Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Sunday said that she has enough reasons to believe that the armed forces did not take a deterrent action after the Mumbai attack adding that she wished a similar action, like that of an airstrike, could have taken place after 26/11. &nbsp;

"If only a similar deterrent action (#airstrike) was taken after Mumbai attack... &nbsp;and I have enough reasons to believe that armed forces did tell the govt at that time, if you want us to do something, we are ready but we want you to take the call," Sitharaman said in Hyderabad.&nbsp;

External Affairs Ministers also spoke on the matter, hailing India's diplomatic prowess which exhibited when Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman was handed over by Pakistan in just two days.&nbsp;

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Nirmala Sitharaman in Hyderabad: If only a similar deterrent action (<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/airstrike?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#airstrike</a>) was taken after Mumbai attack... &amp; I have enough reasons to believe that armed forces did tell the govt at that time, 'if you want us to do something, we are ready but we want you to take the call.' <a href="https://t.co/CSBfkGXO82">pic.twitter.com/CSBfkGXO82</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1109700863176527872?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 24, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"The very next day Pakistan sent their aircraft, we shot down one of them and they shot down one of ours, capturing our pilot. This exhibits the success of Indian diplomacy that they handed over our&nbsp;pilot in just two days," Swaraj stated.

The Bharatiya Janata Party on Friday slammed Congress party after <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">Indian Overseas Congress chief Sam Pitroda</a>, who is also known as a close aide of Congress president Rahul Gandhi, questioned the airstrikes carried out by the Indian Air Force at JeM camps in Balakot, Pakistan in an interview with news agency ANI.&nbsp;

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EAM Swaraj: Agle din (after <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/airstrike?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#airstrike</a>) Pakistan ne jawabi karyawahi ki, unhone apne vimaan bheje, humne unka 1 vimaan maar giraya, unhone hamara 1 vimaan maar giraya aur hamare pilot ko pakda, Bharat ki itni badi kootnitik safalta ki maatr 2 din mein apne pilot ko wapas le aye. <a href="https://t.co/Sg34pRGhnN">pic.twitter.com/Sg34pRGhnN</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1109711010602995712?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 24, 2019</a></blockquote>
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“If they (IAF) killed 300, it's ok. All I am saying is can you give me more facts and prove it,” said Pitroda on Friday in the interview.

Scores of Union Ministers and BJP bigwigs have gone ahead defending the Balakot strikes ever since.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also took to Twitter on Friday, and in a series of tweets, lashed out at Pitroda. &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; 
&nbsp;

Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Sunday said that she has enough reasons to believe that the armed forces did not take a deterrent action after the Mumbai attack adding that she wished a similar action, like that of an airstrike, could have taken place after 26/11.

Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Sunday said that she has enough reasons to believe that the armed forces did not take a deterrent action after the Mumbai attack adding that she wished a similar action, like that of an airstrike, could have taken place after 26/11. "If only a similar deterrent action (#airstrike) was taken after Mumbai attack... and I have enough reasons to believe that armed forces did tell the govt at that time, if you want us to do something, we are ready but we want you to take the call," Sitharaman said in Hyderabad. External Affairs Ministers also spoke on the matter, hailing India's diplomatic prowess which exhibited when Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman was handed over by Pakistan in just two days. Nirmala Sitharaman in Hyderabad: If only a similar deterrent action (#airstrike) was taken after Mumbai attack... & I have enough reasons to believe that armed forces did tell the govt at that time, 'if you want us to do something, we are ready but we want you to take the call.' pic.twitter.com/CSBfkGXO82 — ANI (@ANI) March 24, 2019 × "The very next day Pakistan sent their aircraft, we shot down one of them and they shot down one of ours, capturing our pilot. This exhibits the success of Indian diplomacy that they handed over our pilot in just two days," Swaraj stated. The Bharatiya Janata Party on Friday slammed Congress party after Indian Overseas Congress chief Sam Pitroda, who is also known as a close aide of Congress president Rahul Gandhi, questioned the airstrikes carried out by the Indian Air Force at JeM camps in Balakot, Pakistan in an interview with news agency ANI. EAM Swaraj: Agle din (after #airstrike) Pakistan ne jawabi karyawahi ki, unhone apne vimaan bheje, humne unka 1 vimaan maar giraya, unhone hamara 1 vimaan maar giraya aur hamare pilot ko pakda, Bharat ki itni badi kootnitik safalta ki maatr 2 din mein apne pilot ko wapas le aye. pic.twitter.com/Sg34pRGhnN — ANI (@ANI) March 24, 2019 × “If they (IAF) killed 300, it's ok. All I am saying is can you give me more facts and prove it,” said Pitroda on Friday in the interview. Scores of Union Ministers and BJP bigwigs have gone ahead defending the Balakot strikes ever since. 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.

If only a similar deterrent action was taken after Mumbai attack: Sitharaman on Balakot airstrikes

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-polls-bjp-releases-list-of-36-candidates-sambit-patra-to-contest-from-puri-204967">BJP has announced the names</a> of 297 candidates for the Lok Sabha polls in six lists released so far, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi from Varanasi and party chief Amit Shah from Gandhinagar.&nbsp;

The lists include almost all candidates for those seats where polling will be held in first two phases.

In the first list released Thursday, the party announced the names of 184 candidates, including the prime minister and the BJP chief. Later on the same day, the party announced its candidate for Daman and Diu constituency as well.

The party released three lists on Friday and one on Saturday.

Home Minister Rajnath Singh will again contest from Lucknow while party's senior leader and Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad from Patna Sahib in Bihar and national spokesperson <a href="Lok Sabha polls: BJP releases list of 36 candidates, Sambit Patra to contest from Puri">Sambit Patra from Puri in Odisha</a>.

The party fielded Union ministers Narendra Singh Tomar, Jayant Sinha, Shripad Naik from Morena (Madhya Pradesh), Hazaribagh (Jharkhand), North Goa seats respectively.

Party leader Anurag Thakur has been renominated from Hamirpur. 
Veteran party leader and sitting Kangra MP Shanta Kumar has been replaced by Kishan Kapoor as the BJP nominee from Kangra in Himachal Pradesh.

With these candidates, the party has so far announced the name of its 297 candidates for the election to the 543-member Lok Sabha which will be held in seven phases beginning on 11 April and ending on 19 May. The counting will take place on 23 May.

The names for the first two phases have been cleared by the BJP's central election committee (CEC), headed by its chief Amit Shah and including Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The names of its 17 candidates for Bihar Lok Sabha seats were shared with media by the BJP in a joint press conference with its allies in Patna.

The party is contesting on 40 Lok Sabha seats of Bihar in alliance with JD(U) and the LJP, where both BJP and JD(U) will fight on 17 seats each and the LJP on remaining six.

The big names which were announced on Saturday include Ravi Shankar Prasad who will be now the party's candidate from Patna Sahib replacing film actor and sitting MP Shatrughan Sinha.

The party also announced the candidature of its national spokesperson Sambit Patra from Puri, where Modi's name was also speculated as a candidate.

The party has also changed the seat of Union minister Giriraj Singh from Nawada to Begusarai in Bihar.&nbsp;

The highlight of the first list was the party's decision to field Shah from Gandhinagar in place of its veteran leader L K Advani.&nbsp;

The BJP has announced the names of 297 candidates for the Lok Sabha polls in six lists released so far, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi from Varanasi and party chief Amit Shah from Gandhinagar.

The BJP has announced the names of 297 candidates for the Lok Sabha polls in six lists released so far, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi from Varanasi and party chief Amit Shah from Gandhinagar. The lists include almost all candidates for those seats where polling will be held in first two phases. In the first list released Thursday, the party announced the names of 184 candidates, including the prime minister and the BJP chief. Later on the same day, the party announced its candidate for Daman and Diu constituency as well. The party released three lists on Friday and one on Saturday. Home Minister Rajnath Singh will again contest from Lucknow while party's senior leader and Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad from Patna Sahib in Bihar and national spokesperson Sambit Patra from Puri in Odisha. The party fielded Union ministers Narendra Singh Tomar, Jayant Sinha, Shripad Naik from Morena (Madhya Pradesh), Hazaribagh (Jharkhand), North Goa seats respectively. Party leader Anurag Thakur has been renominated from Hamirpur. Veteran party leader and sitting Kangra MP Shanta Kumar has been replaced by Kishan Kapoor as the BJP nominee from Kangra in Himachal Pradesh. With these candidates, the party has so far announced the name of its 297 candidates for the election to the 543-member Lok Sabha which will be held in seven phases beginning on 11 April and ending on 19 May. The counting will take place on 23 May. The names for the first two phases have been cleared by the BJP's central election committee (CEC), headed by its chief Amit Shah and including Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The names of its 17 candidates for Bihar Lok Sabha seats were shared with media by the BJP in a joint press conference with its allies in Patna. The party is contesting on 40 Lok Sabha seats of Bihar in alliance with JD(U) and the LJP, where both BJP and JD(U) will fight on 17 seats each and the LJP on remaining six. The big names which were announced on Saturday include Ravi Shankar Prasad who will be now the party's candidate from Patna Sahib replacing film actor and sitting MP Shatrughan Sinha. The party also announced the candidature of its national spokesperson Sambit Patra from Puri, where Modi's name was also speculated as a candidate. The party has also changed the seat of Union minister Giriraj Singh from Nawada to Begusarai in Bihar. The highlight of the first list was the party's decision to field Shah from Gandhinagar in place of its veteran leader L K Advani.

Lok Sabha polls: BJP announces names of 297 candidates in six lists

Twenty-one years after officially separating from the Congress, Mamata Banerjee-led TMC has removed the grand old party's name from its logo.

The new logo has Trinamool written in green with twin flowers and blue background. It has been in use for a week now, party sources said.

It was way back in 1998 that present West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee broke away from the Congress and formed the TMC over differences of opinion on dealing with the then ruling CPI(M).

"TMC is called Trinamool and after 21 years, it was time for change," a party leader said.

The Congress name has been dropped from party banners, posters and all communication material.

However, it will remain registered with the Election Commission as Trinamool Congress, party sources said.

The official Facebook and Twitter pages of the party, the CM, her nephew Abhishek Banerjee, and Trinamool's leader in the Rajya Sabha Derek O Brien already have the new logo.&nbsp;

Twenty-one years after officially separating from the Congress, Mamata Banerjee-led TMC has removed the grand old party's name from its logo. The new logo has Trinamool written in green with twin flowers and blue background.

Twenty-one years after officially separating from the Congress, Mamata Banerjee-led TMC has removed the grand old party's name from its logo. The new logo has Trinamool written in green with twin flowers and blue background. It has been in use for a week now, party sources said. It was way back in 1998 that present West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee broke away from the Congress and formed the TMC over differences of opinion on dealing with the then ruling CPI(M). "TMC is called Trinamool and after 21 years, it was time for change," a party leader said. The Congress name has been dropped from party banners, posters and all communication material. However, it will remain registered with the Election Commission as Trinamool Congress, party sources said. The official Facebook and Twitter pages of the party, the CM, her nephew Abhishek Banerjee, and Trinamool's leader in the Rajya Sabha Derek O Brien already have the new logo.

