Emmys 2026: Matthew Rhys wins Best Actor twice, sets historic 78-year record

3 Italians fly from Delhi to Munich without immigration clearance; Air India gets notice on major security lapse

Did India risk its US trade deal despite softer stance at BRICS?

Pakistan puts Pak Rs 70 lakh bounty on UN terrorist Masood Azhar; move draws skepticism in Delhi

‘US ensuring global energy supplies’: Trump demands reimbursement for securing Strait of Hormuz

'She married her brother': Ilhan Omar faces criminal probe over immigration fraud claims

Ukraine strikes Syzran Oil Refinery deep inside Russia, fires erupt

Emmy Awards 2026: Widow's Bay and The Pitt win in lead categories- check out the complete list of winners

Indian-origin woman, Nepali-American friend crushed to death by subway train in New York

Emmys 2026: Michael J Fox honoured with Bob Hope Humanitarian Award for Parkinson’s advocacy

Emmys 2026 In Memoriam: Catherine O’Hara honoured by on-screen children Macaulay Culkin, Annie Murphy, Dan Levy; Dolly Parton, Rob Reiner remembered

Iran, India agree to deepen humanitarian and political ties, President Pezeshkian says

Emmys 2026 Red Carpet: Zendaya, Nicole Kidman and Julia Garner lead the glamour peak

Turkish Airlines plane flies through a storm three times, triggering severe turbulence

Why Chinese PL-15 air-to-air missiles use dual-pulse motors compared to European interceptors

What is Hyrox, in news for athlete who soiled herself, but kept running and using common equipment?

Russia proposes to build 360 kmph Ivolga FG trains in India: What happened on sidelines of BRICS

800 million years old - Scientists discover 'fingerprints' of supercontinent Gondwana in ancient rocks

Former Pak PM Imran Khan's ex-wife Jemima Goldsmith marries Australian financier: Who is Cameron O'Reilly

UPI payments up to Rs 2,000 to stays free, but bigger transactions may soon cost you: Govt

Gurugram hit and run case: Police arrest  car driver Kalyan Bainsla, book him for attempt to murder

New OTT releases this week (September 14-20, 2026): Lust Stories 3, Waiting Hai, Irumudi- 5 new titles coming on Netflix, Prime Video and more

Sent home midway from UK tour, Pakistan's Salman Agha hits 300* in domestic return

Who is Kalyan Bainsla, accused in the Gurugram hit-and-run case involving woman biker?

Nigerian Navy seizes 10,000 litres of suspected illegal fuel in Rivers State crackdown

Saudi Arabia discovers 110 million tonnes of Uranium-rich ore in Madinah region

Dodgers beat Reds for playoff berth in bid for third consecutive World Series

Ecstasy tablets are rage in 'drug haven' Libya | Gravitas

'Now Trump is copying us': Shivakumar links US $5,000 plan to Congress guarantees

Video of Pakistani lawmaker struggling to read English tribute to Jinnah goes viral - WATCH

Trump downplays China's alleged 'help' to Iran in strike on Jordan base | Gravitas

Trump loses Supreme Court battle over mail ballots ahead of US midterms: What happened?

BCCI VP Rajeev Shukla says Mohsin Naqvi 'did not object' India refusing trophy from ACC chief

Legendary costume designer Bob Mackie dies at 87: A look back at his iconic legacy

Delhi govt to roll out ₹13,820 crore development projects under Seva Sankalp Abhiyan: CM Rekha Gupta

UK man admits drugging, raping wife for 20 years in shocking abuse case

Extreme warming in Indian Ocean added 695 billion tons of ice to Antarctica ice sheet

China thinned Himalayan troop presence in 2025, India defence report says; terms border situation 'stable'

Watch this segment to know latest updates of Lok Sabha elections 2019.

Lok Sabha elections 2019: Watch latest election news

BSP chief Mayawati on Wednesday said Congress' NYAY scheme is not a permanent solution for eliminating poverty.

NYAY is a flagship scheme of the Congress party under which it has promised Rs 72,000 to 5 crore families every year if the party is voted to power.

"To influence voters, especially the extremely poor, Congress party announced Rs 6000 per month for them. This is not a permanent solution of eliminating poverty," she said while addressing an election rally here.

"Keeping this in mind, we would like to say that if we get an opportunity to form government at the centre then instead of providing Rs 6,000 per month to extremely poor families, we'll give them permanent jobs in government and non-government sectors," she added.

The BSP chief was campaigning for its candidate Atul Rai from Ghosi Lok Sabha constituency.

Rai, who is an accused in a rape case, is absconding.

In April, a college student in Varanasi had accused Rai of sexually assaulting her. The victim had alleged that she was taken by Rai to his residence on the pretext of meeting his wife. An FIR has been lodged against Rai in the matter.

Ghosi and 12 parliamentary constituencies of Uttar Pradesh will go to polls on May 19.

BSP chief Mayawati on Wednesday said Congress' NYAY scheme is not a permanent solution for eliminating poverty. NYAY is a flagship scheme of the Congress party under which it has promised Rs 72,000 to 5 crore families every year if the party is voted to power.

BSP chief Mayawati on Wednesday said Congress' NYAY scheme is not a permanent solution for eliminating poverty. NYAY is a flagship scheme of the Congress party under which it has promised Rs 72,000 to 5 crore families every year if the party is voted to power. "To influence voters, especially the extremely poor, Congress party announced Rs 6000 per month for them. This is not a permanent solution of eliminating poverty," she said while addressing an election rally here. "Keeping this in mind, we would like to say that if we get an opportunity to form government at the centre then instead of providing Rs 6,000 per month to extremely poor families, we'll give them permanent jobs in government and non-government sectors," she added. The BSP chief was campaigning for its candidate Atul Rai from Ghosi Lok Sabha constituency. Rai, who is an accused in a rape case, is absconding. In April, a college student in Varanasi had accused Rai of sexually assaulting her. The victim had alleged that she was taken by Rai to his residence on the pretext of meeting his wife. An FIR has been lodged against Rai in the matter. Ghosi and 12 parliamentary constituencies of Uttar Pradesh will go to polls on May 19.

Congress' NYAY not a permanent solution to eliminate poverty: Mayawati

Union minister Nitin Gadkari Wednesday said while the BJP is concerned about resolving the people's woes, UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi is worried about how her son and Congress president Rahul Gandhi becomes the prime minister.

