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Maharashtra Congress chief Ashok Chavan on Saturday evaded a question on an alleged audio clip of him expressing his desire to quit the party, just weeks ahead of the Lok Sabha elections.

"Any private conversation with a person of the party is not in public domain. No comments on that," Chavan told media in Mumbai when asked about the controversy.

In an audio clip that surfaced recently, Chavan can purportedly be heard stating that he wants to resign over allegedly being sidelined.

Meanwhile, Chavan, who will contest the upcoming polls from Nanded (Maharashtra) lauded all the Opposition parties that are coming together to defeat the BJP in the impending elections.

The Congress and the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), along with smaller parties, on Saturday, sealed their seat-sharing agreement for the 48 Lok Sabha seats at stake in Maharashtra.

Announcing the break-up, Chavan said, "Congress will contest on 24 seats, NCP on 20 seats, Bahujan Vikas Aghadi on one seat, Swabhimani Shetkari Sanghatana on two seats and Yuva Swabhimani Paksha on one seat."

Maharashtra will go to polls in four phases - April 11, 18, 23 and 29. Counting of votes will take place on May 23.

Maharashtra Congress chief Ashok Chavan on Saturday evaded a question on an alleged audio clip of him expressing his desire to quit the party, just weeks ahead of the Lok Sabha elections.

Maharashtra Congress chief Ashok Chavan on Saturday evaded a question on an alleged audio clip of him expressing his desire to quit the party, just weeks ahead of the Lok Sabha elections. "Any private conversation with a person of the party is not in public domain. No comments on that," Chavan told media in Mumbai when asked about the controversy. In an audio clip that surfaced recently, Chavan can purportedly be heard stating that he wants to resign over allegedly being sidelined. Meanwhile, Chavan, who will contest the upcoming polls from Nanded (Maharashtra) lauded all the Opposition parties that are coming together to defeat the BJP in the impending elections. The Congress and the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), along with smaller parties, on Saturday, sealed their seat-sharing agreement for the 48 Lok Sabha seats at stake in Maharashtra. Announcing the break-up, Chavan said, "Congress will contest on 24 seats, NCP on 20 seats, Bahujan Vikas Aghadi on one seat, Swabhimani Shetkari Sanghatana on two seats and Yuva Swabhimani Paksha on one seat." Maharashtra will go to polls in four phases - April 11, 18, 23 and 29. Counting of votes will take place on May 23.

Audio clip row: Ashok Chavan evades question on 'resignation' remark 

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee-led <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/tmc-removes-congresss-name-from-its-logo-205015">All India Trinamool Congress on Saturday clarified</a> that the party has not dropped 'Congress' from its name.&nbsp;

The clarification came after reports suggested that the party has removed 'Congress' from its party name, logo, posters.

Several media reports suggested AITC had dropped ‘Congress’ from its logo, banners and posters, and would hereby be referred to as 'Trinamool', just weeks ahead of the Lok Sabha elections.

“Name of the party, as registered with Election Commission is 'All India Trinamool Congress'. Name and symbol (flowers and grass) were approved by EC on January 1, 1998,” read a statement issued by the party.

Mamata Banerjee-led TMC officially parted ways with the Congress almost over a couple of decades ago.&nbsp;

(With inputs from ANI)&nbsp;

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee-led All India Trinamool Congress on Saturday clarified that the party has not dropped 'Congress' from its name. The clarification came after reports suggested that the party has removed 'Congress' from its party name, logo, posters.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee-led All India Trinamool Congress on Saturday clarified that the party has not dropped 'Congress' from its name. The clarification came after reports suggested that the party has removed 'Congress' from its party name, logo, posters. Several media reports suggested AITC had dropped ‘Congress’ from its logo, banners and posters, and would hereby be referred to as 'Trinamool', just weeks ahead of the Lok Sabha elections. “Name of the party, as registered with Election Commission is 'All India Trinamool Congress'. Name and symbol (flowers and grass) were approved by EC on January 1, 1998,” read a statement issued by the party. Mamata Banerjee-led TMC officially parted ways with the Congress almost over a couple of decades ago. (With inputs from ANI)

Mamata Banerjee-led AITC denies dropping 'Congress' from party name

TRS MP Kalvakuntla Kavitha on Saturday thanked people for giving her party landslide victory in the recently held Assembly elections.

"As you all supported Dr Sanjay in an unexpected way, I promise there will be unexpected development for this constituency," she said.

"The TRS government has brought many developmental schemes for everyone. We are not just satisfied with it," she said and announced that the pension amount will be increased to Rs 2,000 from Rs 1,000 from May 1.

She accused the Central government of being non-responsive to Telangana government's bill which mandated 12 per cent reservation for the minorities. 
"TRS is the only party which thinks about the problems of Telangana public," she said.

She also accused the BJP and the Congress of being an expert in giving fake statements.

"BJP says the Central government contributes Rs 800 out of Rs 1,000 in the pension given by the state government, but the fact is that Central government gives only Rs 200 out of Rs 1,000," she said.

Telangana will go to polls on April 11, and the counting of votes will take place on May 23.

TRS MP Kalvakuntla Kavitha on Saturday thanked people for giving her party landslide victory in the recently held Assembly elections. "As you all supported Dr Sanjay in an unexpected way, I promise there will be unexpected development for this constituency," she said.

TRS MP Kalvakuntla Kavitha on Saturday thanked people for giving her party landslide victory in the recently held Assembly elections. "As you all supported Dr Sanjay in an unexpected way, I promise there will be unexpected development for this constituency," she said. "The TRS government has brought many developmental schemes for everyone. We are not just satisfied with it," she said and announced that the pension amount will be increased to Rs 2,000 from Rs 1,000 from May 1. She accused the Central government of being non-responsive to Telangana government's bill which mandated 12 per cent reservation for the minorities. "TRS is the only party which thinks about the problems of Telangana public," she said. She also accused the BJP and the Congress of being an expert in giving fake statements. "BJP says the Central government contributes Rs 800 out of Rs 1,000 in the pension given by the state government, but the fact is that Central government gives only Rs 200 out of Rs 1,000," she said. Telangana will go to polls on April 11, and the counting of votes will take place on May 23.

Lok Sabha 2019: TRS MP Kavitha thanks people for 'landslide victory' in recent Telangana polls, promises 'unexpected development'

Actor-politician Kamal Haasan on Sunday announced he will neither contest April 18 Lok Sabha polls nor the by-polls to 18 assembly constituencies in Tamil Nadu.

"I will neither contest upcoming Lok Sabha polls nor assembly bypolls to 18 constituencies in Tamil Nadu. I have a lot of work to do. I will work towards the success of my candidates," said the Makkal Needhi Maiam leader Kamal Hassan in Coimbatore. &nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;

Last month Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM) had said that they will not align with Dravidian parties in the Lok Sabha polls.

On March 21 the party released its first list of 21 candidates for the Lok Sabha elections in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. However, the list does not include Haasan`s name.

Tamil Nadu will go to polls on April 18, and counting of votes will be done on May 23.&nbsp;

The party will contest all 40 Lok Sabha seats, including Puducherry, and by-polls to 18 assembly constituencies.&nbsp;

Releasing MNM’s manifesto for the polls, Kamal Haasan promised to generate 50 lakh jobs, 100 per cent profit for farmers for their agricultural produce, wipe out poverty from Tamil Nadu and reform the existing Lok Ayukta Act and appoint a credible Lok Ayukta.

(With inputs from agencies)

Actor-politician Kamal Haasan on Sunday announced he will neither contest April 18 Lok Sabha polls nor the by-polls to 18 assembly constituencies in Tamil Nadu. "I will neither contest upcoming Lok Sabha polls nor assembly bypolls to 18 constituencies in Tamil Nadu.

Actor-politician Kamal Haasan on Sunday announced he will neither contest April 18 Lok Sabha polls nor the by-polls to 18 assembly constituencies in Tamil Nadu. "I will neither contest upcoming Lok Sabha polls nor assembly bypolls to 18 constituencies in Tamil Nadu. I have a lot of work to do. I will work towards the success of my candidates," said the Makkal Needhi Maiam leader Kamal Hassan in Coimbatore. Last month Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM) had said that they will not align with Dravidian parties in the Lok Sabha polls. On March 21 the party released its first list of 21 candidates for the Lok Sabha elections in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. However, the list does not include Haasan`s name. Tamil Nadu will go to polls on April 18, and counting of votes will be done on May 23. The party will contest all 40 Lok Sabha seats, including Puducherry, and by-polls to 18 assembly constituencies. Releasing MNM’s manifesto for the polls, Kamal Haasan promised to generate 50 lakh jobs, 100 per cent profit for farmers for their agricultural produce, wipe out poverty from Tamil Nadu and reform the existing Lok Ayukta Act and appoint a credible Lok Ayukta. (With inputs from agencies)

Kamal Haasan releases election manifesto, promises 50 lakh jobs

In the first campaign rally of the BJP-led NDA for the Lok Sabha elections in Maharashtra, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis Sunday attacked the Congress for questioning ‘genuineness’ of the cross-border strike. He said only two types of people–Pakistan and the Congress and its allies–are questioning the veracity of the operation conducted by the Indian armed forces.

Fadnavis also attacked NCP chief Sharad Pawar in the rally, which was held in Kolhapur in western Maharashtra, known as the stronghold of the Congress and the NCP. In his address, Shiv Sena president Uddhav Thackeray too attacked Pawar for “destroying” Maharashtra during his long political career. “Only two types of people are questioning the surgical strikes. One of them is Pakistan and the other one is Congress and its allies,” Fadnavis said. “After the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack, there was only condemnation. But after the terror attack in Uri (in 2017), our government carried out a surgical strike,” the chief minister said. Given that Kolhapur district is the nerve centre of sugar politics from where the NCP and Congress draw its electoral strength, Fadnavis took a dig at Pawar.

