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<p>Following the declaration of the results of the Karnataka assembly elections,&nbsp;Congress leader and incumbent chief minister Siddaramaiah has decided&nbsp;to meet the governor and submit his resignation to him.</p>

<p>Siddaramaiah will meet the governor&nbsp;Vajubhai Vala at 4 pm today.</p>

<p>The Congress chief ministerial candidate contested the polls from two constituencies,&nbsp;Chamundeshwari and Badami.</p>

<p>While he lost from Chamundeshwari, Siddaramaiah won from Badami by defeating BJP's B Sriramulu.</p>

<p>The results of the elections declared BJP as the major winning party with 104 seats, Congress winning 78 while JDS 36 seats.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">CM Siddaramaiah to meet the Governor of Karnataka at 4 pm today. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KarnatakaElections2018?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KarnatakaElections2018</a> <a href="https://t.co/euKZ0nMLO0">pic.twitter.com/euKZ0nMLO0</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/996317950654103552?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 15, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Siddaramaiah will meet the governor Vajubhai Vala at 4 pm today

Following the declaration of the results of the Karnataka assembly elections, Congress leader and incumbent chief minister Siddaramaiah has decided to meet the governor and submit his resignation to him. Siddaramaiah will meet the governor Vajubhai Vala at 4 pm today. The Congress chief ministerial candidate contested the polls from two constituencies, Chamundeshwari and Badami. While he lost from Chamundeshwari, Siddaramaiah won from Badami by defeating BJP's B Sriramulu. The results of the elections declared BJP as the major winning party with 104 seats, Congress winning 78 while JDS 36 seats. CM Siddaramaiah to meet the Governor of Karnataka at 4 pm today. #KarnatakaElections2018 pic.twitter.com/euKZ0nMLO0 — ANI (@ANI) May 15, 2018 ×

Karnataka results: Siddaramaiah to meet governor to submit his resignation today

<p>The counting of votes is underway in Karnataka and the BJP has taken the lead. The party is currently leading in&nbsp;106&nbsp;seats, while the Congress is leading in 76.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Karnataka has a total of 224 assembly seats, but only 222 seats went to the polls this time. (Voting was postponed in Bengaluru's RR Nagar seat where close to 10,000 voter IDs were recovered from a flat. Voting was also postponed in another seat where a candidate died.)&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>The halfway mark then is 112 seats.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Should the Congress lose Karnataka, it will be left in power in only two Indian states and one union territory.</p>

<p>The two states are Punjab and Mizoram. The UT is Puducherry.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The BJP on the other will end up ruling 21 states (including Karnataka) out of 29.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Watch: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/watch-bjp-leaders-hail-victory-congress-disappointed-in-karnataka-election-136924#">BJP leaders hail victory, Congress disappointed in Karnataka election</a></p>

<p>The Congress recently lost Himachal Pradesh, while the BJP retained Gujarat, the latest in a string of defeats since 2014 when Prime Minister Modi came to power at the Centre.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While campaigning for the 2014 general elections, Modi had promised a "Congress-mukt Bharat".&nbsp;</p>

<p>In 2017, the Congress lost Goa and Manipur — despite emerging as the single-largest party in both states.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In the 2014 general elections, the Congress won only 44 Lok Sabha — marking a new low.</p>

<p>The next state elections coming up in 2018 are Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh. The BJP is in power in all three and will therefore have to fight the anti-incumbency factor there.</p>

<p>Also see: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/karnataka-election-results-what-didnt-work-for-congress-136929">Karnataka election results: What didn't work for Congress</a></p>

<p>In Karnataka, Modi's last-minute blitzkrieg seems to have paid off. The BJP is currently leading in 11 of the 19 constituencies that Modi campaigned in.</p>

<p>Of the 16 constituencies that Rahul Gandhi campaigned in, the Congress is leading in 6.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/live-karnataka-election-results-counting-underway-as-bjp-congress-wait-for-results-136866"><strong><em>Watch the live updates of the Karnataka elections here.</em></strong></a></p>


The BJP is currently leading in 106 seats in Karnataka. The two states the Congress still rules in are Punjab and Mizoram. The union territory is Puducherry

The counting of votes is underway in Karnataka and the BJP has taken the lead. The party is currently leading in 106 seats, while the Congress is leading in 76. Karnataka has a total of 224 assembly seats, but only 222 seats went to the polls this time. (Voting was postponed in Bengaluru's RR Nagar seat where close to 10,000 voter IDs were recovered from a flat. Voting was also postponed in another seat where a candidate died.) The halfway mark then is 112 seats. Should the Congress lose Karnataka, it will be left in power in only two Indian states and one union territory. The two states are Punjab and Mizoram. The UT is Puducherry. The BJP on the other will end up ruling 21 states (including Karnataka) out of 29. Watch: BJP leaders hail victory, Congress disappointed in Karnataka election The Congress recently lost Himachal Pradesh, while the BJP retained Gujarat, the latest in a string of defeats since 2014 when Prime Minister Modi came to power at the Centre. While campaigning for the 2014 general elections, Modi had promised a "Congress-mukt Bharat". In 2017, the Congress lost Goa and Manipur — despite emerging as the single-largest party in both states. In the 2014 general elections, the Congress won only 44 Lok Sabha — marking a new low. The next state elections coming up in 2018 are Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh. The BJP is in power in all three and will therefore have to fight the anti-incumbency factor there. Also see: Karnataka election results: What didn't work for Congress In Karnataka, Modi's last-minute blitzkrieg seems to have paid off. The BJP is currently leading in 11 of the 19 constituencies that Modi campaigned in. Of the 16 constituencies that Rahul Gandhi campaigned in, the Congress is leading in 6. Watch the live updates of the Karnataka elections here.

Should Congress lose Karnataka, it will be left in power in only two states, 1 UT

BJP leaders and workers celebrate as Election Commission data shows BJP leading in 107 constituencies.

In pics: BJP celebrates victory in Karnataka

<p>The Supreme Court on Tuesday convicted Punjab Tourism Minister Navjot Singh Sidhu for voluntarily causing hurt to a 65-year-old man but spared him a jail term in the 1988 road rage case and imposed a Rs 1,000 fine on him.</p>

<p>The bench found Sidhu guilty of voluntarily causing hurt (under Section 323 of the IPC) but acquitted him of the charge of culpable homicide not amounting to murder under Section 304. His co-accused Rupinder Singh Sandhu, te tourism minister in Punjab, was acquitted of all the charges.</p>

<p>A bench of Justices J Chelameswar and Sanjay Kishan Kaul was pronouncing judgment on an appeal filed by Sidhu against a December 2006 Punjab and Haryana High Court verdict convicting and sentencing him to three years in jail in a road rage case.</p>

<p>Besides Sidhu, the appeal was also filed by Sandhu, who was also given a three-year jail term by the high court. Sidhu and Sandhu were initially tried for murder but the trial court in September 1999 acquitted the duo.</p>

<p>The road rage incident dates back to December 27, 1988, when Sidhu had allegedly punched one 65-year-old Gurnam Singh in Punjab's Patiala, resulting in latter's death.</p>

<p>The sessions court acquitted Sidhu and Sandhu on September 22, 1999, due to lack of evidence.</p>

<p>The trial court had acquitted Sidhu, whereas the Punjab and Haryana High Court reversed his acquittal, convicting him under Section 304 Part II of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), for culpable homicide not amounting to murder.</p>

<p>The victim's family had appealed to the Supreme Court that earlier imprisonment sentence of three years given by the Punjab and Haryana High Court should be enhanced. However, the Punjab government appealed to the apex court to uphold three-year imprisonment.&nbsp;</p>


The road rage incident dates back to December 27, 1988, when Sidhu had allegedly punched one 65-year-old Gurnam Singh in Patiala, Punjab, resulting in the latter`s death.

The Supreme Court on Tuesday convicted Punjab Tourism Minister Navjot Singh Sidhu for voluntarily causing hurt to a 65-year-old man but spared him a jail term in the 1988 road rage case and imposed a Rs 1,000 fine on him. The bench found Sidhu guilty of voluntarily causing hurt (under Section 323 of the IPC) but acquitted him of the charge of culpable homicide not amounting to murder under Section 304. His co-accused Rupinder Singh Sandhu, te tourism minister in Punjab, was acquitted of all the charges. A bench of Justices J Chelameswar and Sanjay Kishan Kaul was pronouncing judgment on an appeal filed by Sidhu against a December 2006 Punjab and Haryana High Court verdict convicting and sentencing him to three years in jail in a road rage case. Besides Sidhu, the appeal was also filed by Sandhu, who was also given a three-year jail term by the high court. Sidhu and Sandhu were initially tried for murder but the trial court in September 1999 acquitted the duo. The road rage incident dates back to December 27, 1988, when Sidhu had allegedly punched one 65-year-old Gurnam Singh in Punjab's Patiala, resulting in latter's death. The sessions court acquitted Sidhu and Sandhu on September 22, 1999, due to lack of evidence. The trial court had acquitted Sidhu, whereas the Punjab and Haryana High Court reversed his acquittal, convicting him under Section 304 Part II of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), for culpable homicide not amounting to murder. The victim's family had appealed to the Supreme Court that earlier imprisonment sentence of three years given by the Punjab and Haryana High Court should be enhanced. However, the Punjab government appealed to the apex court to uphold three-year imprisonment.

Navjot Singh Sidhu found guilty in 1988 road rage case, but spared jail term

<p>BJP's Chief Ministerial candidate B S Yeddyurappa was on Tuesday elected to the Karnataka Assembly from Shikaripura by 35,397 votes, the Election Commission announced.</p>

<p>Yeddyurappa, 75, defeated Congress nominee Goni Malatesha and seven others in his home constituency.</p>

<p>Yeddyurappa, who had dealt a body blow to the BJP in 2013 by quitting the party to form his own KJP, returned to mother party before the 2014 Lok Sabha polls.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In 2016 he became BJP state chief and a year later he was officially made the CM candidate.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from Karnataka)</em></p>


In 2016 he became BJP state chief and a year later he was officially made the CM candidate.

BJP's Chief Ministerial candidate B S Yeddyurappa was on Tuesday elected to the Karnataka Assembly from Shikaripura by 35,397 votes, the Election Commission announced. Yeddyurappa, 75, defeated Congress nominee Goni Malatesha and seven others in his home constituency. Yeddyurappa, who had dealt a body blow to the BJP in 2013 by quitting the party to form his own KJP, returned to mother party before the 2014 Lok Sabha polls. In 2016 he became BJP state chief and a year later he was officially made the CM candidate. (With inputs from Karnataka)

BJP's CM face BS Yeddyurappa wins from Shikaripura

<p>Six hours into counting and the results are self-evident. <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/bjp-leads-in-most-constituencies-modi-campaigned-rahul-effect-fades-for-congress-136926">Prime Minister Modi's campaign form</a> in the last leg of elections has delivered Karnataka to the BJP, it was what saved the party in Gujarat - a political equivalent of slog-over pinch hitting that Dhoni, Kohli and some of the other best finishers in cricket would envy and want to emulate.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/live-karnataka-election-results-counting-underway-as-bjp-congress-wait-for-results-136866">Track Live Results of Karnataka Assembly Elections</a></p>

<p>Like it or lump it, when you want a 'neta' to deliver and lead the party on the campaign trail, there is no one better than the indefatigable PM who has delivered state after state for the Bharatiya Janata Party.</p>

<p>A beaming Union minister Ravi Shankar Prasad did the rounds of TV studios and said on air: "Democracy and accountability go hand-in-hand and the Congress president should look at his own party. The country has accepted Narendra Modi's leadership. It is not the BJP's job to strengthen the party, they have to see why the people didn't vote for them."</p>

<p>Modi had on the campaign trail quipped that <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/karnataka-election-results-what-didnt-work-for-congress-136929">the Congress</a> will be reduced to 'PPP' party - alluding to the fact that <a href="www.wionews.com/india-news/bjps-dream-of-a-congress-free-nation-inching-towards-reality--136946">all the party has</a> are the states of Puducherry, Punjab and Parivaar (then Gandhi family). Perhaps the M from Mizoram did not fit the pun - but it is a fact that after its loss in Karnataka, the Congress has its governments in just the three states of Punjab, Puducherry and Mizoram - tracts of land on which just under three per cent of India's population dwell.</p>

<p>Wave after wave of pollsters said there was no 'Modi ki lehar' (Modi wave) visible in the state but everyone forgot Uttar Pradesh. No 'visible' BJP wave led to 300+ seats there. Of course you sometimes need the right political prism to see a wave and many on the other side of the divide, naysayers and even fence sitters of my ilk, can sometimes miss what stares them in plain sight.</p>

<p>Faced with the chief minister in Siddaramaiah who wasn't a pushover, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pics:-bjp-celebrate-victory-in-karnataka-136956">the BJP</a> pinned its hopes largely on the central government's track record and Prime Minister Modi's charisma to get them out of a tough spot. On Saturday, exit polls were divided and sensible pollsters said it was too close to call. The BJP top-brass seemed quietly confident, the Congress claimed victory is what now seems like braggadocio. Dismissing the exit polls as 'entertainment', BJP's chief ministerial candidate B S Yeddyurappa had even announced that he would take oath on May 17.</p>

<p>What the Congress missed was also the fact that a popular chief minister may not combat anti-incumbency - the performance of the MLAs matters. And while these results may not have a direct fallout in the PM Modi's 2019 bid for a second-term in office, the prime minister is clearly a captain who leads from the front and comes up with the goods when the going gets tough - a trait that augurs well for the BJP as it will look to buck anti-incumbency and retain Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Chhatisgarh later this year.</p>


Wave after wave of pollsters said there was no 'Modi ki lehar' visible in the state but everyone forgot Uttar Pradesh.

