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Union Minister<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/videos/smriti-irani-alleges-voters-being-forced-to-vote-for-congress-216384&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiMy6ui14jiAhXS7nMBHSRfAkIQFjAIegQIBhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw03qzuEilU0CXJuZVJMu1RV"> Smriti Irani </a>on Monday hit out at Congress president Rahul Gandhi for cancelling his visit to <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/photos/lok-sabha-elections-smriti-irani-rahul-gandhi-face-off-in-fifth-phase-polls-216380&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiMy6ui14jiAhXS7nMBHSRfAkIQFjAEegQIBRAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1OigluUO7MaLqWxplwLqjg">Amethi on the polling day</a>, which she said is "an insult to the people" of the constituency.

"Rahul Gandhi has once again cheated the people of Amethi. I did not know that Rahul Gandhi could become so egotistic that he will not appear on the polling day. At least, he should have not insulted the people of his constituency. The person who can lie on the matter of his tours should never be trusted by the people," Irani said while speaking to ANI.

In response to Irani`s statement, Congress MLC Deepak Singh said,&nbsp;"Smriti Irani is frustrated as she is losing her deposit in Amethi. Her allegation shows that people have given mandate in favour of Congress. People of Amethi told Rahul Gandhi to look after the country and they will look after Amethi. This is the reason Rahul Gandhi did not come to Amethi today."

Irani has faced Rahul in Amethi Lok Sabha seat for which the polling took place on Monday.

Gandhi has been winning this seat since 2004.

In the last Lok Sabha polls, he had defeated Irani by a margin of over one lakh votes.

The counting of votes will take place on May 23.

Union Minister Smriti Irani on Monday hit out at Congress president Rahul Gandhi for cancelling his visit to Amethi on the polling day, which she said is "an insult to the people" of the constituency.

Union Minister Smriti Irani on Monday hit out at Congress president Rahul Gandhi for cancelling his visit to Amethi on the polling day, which she said is "an insult to the people" of the constituency. "Rahul Gandhi has once again cheated the people of Amethi. I did not know that Rahul Gandhi could become so egotistic that he will not appear on the polling day. At least, he should have not insulted the people of his constituency. The person who can lie on the matter of his tours should never be trusted by the people," Irani said while speaking to ANI. In response to Irani`s statement, Congress MLC Deepak Singh said, "Smriti Irani is frustrated as she is losing her deposit in Amethi. Her allegation shows that people have given mandate in favour of Congress. People of Amethi told Rahul Gandhi to look after the country and they will look after Amethi. This is the reason Rahul Gandhi did not come to Amethi today." Irani has faced Rahul in Amethi Lok Sabha seat for which the polling took place on Monday. Gandhi has been winning this seat since 2004. In the last Lok Sabha polls, he had defeated Irani by a margin of over one lakh votes. The counting of votes will take place on May 23.

On polling day, Rahul Gandhi cancels Amethi visit; Smriti Irani says insult to people

&nbsp;A voter turnout of 63.5 per cent was recorded in the fifth phase of the <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-election-watch-know-5-crucial-points-about-phase-5-216501&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwimxaT71YjiAhVUmuYKHRlOD_QQFjAHegQIBhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2SIFkZ3QIKeYWEkwZ7z0k9">Lok Sabha elections</a>, which is the lowest in all the phases so far, Election Commission data shows.

According to the Commission's Voter Turnout android application, at 9.00 PM, the turnout in the Monday's polling was 63.5 per cent.&nbsp;

The voter turnout has recorded a decreasing trend so far this election.

At 69.50 per cent, the polling in phase-1 is the highest in the five phases&nbsp;so far.

In phase-2, the turnout was 69.44 per cent, it was 68.40 in phase-3 and 65.51 per cent in phase-4.

Senior Deputy Election Commissioner Sandeep Saxena told reporters here that as compared to 2014, in the first four phases (barring Monday's phase five), 7.85 crore more people eligible to cast vote.&nbsp;

He also said that six crore more voters participated in the democratic exercise in the first four phases as compared to 2014 LS polls in its four phases.&nbsp;

The Anantnag Parliamentary Constituency in Jammu &amp; Kashmir went to polls in Phase III, Phase IV &amp; Phase V, the only such instance in the country.

The overall voter turnout there was 8.76 per cent this year as compared to 28.54 per cent in 2014 Lok Sabha polls.

The Ladakh constituency of the state, which went to polls Monday, recorded a turnout of 71.10 per cent at 10 PM as per the EC app. In 2014, the turnout was nearly the same at 71.9 per cent.

A total of 51 constituencies in seven states voted Monday. In this phase, the least number of states were involved.

Over 8.75 crore electors were to decide the fate of 674 candidates, including top leaders such as Congress president Rahul Gandhi, UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi and Home Minister Rajnath Singh, in this phase.

The Election Commission set up over 96,000 polling booths, which included a maximum of 28,072 in Uttar Pradesh, for smooth conduct of polls.

A voter turnout of 63.5 per cent was recorded in the fifth phase of the Lok Sabha elections, which is the lowest in all the phases so far, Election Commission data shows.

A voter turnout of 63.5 per cent was recorded in the fifth phase of the Lok Sabha elections, which is the lowest in all the phases so far, Election Commission data shows. According to the Commission's Voter Turnout android application, at 9.00 PM, the turnout in the Monday's polling was 63.5 per cent. The voter turnout has recorded a decreasing trend so far this election. At 69.50 per cent, the polling in phase-1 is the highest in the five phases so far. In phase-2, the turnout was 69.44 per cent, it was 68.40 in phase-3 and 65.51 per cent in phase-4. Senior Deputy Election Commissioner Sandeep Saxena told reporters here that as compared to 2014, in the first four phases (barring Monday's phase five), 7.85 crore more people eligible to cast vote. He also said that six crore more voters participated in the democratic exercise in the first four phases as compared to 2014 LS polls in its four phases. The Anantnag Parliamentary Constituency in Jammu & Kashmir went to polls in Phase III, Phase IV & Phase V, the only such instance in the country. The overall voter turnout there was 8.76 per cent this year as compared to 28.54 per cent in 2014 Lok Sabha polls. The Ladakh constituency of the state, which went to polls Monday, recorded a turnout of 71.10 per cent at 10 PM as per the EC app. In 2014, the turnout was nearly the same at 71.9 per cent. A total of 51 constituencies in seven states voted Monday. In this phase, the least number of states were involved. Over 8.75 crore electors were to decide the fate of 674 candidates, including top leaders such as Congress president Rahul Gandhi, UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi and Home Minister Rajnath Singh, in this phase. The Election Commission set up over 96,000 polling booths, which included a maximum of 28,072 in Uttar Pradesh, for smooth conduct of polls.

63.5% voter turnout in Phase 5: Election Commission

BJP general secretary <a href="http://13.232.42.114/india-news/digvijaya-singh-needed-proper-challenger-bjps-ram-madhav-on-pragya-thakur-211565">Ram Madhav</a> on Tuesday mocked attempts by Telangana 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/kcr-and-kerala-cm-pinarayi-vijayan-to-meet-in-trivandrum-today-discuss-contemporary-politics-216232&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiN64nRwYniAhWS7nMBHbHGBxkQFjAHegQIABAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1dy2-_vRLDWLl2Y0aB4Qtd">K Chandrasekhara Rao</a> for a possible post-poll role of a kingmaker saying 'BJP has got the king and won't be requiring a kingmaker'.&nbsp;

"I know KCR has an ambition of becoming the kingmaker. This is what his party workers and his son tell the people of Telangana. I want to tell him we already have a king with us and we don`t need kingmakers," he told ANI in an interview.

