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<p>It’s good news for makers of “Veere Di Wedding” as the CBFC today granted the film an ‘A’ certificate, just what they wanted. Producers Rhea Kapoor and Ekta Kapoor wanted the certificate so that the film goes through certification without any cuts or edits.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The film starring four girls Sonam Kapoor, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Swara Bhasker and Shikha Talsania will now retain all the cuss words and symbolic gestures. The credit for this goes entirely to Jeetendra and Anil Kapoor who fought for the film made by their daughters.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to a report published in a daily, a source revealed: "Both Jeetendra (Ekta Kapoor's father) and Anil argued heatedly in favour of the colourful language spoken in the film. They are convinced that today's youngsters speak that foul lurid leery language. Some panel members objected. But finally, the board members agreed to let the language remain intact and gave the film an 'A' certificate."&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;Kareena had said in an earlier interview, “Veere Di Wedding is a movie about four women who attend my wedding and all the <em>dhamaal</em> that it involves. It is the perfect time to do this movie that deals with women and their emotions.”<br />
&nbsp;<br />
“I started Veere Di Wedding nine months after Taimur’s birth and it is almost unheard of in Bollywood. I think people should be patient with me because I do not have the bandwidth to work so hard so soon. I would like to spend some time with my son, get things sorted, and take my time to figure out what I want to do and sort my head out,” Kareena had said earlier.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
The movie is all set to hit the screens on June 1, this year<br />
&nbsp;</p>


It’s good news for makers of “Veere Di Wedding” as the CBFC today granted the film an ‘A’ certificate, just what they wanted. Producers Rhea Kapoor and Ekta Kapoor wanted the certificate so that the film goes through certification without any cuts or edits. The film starring four girls Sonam Kapoor, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Swara Bhasker and Shikha Talsania will now retain all the cuss words and symbolic gestures. The credit for this goes entirely to Jeetendra and Anil Kapoor who fought for the film made by their daughters. According to a report published in a daily, a source revealed: "Both Jeetendra (Ekta Kapoor's father) and Anil argued heatedly in favour of the colourful language spoken in the film. They are convinced that today's youngsters speak that foul lurid leery language. Some panel members objected. But finally, the board members agreed to let the language remain intact and gave the film an 'A' certificate." Kareena had said in an earlier interview, “Veere Di Wedding is a movie about four women who attend my wedding and all the dhamaal that it involves. It is the perfect time to do this movie that deals with women and their emotions.” “I started Veere Di Wedding nine months after Taimur’s birth and it is almost unheard of in Bollywood. I think people should be patient with me because I do not have the bandwidth to work so hard so soon. I would like to spend some time with my son, get things sorted, and take my time to figure out what I want to do and sort my head out,” Kareena had said earlier. The movie is all set to hit the screens on June 1, this year

Sonam Kapoor, Kareena Kapoor's film 'Veere Di Wedding' gets 'A' certificate from CBFC

<p>Congress President Rahul Gandhi said Thursday the BJP was making "a mockery of our constitution".&nbsp;</p>

<p>This was even as the BJP's BS Yeddyurappa was being <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/live-natak-in-karnataka-continues-both-sides-to-meet-governor-mlas-report-poaching-attempts-137278">sworn in</a> as Chief Minister of Karnataka.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The BJP’s irrational insistence that it will form a Govt. in Karnataka, even though it clearly doesn’t have the numbers, is to make a mockery of our Constitution," Rahul tweeted. &nbsp;</p>

<p>"This morning, while the BJP celebrates its hollow victory, India will mourn the defeat of democracy," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The BJP emerged the single-largest party after the recent Karnataka elections with 104 seats.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Congress won 78, and the JD(S) 37. The JD(S)'s pre-poll ally the BSP won 1 seat.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Congress-JD(S) combine therefore has 116 seats.&nbsp;</p>

<p>112 seats are currently needed for a simple majority in Karnataka. Polling was postponed in two seats in the 224-member Karnataka house.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Karnataka Governor Vajubahi Vala has given Yeddyurappa 15 days to prove his majority on the floor of the house.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Governor Vajubhai Vala: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/once-crisis-manager-for-bjp-governor-of-karnataka-vajubhai-vala-137299">Karnataka's future rests on a man who once gave up his seat for Narendra Modi</a></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The BJP’s irrational insistence that it will form a Govt. in Karnataka, even though it clearly doesn’t have the numbers, is to make a mockery of our Constitution.<br />
<br />
This morning, while the BJP celebrates its hollow victory, India will mourn the defeat of democracy.</p>
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) <a href="https://twitter.com/RahulGandhi/status/996951947885228032?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 17, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>On Wednesday, the Congress moved the Supreme Court asking it to stay the swearing in.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Supreme Court — which began hearing the Congress plea at 2.11 am Thursday morning and ended it at 5.28 am — however refused to stay the swearing in.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It will next hear the case 10.30 am Friday morning. &nbsp;</p>

<p><iframe allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/MPPHNqJmUUs" width="560"></iframe></p>


'This morning, while the BJP celebrates its hollow victory, India will mourn the defeat of democracy,' Rahul added

Congress President Rahul Gandhi said Thursday the BJP was making "a mockery of our constitution". This was even as the BJP's BS Yeddyurappa was being sworn in as Chief Minister of Karnataka. "The BJP’s irrational insistence that it will form a Govt. in Karnataka, even though it clearly doesn’t have the numbers, is to make a mockery of our Constitution," Rahul tweeted. "This morning, while the BJP celebrates its hollow victory, India will mourn the defeat of democracy," he added. The BJP emerged the single-largest party after the recent Karnataka elections with 104 seats. The Congress won 78, and the JD(S) 37. The JD(S)'s pre-poll ally the BSP won 1 seat. The Congress-JD(S) combine therefore has 116 seats. 112 seats are currently needed for a simple majority in Karnataka. Polling was postponed in two seats in the 224-member Karnataka house. Karnataka Governor Vajubahi Vala has given Yeddyurappa 15 days to prove his majority on the floor of the house. Governor Vajubhai Vala: Karnataka's future rests on a man who once gave up his seat for Narendra Modi The BJP’s irrational insistence that it will form a Govt. in Karnataka, even though it clearly doesn’t have the numbers, is to make a mockery of our Constitution. This morning, while the BJP celebrates its hollow victory, India will mourn the defeat of democracy. — Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) May 17, 2018 × On Wednesday, the Congress moved the Supreme Court asking it to stay the swearing in. The Supreme Court — which began hearing the Congress plea at 2.11 am Thursday morning and ended it at 5.28 am — however refused to stay the swearing in. It will next hear the case 10.30 am Friday morning.

As Yeddyurappa is sworn in, Rahul Gandhi says BJP making 'mockery of our constitution'

<p>A little after BS Yeddyurappa was sworn in as Chief Minister of Karnataka, Congress leaders and the party's Karnataka MLAs began protesting outside the Vidhan Soudha.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The JD(S)'s HD Kumaraswamy and his father HD Deve Gowda joined them.&nbsp;</p>

<p>There was however one Congress MLA missing — Anand Singh.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Singh, a mining baron who joined the Congress from the BJP just before the Karnataka elections, was also missing from the Congress Legislature Party meeting yesterday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"All MLAs are here except Anand Singh," Congress MP from Bangalore Rural DK Suresh said. &nbsp;</p>

<p>"He is in (the) clutches of Narendra Modi," Suresh added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Kumaraswamy was even more forthcoming.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Modi government is misusing institutions of central government," he said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I know they are threatening MLAs.&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">All MLAs are here except Anand Singh, he is in clutches of Narendra Modi: DK Suresh, Congress MP at Vidhan Soudha in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Bengaluru?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Bengaluru</a> <a href="https://t.co/2h8F3q0IKF">pic.twitter.com/2h8F3q0IKF</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/996984233074700288?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 17, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Modi govt is misusing institutions of central govt. I know they are threatening MLAs. Anand Singh (Cong MLA) told 'they are using ED, I had a case in ED & they are going to screw me. I'm sorry I have to protect my interest,' another Cong MLA who spoke to Singh told me-Kumaraswamy <a href="https://t.co/QrzW8eHeAR">pic.twitter.com/QrzW8eHeAR</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/996985647679197184?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 17, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Kumaraswamy then said Singh had told another Congress MLA that, "They are using ED, I had a case in ED and they are going to screw me. I'm sorry I have to protect my interest."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Kumaraswamy added that he had learnt what Anand Singh had said from the second Congress MLA.&nbsp;</p>


Anand Singh, who joined the Congress from the BJP just before the elections, is not at the Congress-JD(S) protest at the Vidhan Soudha. He also did not attend the Karnataka Congress Legislature Party meeting yesterday

A little after BS Yeddyurappa was sworn in as Chief Minister of Karnataka, Congress leaders and the party's Karnataka MLAs began protesting outside the Vidhan Soudha. The JD(S)'s HD Kumaraswamy and his father HD Deve Gowda joined them. There was however one Congress MLA missing — Anand Singh. Singh, a mining baron who joined the Congress from the BJP just before the Karnataka elections, was also missing from the Congress Legislature Party meeting yesterday. "All MLAs are here except Anand Singh," Congress MP from Bangalore Rural DK Suresh said. "He is in (the) clutches of Narendra Modi," Suresh added. Kumaraswamy was even more forthcoming. "Modi government is misusing institutions of central government," he said. "I know they are threatening MLAs. All MLAs are here except Anand Singh, he is in clutches of Narendra Modi: DK Suresh, Congress MP at Vidhan Soudha in #Bengaluru pic.twitter.com/2h8F3q0IKF — ANI (@ANI) May 17, 2018 × Modi govt is misusing institutions of central govt. I know they are threatening MLAs. Anand Singh (Cong MLA) told 'they are using ED, I had a case in ED & they are going to screw me. I'm sorry I have to protect my interest,' another Cong MLA who spoke to Singh told me-Kumaraswamy pic.twitter.com/QrzW8eHeAR — ANI (@ANI) May 17, 2018 × Kumaraswamy then said Singh had told another Congress MLA that, "They are using ED, I had a case in ED and they are going to screw me. I'm sorry I have to protect my interest." Kumaraswamy added that he had learnt what Anand Singh had said from the second Congress MLA.

First Congress MLA seems to break from Cong-JD(S) ranks

<p>Former Reserve Bank of India chief Raghuram Rajan said on Wednesday he did not intend to apply for the job of Bank of England governor which is due to come vacant next year.</p>

<p>Rajan has been mentioned by analysts as a possible future BoE governor after Mark Carney - who previously headed Canada's central bank - steps down at the end of June 2019.</p>

<p>"I have a very good job at the University of Chicago and I actually am an academic, not a professional central banker. I am very happy where I am," Rajan told reporters after an event in London hosted by the U.S. university's Booth School of Business, where he is a finance professor.</p>

<p>"I think I’ve said all I can say. I’m not going to apply for a job anywhere, absolutely."</p>

<p>Asked what he would do if he were approached to fill the role, Rajan - who was the RBI's governor until September 2016 - said he had answered a similar question.</p>

<p>Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/implementation-of-gst-not-unfixable-problem-ex-rbi-governor-raghuram-rajan-130060">Implementation of GST </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/implementation-of-gst-not-unfixable-problem-ex-rbi-governor-raghuram-rajan-130060">not</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/implementation-of-gst-not-unfixable-problem-ex-rbi-governor-raghuram-rajan-130060"> 'unfixable' problem, says Raghuram Rajan</a></p>

<p>British finance minister Philip Hammond is expected to name Carney's successor later this year, and said in Washington last month that he would consider candidates from abroad.</p>

<p>Andrew Bailey, a former BoE deputy governor who now heads Britain's Financial Conduct Authority, is seen as the front-runner by many economists in the City of London.</p>

<p>Aside from current senior BoE staff, other names mentioned include Agustin Carstens, the Mexican who is general manager of the Bank for International Settlements, Minouche Shafik, a former BoE deputy governor who heads the London School of Economics and Shriti Vadera, who chairs Santander UK.</p>

<p>Rajan is a former chief economist at the International Monetary Fund, and warned of financial imbalances in the run-up to the 2007-08 global crisis.</p>

<p>On Wednesday, he said that banks were now much safer but risk had shifted to other parts of the financial system.</p>

<p>Debt troubles in Argentina were likely to be repeated elsewhere and he highlighted the increased volume of 'covenant-lite' loans compared with before the crisis.</p>

