Smriti Irani's close aide Surendra Singh shot dead in Amethi. Watch this video to know more.

Smriti Irani's aide Surendra Singh shot dead in Amethi

<p>A former village head and close aide of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/had-ensured-that-the-mp-from-amethi-would-be-chosen-from-our-party-smriti-irani-to-wion-221599">Union Minister Smriti Irani</a> was allegedly shot dead by two unidentified men in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/north-remembers-smriti-iranis-dig-at-rahul-gandhi-after-amethi-win-221254">Uttar Pradesh's Amethi district</a> on Saturday, news agency PTI reported. Suspects in connection with the murder have been detained.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The police are looking into all aspects of the killing, including political rivalry. "Since he had been a village chief, it seems to be a fallout of an old rivalry. We are not ruling out a political rivalry and are looking into all aspects of the case," the police said.</p>

<p>Uttar Pradesh DGP, OP Singh said that an intensive investigation is underway.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We've found vital clues. 7 people detained for questioning. We're confident of solving the case in the next 12 hours. 3 companies of PAC are deputed," Singh stated.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">UP DGP, OP Singh on murder of Surendra Singh,ex-village head of Barauli, Amethi: Intensive investigation underway. We've found vital clues.7 people detained for questioning.We're confident of solving the case in the next 12hrs.3 companies of PAC are deputed,no law&amp;order situation <a href="https://t.co/9ttCr7Pa13">pic.twitter.com/9ttCr7Pa13</a></p>
— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANINewsUP/status/1132546436619546624?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 26, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p>Surendra Singh, 50, was the former head of Baraulia village in Uttar Pradesh. According to Additional Superintendent of Police Daya Ram, Singh was shot dead&nbsp;yesterday at his residence.</p>

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<p>Singh was rushed to a hospital in state capital Lucknow in a serious condition where he succumbed to his injuries during the treatment, the police said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Amethi MP and BJP leader Smriti Irani has left for Barauli to meet with the bereaved family.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Delhi: Amethi MP &amp; BJP leader Smriti Irani leaves for her constituency, she will meet the family of Surendra Singh, ex-village head of Barauli, Amethi who was shot dead last night. <a href="https://t.co/NnIdRWRjvk">pic.twitter.com/NnIdRWRjvk</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1132522397154861059?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 26, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p>As per reports, Singh was involved in the shoe-distribution process carried out by Irani in Amethi while campaigning for Lok Sabha polls.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In the recently concluded Lok Sabha polls, Smriti Irani scripted history by defeating Congress chief Rahul Gandhi by a margin of over 50,000 votes and clinching party stronghold Amethi.&nbsp;</p>


A former village head and close aide of Union Minister Smriti Irani was allegedly shot dead by two unidentified men in Uttar Pradesh's Amethi district on Saturday, news agency PTI reported.

A former village head and close aide of Union Minister Smriti Irani was allegedly shot dead by two unidentified men in Uttar Pradesh's Amethi district on Saturday, news agency PTI reported. Suspects in connection with the murder have been detained. The police are looking into all aspects of the killing, including political rivalry. "Since he had been a village chief, it seems to be a fallout of an old rivalry. We are not ruling out a political rivalry and are looking into all aspects of the case," the police said. Uttar Pradesh DGP, OP Singh said that an intensive investigation is underway. "We've found vital clues. 7 people detained for questioning. We're confident of solving the case in the next 12 hours. 3 companies of PAC are deputed," Singh stated. UP DGP, OP Singh on murder of Surendra Singh,ex-village head of Barauli, Amethi: Intensive investigation underway. We've found vital clues.7 people detained for questioning.We're confident of solving the case in the next 12hrs.3 companies of PAC are deputed,no law&order situation pic.twitter.com/9ttCr7Pa13 — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) May 26, 2019 × Surendra Singh, 50, was the former head of Baraulia village in Uttar Pradesh. According to Additional Superintendent of Police Daya Ram, Singh was shot dead yesterday at his residence. × Singh was rushed to a hospital in state capital Lucknow in a serious condition where he succumbed to his injuries during the treatment, the police said. Meanwhile, Amethi MP and BJP leader Smriti Irani has left for Barauli to meet with the bereaved family. Delhi: Amethi MP & BJP leader Smriti Irani leaves for her constituency, she will meet the family of Surendra Singh, ex-village head of Barauli, Amethi who was shot dead last night. pic.twitter.com/NnIdRWRjvk — ANI (@ANI) May 26, 2019 × As per reports, Singh was involved in the shoe-distribution process carried out by Irani in Amethi while campaigning for Lok Sabha polls. In the recently concluded Lok Sabha polls, Smriti Irani scripted history by defeating Congress chief Rahul Gandhi by a margin of over 50,000 votes and clinching party stronghold Amethi.

Former village head and Smriti Irani's close aide shot dead in Amethi, suspects detained

<p>With the Congress party staring at a massive loss in the Lok Sabha elections, party chief Rahul Gandhi set a couple of records that are bound to be remembered in the electoral history of India.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Gandhi registered a landslide win from Kerala's Wayanad Parliamentary constituency by a margin of over 4 lakh votes, at the same time he lost Congress stronghold Amethi to BJP opponent and Union minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/in-a-neck-and-neck-battle-smriti-irani-defeats-rahul-gandhi-in-amethi-221025">Smriti Irani by over 50,000 votes</a>.</p>

<p>A win from Wayanad exhibits locals' expectation from the Congress as the area, although being a hub of tourism in the state, is marred by severe infrastructural lapses. Locals here have to travel for kilometres to Calicut or neighbouring cities for medical treatments.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On the other hand, losing Amethi translates into a big blow for the Congress. This could even exhibit the grand old party losing its grip in Uttar Pradesh, moreover on its traditional bastions.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Gandhi, however, gave a tough fight to Irani and the electoral battle for Amethi, which throughout the counting day, was seen as a neck-to-neck one.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It must be noted that the SP-BSP-RLD alliance had refrained from fielding candidates on Congress key seats in Uttar Pradesh, including Amethi and Raebareli, to ensure BJP's defeat - a strategy which hasn't quite seemed to have materialised.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Gandhi on Thursday evening said that he respects people's verdict as he <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/lok-sabha-election-results-2019-rahul-gandhi-concedes-defeat-asks-congress-workers-not-to-lose-hope-221026">conceded defeat in the Lok Sabha election</a>.</p>

<p>Addressing a press conference as Modi's government returned to power with a thumping majority, Rahul Gandhi said people of India decided Narendra Modi will be the Prime Minister and ''I respect their verdict''.&nbsp;</p>

<p>''I congratulate PM Modi and the BJP for their win,'' &nbsp;the Congress president said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>''Our fight is ideological, he said and added there are two ideologies - one followed by Mr Narendra Modi and the other one followed by the Congress party.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Congress president asked the people not to be scared as ''we are there''.</p>

<p>Congratulating BJP's Smriti Irani for her victory in Amethi, he said people of Amethi had given their mandate.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, the result for the Lok Sabha polls spelt a massive victory for the Bharatiya Janata Party and another term from Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The party, along with its allies, maintained a comfortable lead on over 280 seats, which rose up on over 340 seats as the day progressed.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Congress accepts defeat in Lok Sabha Election</strong></p>

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With the Congress party staring at a massive loss in the Lok Sabha elections, party chief Rahul Gandhi set a couple of records that are bound to be remembered in the electoral history of India.

