero India show, two Surya Kiran jets collided with each other. One pilot was killed in the incident. Another MiG-27 fighter jet crashed on February 12 in Rajasthan's Pokharan range. The pilot fortunately survived. On February 27, a Mi-17 chopper of the IAF crashed killing six IAF personnel on board. Media reports suggested that a surface-to-air missile was fired just before the crash leading to speculations that the chopper was downed by the Indian missile itself. IAF desperately needs more numbers of modern fighter squadrons to tackle a collusive threat from Pakistan and China. This comes at a time when both China and Pakistan are rapidly modernising their inventory. While China has inducted Fifth Generation Fighter jets like J-20. Pakistan too is inducting JF-17, co-produced with China in its Air Force. India's own Fifth Generation Fighter named Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) is still on the drawing board while Tejas MK-2 is still some years away from its first flight.

MiG 27 aircraft crashes near Jodhpur, IAF orders court of inquiry

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said Sunday that Congress president <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rahul-gandhi-to-contest-from-wayanad-in-kerala-besides-amethi-206891">Rahul Gandhi contesting the Lok Sabha elections from Wayanad</a> in the state — apart from Amethi in UP — could only be seen as a move to fight the Left parties and not the BJP, and asserted that the LDF would defeat him in the April 23 Lok Sabha elections.

There was no need to attach any special importance to the Congress president contesting from the state and Gandhi was just one among the 20 candidates of the opposition UDF, who are trying their luck from Kerala, he said.

"If Gandhi's fight is against the BJP, he should have contested against the saffron party. In Kerala, the fight is between LDF and UDF in the elections," Vijayan told a meet-the-press programme at the Press Club here.

He was reacting to the announcement by Congress that Gandhi would contest from the hilly Wayanad, considered a fortress of the party, in addition to the Gandhi family's pocket burrow Amethi seat in Uttar Pradesh in the polls.

"The present move can only be seen as a fight against the Left. But, we have no anxiety...We are fully confident and will strive to defeat him in Wayanad," the CPI-M veteran said.

Gandhi had announced earlier he would retain Amethi in Uttar Pradesh as his constituency after elections, he said.

"So, it is like...Gandhi will continue as the MP from Amethi and in Wayand he is examining if he can defeat the Left", the Chief Minister said asking what message the Congress was conveying to the people through the move.

When asked about the proposed post-poll alliance with the Congress at the national level, Vijayan said it was a matter to be thought off after the elections.

BJP state chief P S Sreedharan Pillai said the Congress decision to field Gandhi from Wayanad showed the "decay" in the grand old party.

"After realising that he will lose from Amethi, Gandhi has decided to contest from wayand", he told reporters here.

The BJP would give a "tough fight" to the Congress candidate, he said adding Gandhi's Wayanad contest was being viewed by the party as "acceptance of defeat".

The state Congress leaders were all in a jubilant mood over the AICC chief's decision.

Leader of the Opposition in the state assembly Ramesh Chennithala said the party'saim was to ensure Gandhi's victory with a massive margin.

"I challenge Pinarayi Vijayan, if he can defeat Rahul Gandhi in Wayanad and we accept the challenge," he told reporters at Alapuzha.

It would be a "historical win" for Gandhi in Wayanad and there would be a "Rahul wave" in the entire state, he claimed.

"A prime ministerial candidate is contesting from Kerala for the first time and this will have an impact in the entire state," he said adding the UDF would win all 20 seats.

Party's state unit President Mulapally Ramachandran said the decision to field Gandhi from Wayand would be "a happy news for secular-democratic forces" in the state.

He also remembered how former Congress presidents Indira Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi had scripted impressive victories from South India.

Congress leader M I Shanavas, who died in November last year, had won Wayanad, known for its picturesque locales and spices, in the 2009 and 2014 elections.

The LDF has decided to field CPIs P P Suneer in the constituency this time while BJP-NDA yet to announce its candidate.&nbsp;

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said Sunday that Congress president Rahul Gandhi contesting the Lok Sabha elections from Wayanad in the state — apart from Amethi in UP — could only be seen as a move to fight the Left parties and not the BJP, and asserted that the LDF would defeat him in the April 23 Lok Sabha elections.