His statement came hours after Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan asserted that his meeting with Rao on Monday was highly significant as regional parties will play a major role in the formation of a government after the Lok Sabha elections. Madhav claimed that BJP would get a comfortable majority in the elections.

"Based on ground reports that we get from our caders, we are confident BJP will be able to do as good as 2014 if not better. With the help of NDA, we will have good seats to run another a stable government."On our own, we are confident of securing the required numbers, maybe more than what we have in the ongoing parliament.

We already have a pre-poll alliance with more than two dozen parties. Together the NDA alliance will have absolute comfortable majorities," added Madhav.On the controversy over the remarks made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi against late Rajiv Gandhi, Madhav said, "Everybody should ask Congress whether they have moral right to ask questions to other leaders. The kind of language they use for the current Prime Minister, they have to answer the people. When we talk about Congress party then we have to talk from corruption scandals right from 1950s` jeep scandal to Bofors, which is a black spot on Congress`s history. We talk all this for Congress history."

Last week, the Prime Minister, while addressing a rally in Uttar Pradesh, had said, "Your (Rahul Gandhi) father (Rajiv Gandhi) was termed `Mr Clean` by his courtiers, but his life ended as `Bhrashtachari No 1." Madhav also asserted that talking about past leaders during election campaigns is not a new thing."We talk about leaders who are there and aren`t there anymore. When we talk about Emergency we talk about Indira Gandhi. So we talk about ex-leaders. It is natural we have to talk about leaders when we talk about the history of partisan governments," said Madhav.

He also criticised West Bengal Chief Minister Mamta Banerjee for making statements against Modi and said, "For Mamata Banerjee everything is politics. There is no civility in her. In her state, there is "jungle raaj" and dictatorship. There is extreme violence so much so that Election Commission has to deploy central forces in almost 100 per cent polling booths to ensure smooth elections. People of West Bengal will teach Mamata Banerjee a lesson in these elections."

On Monday, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had said that she doesn`t consider Narendra Modi as a prime minister, adding that she will speak to the "next prime minister" of the country. Madhav also lambasted Banerjee on her alleged refusal to speak to Prime Minister in the wake of severe cyclonic storm Fan. "The CM of West Bengal was so rude to PM that she didn`t take the call of Prime Minister or returned it. He is prime minister of 130 Crore people which includes Bengali people. Prime Minister wanted to help people of Bengal and wanted to go to the state but the chief minister had said that he is not welcome. This is very unfortunate."

Prime Minister Modi, who flew down to Bhubaneswar on Monday to visit the areas hit by Fani and take stock of the situation, wanted to do the same for West Bengal. The state government, however, refused to hold the review meeting stating that officials were busy with elections.On opposition`s apprehensions about the Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), Madhav said, "When they win, EVMs are fine. Chandra Babu Naidu has himself fought and won many elections using these same EVM`s. Supreme Court has taken the right decision by dismissing their petition."

The Supreme Court on Tuesday rejected a review plea filed by 21 Opposition parties seeking a direction to increase Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) verification from five to at least 50 per cent of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) during the counting of votes at the end of the ongoing elections. On Shashi Tharoor`s tweet about Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan, Madhav said, "Sashi Tharoor`s love for neighbours and hate for our own leaders is very well known. He uses choicest abuses for our leaders and he has a great love for people across the border. He has to think of what he is doing. People know what kind of politics theses congress leader practice."

On Tuesday, Tharoor had praised Imran Khan recalling Tipu Sultan on his death anniversary."One thing I personally know about Imran Khan is that his interest in the shared history of the Indian subcontinent is genuine and far-reaching. He reads; he cares. It is disappointing, though, that it took a Pakistani leader to remember a great Indian hero on his punyathithi", said Tharoor in a tweet.

BJP general secretary Ram Madhav on Tuesday mocked attempts by Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhara Rao for a possible post-poll role of a kingmaker saying 'BJP has got the king and won't be requiring a kingmaker'.

BJP general secretary Ram Madhav on Tuesday mocked attempts by Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhara Rao for a possible post-poll role of a kingmaker saying 'BJP has got the king and won't be requiring a kingmaker'. "I know KCR has an ambition of becoming the kingmaker. This is what his party workers and his son tell the people of Telangana. I want to tell him we already have a king with us and we don`t need kingmakers," he told ANI in an interview. His statement came hours after Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan asserted that his meeting with Rao on Monday was highly significant as regional parties will play a major role in the formation of a government after the Lok Sabha elections. Madhav claimed that BJP would get a comfortable majority in the elections. "Based on ground reports that we get from our caders, we are confident BJP will be able to do as good as 2014 if not better. With the help of NDA, we will have good seats to run another a stable government."On our own, we are confident of securing the required numbers, maybe more than what we have in the ongoing parliament. We already have a pre-poll alliance with more than two dozen parties. Together the NDA alliance will have absolute comfortable majorities," added Madhav.On the controversy over the remarks made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi against late Rajiv Gandhi, Madhav said, "Everybody should ask Congress whether they have moral right to ask questions to other leaders. The kind of language they use for the current Prime Minister, they have to answer the people. When we talk about Congress party then we have to talk from corruption scandals right from 1950s` jeep scandal to Bofors, which is a black spot on Congress`s history. We talk all this for Congress history." Last week, the Prime Minister, while addressing a rally in Uttar Pradesh, had said, "Your (Rahul Gandhi) father (Rajiv Gandhi) was termed `Mr Clean` by his courtiers, but his life ended as `Bhrashtachari No 1." Madhav also asserted that talking about past leaders during election campaigns is not a new thing."We talk about leaders who are there and aren`t there anymore. When we talk about Emergency we talk about Indira Gandhi. So we talk about ex-leaders. It is natural we have to talk about leaders when we talk about the history of partisan governments," said Madhav. He also criticised West Bengal Chief Minister Mamta Banerjee for making statements against Modi and said, "For Mamata Banerjee everything is politics. There is no civility in her. In her state, there is "jungle raaj" and dictatorship. There is extreme violence so much so that Election Commission has to deploy central forces in almost 100 per cent polling booths to ensure smooth elections. People of West Bengal will teach Mamata Banerjee a lesson in these elections." On Monday, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had said that she doesn`t consider Narendra Modi as a prime minister, adding that she will speak to the "next prime minister" of the country. Madhav also lambasted Banerjee on her alleged refusal to speak to Prime Minister in the wake of severe cyclonic storm Fan. "The CM of West Bengal was so rude to PM that she didn`t take the call of Prime Minister or returned it. He is prime minister of 130 Crore people which includes Bengali people. Prime Minister wanted to help people of Bengal and wanted to go to the state but the chief minister had said that he is not welcome. This is very unfortunate." Prime Minister Modi, who flew down to Bhubaneswar on Monday to visit the areas hit by Fani and take stock of the situation, wanted to do the same for West Bengal. The state government, however, refused to hold the review meeting stating that officials were busy with elections.On opposition`s apprehensions about the Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), Madhav said, "When they win, EVMs are fine. Chandra Babu Naidu has himself fought and won many elections using these same EVM`s. Supreme Court has taken the right decision by dismissing their petition." The Supreme Court on Tuesday rejected a review plea filed by 21 Opposition parties seeking a direction to increase Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) verification from five to at least 50 per cent of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) during the counting of votes at the end of the ongoing elections. On Shashi Tharoor`s tweet about Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan, Madhav said, "Sashi Tharoor`s love for neighbours and hate for our own leaders is very well known. He uses choicest abuses for our leaders and he has a great love for people across the border. He has to think of what he is doing. People know what kind of politics theses congress leader practice." On Tuesday, Tharoor had praised Imran Khan recalling Tipu Sultan on his death anniversary."One thing I personally know about Imran Khan is that his interest in the shared history of the Indian subcontinent is genuine and far-reaching. He reads; he cares. It is disappointing, though, that it took a Pakistani leader to remember a great Indian hero on his punyathithi", said Tharoor in a tweet.