With the Congress party staring at a massive loss in the Lok Sabha elections, party chief Rahul Gandhi set a couple of records that are bound to be remembered in the electoral history of India. Gandhi registered a landslide win from Kerala's Wayanad Parliamentary constituency by a margin of over 4 lakh votes, at the same time he lost Congress stronghold Amethi to BJP opponent and Union minister Smriti Irani by over 50,000 votes. A win from Wayanad exhibits locals' expectation from the Congress as the area, although being a hub of tourism in the state, is marred by severe infrastructural lapses. Locals here have to travel for kilometres to Calicut or neighbouring cities for medical treatments. On the other hand, losing Amethi translates into a big blow for the Congress. This could even exhibit the grand old party losing its grip in Uttar Pradesh, moreover on its traditional bastions. Gandhi, however, gave a tough fight to Irani and the electoral battle for Amethi, which throughout the counting day, was seen as a neck-to-neck one. It must be noted that the SP-BSP-RLD alliance had refrained from fielding candidates on Congress key seats in Uttar Pradesh, including Amethi and Raebareli, to ensure BJP's defeat - a strategy which hasn't quite seemed to have materialised. Gandhi on Thursday evening said that he respects people's verdict as he conceded defeat in the Lok Sabha election. Addressing a press conference as Modi's government returned to power with a thumping majority, Rahul Gandhi said people of India decided Narendra Modi will be the Prime Minister and ''I respect their verdict''. ''I congratulate PM Modi and the BJP for their win,'' the Congress president said. ''Our fight is ideological, he said and added there are two ideologies - one followed by Mr Narendra Modi and the other one followed by the Congress party. The Congress president asked the people not to be scared as ''we are there''. Congratulating BJP's Smriti Irani for her victory in Amethi, he said people of Amethi had given their mandate. Meanwhile, the result for the Lok Sabha polls spelt a massive victory for the Bharatiya Janata Party and another term from Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The party, along with its allies, maintained a comfortable lead on over 280 seats, which rose up on over 340 seats as the day progressed. Watch: Congress accepts defeat in Lok Sabha Election ×

In historic Lok Sabha polls, Rahul Gandhi scripts two electoral records

<p>After her<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/in-a-neck-and-neck-battle-smriti-irani-defeats-rahul-gandhi-in-amethi-221025"> historic victory in Uttar Pradesh's Amethi</a> constituency in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, former Union Minister Smriti Irani spoke to WION's Editor in Chief Sudhir Chaudhary discussing her five-year plan that made inroads for the BJP in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/north-remembers-smriti-iranis-dig-at-rahul-gandhi-after-amethi-win-221254">Congress bastion</a>.</p>

<p><strong>WION</strong>: This was your second fight from the Amethi constituency. Did you ever think of defeating Gandhi from his bastion?</p>

<p><strong>Smriti Irani</strong>: &nbsp;Amethi has voted for development. Under Narendra Modi's guidance and Yogi Adityanath's help, we were able to perform work in the constituency. The issue of the election was development. I had said during the election campaign that the fight&nbsp;was not against Smriti Irani and Rahul Gandhi, but instead, it was people's fight for their rights, for the developments of their families. People of the country are never going to lose any election if they decide to fight for their rights.</p>

<p><strong>WION</strong>: When did you first realise that you can beat Rahul Gandhi and your situation at the ground was stronger than him?</p>

<p><strong>Smriti Irani</strong>: I was working for the past five years for BJP's victory and not for Gandhi's defeat. And this would have been possible only if&nbsp;people would give their blessings and support to BJP. It was possible only after we talked to every family. This was possible only after services from BJP's central and state government reached every single person in the constituency.</p>

<p>In the last five years, I categorically said and ensured that whosoever gets&nbsp;the ticket from BJP, but the MP from Amethi will be chosen from our&nbsp;party.<br />
Our sole aim was the victory of a BJP candidate in Amethi.</p>

<p><strong>WION</strong>: Did you ever feel that the fight in Amethi has become personal between Smriti Irani and Rahul Gandhi or Gandhi family and not between BJP and Congress? Is there any personal rivalry between you and Rahul Gandhi?</p>

<p><strong>Smriti Irani</strong>: There is no rivalry between us, rivalry exists among people with the same stature. As a party worker, I feel proud that my party has scripted&nbsp;a political and social history so that the people rose above caste and religious&nbsp;discrimination and voted for positive development.</p>

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After her historic victory in Uttar Pradesh's Amethi constituency in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, former Union Minister Smriti Irani spoke to WION's Editor in Chief Sudhir Chaudhary discussing her five-year plan that made inroads for the BJP in the Congress bastion.

After her historic victory in Uttar Pradesh's Amethi constituency in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, former Union Minister Smriti Irani spoke to WION's Editor in Chief Sudhir Chaudhary discussing her five-year plan that made inroads for the BJP in the Congress bastion. WION: This was your second fight from the Amethi constituency. Did you ever think of defeating Gandhi from his bastion? Smriti Irani: Amethi has voted for development. Under Narendra Modi's guidance and Yogi Adityanath's help, we were able to perform work in the constituency. The issue of the election was development. I had said during the election campaign that the fight was not against Smriti Irani and Rahul Gandhi, but instead, it was people's fight for their rights, for the developments of their families. People of the country are never going to lose any election if they decide to fight for their rights. WION: When did you first realise that you can beat Rahul Gandhi and your situation at the ground was stronger than him? Smriti Irani: I was working for the past five years for BJP's victory and not for Gandhi's defeat. And this would have been possible only if people would give their blessings and support to BJP. It was possible only after we talked to every family. This was possible only after services from BJP's central and state government reached every single person in the constituency. In the last five years, I categorically said and ensured that whosoever gets the ticket from BJP, but the MP from Amethi will be chosen from our party. Our sole aim was the victory of a BJP candidate in Amethi. WION: Did you ever feel that the fight in Amethi has become personal between Smriti Irani and Rahul Gandhi or Gandhi family and not between BJP and Congress? Is there any personal rivalry between you and Rahul Gandhi? Smriti Irani: There is no rivalry between us, rivalry exists among people with the same stature. As a party worker, I feel proud that my party has scripted a political and social history so that the people rose above caste and religious discrimination and voted for positive development. ×

Had ensured that MP from Amethi would be chosen from our party: Smriti Irani to WION

BJP leader Smriti Irani who emerged as the giant killer of Lok Sabha election 2019 by defeating Congress president Rahul Gandhi in his family bastion of Amethi said on Friday that her fight was not personal but she was only trying to secure a win for the party in the Lok Sabha constituency.

My fight with Rahul Gandhi not personal, was only trying to secure win for BJP, says Smriti Irani

<p>Putting an end to Amethi's decades-long-relationship with Congress, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/in-a-neck-and-neck-battle-smriti-irani-defeats-rahul-gandhi-in-amethi-221025">Smriti Irani has emerged as the star of the 2019 Lok Sabha elections</a> by giving Rahul Gandhi a run for his money in a constituency which was considered a bastion of the Gandhi family for decades.</p>

<p>Irani was leading by 468514 votes to register a win in the political hotbed of Amethi.</p>

<p>Soon after Congress President Rahul Gandhi conceded defeat and congratulated her, Irani tweeted a line out of Hindi poet Dushyant Kumar. "Kaun kehta hai aasmaan mein suraakh nahin ho sakata", she tweeted. It translates to mean "Nothing is impossible."</p>

<p>From featuring in one of the most watched soap operas in Indian history, to tirelessly campaigning through the streets of Amethi, it was a long journey for the actor-turned-politician. Needless to say, she has owned every bit of the success she has tasted.</p>

<p>The 43-year-old made a mark in the world of entertainment by playing the pivotal role in Ekta Kapoor's show 'Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahi Thi', one of the most watched soap operas in Indian history.</p>

<p>By the time she announced her decision to step into Indian politics and joined BJP back in 2003, her acting career had already made Smriti a household name.</p>