<p>The U.S. Federal Reserve and the European Central Bank had probably done too much in the way of asset purchases once the worst of the crisis had passed, Rajan added, and had let governments off the hook in terms of undertaking structural reform and providing fiscal stimulus.</p>

<p>In the ECB's case, asset purchases appeared to have weakened the euro but not boosted real economic activity.</p>

<p>He declined to comment on whether the BoE's 435 billion pound ($587 billion) asset purchases were too much, or if Britain's fiscal austerity since 2010 had been excessive, as he had not studied the British economy in as much depth.</p>


Rajan has been mentioned by analysts as a possible future BoE governor after Mark Carney - who previously headed Canada's central bank - steps down at the end of June 2019

Former Reserve Bank of India chief Raghuram Rajan said on Wednesday he did not intend to apply for the job of Bank of England governor which is due to come vacant next year. Rajan has been mentioned by analysts as a possible future BoE governor after Mark Carney - who previously headed Canada's central bank - steps down at the end of June 2019. "I have a very good job at the University of Chicago and I actually am an academic, not a professional central banker. I am very happy where I am," Rajan told reporters after an event in London hosted by the U.S. university's Booth School of Business, where he is a finance professor. "I think I’ve said all I can say. I’m not going to apply for a job anywhere, absolutely." Asked what he would do if he were approached to fill the role, Rajan - who was the RBI's governor until September 2016 - said he had answered a similar question. Also read: Implementation of GST not 'unfixable' problem, says Raghuram Rajan British finance minister Philip Hammond is expected to name Carney's successor later this year, and said in Washington last month that he would consider candidates from abroad. Andrew Bailey, a former BoE deputy governor who now heads Britain's Financial Conduct Authority, is seen as the front-runner by many economists in the City of London. Aside from current senior BoE staff, other names mentioned include Agustin Carstens, the Mexican who is general manager of the Bank for International Settlements, Minouche Shafik, a former BoE deputy governor who heads the London School of Economics and Shriti Vadera, who chairs Santander UK. Rajan is a former chief economist at the International Monetary Fund, and warned of financial imbalances in the run-up to the 2007-08 global crisis. On Wednesday, he said that banks were now much safer but risk had shifted to other parts of the financial system. Debt troubles in Argentina were likely to be repeated elsewhere and he highlighted the increased volume of 'covenant-lite' loans compared with before the crisis. The U.S. Federal Reserve and the European Central Bank had probably done too much in the way of asset purchases once the worst of the crisis had passed, Rajan added, and had let governments off the hook in terms of undertaking structural reform and providing fiscal stimulus. In the ECB's case, asset purchases appeared to have weakened the euro but not boosted real economic activity. He declined to comment on whether the BoE's 435 billion pound ($587 billion) asset purchases were too much, or if Britain's fiscal austerity since 2010 had been excessive, as he had not studied the British economy in as much depth.

Not applying for Bank of England job: Raghuram Rajan

<p>It's going to be Kapoor vs Kapoor at the box office on 1st June as Sonam Kapoor's <em>Veere Di Wedding</em> and her brother Harshvardhan Kapoor's <em>Bhavesh Joshi </em>will release in theatres on the same day.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
Bhavesh Joshi, directed by Vikramaditya Motwane and co-produced by Phantom and Eros was earlier set to release on May 25th. But the makers on Wednesday announced that they have decided to shift the film by a week and now will release on 1st June.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
Meanwhile, Sonam Kapoor, Kareena Kapoor starer Veere Di Wedding had already booked the said date for its release long back. The film incidentally is co-produced by Sonam and HJarsh's sister Rhea.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
Touted as one of the most anticipated films of this season, Veere De Wedding has already been garnering a lot of attention. Meanwhile, hopes are high from Bhavesh Joshi as well because of the film's director. Motwane, known to make thought-provoking, sensitive films like Lootera and Udaan, is trying a new genre by making a vigilante drama.<br />
<br />
Actor Anil Kapoor, like all fathers, is anxious. "As a father, I will be anxious about my children. We have to wish for the best," the actor told a daily. The actor admits that release dates can never be decided by actors and that it is always a decision taken by the studios. "These calls [about a film's release date] are made by the respective studios and distributors, and I respect that. In my entire career, I have never said <em>ki ab release </em><em>karo</em><em> ya </em><em>abhi</em><em> release mat </em><em>karo</em>. Neither Harsh nor I are in a position to say anything about the release date," the actor added.<br />
<br />
Meanwhile, Harshvardhan himself does not see it as a 'clash'. While speaking to a news daily, the actor said, "The films belong to two completely different worlds. It’s a great date for both of them because it’s the first weekend after the end of the country’s biggest cricketing league. The other big releases will have filtered out by then too. Sonam, Rhea, dad (Anil Kapoor) and I are thrilled about the simultaneous releases because June 1 will be a day of celebration. We are not looking at it as a clash, it’s a great opportunity."</p>


'Bhavesh Joshi' and 'Veere Di Wedding' will now release on the same day.

It's going to be Kapoor vs Kapoor at the box office on 1st June as Sonam Kapoor's Veere Di Wedding and her brother Harshvardhan Kapoor's Bhavesh Joshi will release in theatres on the same day. Bhavesh Joshi, directed by Vikramaditya Motwane and co-produced by Phantom and Eros was earlier set to release on May 25th. But the makers on Wednesday announced that they have decided to shift the film by a week and now will release on 1st June. Meanwhile, Sonam Kapoor, Kareena Kapoor starer Veere Di Wedding had already booked the said date for its release long back. The film incidentally is co-produced by Sonam and HJarsh's sister Rhea. Touted as one of the most anticipated films of this season, Veere De Wedding has already been garnering a lot of attention. Meanwhile, hopes are high from Bhavesh Joshi as well because of the film's director. Motwane, known to make thought-provoking, sensitive films like Lootera and Udaan, is trying a new genre by making a vigilante drama. Actor Anil Kapoor, like all fathers, is anxious. "As a father, I will be anxious about my children. We have to wish for the best," the actor told a daily. The actor admits that release dates can never be decided by actors and that it is always a decision taken by the studios. "These calls [about a film's release date] are made by the respective studios and distributors, and I respect that. In my entire career, I have never said ki ab release karo ya abhi release mat karo. Neither Harsh nor I are in a position to say anything about the release date," the actor added. Meanwhile, Harshvardhan himself does not see it as a 'clash'. While speaking to a news daily, the actor said, "The films belong to two completely different worlds. It’s a great date for both of them because it’s the first weekend after the end of the country’s biggest cricketing league. The other big releases will have filtered out by then too. Sonam, Rhea, dad (Anil Kapoor) and I are thrilled about the simultaneous releases because June 1 will be a day of celebration. We are not looking at it as a clash, it’s a great opportunity."

Clash of the Kapoors! Sonam Kapoor and brother Harshvardhan's films to release on the same day

<p>The Supreme Court today refused to stay BJP leader B S Yeddyurappa's swearing-in as Karnataka Chief Minister after a rare pre-dawn hearing which saw the Congress-JD (S) combine making a last-ditch attempt to stall the saffron party's surge in the southern state.</p>

<p>The top court, which commenced the hearing at 2.11 am and ended at 5.28 am, however made it clear that the swearing-in and the government formation in the state would be subject to the final outcome of the case before it.</p>

<p>A special bench comprising Justices AK Sikri, SA Bobde and Ashok Bhushan directed the Centre to place before it two communications, sent by Yeddyurappa to Governor Vajubhai Vala in which he had staked claim to form the government, saying their perusal was necessary to decide the case.</p>

<p>The top court also issued notices to Karnataka government and Yeddyurappa seeking their replies on the plea filed by Congress-JD (S) combine and posted the matter for hearing tomorrow.</p>

<p>"This Court is not passing any order staying the oath taking ceremony of BS Yeddyurappa. In case, he is given oath in the meantime, that shall be subject to further orders of this court and final outcome of the writ petition," the bench said.<br />
<br />
While senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, appearing for Congress-JD (S) combine, persisted with his arguments that the swearing-in ceremony should be stayed or deferred, the bench said, "we are not staying the oath taking ceremony".</p>

<p>Attorney General KK Venugopal, appearing for the Centre, and senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi, representing three BJP MLAs Govind M Karjol, CM Udasi and Basavaraj Bommai, opposed the arguments to defer or stay the swearing-in ceremony, which was scheduled yesterday for today morning.</p>

<p>"We do not know what transpired in the meeting between the BJP leader (Yeddyurappa) and the Governor. I do not think BS Yeddyurappa is served or represented here. The whole thing is in a grey area and in a realm of speculation," Venugopal said.</p>

<p>Rohatgi also questioned the manner in which the petition was filed in the midnight and said, "Heavens will not fall if somebody is sworn-in. This is not a matter of life or death or as if someone is going to be hanged".</p>

<p>He said that constitutional obligation of the Governor was to invite a party to form a new government and his action could always be judicially reviewed and the court may order for restoration of status-quo ante also as was done in the case of Arunachal Pradesh.</p>

<p>"Courts should not stop a constitutional functionary (Governor) from discharging his constitutional duty. In this country, action will be amenable but office of the Governor cannot be injuncted," Rohatgi said.</p>

<p>At the outset, Singhvi referred to the number of seats won by the BJP, Congress and JD (S) and said the Congress-JD (S) combine has the majority in the house with 117 MLAs while the BJP had only 104 seats which was below the majority mark of 112 at present.</p>

<p>He also questioned the Governor's decision to give 15 days time to Yeddyurppa to prove majority in the house and claimed that this might lead to "horse trading" and "poaching" of MLAs.</p>

<p>Singhvi said that they were not sure how much time Yeddyurppa himself had sought from the Governor to prove the majority but as per their information, the BJP leader had sought seven days time.</p>

<p>He urged the court to defer the swearing-in, scheduled to be held at 9.30 am today, till 4.30 pm and said the Centre or BJP should be asked to place before the bench the letters sent by Yeddyurppa to the Governor.</p>

<p>However, the Attorney General told the bench, "We really do not know what was the basis of which the Governor invited him (Yeddyurppa)".</p>

<p>He said that swearing-in should not be deferred or stayed as it was for a constitutional office and no purpose would be served by stopping it since it was "purely a reversable situation".</p>

<p>"Let this matter be heard. Let floor test take place. No irreversible damage will be done," Venugopal said.</p>

<p>"Here, there are three major parties. BJP is the single largest party, Congress is second and JD (S) is third. Now, the Congress-JD (S) combine outweigh the BJP. Then, in this situation, on what basis he (Yeddyurppa) has staked claim to form the government? We do not have those letters. It's only on surmises. The arithmetic is such that defies on what basis it was done," the bench observed.</p>

<p>To this, Venugopal raised a doubt on the authenticity of the signatures of MLAs submitted by Congress-JD (S) combine leader HD Kumaraswamy and said, "They may have given signed letter which may not be genuine".</p>

<p>Singhvi, while contending that "humongous things are happening in terms of money", expressed gratitude that three judges of the apex court were hearing the matter at 2 am.</p>

<p>"If a Governor passes an order (inviting Yeddyurppa to form government) at 9.30 pm and the oath taking ceremony is at 9.30 am, I have no option but to make your night black. I am extremely grateful that three judges of the Supreme Court are sitting in the court at 2 am to hear the matter. It is a victory of democracy irrespective of what is the outcome. The democracy has won," he told the bench.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, senior lawyer Ram Jethmalani mentioned before the Chief Justice of India bench of Dipak Misra, justices AM Khanwilkar and DY Chandrachud his application for urgent hearing against the Karnataka Governor for inviting BS Yeddyurappa for making government. The bench directed him to mention it tomorrow before an appropriate bench.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Sr lawyer Ram Jethmalani mentioned before CJI Bench of Dipak Misra, justices AM Khanwilkar&DY Chandrachud his application for urgent hearing against Karnataka Guv for inviting BS Yedurappa for making govt. The Bench directed him to mention it tomorrow before an appropriate bench. <a href="https://t.co/DGANrJ3jvu">pic.twitter.com/DGANrJ3jvu</a></p>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>In the May 12 polls, the BJP emerged as the single largest party with 104 members, while Congress secured 78, the JD(S) 37 and others three.</p>