He was addressing a rally at Alirajpur under Ratlam Jhabua Lok Sabha seat in Madhya Pradesh.

"We are worried about how people should get power, farmers get right price for their produce, but Sonia ji is worried that how Rahul should become the prime minister," he said.

"In Congress, a prime minister is born to a prime minister, a chief minister to a chief minister, an MP to an MP and an MLA is born to an MLA. There is no existence of a common worker in that party," he said.

Warning Pakistan over cross-border terrorism, he said India will be forced to take a tough decision of stopping its share of water from three common rivers.

He said that when Indira Gandhi became the prime minister, she had promised to remove poverty and the same promise was made by Rajiv Gandhi (former PM) and the Manmohan Singh government under the leadership of Sonia Gandhi.

"But they failed to do so... Now, Rahul Gandhi has been promising to eliminate poverty. Tell me whether the Congress has kept its promise," he asked the gathering.

Although BJP chief Amit Shah was earlier scheduled to address these rallies, his visit was cancelled and Gadkari was deputed in his place.

Polling in Dhar and Ratlam-Jhabua Lok Sabha seats will take place on May 19.

The BJP has fielded GS Damor from Ratlam Jhabua seat against sitting Congress MP Kantilal Bhuria.

In Dhar, the saffron party has fielded Chhatar Singh Darbar against Dinesh Girewal of Congress.

Union minister Nitin Gadkari Wednesday said while the BJP is concerned about resolving the people's woes, UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi is worried about how her son and Congress president Rahul Gandhi becomes the prime minister.

Union minister Nitin Gadkari Wednesday said while the BJP is concerned about resolving the people's woes, UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi is worried about how her son and Congress president Rahul Gandhi becomes the prime minister. He was addressing a rally at Alirajpur under Ratlam Jhabua Lok Sabha seat in Madhya Pradesh. "We are worried about how people should get power, farmers get right price for their produce, but Sonia ji is worried that how Rahul should become the prime minister," he said. "In Congress, a prime minister is born to a prime minister, a chief minister to a chief minister, an MP to an MP and an MLA is born to an MLA. There is no existence of a common worker in that party," he said. Warning Pakistan over cross-border terrorism, he said India will be forced to take a tough decision of stopping its share of water from three common rivers. He said that when Indira Gandhi became the prime minister, she had promised to remove poverty and the same promise was made by Rajiv Gandhi (former PM) and the Manmohan Singh government under the leadership of Sonia Gandhi. "But they failed to do so... Now, Rahul Gandhi has been promising to eliminate poverty. Tell me whether the Congress has kept its promise," he asked the gathering. Although BJP chief Amit Shah was earlier scheduled to address these rallies, his visit was cancelled and Gadkari was deputed in his place. Polling in Dhar and Ratlam-Jhabua Lok Sabha seats will take place on May 19. The BJP has fielded GS Damor from Ratlam Jhabua seat against sitting Congress MP Kantilal Bhuria. In Dhar, the saffron party has fielded Chhatar Singh Darbar against Dinesh Girewal of Congress.

BJP concerned about people, Sonia about son's PMship: Nitin Gadkari

Watch 'India Election Watch.' This is the show that brings you the latest on world's biggest electoral exercise, Verified updates & Unbiased analysis.

India Election Watch; 16th May, 2019

In this segment of India Election Watch, Know how the Bengal battle is posed 'India Election Watch' is the show that brings you the latest on world's biggest electoral exercise, Verified updates & Unbiased analysis.

India Election Watch: How the Bengal battle is posed

TDP chief N Chandrababu Naidu Thursday criticised the Election Commission's order to hold re-polling in five booths in the Chandragiri Assembly constituency as unethical and unconstitutional.

Thirty-four days after voting was held in the constituency, the EC ordered repoll based on a report by the Andhra Pradesh Chief Electoral Officer, and without waiting for the recommendations of a panel set up for this purpose, Naidu alleged.

On the contrary, the poll panel on May 15 relieved West Bengal Home Secretary Atri Bhattacharya for having interfered in the elections process by directing the state's CEO, he said.

In a representation to the EC about the repolling ordered in his state, the incumbent Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister said, "...It is an injustice. (It is) unfortunate, unethical and unconstitutional."&nbsp;

Naidu demanded the EC play a "neutral role" to facilitate free and fair election without being "partisan at the instance of any particular party".

"Hence, the Chief Election Commissioner and other Election Commissions are requested to take steps to restore the confidence of the people in the EC and to create a level playing field between the BJP-allies and other parties in the country," he added.

Chandragiri, located in Chittoor district, is one of the 175 assembly constituencies in the state. There are total of 25 parliamentary constituencies.

Both assembly and Lok Sabha elections were held together in Andhra Pradesh on April 11. The votes will be counted on May 23.

The Election Commission Wednesday ordered repoll on May 19 in five polling stations in the Chandragiri Assembly segment, under Chittoor LS constituency.

Repoll would be held at polling stations 321, 104, 316, 318 and 313 of both Assembly and Lok Sabha segments, the state CEO said in a release Wednesday.

YSR Congress MLA and contesting candidate Ch Bhaskar Reddy lodged a complaint with the Election Commission early this month that voters belonging to a particular community were not allowed to exercise their franchise when polling was conducted on April 11.

The CEO reportedly received some other complaints about the polling in the constituency from other sources as well.&nbsp;

In West Bengal, the EC had on may 15 ordered the removal of West Bengal Principal Secretary (Home) Atri Bhattacharya and Additional Director General, CID, Rajeev Kumar, from their posts in the wake of violence between BJP and TMC workers in Kolkata.

Deputy Election Commissioner Sudeep Jain, who is in charge of West Bengal, had said the action was taken against Bhattacharya "for having interfered in the process of conducting elections" by directing the state chief electoral officer, which he was not supposed to do.&nbsp;

TDP chief N Chandrababu Naidu Thursday criticised the Election Commission's order to hold re-polling in five booths in the Chandragiri Assembly constituency as unethical and unconstitutional.

