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The BJP's Jammu and Kashmir unit staged a protest here on Wednesday against the alleged attack on party president Amit Shah's roadshow in Kolkata, terming the incident as "an onslaught on democracy".

Led by BJP leader Ashok Kaul, scores of party workers assembled near the statue of Maharaja Hari Singh at Tawi bridge in the heart of the city and staged a "silent sit-in" protest.

The protesters were carrying placards and banners against the Trinamool Congress government in the state led by Mamata Banerjee.

BJP and TMC supporters Tuesday fought pitched battles on the streets of Kolkata during Shah's roadshow. The BJP chief escaped unhurt, but was forced to cut short the jamboree and had to be escorted to safety by police.

Party leader Yudhvir Sethi alleged that there was "total lawlessness" in West Bengal.

"Sensing defeat in the ongoing Lok Sabha elections... The opposition is hell bent to let the nation burn, so that they can rule according to their own whims and fancies making their riches grow every other day," the BJP leader said.

BJP leader Narinder Singh said, "Mamata Banerjee is frustrated by the BJP's growing base in the region, which forms the basis of her panicked and ugly political moves."&nbsp;

The BJP's Jammu and Kashmir unit staged a protest here on Wednesday against the alleged attack on party president Amit Shah's roadshow in Kolkata, terming the incident as "an onslaught on democracy".

The BJP's Jammu and Kashmir unit staged a protest here on Wednesday against the alleged attack on party president Amit Shah's roadshow in Kolkata, terming the incident as "an onslaught on democracy". Led by BJP leader Ashok Kaul, scores of party workers assembled near the statue of Maharaja Hari Singh at Tawi bridge in the heart of the city and staged a "silent sit-in" protest. The protesters were carrying placards and banners against the Trinamool Congress government in the state led by Mamata Banerjee. BJP and TMC supporters Tuesday fought pitched battles on the streets of Kolkata during Shah's roadshow. The BJP chief escaped unhurt, but was forced to cut short the jamboree and had to be escorted to safety by police. Party leader Yudhvir Sethi alleged that there was "total lawlessness" in West Bengal. "Sensing defeat in the ongoing Lok Sabha elections... The opposition is hell bent to let the nation burn, so that they can rule according to their own whims and fancies making their riches grow every other day," the BJP leader said. BJP leader Narinder Singh said, "Mamata Banerjee is frustrated by the BJP's growing base in the region, which forms the basis of her panicked and ugly political moves."

BJP stages protest in Jammu over Kolkata violence

Stepping up his attack on Congress President Rahul Gandhi, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Tuesday termed AgustaWestland accused Christian Michel "Shakuni Mama" and the "maternal uncle of Rahul.

"Shakuni Mama is a mythological character in Ramayan.

The chief minister also claimed that Rahul goes to Italy whenever there is crisis in the country.

Terming Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra "shehzaadi" (princess), Adityanath advised the brother-sister duo to move to Italy and ask for votes there.

"Whenever there is crisis in the country, Rahul moves to Italy. If Congress` `shehzaadi` (Priyanka) and Rahul have nothing to do with the people of our country, then, they should better move to Italy and ask for votes there," the BJP leader said.

Adityanath, who addressed five rallies back to back on Tuesday, urged people to cast their vote in favour of respective BJP candidates in the remaining last and final phase of general elections. &nbsp;

Talking about incident that took place in Ghazipur on Monday, where SP and BSP workers broke into scuffle, the Chief Minister said, "Yesterday, SP-BSP workers were fighting with each other. The goons of SP were brutally beating the BSP workers.

"Mayawati is sharing the stage with SP leaders only because we have created a safe and secure environment in the state", he claimed.&nbsp;

Adityanath also said that he will visit West Bengal on Wednesday despite "no permission yet" by state Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee-led government in the state.

Stepping up his attack on Congress President Rahul Gandhi, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Tuesday termed AgustaWestland accused Christian Michel "Shakuni Mama" and the "maternal uncle of Rahul.

Stepping up his attack on Congress President Rahul Gandhi, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Tuesday termed AgustaWestland accused Christian Michel "Shakuni Mama" and the "maternal uncle of Rahul. "Shakuni Mama is a mythological character in Ramayan. The chief minister also claimed that Rahul goes to Italy whenever there is crisis in the country. Terming Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra "shehzaadi" (princess), Adityanath advised the brother-sister duo to move to Italy and ask for votes there. "Whenever there is crisis in the country, Rahul moves to Italy. If Congress` `shehzaadi` (Priyanka) and Rahul have nothing to do with the people of our country, then, they should better move to Italy and ask for votes there," the BJP leader said. Adityanath, who addressed five rallies back to back on Tuesday, urged people to cast their vote in favour of respective BJP candidates in the remaining last and final phase of general elections. Talking about incident that took place in Ghazipur on Monday, where SP and BSP workers broke into scuffle, the Chief Minister said, "Yesterday, SP-BSP workers were fighting with each other. The goons of SP were brutally beating the BSP workers. "Mayawati is sharing the stage with SP leaders only because we have created a safe and secure environment in the state", he claimed. Adityanath also said that he will visit West Bengal on Wednesday despite "no permission yet" by state Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee-led government in the state.

Adityanath calls Christian Michel 'shakuni mama' of Rahul Gandhi

In the wake of some incidents of Dalit wedding processions being stopped by some groups in parts of Gujarat recently, the BJP government in the state Wednesday assured to take stern action against such elements.

