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Senior Congress leader from Maharashtra, Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil, has resigned from the party. He is expected to join BJP.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/vikhe-patils-a-powerful-family-in-maharashtra-with-cross-party-loyalties-204290">Vikhe Patil</a> was Leader of Opposition in the Maharashtra assembly. Vikhe Patil's resignation comes a week after his son Sujay walked over to the BJP as he was denied ticket from Ahmednagar constituency.

Sujay wanted to contest from 2019 Lok Sabha elections from Ahmednagar, but as per the arrangement between Congress and Nationalist Congress Party, NCP chief Sharad Pawar refused to vacate that seat. Ahmednagar has been traditionally a stronghold of Vikhe Patils.

Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil served as minister in Ashok Chavan's government and was elected from Shirdi constituency in 2014. He had earlier threatened to boycott campaigning for the NCP in Ahmednagar after Sharad Pawar's refusal to give up the seat.

The Vikhe-Patils, based in Ahmednagar district, are a formidable name in Maharashtra's political history and also considered pioneers of the sugar co-operative movement in the state.

Members of the Vikhe Patil family, whose interests go beyond politics, have been part of almost all major parties in the last 70 years.

The biggest contribution of the family in Maharashtra has been its role in setting up Asia's first cooperative sugar mill in Ahmednagar right after Independence by late Vitthalrao Vikhe Patil under the guidance of then Congress stalwart Dhananjayrao Gadgil.

It changed the rural economy and introduction of sugarcane as a cash crop contributed to uplift of people in villages and towns in several parts of Maharashtra.

The family flourished under the leadership of Balasabhe Vikhe Patil, the son of Vitthalrao Vikhe Patil.

Under Balasabhe Vikhe Patil, the family entered the education sector where it set up schools, medical and engineering colleges and also social organisations, thereby expanding its dominance in western Maharashtra.

Balasaheb Vikhe Patil, who was in the Congress for a long time, won the erstwhile Ahmednagar North Lok Sabha seat seven times.

(With PTI inputs)

Senior Congress leader from Maharashtra, Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil, has resigned from the party. He is expected to join BJP. Vikhe Patil was Leader of Opposition in the Maharashtra assembly.

Senior Congress leader from Maharashtra, Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil, has resigned from the party. He is expected to join BJP. Vikhe Patil was Leader of Opposition in the Maharashtra assembly. Vikhe Patil's resignation comes a week after his son Sujay walked over to the BJP as he was denied ticket from Ahmednagar constituency. Sujay wanted to contest from 2019 Lok Sabha elections from Ahmednagar, but as per the arrangement between Congress and Nationalist Congress Party, NCP chief Sharad Pawar refused to vacate that seat. Ahmednagar has been traditionally a stronghold of Vikhe Patils. Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil served as minister in Ashok Chavan's government and was elected from Shirdi constituency in 2014. He had earlier threatened to boycott campaigning for the NCP in Ahmednagar after Sharad Pawar's refusal to give up the seat. The Vikhe-Patils, based in Ahmednagar district, are a formidable name in Maharashtra's political history and also considered pioneers of the sugar co-operative movement in the state. Members of the Vikhe Patil family, whose interests go beyond politics, have been part of almost all major parties in the last 70 years. The biggest contribution of the family in Maharashtra has been its role in setting up Asia's first cooperative sugar mill in Ahmednagar right after Independence by late Vitthalrao Vikhe Patil under the guidance of then Congress stalwart Dhananjayrao Gadgil. It changed the rural economy and introduction of sugarcane as a cash crop contributed to uplift of people in villages and towns in several parts of Maharashtra. The family flourished under the leadership of Balasabhe Vikhe Patil, the son of Vitthalrao Vikhe Patil. Under Balasabhe Vikhe Patil, the family entered the education sector where it set up schools, medical and engineering colleges and also social organisations, thereby expanding its dominance in western Maharashtra. Balasaheb Vikhe Patil, who was in the Congress for a long time, won the erstwhile Ahmednagar North Lok Sabha seat seven times. (With PTI inputs)

Week after son, Maharashtra Congress leader Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil quits party

Congress leader Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil quit the party on Tuesday, a week after his son Sujay walked over to the BJP. The move may be seen as a setback for the opposition party in Maharashtra, but it does not come as a surprise to the political pundits who point to the family's history of shifting loyalties.

The Vikhe-Patils, based in Ahmednagar district, are a formidable name in Maharashtra's political history and also considered pioneers of the sugar co-operative movement in the state.

Sujay Vikhe Patil, the son of the Leader of Opposition in the Assembly Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil, joined the BJP on March 12 and is tipped to be its candidate from his preferred Ahmednagar Lok Sabha constituency.

Members of the Vikhe Patil family, whose interests go beyond politics, have been part of almost all major parties in the last 70 years.

The biggest contribution of the family in Maharashtra has been its role in setting up Asia's first cooperative sugar mill in Ahmednagar right after Independence by late Vitthalrao Vikhe Patil under the guidance of then Congress stalwart Dhananjayrao Gadgil.

It changed the rural economy and introduction of sugarcane as a cash crop contributed to uplift of people in villages and towns in several parts of Maharashtra. 
The family flourished under the leadership of Balasabhe Vikhe Patil, the son of Vitthalrao Vikhe Patil.

Under Balasabhe Vikhe Patil, the family entered the education sector where it set up schools, medical and engineering colleges and also social organisations, thereby expanding its dominance in western Maharashtra.

Balasaheb Vikhe Patil, who was in the Congress for a long time, won the erstwhile Ahmednagar North Lok Sabha seat seven times.

Before joining the Congress, Balasaheb Vikhe Patil was closely associated with the Communist Party of India.

His past communist link was not ignored by senior Congress leaders who used it to question his "loyalty" to the party, said Bal Bothe-Patil, a journalist from Ahmednagar district.

When the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi imposed Emergency in 1975, Balasaheb Vikhe Patil left the Congress like many other leaders in those days and became chairman of the Maharashtra Samajwadi Congress in 1978 along with his party colleague from Nanded, Shankarrao Chavan.

However, both returned to the Congress fold when Indira Gandhi stormed back to power after losing the post-Emergency Lok Sabha polls.

"The Vikhe Patils could not stay away from power for long. The same pattern was followed by his son (Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil) and grandson Sujay, who is now in the BJP," said Bothe-Patil, whose doctorate thesis was on political parties in Ahmednagar district since Independence.

Balasaheb Vikhe Patil again rebelled against former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi in 1989, and under the leadership of V P Singh formed a political group, the Congress Forum for Action, that roped in 45 MPs across the country, he said.

It was a strong message to other Congress leaders from Maharashtra, including Sharad Pawar, that the clout of the Vikhe Patils is growing, Bothe-Patil added.

"The biggest-ever rift in Congress was witnessed when Balasaheb Vikhe Patil, defeated in polls, in early 1990s filed a lawsuit against (then) Congress leader Sharad Pawar for his alleged suggestion over acceptance of freebies.

"Though Pawar (who later quit the Congress and formed NCP) had to face the Supreme Court's strictures, (it appears that) he did not forget the case," he claims. 
This may be the reason behind the NCP's refusal to drop its claim on the Ahmednagar Lok Sabha constituency as part of its seat-sharing agreement with the Congress for the upcoming polls, he said.

Pawar's "stubbornness" left Sujay Vikhe Patil with no other option but to join the BJP, probably the only major party his family has not been associated with till now, Bothe-Patil added.

In 1990s, the BJP-led coalition came to power at the Centre as well as in Maharashtra (in alliance with the Shiv Sena).

Balasaheb Vikhe Patil switched over to the Shiv Sena and later became Union Minister for Heavy Industries in the Vajpayee cabinet.

His son Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil also joined the Balasaheb Thackeray-founded party and became a minister in the Manohar Joshi-led Shiv Sena-BJP government in Maharashtra.

The father-son duo returned to the Congress by 1999 and held ministerial posts till the party was in power.

Congress leader Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil quit the party on Tuesday, a week after his son Sujay walked over to the BJP. The move may be seen as a setback for the opposition party in Maharashtra, but it does not come as a surprise to the political pundits who point to the family's history of shifting loyalties.

Congress leader Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil quit the party on Tuesday, a week after his son Sujay walked over to the BJP. The move may be seen as a setback for the opposition party in Maharashtra, but it does not come as a surprise to the political pundits who point to the family's history of shifting loyalties. The Vikhe-Patils, based in Ahmednagar district, are a formidable name in Maharashtra's political history and also considered pioneers of the sugar co-operative movement in the state. Sujay Vikhe Patil, the son of the Leader of Opposition in the Assembly Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil, joined the BJP on March 12 and is tipped to be its candidate from his preferred Ahmednagar Lok Sabha constituency. Members of the Vikhe Patil family, whose interests go beyond politics, have been part of almost all major parties in the last 70 years. The biggest contribution of the family in Maharashtra has been its role in setting up Asia's first cooperative sugar mill in Ahmednagar right after Independence by late Vitthalrao Vikhe Patil under the guidance of then Congress stalwart Dhananjayrao Gadgil. It changed the rural economy and introduction of sugarcane as a cash crop contributed to uplift of people in villages and towns in several parts of Maharashtra. The family flourished under the leadership of Balasabhe Vikhe Patil, the son of Vitthalrao Vikhe Patil. Under Balasabhe Vikhe Patil, the family entered the education sector where it set up schools, medical and engineering colleges and also social organisations, thereby expanding its dominance in western Maharashtra. Balasaheb Vikhe Patil, who was in the Congress for a long time, won the erstwhile Ahmednagar North Lok Sabha seat seven times. Before joining the Congress, Balasaheb Vikhe Patil was closely associated with the Communist Party of India. His past communist link was not ignored by senior Congress leaders who used it to question his "loyalty" to the party, said Bal Bothe-Patil, a journalist from Ahmednagar district. When the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi imposed Emergency in 1975, Balasaheb Vikhe Patil left the Congress like many other leaders in those days and became chairman of the Maharashtra Samajwadi Congress in 1978 along with his party colleague from Nanded, Shankarrao Chavan. However, both returned to the Congress fold when Indira Gandhi stormed back to power after losing the post-Emergency Lok Sabha polls. "The Vikhe Patils could not stay away from power for long. The same pattern was followed by his son (Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil) and grandson Sujay, who is now in the BJP," said Bothe-Patil, whose doctorate thesis was on political parties in Ahmednagar district since Independence. Balasaheb Vikhe Patil again rebelled against former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi in 1989, and under the leadership of V P Singh formed a political group, the Congress Forum for Action, that roped in 45 MPs across the country, he said. It was a strong message to other Congress leaders from Maharashtra, including Sharad Pawar, that the clout of the Vikhe Patils is growing, Bothe-Patil added. "The biggest-ever rift in Congress was witnessed when Balasaheb Vikhe Patil, defeated in polls, in early 1990s filed a lawsuit against (then) Congress leader Sharad Pawar for his alleged suggestion over acceptance of freebies. "Though Pawar (who later quit the Congress and formed NCP) had to face the Supreme Court's strictures, (it appears that) he did not forget the case," he claims. This may be the reason behind the NCP's refusal to drop its claim on the Ahmednagar Lok Sabha constituency as part of its seat-sharing agreement with the Congress for the upcoming polls, he said. Pawar's "stubbornness" left Sujay Vikhe Patil with no other option but to join the BJP, probably the only major party his family has not been associated with till now, Bothe-Patil added. In 1990s, the BJP-led coalition came to power at the Centre as well as in Maharashtra (in alliance with the Shiv Sena). Balasaheb Vikhe Patil switched over to the Shiv Sena and later became Union Minister for Heavy Industries in the Vajpayee cabinet. His son Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil also joined the Balasaheb Thackeray-founded party and became a minister in the Manohar Joshi-led Shiv Sena-BJP government in Maharashtra. The father-son duo returned to the Congress by 1999 and held ministerial posts till the party was in power.