“We may understand little about sugar industry, but we have taken more decisions for this industry than anyone else,” he said. Kolhapur and Sangli districts had witnessed violence in January this year in the wake of the failure of some sugar factories to pay arrears to sugarcane cultivators. Appealing the people to vote for the BJP again, Fadnavis said a large number of bank accounts were opened under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. “Some Rs 80,000 crore has been transferred into bank accounts under several welfare schemes. It is my open challenge to the Congress and the NCP to compare the figures of my government to their rule of 15 years prior to 2014,” he said. Thackeray also took a dig at Pawar. “In his entire political career, Pawar destroyed Maharashtra. We know the quality of such people,” he said.

The Sena chief also taunted the Congress and the NCP over a string of leaders from both the parties defecting to the NDA partners in the run-up to Lok Sabha polls. “I do not know if anybody is left in the Opposition camp to contest against us. At this rate of exodus…I hope the BJP will not induct Sharad Pawar into its fold one day,” he quipped. Thackeray announced candidature of Narendra Patil from Satara Lok Sabha constituency, who will contest against NCP stalwart and sitting MP Udayanraje Bhosale. Out of the total 48 Lok Sabha seats in Maharashtra, the BJP and the Sena will contest 25 and 23 seats each. In the seat-sharing deal announced Saturday, the Congress and the NCP announced to contest 24 and 20 seats, respectively, while leaving four seats to smaller allies under the aegis of the “United Progressive Mega-Alliance”.&nbsp;

In the first campaign rally of the BJP-led NDA for the Lok Sabha elections in Maharashtra, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis Sunday attacked the Congress for questioning ‘genuineness’ of the cross-border strike.

In the first campaign rally of the BJP-led NDA for the Lok Sabha elections in Maharashtra, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis Sunday attacked the Congress for questioning ‘genuineness’ of the cross-border strike. He said only two types of people–Pakistan and the Congress and its allies–are questioning the veracity of the operation conducted by the Indian armed forces. Fadnavis also attacked NCP chief Sharad Pawar in the rally, which was held in Kolhapur in western Maharashtra, known as the stronghold of the Congress and the NCP. In his address, Shiv Sena president Uddhav Thackeray too attacked Pawar for “destroying” Maharashtra during his long political career. “Only two types of people are questioning the surgical strikes. One of them is Pakistan and the other one is Congress and its allies,” Fadnavis said. “After the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack, there was only condemnation. But after the terror attack in Uri (in 2017), our government carried out a surgical strike,” the chief minister said. Given that Kolhapur district is the nerve centre of sugar politics from where the NCP and Congress draw its electoral strength, Fadnavis took a dig at Pawar. “We may understand little about sugar industry, but we have taken more decisions for this industry than anyone else,” he said. Kolhapur and Sangli districts had witnessed violence in January this year in the wake of the failure of some sugar factories to pay arrears to sugarcane cultivators. Appealing the people to vote for the BJP again, Fadnavis said a large number of bank accounts were opened under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. “Some Rs 80,000 crore has been transferred into bank accounts under several welfare schemes. It is my open challenge to the Congress and the NCP to compare the figures of my government to their rule of 15 years prior to 2014,” he said. Thackeray also took a dig at Pawar. “In his entire political career, Pawar destroyed Maharashtra. We know the quality of such people,” he said. The Sena chief also taunted the Congress and the NCP over a string of leaders from both the parties defecting to the NDA partners in the run-up to Lok Sabha polls. “I do not know if anybody is left in the Opposition camp to contest against us. At this rate of exodus…I hope the BJP will not induct Sharad Pawar into its fold one day,” he quipped. Thackeray announced candidature of Narendra Patil from Satara Lok Sabha constituency, who will contest against NCP stalwart and sitting MP Udayanraje Bhosale. Out of the total 48 Lok Sabha seats in Maharashtra, the BJP and the Sena will contest 25 and 23 seats each. In the seat-sharing deal announced Saturday, the Congress and the NCP announced to contest 24 and 20 seats, respectively, while leaving four seats to smaller allies under the aegis of the “United Progressive Mega-Alliance”.

Lok Sabha polls 2019: Maharashtra CM, Uddhav Thackeray target Sharad Pawar, Opposition in first NDA rally

India’s indigenous supersonic fighter jet Tejas will for the first time participate in aerial displays during the five-day Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition (LIMA) in Malaysia.

India has been projecting the Tejas aircraft in a big way as it has been manufactured indigenously at the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and designed by the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) for the Indian Air Force and the Indian Navy.

The Indian Air Force will participate in the Maritime Aero Expo for the first time, during which it will showcase its indigenously-developed light combat aircraft Tejas.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LIMA2019?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LIMA2019</a> : Today was the final practise session before the opening display for LIMA 2019, commencing 26th Mar 19. 
IAF's Tejas (LCA) during the practise session today at Langkawi International Airport, Malaysia.<a href="https://twitter.com/SpokespersonMoD?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SpokespersonMoD</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/DefenceMinIndia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DefenceMinIndia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/LimaExhibition?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@LimaExhibition</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hcikl?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@hcikl</a> <a href="https://t.co/RnGk9wOkXr">pic.twitter.com/RnGk9wOkXr</a>
— Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) <a href="https://twitter.com/IAF_MCC/status/1109757266108911616?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 24, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The IAFs’ team departed from Air Force Station Kalaikunda for Langkawi on March 22 via Myanmar, Yangon. “India’s indigenous supersonic Light Combat Aircraft(LCA)-Tejas &amp; the world’s lightest supersonic fighter which has already joined IAF, is for the 1st time taking part in aerial displays during 05 days Langkawi International Maritime &amp; Aerospace Exhibition,” the IAF said on its official Twitter handle.

“Today was the final practise session before the opening display for LIMA 2019, commencing 26th March 2019. IAF’s Tejas (LCA) during the practise session today at Langkawi International Airport, Malaysia,” the IAF tweeted.

The IAF also posted pictures and a video of the Tejas aircraft practising. The Langkawi International Maritime Aero Expo (LIMA-2019) is planned in Langkawi, Malaysia from March 26 to March 30, which will provide an opportunity to the IAF air-warriors to interact with their Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) counterparts and foster close relationship between the two services.

This will serve as a foundation for any future interaction with the Malaysian Air Force. It will also provide an opportunity to RMAF to assess the capabilities of LCA, an official statement said.

India’s indigenous supersonic fighter jet Tejas will for the first time participate in aerial displays during the five-day Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition (LIMA) in Malaysia.

India’s indigenous supersonic fighter jet Tejas will for the first time participate in aerial displays during the five-day Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition (LIMA) in Malaysia. India has been projecting the Tejas aircraft in a big way as it has been manufactured indigenously at the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and designed by the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) for the Indian Air Force and the Indian Navy. The Indian Air Force will participate in the Maritime Aero Expo for the first time, during which it will showcase its indigenously-developed light combat aircraft Tejas. #LIMA2019 : Today was the final practise session before the opening display for LIMA 2019, commencing 26th Mar 19. IAF's Tejas (LCA) during the practise session today at Langkawi International Airport, Malaysia.@SpokespersonMoD @DefenceMinIndia @LimaExhibition @hcikl pic.twitter.com/RnGk9wOkXr — Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) March 24, 2019 × The IAFs’ team departed from Air Force Station Kalaikunda for Langkawi on March 22 via Myanmar, Yangon. “India’s indigenous supersonic Light Combat Aircraft(LCA)-Tejas & the world’s lightest supersonic fighter which has already joined IAF, is for the 1st time taking part in aerial displays during 05 days Langkawi International Maritime & Aerospace Exhibition,” the IAF said on its official Twitter handle. “Today was the final practise session before the opening display for LIMA 2019, commencing 26th March 2019. IAF’s Tejas (LCA) during the practise session today at Langkawi International Airport, Malaysia,” the IAF tweeted. The IAF also posted pictures and a video of the Tejas aircraft practising. The Langkawi International Maritime Aero Expo (LIMA-2019) is planned in Langkawi, Malaysia from March 26 to March 30, which will provide an opportunity to the IAF air-warriors to interact with their Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) counterparts and foster close relationship between the two services. This will serve as a foundation for any future interaction with the Malaysian Air Force. It will also provide an opportunity to RMAF to assess the capabilities of LCA, an official statement said.

India’s indigenous supersonic fighter jet Tejas to take part in Malaysia’s LIMA

The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) has called an emergency meeting of its working committee in Lucknow on Sunday morning to discuss the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/a-wion-perspective-ayodhyas-temple-of-harmony-7163">Ayodhya</a> issue.

All the 51 members of the committee are expected to be present in the meeting which is likely to be joined by representatives of the Sunni Central Waqf Board.

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/ayodhya-case-supreme-court-orders-mediation-202104">Supreme Court-appointed mediation committee</a> for resolution of the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid land dispute held its first sitting on Wednesday (March 13) and heard all parties who attended the proceedings.

The panel, headed by former apex court judge F M Ibrahim&nbsp;Kalifulla, had directed that there should not be any reporting of the mediation proceedings in the print or other media, pointing out the views expressed by the top court.

On March 8, the Supreme Court had referred the land dispute case for court-appointed and monitored mediation.&nbsp;

A five-judge Constitution bench of the apex court, headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi, had said that the mediation proceedings will be held in Faizabad in Uttar Pradesh and the state government will provide the mediators with all facilities.

The bench was hearing appeals against the September 30, 2010 verdict of the Allahabad High Court which ordered a three-way division of the disputed 2.77 acres of the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid site in Ayodhya between the Nirmohi Akhara sect, the Sunni Central Waqf Board, Uttar Pradesh and Ramlalla Virajman.&nbsp;

The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) has called an emergency meeting of its working committee in Lucknow on Sunday morning to discuss the Ayodhya issue.

The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) has called an emergency meeting of its working committee in Lucknow on Sunday morning to discuss the Ayodhya issue. All the 51 members of the committee are expected to be present in the meeting which is likely to be joined by representatives of the Sunni Central Waqf Board. The Supreme Court-appointed mediation committee for resolution of the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid land dispute held its first sitting on Wednesday (March 13) and heard all parties who attended the proceedings. The panel, headed by former apex court judge F M Ibrahim Kalifulla, had directed that there should not be any reporting of the mediation proceedings in the print or other media, pointing out the views expressed by the top court. On March 8, the Supreme Court had referred the land dispute case for court-appointed and monitored mediation. A five-judge Constitution bench of the apex court, headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi, had said that the mediation proceedings will be held in Faizabad in Uttar Pradesh and the state government will provide the mediators with all facilities. The bench was hearing appeals against the September 30, 2010 verdict of the Allahabad High Court which ordered a three-way division of the disputed 2.77 acres of the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid site in Ayodhya between the Nirmohi Akhara sect, the Sunni Central Waqf Board, Uttar Pradesh and Ramlalla Virajman.