TDP chief N Chandrababu Naidu Thursday criticised the Election Commission's order to hold re-polling in five booths in the Chandragiri Assembly constituency as unethical and unconstitutional. Thirty-four days after voting was held in the constituency, the EC ordered repoll based on a report by the Andhra Pradesh Chief Electoral Officer, and without waiting for the recommendations of a panel set up for this purpose, Naidu alleged. On the contrary, the poll panel on May 15 relieved West Bengal Home Secretary Atri Bhattacharya for having interfered in the elections process by directing the state's CEO, he said. In a representation to the EC about the repolling ordered in his state, the incumbent Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister said, "...It is an injustice. (It is) unfortunate, unethical and unconstitutional." Naidu demanded the EC play a "neutral role" to facilitate free and fair election without being "partisan at the instance of any particular party". "Hence, the Chief Election Commissioner and other Election Commissions are requested to take steps to restore the confidence of the people in the EC and to create a level playing field between the BJP-allies and other parties in the country," he added. Chandragiri, located in Chittoor district, is one of the 175 assembly constituencies in the state. There are total of 25 parliamentary constituencies. Both assembly and Lok Sabha elections were held together in Andhra Pradesh on April 11. The votes will be counted on May 23. The Election Commission Wednesday ordered repoll on May 19 in five polling stations in the Chandragiri Assembly segment, under Chittoor LS constituency. Repoll would be held at polling stations 321, 104, 316, 318 and 313 of both Assembly and Lok Sabha segments, the state CEO said in a release Wednesday. YSR Congress MLA and contesting candidate Ch Bhaskar Reddy lodged a complaint with the Election Commission early this month that voters belonging to a particular community were not allowed to exercise their franchise when polling was conducted on April 11. The CEO reportedly received some other complaints about the polling in the constituency from other sources as well. In West Bengal, the EC had on may 15 ordered the removal of West Bengal Principal Secretary (Home) Atri Bhattacharya and Additional Director General, CID, Rajeev Kumar, from their posts in the wake of violence between BJP and TMC workers in Kolkata. Deputy Election Commissioner Sudeep Jain, who is in charge of West Bengal, had said the action was taken against Bhattacharya "for having interfered in the process of conducting elections" by directing the state chief electoral officer, which he was not supposed to do.

Repolling in Chandragiri: Naidu says Election Commission decision 'unethical, unconstitutional'

The Congress is not averse to supporting any regional party leader for the Prime Minister's post even if it emerges as the single largest party, Congress leader Gulam Nabi Azad said on Thursday.&nbsp;

"My party high command has already made it clear that the Congress is not averse to making a prime minister from any regional party," Azad told reporters in Shimla.

He was asked if the Congress will be ready to support any regional party leader for the PM's post even if it emerges as the largest party in a hung Parliament.

Speaking in the same vein in Patna on Wednesday, Azad had said the Congress will not make it an issue if the PM's post is not offered to it.

Azad's remarks assume significance as the Congress has been asserting that it would be the fulcrum of any non-NDA government, which was seen as its claim for the PM's post and had led some major regional parties to maintain a distance from it.

Congress chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala, however, seemed not to agree with Azad.

He said the Congress believes it will be the single largest party in the country, subject to the final outcome on May 23. "Naturally, the biggest political party should get a chance to lead," he told reporters here.

"All Congressmen believe that we will be a biggest political party and as the biggest political party, we should be leading this country holding hand with all other like-minded political parties interested in giving a stable democratic, liberal and secular government to the country," he added.

On the question that in the event of no party getting a simple majority in Lok Sabha polls, whom should the President call, Surjewala said, "I think the norm on that is fairly established by the Supreme Court...And the norm as I understand is whoever has the largest number in a pre-poll alliance is normally called first. And that is the settled principle as laid down by the Supreme Court."

Earlier, Azad in an apparent mellowing of Congress' stand on the PM's post, had said in Patna, "It will be good if there is a consensus on Congress leader's name for heading the government at the Centre after the Lok Sabha election results are out. But we are not going to make it an issue that we (Congress) will not let any other (leader) to become the PM, if it is not offered to us (Congress)."

The Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha had said the sole objective of the Congress is to stop the NDA from forming the government at the Centre.

Asked about Modi's assurance of constructing a 'grand statue' of 19th century reformer Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar at the same spot where his bust was vandalised in Kolkata, the Congress leader replied, "Now he should prepare for installing his own statute."

Azad, however, was quick to add that "some alive persons also erect their statutes as BSP supremo Mayawati had done in UP".&nbsp;

The Congress is not averse to supporting any regional party leader for the Prime Minister's post even if it emerges as the single largest party, Congress leader Gulam Nabi Azad said on Thursday.

The Congress is not averse to supporting any regional party leader for the Prime Minister's post even if it emerges as the single largest party, Congress leader Gulam Nabi Azad said on Thursday. "My party high command has already made it clear that the Congress is not averse to making a prime minister from any regional party," Azad told reporters in Shimla. He was asked if the Congress will be ready to support any regional party leader for the PM's post even if it emerges as the largest party in a hung Parliament. Speaking in the same vein in Patna on Wednesday, Azad had said the Congress will not make it an issue if the PM's post is not offered to it. Azad's remarks assume significance as the Congress has been asserting that it would be the fulcrum of any non-NDA government, which was seen as its claim for the PM's post and had led some major regional parties to maintain a distance from it. Congress chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala, however, seemed not to agree with Azad. He said the Congress believes it will be the single largest party in the country, subject to the final outcome on May 23. "Naturally, the biggest political party should get a chance to lead," he told reporters here. "All Congressmen believe that we will be a biggest political party and as the biggest political party, we should be leading this country holding hand with all other like-minded political parties interested in giving a stable democratic, liberal and secular government to the country," he added. On the question that in the event of no party getting a simple majority in Lok Sabha polls, whom should the President call, Surjewala said, "I think the norm on that is fairly established by the Supreme Court...And the norm as I understand is whoever has the largest number in a pre-poll alliance is normally called first. And that is the settled principle as laid down by the Supreme Court." Earlier, Azad in an apparent mellowing of Congress' stand on the PM's post, had said in Patna, "It will be good if there is a consensus on Congress leader's name for heading the government at the Centre after the Lok Sabha election results are out. But we are not going to make it an issue that we (Congress) will not let any other (leader) to become the PM, if it is not offered to us (Congress)." The Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha had said the sole objective of the Congress is to stop the NDA from forming the government at the Centre. Asked about Modi's assurance of constructing a 'grand statue' of 19th century reformer Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar at the same spot where his bust was vandalised in Kolkata, the Congress leader replied, "Now he should prepare for installing his own statute." Azad, however, was quick to add that "some alive persons also erect their statutes as BSP supremo Mayawati had done in UP".