Vikhe Patils: A powerful family in Maharashtra with cross-party loyalties

Bharatiya Janata Party's Pramod Sawant took charge as Goa's 11th Chief Minister on Tuesday. Sawant announced that a floor test will be conducted on Wednesday to prove the majority of BJP-led coalition government.&nbsp;

Sawant also stated that there will two deputy chief ministers in his government, namely - Vijay Sardesai and Sudin Dhavalikar.&nbsp;

The new Goa CM requested party workers and wellwishers to not congratulate him or welcome him with flowers and bouquets during the 7-day mourning period marking former Goa CM <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/from-surgical-strikes-to-signing-rafale-deal-parrikar-had-short-but-an-eventful-term-as-defence-minister-203935">Manohar Parrikar's demise</a>.&nbsp;

Sawant <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bjps-pramod-sawant-takes-oath-as-goa-chief-minister-says-will-never-be-able-to-do-as-much-as-parrikar-204182">took oath as Goa's chief minister in the wee hours of Tuesday</a>. Shortly after the taking charge, he remembered <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/whatever-i-am-today-is-all-due-manohar-parrikar-new-goa-cm-pramod-sawant-204194">Parrikar</a>, stating that his political career is "all due to Parrikar". &nbsp;

Sawant's swearing-in early Tuesday capped a hectic day of parleying between the BJP and its allies after former Goa chief minister Manohar Parrikar died Sunday. He was cremated on Monday evening, and Sawant was sworn in a few hours later.&nbsp;

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Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant: We are going for the floor test tomorrow. There will 2 deputy CMs in this government- Vijay Sardesai and Sudin Dhavalikar. And I request all the people to not congratulate me or welcome me with flowers during the 7-day mourning period. <a href="https://t.co/984g6UohEV">pic.twitter.com/984g6UohEV</a>
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The two deputy chief ministerships were how the deadlock was broken — Dhavalikar and Sardesai had both staked a claim to the chief ministership.&nbsp;

The new government was sworn in with the support of 20 MLAs, including 11 from the BJP and three each from GFP, MGP and Independents.

All the MLAs supporting the coalition were present at the swearing-in ceremony.

Before taking oath as chief minister, Sawant resigned from the Speaker's post.

Bharatiya Janata Party's Pramod Sawant took charge as Goa's 11th Chief Minister on Tuesday. Sawant announced that a floor test will be conducted on Wednesday to prove the majority of BJP-led coalition government.

Bharatiya Janata Party's Pramod Sawant took charge as Goa's 11th Chief Minister on Tuesday. Sawant announced that a floor test will be conducted on Wednesday to prove the majority of BJP-led coalition government. Sawant also stated that there will two deputy chief ministers in his government, namely - Vijay Sardesai and Sudin Dhavalikar. The new Goa CM requested party workers and wellwishers to not congratulate him or welcome him with flowers and bouquets during the 7-day mourning period marking former Goa CM Manohar Parrikar's demise. Sawant took oath as Goa's chief minister in the wee hours of Tuesday. Shortly after the taking charge, he remembered Parrikar, stating that his political career is "all due to Parrikar". Sawant's swearing-in early Tuesday capped a hectic day of parleying between the BJP and its allies after former Goa chief minister Manohar Parrikar died Sunday. He was cremated on Monday evening, and Sawant was sworn in a few hours later. Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant: We are going for the floor test tomorrow. There will 2 deputy CMs in this government- Vijay Sardesai and Sudin Dhavalikar. And I request all the people to not congratulate me or welcome me with flowers during the 7-day mourning period. pic.twitter.com/984g6UohEV — ANI (@ANI) March 19, 2019 × The two deputy chief ministerships were how the deadlock was broken — Dhavalikar and Sardesai had both staked a claim to the chief ministership. The new government was sworn in with the support of 20 MLAs, including 11 from the BJP and three each from GFP, MGP and Independents. All the MLAs supporting the coalition were present at the swearing-in ceremony. Before taking oath as chief minister, Sawant resigned from the Speaker's post.

Pramod Sawant takes charge as Goa CM, floor test to prove majority of his cabinet likely tomorrow

A brisk stroll once or twice a week is enough to reduce the risk of dying from heart attack, stroke or cancer, according to a statistical study of nearly 90,000 people released Tuesday.

People who walked or gardened 10 minutes to an hour each week had an 18 per cent lower risk of death from any cause compared to full-on couch potatoes, researchers reported in the British Journal of Sports Medicine.

Two-and-a-half to five hours weekly of such "moderate physical activity" -- broken into segments of no less than 10 minutes -- resulted in a 31 per cent reduction in risk, they found.

And those who clocked up at least 25 hours almost halved the risk.

Not everyone, however, has that much time to spend on leisure-time exercise, the authors acknowledged.

Heart-pumping and pulse-quickening activities such as biking, running and competitive sports "are more time-efficient than moderate intensity activity," they said.

For cardiovascular disease alone, there was no additional benefit to be gained by graduating from five to 25 hours, they noted.

Researchers led by Bo Xi, a professor in the Department of Epidemiology at Shandong University in northern China, sifted through data collected annually on 88,140 people in the United States between 1997 and 2008 for the National Health Interview Surveys.

That data on exercise was then matched against registered deaths through 2011.

The authors cautioned that the study was observational, meaning that no firm conclusions can be drawn about cause and effect. The fact that exercise data was self-reported was also a potential weakness.

But a large number of people covered by the research goes a long way to compensate for these methodological limitations, they added.

A brisk stroll once or twice a week is enough to reduce the risk of dying from heart attack, stroke or cancer, according to a statistical study of nearly 90,000 people released Tuesday.

A brisk stroll once or twice a week is enough to reduce the risk of dying from heart attack, stroke or cancer, according to a statistical study of nearly 90,000 people released Tuesday. People who walked or gardened 10 minutes to an hour each week had an 18 per cent lower risk of death from any cause compared to full-on couch potatoes, researchers reported in the British Journal of Sports Medicine. Two-and-a-half to five hours weekly of such "moderate physical activity" -- broken into segments of no less than 10 minutes -- resulted in a 31 per cent reduction in risk, they found. And those who clocked up at least 25 hours almost halved the risk. Not everyone, however, has that much time to spend on leisure-time exercise, the authors acknowledged. Heart-pumping and pulse-quickening activities such as biking, running and competitive sports "are more time-efficient than moderate intensity activity," they said. For cardiovascular disease alone, there was no additional benefit to be gained by graduating from five to 25 hours, they noted. Researchers led by Bo Xi, a professor in the Department of Epidemiology at Shandong University in northern China, sifted through data collected annually on 88,140 people in the United States between 1997 and 2008 for the National Health Interview Surveys. That data on exercise was then matched against registered deaths through 2011. The authors cautioned that the study was observational, meaning that no firm conclusions can be drawn about cause and effect. The fact that exercise data was self-reported was also a potential weakness. But a large number of people covered by the research goes a long way to compensate for these methodological limitations, they added.

Short walk once a week can lower risk of death: Study

Both the big Tamil Nadu parties said Tuesday that they would urge the government of India to order the release of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/opinion-heres-why-rajiv-gandhis-assassins-should-be-freed-165057">the seven people convicted in the Rajiv Gandhi assassination case</a>.&nbsp;

"AIADMK will urge Government of India and the President to give due direction to the Governor of Tamil Nadu for release of the seven Tamil convicts as ordered by Supreme Court and approved by," the ruling AIADMK said.&nbsp;

And DMK chief MK Stalin said "the seven prisoners of Rajiv Gandhi assassination case will be released on humanitarian basis".&nbsp;

The announcement by both parties was made at the release of their election manifestos.&nbsp;

The DMK were the first to release its manifesto from its party office Anna Arivalayam, where Party President MK Stalin read out the salient features of their manifesto. Some of its salient features were&nbsp;providing Indian citizenship for Sri Lankan Tamils who have been living in refugee camps, abolition of the NEET entrance exam, Central Government Offices in Tamil Nadu would use Tamil as a co-official language, fuel prices would be regulated using an administered pricing mechanism, among others.

Additionally it also mentioned Metro Rail projects for cities such as Madurai, Trichy, Salem, Coimbatore, introducing measures to protect the firecracker industry in Tamil Nadu, offering free train passes for school and college students, and an initiative to link rivers in South India.&nbsp;

About an hour later, the Coordinator of the AIADMK O Panneerselvam released his party’s manifesto. Its highlights included an Amma Poverty Alleviation Scheme, monthly aid of Rs1500 to below poverty line families, the differently-abled and landless agricultural labourers, ensuring that Tamil Nadu is exempt from the NEET exam, and a Cauvery-Godavari river linkage scheme. It also made mention of waiving education loans, transferring education from the concurrent list to the state list, and called for a probe led by an international committee into the genocide of Tamils in Sri Lanka.&nbsp;

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AIADMK in its election manifesto: AIADMK will urge Government of India and the President to give due direction to the Governor of Tamil Nadu for release of the seven Tamil convicts as ordered by Supreme Court and approved by 
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DMK Chief MK Stalin during the release of DMK Election Manifesto in Chennai: The seven prisoners of Rajiv Gandhi assassination case will be released on humanitarian basis. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LokSabhaElections2019?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LokSabhaElections2019</a> <a href="https://t.co/KUmmjiNMIB">pic.twitter.com/KUmmjiNMIB</a>
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Most of the seven convicted in the Rajiv Gandhi assassination case are Sri Lankan Tamils.&nbsp;

This is not the first time a Tamil Nadu government has said it will release the seven, but the proposal has been turned down by the Centre.&nbsp;&nbsp;

On Tuesday, the DMK also said at the release of its manifesto that it would restart the Sethu Samudram project which envisages the creation of a shipping lane in the Gulf of Mannar which runs between India and the western coast of Sri Lanka.&nbsp;The Congress government at the Centre had to pull back a similar proposal in 2007 because of massive resistance&nbsp;— a number of Hindus believe the Gulf of Mannar is the site of the mythical Ram Setu.&nbsp;

The DMK added that it would introduce a quota in the private sector.&nbsp;

Tamil Nadu goes to polls over a single phase on April 18.&nbsp;

AIADMK and DMK candidates will be in a direct face-off in eight of Tamil Nadu’s 39 constituencies. They include Chennai South, Kanchipuram, Tiruvannamalai, Tirunelveli, Mayiladuthurai, Salem, Nilgiris and Pollachi.

The AIADMK alliance includes the BJP, PMK, DMDK and smaller regional outfits, while the DMK alliance includes the Congress, Left Parties and smaller regional outfits.

BJP and Congress candidates meanwhile will face off in Kanyakumari and Sivaganga.

The AIADMK and DMK have given 20 seats to their candidates while the rest have been distributed among allies.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Both the big Tamil Nadu parties said Tuesday that they would urge the government of India to order the release of the seven people convicted in the Rajiv Gandhi assassination case.

Both the big Tamil Nadu parties said Tuesday that they would urge the government of India to order the release of the seven people convicted in the Rajiv Gandhi assassination case. "AIADMK will urge Government of India and the President to give due direction to the Governor of Tamil Nadu for release of the seven Tamil convicts as ordered by Supreme Court and approved by," the ruling AIADMK said. And DMK chief MK Stalin said "the seven prisoners of Rajiv Gandhi assassination case will be released on humanitarian basis". The announcement by both parties was made at the release of their election manifestos. The DMK were the first to release its manifesto from its party office Anna Arivalayam, where Party President MK Stalin read out the salient features of their manifesto. Some of its salient features were providing Indian citizenship for Sri Lankan Tamils who have been living in refugee camps, abolition of the NEET entrance exam, Central Government Offices in Tamil Nadu would use Tamil as a co-official language, fuel prices would be regulated using an administered pricing mechanism, among others. Additionally it also mentioned Metro Rail projects for cities such as Madurai, Trichy, Salem, Coimbatore, introducing measures to protect the firecracker industry in Tamil Nadu, offering free train passes for school and college students, and an initiative to link rivers in South India. About an hour later, the Coordinator of the AIADMK O Panneerselvam released his party’s manifesto. Its highlights included an Amma Poverty Alleviation Scheme, monthly aid of Rs1500 to below poverty line families, the differently-abled and landless agricultural labourers, ensuring that Tamil Nadu is exempt from the NEET exam, and a Cauvery-Godavari river linkage scheme. It also made mention of waiving education loans, transferring education from the concurrent list to the state list, and called for a probe led by an international committee into the genocide of Tamils in Sri Lanka. AIADMK in its election manifesto: AIADMK will urge Government of India and the President to give due direction to the Governor of Tamil Nadu for release of the seven Tamil convicts as ordered by Supreme Court and approved by cabinet of Tamil Nadu govt. #LokSabhaElections2019 https://t.co/22UtSl55s4 — ANI (@ANI) March 19, 2019 × DMK Chief MK Stalin during the release of DMK Election Manifesto in Chennai: The seven prisoners of Rajiv Gandhi assassination case will be released on humanitarian basis. #LokSabhaElections2019 pic.twitter.com/KUmmjiNMIB — ANI (@ANI) March 19, 2019 × Most of the seven convicted in the Rajiv Gandhi assassination case are Sri Lankan Tamils. This is not the first time a Tamil Nadu government has said it will release the seven, but the proposal has been turned down by the Centre. On Tuesday, the DMK also said at the release of its manifesto that it would restart the Sethu Samudram project which envisages the creation of a shipping lane in the Gulf of Mannar which runs between India and the western coast of Sri Lanka. The Congress government at the Centre had to pull back a similar proposal in 2007 because of massive resistance — a number of Hindus believe the Gulf of Mannar is the site of the mythical Ram Setu. The DMK added that it would introduce a quota in the private sector. Tamil Nadu goes to polls over a single phase on April 18. AIADMK and DMK candidates will be in a direct face-off in eight of Tamil Nadu’s 39 constituencies. They include Chennai South, Kanchipuram, Tiruvannamalai, Tirunelveli, Mayiladuthurai, Salem, Nilgiris and Pollachi. The AIADMK alliance includes the BJP, PMK, DMDK and smaller regional outfits, while the DMK alliance includes the Congress, Left Parties and smaller regional outfits. BJP and Congress candidates meanwhile will face off in Kanyakumari and Sivaganga. The AIADMK and DMK have given 20 seats to their candidates while the rest have been distributed among allies.

