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

Bitter Zelensky snubs Trump for playing politics with Ukraine war | Gravitas

India’s imports from Russia jump 57% in five months; China remains top import source

Why European Meteor missiles use ramjet engines compared to standard US solid rockets

‘US military task force aiding Saudi Arabia forces with intel, planning support’: Official

Top military commanders from US, Israel, and 7 Arab nations held secret meeting on Iran War

A big shift in modern air power & control 

'Definitely feel bad for yourself': Kuldeep Yadav opens up on India Test snubs

Delhi schools receive bomb threats in Punjabi, security checks find nothing suspicious

China's property crisis deepens as investment plunges nearly 20% 

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

‘We are sharing some difficult news’: Oracle begins fresh round of job cuts

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

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

Saudi turns to Israel for intelligence help as Houthi attacks intensify: Report

Trump's name cannot return to Kennedy Center, US judge rules

Amid AI safety fears, OpenAI, Anthropic and Google move to create standards body

2026 El Niño will create new extreme weather patterns. Worse, no one can predict them

1,200 Indian and US troops begin high-altitude and desert drills

Water equivalent to two Pacific Oceans could be stashed 2,900 km inside Earth

Ex-CIA officer caught with gold bars worth $40 million seeks plea deal | Gravitas

Imran Khan’s sons accuse Asim Munir of holding ‘personal grudge’ against imprisoned father

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

US Treasury yields cross 5% as Scott Bessent warns of ‘global issues’ impacting bonds

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

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

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

Elephants hide behind trees, stage surprise attack on poachers targeting rhinos in South Africa

West Bengal IPS officer Bushra Bano transferred after objections to ‘Assalamualaikum’, ‘Inshallah’

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

Spanish officer sent home from NATO base over affair with 'Russian spy' | Gravitas

IND vs AFG, 2nd T20I: Reddy, Samson shine as India defeat Afghanistan by 7 wickets to clinch series

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

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

India underway for its 2nd phase of Lok Sabha election 2019. Here is a quick look at the voter's turn-out for the day. Watch video to know more.

Lok Sabha election 2019: Quick look at the voter's turn-out figures for 2nd phase

The Congress was left red-faced on Wednesday after its spokesperson Priyanka Chaturvedi alleged that partymen, who had "misbehaved" and "threatened" her, were being let off.

She lashed out at the party in public and accused it of giving preference to "lumpen goons" over those who had given their "sweat and blood" to the Congress.

Chaturvedi, who is the Congress's communications department convener, said it is unfortunate and saddening that those who threatened her have got away without even "a rap on their knuckles".

The Uttar Pradesh Congress had suspended some workers for misbehaving with Chaturvedi during a press conference in Mathura a few days ago.

But, on Monday, the party issued a communication in which it rescinded all actions taken earlier against such workers who "misbehaved" with Chaturvedi in Mathura.

"Deeply saddened that lumpen goons get preference in Congress over those who have given their sweat and blood.

"Having faced brickbats and abuse across board for the party but yet those who threatened me within the party getting away with not even a rap on their knuckles is unfortunate," she tweeted.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Deeply saddened that lumpen goons get prefence in <a href="https://twitter.com/INCIndia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@incindia</a> over those who have given their sweat&amp;blood. Having faced brickbats&amp;abuse across board for the party but yet those who threatened me within the party getting away with not even a rap on their knuckles is unfortunate. <a href="https://t.co/CrVo1NAvz2">https://t.co/CrVo1NAvz2</a>
— Priyanka Chaturvedi (@priyankac19) <a href="https://twitter.com/priyankac19/status/1118412202065657856?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 17, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The action of rescinding the suspension, party leaders claimed, was taken on the recommendations of Congress general secretary for West Uttar Pradesh Jyotiraditya Scindia.

Chaturvedi has been trending on social media for her "Kyunki Mantri Bhi Kabhi Graduate Thi" jibe at Union minister Smriti Irani, who is contesting from Amethi in Uttar Pradesh against Congress president Rahul Gandhi.

The Congress was left red-faced on Wednesday after its spokesperson Priyanka Chaturvedi alleged that partymen, who had "misbehaved" and "threatened" her, were being let off.

The Congress was left red-faced on Wednesday after its spokesperson Priyanka Chaturvedi alleged that partymen, who had "misbehaved" and "threatened" her, were being let off. She lashed out at the party in public and accused it of giving preference to "lumpen goons" over those who had given their "sweat and blood" to the Congress. Chaturvedi, who is the Congress's communications department convener, said it is unfortunate and saddening that those who threatened her have got away without even "a rap on their knuckles". The Uttar Pradesh Congress had suspended some workers for misbehaving with Chaturvedi during a press conference in Mathura a few days ago. But, on Monday, the party issued a communication in which it rescinded all actions taken earlier against such workers who "misbehaved" with Chaturvedi in Mathura. "Deeply saddened that lumpen goons get preference in Congress over those who have given their sweat and blood. "Having faced brickbats and abuse across board for the party but yet those who threatened me within the party getting away with not even a rap on their knuckles is unfortunate," she tweeted. Deeply saddened that lumpen goons get prefence in @incindia over those who have given their sweat&blood. Having faced brickbats&abuse across board for the party but yet those who threatened me within the party getting away with not even a rap on their knuckles is unfortunate. https://t.co/CrVo1NAvz2 — Priyanka Chaturvedi (@priyankac19) April 17, 2019 × The action of rescinding the suspension, party leaders claimed, was taken on the recommendations of Congress general secretary for West Uttar Pradesh Jyotiraditya Scindia. Chaturvedi has been trending on social media for her "Kyunki Mantri Bhi Kabhi Graduate Thi" jibe at Union minister Smriti Irani, who is contesting from Amethi in Uttar Pradesh against Congress president Rahul Gandhi.

Congress has reinstated 'goons' who misbehaved with me: Priyanka Chaturvedi

Here's a look at key electoral battles in phase 2 of Lok Sabha polls.