The Congress, however, said that such "hollow promises" by the government fail to provide "justice" to the Dalits.

Talking to reporters in Gandhinagar, Minister of State for Home, Pradeepsinh Jadeja, accused the Congress of creating a rift between Dalits and other communities.

He was referring to an incident in Lhor village in Mehsana, where some local leaders, including the sarpanch, gave a call of social boycott after a Dalit groom took out his procession riding on a horse two weeks ago.

"The Gujarat government is always with the Dalits. They also have the right to take out wedding processions like others. Our government is also concerned about some recent incidents. I want to assure you that stern action will be taken against those who were behind these incidents," Jadeja said.

"Some people are trying to create a rift between communities for their political gains. In Lhor village, we have already arrested five persons, including the sarpanch, for announcing social boycott of Dalits. Notably, the sarpanch is a Congress supporter. Another accused is a local Congress delegate," the minister added.

Jadeja also urged people from all walks of life to work with the government to establish and preserve social harmony in society.

Slamming the BJP government over this issue, Gujarat Congress in-charge, Rajeev Satav, claimed that the government only gives hollow promises instead of taking action.

"Atrocities on Dalits in Gujarat have increased in recent years. After every incident, the state government gives hollow promises of stern action. However, Dalits never get justice," Satav told reporters.

"This government has failed to maintain law and order. The administration is being run through remote control from Delhi. This is the reason why such atrocities are on the rise," he said.

Meanwhile, BJP's Dalit MLA and film actor, Hitu Kanodia, appealed to the people to treat everyone equally.

"Though this is the 21st century, we are still stuck in such issues. This is matter of shame and pain. We all need to change our mindset to establish harmony and a sense of brotherhood. I request all to treat everyone equally," Kanodia said.

On Sunday, police had to resort to a baton charge after members of the Patidar community allegedly stopped a Dalit man's wedding procession in Aravalli district of Gujarat, and the two sides hurled stones at each other.

In another incident the same day, the wedding procession of a Dalit bridegroom at a village in Sabarkantha district had to be provided police cover after members of the Thakor community objected to the groom offering prayers at a local temple. The procession, however, passed off peacefully, police said.

In the wake of some incidents of Dalit wedding processions being stopped by some groups in parts of Gujarat recently, the BJP government in the state Wednesday assured to take stern action against such elements.

In the wake of some incidents of Dalit wedding processions being stopped by some groups in parts of Gujarat recently, the BJP government in the state Wednesday assured to take stern action against such elements. The Congress, however, said that such "hollow promises" by the government fail to provide "justice" to the Dalits. Talking to reporters in Gandhinagar, Minister of State for Home, Pradeepsinh Jadeja, accused the Congress of creating a rift between Dalits and other communities. He was referring to an incident in Lhor village in Mehsana, where some local leaders, including the sarpanch, gave a call of social boycott after a Dalit groom took out his procession riding on a horse two weeks ago. "The Gujarat government is always with the Dalits. They also have the right to take out wedding processions like others. Our government is also concerned about some recent incidents. I want to assure you that stern action will be taken against those who were behind these incidents," Jadeja said. "Some people are trying to create a rift between communities for their political gains. In Lhor village, we have already arrested five persons, including the sarpanch, for announcing social boycott of Dalits. Notably, the sarpanch is a Congress supporter. Another accused is a local Congress delegate," the minister added. Jadeja also urged people from all walks of life to work with the government to establish and preserve social harmony in society. Slamming the BJP government over this issue, Gujarat Congress in-charge, Rajeev Satav, claimed that the government only gives hollow promises instead of taking action. "Atrocities on Dalits in Gujarat have increased in recent years. After every incident, the state government gives hollow promises of stern action. However, Dalits never get justice," Satav told reporters. "This government has failed to maintain law and order. The administration is being run through remote control from Delhi. This is the reason why such atrocities are on the rise," he said. Meanwhile, BJP's Dalit MLA and film actor, Hitu Kanodia, appealed to the people to treat everyone equally. "Though this is the 21st century, we are still stuck in such issues. This is matter of shame and pain. We all need to change our mindset to establish harmony and a sense of brotherhood. I request all to treat everyone equally," Kanodia said. On Sunday, police had to resort to a baton charge after members of the Patidar community allegedly stopped a Dalit man's wedding procession in Aravalli district of Gujarat, and the two sides hurled stones at each other. In another incident the same day, the wedding procession of a Dalit bridegroom at a village in Sabarkantha district had to be provided police cover after members of the Thakor community objected to the groom offering prayers at a local temple. The procession, however, passed off peacefully, police said.

Gujarat: BJP government promises action over blocking of Dalit wedding processions

The Congress Tuesday condemned the remarks of its leader Mani Shankar Aiyar on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and said appropriate action would be taken against him, even as it accused the PM of lowering the political discourse by using "abusive" language against his rivals. &nbsp; &nbsp;

Aiyar was back in the news on Tuesday with an article justifying his "neech" jibe against Modi two years ago, prompting the BJP to call him "abuser-in-chief" and his party arrogant. Aiyar also called Modi the most "foul-mouthed" prime minister the country has seen.

"We completely reject and condemn the remark of the likes of Mani Shankar Aiyar and every other person who is violating the time-tested principle of self-discipline in political discourse of mutual respect and adherence of ideas and ideology and not to verbal abuse while fighting an election," Congress' chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said.&nbsp;

"To give due regard even to your worst political enemy as was shown by (Congress president) Rahul Gandhi on the floor of Parliament. And, the BJP and Modiji gives sermons to us on political discourse," he said.