2019 Lok Sabha polls: AIADMK, DMK say will urge Centre to release 7 convicted in Rajiv Gandhi assassination case

In a clear message to the Congress party, BSP supremo Mayawati on Monday said that the BSP-SP alliance can alone defeat the BJP in the forthcoming general elections.&nbsp;

In a series of tweets, Mayawati asserted that the Congress should feel free to contest in all 80 seats in UP. The Congress party on Sunday announced to leave seven Lok Sabha seats for Samajwadi Party (SP), Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), and Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) in Uttar Pradesh, where 80 seats are at stake.&nbsp;

"Congress is fully free in Uttar Pradesh and should field its own candidate for contesting on all the 80 Lok Sabha seats. Our alliance (SP-BSP) alone is capable of defeating the BJP. Congress should not forcibly spread rumours by leaving 7 seats in UP for the SP-BSP alliance," tweeted Mayawati.

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कांग्रेस यूपी में भी पूरी तरह से स्वतंत्र है कि वह यहाँ की सभी 80 सीटों पर अपने उम्मीदवार खड़ा करके अकेले चुनाव लड़े आर्थात हमारा यहाँ बना गठबंधन अकेले बीजेपी को पराजित करने में पूरी तरह से सक्षम है। कांग्रेस जबर्दस्ती यूपी में गठबंधन हेतु 7 सीटें छोड़ने की भ्रान्ति ना फैलाये।
— Mayawati (@Mayawati) <a href="https://twitter.com/Mayawati/status/1107513718810832896?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 18, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The former chief minister also clarified that including Uttar Pradesh, the BSP is not in alliance with the Congress in any other state.&nbsp;

"BSP once again wants to make it very clear that in Uttar Pradesh and in the country as a whole we are not in any form of alliance or agreement with Congress. Our people should not pay heed to the rumours spread by the Congress".

It is worth mentioning that SP, BSP, and RLD have forged an alliance to take on the BJP in the ensuing Lok Sabha elections in the state. SP president Akhilesh Yadav had, however, claimed that the Congress party is with the SP-BSP alliance in UP. SP-BSP has left Rae Bareli and Amethi seats for the Congress.&nbsp;

As per the seat-sharing agreement, SP is contesting 37 seats and BSP 38. Three seats have been given to the RLD--Mathura, Muzaffarpur, and Baghpat.

In a clear message to the Congress party, BSP supremo Mayawati on Monday said that the BSP-SP alliance can alone defeat the BJP in the forthcoming general elections.

In a clear message to the Congress party, BSP supremo Mayawati on Monday said that the BSP-SP alliance can alone defeat the BJP in the forthcoming general elections. In a series of tweets, Mayawati asserted that the Congress should feel free to contest in all 80 seats in UP. The Congress party on Sunday announced to leave seven Lok Sabha seats for Samajwadi Party (SP), Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), and Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) in Uttar Pradesh, where 80 seats are at stake. "Congress is fully free in Uttar Pradesh and should field its own candidate for contesting on all the 80 Lok Sabha seats. Our alliance (SP-BSP) alone is capable of defeating the BJP. Congress should not forcibly spread rumours by leaving 7 seats in UP for the SP-BSP alliance," tweeted Mayawati. कांग्रेस यूपी में भी पूरी तरह से स्वतंत्र है कि वह यहाँ की सभी 80 सीटों पर अपने उम्मीदवार खड़ा करके अकेले चुनाव लड़े आर्थात हमारा यहाँ बना गठबंधन अकेले बीजेपी को पराजित करने में पूरी तरह से सक्षम है। कांग्रेस जबर्दस्ती यूपी में गठबंधन हेतु 7 सीटें छोड़ने की भ्रान्ति ना फैलाये। — Mayawati (@Mayawati) March 18, 2019 × The former chief minister also clarified that including Uttar Pradesh, the BSP is not in alliance with the Congress in any other state. "BSP once again wants to make it very clear that in Uttar Pradesh and in the country as a whole we are not in any form of alliance or agreement with Congress. Our people should not pay heed to the rumours spread by the Congress". It is worth mentioning that SP, BSP, and RLD have forged an alliance to take on the BJP in the ensuing Lok Sabha elections in the state. SP president Akhilesh Yadav had, however, claimed that the Congress party is with the SP-BSP alliance in UP. SP-BSP has left Rae Bareli and Amethi seats for the Congress. As per the seat-sharing agreement, SP is contesting 37 seats and BSP 38. Three seats have been given to the RLD--Mathura, Muzaffarpur, and Baghpat.

We don't need Congress, SP-BSP alliance can defeat BJP on its own: Mayawati

A Surat-based student has successfully completed his PhD thesis on Narendra Modi as the Chief Minister of Gujarat and Prime Minister of India.&nbsp;

The name of the doctorate student is Mehul Choksi! It is interesting to note that the student bears the same name as Mehul Choksi, the fugitive businessman wanted in India in loan default cases.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, the Surat student who has a masters in political science took up higher studies at the Veer Narmad South Gujarat University here and submitted his research thesis on the topic "Leadership under Government - Case Study of Narendra Modi."

For his research, Choksi said he formulated a survey and interviewed 450 people including government officials, farmers, students and political leaders posing a set of questions to them regarding the leadership quality of Prime Minister Modi.

While speaking to ANI, Choksi said: "The questionnaire had a total of 32 questions. After tabulating the answers given by 450 people it was found that 25 per cent believed that Modi`s speeches are most appealing while 48 per cent were of the view that Modi`s political marketing is the best."

Choksi, who is also a lawyer, completed his PhD under the guidance of Nilesh Joshi of Arts Department, Veer Narmad South Gujarat University.

Choksi started his PhD when Narendra Modi was the chief minister of Gujarat in 2010. In the initial phase, questions related to Modi's successful leadership were asked and he said he received positive feedback from 51 per cent and negative response from 34.25 per cent. 46.75 per cent of people said to gain popularity, a leader should take decisions that benefit the public.

"81 per cent people think that positive leadership is important to be the prime minister of the country, 31 per cent believe authenticity is necessary and 34 per cent believes that transparency is a must," Choksi said.

Dr Nilesh Joshi said "We found the topic of the case study very interesting. We faced some challenges as it is difficult to write about the person who holds a higher position and that too without any biases," he said.&nbsp;

Reaching out to people and seeking their response was also one of the challenging parts of the study, the professor said.

A Surat-based student has successfully completed his PhD thesis on Narendra Modi as the Chief Minister of Gujarat and Prime Minister of India. The name of the doctorate student is Mehul Choksi!

A Surat-based student has successfully completed his PhD thesis on Narendra Modi as the Chief Minister of Gujarat and Prime Minister of India. The name of the doctorate student is Mehul Choksi! It is interesting to note that the student bears the same name as Mehul Choksi, the fugitive businessman wanted in India in loan default cases. Meanwhile, the Surat student who has a masters in political science took up higher studies at the Veer Narmad South Gujarat University here and submitted his research thesis on the topic "Leadership under Government - Case Study of Narendra Modi." For his research, Choksi said he formulated a survey and interviewed 450 people including government officials, farmers, students and political leaders posing a set of questions to them regarding the leadership quality of Prime Minister Modi. While speaking to ANI, Choksi said: "The questionnaire had a total of 32 questions. After tabulating the answers given by 450 people it was found that 25 per cent believed that Modi`s speeches are most appealing while 48 per cent were of the view that Modi`s political marketing is the best." Choksi, who is also a lawyer, completed his PhD under the guidance of Nilesh Joshi of Arts Department, Veer Narmad South Gujarat University. Choksi started his PhD when Narendra Modi was the chief minister of Gujarat in 2010. In the initial phase, questions related to Modi's successful leadership were asked and he said he received positive feedback from 51 per cent and negative response from 34.25 per cent. 46.75 per cent of people said to gain popularity, a leader should take decisions that benefit the public. "81 per cent people think that positive leadership is important to be the prime minister of the country, 31 per cent believe authenticity is necessary and 34 per cent believes that transparency is a must," Choksi said. Dr Nilesh Joshi said "We found the topic of the case study very interesting. We faced some challenges as it is difficult to write about the person who holds a higher position and that too without any biases," he said. Reaching out to people and seeking their response was also one of the challenging parts of the study, the professor said.

Surat student Mehul Choksi submits PhD thesis on PM Narendra Modi

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bjp-led-alliance-hasnt-reached-a-consensus-on-goa-chief-minister-post-203949">Goa chief minister</a> Manohar Parrikar, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/manohar-parrikar-former-defence-minister-and-4-time-goa-cm-dead-at-63-203951">who died after a long illness</a>, would be accorded state funeral with full military honours on Monday, according to the home ministry.

Parrikar, 63, who had also been the defence minister, died on Sunday at his private residence in Dona Paula near the state capital after battling a pancreatic ailment since February last year.

MHA Joint Secretary SK Shahi, in an order issued on Sunday, said the Ministry of Defence is requested to make arrangements for state funeral with full military honours.

"It has been decided by the government that state funeral will be accorded to the departed dignitary," Shahi has said in the circular.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi to leave for <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Goa?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Goa</a> shortly, to offer last respects to Goa CM <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ManoharParrikar?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ManoharParrikar</a> who passed away yesterday. <a href="https://t.co/adrMxbKmJV">pic.twitter.com/adrMxbKmJV</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1107519153303416832?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 18, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The final rites of Parrikar will be performed at 5 pm on Monday at the Miramar beach here, next to the memorial of Goa's first chief minister Dayanand Bandodkar, who was also cremated there, a state BJP spokesperson said.

After Parrikar's demise on Sunday evening, the body was kept at his residence for the night.

"His mortal remains would be brought to the BJP office in the morning where they will be kept for an hour before being taking to the Kala Academy to allow people to pay their last respects before his final journey," the spokesperson said.

The central government has announced national mourning on Monday, officials earlier said. The national flag will fly at half-mast across the country.&nbsp;

Goa chief minister Manohar Parrikar, who died after a long illness, would be accorded state funeral with full military honours on Monday, according to the home ministry.

Goa chief minister Manohar Parrikar, who died after a long illness, would be accorded state funeral with full military honours on Monday, according to the home ministry. Parrikar, 63, who had also been the defence minister, died on Sunday at his private residence in Dona Paula near the state capital after battling a pancreatic ailment since February last year. MHA Joint Secretary SK Shahi, in an order issued on Sunday, said the Ministry of Defence is requested to make arrangements for state funeral with full military honours. "It has been decided by the government that state funeral will be accorded to the departed dignitary," Shahi has said in the circular. Prime Minister Narendra Modi to leave for #Goa shortly, to offer last respects to Goa CM #ManoharParrikar who passed away yesterday. pic.twitter.com/adrMxbKmJV — ANI (@ANI) March 18, 2019 × The final rites of Parrikar will be performed at 5 pm on Monday at the Miramar beach here, next to the memorial of Goa's first chief minister Dayanand Bandodkar, who was also cremated there, a state BJP spokesperson said. After Parrikar's demise on Sunday evening, the body was kept at his residence for the night. "His mortal remains would be brought to the BJP office in the morning where they will be kept for an hour before being taking to the Kala Academy to allow people to pay their last respects before his final journey," the spokesperson said. The central government has announced national mourning on Monday, officials earlier said. The national flag will fly at half-mast across the country.