<p>While she was respected by many for her acting skills, Smriti as a politician had a rough time proving herself. The fact that she couldn't manage to win even a single election in her career, including losing to Kapil Sibal in Chandni Chowk in 2004 to losing Amethi to Rahul Gandhi in 2014, did not work in her favour.</p>

<p>Adding another hurdle to her already unsteady political career, Smriti also came under the scanner for provided contradictory information about her educational qualifications in the affidavits she filed for elections in 2004, 2011 and 2014.</p>

<p>During her journey as a politician, Smriti has also faced her share of sexist remarks in the world of politics dominated by male leaders. From snide comments about her former years in the show business to some extremely distastefully personal remarks, she endured it all.</p>

<p>Sanjay Nirumpam, former President of the Mumbai Regional Congress Committee, had once, during a TV debate, said to Irani, "Aap to TV pe thumke lagati thi, aaj chunavi visleshak ban gayi!" (You once danced for TV, and now you have become a psephologist?).</p>

<p>Earlier in April, Congress ally and PRP leader Jaydeep Kawade said that the size of the Smriti's bindi denotes the number of husbands she has.</p>

<p>In spite of all the hurdles, Smriti kept on moving forward. In the 2014 Lok Sabha Elections, Smriti locked horns with Congress Leader Rahul Gandhi in Amethi.</p>

<p>While she ended up losing in the constituency, BJP emerged victoriously and formed the government in the centre. Narendra Modi became the Prime Minister of India and Smriti was appointed as the Minister of HR Development in the cabinet.</p>

<p>However, in 2016, following the controversy about her education qualification, the HRD Ministry was taken away from Irani, and she was given the Ministry of Textiles instead.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Rahul Gandhi Loses Cong Baston Amethi</strong></p>

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<p>This change in the title did not keep her from working hard. In 2017, when M Venkaiah Naidu resigned as the Minister of Information and Broadcasting, Smriti was given the charge of the ministry.</p>

<p>In spite of all the drama in her life as a politician, Smriti is one of the few Indian politicians who appreciated for their witty and funny Social media updates. From sharing memes about trending issues, to giving a hilarious twist to her own life updates, Smriti's Instagram feed has posts that common people relate to.</p>

<p>As BJP started gearing up for 2019 Lok Sabha elections, Smriti's eyes were sent on Amethi. Determined to defeat Rahul this time, she tirelessly campaigned throughout the constituency urging and convincing people to vote for BJP.</p>

<p>Up until today, Amethi had always been a nightmare for a non-congress politician who dared to contest from the constituency.</p>

<p>The Gandhi family established a bond with the people of Amethi back in 1977, when Sanjay Gandhi first came to contest for the parliamentary election from here. Since then, Amethi became a bastion of the Gandhi family, a relationship that lasted for decades.</p>

<p>Amethi did not fall into Smriti's hands overnight. The victory is a result of countless rallies, road shows and speeches, during which she exhausted her lungs listing all the reasons why people of Amethi should not vote for Congress, like they do every time, and give her a chance</p>

<p>While Rahul did give her a tough competition, the voters of Amethi have made a choice and for the first time in decades, it is not Congress.</p>


Putting an end to Amethi's decades-long-relationship with Congress, Smriti Irani has emerged as the star of the 2019 Lok Sabha elections by giving Rahul Gandhi a run for his money in a constituency which was considered a bastion of the Gandhi family for decades.

Putting an end to Amethi's decades-long-relationship with Congress, Smriti Irani has emerged as the star of the 2019 Lok Sabha elections by giving Rahul Gandhi a run for his money in a constituency which was considered a bastion of the Gandhi family for decades. Irani was leading by 468514 votes to register a win in the political hotbed of Amethi. Soon after Congress President Rahul Gandhi conceded defeat and congratulated her, Irani tweeted a line out of Hindi poet Dushyant Kumar. "Kaun kehta hai aasmaan mein suraakh nahin ho sakata", she tweeted. It translates to mean "Nothing is impossible." From featuring in one of the most watched soap operas in Indian history, to tirelessly campaigning through the streets of Amethi, it was a long journey for the actor-turned-politician. Needless to say, she has owned every bit of the success she has tasted. The 43-year-old made a mark in the world of entertainment by playing the pivotal role in Ekta Kapoor's show 'Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahi Thi', one of the most watched soap operas in Indian history. By the time she announced her decision to step into Indian politics and joined BJP back in 2003, her acting career had already made Smriti a household name. While she was respected by many for her acting skills, Smriti as a politician had a rough time proving herself. The fact that she couldn't manage to win even a single election in her career, including losing to Kapil Sibal in Chandni Chowk in 2004 to losing Amethi to Rahul Gandhi in 2014, did not work in her favour. Adding another hurdle to her already unsteady political career, Smriti also came under the scanner for provided contradictory information about her educational qualifications in the affidavits she filed for elections in 2004, 2011 and 2014. During her journey as a politician, Smriti has also faced her share of sexist remarks in the world of politics dominated by male leaders. From snide comments about her former years in the show business to some extremely distastefully personal remarks, she endured it all. Sanjay Nirumpam, former President of the Mumbai Regional Congress Committee, had once, during a TV debate, said to Irani, "Aap to TV pe thumke lagati thi, aaj chunavi visleshak ban gayi!" (You once danced for TV, and now you have become a psephologist?). Earlier in April, Congress ally and PRP leader Jaydeep Kawade said that the size of the Smriti's bindi denotes the number of husbands she has. In spite of all the hurdles, Smriti kept on moving forward. In the 2014 Lok Sabha Elections, Smriti locked horns with Congress Leader Rahul Gandhi in Amethi. While she ended up losing in the constituency, BJP emerged victoriously and formed the government in the centre. Narendra Modi became the Prime Minister of India and Smriti was appointed as the Minister of HR Development in the cabinet. However, in 2016, following the controversy about her education qualification, the HRD Ministry was taken away from Irani, and she was given the Ministry of Textiles instead. Watch: Rahul Gandhi Loses Cong Baston Amethi This change in the title did not keep her from working hard. In 2017, when M Venkaiah Naidu resigned as the Minister of Information and Broadcasting, Smriti was given the charge of the ministry. In spite of all the drama in her life as a politician, Smriti is one of the few Indian politicians who appreciated for their witty and funny Social media updates. From sharing memes about trending issues, to giving a hilarious twist to her own life updates, Smriti's Instagram feed has posts that common people relate to. As BJP started gearing up for 2019 Lok Sabha elections, Smriti's eyes were sent on Amethi. Determined to defeat Rahul this time, she tirelessly campaigned throughout the constituency urging and convincing people to vote for BJP. Up until today, Amethi had always been a nightmare for a non-congress politician who dared to contest from the constituency. The Gandhi family established a bond with the people of Amethi back in 1977, when Sanjay Gandhi first came to contest for the parliamentary election from here. Since then, Amethi became a bastion of the Gandhi family, a relationship that lasted for decades. Amethi did not fall into Smriti's hands overnight. The victory is a result of countless rallies, road shows and speeches, during which she exhausted her lungs listing all the reasons why people of Amethi should not vote for Congress, like they do every time, and give her a chance While Rahul did give her a tough competition, the voters of Amethi have made a choice and for the first time in decades, it is not Congress.