‘We don’t need any kingmaker, have the king,’ says Ram Madhav

CPI(M) general secretary <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/fir-registered-against-cpm-general-secretary-sitaram-yechury-215984&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjFkNWzu4niAhWz8XMBHWhXAP0QFjAAegQIABAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1flZBxL08aZh5n1xWWH9yC">Sitaram Yechury </a>Tuesday attacked the BJP government, alleging that the country's economy and security have been run into the ground in the last five years.&nbsp;

In a series of tweets, he listed the "failures" of the government since 2014 and 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/modi-dares-mamata-to-arrest-him-for-chanting-jai-shri-ram-216402&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjsy7yXvIniAhUE63MBHak3Br8QFjABegQIEBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0Q-2LNlSWcBnFlMDYPDtPr">Prime Minister Narendra Modi</a> cannot escape the pitfalls. "The plot and more has been lost under the Modi govt. Jobs and Spending down, benefitting no one, except the cronies who have been taken care of. At least Rs 5.5 lakh crore of public loans waived off for them since 2014."

"A litany of failures, which Modi can't escape: Modi govt has run the Economy into the ground. Terror attacks in J&amp;K were up 176% even though the harebrained Notebandi was to cut off terror funding. Truce violations by Pakistan increased 100% since 2014," Yechury tweeted.

On Monday, a war of words broke out between Modi and Yechury after the prime minister hit out at the Left leader for his alleged "derogatory" remarks against two great Hindu epics.&nbsp;Yechury had retaliated by alleging that Modi had "distorted" what he had said.

CPI(M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury Tuesday attacked the BJP government, alleging that the country's economy and security have been run into the ground in the last five years.

CPI(M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury Tuesday attacked the BJP government, alleging that the country's economy and security have been run into the ground in the last five years. In a series of tweets, he listed the "failures" of the government since 2014 and said Prime Minister Narendra Modi cannot escape the pitfalls. "The plot and more has been lost under the Modi govt. Jobs and Spending down, benefitting no one, except the cronies who have been taken care of. At least Rs 5.5 lakh crore of public loans waived off for them since 2014." "A litany of failures, which Modi can't escape: Modi govt has run the Economy into the ground. Terror attacks in J&K were up 176% even though the harebrained Notebandi was to cut off terror funding. Truce violations by Pakistan increased 100% since 2014," Yechury tweeted. On Monday, a war of words broke out between Modi and Yechury after the prime minister hit out at the Left leader for his alleged "derogatory" remarks against two great Hindu epics. Yechury had retaliated by alleging that Modi had "distorted" what he had said.

Narendra Modi government has run economy, security into the ground: Sitaram Yechury

A<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/special-vote-underway-in-south-africa-ahead-of-general-election-216626&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiz9OifsYniAhUC5o8KHQOXBY0QFjABegQIDhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0UUgbXsQIUIB2qe9h2r2-C"> polling officer </a>died while 24 others, including security personnel, were injured when their vehicle overturned in the district, officials said Tuesday.

The accident took place when they were on way to deposit EVM machines after polling on Monday.

The deceased has been identified as Om Prakash (40) assistant district information officer SD Yadav said.

A polling officer died while 24 others, including security personnel, were injured when their vehicle overturned in the district, officials said Tuesday. The accident took place when they were on way to deposit EVM machines after polling on Monday.

A polling officer died while 24 others, including security personnel, were injured when their vehicle overturned in the district, officials said Tuesday. The accident took place when they were on way to deposit EVM machines after polling on Monday. The deceased has been identified as Om Prakash (40) assistant district information officer SD Yadav said.

Polling officer dies, 24 injured as vehicle overturns in Amethi

BJP president Amit Shah Tuesday alleged that West Bengal <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/pm-modi-could-not-talk-to-mamata-over-cyclone-as-his-calls-were-not-returned-official-216063&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjwuvfrs4niAhUR148KHdBmDIEQFjACegQIEBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw12ROzDIs4EIgRlnxFChs_6">Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee</a> is not allowing people to chant 'Jai Shri Ram' in the state, and wondered if the Lord's name cannot be taken in India, will it be uttered in Pakistan.

Speaking at an election rally here, he said that polls in<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/alert-in-west-bengal-as-cyclone-fani-advances-215108&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjOoq3-s4niAhWA8HMBHRtJBHoQFjABegQIDxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1q2Vsp51QCBF_GpHmOugm4"> West Bengal</a> are for restoring democracy in the state, where the BJP will win "more than 23 seats" out of the total 42 Lok Sabha seats.

"Lord Ram is a part of the culture of India... Can anybody stop people from taking his name? I want to ask Mamata didi, if Shri Ram's name is not taken in India, will it be chanted in Pakistan?" Shah said.

A video had appeared in the social media that showed Banerjee stopping her car at a place in West Midnapore district on Saturday, and chasing some persons who chanted 'Jai Shri Ram' as her carcade was crossing the area.

"The Narendra Modi government has given Rs 4,24,800 crore to West Bengal in its five-year tenure, but it has not reached the people, and, instead, gone to the syndicates," Shah claimed.

He said the UPA-II government under the then prime minister Manmohan Singh had granted only around Rs 1,32,000 crore to the state. At another election meeting at Keshiari in Paschim Medinipur district, Shah said, "What wrong has PM Narendra Modi done by saying that the Bofors scam happened during Rajiv Gandhi's tenure."

The BJP president was referring to Modi's recent remarks at a rally in Uttar Pradesh, where he said that Rajiv Gandhi's life ended as "bhrashtachari no. 1" (corrupt no. 1 ). 
"Rahul baba says his father has been insulted. Is it an insult to be reminded of what had happened?" he said.

Shah also asked Rahul Gandhi whether or not the Bofors scandal, the Bhopal gas tragedy, the blunder of sending a peacekeeping force to Sri Lanka or the massacre of Kashmiri pandits happen during his father's tenure as prime minister from 1984 to 1989.

He claimed that the Congress and its partners in the 'Mahagathbandhan' have abused Modi on "51 different occasions". The BJP chief reiterated his party's resolve to implement the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in West Bengal to flush out illegal migrants from Bangladesh.

BJP president Amit Shah Tuesday alleged that West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is not allowing people to chant 'Jai Shri Ram' in the state, and wondered if the Lord's name cannot be taken in India, will it be uttered in Pakistan.