The court heard the plea in a marathon session from 2.11 am to 5.28 am Thursday morning. It did not stay the swearing in but made very clear that it was subject to the final outcome of the hearing

The Supreme Court today refused to stay BJP leader B S Yeddyurappa's swearing-in as Karnataka Chief Minister after a rare pre-dawn hearing which saw the Congress-JD (S) combine making a last-ditch attempt to stall the saffron party's surge in the southern state. The top court, which commenced the hearing at 2.11 am and ended at 5.28 am, however made it clear that the swearing-in and the government formation in the state would be subject to the final outcome of the case before it. A special bench comprising Justices AK Sikri, SA Bobde and Ashok Bhushan directed the Centre to place before it two communications, sent by Yeddyurappa to Governor Vajubhai Vala in which he had staked claim to form the government, saying their perusal was necessary to decide the case. The top court also issued notices to Karnataka government and Yeddyurappa seeking their replies on the plea filed by Congress-JD (S) combine and posted the matter for hearing tomorrow. "This Court is not passing any order staying the oath taking ceremony of BS Yeddyurappa. In case, he is given oath in the meantime, that shall be subject to further orders of this court and final outcome of the writ petition," the bench said. While senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, appearing for Congress-JD (S) combine, persisted with his arguments that the swearing-in ceremony should be stayed or deferred, the bench said, "we are not staying the oath taking ceremony". Attorney General KK Venugopal, appearing for the Centre, and senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi, representing three BJP MLAs Govind M Karjol, CM Udasi and Basavaraj Bommai, opposed the arguments to defer or stay the swearing-in ceremony, which was scheduled yesterday for today morning. "We do not know what transpired in the meeting between the BJP leader (Yeddyurappa) and the Governor. I do not think BS Yeddyurappa is served or represented here. The whole thing is in a grey area and in a realm of speculation," Venugopal said. Rohatgi also questioned the manner in which the petition was filed in the midnight and said, "Heavens will not fall if somebody is sworn-in. This is not a matter of life or death or as if someone is going to be hanged". He said that constitutional obligation of the Governor was to invite a party to form a new government and his action could always be judicially reviewed and the court may order for restoration of status-quo ante also as was done in the case of Arunachal Pradesh. "Courts should not stop a constitutional functionary (Governor) from discharging his constitutional duty. In this country, action will be amenable but office of the Governor cannot be injuncted," Rohatgi said. At the outset, Singhvi referred to the number of seats won by the BJP, Congress and JD (S) and said the Congress-JD (S) combine has the majority in the house with 117 MLAs while the BJP had only 104 seats which was below the majority mark of 112 at present. He also questioned the Governor's decision to give 15 days time to Yeddyurppa to prove majority in the house and claimed that this might lead to "horse trading" and "poaching" of MLAs. Singhvi said that they were not sure how much time Yeddyurppa himself had sought from the Governor to prove the majority but as per their information, the BJP leader had sought seven days time. He urged the court to defer the swearing-in, scheduled to be held at 9.30 am today, till 4.30 pm and said the Centre or BJP should be asked to place before the bench the letters sent by Yeddyurppa to the Governor. However, the Attorney General told the bench, "We really do not know what was the basis of which the Governor invited him (Yeddyurppa)". He said that swearing-in should not be deferred or stayed as it was for a constitutional office and no purpose would be served by stopping it since it was "purely a reversable situation". "Let this matter be heard. Let floor test take place. No irreversible damage will be done," Venugopal said. "Here, there are three major parties. BJP is the single largest party, Congress is second and JD (S) is third. Now, the Congress-JD (S) combine outweigh the BJP. Then, in this situation, on what basis he (Yeddyurppa) has staked claim to form the government? We do not have those letters. It's only on surmises. The arithmetic is such that defies on what basis it was done," the bench observed. To this, Venugopal raised a doubt on the authenticity of the signatures of MLAs submitted by Congress-JD (S) combine leader HD Kumaraswamy and said, "They may have given signed letter which may not be genuine". Singhvi, while contending that "humongous things are happening in terms of money", expressed gratitude that three judges of the apex court were hearing the matter at 2 am. "If a Governor passes an order (inviting Yeddyurppa to form government) at 9.30 pm and the oath taking ceremony is at 9.30 am, I have no option but to make your night black. I am extremely grateful that three judges of the Supreme Court are sitting in the court at 2 am to hear the matter. It is a victory of democracy irrespective of what is the outcome. The democracy has won," he told the bench. Meanwhile, senior lawyer Ram Jethmalani mentioned before the Chief Justice of India bench of Dipak Misra, justices AM Khanwilkar and DY Chandrachud his application for urgent hearing against the Karnataka Governor for inviting BS Yeddyurappa for making government. The bench directed him to mention it tomorrow before an appropriate bench. Sr lawyer Ram Jethmalani mentioned before CJI Bench of Dipak Misra, justices AM Khanwilkar&DY Chandrachud his application for urgent hearing against Karnataka Guv for inviting BS Yedurappa for making govt. The Bench directed him to mention it tomorrow before an appropriate bench. pic.twitter.com/DGANrJ3jvu — ANI (@ANI) May 17, 2018 × In the May 12 polls, the BJP emerged as the single largest party with 104 members, while Congress secured 78, the JD(S) 37 and others three.

Congress plea against Yeddyurappa swearing in: Next hearing in SC tomorrow

<p>As the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Congress and Janata Dal(Secular) vie for power in Karnataka, the focus has turned to Governor Vajubhai Vala. Vala, an old BJP hand who is considered close to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has put all appointments on hold till all results are out.</p>

<p>Vala was appointed as the Governor of Karnataka in August 2014, a few months after Narendra Modi stormed to power in New Delhi. He was serving as Gujarat Assembly speaker since January 2013 before he was sent to the southern state.</p>

<p>Vala, who represented the Rajkot West constituency in the Gujarat assembly for a record seven times, had been the state BJP president, Assembly Speaker and a Cabinet minister holding crucial portfolios.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Vala, who has earned a reputation of a crisis manager in the Gujarat unit of the BJP, was made state party chief after the rebellion by Shankarsinh Vaghela in the mid-90s that resulted in the fall of Keshubhai Patel government.</p>

<p>Vala, the son of a Rajkot businessman, started his career as a Sangh pracharak while still in school. He joined the Jana Sangh at 26 and eventually won a seat in the Rajkot Municipal Corporation in 1975, and in 1983, he became Rajkot mayor.</p>


Vala, who has earned a reputation of a crisis manager in the Gujarat unit of the BJP, was made state party chief after the rebellion by Shankarsinh Vaghela in the mid-90s that resulted in the fall of Keshubhai Patel government.

As the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Congress and Janata Dal(Secular) vie for power in Karnataka, the focus has turned to Governor Vajubhai Vala. Vala, an old BJP hand who is considered close to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has put all appointments on hold till all results are out. Vala was appointed as the Governor of Karnataka in August 2014, a few months after Narendra Modi stormed to power in New Delhi. He was serving as Gujarat Assembly speaker since January 2013 before he was sent to the southern state. Vala, who represented the Rajkot West constituency in the Gujarat assembly for a record seven times, had been the state BJP president, Assembly Speaker and a Cabinet minister holding crucial portfolios. Vala, who has earned a reputation of a crisis manager in the Gujarat unit of the BJP, was made state party chief after the rebellion by Shankarsinh Vaghela in the mid-90s that resulted in the fall of Keshubhai Patel government. Vala, the son of a Rajkot businessman, started his career as a Sangh pracharak while still in school. He joined the Jana Sangh at 26 and eventually won a seat in the Rajkot Municipal Corporation in 1975, and in 1983, he became Rajkot mayor.

Governor Vala: Karnataka's future rests on a man who once gave up his seat for Narendra Modi

<p>Though the Congress won 26 fewer seats than the BJP in the bitterly fought Karnataka election, its vote share was nearly two per cent points higher, according to data released by the Election Commission.</p>

<p>At the end of counting of votes for 219 of the 224 constituencies, the BJP emerged as the single largest party bagging 101 seats and was leading in three with a vote share of 36.2 per cent while the Congress came second with 78 seats accounting for 38 per cent of the votes.</p>

<p>Polling for RR Nagar seat was deferred on account of alleged electoral malpractices while it was countermanded in Jayanagar seat following the death of the BJP candidate.</p>

<p>Karnataka recorded the highest voter turnout at 72.13 per cent since the 1952 assembly elections.</p>

<p>According to the official data, the Congress' vote share rose marginally to 38 per cent in the current polls from 36.6 per cent in 2013 but the party had to settle for lesser seats. The ruling party had a strength of 122 MLAs in the outgoing house. Its vote share was 35.13 per cent in 2008.</p>

<p>Interestingly, over three lakh people, accounting for 0.9% votes share opted for None Of The Above (NOTA) option. &nbsp;</p>

<p>On the other hand, the BJP's vote share remained marginally lower than that of Congress but at 36.2 per cent it recorded the highest so far and also managed to bag more seats but will fall short of nine seats for a comfortable majority in a House of 224. The BJP had 40 seats in the outgoing house.</p>

<p>The BJP's previous highest in vote share was 33.86 per cent in 2008, when BS Yeddyurappa rode to power by winning 110 seats to usher in the first saffron government in the south. But the party failed to retain power in 2013 as it could manage only 40 seats with its vote share dropping drastically to 19.9 per cent because of two splits in the party.</p>

<p>The two splinter parties - B S Yeddyurappa's Karnataka Janata Paksha (KJP) and B Sriramulu's BSR Congress Party (BSRCP) -- cut into BJP's share in 2013. KJP and BSRCP had got 9.8 per cent and 2.7 per cent vote share, respectively.</p>

<p>JD(S)' vote share declined to 18.4 per cent this year from 20.2 per cent in 2013 and 19.44 per cent in 2008 and is in the hunt for power after stitching a dramatic post-poll alliance with rival Congress. The party headed by former prime minister H D Deve Gowda got three seats less than the 40 it obtained in the previous polls.</p>

<p>Political analyst Yogendra Yadav said there is "nothing new" in the vote share pattern and the link with the seats won by the rival parties.</p>

<p>"There is nothing new here. This is exactly what happened in 2008 as well. Congress' votes are more or less evenly spread throughout the state. BJP votes are concentrated in few pockets. Although the average vote share of BJP is lower than the Congress, but where BJP and Congress are in competition, BJP's average is much higher than the Congress," Mr Yadav said.</p>

<p>Mr Yadav also claimed there is no big wave in favour of the BJP.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><iframe allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/df-9nE6Dwk0" width="560"></iframe></p>

<p>"There is no popular mandate in favour of BJP. But there is a popular mandate against Congress. People have rejected Congress but not selected BJP. That is because both political parties have not raised any of the key issues affecting the people of Karnataka, be it farmers issues, unemployment and widespread corruption. This has led to the strange fractured verdict."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Mr Yadav also said the vote share of the JD(S) showed its popularity has not gone up as its votes are concentrated in a small pocket of old Mysuru region.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from PTI)</em></p>


Even after remaining ahead of the Congress party in terms of seats in bitterly fought Karnataka assembly election, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) got over 6 lakh votes less than the grand old party.