On action against Aiyar, Surjewala said, "We shall at the appropriate forum in the party, will definitely look at it and take appropriate action".

Aiyar was in 2017 suspended from the party when he made the "neech aadmi" remark against Modi ahead of the Gujarat assembly election, but was reinstated later.

Reacting to Aiyar's remarks at a press conference, Surjewala alleged that hatred, violence and abuse is the modus operandi of the BJP and not of the Congress.

"We have seen how in the last five years, including in the current election, rage and revenge has blinded Narendra Modi in using completely unacceptable, downright insulting, abusive language for his political opponents," he said.

The "truth" is that Modi has seriously lowered the prestige of the office of the prime minister in independent India by his choice of words, anger, uncontrollable rage, and by his quest to seek revenge against every opposition leader, particularly Rahul Gandhi and his family, he claimed.

Surjewala also said the Congress would like to seek answers from Modi on the "abuses and insults" to the memory of Jawaharlal Nehru and Rajiv Gandhi every other day.

Is the prime minister following a respectable political discourse, he asked.

"When the prime minister uses insulting remarks for (UPA chairperson) Sonia Gandhi in election rallies is that the 'maryada' (decorum) that is followed in our Indian political discourses," he said.

Surjewala accused Modi of lowering the political discourse by describing someone as "a 50-crore girlfriend".

He also hit out at Modi for promoting leaders who abused opposition leaders even describing them as 'Chenghiz Khan ki aulad'.

"The truth is that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will go down in history as the only PM who decimated, denigrated and annihilated the prestige of the office of the prime minister he holds, who violated every article of restraint and mutual respect written in the civilization of the country, who chooses verbal abuse as a weapon to silence his critics when he has no answer on jobs on agrarian distress and on a failed economy," he said.

Earlier in the day, Congress spokesperson Jaiveer Shergill said his party is not on the back foot regarding Aiyar's remarks. Instead, it should be Modi who should be ashamed for his remarks on former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi, he said.

"Mani Shankar Aiyar's remarks are his own as stated by him in his article. His remarks are not shameful and the Congress is neither on the back foot nor ashamed of his remarks. It's the PM who should be ashamed for lowering the dignity of the office he occupies by making disparaging remarks against former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi and former Congress president Sonia Gandhi.

"The PM should apologise to the country for the abusive language that he has used," Shergill said, referring to Modi recently saying Rajiv Gandhi's life ended as 'Bhrashtachari No 1' (corrupt number 1).&nbsp;

Shergill said more than Aiyar, the media should question Modi and he should apologise for downgrading the system for using a lowly language and inflicting low blows.&nbsp;

"The prime minister is paranoid. Prime minister is in electoral depression. His abusive remarks, lowly remarks not befitting the post of the Prime Minister reflect the defeat which he is going to face on 23 May, 2019," he said.&nbsp;

The Congress Tuesday condemned the remarks of its leader Mani Shankar Aiyar on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and said appropriate action would be taken against him, even as it accused the PM of lowering the political discourse by using "abusive" language against his rivals.

The Congress Tuesday condemned the remarks of its leader Mani Shankar Aiyar on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and said appropriate action would be taken against him, even as it accused the PM of lowering the political discourse by using "abusive" language against his rivals. Aiyar was back in the news on Tuesday with an article justifying his "neech" jibe against Modi two years ago, prompting the BJP to call him "abuser-in-chief" and his party arrogant. Aiyar also called Modi the most "foul-mouthed" prime minister the country has seen. "We completely reject and condemn the remark of the likes of Mani Shankar Aiyar and every other person who is violating the time-tested principle of self-discipline in political discourse of mutual respect and adherence of ideas and ideology and not to verbal abuse while fighting an election," Congress' chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said. "To give due regard even to your worst political enemy as was shown by (Congress president) Rahul Gandhi on the floor of Parliament. And, the BJP and Modiji gives sermons to us on political discourse," he said. On action against Aiyar, Surjewala said, "We shall at the appropriate forum in the party, will definitely look at it and take appropriate action". Aiyar was in 2017 suspended from the party when he made the "neech aadmi" remark against Modi ahead of the Gujarat assembly election, but was reinstated later. Reacting to Aiyar's remarks at a press conference, Surjewala alleged that hatred, violence and abuse is the modus operandi of the BJP and not of the Congress. "We have seen how in the last five years, including in the current election, rage and revenge has blinded Narendra Modi in using completely unacceptable, downright insulting, abusive language for his political opponents," he said. The "truth" is that Modi has seriously lowered the prestige of the office of the prime minister in independent India by his choice of words, anger, uncontrollable rage, and by his quest to seek revenge against every opposition leader, particularly Rahul Gandhi and his family, he claimed. Surjewala also said the Congress would like to seek answers from Modi on the "abuses and insults" to the memory of Jawaharlal Nehru and Rajiv Gandhi every other day. Is the prime minister following a respectable political discourse, he asked. "When the prime minister uses insulting remarks for (UPA chairperson) Sonia Gandhi in election rallies is that the 'maryada' (decorum) that is followed in our Indian political discourses," he said. Surjewala accused Modi of lowering the political discourse by describing someone as "a 50-crore girlfriend". He also hit out at Modi for promoting leaders who abused opposition leaders even describing them as 'Chenghiz Khan ki aulad'. "The truth is that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will go down in history as the only PM who decimated, denigrated and annihilated the prestige of the office of the prime minister he holds, who violated every article of restraint and mutual respect written in the civilization of the country, who chooses verbal abuse as a weapon to silence his critics when he has no answer on jobs on agrarian distress and on a failed economy," he said. Earlier in the day, Congress spokesperson Jaiveer Shergill said his party is not on the back foot regarding Aiyar's remarks. Instead, it should be Modi who should be ashamed for his remarks on former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi, he said. "Mani Shankar Aiyar's remarks are his own as stated by him in his article. His remarks are not shameful and the Congress is neither on the back foot nor ashamed of his remarks. It's the PM who should be ashamed for lowering the dignity of the office he occupies by making disparaging remarks against former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi and former Congress president Sonia Gandhi. "The PM should apologise to the country for the abusive language that he has used," Shergill said, referring to Modi recently saying Rajiv Gandhi's life ended as 'Bhrashtachari No 1' (corrupt number 1). Shergill said more than Aiyar, the media should question Modi and he should apologise for downgrading the system for using a lowly language and inflicting low blows. "The prime minister is paranoid. Prime minister is in electoral depression. His abusive remarks, lowly remarks not befitting the post of the Prime Minister reflect the defeat which he is going to face on 23 May, 2019," he said.

