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West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's chopper, used for a poll campaign in North Bengal, lost its way on Wednesday while she was on a campaign trail in Chopra, North Dinajpur district.

"I am sorry as you all had to wait for me. This distance is usually covered within 22 minutes, but it took us 55 minutes to find the way. The pilot could not find the way," said Banerjee without divulging any further detail.

According to officials accompanying her, the pilot of the chopper lost the way and ventured into Bihar's air space by mistake.&nbsp;

The pilot reportedly found it difficult to locate the helipad created right next to the stage of her campaign in Chopra. However, after establishing radio contact, the pilot was given a route to follow and managed to locate the helipad.&nbsp;

A colourful flare was also lit to help the pilot locate the exact location of the helipad.

The chopper had taken off from Siliguri around 1 pm. While it was supposed to land at Chopra helipad at 1:22 pm, it landed at 2 pm.

The state administration has ordered a high-level enquiry into the matter as the Chief Minister is a Z Plus category protectee.

In 2016, a Kolkata-bound flight carrying the Chief Minister from Patna was reportedly low on fuel and was hovering over the Kolkata airport for over an hour, eventually landing behind schedule. She and other TMC leaders at the time had alleged that the plot had tried to eliminate her. The incident had also sparked a debate in Parliament, raising concerns over the Chief Minister and other passengers' security.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's chopper, used for a poll campaign in North Bengal, lost its way on Wednesday while she was on a campaign trail in Chopra, North Dinajpur district.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's chopper, used for a poll campaign in North Bengal, lost its way on Wednesday while she was on a campaign trail in Chopra, North Dinajpur district. "I am sorry as you all had to wait for me. This distance is usually covered within 22 minutes, but it took us 55 minutes to find the way. The pilot could not find the way," said Banerjee without divulging any further detail. According to officials accompanying her, the pilot of the chopper lost the way and ventured into Bihar's air space by mistake. The pilot reportedly found it difficult to locate the helipad created right next to the stage of her campaign in Chopra. However, after establishing radio contact, the pilot was given a route to follow and managed to locate the helipad. A colourful flare was also lit to help the pilot locate the exact location of the helipad. The chopper had taken off from Siliguri around 1 pm. While it was supposed to land at Chopra helipad at 1:22 pm, it landed at 2 pm. The state administration has ordered a high-level enquiry into the matter as the Chief Minister is a Z Plus category protectee. In 2016, a Kolkata-bound flight carrying the Chief Minister from Patna was reportedly low on fuel and was hovering over the Kolkata airport for over an hour, eventually landing behind schedule. She and other TMC leaders at the time had alleged that the plot had tried to eliminate her. The incident had also sparked a debate in Parliament, raising concerns over the Chief Minister and other passengers' security.

Lok Sabha polls 2019: Mamata Banerjee's chopper loses its way, inquiry ordered

Tomorrow is the first day of Lok Sabha elections 2019 of India. See how it is difficult to conduct voting in remote locations and how the preparedness is going on for tomorrow.

Preparedness started, How polling is a challenge in remote locations of India?

Watch 'India Election Watch' to get the deep details and knowledge of India's election.

India Election Watch; 08th April, 2019

Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-manifesto-pak-speak-same-language-on-kashmir-related-issues-says-pm-modi-in-latur-208954">Narendra Modi's ruling alliance</a> will win a thin majority in a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/predicting-results-during-polling-period-violation-of-law-election-commission-208908">general election</a> that starts on April 11, an average of four opinion polls showed, with a focus on national security appearing to trump concerns over other issues.

The coalition led by PM Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is expected to win 273 of the 543 parliament seats at stake, one more than the halfway mark required to rule.&nbsp;

In the last election, the alliance won more than 330 seats - the biggest mandate in three decades.

Most of the polling agencies that released surveys in the last four days said Modi got a boost from recent tension with arch-enemy Pakistan after a militant group based there killed 40 Indian paramilitary troops in Jammu and Kashmir in February.

"In today's India we have seen perhaps for the first time security issues competing with, and outdoing, a bread and butter issue like unemployment," CVoter said in a statement.

Primarily, the BJP has been unable to sufficiently distinguish itself from Congress when it comes to making people feel the difference in terms of their livelihoods and economic interests.

"However, when it comes to controlling and responding on terror the same set of respondents do feel a clear and visible difference."

CVoter's poll is the most conservative, predicting 267 seats for the ruling group, while the Times Now-VMR's poll is the most bullish, with 279 seats.

The main opposition Congress and its allies are expected to more than double their seats to about 141 on average.

Pre-election opinion polls in India, with thousands of respondents, have proved unreliable several times in the past in a vast country of about 1.3 billion people, of whom about 900 million are eligible to vote.

Congress has accused the BJP of using retaliatory air strikes on Pakistan as a political tool and has instead highlighted job creation, tackling farm distress and empowerment of women, among its top priorities.

But the BJP has doubled down on national security issues, promising in its manifesto released on Monday to strip decades-old special rights from the people of Jammu and Kashmir.

Modi has said he will retain power with a bigger mandate than before, while Congress says its plan for annual handouts of Rs 72,000 to the poorest families will help fuel its comeback.