Nothing is impossible: 'Giant slayer' Smriti Irani topples Rahul Gandhi in Amethi

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/elections-in-india-an-inspiration-around-the-world-us-221140">Elections in India an inspiration around the world: US</a></p>

<p>Congratulating Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his re-election, the United States has said that the just-concluded elections in India, the largest democratic exercise in human history, is an inspiration for people around the world.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/nothing-is-impossible-giantslayer-smriti-irani-topples-rahul-gandhi-in-amethi-221132">Nothing is impossible: 'Giantslayer' Smriti Irani topples Rahul Gandhi in Amethi</a></p>

<p>Putting an end to Amethi's decades-long-relationship with Congress, Smriti Irani has emerged as the star of the 2019 Lok Sabha elections by giving Rahul Gandhi a run for his money in a constituency which was considered a bastion of the Gandhi family for decades.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/bjp-proves-sceptics-wrong-with-stunning-performance-in-hindi-heartland-221136">BJP proves sceptics wrong with stunning performance in Hindi heartland</a></p>

<p>The BJP repeated it superlative performance in five key Hindi-speaking states of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh, as the party along with its allies not only bagged or was leading in 165 out of 185 Lok Sabha seats, but also enjoyed a massive vote swing in its favour.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-announces-17-new-espionage-charges-against-wikileaks-julian-assange-221127">US announces 17 new espionage charges against Wikileaks' Julian Assange</a></p>

<p>The US Justice Department unveiled 17 new criminal charges against WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange on Thursday, saying he unlawfully published the names of classified sources and conspired with and assisted ex-Army intelligence analyst Chelsea Manning in obtaining access to classified information.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwan-holds-first-gay-marriages-in-historic-day-for-asia-221142">Taiwan holds first gay marriages in historic day for Asia</a></p>

<p>Taiwan's first official same-sex weddings kicked off Friday in a landmark moment for LGBT rights in Asia as gay couples took the historic step of registering as married, the culmination of a three-decade fight for equality.</p>


Elections in India an inspiration around the world: US Congratulating Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his re-election, the United States has said that the just-concluded elections in India, the largest democratic exercise in human history, is an inspiration for people around the world.

Elections in India an inspiration around the world: US Congratulating Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his re-election, the United States has said that the just-concluded elections in India, the largest democratic exercise in human history, is an inspiration for people around the world. Nothing is impossible: 'Giantslayer' Smriti Irani topples Rahul Gandhi in Amethi Putting an end to Amethi's decades-long-relationship with Congress, Smriti Irani has emerged as the star of the 2019 Lok Sabha elections by giving Rahul Gandhi a run for his money in a constituency which was considered a bastion of the Gandhi family for decades. BJP proves sceptics wrong with stunning performance in Hindi heartland The BJP repeated it superlative performance in five key Hindi-speaking states of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh, as the party along with its allies not only bagged or was leading in 165 out of 185 Lok Sabha seats, but also enjoyed a massive vote swing in its favour. US announces 17 new espionage charges against Wikileaks' Julian Assange The US Justice Department unveiled 17 new criminal charges against WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange on Thursday, saying he unlawfully published the names of classified sources and conspired with and assisted ex-Army intelligence analyst Chelsea Manning in obtaining access to classified information. Taiwan holds first gay marriages in historic day for Asia Taiwan's first official same-sex weddings kicked off Friday in a landmark moment for LGBT rights in Asia as gay couples took the historic step of registering as married, the culmination of a three-decade fight for equality.

News brief: Big stories of the day

The dysnasty rule fails too from the Royal seat of Amethi. BJP's candidate Smriti Irani mangages to do so. Rahul Gandhi ain't saw that coming that turned every single vote in favour of Mrs. Irani. All those campaings of Mrs. Irani in Amethi makes people to trust her more rather choosing the 'Missing prince'.

BJP's Smriti Irani manages to let Rahul's bastions down

<p>BJP leader <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/nothing-is-impossible-giantslayer-smriti-irani-topples-rahul-gandhi-in-amethi-221132">Smriti Irani</a>, who defeated Congress president Rahul Gandhi in Amethi, thanked the people of her constituency in a tweet on Friday morning.</p>

<p>"It's a new morning for Amethi, a new resolve. Thank you Amethi. You placed your trust in development and helped lotus bloom. Grateful for that," Irani said in her tweet in Hindi.</p>

<p>Irani defeated the sitting Amethi MP Rahul Gandhi by a margin of 55,120 votes, uprooting the Congress president from his family bastion. In the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, Gandhi had defeated Irani by 1,07,903 votes.</p>

<p>Irani had cultivated a strong voter base in the constituency with her numerous visits and using central development schemes in past five years which helped her inn reversal of fortune.</p>

<p>She shared a silhouette picture of a direwolf on the backdrop of the moon with a quote from popular TV series Game of Thrones "The North Remembers" on her Instagram account.</p>

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<p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Bx0gNhJHc4J/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">❤️</a></p>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/smritiiraniofficial/" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px;" target="_blank"> Smriti Irani</a> (@smritiiraniofficial) on <time datetime="2019-05-23T21:36:32+00:00" style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;">May 23, 2019 at 2:36pm PDT</time></p>
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<p>Acknowledging Smriti's win in the North and adding that there is love from the South too, an Instagram user commented, "Don't worry mam there is love from south kerala too just that we need better speakers communicators and planing in kerala we tried our best but not enough follow up or action was there suresh ji kumanam ji and k surendran ji are awsome candidates who if there was proper planing and time with resources could have yielded results."</p>

<p>Soon after Gandhi conceded defeat and congratulated her on Thursday, Irani tweeted a line out of Hindi poet Dushyant Kumar. "<em>Kaun kehta hai aasmaan mein suraakh nahin ho sakata</em>", she tweeted. It translates to mean "Nothing is impossible."</p>

<p>From featuring in one of the most watched soap operas in Indian history, to tirelessly campaigning through the streets of Amethi, it was a long journey for the actor-turned-politician. Needless to say, she has owned every bit of the success she has tasted.</p>

<p>At the national level, BJP whose campaign was spearheaded by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on nationalism and a strident anti-Congress plank, has won 303 seats and is leading on 15 as per the latest details updated on the website of the Election Commission.</p>


BJP leader Smriti Irani, who defeated Congress president Rahul Gandhi in Amethi, thanked the people of her constituency in a tweet on Friday morning. "It's a new morning for Amethi, a new resolve.

BJP leader Smriti Irani, who defeated Congress president Rahul Gandhi in Amethi, thanked the people of her constituency in a tweet on Friday morning. "It's a new morning for Amethi, a new resolve. Thank you Amethi. You placed your trust in development and helped lotus bloom. Grateful for that," Irani said in her tweet in Hindi. Irani defeated the sitting Amethi MP Rahul Gandhi by a margin of 55,120 votes, uprooting the Congress president from his family bastion. In the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, Gandhi had defeated Irani by 1,07,903 votes. Irani had cultivated a strong voter base in the constituency with her numerous visits and using central development schemes in past five years which helped her inn reversal of fortune. She shared a silhouette picture of a direwolf on the backdrop of the moon with a quote from popular TV series Game of Thrones "The North Remembers" on her Instagram account. View this post on Instagram ❤️ A post shared by Smriti Irani (@smritiiraniofficial) on May 23, 2019 at 2:36pm PDT Acknowledging Smriti's win in the North and adding that there is love from the South too, an Instagram user commented, "Don't worry mam there is love from south kerala too just that we need better speakers communicators and planing in kerala we tried our best but not enough follow up or action was there suresh ji kumanam ji and k surendran ji are awsome candidates who if there was proper planing and time with resources could have yielded results." Soon after Gandhi conceded defeat and congratulated her on Thursday, Irani tweeted a line out of Hindi poet Dushyant Kumar. "Kaun kehta hai aasmaan mein suraakh nahin ho sakata", she tweeted. It translates to mean "Nothing is impossible." From featuring in one of the most watched soap operas in Indian history, to tirelessly campaigning through the streets of Amethi, it was a long journey for the actor-turned-politician. Needless to say, she has owned every bit of the success she has tasted. At the national level, BJP whose campaign was spearheaded by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on nationalism and a strident anti-Congress plank, has won 303 seats and is leading on 15 as per the latest details updated on the website of the Election Commission.