Manohar Parrikar to be accorded state funeral today with full military honours at Goa's Miramar beach

India has said one of the seven Indian nationals, who was kidnapped in Baghlan province of Afghanistan in May 2018, has been brought back to India.

The ministry of external affairs in a release said, "We are grateful to the Government of Afghanistan for their support in securing the release and repatriation of the Indian national."

"We continue to work closely with the Government of Afghanistan for safe and early return of the remaining six Indian nationals," MEA added.

They were abducted in Bagh-e-Shamal village near the Pul-e-Khomri city which is the capital of northern Baghlan province in Afghanistan.

The abducted Indians were working in Indian company KEC headquartered in Mumbai. The company owns an electricity sub-station contract in the area.&nbsp;

More than 60 Indians were working for KEC on different projects across Afghanistan.

Baghlan governor's deputy spokesperson had confirmed to WION last year that Taliban had abducted seven Indian employees of KEC.

Indian external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj had spoken to Afghanistan government. Indian envoy to Afghanistan Vinay Kumar had met Foreign Minister Salahuddin Rabbani regarding the efforts for there release.

In 2016 Indian aid worker Judith D'Souza was kidnapped in Kabul and was released after 40 days.

India has said one of the seven Indian nationals, who was kidnapped in Baghlan province of Afghanistan in May 2018, has been brought back to India. The ministry of external affairs in a release said, "We are grateful to the Government of Afghanistan for their support in securing the release and repatriation of the Indian national.

India has said one of the seven Indian nationals, who was kidnapped in Baghlan province of Afghanistan in May 2018, has been brought back to India. The ministry of external affairs in a release said, "We are grateful to the Government of Afghanistan for their support in securing the release and repatriation of the Indian national." "We continue to work closely with the Government of Afghanistan for safe and early return of the remaining six Indian nationals," MEA added. They were abducted in Bagh-e-Shamal village near the Pul-e-Khomri city which is the capital of northern Baghlan province in Afghanistan. The abducted Indians were working in Indian company KEC headquartered in Mumbai. The company owns an electricity sub-station contract in the area. More than 60 Indians were working for KEC on different projects across Afghanistan. Baghlan governor's deputy spokesperson had confirmed to WION last year that Taliban had abducted seven Indian employees of KEC. Indian external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj had spoken to Afghanistan government. Indian envoy to Afghanistan Vinay Kumar had met Foreign Minister Salahuddin Rabbani regarding the efforts for there release. In 2016 Indian aid worker Judith D'Souza was kidnapped in Kabul and was released after 40 days.

Abducted Indian national brought back from Afghanistan

The BJP-led alliance in Goa has not yet reached a consensus on the next chief minister, a move necessitated by the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/goa-cm-manohar-parrikar-passes-away-203901">death of Manohar Parrikar.</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/from-surgical-strikes-to-signing-rafale-deal-parrikar-had-short-but-an-eventful-term-as-defence-minister-203935">Parrikar, 63, died</a> on Sunday evening at his residence near here after battling pancreatic cancer for over a year.

Union minister and senior BJP leader Nitin Gadkari, who arrived here in the early hours of the day, could not secure a consensus between the saffron party and its alliance partners in the state, party MLA Michael Lobo said.

While Gadkari was not available for comments, BJP MLA Lobo said Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party (MGP) MLA Sudin Dhavalikar wanted to be the chief minister due to which the discussions came to a halt.

"Sudin Dhavalikar wants himself to be the CM, while the BJP wants that the leader of the alliance should be from their camp. We could not reach to any decision," Lobo told reporters outside a hotel after a night-long meeting.

He said a solution to the crisis is expected to be found later in the day. 
Lobo said BJP MLAs have suggested the names of Vishwajit Rane and Pramod Sawant for the post.

Earlier, Goa Forward Party (GFP) chief Vijai Sardesai, emerging from the meeting, had said that the parties were yet to reach a conclusion.

The meeting was inconclusive and "the BJP has informed them that they will get back later during the day," Sardesai had said.

He said the parties expressed apprehensions on how to proceed in the absence of Parrikar. "We are expecting them to respond to our apprehensions soon," he added.

The GFP leader, however, said the party had not yet shut its doors on the BJP.

Sardesai was accompanied by his MLAs, Jayesh Salgaonkar and Vinod Palyekar, and Independents Rohan Khaunte, Govind Gawade and Prasad Gaonkar.

Meanwhile, speaking to reporters, Dhavalikar said that Gadkari held one-on-one meetings with the MLAs and asked them certain questions.

"I can't disclose about the questions as they are confidential. We are expecting Gadkari to announce the name of the CM candidate in the next one hour. The MGP will take proper resolution supporting the government after that," he said.

The MGP MLA added that Gadkari had heard each of the MLAs individually and would soon announce a new leader.

With the demise of Parrikar, the strength of 40-member Goa Legislative Assembly has been reduced to 36. BJP MLA Francis D'Souza died last month, while two Congress members had resigned last year.

The BJP-led alliance in Goa has not yet reached a consensus on the next chief minister, a move necessitated by the death of Manohar Parrikar. Parrikar, 63, died on Sunday evening at his residence near here after battling pancreatic cancer for over a year.

The BJP-led alliance in Goa has not yet reached a consensus on the next chief minister, a move necessitated by the death of Manohar Parrikar. Parrikar, 63, died on Sunday evening at his residence near here after battling pancreatic cancer for over a year. Union minister and senior BJP leader Nitin Gadkari, who arrived here in the early hours of the day, could not secure a consensus between the saffron party and its alliance partners in the state, party MLA Michael Lobo said. While Gadkari was not available for comments, BJP MLA Lobo said Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party (MGP) MLA Sudin Dhavalikar wanted to be the chief minister due to which the discussions came to a halt. "Sudin Dhavalikar wants himself to be the CM, while the BJP wants that the leader of the alliance should be from their camp. We could not reach to any decision," Lobo told reporters outside a hotel after a night-long meeting. He said a solution to the crisis is expected to be found later in the day. Lobo said BJP MLAs have suggested the names of Vishwajit Rane and Pramod Sawant for the post. Earlier, Goa Forward Party (GFP) chief Vijai Sardesai, emerging from the meeting, had said that the parties were yet to reach a conclusion. The meeting was inconclusive and "the BJP has informed them that they will get back later during the day," Sardesai had said. He said the parties expressed apprehensions on how to proceed in the absence of Parrikar. "We are expecting them to respond to our apprehensions soon," he added. The GFP leader, however, said the party had not yet shut its doors on the BJP. Sardesai was accompanied by his MLAs, Jayesh Salgaonkar and Vinod Palyekar, and Independents Rohan Khaunte, Govind Gawade and Prasad Gaonkar. Meanwhile, speaking to reporters, Dhavalikar said that Gadkari held one-on-one meetings with the MLAs and asked them certain questions. "I can't disclose about the questions as they are confidential. We are expecting Gadkari to announce the name of the CM candidate in the next one hour. The MGP will take proper resolution supporting the government after that," he said. The MGP MLA added that Gadkari had heard each of the MLAs individually and would soon announce a new leader. With the demise of Parrikar, the strength of 40-member Goa Legislative Assembly has been reduced to 36. BJP MLA Francis D'Souza died last month, while two Congress members had resigned last year.

No consensus yet on next Goa chief minister: BJP MLA

An auditor, Neeraj Desai who had conducted an audit of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/mumbai-foot-overbridge-collapse-death-toll-rises-to-six-fir-registered-203405">Mumbai bridge which collapsed on March 14</a> has been arrested by police on Monday, ANI news agency reported.

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Mumbai bridge collapse: Neeraj Desai, auditor who had conducted an audit of the bridge has been arrested by Police. <a href="https://t.co/6bHvVzwN2J">pic.twitter.com/6bHvVzwN2J</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1107659875222540288?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 18, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Neerajkumar Desai's firm had reportedly carried out the structural audit of the bridge and declared it safe for use despite some corrosion in the structure, police said.

"We detained Desai Sunday after ascertaining negligence on his part and arrested him," Deputy Commissioner of Police (Zone I) Abhishek Trimukhe told reporters here.

A foot overbridge at Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus railway station collapsed on March 14, leaving six people dead and 36 injured.&nbsp;

The Maharashtra Government has announced ex-gratia of Rs 5 Lakh each for the next of kin of those who were killed in the tragic incident.

"Ex-gratia of Rs 5 Lakh each will be given to the families of those who died in the incident and compensation of Rs 50,000 each will be given to the injured, the state government will provide for their treatment," Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said.

Civic and railway authorities in Mumbai on Saturday began working on alternate arrangements for commuters using CSMT station.

Meanwhile, a 40-metre stretch of the road median beneath the collapsed FOB has been removed so that people can cross DN Road and enter CSMT railway station.

(With inputs from agencies)

An auditor, Neeraj Desai who had conducted an audit of the Mumbai bridge which collapsed on March 14 has been arrested by police on Monday, ANI news agency reported.

An auditor, Neeraj Desai who had conducted an audit of the Mumbai bridge which collapsed on March 14 has been arrested by police on Monday, ANI news agency reported. Mumbai bridge collapse: Neeraj Desai, auditor who had conducted an audit of the bridge has been arrested by Police. pic.twitter.com/6bHvVzwN2J — ANI (@ANI) March 18, 2019 × Neerajkumar Desai's firm had reportedly carried out the structural audit of the bridge and declared it safe for use despite some corrosion in the structure, police said. "We detained Desai Sunday after ascertaining negligence on his part and arrested him," Deputy Commissioner of Police (Zone I) Abhishek Trimukhe told reporters here. A foot overbridge at Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus railway station collapsed on March 14, leaving six people dead and 36 injured. The Maharashtra Government has announced ex-gratia of Rs 5 Lakh each for the next of kin of those who were killed in the tragic incident. "Ex-gratia of Rs 5 Lakh each will be given to the families of those who died in the incident and compensation of Rs 50,000 each will be given to the injured, the state government will provide for their treatment," Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said. Civic and railway authorities in Mumbai on Saturday began working on alternate arrangements for commuters using CSMT station. Meanwhile, a 40-metre stretch of the road median beneath the collapsed FOB has been removed so that people can cross DN Road and enter CSMT railway station. (With inputs from agencies)

Mumbai bridge collapse: Auditor Neeraj Desai arrested

The Indian Army Monday began a 10-day military exercise with armed forces of 17 African nations at Aundh in Maharashtra, reflecting the growing strategic ties between India and the Africa continent.&nbsp;

The countries participating in the inaugural edition of the Africa-India Field Training Exercise (AFINDEX) include Egypt, Ghana, Kenya, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, South Africa, Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Benin and Botswana, the Army said here.&nbsp;

The inaugural ceremony of the exercise held at the Aundh military station was attended by defence attaches and other senior officials of the participating nations.&nbsp;

"The exercise will focus on exchange of best practices between the participating nations, team building and tactical level operations in conduct of the UN mandated tasks," the Army said.

In the last few years, India has been gradually enhancing military and defence cooperation with a number of African countries.&nbsp;

The Indian Army Monday began a 10-day military exercise with armed forces of 17 African nations at Aundh in Maharashtra, reflecting the growing strategic ties between India and the Africa continent.

The Indian Army Monday began a 10-day military exercise with armed forces of 17 African nations at Aundh in Maharashtra, reflecting the growing strategic ties between India and the Africa continent. The countries participating in the inaugural edition of the Africa-India Field Training Exercise (AFINDEX) include Egypt, Ghana, Kenya, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, South Africa, Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Benin and Botswana, the Army said here. The inaugural ceremony of the exercise held at the Aundh military station was attended by defence attaches and other senior officials of the participating nations. "The exercise will focus on exchange of best practices between the participating nations, team building and tactical level operations in conduct of the UN mandated tasks," the Army said. In the last few years, India has been gradually enhancing military and defence cooperation with a number of African countries.

Watch: Indian Army holds military exercise with 17 African nations

Two Myanmar nationals, reportedly Rohingyas were apprehended at the Kolkata airport by immigration authorities.

On Saturday late night, two Myanmar nationals identified as – Rafika Khatoon and Noor Kaida Khatoon were about to board a flight to Kuala Lumpur by flight AK 62 when immigration officials asked them to show their passports on suspicion.&nbsp;

On further suspicion, they were questioned and admitted to be Myanmar nationals and having procured an Indian passport through forgery.

A senior police official of the NSCBI said that the two women claimed that they were being accompanied by a third person identified as Kallol Mitra who had got them the Indian passports. ''Prima facie, it seems that Kallol was the one who got the two Myanmar national Indian passports and was also travelling with them,'' said the officer.