The election will be held in seven phases and votes will be counted on May 23, with results likely to be clear the same day.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's ruling alliance will win a thin majority in a general election that starts on April 11, an average of four opinion polls showed, with a focus on national security appearing to trump concerns over other issues.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's ruling alliance will win a thin majority in a general election that starts on April 11, an average of four opinion polls showed, with a focus on national security appearing to trump concerns over other issues. The coalition led by PM Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is expected to win 273 of the 543 parliament seats at stake, one more than the halfway mark required to rule. In the last election, the alliance won more than 330 seats - the biggest mandate in three decades. Most of the polling agencies that released surveys in the last four days said Modi got a boost from recent tension with arch-enemy Pakistan after a militant group based there killed 40 Indian paramilitary troops in Jammu and Kashmir in February. "In today's India we have seen perhaps for the first time security issues competing with, and outdoing, a bread and butter issue like unemployment," CVoter said in a statement. Primarily, the BJP has been unable to sufficiently distinguish itself from Congress when it comes to making people feel the difference in terms of their livelihoods and economic interests. "However, when it comes to controlling and responding on terror the same set of respondents do feel a clear and visible difference." CVoter's poll is the most conservative, predicting 267 seats for the ruling group, while the Times Now-VMR's poll is the most bullish, with 279 seats. The main opposition Congress and its allies are expected to more than double their seats to about 141 on average. Pre-election opinion polls in India, with thousands of respondents, have proved unreliable several times in the past in a vast country of about 1.3 billion people, of whom about 900 million are eligible to vote. Congress has accused the BJP of using retaliatory air strikes on Pakistan as a political tool and has instead highlighted job creation, tackling farm distress and empowerment of women, among its top priorities. But the BJP has doubled down on national security issues, promising in its manifesto released on Monday to strip decades-old special rights from the people of Jammu and Kashmir. Modi has said he will retain power with a bigger mandate than before, while Congress says its plan for annual handouts of Rs 72,000 to the poorest families will help fuel its comeback. The election will be held in seven phases and votes will be counted on May 23, with results likely to be clear the same day.

BJP-led alliance to win thin majority in Lok Sabha elections 2019, poll shows ahead of vote

PM Modi and Uddhav Thackeray last shared the dais in Mumbai in December 2016 at a function to lay the foundation stone of the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj memorial off the Arabian Sea.

PM Modi & Uddhav Thackeray to share stage after 28 months at Osmanabad today

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is addressing a rally at Latur in Maharashtra. From Maharashtra the Prime Minister will move to Karnataka where he will address two rallies in Chitradurga and Mysuru. Prime Minister is also scheduled to address a public meeting at Coimbatore in Tamil Nadu in the evening.

PM Modi will address rallies in three states today

BSP chief Mayawati will address rallies in Greater Noida & Meerut today

UP CM Yogi Adityanath to address rallies in western UP today

In a bid to reach out to voters, especially the young one, the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the opposition BJP in West Bengal have extended their fight to the social media with innovative ideas and catchy jingles.

Dedicated teams comprising hundreds of volunteers are slogging away to ensure that the "Jumla metre" and "Pradhan mantri hisab do" campaign of the Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the "Main Bhi Chowkidar" music video of the BJP reach their target audience.

From coming out with Web series to catchy online songs to campaigns, both the parties are looking at making optimal use of social media platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, WhatsApp and Instagram, besides traditional emails and SMS.

Attacking the BJP and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the TMC has launched a Web series "Pradhan Mantri Hisab Do" (Prime Minister, answer this).

In this campaign, the party is releasing a short video everyday on Twitter and Facebook comparing the "failure" of Modi government and "success" of Mamata Banerjee-led TMC government in West Bengal in a particular field.

The TMC have also come out with a "Jumla meter" on its website showing whether or not claims made by the BJP especially on governance issues in West Bengal, are true.

"Both Pradhan Mantri Hisab Do and Jumla meter have become hugely popular among netizens. We have also taken steps so that each episode of Pradhan Mantri Hisab Do goes viral. We are trying reach out to our target audience - youths and first time voters," a senior TMC leader said.

According to the Election Commission, West Bengal has 20.1 lakh first time voters, the maximum among the states in the coming Lok Sabha elections.

The BJP, on the other hand, has made the music video of "Main Bhi Chowkidar" campaign viral on social media.

The Facebook page of the saffron party's West Bengal unit live streams all the public meetings of Modi and party president Amit Shah.

"We have a trained cadre base with presence down to the booth level to use the social media. We also have a huge network of volunteers. We are highlighting the failures of the TMC government and the pro-people policies of the BJP," senior BJP leader Sayantan Basu said.

The TMC has trained over 40,000 youths on the use of social media under the stewardship of Abhishek Banerjee, the party's youth wing president and nephew of Mamata Banerjee.

"We have one social media team for each constituency and its job is to air speeches of our party candidates via Facebook Live. We also organise Facebook chats," Col (retd) Dipatanshu Chowdhury, who is a joint convenor of the TMC's Media cell, said.

The party has also set up a team to monitor media content, fake news and trolls from district level to booth level, said a member of the TMC's Social Media IT cell.

The party has also created more than 10,000 WhatsApp groups to spread its message to the people.

The BJP West Bengal unit has also set up a core team of around 100 professionals, who have revamped social media presence of the party in the state.

The BJP has also created WhatsApp groups at various levels to create public opinion on local issues, Basu said.

The top leaders of both the TMC and the BJP are regular users of social media.

Mamata Banerjee, TMC's national spokesperson Derek O' Brien and Abhishek Banerjee are quite active on Twitter and Facebook.

The chief minister has around 2.9 million followers on Facebook and 3.25 million followers on Twitter.

Besides Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Shah, Union minister Babul Supriyo who is BJP candidate from Asansol, is one of the most popular faces of the party on social media.

In a bid to reach out to voters, especially the young one, the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the opposition BJP in West Bengal have extended their fight to the social media with innovative ideas and catchy jingles.