'The North Remembers': Smriti Irani's dig at Rahul Gandhi after Amethi win

<p>Congress President Rahul Gandhi is leading in Wayanad but trailing in Amethi as counting of votes polled for 17th Lok Sabha elections is underway.</p>

<p>Rahul Gandhi is leading in Wayanad by 10,910 votes against CPI's P&nbsp;P Suneer, according to the Election Commission.</p>

<p>Rahul Gandhi is contesting from Amethi against Bharatiya Janata Party's Smriti Irani that has been a stronghold of the Congress.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/lok-sabha-election-results-2019-live-updates-220687">Tap for live updates here.</a></p>

<p>Rahul Gandhi decided to contest from Wayanad Lok Sabha constituency in Kerala besides his traditional stronghold of Amethi in Uttar Pradesh.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Congress President Rahul Gandhi leading from Wayanad</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/lok-sabha-2019-results-congress-president-rahul-gandhi-leading-from-wayanad-220759/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>The Wayanad Lok Sabha Constituency of Kerala state is currently held by M I Shanavas of Indian National Congress. In the 2014 Lok Sabha Elections, M I Shanavas beat Sathyan Mokeri of CPI by receiving 41.20 per cent of the votes cast in this constituency.</p>

<p>The key candidates in the Wayanad constituency for Lok Sabha Elections 2019 are Rahul Gandhi of Congress and P P Suneer of Communist Party of India.</p>

<p>Exit polls predicted&nbsp;that Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led NDA is coming back to power at the Centre with close to 300 seats.</p>


Congress President Rahul Gandhi is leading in Wayanad but trailing in Amethi as counting of votes polled for 17th Lok Sabha elections is underway. Rahul Gandhi is leading in Wayanad by 10,910 votes against CPI's P P Suneer, according to the Election Commission.

Congress President Rahul Gandhi is leading in Wayanad but trailing in Amethi as counting of votes polled for 17th Lok Sabha elections is underway. Rahul Gandhi is leading in Wayanad by 10,910 votes against CPI's P P Suneer, according to the Election Commission. Rahul Gandhi is contesting from Amethi against Bharatiya Janata Party's Smriti Irani that has been a stronghold of the Congress. Tap for live updates here. Rahul Gandhi decided to contest from Wayanad Lok Sabha constituency in Kerala besides his traditional stronghold of Amethi in Uttar Pradesh. Watch: Congress President Rahul Gandhi leading from Wayanad The Wayanad Lok Sabha Constituency of Kerala state is currently held by M I Shanavas of Indian National Congress. In the 2014 Lok Sabha Elections, M I Shanavas beat Sathyan Mokeri of CPI by receiving 41.20 per cent of the votes cast in this constituency. The key candidates in the Wayanad constituency for Lok Sabha Elections 2019 are Rahul Gandhi of Congress and P P Suneer of Communist Party of India. Exit polls predicted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led NDA is coming back to power at the Centre with close to 300 seats.

Lok Sabha Election Result 2019: Congress president Rahul Gandhi leading in Wayanad, trailing in Amethi in early trends

Get set, count! EC has begun with the process that would ultimately decide which party and alliance could form the next government in the country. Rahul Gandhi concedes defeat in Amethi.

Lok Sabha Election 2019: Rahul Gandhi concedes defeat in Amethi

<p>It was the mother-of-all battle, the most-watched contest of this <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/lok-sabha-election-results-2019-thank-you-india-faith-placed-in-our-alliance-is-humbling-pm-modi-221011">Lok Sabha elections</a>, which was ultimately won by the challenger.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
The battleground was Amethi in Uttar Pradesh, a dusty little town widely known as the Congress bastion and stronghold of the Gandhi family. Congress president Rahul Gandhi - who won from Amethi in 2004, 2009 and 2014 - was pitted against BJP's Smriti Irani whom he had defeated in 2014. The 2014 victory margin of one lakh votes was narrow, going by the fact that Amethi is Gandhis' family bastion, but Rahul successfully defended the seat.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
In 2019 Lok Sabha polls, the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/congratulations-to-the-winners-but-all-losers-are-not-losers-how-opposition-reacted-to-lok-sabha-2019-election-results-220926">fortunes were reversed</a> and Irani emerged victorious though by a thin margin of 35,899 votes. But the win had its share of nervous moments in the form of seesaw battle during counting of votes. As soon as the counting began on Thursday morning, early trends showed Smriti Irani leading. But Gandhi was again in the driver’s seat as counting progressed. As times passed, Irani took the lead and eventually won the contest.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="hi">कौन कहता है आसमां में सुराख नहीं हो सकता ...</p>
— Chowkidar Smriti Z Irani (@smritiirani) <a href="https://twitter.com/smritiirani/status/1131539947905851392?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 23, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p>What makes this battle significant is that a Gandhi had not been defeated from Amethi since 1980, barring 1998. The reversal is surely going to cast a shadow on the future of Rahul Gandhi, who is leading the Congress during its most tumultous phase.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
"We have to introspect, that is for sure. But let the complete result come and let us examine it first," Congress leader Brijesh Kalappa told WION. "We can then go to the drawing board and create a new plan of action," he added.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
The voice of the people is the voice of the god. We will have to listen to it and accept the mandate, Kalappa said.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
Congress's overall performance has not been up to the mark in UP. It is leading on just one seat in the state; in 2014, the party had won two.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
The Congress was not part of the 'Mahagathbandhan' (grand alliance) of Samajwadi Party (SP) and the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) and had fielded its own candidates. This year's result has also raised questions on Congress's future which has suffered yet another defeat at the hands of the BJP. From winning 430 Lok Sabha seats in 1989, India's Grand Old Party was reduced to just 44 seats in 2014 elections. And this year's setback will make the things worse for it.</p>


It was the mother-of-all battle, the most-watched contest of this Lok Sabha elections, which was ultimately won by the challenger. The battleground was Amethi in Uttar Pradesh, a dusty little town widely known as the Congress bastion and stronghold of the Gandhi family.

It was the mother-of-all battle, the most-watched contest of this Lok Sabha elections, which was ultimately won by the challenger. The battleground was Amethi in Uttar Pradesh, a dusty little town widely known as the Congress bastion and stronghold of the Gandhi family. Congress president Rahul Gandhi - who won from Amethi in 2004, 2009 and 2014 - was pitted against BJP's Smriti Irani whom he had defeated in 2014. The 2014 victory margin of one lakh votes was narrow, going by the fact that Amethi is Gandhis' family bastion, but Rahul successfully defended the seat. In 2019 Lok Sabha polls, the fortunes were reversed and Irani emerged victorious though by a thin margin of 35,899 votes. But the win had its share of nervous moments in the form of seesaw battle during counting of votes. As soon as the counting began on Thursday morning, early trends showed Smriti Irani leading. But Gandhi was again in the driver’s seat as counting progressed. As times passed, Irani took the lead and eventually won the contest. कौन कहता है आसमां में सुराख नहीं हो सकता ... — Chowkidar Smriti Z Irani (@smritiirani) May 23, 2019 × What makes this battle significant is that a Gandhi had not been defeated from Amethi since 1980, barring 1998. The reversal is surely going to cast a shadow on the future of Rahul Gandhi, who is leading the Congress during its most tumultous phase. "We have to introspect, that is for sure. But let the complete result come and let us examine it first," Congress leader Brijesh Kalappa told WION. "We can then go to the drawing board and create a new plan of action," he added. The voice of the people is the voice of the god. We will have to listen to it and accept the mandate, Kalappa said. Congress's overall performance has not been up to the mark in UP. It is leading on just one seat in the state; in 2014, the party had won two. The Congress was not part of the 'Mahagathbandhan' (grand alliance) of Samajwadi Party (SP) and the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) and had fielded its own candidates. This year's result has also raised questions on Congress's future which has suffered yet another defeat at the hands of the BJP. From winning 430 Lok Sabha seats in 1989, India's Grand Old Party was reduced to just 44 seats in 2014 elections. And this year's setback will make the things worse for it.