Immediately, the three were detained by immigration authorities and handed over to the NSCBI police station.

During the course of investigation, Rafika reportedly told the officers of the NSCBI that she originally stayed in the Tangail Rohingya Refugee Camp in Bangladesh and illegally entered India six months ago and had been staying here since then.&nbsp;

''Rafika told us that she entered India illegally through Bengal-Bangladesh border with the help of agents and later obtained a forged Indian passport. Noor told us that she was originally from the Arakan state of Myanmar and had moved to the Cox’s Bazaar Rohingya Refugee camp in Bangladesh and she too entered India six months ago and obtained an Indian passport,'' the officer said.

Officer alleged that preliminary investigation suggests that the third accused – Kallol Mitra was involved in this racket of providing forged Indian passports to Rohingyas and other Bangladeshi nationals and help them flee from the country.

Meanwhile, those two women have been remanded to judicial custody while the third accused – Kallol Mitra has been remanded to police custody for four days.

Two Myanmar nationals, reportedly Rohingyas were apprehended at the Kolkata airport by immigration authorities. On Saturday late night, two Myanmar nationals identified as – Rafika Khatoon and Noor Kaida Khatoon were about to board a flight to Kuala Lumpur by flight AK 62 when immigration officials asked them to show their passports on suspicion.

Two Myanmar nationals, reportedly Rohingyas were apprehended at the Kolkata airport by immigration authorities. On Saturday late night, two Myanmar nationals identified as – Rafika Khatoon and Noor Kaida Khatoon were about to board a flight to Kuala Lumpur by flight AK 62 when immigration officials asked them to show their passports on suspicion. On further suspicion, they were questioned and admitted to be Myanmar nationals and having procured an Indian passport through forgery. A senior police official of the NSCBI said that the two women claimed that they were being accompanied by a third person identified as Kallol Mitra who had got them the Indian passports. ''Prima facie, it seems that Kallol was the one who got the two Myanmar national Indian passports and was also travelling with them,'' said the officer. Immediately, the three were detained by immigration authorities and handed over to the NSCBI police station. During the course of investigation, Rafika reportedly told the officers of the NSCBI that she originally stayed in the Tangail Rohingya Refugee Camp in Bangladesh and illegally entered India six months ago and had been staying here since then. ''Rafika told us that she entered India illegally through Bengal-Bangladesh border with the help of agents and later obtained a forged Indian passport. Noor told us that she was originally from the Arakan state of Myanmar and had moved to the Cox’s Bazaar Rohingya Refugee camp in Bangladesh and she too entered India six months ago and obtained an Indian passport,'' the officer said. Officer alleged that preliminary investigation suggests that the third accused – Kallol Mitra was involved in this racket of providing forged Indian passports to Rohingyas and other Bangladeshi nationals and help them flee from the country. Meanwhile, those two women have been remanded to judicial custody while the third accused – Kallol Mitra has been remanded to police custody for four days.

Two Rohingyas travelling on forged Indian passports held at Kolkata airport

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/black-boxes-show-clear-similarities-with-indonesia-crash-ethiopia-says-203937">Black boxes show 'clear similarities' with Indonesia crash, says Ethiopia</a>

Black box data recovered from an Ethiopian Airlines plane that crashed last week show "clear similarities" with a recent crash in Indonesia of the same type of aircraft, Ethiopia's transport minister said on Sunday.

While declining to give details, Dagmawit Moges told journalists the parallels would be the "subject of further study during the investigation," with a preliminary report issued in "30 days".

&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/manohar-parrikars-last-rites-to-take-place-in-panaji-on-monday-203924">Manohar Parrikar's last rites to take place in Panaji on Monday</a>

The last rites of Goa chief minister Manohar Parrikar will be performed at Miramar here on Monday evening, a BJP spokesperson said.

Parrikar, 63, died at his private residence at Dona Paula near the state capital on Sunday evening after a long illness.

A four-term chief minister and former defence minister, Parrikar had been battling pancreatic cancer since February last year. The BJP stalwart's health, which has been fluctuating for over a year, took a turn for the worse in the past two days.&nbsp;

 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-zealand-mosque-attacker-to-represent-himself-in-court-reports-203964">New Zealand mosque attacker to represent himself in court: Reports</a>

The accused New Zealand guman, Brenton Tarrant, has sacked his lawyer and will represent himself in court, news reports said Monday.&nbsp;

Tarrant, who is Australian and 28, had walked up to two Christchurch mosques on Friday and started shooting with automatic rifles.&nbsp;

By the time he finished — he was finally arrested by police — he had killed 50 worshippers. The youngest of his victims was three years old.&nbsp;

 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-slammed-for-silence-on-white-supremacist-threat-203942">Trump slammed for 'silence' on white supremacist threat</a>

Democrats led by an Arab-American lawmaker attacked President Donald Trump's "silence" on the rise of white supremacy Sunday as a reaction to the New Zealand mosque massacre spilled into a heated US debate over religious and racial bigotry.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bjp-led-alliance-hasnt-reached-a-consensus-on-goa-chief-minister-post-203949">'No consensus yet on next Goa chief minister'</a>

The BJP-led alliance in Goa did not reach a consensus over the next chief minister on Monday, a move necessitated by the death of Manohar Parrikar.

Parrikar (63) died on Sunday evening at his residence near here after battling pancreatic cancer for over a year.

Union minister and senior BJP leader Nitin Gadkari, who arrived here in the early hours of the day, could not secure a consensus between the saffron party and its alliance partners in the state, party MLA Michael Lobo said.

Black boxes show 'clear similarities' with Indonesia crash, says Ethiopia Black box data recovered from an Ethiopian Airlines plane that crashed last week show "clear similarities" with a recent crash in Indonesia of the same type of aircraft, Ethiopia's transport minister said on Sunday.

Black boxes show 'clear similarities' with Indonesia crash, says Ethiopia Black box data recovered from an Ethiopian Airlines plane that crashed last week show "clear similarities" with a recent crash in Indonesia of the same type of aircraft, Ethiopia's transport minister said on Sunday. While declining to give details, Dagmawit Moges told journalists the parallels would be the "subject of further study during the investigation," with a preliminary report issued in "30 days". Manohar Parrikar's last rites to take place in Panaji on Monday The last rites of Goa chief minister Manohar Parrikar will be performed at Miramar here on Monday evening, a BJP spokesperson said. Parrikar, 63, died at his private residence at Dona Paula near the state capital on Sunday evening after a long illness. A four-term chief minister and former defence minister, Parrikar had been battling pancreatic cancer since February last year. The BJP stalwart's health, which has been fluctuating for over a year, took a turn for the worse in the past two days. New Zealand mosque attacker to represent himself in court: Reports The accused New Zealand guman, Brenton Tarrant, has sacked his lawyer and will represent himself in court, news reports said Monday. Tarrant, who is Australian and 28, had walked up to two Christchurch mosques on Friday and started shooting with automatic rifles. By the time he finished — he was finally arrested by police — he had killed 50 worshippers. The youngest of his victims was three years old. Trump slammed for 'silence' on white supremacist threat Democrats led by an Arab-American lawmaker attacked President Donald Trump's "silence" on the rise of white supremacy Sunday as a reaction to the New Zealand mosque massacre spilled into a heated US debate over religious and racial bigotry. 'No consensus yet on next Goa chief minister' The BJP-led alliance in Goa did not reach a consensus over the next chief minister on Monday, a move necessitated by the death of Manohar Parrikar. Parrikar (63) died on Sunday evening at his residence near here after battling pancreatic cancer for over a year. Union minister and senior BJP leader Nitin Gadkari, who arrived here in the early hours of the day, could not secure a consensus between the saffron party and its alliance partners in the state, party MLA Michael Lobo said.

News brief: Big stories of the day

Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar, a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/from-surgical-strikes-to-signing-rafale-deal-parrikar-had-short-but-an-eventful-term-as-defence-minister-203935">former defence minister</a> who had been battling pancreatic cancer for over a year, died at his home near here on Sunday. He was 63.

The health of Parrikar, a technocrat-turned-politician and a BJP stalwart, took a turn for the worse over the past two days after his medical condition had fluctuated for over a year. The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bjp-led-alliance-hasnt-reached-a-consensus-on-goa-chief-minister-post-203949">four-term chief minister</a> was flown to the US for treatment in March last year.

"The chief minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/manohar-parrikars-last-rites-to-take-place-in-panaji-on-monday-203924">died</a> around 6.40 pm Sunday," a senior state government official told PTI.

Sources said Parrikar was put on life support system late Saturday night. A widower, Parrikar is survived by his two sons and their families.

The central government has announced a day of national mourning on Monday.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoled the death of Parrikar, hailing him as an "unparalleled leader".

"Shri Manohar Parrikar was an unparalleled leader. A true patriot and exceptional administrator, he was admired by all. His impeccable service to the nation will be remembered by generations.&nbsp;

Deeply saddened by his demise. Condolences to his family and supporters. Om Shanti," Modi said in one of several tweets.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Shri Manohar Parrikar was an unparalleled leader. 
 
A true patriot and exceptional administrator, he was admired by all. His impeccable service to the nation will be remembered by generations. 
 
Deeply saddened by his demise. Condolences to his family and supporters. 
 
Om Shanti. <a href="https://t.co/uahXme3ifp">pic.twitter.com/uahXme3ifp</a>
— Chowkidar Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1107302872616706048?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 17, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"Shri Manohar Parrikar was the builder of modern Goa. Thanks to his affable personality and accessible nature, he remained the preferred leader of the state for years. His pro-people policies ensured Goa scales remarkable heights of progress.

"India will be eternally grateful to Shri Manohar Parrikar for his tenure as our Defence Minister. When he was RM, India witnessed a series of decisions that enhanced India's security capacities, boosted indigenous defence production and bettered the lives of ex-servicemen," Modi said.

Parrikar was a leader who enjoyed acceptance from all sections of the BJP and beyond. He played a key role in making the BJP a force to reckon with in Goa, which remained for long a Congress bastion, with regional outfits having pockets of influence.

Despite his falling health, Parrikar had presented two state budgets in 2018 and 2019 and had attended public functions, including the inauguration of an iconic bridge across River Mandovi.

A known fighter, an ailing Parrikar's decision to go for a ride and inspect two upcoming bridges in the state with a feeder tube protruding from one nostril was a defining image and sought to suggest he was still in charge of the state.

In a tweet, President Ram Nath Kovind said, "Extremely sorry to hear of the passing of Shri Manohar Parrikar, chief minister of Goa, after an illness borne with fortitude and dignity.

"An epitome of integrity and dedication in public life, his service to the people of Goa and India will not be forgotten," the President tweeted from his official handle.

BJP president Amit Shah tweeted, "Manohar Parrikar ji's demise is extremely painful. In him, the nation has lost a true patriot who selflessly dedicated his entire life to the country and ideology. Parrikar jis commitment towards his people and duties was exemplary."

Several political leaders, including Union AYUSH Minister Shripad Naik, Assembly Speaker Pramod Sawant and Lok Sabha MP Narendra Sawaikar, reached the private residence of Parrikar in Dona Paula after the news of his demise broke.

Born on December 13, 1955 into a middle class family, his political career began as an RSS pracharak and he continued working for the Sangh even after graduating from IIT-Bombay as a metallurgical engineer.

Parrikar entered electoral politics in 1994 when he won on a BJP ticket from Panaji constituency. 
He was the defence minister from November 2014 to March 2017 during the tenure of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.&nbsp;

Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar, a former defence minister who had been battling pancreatic cancer for over a year, died at his home near here on Sunday. He was 63.

Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar, a former defence minister who had been battling pancreatic cancer for over a year, died at his home near here on Sunday. He was 63. The health of Parrikar, a technocrat-turned-politician and a BJP stalwart, took a turn for the worse over the past two days after his medical condition had fluctuated for over a year. The four-term chief minister was flown to the US for treatment in March last year. "The chief minister died around 6.40 pm Sunday," a senior state government official told PTI. Sources said Parrikar was put on life support system late Saturday night. A widower, Parrikar is survived by his two sons and their families. The central government has announced a day of national mourning on Monday. Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoled the death of Parrikar, hailing him as an "unparalleled leader". "Shri Manohar Parrikar was an unparalleled leader. A true patriot and exceptional administrator, he was admired by all. His impeccable service to the nation will be remembered by generations. Deeply saddened by his demise. Condolences to his family and supporters. Om Shanti," Modi said in one of several tweets. Shri Manohar Parrikar was an unparalleled leader. A true patriot and exceptional administrator, he was admired by all. His impeccable service to the nation will be remembered by generations. Deeply saddened by his demise. Condolences to his family and supporters. Om Shanti. pic.twitter.com/uahXme3ifp — Chowkidar Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 17, 2019 × "Shri Manohar Parrikar was the builder of modern Goa. Thanks to his affable personality and accessible nature, he remained the preferred leader of the state for years. His pro-people policies ensured Goa scales remarkable heights of progress. "India will be eternally grateful to Shri Manohar Parrikar for his tenure as our Defence Minister. When he was RM, India witnessed a series of decisions that enhanced India's security capacities, boosted indigenous defence production and bettered the lives of ex-servicemen," Modi said. Parrikar was a leader who enjoyed acceptance from all sections of the BJP and beyond. He played a key role in making the BJP a force to reckon with in Goa, which remained for long a Congress bastion, with regional outfits having pockets of influence. Despite his falling health, Parrikar had presented two state budgets in 2018 and 2019 and had attended public functions, including the inauguration of an iconic bridge across River Mandovi. A known fighter, an ailing Parrikar's decision to go for a ride and inspect two upcoming bridges in the state with a feeder tube protruding from one nostril was a defining image and sought to suggest he was still in charge of the state. In a tweet, President Ram Nath Kovind said, "Extremely sorry to hear of the passing of Shri Manohar Parrikar, chief minister of Goa, after an illness borne with fortitude and dignity. "An epitome of integrity and dedication in public life, his service to the people of Goa and India will not be forgotten," the President tweeted from his official handle. BJP president Amit Shah tweeted, "Manohar Parrikar ji's demise is extremely painful. In him, the nation has lost a true patriot who selflessly dedicated his entire life to the country and ideology. Parrikar jis commitment towards his people and duties was exemplary." Several political leaders, including Union AYUSH Minister Shripad Naik, Assembly Speaker Pramod Sawant and Lok Sabha MP Narendra Sawaikar, reached the private residence of Parrikar in Dona Paula after the news of his demise broke. Born on December 13, 1955 into a middle class family, his political career began as an RSS pracharak and he continued working for the Sangh even after graduating from IIT-Bombay as a metallurgical engineer. Parrikar entered electoral politics in 1994 when he won on a BJP ticket from Panaji constituency. He was the defence minister from November 2014 to March 2017 during the tenure of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Manohar Parrikar, former defence minister and 4-time Goa CM, dead at 63

Congress MLA Digambar Kamat on Sunday said that he didn't get an offer from the Bharatiya Janata Party to become Chief Minister of Goa.

"My programme in Delhi was finalised 2-3 days ago, there's no question of meeting anybody. I had gone to Delhi for personal work. I don't have any offers from the BJP; these stories were planted by vested interests. I'm not bothered about the leadership or the Chief Minister post," Kamat told ANI, adding that he didn't get any offer for Goa CM post.&nbsp;

"If becoming the Chief Minister of Goa is in my destiny then no one can stop him from getting the post," Former chief minister of Goa Kamat further said.

Expressing grief over the death of Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar, who breathed his last on Sunday evening, Kamat said: "It is a big loss of the Bharatiya Janata Party."

Meanwhile, Goa Congress leaders G Chodankar and C Kavlekar again wrote a letter to Goa Governor staking claim to form Government."Coalition partners of Parrikar led Govt had allied with BJP on condition that Govt is headed by Manohar Parrikar. BJP, therefore, has no allies as of now," the letter read.

Denying the reports of the Kamat`s entry in the BJP, BJP Goa unit president Vinay Tendulkar said: "There are rumours in Goa that Digambar Kamat is joining BJP. We have got this information through media only. We have no information on this as yet."

The leader of Opposition in Goa assembly Chandrakant Kavlekar too refuted speculations of former Goa chief minister Kamat quitting Congress and accused the BJP of spreading 'rumours.'

Speaking to ANI, Kavlekar said: "Former chief minister and Congress leader Digambar Kamat will not leave the party. He is our senior leader and we can't even think of him leaving the party. BJP is creating these rumours because the situation is not well within their party. This also proves that BJP doesn`t have a leader."

Congress is currently the single-largest party in the state with 14 MLAs.&nbsp;

BJP has 13 legislators and its government is supported by three MLAs each of the Goa Forward Party and Maharashtra Gomantak Party, and three Independents. Two Congress MLAs have resigned after defecting to the BJP.

Congress MLA Digambar Kamat on Sunday said that he didn't get an offer from the Bharatiya Janata Party to become Chief Minister of Goa. "My programme in Delhi was finalised 2-3 days ago, there's no question of meeting anybody.

Congress MLA Digambar Kamat on Sunday said that he didn't get an offer from the Bharatiya Janata Party to become Chief Minister of Goa. "My programme in Delhi was finalised 2-3 days ago, there's no question of meeting anybody. I had gone to Delhi for personal work. I don't have any offers from the BJP; these stories were planted by vested interests. I'm not bothered about the leadership or the Chief Minister post," Kamat told ANI, adding that he didn't get any offer for Goa CM post. "If becoming the Chief Minister of Goa is in my destiny then no one can stop him from getting the post," Former chief minister of Goa Kamat further said. Expressing grief over the death of Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar, who breathed his last on Sunday evening, Kamat said: "It is a big loss of the Bharatiya Janata Party." Meanwhile, Goa Congress leaders G Chodankar and C Kavlekar again wrote a letter to Goa Governor staking claim to form Government."Coalition partners of Parrikar led Govt had allied with BJP on condition that Govt is headed by Manohar Parrikar. BJP, therefore, has no allies as of now," the letter read. Denying the reports of the Kamat`s entry in the BJP, BJP Goa unit president Vinay Tendulkar said: "There are rumours in Goa that Digambar Kamat is joining BJP. We have got this information through media only. We have no information on this as yet." The leader of Opposition in Goa assembly Chandrakant Kavlekar too refuted speculations of former Goa chief minister Kamat quitting Congress and accused the BJP of spreading 'rumours.' Speaking to ANI, Kavlekar said: "Former chief minister and Congress leader Digambar Kamat will not leave the party. He is our senior leader and we can't even think of him leaving the party. BJP is creating these rumours because the situation is not well within their party. This also proves that BJP doesn`t have a leader." Congress is currently the single-largest party in the state with 14 MLAs. BJP has 13 legislators and its government is supported by three MLAs each of the Goa Forward Party and Maharashtra Gomantak Party, and three Independents. Two Congress MLAs have resigned after defecting to the BJP.

Didn't get any offer from BJP to become Goa CM: Digambar Kamat

In yet another ceasefire violation, Pakistan resorted to shelling with mortars and firing with small arms early on Monday morning along the Line of Control (LoC) in Sunderbani sector of Rajouri district.

Indian Army retaliated effectively. The firing which began at about 5:30 a.m stopped at about 7:15 am.&nbsp;

Earlier, on 6:30 pm on Sunday Pakistan violated ceasefire here evoking an effective reply from the Indian Army.&nbsp;

This comes after Pakistan on Wednesday violated ceasefire in Poonch sector of the state.

Earlier, Pakistani Rangers also initiated an unprovoked ceasefire violation in Chakkan da Bagh crossing point where the Line of Control trade centre is located.

In yet another ceasefire violation, Pakistan resorted to shelling with mortars and firing with small arms early on Monday morning along the Line of Control (LoC) in Sunderbani sector of Rajouri district.

In yet another ceasefire violation, Pakistan resorted to shelling with mortars and firing with small arms early on Monday morning along the Line of Control (LoC) in Sunderbani sector of Rajouri district. Indian Army retaliated effectively. The firing which began at about 5:30 a.m stopped at about 7:15 am. Earlier, on 6:30 pm on Sunday Pakistan violated ceasefire here evoking an effective reply from the Indian Army. This comes after Pakistan on Wednesday violated ceasefire in Poonch sector of the state. Earlier, Pakistani Rangers also initiated an unprovoked ceasefire violation in Chakkan da Bagh crossing point where the Line of Control trade centre is located.

Pakistan violates ceasefire at Rajouri district in J&K

Massive harassment of Indian diplomats has been reported in Islamabad for which India has sent a<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-summons-indian-diplomat-over-anti-pak-protest-in-new-delhi-198385"> "note verbale" to Pakistan</a> and asked Islamabad to not only investigate the incident but also share the results.

India has highlighted to the Pakistan foreign ministry how two Pakistan agency personnel have been seen following Indian High Commission's car on a daily basis.&nbsp;

The current instance of harassment of Indian diplomats took place from 8th to 11th March in which they were not only aggressively followed by Pakistan security personnel but constant surveillance was kept on them.

Pakistani security agency personnel have been seen approaching local security guards at officers residence and pressurising them to divulge information

On 8th March, the first secretary was aggressively tailed by Pak security agencies while going to a bank. On the same day, Indian naval advisor was tailed in the bike while going from chancellery to his residence

On 9th March, India's deputy high commissioner was followed by a bike wherever he went. The Indian Naval advisor was again followed on the second day, Indian officials said. Incidentally, Pakistan agency personnel kept surveillance in a car stationed in front of the residence of the naval adviser.

The harassment continued on 10th as well when Deputy High Commissioner(DHC) was aggressively followed by Pakistan security personnel. The Pakistani agency personnel were observed meeting local security guards and asked details regarding availability of the officer, details of occupants.&nbsp;

On 11th March, Indian naval adviser and military adviser were aggressively tailed while going from the residence to chancellery.&nbsp;

Other than this two other officers of Indian high commission in Islamabad have been receiving hoax calls for last few days.

New Delhi has reminded Pakistan that the incidents are a violation of Vienna Convention on diplomatic relations and safety and security of the Indian High Commission.

The functioning of diplomatic missions between India and Pakistan is governed by the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, 1961 and the bilateral Code of Conduct signed by the two countries in 1992.

India, Pakistan code of conduct of 1992 says safety and security of the premises of diplomatic personnel, their families shall be respected and protected. It also says intrusive and aggressive surveillance such as verbal and physical harassment shall not be allowed.

Indian diplomats harrassed: A timeline

March 8th:&nbsp; 
1st secretary, Naval advisor followed aggressively&nbsp;

March 9th:&nbsp; 
DHC, Naval advisor aggressively followed; surveillance in front of naval advisor residence

March 10th: 

DHC aggressively followed; surveillance in front of the house&nbsp;

March 11th: 

Naval adviser, military advisor aggressively followed

Massive harassment of Indian diplomats has been reported in Islamabad for which India has sent a "note verbale" to Pakistan and asked Islamabad to not only investigate the incident but also share the results.

Massive harassment of Indian diplomats has been reported in Islamabad for which India has sent a "note verbale" to Pakistan and asked Islamabad to not only investigate the incident but also share the results. India has highlighted to the Pakistan foreign ministry how two Pakistan agency personnel have been seen following Indian High Commission's car on a daily basis. The current instance of harassment of Indian diplomats took place from 8th to 11th March in which they were not only aggressively followed by Pakistan security personnel but constant surveillance was kept on them. Pakistani security agency personnel have been seen approaching local security guards at officers residence and pressurising them to divulge information On 8th March, the first secretary was aggressively tailed by Pak security agencies while going to a bank. On the same day, Indian naval advisor was tailed in the bike while going from chancellery to his residence On 9th March, India's deputy high commissioner was followed by a bike wherever he went. The Indian Naval advisor was again followed on the second day, Indian officials said. Incidentally, Pakistan agency personnel kept surveillance in a car stationed in front of the residence of the naval adviser. The harassment continued on 10th as well when Deputy High Commissioner(DHC) was aggressively followed by Pakistan security personnel. The Pakistani agency personnel were observed meeting local security guards and asked details regarding availability of the officer, details of occupants. On 11th March, Indian naval adviser and military adviser were aggressively tailed while going from the residence to chancellery. Other than this two other officers of Indian high commission in Islamabad have been receiving hoax calls for last few days. New Delhi has reminded Pakistan that the incidents are a violation of Vienna Convention on diplomatic relations and safety and security of the Indian High Commission. The functioning of diplomatic missions between India and Pakistan is governed by the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, 1961 and the bilateral Code of Conduct signed by the two countries in 1992. India, Pakistan code of conduct of 1992 says safety and security of the premises of diplomatic personnel, their families shall be respected and protected. It also says intrusive and aggressive surveillance such as verbal and physical harassment shall not be allowed. Indian diplomats harrassed: A timeline March 8th: 1st secretary, Naval advisor followed aggressively March 9th: DHC, Naval advisor aggressively followed; surveillance in front of naval advisor residence March 10th: DHC aggressively followed; surveillance in front of the house March 11th: Naval adviser, military advisor aggressively followed

Investigate harassment of our diplomats: India to Pakistan

India has deployed an elite contingent of its commando-trained armed paramilitary personnel to guard its embassy and diplomatic staff in Baghdad in Iraq, a war-ravaged country getting back to normal after defeating ISIS terrorists.