Key electoral battles in phase 2 of Lok Sabha polls

In this video, watch all the latest updates related to Lok Sabha Elections 2019 for which people are casting their vote for the second phase today while elections in Vellore have been cancelled over cash seizure. Watch full video to know more.#LokSabhaElections2019, #IndiaVotes, #Election2019

General Election 2019: Elections in Vellore cancelled over cash seizure

Watch: Visuals from polling station in different places where people can be ssen casting their vote. Watch full video to know more.#LokSabhaElections2019, #IndiaVotes, #Election2019

Lok Sabha Election 2019: Voting in 95 constituencies in 2nd phase today

Tamil Nadu: Congress leader P Chidambaram casts his vote at a polling station in Karaikudi, Sivaganga. Also know which states goes to polls to day.#LokSabhaElections2019, #IndiaVotes, #Election2019

2nd Phase of voting in India's General elections today

Polling is underway in 95 constituencies spread across 11 states and one Union Territory of Puducherry as voters will seal the fate of 1,644 candidates during the second of the seven-phase Lok Sabha Elections 2019. Here's what political analyst Francois Gautier introspect about India's coaliation and alliance politics.

WION Chat: Francois Gautier political analyst on India's coaliation and alliance politics

The second phase of Lok Sabha election 2019 is underway. Here are the details from Jammu and Kashmir's Udhampur seat. Watch video to know more

LS Polls 2019: Congress vs BJP in Udhampur seat

WION in conversation with Senior Journalist RK Upadhaya. BJP seeks re-entry in South India? BJP remains organisationally weak in Tamil Nadu. Decoding BJP's plan for Lok Sabha election 2019.

WION's exclusive conversation with Senior Journalist RK Upadhaya over BJP's South plan

Watch this segment of India Election Watch for latest updates of India Election as on 17th April 2019.

India Election Watch; 17th April 2019

Three Lok Sabha constituencies in north Bengal - Jalpaiguri, Darjeeling and Raiganj will go to the polls in the second phase of elections on Thursday.

The ruling Trinamool Congress in West Bengal and the BJP are the main contenders in the three seats which will see a four-cornered contest between the two parties, the Congress and the Left Front.

The most interesting fight will be in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/second-phase-polls-bjp-tmc-eye-darjeeling-in-west-bengal-battle-209751">Darjeeling</a> - famed for its tea, timber and tourism. In Darjeeling's Patlebas, the atmosphere appears to be that of election but flags are missing - a stark contrast to the 2017 violence.

The Darjeeling Lok Sabha constituency consists of Kalimpong, Darjeeling, Kurseong, Matigara-Naxalbari, Siliguri, Phansidewa and Chopra assembly segments.

For the last few decades, Darjeeling has seen a familiar pattern - whoever gets the support of the dominant hill party, wins the seat. The BP won from here in 2009 and 2014, but 2019 is going to be different.

Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) leader Bimal Gurung, who has raised the issue of Gorkhaland, has always been big factor in the area but the Hill politics took a curious turn after he escaped to evade arrest.

Zee travelled to Gurung's den, remnants of a burned car remind of the 2017 violence. The locality, which earlier had special Gurung army now is desolated, except for two BJP flags in a corner.

<img alt="burnt-car-darjeeling" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="4fcb9246-f239-44c1-9621-c9afaaa072b1" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/burnt-car-darjeeling.jpg" />

People here still do not want to speak; they are still in a state of shock. "We had enough, now we need peace," said Gurung's former aide Nirnal.

The agitation which started here in 2017 against the state government's decision to make Bengali language compulsory soon snowballed into an intense movement for statehood. It triggered widespread arson and vandalism, massive clashes, multiple casualties, political blamegames and the longest-ever shutdown of 104 days that brought the entire northern West Bengal hills to a standstill till Gurung escaped and GJM's new chairman Binay Tamang called off the protest.

But even in hiding, Gurung is not willing to give up without a fight. He has lent his support to BJP's Raju Bista. Boosting it further, the Gorkha National Liberation Front (GNLF) has also supported Bista. The Trinamool Congress has fielded Amar Singh Rai to take on Bisht. Rai, the Trinamool Congress candidate, has the support on the Binay Tamang faction of the GJM.

Also in the fray are Sankar Malakar of Congress, Saman Pathak of CPI(M) and Harka Bahadur Chhetri, Jaan Andolan Party president.

The Hills will see a good electoral fight and the picture of Patlebas from both the sides will definitely have impact on the voters here.

Three Lok Sabha constituencies in north Bengal - Jalpaiguri, Darjeeling and Raiganj will go to the polls in the second phase of elections on Thursday. The ruling Trinamool Congress in West Bengal and the BJP are the main contenders in the three seats which will see a four-cornered contest between the two parties, the Congress and the Left Front.

Three Lok Sabha constituencies in north Bengal - Jalpaiguri, Darjeeling and Raiganj will go to the polls in the second phase of elections on Thursday. The ruling Trinamool Congress in West Bengal and the BJP are the main contenders in the three seats which will see a four-cornered contest between the two parties, the Congress and the Left Front. The most interesting fight will be in Darjeeling - famed for its tea, timber and tourism. In Darjeeling's Patlebas, the atmosphere appears to be that of election but flags are missing - a stark contrast to the 2017 violence. The Darjeeling Lok Sabha constituency consists of Kalimpong, Darjeeling, Kurseong, Matigara-Naxalbari, Siliguri, Phansidewa and Chopra assembly segments. For the last few decades, Darjeeling has seen a familiar pattern - whoever gets the support of the dominant hill party, wins the seat. The BP won from here in 2009 and 2014, but 2019 is going to be different. Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) leader Bimal Gurung, who has raised the issue of Gorkhaland, has always been big factor in the area but the Hill politics took a curious turn after he escaped to evade arrest. Zee travelled to Gurung's den, remnants of a burned car remind of the 2017 violence. The locality, which earlier had special Gurung army now is desolated, except for two BJP flags in a corner. People here still do not want to speak; they are still in a state of shock. "We had enough, now we need peace," said Gurung's former aide Nirnal. The agitation which started here in 2017 against the state government's decision to make Bengali language compulsory soon snowballed into an intense movement for statehood. It triggered widespread arson and vandalism, massive clashes, multiple casualties, political blamegames and the longest-ever shutdown of 104 days that brought the entire northern West Bengal hills to a standstill till Gurung escaped and GJM's new chairman Binay Tamang called off the protest. But even in hiding, Gurung is not willing to give up without a fight. He has lent his support to BJP's Raju Bista. Boosting it further, the Gorkha National Liberation Front (GNLF) has also supported Bista. The Trinamool Congress has fielded Amar Singh Rai to take on Bisht. Rai, the Trinamool Congress candidate, has the support on the Binay Tamang faction of the GJM. Also in the fray are Sankar Malakar of Congress, Saman Pathak of CPI(M) and Harka Bahadur Chhetri, Jaan Andolan Party president. The Hills will see a good electoral fight and the picture of Patlebas from both the sides will definitely have impact on the voters here.