BJP president Amit Shah Tuesday alleged that West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is not allowing people to chant 'Jai Shri Ram' in the state, and wondered if the Lord's name cannot be taken in India, will it be uttered in Pakistan. Speaking at an election rally here, he said that polls in West Bengal are for restoring democracy in the state, where the BJP will win "more than 23 seats" out of the total 42 Lok Sabha seats. "Lord Ram is a part of the culture of India... Can anybody stop people from taking his name? I want to ask Mamata didi, if Shri Ram's name is not taken in India, will it be chanted in Pakistan?" Shah said. A video had appeared in the social media that showed Banerjee stopping her car at a place in West Midnapore district on Saturday, and chasing some persons who chanted 'Jai Shri Ram' as her carcade was crossing the area. "The Narendra Modi government has given Rs 4,24,800 crore to West Bengal in its five-year tenure, but it has not reached the people, and, instead, gone to the syndicates," Shah claimed. He said the UPA-II government under the then prime minister Manmohan Singh had granted only around Rs 1,32,000 crore to the state. At another election meeting at Keshiari in Paschim Medinipur district, Shah said, "What wrong has PM Narendra Modi done by saying that the Bofors scam happened during Rajiv Gandhi's tenure." The BJP president was referring to Modi's recent remarks at a rally in Uttar Pradesh, where he said that Rajiv Gandhi's life ended as "bhrashtachari no. 1" (corrupt no. 1 ). "Rahul baba says his father has been insulted. Is it an insult to be reminded of what had happened?" he said. Shah also asked Rahul Gandhi whether or not the Bofors scandal, the Bhopal gas tragedy, the blunder of sending a peacekeeping force to Sri Lanka or the massacre of Kashmiri pandits happen during his father's tenure as prime minister from 1984 to 1989. He claimed that the Congress and its partners in the 'Mahagathbandhan' have abused Modi on "51 different occasions". The BJP chief reiterated his party's resolve to implement the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in West Bengal to flush out illegal migrants from Bangladesh.

Will Lord Ram's name be taken in Pakistan, if not in India: Amit Shah

&nbsp;A <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/burqa-ban-not-demand-of-shiv-sena-or-uddhav-says-raut-216131&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiAgN3dt4niAhUjmeYKHdALCeAQFjAAegQIARAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw320ezS-vXPDkNYpGvuCW0s">Shiv Sena leader</a> has echoed BJP general secretary Ram Madhav's statement that the latter's party may fall short of an absolute majority in the Lok Sabha, prompting it to depend on allies to form the next government.

Senior Sena leader Sanjay Raut said that it looks a "bit difficult" for the BJP to reach the 280-seat mark as it did in the 2014 polls. "What Ram Madhav says is right. The NDA will form the next government. The BJP will be the single largest party. As of now, it looks a bit difficult for the BJP to reach the 280- 282 figure on its own but our NDA "parivar" (family) will cross the majority mark," Raut told a TV channel.

Raut told PTI Tuesday that the Sena would be happy if Narendra Modi becomes the prime minister again. Raut said, "I welcome Ram Madhav's statement and the Shiv Sena would be a part of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA). We would be happy if Modi becomes the prime minister again."

The Uddhav Thackeray-led party has 18 members in the outgoing Lok Sabha and is a major ally of the BJP. It is also a part of the BJP-led government in Maharashtra.

Ram Madhav said in a media interview last week that the BJP will require the support of allies to form the next government after the Lok Sabha polls. "If we get 271 seats on our own, we will be very happy," Madhav had said. "With NDA we will have a comfortable majority," he added.

A Shiv Sena leader has echoed BJP general secretary Ram Madhav's statement that the latter's party may fall short of an absolute majority in the Lok Sabha, prompting it to depend on allies to form the next government.

A Shiv Sena leader has echoed BJP general secretary Ram Madhav's statement that the latter's party may fall short of an absolute majority in the Lok Sabha, prompting it to depend on allies to form the next government. Senior Sena leader Sanjay Raut said that it looks a "bit difficult" for the BJP to reach the 280-seat mark as it did in the 2014 polls. "What Ram Madhav says is right. The NDA will form the next government. The BJP will be the single largest party. As of now, it looks a bit difficult for the BJP to reach the 280- 282 figure on its own but our NDA "parivar" (family) will cross the majority mark," Raut told a TV channel. Raut told PTI Tuesday that the Sena would be happy if Narendra Modi becomes the prime minister again. Raut said, "I welcome Ram Madhav's statement and the Shiv Sena would be a part of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA). We would be happy if Modi becomes the prime minister again." The Uddhav Thackeray-led party has 18 members in the outgoing Lok Sabha and is a major ally of the BJP. It is also a part of the BJP-led government in Maharashtra. Ram Madhav said in a media interview last week that the BJP will require the support of allies to form the next government after the Lok Sabha polls. "If we get 271 seats on our own, we will be very happy," Madhav had said. "With NDA we will have a comfortable majority," he added.

Looks difficult for Bharatiya Janata Party to reach 280-mark: Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut

Replying to a notice sent by the Delhi poll panel, <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/delhi-police-man-who-attacked-cm-was-aap-supporter-215994&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwj1tZWDroniAhUKv48KHYRPCpwQFjADegQIEBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw29cbuLXYBrL1QFL677SR4U">Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia</a> Tuesday said he had no hesitation in accepting that he was trying to convince people to vote for education and health instead of Mandir-Masjid (politics of religion).

Sisodia was issued a notice by the Delhi chief electoral officer following a complaint by the BJP which alleged that the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) used public funds for issuing letters seeking votes by highlighting achievements of the government.

"However, as far as the complaint of <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/mahagatbandhan-isnt-a-challenge-for-bharatiya-janata-party-rajnath-singh-216271&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjh9YidroniAhVYiHAKHUQCBroQFjAAegQIABAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2oyzYhtb8wlIKl0MWhvqeu">Bharatiya Janata Party</a>&nbsp;leader is concerned, I would like to say that this is nothing but the expression of their frustration. The letters have been written by me to individuals in my personal capacity. No public fund has been used in sending the letters," he said in his reply.

The minister also urged the BJP not to indulge in "petty politics" and try to seek votes on the basis of work "if they have done any". 
He said the Election Commission should "also encourage political parties to seek votes on the issues like education, health, water, electricity, jobs, etc, and discourage parties who are seeking votes in the name of hate".

Citing that the pass percentage of Delhi government schools in class 12 has increased and crossed 94 per cent, which is a record in the history of national capital, Sisodia said not only education but the infrastructure of schools and several other things have undergone a drastic change.

"It's a matter of pride for me to be the Education Minister of Delhi and I have no hesitation to accept that I am trying to convince people of Delhi to vote on the issues of education, health, etc. Instead of issues of Mandir-Masjid and other fictitious issues being raised by BJP and its leader Sh. Narender Modiji," he said in the reply.

Replying to a notice sent by the Delhi poll panel, Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia Tuesday said he had no hesitation in accepting that he was trying to convince people to vote for education and health instead of Mandir-Masjid (politics of religion).

Replying to a notice sent by the Delhi poll panel, Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia Tuesday said he had no hesitation in accepting that he was trying to convince people to vote for education and health instead of Mandir-Masjid (politics of religion). Sisodia was issued a notice by the Delhi chief electoral officer following a complaint by the BJP which alleged that the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) used public funds for issuing letters seeking votes by highlighting achievements of the government. "However, as far as the complaint of Bharatiya Janata Party leader is concerned, I would like to say that this is nothing but the expression of their frustration. The letters have been written by me to individuals in my personal capacity. No public fund has been used in sending the letters," he said in his reply. The minister also urged the BJP not to indulge in "petty politics" and try to seek votes on the basis of work "if they have done any". He said the Election Commission should "also encourage political parties to seek votes on the issues like education, health, water, electricity, jobs, etc, and discourage parties who are seeking votes in the name of hate". Citing that the pass percentage of Delhi government schools in class 12 has increased and crossed 94 per cent, which is a record in the history of national capital, Sisodia said not only education but the infrastructure of schools and several other things have undergone a drastic change. "It's a matter of pride for me to be the Education Minister of Delhi and I have no hesitation to accept that I am trying to convince people of Delhi to vote on the issues of education, health, etc. Instead of issues of Mandir-Masjid and other fictitious issues being raised by BJP and its leader Sh. Narender Modiji," he said in the reply.