In a bid to reach out to voters, especially the young one, the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the opposition BJP in West Bengal have extended their fight to the social media with innovative ideas and catchy jingles. Dedicated teams comprising hundreds of volunteers are slogging away to ensure that the "Jumla metre" and "Pradhan mantri hisab do" campaign of the Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the "Main Bhi Chowkidar" music video of the BJP reach their target audience. From coming out with Web series to catchy online songs to campaigns, both the parties are looking at making optimal use of social media platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, WhatsApp and Instagram, besides traditional emails and SMS. Attacking the BJP and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the TMC has launched a Web series "Pradhan Mantri Hisab Do" (Prime Minister, answer this). In this campaign, the party is releasing a short video everyday on Twitter and Facebook comparing the "failure" of Modi government and "success" of Mamata Banerjee-led TMC government in West Bengal in a particular field. The TMC have also come out with a "Jumla meter" on its website showing whether or not claims made by the BJP especially on governance issues in West Bengal, are true. "Both Pradhan Mantri Hisab Do and Jumla meter have become hugely popular among netizens. We have also taken steps so that each episode of Pradhan Mantri Hisab Do goes viral. We are trying reach out to our target audience - youths and first time voters," a senior TMC leader said. According to the Election Commission, West Bengal has 20.1 lakh first time voters, the maximum among the states in the coming Lok Sabha elections. The BJP, on the other hand, has made the music video of "Main Bhi Chowkidar" campaign viral on social media. The Facebook page of the saffron party's West Bengal unit live streams all the public meetings of Modi and party president Amit Shah. "We have a trained cadre base with presence down to the booth level to use the social media. We also have a huge network of volunteers. We are highlighting the failures of the TMC government and the pro-people policies of the BJP," senior BJP leader Sayantan Basu said. The TMC has trained over 40,000 youths on the use of social media under the stewardship of Abhishek Banerjee, the party's youth wing president and nephew of Mamata Banerjee. "We have one social media team for each constituency and its job is to air speeches of our party candidates via Facebook Live. We also organise Facebook chats," Col (retd) Dipatanshu Chowdhury, who is a joint convenor of the TMC's Media cell, said. The party has also set up a team to monitor media content, fake news and trolls from district level to booth level, said a member of the TMC's Social Media IT cell. The party has also created more than 10,000 WhatsApp groups to spread its message to the people. The BJP West Bengal unit has also set up a core team of around 100 professionals, who have revamped social media presence of the party in the state. The BJP has also created WhatsApp groups at various levels to create public opinion on local issues, Basu said. The top leaders of both the TMC and the BJP are regular users of social media. Mamata Banerjee, TMC's national spokesperson Derek O' Brien and Abhishek Banerjee are quite active on Twitter and Facebook. The chief minister has around 2.9 million followers on Facebook and 3.25 million followers on Twitter. Besides Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Shah, Union minister Babul Supriyo who is BJP candidate from Asansol, is one of the most popular faces of the party on social media.

Web series vs music video: Trinamool Congress, BJP fight it out on social media

Seeking a third term from Rampur Lok Sbha seat - this time as a BJP candidate, Bollywood actor-turned-politician Jaya Prada on Monday attacked her one-time Samajwadi Party colleague and now a rival candidate Azam Khan, saying he is fighting polls to "legalise his acts".

"I have an emotional attachment with the people of Rampur. I am here to work for them and make Narendra Modi our prime minister once again while Azam is fighting election to legalise his acts," Jaya Prada said.

Jaya Prada, who had created history in 2004 by winning the Rampur seat for the first time for SP, defeating the heavyweight, sitting Congress MP Begum Noor Bano by 85,000 votes, is now back as a BJP candidate.

Asked what differences she finds in the ensuing Lok Sabha polls as compared to her earlier bids, Jaya Prada said, "With the BJP cadre around with me, things have become much easier. I had to manage things earlier on my own but with the cadre support this time, it is quite easy to manage them."

On how she takes Azam Khan's statement calling her a singer-dancer, Jaya Prada said, "He can say anything. He did not have any respect for women. It's his habit to make such statements but the people of Rampur knows him very well."

They dislike what he says and will reply to him with their votes, she added.

"In 2004, when I was in Mumbai (acting in Bollywood) and contested from here, he (Azam) campaigned for me. Didn't he know me then? He now calls me 'amrapali' (dancer), naachne wali etc. It's his habit, he can say anything to any women. He is a performer himself," she added.

About the response she is getting from the people of Rampur, Jaya Prada said, "Jatavs and Dalits are unhappy with the SP. They are with us. Azam, who has been nine-time MLA from Rampur has done nothing for rural areas. He had been a Cabinet minister but rural areas still lacks development as he did nothing."

On her rivals' charges that she is an outsider and in Rampur for the Lok Sabha elections only, Jaya Prada asked, "How can I be outsider?"

"I represented the constituency in 2004 and 2009. I have been with the people in their good and bad times. They (rivals) are trying to confuse people but they are certainly not confused. They have made up their mind."

Referring to various controversial remarks made by Azam Khan in past, Jaya Prada said, "Those who call Bharat Mata as 'dayan', who does not acknowledge Kashmir as part of India and use foul language against our PM Modi and CM Yogi Adityanath, stands exposed before people. Their anger is visible when I meet them and they share their views."

Asked if she missed her friend Amar Singh in her poll campaigning, Jaya Prada, who had contested the 2014 polls from Bijnore on a RLD ticket but lost her deposit and slipped into political oblivion, said she was "concerned" about his health.

I pray for his speedy recovery. May he be fine, she said.

On her election issues, Jaya Prada said, she was fighting the poll for restoration of ?women's pride and freeing Rampur from the "illegal grip of Azam Khan".

"I also want to ensure development of the constituency," she said.

"I am sure the people of Rampur will once again give me a chance to represent them," she added.

Rampur is a minority-dominated Lok Sabha constituency in western Uttar Pradesh. It had been a Congress stronghold from 1952 to 1989 before the BJP won it for the first time in 1991.