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said Sunday that Congress president Rahul Gandhi contesting the Lok Sabha elections from Wayanad in the state — apart from Amethi in UP — could only be seen as a move to fight the Left parties and not the BJP, and asserted that the LDF would defeat him in the April 23 Lok Sabha elections. There was no need to attach any special importance to the Congress president contesting from the state and Gandhi was just one among the 20 candidates of the opposition UDF, who are trying their luck from Kerala, he said. "If Gandhi's fight is against the BJP, he should have contested against the saffron party. In Kerala, the fight is between LDF and UDF in the elections," Vijayan told a meet-the-press programme at the Press Club here. He was reacting to the announcement by Congress that Gandhi would contest from the hilly Wayanad, considered a fortress of the party, in addition to the Gandhi family's pocket burrow Amethi seat in Uttar Pradesh in the polls. "The present move can only be seen as a fight against the Left. But, we have no anxiety...We are fully confident and will strive to defeat him in Wayanad," the CPI-M veteran said. Gandhi had announced earlier he would retain Amethi in Uttar Pradesh as his constituency after elections, he said. "So, it is like...Gandhi will continue as the MP from Amethi and in Wayand he is examining if he can defeat the Left", the Chief Minister said asking what message the Congress was conveying to the people through the move. When asked about the proposed post-poll alliance with the Congress at the national level, Vijayan said it was a matter to be thought off after the elections. BJP state chief P S Sreedharan Pillai said the Congress decision to field Gandhi from Wayanad showed the "decay" in the grand old party. "After realising that he will lose from Amethi, Gandhi has decided to contest from wayand", he told reporters here. The BJP would give a "tough fight" to the Congress candidate, he said adding Gandhi's Wayanad contest was being viewed by the party as "acceptance of defeat". The state Congress leaders were all in a jubilant mood over the AICC chief's decision. Leader of the Opposition in the state assembly Ramesh Chennithala said the party'saim was to ensure Gandhi's victory with a massive margin. "I challenge Pinarayi Vijayan, if he can defeat Rahul Gandhi in Wayanad and we accept the challenge," he told reporters at Alapuzha. It would be a "historical win" for Gandhi in Wayanad and there would be a "Rahul wave" in the entire state, he claimed. "A prime ministerial candidate is contesting from Kerala for the first time and this will have an impact in the entire state," he said adding the UDF would win all 20 seats. Party's state unit President Mulapally Ramachandran said the decision to field Gandhi from Wayand would be "a happy news for secular-democratic forces" in the state. He also remembered how former Congress presidents Indira Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi had scripted impressive victories from South India. Congress leader M I Shanavas, who died in November last year, had won Wayanad, known for its picturesque locales and spices, in the 2009 and 2014 elections. The LDF has decided to field CPIs P P Suneer in the constituency this time while BJP-NDA yet to announce its candidate.

Rahul Gandhi fighting from Wayanad means he is fighting Left, not BJP: Kerala CM Pinari Vijayan

Court martial proceedings against Major Leetul Gogoi, who was at the centre of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/army-major-who-tied-kashmiri-man-to-jeep-questioned-over-woman-at-hotel-139289">the 2017 'human shield' controversy</a>, have been completed and he may face a reduction in seniority as a punishment for "fraternising" with a local woman in Srinagar last year, officials said.

The court martial process against his driver, Sameer Malla, who was facing charges of unauthorised absence from the unit, was also completed recently in the Kashmir valley and he is likely to be given a "severe reprimand".&nbsp;

Malla was recruited in the Territorial Army in 2017 and he was posted with 53 sectors of Rashtriya Rifles, a counter-insurgency force fighting militancy in Jammu and Kashmir.

After completion of Summary of Evidence against Major Gogoi and his driver in early February followed by the initiation of court-martial proceedings, the two men have been held guilty on two counts — "fraternising" with a local in spite of instructions to the contrary and "being away from the place of duty while in operational area", the officials said.

Statements of the accused, as well as other witnesses, were recorded by the Army court and the punishment, which will be vetted by the Army headquarters, has been given, they added.