Bimal Gurung's house stands tall in Darjeeling, but Hills will vote without him this time

A unique story of patriotism & dedication came into light from Assam’s Karimganj. A 116-year-old man is all set for Lok Sabha elections 2019. Mahmud Ali never misses a chance to vote and even encourages his family to use their ‘right’ properly.

116-year-old man is all set for Lok Sabha elections 2019

Several PDP leaders, including party's district president Leh Tashi Gyalson, have joined the BJP, a spokesperson of the party said in Jammu on Wednesday.

Almost the entire Leh unit of the PDP led by Gyalson joined the BJP at the party headquarters on Tuesday evening, he said.

Chairman and chief executive councillor of the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC) and BJP's candidate for the Ladakh parliamentary constituency Jamyang Tsering Namgyal welcomed the new entrants into the party fold.

Besides Gyalson, others who have joined the BJP include women wing president and nominated councillor Rinchen Lhamo, vice president Tsewang Dorjay Onpo, zonal president Nubra Capt Phunstog, general secretary Sangay Dorjay and executive members Tundup and Phuntsog, the spokesman said.

Gyalson, who joined the PDP in 2008, said they were highly impressed by the BJP slogan 'Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas' and decided to join the party.

The spokesman said their joining will strengthen the party at the grassroots level in the region which is going to polls in the final phase of the Lok Sabha polls on May 6.

Veteran leader Thupstan Chhewang had won the seat for the BJP for the first time in 2014 by a slight margin of 36 votes, but he resigned from the primary membership of the party in November last year, saying that all promises made by the BJP sounded like an "empty rhetoric".

Several PDP leaders, including party's district president Leh Tashi Gyalson, have joined the BJP, a spokesperson of the party said in Jammu on Wednesday. Almost the entire Leh unit of the PDP led by Gyalson joined the BJP at the party headquarters on Tuesday evening, he said.

Several PDP leaders, including party's district president Leh Tashi Gyalson, have joined the BJP, a spokesperson of the party said in Jammu on Wednesday. Almost the entire Leh unit of the PDP led by Gyalson joined the BJP at the party headquarters on Tuesday evening, he said. Chairman and chief executive councillor of the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC) and BJP's candidate for the Ladakh parliamentary constituency Jamyang Tsering Namgyal welcomed the new entrants into the party fold. Besides Gyalson, others who have joined the BJP include women wing president and nominated councillor Rinchen Lhamo, vice president Tsewang Dorjay Onpo, zonal president Nubra Capt Phunstog, general secretary Sangay Dorjay and executive members Tundup and Phuntsog, the spokesman said. Gyalson, who joined the PDP in 2008, said they were highly impressed by the BJP slogan 'Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas' and decided to join the party. The spokesman said their joining will strengthen the party at the grassroots level in the region which is going to polls in the final phase of the Lok Sabha polls on May 6. Veteran leader Thupstan Chhewang had won the seat for the BJP for the first time in 2014 by a slight margin of 36 votes, but he resigned from the primary membership of the party in November last year, saying that all promises made by the BJP sounded like an "empty rhetoric".

Several PDP leaders join BJP in Ladakh

Congress chief Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday reached out to the people of Wayanad, saying he did not want to make false promises, but was committed to resolving their issues after hearing their "heart and soul".

Taking a jibe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Gandhi said he was not here to tell his 'Mann Ki Baat' but to understand the difficulties, including the night travel ban, man-animal conflicts and lack of medical facilities, being faced by the people here.

"I am not like the Prime Minister.. I am not here to tell you that I will give you 2 crore jobs, Rs 15 lakh in bank accounts. I will give farmers and give them whatever they want.. I am not going to lie to you.. Because I respect your intelligence.. Your wisdom," Gandhi told the gathering.

"I just don't want to have a relationship ofjust few months. I want a lifelong relationship with you. I want the sisters of Wayanad to say that I am like their brother, fathers and mothers to say that I am their son," he said.

The Congress chief said he wanted to represent Wayanad as the "beautiful place" symbolises different ideas, cultures and that the rest of the country can learn from Kerala and Wayanad.

"Once I decided to fight election from south India, I realised that Wayanad was the best place. Because it represents many many different ideas, cultures... Kerala is an example of peaceful co-existence. There is a lot that the rest of the country can learn from Kerala and Wayanad," he said.

Gandhi said he decided to contest from South India to make a point that the voice of south is as "important" as rest of the country.

Congress chief Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday reached out to the people of Wayanad, saying he did not want to make false promises, but was committed to resolving their issues after hearing their "heart and soul".

Congress chief Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday reached out to the people of Wayanad, saying he did not want to make false promises, but was committed to resolving their issues after hearing their "heart and soul". Taking a jibe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Gandhi said he was not here to tell his 'Mann Ki Baat' but to understand the difficulties, including the night travel ban, man-animal conflicts and lack of medical facilities, being faced by the people here. "I am not like the Prime Minister.. I am not here to tell you that I will give you 2 crore jobs, Rs 15 lakh in bank accounts. I will give farmers and give them whatever they want.. I am not going to lie to you.. Because I respect your intelligence.. Your wisdom," Gandhi told the gathering. "I just don't want to have a relationship ofjust few months. I want a lifelong relationship with you. I want the sisters of Wayanad to say that I am like their brother, fathers and mothers to say that I am their son," he said. The Congress chief said he wanted to represent Wayanad as the "beautiful place" symbolises different ideas, cultures and that the rest of the country can learn from Kerala and Wayanad. "Once I decided to fight election from south India, I realised that Wayanad was the best place. Because it represents many many different ideas, cultures... Kerala is an example of peaceful co-existence. There is a lot that the rest of the country can learn from Kerala and Wayanad," he said. Gandhi said he decided to contest from South India to make a point that the voice of south is as "important" as rest of the country.

Not here to make false promises: Rahul Gandhi in Kerala

Congress chief Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday performed the 'bali tharpanam' ritual for his late father and other ancestors on the banks of the 'Papanasini' in Wayanad, nearly three decades after the ashes of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi were immersed in the sacred stream.