The Congress, however, managed to wrest it back in 1996 by fielding Begum Noor Bano.

In 1998, BJP's Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi won the seat but the next year, Begum Noor Bano got it back for the Congress again.

The Samajwadi Party made its entry in Rampur in 2004, fielding Jaya Prada who defeated Noor Bano by a big margin.

The Congress did not field Noor Bano this time and gave ticket to Sanjay Kapoor from Rampur, making the fight for it virtually a direct one between Jaya Prada and Azam Khan who is a nine-time MLA from the Rampur assembly seat.

Seeking a third term from Rampur Lok Sbha seat - this time as a BJP candidate, Bollywood actor-turned-politician Jaya Prada on Monday attacked her one-time Samajwadi Party colleague and now a rival candidate Azam Khan, saying he is fighting polls to "legalise his acts".

Seeking a third term from Rampur Lok Sbha seat - this time as a BJP candidate, Bollywood actor-turned-politician Jaya Prada on Monday attacked her one-time Samajwadi Party colleague and now a rival candidate Azam Khan, saying he is fighting polls to "legalise his acts". "I have an emotional attachment with the people of Rampur. I am here to work for them and make Narendra Modi our prime minister once again while Azam is fighting election to legalise his acts," Jaya Prada said. Jaya Prada, who had created history in 2004 by winning the Rampur seat for the first time for SP, defeating the heavyweight, sitting Congress MP Begum Noor Bano by 85,000 votes, is now back as a BJP candidate. Asked what differences she finds in the ensuing Lok Sabha polls as compared to her earlier bids, Jaya Prada said, "With the BJP cadre around with me, things have become much easier. I had to manage things earlier on my own but with the cadre support this time, it is quite easy to manage them." On how she takes Azam Khan's statement calling her a singer-dancer, Jaya Prada said, "He can say anything. He did not have any respect for women. It's his habit to make such statements but the people of Rampur knows him very well." They dislike what he says and will reply to him with their votes, she added. "In 2004, when I was in Mumbai (acting in Bollywood) and contested from here, he (Azam) campaigned for me. Didn't he know me then? He now calls me 'amrapali' (dancer), naachne wali etc. It's his habit, he can say anything to any women. He is a performer himself," she added. About the response she is getting from the people of Rampur, Jaya Prada said, "Jatavs and Dalits are unhappy with the SP. They are with us. Azam, who has been nine-time MLA from Rampur has done nothing for rural areas. He had been a Cabinet minister but rural areas still lacks development as he did nothing." On her rivals' charges that she is an outsider and in Rampur for the Lok Sabha elections only, Jaya Prada asked, "How can I be outsider?" "I represented the constituency in 2004 and 2009. I have been with the people in their good and bad times. They (rivals) are trying to confuse people but they are certainly not confused. They have made up their mind." Referring to various controversial remarks made by Azam Khan in past, Jaya Prada said, "Those who call Bharat Mata as 'dayan', who does not acknowledge Kashmir as part of India and use foul language against our PM Modi and CM Yogi Adityanath, stands exposed before people. Their anger is visible when I meet them and they share their views." Asked if she missed her friend Amar Singh in her poll campaigning, Jaya Prada, who had contested the 2014 polls from Bijnore on a RLD ticket but lost her deposit and slipped into political oblivion, said she was "concerned" about his health. I pray for his speedy recovery. May he be fine, she said. On her election issues, Jaya Prada said, she was fighting the poll for restoration of ?women's pride and freeing Rampur from the "illegal grip of Azam Khan". "I also want to ensure development of the constituency," she said. "I am sure the people of Rampur will once again give me a chance to represent them," she added. Rampur is a minority-dominated Lok Sabha constituency in western Uttar Pradesh. It had been a Congress stronghold from 1952 to 1989 before the BJP won it for the first time in 1991. The Congress, however, managed to wrest it back in 1996 by fielding Begum Noor Bano. In 1998, BJP's Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi won the seat but the next year, Begum Noor Bano got it back for the Congress again. The Samajwadi Party made its entry in Rampur in 2004, fielding Jaya Prada who defeated Noor Bano by a big margin. The Congress did not field Noor Bano this time and gave ticket to Sanjay Kapoor from Rampur, making the fight for it virtually a direct one between Jaya Prada and Azam Khan who is a nine-time MLA from the Rampur assembly seat.

Azam Khan fighting polls to legalise his acts: Jaya Prada

Union minister and senior BJP leader Nitin Gadkari has hit out at Congress president Rahul Gandhi, saying he is levelling corruption allegations against Prime Minister Narendra Modi for political gains, and asserted that Modi should be respected for the position he holds.

In an interview to PTI, he also slammed Gandhi's proposed minimum income scheme to give Rs 72,000 per year to 20 per cent of the poor in the country, dubbing it a "populist slogan" and a "political strategy" to seek votes from the poor.

Dismissing the opposition's charge that the BJP sidelined veteran leaders like L K Advani and Murli Manohar Joshi, he said the party held them in high regard and drew guidance and inspiration from them.

He said any views of Advani were the words of the BJP and that "misquoting" him, by saying the saffron party terms the opposition as anti-national, was not correct.

"The way in which he speaks about the prime minister is not good. A prime minister does not belong to a party but the country and it is the duty of every citizen to respect and recognise the prime minister as a prime minister. Rahul Gandhi unfortunately uses very bad terminology," he said.

Criticising Gandhi's 'Nyunatam Aay Yojana' (Nyay), he said Rs 3,50,000 crore are required to implement it.

"Where will they get the money from? And, if they are using this money, how will they make budgetary provisions for other sectors like agriculture?" Gadkari said.

He said the need of the hour was to create good policies for better employment potential and increase in growth rate and per capita income.