In neck and neck battle, Smriti Irani defeats Rahul Gandhi in Amethi

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


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

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

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

<p>UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi's son-in-law Robert Vadra on Monday urged people in Raebareli and Amethi to cast their votes and "lay the road for a better India soon".</p>

<p>"As our extended family members of Raebareli and Amethi go out to vote, I place my full faith in them that they will vote for development, they will vote for change and they will vote against all the negativity," Vadra wrote on Facebook.</p>

<p>"I am sure Raebareli and Amethi would lay the road for a better India soon. I appeal to one and all to go out and vote for change. All my best wishes with Congress president Rahul Gandhi and UPA chairperson, my mother-in-law, Sonia Gandhi," he added.</p>

<p>Sonia Gandhi is contesting from Raebareli, while Rahul Gandhi is contesting from Amethi.</p>

<p>The seven-phase Lok Sabha elections which began on April 11 will go on till May 19. The results will be announced on May 23.&nbsp;</p>


UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi's son-in-law Robert Vadra on Monday urged people in Raebareli and Amethi to cast their votes and "lay the road for a better India soon".

UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi's son-in-law Robert Vadra on Monday urged people in Raebareli and Amethi to cast their votes and "lay the road for a better India soon". "As our extended family members of Raebareli and Amethi go out to vote, I place my full faith in them that they will vote for development, they will vote for change and they will vote against all the negativity," Vadra wrote on Facebook. "I am sure Raebareli and Amethi would lay the road for a better India soon. I appeal to one and all to go out and vote for change. All my best wishes with Congress president Rahul Gandhi and UPA chairperson, my mother-in-law, Sonia Gandhi," he added. Sonia Gandhi is contesting from Raebareli, while Rahul Gandhi is contesting from Amethi. The seven-phase Lok Sabha elections which began on April 11 will go on till May 19. The results will be announced on May 23.

Raebareli, Amethi would lay the road for a better India: Robert Vadra

Polling is underway for the fifth phase of Lok Sabha elections in 51 constituencies spread over seven states, amidst tight security. In Uttar Pradesh, a total of 182 candidates including 26 women are in the fray for 14 constituencies. These include Sitapur, Lucknow, Raebareli, Amethi, Kaushambi, Gonda, Banda, Fatehpur, Faizabad and Bahraich.

India Votes: Is UP heading for a tight finish?

As Amethi parliamentary constituency went into polls in the 5th phase of the Lok Sabha elections on Monday, Union Minister and BJP candidate Smriti Irani hit out at opponent Congress President Rahul Gandhi alleging booth capturing in the constituency. Watch this video to know more.

Smriti Irani alleges voters being forced to vote for Congress

<p>Bahujan Samaj Party supremo Mayawati on Sunday said that the SP-BSP-RLD alliance has left out Amethi and Rae Bareli Lok Sabha seats for Congress to contest to ensure that the BJP does not gain.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Humne desh mein, janhit mein khaskar BJP-RSS wadi takaton ko kamzor karne ke liye UP mein Amethi-Raebareli LS seat ko Congress party ke liye isiliye chhod diya taki iske dono sarvoch neta dono seaton se hi phirse chunav lade aur in dono seaton mein ulajh kar na reh jaye," she told media.</p>

<p>She added that she is confident that each and every vote for the 'alliance' in the two constituencies will go to the Congress. &nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="hi">Mayawati: Phir kahin BJP iska fayda UP ke bahar kuch zyada na utha le. Ise khas dhyan mein rakhkar hi, hamare gathbandhan ne dono seaten Congress ke liye chhod di thi. Mujhe poori ummeed hai ke hamare gathbandhan ka ek ek vote har halat mein dono Congress neta ko milne wala hai. <a href="https://t.co/yHVxME7PZx">https://t.co/yHVxME7PZx</a></p>
— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANINewsUP/status/1124906249865256960?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 5, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p>"Phir kahin BJP iska fayda UP ke bahar kuch zyada na utha le. Ise khas dhyan mein rakhkar hi, hamare gathbandhan ne dono seaten Congress ke liye chhod di thi. Mujhe poori ummeed hai ke hamare gathbandhan ka ek ek vote har halat mein dono Congress neta ko milne wala hai," Mayawati said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav has said that the SP-BSP-RLD alliance will decide who will form the government and who will be the next prime minister of the country.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Akhilesh Yadav, SP: He (PM Modi) is a 180 degree PM, he does just the opposite of whatever he says. He is the PM of only 1% of the population. So he has this issue that how those in the favour of social justice are taking the nation towards a change. <a href="https://t.co/kjvVh4MwV2">https://t.co/kjvVh4MwV2</a></p>
— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANINewsUP/status/1124910189293871104?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 5, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p>"BJP can see no other way. They're not talking about development, farmers' income. PM just wants to mislead people," Yadav said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He alleged that PM Modi does the "opposite of whatever he says" and called him "180 degree PM".&nbsp;</p>

<p>"He is the PM of only 1% of the population. So he has this issue that how those in the favour of social justice are taking the nation towards a change," he noted.&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;</p>


Bahujan Samaj Party supremo Mayawati on Sunday said that the SP-BSP-RLD alliance has left out Amethi and Rae Bareli Lok Sabha seats for Congress to contest to ensure that the BJP does not gain.

Bahujan Samaj Party supremo Mayawati on Sunday said that the SP-BSP-RLD alliance has left out Amethi and Rae Bareli Lok Sabha seats for Congress to contest to ensure that the BJP does not gain. "Humne desh mein, janhit mein khaskar BJP-RSS wadi takaton ko kamzor karne ke liye UP mein Amethi-Raebareli LS seat ko Congress party ke liye isiliye chhod diya taki iske dono sarvoch neta dono seaton se hi phirse chunav lade aur in dono seaton mein ulajh kar na reh jaye," she told media. She added that she is confident that each and every vote for the 'alliance' in the two constituencies will go to the Congress. Mayawati: Phir kahin BJP iska fayda UP ke bahar kuch zyada na utha le. Ise khas dhyan mein rakhkar hi, hamare gathbandhan ne dono seaten Congress ke liye chhod di thi. Mujhe poori ummeed hai ke hamare gathbandhan ka ek ek vote har halat mein dono Congress neta ko milne wala hai. https://t.co/yHVxME7PZx — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) May 5, 2019 × "Phir kahin BJP iska fayda UP ke bahar kuch zyada na utha le. Ise khas dhyan mein rakhkar hi, hamare gathbandhan ne dono seaten Congress ke liye chhod di thi. Mujhe poori ummeed hai ke hamare gathbandhan ka ek ek vote har halat mein dono Congress neta ko milne wala hai," Mayawati said. Meanwhile, Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav has said that the SP-BSP-RLD alliance will decide who will form the government and who will be the next prime minister of the country. Akhilesh Yadav, SP: He (PM Modi) is a 180 degree PM, he does just the opposite of whatever he says. He is the PM of only 1% of the population. So he has this issue that how those in the favour of social justice are taking the nation towards a change. https://t.co/kjvVh4MwV2 — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) May 5, 2019 × "BJP can see no other way. They're not talking about development, farmers' income. PM just wants to mislead people," Yadav said. He alleged that PM Modi does the "opposite of whatever he says" and called him "180 degree PM". "He is the PM of only 1% of the population. So he has this issue that how those in the favour of social justice are taking the nation towards a change," he noted.