Gandhi, who is on a whirlwind two-day tour in Kerala as part of Lok Sabha poll campaign, took time off his hectic schedule to offer prayers at the famed Thirunelli temple and performed the sacred ritual to pay obeisance to the ancestors of seven generations.

Known as the "Kashi of South", the Thirunelli temple, located in a picturesque valley surrounded by mountains and thick forest, is dedicated to Lord Maha Vishnu.

According to Hindu belief, performing the 'bali tharpanam' (paying obeisance to departed souls) ritual for ancestors in the 'Papanasini', the stream attached to the forest temple, is sacred.

Gandhi, who is contesting polls from the Wayanad Lok Sabha constituency also this time, besides his family bastion Amethi, arrived at the forest temple in a helicopter, accompanied by his party leaders, in the morning.

Wearing a traditional dhoti and draping a 'kasavu' (silk) shawl, the 49-year-old leader prostrated before the sanctum sanctorum and offered 'kanikka' in the temple 'hundi'.

After having a brief conversation with the priest about the rituals and traditions of the ancient shrine, Gandhi proceeded to the sacred stream, located about 700 metres from there.

The security officials had a tough time leading the bare-footed leader through the undulating terrain, paved with huge rocks and boulders, inside the thick forest, notorious for Maoist presence.

Television visuals showed Gandhi listening as the priest chanted the mantras and followed his instructions to perform the 'tharpanam'.

Besides the rituals for Rajiv Gandhi, rites for Indira Gandhi, former prime minister and Rahul Gandhi's grandmother, were also held.

Gandhi spent around 45 minutes at the hill shrine before leaving for a party meeting at the Sultan Bathery, around 45 km from Thirunelli.

"Besides Rajiv and Indira, the AICC chief performed the ritual for the jawans who lost lives in the Pulwama terror strike and lakhs of party workers who have died," Congress leader K C Venugopal, who was among those who accompanied Gandhi, later told reporters.

Former chief minister Oommen Chandy said Rahul Gandhi had expressed keen interest to offer prayers at the shrine during his last visit to Wayanad.

"We could not make it last time when he came to submit the nomination papers on April 4 due to security reasons," he said.

"Gandhi really wanted to visit the shrine and perform the ritual at Papanasini, where his father's ashes were immersed," Chandy added.

An urn containing the ashes of Rajiv Gandhi was brought here in 1991 and they were immersed in the Papanasini, which translates to 'destroyer of sins'.

Rajiv Gandhi was killed in a suicide bomb blast at Sriperumbudur in Tamil Nadu on May 21, 1991 during an election campaign.

Surrounded by the Kambamala, Karimala and the Varadiga peaks, the Thirunelli temple near Mananthavady embodies traditional Kerala architecture, according to the Kerala Tourism Department website.

The shrine, nestled in the scenic mountains, is shielded by 30 granite columns and the ground is paved with huge square pieces of granite.

Gandhi, who addressed four poll rallies on Tuesday, would address party workers in Palakkad and Malappuram besides Wayanad on Wednesday.

&nbsp;

Congress chief Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday performed the 'bali tharpanam' ritual for his late father and other ancestors on the banks of the 'Papanasini' in Wayanad, nearly three decades after the ashes of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi were immersed in the sacred stream.

Congress chief Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday performed the 'bali tharpanam' ritual for his late father and other ancestors on the banks of the 'Papanasini' in Wayanad, nearly three decades after the ashes of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi were immersed in the sacred stream. Gandhi, who is on a whirlwind two-day tour in Kerala as part of Lok Sabha poll campaign, took time off his hectic schedule to offer prayers at the famed Thirunelli temple and performed the sacred ritual to pay obeisance to the ancestors of seven generations. Known as the "Kashi of South", the Thirunelli temple, located in a picturesque valley surrounded by mountains and thick forest, is dedicated to Lord Maha Vishnu. According to Hindu belief, performing the 'bali tharpanam' (paying obeisance to departed souls) ritual for ancestors in the 'Papanasini', the stream attached to the forest temple, is sacred. Gandhi, who is contesting polls from the Wayanad Lok Sabha constituency also this time, besides his family bastion Amethi, arrived at the forest temple in a helicopter, accompanied by his party leaders, in the morning. Wearing a traditional dhoti and draping a 'kasavu' (silk) shawl, the 49-year-old leader prostrated before the sanctum sanctorum and offered 'kanikka' in the temple 'hundi'. After having a brief conversation with the priest about the rituals and traditions of the ancient shrine, Gandhi proceeded to the sacred stream, located about 700 metres from there. The security officials had a tough time leading the bare-footed leader through the undulating terrain, paved with huge rocks and boulders, inside the thick forest, notorious for Maoist presence. Television visuals showed Gandhi listening as the priest chanted the mantras and followed his instructions to perform the 'tharpanam'. Besides the rituals for Rajiv Gandhi, rites for Indira Gandhi, former prime minister and Rahul Gandhi's grandmother, were also held. Gandhi spent around 45 minutes at the hill shrine before leaving for a party meeting at the Sultan Bathery, around 45 km from Thirunelli. "Besides Rajiv and Indira, the AICC chief performed the ritual for the jawans who lost lives in the Pulwama terror strike and lakhs of party workers who have died," Congress leader K C Venugopal, who was among those who accompanied Gandhi, later told reporters. Former chief minister Oommen Chandy said Rahul Gandhi had expressed keen interest to offer prayers at the shrine during his last visit to Wayanad. "We could not make it last time when he came to submit the nomination papers on April 4 due to security reasons," he said. "Gandhi really wanted to visit the shrine and perform the ritual at Papanasini, where his father's ashes were immersed," Chandy added. An urn containing the ashes of Rajiv Gandhi was brought here in 1991 and they were immersed in the Papanasini, which translates to 'destroyer of sins'. Rajiv Gandhi was killed in a suicide bomb blast at Sriperumbudur in Tamil Nadu on May 21, 1991 during an election campaign. Surrounded by the Kambamala, Karimala and the Varadiga peaks, the Thirunelli temple near Mananthavady embodies traditional Kerala architecture, according to the Kerala Tourism Department website. The shrine, nestled in the scenic mountains, is shielded by 30 granite columns and the ground is paved with huge square pieces of granite. Gandhi, who addressed four poll rallies on Tuesday, would address party workers in Palakkad and Malappuram besides Wayanad on Wednesday.