TMC removes Congress's name from its logo

Former Chhattisgarh chief minister and BJP leader Dr Raman Singh on Saturday said that a meeting of the Bharatiya Janata Party's central election committee will be held later in the day today, news agency ANI reported.&nbsp;

Singh said that the leaders are likely to take a final call on 6 Lok Sabha seats in Chhattisgarh, following which the names of the candidates will be declared.

Singh's remarks came a day after the party released a list of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-polls-bjp-releases-list-of-36-candidates-sambit-patra-to-contest-from-puri-204967">36 candidates for Lok Sabha polls</a> in Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Maharashtra and Odisha ahead of the general elections on Friday.&nbsp;

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Former Chhattisgarh CM Dr Raman Singh: A meeting of BJP Central Election Committee will be held today &amp; I think final decision on 6 Lok Sabha seats (in Chhattisgarh) will be taken &amp; candidates for these seats will be declared. <a href="https://t.co/3yqhM5pGp9">pic.twitter.com/3yqhM5pGp9</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1109300999716524032?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 23, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The party has fielded Girish Bapat from Pune (Maharashtra), its national spokesperson Sambit Patra from Puri (Odisha), Dilip Kumar Kilaru from Vijayawada (Andhra Pradesh), Bharati Pawar from Dindori (Maharashtra) and Sanbor Shullai from Shillong (Meghalaya).

The decision was taken after a meeting of the Central Election Committee of the BJP in New Delhi. The meeting was attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh, Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley and External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj among others.

The BJP on Thursday released its first list of candidates for the upcoming polls comprising 184 candidates including some of the biggest names in the party such as Prime Minister Narendra Modi, party chief Amit Shah and Union ministers like Rajnath Singh and Smriti Irani.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi to contest from Varanasi again. BJP president Amit Shah replaced L K Advani in Gandhinagar constituency. Home Minister Rajnath Singh will contest from Lucknow.&nbsp;

Former Chhattisgarh chief minister and BJP leader Dr Raman Singh on Saturday said that a meeting of the Bharatiya Janata Party's central election committee will be held later in the day today, news agency ANI reported.

Former Chhattisgarh chief minister and BJP leader Dr Raman Singh on Saturday said that a meeting of the Bharatiya Janata Party's central election committee will be held later in the day today, news agency ANI reported. Singh said that the leaders are likely to take a final call on 6 Lok Sabha seats in Chhattisgarh, following which the names of the candidates will be declared. Singh's remarks came a day after the party released a list of 36 candidates for Lok Sabha polls in Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Maharashtra and Odisha ahead of the general elections on Friday. Former Chhattisgarh CM Dr Raman Singh: A meeting of BJP Central Election Committee will be held today & I think final decision on 6 Lok Sabha seats (in Chhattisgarh) will be taken & candidates for these seats will be declared. pic.twitter.com/3yqhM5pGp9 — ANI (@ANI) March 23, 2019 × The party has fielded Girish Bapat from Pune (Maharashtra), its national spokesperson Sambit Patra from Puri (Odisha), Dilip Kumar Kilaru from Vijayawada (Andhra Pradesh), Bharati Pawar from Dindori (Maharashtra) and Sanbor Shullai from Shillong (Meghalaya). The decision was taken after a meeting of the Central Election Committee of the BJP in New Delhi. The meeting was attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh, Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley and External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj among others. The BJP on Thursday released its first list of candidates for the upcoming polls comprising 184 candidates including some of the biggest names in the party such as Prime Minister Narendra Modi, party chief Amit Shah and Union ministers like Rajnath Singh and Smriti Irani. Prime Minister Narendra Modi to contest from Varanasi again. BJP president Amit Shah replaced L K Advani in Gandhinagar constituency. Home Minister Rajnath Singh will contest from Lucknow.

Final call on 6 Lok Sabha seats in Chhattisgarh likely to be taken today: Raman Singh

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday paid tribute to Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev and Rajguru on their death anniversary and said their story of supreme sacrifice will continue to inspire generations.

"I bow to Bhagat Singh, Rajguru and Sukhdev on their martyrdom day. The tale of their courage and valour will continue to inspire generations," Prime Minister Tweeted.

On March 23, 1931, the three revolutionary freedom fighters were hanged to death, a few hours ahead of schedule, in the Lahore conspiracy case.

Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley also paid tributes to the three freedom fighters and wrote on the micro-blogging site, "On Martyrdom day of Shaeed-E-Azam Bhagat Singh, Rajguru and Sukhdev, we, remember their supreme sacrifice for the motherland and pay them our respectful tributes. The great martyrs have always been the inspiration for every Indian."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday paid tribute to Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev and Rajguru on their death anniversary and said their story of supreme sacrifice will continue to inspire generations.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday paid tribute to Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev and Rajguru on their death anniversary and said their story of supreme sacrifice will continue to inspire generations. "I bow to Bhagat Singh, Rajguru and Sukhdev on their martyrdom day. The tale of their courage and valour will continue to inspire generations," Prime Minister Tweeted. On March 23, 1931, the three revolutionary freedom fighters were hanged to death, a few hours ahead of schedule, in the Lahore conspiracy case. Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley also paid tributes to the three freedom fighters and wrote on the micro-blogging site, "On Martyrdom day of Shaeed-E-Azam Bhagat Singh, Rajguru and Sukhdev, we, remember their supreme sacrifice for the motherland and pay them our respectful tributes. The great martyrs have always been the inspiration for every Indian."

PM Modi pays tribute to Bhagat Singh, Rajguru and Sukhdev on their martyrdom day

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Friday released a list of 36 <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bjp-releases-first-list-of-182-candidates-for-lok-sabha-polls-modi-to-contest-from-varanasi-again-204704">candidates for Lok Sabha polls</a>&nbsp;in Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Maharashtra and Odisha ahead of the general elections.

The party has fielded Girish Bapat from Pune (Maharashtra), its national spokesperson Sambit Patra from Puri (Odisha), Dilip Kumar Kilaru from Vijayawada (Andhra Pradesh), Bharati Pawar from Dindori (Maharashtra) and Sanbor Shullai from Shillong (Meghalaya).

The decision was taken after a meeting of the Central Election Committee of the BJP in New Delhi. The meeting was attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh, Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley and External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj among others.

Speaking to ANI after the CEC meeting, Union Minister JP Nadda said, "We have come out with a list of 36 new candidates which includes Odisha BJP President Basant Panda, senior leader Suresh Pujari and our spokesperson Sambit Patra. We would like to clear the first and second phase candidates as soon as possible and we`re working on it."

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BJP releases list of 36 candidates from Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Maharashtra, Odisha. Girish Bapat to contest from Pune (Maharashtra), Sambit Patra to contest from Puri (Odisha). <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LokSabhaElections2019?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LokSabhaElections2019</a> <a href="https://t.co/Ft3C3cl1cX">pic.twitter.com/Ft3C3cl1cX</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1109182572419051520?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 22, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The first phase of the 2019 Lok Sabha elections will be held on April 11, and results will be announced on May 23.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Friday released a list of 36 candidates for Lok Sabha polls in Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Maharashtra and Odisha ahead of the general elections.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Friday released a list of 36 candidates for Lok Sabha polls in Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Maharashtra and Odisha ahead of the general elections. The party has fielded Girish Bapat from Pune (Maharashtra), its national spokesperson Sambit Patra from Puri (Odisha), Dilip Kumar Kilaru from Vijayawada (Andhra Pradesh), Bharati Pawar from Dindori (Maharashtra) and Sanbor Shullai from Shillong (Meghalaya). The decision was taken after a meeting of the Central Election Committee of the BJP in New Delhi. The meeting was attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh, Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley and External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj among others. Speaking to ANI after the CEC meeting, Union Minister JP Nadda said, "We have come out with a list of 36 new candidates which includes Odisha BJP President Basant Panda, senior leader Suresh Pujari and our spokesperson Sambit Patra. We would like to clear the first and second phase candidates as soon as possible and we`re working on it." BJP releases list of 36 candidates from Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Maharashtra, Odisha. Girish Bapat to contest from Pune (Maharashtra), Sambit Patra to contest from Puri (Odisha). #LokSabhaElections2019 pic.twitter.com/Ft3C3cl1cX — ANI (@ANI) March 22, 2019 × The first phase of the 2019 Lok Sabha elections will be held on April 11, and results will be announced on May 23.

Lok Sabha polls: BJP releases list of 36 candidates, Sambit Patra to contest from Puri

About 4.74 crore small and marginal farmers registered under the PM-Kisan scheme before the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) for general election came into effect on March 10 will get the second installment of Rs 2,000 each in their bank accounts, a senior government official said Saturday.

Of these 4.74 crore beneficiaries, 2.74 crore farmers have so far received the first installment and the rest will be covered by month-end, he said.

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has allowed the Union Agriculture Ministry to transfer the first and second tranche of the payment to all those beneficiaries registered under the scheme before March 10, the official added.

Ahead of the Lok Sabha polls, the Centre announced the Rs 75,000-crore Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-Kisan) scheme under which Rs 6,000 per year would be disbursed in three instalments to around 12 crore farmers who hold cultivable land up to 2 hectares.

In the budget, the NDA government allocated a sum of Rs 20,000 crore, to transfer Rs 2,000 each to farmers in the first instalment by March-end, for the ongoing fiscal under the scheme.

The scheme was formally launched at the national level by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on February 24 at Gorakhpur in Uttar Pradesh by transferring the first instalment to 1.01 crore farmers, amounting Rs 2,021 crore.

"We were hoping to have the data of 12 crore farmers from across the country. But the data of 4.74 crore farmers has come before the MCC was enforced," the official told PTI.

The government has already released the first installment of Rs 2,000 each to 2.74 crore beneficiaries and the remaining will be covered before this month-end, he said.

With regard to the payment of the second tranche to begin from April 1, the official said the ECI has allowed to make the payment to all those beneficiaries registered before the MCC kicked in.

"We can go ahead and make the payment of first installment to the rest of the people whose names are on the portal. We can go ahead and make the payment for the second installment as well," the official said.

In Uttar Pradesh, the first installment has been released to around one crore farmers so far and the Centre has received data of additional 66 lakh farmers.

The official further said that Punjab and Haryana are amongst the top beneficiary states as more than 80 per cent of the farmers registered under the scheme have received the first installment.&nbsp;

While, some states including West Bengal, Delhi and Sikkim have yet not submitted the farmers' data and therefore no money has been transferred.

The official also mentioned that no fresh data has come from states after the MCC came into effect.

About 4.74 crore small and marginal farmers registered under the PM-Kisan scheme before the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) for general election came into effect on March 10 will get the second installment of Rs 2,000 each in their bank accounts, a senior government official said Saturday.