Left Amethi, Rae Bareli for Congress to ensure BJP's defeat: Mayawati 

<p>Two days before the polls in Amethi, BJP president Amit Shah and the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/lok-sabha-polls-2019-smriti-irani-visits-amethi-more-than-rahul-gandhi-says-yogi-adityanath-214907">party's candidate from the constituency</a> Smriti Irani held a road show in the town.</p>

<p>Addressing the crowd in the roadshow Shah said that the massive crowd was "evidence that people of Amethi had faith in BJP and Modi ji".</p>

<p>"Everyone is hopeful. The massive crowd is evidence that people of Amethi have faith in Modi ji and BJP is winning here in this elections. Opposition will stop making any claims after the result, BJP will form government with massive majority," he said.</p>

<p>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/amethis-battle-royale-smriti-irani-to-take-on-rahul-gandhi-again-207829">Amethi's battle royale: Smriti Irani to take on Rahul Gandhi again</a></p>

<p>Targetting the Congress, Shah further said, "For the first time Amethi is feeling that development is possible here as well. Even after making members of Gandhi family their representative for so many years, there were villages which didn't have electricity. They received electricity only after Modi ji came".</p>

<p>Union Smriti Irani, who accompanied Shah said, "By writing letters (to the electorate) before elections, Rahul Gandhi is hinting that he will not be present in Amethi ever."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a>: BJP President Amit Shah and Union Minister Smriti Irani hold a road show in Amethi. Smriti Irani is BJP candidate from Amethi parliamentary constituency. The constituency will undergo polling on 6th May. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LokSabhaElections?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LokSabhaElections</a> <a href="https://t.co/DOv0CVYe66">pic.twitter.com/DOv0CVYe66</a></p>
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<p>Uttar Pradesh's Amethi constituency&nbsp;which is considered a&nbsp;Gandhi bastion, will go to polls in the fifth phase on May 6.</p>

<p>For the past four generations, the Lok Sabha seat&nbsp;has been represented by the members of the Gandhi family.</p>

<p>Rahul Gandhi, who has been representing the constituency for the past 15 years, will this time again face BJP's Irani.</p>

<p>In the 2014 general elections, Irani was defeated by Rahul Gandhi by over one lakh votes.</p>

<p>This time, the Congress president filed nominations from two Lok Sabha constituencies, Amethi and Wayanad.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Two days before the polls in Amethi, BJP president Amit Shah and the party's candidate from the constituency Smriti Irani held a road show in the town. Addressing the crowd in the roadshow Shah said that the massive crowd was "evidence that people of Amethi had faith in BJP and Modi ji".

Two days before the polls in Amethi, BJP president Amit Shah and the party's candidate from the constituency Smriti Irani held a road show in the town. Addressing the crowd in the roadshow Shah said that the massive crowd was "evidence that people of Amethi had faith in BJP and Modi ji". "Everyone is hopeful. The massive crowd is evidence that people of Amethi have faith in Modi ji and BJP is winning here in this elections. Opposition will stop making any claims after the result, BJP will form government with massive majority," he said. Also read: Amethi's battle royale: Smriti Irani to take on Rahul Gandhi again Targetting the Congress, Shah further said, "For the first time Amethi is feeling that development is possible here as well. Even after making members of Gandhi family their representative for so many years, there were villages which didn't have electricity. They received electricity only after Modi ji came". Union Smriti Irani, who accompanied Shah said, "By writing letters (to the electorate) before elections, Rahul Gandhi is hinting that he will not be present in Amethi ever." #WATCH: BJP President Amit Shah and Union Minister Smriti Irani hold a road show in Amethi. Smriti Irani is BJP candidate from Amethi parliamentary constituency. The constituency will undergo polling on 6th May. #LokSabhaElections pic.twitter.com/DOv0CVYe66 — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) May 4, 2019 × Uttar Pradesh's Amethi constituency which is considered a Gandhi bastion, will go to polls in the fifth phase on May 6. For the past four generations, the Lok Sabha seat has been represented by the members of the Gandhi family. Rahul Gandhi, who has been representing the constituency for the past 15 years, will this time again face BJP's Irani. In the 2014 general elections, Irani was defeated by Rahul Gandhi by over one lakh votes. This time, the Congress president filed nominations from two Lok Sabha constituencies, Amethi and Wayanad. (With inputs from agencies)

Massive crowd is evidence that people of Amethi have faith in Modi ji: Amit Shah

<p>Days&nbsp;after an Independent candidate raised objections over<a href="https://www.wionews.com/elections/politicians/rahul-gandhi"> Congress president Rahul Gandhi</a>'s nomination citing "alleging discrepancies over citizenship and educational qualifications in his election affidavit", the Amethi returning officer on Monday declared that the Congress president's nomination was valid.</p>

<p>Defending Gandhi his lawyer KC Kaushik said that Rahul was born in India and he holds an Indian passport.</p>

<p>"<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/criminal-complaint-filed-against-rahul-gandhi-for-making-allegedly-derogatory-remarks-on-pm-modi-211455">Rahul Gandhi </a>was born in India and he holds an Indian passport, he never took citizenship of any other country. His passport, Voter-ID, and his income tax, everything is of India".</p>

<p>Speaking on the objections raised on Rahul Gandhi's educational qualification Kaushik said he does not know who <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rahul-gandhi-known-as-raul-vinci-in-britain-italy-yogi-adityanath-212438">Raul Vinci</a> was and where he came from.</p>

<p>"I don't know who Raul Vinci is or where he came from. Rahul Gandhi had done his M.Phil in 1995 from University of Cambridge, I have attached a copy of the certificate, ".</p>

<p>An independent candidate on Saturday raised objections over Congress president Rahul Gandhi’s nomination from Amethi, alleging discrepancies over citizenship and educational qualifications in his election affidavit.</p>

<p>Complainant Dhruv Raj’s lawyer Ravi Prakash showed reporters purported copies of a certificate of incorporation of a UK-registered company in which the Congress leader is stated to be a British national.</p>

<p>Citing the complaint, Bharatiya Janata Party spokesperson G.V.L Narasimha Rao demanded that Mr. Gandhi come clean on the matter.</p>


Days after an Independent candidate raised objections over Congress president Rahul Gandhi's nomination citing "alleging discrepancies over citizenship and educational qualifications in his election affidavit", the Amethi returning officer on Monday declared that the Congress president's nomination was valid.

Days after an Independent candidate raised objections over Congress president Rahul Gandhi's nomination citing "alleging discrepancies over citizenship and educational qualifications in his election affidavit", the Amethi returning officer on Monday declared that the Congress president's nomination was valid. Defending Gandhi his lawyer KC Kaushik said that Rahul was born in India and he holds an Indian passport. "Rahul Gandhi was born in India and he holds an Indian passport, he never took citizenship of any other country. His passport, Voter-ID, and his income tax, everything is of India". Speaking on the objections raised on Rahul Gandhi's educational qualification Kaushik said he does not know who Raul Vinci was and where he came from. "I don't know who Raul Vinci is or where he came from. Rahul Gandhi had done his M.Phil in 1995 from University of Cambridge, I have attached a copy of the certificate, ". An independent candidate on Saturday raised objections over Congress president Rahul Gandhi’s nomination from Amethi, alleging discrepancies over citizenship and educational qualifications in his election affidavit. Complainant Dhruv Raj’s lawyer Ravi Prakash showed reporters purported copies of a certificate of incorporation of a UK-registered company in which the Congress leader is stated to be a British national. Citing the complaint, Bharatiya Janata Party spokesperson G.V.L Narasimha Rao demanded that Mr. Gandhi come clean on the matter.