The Army Court of Inquiry (CoI) had recommended disciplinary action against Major Gogoi after it indicted him as well as his driver for the Srinagar hotel incident on May 23 last year.&nbsp;

Major Gogoi was detained by police following an altercation with the hotel staff when he was allegedly trying to enter inside with an 18-year-old woman.&nbsp;

The woman had expressed her unwillingness to depose during the court-martial proceedings and informed the Army authorities that she had given a statement before a magistrate and the same should be treated as her final stand.

The woman had also stated that she had gone out with Major Gogoi of her own will, besides disclosing that she had become a friend of the Army officer through his fake Facebook profile, where he had named himself Ubaid Arman.

Immediately after the incident came to light last year, Army chief Bipin Rawat had said that exemplary punishment would be given to Major Gogoi if he was found guilty of "any offence".

"If any officer of the Indian Army is found guilty of any offence, we will take strictest possible action," General Rawat had said.

Major Gogoi hit the headlines after he tied a man to a jeep purportedly as a shield against stone pelters during polling in the Srinagar Lok Sabha by-election on April 9, 2017.

Court martial proceedings against Major Leetul Gogoi, who was at the centre of the 2017 'human shield' controversy, have been completed and he may face a reduction in seniority as a punishment for "fraternising" with a local woman in Srinagar last year, officials said.

Court martial proceedings against Major Leetul Gogoi, who was at the centre of the 2017 'human shield' controversy, have been completed and he may face a reduction in seniority as a punishment for "fraternising" with a local woman in Srinagar last year, officials said. The court martial process against his driver, Sameer Malla, who was facing charges of unauthorised absence from the unit, was also completed recently in the Kashmir valley and he is likely to be given a "severe reprimand". Malla was recruited in the Territorial Army in 2017 and he was posted with 53 sectors of Rashtriya Rifles, a counter-insurgency force fighting militancy in Jammu and Kashmir. After completion of Summary of Evidence against Major Gogoi and his driver in early February followed by the initiation of court-martial proceedings, the two men have been held guilty on two counts — "fraternising" with a local in spite of instructions to the contrary and "being away from the place of duty while in operational area", the officials said. Statements of the accused, as well as other witnesses, were recorded by the Army court and the punishment, which will be vetted by the Army headquarters, has been given, they added. The Army Court of Inquiry (CoI) had recommended disciplinary action against Major Gogoi after it indicted him as well as his driver for the Srinagar hotel incident on May 23 last year. Major Gogoi was detained by police following an altercation with the hotel staff when he was allegedly trying to enter inside with an 18-year-old woman. The woman had expressed her unwillingness to depose during the court-martial proceedings and informed the Army authorities that she had given a statement before a magistrate and the same should be treated as her final stand. The woman had also stated that she had gone out with Major Gogoi of her own will, besides disclosing that she had become a friend of the Army officer through his fake Facebook profile, where he had named himself Ubaid Arman. Immediately after the incident came to light last year, Army chief Bipin Rawat had said that exemplary punishment would be given to Major Gogoi if he was found guilty of "any offence". "If any officer of the Indian Army is found guilty of any offence, we will take strictest possible action," General Rawat had said. Major Gogoi hit the headlines after he tied a man to a jeep purportedly as a shield against stone pelters during polling in the Srinagar Lok Sabha by-election on April 9, 2017.

Major Leetul Gogoi's court martial complete, he may face reduction of seniority: Officials

CPI(M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury has blamed what he termed the “rigidity” of the Rahul Gandhi-led Congress for the breakdown in the alliance talks between the two parties in West Bengal, claiming his party would be at an advantage as in 1977 when Jayaprakash Narayan’s Janata Party had spurned its tie-up offer in the fight against Indira Gandhi.

In an interview to PTI, Yechury said the breakdown of talks with the Janata Party in 1977 in Bengal had benefitted the CPI(M), which emerged as the only anti-Congress force in the state. He hoped this time too the party would be at an advantage, as the only front fighting the Trinamool Congress and the BJP.

“In Bengal, we said that there will be no mutual contest in the sitting seats. The Congress was unfortunately rigid…we have been sincere in our no-contest offer, it is the Congress which reneged. So the perception which has gone to the people of the state is that the only consistent force which can take on the TMC and the BJP in Bengal is the Left,” he said.