Lok Sabha polls: Rahul Gandhi's temple run in Kerala's Wayanad

Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot on Wednesday said Ram Nath Kovind was made President of the country to balance caste equations ahead of the assembly election in Gujarat in 2017.

"People even say that Ram Nath Kovind was made president considering Gujarat assembly elections in 2017. I was reading an article. He (Prime Minister Narendra Modi) was afraid that he was not going to form the government in Gujarat. BJP chief Amit Shah might have given him suggestion after which it was decided to make Ram Nath Kovind the president," Gehlot told reporters here at a press conference.

Kovind was elected President in July 2017 and Gujarat assembly elections were held in December in the year.

"(Lal Krishna) Advani was left out though he had to become the president. People of the country had expectation that he (Advani) will get the honour which he deserved but was deprived. Though it is BJP's internal issue, I am discussing it because I read an article," the Rajasthan chief minister added.

Meanwhile,&nbsp;the BJP on Wednesday demanded an apology from Gehlot, for his comments against President Ram Nath Kovind, claiming that he was elected to the highest constitutional post due to his caste.

The party also urged the Election Commission (EC) to take strict action against the Congress leader.

"We demand an apology from the Congress leader Ashok Gehlot for his comment that Kovind was made President because of his caste," BJP spokesperson G V L Narasimha Rao said at the party headquarters.&nbsp;

Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot on Wednesday said Ram Nath Kovind was made President of the country to balance caste equations ahead of the assembly election in Gujarat in 2017.

Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot on Wednesday said Ram Nath Kovind was made President of the country to balance caste equations ahead of the assembly election in Gujarat in 2017. "People even say that Ram Nath Kovind was made president considering Gujarat assembly elections in 2017. I was reading an article. He (Prime Minister Narendra Modi) was afraid that he was not going to form the government in Gujarat. BJP chief Amit Shah might have given him suggestion after which it was decided to make Ram Nath Kovind the president," Gehlot told reporters here at a press conference. Kovind was elected President in July 2017 and Gujarat assembly elections were held in December in the year. "(Lal Krishna) Advani was left out though he had to become the president. People of the country had expectation that he (Advani) will get the honour which he deserved but was deprived. Though it is BJP's internal issue, I am discussing it because I read an article," the Rajasthan chief minister added. Meanwhile, the BJP on Wednesday demanded an apology from Gehlot, for his comments against President Ram Nath Kovind, claiming that he was elected to the highest constitutional post due to his caste. The party also urged the Election Commission (EC) to take strict action against the Congress leader. "We demand an apology from the Congress leader Ashok Gehlot for his comment that Kovind was made President because of his caste," BJP spokesperson G V L Narasimha Rao said at the party headquarters.

Ram Nath Kovind made President because of his caste: Ashok Gehlot

Over 76.93 lakh voters will on Thursday decide the fate of 279 candidates, including Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik and Union minister Jual Oram, in the second phase of polls for five Lok Sabha and 35 assembly seats in Odisha.

Out of the total electorate of 76,93,123, there are 37,47,493 women voters. At least 605 electors belong to the third gender.

Preparations for the second phase of polls have reached the final stage and necessary steps have been taken to ensure free, fair and peaceful voting to be held in 9,117 booths, said Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Surendra Kumar.

Polling will be held in Aska, Kandhamal, Sundergarh, Bargarh and Bolangir Lok Sabha constituencies and 35 assembly segments under them. The polling staff have reached the booths in time, he said.

Over 60,000 polling personnel have been deployed to conduct the second phase, Kumar said, adding, 8,700 vehicles will be used for their transportation.

"For the first time in the state, the vehicles of all sector officers are provided with GPS tracking facilities to ensure proper monitoring," the CEO said.

Out of the total number of 9,117 booths, 3,701 have been identified as critical, and arrangements have been made for deployment of Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) in 739 booths, he said.

Similarly, steps have been taken for webcasting in 883 booths, providing CCTV in 623 booths and engaging 892 micro-observers, Kumar said. Videography will be conducted in 331 places.

As some areas in Kandhamal, Bolangir and Bargarh are Maoist-affected, security has been heightened to ensure smooth conduct of polls in those pockets, a senior police officer said.

"Steps were taken for intensifying combing operations, patrolling and flag march in these areas," he said.

While CAPF have been deployed in the critical and sensitive booths, Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Special Operation Group (SOG) and District Volunteer Force (DVF) personnel have been asked to intensify anti-Naxal operations in several areas, the officer said.

Paramilitary forces, police, flying squads, static surveillance teams, poll observers, videography teams and excise sleuths will also be deployed in the constituencies.

In order to assist differently-abled voters, vehicles will be deployed to transport them to polling stations, while wheelchairs and volunteers are also being made available to help them cast votes in the stations.

The voters include a total of 1,08,458 differently abled persons, and as many as 17,882 volunteers have been engaged to assist them, the CEO said.

On the basis of feedback received from the first phase of polls held on April 11, arrangements have been made for providing tents and chairs in the booths, in order to give respite to the voters from scorching heat, he said.

The second phase of polls will decide the fate of a total of 279 candidates. There are 35 hopefuls, including five women, in five Lok Sabha constituencies, and 244 candidates, 25 of them women, in 35 assembly seats.

Prominent among the contestants in the second phase is chief minister and Biju Janata Dal (BJD) president Naveen Patnaik, contesting from his home turf Hinjili in Ganjam district and Bijepur in Bargarh.

Among others, Union Tribal Affairs Minister Jual Oram of the BJP, BJD's Rajya Sabha MPs Prasanna Acharya and Achyut Samant, BJP nominee and three-time MP Kharabela Swain are in the fray in the Lok Sabha polls.

In addition, senior Congress leader Narasingha Mishra is in the fray from the Bolangir Assembly seat, while BJP legislature party leader K V Singhdeo is contesting from the Patnagarh Assembly seat.

Lok Sabha and assembly elections are being held simultaneously in Odisha in four phases.

While the first phase of polling was held on April 11, the remaining phases are scheduled for Thursday, April 23 and 29. Counting of votes will be held on May 23. 
There are 21 Lok Sabha and 147 assembly seats in the state.

Meanwhile, repolling will also be held on Thursday in two polling stations located in Malkangiri (ST) and Berhampur Assembly constituencies, following reports of glitches in the Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) during the first phase of polling.

Over 76.93 lakh voters will on Thursday decide the fate of 279 candidates, including Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik and Union minister Jual Oram, in the second phase of polls for five Lok Sabha and 35 assembly seats in Odisha.