AIMPLB calls emergency meeting for Ayodhya land dispute

The death toll in Karnataka's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/dharwad-building-collapse-man-rescued-after-62-hours-death-toll-reaches-15-204806">Dharwad building collapse</a> has risen to 16. Meanwhile, the Karnataka government on Saturday suspended seven corporation officials for negligence in connection to the building collapse that took place in Dharwad's Kumareshwar Nagar on March 19.&nbsp;

The officers suspended by the state government include -- City Planning Officer Mukund Joshi, Assistant Director City Planning Ashok Gadag, Revenue Officer Prakash Dodamani, Executive Engineer V Shridhar, Assistant Executive Engineer Chandrappa, City Planning Assistant B V Hiremath, and Assistant Commissioner Santosh Anishetter, news agency ANI reported.&nbsp;

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Dharwad building collapse: Visuals of the rescue operations underway; Death toll has risen to 16; An under-construction building had collapsed in Kumareshwar Nagar on March 19. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Karnataka?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Karnataka</a> <a href="https://t.co/7fZnnNGLtu">pic.twitter.com/7fZnnNGLtu</a>
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The four partners of Renuka Construction, the entity looking after the construction project, surrendered before the police earlier this week.&nbsp;

Karnataka Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy had visited the site on Thursday and told the media that several people were suspected to be trapped under the rubble. He had also said the district administration has already announced a magisterial inquiry and the government is ready to appoint a retired High Court judge if required.

On Wednesday, the Indian Air Force airlifted two teams of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) to Karnataka's Hubli from Hindon in Uttar Pradesh to join the rescue and search operation.&nbsp;

The rescue operation is being conducted jointly by the NDRF and the State Disaster Response Force.&nbsp;

(With inputs from ANI)&nbsp;

The death toll in Karnataka's Dharwad building collapse has risen to 16. Meanwhile, the Karnataka government on Saturday suspended seven corporation officials for negligence in connection to the building collapse that took place in Dharwad's Kumareshwar Nagar on March 19.

The death toll in Karnataka's Dharwad building collapse has risen to 16. Meanwhile, the Karnataka government on Saturday suspended seven corporation officials for negligence in connection to the building collapse that took place in Dharwad's Kumareshwar Nagar on March 19. The officers suspended by the state government include -- City Planning Officer Mukund Joshi, Assistant Director City Planning Ashok Gadag, Revenue Officer Prakash Dodamani, Executive Engineer V Shridhar, Assistant Executive Engineer Chandrappa, City Planning Assistant B V Hiremath, and Assistant Commissioner Santosh Anishetter, news agency ANI reported. Dharwad building collapse: Visuals of the rescue operations underway; Death toll has risen to 16; An under-construction building had collapsed in Kumareshwar Nagar on March 19. #Karnataka pic.twitter.com/7fZnnNGLtu — ANI (@ANI) March 24, 2019 × The four partners of Renuka Construction, the entity looking after the construction project, surrendered before the police earlier this week. Karnataka Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy had visited the site on Thursday and told the media that several people were suspected to be trapped under the rubble. He had also said the district administration has already announced a magisterial inquiry and the government is ready to appoint a retired High Court judge if required. On Wednesday, the Indian Air Force airlifted two teams of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) to Karnataka's Hubli from Hindon in Uttar Pradesh to join the rescue and search operation. The rescue operation is being conducted jointly by the NDRF and the State Disaster Response Force. (With inputs from ANI)

Dharwad building collapse: Death toll rises to 16, Karnataka government suspends 7 corporation officials for negligence 

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/thailand-elections-polls-open-thai-king-urges-people-to-support-good-to-prevent-chaos-205166">Thailand election: Polls open, Thai King urges people to support 'good' to prevent 'chaos'&nbsp;</a>

Polls in Thai election opened on Sunday. This is the first time the country is going to general elections since the 2014 coup. Polls opened "at 92,320 polling stations across the country," Election Commission secretary-general Jarungvich Phumma told AFP.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-slaps-sanctions-on-iran-nuclear-researchers-warns-of-future-work-205171">US</a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-slaps-sanctions-on-iran-nuclear-researchers-warns-of-future-work-205171"> slaps sanctions on Iran nuclear researchers, warns of future work</a>

The United States on Friday imposed sanctions on Iranian nuclear researchers, saying it wanted to warn young scientists to steer clear of any future effort to build a bomb.

Sanctioning 14 individuals and 17 entities, US officials acknowledged that the nuclear work was in the past but said Washington wanted to make the targeted figures "radioactive."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-hails-end-of-is-caliphate-vows-to-remain-vigilant-205175">Trump hails </a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-hails-end-of-is-caliphate-vows-to-remain-vigilant-205175">end</a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-hails-end-of-is-caliphate-vows-to-remain-vigilant-205175"> of IS 'caliphate,' vows to remain 'vigilant'</a>

President Donald Trump hailed the end of the Islamic State group's "caliphate" Saturday, vowing that the United States would remain "vigilant" against the diehard jihadists.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fix-to-737-max-anti-stall-software-is-ready-industry-sources-205177">Fix to 737 MAX anti-stall software is ready: Industry sources</a>

A fix to the anti-stall system suspected in the crash of a Boeing 737 MAX 8 jet that killed 189 people in Indonesia is ready, industry sources said Saturday, as the company tries to avoid a lengthy grounding of its planes.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/serena-williams-withdraws-from-miami-open-with-knee-injury-205167">Serena Williams withdraws from Miami Open with </a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/serena-williams-withdraws-from-miami-open-with-knee-injury-205167">knee</a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/serena-williams-withdraws-from-miami-open-with-knee-injury-205167"> injury</a>

Serena Williams withdrew from the WTA and ATP Masters Miami Open on Saturday with a left knee injury.

The 23-time Grand Slam champion's withdrawal comes a day after she beat Sweden's Rebecca Peterson in three sets to reach the third round.

Thailand election: Polls open, Thai King urges people to support 'good' to prevent 'chaos' Polls in Thai election opened on Sunday. This is the first time the country is going to general elections since the 2014 coup.

Thailand election: Polls open, Thai King urges people to support 'good' to prevent 'chaos' Polls in Thai election opened on Sunday. This is the first time the country is going to general elections since the 2014 coup. Polls opened "at 92,320 polling stations across the country," Election Commission secretary-general Jarungvich Phumma told AFP. US slaps sanctions on Iran nuclear researchers, warns of future work The United States on Friday imposed sanctions on Iranian nuclear researchers, saying it wanted to warn young scientists to steer clear of any future effort to build a bomb. Sanctioning 14 individuals and 17 entities, US officials acknowledged that the nuclear work was in the past but said Washington wanted to make the targeted figures "radioactive." Trump hails end of IS 'caliphate,' vows to remain 'vigilant' President Donald Trump hailed the end of the Islamic State group's "caliphate" Saturday, vowing that the United States would remain "vigilant" against the diehard jihadists. Fix to 737 MAX anti-stall software is ready: Industry sources A fix to the anti-stall system suspected in the crash of a Boeing 737 MAX 8 jet that killed 189 people in Indonesia is ready, industry sources said Saturday, as the company tries to avoid a lengthy grounding of its planes. Serena Williams withdraws from Miami Open with knee injury Serena Williams withdrew from the WTA and ATP Masters Miami Open on Saturday with a left knee injury. The 23-time Grand Slam champion's withdrawal comes a day after she beat Sweden's Rebecca Peterson in three sets to reach the third round.

News brief: Big stories of the day

Union Minister Uma Bharti has been appointed the national president of the Bharatiya Janata Party, said Union Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda here on Saturday.

"As Uma ji has written to BJP president Amit Shah, reiterating her decision not to contest the Lok Sabha elections, the party has appointed her the national vice president of the BJP," Nadda said at a press conference.

Drinking Water and Sanitation Minister Uma had told Shah that she won't be contesting 17th Lok Sabha elections, adding that she will be happy to accept any other responsibilities assigned to her by the party.

"Dear friend, as I have already declared, reiterating the same I had written a letter to the party president Mr Amit Shah, repeating my request of not contesting an election, so that the party officially declares it," wrote Bharti on her Twitter account."

I have told all the friends that for the next one-and-a-half years, I want to spend the maximum time on the banks of the Ganga. During this period, I will participate in the Lok Sabha election campaign according to the BJP's directive, and will fulfil the responsibilities assigned to me," she said.

Bharti, however, said that she will not retire from politics till 'her last breath'&nbsp;and will continue to do politics for the rights of poor man.

"Prime Minister @narendramodi ji is the head guard of the country. All of BJP workers are included in the army of the chowkidars. My wish is that our government is formed and Narendra Modi becomes the Prime Minister again," she had tweeted.

In 1989, Bharti contested and won Khajuraho Lok Sabha seat, and retained it in elections conducted in 1991, 1996 and 1998. In 1999, she switched her constituency and won Bhopal seat in Madhya Pradesh. She won the last poll from Jhansi in UP.

In December last year, Bharti had announced to take a break from active politics to focus on the issue of Ram temple and cleaning of Ganga river. She had also announced that she would not contest the Lok Sabha polls in 2019.

Union Minister Uma Bharti has been appointed the national president of the Bharatiya Janata Party, said Union Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda here on Saturday. "As Uma ji has written to BJP president Amit Shah, reiterating her decision not to contest the Lok Sabha elections, the party has appointed her the national vice president of the BJP," Nadda said at a press conference.