With the BJP emerging as the main contender to the ruling Trinamool Congress, the CPI(M), which won two of the state’s 42 parliamentary seats in 2014, faces an uphill task to retain its strength in a state it had ruled 35 years till 2011.

Asked what led to the failure of the Left and the Congress to stitch together an alliance in the state, Yechury referred to his party’s talks for a tie-up with the then Janata Party in 1977 and said the CPI(M) had offered it around 52 per cent seats while it wanted two-thirds.

“This is precisely what happened with the Janata Party in Bengal. They were not ready to budge from their demand. Then Jyoti Basu went to the people of Bengal and told them that we were giving the Janata Party a majority but they didn’t want it.

“We eventually emerged as the party which was consistently anti-Congress and then we continued to win there,” the CPI(M) chief said on the fight against the Indira Gandhi-led Congress government in the post-Emergency period.

The Left leader also said that while there was no scope of negotiations left in Bengal, the Congress going separately would help create a “momentum” for the Left Front.

The failure in talks of the two parties has now paved the way for a four-cornered contest in Bengal among the Trinamool Congress, the BJP, the Left Front and the Congress.

“We declared the seats minus their sitting seats, we waited for more than 48 hours, we didn’t declare, but their candidates were declared including the two of our seats. So, it’s clear who broke the chain here.

“The fact that Congress has not taken initiative (the seat-sharing talks) well is clear. But why that is, is for the Congress to answer. We have fixed our priority which is to maximise anti-BJP votes. Now, Congress has to fix its priority. The Congress has to answer this,” he said when asked if the Congress and its president Rahul Gandhi had failed to take initiative and play the expected role for the Opposition alliance.

In the 2014 parliamentary election, the Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress won 34 seats in Bengal, the Congress four and the Left and the BJP two each.

CPI(M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury has blamed what he termed the “rigidity” of the Rahul Gandhi-led Congress for the breakdown in the alliance talks between the two parties in West Bengal, claiming his party would be at an advantage as in 1977 when Jayaprakash Narayan’s Janata Party had spurned its tie-up offer in the fight against Indira Gandhi.

CPI(M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury has blamed what he termed the “rigidity” of the Rahul Gandhi-led Congress for the breakdown in the alliance talks between the two parties in West Bengal, claiming his party would be at an advantage as in 1977 when Jayaprakash Narayan’s Janata Party had spurned its tie-up offer in the fight against Indira Gandhi. In an interview to PTI, Yechury said the breakdown of talks with the Janata Party in 1977 in Bengal had benefitted the CPI(M), which emerged as the only anti-Congress force in the state. He hoped this time too the party would be at an advantage, as the only front fighting the Trinamool Congress and the BJP. “In Bengal, we said that there will be no mutual contest in the sitting seats. The Congress was unfortunately rigid…we have been sincere in our no-contest offer, it is the Congress which reneged. So the perception which has gone to the people of the state is that the only consistent force which can take on the TMC and the BJP in Bengal is the Left,” he said. With the BJP emerging as the main contender to the ruling Trinamool Congress, the CPI(M), which won two of the state’s 42 parliamentary seats in 2014, faces an uphill task to retain its strength in a state it had ruled 35 years till 2011. Asked what led to the failure of the Left and the Congress to stitch together an alliance in the state, Yechury referred to his party’s talks for a tie-up with the then Janata Party in 1977 and said the CPI(M) had offered it around 52 per cent seats while it wanted two-thirds. “This is precisely what happened with the Janata Party in Bengal. They were not ready to budge from their demand. Then Jyoti Basu went to the people of Bengal and told them that we were giving the Janata Party a majority but they didn’t want it. “We eventually emerged as the party which was consistently anti-Congress and then we continued to win there,” the CPI(M) chief said on the fight against the Indira Gandhi-led Congress government in the post-Emergency period. The Left leader also said that while there was no scope of negotiations left in Bengal, the Congress going separately would help create a “momentum” for the Left Front. The failure in talks of the two parties has now paved the way for a four-cornered contest in Bengal among the Trinamool Congress, the BJP, the Left Front and the Congress. “We declared the seats minus their sitting seats, we waited for more than 48 hours, we didn’t declare, but their candidates were declared including the two of our seats. So, it’s clear who broke the chain here. “The fact that Congress has not taken initiative (the seat-sharing talks) well is clear. But why that is, is for the Congress to answer. We have fixed our priority which is to maximise anti-BJP votes. Now, Congress has to fix its priority. The Congress has to answer this,” he said when asked if the Congress and its president Rahul Gandhi had failed to take initiative and play the expected role for the Opposition alliance. In the 2014 parliamentary election, the Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress won 34 seats in Bengal, the Congress four and the Left and the BJP two each.