Over 76.93 lakh voters will on Thursday decide the fate of 279 candidates, including Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik and Union minister Jual Oram, in the second phase of polls for five Lok Sabha and 35 assembly seats in Odisha. Out of the total electorate of 76,93,123, there are 37,47,493 women voters. At least 605 electors belong to the third gender. Preparations for the second phase of polls have reached the final stage and necessary steps have been taken to ensure free, fair and peaceful voting to be held in 9,117 booths, said Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Surendra Kumar. Polling will be held in Aska, Kandhamal, Sundergarh, Bargarh and Bolangir Lok Sabha constituencies and 35 assembly segments under them. The polling staff have reached the booths in time, he said. Over 60,000 polling personnel have been deployed to conduct the second phase, Kumar said, adding, 8,700 vehicles will be used for their transportation. "For the first time in the state, the vehicles of all sector officers are provided with GPS tracking facilities to ensure proper monitoring," the CEO said. Out of the total number of 9,117 booths, 3,701 have been identified as critical, and arrangements have been made for deployment of Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) in 739 booths, he said. Similarly, steps have been taken for webcasting in 883 booths, providing CCTV in 623 booths and engaging 892 micro-observers, Kumar said. Videography will be conducted in 331 places. As some areas in Kandhamal, Bolangir and Bargarh are Maoist-affected, security has been heightened to ensure smooth conduct of polls in those pockets, a senior police officer said. "Steps were taken for intensifying combing operations, patrolling and flag march in these areas," he said. While CAPF have been deployed in the critical and sensitive booths, Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Special Operation Group (SOG) and District Volunteer Force (DVF) personnel have been asked to intensify anti-Naxal operations in several areas, the officer said. Paramilitary forces, police, flying squads, static surveillance teams, poll observers, videography teams and excise sleuths will also be deployed in the constituencies. In order to assist differently-abled voters, vehicles will be deployed to transport them to polling stations, while wheelchairs and volunteers are also being made available to help them cast votes in the stations. The voters include a total of 1,08,458 differently abled persons, and as many as 17,882 volunteers have been engaged to assist them, the CEO said. On the basis of feedback received from the first phase of polls held on April 11, arrangements have been made for providing tents and chairs in the booths, in order to give respite to the voters from scorching heat, he said. The second phase of polls will decide the fate of a total of 279 candidates. There are 35 hopefuls, including five women, in five Lok Sabha constituencies, and 244 candidates, 25 of them women, in 35 assembly seats. Prominent among the contestants in the second phase is chief minister and Biju Janata Dal (BJD) president Naveen Patnaik, contesting from his home turf Hinjili in Ganjam district and Bijepur in Bargarh. Among others, Union Tribal Affairs Minister Jual Oram of the BJP, BJD's Rajya Sabha MPs Prasanna Acharya and Achyut Samant, BJP nominee and three-time MP Kharabela Swain are in the fray in the Lok Sabha polls. In addition, senior Congress leader Narasingha Mishra is in the fray from the Bolangir Assembly seat, while BJP legislature party leader K V Singhdeo is contesting from the Patnagarh Assembly seat. Lok Sabha and assembly elections are being held simultaneously in Odisha in four phases. While the first phase of polling was held on April 11, the remaining phases are scheduled for Thursday, April 23 and 29. Counting of votes will be held on May 23. There are 21 Lok Sabha and 147 assembly seats in the state. Meanwhile, repolling will also be held on Thursday in two polling stations located in Malkangiri (ST) and Berhampur Assembly constituencies, following reports of glitches in the Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) during the first phase of polling.

Odisha gears up for second phase of Lok Sabha, assembly polls

BJP candidate from Gorakhpur Ravi Kishan on Wednesday called on Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, a former MP from the seat.

The Bhojpuri actor sought the chief minister's blessings and exuded confidence of winning the Gorakhpur constituency, presently held by the Samajwadi Party.

"There is no challenge for me in Gorakhpur as I have the blessings of Baba Gorakhnath and Yogi Adityanath. Apart from this, we have people's blessings for the work done by Prime Minister Narendra Modi," he said after meeting Adityanath.

Slamming the opposition parties, he said "the 'Gathbandhan' (anti-BJP alliance) will divide the country" if voted to power.

"The opposition in order to realise its vested interest, makes the public forget many things, so we will knock every door and tell people about the various welfare schemes and projects launched by this government for different sections of the society," Ravi Kishan said.

He said the general election is a battle between a "selfless prime minister and a conglomeration of dynastic parties".

The Gorakhpur seat, which was considered as a bastion of Adityanath, was lost to Praveen Nishad in the bypolls, who had fought on a Samajwadi Party ticket with the support of the Bahujan Samaj Party.

Gorakhpur goes to polls on May 19, the last phase of the seven-phase Lok Sabha election.

BJP candidate from Gorakhpur Ravi Kishan on Wednesday called on Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, a former MP from the seat. The Bhojpuri actor sought the chief minister's blessings and exuded confidence of winning the Gorakhpur constituency, presently held by the Samajwadi Party.

BJP candidate from Gorakhpur Ravi Kishan on Wednesday called on Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, a former MP from the seat. The Bhojpuri actor sought the chief minister's blessings and exuded confidence of winning the Gorakhpur constituency, presently held by the Samajwadi Party. "There is no challenge for me in Gorakhpur as I have the blessings of Baba Gorakhnath and Yogi Adityanath. Apart from this, we have people's blessings for the work done by Prime Minister Narendra Modi," he said after meeting Adityanath. Slamming the opposition parties, he said "the 'Gathbandhan' (anti-BJP alliance) will divide the country" if voted to power. "The opposition in order to realise its vested interest, makes the public forget many things, so we will knock every door and tell people about the various welfare schemes and projects launched by this government for different sections of the society," Ravi Kishan said. He said the general election is a battle between a "selfless prime minister and a conglomeration of dynastic parties". The Gorakhpur seat, which was considered as a bastion of Adityanath, was lost to Praveen Nishad in the bypolls, who had fought on a Samajwadi Party ticket with the support of the Bahujan Samaj Party. Gorakhpur goes to polls on May 19, the last phase of the seven-phase Lok Sabha election.

Lok Sabha polls: Ravi Kishan meets Yogi Adityanath, seeks blessings for election victory

People's ability to think logically suffers when they are faced with arguments that go against their political belief systems, a study has found.