About 45 multi-skilled troops, drawn from the country's largest Central Armed Police Force (CAPF), the CRPF, have taken charge of the embassy complex located in the Al Mansour area of the Iraqi capital, some time ago.

The contingent has taken charge in Iraq and the troops celebrated their first Republic Day and hoisted the tricolour in that country on January 26, official sources said.

The squad is led by a Deputy Commandant-rank officer of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and this is the second foreign assignment for the paramilitary as it similarly guards the Indian Embassy in Libya's capital city of Tripoli for the last few years, they said.

India has, on February 4, revised its ''no travel'' advisory to Iraq and has said that citizens can now travel to the war and insurgency-ravaged country as the security situation has "improved".

The advisory, issued by the Ministry of External Affairs in New Delhi, allows Indians to travel to any part of the country for work or business except five provinces of Nineveh (capital Mosul), Salahuddin (capital Tikrit), Diyala (capital Baquba), Anbar (capital Ramadi) and Kirkuk.

It added that travellers should inform Indian authorities at the Baghdad Embassy or the Consulate General in Erbil before they travel to Iraq.

While there has been no targeted hit at the Indian mission in Baghdad, the city has witnessed suicide attacks and bombings by the ISIS terrorists since 2003 when the terrorists captured large parts of the country and neighbouring Syria to establish a self-styled Islamic caliphate.

Iraqi forces, backed by the US, got hold of their areas in late 2017 after numerous gun battles and deaths.

The CRPF commando contingent has been armed with some of the best and sophisticated weapons such as AK-series assault rifles, Glock pistols and other equipment required for an armoured counter-terror shield, they said.

The squad had a good mix of combat-skilled drivers, quick reaction teams, personal security officers, hostage rescue specialists and improvised explosive device (IED) experts who can not only secure the complex but also guard diplomats who venture out, they said.

The commandos have been picked from the highly motivated and disciplined units of the force that have worked in the anti-Naxal operations theatre and the force's special jungle warfare squad, CoBRA (Commando Battalion for Resolute Action).

The over 3 lakh personnel strong CRPF is the country's lead internal security force that is tasked with combating the Left Wing Extremism and counter-terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir.

Sone other CAPFs render a similar task of guarding Indian assets abroad.

While the Indian Embassy in Afghanistan is guarded by the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), those in Nepal and Colombo have the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) and Border Security Force (BSF) contingents respectively.

India has deployed an elite contingent of its commando-trained armed paramilitary personnel to guard its embassy and diplomatic staff in Baghdad in Iraq, a war-ravaged country getting back to normal after defeating ISIS terrorists.

India has deployed an elite contingent of its commando-trained armed paramilitary personnel to guard its embassy and diplomatic staff in Baghdad in Iraq, a war-ravaged country getting back to normal after defeating ISIS terrorists. About 45 multi-skilled troops, drawn from the country's largest Central Armed Police Force (CAPF), the CRPF, have taken charge of the embassy complex located in the Al Mansour area of the Iraqi capital, some time ago. The contingent has taken charge in Iraq and the troops celebrated their first Republic Day and hoisted the tricolour in that country on January 26, official sources said. The squad is led by a Deputy Commandant-rank officer of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and this is the second foreign assignment for the paramilitary as it similarly guards the Indian Embassy in Libya's capital city of Tripoli for the last few years, they said. India has, on February 4, revised its ''no travel'' advisory to Iraq and has said that citizens can now travel to the war and insurgency-ravaged country as the security situation has "improved". The advisory, issued by the Ministry of External Affairs in New Delhi, allows Indians to travel to any part of the country for work or business except five provinces of Nineveh (capital Mosul), Salahuddin (capital Tikrit), Diyala (capital Baquba), Anbar (capital Ramadi) and Kirkuk. It added that travellers should inform Indian authorities at the Baghdad Embassy or the Consulate General in Erbil before they travel to Iraq. While there has been no targeted hit at the Indian mission in Baghdad, the city has witnessed suicide attacks and bombings by the ISIS terrorists since 2003 when the terrorists captured large parts of the country and neighbouring Syria to establish a self-styled Islamic caliphate. Iraqi forces, backed by the US, got hold of their areas in late 2017 after numerous gun battles and deaths. The CRPF commando contingent has been armed with some of the best and sophisticated weapons such as AK-series assault rifles, Glock pistols and other equipment required for an armoured counter-terror shield, they said. The squad had a good mix of combat-skilled drivers, quick reaction teams, personal security officers, hostage rescue specialists and improvised explosive device (IED) experts who can not only secure the complex but also guard diplomats who venture out, they said. The commandos have been picked from the highly motivated and disciplined units of the force that have worked in the anti-Naxal operations theatre and the force's special jungle warfare squad, CoBRA (Commando Battalion for Resolute Action). The over 3 lakh personnel strong CRPF is the country's lead internal security force that is tasked with combating the Left Wing Extremism and counter-terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir. Sone other CAPFs render a similar task of guarding Indian assets abroad. While the Indian Embassy in Afghanistan is guarded by the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), those in Nepal and Colombo have the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) and Border Security Force (BSF) contingents respectively.

India deploys CRPF commando squad to guard embassy in Baghdad

One CRPF jawan was killed and five others were injured in an attack by Naxals in Chhattisgarh's Dantewada district on Monday, officials said.

The Naxals first set off an improvised explosive device (IED) and then opened fire on CRPF troopers from the 231st Battalion, who along with a state police unit, was on road security duty in the district's Aranpur area, they said

The incident took place around 4:30 pm near the Central Reserve Police Force's Kamal post in Dantewada, the officials said.

In the attack, a CRPF head constable was killed and five personnel injured,&nbsp; 
a senior official of the paramilitary force said.

The security forces were attacked in a forest between Kondapara and Kamalpur villages under the Aranpur police station limits, Dantewada Superintendent of Police Abhishek Pallava told PTI.

"The CRPF team returned fire. Five jawans have received injuries on the face in the encounter. The gunfight is still underway and reinforcements are being rushed to the site," he added.

The injured personnel are being taken for treatment by helicopter.

One CRPF jawan was killed and five others were injured in an attack by Naxals in Chhattisgarh's Dantewada district on Monday, officials said. The Naxals first set off an improvised explosive device (IED) and then opened fire on CRPF troopers from the 231st Battalion, who along with a state police unit, was on road security duty in the district's Aranpur area, they said The incident took place around 4:30 pm near the Central Reserve Police Force's Kamal post in Dantewada, the officials said.

One CRPF jawan was killed and five others were injured in an attack by Naxals in Chhattisgarh's Dantewada district on Monday, officials said. The Naxals first set off an improvised explosive device (IED) and then opened fire on CRPF troopers from the 231st Battalion, who along with a state police unit, was on road security duty in the district's Aranpur area, they said The incident took place around 4:30 pm near the Central Reserve Police Force's Kamal post in Dantewada, the officials said. In the attack, a CRPF head constable was killed and five personnel injured, a senior official of the paramilitary force said. The security forces were attacked in a forest between Kondapara and Kamalpur villages under the Aranpur police station limits, Dantewada Superintendent of Police Abhishek Pallava told PTI. "The CRPF team returned fire. Five jawans have received injuries on the face in the encounter. The gunfight is still underway and reinforcements are being rushed to the site," he added. The injured personnel are being taken for treatment by helicopter.

CRPF soldier killed in Naxal attack in Chhattisgarh's Dantewada district

BJP's Pramod Sawant will be the new chief minister of Goa, party sources said Monday.

Two MLAs from the BJP alliance partners will be made deputy chief ministers as part of the compromise reached with allies, they said.

The BJP managed to break the deadlock in Goa, offering key allies their pound of flesh, by accepting their demand for deputy CM's posts.

Sawant is now Speaker of Goa Legislative Assembly. He will succeed Manohar Parrikar who died Sunday.

The two would-be Dy CMs are Goa Forward Party chief Vijai Sardesai and MGP MLA Sudin Dhavalikar.

"We have managed to convince the alliance partners and finalised the formula of two deputy chief ministers for the state, a senior BJP functionary said.

The swearing-in ceremony is likely to be held at 9 pm Monday, he said.&nbsp;

BJP's Pramod Sawant will be the new chief minister of Goa, party sources said Monday. Two MLAs from the BJP alliance partners will be made deputy chief ministers as part of the compromise reached with allies, they said.

BJP's Pramod Sawant will be the new chief minister of Goa, party sources said Monday. Two MLAs from the BJP alliance partners will be made deputy chief ministers as part of the compromise reached with allies, they said. The BJP managed to break the deadlock in Goa, offering key allies their pound of flesh, by accepting their demand for deputy CM's posts. Sawant is now Speaker of Goa Legislative Assembly. He will succeed Manohar Parrikar who died Sunday. The two would-be Dy CMs are Goa Forward Party chief Vijai Sardesai and MGP MLA Sudin Dhavalikar. "We have managed to convince the alliance partners and finalised the formula of two deputy chief ministers for the state, a senior BJP functionary said. The swearing-in ceremony is likely to be held at 9 pm Monday, he said.

BJP's Pramod Sawant to be Goa's new chief minister: Sources

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/shooting-at-several-locations-in-hollands-utrecht-city-counter-terrorism-agency-204108">Shooting at several locations in Holland's Utrecht city: Counter-terrorism agency</a>

Head of Dutch counter-terrorism agency said that shooting was taking place at "several" locations at Utrecht city in Holland, Reuters reported after a gunman opened fire at a tram on Monday morning.

Police quickly moved in to cordon off the area even as a government spokesman said one person was killed in the attack.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/regional-tensions-to-be-discussed-during-talks-with-pakistan-foreign-minister-qureshi-china-204052">Regional tensions to be discussed during talks with Pakistan foreign minister Qureshi: China</a>

China said on Monday that tensions between India and Pakistan following the Pulwama terrorist attack would figure in the first strategic dialogue between foreign minister Wang Yi and his Pakistani counterpart Shah Mehmood Qureshi on Tuesday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indonesia-summons-australian-foreign-minister-over-senators-remark-204048">Indonesia summons Australian foreign minister over Senator's remark</a>

Indonesia summoned Canberra's ambassador Monday after an Australian senator blamed last week's mosque attacks by a white supremacist in New Zealand on immigration.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-pays-tribute-to-manohar-parrikar-in-goa-204051">PM Modi pays tribute to Manohar Parrikar in Goa</a>

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday paid tribute to Goa chief minister Manohar Parrikar, who died of pancreatic cancer on Sunday.

After arriving in the coastal state, Modi reached the Kala Academy in Panaji where he paid his last respect to the 63-year-old senior leader. He met Parrikar's family members and offered his condolences to them.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/acid-attack-uncivilised-heartless-crime-does-not-deserve-any-clemency-supreme-court-204079">Acid attack 'uncivilised &amp; heartless crime', does not deserve any clemency: Supreme Court</a>

The Supreme Court has said that acid attack is an "uncivilised and heartless crime" which does not deserve any clemency.

The apex court observed this while asking two convicts, who have already undergone five-year jail for throwing acid on a 19-year-old girl in 2004, to pay Rs 1.5 lakh each as additional compensation to the victim.

Shooting at several locations in Holland's Utrecht city: Counter-terrorism agency Head of Dutch counter-terrorism agency said that shooting was taking place at "several" locations at Utrecht city in Holland, Reuters reported after a gunman opened fire at a tram on Monday morning.