Congress not averse to supporting regional party leader for PM post: Ghulam Nabi Azad

BJP president Amit Shah on Thursday appealed to voters to vote for BJP candidate Rampati Ram Tripathi not only for the work done by BJP in the past but also for the security provided to the nation under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Speaking at an election rally here, Shah said, "You may vote for our candidate for the development work done in the past but you should also vote for him because, under the leadership Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the country has become secured from terrorism."

The BJP president accused the UPA government of being soft on the issue of terrorism.

Shah said, "Rahul Gandhi's Guru Sam Pitroda said that attacks like Pulwama happen all the time, why were air strikes required? We said that if you want to appease terrorists, you do it but we would never forgive those who disrupt peace within our borders."

Shah spoke about the development initiatives of the BJP government and praised the former MP Kalraj Mishra for developing "Purvanchal corridor, fertilizers industry in Gorakhpur, research centre in Gorakhpur to fight against Japanese Influenza, Purvanchal expressway, and loan waiver of sugarcane farmers."

After Mishra left the Deoria seat and decided not to participate in the Lok Sabha Polls, the BJP decided to field Ramapati Ram Tripathi from Deoria against Binod Kumar Jaiswal of the BSP and Congress'&nbsp;Niyaz Ahmad Khan.

The remaining 59 seats would go to poll on May 19 in the final phase of the Lok Sabha elections. The counting of votes will take place on May 23.&nbsp;

BJP president Amit Shah on Thursday appealed to voters to vote for BJP candidate Rampati Ram Tripathi not only for the work done by BJP in the past but also for the security provided to the nation under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

BJP president Amit Shah on Thursday appealed to voters to vote for BJP candidate Rampati Ram Tripathi not only for the work done by BJP in the past but also for the security provided to the nation under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Speaking at an election rally here, Shah said, "You may vote for our candidate for the development work done in the past but you should also vote for him because, under the leadership Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the country has become secured from terrorism." The BJP president accused the UPA government of being soft on the issue of terrorism. Shah said, "Rahul Gandhi's Guru Sam Pitroda said that attacks like Pulwama happen all the time, why were air strikes required? We said that if you want to appease terrorists, you do it but we would never forgive those who disrupt peace within our borders." Shah spoke about the development initiatives of the BJP government and praised the former MP Kalraj Mishra for developing "Purvanchal corridor, fertilizers industry in Gorakhpur, research centre in Gorakhpur to fight against Japanese Influenza, Purvanchal expressway, and loan waiver of sugarcane farmers." After Mishra left the Deoria seat and decided not to participate in the Lok Sabha Polls, the BJP decided to field Ramapati Ram Tripathi from Deoria against Binod Kumar Jaiswal of the BSP and Congress' Niyaz Ahmad Khan. The remaining 59 seats would go to poll on May 19 in the final phase of the Lok Sabha elections. The counting of votes will take place on May 23.

Vote for national security, appeals Amit Shah at election rally in Deoria

The Election Commission Thursday ordered repoll at a booth in the Chandni Chowk parliamentary constituency, officials said Thursday.&nbsp;

The Chief Electoral Office of Delhi had submitted a report to the EC asking for a repoll in polling station number 32 after the presiding officer forgot to delete the 'test votes' that were cast during mock poll before actual polling commenced at 7 am on May 12, they said.

The Chandni Chowk Lok Sabha seat recorded 62.69 per cent turnout while the Chandni Chowk assembly segment saw 59.36 per cent polling.&nbsp;

The repoll will be conducted on Sunday from 7 am to 6 pm and voters will be distributed voter slips. There are about 300 houses that fall under the polling station, they added.

Officials had reported the non-deletion of test votes at two polling stations but the report found repoll was needed only in one polling station.&nbsp;

The Election Commission Thursday ordered repoll at a booth in the Chandni Chowk parliamentary constituency, officials said Thursday. The Chief Electoral Office of Delhi had submitted a report to the EC asking for a repoll in polling station number 32 after the presiding officer forgot to delete the 'test votes' that were cast during mock poll before actual polling commenced at 7 am on May 12, they said.

The Election Commission Thursday ordered repoll at a booth in the Chandni Chowk parliamentary constituency, officials said Thursday. The Chief Electoral Office of Delhi had submitted a report to the EC asking for a repoll in polling station number 32 after the presiding officer forgot to delete the 'test votes' that were cast during mock poll before actual polling commenced at 7 am on May 12, they said. The Chandni Chowk Lok Sabha seat recorded 62.69 per cent turnout while the Chandni Chowk assembly segment saw 59.36 per cent polling. The repoll will be conducted on Sunday from 7 am to 6 pm and voters will be distributed voter slips. There are about 300 houses that fall under the polling station, they added. Officials had reported the non-deletion of test votes at two polling stations but the report found repoll was needed only in one polling station.

Election Commission orders repoll at polling booth in Chandni Chowk seat

Day after brazen vandalism took place on the streets of Kolkata during Amit Shah's rally where even Vidyasagar's statue was not spared, Election Commission has cracked the whip. In a press conference the EC has curtailed the campaigning time in West Bengal for one day. Watch this video to know more.

Lok Sabha Elections 2019: EC curtails campaigning in West Bengal

In this segment of India Election Watch, Know will soft Hindutva help Congress? Watch this video to know more.

India Election Watch: Will soft Hindutva help Congress?

The 7th and the final phase of Lok Sabha election 2019 is going to be held on 19 May 2019. In the last phase of the Lok Sabha Elections 2019, 59 Lok Sabha constituencies in eight states will go into polling.

IEW: Big battles for Lok Sabha phase 7

Pragya Singh has tendered an apology for calling Nathuram Godse a patriot, reports say. The apology came after the BJP distanced itself from the remarks made by its candidate for the Bhopal constituency and demanded a public apology.

IEW: Row over Sadhvi Pragya Thakur's comments

In this segment of India Election Watch, Know what Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in his campaigns. Watch this video to know more. 'India Election Watch' is the show that brings you the latest on world's biggest electoral exercise, Verified updates & Unbiased analysis.