The research, published in the journal Social Psychological and Personality Science, also shows that when confronted with the unsound reasoning of opposing groups, people become better able to identify flawed logic.

The researchers from the University of Virginia and University of California, Irvine in the US studied ideological belief bias among 924 American liberals and conservatives from a website YourMorals.Org.

Visitors to the site evaluated the logical soundness of classically structured logical syllogisms supporting liberal or conservative beliefs. Of 16 syllogisms, half were structured as sound arguments, and half unsound.

On average, participants correctly judged 73 per cent of the syllogisms. However, their ability to judge correctly depended on their political views.

"Liberals were better at identifying flawed arguments supporting conservative beliefs and conservatives were better at identifying flawed arguments supporting liberal beliefs," said Anup Gampa from the University of Virginia.

The researchers also observed ideological belief bias effects among 1,489 participants from ProjectImplicit.Org. The participants in this study were trained in logical reasoning before evaluating political syllogisms using language similar to what they might encounter in popular media.

Even with the training, the ability to analyse arguments fell into the same patterns. They found similar patterns of bias in a nationally representative sample containing 1,109 liberals and conservatives.

In the era of fake news, these logical fallacies can be even more potent.

"When two sides don't share a common view of even seemingly objective facts, these differences become embedded in our collective reasoning ability," said Sean Wojcik from the University of California, Irvine.

"Our biases drive us apart not only in our disagreements about political and ideological worldviews, but also in our understanding of logic itself," said Wojcik.

Researchers not that in our political world, we might not be as vigilant as we think about the logical grounding of our own beliefs and "we might be unreasonably harsh about the logical grounding of the belief of those we disagree with."

Despite this, being able to hear the other side can open us to our own flawed arguments, they said.

People's ability to think logically suffers when they are faced with arguments that go against their political belief systems, a study has found. The research, published in the journal Social Psychological and Personality Science, also shows that when confronted with the unsound reasoning of opposing groups, people become better able to identify flawed logic.

People's ability to think logically suffers when they are faced with arguments that go against their political belief systems, a study has found. The research, published in the journal Social Psychological and Personality Science, also shows that when confronted with the unsound reasoning of opposing groups, people become better able to identify flawed logic. The researchers from the University of Virginia and University of California, Irvine in the US studied ideological belief bias among 924 American liberals and conservatives from a website YourMorals.Org. Visitors to the site evaluated the logical soundness of classically structured logical syllogisms supporting liberal or conservative beliefs. Of 16 syllogisms, half were structured as sound arguments, and half unsound. On average, participants correctly judged 73 per cent of the syllogisms. However, their ability to judge correctly depended on their political views. "Liberals were better at identifying flawed arguments supporting conservative beliefs and conservatives were better at identifying flawed arguments supporting liberal beliefs," said Anup Gampa from the University of Virginia. The researchers also observed ideological belief bias effects among 1,489 participants from ProjectImplicit.Org. The participants in this study were trained in logical reasoning before evaluating political syllogisms using language similar to what they might encounter in popular media. Even with the training, the ability to analyse arguments fell into the same patterns. They found similar patterns of bias in a nationally representative sample containing 1,109 liberals and conservatives. In the era of fake news, these logical fallacies can be even more potent. "When two sides don't share a common view of even seemingly objective facts, these differences become embedded in our collective reasoning ability," said Sean Wojcik from the University of California, Irvine. "Our biases drive us apart not only in our disagreements about political and ideological worldviews, but also in our understanding of logic itself," said Wojcik. Researchers not that in our political world, we might not be as vigilant as we think about the logical grounding of our own beliefs and "we might be unreasonably harsh about the logical grounding of the belief of those we disagree with." Despite this, being able to hear the other side can open us to our own flawed arguments, they said.

Strong political beliefs may hamper ability to think logically: Study

Once a taboo, party hopping is now considered a virtue in western Uttar Pradesh with people looking at candidates who switch sides as "political heavyweights".

Old-timers, however, lament the "decline in moral standards" of the people and the candidates over the years.

"In the 1960s and 1970s if a candidate crossed over to the other party, he/she would have to face the wrath of the people and would be ostracised by his/her political supporters for doing it," says Prashant Goel, an advocate from Bijnor.

"I have seen my elders completely sever ties with those who would switch sides. But now it is not an issue, it is not about ideologies any more. The number of parties a candidate has changed adds to his/her CV and he/she is considered a political heavyweight," he said.

Earlier it was difficult to find candidates who have switched allegiance, but now one cannot find a constituency where candidates have not switched sides, Goel said. 
His argument holds true as the western UP Lok Sabha seats are full of such candidates who have been part of multiple parties in the past.

In Nagina, the incumbent MP, BJP's Yashwant Singh, had been with SP, while the Congress candidate, Omwati Devi, has been with all the four principal parties in the state - SP, BSP, BJP and Congress - at different times of her political career.

Devi has an interesting track record when it comes to switching allegiance.

She started her political career in 1985 with the Congress, moved to SP in the 1990s, and then in 2007 joined BSP. Just before Lok Sabha polls in 2014, she left BSP and joined BJP.

However, she was not fielded by the BJP in the parliamentary election.

She fought the 2017 assembly polls on a BJP ticket, but lost the election.

Just ahead of the 2019 Lok Sabha election, she and her husband R K Singh, a former IAS officer, returned to Congress.

"My original home was Congress, but due to certain circumstances, we strayed elsewhere and have now made a ghar wapsi," she said.

"I have gone to people and myself accepted that I made a mistake by going into BJP. But the public has not questioned me about it," she said.

The situation is no different in the Lok Sabha seats nearby.

In Bijnor, Naseemuddin Siddiqui, once considered Mayawati's close aide and one of the most powerful ministers in her cabinet, is the Congress candidate this time.

Not long ago, Danish Ali was the go-to man in H D Deve Gowda's Janata Dal (Secular), but just ahead of the polls he joined the BSP and entered the poll fray from Amroha. He, however, had the blessings of Deve Gowda to make the switch.

In Rampur, Jaya Prada switched to BJP ahead of the polls and entered the fray on the saffron party's ticket after spending years in SP.

Shamim Ahmed, a 70-year-old owner of a sweets shop here, said: "There was a time when people used to get outraged by party hoppers and call them 'dal badlu', but now if there are four brothers in a family, all four of them will be in different parties and would have no qualms about switching allegiances, and neither would the people mind it."