Congress condemns Mani Shankar Aiyar's comments on Modi, slams PM for lowering discourse

A day after the Trinamool Congress and BJP workers clashed in West Bengal, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee organised a roadshow in Kolkata to protest against the violence and vandalism during Amit Shah's roadshow in the state capital.

BJP-TMC battle out on the streets, Mamata Banerjee protests in Kolkata

The Madurai bench of Madras High Court dismissed public interest litigation filed by KK Ramesh who had sought that the May 19 by-election to Thiruparankundram assembly constituency be cancelled or postponed due to alleged money distribution to voters.

The petitioner who is a resident of Madurai is also contesting as an independent candidate from Thiruparankundram and had stated that the three main parties the AIADMK, DMK and AMMK were distributing Rs 1000 each to voters.

KK Ramesh said that though the independent candidates had complained about money distribution, flying squad officials had not acted upon it.&nbsp;

A bench comprising of Justice J Nisha Banu and Justice M Dhandapani dismissed the petition.&nbsp;

Just a day ahead of the polling day for the parliamentary elections and the 18 assembly seats by-elections, the Madras High Court had rescinded the polls in Vellore Lok Sabha constituency. It was done due to rampant cash seizures in the constituency.&nbsp;

The 38 parliamentary seats in Tamil Nadu had gone to the polls along with 18 vacant assembly constituencies. On May 19 four vacant assembly seats would go to the polls along with re-polling in 13 booths across the state, owing to errors in handling the EVMs and VVPAT and clearing their memory after the mock polls.&nbsp;

The Madurai bench of Madras High Court dismissed public interest litigation filed by KK Ramesh who had sought that the May 19 by-election to Thiruparankundram assembly constituency be cancelled or postponed due to alleged money distribution to voters.

The Madurai bench of Madras High Court dismissed public interest litigation filed by KK Ramesh who had sought that the May 19 by-election to Thiruparankundram assembly constituency be cancelled or postponed due to alleged money distribution to voters. The petitioner who is a resident of Madurai is also contesting as an independent candidate from Thiruparankundram and had stated that the three main parties the AIADMK, DMK and AMMK were distributing Rs 1000 each to voters. KK Ramesh said that though the independent candidates had complained about money distribution, flying squad officials had not acted upon it. A bench comprising of Justice J Nisha Banu and Justice M Dhandapani dismissed the petition. Just a day ahead of the polling day for the parliamentary elections and the 18 assembly seats by-elections, the Madras High Court had rescinded the polls in Vellore Lok Sabha constituency. It was done due to rampant cash seizures in the constituency. The 38 parliamentary seats in Tamil Nadu had gone to the polls along with 18 vacant assembly constituencies. On May 19 four vacant assembly seats would go to the polls along with re-polling in 13 booths across the state, owing to errors in handling the EVMs and VVPAT and clearing their memory after the mock polls.

Madras High Court rejects PIL seeking cancellation of Thiruparankundram assembly bypolls

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister <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/adityanath-calls-christian-michel-shakuni-mama-of-rahul-gandhi-218828&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiBsevUq53iAhWBpY8KHS_3A5gQFjAAegQICBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0v8WzaRPu0kSOpYQpidYtj">Yogi Adityanath</a> on Wednesday slammed <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/supreme-court-directs-priyanka-sharma-to-apologise-mamata-banerjee-says-we-can-grant-bail-but-she-has-to-apologise-218593&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwijydqPrJ3iAhUjTI8KHZC9CE4QFjAAegQIABAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw12vIxVG2FurnniC3k1oNJq">West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee</a> for allegedly fanning violence during Amit Shah's roadshow on Tuesday, saying it 'was a murder of democracy.'

"It was a murder of democracy. This move by goons will end the TMC government in the state. In a few days, TMC goons will be searching for shelters to hide their faces. Mamata Banerjee is frustrated which is why she is taking such steps," he said addressing a public rally in Barasat.

He also alleged that the Chief Minister is trying to block the term 'Ram'&nbsp;in the state and added, "She is emboldening goons."