Union Minister Uma Bharti has been appointed the national president of the Bharatiya Janata Party, said Union Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda here on Saturday. "As Uma ji has written to BJP president Amit Shah, reiterating her decision not to contest the Lok Sabha elections, the party has appointed her the national vice president of the BJP," Nadda said at a press conference. Drinking Water and Sanitation Minister Uma had told Shah that she won't be contesting 17th Lok Sabha elections, adding that she will be happy to accept any other responsibilities assigned to her by the party. "Dear friend, as I have already declared, reiterating the same I had written a letter to the party president Mr Amit Shah, repeating my request of not contesting an election, so that the party officially declares it," wrote Bharti on her Twitter account." I have told all the friends that for the next one-and-a-half years, I want to spend the maximum time on the banks of the Ganga. During this period, I will participate in the Lok Sabha election campaign according to the BJP's directive, and will fulfil the responsibilities assigned to me," she said. Bharti, however, said that she will not retire from politics till 'her last breath' and will continue to do politics for the rights of poor man. "Prime Minister @narendramodi ji is the head guard of the country. All of BJP workers are included in the army of the chowkidars. My wish is that our government is formed and Narendra Modi becomes the Prime Minister again," she had tweeted. In 1989, Bharti contested and won Khajuraho Lok Sabha seat, and retained it in elections conducted in 1991, 1996 and 1998. In 1999, she switched her constituency and won Bhopal seat in Madhya Pradesh. She won the last poll from Jhansi in UP. In December last year, Bharti had announced to take a break from active politics to focus on the issue of Ram temple and cleaning of Ganga river. She had also announced that she would not contest the Lok Sabha polls in 2019.

Uma Bharti appointed as BJP national vice president

Ahead of the Lok Sabha elections, markets in various parts of India are flooded with diverse kinds of political merchandise, including masks, shirts and flags containing pictures of various political leaders on them.

Speaking to ANI, Vijay Tendulkar, the owner of a shop in Mumbai, said the aim is to attract more youth and encourage them to exercise their franchise in the impending polls.

"We are selling key chains, T-shirts, and jackets, among other things. On all merchandise, party logo is there. There is a humongous demand right now. The biggest demand is for flags, cap and mufflers," he added.

Markets in Coimbatore, too, have seen similar merchandise being sold in the run-up to the polls, including those with the face of late Tamil Nadu chief minister J Jayalalithaa on them.

Interestingly, merchandise with the faces of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Congress president Rahul Gandhi are most popular in markets, locals say.

Lok Sabha elections will be held in seven phases between April 11 and May 19.

Results will be declared on May 23.&nbsp;

Ahead of the Lok Sabha elections, markets in various parts of India are flooded with diverse kinds of political merchandise, including masks, shirts and flags containing pictures of various political leaders on them.

Ahead of the Lok Sabha elections, markets in various parts of India are flooded with diverse kinds of political merchandise, including masks, shirts and flags containing pictures of various political leaders on them. Speaking to ANI, Vijay Tendulkar, the owner of a shop in Mumbai, said the aim is to attract more youth and encourage them to exercise their franchise in the impending polls. "We are selling key chains, T-shirts, and jackets, among other things. On all merchandise, party logo is there. There is a humongous demand right now. The biggest demand is for flags, cap and mufflers," he added. Markets in Coimbatore, too, have seen similar merchandise being sold in the run-up to the polls, including those with the face of late Tamil Nadu chief minister J Jayalalithaa on them. Interestingly, merchandise with the faces of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Congress president Rahul Gandhi are most popular in markets, locals say. Lok Sabha elections will be held in seven phases between April 11 and May 19. Results will be declared on May 23.

Political merchandise hit markets ahead of Lok Sabha polls

Six people were killed and 45 others injured after a bus fall into a forge near Trimbakeshwar in Maharashtra's Palghar district.&nbsp;

Emergency workers were immediately rushed to the spot to expedite the rescue operations.&nbsp;

The incident occurred at around 2:45 pm in Torangane ghat between Mokhada and Trimbakeshwar villages, said Thane Region Disaster Management Cell (RDMC) chief Santosh Kadam.

The private bus had started from Nashik in north Maharashtra and was headed towards Palghar, around 100 kms from here, he said.

The injured have been rushed to the Trimbakeshwar primary health centre, he said, adding that the condition of some of them is serious.

(With inputs from PTI)

Six people were killed and 45 others injured after a bus fall into a forge near Trimbakeshwar in Maharashtra's Palghar district. Emergency workers were immediately rushed to the spot to expedite the rescue operations.

Six people were killed and 45 others injured after a bus fall into a forge near Trimbakeshwar in Maharashtra's Palghar district. Emergency workers were immediately rushed to the spot to expedite the rescue operations. The incident occurred at around 2:45 pm in Torangane ghat between Mokhada and Trimbakeshwar villages, said Thane Region Disaster Management Cell (RDMC) chief Santosh Kadam. The private bus had started from Nashik in north Maharashtra and was headed towards Palghar, around 100 kms from here, he said. The injured have been rushed to the Trimbakeshwar primary health centre, he said, adding that the condition of some of them is serious. (With inputs from PTI)

Maharashtra: 6 killed, 45 injured in bus accident near Trimbakeshwar in Palghar district

Duryodhan Majhi, sitting MLA from Khariar, on Saturday returned to the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) ahead of the Lok Sabha elections.

"I am glad that Duryodhan Majhi has joined back. I welcome him back to the party. His return will strengthen the BJD," Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik told media in Bhubaneswar.

Majhi quit the BJP after the party fielded wife of former BJP MLA Hitesh Bagarti, Rita, from the Khariar Assembly seat. Majhi had quit BJD in 2014 after he was denied a ticket.

Odisha will be going to polls in four phases - on April 11, 18, 23 and 29.

The state will be voting simultaneously for parliamentary and assembly constituencies.

There are 21 Lok Sabha and 147 Assembly seats at stake in Odisha.&nbsp;

Duryodhan Majhi, sitting MLA from Khariar, on Saturday returned to the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) ahead of the Lok Sabha elections. "I am glad that Duryodhan Majhi has joined back.

Duryodhan Majhi, sitting MLA from Khariar, on Saturday returned to the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) ahead of the Lok Sabha elections. "I am glad that Duryodhan Majhi has joined back. I welcome him back to the party. His return will strengthen the BJD," Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik told media in Bhubaneswar. Majhi quit the BJP after the party fielded wife of former BJP MLA Hitesh Bagarti, Rita, from the Khariar Assembly seat. Majhi had quit BJD in 2014 after he was denied a ticket. Odisha will be going to polls in four phases - on April 11, 18, 23 and 29. The state will be voting simultaneously for parliamentary and assembly constituencies. There are 21 Lok Sabha and 147 Assembly seats at stake in Odisha.

Lok Sabha 2019: After quitting BJP, Duryodhan Majhi returns to BJD

Minister for Arts and Culture Govind Gaude has ordered an inquiry into alleged purification rituals held at Kala Academy, where <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/india-bids-farewell-to-goa-chief-minister-manohar-parrikar-204123">late Goa chief minister Manohar Parrikar</a>'s body was kept for public homage.

"I have taken a strong note of some activities carried out in the Kala Academy premises as rituals today. I have ordered an inquiry into it. We cannot promote or patronise unscientific activities inside government buildings," Gaude said in a Facebook post.

Parrikar, a senior BJP leader, died on March 17 evening after a prolonged battle against cancer at the age of 63.

A day after his death, Parrikar's mortal remains were kept at the Kala Academy in Panaji for public to pay their last respects before his last rites.

Minister for Arts and Culture Govind Gaude has ordered an inquiry into alleged purification rituals held at Kala Academy, where late Goa chief minister Manohar Parrikar's body was kept for public homage.

Minister for Arts and Culture Govind Gaude has ordered an inquiry into alleged purification rituals held at Kala Academy, where late Goa chief minister Manohar Parrikar's body was kept for public homage. "I have taken a strong note of some activities carried out in the Kala Academy premises as rituals today. I have ordered an inquiry into it. We cannot promote or patronise unscientific activities inside government buildings," Gaude said in a Facebook post. Parrikar, a senior BJP leader, died on March 17 evening after a prolonged battle against cancer at the age of 63. A day after his death, Parrikar's mortal remains were kept at the Kala Academy in Panaji for public to pay their last respects before his last rites.

Parrikar death: Goa minister orders probe into 'purification' ritual performed at Kala Academy

A fire broke out at All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Trauma Centre in Delhi on Sunday.

The fire broke out in an operation theatre in the AIIMS Trauma Centre in the Capital.

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Delhi Fire Department: Fire broke out on ground floor at AIIMS (All India Institute of Medical Sciences) Trauma Center. No one is stranded. <a href="https://t.co/TXp453sDaQ">https://t.co/TXp453sDaQ</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1109810468774916096?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 24, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Four fire tenders have rushed to the spot.&nbsp;

The cause of the fire is yet to be ascertained.

More details awaited.&nbsp;

A fire broke out at All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Trauma Centre in Delhi on Sunday. The fire broke out in an operation theatre in the AIIMS Trauma Centre in the Capital.

A fire broke out at All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Trauma Centre in Delhi on Sunday. The fire broke out in an operation theatre in the AIIMS Trauma Centre in the Capital. Delhi Fire Department: Fire broke out on ground floor at AIIMS (All India Institute of Medical Sciences) Trauma Center. No one is stranded. https://t.co/TXp453sDaQ — ANI (@ANI) March 24, 2019 × Four fire tenders have rushed to the spot. The cause of the fire is yet to be ascertained. More details awaited.