Congress now as ‘rigid’ as Jayaprakash Narayan’s Janata Party in 1977: Sitaram Yechury on failed alliance talks in Bengal

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Sunday attacked the previous Congress-led UPA government, saying its leaders indulged in corruption and kept personal interests above national interests.

He also alleged that the previous government "lacked" political will to test fire the anti-satellite missile despite the country having the capability to build it.&nbsp;

The prime minister also took on the entire opposition, saying they were chosen for the task by the people, but they failed to live up to their responsibility.&nbsp; 
He alleged that the opposition raked up all the wrong issues like national security and seeking proof of Balakot air strike thus questioning the armed forces.

He only referred to "proof" but did not mention air strike or Balakot.

"Why seek proof ... Why talk in favour of Pakistan," he quipped.

Modi also said that his government has the political will to withstand pressure and take immediate decisions in national interests.&nbsp;

"Delaying decisions of national interests amounts to criminal negligence," he said at the launch of TV9 'Bharatvarsh' news channel here.

Noting that his government believes in "commitment not confusion" Modi alleged that those who earlier ran the country created hurdles in the path of development due to "corrupt behaviour".

He alleged that those in power in the past chose "personal interest before national interest".

"Were not they responsible to make things (system) fool-proof to check corruption ... But the intent was not honest," he claimed.

He said the then government delayed the decision on forming a special investigation team to probe black money. "We decided to set up the SIT in our very first Cabinet meet," he said.

He alleged that the previous UPA government took little initiative in bringing back black money and entered into "weak" agreements with foreign governments in this regard.

"Now we have reworked agreement with Mauritius ... Switzerland will now provide information (on black money of Indians) on realtime basis from this year," he said.

He alleged that while the previous government gave scams such as 2G spectrum allocation, Commonwealth Games, Bofors howitzer and AgustaWestland helicopter, his dispensation is moving about things in a very transparent manner.

Without naming the Rafale jet deal, he said the Supreme Court found nothing wrong in his government's defence preparedness after going through documents.

Without naming former Union minister P Chidambaram, PM said the Congress leader thinks he is very intelligent.

"He said the Asat launch should have been kept a secret. By that yardstick, why was the Pokhran (nuclear test) not kept a secret (during Congress rule in 1974) ... I can understand the visits to courts (in alleged cases of corruption) can be kept a secret," he said taking a dig.

Referring to black money, he said when the government was framing The Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, he was under immense pressure by those who knew it would hit them hard.

"There was phone banking then. A phone call would go and banks would issue loans. Then more loans were issued to pay back the previous loans ... We have changed that," he said.

In an oblique reference to fugitive jeweller Nirav Modi, he said properties worth more than the scam he had allegedly indulged in have been attached by investigative agencies.

Addressing the gathering, he said his government has decentralised things and focus in now on states. "Earlier, everything was launched a Vigyan Bhawan," he said.