India Election Watch: A confident Modi campaigns in 3 states

Congress party President Rahul Gandhi exclusively talks to Zee Media network. The interview questions Rahul Gandhi over his interpretation over Lok Sabha election 2019. Here's the video.

IEW: An exclusive interview with Rahul Gandhi over LS 2019 battle

UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi will be chairing a meeting of Opposition leaders in New Delhi on May 23, the day election results will be announced. UPA ally DMK on Thursday confirmed the meeting, saying that party chief M K Stalin has received an invite from Gandhi.

IEW: UPA seeks to add support, reaches out to regional parties

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said the Samajwadi Party (SP) and Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), who are in alliance in Uttar Pradesh, are "grabbing each other's collars" as they are aware of their defeat in the ongoing polls.

IEW: PM Modi finishes campaign in Uttar Pradesh'S Mirzapur

On Monday, the government had withheld landing permission for Amit Shah's chopper and withdrew permission for one of his three rallies. "I'm going to West Bengal for rally in Dum Dum. Let us see if Didi allows it. If she has her way, she will not allow my helicopter to land," the Prime Minister said.

IEW: PM Modi takes on 'DIDI' in her backyard

The Election Commission has cut short campaigning for the last round of voting in West Bengal after the latest round of poll-related violence in the state. Campaigning in nine Bengal seats will end at 10 pm Thursday, the election commission announced on Wednesday evening, inviting allegations of .being ‘unethical and politically biased.’

IEW: Can EC police political campaigns? Does EC have enough powers?

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, engaged in a pitched battle with Mamata Banerjee over violence at Amit Shah's rally, taunted the Bengal Chief Minister today, saying he wanted to see if she would allow his rally in Kolkata today

IEW: The final showdown in West Bengal

Prime Minister Narendra Modi in an exclusive conversation with Zee Media says about the current situation of West Bengal. He says that TMC goons will face strict action for Vandalism in State.

TMC goons will face action for vandalism: PM Modi

The Election Commission is learnt to have asked <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/twitter-suspends-over-166000-terrorist-accounts-for-promoting-terrorism-217484">Twitter</a> to take down an exit poll-related tweet.

The EC's move came after it received<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/google-facebook-twitter-have-to-do-more-to-fight-fake-news-european-union-212915"> certain "complaint"</a>, sources aware of the development said Thursday, adding that the user later removed the tweet.

The sources, however, did not specify the complaint.

"There is no such general order issued by ECI today. Only one case was reported to us today which the user himself removed," a senior functionary said.

The move came a day after it issued a show-cause notice to three media outlets for allegedly publishing a survey "predicting results" of Lok Sabha elections.

Section 126A of the Representation of the People Act states that "no person shall conduct any exit poll and publish or publicise by means of the print or electronic media... The result of any exit poll during such period... In case of a general election, the period may commence from the beginning of the hours fixed for a poll on the first day of poll and continue till half an hour after closing of the poll in all the states and union territories."

The section also prescribes that any person, who contravenes the provisions of this section, shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to two years or with fine or with both.

Polling for the seventh and last phase of Lok Sabha elections will be held on May 19.

The Election Commission is learnt to have asked Twitter to take down an exit poll-related tweet. The EC's move came after it received certain "complaint", sources aware of the development said Thursday, adding that the user later removed the tweet.

The Election Commission is learnt to have asked Twitter to take down an exit poll-related tweet. The EC's move came after it received certain "complaint", sources aware of the development said Thursday, adding that the user later removed the tweet. The sources, however, did not specify the complaint. "There is no such general order issued by ECI today. Only one case was reported to us today which the user himself removed," a senior functionary said. The move came a day after it issued a show-cause notice to three media outlets for allegedly publishing a survey "predicting results" of Lok Sabha elections. Section 126A of the Representation of the People Act states that "no person shall conduct any exit poll and publish or publicise by means of the print or electronic media... The result of any exit poll during such period... In case of a general election, the period may commence from the beginning of the hours fixed for a poll on the first day of poll and continue till half an hour after closing of the poll in all the states and union territories." The section also prescribes that any person, who contravenes the provisions of this section, shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to two years or with fine or with both. Polling for the seventh and last phase of Lok Sabha elections will be held on May 19.

Lok Sabha polls 2019: Election Commission asks Twitter India to remove all tweets related to exit polls

Union Minister of External Affairs Sushma Swaraj has slammed Congress chief Rahul Gandhi by saying that his act of trashing the ordinance in 2013 was the height of "arrogance".

In a tweet on Tuesday, Swaraj reminded Congress general secretary <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/ncpcr-notice-to-priyanka-gandhi-over-use-of-children-in-electioneering-215473&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjIloKQvYviAhUYi3AKHbMFBSIQFjADegQIEBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2brFPHnjK8B7KNimdgPWzJ">Priyanka Gandhi </a>that her brother Rahul Gandhi had "insulted" the then Prime Minister Manmohan Singh by tearing apart the ordinance issued by the President.

"Priyanka Ji, today you talked about arrogance. Let me remind you that when Rahul insulted his own Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh by tearing apart the ordinance issued by the President, it was the height of arrogance," Swaraj tweeted."What are you talking about? (kaun kisko suna raha hai)," Swaraj asked.

Her tweets came in response to Priyanka`s statement at a rally in Ambala. Earlier&nbsp;in the day, while speaking at a rally in Ambala, Haryana, Priyanka Gandhi had said, "The BJP needs to learn from the fate of Duryodhana from Mahabharata that this country has never forgiven the arrogant."

The Union Minister also took pot-shots at West Bengal CM and TMC leader Mamta Banerjee for her refusal to talk to PM Modi to assess the impacts of cyclone "Fani".She invoked a couplet written by Bashir Badr to hit out at Mamta Banerjee.

"Mamta Ji, today you have crossed all limits. You are the Chief Minister of the state and Modi Ji&nbsp;is the Prime Minister of the country. Tomorrow, you will have to talk to him," Swaraj said in another tweet.

Union Minister of External Affairs Sushma Swaraj has slammed Congress chief Rahul Gandhi by saying that his act of trashing the ordinance in 2013 was the height of "arrogance".