Delhi: Fire breaks out at AIIMS Trauma Centre 

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/twitter-war-of-words-erupts-between-sushma-swaraj-pakistan-minister-over-abduction-of-hindu-girls-in-sindh-205314">Twitter war of words erupts between Sushma Swaraj, Pakistan minister over </a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/twitter-war-of-words-erupts-between-sushma-swaraj-pakistan-minister-over-abduction-of-hindu-girls-in-sindh-205314">abduction</a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/twitter-war-of-words-erupts-between-sushma-swaraj-pakistan-minister-over-abduction-of-hindu-girls-in-sindh-205314"> of Hindu girls in Sindh</a>

A war of words erupted on Sunday between External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and Pakistan's Information Minister Fawad Chaudhary over reports of abduction of two Hindu teenaged girls and their forcible conversion to Islam on the eve of Holi in the Sindh province.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-chancellor-denies-plot-to-oust-pm-may-but-admits-deal-may-not-pass-205292">UK finance minister Hammond denies plot to oust PM May but admits deal may not pass &nbsp;</a>

Britain must find a way to leave the European Union in an ''orderly'' fashion rather than trying to oust Prime Minister Theresa May, finance minister Philip Hammond was quoted as saying on Sunday.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/exit-poll-has-thai-opposition-winning-most-seats-but-not-enough-for-government-205300">Exit poll has Thai opposition winning most seats but not enough for government</a>

Thai voters flocked to the polls on Sunday for the first election since a 2014 coup, and an exit poll indicated the populist party linked to exiled former leader Thaksin Shinawatra would win the most seats, but not enough to form a government.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/air-strikes-kill-dozen-afghans-battle-intensifies-in-taliban-strongholds-205323">Air strikes kill dozen Afghans, battle intensifies in Taliban strongholds</a>

Air strikes in the northern Afghan province of Kunduz killed about a dozen civilians on Saturday, local officials said, as battle intensified there and in southern Helmand province.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/royal-adviser-fired-over-khashoggi-murder-absent-from-saudi-trial-report-205319">Royal adviser fired over Khashoggi murder absent from Saudi trial: Report</a>

A Saudi royal adviser fired over the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi is not among the 11 suspects on trial at secretive hearings in Riyadh despite Saudi pledges to bring those responsible to justice, sources familiar with the matter said.

&nbsp;

Twitter war of words erupts between Sushma Swaraj, Pakistan minister over abduction of Hindu girls in Sindh A war of words erupted on Sunday between External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and Pakistan's Information Minister Fawad Chaudhary over reports of abduction of two Hindu teenaged girls and their forcible conversion to Islam on the eve of Holi in the Sindh province.

Twitter war of words erupts between Sushma Swaraj, Pakistan minister over abduction of Hindu girls in Sindh A war of words erupted on Sunday between External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and Pakistan's Information Minister Fawad Chaudhary over reports of abduction of two Hindu teenaged girls and their forcible conversion to Islam on the eve of Holi in the Sindh province. UK finance minister Hammond denies plot to oust PM May but admits deal may not pass Britain must find a way to leave the European Union in an ''orderly'' fashion rather than trying to oust Prime Minister Theresa May, finance minister Philip Hammond was quoted as saying on Sunday. Exit poll has Thai opposition winning most seats but not enough for government Thai voters flocked to the polls on Sunday for the first election since a 2014 coup, and an exit poll indicated the populist party linked to exiled former leader Thaksin Shinawatra would win the most seats, but not enough to form a government. Air strikes kill dozen Afghans, battle intensifies in Taliban strongholds Air strikes in the northern Afghan province of Kunduz killed about a dozen civilians on Saturday, local officials said, as battle intensified there and in southern Helmand province. Royal adviser fired over Khashoggi murder absent from Saudi trial: Report A Saudi royal adviser fired over the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi is not among the 11 suspects on trial at secretive hearings in Riyadh despite Saudi pledges to bring those responsible to justice, sources familiar with the matter said.

A war of words erupted on Sunday between External Affairs Minister<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/sushma-swaraj-takes-note-hindu-girls-forcible-conversion-to-islam-in-pakistan-demands-report-205199"> Sushma Swaraj</a> and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-pm-imran-khan-orders-probe-into-forced-conversion-and-marriages-of-two-teenage-hindu-girls-205232">Pakistan</a>'s Information Minister Fawad Chaudhary over reports of abduction of two Hindu teenaged girls and their forcible conversion to Islam on the eve of Holi in the Sindh province.

In a tweet, Swaraj sought a report from Indian envoy in Pakistan Ajay Bisaria on the reported abduction of the girls and their forcible conversion to Islam.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has ordered a probe into the matter.

Responding to Swaraj's tweet, Pakistan's Information Minister Fawad Chaudhary said: "Maam its Pakistan's internal issue and (be) rest assured it's not Modi's India where minorities are subjugated, it's Imran Khan's Naya Pak where the white colour of our flag is equally dearer to us."

"I hope you'll act with same diligence when it comes to rights of Indian minorities," he said.

Swaraj, in her response to Chaudhary, said she had only asked for a report from the Indian High Commissioner in Islamabad about the kidnapping and forced conversion of two minor Hindu girls to Islam.

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Mr.Minister <a href="https://twitter.com/fawadchaudhry?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@fawadchaudhry</a> - I only asked for a report from Indian High Commissioner in Islamabad about the kidnapping and forced conversion of two minor Hindu girls to Islam. This was enough to make you jittery. This only shows your guilty conscience. <a href="https://twitter.com/IndiainPakistan?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@IndiainPakistan</a>
— Chowkidar Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) <a href="https://twitter.com/SushmaSwaraj/status/1109740418151772160?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 24, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<img alt="Fawad Hussain" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a51a31d5-e339-465b-b88e-7b384da80fa2" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/ch%20fawad%20hussain.JPG" />

"This was enough to make you jittery. This only shows your guilty conscience," she said.

The two girls were allegedly kidnapped by a group of "influential" men from their home in Ghotki district in Sindh on the eve of Holi.

Soon after the kidnapping, a video went viral in which a cleric was purportedly shown solemnising the Nikah (marriage) of the two girls.

In a separate video, the minor girls can be seen saying that they accepted Islam of their own free will.

According to media reports, the Hindu community in the area staged protests, demanding action against perpetrators of the alleged crime.

In a Twitter post in Urdu, Information Minister Chaudhry said the prime minister has asked the Sindh chief minister to look into reports that the girls in question have been taken to Rahim Yar Khan in Punjab.

India has been raising the issue of the plight of minorities, particularly the Hindu community in Pakistan.

A war of words erupted on Sunday between External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and Pakistan's Information Minister Fawad Chaudhary over reports of abduction of two Hindu teenaged girls and their forcible conversion to Islam on the eve of Holi in the Sindh province.

A war of words erupted on Sunday between External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and Pakistan's Information Minister Fawad Chaudhary over reports of abduction of two Hindu teenaged girls and their forcible conversion to Islam on the eve of Holi in the Sindh province. In a tweet, Swaraj sought a report from Indian envoy in Pakistan Ajay Bisaria on the reported abduction of the girls and their forcible conversion to Islam. Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has ordered a probe into the matter. Responding to Swaraj's tweet, Pakistan's Information Minister Fawad Chaudhary said: "Maam its Pakistan's internal issue and (be) rest assured it's not Modi's India where minorities are subjugated, it's Imran Khan's Naya Pak where the white colour of our flag is equally dearer to us." "I hope you'll act with same diligence when it comes to rights of Indian minorities," he said. Swaraj, in her response to Chaudhary, said she had only asked for a report from the Indian High Commissioner in Islamabad about the kidnapping and forced conversion of two minor Hindu girls to Islam. Mr.Minister @fawadchaudhry - I only asked for a report from Indian High Commissioner in Islamabad about the kidnapping and forced conversion of two minor Hindu girls to Islam. This was enough to make you jittery. This only shows your guilty conscience. @IndiainPakistan — Chowkidar Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) March 24, 2019 × "This was enough to make you jittery. This only shows your guilty conscience," she said. The two girls were allegedly kidnapped by a group of "influential" men from their home in Ghotki district in Sindh on the eve of Holi. Soon after the kidnapping, a video went viral in which a cleric was purportedly shown solemnising the Nikah (marriage) of the two girls. In a separate video, the minor girls can be seen saying that they accepted Islam of their own free will. According to media reports, the Hindu community in the area staged protests, demanding action against perpetrators of the alleged crime. In a Twitter post in Urdu, Information Minister Chaudhry said the prime minister has asked the Sindh chief minister to look into reports that the girls in question have been taken to Rahim Yar Khan in Punjab. India has been raising the issue of the plight of minorities, particularly the Hindu community in Pakistan.

Twitter war of words erupts between Sushma Swaraj, Pakistan minister over abduction of Hindu girls in Sindh

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Saturday claimed that despite 31 cases pending against <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/voting-for-ysrcp-is-like-writing-ones-own-death-warrant-n-chandrababu-naidu-204992">YSRCP chief YS Jagan Mohan Reddy</a>, the latter "acts innocent."

Addressing a rally in Guntur in Repalle, Naidu said, "Jagan has filed a 48-page affidavit. 20 pages of it are about his criminal record. Another 20 pages are about his economic offences. Jagan is the only person with 31 cases. But he is acting as if he is innocent."

He further claimed that YSRCP leaders "tried to delete votes through Form 7 applications."

"Their conspiracy is exposed," he added.

Naidu also accused Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao of weakening the Opposition in Telangana by buying MLAs.

Andhra Pradesh, which has 25 Lok Sabha seats at stake, will vote in a single phase on April 11. Results will be declared on May 23.&nbsp;

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Saturday claimed that despite 31 cases pending against YSRCP chief YS Jagan Mohan Reddy, the latter "acts innocent.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Saturday claimed that despite 31 cases pending against YSRCP chief YS Jagan Mohan Reddy, the latter "acts innocent." Addressing a rally in Guntur in Repalle, Naidu said, "Jagan has filed a 48-page affidavit. 20 pages of it are about his criminal record. Another 20 pages are about his economic offences. Jagan is the only person with 31 cases. But he is acting as if he is innocent." He further claimed that YSRCP leaders "tried to delete votes through Form 7 applications." "Their conspiracy is exposed," he added. Naidu also accused Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao of weakening the Opposition in Telangana by buying MLAs. Andhra Pradesh, which has 25 Lok Sabha seats at stake, will vote in a single phase on April 11. Results will be declared on May 23.

Lok Sabha 2019: Chandrababu Naidu accuses Jagan Reddy of 'acting innocent'

A request would be sent to the US to seek details from a service provider of “virtual SIMs”, which were used by the JeM suicide bomber behind the Pulwama attack and his Pakistan and Kashmir-based handlers, officials said.

Piecing together probe from the site of the terror strike, searches carried out by the Jammu and Kashmir police and central security agencies at an encounter site in Tral as well as other locations, it was found that the bomber, Adil Dar, was in constant touch with the JeM across the border, they said.