Though the Congress won 26 fewer seats than the BJP in the bitterly fought Karnataka election, its vote share was nearly two per cent points higher, according to data released by the Election Commission. At the end of counting of votes for 219 of the 224 constituencies, the BJP emerged as the single largest party bagging 101 seats and was leading in three with a vote share of 36.2 per cent while the Congress came second with 78 seats accounting for 38 per cent of the votes. Polling for RR Nagar seat was deferred on account of alleged electoral malpractices while it was countermanded in Jayanagar seat following the death of the BJP candidate. Karnataka recorded the highest voter turnout at 72.13 per cent since the 1952 assembly elections. According to the official data, the Congress' vote share rose marginally to 38 per cent in the current polls from 36.6 per cent in 2013 but the party had to settle for lesser seats. The ruling party had a strength of 122 MLAs in the outgoing house. Its vote share was 35.13 per cent in 2008. Interestingly, over three lakh people, accounting for 0.9% votes share opted for None Of The Above (NOTA) option. On the other hand, the BJP's vote share remained marginally lower than that of Congress but at 36.2 per cent it recorded the highest so far and also managed to bag more seats but will fall short of nine seats for a comfortable majority in a House of 224. The BJP had 40 seats in the outgoing house. The BJP's previous highest in vote share was 33.86 per cent in 2008, when BS Yeddyurappa rode to power by winning 110 seats to usher in the first saffron government in the south. But the party failed to retain power in 2013 as it could manage only 40 seats with its vote share dropping drastically to 19.9 per cent because of two splits in the party. The two splinter parties - B S Yeddyurappa's Karnataka Janata Paksha (KJP) and B Sriramulu's BSR Congress Party (BSRCP) -- cut into BJP's share in 2013. KJP and BSRCP had got 9.8 per cent and 2.7 per cent vote share, respectively. JD(S)' vote share declined to 18.4 per cent this year from 20.2 per cent in 2013 and 19.44 per cent in 2008 and is in the hunt for power after stitching a dramatic post-poll alliance with rival Congress. The party headed by former prime minister H D Deve Gowda got three seats less than the 40 it obtained in the previous polls. Political analyst Yogendra Yadav said there is "nothing new" in the vote share pattern and the link with the seats won by the rival parties. "There is nothing new here. This is exactly what happened in 2008 as well. Congress' votes are more or less evenly spread throughout the state. BJP votes are concentrated in few pockets. Although the average vote share of BJP is lower than the Congress, but where BJP and Congress are in competition, BJP's average is much higher than the Congress," Mr Yadav said. Mr Yadav also claimed there is no big wave in favour of the BJP. "There is no popular mandate in favour of BJP. But there is a popular mandate against Congress. People have rejected Congress but not selected BJP. That is because both political parties have not raised any of the key issues affecting the people of Karnataka, be it farmers issues, unemployment and widespread corruption. This has led to the strange fractured verdict." Mr Yadav also said the vote share of the JD(S) showed its popularity has not gone up as its votes are concentrated in a small pocket of old Mysuru region. (With inputs from PTI)

Karnataka results: Congress won 26 fewer seats but got 6.3 lakh more votes than BJP

<p>Senior Karnataka Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader KS Eshwarappa on Wednesday said that their party is in touch with some Congress and Janata Dal (Secular) MLAs as they hope to stitch together a majority to form the government in the state.</p>

<p>"Many JD (S) and Congress MLAs are angry with Congress and JD(S) going together to form a government, they will come with BJP. We have the support of some Congress and JD(S) MLAs," Eshwarappa told reporters here.</p>

<p>He also asserted that BJP will form the government in the state.</p>

<p>Talking to ANI, Eshwarappa said, "There is no doubt we will form govt, 100 percent we'll do that. Wait and watch. Results came out only yesterday. It has been only a day. See what can happen in Karnataka in a day."</p>

<p>Eshwarappa bagged the Shivamogga seat with a tremendous margin in the Karnataka Assembly elections.</p>

<p>He secured 1,04,027 votes, defeating Congress' K.B. Prasanna Kumar by a margin of 46,107.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, BJP's Basavaraj Bommai said that the party wasn't approaching any individuals as of now, but added that politics is the art of possibility.</p>

<p>"Political scenario will unfold in next 2-3 days. It depends on development in political parties. As of now, we aren't approaching any individuals but politics is an art of possibility," Bommai told reporters.</p>

<p>The BJP, which managed to gain a hold on 104 seats, has emerged as the single largest party but has failed to cross the half-way mark of 112 in the 224-member assembly.</p>

<p>On the other hand, Congress and Janata Dal (Secular) (JD-S), with 78 and 38 seats respectively, are staking claim to form a government in the state.</p>

<p>On Tuesday, outgoing Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah even said JD (S) leader HD Kumaraswamy, son of former Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda, will be the next chief minister.</p>

<p>Further, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) chief ministerial candidate BS Yeddyurappa said he is going to meet the state's governor to request him to allow his party to form the government.</p>

<p>All eyes are now set on Karnataka's Governor Vajubhai Rudabhai Vala.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As per the constitutional provision, the single-largest party is invited to form the government in the case of a fractured mandate.&nbsp;</p>


KS Eshwarappa bagged the Shivamogga seat with a tremendous margin in the Karnataka Assembly elections

Senior Karnataka Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader KS Eshwarappa on Wednesday said that their party is in touch with some Congress and Janata Dal (Secular) MLAs as they hope to stitch together a majority to form the government in the state. "Many JD (S) and Congress MLAs are angry with Congress and JD(S) going together to form a government, they will come with BJP. We have the support of some Congress and JD(S) MLAs," Eshwarappa told reporters here. He also asserted that BJP will form the government in the state. Talking to ANI, Eshwarappa said, "There is no doubt we will form govt, 100 percent we'll do that. Wait and watch. Results came out only yesterday. It has been only a day. See what can happen in Karnataka in a day." Eshwarappa bagged the Shivamogga seat with a tremendous margin in the Karnataka Assembly elections. He secured 1,04,027 votes, defeating Congress' K.B. Prasanna Kumar by a margin of 46,107. Meanwhile, BJP's Basavaraj Bommai said that the party wasn't approaching any individuals as of now, but added that politics is the art of possibility. "Political scenario will unfold in next 2-3 days. It depends on development in political parties. As of now, we aren't approaching any individuals but politics is an art of possibility," Bommai told reporters. The BJP, which managed to gain a hold on 104 seats, has emerged as the single largest party but has failed to cross the half-way mark of 112 in the 224-member assembly. On the other hand, Congress and Janata Dal (Secular) (JD-S), with 78 and 38 seats respectively, are staking claim to form a government in the state. On Tuesday, outgoing Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah even said JD (S) leader HD Kumaraswamy, son of former Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda, will be the next chief minister. Further, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) chief ministerial candidate BS Yeddyurappa said he is going to meet the state's governor to request him to allow his party to form the government. All eyes are now set on Karnataka's Governor Vajubhai Rudabhai Vala. As per the constitutional provision, the single-largest party is invited to form the government in the case of a fractured mandate.

BJP's KS Eshwarappa: We have support of some Congress and JD(S) MLAs

<p>Congress leader Amaregouda Linganagouda Patil Bayyapur revealed on Wednesday that he had received lucrative offers from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to switch his allegiance for the latter.</p>

<p>However, despite offers of a seat in the State Ministry, Bayyapur said that his fidelity would continue to lie with the Congress.</p>

<p>"I got a call from the BJP leaders. They said come to us and we will give a ministry to you. We'll make you a minister. But, I'm going to stay here. HD Kumaraswamy is our Chief Minister," said Bayyapur.</p>

<p>Earlier in the day, the outgoing Chief Minister of Karnataka, Siddaramaiah had also claimed that the Janata Dal (Secular) leader, HD&nbsp;Kumaraswamy would be the next CM of the Congress supported JD(S) Government in the state.</p>

<p>Siddaramaiah has also quashed rumours that a section of the MLAs of his party were unhappy over him joining hands with the JD(S), terming them as 'baseless rumours'.</p>

<p>In the elections, the BJP claimed 104 seats, emerging as the single largest party, while the Congress, with 78 seats, was in the second position.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Former Prime Minister HD&nbsp;Deve Gowda-led JD(S) party was in third in those terms with 37 seats.</p>

<p>Apart from this, Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), Karnataka Pragnyavantha Janatha Party both won one seat each.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Remaining one seat went to an Independent candidate.</p>

<p>Elections in Karnataka were held at 222 out of 224 seats, on May 12.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Elections in two assembly constituencies had been deferred.</p>

<p>A party or an alliance needs 112 seats to form the government in Karnataka.</p>

<p>As the results of the poll in the state have left the assembly in hung, the final decision will be taken by the Governor Vajubhai Rudabhai Vala.&nbsp;</p>


"I got a call from the BJP leaders. They said come to us and we will give a ministry to you. We'll make you a minister. But, I'm going to stay here. H. D. Kumaraswamy is our Chief Minister," said Bayyapur

Congress leader Amaregouda Linganagouda Patil Bayyapur revealed on Wednesday that he had received lucrative offers from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to switch his allegiance for the latter. However, despite offers of a seat in the State Ministry, Bayyapur said that his fidelity would continue to lie with the Congress. "I got a call from the BJP leaders. They said come to us and we will give a ministry to you. We'll make you a minister. But, I'm going to stay here. HD Kumaraswamy is our Chief Minister," said Bayyapur. Earlier in the day, the outgoing Chief Minister of Karnataka, Siddaramaiah had also claimed that the Janata Dal (Secular) leader, HD Kumaraswamy would be the next CM of the Congress supported JD(S) Government in the state. Siddaramaiah has also quashed rumours that a section of the MLAs of his party were unhappy over him joining hands with the JD(S), terming them as 'baseless rumours'. In the elections, the BJP claimed 104 seats, emerging as the single largest party, while the Congress, with 78 seats, was in the second position. Former Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda-led JD(S) party was in third in those terms with 37 seats. Apart from this, Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), Karnataka Pragnyavantha Janatha Party both won one seat each. Remaining one seat went to an Independent candidate. Elections in Karnataka were held at 222 out of 224 seats, on May 12. Elections in two assembly constituencies had been deferred. A party or an alliance needs 112 seats to form the government in Karnataka. As the results of the poll in the state have left the assembly in hung, the final decision will be taken by the Governor Vajubhai Rudabhai Vala.

Congress' Amaregouda Bayyapur: BJP leaders offered me ministry

<p>The holy month of Ramadan is here again! Muslims from all across the world will observe month-long fasting to honour Prophet Muhammad. The pious occasion falls during the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. It is believed that during this auspicious time, the Quran was first revealed to Prophet Muhammad on the night of <em>Lailat ul Qadr</em>.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The month of Ramadan is also known as the month of the Quraan. Devotees begin their day by eating a meal followed by a day-long fast that is only broken after sunset. Believers read Quaraan, offer prayers throughout the day.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The pre-fast meal of the day is known as <em>Sehri</em> while the evening meal, with which the day-long fast (<em>Swam</em>) is broken is called <em>Iftar</em>. Worshippers then break for the evening prayer, <em>Maghrib</em>.</p>

<p>It is believed that the month of Ramadan inculcates self-discipline, self-control in devotees. One fasts to learn self-control, sacrifice and discipline. During the holy month, Muslims refrain from consuming alcohol.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Usually, before partaking of the <em>Iftaar</em> meal, devotees break their fast by consuming dates and some milk. It is believed that Prophet Muhammad broke his fast by consuming three dates and water.</p>

<p>Therefore, dates assume great importance during Ramazan. Muslim households put dates to a variety of preparations, from dates shakes, sherbets to mouthwatering puddings and desserts like <em>phirni</em><em>, kheer </em>and <em>sheermal</em><em> </em>that are served during Iftaar.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>Ramzan Mubarak</em>!</p>


The pre-fast meal of the day is known as Sehri while the evening meal, with which the day-long fast (Swam) is broken is called Iftar

The holy month of Ramadan is here again! Muslims from all across the world will observe month-long fasting to honour Prophet Muhammad. The pious occasion falls during the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. It is believed that during this auspicious time, the Quran was first revealed to Prophet Muhammad on the night of Lailat ul Qadr. The month of Ramadan is also known as the month of the Quraan. Devotees begin their day by eating a meal followed by a day-long fast that is only broken after sunset. Believers read Quaraan, offer prayers throughout the day. The pre-fast meal of the day is known as Sehri while the evening meal, with which the day-long fast (Swam) is broken is called Iftar. Worshippers then break for the evening prayer, Maghrib. It is believed that the month of Ramadan inculcates self-discipline, self-control in devotees. One fasts to learn self-control, sacrifice and discipline. During the holy month, Muslims refrain from consuming alcohol. Usually, before partaking of the Iftaar meal, devotees break their fast by consuming dates and some milk. It is believed that Prophet Muhammad broke his fast by consuming three dates and water. Therefore, dates assume great importance during Ramazan. Muslim households put dates to a variety of preparations, from dates shakes, sherbets to mouthwatering puddings and desserts like phirni, kheer and sheermal that are served during Iftaar. Ramzan Mubarak!

Ramadan 2018: Why dates are important during holy month

After the release of the trailer of the film 'Race 3' on May 15, the start cast enjoyed a get-together party. The audience now waits for the film to release on June 15.