Union Minister of External Affairs Sushma Swaraj has slammed Congress chief Rahul Gandhi by saying that his act of trashing the ordinance in 2013 was the height of "arrogance". In a tweet on Tuesday, Swaraj reminded Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi that her brother Rahul Gandhi had "insulted" the then Prime Minister Manmohan Singh by tearing apart the ordinance issued by the President. "Priyanka Ji, today you talked about arrogance. Let me remind you that when Rahul insulted his own Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh by tearing apart the ordinance issued by the President, it was the height of arrogance," Swaraj tweeted."What are you talking about? (kaun kisko suna raha hai)," Swaraj asked. Her tweets came in response to Priyanka`s statement at a rally in Ambala. Earlier in the day, while speaking at a rally in Ambala, Haryana, Priyanka Gandhi had said, "The BJP needs to learn from the fate of Duryodhana from Mahabharata that this country has never forgiven the arrogant." The Union Minister also took pot-shots at West Bengal CM and TMC leader Mamta Banerjee for her refusal to talk to PM Modi to assess the impacts of cyclone "Fani".She invoked a couplet written by Bashir Badr to hit out at Mamta Banerjee. "Mamta Ji, today you have crossed all limits. You are the Chief Minister of the state and Modi Ji is the Prime Minister of the country. Tomorrow, you will have to talk to him," Swaraj said in another tweet.

Rahul Gandhi's act of trashing ordinance was height of arrogance: Sushma Swaraj

Hours after Narendra Modi promised a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/tmc-goons-vandalised-vidyasagars-statue-committed-to-grand-statue-at-same-spot-pm-modi-219098">grand statue of Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar at the same spot</a> where the old one stood before being vandalised, Mamata Banerjee shot back and asserted that West Bengal has the money required for the polymath's structure and asked if the Prime Minister can return the 200-year-old heritage.

Terming him a "liar", the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-polls-2019-bjp-tmc-row-heats-up-in-west-bengal-as-amit-shah-pm-modi-attack-mamata-219015">Chief Minister urged Modi to prove allegations against TMC</a> of vandalising Vidyasagar's statue and threatened to drag him to the jail otherwise.

"He (PM) said he will make Vidyasagar statue. Bengal has money to make the statue. Can he give back the 200 years old heritage? We have proof and you say that TMC has done. Are not you ashamed? He should do sit-ups for lying so much. Liar. Prove allegations otherwise we will drag you to jail," Mamata lashed out.

Vidyasagar, a renowned figure in West Bengal's history, devoted his life to women-centric reforms. He is also credited with bringing more order to the Bengali education system.

The TMC chief also came down heavily on the Election Commission over its unprecedented move of cutting the campaigning in the nine parliamentary constituencies of the state by a day.

Asserting that she is ready to go to prison for her remarks, Banerjee claimed that the poll body is BJP's "brother" and has been sold out to the party.

"Last night we came to know that BJP had filed a complaint with EC so that we cannot hold any meeting after Narendra Modi's meeting. The EC is the brother of BJP, earlier it was an impartial body now everyone in the country says EC has sold out to BJP. I feel sad but I do not have anything to say, I am ready to go to jail for saying this. I am not scared to say the truth," she said.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/bjp-tmc-battle-out-on-the-streets-mamata-banerjee-protests-in-kolkata-219002/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Modi is also scheduled to address two rallies in West Bengal's Mathurapur and Dum Dum Lok Sabha seats later in the day.

In an unprecedented move for India's electoral history, the poll commission on Wednesday invoked Article 324 of the Constitution to cut short the last phase campaigning in the state by a day after violence and clashes between BJP and Trinamool Congress workers at BJP president Amit Shah's roadshow Kolkata on Tuesday.

During the mayhem, the bust Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar was also vandalised, both the TMC and BJP are trading blame over the matter.

Elections to 33 seats have taken place in West Bengal in the first six phases of elections.

The remaining nine seats will go to polls on May 19 in the last round with the counting set to take place on May 23.

Hours after Narendra Modi promised a grand statue of Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar at the same spot where the old one stood before being vandalised, Mamata Banerjee shot back and asserted that West Bengal has the money required for the polymath's structure and asked if the Prime Minister can return the 200-year-old heritage.

Hours after Narendra Modi promised a grand statue of Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar at the same spot where the old one stood before being vandalised, Mamata Banerjee shot back and asserted that West Bengal has the money required for the polymath's structure and asked if the Prime Minister can return the 200-year-old heritage. Terming him a "liar", the Chief Minister urged Modi to prove allegations against TMC of vandalising Vidyasagar's statue and threatened to drag him to the jail otherwise. "He (PM) said he will make Vidyasagar statue. Bengal has money to make the statue. Can he give back the 200 years old heritage? We have proof and you say that TMC has done. Are not you ashamed? He should do sit-ups for lying so much. Liar. Prove allegations otherwise we will drag you to jail," Mamata lashed out. Vidyasagar, a renowned figure in West Bengal's history, devoted his life to women-centric reforms. He is also credited with bringing more order to the Bengali education system. The TMC chief also came down heavily on the Election Commission over its unprecedented move of cutting the campaigning in the nine parliamentary constituencies of the state by a day. Asserting that she is ready to go to prison for her remarks, Banerjee claimed that the poll body is BJP's "brother" and has been sold out to the party. "Last night we came to know that BJP had filed a complaint with EC so that we cannot hold any meeting after Narendra Modi's meeting. The EC is the brother of BJP, earlier it was an impartial body now everyone in the country says EC has sold out to BJP. I feel sad but I do not have anything to say, I am ready to go to jail for saying this. I am not scared to say the truth," she said. × Modi is also scheduled to address two rallies in West Bengal's Mathurapur and Dum Dum Lok Sabha seats later in the day. In an unprecedented move for India's electoral history, the poll commission on Wednesday invoked Article 324 of the Constitution to cut short the last phase campaigning in the state by a day after violence and clashes between BJP and Trinamool Congress workers at BJP president Amit Shah's roadshow Kolkata on Tuesday. During the mayhem, the bust Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar was also vandalised, both the TMC and BJP are trading blame over the matter. Elections to 33 seats have taken place in West Bengal in the first six phases of elections. The remaining nine seats will go to polls on May 19 in the last round with the counting set to take place on May 23.

Bengal has money to make Vidyasagar's statue: Mamata Banerjee hits back at Modi

Expressing concern about political discourse hitting a new low in Election 2019, Shiromani Akali Dal president Sukhbir Badal says politics should not become an "India versus Pakistan" situation.