"However, if populist slogans are made for political purpose, they may affect the economy. The credibility of Congress is not good," he said.

Gadkari said since 1947, the Congress has been raising the slogan of 'garibi hatao' (remove poverty).

"Then the 40-point programme, the 20-point programme, the 5-point programme, but nothing worked. This is only a political strategy and a political declaration to take votes from the poor," the road, transport and highways minister said.

Asked about the opposition's criticism that the BJP was sidelining its senior leaders like Advani and Murli Manohar Joshi, the minister they were the party's motivation.

"In every party, by law of nature, after some age, everyone has to retire. We have respect, regard and recognition for Advaniji and Joshiji. They are still our guide, philosopher, inspiration and motivation," he said.

"Everywhere - in media, corporates, film industry - there is an age limit for everybody, on the basis of that the party has taken a decision," he added.

Advani in a blog post last week said his party has never regarded those who disagreed with it politically as "anti-nationals" or "enemies" but only as adversaries.

Speaking about Advani's blog, Gadkari said the party holds the same view about anything spoken or written by him.

"We are all with Advaniji over the blog written by him. Even Modiji is with him. However, using some statement and misquoting him that we term the opposition parties as anti-national is totally wrong," he said.

"I feel in the spirit of whatever Advaniji has written in his blog, we are all of the same opinion and have no problem, but a section of media misquoted him to create confusion. The fact is that whatever Advaniji speaks or writes in his blog, we are all of same opinion," the minister said.

Gadkari said the Modi government's policies are aimed at creating more employment potential.

However, like there is a cycle in every business, the present agricultural crisis is a big issue but the government is trying to create more employment by creating irrigation facilities, agro-processing industries and diversification of agriculture towards energy and power sector and making plastic from ethanol, he said.

"These are the new innovations and research taken by our government which will create new jobs. Ultimately there is a cycle everywhere in the world. Some industries are in a good position, some bad," he noted.

"Today, real estate is facing a problem. The steel industry was in the past facing problems, but now is in a good position because we erased duty on import of steel," he said.

Strong policies have been put in place to generate employment, he said, adding that though it may take time, there will be strong positive results.

Union minister and senior BJP leader Nitin Gadkari has hit out at Congress president Rahul Gandhi, saying he is levelling corruption allegations against Prime Minister Narendra Modi for political gains, and asserted that Modi should be respected for the position he holds.

Union minister and senior BJP leader Nitin Gadkari has hit out at Congress president Rahul Gandhi, saying he is levelling corruption allegations against Prime Minister Narendra Modi for political gains, and asserted that Modi should be respected for the position he holds. In an interview to PTI, he also slammed Gandhi's proposed minimum income scheme to give Rs 72,000 per year to 20 per cent of the poor in the country, dubbing it a "populist slogan" and a "political strategy" to seek votes from the poor. Dismissing the opposition's charge that the BJP sidelined veteran leaders like L K Advani and Murli Manohar Joshi, he said the party held them in high regard and drew guidance and inspiration from them. He said any views of Advani were the words of the BJP and that "misquoting" him, by saying the saffron party terms the opposition as anti-national, was not correct. "The way in which he speaks about the prime minister is not good. A prime minister does not belong to a party but the country and it is the duty of every citizen to respect and recognise the prime minister as a prime minister. Rahul Gandhi unfortunately uses very bad terminology," he said. Criticising Gandhi's 'Nyunatam Aay Yojana' (Nyay), he said Rs 3,50,000 crore are required to implement it. "Where will they get the money from? And, if they are using this money, how will they make budgetary provisions for other sectors like agriculture?" Gadkari said. He said the need of the hour was to create good policies for better employment potential and increase in growth rate and per capita income. "However, if populist slogans are made for political purpose, they may affect the economy. The credibility of Congress is not good," he said. Gadkari said since 1947, the Congress has been raising the slogan of 'garibi hatao' (remove poverty). "Then the 40-point programme, the 20-point programme, the 5-point programme, but nothing worked. This is only a political strategy and a political declaration to take votes from the poor," the road, transport and highways minister said. Asked about the opposition's criticism that the BJP was sidelining its senior leaders like Advani and Murli Manohar Joshi, the minister they were the party's motivation. "In every party, by law of nature, after some age, everyone has to retire. We have respect, regard and recognition for Advaniji and Joshiji. They are still our guide, philosopher, inspiration and motivation," he said. "Everywhere - in media, corporates, film industry - there is an age limit for everybody, on the basis of that the party has taken a decision," he added. Advani in a blog post last week said his party has never regarded those who disagreed with it politically as "anti-nationals" or "enemies" but only as adversaries. Speaking about Advani's blog, Gadkari said the party holds the same view about anything spoken or written by him. "We are all with Advaniji over the blog written by him. Even Modiji is with him. However, using some statement and misquoting him that we term the opposition parties as anti-national is totally wrong," he said. "I feel in the spirit of whatever Advaniji has written in his blog, we are all of the same opinion and have no problem, but a section of media misquoted him to create confusion. The fact is that whatever Advaniji speaks or writes in his blog, we are all of same opinion," the minister said. Gadkari said the Modi government's policies are aimed at creating more employment potential. However, like there is a cycle in every business, the present agricultural crisis is a big issue but the government is trying to create more employment by creating irrigation facilities, agro-processing industries and diversification of agriculture towards energy and power sector and making plastic from ethanol, he said. "These are the new innovations and research taken by our government which will create new jobs. Ultimately there is a cycle everywhere in the world. Some industries are in a good position, some bad," he noted. "Today, real estate is facing a problem. The steel industry was in the past facing problems, but now is in a good position because we erased duty on import of steel," he said. Strong policies have been put in place to generate employment, he said, adding that though it may take time, there will be strong positive results.