Yogi also rakes up the ban imposed on Durga Puja by the government last year saying, while the whole nation observed Durga Puja and Muharram together, as their dates had clashed, only West Bengal government banned the celebration of Durga Puja.

"The whole country including Uttar Pradesh observed Durga pooja and Muharram together. No violence took place in my state as I had given prior warning to people. Why could not West Bengal do the same? TMC government here is very undemocratic. I am sure that after May 23, a nationalist government will be formed and will rule West Bengal," he said.

<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/yogi-adityanath-likens-akhilesh-to-aurangzeb-says-dethroned-his-father-217780&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwigrof9q53iAhVBbn0KHR9gDbMQFjADegQIDxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw3PFhn-2chSm-9R2fVTa6Sj">The Uttar Pradesh CM</a> ended his speech shouting the slogan 'Pura Bharat Dol Raha Hain, Modi Modi Bol Raha Hain', indicating that his political quarter will sweep the ongoing Lok Sabha polls.

<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/unfortunate-congress-is-contesting-polls-only-to-cut-bjps-vote-share-adityanath-218507&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiBsevUq53iAhWBpY8KHS_3A5gQFjAHegQICRAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0xIbi76PGTIWq-r9I0yu0B">Adityanath's </a>statement came just days before nine seats are scheduled to go to polls in West Bengal on May 19.

The counting of votes will take place on May 23.&nbsp;

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Wednesday slammed West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for allegedly fanning violence during Amit Shah's roadshow on Tuesday, saying it 'was a murder of democracy.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Wednesday slammed West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for allegedly fanning violence during Amit Shah's roadshow on Tuesday, saying it 'was a murder of democracy.' "It was a murder of democracy. This move by goons will end the TMC government in the state. In a few days, TMC goons will be searching for shelters to hide their faces. Mamata Banerjee is frustrated which is why she is taking such steps," he said addressing a public rally in Barasat. He also alleged that the Chief Minister is trying to block the term 'Ram' in the state and added, "She is emboldening goons." Yogi also rakes up the ban imposed on Durga Puja by the government last year saying, while the whole nation observed Durga Puja and Muharram together, as their dates had clashed, only West Bengal government banned the celebration of Durga Puja. "The whole country including Uttar Pradesh observed Durga pooja and Muharram together. No violence took place in my state as I had given prior warning to people. Why could not West Bengal do the same? TMC government here is very undemocratic. I am sure that after May 23, a nationalist government will be formed and will rule West Bengal," he said. The Uttar Pradesh CM ended his speech shouting the slogan 'Pura Bharat Dol Raha Hain, Modi Modi Bol Raha Hain', indicating that his political quarter will sweep the ongoing Lok Sabha polls. Adityanath's statement came just days before nine seats are scheduled to go to polls in West Bengal on May 19. The counting of votes will take place on May 23.

TMC undemocratic; nationalist government will rule West Bengal after May 23: Adityanath

TMC leader Derek O’Brien briefed the media over the violence that broke out in Kolkata during Amit Shah’s rally. Watch full video to know more.

TMC Leader Derek O' Brien slams BJP after BJP-TMC clashes during Amit Shah's Kolkata rally

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Wednesday held a silent protest at Jantar Mantar here against the violence that took place during Amit Shah`s roadshow in Kolkata on Tuesday.&nbsp;

Many top leaders of the party, including Union Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan, Dr Jitendra Singh and Vijay Goel, were seen sitting with a finger on their lips, holding placards that read - `Save Bengal Save Democracy`.&nbsp;

The leaders also wore black bands as a mark of protest.

On Tuesday, clashes had broken out between BJP supporters and Trinamool Chhatra Parishad (TMCP) activists after stones were allegedly pelted at Shah`s convoy as it passed through College Street.&nbsp;

The protest left several injured and the police later told Shah to immediately end the roadshow.

Bengali polymath Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar`s statue was also vandalised during the clashes.

After the silent protest, Goel told ANI that Mamata Banerjee knows that she is losing which is why she is instigating violence across the state.

"There is no place for violence in West Bengal. Mamata Banerjee is regularly fanning violence across the state. She knows that TMC is losing and BJP is moving ahead. This is absolutely not acceptable to anybody that the national president of the largest party which is at the Centre is not allowed to conduct a roadshow," he said.

Polling for nine seats in Bengal is scheduled to be held in the seventh phase of Lok Sabha election on May 19. The counting of votes will take place on May 23.&nbsp;

 
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The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Wednesday held a silent protest at Jantar Mantar here against the violence that took place during Amit Shah`s roadshow in Kolkata on Tuesday.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Wednesday held a silent protest at Jantar Mantar here against the violence that took place during Amit Shah`s roadshow in Kolkata on Tuesday. Many top leaders of the party, including Union Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan, Dr Jitendra Singh and Vijay Goel, were seen sitting with a finger on their lips, holding placards that read - `Save Bengal Save Democracy`. The leaders also wore black bands as a mark of protest. On Tuesday, clashes had broken out between BJP supporters and Trinamool Chhatra Parishad (TMCP) activists after stones were allegedly pelted at Shah`s convoy as it passed through College Street. The protest left several injured and the police later told Shah to immediately end the roadshow. Bengali polymath Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar`s statue was also vandalised during the clashes. After the silent protest, Goel told ANI that Mamata Banerjee knows that she is losing which is why she is instigating violence across the state. "There is no place for violence in West Bengal. Mamata Banerjee is regularly fanning violence across the state. She knows that TMC is losing and BJP is moving ahead. This is absolutely not acceptable to anybody that the national president of the largest party which is at the Centre is not allowed to conduct a roadshow," he said. Polling for nine seats in Bengal is scheduled to be held in the seventh phase of Lok Sabha election on May 19. The counting of votes will take place on May 23.