'Race 3' star cast after party at Ramesh Taurani's house in Mumbai

<p>Amitabh Bachchan who is undoubtedly one of the most active Indian celebs on the social media says he has no time for trolls and would much rather spend his time on his work and his fans whom he often refers to as his “extended family”.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Taking to his personal blog, Amitabh wrote extensively about trolling and abuses on the social media. He wrote, “A concerned Ef warns me of extensive 'trolls' on the platforms and warns me to be discreet and attentive to what I may say on social media, for the ugliness of the disreputable, affects him, and he urges me to be of care.”</p>

<p>He also further went to say that although he is aware of it, he chooses to ignore it. He wrote, “Yes, I care. Yes, I know of the abuse and yes, I wish they be of greater intensity towards me for then it forms an unattainable mindset for even greater achieving attention given to such translates into what the troller actually wanted - notice.”</p>

<p>He takes trolls positively and mentions that they provoke him to better. He wrote, “"I have no time for abuse... I have time for my work, for my Ef and this Blog... I do not have time to attend to abuse. I love it actually, for it provokes me to betterment. (It) provokes me to get bigger and vastly improve my self, my demeanour, my standing and my dignity.”</p>

<p>"My love to all. And if any of you would wish to bring me abuse and falsehood, I shall welcome it with open arms," he added.</p>

<p>Amitabh was last seen in “102 Not Out” with Rishi Kapoor in which he played a 102-year-old father to an old school son played by Rishi Kapoor who is 75 years old.&nbsp;</p>


On his personal blog, Amitabh wrote: "If any of you would wish to bring me abuse and falsehood, I shall welcome it with open arms"

Amitabh Bachchan who is undoubtedly one of the most active Indian celebs on the social media says he has no time for trolls and would much rather spend his time on his work and his fans whom he often refers to as his “extended family”. Taking to his personal blog, Amitabh wrote extensively about trolling and abuses on the social media. He wrote, “A concerned Ef warns me of extensive 'trolls' on the platforms and warns me to be discreet and attentive to what I may say on social media, for the ugliness of the disreputable, affects him, and he urges me to be of care.” He also further went to say that although he is aware of it, he chooses to ignore it. He wrote, “Yes, I care. Yes, I know of the abuse and yes, I wish they be of greater intensity towards me for then it forms an unattainable mindset for even greater achieving attention given to such translates into what the troller actually wanted - notice.” He takes trolls positively and mentions that they provoke him to better. He wrote, “"I have no time for abuse... I have time for my work, for my Ef and this Blog... I do not have time to attend to abuse. I love it actually, for it provokes me to betterment. (It) provokes me to get bigger and vastly improve my self, my demeanour, my standing and my dignity.” "My love to all. And if any of you would wish to bring me abuse and falsehood, I shall welcome it with open arms," he added. Amitabh was last seen in “102 Not Out” with Rishi Kapoor in which he played a 102-year-old father to an old school son played by Rishi Kapoor who is 75 years old.

This is why Amitabh Bachchan loves trolls!

<p>The drama in Karnataka will continue on Wednesday with both the JD(S)-Congress combine and the BJP meeting Governor Vajubhai Vala today to stake their claims to forming a government.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The JD(S)'s HD Kumaraswamy had met Governor Vala Tuesday evening, and staked his claim to forming a government in the state.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Kumaraswamy was accompanied by the Congress' Ghulam Nabi Azad, Mallikarjun Kharge, and former Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Congress told Vala that it was giving the JD(S) its "unconditional support".&nbsp;</p>

<p>But the BJP's chief ministerial candidate got to Vala before Kumaraswamy, and he too staked his claim to forming the government.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-does-a-goa-in-karnataka-137130">Congress does to BJP in Karnataka what latter did to it in Goa</a></p>

<p>The Karnataka vote, which was counted yesterday, ended with the BJP emerging as the single largest party.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The party won 104 seats, the Congress won 78, the JD(S) won 37, its pre-poll ally the BSP won 1, and Others 2.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Karnataka has 224 assembly seats but voting was held for 222. The halfway mark then is 111, with a party needing 112 seats for a simple majority.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The BJP is short by 8 seats, while the JD(S)-Congress combine (including the BSP) has 116 seats.&nbsp;</p>

<p>But Yeddyurappa told Governor Vala yesterday that he should be the one invited to try and form a government since the BJP has emerged as the single-largest party in Karnataka.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Former Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah meanwhile quoted the Supreme Court as saying after the Goa election that "group having more seats than required are invited".&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Have called for a meeting tomorrow. Newly elected Congress & JD(S) MLAs will be there. We are supporting JD(S) to form govt & have sent this resolution to the Governor. SC said after Goa election that group having more seats than reqd. are invited, we have 117 seats: Siddarmaiah <a href="https://t.co/YT5IEaHO9H">pic.twitter.com/YT5IEaHO9H</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/996468249381429248?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 15, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Remember, in Goa and Manipur, which went to the polls last year, the Congress had emerged as the single-largest party. But the BJP ended up forming coalition governments in both states because the Congress was not able to muster up the needed numbers.&nbsp;</p>

<p>All eyes, in Karnataka and the country, then are on Governor Vala and <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/jdss-kumaraswamy-bjps-yeddyurappa-stake-claim-to-form-karnataka-govt-all-eyes-now-on-governor-137164">what he does next</a>.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Constitutional experts have said the decision is his but that he will have to be guided by the principle of inviting the combine/ party that he thinks will provide the state with a stable government. &nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">HD Deve Gowda reaches Ashoka Hotel for meeting with senior Congress leaders in Bengaluru. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KarnatakaElections2018?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KarnatakaElections2018</a> <a href="https://t.co/GIDbPgSPpZ">pic.twitter.com/GIDbPgSPpZ</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/996418655872139264?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 15, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="in">JD(S)' HD Deve Gowda & HD Kumaraswamy are in meeting with Congress leaders including Siddaramaiah, Ghulam Nabi Azad, DK Shivakumar and Mallikarjun Kharge in Bengaluru. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KarnatakaElections2018?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KarnatakaElections2018</a> <a href="https://t.co/rJxE5mXrrM">https://t.co/rJxE5mXrrM</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/996419812120145920?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 15, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Tomorrow at 10:30 am in BJP legislative party meeting, I am going to be elected as party leader. After that all MLAs are going to meet the Governor to request him to allow BJP to form govt. Now the ball is in the court of the Governor. We will do as he decides: BS Yeddyurappa <a href="https://t.co/6QbhizTr6z">pic.twitter.com/6QbhizTr6z</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/996422285945749505?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 15, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>The JD(S) meanwhile has said they will be sticking with the Congress, but that the BJP has been trying to get in touch with them.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We have already decided to go with Congress. That's the reason we called Janta Dal (Secular) Legislature Party meeting. There is no question of taking any other decision," the JD(S)'s HD Kumaraswamy told ANI.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">I don't know what they (BJP) are offering but they are trying to call our people, but they are not responding. We are all together, no one can touch our party. Our party MLAs are loyal to the party: Saravana, JD(S) <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KarnatakaElections2018?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KarnatakaElections2018</a> <a href="https://t.co/3q0OAehwWq">pic.twitter.com/3q0OAehwWq</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/996604732855803904?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 16, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">I got a call from the BJP leaders. They said come to us & we'll give a ministry to you. We'll make you a minister. But, I'm going to stay here. HD Kumaraswamy is our Chief Minister: Amaregouda Linganagouda Patil Bayyapur, Congress. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KarnatakaElections2018?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KarnatakaElections2018</a> <a href="https://t.co/BIJYZHV7P7">pic.twitter.com/BIJYZHV7P7</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/996593046014734336?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 16, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">JD(S) & Congress have the numbers. I hope, the governor will discharge his constitutional duties & invite HD Kumaraswamy to talk. If BJP puts pressure on the governor, it will be the death of Democracy: Danish Ali, JD(S). <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KarnatakaElections2018?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KarnatakaElections2018</a> <a href="https://t.co/vNV3EBRAME">pic.twitter.com/vNV3EBRAME</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/996600279976955905?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 16, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>


The JD(S)'s Kumaraswamy and the BJP's Yeddyurappa had both met Governor Vajubhai Vala on Tuesday. Both staked their claims to forming a government in Karnataka

The drama in Karnataka will continue on Wednesday with both the JD(S)-Congress combine and the BJP meeting Governor Vajubhai Vala today to stake their claims to forming a government. The JD(S)'s HD Kumaraswamy had met Governor Vala Tuesday evening, and staked his claim to forming a government in the state. Kumaraswamy was accompanied by the Congress' Ghulam Nabi Azad, Mallikarjun Kharge, and former Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah. The Congress told Vala that it was giving the JD(S) its "unconditional support". But the BJP's chief ministerial candidate got to Vala before Kumaraswamy, and he too staked his claim to forming the government. Also read: Congress does to BJP in Karnataka what latter did to it in Goa The Karnataka vote, which was counted yesterday, ended with the BJP emerging as the single largest party. The party won 104 seats, the Congress won 78, the JD(S) won 37, its pre-poll ally the BSP won 1, and Others 2. Karnataka has 224 assembly seats but voting was held for 222. The halfway mark then is 111, with a party needing 112 seats for a simple majority. The BJP is short by 8 seats, while the JD(S)-Congress combine (including the BSP) has 116 seats. But Yeddyurappa told Governor Vala yesterday that he should be the one invited to try and form a government since the BJP has emerged as the single-largest party in Karnataka. Former Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah meanwhile quoted the Supreme Court as saying after the Goa election that "group having more seats than required are invited". Have called for a meeting tomorrow. Newly elected Congress & JD(S) MLAs will be there. We are supporting JD(S) to form govt & have sent this resolution to the Governor. SC said after Goa election that group having more seats than reqd. are invited, we have 117 seats: Siddarmaiah pic.twitter.com/YT5IEaHO9H — ANI (@ANI) May 15, 2018 × Remember, in Goa and Manipur, which went to the polls last year, the Congress had emerged as the single-largest party. But the BJP ended up forming coalition governments in both states because the Congress was not able to muster up the needed numbers. All eyes, in Karnataka and the country, then are on Governor Vala and what he does next. Constitutional experts have said the decision is his but that he will have to be guided by the principle of inviting the combine/ party that he thinks will provide the state with a stable government. HD Deve Gowda reaches Ashoka Hotel for meeting with senior Congress leaders in Bengaluru. #KarnatakaElections2018 pic.twitter.com/GIDbPgSPpZ — ANI (@ANI) May 15, 2018 × JD(S)' HD Deve Gowda & HD Kumaraswamy are in meeting with Congress leaders including Siddaramaiah, Ghulam Nabi Azad, DK Shivakumar and Mallikarjun Kharge in Bengaluru. #KarnatakaElections2018 https://t.co/rJxE5mXrrM — ANI (@ANI) May 15, 2018 × Tomorrow at 10:30 am in BJP legislative party meeting, I am going to be elected as party leader. After that all MLAs are going to meet the Governor to request him to allow BJP to form govt. Now the ball is in the court of the Governor. We will do as he decides: BS Yeddyurappa pic.twitter.com/6QbhizTr6z — ANI (@ANI) May 15, 2018 × The JD(S) meanwhile has said they will be sticking with the Congress, but that the BJP has been trying to get in touch with them. "We have already decided to go with Congress. That's the reason we called Janta Dal (Secular) Legislature Party meeting. There is no question of taking any other decision," the JD(S)'s HD Kumaraswamy told ANI. I don't know what they (BJP) are offering but they are trying to call our people, but they are not responding. We are all together, no one can touch our party. Our party MLAs are loyal to the party: Saravana, JD(S) #KarnatakaElections2018 pic.twitter.com/3q0OAehwWq — ANI (@ANI) May 16, 2018 × I got a call from the BJP leaders. They said come to us & we'll give a ministry to you. We'll make you a minister. But, I'm going to stay here. HD Kumaraswamy is our Chief Minister: Amaregouda Linganagouda Patil Bayyapur, Congress. #KarnatakaElections2018 pic.twitter.com/BIJYZHV7P7 — ANI (@ANI) May 16, 2018 × JD(S) & Congress have the numbers. I hope, the governor will discharge his constitutional duties & invite HD Kumaraswamy to talk. If BJP puts pressure on the governor, it will be the death of Democracy: Danish Ali, JD(S). #KarnatakaElections2018 pic.twitter.com/vNV3EBRAME — ANI (@ANI) May 16, 2018 ×

Natak in Karnataka continues: JD(S)-Congress combine, and BJP to meet Governor again today