Rahul levelling corruption allegations against Modi for political gains: Gadkari

A polling booth for the least number of voters and one at the highest altitude, Leh has it all among the 11,316 polling stations set up for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls in Jammu and Kashmir.

The polling station for casting votes for the least number of voters - only 12 - has been set up at Gaik village under Leh assembly segment of Ladakh parliamentary constituency, Leh District Electoral Officer Anvy Lavasa said.

"Gaik polling station (number 38) has the lowest voters, only 12," she said. The voters at Gaik village include only five males and seven females, she added.

Similarly, the district also has a polling station at the highest altitude in the country at 14,890 ft above the sea level, she said, adding this polling station with the unique distinction has been set up at a place called Anlay Pho.

She said the two are among the 294 polling stations set up in Leh assembly segment.

A total of 11,316 polling stations have been set up in the state for 78,42,979 voters to exercise their rights of franchise in the multi-phase parliamentary polls in Jammu and Kashmir starting April 11 to choose six MPs.

Out of the six parliamentary constituencies, the Ladakh constituency also has the distinction of having the least number of polling stations, only 559, for the lowest voters numbering 1,71,819.

Leh and Kargil districts, forming parts of Ladakh Lok Sabha constituency, have 294 and 265 polling stations respectively.

As per the official figures, most of the polling stations have been set up at an altitude of 8,001 to 13,000 feet with the maximum number of high-altitude stations, numbering 183, located in Leh assembly segment, followed by 158 in Kargil segment.

Over 190 polling stations have been set up at altitudes between 7,001 to 8,000 feet.

A polling booth for the least number of voters and one at the highest altitude, Leh has it all among the 11,316 polling stations set up for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls in Jammu and Kashmir.

A polling booth for the least number of voters and one at the highest altitude, Leh has it all among the 11,316 polling stations set up for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls in Jammu and Kashmir. The polling station for casting votes for the least number of voters - only 12 - has been set up at Gaik village under Leh assembly segment of Ladakh parliamentary constituency, Leh District Electoral Officer Anvy Lavasa said. "Gaik polling station (number 38) has the lowest voters, only 12," she said. The voters at Gaik village include only five males and seven females, she added. Similarly, the district also has a polling station at the highest altitude in the country at 14,890 ft above the sea level, she said, adding this polling station with the unique distinction has been set up at a place called Anlay Pho. She said the two are among the 294 polling stations set up in Leh assembly segment. A total of 11,316 polling stations have been set up in the state for 78,42,979 voters to exercise their rights of franchise in the multi-phase parliamentary polls in Jammu and Kashmir starting April 11 to choose six MPs. Out of the six parliamentary constituencies, the Ladakh constituency also has the distinction of having the least number of polling stations, only 559, for the lowest voters numbering 1,71,819. Leh and Kargil districts, forming parts of Ladakh Lok Sabha constituency, have 294 and 265 polling stations respectively. As per the official figures, most of the polling stations have been set up at an altitude of 8,001 to 13,000 feet with the maximum number of high-altitude stations, numbering 183, located in Leh assembly segment, followed by 158 in Kargil segment. Over 190 polling stations have been set up at altitudes between 7,001 to 8,000 feet.

A polling booth for least voters and one at highest altitude, Leh has it all

Congress launched it's election campaign slogan as 'Ab Hoga NYAY'

It's 'Phir Ek Baar Modi Sarkar' Vs 'Ab Hoga NYAY'

As voters in Cooch Behar&nbsp;prepare to go to the polls on April 11th, the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-election-2019-in-west-bengal-bjp-tmc-bank-on-turncoats-to-win-poll-battle-205078">BJP has already declared</a> its intentions to open a front with PM Modi leading from the front in the reserved schedule caste category seat.

On Sunday, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/didi-maligned-bengal-with-scams-denied-people-of-central-scheme-benefits-pm-modi-208492">PM Narendra Modi addressed a poll</a> rally in the former princely state where he targeted corruption and Mamata Banerjee's regime.&nbsp;

Cooch Behar is one of the key seats of West Bengal among the 48 constituencies which will be keenly watched by political pundits.&nbsp;

The more the "lotus" will bloom in West Bengal, the stronger your voice will be. The fight for your rights will get stronger," the prime minister said at the poll rally which is close to the Indo-Bangla border.

The Trinamool Congress and the BJP will face-off against each other in this important eastern outpost which the BJP hopes it can wrestle from the TMC. However, there are others in the fray as well namely the All India Forward Bloc (AIFB) and Congress.

The key West Bengal constituency has an almost equal division of men and women voters comprising of 9,40,948 and 8,68,632 respectively. TMC has filed Paresh Chandra Adhikary while the BJP has picked Nisith Pramanik, a former Trinamool Youth Congress leader.

In 2014, the BJP had finished third behind the Forward Bloc and TMC which clinched the seat with a huge margin. Renuka Sinha who had won the seat, however, passed away in 2016 due to a heart attack.

The BJP came back strongly in the by-poll in 2016 finishing second behind the TMC's Partha Pratim Ray. The constituency which was once the bastion on the AIFB fell away drastically polling just six per cent votes.

BJP candidate Hem Chandra Barman polled 38, 1134 votes against Ray's 79,4375 votes as the AIFB faded away. This time however the TMC has given the ticket to Adhikary and the BJP has expressed confidence in &nbsp;Nisith Pramanik to grab TMC's seat.

Congress candidate Priya Roy Chowdhury will be hoping to seize the seat by cutting into the vote bank of all three - BJP, TMC and AIFB, however, it will be an uphill task for her.