Nadeem Khan, a pakoda seller, said: "We don't care if someone has switched sides, on the contrary it shows the leader is in demand. It shows the leader is a political heavyweight."

"We just want that work should be done and the leader should be willing to help us in times of trouble. This switching of parties does not matter, it is irrelevant," he said.

Rakesh Mishra, who has been a keen observer of politics of the region, said it is sad that party hopping is considered a virtue now, but reality needs to be accepted.

"Earlier there were not many options and political battles were fought on ideology. So, irrespective of the treatment in the party, you could not think of quitting it as the ideology of other parties did not match with yours. But now it is about winning, about power, so switching of allegiance has become a non-issue," he said.

Narrating an interesting anecdote, an old Congress worker said a leader who had spent his entire lifetime in Congress was asked to move to SP or BSP by his supporters to stay relevant politically in the 1990s.

"The leader gave a wry smile and recited a couplet in Urdu: 'Zindagi kat gayi ishq-e-butan mein Momin, aakhri waqt kya khaak Musalman honge? (Have spent my life worshipping idols, what is the point of turning Muslim in my last moments)," the teary-eyed party worker said, reminiscing the dedication leaders of the yore had for the organisation they spent their life in.

Once a taboo, party hopping is now considered a virtue in western Uttar Pradesh with people looking at candidates who switch sides as "political heavyweights". Old-timers, however, lament the "decline in moral standards" of the people and the candidates over the years.

Once a taboo, party hopping is now considered a virtue in western Uttar Pradesh with people looking at candidates who switch sides as "political heavyweights". Old-timers, however, lament the "decline in moral standards" of the people and the candidates over the years. "In the 1960s and 1970s if a candidate crossed over to the other party, he/she would have to face the wrath of the people and would be ostracised by his/her political supporters for doing it," says Prashant Goel, an advocate from Bijnor. "I have seen my elders completely sever ties with those who would switch sides. But now it is not an issue, it is not about ideologies any more. The number of parties a candidate has changed adds to his/her CV and he/she is considered a political heavyweight," he said. Earlier it was difficult to find candidates who have switched allegiance, but now one cannot find a constituency where candidates have not switched sides, Goel said. His argument holds true as the western UP Lok Sabha seats are full of such candidates who have been part of multiple parties in the past. In Nagina, the incumbent MP, BJP's Yashwant Singh, had been with SP, while the Congress candidate, Omwati Devi, has been with all the four principal parties in the state - SP, BSP, BJP and Congress - at different times of her political career. Devi has an interesting track record when it comes to switching allegiance. She started her political career in 1985 with the Congress, moved to SP in the 1990s, and then in 2007 joined BSP. Just before Lok Sabha polls in 2014, she left BSP and joined BJP. However, she was not fielded by the BJP in the parliamentary election. She fought the 2017 assembly polls on a BJP ticket, but lost the election. Just ahead of the 2019 Lok Sabha election, she and her husband R K Singh, a former IAS officer, returned to Congress. "My original home was Congress, but due to certain circumstances, we strayed elsewhere and have now made a ghar wapsi," she said. "I have gone to people and myself accepted that I made a mistake by going into BJP. But the public has not questioned me about it," she said. The situation is no different in the Lok Sabha seats nearby. In Bijnor, Naseemuddin Siddiqui, once considered Mayawati's close aide and one of the most powerful ministers in her cabinet, is the Congress candidate this time. Not long ago, Danish Ali was the go-to man in H D Deve Gowda's Janata Dal (Secular), but just ahead of the polls he joined the BSP and entered the poll fray from Amroha. He, however, had the blessings of Deve Gowda to make the switch. In Rampur, Jaya Prada switched to BJP ahead of the polls and entered the fray on the saffron party's ticket after spending years in SP. Shamim Ahmed, a 70-year-old owner of a sweets shop here, said: "There was a time when people used to get outraged by party hoppers and call them 'dal badlu', but now if there are four brothers in a family, all four of them will be in different parties and would have no qualms about switching allegiances, and neither would the people mind it." Nadeem Khan, a pakoda seller, said: "We don't care if someone has switched sides, on the contrary it shows the leader is in demand. It shows the leader is a political heavyweight." "We just want that work should be done and the leader should be willing to help us in times of trouble. This switching of parties does not matter, it is irrelevant," he said. Rakesh Mishra, who has been a keen observer of politics of the region, said it is sad that party hopping is considered a virtue now, but reality needs to be accepted. "Earlier there were not many options and political battles were fought on ideology. So, irrespective of the treatment in the party, you could not think of quitting it as the ideology of other parties did not match with yours. But now it is about winning, about power, so switching of allegiance has become a non-issue," he said. Narrating an interesting anecdote, an old Congress worker said a leader who had spent his entire lifetime in Congress was asked to move to SP or BSP by his supporters to stay relevant politically in the 1990s. "The leader gave a wry smile and recited a couplet in Urdu: 'Zindagi kat gayi ishq-e-butan mein Momin, aakhri waqt kya khaak Musalman honge? (Have spent my life worshipping idols, what is the point of turning Muslim in my last moments)," the teary-eyed party worker said, reminiscing the dedication leaders of the yore had for the organisation they spent their life in.

Party hopping - once a taboo, now a virtue in western UP

Watch this segment of India Election Watch for latest updates of India Election as on 16th April 2019.

India Election Watch; 16th April 2019

In this edition of WION's Know Your Candidate, we feature National Conference President Dr Farooq Abdullah. Know more about her by watching this video.

India Election Watch: Know Your Candidate, who is Farooq Abdullah?

All you need to know about key battles in Phase 2 of elections 2019. Watch more to know.

India Election Watch: Big battles in Phase 2 of elections 2019; All you need to know

Almost a day after Samajwadi Party senior leader Azam Khan was slapped with a campaign ban by the Election Commission and an FIR by the Uttar Pradesh Police against his derogatory speech on BJP leader Jaya Prada. Watch this video to know more.

India Election Watch: Azam Khan's son plays Muslim card

Actor-turned-politician Shatrughan Sinha's wife Poonam Sinha joined the Samajwadi Party on Tuesday. The development was confirmed on Twitter by the Samajwadi Party.

India Election Watch: Shatrughan Sinha's wife Poonam Sinha joins Samajwadi Party