BJP holds silent protest at Jantar Mantar over violence at Amit Shah's Kolkata roadshow

Asserting that the Congress will be losing the Lok Sabha elections, Prime Minister Narendra Modi Wednesday claimed that the party has fielded "two batsmen" to defend the "naamdar" (dynast).

In a veiled dig at Congress leaders Mani Shankar Aiyar and Sam Pitroda, Modi said they were tasked by the party to take the responsibility for the poor poll show.

"One says 'hua to hua' ( it happened, so what) on the 1984 anti-Sikh riots while the other, who has been behind curtains after abusing me during the Gujarat elections, is again attacking me," the prime minister said.

While Pitroda faced the wrath of Congress president Rahul Gandhi for his remarks, Aiyar in an article raked up his controversial "neech" remark against Modi, saying his comments turned out to be prophetic.

The prime minister has often targeted Gandhi, calling him "naamdar".

Attacking the Congress leadership, Modi said, "What the rule by one family could not do in 55 years, the BJP-led government did in 55 months.

"The country has seen development and there has not been a single taint on the government. When I say this from Babadham (temple town of Deoghar) I feel proud that the people have given me the responsibility to head an honest government."

Two-time BJP MP Nishikant Dubey is contesting from Godda Lok Sabha seat, under which the temple town of Deoghar falls, and facing Jharkhand Vikas Morcha (Prajatantrik) candidate Pradip Yadav, who is backed by the opposition grand alliance.

Godda, Dumka (ST) and Rajmahal (ST) will be voting in the last phase of the Lok Sabha polls on May 19.&nbsp;

Asserting that the Congress will be losing the Lok Sabha elections, Prime Minister Narendra Modi Wednesday claimed that the party has fielded "two batsmen" to defend the "naamdar" (dynast).

Asserting that the Congress will be losing the Lok Sabha elections, Prime Minister Narendra Modi Wednesday claimed that the party has fielded "two batsmen" to defend the "naamdar" (dynast). In a veiled dig at Congress leaders Mani Shankar Aiyar and Sam Pitroda, Modi said they were tasked by the party to take the responsibility for the poor poll show. "One says 'hua to hua' ( it happened, so what) on the 1984 anti-Sikh riots while the other, who has been behind curtains after abusing me during the Gujarat elections, is again attacking me," the prime minister said. While Pitroda faced the wrath of Congress president Rahul Gandhi for his remarks, Aiyar in an article raked up his controversial "neech" remark against Modi, saying his comments turned out to be prophetic. The prime minister has often targeted Gandhi, calling him "naamdar". Attacking the Congress leadership, Modi said, "What the rule by one family could not do in 55 years, the BJP-led government did in 55 months. "The country has seen development and there has not been a single taint on the government. When I say this from Babadham (temple town of Deoghar) I feel proud that the people have given me the responsibility to head an honest government." Two-time BJP MP Nishikant Dubey is contesting from Godda Lok Sabha seat, under which the temple town of Deoghar falls, and facing Jharkhand Vikas Morcha (Prajatantrik) candidate Pradip Yadav, who is backed by the opposition grand alliance. Godda, Dumka (ST) and Rajmahal (ST) will be voting in the last phase of the Lok Sabha polls on May 19.

Congress has fielded two batsmen to take blame for poll defeat: PM Modi

India's Home Ministry has written to the Election Commission about West Bengal poll violence and has expressed concern on continuing elections in West Bengal. Watch full video to know more.

Home Ministry writes to Election Commission about West Bengal poll violence

BJP Youth Wing Convenor Priyanka Sharma who was arrested for sharing a meme on West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee: My bail was granted yesterday, but still I wasn't released for another 18 hours. They didn't allow me to meet my advocate & family. They made me sign an apology. Watch full video to know more.

Why was BJP worker Priyanka Sharma's release delayed?

Let's now take a look as to what exactly happened in Kolkata on Tuesday evening at Amit Shah's rally. Watch full video to know more.

What exactly happened in Kolkata on Tuesday evening at Amit Shah's rally

Election Commission will hold a meeting with West Bengal observers on poll violence in the state at 11.30 am today via video conferencing.

This comes a day after clashes broke at the mega roadshow of BJP president Amit Shah in Kolkata resulting in utter chaos after sticks were hurled at his convoy and police resorted to lathi-charge to disperse the crowd.

Clashes reportedly broke out on Tuesday after some miscreants started throwing sticks at the convoy in which Shah was travelling in.

The incident took place on College Street when allegedly some TMC supporters began sloganeering and the furious BJP supporters responded by pelting stones and sticks at the University gates, resulting in chaos and mayhem.

Since the Lok Sabha polls began on April 10, BJP and TMC have been at loggerhead in West Bengal.

Voting for nine seats in the state will be held in the seventh and final phase of the general election on May 19. Counting of votes will take place on May 23.

Election Commission will hold a meeting with West Bengal observers on poll violence in the state at 11.30 am today via video conferencing. This comes a day after clashes broke at the mega roadshow of BJP president Amit Shah in Kolkata resulting in utter chaos after sticks were hurled at his convoy and police resorted to lathi-charge to disperse the crowd.