The main mastermind of the audacious attack, Mudassir Khan, was killed in the encounter in Tral.

Forty CRPF personnel were killed on February 14 when Dar rammed his explosive-laden vehicle into a paramilitary force bus at Pulwama in South Kashmir. India retaliated after the strike by bombing the Jaish terror group’s hideout in Balakot in Pakistan.

It was a fairly new modus operandi where terrorists across the border were using a “virtual SIM”, generated by a service provider in the United States. In this technology, the computer generates a telephone number and the user downloads an application of the service provider on their smartphone.

The number is linked to social networking sites like WhatsApp, Facebook, Telegram or Twitter. The verification code generated by these networking sites is received on the smartphone and the user is ready.

In case of Pulwama, Dar was in constant touch with the Jaish handler as well as Mudassir Khan using the same technology, the officials said.

They said the numbers used were pre-fixed with “+1”, the Mobile Station International Subscriber Directory Number (MSISDN) number used for the United States.

The request to the US will include details of phone numbers that got in touch with the “Virtual SIM” and who had activated it, they said, adding that Internet Protocol addresses would also be sought.

While the security agencies would attempt to find who had paid for the virtual SIM, they were also aware that the terror groups used forged identities, as was done during the Mumbai 26/11 terror strikes.

During an investigation of the 26/11 attacks, it was found that an amount of USD 229 was wired to Callphonex, via Western Union Money Transfer receipt number 8364307716-0, for activating the Voice Over Internet Protocol (VoIP) used during the strikes.

The money was received from ‘Madina Trading’ located in Brescia in Italy and sender was claimed to be Javed Iqbal, a resident of Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir (PoK).

However, after Italian police arrested two Pakistani nationals in 2009, it was alleged that the firm had made nearly 300 transfers in the name of Iqbal, who probably had never set his foot in Italy.

The Italian police, while concluding the probe, had said the Brescia-based company made several transfers using the identity of innocent, unsuspecting persons, whose identity cards or passports might have been stolen.

A request would be sent to the US to seek details from a service provider of “virtual SIMs”, which were used by the JeM suicide bomber behind the Pulwama attack and his Pakistan and Kashmir-based handlers, officials said.

A request would be sent to the US to seek details from a service provider of “virtual SIMs”, which were used by the JeM suicide bomber behind the Pulwama attack and his Pakistan and Kashmir-based handlers, officials said. Piecing together probe from the site of the terror strike, searches carried out by the Jammu and Kashmir police and central security agencies at an encounter site in Tral as well as other locations, it was found that the bomber, Adil Dar, was in constant touch with the JeM across the border, they said. The main mastermind of the audacious attack, Mudassir Khan, was killed in the encounter in Tral. Forty CRPF personnel were killed on February 14 when Dar rammed his explosive-laden vehicle into a paramilitary force bus at Pulwama in South Kashmir. India retaliated after the strike by bombing the Jaish terror group’s hideout in Balakot in Pakistan. It was a fairly new modus operandi where terrorists across the border were using a “virtual SIM”, generated by a service provider in the United States. In this technology, the computer generates a telephone number and the user downloads an application of the service provider on their smartphone. The number is linked to social networking sites like WhatsApp, Facebook, Telegram or Twitter. The verification code generated by these networking sites is received on the smartphone and the user is ready. In case of Pulwama, Dar was in constant touch with the Jaish handler as well as Mudassir Khan using the same technology, the officials said. They said the numbers used were pre-fixed with “+1”, the Mobile Station International Subscriber Directory Number (MSISDN) number used for the United States. The request to the US will include details of phone numbers that got in touch with the “Virtual SIM” and who had activated it, they said, adding that Internet Protocol addresses would also be sought. While the security agencies would attempt to find who had paid for the virtual SIM, they were also aware that the terror groups used forged identities, as was done during the Mumbai 26/11 terror strikes. During an investigation of the 26/11 attacks, it was found that an amount of USD 229 was wired to Callphonex, via Western Union Money Transfer receipt number 8364307716-0, for activating the Voice Over Internet Protocol (VoIP) used during the strikes. The money was received from ‘Madina Trading’ located in Brescia in Italy and sender was claimed to be Javed Iqbal, a resident of Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir (PoK). However, after Italian police arrested two Pakistani nationals in 2009, it was alleged that the firm had made nearly 300 transfers in the name of Iqbal, who probably had never set his foot in Italy. The Italian police, while concluding the probe, had said the Brescia-based company made several transfers using the identity of innocent, unsuspecting persons, whose identity cards or passports might have been stolen.

Virtual SIMs used in Pulwama terror attack; India to approach US for help

A faction of YSRCP cadre in Paderu in Andhra Pradesh's Visakhapatnam district on Saturday set furniture of the party's office on fire after Visweswar Raju was denied an MLA ticket.

Raju was anticipating a ticket from Paderu Assembly constituency. However, he did not get the ticket.

His followers got dissatisfied and alleged that despite their hard-work to strengthen the party, their leader was denied ticket.YSRCP chief YS Jagan Mohan Reddy held a public meeting at Paderu, after which the faction reached the party office.

They first burnt the furniture in the office and later shouted slogans expressing their dissent.

Andhra Pradesh will go to polls on April 11, and counting of votes will take place on May 23.

A faction of YSRCP cadre in Paderu in Andhra Pradesh's Visakhapatnam district on Saturday set furniture of the party's office on fire after Visweswar Raju was denied an MLA ticket.

A faction of YSRCP cadre in Paderu in Andhra Pradesh's Visakhapatnam district on Saturday set furniture of the party's office on fire after Visweswar Raju was denied an MLA ticket. Raju was anticipating a ticket from Paderu Assembly constituency. However, he did not get the ticket. His followers got dissatisfied and alleged that despite their hard-work to strengthen the party, their leader was denied ticket.YSRCP chief YS Jagan Mohan Reddy held a public meeting at Paderu, after which the faction reached the party office. They first burnt the furniture in the office and later shouted slogans expressing their dissent. Andhra Pradesh will go to polls on April 11, and counting of votes will take place on May 23.

Furniture set on fire outside YSRCP's office after party denies ticket to MLA

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) will contest the Lok Sabha poll in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, and has fielded three candidates in each of the states, senior leader Sanjay Singh said Sunday.

In Uttar Pradesh, the AAP has fielded Yogesh Dahiya from Saharanpur, Satish Chandra Sharma from Aligarh and Shweta Sharma from Gautam Budh Nagar for the poll, Singh said in a tweet.

The party is likely to contest the Lok Sabha poll from 25 seats in Uttar Pradesh.&nbsp;

For rest of the seats, the process to select candidates is in the final stage, Singh said.&nbsp;

In Bihar, Aleemuddin Ansari has been fielded from Kishanganj, Raghunath Kumar from Sitamarhi and Satyendra Kumar from Bhagalpur, he said in another tweet.&nbsp;

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) will contest the Lok Sabha poll in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, and has fielded three candidates in each of the states, senior leader Sanjay Singh said Sunday.

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) will contest the Lok Sabha poll in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, and has fielded three candidates in each of the states, senior leader Sanjay Singh said Sunday. In Uttar Pradesh, the AAP has fielded Yogesh Dahiya from Saharanpur, Satish Chandra Sharma from Aligarh and Shweta Sharma from Gautam Budh Nagar for the poll, Singh said in a tweet. The party is likely to contest the Lok Sabha poll from 25 seats in Uttar Pradesh. For rest of the seats, the process to select candidates is in the final stage, Singh said. In Bihar, Aleemuddin Ansari has been fielded from Kishanganj, Raghunath Kumar from Sitamarhi and Satyendra Kumar from Bhagalpur, he said in another tweet.

Lok Sabha polls 2019: AAP to fight Lok Sabha poll in UP, Bihar, fields 3 candidates from each state

Former president of the Jawaharlal Nehru University Student Union (JNUSU) Kanhaiya Kumar will contest the 2019 Lok Sabha elections from Begusarai in Bihar.

The Communist Party of India announced&nbsp;Kanhaiya's candidature on Sunday.

Begusarai is also known as Leningrad of Bihar due to the influence of the CPI in the area.

A native of the Begusarai district, Kumar was arrested by the Delhi Police in February 2016 for his alleged involvement in JNU event where anti-India slogans were raised, a charge denied by him. His mother works as an Anganwadi worker while his father is a small farmer.

The former student leader was recently seen actively participating in state politics. Soon after his release from jail, Kumar had met chief minister Nitish Kumar and Lalu Prasad. He had also faced criticism then for touching Prasad’s feet.

Meanwhile, In a surprise move, BJP has fielded Union Minister Giriraj Singh from Begusarai who contested from Nawada Lok Sabha constituency in Bihar.

Earlier, it was expected that Shahnawaz Hussain will contest from Begusarai.

At present, the BJP represents Begusarai in the Lok Sabha. In 2014, party’s Bhola Singh won the seat by defeating RJD’s Tanveer Hasan by 58,000 votes.

Bihar will see polling in seven phases. The dates of polling in Bihar will be on April 11, 18, 23, 29 and May 6, 12 and 19. The counting of votes will take place on May 23.&nbsp;

In the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, the RJD won only four seats and the Congress two. The JD-U, which contested separately, won two seats. The BJP-led NDA won 31 seats, with the former's tally being 22.

(With inputs from agencies)

Former president of the Jawaharlal Nehru University Student Union (JNUSU) Kanhaiya Kumar will contest the 2019 Lok Sabha elections from Begusarai in Bihar. The Communist Party of India announced Kanhaiya's candidature on Sunday.