The constituency has exactly 1,329,086 electorates, according to the Election Commission with the administrative division belonging to Jalpaiguri. Significantly, the average literacy rate of Cooch Behar is 75 per cent, with male literacy rate of 81 per cent and female literacy rate of 69 per cent.

Development, cross-border infiltration and employment dominate the poll issues in this agricultural area which has witnessed a political slugfest over the years, especially since 2014.

During his poll rally, PM Narendra Modi had said the NDA government had approved projects worth crores, focussing on the development plank.

"Didi has put a break on free treatment for the poor under Ayushman Yojana and on financial assistance to farmers," the prime minister said at Cooch Behar in a bid to win over the farmers who constitute a major chunk of voters.

The Lok Sabha poll results which will be declared on May 23rd may open a new front for the BJP as it seeks to grab the eastern front from the ruling TMC. 
&nbsp;

As voters in Cooch Behar prepare to go to the polls on April 11th, the BJP has already declared its intentions to open a front with PM Modi leading from the front in the reserved schedule caste category seat.

As voters in Cooch Behar prepare to go to the polls on April 11th, the BJP has already declared its intentions to open a front with PM Modi leading from the front in the reserved schedule caste category seat. On Sunday, PM Narendra Modi addressed a poll rally in the former princely state where he targeted corruption and Mamata Banerjee's regime. Cooch Behar is one of the key seats of West Bengal among the 48 constituencies which will be keenly watched by political pundits. The more the "lotus" will bloom in West Bengal, the stronger your voice will be. The fight for your rights will get stronger," the prime minister said at the poll rally which is close to the Indo-Bangla border. The Trinamool Congress and the BJP will face-off against each other in this important eastern outpost which the BJP hopes it can wrestle from the TMC. However, there are others in the fray as well namely the All India Forward Bloc (AIFB) and Congress. The key West Bengal constituency has an almost equal division of men and women voters comprising of 9,40,948 and 8,68,632 respectively. TMC has filed Paresh Chandra Adhikary while the BJP has picked Nisith Pramanik, a former Trinamool Youth Congress leader. In 2014, the BJP had finished third behind the Forward Bloc and TMC which clinched the seat with a huge margin. Renuka Sinha who had won the seat, however, passed away in 2016 due to a heart attack. The BJP came back strongly in the by-poll in 2016 finishing second behind the TMC's Partha Pratim Ray. The constituency which was once the bastion on the AIFB fell away drastically polling just six per cent votes. BJP candidate Hem Chandra Barman polled 38, 1134 votes against Ray's 79,4375 votes as the AIFB faded away. This time however the TMC has given the ticket to Adhikary and the BJP has expressed confidence in Nisith Pramanik to grab TMC's seat. Congress candidate Priya Roy Chowdhury will be hoping to seize the seat by cutting into the vote bank of all three - BJP, TMC and AIFB, however, it will be an uphill task for her. The constituency has exactly 1,329,086 electorates, according to the Election Commission with the administrative division belonging to Jalpaiguri. Significantly, the average literacy rate of Cooch Behar is 75 per cent, with male literacy rate of 81 per cent and female literacy rate of 69 per cent. Development, cross-border infiltration and employment dominate the poll issues in this agricultural area which has witnessed a political slugfest over the years, especially since 2014. During his poll rally, PM Narendra Modi had said the NDA government had approved projects worth crores, focussing on the development plank. "Didi has put a break on free treatment for the poor under Ayushman Yojana and on financial assistance to farmers," the prime minister said at Cooch Behar in a bid to win over the farmers who constitute a major chunk of voters. The Lok Sabha poll results which will be declared on May 23rd may open a new front for the BJP as it seeks to grab the eastern front from the ruling TMC.

First phase Lok Sabha polls: After PM Modi's rally, BJP eyes Cooch Behar in West Bengal

BJP Manifesto 2019: BJP Manifesto rooted in Indian reality, says Arun Jaitley

BJP Manifesto 2019: ‘Sankalp Patra’ is a vision document, says Rajnath Singh

BJP releases election manifesto 'Sankalp Patra' for Lok Sabha election 2019 today at Delhi

The Madras High Court on Monday quashed the proceedings of land acquisition for the 8-lane Chennai-Salem Expressway project that was announced in early 2018 by the AIADMK. The court said that the project requires a mega realignment as the proposed route would have an adverse effect on environment.

A special bench of Justice T S Sivagnanam and Justice Bhavani Subbarayan passed the order allowing a batch of petitions by 35 land owners and PMK leader Anbumani Ramadoss.

With an estimated cost of Rs 10,000 crore, this infrastructure project had been a major political issue in the southern state that goes to polls on April 18.

The project had been facing stiff opposition from farmers and environmentalists.

The proposed 8-lane 277-km greenfield expressway was aimed at cutting down travel time between Chennai and Salem by a little over two hours and reducing the distance by around 68 kilometres. As per the Detailed Project Report (DPR), it was meant to pass via five districts, namely Kanchipuram, Tiruvannamalai, Krishnagiri, Dharmapuri and Salem.

However, the project faced opposition from various groups on the grounds that the 7500 acres of land, which will be acquired for the project, includes agricultural land, villages, orchards, and reserve forests. Land acquisition and compensation for the same were major roadblocks. The protesters were also of the opinion that this project would not be necessary as there are three highways currently connecting the state's capital city with Salem.

While the AIADMK government led by Chief Minister Edappadi K Palanisami was keen on having this project implemented, the opposition party DMK had stood with the protesters and also said that they were against its implementation. Interestingly, PMK leader Anbumani Ramadoss was among those who had earlier filed a case against the project. But despite their differences, the PMK in February joined hands with the AIAMDK-BJP alliance in Tamil Nadu and will be contesting from seven seats.