<p>PM Modi and his deputy Amit Shah ran a spirited campaign to annex Karnataka but came up short, in the end, giving a chance to Congress & JD(U) to stitch a last moment coalition to stop the BJP in its tracks.</p>

<p>Did the BJP's magic duo get it wrong in the end, maybe.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/assembly-elections-why-pm-modi-adityanath-will-lose--karnataka-will-win-136688">Also Read: Why PM Modi, Adityanath will lose & Karnataka will win</a></p>

<p>Firstly, the BJP was nowhere close to Congress's 2013 tally of 122, finishing with 104. The failure to clinch the magic number 112 helped the Opposition to seize the initiative.</p>

<p>Even though the BJP won more seats than the Congress but the party failed to pick as much vote share than Rahul's party and to top it all it failed to put down the Congress and JD(U) even though Modi's BJP&nbsp;fared much better than the last elections.</p>

<p>The failure could largely be attributed to lack of local support and leaders at the grassroots even though Yeddyurappa's appeal helped the BJP to consolidate votes. A party which is by nature focussed on getting the numbers game right could not blunt the Opposition this time.</p>

<p>Even though the Vokkaligas and Lingayats voted in large numbers for the JD(S) and BJP and the Dalits split with Congress, still the saffron surge could not come about at a crucial time.</p>

<p>Congress finished with 78 seats a creditable show given the fact that there was an obvious anti-incumbency wave in the state. The villain in the show for the Congress was former chief minister Siddaramaiah who with his announcement of turning Lingayat into a religious minority wasn't able to convince the voters with his last-minute antics. The numbers game backfired on the Congress too.</p>

<p>Politics maybe a ruthless numbers game but it has several different parameters - it cannot be applied in a singular way in all elections.</p>

<p>In the end, both the BJP and Congress did not give enough credit to the voters who made up their own mind. In this the JD(U) played the game according to its limitation, retaining the Vokkaliga votebank in the south and mopping up enough numbers to force the Congress to allow it have a free hand and "unconditional" support.</p>

<p>The JD(S) retained its vote share, dipping marginally from 20.2 to 18.3, but it was enough to propel Deve Gowda & Sons to force the Congress into submission.</p>

<p>Now the drama moves to Raj Bhawan and all eyes are on Governor Vala, an old BJP hand, the question is will he or won't he invite the JD(S)-Congress combine to form the next government or will he first invite the BJP, the single largest party to prove its majority?</p>

<p>Amit Shah could yet spring a surprise and cobble up the numbers - 12 in all - needed in the last over, and emerge victorious&nbsp;but in this last dash to reach the target the BJP could well stumble again and expose its flanks which could mean its gateway to the south would again be a bridge too far.&nbsp;</p>

<p><iframe allow="autoplay encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ZM7QOcp2Bw0" width="560"></iframe></p>

<p><em>(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)</em></p>


The JD(S) retained its voteshare, dipping marginally from 20.2 to 18.3, but it was enough to propel Deve Gowda & Sons to force the Congress into submission.

PM Modi and his deputy Amit Shah ran a spirited campaign to annex Karnataka but came up short, in the end, giving a chance to Congress & JD(U) to stitch a last moment coalition to stop the BJP in its tracks. Did the BJP's magic duo get it wrong in the end, maybe. Also Read: Why PM Modi, Adityanath will lose & Karnataka will win Firstly, the BJP was nowhere close to Congress's 2013 tally of 122, finishing with 104. The failure to clinch the magic number 112 helped the Opposition to seize the initiative. Even though the BJP won more seats than the Congress but the party failed to pick as much vote share than Rahul's party and to top it all it failed to put down the Congress and JD(U) even though Modi's BJP fared much better than the last elections. The failure could largely be attributed to lack of local support and leaders at the grassroots even though Yeddyurappa's appeal helped the BJP to consolidate votes. A party which is by nature focussed on getting the numbers game right could not blunt the Opposition this time. Even though the Vokkaligas and Lingayats voted in large numbers for the JD(S) and BJP and the Dalits split with Congress, still the saffron surge could not come about at a crucial time. Congress finished with 78 seats a creditable show given the fact that there was an obvious anti-incumbency wave in the state. The villain in the show for the Congress was former chief minister Siddaramaiah who with his announcement of turning Lingayat into a religious minority wasn't able to convince the voters with his last-minute antics. The numbers game backfired on the Congress too. Politics maybe a ruthless numbers game but it has several different parameters - it cannot be applied in a singular way in all elections. In the end, both the BJP and Congress did not give enough credit to the voters who made up their own mind. In this the JD(U) played the game according to its limitation, retaining the Vokkaliga votebank in the south and mopping up enough numbers to force the Congress to allow it have a free hand and "unconditional" support. The JD(S) retained its vote share, dipping marginally from 20.2 to 18.3, but it was enough to propel Deve Gowda & Sons to force the Congress into submission. Now the drama moves to Raj Bhawan and all eyes are on Governor Vala, an old BJP hand, the question is will he or won't he invite the JD(S)-Congress combine to form the next government or will he first invite the BJP, the single largest party to prove its majority? Amit Shah could yet spring a surprise and cobble up the numbers - 12 in all - needed in the last over, and emerge victorious but in this last dash to reach the target the BJP could well stumble again and expose its flanks which could mean its gateway to the south would again be a bridge too far. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Opinion: How 'ruthless' PM Modi, Amit Shah lost the numbers game in Karnataka

<p>15 people have been feared dead and 11 injured after an under-construction bridge in Varanasi collapsed on Tuesday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The doctors have informed that the injured are now&nbsp;out of danger&nbsp;and have been referred to BHU.</p>

<p>After being held responsible for the&nbsp;incident, chief project manager HC Tiwari, project manager KR Sudan, assistant engineer Rajesh Singh and engineer Lal Chand have been suspended with immediate effect.</p>

<p>Two concert&nbsp;beams fell off 40-foot-high pillars on Tuesday evening taking the crawling traffic with it between Cantonment railway station and Lahartara rail over-bridge.&nbsp;</p>

<p>At present 7 teams of National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) continue rescue and relief operations and 3 members of the high-level committee have set up to investigate the incident.</p>

<p>The state government has also announced an ex-gratia of Rs 5 lakh and Rs 2 lakh for the deceased and injured respectively.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The relief commissioner said bodies of at least 16 people were recovered from the site while three people were safely rescued. The injured have been sent for treatment at Kabir Chaura Hospital.</p>

<p>CM Yogi Adityanath has announced that a committee has also been constituted which will hand out a&nbsp;report in 48 hours. He also announced that&nbsp;Deputy CM Keshav Prasad Maurya has taken preliminary action against responsible authorities.</p>

<p>Raj Pratap Singh, member of the committee constituted by UP government&nbsp;who is to probing the case said on Wednesday: "I can't say anything at this moment. Until we complete the investigation, talk to everyone & check all the records, it won't be right to say anything."</p>

<p>Pictures from the site showed gruesome images of crushed cars with their occupants still in them.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Nine vehicles, including a bus, two SUVs, two cars, auto and two-wheelers lay in a twisted, mangled heap, triggering panic and chaos in the peak evening hours.</p>

<p>Adityanath met the victims of Varanasi under-construction flyover collapse incident on Tuesday. While PM Modi offered his condolences.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Extremely saddened by the loss of lives due to the collapse of an under-construction flyover in Varanasi. I pray that the injured recover soon. Spoke to officials and asked them to ensure all possible support to those affected.</p>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/996385203546341376?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 15, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Visuals from Kabir Chaura Hospital, where three people were admitted after getting injured in an under-construction flyover collapse incident in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Varanasi?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Varanasi</a>, yesterday. Doctor says, 'They all are out of danger now. All the critically injured have been referred to BHU'. <a href="https://t.co/VgGg44mTHq">pic.twitter.com/VgGg44mTHq</a></p>
— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANINewsUP/status/996587800211288064?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 16, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Varanasi?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Varanasi</a> under-construction flyover collapse incident: Damaged vehicles being removed from the spot. Raj Pratap Singh, member of the committee constituted by <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UttarPradesh?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UttarPradesh</a> government to probe the incident, visits the site <a href="https://t.co/fARdNAu8J7">pic.twitter.com/fARdNAu8J7</a></p>
— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANINewsUP/status/996558032648552448?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 16, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>


Two concert beams fell off 40-foot-high pillars on Tuesday evening taking the crawling traffic with it between Cantonment railway station and Lahartara rail over-bridge

15 people have been feared dead and 11 injured after an under-construction bridge in Varanasi collapsed on Tuesday. The doctors have informed that the injured are now out of danger and have been referred to BHU. After being held responsible for the incident, chief project manager HC Tiwari, project manager KR Sudan, assistant engineer Rajesh Singh and engineer Lal Chand have been suspended with immediate effect. Two concert beams fell off 40-foot-high pillars on Tuesday evening taking the crawling traffic with it between Cantonment railway station and Lahartara rail over-bridge. At present 7 teams of National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) continue rescue and relief operations and 3 members of the high-level committee have set up to investigate the incident. The state government has also announced an ex-gratia of Rs 5 lakh and Rs 2 lakh for the deceased and injured respectively. The relief commissioner said bodies of at least 16 people were recovered from the site while three people were safely rescued. The injured have been sent for treatment at Kabir Chaura Hospital. CM Yogi Adityanath has announced that a committee has also been constituted which will hand out a report in 48 hours. He also announced that Deputy CM Keshav Prasad Maurya has taken preliminary action against responsible authorities. Raj Pratap Singh, member of the committee constituted by UP government who is to probing the case said on Wednesday: "I can't say anything at this moment. Until we complete the investigation, talk to everyone & check all the records, it won't be right to say anything." Pictures from the site showed gruesome images of crushed cars with their occupants still in them. Nine vehicles, including a bus, two SUVs, two cars, auto and two-wheelers lay in a twisted, mangled heap, triggering panic and chaos in the peak evening hours. Adityanath met the victims of Varanasi under-construction flyover collapse incident on Tuesday. While PM Modi offered his condolences. Extremely saddened by the loss of lives due to the collapse of an under-construction flyover in Varanasi. I pray that the injured recover soon. Spoke to officials and asked them to ensure all possible support to those affected. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 15, 2018 × Visuals from Kabir Chaura Hospital, where three people were admitted after getting injured in an under-construction flyover collapse incident in #Varanasi, yesterday. Doctor says, 'They all are out of danger now. All the critically injured have been referred to BHU'. pic.twitter.com/VgGg44mTHq — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) May 16, 2018 × #Varanasi under-construction flyover collapse incident: Damaged vehicles being removed from the spot. Raj Pratap Singh, member of the committee constituted by #UttarPradesh government to probe the incident, visits the site pic.twitter.com/fARdNAu8J7 — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) May 16, 2018 ×

Varanasi flyover collapse: 15 dead, 11 injured; committee to file probe report in 48 hours

<p>Madhya Pradesh government has announced that from now onwards, it is mandatory for the school students in the state to answer their roll-call with "Jai Hind".</p>

<p>The education department stated that this step will instil a sense of patriotism among the students, read an official statement.</p>

<p>Earlier in November 2017, Madhya Pradesh School Education Minister Vijay Shah said now students would answer to roll-calls by saying "Jai Hind" instead of "yes sir" and "yes ma'am".</p>

<p>He had said that the step would be enforced in all 1.22 lakh government schools, and an advisory in this regard would also be issued to all private schools.</p>


The education department stated that this step will instil a sense of patriotism among the students, read an official statement

Madhya Pradesh government has announced that from now onwards, it is mandatory for the school students in the state to answer their roll-call with "Jai Hind". The education department stated that this step will instil a sense of patriotism among the students, read an official statement. Earlier in November 2017, Madhya Pradesh School Education Minister Vijay Shah said now students would answer to roll-calls by saying "Jai Hind" instead of "yes sir" and "yes ma'am". He had said that the step would be enforced in all 1.22 lakh government schools, and an advisory in this regard would also be issued to all private schools.