Trying to convince people to vote for education, health instead of religion: Sisodia

The NCP on Tuesday alleged that the<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/election-commission-issues-notice-to-pragya-singh-thakur-over-campaigning-despite-72-hour-ban-216032&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiC1d6Oo4niAhWb7HMBHX6aDw8QFjABegQIEBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2iwEufGpNsWKONzAvHyCKz"> Election Commission</a> (EC) is "swayed" by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

NCP national spokesperson<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/if-not-for-lok-sabha-ncp-may-have-tie-up-with-mns-for-state-polls-215441&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwit3o7-ooniAhWv8HMBHRzCB6AQFjAAegQIAhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw22bjuVOekr85AwscxiJl1M"> Nawab Malik</a> made the comment after the Supreme Court dismissed the plea of 21 opposition parties seeking a review of its April 8 order directing the EC to increase random matching of VVPAT slips with EVMs to five polling booths per Assembly segment.

Malik alleged that the EC did not find a way out despite there being a possibility of votes polled through the electronic voting machines (EVMs) and the voter-verified paper audit trail (VVPAT) slips not tallying.

The NCP leader also expressed the possibility of rigging on the day poll results would be announced (May 23) due to the same reason.

"The NCP is trying to ensure people repose faith in the democracy. But the Election Commission is being swayed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi," Malik said.

The NCP on Tuesday alleged that the Election Commission (EC) is "swayed" by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. NCP national spokesperson Nawab Malik made the comment after the Supreme Court dismissed the plea of 21 opposition parties seeking a review of its April 8 order directing the EC to increase random matching of VVPAT slips with EVMs to five polling booths per Assembly segment.

The NCP on Tuesday alleged that the Election Commission (EC) is "swayed" by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. NCP national spokesperson Nawab Malik made the comment after the Supreme Court dismissed the plea of 21 opposition parties seeking a review of its April 8 order directing the EC to increase random matching of VVPAT slips with EVMs to five polling booths per Assembly segment. Malik alleged that the EC did not find a way out despite there being a possibility of votes polled through the electronic voting machines (EVMs) and the voter-verified paper audit trail (VVPAT) slips not tallying. The NCP leader also expressed the possibility of rigging on the day poll results would be announced (May 23) due to the same reason. "The NCP is trying to ensure people repose faith in the democracy. But the Election Commission is being swayed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi," Malik said.

Election commission  'swayed' by PM Modi, alleges National Congress Party

Andhra 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/cyclone-fani-naidu-requests-election-commission-to-relax-model-code-of-conduct-in-4-coastal-districts-215134&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwj5lceqq4niAhXMuY8KHa3jDesQFjABegQIEBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2GhSHkLR5AvkCjjrLUVDdZ"> N Chandrababu Naidu</a> will participate in poll rallies of his West Bengal counterpart, TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee in the state.

According to a highly-placed source in the Andhra Pradesh government, Naidu will arrive here Wednesday morning and participate in two campaign rallies of Banerjee one scheduled at Jhargram and the second at Haldia.

After spending Wednesday night at Haldia, Naidu, who is also the Telegu Desam Party president, will speak at another campaign rally at Kharagpur the next day, the official told PTI.

After the meeting in Kharagpur, both the chief ministers will head towards Kolkata where they are likely to have a close door meeting on Thursday evening, he said adding Naidu is scheduled to leave that night itself, the source said.

Naidu shares a very cordial relationship with Banerjee. He had joined the Trinamool Congress' mega opposition rally here in January and visited Banerjee during her dharna in February against CBI's attempt to question the Kolkata Police chief in connection with chit fund scams.

Banerjee had also participated in a political rally organised by Naidu in Vizag.&nbsp;

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu will participate in poll rallies of his West Bengal counterpart, TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee in the state. According to a highly-placed source in the Andhra Pradesh government, Naidu will arrive here Wednesday morning and participate in two campaign rallies of Banerjee one scheduled at Jhargram and the second at Haldia.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu will participate in poll rallies of his West Bengal counterpart, TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee in the state. According to a highly-placed source in the Andhra Pradesh government, Naidu will arrive here Wednesday morning and participate in two campaign rallies of Banerjee one scheduled at Jhargram and the second at Haldia. After spending Wednesday night at Haldia, Naidu, who is also the Telegu Desam Party president, will speak at another campaign rally at Kharagpur the next day, the official told PTI. After the meeting in Kharagpur, both the chief ministers will head towards Kolkata where they are likely to have a close door meeting on Thursday evening, he said adding Naidu is scheduled to leave that night itself, the source said. Naidu shares a very cordial relationship with Banerjee. He had joined the Trinamool Congress' mega opposition rally here in January and visited Banerjee during her dharna in February against CBI's attempt to question the Kolkata Police chief in connection with chit fund scams. Banerjee had also participated in a political rally organised by Naidu in Vizag.

Chandrababu Naidu to participate in Mamata Banerjee's poll rallies

Bollywood actor and BJP's Lok Sabha candidate,<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/sunny-deol-offers-prayers-at-dera-baba-nanak-gurdwara-215436&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiLotuFoIniAhXM6nMBHUU-ApQQFjAAegQIBRAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1pwcZJ7G2R33581kze8z0o"> Sunny Deol</a> says he is focused on the task ahead and is not affected by his opponents dubbing him an "outsider". 
The BJP has pitted the 62-year-old actor against sitting MP and Punjab Congress president Sunil Jakhar from<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/sunny-deol-offers-prayers-at-dera-baba-nanak-gurdwara-215436&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjj3IunoIniAhVE6nMBHf7vAHIQFjADegQICRAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2disWGKQq2_p9_RVoOYkL4"> Gurdaspur.</a>

"People keep asking me this question (on rivals dubbing him an outsider) and I say, I am not here to reply to what all is being said.'' I have come here to work and serve the people, I have come here to do my job. My job is to understand my people, my constituency'', Deol said during his campaign trail here.

The son of veteran actor and former MP Dharmendra, Deol has been accused by the opposition of having no understanding about Punjab and has been termed an "outsider" and a "parachute" candidate. Waving at crowds from the sunroof of a Range Rover or from atop a mini-truck, Deol has been attracting a large number of people at his roadshows. He is being accompanied by leaders of the BJP and its ally Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD).

He said, if elected, he will never let the people down, and "never betray their trust. ''The love they have shown towards me is just overwhelming. I am that kind of person who likes to take peoples' sorrows and make them happy, this is my nature,''&nbsp;said Deol, who is famous for his hit films like 'Border', 'Gadar: Ek Prem Katha', 'Ghayal' and 'Damini'.

"I am a newcomer, but I am 'Ziddi' (stubborn) and I will go on to achieve what I set out for,&nbsp;said the actor.' Ziddi' was one of his popular movies. I speak dialogues in films when I play a character in films, that is what I have been doing. In real life, I am what every person should be, which is truthful, hardworking and sincere in what one is doing.'' Rest, it is up to 'Waheguru', Deol said.

Congress candidate Jakhar has accused Deol of having no understating of Punjab's issues and asked him to share his vision for the Gurdaspur constituency, telling him that "politics is a serious business and not a time pass activity".