Election Commission will hold a meeting with West Bengal observers on poll violence in the state at 11.30 am today via video conferencing. This comes a day after clashes broke at the mega roadshow of BJP president Amit Shah in Kolkata resulting in utter chaos after sticks were hurled at his convoy and police resorted to lathi-charge to disperse the crowd. Clashes reportedly broke out on Tuesday after some miscreants started throwing sticks at the convoy in which Shah was travelling in. The incident took place on College Street when allegedly some TMC supporters began sloganeering and the furious BJP supporters responded by pelting stones and sticks at the University gates, resulting in chaos and mayhem. Since the Lok Sabha polls began on April 10, BJP and TMC have been at loggerhead in West Bengal. Voting for nine seats in the state will be held in the seventh and final phase of the general election on May 19. Counting of votes will take place on May 23.

Election Commission to hold meeting with West Bengal observers on poll violence today

BJP President Amit Shah has accused TMC of triggering violence in West Bengal. Watch full video to know more.

Amit Shah accuse TMC of triggering violence in West Bengal

In this video of WION, watch top political news of this hour. Watch full video to know more.

India Election Watch: EC orders fresh polling in 10 districts of Odisha

The Supreme Court on Tuesday granted conditional bail to West Bengal BJP functionary Priyanka Sharma who was arrested on May 10 for allegedly posting a morphed picture of state Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Facebook. The court has asked her to apologise.

Supreme Court grants bail to Priyanka Sharma after her apology for Mamata Banerjee meme

In this segment of 'India Election Watch' We Decodes Mani Shankar Aiyar's 'Low-Life' Comment justification on PM Modi with Mr. Andrew Whitehead, Former BBC Senior Journalist; Mr. Arun Anand, Senior Journalist & Mr. Lord Meghnad Desai, Author & Professor Emeritus at LSE.

India Election Watch: Decodes Aiyar's 'Low-Life' Comment justification on PM Modi with experts

Kamal Hasan stated that Nathuram Godse was the India's first Hindu terrorist. After that Congress leader KS Alagiri defends Kamal Haasan's remarks saying He is agree with him 1000%. Watch to know more.

India Election Watch: Does Terrorism Have A Religion?

In this segment of India Election Watch, Watch how Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar justifies 'Low-Life'comment.

India Election Watch: Mani Shankar Aiyar justifies 'Low-Life' comment

Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday took a dig at Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his comment that the Indian Air Force carried out the Balakot airstrikes despite cloudy weather because it would have helped the fighter jets evade Pakistan radars.

India Election Watch: Rahul Gandhi taunts PM Modi

Today BJP President leads a mega roadshow in Kolkata. Before Roadshow posters of Amit shah or BJP were removed by the TMC Supporters. Watch this video to know more.

India Election Watch: PM Modi's dare to opposition

Rally roster of top leaders for May 14, 2019. Watch video to know more.

India Election Watch: Rally roster of top leaders for May 14, 2019

Better employment opportunities, healthcare and drinking water were the top three issues on which voters want the government of the day to work on, a national survey conducted by the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) has claimed.

As per the survey, conducted between October and December in 2018, the performance of the government has been rated "below-average", Jagdeep Chhokar, founder member, National Election Watch, ADR, told reporters on Monday.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/2019-lok-sabha-witnesses-an-increase-in-criminal-and-crorepati-candidates-218555">2019 Lok Sabha polls witness an increase in criminal and crorepati candidates</a>

The survey covered 534 Lok Sabha constituencies with 2,73,487 voters participating in the exercise.

It was spread across various demographics such as voters' priorities on specific governance issues; voters' ratings of the government's performance on those issues, and factors affecting voting behaviour.

When asked if national security was one of the issues listed in the survey, Chhokar said, "terrorism was one of the 31 listed issues, and it figured on the 30th position in the survey".

Better employment opportunities figured as the highest priority among voters (46.80 per cent), followed by better healthcare (34.60 per cent) and drinking water (30.50 per cent), better roads (28.34 per cent) and better public transport (27.35 per cent), as per the national survey.

Chhokar claimed that as per the report, the performance of the government, measured on a scale of 1 to 5, was rated "below average" on top 10 governance issues.

He said as the survey was conducted last year, "Balakot airstrike, national security issue was not included in the list".

"It is important to note that agriculture-related governance issues featured predominantly in the top 10 list of voters' priorities, availability of water for agriculture (26.40 per cent) that was ranked sixth, agriculture loan availability (25.62 per cent) at seventh, higher price realisation for farm products (25.41 per cent) at eighth, and agriculture subsidy for seeds/fertilisers (25.06 per cent) at ninth," he said.

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Better employment opportunities, healthcare and drinking water were the top three issues on which voters want the government of the day to work on, a national survey conducted by the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) has claimed.