Six hours into counting and the results are self-evident. Prime Minister Modi's campaign form in the last leg of elections has delivered Karnataka to the BJP, it was what saved the party in Gujarat - a political equivalent of slog-over pinch hitting that Dhoni, Kohli and some of the other best finishers in cricket would envy and want to emulate. Track Live Results of Karnataka Assembly Elections Like it or lump it, when you want a 'neta' to deliver and lead the party on the campaign trail, there is no one better than the indefatigable PM who has delivered state after state for the Bharatiya Janata Party. A beaming Union minister Ravi Shankar Prasad did the rounds of TV studios and said on air: "Democracy and accountability go hand-in-hand and the Congress president should look at his own party. The country has accepted Narendra Modi's leadership. It is not the BJP's job to strengthen the party, they have to see why the people didn't vote for them." Modi had on the campaign trail quipped that the Congress will be reduced to 'PPP' party - alluding to the fact that all the party has are the states of Puducherry, Punjab and Parivaar (then Gandhi family). Perhaps the M from Mizoram did not fit the pun - but it is a fact that after its loss in Karnataka, the Congress has its governments in just the three states of Punjab, Puducherry and Mizoram - tracts of land on which just under three per cent of India's population dwell. Wave after wave of pollsters said there was no 'Modi ki lehar' (Modi wave) visible in the state but everyone forgot Uttar Pradesh. No 'visible' BJP wave led to 300+ seats there. Of course you sometimes need the right political prism to see a wave and many on the other side of the divide, naysayers and even fence sitters of my ilk, can sometimes miss what stares them in plain sight. Faced with the chief minister in Siddaramaiah who wasn't a pushover, the BJP pinned its hopes largely on the central government's track record and Prime Minister Modi's charisma to get them out of a tough spot. On Saturday, exit polls were divided and sensible pollsters said it was too close to call. The BJP top-brass seemed quietly confident, the Congress claimed victory is what now seems like braggadocio. Dismissing the exit polls as 'entertainment', BJP's chief ministerial candidate B S Yeddyurappa had even announced that he would take oath on May 17. What the Congress missed was also the fact that a popular chief minister may not combat anti-incumbency - the performance of the MLAs matters. And while these results may not have a direct fallout in the PM Modi's 2019 bid for a second-term in office, the prime minister is clearly a captain who leads from the front and comes up with the goods when the going gets tough - a trait that augurs well for the BJP as it will look to buck anti-incumbency and retain Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Chhatisgarh later this year.

Karnataka election results show Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'magic' works

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<p>A few days ago, a clutch of senior Congress leader had petitioned the President of India against Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the use of "intimidating" language. Modi had said that his opponents should be willing to pay the price for taking him on. It appears the Congress had reasons to feel threatened.</p>

<p>It took him head-on in the course of campaigning of the Karnataka Assembly election and has now paid the price. The party has been toppled from power, and in a most decisive manner. Neither the entire might of the Congress nor the Rahul Gandhi-Siddaramaiah combines could save the party from the humiliating defeat the Bharatiya Janata Party has dealt it.</p>

<p>Mathematically speaking, exit polls had thrown up no clear winners and had suggested a hung House. Even if that had happened, it would have been a political defeat for the incumbent Congress regime and moral win for the BJP. But as it has turned out, both mathematically and politically, the BJP has registered a convincing triumph.&nbsp</p>

<p>The blow for the Congress is especially painful because it had done everything it could by the book — and away from it — to retain control of the only other major State it ruled in the country apart from Punjab.&nbsp</p>

<p>It had highlighted the questionable track record of the BJP's chief ministerial candidate BS Yeddyurappa, lack of job growth in the central rule of Prime Minister Modi, problems of demonetisation and the implementation of Goods and Services Tax (Gabbar Singh Tax, in Congress president Rahul Gandhi’s words), and touted developmental work done during Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s tenure.</p>

<p>But most importantly, the Congress played the divisive card, fully assured that this, if everything else failed, would fetch results. It sought to wean away the Lingayat community — traditionally committed voters of the BJP — to its side by suddenly announcing for it a minority religious status. It played the Kannadiga identity card by announcing a separate flag for Karnataka and pushing for the Kannada language in public places such as Metro stations.</p>

<p>It surreptitiously took the assistance of fringe organisations such as the Popular Front of India (PFI). It vigorously supported the celebration of the birth anniversary of Tipu Sultan, again in a bid to attract minority votes. It spread the lie that the Modi Government had scrapped, or had plans to scrap, the law that provided protection to the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.</p>

<p>All of these attempts not only failed but also backfired. The BJP's excellent showing in the Lingayat-dominated regions shows that the community, instead of being impressed, had been wary of the opportunistic manner in which it was being wooed by the Congress. Community members also took exception to the Congress move of dividing the community by planting the minority status seed.</p>

<p>On the other hand, the non-Lingayats joined hands against the Congress’s Lingayat outreach and voted for the BJP. In the end, the BJP benefitted from both Lingayat and non-Lingayat votes. This is most evident in the party’s good showing in the Vokkaliga belt where otherwise the Janata Dal (Secular) dominated.</p>

<p>The Congress's fear-mongering tactics collapsed in the Scheduled Castes-dominant area as well. At the time of writing, trends in this belt were clearly in the BJP’s favour, thus demonstrating that the Congress had failed to impress the Scheduled Castes with its narrative of the BJP being anti-Dalit. The likes of self-appointed Scheduled Castes leader Jignesh Mevani, who incidentally waded into Karnataka’s politics on the Congress’ behalf, failed to make a mark.</p>

<p>On the other hand, the Congress's attempt to polarise people using the Muslim factor boomeranged. The more it became known that the party was hobnobbing with the likes of the PFI, the more the non-Muslim voters rallied behind the BJP. This is obvious from the BJP's performance across the State — from Mumbai-Karnataka to Hyderabad-Karnataka to coastal Karnataka to central Karnataka to Bengaluru — and even Old Mysuru where traditionally the BJP has not been strong.</p>

<p>This is a repeat of Uttar Pradesh, where the minority appeasement politics of the Samajwadi Party, the Bahujan Samaj Party and the Congress ended up consolidating Hindu votes in the BJP's favour and Gujarat, where the Congress's pro-Hardik Patel drive angered the non-Patels and drove them into the BJP's lap. And here too, a large section of the Patels and an overwhelming number of non-Patels backed the BJP.</p>

<p>There is one element in the result that should gladden the BJP, and it is that the party has done remarkably well in the rural regions — nearly two-thirds of the Assembly constituencies in the State are 'rural.' The party has been grappling with an anti-farmer image nationally — real or perceptional — but the voters of Karnataka clearly do not endorse this image. The task was made easier for the BJP by the Siddaramaiah Government's poor track record since Karnataka had registered among the highest farmer suicide incidents due to rural distress.</p>

<p>Some quick larger inferences need to be drawn from the Karnataka outcome.&nbsp</p>

<p>The first is that Prime Minister Modi’s charisma remains intact — his carpet-bombing of the State in the last 10 days of campaigning contributed in a large measure to the BJP’s victory.&nbsp</p>

<p>The second is that BJP president Amit Shah’s election management, down to the booth level, is unparalleled.&nbsp</p>

<p>The third inference is that Congress president Rahul Gandhi is simply unable to evolve into a credible leader — one who can win elections, and one who is always the loser in a Rahul versus Modi narrative.&nbsp</p>

<p>The fourth is that the Congress is now weaker than before to lay claim to helm a joint opposition to take on the BJP in the next Lok Sabha election.&nbsp</p>

<p>The fifth inference is that with this win, the BJP will proceed with greater vigour to create an imprint in the south, especially in Kerala where it will be on its own though with the help of small regional outfits, and in Andhra Pradesh where the Telugu Desam Party has left the NDA.&nbsp</p>

<p>The sixth is that regional parties opposed to the BJP can now more forcefully distance the Congress from its scheme of things and move ahead to forge some kind of ‘third front’ unity.</p>

<p>The BJP has reason to celebrate, but there are equally bigger battles ahead. Later this year, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan go to polls, and if the party does not do well, it could lead to a dilution of the Karnataka impact. Let’s not forget that the Hindi belt is crucial to the party’s prospects of returning in 2019.</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 blow for the Congress is especially painful because it had done everything it could by the book — and away from it — to retain control of the only other major State it ruled in the country apart from Punjab

A few days ago, a clutch of senior Congress leader had petitioned the President of India against Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the use of "intimidating" language. Modi had said that his opponents should be willing to pay the price for taking him on. It appears the Congress had reasons to feel threatened. It took him head-on in the course of campaigning of the Karnataka Assembly election and has now paid the price. The party has been toppled from power, and in a most decisive manner. Neither the entire might of the Congress nor the Rahul Gandhi-Siddaramaiah combines could save the party from the humiliating defeat the Bharatiya Janata Party has dealt it. Mathematically speaking, exit polls had thrown up no clear winners and had suggested a hung House. Even if that had happened, it would have been a political defeat for the incumbent Congress regime and moral win for the BJP. But as it has turned out, both mathematically and politically, the BJP has registered a convincing triumph. The blow for the Congress is especially painful because it had done everything it could by the book — and away from it — to retain control of the only other major State it ruled in the country apart from Punjab. It had highlighted the questionable track record of the BJP's chief ministerial candidate BS Yeddyurappa, lack of job growth in the central rule of Prime Minister Modi, problems of demonetisation and the implementation of Goods and Services Tax (Gabbar Singh Tax, in Congress president Rahul Gandhi’s words), and touted developmental work done during Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s tenure. But most importantly, the Congress played the divisive card, fully assured that this, if everything else failed, would fetch results. It sought to wean away the Lingayat community — traditionally committed voters of the BJP — to its side by suddenly announcing for it a minority religious status. It played the Kannadiga identity card by announcing a separate flag for Karnataka and pushing for the Kannada language in public places such as Metro stations. It surreptitiously took the assistance of fringe organisations such as the Popular Front of India (PFI). It vigorously supported the celebration of the birth anniversary of Tipu Sultan, again in a bid to attract minority votes. It spread the lie that the Modi Government had scrapped, or had plans to scrap, the law that provided protection to the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes. All of these attempts not only failed but also backfired. The BJP's excellent showing in the Lingayat-dominated regions shows that the community, instead of being impressed, had been wary of the opportunistic manner in which it was being wooed by the Congress. Community members also took exception to the Congress move of dividing the community by planting the minority status seed. On the other hand, the non-Lingayats joined hands against the Congress’s Lingayat outreach and voted for the BJP. In the end, the BJP benefitted from both Lingayat and non-Lingayat votes. This is most evident in the party’s good showing in the Vokkaliga belt where otherwise the Janata Dal (Secular) dominated. The Congress's fear-mongering tactics collapsed in the Scheduled Castes-dominant area as well. At the time of writing, trends in this belt were clearly in the BJP’s favour, thus demonstrating that the Congress had failed to impress the Scheduled Castes with its narrative of the BJP being anti-Dalit. The likes of self-appointed Scheduled Castes leader Jignesh Mevani, who incidentally waded into Karnataka’s politics on the Congress’ behalf, failed to make a mark. On the other hand, the Congress's attempt to polarise people using the Muslim factor boomeranged. The more it became known that the party was hobnobbing with the likes of the PFI, the more the non-Muslim voters rallied behind the BJP. This is obvious from the BJP's performance across the State — from Mumbai-Karnataka to Hyderabad-Karnataka to coastal Karnataka to central Karnataka to Bengaluru — and even Old Mysuru where traditionally the BJP has not been strong. This is a repeat of Uttar Pradesh, where the minority appeasement politics of the Samajwadi Party, the Bahujan Samaj Party and the Congress ended up consolidating Hindu votes in the BJP's favour and Gujarat, where the Congress's pro-Hardik Patel drive angered the non-Patels and drove them into the BJP's lap. And here too, a large section of the Patels and an overwhelming number of non-Patels backed the BJP. There is one element in the result that should gladden the BJP, and it is that the party has done remarkably well in the rural regions — nearly two-thirds of the Assembly constituencies in the State are 'rural.' The party has been grappling with an anti-farmer image nationally — real or perceptional — but the voters of Karnataka clearly do not endorse this image. The task was made easier for the BJP by the Siddaramaiah Government's poor track record since Karnataka had registered among the highest farmer suicide incidents due to rural distress. Some quick larger inferences need to be drawn from the Karnataka outcome. The first is that Prime Minister Modi’s charisma remains intact — his carpet-bombing of the State in the last 10 days of campaigning contributed in a large measure to the BJP’s victory. The second is that BJP president Amit Shah’s election management, down to the booth level, is unparalleled. The third inference is that Congress president Rahul Gandhi is simply unable to evolve into a credible leader — one who can win elections, and one who is always the loser in a Rahul versus Modi narrative. The fourth is that the Congress is now weaker than before to lay claim to helm a joint opposition to take on the BJP in the next Lok Sabha election. The fifth inference is that with this win, the BJP will proceed with greater vigour to create an imprint in the south, especially in Kerala where it will be on its own though with the help of small regional outfits, and in Andhra Pradesh where the Telugu Desam Party has left the NDA. The sixth is that regional parties opposed to the BJP can now more forcefully distance the Congress from its scheme of things and move ahead to forge some kind of ‘third front’ unity. The BJP has reason to celebrate, but there are equally bigger battles ahead. Later this year, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan go to polls, and if the party does not do well, it could lead to a dilution of the Karnataka impact. Let’s not forget that the Hindi belt is crucial to the party’s prospects of returning in 2019. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Opinion: Karnataka election result is a defeat for divisive politics

<p>Nandita Das' labour of love, period biopic 'Manto', got a standing ovation from the audience as the film premiered at Cannes on Sunday.&nbsp<br />
<br />
Twenty-three members of the cast and production team took the stage after the festival's general delegate Thierry Fremaux introduced the director and noted the size of the "Manto" contingent.<br />
"It's India," Das quipped.<br />
<br />
"Yes, it's India," Thierry said in response.<br />
<br />
'Manto' is set in the 1940s and 1950s, but it is about what is happening (on the subcontinent) today," the director said.<br />
<br />
"Cannes is like home, and it is great to have my second film premiere here," she said.<br />
<br />
In the audience was the director's father and celebrated painter Jatin Das.<br />
<br />
"My films are rooted in a milieu but I do not seek to explain everything. If you are true to the emotions you are dealing with, a film connects instantly with the audience," Das quoted as saying to a news agency post the film's screening.&nbsp<br />
<br />
'Manto' did, in fact, manage to connect and stun the audience as many stayed on for long to congratulate the team behind the biopic of the long-deceased Saadat Hasan Manto, an uncompromising writer who fought all his working life to protect creative freedom.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Today - <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Manto?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Manto</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/worldpremiere?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#worldpremiere</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UCR?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UCR</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Cannes2018?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Cannes2018</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CannesFilmFestival?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CannesFilmFestival</a><br />
Great <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Urdu?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Urdu</a> writer <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/20thcenturybboy?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#20thcenturybboy</a> <a href="https://t.co/02D3ULLHah">pic.twitter.com/02D3ULLHah</a></p>
— asianculturevulture (@asianculturevul) <a href="https://twitter.com/asianculturevul/status/995752169105248256?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 13, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp</p>

<p><br />
"People across the world are fearful of all the unsettling developments around them. That is why Manto's writings are as relevant today as they were back in his time," Das said.<br />
<br />
"Initially, the script spanned a ten-year period from 1942 to 1952. In the film, that has eventually been whittled down to four years," she said, throwing light on the six-year process from conception to completion.<br />
Das said she has used Manto's writings extensively in developing the film but also used some fictional elements.</p>

<p>Das, earlier, had shared the first teaser of the film on her Twitter page.&nbsp</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="in">Presenting the official teaser of Manto Film.<br />
<br />
Nawazuddin Siddiqui | Rasika Dugal | Tahir Raj Bhasin<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Manto?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Manto</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CannesWithManto?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CannesWithManto</a> <a href="https://t.co/92jtMbaILq">https://t.co/92jtMbaILq</a></p>
— Nandita Das (@nanditadas) <a href="https://twitter.com/nanditadas/status/995341985962749952?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 12, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>The film's leading lady, Rasika Dugal, also shared images from the red carpet prior to the film's premiere</p>

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<p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0 padding:0 4px"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BiuAQK9nlvM/" 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">And it's out there! World premiere of #Manto #Cannesfilmfestival</a></p>

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<p>'Manto', an Indo-French co-production got off the ground a couple of years ago in Cannes, where Das and lead actor Nawazuddin Siddiqui announced their collaboration. The actor is one of the co-producers of the film.&nbsp<br />
In 2017, the duo was back in Cannes to reveal the first look of 'Manto'.<br />
<br />
That the film is now in the festival's competitive Un certain regard section only brings its journey to a logical launch pad from where it can kick on towards other conquests.&nbsp<br />
<br />
Manto featuers Nawazuddin Siddqui, Rasika Dugal, Tahir Raj Bhasin and Chandan Roy Sanyal in key roles.&nbsp</p>


The lead actor Nawazuddin Siddqiqui was present with other members of the film for its premiere.