About 4.74 crore small and marginal farmers registered under the PM-Kisan scheme before the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) for general election came into effect on March 10 will get the second installment of Rs 2,000 each in their bank accounts, a senior government official said Saturday. Of these 4.74 crore beneficiaries, 2.74 crore farmers have so far received the first installment and the rest will be covered by month-end, he said. The Election Commission of India (ECI) has allowed the Union Agriculture Ministry to transfer the first and second tranche of the payment to all those beneficiaries registered under the scheme before March 10, the official added. Ahead of the Lok Sabha polls, the Centre announced the Rs 75,000-crore Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-Kisan) scheme under which Rs 6,000 per year would be disbursed in three instalments to around 12 crore farmers who hold cultivable land up to 2 hectares. In the budget, the NDA government allocated a sum of Rs 20,000 crore, to transfer Rs 2,000 each to farmers in the first instalment by March-end, for the ongoing fiscal under the scheme. The scheme was formally launched at the national level by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on February 24 at Gorakhpur in Uttar Pradesh by transferring the first instalment to 1.01 crore farmers, amounting Rs 2,021 crore. "We were hoping to have the data of 12 crore farmers from across the country. But the data of 4.74 crore farmers has come before the MCC was enforced," the official told PTI. The government has already released the first installment of Rs 2,000 each to 2.74 crore beneficiaries and the remaining will be covered before this month-end, he said. With regard to the payment of the second tranche to begin from April 1, the official said the ECI has allowed to make the payment to all those beneficiaries registered before the MCC kicked in. "We can go ahead and make the payment of first installment to the rest of the people whose names are on the portal. We can go ahead and make the payment for the second installment as well," the official said. In Uttar Pradesh, the first installment has been released to around one crore farmers so far and the Centre has received data of additional 66 lakh farmers. The official further said that Punjab and Haryana are amongst the top beneficiary states as more than 80 per cent of the farmers registered under the scheme have received the first installment. While, some states including West Bengal, Delhi and Sikkim have yet not submitted the farmers' data and therefore no money has been transferred. The official also mentioned that no fresh data has come from states after the MCC came into effect.

PM-Kisan scheme: About 4.74 crore farmers to get 2nd installment from next month

A day after releasing its first list of 184 candidates, the Central Election Committee of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Saturday released its 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th lists of candidates for the Lok Sabha elections 2019.

The party announced the names of 48 candidates. The list was announced by Union Minister JP Nadda during a press conference in New Delhi.&nbsp;

The list was released by BJP's Central Election Committee secretary and Union Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda here at a press conference. Out of 48 candidates, two are from Goa, 15 from Madhya Pradesh, 15 from Gujarat, 10 from Jharkhand, 4 from Himachal Pradesh and two from Karnataka. BJP MP Janardan Mishra will contest from Madhya Pradesh`s Reva while MP Rakesh Singh from Jabalpur.

The BJP has fielded former BCCI President Anurag Thakur from Himachal Pradesh's Hamirpur, Suresh Kashyap from Shimla, Kishan Kapoor from Kangra.

Among those contesting from Jharkhand include Sunil Soren from Dumka, Nishikant Dubey from Godda, and Pashupati Nath Singh from Dhanbad.

The BJP will support Sumalatha as the independent candidate from Karnataka`s Mandya.BJP also released its list of six candidates legislative assembly bye-polls in Gujarat and Goa candidates.

In Goa, BJP has fielded Dayanand Raghunath Sopte will contest from Mandrem, Joushua Peter Desouza from Mapusa and Subhash Ankush Shirodkar from Siroda.

Three Candidates each for the legislative assembly of Gujarat and Goa bye-polls were also announced.&nbsp;

Parsotambhai Sabariya (Dhrangradhra) Raghavjibhai Patel (Jamnagar Rural) and Javaharabhai Chavda (Manavadar) will contest bye-polls in Gujarat.&nbsp;

The seven-phase of 17th Lok Sabha elections in the country are slated to begin on April 11 and will go on till May 19. The counting of votes will take place on May 23.

(With inputs from ANI)

A day after releasing its first list of 184 candidates, the Central Election Committee of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Saturday released its 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th lists of candidates for the Lok Sabha elections 2019.

A day after releasing its first list of 184 candidates, the Central Election Committee of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Saturday released its 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th lists of candidates for the Lok Sabha elections 2019. The party announced the names of 48 candidates. The list was announced by Union Minister JP Nadda during a press conference in New Delhi. The list was released by BJP's Central Election Committee secretary and Union Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda here at a press conference. Out of 48 candidates, two are from Goa, 15 from Madhya Pradesh, 15 from Gujarat, 10 from Jharkhand, 4 from Himachal Pradesh and two from Karnataka. BJP MP Janardan Mishra will contest from Madhya Pradesh`s Reva while MP Rakesh Singh from Jabalpur. The BJP has fielded former BCCI President Anurag Thakur from Himachal Pradesh's Hamirpur, Suresh Kashyap from Shimla, Kishan Kapoor from Kangra. Among those contesting from Jharkhand include Sunil Soren from Dumka, Nishikant Dubey from Godda, and Pashupati Nath Singh from Dhanbad. The BJP will support Sumalatha as the independent candidate from Karnataka`s Mandya.BJP also released its list of six candidates legislative assembly bye-polls in Gujarat and Goa candidates. In Goa, BJP has fielded Dayanand Raghunath Sopte will contest from Mandrem, Joushua Peter Desouza from Mapusa and Subhash Ankush Shirodkar from Siroda. Three Candidates each for the legislative assembly of Gujarat and Goa bye-polls were also announced. Parsotambhai Sabariya (Dhrangradhra) Raghavjibhai Patel (Jamnagar Rural) and Javaharabhai Chavda (Manavadar) will contest bye-polls in Gujarat. The seven-phase of 17th Lok Sabha elections in the country are slated to begin on April 11 and will go on till May 19. The counting of votes will take place on May 23. (With inputs from ANI)

Lok Sabha polls 2019: BJP fields Anurag Thakur from Hamirpur, Jayant Sinha gets Hazaribagh

Pakistani troops on Saturday resorted to fresh mortar shelling along the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch district, officials said.

Defence Ministry spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Devender Anand said, "At about 5.30 p.m. today the Pakistan Army resorted to unprovoked ceasefire violation on the LoC in Poonch district."

"They used mortar shelling and firing by small arms to target Indian positions," he said, adding that our troops are retaliating effectively.

On Thursday, an Army jawan was killed as Pakistani troops shelled forward areas and Indian posts with artillery and mortar bombs along the LoC in Jammu and Kashmir's Rajouri district.

(With inputs from agencies)

Pakistani troops on Saturday resorted to fresh mortar shelling along the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch district, officials said. Defence Ministry spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Devender Anand said, "At about 5.

Pakistani troops on Saturday resorted to fresh mortar shelling along the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch district, officials said. Defence Ministry spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Devender Anand said, "At about 5.30 p.m. today the Pakistan Army resorted to unprovoked ceasefire violation on the LoC in Poonch district." "They used mortar shelling and firing by small arms to target Indian positions," he said, adding that our troops are retaliating effectively. On Thursday, an Army jawan was killed as Pakistani troops shelled forward areas and Indian posts with artillery and mortar bombs along the LoC in Jammu and Kashmir's Rajouri district. (With inputs from agencies)

J&K: Pakistan army resorts to fresh ceasefire violation in Poonch

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mueller-submits-trump-russia-report-clamour-grows-for-its-quick-release-204966">Mueller submits Trump-Russia report, clamour grows for its quick release</a>

Special Counsel Robert Mueller on Friday handed in a confidential report on his investigation into Russia's role in the 2016 presidential election and any potential wrongdoing by US President Donald Trump, setting off a clamour from lawmakers in both parties for the document's quick release.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-national-day-pm-modi-writes-letter-to-pak-pm-as-part-of-customary-practice-calls-for-terror-free-south-asia-204995">Pakistan national day: PM Modi writes </a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-national-day-pm-modi-writes-letter-to-pak-pm-as-part-of-customary-practice-calls-for-terror-free-south-asia-204995">letter</a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-national-day-pm-modi-writes-letter-to-pak-pm-as-part-of-customary-practice-calls-for-terror-free-south-asia-204995"> to Pak PM as part of customary practice; calls for terror-free South Asia</a>

India has said Prime Minister Narendra Modi had written a letter to Pak Prime Minister Imran Khan as part of the diplomatic practice of writing to the Heads of state/Govt on their respective National Days. The letter is sent to all countries with whom India shares diplomatic relations.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/syria-asks-un-council-to-uphold-resolutions-on-golan-heights-204971">Syria asks UN council to uphold resolutions on Golan Heights</a>

Syria on Friday asked the UN Security Council to uphold resolutions declaring that Israel withdraws from the Golan Heights after President Donald Trump said the United States would recognize Israel's annexation of the territory.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/muslims-return-to-christchurch-mosque-as-new-zealand-works-to-move-on-204991">Muslims return to Christchurch mosque as New Zealand works to move on</a>

Muslims returned to Christchurch's main mosque on Saturday for the first time since a white supremacist massacred worshippers there, as New Zealand sought to return to normality after the tragedy.

The Al Noor mosque was taken over by police for investigations and security reasons after alleged gunman Brenton Tarrant attacked Muslims gathered there and at a smaller mosque for Friday prayers, killing 50 people.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-polls-bjp-releases-list-of-36-candidates-sambit-patra-to-contest-from-puri-204967">Lok Sabha polls: BJP releases list of 36 candidates, Sambit Patra to contest from Puri</a>

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Friday released a list of 36 candidates for Lok Sabha polls in Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Maharashtra and Odisha ahead of the general elections.

The party has fielded Girish Bapat from Pune (Maharashtra), its national spokesperson Sambit Patra from Puri (Odisha), Dilip Kumar Kilaru from Vijayawada (Andhra Pradesh), Bharati Pawar from Dindori (Maharashtra) and Sanbor Shullai from Shillong (Meghalaya).

Mueller submits Trump-Russia report, clamour grows for its quick release Special Counsel Robert Mueller on Friday handed in a confidential report on his investigation into Russia's role in the 2016 presidential election and any potential wrongdoing by US President Donald Trump, setting off a clamour from lawmakers in both parties for the document's quick release.

Mueller submits Trump-Russia report, clamour grows for its quick release Special Counsel Robert Mueller on Friday handed in a confidential report on his investigation into Russia's role in the 2016 presidential election and any potential wrongdoing by US President Donald Trump, setting off a clamour from lawmakers in both parties for the document's quick release. Pakistan national day: PM Modi writes letter to Pak PM as part of customary practice; calls for terror-free South Asia India has said Prime Minister Narendra Modi had written a letter to Pak Prime Minister Imran Khan as part of the diplomatic practice of writing to the Heads of state/Govt on their respective National Days. The letter is sent to all countries with whom India shares diplomatic relations. Syria asks UN council to uphold resolutions on Golan Heights Syria on Friday asked the UN Security Council to uphold resolutions declaring that Israel withdraws from the Golan Heights after President Donald Trump said the United States would recognize Israel's annexation of the territory. Muslims return to Christchurch mosque as New Zealand works to move on Muslims returned to Christchurch's main mosque on Saturday for the first time since a white supremacist massacred worshippers there, as New Zealand sought to return to normality after the tragedy. The Al Noor mosque was taken over by police for investigations and security reasons after alleged gunman Brenton Tarrant attacked Muslims gathered there and at a smaller mosque for Friday prayers, killing 50 people. Lok Sabha polls: BJP releases list of 36 candidates, Sambit Patra to contest from Puri The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Friday released a list of 36 candidates for Lok Sabha polls in Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Maharashtra and Odisha ahead of the general elections. The party has fielded Girish Bapat from Pune (Maharashtra), its national spokesperson Sambit Patra from Puri (Odisha), Dilip Kumar Kilaru from Vijayawada (Andhra Pradesh), Bharati Pawar from Dindori (Maharashtra) and Sanbor Shullai from Shillong (Meghalaya).