Shooting at several locations in Holland's Utrecht city: Counter-terrorism agency Head of Dutch counter-terrorism agency said that shooting was taking place at "several" locations at Utrecht city in Holland, Reuters reported after a gunman opened fire at a tram on Monday morning. Police quickly moved in to cordon off the area even as a government spokesman said one person was killed in the attack. Regional tensions to be discussed during talks with Pakistan foreign minister Qureshi: China China said on Monday that tensions between India and Pakistan following the Pulwama terrorist attack would figure in the first strategic dialogue between foreign minister Wang Yi and his Pakistani counterpart Shah Mehmood Qureshi on Tuesday. Indonesia summons Australian foreign minister over Senator's remark Indonesia summoned Canberra's ambassador Monday after an Australian senator blamed last week's mosque attacks by a white supremacist in New Zealand on immigration. PM Modi pays tribute to Manohar Parrikar in Goa Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday paid tribute to Goa chief minister Manohar Parrikar, who died of pancreatic cancer on Sunday. After arriving in the coastal state, Modi reached the Kala Academy in Panaji where he paid his last respect to the 63-year-old senior leader. He met Parrikar's family members and offered his condolences to them. Acid attack 'uncivilised & heartless crime', does not deserve any clemency: Supreme Court The Supreme Court has said that acid attack is an "uncivilised and heartless crime" which does not deserve any clemency. The apex court observed this while asking two convicts, who have already undergone five-year jail for throwing acid on a 19-year-old girl in 2004, to pay Rs 1.5 lakh each as additional compensation to the victim.

India bids farewell to Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar

United Arab Emirates (UAE)'s envoy to India, Ahmed Albanna on Monday said that his country did not mediate in India-Pakistan tensions that happened in February but did played an important role in reducing tension between the two countries.

In response to a question Albanna said, "We did not mediate. When we talk about mediation, it has to be requested from both parties and then after that. We tried to decrease the tension by that special relationship."

"We have played an important role in reducing tension. On the day of a big escalation, our Crown Prince spoke to PM Modi and PM Imran Khan. Our role was to give word of wisdom and trying to sort out difference in a peaceful manner. UAE played an important role," Albanna added.

PM Modi and Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan spoke two times in the last three weeks.

On the issue of cross border terror emanating from Pakistan, the envoy said, "Without mentioning any specific person, name or country UAE has a long-standing in preventing, fighting act of terrorism and those radicalise, radical organisation, so we work with all partners, with many different countries, with all the countries in the region to make our region peaceful that we can live together and coexist".

Albanna also welcomed India's presence at Organisation of Islamic Cooperation Foreign Ministers meet in Abu Dhabi saying New Delhi was invited because of special relationship shared by both the countries.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj represented India during the two-day OIC FMs meet in the country in early March. This is the first time India was invited as the guest of honour at the meet.

On oil import, one of the key commodities India imports from West Asia, Albanna said, UAE and Saudi Arabia covered the shortage of oil for India after Iran Sanction.

India and UAE ties have been on an upward trajectory with number of high levels visits between the two countries in the last few years with PM Modi visiting the country twice.

United Arab Emirates (UAE)'s envoy to India, Ahmed Albanna on Monday said that his country did not mediate in India-Pakistan tensions that happened in February but did played an important role in reducing tension between the two countries.

United Arab Emirates (UAE)'s envoy to India, Ahmed Albanna on Monday said that his country did not mediate in India-Pakistan tensions that happened in February but did played an important role in reducing tension between the two countries. In response to a question Albanna said, "We did not mediate. When we talk about mediation, it has to be requested from both parties and then after that. We tried to decrease the tension by that special relationship." "We have played an important role in reducing tension. On the day of a big escalation, our Crown Prince spoke to PM Modi and PM Imran Khan. Our role was to give word of wisdom and trying to sort out difference in a peaceful manner. UAE played an important role," Albanna added. PM Modi and Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan spoke two times in the last three weeks. On the issue of cross border terror emanating from Pakistan, the envoy said, "Without mentioning any specific person, name or country UAE has a long-standing in preventing, fighting act of terrorism and those radicalise, radical organisation, so we work with all partners, with many different countries, with all the countries in the region to make our region peaceful that we can live together and coexist". Albanna also welcomed India's presence at Organisation of Islamic Cooperation Foreign Ministers meet in Abu Dhabi saying New Delhi was invited because of special relationship shared by both the countries. External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj represented India during the two-day OIC FMs meet in the country in early March. This is the first time India was invited as the guest of honour at the meet. On oil import, one of the key commodities India imports from West Asia, Albanna said, UAE and Saudi Arabia covered the shortage of oil for India after Iran Sanction. India and UAE ties have been on an upward trajectory with number of high levels visits between the two countries in the last few years with PM Modi visiting the country twice.

We played important role in reducing India-Pak tensions: UAE envoy Ahmed Albanna

BJP workers have hit the ground running in the Nagpur Lok Sabha constituency, from where Union Minister Nitin Gadkari will file his nomination again this year, to reach out to voters ahead of the upcoming general elections.

The party workers and office-bearers are making detailed plans to woo voters and leaving nothing to chance.

A massive team of 65,000-70,000 BJP workers and supporters has fanned out in every assembly segment that falls under the Lok Sabha constituency, which has 1,903 voting booths, BJP sources said.

One 'panna pramukh' has been deployed for each voters list. There are around 55,000 people working as 'panna pramukh' (page in-charge) in the constituency.

The 'panna pramukh' is the first point of contact for voters under the BJP's election management strategy.

Besides, 10,000-20,000 BJP office-bearers and workers are part of other campaigning verticals, they said.

BJP's Nagpur spokesperson Chandan Goswami told PTI that party workers have started a door-to-door campaign to reach out to the voters.

The workers will apprise the voters about various welfare schemes launched by the BJP-led state and central governments, he said.

Details of the Nagpur metro project, the first phase of which became operational in early March, and the Multi-modal International Cargo Hub and Airport at Nagpur (MIHAN) will also be shared with the voters, he said.

Gadkari, in his public rallies last month, had said infrastructure projects in Nagpur have attracted investment worth Rs 80,000 crore.

At public rallies, the former BJP chief often highlights the work done by him for the city, the second capital of Maharashtra.

A team of 50 workers will be actively working in each Vidhan Sabha constituency under the Nagpur Lok Sabha seat, Goswami said.

There are six Vidhan Sabha segments in Nagpur.

Similarly, a micro-planning team is working under the leadership of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Gadkari himself is overseeing all the campaigning work in Maharashtra, Goswami said.

Likewise, 'cluster pramukhs' will be working under Nagpur Guardian Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule, he said.

These 'cluster pramukhs' will look after campaigning on social media in assembly constituencies and door-to-door campaigns, Goswami said.

A manifesto team has also been formed under local legislators who will be going to the voters with the BJP's manifesto, he added.

Besides, several public meetings have been lined up. State and Union ministers will address these meetings, he said.

There are a total of 40,24,197 voters, including 19,57,995 women, in the Nagpur Lok Sabha constituency, where voting will take place in single phase on April 11.

The Congress has fielded Nana Patole, a former BJP MP from Gondia Bhandara who joined the party last year, from Nagpur.&nbsp;

The results for Lok Sabha polls will be announced on May 23.

BJP workers have hit the ground running in the Nagpur Lok Sabha constituency, from where Union Minister Nitin Gadkari will file his nomination again this year, to reach out to voters ahead of the upcoming general elections.

BJP workers have hit the ground running in the Nagpur Lok Sabha constituency, from where Union Minister Nitin Gadkari will file his nomination again this year, to reach out to voters ahead of the upcoming general elections. The party workers and office-bearers are making detailed plans to woo voters and leaving nothing to chance. A massive team of 65,000-70,000 BJP workers and supporters has fanned out in every assembly segment that falls under the Lok Sabha constituency, which has 1,903 voting booths, BJP sources said. One 'panna pramukh' has been deployed for each voters list. There are around 55,000 people working as 'panna pramukh' (page in-charge) in the constituency. The 'panna pramukh' is the first point of contact for voters under the BJP's election management strategy. Besides, 10,000-20,000 BJP office-bearers and workers are part of other campaigning verticals, they said. BJP's Nagpur spokesperson Chandan Goswami told PTI that party workers have started a door-to-door campaign to reach out to the voters. The workers will apprise the voters about various welfare schemes launched by the BJP-led state and central governments, he said. Details of the Nagpur metro project, the first phase of which became operational in early March, and the Multi-modal International Cargo Hub and Airport at Nagpur (MIHAN) will also be shared with the voters, he said. Gadkari, in his public rallies last month, had said infrastructure projects in Nagpur have attracted investment worth Rs 80,000 crore. At public rallies, the former BJP chief often highlights the work done by him for the city, the second capital of Maharashtra. A team of 50 workers will be actively working in each Vidhan Sabha constituency under the Nagpur Lok Sabha seat, Goswami said. There are six Vidhan Sabha segments in Nagpur. Similarly, a micro-planning team is working under the leadership of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Gadkari himself is overseeing all the campaigning work in Maharashtra, Goswami said. Likewise, 'cluster pramukhs' will be working under Nagpur Guardian Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule, he said. These 'cluster pramukhs' will look after campaigning on social media in assembly constituencies and door-to-door campaigns, Goswami said. A manifesto team has also been formed under local legislators who will be going to the voters with the BJP's manifesto, he added. Besides, several public meetings have been lined up. State and Union ministers will address these meetings, he said. There are a total of 40,24,197 voters, including 19,57,995 women, in the Nagpur Lok Sabha constituency, where voting will take place in single phase on April 11. The Congress has fielded Nana Patole, a former BJP MP from Gondia Bhandara who joined the party last year, from Nagpur. The results for Lok Sabha polls will be announced on May 23.

Lok Sabha polls: BJP readies voter contact programme in Nagpur

A&nbsp;day after declaring its candidate for the seventh Lok Sabha seat, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Monday made it clear that there would be neither any alliance with the Congress nor a rollback of any of its candidates in Delhi.

Asserting that "enough is enough", senior AAP leader Gopal Rai said these are the final seven candidates of the party and there is no question of "any roll back".

The ruling AAP had earlier on March 2, announced the names of its candidates for the six Lok Sabha seats.

On Sunday, the party declared its last candidate in Delhi, with a senior leader saying the announcement was made seeing the Congress's "irresponsible and indecisive" attitude towards an alliance.

"Despite facing stiff opposition from its workers, the AAP was open to an alliance with the Congress in Delhi but after waiting for so long and constantly hearing conflicting statements from the party, we have decided that enough is enough and now even if Congress approaches us with a proposal there would be no alliance in Delhi," he said.

He said there has been no communication from the Congress and it clearly shows that the grand old party is "not serious" about elections in Delhi.

The BJP and Congress have not yet declared their candidates for elections in Delhi.

There were rumours of an alliance between Congress-AAP last week when the Congress decided to seek feedback from its booth-level workers on a tie-up with the AAP.

"There are many leaders and workers in Delhi Congress who are in favour of alliance with AAP. But a final call in this regard will be taken by party president Rahul Gandhi," P C Chacko, a senior Congress leader, had said earlier.

Elections to the seven Lok Sabha seats in Delhi will be held on May 12. The results will be declared with the rest of the country on May 23.

A day after declaring its candidate for the seventh Lok Sabha seat, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Monday made it clear that there would be neither any alliance with the Congress nor a rollback of any of its candidates in Delhi.

A day after declaring its candidate for the seventh Lok Sabha seat, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Monday made it clear that there would be neither any alliance with the Congress nor a rollback of any of its candidates in Delhi. Asserting that "enough is enough", senior AAP leader Gopal Rai said these are the final seven candidates of the party and there is no question of "any roll back". The ruling AAP had earlier on March 2, announced the names of its candidates for the six Lok Sabha seats. On Sunday, the party declared its last candidate in Delhi, with a senior leader saying the announcement was made seeing the Congress's "irresponsible and indecisive" attitude towards an alliance. "Despite facing stiff opposition from its workers, the AAP was open to an alliance with the Congress in Delhi but after waiting for so long and constantly hearing conflicting statements from the party, we have decided that enough is enough and now even if Congress approaches us with a proposal there would be no alliance in Delhi," he said. He said there has been no communication from the Congress and it clearly shows that the grand old party is "not serious" about elections in Delhi. The BJP and Congress have not yet declared their candidates for elections in Delhi. There were rumours of an alliance between Congress-AAP last week when the Congress decided to seek feedback from its booth-level workers on a tie-up with the AAP. "There are many leaders and workers in Delhi Congress who are in favour of alliance with AAP. But a final call in this regard will be taken by party president Rahul Gandhi," P C Chacko, a senior Congress leader, had said earlier. Elections to the seven Lok Sabha seats in Delhi will be held on May 12. The results will be declared with the rest of the country on May 23.

No alliance with Congress in Delhi: AAP

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We played important role in reducing India-Pak tensions: UAE envoy Ahmed Albanna

Lok Sabha polls: BJP readies voter contact programme in Nagpur

No alliance with Congress in Delhi: AAP