Nandita Das' labour of love, period biopic 'Manto', got a standing ovation from the audience as the film premiered at Cannes on Sunday. Twenty-three members of the cast and production team took the stage after the festival's general delegate Thierry Fremaux introduced the director and noted the size of the "Manto" contingent. "It's India," Das quipped. "Yes, it's India," Thierry said in response. 'Manto' is set in the 1940s and 1950s, but it is about what is happening (on the subcontinent) today," the director said. "Cannes is like home, and it is great to have my second film premiere here," she said. In the audience was the director's father and celebrated painter Jatin Das. "My films are rooted in a milieu but I do not seek to explain everything. If you are true to the emotions you are dealing with, a film connects instantly with the audience," Das quoted as saying to a news agency post the film's screening. 'Manto' did, in fact, manage to connect and stun the audience as many stayed on for long to congratulate the team behind the biopic of the long-deceased Saadat Hasan Manto, an uncompromising writer who fought all his working life to protect creative freedom. Today - #Manto #worldpremiere #UCR #Cannes2018 #CannesFilmFestival Great #Urdu writer #20thcenturybboy pic.twitter.com/02D3ULLHah — asianculturevulture (@asianculturevul) May 13, 2018 × "People across the world are fearful of all the unsettling developments around them. That is why Manto's writings are as relevant today as they were back in his time," Das said. "Initially, the script spanned a ten-year period from 1942 to 1952. In the film, that has eventually been whittled down to four years," she said, throwing light on the six-year process from conception to completion. Das said she has used Manto's writings extensively in developing the film but also used some fictional elements. Das, earlier, had shared the first teaser of the film on her Twitter page. Presenting the official teaser of Manto Film. Nawazuddin Siddiqui | Rasika Dugal | Tahir Raj Bhasin#Manto #CannesWithManto https://t.co/92jtMbaILq — Nandita Das (@nanditadas) May 12, 2018 × The film's leading lady, Rasika Dugal, also shared images from the red carpet prior to the film's premiere And it's out there! World premiere of #Manto #Cannesfilmfestival A post shared by Rasika (@rasikadugal) on May 13, 2018 at 6:10am PDT × Manto and Safias red carpet chats ?#Mantopremiere #Manto #Mantothefilm #CannesFilmFestival A post shared by Rasika (@rasikadugal) on May 13, 2018 at 10:53pm PDT × 'Manto', an Indo-French co-production got off the ground a couple of years ago in Cannes, where Das and lead actor Nawazuddin Siddiqui announced their collaboration. The actor is one of the co-producers of the film. In 2017, the duo was back in Cannes to reveal the first look of 'Manto'. That the film is now in the festival's competitive Un certain regard section only brings its journey to a logical launch pad from where it can kick on towards other conquests. Manto featuers Nawazuddin Siddqui, Rasika Dugal, Tahir Raj Bhasin and Chandan Roy Sanyal in key roles.

Nandita Das takes 22 cast and crew members of 'Manto' for its premiere at Cannes; film gets a standing ovation

<p>With a day left for the Karnataka election results, speculation in the south Indian state is running wild. With a whole spectrum of exit polls predicting every possible outcome, the results this time are truly shrouded in mystery.&nbsp;</p>

<p>So what are the possible outcomes in these hard-fought Karnataka elections?&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;<br />
The stakes are particularly high for the Congress, being the incumbent in the state. Relegated to just three states nationally, the grand old party would want to return to power with a full majority.&nbsp;<br />
With indications of a hung assembly being thrown up well in advance, the Congress strategy led by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah was focused on consolidating the AHINDA vote base comprising minorities, Dalits and SC/STs. The three communities form 60% of the state's population. If Congress fails to get a full majority or something close to it, it will be forced to look at coalition options.&nbsp;</p>

<p>But Siddaramaiah's bitter relationship with the JD(S) and its supremo HD Deve Gowda could prove to be a roadblock for talks between the two parties. In the event of talks happening, Siddaramaiah can bid his chief ministership goodbye.&nbsp;</p>

<p>HD Kumaraswamy would want to be the king, not kingmaker, least of all for Siddaramaiah. &nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;<br />
In another scenario, the Congress might look for a more neutral face to lead its charge in the state.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also read: <a href="http://cmsuat.wionews.com/india-news/i-am-okay-with-dalit-chief-minister-if-congress-high-command-says-so-karnataka-cm-siddaramaiah-136619">I am okay with Dalit chief minister if Congress high command says so, says Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah</a></p>

<p>Some of the names doing the rounds include that that of veteran leader and MP Mallikarjuna Kharge.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Kharge missed out on becoming chief minister in 2013.&nbsp;</p>

<p>KPCC President G Parameshwar has also nursed CM ambitions, and even said that he will welcome the high command's decision to have a Dalit chief minister.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The other leader who has shown chief ministerial ambitions is Energy Minister DK Shivakumar.&nbsp;His chequered image had kept him out of the race last time and his demand for the deputy CM's post was not met.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Last but not least, Congress could consider the non-controversial figures of Industry Minister RV Deshpande and KPCC working president Dinesh Gundurao.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Interestingly, the Congress has not officially declared a CM candidate, but merely made Siddaramaiah in charge.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">This issue has been created in media to create differences between us. We are clear that high command will decide on it. It's just a matter of 12 hours: Mallikarjun Kharge on Siddaramaiah's comment, 'I can sacrifice CM's post for a Dalit' <a href="https://t.co/ewchYMHcXM">pic.twitter.com/ewchYMHcXM</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/995900129235238917?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 14, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;Let's move on to the BJP. Their chief ministerial candidate is BS Yeddyurappa.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Like for Siddaramaiah, these elections could be the last for the 75-yearr-old Yeddyurappa should he fail to bring the party back to power.&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;<br />
If the BJP does get into talks with the JD(S) following a post-poll hung assembly, then Yeddyurappa's chief ministership might be in trouble.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Unlike the absolute mess that the BJP and JD(S) had together created in 2007, this time around Kumaraswamy might demand the position all for himself — owing to Yeddyurappa's diminished stature.&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;<br />
Just as important to remember is that coalition governments have been extremely unstable in Karnataka, with most coalition chief ministers not completing a full term.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Siddaramaiah's bitter relationship with JD(S) supremo HD Deve Gowda could prove to be a stumbling block to talks. In the event of a BJP-JD(S) coalition, Kumarasway might demand the job for himself owing to Yeddyurappa's diminished stature

With a day left for the Karnataka election results, speculation in the south Indian state is running wild. With a whole spectrum of exit polls predicting every possible outcome, the results this time are truly shrouded in mystery. So what are the possible outcomes in these hard-fought Karnataka elections? The stakes are particularly high for the Congress, being the incumbent in the state. Relegated to just three states nationally, the grand old party would want to return to power with a full majority. With indications of a hung assembly being thrown up well in advance, the Congress strategy led by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah was focused on consolidating the AHINDA vote base comprising minorities, Dalits and SC/STs. The three communities form 60% of the state's population. If Congress fails to get a full majority or something close to it, it will be forced to look at coalition options. But Siddaramaiah's bitter relationship with the JD(S) and its supremo HD Deve Gowda could prove to be a roadblock for talks between the two parties. In the event of talks happening, Siddaramaiah can bid his chief ministership goodbye. HD Kumaraswamy would want to be the king, not kingmaker, least of all for Siddaramaiah. In another scenario, the Congress might look for a more neutral face to lead its charge in the state. Also read: I am okay with Dalit chief minister if Congress high command says so, says Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah Some of the names doing the rounds include that that of veteran leader and MP Mallikarjuna Kharge. Kharge missed out on becoming chief minister in 2013. KPCC President G Parameshwar has also nursed CM ambitions, and even said that he will welcome the high command's decision to have a Dalit chief minister. The other leader who has shown chief ministerial ambitions is Energy Minister DK Shivakumar. His chequered image had kept him out of the race last time and his demand for the deputy CM's post was not met. Last but not least, Congress could consider the non-controversial figures of Industry Minister RV Deshpande and KPCC working president Dinesh Gundurao. Interestingly, the Congress has not officially declared a CM candidate, but merely made Siddaramaiah in charge. This issue has been created in media to create differences between us. We are clear that high command will decide on it. It's just a matter of 12 hours: Mallikarjun Kharge on Siddaramaiah's comment, 'I can sacrifice CM's post for a Dalit' pic.twitter.com/ewchYMHcXM — ANI (@ANI) May 14, 2018 × Let's move on to the BJP. Their chief ministerial candidate is BS Yeddyurappa. Like for Siddaramaiah, these elections could be the last for the 75-yearr-old Yeddyurappa should he fail to bring the party back to power. If the BJP does get into talks with the JD(S) following a post-poll hung assembly, then Yeddyurappa's chief ministership might be in trouble. Unlike the absolute mess that the BJP and JD(S) had together created in 2007, this time around Kumaraswamy might demand the position all for himself — owing to Yeddyurappa's diminished stature. Just as important to remember is that coalition governments have been extremely unstable in Karnataka, with most coalition chief ministers not completing a full term.

If hung verdict, both Siddaramaiah & Yeddyurappa may have to give up Karnataka CM ambitions

<p>Dust storms and thunderstorms wreaked havoc in Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh and the national capital, killing 53 people and leaving behind a trail of destruction.</p>

<p>Uttar Pradesh bore the brunt of the hail and thunderstorm that left 39 people dead, while nine people were killed in Andhra Pradesh, four in West Bengal and one in Delhi, the Union Ministry of Home Affairs said on Monday.</p>

<p>It added that 53 people were injured in UP, 11 in Delhi and one in West Bengal</p>

<p>At several places in north India including Delhi, high-velocity winds uprooted trees and affected road, rail and air services.</p>

<p>According to the India Meteorological Department, thunderstorms also occurred at isolated places in Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand, Assam, Meghalaya,</p>

<p>Maharashtara, Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu today.</p>

<p>In a tweet, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said: "Saddened by the loss of lives due to storms in some parts of the country. Condolences to the bereaved families. I pray for the speedy recovery of those injured."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Condoling the deaths, Congress President Rahul Gandhi in a tweet asked party workers to provide all assistance to the bereaved families.</p>

<p>Sunday's devastation came over 10 days after storms hit UP, Rajasthan, Telangana, Uttarakhand and Punjab, killing 134 people and injuring over 400. UP was the worst affected, accounting for 80 deaths, most of them in Agra district in the western part of the state.</p>

<p>Subsequently on May 9, several parts of Uttar Pradesh were struck by a severe storm that left 18 dead and 27 others injured.<br />
<br />
At least 18 people were killed and 28 injured in hail and thunderstorm that pummelled parts of Uttar Pradesh, officials said.</p>

<p>Five people were killed in Kasganj, three in Bulandshahr and two each in Ghaziabad and Saharanpur. One person each died in Etawah, Aligarh, Kannauj, Hapur, Noida and Sambhal, Principal Secretary (Information) Awanish Awasthi said.</p>

<p>A squall and dust storm with a wind speed of up to 109 kmph battered Delhi and neighbouring areas today, killing two persons and injuring 18 others, and throwing flight, rail and metro operations out of gear.</p>

<p>In West Bengal, at least 12 people, including four children, were killed and over 15 injured in lightning strike amid heavy rain, an official of the state disaster management department said.</p>

<p>Five deaths were reported from Howrah district, while two deaths each from West Midnapore, North 24-Parganas and Nadia districts and one from Murshidabad district.</p>

<p>In Andhra Pradesh, nine persons were killed in lightning strikes.</p>

<p>While seven persons were killed in Srikakulam district alone, two more were killed in Kadapa, officials said.</p>

<p>Various parts of the southern state witnessed rain, accompanied by gales.</p>

<p>In Delhi, the sky turned dark grey around 4:30 pm. Gusty winds and rain lashed the national capital, causing the temperature to drop to 25.2 degrees Celsius.</p>

<p>The much-needed reprieve came after a sweltering day, when the maximum temperature had reached 40.60 degrees Celsius, a notch above the normal. Humidity during the morning hours was recorded at 60 per cent, a MeT official said.</p>

<p>The officials said two squalls whipped through the national capital. One clocking 109 kmph hit the Safdarjung area at 4:44 pm and continued till 4:46 pm. The other gusting to 96 kmph battered the Palam area at 4:33 pm.</p>

<p>The strong winds knocked down nearly 200 trees in the city. Incidents of wall collapse were reported from Najafgarh, Transit Camp, Nehru Place, Mohan Garden in Uttam Nagar and Raj Nagar in Palam, said a senior officer of the Delhi Fire Service.</p>

<p>A man was crushed to death in a wall collapse, while a woman was killed when a tree uprooted and fell on her, the police said.</p>

<p>Traffic in many areas moved at a snail's pace due to the reduced visibility.</p>

<p>The inclement weather interrupted the launch of a 140 kWp rooftop solar plant at IP Extension attended by Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal.</p>

<p>Operations at the Delhi airport came to a halt due to the dust storm. At least 40 flights were diverted and more than 24 delayed, an official said.</p>

<p>Metro operations were affected at a number of stations on the Violet and Blue lines after trees fell on overhead electricity (OHE) wires.</p>

<p>The Northern Railways said the train movement was disrupted on the section between the Hazrat Nizamuddin and Palwal stations due to tree felling.</p>

<p>A few passenger and freight trains were held up for around 25 minutes because of the disruption. The Kalka-New Delhi Shatabdi Express was also stopped near Sonepat due to uprooting of trees.</p>