News brief: Big stories of the day

Former chief minister Mehbooba Mufti will be the PDP candidate from Anantnag Lok Sabha constituency but the party has decided not to field any candidates for Jammu and Udhampur seats in a bid to prevent division of "secular votes".

Announcing the party candidates, PDP chief Mehbooba said Aga Mohsin will be the party candidate for Srinagar seat.

"I will contest from Anantnag seat, " she told reporters.

The party has already named former employees' union leader Abdul Qayoom Wani for the Baramulla Lok Sabha seat.

Mehbooba said the parliamentary board of the party, which met earlier on Saturday, decided not to field any candidates from the two Lok Sabha seats in Jammu region.

"The opposition front is not functioning as it should have but we have taken a unilateral decision to not field candidates from these seats so that the secular vote does not get divided," she said.

Mehbooba said her party had taken around 1.75 lakh votes in 2014 Lok Sabha elections in Jammu seat and over 30,000 in Udhampur seat.

She said the party has not taken a decision yet on the Ladakh parliamentary seat.&nbsp;

Former chief minister Mehbooba Mufti will be the PDP candidate from Anantnag Lok Sabha constituency but the party has decided not to field any candidates for Jammu and Udhampur seats in a bid to prevent division of "secular votes".

Former chief minister Mehbooba Mufti will be the PDP candidate from Anantnag Lok Sabha constituency but the party has decided not to field any candidates for Jammu and Udhampur seats in a bid to prevent division of "secular votes". Announcing the party candidates, PDP chief Mehbooba said Aga Mohsin will be the party candidate for Srinagar seat. "I will contest from Anantnag seat, " she told reporters. The party has already named former employees' union leader Abdul Qayoom Wani for the Baramulla Lok Sabha seat. Mehbooba said the parliamentary board of the party, which met earlier on Saturday, decided not to field any candidates from the two Lok Sabha seats in Jammu region. "The opposition front is not functioning as it should have but we have taken a unilateral decision to not field candidates from these seats so that the secular vote does not get divided," she said. Mehbooba said her party had taken around 1.75 lakh votes in 2014 Lok Sabha elections in Jammu seat and over 30,000 in Udhampur seat. She said the party has not taken a decision yet on the Ladakh parliamentary seat.

Mehbooba to contest from Anantnag; PDP not to field candidates from Udhampur, Jammu

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Friday urged people to not vote for the YSR Congress Party in the impending elections, stating that backing them would be like "writing your own death warrant."

Addressing an election campaign in Vishakhapatnam Narsipatnam, Naidu said, “Voting for TDP will be the victory of people, but voting for YSRCP is like writing your own death warrant. These (Lok Sabha) elections decide the future of the state. People should vote for TDP for better future and better development of the state.”

Naidu further accused YSRCP chief YS Jagan Mohan Reddy of “looting” lakh and crores of money by misusing his father, YS Rajasekhara Reddy’s power when the latter was the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh.

“Jagan's paternal uncle was killed in his own house, but they tried to make people believe that it was due to a heart attack. They tampered evidence, altered scene of offence,” Naidu said.

“I am like an elder son in every family. I gave financial support to 98 lakh DWCRA sisters under Pasupu Kumkuma scheme. I provided welfare pensions of Rs 2000 to senior citizens. We will bring water from the Godavari river to Visakhapatnam. Uttara Andhra Sujala Sravanti project will be finished in a year,” he added.

Naidu further claimed that Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao is “creating hurdles in the development of Andhra Pradesh.”

“Jagan bowed down in front of him (KCR)... Prime Minister Narendra Modi is shielding Jagan. We won't surrender in front of Modi,” Naidu said.

“NDA government betrayed Andhra Pradesh by not fulfilling bifurcation promises. It has even taken back the funds meant for backward districts development. Not even one of the 18 assurances of bifurcation act is fulfilled. While we are fighting for that, the Centre is filing cases against us,” he added.

The Lok Sabha election will be held in Andhra Pradesh on April 11. The result will be announced on May 23.&nbsp;

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Friday urged people to not vote for the YSR Congress Party in the impending elections, stating that backing them would be like "writing your own death warrant.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Friday urged people to not vote for the YSR Congress Party in the impending elections, stating that backing them would be like "writing your own death warrant." Addressing an election campaign in Vishakhapatnam Narsipatnam, Naidu said, “Voting for TDP will be the victory of people, but voting for YSRCP is like writing your own death warrant. These (Lok Sabha) elections decide the future of the state. People should vote for TDP for better future and better development of the state.” Naidu further accused YSRCP chief YS Jagan Mohan Reddy of “looting” lakh and crores of money by misusing his father, YS Rajasekhara Reddy’s power when the latter was the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh. “Jagan's paternal uncle was killed in his own house, but they tried to make people believe that it was due to a heart attack. They tampered evidence, altered scene of offence,” Naidu said. “I am like an elder son in every family. I gave financial support to 98 lakh DWCRA sisters under Pasupu Kumkuma scheme. I provided welfare pensions of Rs 2000 to senior citizens. We will bring water from the Godavari river to Visakhapatnam. Uttara Andhra Sujala Sravanti project will be finished in a year,” he added. Naidu further claimed that Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao is “creating hurdles in the development of Andhra Pradesh.” “Jagan bowed down in front of him (KCR)... Prime Minister Narendra Modi is shielding Jagan. We won't surrender in front of Modi,” Naidu said. “NDA government betrayed Andhra Pradesh by not fulfilling bifurcation promises. It has even taken back the funds meant for backward districts development. Not even one of the 18 assurances of bifurcation act is fulfilled. While we are fighting for that, the Centre is filing cases against us,” he added. The Lok Sabha election will be held in Andhra Pradesh on April 11. The result will be announced on May 23.

Voting for YSRCP is like writing one's own death warrant: N Chandrababu Naidu

Andhra Pradesh IT minister and Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu’s son Nara Lokesh on Friday filed nomination to contest from Mangalagiri constituency in Amaravati in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.

Lokesh, who is the general secretary of Telugu Desam Party (TDP), will be contesting for the first time. He filed nomination papers at the Mangalagiri Mandal Revenue Officer (MRO) in the presence of his mother Bhuvaneswari, wife Brahmani and son Devansh.

After filing the nomination, Lokesh cast his vote in the Member of Legislative Council (MLC) elections at a polling booth in Polakampadu Mandal Parishat elementary school.

Andhra Pradesh, which has 25 Lok Sabha seats and 175 Assembly seats at stake, will go for simultaneous polling on April 11.&nbsp;

Andhra Pradesh IT minister and Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu’s son Nara Lokesh on Friday filed nomination to contest from Mangalagiri constituency in Amaravati in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.

Andhra Pradesh IT minister and Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu’s son Nara Lokesh on Friday filed nomination to contest from Mangalagiri constituency in Amaravati in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. Lokesh, who is the general secretary of Telugu Desam Party (TDP), will be contesting for the first time. He filed nomination papers at the Mangalagiri Mandal Revenue Officer (MRO) in the presence of his mother Bhuvaneswari, wife Brahmani and son Devansh. After filing the nomination, Lokesh cast his vote in the Member of Legislative Council (MLC) elections at a polling booth in Polakampadu Mandal Parishat elementary school. Andhra Pradesh, which has 25 Lok Sabha seats and 175 Assembly seats at stake, will go for simultaneous polling on April 11.

Lok Sabha 2019: Chandrababu Naidu's son Nara Lokesh files nomination from Andhra Pradesh

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has filed a charge sheet against three persons - Mohammad Salman from Delhi, Mohammad Salim from Rajasthan and Mohammad Kamran (absconding), a native of Pakistan - in a case related to Falah-e-Insaniat Foundation (FIF).

In an official statement issued on Friday, the NIA said that after investigation, it was found that FIF chief Hafiz Saeed and his deputy Shahid Mahmood hatched a conspiracy in 2012 to create sleeper cells and logistic base in Delhi and Haryana under the garb of religious work such as construction of mosques, madrasa education, financial assistance for marriage of poor Muslim girls, and so on.

In pursuance of this conspiracy, the NIA said, Mahmood tasked his associate Mohammad Kamran, a Pakistani national based at Dubai, for re-routing funds from Pakistan to Dubai and further to India through hawala channels.

Kamran was further tasked to identify "religious minded Indian Muslims who could be given this fund in the name of construction of mosque, education in Madrasa, marriage of Muslims girls, medical assistance etc." to create its bases.

During this preparatory work, the target persons were intended to be used for creating sleeper cells/hideouts.

"Accordingly, Kamran identified a few Indians in Dubai including one Mohammad Salman, a resident of New Delhi, for this purpose. He started transferring a large amount of funds (through illegal hawala) in the name of religious work - construction of mosque Khulfa-e-Rashideen in Uttawar, Palwal in Haryana and for marriage of Muslims girls. Mohammad Salman had received huge funds from Mohammad Kamran from Dubai in this connection," the NIA stated.

Further investigation is underway against the accused persons under section 173(8) of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC).&nbsp;

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has filed a charge sheet against three persons - Mohammad Salman from Delhi, Mohammad Salim from Rajasthan and Mohammad Kamran (absconding), a native of Pakistan - in a case related to Falah-e-Insaniat Foundation (FIF).

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has filed a charge sheet against three persons - Mohammad Salman from Delhi, Mohammad Salim from Rajasthan and Mohammad Kamran (absconding), a native of Pakistan - in a case related to Falah-e-Insaniat Foundation (FIF). In an official statement issued on Friday, the NIA said that after investigation, it was found that FIF chief Hafiz Saeed and his deputy Shahid Mahmood hatched a conspiracy in 2012 to create sleeper cells and logistic base in Delhi and Haryana under the garb of religious work such as construction of mosques, madrasa education, financial assistance for marriage of poor Muslim girls, and so on. In pursuance of this conspiracy, the NIA said, Mahmood tasked his associate Mohammad Kamran, a Pakistani national based at Dubai, for re-routing funds from Pakistan to Dubai and further to India through hawala channels. Kamran was further tasked to identify "religious minded Indian Muslims who could be given this fund in the name of construction of mosque, education in Madrasa, marriage of Muslims girls, medical assistance etc." to create its bases. During this preparatory work, the target persons were intended to be used for creating sleeper cells/hideouts. "Accordingly, Kamran identified a few Indians in Dubai including one Mohammad Salman, a resident of New Delhi, for this purpose. He started transferring a large amount of funds (through illegal hawala) in the name of religious work - construction of mosque Khulfa-e-Rashideen in Uttawar, Palwal in Haryana and for marriage of Muslims girls. Mohammad Salman had received huge funds from Mohammad Kamran from Dubai in this connection," the NIA stated. Further investigation is underway against the accused persons under section 173(8) of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC).

Pak national among 3 named in NIA's charge sheet against FIF

Ahead of the Lok Sabha elections in Telangana, the Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) are all set to rope in star campaigners and senior party leaders for its election campaign in the state.

According to Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee (TPCC) spokesperson Gudur Narayan Reddy, the Congress has planned at least three public meetings to be addressed by party chief Rahul Gandhi and has urged the party to send AICC general secretary Priyanka Gandhi for the campaign in the state.

Reddy further said the list of star campaigners would be released after candidates are finalised for all constituencies in the state. "Roadshows and public meetings would be held as part of the campaign,” he added.