Former president of the Jawaharlal Nehru University Student Union (JNUSU) Kanhaiya Kumar will contest the 2019 Lok Sabha elections from Begusarai in Bihar. The Communist Party of India announced Kanhaiya's candidature on Sunday. Begusarai is also known as Leningrad of Bihar due to the influence of the CPI in the area. A native of the Begusarai district, Kumar was arrested by the Delhi Police in February 2016 for his alleged involvement in JNU event where anti-India slogans were raised, a charge denied by him. His mother works as an Anganwadi worker while his father is a small farmer. The former student leader was recently seen actively participating in state politics. Soon after his release from jail, Kumar had met chief minister Nitish Kumar and Lalu Prasad. He had also faced criticism then for touching Prasad’s feet. Meanwhile, In a surprise move, BJP has fielded Union Minister Giriraj Singh from Begusarai who contested from Nawada Lok Sabha constituency in Bihar. Earlier, it was expected that Shahnawaz Hussain will contest from Begusarai. At present, the BJP represents Begusarai in the Lok Sabha. In 2014, party’s Bhola Singh won the seat by defeating RJD’s Tanveer Hasan by 58,000 votes. Bihar will see polling in seven phases. The dates of polling in Bihar will be on April 11, 18, 23, 29 and May 6, 12 and 19. The counting of votes will take place on May 23. In the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, the RJD won only four seats and the Congress two. The JD-U, which contested separately, won two seats. The BJP-led NDA won 31 seats, with the former's tally being 22. (With inputs from agencies)

Lok Sabha polls 2019: CPI fields Kanhaiya Kumar from Bihar’s Begusarai to take on BJP’s Giriraj Singh

In politically crucial Uttar Pradesh, the focus will not only be on the performance of political parties but also on the VIPs seats, including those of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Congress chief Rahul Gandhi.

The poll results of the state, which has 80 Lok Sabha seats, can make or mar the prospects of any political party at the Centre.

There will be many seats in the state which will be keenly watched by political observers as any setback there might have great political repercussions.

"UP is the most politically crucial state and it results set the tone and tenor of national politics. All eyes will be here, especially on VIP seats where prominent leaders are in the fray," senior journalist JP Shukla said.

"Whether the state is going to give the next prime minister or not is the answer everyone will be looking for with the performance of political parties," he said.

While the outcome of the prime minister's Varanasi seat will be watched globally, other seats like Amethi and Raebareli of Congress president Rahul Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi respectively will be of equal interest to the people.

During the 2014 Lok Sabha polls, Modi's slogan that "I have not come here...Mother Ganga has called me" struck an emotional chord with the people, who elected him as their representative.

During his recent visit, Modi invoked Lord Vishwanath, saying, "I might have been called here to fulfil his dream to see the city developed."

In Amethi, Union minister Smriti Irani will challenge Rahul Gandhi. She has been spending a lot of time with the voters there, making the BJP workers feel that she will make the Congress chief uncomfortable this time.

Sonia Gandhi has been representing Rae Bareli since 1999, while Rahul Gandhi has been an MP from Amethi since 2004.

The seats of Kannauj, held by SP chief Akhilesh Yadav's wife Dimple Yadav, Badaun, held by Dharmendra Yadav (SP), and Azamgarh, from where SP patron Mulayam Singh Yadav won in 2014, will also be crucial.

While Dimple Yadav and Dharmendra will contest from their traditional seats, Mulayam Singh, this time, will be contesting from the Mainpuri seat.

Akhilesh Yadav has decided to contest from Azamgarh after a formal request from the district unit.

Home Minister Rajnath Singh is once again in the fray from the Lucknow seat, a BJP stronghold.

Bollywood star Hema Malini is contesting again from Mathura, while the Ghaziabad seat held by Union minister Gen VK Singh (retd) will also be on the list of constituencies to watch.

Another important seat will be of BJP leader Varun Gandhi, who is likely to leave the Sultanpur seat and contest from Pilibhit, represented by his mother and Union minister Maneka Gandhi.

While these polls will be a litmus test for the SP-BSP alliance, it would be a challenge for the BJP to repeat its 2014 performance of winning 73 seats, including two of Apna Dal.

The prestige of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya will be at stake on seats like Gorakhpur and Phulpur won by them in 2014 but subsequently frittered away to the opposition in the bypolls last year.

The charisma of Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra will also be tested in these polls and she is trying to woo voters by reaching them.&nbsp;

The prestige of Congress state chief Rajbabbar, who is contesting from Fatehpur Sikri will also be at stake.

In politically crucial Uttar Pradesh, the focus will not only be on the performance of political parties but also on the VIPs seats, including those of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Congress chief Rahul Gandhi.

In politically crucial Uttar Pradesh, the focus will not only be on the performance of political parties but also on the VIPs seats, including those of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Congress chief Rahul Gandhi. The poll results of the state, which has 80 Lok Sabha seats, can make or mar the prospects of any political party at the Centre. There will be many seats in the state which will be keenly watched by political observers as any setback there might have great political repercussions. "UP is the most politically crucial state and it results set the tone and tenor of national politics. All eyes will be here, especially on VIP seats where prominent leaders are in the fray," senior journalist JP Shukla said. "Whether the state is going to give the next prime minister or not is the answer everyone will be looking for with the performance of political parties," he said. While the outcome of the prime minister's Varanasi seat will be watched globally, other seats like Amethi and Raebareli of Congress president Rahul Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi respectively will be of equal interest to the people. During the 2014 Lok Sabha polls, Modi's slogan that "I have not come here...Mother Ganga has called me" struck an emotional chord with the people, who elected him as their representative. During his recent visit, Modi invoked Lord Vishwanath, saying, "I might have been called here to fulfil his dream to see the city developed." In Amethi, Union minister Smriti Irani will challenge Rahul Gandhi. She has been spending a lot of time with the voters there, making the BJP workers feel that she will make the Congress chief uncomfortable this time. Sonia Gandhi has been representing Rae Bareli since 1999, while Rahul Gandhi has been an MP from Amethi since 2004. The seats of Kannauj, held by SP chief Akhilesh Yadav's wife Dimple Yadav, Badaun, held by Dharmendra Yadav (SP), and Azamgarh, from where SP patron Mulayam Singh Yadav won in 2014, will also be crucial. While Dimple Yadav and Dharmendra will contest from their traditional seats, Mulayam Singh, this time, will be contesting from the Mainpuri seat. Akhilesh Yadav has decided to contest from Azamgarh after a formal request from the district unit. Home Minister Rajnath Singh is once again in the fray from the Lucknow seat, a BJP stronghold. Bollywood star Hema Malini is contesting again from Mathura, while the Ghaziabad seat held by Union minister Gen VK Singh (retd) will also be on the list of constituencies to watch. Another important seat will be of BJP leader Varun Gandhi, who is likely to leave the Sultanpur seat and contest from Pilibhit, represented by his mother and Union minister Maneka Gandhi. While these polls will be a litmus test for the SP-BSP alliance, it would be a challenge for the BJP to repeat its 2014 performance of winning 73 seats, including two of Apna Dal. The prestige of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya will be at stake on seats like Gorakhpur and Phulpur won by them in 2014 but subsequently frittered away to the opposition in the bypolls last year. The charisma of Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra will also be tested in these polls and she is trying to woo voters by reaching them. The prestige of Congress state chief Rajbabbar, who is contesting from Fatehpur Sikri will also be at stake.

Lok Sabha polls 2019: All eyes on Uttar Pradesh’s VIP constituencies as heavyweights slug it out

Haryanvi folk singer and dancer Sapna Choudhary has refuted all reports of joining Congress on Sunday.

"I have not joined the Congress party. The photograph with Priyanka Gandhi Vadra is old. I am not going to campaign for any political party", she said.

Earlier on March 23, there were reports that Choudhary, who wants to contest the Lok Sabha elections from Mathura against Hema Malini of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), met Congress General Secretary Jyotiraditya Scindia before joining the party.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> Haryanavi singer &amp; dancer Sapna Chaudhary says, "I have not joined the Congress party. The photograph with Priyanka Gandhi Vadra is old." <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LokSabhaElections2019?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LokSabhaElections2019</a> <a href="https://t.co/brcvaKOAIQ">pic.twitter.com/brcvaKOAIQ</a>
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Mathura has a dominant Jat presence and Choudhary hails from the same background.

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Picture of Congress Membership Form with Sapna Chaudhary's name and signature on it and fee receipt from yesterday. Today, Haryanavi singer and dancer Sapna Chaudhary has claimed that her pictures are old and she is not a part of any political party. <a href="https://t.co/6kCUGlWvE3">pic.twitter.com/6kCUGlWvE3</a>
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Her quality may be gauged from the actual fact that Choudhary beat Sonam Kapoor, Katrina Kaif, Deepika Padukone and Radhika Apte within the list of ‘most searched ladies online in 2018’.&nbsp;

With 1.7 million followers, the former 'Bigg Boss' contestant was all over the news for her smashing makeover and transformation.

(With inputs from agencies)

Haryanvi folk singer and dancer Sapna Choudhary has refuted all reports of joining Congress on Sunday. "I have not joined the Congress party. The photograph with Priyanka Gandhi Vadra is old.

Haryanvi folk singer and dancer Sapna Choudhary has refuted all reports of joining Congress on Sunday. "I have not joined the Congress party. The photograph with Priyanka Gandhi Vadra is old. I am not going to campaign for any political party", she said. Earlier on March 23, there were reports that Choudhary, who wants to contest the Lok Sabha elections from Mathura against Hema Malini of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), met Congress General Secretary Jyotiraditya Scindia before joining the party. #WATCH Haryanavi singer & dancer Sapna Chaudhary says, "I have not joined the Congress party. The photograph with Priyanka Gandhi Vadra is old." #LokSabhaElections2019 pic.twitter.com/brcvaKOAIQ — ANI (@ANI) March 24, 2019 × Mathura has a dominant Jat presence and Choudhary hails from the same background. Picture of Congress Membership Form with Sapna Chaudhary's name and signature on it and fee receipt from yesterday. Today, Haryanavi singer and dancer Sapna Chaudhary has claimed that her pictures are old and she is not a part of any political party. pic.twitter.com/6kCUGlWvE3 — ANI (@ANI) March 24, 2019 × Her quality may be gauged from the actual fact that Choudhary beat Sonam Kapoor, Katrina Kaif, Deepika Padukone and Radhika Apte within the list of ‘most searched ladies online in 2018’. With 1.7 million followers, the former 'Bigg Boss' contestant was all over the news for her smashing makeover and transformation. (With inputs from agencies)

Lok Sabha polls 2019: Haryanvi artist Sapna Choudhary rubbishes reports of joining Congress

The BJP is optimistic about performing well in states where the party did not have much presence earlier which will help push its overall tally to 300 in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls, the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/yeddyurappas-son-demands-inquiry-into-diary-controversy-205035">party's Karnataka unit president BS Yeddyurappa</a> said here.