<p>According to MeT department officials, the Safdarjung Observatory gauged 8.3 mm of rainfall. The Palam, Aya Nagar and Lodhi Road areas recorded 0.8, 6.4 and 2.1 mm of precipitation.</p>

<p>The weatherman forecast partly cloudy skies and light rainfall tomorrow.</p>

<p>K Sathi Devi, the head of the National Weather Forecasting Centre, said two western disturbances had led to the inclement weather.</p>

<p>"A cloud mass passed over Delhi. The extreme weather not only affected Delhi Panipat, Jhajjar, Rohtak, Jind in Haryana and parts of Uttar Pradesh,? said G P Sharma, President (Meteorology) Skymet, a private weather forecasting agency.</p>

<p>The winds continued to gust to 70 kmph even after the cloud mass passed over Delhi.</p>

<p>Sharma and Devi warned of similar weather conditions tomorrow.</p>

<p>Thunderstorm and dust storm with winds speeds of up to 70 km per hour are "very likely" tomorrow in 26 districts of Uttar Pradesh, the weather office warned.&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;</p>


Uttar Pradesh bore the brunt of a thunderstorm and hail that left 39 people dead, while nine people were killed in Andhra Pradesh, four in West Bengal and one in Delhi

Dust storms and thunderstorms wreaked havoc in Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh and the national capital, killing 53 people and leaving behind a trail of destruction. Uttar Pradesh bore the brunt of the hail and thunderstorm that left 39 people dead, while nine people were killed in Andhra Pradesh, four in West Bengal and one in Delhi, the Union Ministry of Home Affairs said on Monday. It added that 53 people were injured in UP, 11 in Delhi and one in West Bengal At several places in north India including Delhi, high-velocity winds uprooted trees and affected road, rail and air services. According to the India Meteorological Department, thunderstorms also occurred at isolated places in Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand, Assam, Meghalaya, Maharashtara, Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu today. In a tweet, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said: "Saddened by the loss of lives due to storms in some parts of the country. Condolences to the bereaved families. I pray for the speedy recovery of those injured." Condoling the deaths, Congress President Rahul Gandhi in a tweet asked party workers to provide all assistance to the bereaved families. Sunday's devastation came over 10 days after storms hit UP, Rajasthan, Telangana, Uttarakhand and Punjab, killing 134 people and injuring over 400. UP was the worst affected, accounting for 80 deaths, most of them in Agra district in the western part of the state. Subsequently on May 9, several parts of Uttar Pradesh were struck by a severe storm that left 18 dead and 27 others injured. At least 18 people were killed and 28 injured in hail and thunderstorm that pummelled parts of Uttar Pradesh, officials said. Five people were killed in Kasganj, three in Bulandshahr and two each in Ghaziabad and Saharanpur. One person each died in Etawah, Aligarh, Kannauj, Hapur, Noida and Sambhal, Principal Secretary (Information) Awanish Awasthi said. A squall and dust storm with a wind speed of up to 109 kmph battered Delhi and neighbouring areas today, killing two persons and injuring 18 others, and throwing flight, rail and metro operations out of gear. In West Bengal, at least 12 people, including four children, were killed and over 15 injured in lightning strike amid heavy rain, an official of the state disaster management department said. Five deaths were reported from Howrah district, while two deaths each from West Midnapore, North 24-Parganas and Nadia districts and one from Murshidabad district. In Andhra Pradesh, nine persons were killed in lightning strikes. While seven persons were killed in Srikakulam district alone, two more were killed in Kadapa, officials said. Various parts of the southern state witnessed rain, accompanied by gales. In Delhi, the sky turned dark grey around 4:30 pm. Gusty winds and rain lashed the national capital, causing the temperature to drop to 25.2 degrees Celsius. The much-needed reprieve came after a sweltering day, when the maximum temperature had reached 40.60 degrees Celsius, a notch above the normal. Humidity during the morning hours was recorded at 60 per cent, a MeT official said. The officials said two squalls whipped through the national capital. One clocking 109 kmph hit the Safdarjung area at 4:44 pm and continued till 4:46 pm. The other gusting to 96 kmph battered the Palam area at 4:33 pm. The strong winds knocked down nearly 200 trees in the city. Incidents of wall collapse were reported from Najafgarh, Transit Camp, Nehru Place, Mohan Garden in Uttam Nagar and Raj Nagar in Palam, said a senior officer of the Delhi Fire Service. A man was crushed to death in a wall collapse, while a woman was killed when a tree uprooted and fell on her, the police said. Traffic in many areas moved at a snail's pace due to the reduced visibility. The inclement weather interrupted the launch of a 140 kWp rooftop solar plant at IP Extension attended by Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. Operations at the Delhi airport came to a halt due to the dust storm. At least 40 flights were diverted and more than 24 delayed, an official said. Metro operations were affected at a number of stations on the Violet and Blue lines after trees fell on overhead electricity (OHE) wires. The Northern Railways said the train movement was disrupted on the section between the Hazrat Nizamuddin and Palwal stations due to tree felling. A few passenger and freight trains were held up for around 25 minutes because of the disruption. The Kalka-New Delhi Shatabdi Express was also stopped near Sonepat due to uprooting of trees. According to MeT department officials, the Safdarjung Observatory gauged 8.3 mm of rainfall. The Palam, Aya Nagar and Lodhi Road areas recorded 0.8, 6.4 and 2.1 mm of precipitation. The weatherman forecast partly cloudy skies and light rainfall tomorrow. K Sathi Devi, the head of the National Weather Forecasting Centre, said two western disturbances had led to the inclement weather. "A cloud mass passed over Delhi. The extreme weather not only affected Delhi Panipat, Jhajjar, Rohtak, Jind in Haryana and parts of Uttar Pradesh,? said G P Sharma, President (Meteorology) Skymet, a private weather forecasting agency. The winds continued to gust to 70 kmph even after the cloud mass passed over Delhi. Sharma and Devi warned of similar weather conditions tomorrow. Thunderstorm and dust storm with winds speeds of up to 70 km per hour are "very likely" tomorrow in 26 districts of Uttar Pradesh, the weather office warned.

53 dead after thunderstorms wreak havoc in four states

<p>PM Modi joined the Karnataka campaign in the last leg with just 10 days to go, in that little time the Indian prime minister addressed over 20 rallies and put the Namo app to good use reaching out to farmers, Dalits and the general public.</p>

<p>However, throughout the 10 days, Modi's prime focus was Rahul Gandhi, the eligibility of the Congress president for prime ministership in the next election and attacking Karnataka's Congress chief minister&nbsp;Siddaramaiah.</p>

<p>It felt more like it was May 2019 General Elections then Karnataka assembly polls being fought in May, 2018.</p>

<p>As prime minister Modi hardly ever spoke about his "vision" for the state which the BJP thinks is its&nbsp;gateway to the south.</p>

<p>In this, the prime minister played to the gallery i.e. the ever-present TV cameras relaying his message Live to every drawing room in the country, not just in Karnataka.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The prime minister looked distracted fighting an assembly poll on a "national scale" - a fact which was picked up by chief minister Siddaramaiah who said both Modi and Adityanath had parachuted into Karnataka at the last moment, a fact which could not be contradicted.</p>

<p>Modi may be BJP's chief "vote-catcher" but it can't feed off his charisma alone, it would be like exposing the "trump card" ahead of the big election in 2019.</p>

<p>The party also has to assess the fact that Karnataka is not Uttar Pradesh or Gujarat where Modi's name already has a resonance. In Karnataka local issues matter - a Modi cannot act like "Mr Fixit" for the BJP.</p>

<p>Exit polls already show a hung assembly coming up in Karnataka on 15th, if so, the BJP would have to accept the fact that they have played the Modi card way too often and not addressed the core issues of the state merely having Yeddyurappa to tag along with the prime minister will not get the party a majority.</p>

<p>Neither is every assembly poll a Modi vs Rahul debate or of Sonia's foreign origin. It is time BJP started looking out for "horses for courses",&nbsp;finding a "local star" is the key.</p>

<p>The BJP cannot make the same mistake as parachuting Kiran Bedi in Delhi or pull someone from deep within its rank at the last moment to pitch as CM of a state that trick may not work for too long.</p>

<p>One thing is clear - the BJP has to watch its next step&nbsp;as the countdown begins for General Elections in 2019 otherwise risk playing the old Modi card which the electorate has already seen and experienced, and they know all too well what Brand Modi will bring to the table.</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>


Exit polls already show a hung assembly coming up in Karnataka on 15th, if so, the BJP would have to accept the fact that they have played the Modi card way too often

PM Modi joined the Karnataka campaign in the last leg with just 10 days to go, in that little time the Indian prime minister addressed over 20 rallies and put the Namo app to good use reaching out to farmers, Dalits and the general public. However, throughout the 10 days, Modi's prime focus was Rahul Gandhi, the eligibility of the Congress president for prime ministership in the next election and attacking Karnataka's Congress chief minister Siddaramaiah. It felt more like it was May 2019 General Elections then Karnataka assembly polls being fought in May, 2018. As prime minister Modi hardly ever spoke about his "vision" for the state which the BJP thinks is its gateway to the south. In this, the prime minister played to the gallery i.e. the ever-present TV cameras relaying his message Live to every drawing room in the country, not just in Karnataka. The prime minister looked distracted fighting an assembly poll on a "national scale" - a fact which was picked up by chief minister Siddaramaiah who said both Modi and Adityanath had parachuted into Karnataka at the last moment, a fact which could not be contradicted. Modi may be BJP's chief "vote-catcher" but it can't feed off his charisma alone, it would be like exposing the "trump card" ahead of the big election in 2019. The party also has to assess the fact that Karnataka is not Uttar Pradesh or Gujarat where Modi's name already has a resonance. In Karnataka local issues matter - a Modi cannot act like "Mr Fixit" for the BJP. Exit polls already show a hung assembly coming up in Karnataka on 15th, if so, the BJP would have to accept the fact that they have played the Modi card way too often and not addressed the core issues of the state merely having Yeddyurappa to tag along with the prime minister will not get the party a majority. Neither is every assembly poll a Modi vs Rahul debate or of Sonia's foreign origin. It is time BJP started looking out for "horses for courses", finding a "local star" is the key. The BJP cannot make the same mistake as parachuting Kiran Bedi in Delhi or pull someone from deep within its rank at the last moment to pitch as CM of a state that trick may not work for too long. One thing is clear - the BJP has to watch its next step as the countdown begins for General Elections in 2019 otherwise risk playing the old Modi card which the electorate has already seen and experienced, and they know all too well what Brand Modi will bring to the table. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Opinion: Assembly elections: Why PM Modi, Adityanath will lose & Karnataka will win

<p>After battling months of dust, noise and the heat of the gruelling campaign in the run-up to the high-stakes Karnataka Assembly elections, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah can now chill. Maybe he can relish a cup of coffee sitting in the comfort of his home. Or go for a morning stroll, or even catch up on sleep.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-conversation="none" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">So, Dear party workers, supporters & well wishers, don’t worry about exit polls. Relax & enjoy your weekend.<br />
<br />
We are coming back. 2/2</p>
— Siddaramaiah (@siddaramaiah) <a href="https://twitter.com/siddaramaiah/status/995484103611908098?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 13, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>In one of the bitterly fought elections in the recent times,&nbsp; Karnataka elections saw political mud-slinging that we have seldom witnessed in the past.</p>

<p>Both BJP and Congress unleashed all the ammunition available at their disposal from their arsenal on the political battleground called Karnataka in one of the hard-fought, bitter elections in the recent past. Both the parties left no stone unturned in their quest to inflict maximum injury on their opponents in order to come to power in the southern state.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Exit opinion polls are entertainment for the next 2 days<br />
<br />
Relying on poll of polls is like a person who can’t swim crossing a river on foot relying on a statistician who told him the average depth of the river is 4 feet<br />
<br />
Please note average of 6+4+2 is 4. At 6 feet you drown! 1/2</p>
— Siddaramaiah (@siddaramaiah) <a href="https://twitter.com/siddaramaiah/status/995484100957007872?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 13, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>The elections also saw both parties unleashing social media to portray the other as inept, unprincipled, and corrupt.</p>

<p>Congress, BJP, Janata Dal (Secular) cobbled together considerable resources to bolster their social media reach ahead of Karnataka elections.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Prime Minister confuses loyalty (dogs are considered loyal to their masters) with patriotism because he doesn’t understand loyalty.<br />
<br />
What lessons in loyalty can we learn from a man who couldn’t be loyal to his staunchest supporter & mentor Shri LK Advani?<br />
<br />
Thanks Satish Acharya <a href="https://t.co/E6jZhtmZoz">pic.twitter.com/E6jZhtmZoz</a></p>
— Siddaramaiah (@siddaramaiah) <a href="https://twitter.com/siddaramaiah/status/994115096614846464?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 9, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>However, the BJP may have had an edge over social media when it comes to electoral battle, but the Congress is not far behind. Realising the potential of the social media, though a tad late, Congress seems is out to exploit its potential to the hilt as we have seen it from the Karnataka and Gujarat Assembly elections.</p>

<p>In the run-up to the elections, both Congress chief minister Siddaramaiah and the BJP's chief ministerial face BS Yeddyurappa have frequently exchanged barbs on Twitter, with both putting up posts in Kannada as well to expand their reach on social media.</p>

<p>When Narendra Modi taunted the Congress with PPP remark (After May 15 (when poll results will be declared), Indian National Congress will be reduced to ‘PPP Congress' - P for Punjab, P for Puducherry, and P for Parivar (family)), Siddaramaiah's Twitter handle lost little time to return the compliment to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's attack on the Congress.</p>

<p>The Congress leader took to Twitter and called BJP a "prison, price rise and pakoda" party.</p>

<p>"Dear Modiji, Heard you spun a new abbreviation 'PPP' today.</p>

<p>Sir, we have always championed the 3 Ps of democracy - 'Of the People, By the People, For the People'," Siddaramaiah said in a tweet shortly after Modi's attack.</p>

<p>"While your party is a 'Prison', 'Price Rise' & 'Pakoda' party. Am I right, Sir? #NijaHeliModi," he added.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Dear Modi ಅವರೇ,<br />
<br />
Heard you spun a new abbreviation ‘PPP’ today.<br />
<br />
Sir, we have always championed the 3 Ps of democracy - ‘Of the People, By the People, For the People’.<br />
<br />
While your party is a ‘Prison’, ‘Price Rise’ & ‘Pakoda’ party.<br />
<br />
Am I right, Sir?<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NijaHeliModi?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NijaHeliModi</a></p>
— Siddaramaiah (@siddaramaiah) <a href="https://twitter.com/siddaramaiah/status/992733277063593990?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 5, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>The Chief Minister has 1.6 lakh followers on Twitter, nearly half of what his rival and former chief minister Mr Yeddyurappa has. However, Congress has not only upped its game, it has doubled it.</p>

<p>The 72.36 per cent turnout in Saturday’s elections is new record for the State, surpassing the 71.90 per cent polling 40 years ago in 1978. The 2013 Assembly polls recorded a turnout of 71.45. However, the high turn out has not resulted in a clear majority to any one party as per exit polls.</p>

<p>While one exit poll projected a clear majority to Congress, a couple of them said that the BJP will cross the half-way mark. However, most of the exit polls have projected a hung assembly.</p>

<p>Siddaramaiah,&nbsp; who was a social media novice until mid-2016,&nbsp; emerged as the Congress’ best answer to the BJP’s social media prowess. Whether it's witty one-liners or scathing attack, the Congress CM from Karnataka matched the BJP stride for stride but can he outmuscle and outmanoeuvre BJP in the electoral battleground to get a comfortable majority to form the government?</p>

<p>We will have the answer tomorrow.</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>


In the run-up to the elections, both Congress chief minister Siddaramaiah and the BJP's chief ministerial face BS Yeddyurappa have frequently exchanged barbs on Twitter.