I am from Punjab and belong here,&nbsp;Deol said, adding that opponents may keep saying what they feel like but that does not affect him.&nbsp;There are many issues in Gurdaspur, mostly related to farmers and youth, he said and assured "I will look for solutions to these issues.

When asked why he chose the BJP, Deol said: ''I chose this party because I like Narendra Modi quite a lot, he has taken the nation forward during the past five years, our country has progressed."&nbsp;

"India's global prestige has increased under this government. We need a strong leader,&nbsp;he said. My father had connected with (the then prime minister, late Atal Bihari) Vajpayee Ji and now, I got an opportunity to connect with Modi Ji," Deol said.

The 13 Lok Sabha seats in Punjab, including Gurdaspur, will go to polls in the seventh and final phase of polling on May 19. 
Jakhar won the seat in the 2017 bypoll, which was necessitated after the death of actor-turned-politician Vinod Khanna of the BJP in April that year.&nbsp;

Bollywood actor and BJP's Lok Sabha candidate, Sunny Deol says he is focused on the task ahead and is not affected by his opponents dubbing him an "outsider". The BJP has pitted the 62-year-old actor against sitting MP and Punjab Congress president Sunil Jakhar from Gurdaspur.

Bollywood actor and BJP's Lok Sabha candidate, Sunny Deol says he is focused on the task ahead and is not affected by his opponents dubbing him an "outsider". The BJP has pitted the 62-year-old actor against sitting MP and Punjab Congress president Sunil Jakhar from Gurdaspur. "People keep asking me this question (on rivals dubbing him an outsider) and I say, I am not here to reply to what all is being said.'' I have come here to work and serve the people, I have come here to do my job. My job is to understand my people, my constituency'', Deol said during his campaign trail here. The son of veteran actor and former MP Dharmendra, Deol has been accused by the opposition of having no understanding about Punjab and has been termed an "outsider" and a "parachute" candidate. Waving at crowds from the sunroof of a Range Rover or from atop a mini-truck, Deol has been attracting a large number of people at his roadshows. He is being accompanied by leaders of the BJP and its ally Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD). He said, if elected, he will never let the people down, and "never betray their trust. ''The love they have shown towards me is just overwhelming. I am that kind of person who likes to take peoples' sorrows and make them happy, this is my nature,'' said Deol, who is famous for his hit films like 'Border', 'Gadar: Ek Prem Katha', 'Ghayal' and 'Damini'. "I am a newcomer, but I am 'Ziddi' (stubborn) and I will go on to achieve what I set out for, said the actor.' Ziddi' was one of his popular movies. I speak dialogues in films when I play a character in films, that is what I have been doing. In real life, I am what every person should be, which is truthful, hardworking and sincere in what one is doing.'' Rest, it is up to 'Waheguru', Deol said. Congress candidate Jakhar has accused Deol of having no understating of Punjab's issues and asked him to share his vision for the Gurdaspur constituency, telling him that "politics is a serious business and not a time pass activity". I am from Punjab and belong here, Deol said, adding that opponents may keep saying what they feel like but that does not affect him. There are many issues in Gurdaspur, mostly related to farmers and youth, he said and assured "I will look for solutions to these issues. When asked why he chose the BJP, Deol said: ''I chose this party because I like Narendra Modi quite a lot, he has taken the nation forward during the past five years, our country has progressed." "India's global prestige has increased under this government. We need a strong leader, he said. My father had connected with (the then prime minister, late Atal Bihari) Vajpayee Ji and now, I got an opportunity to connect with Modi Ji," Deol said. The 13 Lok Sabha seats in Punjab, including Gurdaspur, will go to polls in the seventh and final phase of polling on May 19. Jakhar won the seat in the 2017 bypoll, which was necessitated after the death of actor-turned-politician Vinod Khanna of the BJP in April that year.

Not affected by criticism of opponents, focused on task ahead: Sunny Deol

The Election Commission has given a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/ec-gives-clean-chit-to-pm-narendra-modi-in-two-more-cases-of-alleged-mcc-violation-216624">clean chit to Prime Minister Narendra Modi </a>over his Pulwama remark in Chitradurga, Karnataka, on April 9, where he reportedly asked voters to vote for the heroes of the Balakot air strike, sources said.

The Prime Minister has also has been given a clean chit by the electoral body for his "roadshow" in Ahmedabad held on April 23, sources added.

On April 23, Lok Sabha elections were held in Gujarat. Prime Minister Modi took a ride in an open SUV in Ahmedabad as he made his way to cast his vote in the third phase of the elections.

The seven-phase Lok Sabha elections started on April 11 and will go on till May 19.

The result will be announced on May 23.&nbsp;

The Election Commission has given a clean chit to Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his Pulwama remark in Chitradurga, Karnataka, on April 9, where he reportedly asked voters to vote for the heroes of the Balakot air strike, sources said.

The Election Commission has given a clean chit to Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his Pulwama remark in Chitradurga, Karnataka, on April 9, where he reportedly asked voters to vote for the heroes of the Balakot air strike, sources said. The Prime Minister has also has been given a clean chit by the electoral body for his "roadshow" in Ahmedabad held on April 23, sources added. On April 23, Lok Sabha elections were held in Gujarat. Prime Minister Modi took a ride in an open SUV in Ahmedabad as he made his way to cast his vote in the third phase of the elections. The seven-phase Lok Sabha elections started on April 11 and will go on till May 19. The result will be announced on May 23.

Election Commission gives clean chit to PM Modi over Pulwama remark, 'roadshow' in Ahmedabad: Sources

RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav on Tuesday accused Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and BJP of providing "tampered EVMs" at areas where "polling is happening strongly" in the favour of the grand alliance.

"We are noticing that wherever polling is happening strongly in our favour, malfunctioned EVMs are being provided to slow the polling process as per a strategy. This is happening out of fear as we are winning. Just to minimise the winning margin, Nitish Kumar and BJP are doing this," Tejashwi told ANI here.

"They should give in written that they won`t take support from the `mahamilawati` parties which they call us," he added.

When asked about the Muzaffarpur shelter home case, Yadav said, "There is clear involvement of Nitish Kumar and his dear ones in the case. They should at least abide by the Supreme Court`s order. Also, Nitish Kumar should at least apologise for this."

On Monday, the Supreme Court had asked the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to complete within two weeks the probe into the alleged killing of 11 girls in the aforesaid case in which Brajesh Thakur is the main accused.

A bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi while posting the matter for hearing on June 3 asked the probe agency to complete the investigation in the said time and also submit a status report in the case.

In Bihar, polling for the 40 Lok Sabha seats at stake is being held in all seven phases, with the last phase scheduled for May 19.

Results will be declared on May 23.

The RJD is in alliance with Congress, Rashtriya Lok Samta Party (RLSP), Hindustani Awam Morcha (HAM), Lok Jantrantrik Dal (LJD) and Vikas Sheel Insaan Party (VIP) in the state.&nbsp;

RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav on Tuesday accused Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and BJP of providing "tampered EVMs" at areas where "polling is happening strongly" in the favour of the grand alliance.

RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav on Tuesday accused Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and BJP of providing "tampered EVMs" at areas where "polling is happening strongly" in the favour of the grand alliance. "We are noticing that wherever polling is happening strongly in our favour, malfunctioned EVMs are being provided to slow the polling process as per a strategy. This is happening out of fear as we are winning. Just to minimise the winning margin, Nitish Kumar and BJP are doing this," Tejashwi told ANI here. "They should give in written that they won`t take support from the `mahamilawati` parties which they call us," he added. When asked about the Muzaffarpur shelter home case, Yadav said, "There is clear involvement of Nitish Kumar and his dear ones in the case. They should at least abide by the Supreme Court`s order. Also, Nitish Kumar should at least apologise for this." On Monday, the Supreme Court had asked the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to complete within two weeks the probe into the alleged killing of 11 girls in the aforesaid case in which Brajesh Thakur is the main accused. A bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi while posting the matter for hearing on June 3 asked the probe agency to complete the investigation in the said time and also submit a status report in the case. In Bihar, polling for the 40 Lok Sabha seats at stake is being held in all seven phases, with the last phase scheduled for May 19. Results will be declared on May 23. The RJD is in alliance with Congress, Rashtriya Lok Samta Party (RLSP), Hindustani Awam Morcha (HAM), Lok Jantrantrik Dal (LJD) and Vikas Sheel Insaan Party (VIP) in the state.

Nitish, BJP providing tampered EVMs in our strongholds, claims Tejashwi

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Tuesday said, Masood Azhar getting designated as a global terrorist by the United Nations, was a big win for Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP.

"Compare five years of Modi government with fifty-five years of Congress rule and the work done under Narendra Modi will come out on top. Under the guidance of Modiji, BJP also succeeded in getting Masood Azhar designated as a global terrorist, it means just like Osama Bin Laden, his days too are numbered," Yogi said at an election rally here.

He also took a dig at Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra`s statement where she had accepted that the Congress was fielding some candidates only to cut votes.

"Everybody knows Congress is now reduced to a level where it fights not to win but to cut the votes of other parties, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra has herself accepted that," he said.

He also targeted Samajwadi Party (SP) and Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) `mahagathbandhan` in Uttar Pradesh and said, "The two years of work done under us is much more than what SP and BSP managed in twenty years," he said.

"We never saw or asked anyone`s caste or religion before giving them the benefits of our schemes. A poor person is a poor person. It was not like this under Congress and SP, BSP," Yogi said.

He also talked about the anti-Triple Talaq bill and said that the Congress and SP, BSP only play gimmicks in the name of woman empowerment.

"The SP-BSP, Congress all talk about women empowerment, but when we brought out the anti-Triple Talaq bill, they opposed it. How will the country prosper if the Muslim women are lagging behind and devoid of their rights? We will make and enact such strong laws which will deter anyone from even thinking of harming a woman," he said.

Uttar Pradesh will see polling in both the remaining phases on May 12 and 19 in the seven-phased Lok Sabha elections.

The counting of votes will begin on May 23.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Tuesday said, Masood Azhar getting designated as a global terrorist by the United Nations, was a big win for Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Tuesday said, Masood Azhar getting designated as a global terrorist by the United Nations, was a big win for Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP. "Compare five years of Modi government with fifty-five years of Congress rule and the work done under Narendra Modi will come out on top. Under the guidance of Modiji, BJP also succeeded in getting Masood Azhar designated as a global terrorist, it means just like Osama Bin Laden, his days too are numbered," Yogi said at an election rally here. He also took a dig at Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra`s statement where she had accepted that the Congress was fielding some candidates only to cut votes. "Everybody knows Congress is now reduced to a level where it fights not to win but to cut the votes of other parties, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra has herself accepted that," he said. He also targeted Samajwadi Party (SP) and Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) `mahagathbandhan` in Uttar Pradesh and said, "The two years of work done under us is much more than what SP and BSP managed in twenty years," he said. "We never saw or asked anyone`s caste or religion before giving them the benefits of our schemes. A poor person is a poor person. It was not like this under Congress and SP, BSP," Yogi said. He also talked about the anti-Triple Talaq bill and said that the Congress and SP, BSP only play gimmicks in the name of woman empowerment. "The SP-BSP, Congress all talk about women empowerment, but when we brought out the anti-Triple Talaq bill, they opposed it. How will the country prosper if the Muslim women are lagging behind and devoid of their rights? We will make and enact such strong laws which will deter anyone from even thinking of harming a woman," he said. Uttar Pradesh will see polling in both the remaining phases on May 12 and 19 in the seven-phased Lok Sabha elections. The counting of votes will begin on May 23.

Masood Azhar getting designated as global terrorist big win for BJP: Adityanath

Supreme Court today rejected a review plea filed by <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/opposition-parties-meet-ec-over-evm-issue-demand-matching-of-50-of-results-with-vvpats-195137">Opposition parties seeking direction</a> to increase VVPAT verification from five to at least 50 per cent of EVMs during the counting of votes which is due&nbsp;to take place on May 23rd after&nbsp;the end of the seventh phase of&nbsp;general elections.

Several Opposition parties, numbering 21&nbsp;in all had filed the petition.

"We are not inclined to modify our order, the Supreme Court said while dismissing review plea on the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/industry/no-material-information-on-number-of-evms-vvpat-needed-for-simultaneous-polls-ec-171754">random matching of VVPAT slips</a>.

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The apex court had on April 8th directed the Election Commission(EC) to increase random matching of VVPAT slips with EVMs in five polling booths per assembly segment from one booth.

&nbsp;

Opposition leaders led by Andhra Pradesh chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu had sought the review of the top court's order, asserting that the "increase from 1 to 5 is not a reasonable number and does not lead to satisfaction desired by this court".

However, in its affidavit, the EC had told India's top court that the Opposition leaders have been unable to raise any ground for altering the existing system of random counting of VVPAT slips from one polling booth per assembly segment, which was "found to be most suitable" after due studies and tests.

The leaders from six national and 15 regional parties, claiming to represent 70-75 per cent of the population, had also sought the setting aside of the EC guideline on random verification of one assembly seat.&nbsp;

Supreme Court today rejected a review plea filed by Opposition parties seeking direction to increase VVPAT verification from five to at least 50 per cent of EVMs during the counting of votes which is due to take place on May 23rd after the end of the seventh phase of general elections.

Supreme Court today rejected a review plea filed by Opposition parties seeking direction to increase VVPAT verification from five to at least 50 per cent of EVMs during the counting of votes which is due to take place on May 23rd after the end of the seventh phase of general elections. Several Opposition parties, numbering 21 in all had filed the petition. "We are not inclined to modify our order, the Supreme Court said while dismissing review plea on the random matching of VVPAT slips. The apex court had on April 8th directed the Election Commission(EC) to increase random matching of VVPAT slips with EVMs in five polling booths per assembly segment from one booth. Opposition leaders led by Andhra Pradesh chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu had sought the review of the top court's order, asserting that the "increase from 1 to 5 is not a reasonable number and does not lead to satisfaction desired by this court". However, in its affidavit, the EC had told India's top court that the Opposition leaders have been unable to raise any ground for altering the existing system of random counting of VVPAT slips from one polling booth per assembly segment, which was "found to be most suitable" after due studies and tests. The leaders from six national and 15 regional parties, claiming to represent 70-75 per cent of the population, had also sought the setting aside of the EC guideline on random verification of one assembly seat.

No increase in VVPAT-EVM verification, rules Supreme Court after rejecting Opposition's plea

Congress leader and former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Digvijay Singh on Tuesday performed a 'havan'&nbsp;in the presence of Namdas Tyagi also known as Computer Baba and other sadhus at a Maha Yagna organised in Bhopal on Tuesday.

Tyagi said that the Yagna was a form of `Hath Yoga` to ensure Digvijaya`s win in the Lok Sabha elections and added that BJP had "fooled" the community of seers by using the Ram Mandir issue as a political tool.