Referring to Hyderabad House where government hosts foreign heads of states and governments, he said they to are being hosted outside Delhi. 
"International platforms where Pakistani propaganda used to echo now listen to India and our views find a place," he said.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Sunday attacked the previous Congress-led UPA government, saying its leaders indulged in corruption and kept personal interests above national interests.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Sunday attacked the previous Congress-led UPA government, saying its leaders indulged in corruption and kept personal interests above national interests. He also alleged that the previous government "lacked" political will to test fire the anti-satellite missile despite the country having the capability to build it. The prime minister also took on the entire opposition, saying they were chosen for the task by the people, but they failed to live up to their responsibility. He alleged that the opposition raked up all the wrong issues like national security and seeking proof of Balakot air strike thus questioning the armed forces. He only referred to "proof" but did not mention air strike or Balakot. "Why seek proof ... Why talk in favour of Pakistan," he quipped. Modi also said that his government has the political will to withstand pressure and take immediate decisions in national interests. "Delaying decisions of national interests amounts to criminal negligence," he said at the launch of TV9 'Bharatvarsh' news channel here. Noting that his government believes in "commitment not confusion" Modi alleged that those who earlier ran the country created hurdles in the path of development due to "corrupt behaviour". He alleged that those in power in the past chose "personal interest before national interest". "Were not they responsible to make things (system) fool-proof to check corruption ... But the intent was not honest," he claimed. He said the then government delayed the decision on forming a special investigation team to probe black money. "We decided to set up the SIT in our very first Cabinet meet," he said. He alleged that the previous UPA government took little initiative in bringing back black money and entered into "weak" agreements with foreign governments in this regard. "Now we have reworked agreement with Mauritius ... Switzerland will now provide information (on black money of Indians) on realtime basis from this year," he said. He alleged that while the previous government gave scams such as 2G spectrum allocation, Commonwealth Games, Bofors howitzer and AgustaWestland helicopter, his dispensation is moving about things in a very transparent manner. Without naming the Rafale jet deal, he said the Supreme Court found nothing wrong in his government's defence preparedness after going through documents. Without naming former Union minister P Chidambaram, PM said the Congress leader thinks he is very intelligent. "He said the Asat launch should have been kept a secret. By that yardstick, why was the Pokhran (nuclear test) not kept a secret (during Congress rule in 1974) ... I can understand the visits to courts (in alleged cases of corruption) can be kept a secret," he said taking a dig. Referring to black money, he said when the government was framing The Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, he was under immense pressure by those who knew it would hit them hard. "There was phone banking then. A phone call would go and banks would issue loans. Then more loans were issued to pay back the previous loans ... We have changed that," he said. In an oblique reference to fugitive jeweller Nirav Modi, he said properties worth more than the scam he had allegedly indulged in have been attached by investigative agencies. Addressing the gathering, he said his government has decentralised things and focus in now on states. "Earlier, everything was launched a Vigyan Bhawan," he said. Referring to Hyderabad House where government hosts foreign heads of states and governments, he said they to are being hosted outside Delhi. "International platforms where Pakistani propaganda used to echo now listen to India and our views find a place," he said.

Leaders of previous government indulged in corruption; kept personal interest above nation's: PM Modi

BJP chief Amit Shah Sunday ridiculed Congress president Rahul Gandhi's decision to contest from Wayanad Lok Sabha constituency, saying he has "fled" to Kerala fearing that Amethi voters will seek an account of work done by him and his party over the years.

Shah was speaking at his first election meeting in western UP, where voting will be held on April 11. The saffron party had won all eight Lok Sabha seats in the region in the 2014 Lok Sabha elections.

"Rahul Gandhi has fled to Kerala as he fears that Amethi voters will seek an account from him," the BJP chief said.

Shah also said, "The Congress had given a clean chit to Pakistan terror outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba in Samjhauta Express bomb blast case, sent Swami Aseemanand and other innocent persons to jail and had put a tag of terrorism on Hindus."

BJP chief Amit Shah Sunday ridiculed Congress president Rahul Gandhi's decision to contest from Wayanad Lok Sabha constituency, saying he has "fled" to Kerala fearing that Amethi voters will seek an account of work done by him and his party over the years.

BJP chief Amit Shah Sunday ridiculed Congress president Rahul Gandhi's decision to contest from Wayanad Lok Sabha constituency, saying he has "fled" to Kerala fearing that Amethi voters will seek an account of work done by him and his party over the years. Shah was speaking at his first election meeting in western UP, where voting will be held on April 11. The saffron party had won all eight Lok Sabha seats in the region in the 2014 Lok Sabha elections. "Rahul Gandhi has fled to Kerala as he fears that Amethi voters will seek an account from him," the BJP chief said. Shah also said, "The Congress had given a clean chit to Pakistan terror outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba in Samjhauta Express bomb blast case, sent Swami Aseemanand and other innocent persons to jail and had put a tag of terrorism on Hindus."

Rahul Gandhi fled to Kerala as he fears Amethi will seek account of work: Amit Shah

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