Speaking to reporters after the verdict this morning, Advocate Kamaraj who represented the farmers said, "This verdict is for the farmers and the public and it would cause a setback for the state government."

Reacting to the verdict, while campaigning in his constituency Dharmapuri, PMK leader Anbumani Ramadoss said, "Though we are in an alliance with the AIADMK, we are against this project and support the cause of the farmers."

The court had on December 14, 2018, reserved orders on the batch of petitions, challenging land acquisition proceedings.

The Madras High Court on Monday quashed the proceedings of land acquisition for the 8-lane Chennai-Salem Expressway project that was announced in early 2018 by the AIADMK.

The Madras High Court on Monday quashed the proceedings of land acquisition for the 8-lane Chennai-Salem Expressway project that was announced in early 2018 by the AIADMK. The court said that the project requires a mega realignment as the proposed route would have an adverse effect on environment. A special bench of Justice T S Sivagnanam and Justice Bhavani Subbarayan passed the order allowing a batch of petitions by 35 land owners and PMK leader Anbumani Ramadoss. With an estimated cost of Rs 10,000 crore, this infrastructure project had been a major political issue in the southern state that goes to polls on April 18. The project had been facing stiff opposition from farmers and environmentalists. The proposed 8-lane 277-km greenfield expressway was aimed at cutting down travel time between Chennai and Salem by a little over two hours and reducing the distance by around 68 kilometres. As per the Detailed Project Report (DPR), it was meant to pass via five districts, namely Kanchipuram, Tiruvannamalai, Krishnagiri, Dharmapuri and Salem. However, the project faced opposition from various groups on the grounds that the 7500 acres of land, which will be acquired for the project, includes agricultural land, villages, orchards, and reserve forests. Land acquisition and compensation for the same were major roadblocks. The protesters were also of the opinion that this project would not be necessary as there are three highways currently connecting the state's capital city with Salem. While the AIADMK government led by Chief Minister Edappadi K Palanisami was keen on having this project implemented, the opposition party DMK had stood with the protesters and also said that they were against its implementation. Interestingly, PMK leader Anbumani Ramadoss was among those who had earlier filed a case against the project. But despite their differences, the PMK in February joined hands with the AIAMDK-BJP alliance in Tamil Nadu and will be contesting from seven seats. Speaking to reporters after the verdict this morning, Advocate Kamaraj who represented the farmers said, "This verdict is for the farmers and the public and it would cause a setback for the state government." Reacting to the verdict, while campaigning in his constituency Dharmapuri, PMK leader Anbumani Ramadoss said, "Though we are in an alliance with the AIADMK, we are against this project and support the cause of the farmers." The court had on December 14, 2018, reserved orders on the batch of petitions, challenging land acquisition proceedings.

Days before polls, Madras High Court quashes land acquisition proceedings for Chennai-Salem Expressway

The Election Commission Sunday “strongly advised,” the Finance Ministry that any action by its enforcement agencies during election time should be “neutral” and “non-discriminatory”. The poll panel’s advice came amid allegations that the government was using the agencies to target rival parties in the poll season.&nbsp;

In a letter to the Union revenue secretary, the commission said it would like to “strongly advise that all enforcement actions during the election period, even when conducted ruthlessly with a view to curbing this blatant electoral malpractice, should be absolutely neutral, impartial and non-discriminatory.”

The Income Tax department, Enforcement Directorate and Directorate of Revenue Intelligence are the executive arm of the Department of Revenue in dealing with financial crimes. In case of suspected use of illicit money for electoral purposes, the chief electoral officer of the state must be kept “suitably informed” during the model code of conduct period, it said.

The seven-phase Lok Sabha election starts from April 11 and counting will be held on May 23. The Income Tax department has carried out raids in Madhya Pradesh on Sunday and in Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu in the recent past.

The opposition has alleged that rival parties are being singled out by the ruling dispensation in the poll season. 
The letter also highlighted that money power with the intention of influencing voters’ behaviour has over the years emerged as one of the biggest challenges for the conduct of free, fair, ethical and credible elections.

The EC said it is understood that all enforcement agencies working under the administrative control of the finance ministry’s revenue department must be undertaking enforcement actions based on inputs and actionable intelligence, as per extant laws.

The Election Commission Sunday “strongly advised,” the Finance Ministry that any action by its enforcement agencies during election time should be “neutral” and “non-discriminatory”.

The Election Commission Sunday “strongly advised,” the Finance Ministry that any action by its enforcement agencies during election time should be “neutral” and “non-discriminatory”. The poll panel’s advice came amid allegations that the government was using the agencies to target rival parties in the poll season. In a letter to the Union revenue secretary, the commission said it would like to “strongly advise that all enforcement actions during the election period, even when conducted ruthlessly with a view to curbing this blatant electoral malpractice, should be absolutely neutral, impartial and non-discriminatory.” The Income Tax department, Enforcement Directorate and Directorate of Revenue Intelligence are the executive arm of the Department of Revenue in dealing with financial crimes. In case of suspected use of illicit money for electoral purposes, the chief electoral officer of the state must be kept “suitably informed” during the model code of conduct period, it said. The seven-phase Lok Sabha election starts from April 11 and counting will be held on May 23. The Income Tax department has carried out raids in Madhya Pradesh on Sunday and in Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu in the recent past. The opposition has alleged that rival parties are being singled out by the ruling dispensation in the poll season. The letter also highlighted that money power with the intention of influencing voters’ behaviour has over the years emerged as one of the biggest challenges for the conduct of free, fair, ethical and credible elections. The EC said it is understood that all enforcement agencies working under the administrative control of the finance ministry’s revenue department must be undertaking enforcement actions based on inputs and actionable intelligence, as per extant laws.

Ask enforcement agencies to be neutral: Election Commission to Finance Ministry

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