Better employment opportunities, healthcare and drinking water were the top three issues on which voters want the government of the day to work on, a national survey conducted by the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) has claimed. As per the survey, conducted between October and December in 2018, the performance of the government has been rated "below-average", Jagdeep Chhokar, founder member, National Election Watch, ADR, told reporters on Monday. Also read: 2019 Lok Sabha polls witness an increase in criminal and crorepati candidates The survey covered 534 Lok Sabha constituencies with 2,73,487 voters participating in the exercise. It was spread across various demographics such as voters' priorities on specific governance issues; voters' ratings of the government's performance on those issues, and factors affecting voting behaviour. When asked if national security was one of the issues listed in the survey, Chhokar said, "terrorism was one of the 31 listed issues, and it figured on the 30th position in the survey". Better employment opportunities figured as the highest priority among voters (46.80 per cent), followed by better healthcare (34.60 per cent) and drinking water (30.50 per cent), better roads (28.34 per cent) and better public transport (27.35 per cent), as per the national survey. Chhokar claimed that as per the report, the performance of the government, measured on a scale of 1 to 5, was rated "below average" on top 10 governance issues. He said as the survey was conducted last year, "Balakot airstrike, national security issue was not included in the list". "It is important to note that agriculture-related governance issues featured predominantly in the top 10 list of voters' priorities, availability of water for agriculture (26.40 per cent) that was ranked sixth, agriculture loan availability (25.62 per cent) at seventh, higher price realisation for farm products (25.41 per cent) at eighth, and agriculture subsidy for seeds/fertilisers (25.06 per cent) at ninth," he said.

2019 Lok Sabha polls: Employment opportunities top list of voters' priorities, says ADR report

A complaint was Tuesday filed before a court&nbsp;seeking prosecution of actor-politician Kamal Haasan for his controversial statement on Nathuram Godse.

The matter is likely to be listed before a Metropolitan Magistrate on May 16.

The complainant has sought Haasan's prosecution for alleged offences punishable under Indian Penal Code sections 153-A (promoting enmity between different groups on ground of religion, race, language etc) and 295-A (outrage religious feelings by insulting religion etc).

The offences are punishable with imprisonment of three-year jail term or fine, or both.&nbsp;

The complaint was filed by Vishnu Gupta who claimed to be the president of an organisation Hindu Sena.&nbsp;

Haasan "deliberately and maliciously" made "absolutely derogatory comments to outrage religious feelings of Hindus by associating terrorism with the Hindu religion", he alleged.

The comment was made with the sole intention "to promote enmity between Hindus and Muslims, and outrage religious feelings and religious beliefs of Hindus, along with that of the complainant", Gupta claimed in his complaint.

It was alleged in the complaint that the comment made by Haasan was "grossly offensive and deliberately intended to outrage the feelings of Hindus".

The petition said he had made the comment while speaking at an election rally for his party candidate in the Aravakurichi assembly constituency, where bypolls will be held on May 19.&nbsp;

A complaint was Tuesday filed before a court seeking prosecution of actor-politician Kamal Haasan for his controversial statement on Nathuram Godse. The matter is likely to be listed before a Metropolitan Magistrate on May 16.

A complaint was Tuesday filed before a court seeking prosecution of actor-politician Kamal Haasan for his controversial statement on Nathuram Godse. The matter is likely to be listed before a Metropolitan Magistrate on May 16. The complainant has sought Haasan's prosecution for alleged offences punishable under Indian Penal Code sections 153-A (promoting enmity between different groups on ground of religion, race, language etc) and 295-A (outrage religious feelings by insulting religion etc). The offences are punishable with imprisonment of three-year jail term or fine, or both. The complaint was filed by Vishnu Gupta who claimed to be the president of an organisation Hindu Sena. Haasan "deliberately and maliciously" made "absolutely derogatory comments to outrage religious feelings of Hindus by associating terrorism with the Hindu religion", he alleged. The comment was made with the sole intention "to promote enmity between Hindus and Muslims, and outrage religious feelings and religious beliefs of Hindus, along with that of the complainant", Gupta claimed in his complaint. It was alleged in the complaint that the comment made by Haasan was "grossly offensive and deliberately intended to outrage the feelings of Hindus". The petition said he had made the comment while speaking at an election rally for his party candidate in the Aravakurichi assembly constituency, where bypolls will be held on May 19.

Complaint filed against Kamal Haasan over Godse remark

An FIR has been registered against <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/complaint-filed-against-kamal-haasan-for-hindu-terrorist-remark-218775">Kamal Hassan for allegedly hurting religious sentiments</a> for his controversial statement on Nathuram Godse, police said on Tuesday.

Earlier a complaint was also filed against actor-politician before a court.

The complaint was filed by Vishnu Gupta who claimed to be the president of an organisation Hindu Sena.&nbsp;

The offences are punishable with imprisonment of three-year jail term or fine, or both.&nbsp;

Haasan "deliberately and maliciously" made "absolutely derogatory comments to outrage religious feelings of Hindus by associating terrorism with the Hindu religion", Vishnu Gupta alleged.

The petition said he had made the comment while speaking at an election rally for his party candidate in the Aravakurichi assembly constituency, where bypolls will be held on May 19.&nbsp;

(With inputs from PTI)

An FIR has been registered against Kamal Hassan for allegedly hurting religious sentiments for his controversial statement on Nathuram Godse, police said on Tuesday.

An FIR has been registered against Kamal Hassan for allegedly hurting religious sentiments for his controversial statement on Nathuram Godse, police said on Tuesday. Earlier a complaint was also filed against actor-politician before a court. The complaint was filed by Vishnu Gupta who claimed to be the president of an organisation Hindu Sena. The offences are punishable with imprisonment of three-year jail term or fine, or both. Haasan "deliberately and maliciously" made "absolutely derogatory comments to outrage religious feelings of Hindus by associating terrorism with the Hindu religion", Vishnu Gupta alleged. The petition said he had made the comment while speaking at an election rally for his party candidate in the Aravakurichi assembly constituency, where bypolls will be held on May 19. (With inputs from PTI)

FIR registered against Kamal Haasan over Godse remark