After battling months of dust, noise and the heat of the gruelling campaign in the run-up to the high-stakes Karnataka Assembly elections, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah can now chill. Maybe he can relish a cup of coffee sitting in the comfort of his home. Or go for a morning stroll, or even catch up on sleep. So, Dear party workers, supporters & well wishers, don’t worry about exit polls. Relax & enjoy your weekend. We are coming back. 2/2 — Siddaramaiah (@siddaramaiah) May 13, 2018 × In one of the bitterly fought elections in the recent times, Karnataka elections saw political mud-slinging that we have seldom witnessed in the past. Both BJP and Congress unleashed all the ammunition available at their disposal from their arsenal on the political battleground called Karnataka in one of the hard-fought, bitter elections in the recent past. Both the parties left no stone unturned in their quest to inflict maximum injury on their opponents in order to come to power in the southern state. Exit opinion polls are entertainment for the next 2 days Relying on poll of polls is like a person who can’t swim crossing a river on foot relying on a statistician who told him the average depth of the river is 4 feet Please note average of 6+4+2 is 4. At 6 feet you drown! 1/2 — Siddaramaiah (@siddaramaiah) May 13, 2018 × The elections also saw both parties unleashing social media to portray the other as inept, unprincipled, and corrupt. Congress, BJP, Janata Dal (Secular) cobbled together considerable resources to bolster their social media reach ahead of Karnataka elections. Prime Minister confuses loyalty (dogs are considered loyal to their masters) with patriotism because he doesn’t understand loyalty. What lessons in loyalty can we learn from a man who couldn’t be loyal to his staunchest supporter & mentor Shri LK Advani? Thanks Satish Acharya pic.twitter.com/E6jZhtmZoz — Siddaramaiah (@siddaramaiah) May 9, 2018 × However, the BJP may have had an edge over social media when it comes to electoral battle, but the Congress is not far behind. Realising the potential of the social media, though a tad late, Congress seems is out to exploit its potential to the hilt as we have seen it from the Karnataka and Gujarat Assembly elections. In the run-up to the elections, both Congress chief minister Siddaramaiah and the BJP's chief ministerial face BS Yeddyurappa have frequently exchanged barbs on Twitter, with both putting up posts in Kannada as well to expand their reach on social media. When Narendra Modi taunted the Congress with PPP remark (After May 15 (when poll results will be declared), Indian National Congress will be reduced to ‘PPP Congress' - P for Punjab, P for Puducherry, and P for Parivar (family)), Siddaramaiah's Twitter handle lost little time to return the compliment to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's attack on the Congress. The Congress leader took to Twitter and called BJP a "prison, price rise and pakoda" party. "Dear Modiji, Heard you spun a new abbreviation 'PPP' today. Sir, we have always championed the 3 Ps of democracy - 'Of the People, By the People, For the People'," Siddaramaiah said in a tweet shortly after Modi's attack. "While your party is a 'Prison', 'Price Rise' & 'Pakoda' party. Am I right, Sir? #NijaHeliModi," he added. Dear Modi ಅವರೇ, Heard you spun a new abbreviation ‘PPP’ today. Sir, we have always championed the 3 Ps of democracy - ‘Of the People, By the People, For the People’. While your party is a ‘Prison’, ‘Price Rise’ & ‘Pakoda’ party. Am I right, Sir?#NijaHeliModi — Siddaramaiah (@siddaramaiah) May 5, 2018 × The Chief Minister has 1.6 lakh followers on Twitter, nearly half of what his rival and former chief minister Mr Yeddyurappa has. However, Congress has not only upped its game, it has doubled it. The 72.36 per cent turnout in Saturday’s elections is new record for the State, surpassing the 71.90 per cent polling 40 years ago in 1978. The 2013 Assembly polls recorded a turnout of 71.45. However, the high turn out has not resulted in a clear majority to any one party as per exit polls. While one exit poll projected a clear majority to Congress, a couple of them said that the BJP will cross the half-way mark. However, most of the exit polls have projected a hung assembly. Siddaramaiah, who was a social media novice until mid-2016, emerged as the Congress’ best answer to the BJP’s social media prowess. Whether it's witty one-liners or scathing attack, the Congress CM from Karnataka matched the BJP stride for stride but can he outmuscle and outmanoeuvre BJP in the electoral battleground to get a comfortable majority to form the government? We will have the answer tomorrow. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Opinion: Siddaramaiah has won the Twitter battle but can he defy exit polls?

<p>The Centre's interlocutor for Jammu and Kashmir Dineshwar Sharma is discussing the "sensitive" issue of J&K with all the stakeholders.</p>

<p>Sharma's discussion is majorly highlighting the&nbspchallenges to Article 35A of the Constitution.</p>

<p>The article was incorporated in the constitution by a 1954 Presidential Order empowers Jammu and Kashmir&nbsplegislature to define its "permanent residents" and&nbspprovides&nbspspecial rights and privileges to them. It also denies property rights to any woman who marries outside the state.</p>

<p>The&nbspAttorney General (AG) K K Venugopal told the Supreme Court on Monday about the "ongoing" discussion of the interlocutor with all stakeholders.</p>

<p>The apex court was hearing petitions&nbspchallenging Article 35A along with&nbspthe main writ petition filed by a group called 'We The Citizens'.</p>

<p>Senior advocate Ranjit Kumar, appearing for one of the petitioners, said it was strange that in J&K, a person who had migrated to Pakistan before 1947, could come and settle down under law but those who were residing there for generations cannot get a government job. He said students were debarred from getting admission in government medical college there even after qualifying the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET), only because he or she was not a permanent resident of the state.&nbsp Another counsel appearing for the petitioners said it was a "human issue" as around five lakh people had migrated out of the state, were residing in places like Delhi and cannot go back to the valley, PTI reported.</p>

<p>Dineshwar Sharma, former director of the Intelligence Bureau (IB), was appointed by the Centre as Jammu and Kashmir&nbspinterlocutor on October 23, 2017.</p>

<p>&nbsp</p>

<p>&nbsp</p>

<p><br />
&nbsp</p>


Dineshwar Sharma's discussion is majorly highlighting the challenges to Article 35A of the Constitution

The Centre's interlocutor for Jammu and Kashmir Dineshwar Sharma is discussing the "sensitive" issue of J&K with all the stakeholders. Sharma's discussion is majorly highlighting the&nbspchallenges to Article 35A of the Constitution. The article was incorporated in the constitution by a 1954 Presidential Order empowers Jammu and Kashmir&nbsplegislature to define its "permanent residents" and&nbspprovides&nbspspecial rights and privileges to them. It also denies property rights to any woman who marries outside the state. The&nbspAttorney General (AG) K K Venugopal told the Supreme Court on Monday about the "ongoing" discussion of the interlocutor with all stakeholders. The apex court was hearing petitions&nbspchallenging Article 35A along with&nbspthe main writ petition filed by a group called 'We The Citizens'. Senior advocate Ranjit Kumar, appearing for one of the petitioners, said it was strange that in J&K, a person who had migrated to Pakistan before 1947, could come and settle down under law but those who were residing there for generations cannot get a government job. He said students were debarred from getting admission in government medical college there even after qualifying the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET), only because he or she was not a permanent resident of the state. Another counsel appearing for the petitioners said it was a "human issue" as around five lakh people had migrated out of the state, were residing in places like Delhi and cannot go back to the valley, PTI reported. Dineshwar Sharma, former director of the Intelligence Bureau (IB), was appointed by the Centre as Jammu and Kashmir&nbspinterlocutor on October 23, 2017.

Interlocutor discussing issues about special rights to J&K residents: Govt

<p>When they say experience matters, they mean Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and her on-point fashion game at the Cannes. Raising temperature yet again, Aishwarya rocked a modern twist to a fairytale princess dress as she walked the red carpet on her second appearance this year at the prestigious film festival on Sunday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This marks her attendance for the 17th year in a row.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On Day 1, Aishwarya impressed one and all with her <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/entertainment-cannes-2018-aishwarya-rai-bachchan-owns-the-red-carpet-as-always-136487">butterfly-style mermaid gown</a> that was rich in colours and texture as her entire bodice and train was heavily embedded with shimmer and crystals. On Day 2, the diva opted for a simple yet classy gown that hugged her body from the front and had a train, though shorter than the previous one, that highlighted her frame.&nbsp;</p>

<p>She looked stunning in a Rami Kadi crystallized mint-coloured dress that had a geometric neckline, one that Aishwarya has never experimented with before. This was for the premiere of the film “Sink or Swim”. Aishwarya completed the look with light pink lipstick, a structural bun and highlighted eyes.&nbsp;</p>

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<p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Biui-UDlUgm/" 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">The Beauty Queen @aishwaryaraibachchan_arb Is Rocking The Red Carpet Of #CannesFilmFestival In Her #RamiKadi Crystallized Minted Custom Made Dress. Styled By @aasthasharma #RamiKadi #RamiKadiAngels #AishwaryaRai</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/ramikadi/" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px;" target="_blank"> Rami Kadi</a> (@ramikadi) on <time datetime="2018-05-13T18:14:19+00:00" style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;">May 13, 2018 at 11:14am PDT</time></p>
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<p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BiuaI5Dl0bR/" 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">LOVE YOU UNCONDITIONALLY???✨Happiest Mama in the World ?</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/aishwaryaraibachchan_arb/" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px;" target="_blank"> AishwaryaRaiBachchan</a> (@aishwaryaraibachchan_arb) on <time datetime="2018-05-13T16:57:07+00:00" style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;">May 13, 2018 at 9:57am PDT</time></p>
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<p>She had worn Rami Kadi at Cannes 2016 as well, the same appearance where her purple lips had grabbed attention and got everyone talking.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In another news, Aishwarya recently <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/the-first-picture-aishwarya-uploaded-on-instagram-is-136355">debuted on Instagram</a> and made news when apparently she got <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/entertainment-aishwarya-rai-bachchan-is-now-on-instagram-but-why-is-there-no-news-around-it--136152">upset</a> with her social team for not generating enough buzz.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On the professional front, the actress will next be seen in "Fanne Khan"&nbsp;also starring Anil Kapoor and Rajkummar Rao, while she is also in talks for remakes of "Woh Kaun Thi?"&nbsp;and "Raat Aur Din".&nbsp;</p>


On her second day at Cannes, Aishwarya opted for a Rami Kadi dress after she impressed one and all with a butterfly mermaid dress on Day1

When they say experience matters, they mean Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and her on-point fashion game at the Cannes. Raising temperature yet again, Aishwarya rocked a modern twist to a fairytale princess dress as she walked the red carpet on her second appearance this year at the prestigious film festival on Sunday. This marks her attendance for the 17th year in a row. On Day 1, Aishwarya impressed one and all with her butterfly-style mermaid gown that was rich in colours and texture as her entire bodice and train was heavily embedded with shimmer and crystals. On Day 2, the diva opted for a simple yet classy gown that hugged her body from the front and had a train, though shorter than the previous one, that highlighted her frame. She looked stunning in a Rami Kadi crystallized mint-coloured dress that had a geometric neckline, one that Aishwarya has never experimented with before. This was for the premiere of the film “Sink or Swim”. Aishwarya completed the look with light pink lipstick, a structural bun and highlighted eyes. The Beauty Queen @aishwaryaraibachchan_arb Is Rocking The Red Carpet Of #CannesFilmFestival In Her #RamiKadi Crystallized Minted Custom Made Dress. Styled By @aasthasharma #RamiKadi #RamiKadiAngels #AishwaryaRai A post shared by Rami Kadi (@ramikadi) on May 13, 2018 at 11:14am PDT × LOVE YOU UNCONDITIONALLY???✨Happiest Mama in the World ? A post shared by AishwaryaRaiBachchan (@aishwaryaraibachchan_arb) on May 13, 2018 at 9:57am PDT × She had worn Rami Kadi at Cannes 2016 as well, the same appearance where her purple lips had grabbed attention and got everyone talking. In another news, Aishwarya recently debuted on Instagram and made news when apparently she got upset with her social team for not generating enough buzz. On the professional front, the actress will next be seen in "Fanne Khan" also starring Anil Kapoor and Rajkummar Rao, while she is also in talks for remakes of "Woh Kaun Thi?" and "Raat Aur Din".