Madhya Pradesh: Mandatory for students to answer roll call with 'Jai Hind'

<p>An FIR was registered against the shift manager of a leading fast food joint after a customer found a piece of plastic in his burger.</p>

<p>The incident took place on Sunday, when a man, who visited a Burger King outlet in Delhi's Rajiv Chowk Metro Station, claimed that he was hospitalised after ingesting a piece of a plastic ketchup sachet that was in the burger he had ordered there.</p>

<p>The victim, who was treated at Lady Hardinge Medical College and Hospital, also claimed that he suffered injuries after consuming the burger, as the plastic piece was lodged in his throat.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Metro) Deepak Gauri said a case had been registered, and the shift manager, Tushar, was arrested.</p>

<p>However, he was later released on bail.</p>


The victim, who was treated at Lady Hardinge Medical College and Hospital, also claimed that he suffered injuries after consuming the burger, as the plastic piece was lodged in his throat

An FIR was registered against the shift manager of a leading fast food joint after a customer found a piece of plastic in his burger. The incident took place on Sunday, when a man, who visited a Burger King outlet in Delhi's Rajiv Chowk Metro Station, claimed that he was hospitalised after ingesting a piece of a plastic ketchup sachet that was in the burger he had ordered there. The victim, who was treated at Lady Hardinge Medical College and Hospital, also claimed that he suffered injuries after consuming the burger, as the plastic piece was lodged in his throat. Meanwhile, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Metro) Deepak Gauri said a case had been registered, and the shift manager, Tushar, was arrested. However, he was later released on bail.

Plastic in burger sends Delhi man to hospital

<p>After Karnataka Governor Vajubhai Vala on Wednesday invited BJP legislative party leader BS Yeddyurappa to form the new government in the state, the Congress approached Supreme Court Chief Justice Dipak Misra for an urgent hearing on the matter.</p>

<p>Congress leader Abhishek Singhvi is the leading his party`s challenge.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Vajubhai Vala denigrates the Governor’s office,tramples upon Constitution,abuses the law & acts as a BJP puppet.<br />
<br />
He chooses to serve his Master’s in BJP rather then serve the Constitution.<br />
<br />
As <a href="https://twitter.com/BJPKarnataka?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BJPKarnataka</a> informed in advance, orders come from BJP HQ then the sanctity of office</p>
— Randeep Singh Surjewala (@rssurjewala) <a href="https://twitter.com/rssurjewala/status/996788135416729600?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 16, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>According to television reports, the Congress wants an urgent hearing in the matter tonight. Congress is seeking a stay on Yeddyurappa's swearing-in. &nbsp;</p>

<p>The Congress said the Governor denigrated his office, trampled the Constitution and acted as a BJP puppet.</p>

<p>Karnataka Governor Vajubhai Vala has invited Yeddyurappa to take oath as Chief Minister on Thursday morning at the Raj Bhavan in Bengaluru.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Once more an occupant of a Raj Bhavan allows himself to be used as a rubber stamp. BJP announces (& then deletes) the details of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Yeddyurappa?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Yeddyurappa</a> swearing in slated for tomorrow before it can be officially communicated.</p>
— Omar Abdullah (@OmarAbdullah) <a href="https://twitter.com/OmarAbdullah/status/996790212469690369?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 16, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>


Congress leader Abhishek Singhvi is the leading his party`s challenge.

After Karnataka Governor Vajubhai Vala on Wednesday invited BJP legislative party leader BS Yeddyurappa to form the new government in the state, the Congress approached Supreme Court Chief Justice Dipak Misra for an urgent hearing on the matter. Congress leader Abhishek Singhvi is the leading his party`s challenge. Vajubhai Vala denigrates the Governor’s office,tramples upon Constitution,abuses the law & acts as a BJP puppet. He chooses to serve his Master’s in BJP rather then serve the Constitution. As @BJPKarnataka informed in advance, orders come from BJP HQ then the sanctity of office — Randeep Singh Surjewala (@rssurjewala) May 16, 2018 × According to television reports, the Congress wants an urgent hearing in the matter tonight. Congress is seeking a stay on Yeddyurappa's swearing-in. The Congress said the Governor denigrated his office, trampled the Constitution and acted as a BJP puppet. Karnataka Governor Vajubhai Vala has invited Yeddyurappa to take oath as Chief Minister on Thursday morning at the Raj Bhavan in Bengaluru. Once more an occupant of a Raj Bhavan allows himself to be used as a rubber stamp. BJP announces (& then deletes) the details of #Yeddyurappa swearing in slated for tomorrow before it can be officially communicated. — Omar Abdullah (@OmarAbdullah) May 16, 2018 ×

Congress moves SC against Karnataka Governor's decision to invite Yeddyurappa to form government

<p>According to a United Nations report, Delhi will soon become the most populous city in the world in the next decade. The report further added that India is likely to add the largest number of urban dwellers by 2050.&nbsp</p>

<p>"By 2020, Tokyo's population is projected to begin to decline, while Delhi is projected to continue growing and to become the most populous city in the world around 2028," the report stated.</p>

<p>India has the largest rural population in the world (893 million), followed by China at 578 million.</p>

<p>UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs' (UN DESA) Population Division released a report titled 'The 2018 Revision of World Urbanisation Prospects'&nbsptoday. According to the report, 68 per cent of world's population is estimated to dwell in urban areas by 2050 as opposed to 55 per cent at present.</p>

<p>The report stated that India, China and Nigeria together will account for 35 per cent of the projected growth of the world's urban population between 2018 and 2050.</p>

<p>By 2050, India is projected to have added 416 million urban dwellers, China 255 million and Nigeria 189 million.</p>

<p>At present Tokyo leads as the largest city with an agglomeration of 37 million inhabitants, New Delhi closely follows with 29 million, followed by Shanghai with 26 million. Cairo, Mumbai, Beijing and Dhaka all have close to 20 million inhabitants.&nbsp</p>

<p>The global urban population has grown rapidly from 751 million in 1950 to 4.2 billion in 2018. Asia, despite its relatively lower level of urbanization, is home to 54 per cent of the world's urban population, followed by Europe and Africa with 13 per cent each.&nbsp</p>

<p>Some of the most urbanized regions in the world include Northern America (with 82 per cent of its population living in urban areas in 2018), Latin America and the Caribbean (81 per cent), Europe (74 per cent) and Oceania (68 per cent).&nbsp</p>

<p>Globally, fewer cities are projected to see a decline in populations until 2030, said the report.</p>

<p>(<em>With inputs from PTI</em>)</p>


India has the largest rural population in the world (893 million), followed by China (578 million)

According to a United Nations report, Delhi will soon become the most populous city in the world in the next decade. The report further added that India is likely to add the largest number of urban dwellers by 2050. "By 2020, Tokyo's population is projected to begin to decline, while Delhi is projected to continue growing and to become the most populous city in the world around 2028," the report stated. India has the largest rural population in the world (893 million), followed by China at 578 million. UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs' (UN DESA) Population Division released a report titled 'The 2018 Revision of World Urbanisation Prospects'&nbsptoday. According to the report, 68 per cent of world's population is estimated to dwell in urban areas by 2050 as opposed to 55 per cent at present. The report stated that India, China and Nigeria together will account for 35 per cent of the projected growth of the world's urban population between 2018 and 2050. By 2050, India is projected to have added 416 million urban dwellers, China 255 million and Nigeria 189 million. At present Tokyo leads as the largest city with an agglomeration of 37 million inhabitants, New Delhi closely follows with 29 million, followed by Shanghai with 26 million. Cairo, Mumbai, Beijing and Dhaka all have close to 20 million inhabitants. The global urban population has grown rapidly from 751 million in 1950 to 4.2 billion in 2018. Asia, despite its relatively lower level of urbanization, is home to 54 per cent of the world's urban population, followed by Europe and Africa with 13 per cent each. Some of the most urbanized regions in the world include Northern America (with 82 per cent of its population living in urban areas in 2018), Latin America and the Caribbean (81 per cent), Europe (74 per cent) and Oceania (68 per cent). Globally, fewer cities are projected to see a decline in populations until 2030, said the report. (With inputs from PTI)

Delhi may become world's most populous city by 2028: UN report

<p>The Directorate of Government (DGE) Examinations, Government of Tamil Nadu declared TN HSC +2 results 2018 or Tamil Nadu 12th result 2018 at its official website – tnresults.nic.in. Students can also check the scores at dge1.tn.nic.in, dge.tn.gov.in. &nbspVirudhnagar district has topped with 97 % pass percentage while Erode has come second with 96.3%.&nbsp</p>

<p>The overall pass percentage of this year in TN HSC +2 Results 2018 is 91.1%. Girls scored 94.1% higher (6.4 %) than boys 87.7%. Check result on the official mobile app, which is available on Android and iOS download it from the link given below.</p>

<p>The Class 12th examination was conducted by the Directorate of Government Examinations (DGE) between 1st March and 6th April for the academic 2017-18. The evaluation of Class 12 (plus 2) answer sheets started from April 6. Overall, 1907 schools have secured 100% pass percentage.</p>

<p>The government of Tamil Nadu, Directorate of Government Examinations declaring examination Results which can be viewed through the following +2 exam result 2018 website:</p>

<p>http://tnresults.nic.in<br />
http://www.dge.tn.nic.in/<br />
http://dge1.tn.nic.in<br />
http://dge2.tn.nic.in<br />
http://www.dge.tn.gov.in/<br />
http://tndge.in/</p>

<p>Also, students can view the TN HSC Results on official Mobile Apps which is available on both Android and iOS platforms.</p>


The overall pass percentage of this year in TN HSC +2 Results 2018 is 91.1%. Girls scored 94.1% higher (6.4 %) than boys 87.7%.

The Directorate of Government (DGE) Examinations, Government of Tamil Nadu declared TN HSC +2 results 2018 or Tamil Nadu 12th result 2018 at its official website – tnresults.nic.in. Students can also check the scores at dge1.tn.nic.in, dge.tn.gov.in. &nbspVirudhnagar district has topped with 97 % pass percentage while Erode has come second with 96.3%. The overall pass percentage of this year in TN HSC +2 Results 2018 is 91.1%. Girls scored 94.1% higher (6.4 %) than boys 87.7%. Check result on the official mobile app, which is available on Android and iOS download it from the link given below. The Class 12th examination was conducted by the Directorate of Government Examinations (DGE) between 1st March and 6th April for the academic 2017-18. The evaluation of Class 12 (plus 2) answer sheets started from April 6. Overall, 1907 schools have secured 100% pass percentage. The government of Tamil Nadu, Directorate of Government Examinations declaring examination Results which can be viewed through the following +2 exam result 2018 website: http://tnresults.nic.in http://www.dge.tn.nic.in/ http://dge1.tn.nic.in http://dge2.tn.nic.in http://www.dge.tn.gov.in/ http://tndge.in/ Also, students can view the TN HSC Results on official Mobile Apps which is available on both Android and iOS platforms.

Tamil Nadu Result 2018: TN HSC +2 results declared

<p>The wedding bells don’t seem to stop ringing for the Ambanis as there are reports that now Mukesh Ambani’s youngest son Anant Ambani just got engaged to girlfriend Radhika Merchant.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This news at a time when daughter <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/entertainment-in-photos-mukesh-ambanis-daughter-isha-gets-engaged-to-anand-piramal-at-mumbais-iskcon-temple-135131">Isha Ambani got engaged to Anand Piramal </a>at Mumbai’s ISKCON temple on May 7. The announcement was followed by an engagement bash, where Nita Ambani and daughter Isha stole the show with their dazzling performance on ‘Nach De Ne Saare’ from the film “Baar Baar Dekho” which was picturised on Katrina Kaif.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/mukesh-and-anil-ambani-hug-it-out-at-isha-ambanis-engagement-bash-135387"><em>Also Read:&nbsp;Mukesh and Anil Ambani hug it out at Isha Ambani's engagement bash</em></a></p>

<p>Also, Isha’s younger brother <a href="http://www.wionews.com/photos/shah-rukh-khan,-katrina-kaif,-aishwarya-rai-at-akash-ambani-shloka-mehta's-pre-engagement-party-126544#photo-126525">Akash Ambani got engaged to Shloka Mehta </a>on March 27 as the entire Bollywood industry came to celebrate the pre-engagement bash at their residence ANTILLA.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This is the photo that spiked speculation:</p>

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<p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BiyhSp5AR0i/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">If rumours are to be believed, the wedding bells continue to ring in the Ambani Household, as #AnantAmbani gets engaged to #RadhikaMerchant #BridesTodayIn @nupurmehta18</a></p>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/bridestodayin/" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px;" target="_blank"> Brides Today</a> (@bridestodayin) on <time datetime="2018-05-15T07:16:35+00:00" style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;">May 15, 2018 at 12:16am PDT</time></p>
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<p>Wonder when the couple will make the official announcement.&nbsp;</p>


A photo that has surfaced on the social media of the couple suggests there is good news on the way

The wedding bells don’t seem to stop ringing for the Ambanis as there are reports that now Mukesh Ambani’s youngest son Anant Ambani just got engaged to girlfriend Radhika Merchant. This news at a time when daughter Isha Ambani got engaged to Anand Piramal at Mumbai’s ISKCON temple on May 7. The announcement was followed by an engagement bash, where Nita Ambani and daughter Isha stole the show with their dazzling performance on ‘Nach De Ne Saare’ from the film “Baar Baar Dekho” which was picturised on Katrina Kaif. Also Read: Mukesh and Anil Ambani hug it out at Isha Ambani's engagement bash Also, Isha’s younger brother Akash Ambani got engaged to Shloka Mehta on March 27 as the entire Bollywood industry came to celebrate the pre-engagement bash at their residence ANTILLA. This is the photo that spiked speculation: If rumours are to be believed, the wedding bells continue to ring in the Ambani Household, as #AnantAmbani gets engaged to #RadhikaMerchant #BridesTodayIn @nupurmehta18 A post shared by Brides Today (@bridestodayin) on May 15, 2018 at 12:16am PDT × Wonder when the couple will make the official announcement.