Meanwhile, BJP Member of Legislative Council (MLC) Ramchandra Rao said Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP president Amit Shah have agreed to address four and six public meetings, respectively, in Telangana. Union Ministers Piyush Goyal and Nirmala Sitaraman will visit Telangana in the coming days, he added.

Rao also said the schedule of their campaign will be announced in a day or two.

All 17 Lok Sabha seats in Telangana will go to polls in a single phase on April 11.

Ahead of the Lok Sabha elections in Telangana, the Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) are all set to rope in star campaigners and senior party leaders for its election campaign in the state.

Ahead of the Lok Sabha elections in Telangana, the Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) are all set to rope in star campaigners and senior party leaders for its election campaign in the state. According to Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee (TPCC) spokesperson Gudur Narayan Reddy, the Congress has planned at least three public meetings to be addressed by party chief Rahul Gandhi and has urged the party to send AICC general secretary Priyanka Gandhi for the campaign in the state. Reddy further said the list of star campaigners would be released after candidates are finalised for all constituencies in the state. "Roadshows and public meetings would be held as part of the campaign,” he added. Meanwhile, BJP Member of Legislative Council (MLC) Ramchandra Rao said Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP president Amit Shah have agreed to address four and six public meetings, respectively, in Telangana. Union Ministers Piyush Goyal and Nirmala Sitaraman will visit Telangana in the coming days, he added. Rao also said the schedule of their campaign will be announced in a day or two. All 17 Lok Sabha seats in Telangana will go to polls in a single phase on April 11.

Lok Sabha polls: BJP, Congress to rope in star campaigners for Telangana

Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad on Saturday addressed a press conference and raised questions about <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/is-it-going-to-be-rahul-gandhi-vs-narendra-modi-in-2019-185056">Rahul Gandhi</a>’s source of income.&nbsp;

BJP leader and Union minister Ravi Shankar Prasad told the media that Gandhi's income had risen from over Rs 55 lakh in 2004 to Rs 9 crore in 2014 as per his election affidavits, and asked how can a mere MP witness such a jump in income.

"In his election affidavit in 2004, his income was Rs 55,38,123 while in 2009, it rose to Rs 2 crore and in 2014 it rose to Rs 9 crore. We know how much an MP earns. We want to ask what is this Rahul Gandhi model of development without an ostensible source of income," he said.

He also questioned Gandhi whether he had bought two properties from Unitech which was linked to the 2G spectrum allocation scam.&nbsp;

Prasad ended his press conference with a demand for Rahul Gandhi to answer the questions that he had raised.

There was no immediate response from the Congress.

(With inputs from PTI)

Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad on Saturday addressed a press conference and raised questions about Rahul Gandhi’s source of income. BJP leader and Union minister Ravi Shankar Prasad told the media that Gandhi's income had risen from over Rs 55 lakh in 2004 to Rs 9 crore in 2014 as per his election affidavits, and asked how can a mere MP witness such a jump in income.

Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad on Saturday addressed a press conference and raised questions about Rahul Gandhi’s source of income. BJP leader and Union minister Ravi Shankar Prasad told the media that Gandhi's income had risen from over Rs 55 lakh in 2004 to Rs 9 crore in 2014 as per his election affidavits, and asked how can a mere MP witness such a jump in income. "In his election affidavit in 2004, his income was Rs 55,38,123 while in 2009, it rose to Rs 2 crore and in 2014 it rose to Rs 9 crore. We know how much an MP earns. We want to ask what is this Rahul Gandhi model of development without an ostensible source of income," he said. He also questioned Gandhi whether he had bought two properties from Unitech which was linked to the 2G spectrum allocation scam. Prasad ended his press conference with a demand for Rahul Gandhi to answer the questions that he had raised. There was no immediate response from the Congress. (With inputs from PTI)

How did Rahul Gandhi's assets grow from Rs 55 lakh to Rs 9 crore? asks BJP

The ruling Trinamool Congress and the opposition BJP, who are ready to battle it out in the Lok Sabha polls in West Bengal, are preferring turncoats over their tried and tested leaders. There is discontent over candidate selection within both the parties dominating the poll scenario in the state.&nbsp;

Senior TMC leader and it's South Dinajpur district chief Biplab Mitra said there is anger among grass-roots level workers of the party over giving tickets to newcomers and ignoring the old-timers.

The TMC is going solo and has declared names of candidates for all 42 Lok Sabha seats. The BJP declared its first list of 28 contestants in the state Thursday. The two parties defend their decision, saying winnability was of prime consideration for them.

However, the TMC feels it is the best way to quell the infighting in the party, whereas for the BJP, fielding turncoats had become a compulsion as it did not have enough candidates to assure its victory. “We have party leaders and workers who are working very hard. We had given them tickets in panchayat and assembly polls. But in case of fighting Lok Sabha polls, we don’t have enough candidates who can put up a fight and win,” state BJP chief Dilip Ghosh said last Friday.

Out of 18 new faces in TMC’s list, seven are those who have either switched over from the Congress or the Left parties in the past few years. Two of the TMC’s sitting MPs in the north and south Bengal — Dasarth Tirkey and Sunil Mondal — who have been renominated this time, used to be MLAs of Left Front constituents RSP and Forward Bloc, respectively. BJP’s list has six candidates who were earlier either with the TMC or the CPI(M).

It also includes the name of an ex-IPS officer, who was once considered close to TMC chief Mamata Banerjee. A TMC leader told PTI on condition of anonymity that infighting is one of the biggest problems being faced by the party this time. “There are so many factions in every district that it was next to impossible to bring all the disgruntled leaders on the same page… That is why in at least seven seats which are considered tough, we have pitted those who have come from other parties so that opposing factions will at least unite under their umbrellas to help us win,” he said.

Out of the seven candidates who have either switched over from the Congress or the Left parties in the past few years, three have been nominated from Bolpur, Medinipur and Coochbehar which the TMC had won last time. In Malda North, Raiganj, Jangipur and Murshidabad seats, which were won by the Congress and the CPI(M) last time, the TMC has nominated MLAs and MPs who had switched over from the Congress in the last two years.

“In Cooch Behar, former Left Front minister Paresh Chandra Adhikary was nominated as only a strong candidate can ensure in retaining the seat in the face of factionalism and resurgent BJP there,” said a senior TMC MLA from north Bengal. The reason is the same behind nominating former state Congress president Manas Bhunia from Mednipur and Asit Mal from Bolpur.

Former Congress MP Mausam Benazir Noor, who crossed over to the TMC, and has been nominated from Malda North seat told PTI, “I had joined TMC as I feel only it can fight against communal BJP in the state.” On the other hand, sitting TMC MP from Bolpur, Anupam Hazra has switched over to the BJP and has been fielded from Jadavpur seat in the city.

In Murshidabad, TMC youth leader and key organisational man Shamik Hossain was overlooked in favour of former Congress MLA Abu Taher, who had switched over only last year. The situation is more difficult in the BJP, which had won two seats in 2014 and now targeting to win 23 seats in the state.

The BJP has emerged as the main opposition party after the 2018 panchayat polls. The party in its first list has five candidates who had recently defected to it from the TMC and one from the CPI(M). Former IPS officer Bharati Ghosh who recently joined BJP will be contesting Ghatal Lok Sabha seat on the party’s ticket. During her stint as the Jhargram SP, she was considered to be the defacto TMC district president.

Former TMC MLA Arjun Singh, who recently switched over to the BJP, has been pitted against TMC’s Dinesh Trivedi in Barrackpore. Singh had quit the TMC recently after the party denied him a ticket for the Barrackpore seat. Former TMC MP Soumitra Khan has been given BJP ticket from his Bishnupur seat, while former CPI(M) MLA Khagen Murmu will contest on a BJP ticket from Malda North.

Former TMC leader Sreerupa Mitra Chowdhury, who had contested polls on that party’s ticket from New Delhi, is the BJP candidate from Malda South seat this time, while TMC youth leader Nishith Pramanik, who was expelled last year, has been fielded from Cooch Behar.

The BJP has fielded another TMC turncoat Bolpur MP Anupam Hazra from Jadavpur. BJP leader Mukul Roy, once TMC’s number two, defended the saffron party’s decision on fielding turncoats. “Anybody who wants to fight against TMC misrule in Bengal is welcome,” Roy said.

BJP workers had staged a protest in Cooch Behar and Malda North against the party’s decision to nominate TMC and CPI(M) leaders instead of local party leaders. Several BJP leaders, including its vice president Raj Kamal Pathak, have submitted their resignation and protests have been organised in various parts of the state over candidate selection. The seven-phase polling in the state will begin on April 11.

The ruling Trinamool Congress and the opposition BJP, who are ready to battle it out in the Lok Sabha polls in West Bengal, are preferring turncoats over their tried and tested leaders.

The ruling Trinamool Congress and the opposition BJP, who are ready to battle it out in the Lok Sabha polls in West Bengal, are preferring turncoats over their tried and tested leaders. There is discontent over candidate selection within both the parties dominating the poll scenario in the state. Senior TMC leader and it's South Dinajpur district chief Biplab Mitra said there is anger among grass-roots level workers of the party over giving tickets to newcomers and ignoring the old-timers. The TMC is going solo and has declared names of candidates for all 42 Lok Sabha seats. The BJP declared its first list of 28 contestants in the state Thursday. The two parties defend their decision, saying winnability was of prime consideration for them. However, the TMC feels it is the best way to quell the infighting in the party, whereas for the BJP, fielding turncoats had become a compulsion as it did not have enough candidates to assure its victory. “We have party leaders and workers who are working very hard. We had given them tickets in panchayat and assembly polls. But in case of fighting Lok Sabha polls, we don’t have enough candidates who can put up a fight and win,” state BJP chief Dilip Ghosh said last Friday. Out of 18 new faces in TMC’s list, seven are those who have either switched over from the Congress or the Left parties in the past few years. Two of the TMC’s sitting MPs in the north and south Bengal — Dasarth Tirkey and Sunil Mondal — who have been renominated this time, used to be MLAs of Left Front constituents RSP and Forward Bloc, respectively. BJP’s list has six candidates who were earlier either with the TMC or the CPI(M). It also includes the name of an ex-IPS officer, who was once considered close to TMC chief Mamata Banerjee. A TMC leader told PTI on condition of anonymity that infighting is one of the biggest problems being faced by the party this time. “There are so many factions in every district that it was next to impossible to bring all the disgruntled leaders on the same page… That is why in at least seven seats which are considered tough, we have pitted those who have come from other parties so that opposing factions will at least unite under their umbrellas to help us win,” he said. Out of the seven candidates who have either switched over from the Congress or the Left parties in the past few years, three have been nominated from Bolpur, Medinipur and Coochbehar which the TMC had won last time. In Malda North, Raiganj, Jangipur and Murshidabad seats, which were won by the Congress and the CPI(M) last time, the TMC has nominated MLAs and MPs who had switched over from the Congress in the last two years. “In Cooch Behar, former Left Front minister Paresh Chandra Adhikary was nominated as only a strong candidate can ensure in retaining the seat in the face of factionalism and resurgent BJP there,” said a senior TMC MLA from north Bengal. The reason is the same behind nominating former state Congress president Manas Bhunia from Mednipur and Asit Mal from Bolpur. Former Congress MP Mausam Benazir Noor, who crossed over to the TMC, and has been nominated from Malda North seat told PTI, “I had joined TMC as I feel only it can fight against communal BJP in the state.” On the other hand, sitting TMC MP from Bolpur, Anupam Hazra has switched over to the BJP and has been fielded from Jadavpur seat in the city. In Murshidabad, TMC youth leader and key organisational man Shamik Hossain was overlooked in favour of former Congress MLA Abu Taher, who had switched over only last year. The situation is more difficult in the BJP, which had won two seats in 2014 and now targeting to win 23 seats in the state. The BJP has emerged as the main opposition party after the 2018 panchayat polls. The party in its first list has five candidates who had recently defected to it from the TMC and one from the CPI(M). Former IPS officer Bharati Ghosh who recently joined BJP will be contesting Ghatal Lok Sabha seat on the party’s ticket. During her stint as the Jhargram SP, she was considered to be the defacto TMC district president. Former TMC MLA Arjun Singh, who recently switched over to the BJP, has been pitted against TMC’s Dinesh Trivedi in Barrackpore. Singh had quit the TMC recently after the party denied him a ticket for the Barrackpore seat. Former TMC MP Soumitra Khan has been given BJP ticket from his Bishnupur seat, while former CPI(M) MLA Khagen Murmu will contest on a BJP ticket from Malda North. Former TMC leader Sreerupa Mitra Chowdhury, who had contested polls on that party’s ticket from New Delhi, is the BJP candidate from Malda South seat this time, while TMC youth leader Nishith Pramanik, who was expelled last year, has been fielded from Cooch Behar. The BJP has fielded another TMC turncoat Bolpur MP Anupam Hazra from Jadavpur. BJP leader Mukul Roy, once TMC’s number two, defended the saffron party’s decision on fielding turncoats. “Anybody who wants to fight against TMC misrule in Bengal is welcome,” Roy said. BJP workers had staged a protest in Cooch Behar and Malda North against the party’s decision to nominate TMC and CPI(M) leaders instead of local party leaders. Several BJP leaders, including its vice president Raj Kamal Pathak, have submitted their resignation and protests have been organised in various parts of the state over candidate selection. The seven-phase polling in the state will begin on April 11.