The chief of one of BJP's oldest allies hailed Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a decisive and strong prime minister and said he is the only choice to steer the NDA after the Lok Sabha election results.

We need a strong prime minister...after so many years we got a prime minister who is decisive. You can't let the country run on auto mode...we need a leader who can take the country on the path of faster growth, Badal told PTI in an interview.

He also articulated his concerns about personal attacks against leaders and the quality of leaders in the ongoing Lok Sabha election, now in its last lap.

"We politicians are not enemies...we are not like India-Pakistan...politics should not be like India versus Pakistan, which it is unfortunately becoming.

Everyone has their own views but still we are all Indians and the interest of the country is important for us, Badal said.

"There may be a platform where we may have to be together against a common enemy, Badal added.

Asked if the NDA might need new partners after the results and demand a change of leadership, he said, "People are voting for him (Modi) and he is the right person to lead the country. I think we should stick with him post results. He is the only choice.

Asked whether the NDA would otherwise be ready to sit in opposition, Badal nodded and said, Yeah, yeah.

Badal is contesting Lok Sabha elections after 15 years as the SAD-BJP candidate from the Ferozepur Lok Sabha constituency, which votes on May 19 in the last round of the seven-phase Lok Sabha elections.

Discussing the situation in Punjab, Badal said the biggest issue in the state is non-performance of the Congress government led by Captain Amarinder Singh which has failed on all fronts.

The SAD is contesting 10 of Punjab's 13 Lok Sabha seats and the BJP three.

Amarinder Singh is the most incompetent chief minister in the country. In Punjab, there is very strong sentiment against the chief minister. He doesn't travel through the state, the SAD chief said.

Taking on the Gandhi family, he described them as a liability for the Congress in the state "in terms of sentiments.

He also referred to Operation Bluestar, the Army operation to flush out militants in 1984 when Indira Gandhi was prime minister, and the anti-Sikh riots that followed her assassination.

"The biggest sacrilege was done by Congress, they attacked Golden Temple. There can't be bigger sacrilege than this... it is also responsible for killing innocent Sikhs in 1984 in the national capital.

When asked about AAP's prospects in Punjab, Badal said the people have discarded the party and it no longer has any relevance in the state.

It is a typical Punjabi nature to try something new. Once they found it is of no benefit or of new use they discard it... the same is the case with AAP in Punjab,

He said his priority will always be his state.

I am contesting elections as party workers in Ferozepur demanded a candidate from the family. But my focus will be Punjab, said the son of party stalwart Parkash Singh Badal.

Sukhbir Badal's wife Harsimrat Kaur Badal is contesting from the Bathinda Lok Sabha constituency.

Confident of SAD-BJP alliance's better performance than 2014, when it won six of 13 Lok Sabha seats in the state, Sukhbir Badal said the developmental work is done by the alliance government in the state and the leadership of Modi at the centre will be the biggest strength of the two parties in this general election.

Expressing concern about political discourse hitting a new low in Election 2019, Shiromani Akali Dal president Sukhbir Badal says politics should not become an "India versus Pakistan" situation.

Expressing concern about political discourse hitting a new low in Election 2019, Shiromani Akali Dal president Sukhbir Badal says politics should not become an "India versus Pakistan" situation. The chief of one of BJP's oldest allies hailed Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a decisive and strong prime minister and said he is the only choice to steer the NDA after the Lok Sabha election results. We need a strong prime minister...after so many years we got a prime minister who is decisive. You can't let the country run on auto mode...we need a leader who can take the country on the path of faster growth, Badal told PTI in an interview. He also articulated his concerns about personal attacks against leaders and the quality of leaders in the ongoing Lok Sabha election, now in its last lap. "We politicians are not enemies...we are not like India-Pakistan...politics should not be like India versus Pakistan, which it is unfortunately becoming. Everyone has their own views but still we are all Indians and the interest of the country is important for us, Badal said. "There may be a platform where we may have to be together against a common enemy, Badal added. Asked if the NDA might need new partners after the results and demand a change of leadership, he said, "People are voting for him (Modi) and he is the right person to lead the country. I think we should stick with him post results. He is the only choice. Asked whether the NDA would otherwise be ready to sit in opposition, Badal nodded and said, Yeah, yeah. Badal is contesting Lok Sabha elections after 15 years as the SAD-BJP candidate from the Ferozepur Lok Sabha constituency, which votes on May 19 in the last round of the seven-phase Lok Sabha elections. Discussing the situation in Punjab, Badal said the biggest issue in the state is non-performance of the Congress government led by Captain Amarinder Singh which has failed on all fronts. The SAD is contesting 10 of Punjab's 13 Lok Sabha seats and the BJP three. Amarinder Singh is the most incompetent chief minister in the country. In Punjab, there is very strong sentiment against the chief minister. He doesn't travel through the state, the SAD chief said. Taking on the Gandhi family, he described them as a liability for the Congress in the state "in terms of sentiments. He also referred to Operation Bluestar, the Army operation to flush out militants in 1984 when Indira Gandhi was prime minister, and the anti-Sikh riots that followed her assassination. "The biggest sacrilege was done by Congress, they attacked Golden Temple. There can't be bigger sacrilege than this... it is also responsible for killing innocent Sikhs in 1984 in the national capital. When asked about AAP's prospects in Punjab, Badal said the people have discarded the party and it no longer has any relevance in the state. It is a typical Punjabi nature to try something new. Once they found it is of no benefit or of new use they discard it... the same is the case with AAP in Punjab, He said his priority will always be his state. I am contesting elections as party workers in Ferozepur demanded a candidate from the family. But my focus will be Punjab, said the son of party stalwart Parkash Singh Badal. Sukhbir Badal's wife Harsimrat Kaur Badal is contesting from the Bathinda Lok Sabha constituency. Confident of SAD-BJP alliance's better performance than 2014, when it won six of 13 Lok Sabha seats in the state, Sukhbir Badal said the developmental work is done by the alliance government in the state and the leadership of Modi at the centre will be the biggest strength of the two parties in this general election.

We are not enemies, politics should not be like India vs Pakistan: Sukhbir Badal

Amid election fever in Varanasi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi's popularity in this holy city can be seen from streets to stands, with booksellers saying titles written on him are flying off the shelf ahead of the polls in his constituency.