Cannes 2018: Aishwarya Rai channels modern princess in crystallised mint dress

<p>According to reports, the central government carried out a cabinet reshuffle on Monday wherein Colonel Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore was allotted the Information and Broadcasting Ministry. Rathore will continue to retain the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Piyush Goyal given additional charge of Finance Ministry till Arun Jaitley recovers, Rajyavardhan Rathore new Information & Broadcasting Minister. <a href="https://t.co/Rv1HH7cJiN">pic.twitter.com/Rv1HH7cJiN</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/996056907235262465?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 14, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Smriti Irani will retain the Textiles Ministry.</p>

<p>Union Railway Minister Piyush Goyal will look after the Finance Ministry until Arun Jaitley's recovers.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>"During the period of the indisposition of Shri Arun Jaitley, Minister; the portfolios of Minister of Finance and Minister of Corporate Affairs held by him, be temporarily assigned to Shri Piyush Goyal, in addition to his existing portfolios," read the official release.</p>

<p>SS Ahluwalia will be relieved of the charge of Ministry of Drinking Water & Sanitation. He has now been assigned the Ministry of State, Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">SS Ahluwalia assigned the portfolio of MoS in Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology, relieved of his charges of MoS in Ministry of Drinking Water & Sanitation. Alphons Kannanthanam relieved of charge of MoS in Ministry of Electrionics and Information Technology. <a href="https://t.co/PqI5ovpemw">pic.twitter.com/PqI5ovpemw</a></p>
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<p>Minister of State, Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, KJ Alphons, will now look after the Tourism Ministry.</p>

<p>Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Monday underwent a successful kidney transplant at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), an official at the premier health institute said.</p>

<p>Jaitley, 65, was admitted to the hospital on Saturday and taken to the operation theatre at 8 am today.</p>

<p>The minister, suffering from a kidney ailment, has been undergoing dialysis for the last one month.</p>


Smriti Irani will retain Textiles Ministry. Piyush Goyal will temporarily look after the Finance Ministry until Arun Jaitley's recovers

According to reports, the central government carried out a cabinet reshuffle on Monday wherein Colonel Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore was allotted the Information and Broadcasting Ministry. Rathore will continue to retain the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports. Piyush Goyal given additional charge of Finance Ministry till Arun Jaitley recovers, Rajyavardhan Rathore new Information & Broadcasting Minister. pic.twitter.com/Rv1HH7cJiN — ANI (@ANI) May 14, 2018 × Smriti Irani will retain the Textiles Ministry. Union Railway Minister Piyush Goyal will look after the Finance Ministry until Arun Jaitley's recovers. "During the period of the indisposition of Shri Arun Jaitley, Minister; the portfolios of Minister of Finance and Minister of Corporate Affairs held by him, be temporarily assigned to Shri Piyush Goyal, in addition to his existing portfolios," read the official release. SS Ahluwalia will be relieved of the charge of Ministry of Drinking Water & Sanitation. He has now been assigned the Ministry of State, Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology. SS Ahluwalia assigned the portfolio of MoS in Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology, relieved of his charges of MoS in Ministry of Drinking Water & Sanitation. Alphons Kannanthanam relieved of charge of MoS in Ministry of Electrionics and Information Technology. pic.twitter.com/PqI5ovpemw — ANI (@ANI) May 14, 2018 × Minister of State, Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, KJ Alphons, will now look after the Tourism Ministry. Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Monday underwent a successful kidney transplant at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), an official at the premier health institute said. Jaitley, 65, was admitted to the hospital on Saturday and taken to the operation theatre at 8 am today. The minister, suffering from a kidney ailment, has been undergoing dialysis for the last one month.

Smriti Irani out, Rajyavardhan Rathore gets I&B ministry in cabinet reshuffle

<p>West Bengal registered a total voter turnout of 73 per cent&nbsp;on Monday amid widespread violence during the panchayat polls.</p>

<p>However, the voting per cent may go up as many voters were still waiting to cast their votes.</p>

<p>The violence that erupted during the polls claimed the lives of eight people while injuring 43 others.</p>

<p>The areas affected by the violence were North and South 24 Parganas, East Midnapore, Burdwan, Nadia, Murshidabad and South Dinajpur districts.</p>

<p>The clashes erupted between the members of Trinamool Congress and opposition members. The protesters attacked the supporters of opposition parties and even targetted the booths with crude bombs.</p>

<p>The violence in the state broke out despite the deployment of over 60,000 security personnel.</p>

<p>The opposition parties accused the ruling Trinamool Congress of conducting a reign of terror and destroying democracy.</p>

<p>CPI(M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury said,&nbsp;"First they didn't allow people to file nominations. Second after filing nominations, TMC started threatening the candidates to withdraw. The people who didn't withdraw were attacked. This is nothing but a complete destruction of democratic process,".</p>

<p>The TMC, on the other&nbsp;hand, responded to the opposition claims by saying that the violence caused this year was far less compared to the previous rule of the left.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Derek O'Brien said on Twitter " To all 'newborn' experts on Bengal #PanchayatElections in State have a history. 400 killed in poll violence in 1990s in CPIM rule. 2003: 40 dead.Every death is a tragedy. Now closer to normal than earlier times.Yes, few dozen incidents. Say,40 out of 58000 booths. What's %age ?"</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">To all 'newborn' experts on Bengal <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PanchayatElections?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PanchayatElections</a> in State have a history. 400 killed in poll violence in 1990s in CPIM rule. 2003: 40 dead.Every death is a tragedy. Now closer to normal than earlier times.Yes, few dozen incidents. Say,40 out of 58000 booths. What's %age ?</p>
— Derek O'Brien (@derekobrienmp) <a href="https://twitter.com/derekobrienmp/status/995911770052050944?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 14, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>


TMC leader Derek O'Brien said on Twitter 'To all 'newborn' experts on Bengal #PanchayatElections in State have a history. 400 killed in poll violence in 1990s in CPIM rule. 2003: 40 dead.Every death is a tragedy. Now closer to normal than earlier times.Yes, few dozen incidents. Say,40 out of 58000 booths. What's %age ?'

West Bengal registered a total voter turnout of 73 per cent on Monday amid widespread violence during the panchayat polls. However, the voting per cent may go up as many voters were still waiting to cast their votes. The violence that erupted during the polls claimed the lives of eight people while injuring 43 others. The areas affected by the violence were North and South 24 Parganas, East Midnapore, Burdwan, Nadia, Murshidabad and South Dinajpur districts. The clashes erupted between the members of Trinamool Congress and opposition members. The protesters attacked the supporters of opposition parties and even targetted the booths with crude bombs. The violence in the state broke out despite the deployment of over 60,000 security personnel. The opposition parties accused the ruling Trinamool Congress of conducting a reign of terror and destroying democracy. CPI(M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury said, "First they didn't allow people to file nominations. Second after filing nominations, TMC started threatening the candidates to withdraw. The people who didn't withdraw were attacked. This is nothing but a complete destruction of democratic process,". The TMC, on the other hand, responded to the opposition claims by saying that the violence caused this year was far less compared to the previous rule of the left. Derek O'Brien said on Twitter " To all 'newborn' experts on Bengal #PanchayatElections in State have a history. 400 killed in poll violence in 1990s in CPIM rule. 2003: 40 dead.Every death is a tragedy. Now closer to normal than earlier times.Yes, few dozen incidents. Say,40 out of 58000 booths. What's %age ?" To all 'newborn' experts on Bengal #PanchayatElections in State have a history. 400 killed in poll violence in 1990s in CPIM rule. 2003: 40 dead.Every death is a tragedy. Now closer to normal than earlier times.Yes, few dozen incidents. Say,40 out of 58000 booths. What's %age ? — Derek O'Brien (@derekobrienmp) May 14, 2018 ×

West Bengal panchayat polls: 73% voter turnout registered amid clashes

<p>Amid a row over Muhammad Ali Jinnah's portrait on Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) campus, Haryana Finance Minister Captain Abhimanyu today demanded the varsity be named after 'Jat king Mahendra Pratap Singh'.</p>

<p>"I demand AMU should be named after Raja Mahendra Pratap Singh," the Haryana minister said addressing a gathering at a ground-breaking ceremony of a Jat Dharamsala in Rewari.</p>

<p>The Haryana minister claimed Mahendra Pratap Singh had "donated" the land for the varsity. Raja Mahendra Pratap Singh's contribution in the field of education cannot be forgotten, he added.</p>

<p>Jinnah, he said, "was responsible for destroying the integrity of the nation. His portrait is displayed in the varsity, but till today no picture of Raja Mahendra Pratap has been installed there".</p>

<p>Earlier this month, a number of groups protested against the portrait of Pakistan's founder Muhammad Ali Jinnah being hung at the AMU student union's office.</p>

<p>The matter grabbed headlines first after Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) Aligarh MP Satish Gautam questioned the portrait's presence in the office.</p>

<p>Soon after, AMU Vice-Chancellor Professor Tariq Mansoor dubbed the Jinnah portrait controversy as a 'non-issue' and underscored that latter's portrait is also present at the Bombay High Court and the Sabarmati Ashram in Gujarat.</p>


Captain Abhimanyu claimed Jat king Mahendra Pratap Singh had 'donated' the land for the varsity

Amid a row over Muhammad Ali Jinnah's portrait on Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) campus, Haryana Finance Minister Captain Abhimanyu today demanded the varsity be named after 'Jat king Mahendra Pratap Singh'. "I demand AMU should be named after Raja Mahendra Pratap Singh," the Haryana minister said addressing a gathering at a ground-breaking ceremony of a Jat Dharamsala in Rewari. The Haryana minister claimed Mahendra Pratap Singh had "donated" the land for the varsity. Raja Mahendra Pratap Singh's contribution in the field of education cannot be forgotten, he added. Jinnah, he said, "was responsible for destroying the integrity of the nation. His portrait is displayed in the varsity, but till today no picture of Raja Mahendra Pratap has been installed there". Earlier this month, a number of groups protested against the portrait of Pakistan's founder Muhammad Ali Jinnah being hung at the AMU student union's office. The matter grabbed headlines first after Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) Aligarh MP Satish Gautam questioned the portrait's presence in the office. Soon after, AMU Vice-Chancellor Professor Tariq Mansoor dubbed the Jinnah portrait controversy as a 'non-issue' and underscored that latter's portrait is also present at the Bombay High Court and the Sabarmati Ashram in Gujarat.

AMU row: Haryana Finance Minister wants varsity named after 'Jat king'

<p>Congress leader P Chidambaram retaliated to the BJP's potshots over the charge sheets filed against him and his family.</p>

<p>"The buzz in Delhi is that Ms Nirmala Sitaraman will be removed as Defence Minister and appointed as lawyer of the Income-tax department. Welcome to the bar, Ms Sitaraman," wrote Chidambaram on Twitter.</p>

<p>BJP leader and defence minister Nirmala Sitharaman had sarcastically remarked that this was the Congress party's "Nawaz Sharif moment".</p>

<p>"The parallels cannot be missed out in this case. I am wondering if for Congress party in India, we are seeing the Nawaz Sharif moment," Nirmala Sitharaman had told the press.</p>

<p>The Defence Minister was referring to the Pakistan Supreme Court's decision to disqualify former prime minister Nawaz Sharif from holding office because of non-disclosure of assets and income earned abroad.</p>

<p>BJP president Amit Shah also launched an attack on the Congress and cited the four charge sheets filed by the Income Tax department against Chidambaram's family members to allege they had illegal assets worth 3 billion dollars, a claim dismissed by Chidambaram as a dream of the chief of "India's richest political party".</p>

<p>"This explains why despite Supreme Court's orders Sonia Gandhi, former PM Dr Manmohan Singh & then FM P Chidambaram dragged their feet on the formation of SIT, one of the first decisions taken by Modi govt, to fight black money! How could they indict their own selves," Amit Shah tweeted.</p>

<p>Chidambaram retorted to Amit Shah's charge in a tweet, urging the BJP to bring back black money stashed abroad -- as promised by the party before the 2014 Lok Sabha polls.</p>

<p>"The president of the richest political party in India is dreaming of billions of dollars! Bring the money back and put Rs 15 lakh in the account of every Indian as you promised," he said.</p>

<p>The Income Tax department on May 11 filed charge sheets against Chidambaram's wife Nalini, son Karti, daughter-in-law Srinidhi and a firm under the Black Money Act for allegedly not disclosing their foreign assets.</p>

<p>Sitharaman asked whether Congress president Rahul Gandhi would investigate the issue involving his party's senior leader.</p>

<p>"The Congress party president, incidentally who is also out on bail on some financial transactions which are questionable, should certainly comment and tell the entire party and people of India whether he is going to investigate this," she said.</p>

<p>She pointed out that the Pakistan Supreme Court had disqualified Sharif from holding office because of not disclosing assets held in foreign countries.</p>

<p>Sitharaman said the law on black money was brought in by PM Modi's government because it had pledged to fight black money held in India and abroad before the last Lok Sabha elections.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The chargesheets or prosecution complaints have been filed by the IT department before a special court in Chennai under Section 50 of the Black Money (Undisclosed Foreign Income and Assets) and Imposition of Tax Act, 2015, officials had said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Nalini Chidambaram, Karti and Srinidhi and a firm linked to Karti have been accused of not disclosing, either partly or fully, immovable assets such as one at Barton, Cambridge, UK, worth Rs 5.37 crore, property worth Rs 80 lakh in the same country and assets worth Rs 3.28 crore in the US.</p>

<p>The family of the former finance minister had said the Income Tax Department (ITD) charge sheets against them under the black money law were "baseless allegations" as the overseas investments under question had been reflected in their IT returns.</p>

<p>(<em>With inputs from PTI</em>)</p>

<p><br />
&nbsp;</p>


Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman had drawn a parallel between the chargesheet against Chidambaram and the Pakistan Supreme Court's decision to disqualify former prime minister Nawaz Sharif from holding office because of non-disclosure of assets and income earned abroad

Congress leader P Chidambaram retaliated to the BJP's potshots over the charge sheets filed against him and his family. "The buzz in Delhi is that Ms Nirmala Sitaraman will be removed as Defence Minister and appointed as lawyer of the Income-tax department. Welcome to the bar, Ms Sitaraman," wrote Chidambaram on Twitter. BJP leader and defence minister Nirmala Sitharaman had sarcastically remarked that this was the Congress party's "Nawaz Sharif moment". "The parallels cannot be missed out in this case. I am wondering if for Congress party in India, we are seeing the Nawaz Sharif moment," Nirmala Sitharaman had told the press. The Defence Minister was referring to the Pakistan Supreme Court's decision to disqualify former prime minister Nawaz Sharif from holding office because of non-disclosure of assets and income earned abroad. BJP president Amit Shah also launched an attack on the Congress and cited the four charge sheets filed by the Income Tax department against Chidambaram's family members to allege they had illegal assets worth 3 billion dollars, a claim dismissed by Chidambaram as a dream of the chief of "India's richest political party". "This explains why despite Supreme Court's orders Sonia Gandhi, former PM Dr Manmohan Singh & then FM P Chidambaram dragged their feet on the formation of SIT, one of the first decisions taken by Modi govt, to fight black money! How could they indict their own selves," Amit Shah tweeted. Chidambaram retorted to Amit Shah's charge in a tweet, urging the BJP to bring back black money stashed abroad -- as promised by the party before the 2014 Lok Sabha polls. "The president of the richest political party in India is dreaming of billions of dollars! Bring the money back and put Rs 15 lakh in the account of every Indian as you promised," he said. The Income Tax department on May 11 filed charge sheets against Chidambaram's wife Nalini, son Karti, daughter-in-law Srinidhi and a firm under the Black Money Act for allegedly not disclosing their foreign assets. Sitharaman asked whether Congress president Rahul Gandhi would investigate the issue involving his party's senior leader. "The Congress party president, incidentally who is also out on bail on some financial transactions which are questionable, should certainly comment and tell the entire party and people of India whether he is going to investigate this," she said. She pointed out that the Pakistan Supreme Court had disqualified Sharif from holding office because of not disclosing assets held in foreign countries. Sitharaman said the law on black money was brought in by PM Modi's government because it had pledged to fight black money held in India and abroad before the last Lok Sabha elections. The chargesheets or prosecution complaints have been filed by the IT department before a special court in Chennai under Section 50 of the Black Money (Undisclosed Foreign Income and Assets) and Imposition of Tax Act, 2015, officials had said. Nalini Chidambaram, Karti and Srinidhi and a firm linked to Karti have been accused of not disclosing, either partly or fully, immovable assets such as one at Barton, Cambridge, UK, worth Rs 5.37 crore, property worth Rs 80 lakh in the same country and assets worth Rs 3.28 crore in the US. The family of the former finance minister had said the Income Tax Department (ITD) charge sheets against them under the black money law were "baseless allegations" as the overseas investments under question had been reflected in their IT returns. (With inputs from PTI)