Lok Sabha election 2019: In West Bengal, BJP, TMC bank on turncoats to win poll battle

The Shiv Sena Saturday said L K Advani would remain the “tallest leader” of the BJP irrespective of his poll presence, two days after the party nominated its chief Amit Shah from Gandhinagar, a seat represented by the BJP patriarch. In an editorial in the party mouthpiece “Saamana”, the Sena said Shah contesting in place of Advani is politically translated as the ‘Bhishmacharya’ of Indian politics being “forced” to retire.

“Lal Krishna Advani is known as the ‘Bhishmacharya’ of Indian politics, but his name does not feature in the list of BJP’s candidates for Lok Sabha polls, which is not surprising,” the edit said. The Sena said the development underlined that the BJP’s Advani era has come to an end. “Advani has been elected from Gujarat’s Gandhinagar constituency six times. Now, Amit Shah will be contesting from that seat. This simply means Advani has been forced to retire,” the editorial said. Marking a generational shift in the BJP, the party recently announced candidature of Shah, who will be contesting his debut parliamentary election, from Gandhinagar.

Advani, 91, had served as Union home minister and deputy prime minister. He won the Gandhinagar seat six times. After Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the BJP to a massive victory in 2014 and Shah was made the party president, Advani was made a member of Margdarshak Mandal (a group of mentors).

The Sena said, “Advani was one of the founding members of the BJP, who along with former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee steered the rath of the party ahead. “But today, Modi and Shah have taken the place of them (Vajpayee and Advani). An environment has already been created in the party to ensure that seniors do not get any responsibility this time,” it stated. The Sena further said Advani has played a “long innings” in politics and would remain the “tallest leader” of the BJP.

The Sena is contesting the next month’s Lok Sabha elections in alliance with the BJP. The Sena said it didn’t believe that a leader retains his top position only if he continues to be in active politics. The Uddhav Thackeray-led party also attacked the Congress which has said the Gandhinagar seat has been snatched from Advani.

“The party (Congress) should not talk about insult to elders. The then prime minister P V Narasimha Rao, who had steered the Congress governments in difficult times, was insulted by the party even after his death,” it said.

The Sena also referred to the 2013 incident when Rahul Gandhi tore an ordinance (on protecting convicted lawmakers) in the presence of the then prime minister Manmohan Singh. “What happened with Sitaram Kesari (former Congress president who was succeeded by Sonia Gandhi)?….Therefore it does not suit the Congress to talk about respecting elders,” the Sena said.

Praising Advani, the Sena said he was responsible for expanding the BJP’s footprint across the country. “Every shining sun has to set. The BJP could reach the top because of Advani’s ‘Rath Yatra’ in Ayodhya in the 1990s. The BJP is reaping (dividends) because of Advani’s toil,” the Sena said.

The Shiv Sena Saturday said L K Advani would remain the “tallest leader” of the BJP irrespective of his poll presence, two days after the party nominated its chief Amit Shah from Gandhinagar, a seat represented by the BJP patriarch.

The Shiv Sena Saturday said L K Advani would remain the “tallest leader” of the BJP irrespective of his poll presence, two days after the party nominated its chief Amit Shah from Gandhinagar, a seat represented by the BJP patriarch. In an editorial in the party mouthpiece “Saamana”, the Sena said Shah contesting in place of Advani is politically translated as the ‘Bhishmacharya’ of Indian politics being “forced” to retire. “Lal Krishna Advani is known as the ‘Bhishmacharya’ of Indian politics, but his name does not feature in the list of BJP’s candidates for Lok Sabha polls, which is not surprising,” the edit said. The Sena said the development underlined that the BJP’s Advani era has come to an end. “Advani has been elected from Gujarat’s Gandhinagar constituency six times. Now, Amit Shah will be contesting from that seat. This simply means Advani has been forced to retire,” the editorial said. Marking a generational shift in the BJP, the party recently announced candidature of Shah, who will be contesting his debut parliamentary election, from Gandhinagar. Advani, 91, had served as Union home minister and deputy prime minister. He won the Gandhinagar seat six times. After Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the BJP to a massive victory in 2014 and Shah was made the party president, Advani was made a member of Margdarshak Mandal (a group of mentors). The Sena said, “Advani was one of the founding members of the BJP, who along with former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee steered the rath of the party ahead. “But today, Modi and Shah have taken the place of them (Vajpayee and Advani). An environment has already been created in the party to ensure that seniors do not get any responsibility this time,” it stated. The Sena further said Advani has played a “long innings” in politics and would remain the “tallest leader” of the BJP. The Sena is contesting the next month’s Lok Sabha elections in alliance with the BJP. The Sena said it didn’t believe that a leader retains his top position only if he continues to be in active politics. The Uddhav Thackeray-led party also attacked the Congress which has said the Gandhinagar seat has been snatched from Advani. “The party (Congress) should not talk about insult to elders. The then prime minister P V Narasimha Rao, who had steered the Congress governments in difficult times, was insulted by the party even after his death,” it said. The Sena also referred to the 2013 incident when Rahul Gandhi tore an ordinance (on protecting convicted lawmakers) in the presence of the then prime minister Manmohan Singh. “What happened with Sitaram Kesari (former Congress president who was succeeded by Sonia Gandhi)?….Therefore it does not suit the Congress to talk about respecting elders,” the Sena said. Praising Advani, the Sena said he was responsible for expanding the BJP’s footprint across the country. “Every shining sun has to set. The BJP could reach the top because of Advani’s ‘Rath Yatra’ in Ayodhya in the 1990s. The BJP is reaping (dividends) because of Advani’s toil,” the Sena said.

LK Advani ‘Bhishmacharya’ of Indian politics, says Shiv Sena after BJP denies him poll ticket

Prime Minister Narendra Modi writes in a blog on Saturday that Dr Lohia would be "proud" of the NDA government led by the BJP for following his ideas.

"Today those parties that falsely claim to be Dr Lohia's followers are desperate to form an opportunistic 'maha-milawat' or adulteration alliances with the same Congress (which Lohia opposed). It is both ironical and reprehensible," wrote PM Modi in a blog to mark the 109th birth anniversary of Lohia.

The Samajwadi Party, Janata Dal-Secular, Rashtriya Janata Dal and Sharad Yadav's Loktantrik Janata Dal, which will merge with the RJD after the Lok Sabha polls, were some of the parties formed on socialist ideology.

"Dr Lohia's thoughts inspire us. He wrote about modernising agriculture and empowering farmers, which the NDA government is effectively doing through efforts such as PM Kisan Samman Nidhi, Krishi Sinchai Yojana, e-Nam, Soil Health Cards and more," he said in the blog shared on Twitter.

Referring to gender inequality, the prime minister said nothing pained Lohia more than the caste hierarchy and inequality between women and men.

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Today they are betraying the principles of Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia, tomorrow they will also betray the people of India. 
 
My thoughts on why those who claim to follow Dr. Lohia have let him down. Do read. <a href="https://t.co/gq1srcXwkx">https://t.co/gq1srcXwkx</a>
— Chowkidar Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1109306402395377665?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 23, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"But neck deep in vote bank politics, it was parties that dishonestly claim to be Dr Lohia's followers that opposed the NDA government's move to abolish the inhuman practice of triple talaq," he alleged.

Hitting out at the Congress, Modi said whenever Lohia spoke, the Congress "trembled with fear".

He said Lohia had once claimed that during the Congress regime neither agriculture and industry nor the Army improved.

"These words can accurately describe even subsequent Congress regimes, where farmers were harassed, the industry was discouraged (except if they belonged to friends and relatives of Congress leaders) and national security was ignored," the PM wrote.

(With inputs from PTI)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi writes in a blog on Saturday that Dr Lohia would be "proud" of the NDA government led by the BJP for following his ideas. "Today those parties that falsely claim to be Dr Lohia's followers are desperate to form an opportunistic 'maha-milawat' or adulteration alliances with the same Congress (which Lohia opposed).

Prime Minister Narendra Modi writes in a blog on Saturday that Dr Lohia would be "proud" of the NDA government led by the BJP for following his ideas. "Today those parties that falsely claim to be Dr Lohia's followers are desperate to form an opportunistic 'maha-milawat' or adulteration alliances with the same Congress (which Lohia opposed). It is both ironical and reprehensible," wrote PM Modi in a blog to mark the 109th birth anniversary of Lohia. The Samajwadi Party, Janata Dal-Secular, Rashtriya Janata Dal and Sharad Yadav's Loktantrik Janata Dal, which will merge with the RJD after the Lok Sabha polls, were some of the parties formed on socialist ideology. "Dr Lohia's thoughts inspire us. He wrote about modernising agriculture and empowering farmers, which the NDA government is effectively doing through efforts such as PM Kisan Samman Nidhi, Krishi Sinchai Yojana, e-Nam, Soil Health Cards and more," he said in the blog shared on Twitter. Referring to gender inequality, the prime minister said nothing pained Lohia more than the caste hierarchy and inequality between women and men. Today they are betraying the principles of Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia, tomorrow they will also betray the people of India. My thoughts on why those who claim to follow Dr. Lohia have let him down. Do read. https://t.co/gq1srcXwkx — Chowkidar Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 23, 2019 × "But neck deep in vote bank politics, it was parties that dishonestly claim to be Dr Lohia's followers that opposed the NDA government's move to abolish the inhuman practice of triple talaq," he alleged. Hitting out at the Congress, Modi said whenever Lohia spoke, the Congress "trembled with fear". He said Lohia had once claimed that during the Congress regime neither agriculture and industry nor the Army improved. "These words can accurately describe even subsequent Congress regimes, where farmers were harassed, the industry was discouraged (except if they belonged to friends and relatives of Congress leaders) and national security was ignored," the PM wrote. (With inputs from PTI)

Ram Manohar Lohia would have been proud of NDA government: PM Modi

Those who have been indulging in an abuse competition against Prime Minister Narendra Modi are now "insulting" the bravery of the security forces, Union minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi alleged Saturday.