Is Mukesh Ambani’s son Anant Ambani engaged to Radhika Merchant?

<p>Following sporadic violence during the West Bengal panchayat elections on May 14, 568 booths in the state are undergoing repolling today. &nbsp;</p>

<p>Elaborate security arrangements have been made by the state government and police to ensure free and fair polling, a State Election Commission official said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Widespread violence was reported during panchayat polls in the state that left at least 12 people dead and 43 wounded. Voting turnout in the panchayat.</p>

<p>Voting, which began at 7 am, will end at 5 pm.</p>

<p>The booths, where re-polling is taking place, include 63 in Murshidabad, 52 in Coochbehar, 28 in West Midnapore and 10 in Hooghly among others.</p>

<p>The State Election Commission had ordered the re-poll, following complaints of violence during the polls on Monday.</p>

<p>The poll panel has asked the state government and the police to make elaborate security arrangements so that polling can be held in a free and fair manner.</p>

<p>The counting of votes will be held on May 17.</p>

<p>The panchayat elections in West Bengal saw huge-scale clashes on Monday between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Trinamool Congress (TMC) workers, resulting in the death of at least 12 people.</p>

<p>The Congress, Communist Party of India (Marxist), Revolutionary Socialist Party (RSP) and other parties of the Left Front also staged a protest outside State Election Commission in Kolkata against the incidents of violence.</p>

<p>Taking note of the incident, the Ministry of Home Affairs also sought a report from the state government regarding incidents of violence during Panchayat Election in the state.</p>

<p>The voting took place for 621 zilla parishads, over six thousand panchayat samitis, and nearly 31 thousand gram panchayats.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from ANI)</em></p>


The State Election Commission had ordered the re-poll, following complaints of violence during the polls on Monday.

Following sporadic violence during the West Bengal panchayat elections on May 14, 568 booths in the state are undergoing repolling today. Elaborate security arrangements have been made by the state government and police to ensure free and fair polling, a State Election Commission official said. Widespread violence was reported during panchayat polls in the state that left at least 12 people dead and 43 wounded. Voting turnout in the panchayat. Voting, which began at 7 am, will end at 5 pm. The booths, where re-polling is taking place, include 63 in Murshidabad, 52 in Coochbehar, 28 in West Midnapore and 10 in Hooghly among others. The State Election Commission had ordered the re-poll, following complaints of violence during the polls on Monday. The poll panel has asked the state government and the police to make elaborate security arrangements so that polling can be held in a free and fair manner. The counting of votes will be held on May 17. The panchayat elections in West Bengal saw huge-scale clashes on Monday between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Trinamool Congress (TMC) workers, resulting in the death of at least 12 people. The Congress, Communist Party of India (Marxist), Revolutionary Socialist Party (RSP) and other parties of the Left Front also staged a protest outside State Election Commission in Kolkata against the incidents of violence. Taking note of the incident, the Ministry of Home Affairs also sought a report from the state government regarding incidents of violence during Panchayat Election in the state. The voting took place for 621 zilla parishads, over six thousand panchayat samitis, and nearly 31 thousand gram panchayats. (With inputs from ANI)

West Bengal panchayat elections: Repolling in 568 booths underway amid tight security

<p>Looks like the Ambani household will have only two weddings this year -- daughter Isha Ambani's with Anand Piramal and son Akash Ambani with Shloka Mehta.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Reports surfaced yesterday that the youngest son of Mukesh Ambani, Anant Ambani is reportedly engaged to Radhika Merchant. However, sources close to the family reveal that the rumours are not true.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Speculations started after Radhika was seen in a picture shared on social media with Anant hugging him.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also, the 24-year-old was recently seen performing with&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/photos/shah-rukh-khan,-katrina-kaif,-aishwarya-rai-at-akash-ambani-shloka-mehta's-pre-engagement-party-126544#photo-126525">Akash Ambani's fiance Shloka</a> and Isha Ambani at the latter's engagement party. Here, have a look. Radhika is dressed in a blue lehenga.&nbsp;</p>

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<p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0 padding:0 4px"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Biyok8ZgEdx/" style=" color:#000 font-family:Arial,sans-serif font-size:14px font-style:normal font-weight:normal line-height:17px text-decoration:none word-wrap:break-word" target="_blank">THIS CANNOT BE MISSED Watch #ishaambani dance with soon to be sister in law #shlokamehta during her engagement ceremony⭐️ #ambaniwedding #mukeshambani #nitaambani #ambanifamily #ishaambani #anandpiramal #akashambani #shlokamehta #ambanihouse #ambanibash #anantambani #celebritystyle #weddingbells #shaadiseason #ghoomar #ghoomardance #padmavat #GGWT</a></p>

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<p>Anant and Radhika are known to be friends for long and the Ambanis reportedly know her for a long time.</p>

<p>She also accompanied the Ambani family as they visited Siddhivinayak Temple in Mumbai soon after Akash Ambani and Shloka Mehta's engagement.&nbsp;</p>

<p><img alt="anant1.JPG" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="430" src="http://images.wionews.com/iniline-images/anant1.JPG" width="770" /></p>

<p>So who is Radhika Merchant? Here's what we know so far.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
24-year-old Radhika has graduated in Political Science from the New York University. Radhika has done her schooling in Mumbai’s Cathedral and John Connon School and École Mondiale World School before completing her IB Diploma from BD Somani International School.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The young girl has previously interned with firms including Cedar Consultants, Desai & Diwanji and India First Organization, and her interests include animal welfare and economic empowerment. While there is very little information available on the Internet about her current job, reports suggest she was part of luxury hotel Isprava's operations.&nbsp;</p>


The 24-year-old is a graduate in Political Science from New York University.

Looks like the Ambani household will have only two weddings this year -- daughter Isha Ambani's with Anand Piramal and son Akash Ambani with Shloka Mehta. Reports surfaced yesterday that the youngest son of Mukesh Ambani, Anant Ambani is reportedly engaged to Radhika Merchant. However, sources close to the family reveal that the rumours are not true. Speculations started after Radhika was seen in a picture shared on social media with Anant hugging him. Also, the 24-year-old was recently seen performing with Akash Ambani's fiance Shloka and Isha Ambani at the latter's engagement party. Here, have a look. Radhika is dressed in a blue lehenga. THIS CANNOT BE MISSED Watch #ishaambani dance with soon to be sister in law #shlokamehta during her engagement ceremony⭐️ #ambaniwedding #mukeshambani #nitaambani #ambanifamily #ishaambani #anandpiramal #akashambani #shlokamehta #ambanihouse #ambanibash #anantambani #celebritystyle #weddingbells #shaadiseason #ghoomar #ghoomardance #padmavat #GGWT A post shared by Glam Gloss With Tanishka (@glamglosswitht) on May 15, 2018 at 1:23am PDT × Anant and Radhika are known to be friends for long and the Ambanis reportedly know her for a long time. She also accompanied the Ambani family as they visited Siddhivinayak Temple in Mumbai soon after Akash Ambani and Shloka Mehta's engagement. So who is Radhika Merchant? Here's what we know so far. 24-year-old Radhika has graduated in Political Science from the New York University. Radhika has done her schooling in Mumbai’s Cathedral and John Connon School and École Mondiale World School before completing her IB Diploma from BD Somani International School. The young girl has previously interned with firms including Cedar Consultants, Desai & Diwanji and India First Organization, and her interests include animal welfare and economic empowerment. While there is very little information available on the Internet about her current job, reports suggest she was part of luxury hotel Isprava's operations.

Radhika Merchant and the Ambani connection!

<p>Priyanka Gandhi Vadra had a role to play in stitching together the JD(S)-Congress combine in Karnataka, a news report has said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The DNA newspaper reported Wednesday that it was at Priyanka's suggestion that Congress President Rahul Gandhi offered the Karnataka chief ministership to the JD(S).&nbsp;</p>

<p>Rahul had earlier turned down the idea of a pre-poll alliance with the JD(S).&nbsp;</p>

<p>He had in February called the JD(S) a "B team involved in an undercover arrangement with the BJP".&nbsp;</p>

<p>The JD(S)-Congress alliance in Karnataka had begun with Sonia Gandhi calling Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad, who in turn called JD(S) leader HD Deve Gowda and his son HD Kumaraswamy.&nbsp;</p>

<p>After it was agreed that Kumaraswamy would be the chief minister of a JD(S)-Congress government, things began to swing into motion.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The DNA report however added that the turn of events in Karnataka have again put a question mark over Rahul's ability to stitch together alliances. And that should the opposition stitch together a grand alliance to counter the BJP in the 2019 elections, the alliance partners might have trouble accepting Rahul as their prime ministerial candidate.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The DNA report added that the developments in Karnataka may lead to claims for former Congress president Sonia Gandhi — who has of late been having troubles with her health — to return to active politics.&nbsp;</p>


The DNA newspaper reported Wednesday that it was at Priyanka's suggestion that Congress President Rahul Gandhi offered the Karnataka chief ministership to the JD(S)

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra had a role to play in stitching together the JD(S)-Congress combine in Karnataka, a news report has said. The DNA newspaper reported Wednesday that it was at Priyanka's suggestion that Congress President Rahul Gandhi offered the Karnataka chief ministership to the JD(S). Rahul had earlier turned down the idea of a pre-poll alliance with the JD(S). He had in February called the JD(S) a "B team involved in an undercover arrangement with the BJP". The JD(S)-Congress alliance in Karnataka had begun with Sonia Gandhi calling Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad, who in turn called JD(S) leader HD Deve Gowda and his son HD Kumaraswamy. After it was agreed that Kumaraswamy would be the chief minister of a JD(S)-Congress government, things began to swing into motion. The DNA report however added that the turn of events in Karnataka have again put a question mark over Rahul's ability to stitch together alliances. And that should the opposition stitch together a grand alliance to counter the BJP in the 2019 elections, the alliance partners might have trouble accepting Rahul as their prime ministerial candidate. The DNA report added that the developments in Karnataka may lead to claims for former Congress president Sonia Gandhi — who has of late been having troubles with her health — to return to active politics.

Priyanka Gandhi had hand in stitching together JD(S)-Congress combine in Karnataka: Report

<p>Benchmark indices opened sharply lower, following the weak trend in global stocks and uncertainty over the formation of government in Karnataka.</p>

<p>The 30-share BSE Sensex was down 166.25 points at 35,377.69 and the 50-share NSE Nifty declined 54.20 points to 10,747.70.</p>

<p>Nifty Bank fell 184 points as PNB plunged 10 percent.</p>


The 30-share BSE Sensex was down 166.25 points at 35,377.69 and the 50-share NSE Nifty declined 54.20 points to 10,747.70.

Benchmark indices opened sharply lower, following the weak trend in global stocks and uncertainty over the formation of government in Karnataka. The 30-share BSE Sensex was down 166.25 points at 35,377.69 and the 50-share NSE Nifty declined 54.20 points to 10,747.70. Nifty Bank fell 184 points as PNB plunged 10 percent.

Sensex opens 166 points lower, Nifty breaks 10,750 on global weakness

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