Nirmala Sitharaman IT lawyer: Chidambaram responds to Nawaz Sharif comparison

<p>Alia Bhatt starrer&nbsp;"Raazi"&nbsp;is living up to its hype as the actress gave an honest performance, making the film enter into the club of one of those films that have worked this year.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Meghna Gulzar directed film saw a 50 percent growth on Saturday, on the second day of its release and earned Rs 31 crore on the opening weekend. Film analyst and critic Taran Adarsh tweeted that the film raked in Rs 18.83 crore on the second day.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Raazi?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Raazi</a> continues its SPLENDID RUN... Witnesses 50.07% growth on Sat... The SUPER-STRONG word of mouth is translating into SUPER-SOLID biz... Expected to collect ₹ 31 cr+ in its opening weekend... Fri 7.53 cr, Sat 11.30 cr. Total: ₹ 18.83 cr. India biz.</p>
— taran adarsh (@taran_adarsh) <a href="https://twitter.com/taran_adarsh/status/995522377512435712?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 13, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Power of SOLID CONTENT... <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Raazi?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Raazi</a> starts Day 1 with a BIG BANG... The EXCEPTIONAL word of mouth should result in a FANTASTIC opening weekend... Fri ₹ 7.53 cr. India biz.</p>
— taran adarsh (@taran_adarsh) <a href="https://twitter.com/taran_adarsh/status/995179419432964096?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 12, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>The film saw Alia Bhatt play the role of a Kashmiri girl who becomes an Indian spy as she gets married into a high-profile politically-important Pakistani family. Vicky Kaushal plays her husband in the movie.</p>

<p>“Raazi” is set in the 1971 Indo-Pakistan war and is based on Harinder Sikka’s novel “Calling Sehmat” and produced by Karan Johar and Junglee Pictures. <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/entertainment-raazi-review-alia-bhatt-vicky-kaushals-film-serves-as-a-textbook-example-on-how-to-make-espionage-films-sans-jingoism--136082">Read the film review here.&nbsp;</a></p>


The Meghna Gulzar film witnessed a 50 percent growth on Saturday and opened to a strong weekend

Alia Bhatt starrer "Raazi" is living up to its hype as the actress gave an honest performance, making the film enter into the club of one of those films that have worked this year. The Meghna Gulzar directed film saw a 50 percent growth on Saturday, on the second day of its release and earned Rs 31 crore on the opening weekend. Film analyst and critic Taran Adarsh tweeted that the film raked in Rs 18.83 crore on the second day. #Raazi continues its SPLENDID RUN... Witnesses 50.07% growth on Sat... The SUPER-STRONG word of mouth is translating into SUPER-SOLID biz... Expected to collect ₹ 31 cr+ in its opening weekend... Fri 7.53 cr, Sat 11.30 cr. Total: ₹ 18.83 cr. India biz. — taran adarsh (@taran_adarsh) May 13, 2018 × Power of SOLID CONTENT... #Raazi starts Day 1 with a BIG BANG... The EXCEPTIONAL word of mouth should result in a FANTASTIC opening weekend... Fri ₹ 7.53 cr. India biz. — taran adarsh (@taran_adarsh) May 12, 2018 × The film saw Alia Bhatt play the role of a Kashmiri girl who becomes an Indian spy as she gets married into a high-profile politically-important Pakistani family. Vicky Kaushal plays her husband in the movie. “Raazi” is set in the 1971 Indo-Pakistan war and is based on Harinder Sikka’s novel “Calling Sehmat” and produced by Karan Johar and Junglee Pictures. Read the film review here.

'Raazi' box office collection: Alia Bhatt starrer continues a good run

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-to-lift-sanctions-on-north-korea-if-it-meets-demands-says-pompeo-136599">US</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-to-lift-sanctions-on-north-korea-if-it-meets-demands-says-pompeo-136599"> to lift sanctions on North Korea if it meets </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-to-lift-sanctions-on-north-korea-if-it-meets-demands-says-pompeo-136599">demands,</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-to-lift-sanctions-on-north-korea-if-it-meets-demands-says-pompeo-136599"> says Pompeo</a></p>

<p>United States Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Sunday that Washington has agreed to lift the sanctions imposed on North Korea if it agrees to completely eliminate its nuclear program.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/uk-pm-may-says-committed-to-ensuring-iran-deal-is-upheld-136600">UK PM May says committed to ensuring Iran deal is upheld</a></p>

<p>Britain and its European partners remain committed to ensuring the nuclear deal with Iran is upheld and Tehran must continue to meet its obligations under the pact, British Prime Minister Theresa May told the Iranian president on Sunday.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/income-tax-department-to-seek-information-from-flipkart-on-walmart-buyout-ascertain-tax-liability-136609">Tax department to seek information from Flipkart on Walmart buyout, ascertain tax liability</a></p>

<p>The tax department will seek share purchase agreement from Flipkart on the mega USD 16 billion buyout by US retail giant Walmart to assess the tax liability and also to find out whether the GAAR provisions can be invoked, an official said.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sharifs-2611-statement-grossly-misinterpreted-pml-n-136615">Sharif's 26/11 statement 'grossly misinterpreted': PML-N</a></p>

<p>The Pakistan Muslim League - Nawaz (N) party issued a detailed statement on Sunday disregarding all accusations made former Pakistan PM Nawaz Sharif on the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, saying that they were "grossly misinterpreted."</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/pompeo-withdrawal-from-iran-deal-wasnt-aimed-at-the-europeans-136612">Pompeo: Withdrawal from Iran deal 'wasn't aimed at the Europeans'</a></p>

<p>Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said he was "hopeful" that the US could strike a deal with its European allies regarding Iran's nuclear program, on Sunday (May 13) during an interview on "Fox News Sunday with Chris Wallace.</p>


US to lift sanctions on North Korea if it meets demands, says Pompeo United States Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Sunday that Washington has agreed to lift the sanctions imposed on North Korea if it agrees to completely eliminate its nuclear program. UK PM May says committed to ensuring Iran deal is upheld Britain and its European partners remain committed to ensuring the nuclear deal with Iran is upheld and Tehran must continue to meet its obligations under the pact, British Prime Minister Theresa May told the Iranian president on Sunday. Tax department to seek information from Flipkart on Walmart buyout, ascertain tax liability The tax department will seek share purchase agreement from Flipkart on the mega USD 16 billion buyout by US retail giant Walmart to assess the tax liability and also to find out whether the GAAR provisions can be invoked, an official said. Sharif's 26/11 statement 'grossly misinterpreted': PML-N The Pakistan Muslim League - Nawaz (N) party issued a detailed statement on Sunday disregarding all accusations made former Pakistan PM Nawaz Sharif on the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, saying that they were "grossly misinterpreted." Pompeo: Withdrawal from Iran deal 'wasn't aimed at the Europeans' Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said he was "hopeful" that the US could strike a deal with its European allies regarding Iran's nuclear program, on Sunday (May 13) during an interview on "Fox News Sunday with Chris Wallace.

News brief: Big stories of the day

<p>Following the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/sunanda-pushkar-death-delhi-police-files-fir-against-congress-mp-shashi-tharoor-136735">Delhi Police's FIR filed against Congress leader Shashi Tharoor</a> in the death of his wife, the Congress MP has questioned "the&nbsp;methods and motivations of the Police".</p>

<p>He took to Twitter to hit back at the Delhi police saying that the "&nbsp;If this is conclusion arrived at after 4+ yrs of investigation , it does not speak well of the methods or motivations of the Delhi Police".</p>

<p>He also said that the Law officer could not find any evidence against him in October last year.</p>

<p>He tweeted, "&nbsp;I have taken note of the filing of this preposterous charge sheet and intend to contest it vigorously. No one who knew Sunanda believes she would ever have committed suicide, let alone abetment on my part. If this is conclusion arrived at after 4+ yrs of investigation, it does not speak well of the methods or motivations of the Delhi Police. In oct 17, the Law Officer made a statement in the Delhi high court that they have not found anything against anyone and now in 6 months they say that I have abetted a suicide. unbelievable!"</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Tharoor also said that he would keep away from Twitter " for a while" as he was encountering too much "epicaricacy".</p>

<p>The Delhi Police today filed a First Information Report(FIR) in&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/shashi-tharoors-wife-sunanda-pushkar-was-poisoned-report-35475">the death of Sunanda Pushkar</a>&nbsp;naming the Congress leader as one of the accused.</p>

<p>Shashi Tharoor was charged under sections 498 A (husband or his relative subjecting a woman to cruelty) and 306 (abetment of suicide) of the Indian Penal Code.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Staying off <a href="https://twitter.com/Twitter?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Twitter</a> for a while -- one encounters too much epicaricacy! <a href="https://t.co/znaj8vUl0R">pic.twitter.com/znaj8vUl0R</a></p>
— Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) <a href="https://twitter.com/ShashiTharoor/status/996013928361611265?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 14, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">1/2 I have taken note of the filing of this preposterous charge sheet &intend to contest it vigorously. No one who knew Sunanda believes she would ever have committed suicide, let alone abetment on my part. If this is conclusion arrived at after 4+ yrs of investigation, (contd.)</p>
— Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) <a href="https://twitter.com/ShashiTharoor/status/995977116884729856?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 14, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">2/2) it does not speak well of the methods or motivations of the Delhi Police. In oct 17, the Law Officer made a statement in the DelhiHighCourt that they have not found anything against anyone & now in 6 months they say that I have abetted a suicide. unbelievable!</p>
— Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) <a href="https://twitter.com/ShashiTharoor/status/995977356933136384?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 14, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>


Tharoor took to Twitter to hit back at the Delhi police saying that the 'If this is conclusion arrived at after 4+ yrs of the investigation , it does not speak well of the methods or motivations of the Delhi Police'

Following the Delhi Police's FIR filed against Congress leader Shashi Tharoor in the death of his wife, the Congress MP has questioned "the methods and motivations of the Police". He took to Twitter to hit back at the Delhi police saying that the " If this is conclusion arrived at after 4+ yrs of investigation , it does not speak well of the methods or motivations of the Delhi Police". He also said that the Law officer could not find any evidence against him in October last year. He tweeted, " I have taken note of the filing of this preposterous charge sheet and intend to contest it vigorously. No one who knew Sunanda believes she would ever have committed suicide, let alone abetment on my part. If this is conclusion arrived at after 4+ yrs of investigation, it does not speak well of the methods or motivations of the Delhi Police. In oct 17, the Law Officer made a statement in the Delhi high court that they have not found anything against anyone and now in 6 months they say that I have abetted a suicide. unbelievable!" Meanwhile, Tharoor also said that he would keep away from Twitter " for a while" as he was encountering too much "epicaricacy". The Delhi Police today filed a First Information Report(FIR) in the death of Sunanda Pushkar naming the Congress leader as one of the accused. Shashi Tharoor was charged under sections 498 A (husband or his relative subjecting a woman to cruelty) and 306 (abetment of suicide) of the Indian Penal Code. Staying off @Twitter for a while -- one encounters too much epicaricacy! pic.twitter.com/znaj8vUl0R — Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) May 14, 2018 × 1/2 I have taken note of the filing of this preposterous charge sheet &intend to contest it vigorously. No one who knew Sunanda believes she would ever have committed suicide, let alone abetment on my part. If this is conclusion arrived at after 4+ yrs of investigation, (contd.) — Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) May 14, 2018 × 2/2) it does not speak well of the methods or motivations of the Delhi Police. In oct 17, the Law Officer made a statement in the DelhiHighCourt that they have not found anything against anyone & now in 6 months they say that I have abetted a suicide. unbelievable! — Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) May 14, 2018 ×

Sunanda Pushkar death: Tharoor questions Delhi Police after FIR, decides to stay off Twitter

<p>A 32-year-old man, arrested by Maharashtra's Anti-Terrorism Squad on May 11, had plans to carry out terror attacks in Mumbai, Gujarat and Uttar Pradesh with the help of his group members, a senior ATS official said on Monday.</p>

<p>ATS officials are interrogating Faizal Hassan Mirza, who was arrested in Mumbai on Friday in a joint operation with the Kolkata Police's Special Task Force (STF) and the Mumbai Police, ATS chief Atulchandra Kulkarni told reporters.</p>

<p>Mirza left the country a few months ago on the pretext of getting a job, as per the instructions of his "handler" and his distant kin Farooq Devadiwala, who stays in Sharjah, another official said.</p>

<p>Devadiwala is a wanted accused in terror activities in Mumbai and has underworld links, he said.</p>

<p>According to sources, Devadiwala is also connected with underworld don Dawood Ibrahim's trusted aide Chhota Shakil and was recruiting men from Mumbai and other cities to carry out terror activities.</p>

<p>He was instrumental in recruiting Mirza for terror activities and suicide bombings and had arranged air tickets for the latter from Mumbai to Sharjah, the official said.</p>

<p>From Sharjah, Devadiwala took Mirza to Dubai and arranged a flight for Nairobi, which had a transit halt in Pakistan, he said.</p>

<p>When his flight landed at the Karachi airport, Mirza was asked to deplane and with the help of Pakistan's intelligence agency ISI, was taken to a terror training camp and trained by the handlers and a religious preacher, the official claimed.</p>

<p>After returning to Mumbai, Mirza was awaiting orders from the handlers to carry out attacks in Mumbai, Gujarat and Uttar Pradesh, he said.</p>

<p>They had planned these attacks in crowded places, targeting public utilities and also VIPs of these cities, the official added.</p>

<p>"The ATS has registered an offence under section 16, 18, 18A, 18B, 20 of the IPC and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act against Mirza and six others, who include trainers, facilitators, handlers and a preacher, Kulkarni said.</p>


They had planned these attacks in crowded places, targeting public utilities and also VIPs of these cities, the official added

A 32-year-old man, arrested by Maharashtra's Anti-Terrorism Squad on May 11, had plans to carry out terror attacks in Mumbai, Gujarat and Uttar Pradesh with the help of his group members, a senior ATS official said on Monday. ATS officials are interrogating Faizal Hassan Mirza, who was arrested in Mumbai on Friday in a joint operation with the Kolkata Police's Special Task Force (STF) and the Mumbai Police, ATS chief Atulchandra Kulkarni told reporters. Mirza left the country a few months ago on the pretext of getting a job, as per the instructions of his "handler" and his distant kin Farooq Devadiwala, who stays in Sharjah, another official said. Devadiwala is a wanted accused in terror activities in Mumbai and has underworld links, he said. According to sources, Devadiwala is also connected with underworld don Dawood Ibrahim's trusted aide Chhota Shakil and was recruiting men from Mumbai and other cities to carry out terror activities. He was instrumental in recruiting Mirza for terror activities and suicide bombings and had arranged air tickets for the latter from Mumbai to Sharjah, the official said. From Sharjah, Devadiwala took Mirza to Dubai and arranged a flight for Nairobi, which had a transit halt in Pakistan, he said. When his flight landed at the Karachi airport, Mirza was asked to deplane and with the help of Pakistan's intelligence agency ISI, was taken to a terror training camp and trained by the handlers and a religious preacher, the official claimed. After returning to Mumbai, Mirza was awaiting orders from the handlers to carry out attacks in Mumbai, Gujarat and Uttar Pradesh, he said. They had planned these attacks in crowded places, targeting public utilities and also VIPs of these cities, the official added. "The ATS has registered an offence under section 16, 18, 18A, 18B, 20 of the IPC and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act against Mirza and six others, who include trainers, facilitators, handlers and a preacher, Kulkarni said.