Naqvi's remarks came a day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi used Congress leader Sam Pitroda's remarks questioning the government's aggressive action against Pakistan after the Pulwama terror attack to tear into the Opposition, saying they reflect the Congress' unwillingness to respond to forces of terror.

Reacting to it, Congress chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala had said, "Whether it is Pitroda or any individual, such comments may be their personal opinion and the Congress has nothing to do with them."

A "political competition" is going on every day to create confusion on nation's dignity and security through "fake and fabricated agenda", Naqvi told reporters here.

The people of the country will teach a lesson to this "gang" for insulting the bravery of the security forces of the country, he said.

Naqvi alleged that the Congress leaders are "mourning" the deaths of terrorists.

"Demanding proof, raising the question on the killing of terrorists -- what an amazing 'Pakistan-Congress Jugalbandi', he said.

The "gaali gang" that has been indulging in an "abuse competition" against Prime Minister Modi is now insulting bravery of the country's security forces, he alleged.

Those who have been indulging in an abuse competition against Prime Minister Narendra Modi are now "insulting" the bravery of the security forces, Union minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi alleged Saturday.

Those who have been indulging in an abuse competition against Prime Minister Narendra Modi are now "insulting" the bravery of the security forces, Union minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi alleged Saturday. Naqvi's remarks came a day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi used Congress leader Sam Pitroda's remarks questioning the government's aggressive action against Pakistan after the Pulwama terror attack to tear into the Opposition, saying they reflect the Congress' unwillingness to respond to forces of terror. Reacting to it, Congress chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala had said, "Whether it is Pitroda or any individual, such comments may be their personal opinion and the Congress has nothing to do with them." A "political competition" is going on every day to create confusion on nation's dignity and security through "fake and fabricated agenda", Naqvi told reporters here. The people of the country will teach a lesson to this "gang" for insulting the bravery of the security forces of the country, he said. Naqvi alleged that the Congress leaders are "mourning" the deaths of terrorists. "Demanding proof, raising the question on the killing of terrorists -- what an amazing 'Pakistan-Congress Jugalbandi', he said. The "gaali gang" that has been indulging in an "abuse competition" against Prime Minister Modi is now insulting bravery of the country's security forces, he alleged.

Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi: Those abusing PM Narendra Modi now insulting security forces

Vice Admiral Karambir Singh has been appointed the next Chief of Naval Staff. Singh will be replacing Vice Admiral Sunil Lanba who will vacate the office on May 31, 2019.&nbsp;

Singh PVSM, AVSM, at present, holds the position of Flag Officer Commanding in Chief (FOC-in-C), Eastern Naval Command of the Indian Navy. He assumed office on 31 October 2017 after Vice Admiral HCS Bisht retired.

Singh was commissioned into the Indian Navy in 1980. He is a graduate of Defence Services Staff College, Wellington and College of Naval Warfare, Mumbai.&nbsp;

In a career spanning nearly four decades, Singh earned extensive experience commanding numerous ships, like ICGS Chand Bibi, INS Vijaydurg, among others, and flying the HAL Chetak and Kamov Ka-25 helicopters.&nbsp;

For his service, Singh has been awarded the Ati Vishist Seva Medal and Param Vishist Seva Medal.&nbsp;

Vice Admiral Karambir Singh has been appointed the next Chief of Naval Staff. Singh will be replacing Vice Admiral Sunil Lanba who will vacate the office on May 31, 2019.

Vice Admiral Karambir Singh has been appointed the next Chief of Naval Staff. Singh will be replacing Vice Admiral Sunil Lanba who will vacate the office on May 31, 2019. Singh PVSM, AVSM, at present, holds the position of Flag Officer Commanding in Chief (FOC-in-C), Eastern Naval Command of the Indian Navy. He assumed office on 31 October 2017 after Vice Admiral HCS Bisht retired. Singh was commissioned into the Indian Navy in 1980. He is a graduate of Defence Services Staff College, Wellington and College of Naval Warfare, Mumbai. In a career spanning nearly four decades, Singh earned extensive experience commanding numerous ships, like ICGS Chand Bibi, INS Vijaydurg, among others, and flying the HAL Chetak and Kamov Ka-25 helicopters. For his service, Singh has been awarded the Ati Vishist Seva Medal and Param Vishist Seva Medal.

Vice Admiral Karambir Singh appointed Chief of Naval Staff, replaces Sunil Lanba

The National Democratic Alliance on Saturday released its list for 39 out of the total 40 Lok Sabha seats in Bihar. The Bharatiya Janata Party, which will contest the general polls in Bihar in alliance with Nitish Kumar's Janata Dal (United) and Ram Vilas Paswan-led Lok Janshakti Party (LJP), will contest 17 seats.&nbsp;&nbsp;

According to reports, the JD(U) will also fight on 17 seats while 6 seats go to the LPJ.&nbsp;

Union minister Ravi Shankar Prasad will contest from Shatrughan Sinha's Patna Sahib seat.

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BJP in-charge for Bihar, Bhupendra Yadav: Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad to be BJP’s candidate from Patna Sahib.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LokSabhaElections2019?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LokSabhaElections2019</a> <a href="https://t.co/LIVPmAFOLA">pic.twitter.com/LIVPmAFOLA</a>
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BJP's party in-charge for Bihar, Bhupendra Yadav announced that Lok Janshakti Party's Chandan Kumar will contest from Nawada. LJP chief Ram Vilas Paswan's son, Chirag Paswan, is fielded from Jamui seat while his brother&nbsp;Ram Vilas Paswan's brother Pashupati Kumar Paras to contest from Hajipur

Besides this, Ramkirpal Yadav will contest from Patliputra, RK Singh from Arrah, Aswani Choubey from Buxar, Radha Mohan Singh from East Champaran, Rajiv Pratap Rudy from Saran, Yadav stated.

Meanwhile, former Chhattisgarh chief minister and BJP leader Dr Raman Singh on Saturday said that a meeting of the Bharatiya Janata Party's central election committee will be held later in the day today, news agency ANI reported.&nbsp;

Singh said that the leaders are likely to take a final call on 6 Lok Sabha seats in Chhattisgarh, following which the names of the candidates will be declared.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Friday released a list of 36 candidates for Lok Sabha polls in Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Maharashtra and Odisha ahead of the general elections.

The party has fielded Girish Bapat from Pune (Maharashtra), its <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-polls-bjp-releases-list-of-36-candidates-sambit-patra-to-contest-from-puri-204967">national spokesperson Sambit Patra from Puri (Odisha)</a>, Dilip Kumar Kilaru from Vijayawada (Andhra Pradesh), Bharati Pawar from Dindori (Maharashtra) and Sanbor Shullai from Shillong (Meghalaya).

The decision was taken after a meeting of the Central Election Committee of the BJP in New Delhi. The meeting was attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh, Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley and External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj among others.

The National Democratic Alliance on Saturday released its list for 39 out of the total 40 Lok Sabha seats in Bihar. The Bharatiya Janata Party, which will contest the general polls in Bihar in alliance with Nitish Kumar's Janata Dal (United) and Ram Vilas Paswan-led Lok Janshakti Party (LJP), will contest 17 seats.

The National Democratic Alliance on Saturday released its list for 39 out of the total 40 Lok Sabha seats in Bihar. The Bharatiya Janata Party, which will contest the general polls in Bihar in alliance with Nitish Kumar's Janata Dal (United) and Ram Vilas Paswan-led Lok Janshakti Party (LJP), will contest 17 seats. According to reports, the JD(U) will also fight on 17 seats while 6 seats go to the LPJ. Union minister Ravi Shankar Prasad will contest from Shatrughan Sinha's Patna Sahib seat. BJP in-charge for Bihar, Bhupendra Yadav: Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad to be BJP’s candidate from Patna Sahib.#LokSabhaElections2019 pic.twitter.com/LIVPmAFOLA — ANI (@ANI) March 23, 2019 × BJP's party in-charge for Bihar, Bhupendra Yadav announced that Lok Janshakti Party's Chandan Kumar will contest from Nawada. LJP chief Ram Vilas Paswan's son, Chirag Paswan, is fielded from Jamui seat while his brother Ram Vilas Paswan's brother Pashupati Kumar Paras to contest from Hajipur Besides this, Ramkirpal Yadav will contest from Patliputra, RK Singh from Arrah, Aswani Choubey from Buxar, Radha Mohan Singh from East Champaran, Rajiv Pratap Rudy from Saran, Yadav stated. Meanwhile, former Chhattisgarh chief minister and BJP leader Dr Raman Singh on Saturday said that a meeting of the Bharatiya Janata Party's central election committee will be held later in the day today, news agency ANI reported. Singh said that the leaders are likely to take a final call on 6 Lok Sabha seats in Chhattisgarh, following which the names of the candidates will be declared. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Friday released a list of 36 candidates for Lok Sabha polls in Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Maharashtra and Odisha ahead of the general elections. The party has fielded Girish Bapat from Pune (Maharashtra), its national spokesperson Sambit Patra from Puri (Odisha), Dilip Kumar Kilaru from Vijayawada (Andhra Pradesh), Bharati Pawar from Dindori (Maharashtra) and Sanbor Shullai from Shillong (Meghalaya). The decision was taken after a meeting of the Central Election Committee of the BJP in New Delhi. The meeting was attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh, Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley and External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj among others.

Lok Sabha polls: NDA releases list of candidates for Bihar, Ravi Shankar Prasad replaces Shatrughan Sinha in Patna Sahib seat

There is convergence of views between India and the US not only on international issues but also in their economic vision as the two countries are natural allies and partners in progress, according to India's envoy here.

Noting that the relationship between the two countries has evolved into a truly comprehensive partnership of mutual trust and confidence over the years, Indian Ambassador to the US Harsh Vardhan Shringla on Friday told a business audience that the visits by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Washington in 2016 and 2017 highlighted the huge bipartisan support for this relationship.

He received an overwhelming welcome from the US Congress and the business community and during his meeting with President Donald Trump, both leaders spoke about convergence in values, priorities, concerns, and interests, Shringla said in his address to the Business Seminar in the London House in Chicago.

"Both leaders committed to further expand the trade relationship with focus on job creation and to develop an understanding of each other's priorities.&nbsp;Government of India is committed to building on this relationship with the US. There is a convergence of views of the two countries not only on international issues but also in the economic vision,"&nbsp;he said.