Among the books doing well are "The Real Modi" and "Narendra Modi: Ek Sakaratmak Soch", according to booksellers in the temple town.

While the first one is an old paperback edition in Hindi, it is the second title that is catching the eyes of readers in the temple town.

Printed by publisher Apurva Shah of Ahmedabad, "Narendra Modi: Ek Sakaratmak Soch" is an unusual book as it is shaped like a cut-out put up during election rallies.

Amit Singh, the proprietor of the nearly 50-year-old Universal Book Company, located near the famous Godowlia Chowk in the city, pointed to a row of standing miniature Modi cut-outs stacked on a bookshelf next to a Shiv Khera title.

"Those cut-outs are not poll merchandises, but actually a book published by Navrang Printers and people are lapping it up for its quirky design. This book and 'The Real Modi' are selling like hot cakes, or should I say hot chai," Singh told PTI.

The book cover shows an image of Modi wearing a khadi kurta over a churidar pyjama and the content is printed bilingually, one side completely in English and the other side in Hindi.

"During Modi's roadshow here ahead of filing nomination for the 2019 polls, a life-size version of the same book was put up as part of the rally," Singh said.

The book, which is about 11 inches long, saw a third edition coming out in March, and the number of pages corresponds to Modi's age, he said.

It is divided into several segments and in the preface written by Shah, reference has been made to the surgical strike and the airstrike, besides Modi government's flagship schemes like 'Swachh Bharat' and 'Beti Bachao-Beti Padhao'.

From Modi's birthplace Vadnagar in Gujarat, the unique-looking book takes readers to his work regimen at 7, Race Course Road, the official residence of the prime minister.

Singh claimed, "The Real Modi" is a bestseller throughout the year, but lately its sales have gone up, given the election fever gripping the people here.

At Indica Books, publisher of a popular graphic novel-styled book "A Pilgrimage to Kashi", a dummy book cover of "From Mahatma Gandhi to Modi" dangles outside the shop. A staff said, "We are awaiting copies of his book, people want to read about Modi and his life."

Universal Book's Singh said other titles are also selling well.

"One such book is 'RSS 360 degrees' and during the election, there is a renewed interest among readers about this book," he said.

But, it's not just bookshelves that are filled with publications on Modi this election season, in streets and in corner shops, Modi banners and posters can be seen.

Several autorickshaws plying in Varanasi can be carrying a poster of Modi's poll campaign, bearing slogans like — 'Modi hai to mumkin hai' or 'Aatank ko muhtod jawab'.

"At DLW Maidan, some BJP workers pasted these Modi posters behind my auto," said an autorickshaw driver, who did not wish to be identified.

At busy Godowlia Chowk near Dashashwamedh Ghat, several shops selling paan, lassi or Misrambu — a local sweet beverage -- can also be seen sporting a 'Modi clock' — a specially designed wall clock that projects the image of Modi and his various schemes.

Varanasi, the ancient city known also by other names, Banaras and Kashi, will go to polls on May 19.

Amid election fever in Varanasi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi's popularity in this holy city can be seen from streets to stands, with booksellers saying titles written on him are flying off the shelf ahead of the polls in his constituency.

Amid election fever in Varanasi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi's popularity in this holy city can be seen from streets to stands, with booksellers saying titles written on him are flying off the shelf ahead of the polls in his constituency. Among the books doing well are "The Real Modi" and "Narendra Modi: Ek Sakaratmak Soch", according to booksellers in the temple town. While the first one is an old paperback edition in Hindi, it is the second title that is catching the eyes of readers in the temple town. Printed by publisher Apurva Shah of Ahmedabad, "Narendra Modi: Ek Sakaratmak Soch" is an unusual book as it is shaped like a cut-out put up during election rallies. Amit Singh, the proprietor of the nearly 50-year-old Universal Book Company, located near the famous Godowlia Chowk in the city, pointed to a row of standing miniature Modi cut-outs stacked on a bookshelf next to a Shiv Khera title. "Those cut-outs are not poll merchandises, but actually a book published by Navrang Printers and people are lapping it up for its quirky design. This book and 'The Real Modi' are selling like hot cakes, or should I say hot chai," Singh told PTI. The book cover shows an image of Modi wearing a khadi kurta over a churidar pyjama and the content is printed bilingually, one side completely in English and the other side in Hindi. "During Modi's roadshow here ahead of filing nomination for the 2019 polls, a life-size version of the same book was put up as part of the rally," Singh said. The book, which is about 11 inches long, saw a third edition coming out in March, and the number of pages corresponds to Modi's age, he said. It is divided into several segments and in the preface written by Shah, reference has been made to the surgical strike and the airstrike, besides Modi government's flagship schemes like 'Swachh Bharat' and 'Beti Bachao-Beti Padhao'. From Modi's birthplace Vadnagar in Gujarat, the unique-looking book takes readers to his work regimen at 7, Race Course Road, the official residence of the prime minister. Singh claimed, "The Real Modi" is a bestseller throughout the year, but lately its sales have gone up, given the election fever gripping the people here. At Indica Books, publisher of a popular graphic novel-styled book "A Pilgrimage to Kashi", a dummy book cover of "From Mahatma Gandhi to Modi" dangles outside the shop. A staff said, "We are awaiting copies of his book, people want to read about Modi and his life." Universal Book's Singh said other titles are also selling well. "One such book is 'RSS 360 degrees' and during the election, there is a renewed interest among readers about this book," he said. But, it's not just bookshelves that are filled with publications on Modi this election season, in streets and in corner shops, Modi banners and posters can be seen. Several autorickshaws plying in Varanasi can be carrying a poster of Modi's poll campaign, bearing slogans like — 'Modi hai to mumkin hai' or 'Aatank ko muhtod jawab'. "At DLW Maidan, some BJP workers pasted these Modi posters behind my auto," said an autorickshaw driver, who did not wish to be identified. At busy Godowlia Chowk near Dashashwamedh Ghat, several shops selling paan, lassi or Misrambu — a local sweet beverage -- can also be seen sporting a 'Modi clock' — a specially designed wall clock that projects the image of Modi and his various schemes. Varanasi, the ancient city known also by other names, Banaras and Kashi, will go to polls on May 19.

Books on PM Modi in demand in Varanasi: Booksellers