Arrested man had plans to carry out attacks in Mumbai, Guj, UP: Maharashtra ATS

<p>According to the Ministry of External Affairs, the death toll in several North&nbspIndian&nbspstates due to thunderstorm and lightning&nbsphas risen to 80.</p>

<p>The deaths were reported from the states of Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal, Delhi and Uttrakhand.</p>

<p>The devastation was caused by the high-velocity wind that struck parts of north India on the intervening night of May 13-14. The thunder&nbsphad also disrupted road, rail and air services last evening.</p>

<p>The Ministry of External Affairs&nbspstated, "As per information received from UP, Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal, Delhi & Uttarakhand 80 lives have been lost (UP-51, Andhra-12, WB-14, Delhi-2, Uttarakhand-1) due to lightning/thunderstorm during intervening night of 13-14 May, 136 people were injured"&nbsp&nbsp</p>

<p>The devastation had come 12 days after storms hit Uttar Pradesh (UP), Rajasthan, Telangana, Uttarakhand and Punjab, killing 134 people and injuring over 400.&nbsp</p>

<p>&nbsp</p>


The deaths were reported from the states of Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal, Delhi and Uttrakhand

According to the Ministry of External Affairs, the death toll in several North&nbspIndian&nbspstates due to thunderstorm and lightning&nbsphas risen to 80. The deaths were reported from the states of Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal, Delhi and Uttrakhand. The devastation was caused by the high-velocity wind that struck parts of north India on the intervening night of May 13-14. The thunder&nbsphad also disrupted road, rail and air services last evening. The Ministry of External Affairs&nbspstated, "As per information received from UP, Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal, Delhi & Uttarakhand 80 lives have been lost (UP-51, Andhra-12, WB-14, Delhi-2, Uttarakhand-1) due to lightning/thunderstorm during intervening night of 13-14 May, 136 people were injured" The devastation had come 12 days after storms hit Uttar Pradesh (UP), Rajasthan, Telangana, Uttarakhand and Punjab, killing 134 people and injuring over 400.

Death toll due to thunderstorm, lightning rises to 80

<p>At least seven medical students drowned and nine others were missing as a wooden bridge on a river in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir collapsed while the students were taking pictures on it.</p>

<p>Around 25 students, in their early 20s, from two private colleges in Faisalabad and Lahore, were taking pictures on the bridge in Neelam Valley when it collapsed, officials were quoted as saying by the Express Tribune.</p>

<p>The temporarily erected hanging bridge could not withstand the load of people standing on it and came down, tumbling the visitors down in the stream, the daily said.</p>

<p>As per reports, 14 students were rescued after the bridge collapsed and that civil and military rescue teams were searching for 11 others.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The injured students were shifted to a local hospital and later flown to Combined Military Hospital (CMH) through army helicopters.</p>

<p>"We recovered seven dead bodies and 11 injured tourists from the stream while at least nine people were still missing," Commissioner Muzaffarabad Imtiaz Ahmed said.&nbsp;The students were on a college trip.</p>

<p>The Pakistan Army is assisting in the rescue and search operation. However, the extremely cold water of the stream and its strong current are hampering efforts to recover the persons, the officials said, adding that there was little hope of finding survivors.</p>

<p>Officials were quoted as saying that the bridge could only withstand a maximum of four persons and had relevant warning signs for the purpose as well but the tourists still thronged the bridge.</p>

<p>Kashmir Prime Minister Raja Farooq Haider Khan also reached the scene to personally supervise the rescue operation. He directed the deputy commissioner of the district to accelerate the search.</p>

<p>Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi has expressed grief and sorrow over the incident in Neelam Valley and directed the authorities concerned to make utmost efforts in rescue operation.</p>

<p>Army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa also expressed grief over the incident and directed all possible assistance to civil administration for relief and rescue.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On July 7 last year, a tourist family from Rawalpindi also faced a similar tragedy when three of its young members were swept away around the same spot.</p>


Around 25 students, in their early 20s, from two private colleges in Faisalabad and Lahore, were taking pictures on the bridge in Neelam Valley when it collapsed

At least seven medical students drowned and nine others were missing as a wooden bridge on a river in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir collapsed while the students were taking pictures on it. Around 25 students, in their early 20s, from two private colleges in Faisalabad and Lahore, were taking pictures on the bridge in Neelam Valley when it collapsed, officials were quoted as saying by the Express Tribune. The temporarily erected hanging bridge could not withstand the load of people standing on it and came down, tumbling the visitors down in the stream, the daily said. As per reports, 14 students were rescued after the bridge collapsed and that civil and military rescue teams were searching for 11 others. The injured students were shifted to a local hospital and later flown to Combined Military Hospital (CMH) through army helicopters. "We recovered seven dead bodies and 11 injured tourists from the stream while at least nine people were still missing," Commissioner Muzaffarabad Imtiaz Ahmed said. The students were on a college trip. The Pakistan Army is assisting in the rescue and search operation. However, the extremely cold water of the stream and its strong current are hampering efforts to recover the persons, the officials said, adding that there was little hope of finding survivors. Officials were quoted as saying that the bridge could only withstand a maximum of four persons and had relevant warning signs for the purpose as well but the tourists still thronged the bridge. Kashmir Prime Minister Raja Farooq Haider Khan also reached the scene to personally supervise the rescue operation. He directed the deputy commissioner of the district to accelerate the search. Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi has expressed grief and sorrow over the incident in Neelam Valley and directed the authorities concerned to make utmost efforts in rescue operation. Army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa also expressed grief over the incident and directed all possible assistance to civil administration for relief and rescue. On July 7 last year, a tourist family from Rawalpindi also faced a similar tragedy when three of its young members were swept away around the same spot.

7 students killed, 9 missing as bridge collapses in PoK

<p>Known for playing author-backed roles on screen, critically acclaimed actress Richa Chadha felt she was 'misused' in Aishwarya Rai starrer 'Sarbjit'.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
Directed by Omung Kumar, 'Sarbjit' centred around Aishwarya Rai as Sarbjit sister Dalbir Kaur and her struggle to get her brother Sarbjit Singh (Randeep Hooda) freed from jail in Pakistan. Richa played Sarbjit's wife in the film.&nbsp;</p>

<p><br />
"I would say that only in `Sarbjit`, I felt misused. I regretted choosing the film," the actress told a news agency in an interview.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
Chadha mentioned that her priority was to get roles which would make her act and not just give her visibility. " Working in `Goliyon Ki Rasleela Ram-Leela` was a great experience. My character was pretty substantial. As long as my choice of the film gives me a chance to do that, I will continue choosing quality."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Born and brought up in Delhi, Richa started her career in Bollywood with the film "Oye Lucky! Lucky Oye!" in 2008 after doing theatre extensively. However, she went through a tough time in the film industry before "Gangs of Wasseypur" happened in 2012.</p>

<p>She has since played several substantial roles in films as different as "Fukrey" and "Masaan".</p>

<p>Doesn`t she feel bad that mainstream filmmakers are not collaborating with her enough for a protagonist`s role?</p>

<p>"Look, if the producer is looking for a business of Rs 100 crore from a film, they need a star like Deepika Padukone to pull it off and it is purely a professional reason. I am okay with all that.</p>

<p>"I am not here to make money anyway. I want to leave a mark on every project that I take up, every film that I do," Richa said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, she admits that playing the mother of an older man, at the age of 24 in "Gangs Of Wasseypur", was certainly a risk.</p>

<p>"That was a huge risk that I took at that point in time for which nobody appreciated me. There are people who thought that I am much older than what my actual age was. But people also understood my calibre as an actor," she said.</p>

<p>Richa was also offered to play the mother of Hrithik Roshan in the film "Agneepath".</p>

<p>"Yes, that is true, and I think that was a really stupid idea of the person who offered me that role. I think he was smoking something wrong," quipped the actress, known for speaking her mind.</p>

<p>Asked to choose some of her best performance so far, Richa said: "Of course, Bholi Punjaban (in `Fukrey`) is one of the roles that has given me a lot of love from the audience.</p>

<p>"It was a very empowering role of a woman who runs her business like a gangster with so much confidence. It was a very well made film and I think that is how a commercial film should be, with good content, and it will earn money at the box office as well."</p>

<p>Richa said "Masaan" is one of the films which is also close to her heart.</p>

<p>"I think I am so lucky that I started in 2012 and in 2015, my film was receiving two awards at the Cannes Film Festival. I will always be thankful to Neeraj Ghaywan for giving me the role," she added.</p>

<p>The irony is "Masaan" was one of those films which initially nobody -- whether a producer, big studio or film stars -- was interested to be a part of.</p>

<p>Since she did not have a film background, what gave her the confidence to find the potential in the material back then?</p>

<p>"Oh that`s easy... I have a brain. People mostly think about a character where they will get to look good, two song-dance sequences for visibility... but that is not how it works.</p>

<p>"I think it is the responsibility of an actor to add value and meaning to the character that is written in the script. We bring life to the characters through our performance.</p>

<p>"So I could be playing anything -- whether a cameo or the main lead -- but as an actor I will create an impact to the narration. We all get a script to perform, what makes the difference is how we utilise the opportunity to excel," said the actress, who is eager to work with some of the young female filmmakers.</p>

<p>"Whether it is Alankrita Shrivastava, Zoya Akhtar or Reema Kagti, I love their work. They are really good filmmakers and storytellers. I was almost doing a film with Reema, but it got cancelled last minute. I am looking forward to working with her in future," she said.</p>

<p>"I would love to work with Vishal Bhardwaj. I have loved all his films," said Richa, whose Sudhir Mishra-directed "Daasdev" released last month.</p>


The actress said she regretted choosing that film.

Known for playing author-backed roles on screen, critically acclaimed actress Richa Chadha felt she was 'misused' in Aishwarya Rai starrer 'Sarbjit'. Directed by Omung Kumar, 'Sarbjit' centred around Aishwarya Rai as Sarbjit sister Dalbir Kaur and her struggle to get her brother Sarbjit Singh (Randeep Hooda) freed from jail in Pakistan. Richa played Sarbjit's wife in the film. "I would say that only in `Sarbjit`, I felt misused. I regretted choosing the film," the actress told a news agency in an interview. Chadha mentioned that her priority was to get roles which would make her act and not just give her visibility. " Working in `Goliyon Ki Rasleela Ram-Leela` was a great experience. My character was pretty substantial. As long as my choice of the film gives me a chance to do that, I will continue choosing quality." Born and brought up in Delhi, Richa started her career in Bollywood with the film "Oye Lucky! Lucky Oye!" in 2008 after doing theatre extensively. However, she went through a tough time in the film industry before "Gangs of Wasseypur" happened in 2012. She has since played several substantial roles in films as different as "Fukrey" and "Masaan". Doesn`t she feel bad that mainstream filmmakers are not collaborating with her enough for a protagonist`s role? "Look, if the producer is looking for a business of Rs 100 crore from a film, they need a star like Deepika Padukone to pull it off and it is purely a professional reason. I am okay with all that. "I am not here to make money anyway. I want to leave a mark on every project that I take up, every film that I do," Richa said. However, she admits that playing the mother of an older man, at the age of 24 in "Gangs Of Wasseypur", was certainly a risk. "That was a huge risk that I took at that point in time for which nobody appreciated me. There are people who thought that I am much older than what my actual age was. But people also understood my calibre as an actor," she said. Richa was also offered to play the mother of Hrithik Roshan in the film "Agneepath". "Yes, that is true, and I think that was a really stupid idea of the person who offered me that role. I think he was smoking something wrong," quipped the actress, known for speaking her mind. Asked to choose some of her best performance so far, Richa said: "Of course, Bholi Punjaban (in `Fukrey`) is one of the roles that has given me a lot of love from the audience. "It was a very empowering role of a woman who runs her business like a gangster with so much confidence. It was a very well made film and I think that is how a commercial film should be, with good content, and it will earn money at the box office as well." Richa said "Masaan" is one of the films which is also close to her heart. "I think I am so lucky that I started in 2012 and in 2015, my film was receiving two awards at the Cannes Film Festival. I will always be thankful to Neeraj Ghaywan for giving me the role," she added. The irony is "Masaan" was one of those films which initially nobody -- whether a producer, big studio or film stars -- was interested to be a part of. Since she did not have a film background, what gave her the confidence to find the potential in the material back then? "Oh that`s easy... I have a brain. People mostly think about a character where they will get to look good, two song-dance sequences for visibility... but that is not how it works. "I think it is the responsibility of an actor to add value and meaning to the character that is written in the script. We bring life to the characters through our performance. "So I could be playing anything -- whether a cameo or the main lead -- but as an actor I will create an impact to the narration. We all get a script to perform, what makes the difference is how we utilise the opportunity to excel," said the actress, who is eager to work with some of the young female filmmakers. "Whether it is Alankrita Shrivastava, Zoya Akhtar or Reema Kagti, I love their work. They are really good filmmakers and storytellers. I was almost doing a film with Reema, but it got cancelled last minute. I am looking forward to working with her in future," she said. "I would love to work with Vishal Bhardwaj. I have loved all his films," said Richa, whose Sudhir Mishra-directed "Daasdev" released last month.

Richa Chadha feels she was 'misused' in Aishwarya Rai starrer 'Sarbjit'

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