"BJP has fooled not just the public but the community of seers as well. All sadhus who are with me unanimously say that without a Ram Mandir there will not be a Modi government again, we are holding the Yagna to ensure Digvijay Singh`s win," Tyagi said here.

Namdas Tyagi or `Computer Baba` was appointed the Minister of State (MoS) position under the Shivraj Singh Chouhan government.

However, he had openly rebelled against the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) after being denied the party ticket for the state assembly elections held in Madhya Pradesh.

At the `pooja` Digvijaya is seen dressed in white kurta pyjama seated on the ground while others surround him in a semi circle.

Digvijay Singh will be up against BJP`s MP candidate and firebrand leader Sadhvi Pragya in the Lok Sabha elections.

Bhopal is going to polls in the sixth phase of parliamentary elections on May 12.

The counting of votes will begin on May 23. 
&nbsp;

Congress leader and former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Digvijay Singh on Tuesday performed a 'havan' in the presence of Namdas Tyagi also known as Computer Baba and other sadhus at a Maha Yagna organised in Bhopal on Tuesday.

Congress leader and former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Digvijay Singh on Tuesday performed a 'havan' in the presence of Namdas Tyagi also known as Computer Baba and other sadhus at a Maha Yagna organised in Bhopal on Tuesday. Tyagi said that the Yagna was a form of `Hath Yoga` to ensure Digvijaya`s win in the Lok Sabha elections and added that BJP had "fooled" the community of seers by using the Ram Mandir issue as a political tool. "BJP has fooled not just the public but the community of seers as well. All sadhus who are with me unanimously say that without a Ram Mandir there will not be a Modi government again, we are holding the Yagna to ensure Digvijay Singh`s win," Tyagi said here. Namdas Tyagi or `Computer Baba` was appointed the Minister of State (MoS) position under the Shivraj Singh Chouhan government. However, he had openly rebelled against the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) after being denied the party ticket for the state assembly elections held in Madhya Pradesh. At the `pooja` Digvijaya is seen dressed in white kurta pyjama seated on the ground while others surround him in a semi circle. Digvijay Singh will be up against BJP`s MP candidate and firebrand leader Sadhvi Pragya in the Lok Sabha elections. Bhopal is going to polls in the sixth phase of parliamentary elections on May 12. The counting of votes will begin on May 23.

Digvijaya Singh performs yagna with Computer Baba to ensure win in Lok Sabha elections

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said that the "communication between the state and the Central government was very good" owing to which a mass human destruction could be averted in the wake of cyclone Fani.&nbsp;

The Prime Minister praised the people of Odisha for complying with every instruction issued by the government.&nbsp;

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PM Modi: Communication was very good between state and Central Govt.I was also monitoring. The way people of Odisha complied with every instruction of Govt is praiseworthy <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CycloneFani?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CycloneFani</a> <a href="https://t.co/2g4iMDBZin">pic.twitter.com/2g4iMDBZin</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1125278736209694720?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 6, 2019</a></blockquote>
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He said that an additional sum of Rs 1,000 crore will be released for the state in addition to Rs 381 crore that was released previously.&nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a>: PM Narendra Modi says,"Naveen babu ne bohat acha plan kiya, Bharat sarkar usmein unke saath reh karke sari cheezon ko aage badha payegi." <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CycloneFani?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CycloneFani</a> <a href="https://t.co/MnGxBcTeFh">pic.twitter.com/MnGxBcTeFh</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1125283571789254656?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 6, 2019</a></blockquote>
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PM Modi's remarks came shortly after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/cyclone-fani-pm-modi-conducts-aerial-survey-of-ravaged-areas-in-odisha-216274">he undertook an aerial survey of the cyclone-ravaged areas of Odisha</a> after which he held a review meeting with state Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik and other officials.&nbsp;

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PM Narendra Modi: Govt of India had announced Rs 381 crore earlier, a further Rs 1000 crore will be released now. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/cycloneFani?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#cycloneFani</a> <a href="https://t.co/mqFNvBUuB1">pic.twitter.com/mqFNvBUuB1</a>
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Meanwhile, government sources told news agency ANI that a similar review meeting was to take place in West Bengal in relation to cyclone Fani but the state government has replied that the officials are busy with election duty and hence <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/west-bengal-refuses-to-hold-review-meeting-for-fani-with-pm-modi-216323">the review meeting should not be held</a>, ANI reported.&nbsp;

On Sunday, it was reported that PM Modi had on Saturday tried to contact West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to discuss cyclone Fani but could not do so as <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/pm-modi-could-not-talk-to-mamata-over-cyclone-as-his-calls-were-not-returned-official-216063">his calls were not returned</a>, a top government official has said.

The prime minister then spoke to state governor Keshari Nath Tripathi, the official said as reported by news agency PTI.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said that the "communication between the state and the Central government was very good" owing to which a mass human destruction could be averted in the wake of cyclone Fani.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said that the "communication between the state and the Central government was very good" owing to which a mass human destruction could be averted in the wake of cyclone Fani. The Prime Minister praised the people of Odisha for complying with every instruction issued by the government. PM Modi: Communication was very good between state and Central Govt.I was also monitoring. The way people of Odisha complied with every instruction of Govt is praiseworthy #CycloneFani pic.twitter.com/2g4iMDBZin — ANI (@ANI) May 6, 2019 × He said that an additional sum of Rs 1,000 crore will be released for the state in addition to Rs 381 crore that was released previously. #WATCH: PM Narendra Modi says,"Naveen babu ne bohat acha plan kiya, Bharat sarkar usmein unke saath reh karke sari cheezon ko aage badha payegi." #CycloneFani pic.twitter.com/MnGxBcTeFh — ANI (@ANI) May 6, 2019 × PM Modi's remarks came shortly after he undertook an aerial survey of the cyclone-ravaged areas of Odisha after which he held a review meeting with state Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik and other officials. PM Narendra Modi: Govt of India had announced Rs 381 crore earlier, a further Rs 1000 crore will be released now. #cycloneFani pic.twitter.com/mqFNvBUuB1 — ANI (@ANI) May 6, 2019 × Meanwhile, government sources told news agency ANI that a similar review meeting was to take place in West Bengal in relation to cyclone Fani but the state government has replied that the officials are busy with election duty and hence the review meeting should not be held, ANI reported. On Sunday, it was reported that PM Modi had on Saturday tried to contact West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to discuss cyclone Fani but could not do so as his calls were not returned, a top government official has said. The prime minister then spoke to state governor Keshari Nath Tripathi, the official said as reported by news agency PTI. (With inputs from agencies)

PM Modi reviews situation in cyclone-hit Odisha, lauds state government; says 'another Rs 1,000 crore to be released'

Polling in 51 parliamentary constituencies across 7 states is being held in the 5th phase of Lok Sabha election 2019 Monday. The 5th phase of polling will decide the fate of several key leaders including Congress president Rahul Gandhi, Home Minister Rajnath Singh, UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi and Union Minister Smriti Irani.

India Votes: 51 seats across 7 states go to polls

Watch Key battles in phase 5 of Lok Sabha elections 2019.

India Votes: Key battles in phase 5 of Lok Sabha elections 2019

Polling in 51 parliamentary constituencies across 7 states is being held in the 5th phase of Lok Sabha election 2019 Monday. The 5th phase of polling will decide the fate of several key leaders including Congress president Rahul Gandhi, Home Minister Rajnath Singh, UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi and Union Minister Smriti Irani. Watch this video to know more.

India Votes: Is U.P. heading for a tight finish?

India Votes: Lok Sabha elections phase 5 voting underway