Shringla said the most recent political level engagement held at the bilateral Commercial Dialogue in Delhi last month also took note that annual bilateral trade in goods and services between the US and India more than doubled over the last decade, from US $58 billion in 2007 to US $126 billion in 2017.

"Both sides resolved to remain engaged and take measures for further enhancement of bilateral trade. The sides agreed to continue to find ways to improve bilateral trade and increase market access in our countries as was agreed upon in the United States and India: Prosperity Through Partnership joint statement of June 2017 and the Commercial Dialogue Joint Statement of October 2017,"&nbsp;he said.

Asserting that trade and commercial ties between the two countries are strong, he said the two-way trade has grown exponentially and was worth US$ 126 billion in goods and services in 2017. In 2018, it is expected to cross US $140 billion more than 11 per cent increase over 2017.

Total bilateral merchandise trade in 2018 was more than US $87.5 billion. US exports to India in 2018 have grown at nearly 30 per cent to over US $33 billion while Indian exports have grown at about 12 per cent to over US $54 billion. This growth has ensured that bilateral trade deficit has reduced by over seven per cent in 2018 alone, he said.

Shringla expressed hope that the inclusion of India in the License Exception Strategic Trade Authorization (STA-1) will further give a fillip to the defence trade between the two countries and integrate India into the international supply chains.&nbsp;

High-level engagement like the 2+2 dialogue between the two countries has once again thrown focus on the importance that both sides attach to the relationship.

"It has brought into light the shared commitment to a forward-looking vision for the India-US strategic partnership which is putting our relations on an upward trajectory,"&nbsp;he said.

Noting that people to people relations form the bedrock of the bilateral relations between the two countries, he said the presence of a large and vibrant Indian American community is a bonding factor between the two countries.

More than 227,000 Indian students are studying in the US who contribute over US $6.5 billion to the US education sector each year. US has continued to be among the largest tourist generating market for India during the last few years with over 1.3 million tourists visiting India in 2017, he said.

A similar number of Indian nationals also visited the US. India is the sixth largest market for international visitor spending in America. Both countries look forward to further enhancing potential of the sector to support economic growth, create jobs and foster closer relationships between our people, he said.

There is convergence of views between India and the US not only on international issues but also in their economic vision as the two countries are natural allies and partners in progress, according to India's envoy here.

There is convergence of views between India and the US not only on international issues but also in their economic vision as the two countries are natural allies and partners in progress, according to India's envoy here. Noting that the relationship between the two countries has evolved into a truly comprehensive partnership of mutual trust and confidence over the years, Indian Ambassador to the US Harsh Vardhan Shringla on Friday told a business audience that the visits by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Washington in 2016 and 2017 highlighted the huge bipartisan support for this relationship. He received an overwhelming welcome from the US Congress and the business community and during his meeting with President Donald Trump, both leaders spoke about convergence in values, priorities, concerns, and interests, Shringla said in his address to the Business Seminar in the London House in Chicago. "Both leaders committed to further expand the trade relationship with focus on job creation and to develop an understanding of each other's priorities. Government of India is committed to building on this relationship with the US. There is a convergence of views of the two countries not only on international issues but also in the economic vision," he said. Shringla said the most recent political level engagement held at the bilateral Commercial Dialogue in Delhi last month also took note that annual bilateral trade in goods and services between the US and India more than doubled over the last decade, from US $58 billion in 2007 to US $126 billion in 2017. "Both sides resolved to remain engaged and take measures for further enhancement of bilateral trade. The sides agreed to continue to find ways to improve bilateral trade and increase market access in our countries as was agreed upon in the United States and India: Prosperity Through Partnership joint statement of June 2017 and the Commercial Dialogue Joint Statement of October 2017," he said. Asserting that trade and commercial ties between the two countries are strong, he said the two-way trade has grown exponentially and was worth US$ 126 billion in goods and services in 2017. In 2018, it is expected to cross US $140 billion more than 11 per cent increase over 2017. Total bilateral merchandise trade in 2018 was more than US $87.5 billion. US exports to India in 2018 have grown at nearly 30 per cent to over US $33 billion while Indian exports have grown at about 12 per cent to over US $54 billion. This growth has ensured that bilateral trade deficit has reduced by over seven per cent in 2018 alone, he said. Shringla expressed hope that the inclusion of India in the License Exception Strategic Trade Authorization (STA-1) will further give a fillip to the defence trade between the two countries and integrate India into the international supply chains. High-level engagement like the 2+2 dialogue between the two countries has once again thrown focus on the importance that both sides attach to the relationship. "It has brought into light the shared commitment to a forward-looking vision for the India-US strategic partnership which is putting our relations on an upward trajectory," he said. Noting that people to people relations form the bedrock of the bilateral relations between the two countries, he said the presence of a large and vibrant Indian American community is a bonding factor between the two countries. More than 227,000 Indian students are studying in the US who contribute over US $6.5 billion to the US education sector each year. US has continued to be among the largest tourist generating market for India during the last few years with over 1.3 million tourists visiting India in 2017, he said. A similar number of Indian nationals also visited the US. India is the sixth largest market for international visitor spending in America. Both countries look forward to further enhancing potential of the sector to support economic growth, create jobs and foster closer relationships between our people, he said.

India-US are natural allies and partners in progress: Indian envoy

An 18 month-old-boy who had fallen into a 60-feet deep borewell in Hisar's Balsamand village was rescued on Friday.

The boy, identified as Nadeem, was successfully rescued in a joint operation carried out by the Indian Army, civil administration and the local police. He was later handed over to his parents.

“The Army engineers prepared the heavy equipment of dozers and JCB. With the assistance of civilian excavators, the engineers had already started digging to construct a connecting tunnel 60 feet deep to avoid any harm to the child," Indian Army said.

Nadeem, who was playing outdoors, fell into the borewell on Wednesday.

District Magistrate of Hisar Ashok Kumar Meena said an investigation will be conducted into the matter and legal action will be taken against the person who dug the borewell without taking permission from the department concerned.&nbsp;

An 18 month-old-boy who had fallen into a 60-feet deep borewell in Hisar's Balsamand village was rescued on Friday. The boy, identified as Nadeem, was successfully rescued in a joint operation carried out by the Indian Army, civil administration and the local police.

An 18 month-old-boy who had fallen into a 60-feet deep borewell in Hisar's Balsamand village was rescued on Friday. The boy, identified as Nadeem, was successfully rescued in a joint operation carried out by the Indian Army, civil administration and the local police. He was later handed over to his parents. “The Army engineers prepared the heavy equipment of dozers and JCB. With the assistance of civilian excavators, the engineers had already started digging to construct a connecting tunnel 60 feet deep to avoid any harm to the child," Indian Army said. Nadeem, who was playing outdoors, fell into the borewell on Wednesday. District Magistrate of Hisar Ashok Kumar Meena said an investigation will be conducted into the matter and legal action will be taken against the person who dug the borewell without taking permission from the department concerned.

Toddler successfully rescued from 60-foot borewell in Haryana

Delhi's Patiala House Court on March 19 ordered attachment of Vijay Mallya's properties in Bengaluru under section 83 of the code of criminal procedure in connection with a FERA (Foreign Exchange Regulation Act) violation case, news agency ANI reported on Saturday.&nbsp;

As per reports, Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Deepak Sherawat issued fresh directions after the Bengaluru Police, through Enforcement Directorate's special public prosecutor NK Matta and advocate Samvedna Verma, sought more time to execute its earlier order in this regard, news agency PTI reported.&nbsp;

The court has directed the state police to attach the properties by July 10, which is the next date of hearing.

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The court was informed that Bengaluru Police had earlier identified 159 properties belonging to Mallya but had not been able to attach any of them.

Fugitive liquor baron Vijay Mallya was declared a proclaimed offender by the court for evading its summons in the case.

The court had previously directed the attachment of Mallya's properties in the case through the Bengaluru Police commissioner and sought a report on it. An open-ended non-bailable warrant (NBW) was also issued against Mallya.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Delhi's Patiala House Court on March 19 ordered attachment of Vijay Mallya's properties in Bengaluru under section 83 of the code of criminal procedure in connection with a FERA (Foreign Exchange Regulation Act) violation case, news agency ANI reported on Saturday.

Delhi's Patiala House Court on March 19 ordered attachment of Vijay Mallya's properties in Bengaluru under section 83 of the code of criminal procedure in connection with a FERA (Foreign Exchange Regulation Act) violation case, news agency ANI reported on Saturday. As per reports, Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Deepak Sherawat issued fresh directions after the Bengaluru Police, through Enforcement Directorate's special public prosecutor NK Matta and advocate Samvedna Verma, sought more time to execute its earlier order in this regard, news agency PTI reported. The court has directed the state police to attach the properties by July 10, which is the next date of hearing. Delhi's Patiala House Court on 19th March ordered attachment of Vijay Mallya's properties in Bengaluru under section 83 in The code of criminal procedure in connection with a FERA (Foreign Exchange Regulation Act) violation case. pic.twitter.com/i912hpl0zd — ANI (@ANI) March 23, 2019 × The court was informed that Bengaluru Police had earlier identified 159 properties belonging to Mallya but had not been able to attach any of them. Fugitive liquor baron Vijay Mallya was declared a proclaimed offender by the court for evading its summons in the case. The court had previously directed the attachment of Mallya's properties in the case through the Bengaluru Police commissioner and sought a report on it. An open-ended non-bailable warrant (NBW) was also issued against Mallya. (With inputs from agencies)

Delhi court ordered attachment of Vijay Mallya's properties in Bengaluru 

After Congress levelled <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/tax-dept-says-loose-sheets-containing-alleged-pay-offs-by-yeddyurappa-doubtful-204926">corruption allegations</a> against former Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yeddyurappa, his son BY Raghavendra came down heavily on the party on Saturday and demanded an investigation into the matter.

"This has become the joke of the year," Raghavendra told ANI while accusing the Congress of unnecessarily creating a controversy.

"My father does not have a habit of writing in a dairy," he added.

He further alleged that the creator of the controversy lacks common sense as his father would never sign the pages of his own diary and demanded that a fair inquiry must be conducted into the issue.

On March 22, citing a news magazine report, Congress spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala in a press conference alleged that BS Yeddyurappa`s diary had a mention about the payments allegedly made to the BJP`s Central Committee which included Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, Home Minister Rajnath Singh and Shipping Minister Nitin Gadkari, besides the Prime Minister.&nbsp;

After Congress levelled corruption allegations against former Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yeddyurappa, his son BY Raghavendra came down heavily on the party on Saturday and demanded an investigation into the matter.

After Congress levelled corruption allegations against former Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yeddyurappa, his son BY Raghavendra came down heavily on the party on Saturday and demanded an investigation into the matter. "This has become the joke of the year," Raghavendra told ANI while accusing the Congress of unnecessarily creating a controversy. "My father does not have a habit of writing in a dairy," he added. He further alleged that the creator of the controversy lacks common sense as his father would never sign the pages of his own diary and demanded that a fair inquiry must be conducted into the issue. On March 22, citing a news magazine report, Congress spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala in a press conference alleged that BS Yeddyurappa`s diary had a mention about the payments allegedly made to the BJP`s Central Committee which included Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, Home Minister Rajnath Singh and Shipping Minister Nitin Gadkari, besides the Prime Minister.

Yeddyurappa's son demands inquiry into 'diary' controversy

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