In Karnataka too, the BJP is "doing well" in Hyderabad-Karnataka region and "already has good presence" in Mumbai-Karnataka and Central Karnataka, the former chief minister said, and claimed if the party wins 20 to 22 seats in the state, it would lead to collapse of the Congress-JD(S) coalition government due to infighting.

In the 2014 Lok Sabha election, the BJP won 17 seats out of 28, Congress bagged nine seats while the JD (S) got two seats. The Congress and the JD(S) are fighting in alliance this time, with the two parties agreeing to contest 20 and eight seats respectively.

"There is a positive atmosphere across the country. Narendra Modi's wave has only increased manifold compared to the last Lok Sabha elections. We are expecting to win seats from new territories like West Bengal, Odisha and other North-Eastern states. This would push BJP's overall tally to 300 Lok Sabha seats," he told PTI in an interview here.

The party is also expecting to improve its tally in Tamil Nadu, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, Yeddyurappa said, and expressed confidence that the party would open an account in Kerala.

Though the BJP lost Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan assembly elections, the party is going to repeat its 2014 performance in Lok Sabha polls, he asserted.

The BJP's prospects are good in Karnataka as it is expecting to do well in Tumkuru and Mysuru, and put up a fight in Ramnagara and Hassan, which are JD(S) bastions, he added.

Yeddyurappa also claimed that Congress strongman Mallikarjun Kharge is in a difficult situation in Hyderabad-Karnataka region after his supporters - Mallikayya Guttedar, Umesh Jadhav, Baburao Chinchunsur and Malaka Reddy - deserted him to join BJP.

"I am very optimistic of the BJP doing well in Hyderabad-Karnataka region, especially Kalaburgi. I am sure the entry of Guttedar, Jadhav, Chinchunsur and Reddy, can turn the tables on Kharge. The Congress leader is in a lurch by missing these leaders who made possible his victories," he said.

"As it is, the BJP has good presence in Mumbai-Karnataka and Central Karnataka, historically," he said.

Yeddyurappa said they were expecting a positive impact from Prime Minister Narendra Modi's rallies in Karnataka, "which have always worked in favour of the party".

"We have requested Modiji to address four rallies in Karnataka. The dates and places of rallies will be decided later," he said.

Asked about KPCC President Dinesh Gundurao's offer to Rahul Gandhi to contest from Karnataka, Yeddyurappa said the Congress is uncertain that Gandhi can retain Amethi seat, which he managed to win with a 50 per cent reduction in margin in last Lok Sabha elections against Smriti Irani.

"According to me, Rahul Gandhi is losing his Amethi seat to Shrimati Smriti Irani, and hence the Congress is offering him to contest from Karnataka. It will not be easy for him to win from Karnataka also. I think Rahul Gandhi will not take any such risk," he said.

Recently, Gundurao had written a letter asking Gandhi to contest elections from Karnataka so that it would act as a nucleus for the Congress to strengthen its position in southern parts of India.

Asked if the party is concerned about D K Shivakumar campaigning against B Y Raghavendra from Shivvamogga after wresting Ballari seat from BJP in the last bypoll, Yeddyurappa said his son would win by one lakh votes margin as he has been working for the last six months without any break.

Yeddyurappa also said he is beginning his election tour in the next two to three days.

Replying to a query, he said if BJP wins 20 to 22 seats, infighting in the Congress and JDS would begin, which would result in the collapse of the coalition government.&nbsp;

The BJP is optimistic about performing well in states where the party did not have much presence earlier which will help push its overall tally to 300 in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls, the party's Karnataka unit president BS Yeddyurappa said here.

The BJP is optimistic about performing well in states where the party did not have much presence earlier which will help push its overall tally to 300 in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls, the party's Karnataka unit president BS Yeddyurappa said here. In Karnataka too, the BJP is "doing well" in Hyderabad-Karnataka region and "already has good presence" in Mumbai-Karnataka and Central Karnataka, the former chief minister said, and claimed if the party wins 20 to 22 seats in the state, it would lead to collapse of the Congress-JD(S) coalition government due to infighting. In the 2014 Lok Sabha election, the BJP won 17 seats out of 28, Congress bagged nine seats while the JD (S) got two seats. The Congress and the JD(S) are fighting in alliance this time, with the two parties agreeing to contest 20 and eight seats respectively. "There is a positive atmosphere across the country. Narendra Modi's wave has only increased manifold compared to the last Lok Sabha elections. We are expecting to win seats from new territories like West Bengal, Odisha and other North-Eastern states. This would push BJP's overall tally to 300 Lok Sabha seats," he told PTI in an interview here. The party is also expecting to improve its tally in Tamil Nadu, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, Yeddyurappa said, and expressed confidence that the party would open an account in Kerala. Though the BJP lost Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan assembly elections, the party is going to repeat its 2014 performance in Lok Sabha polls, he asserted. The BJP's prospects are good in Karnataka as it is expecting to do well in Tumkuru and Mysuru, and put up a fight in Ramnagara and Hassan, which are JD(S) bastions, he added. Yeddyurappa also claimed that Congress strongman Mallikarjun Kharge is in a difficult situation in Hyderabad-Karnataka region after his supporters - Mallikayya Guttedar, Umesh Jadhav, Baburao Chinchunsur and Malaka Reddy - deserted him to join BJP. "I am very optimistic of the BJP doing well in Hyderabad-Karnataka region, especially Kalaburgi. I am sure the entry of Guttedar, Jadhav, Chinchunsur and Reddy, can turn the tables on Kharge. The Congress leader is in a lurch by missing these leaders who made possible his victories," he said. "As it is, the BJP has good presence in Mumbai-Karnataka and Central Karnataka, historically," he said. Yeddyurappa said they were expecting a positive impact from Prime Minister Narendra Modi's rallies in Karnataka, "which have always worked in favour of the party". "We have requested Modiji to address four rallies in Karnataka. The dates and places of rallies will be decided later," he said. Asked about KPCC President Dinesh Gundurao's offer to Rahul Gandhi to contest from Karnataka, Yeddyurappa said the Congress is uncertain that Gandhi can retain Amethi seat, which he managed to win with a 50 per cent reduction in margin in last Lok Sabha elections against Smriti Irani. "According to me, Rahul Gandhi is losing his Amethi seat to Shrimati Smriti Irani, and hence the Congress is offering him to contest from Karnataka. It will not be easy for him to win from Karnataka also. I think Rahul Gandhi will not take any such risk," he said. Recently, Gundurao had written a letter asking Gandhi to contest elections from Karnataka so that it would act as a nucleus for the Congress to strengthen its position in southern parts of India. Asked if the party is concerned about D K Shivakumar campaigning against B Y Raghavendra from Shivvamogga after wresting Ballari seat from BJP in the last bypoll, Yeddyurappa said his son would win by one lakh votes margin as he has been working for the last six months without any break. Yeddyurappa also said he is beginning his election tour in the next two to three days. Replying to a query, he said if BJP wins 20 to 22 seats, infighting in the Congress and JDS would begin, which would result in the collapse of the coalition government.

Good performance in new territories would push BJP's tally to 300: Yeddyurappa

Union Minister Piyush Goyal on Saturday expressed confidence in the Bharatiya Janata Party's performance in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls, stating that the Congress "will not get more than 60 seats" in the general elections.&nbsp;

Goyal said that he is confident of the BJP making a clean sweep, bagging more than 300 Lok Sabha seats. He targetted Congress' Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, criticising her political debut that happened just 60 days ahead of the general polls.&nbsp;

Goyal said Priyanka induction into politics at this juncture is just to "bail out her failed elder brother", news agency ANI reported.&nbsp;

"Nation needs more serious politicians than the fly-by-night ones," he said.&nbsp;

Slamming Congress leader Sam Pitroda over his remarks on <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/if-only-a-similar-deterrent-action-was-taken-after-mumbai-attack-sitharaman-on-balakot-airstrikes-205237">aggressive action against Pakistan</a>, Goyal said the BJP would give a befitting reply to terror attacks and not be 'apologetic' as the opposition party leaders, news agency PTI reported. &nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also took to Twitter on Friday, and in a series of tweets, lashed out at <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/amit-shah-slams-rahul-gandhi-over-pitrodas-remarks-asks-do-you-consider-pulwama-attack-a-routine-incident-205033">Pitroda</a>. &nbsp;

"The most trusted advisor and guide of the Congress President has kick-started the Pakistan National Day celebrations on behalf of the Congress, ironically by demeaning India’s armed forces," PM Modi tweeted out.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Union Minister Piyush Goyal on Saturday expressed confidence in the Bharatiya Janata Party's performance in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls, stating that the Congress "will not get more than 60 seats" in the general elections.

Union Minister Piyush Goyal on Saturday expressed confidence in the Bharatiya Janata Party's performance in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls, stating that the Congress "will not get more than 60 seats" in the general elections. Goyal said that he is confident of the BJP making a clean sweep, bagging more than 300 Lok Sabha seats. He targetted Congress' Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, criticising her political debut that happened just 60 days ahead of the general polls. Goyal said Priyanka induction into politics at this juncture is just to "bail out her failed elder brother", news agency ANI reported. "Nation needs more serious politicians than the fly-by-night ones," he said. Slamming Congress leader Sam Pitroda over his remarks on aggressive action against Pakistan, Goyal said the BJP would give a befitting reply to terror attacks and not be 'apologetic' as the opposition party leaders, news agency PTI reported. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also took to Twitter on Friday, and in a series of tweets, lashed out at Pitroda. "The most trusted advisor and guide of the Congress President has kick-started the Pakistan National Day celebrations on behalf of the Congress, ironically by demeaning India’s armed forces," PM Modi tweeted out. (With inputs from agencies)

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra's political debut is just to 'bail out her failed elder brother': Piyush Goyal

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Priyanka Gandhi Vadra's political debut is just to 'bail out her failed elder brother': Piyush Goyal