Congress president Rahul Gandhi's nomination is valid: Amethi returning officer

Rahul Gandhi made his electoral debut from Amethi in 2004 when Sonia Gandhi moved to Rae Bareli, formerly represented by Indira Gandhi. Priyanka Gandhi has managed both the constituencies in every Lok Sabha election since 2004.

IEW: Know Your Candidate; Rahul Gandhi

<p>It is a matter of happiness that Priyanka Gandhi Vadra is counting the number of days I have visited Amethi as he is unable to tell the public where the 'missing MP'&nbsp;was for 15 years, said Union Minister Smriti Irani here on Sunday.</p>

<p>"I am happy that Priyanka Vadra is counting the number of times I came to Amethi. Probably she is counting mine because she is unable to tell the public where the missing MP was for 15 years. I request her to provide that information too," Smriti said while talking to ANI.</p>

<p>She also questioned Congress'&nbsp;method of showing love for the nation. "Yasin Malik is charged with the murder of Air Force officials. Yet the statement given by PC Chacko yesterday supporting him should be condemned either by Priyanka or Rahul Gandhi. I want to ask Priyanka Vadra are these your ways of showing nationalism," she said.</p>

<p>Congress spokesperson PC Chacko on Saturday told reporters in New Delhi that "If Pragya Singh Thakur, an accused, can contest an election, and the way Delhi is asking him (Yasin Malik) at gunpoint to surrender, anyone with self-respect will react the way Yasin Malik did."</p>

<p>She also said that Priyanka should take a closer look at the acts of Congress before she gives statements on nationalism. Irani, who lost to Rahul Gandhi in the last Lok Sabha from Amethi, is again facing him here. Amethi will go to polls on May 6. The results will be announced on May 23.&nbsp;</p>


It is a matter of happiness that Priyanka Gandhi Vadra is counting the number of days I have visited Amethi as he is unable to tell the public where the 'missing MP' was for 15 years, said Union Minister Smriti Irani here on Sunday.

It is a matter of happiness that Priyanka Gandhi Vadra is counting the number of days I have visited Amethi as he is unable to tell the public where the 'missing MP' was for 15 years, said Union Minister Smriti Irani here on Sunday. "I am happy that Priyanka Vadra is counting the number of times I came to Amethi. Probably she is counting mine because she is unable to tell the public where the missing MP was for 15 years. I request her to provide that information too," Smriti said while talking to ANI. She also questioned Congress' method of showing love for the nation. "Yasin Malik is charged with the murder of Air Force officials. Yet the statement given by PC Chacko yesterday supporting him should be condemned either by Priyanka or Rahul Gandhi. I want to ask Priyanka Vadra are these your ways of showing nationalism," she said. Congress spokesperson PC Chacko on Saturday told reporters in New Delhi that "If Pragya Singh Thakur, an accused, can contest an election, and the way Delhi is asking him (Yasin Malik) at gunpoint to surrender, anyone with self-respect will react the way Yasin Malik did." She also said that Priyanka should take a closer look at the acts of Congress before she gives statements on nationalism. Irani, who lost to Rahul Gandhi in the last Lok Sabha from Amethi, is again facing him here. Amethi will go to polls on May 6. The results will be announced on May 23.

Happy that Priyanka Gandhi Vadra is counting the days I spent in Amethi: Smriti Irani

<p>Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra lost her usually collected demeanour and lashed out at "outsider" Smriti Irani stating that the Union Minister had insulted the people of Amethi by distributing shoes there.</p>

<p>"Elections are here and many outsiders have also come here to spread lies that Rahul Gandhi does not visit here. You people know the truth," Priyanka said during an election rally here. "The objectionable thing is that Smriti Irani ji came here and distributed shoes. She thought that she is insulting Rahul ji but she has insulted the people of Amethi. You should teach them that people of Amethi and Rae Bareli respect themselves and will not beg in front&nbsp;of anyone. They should come to you and beg for votes," Priyanka said.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="hi">Union Minister Smriti Irani: Actor main reh chuki hoon toh natak Priyanka ji na hi karein to behtar hai, jahan tak baat un gharib nagrikon ki hai jinke paas pehne ko joota nahi tha,toh kripya karke agar unme thodi bhi sharm ho to khud ja ke dekh lein ki sach kya hai <a href="https://t.co/vwQraaqaVn">pic.twitter.com/vwQraaqaVn</a></p>
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<p>The Congress leader addressing people at a Nukkad Sabha here said "You should understand what is happening in this election, lying, attempting to divert the attention of people and a campaign that is removed from reality. I have been going around Uttar Pradesh East and seeing the suffering of people, small industries have been shut, youth are unemployed, they have stopped development works in Amethi."&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> Union Min Smriti Irani: Call all the relatives you have,be it from India,from Italy or from any part of the world.People of India will do justice&amp;they have already decided to choose Pradhansevak again,but this time whole Gandhi family will also be given a strong message." <a href="https://t.co/ocp1H1CSHQ">pic.twitter.com/ocp1H1CSHQ</a></p>
— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANINewsUP/status/1120311060924370944?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 22, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p>Speaking in the same vein, Priyanka said, "People of Amethi and Rae Bareli have never begged in front of anyone. Whosoever has come in front of them, have come with respect. My family have realised that people made us. You have given power and love as well. You are the one who make us leaders."</p>

<p>Meanwhile, the actor-turned-politician Smriti Irani hit back at Priyanka Gandhi and said, "I have been an actor and it would be better if Priyanka ji stopped her acting. As far as the plight of those poor people who did not have shoes to wear, if she has even a bit of shame she should go and see for herself what the truth is."</p>

<p>BJP has fielded Smriti Irani against Congress president Rahul Gandhi in Amethi. In 2014, Rahul had defeated Irani by a margin of over one lakh votes.</p>

<p>Priyanka also hit out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi claiming that he has not visited a single village of his constituency.</p>

<p>"Rajiv Gandhi used to visit areas of his constituency. Rahul Gandhi also visits villages. I went to Varanasi, I asked people if the Prime Minister has come there. I learnt that he has not visited a single village in the last five years," she said.</p>

<p>Amethi and Rae Bareli in Uttar Pradesh are scheduled to go to polls in the fourth phase of the Lok Sabha elections on May 6, while Varanasi will witness polling in the last phase on May 19.&nbsp;</p>


Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra lost her usually collected demeanour and lashed out at "outsider" Smriti Irani stating that the Union Minister had insulted the people of Amethi by distributing shoes there.

Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra lost her usually collected demeanour and lashed out at "outsider" Smriti Irani stating that the Union Minister had insulted the people of Amethi by distributing shoes there. "Elections are here and many outsiders have also come here to spread lies that Rahul Gandhi does not visit here. You people know the truth," Priyanka said during an election rally here. "The objectionable thing is that Smriti Irani ji came here and distributed shoes. She thought that she is insulting Rahul ji but she has insulted the people of Amethi. You should teach them that people of Amethi and Rae Bareli respect themselves and will not beg in front of anyone. They should come to you and beg for votes," Priyanka said. Union Minister Smriti Irani: Actor main reh chuki hoon toh natak Priyanka ji na hi karein to behtar hai, jahan tak baat un gharib nagrikon ki hai jinke paas pehne ko joota nahi tha,toh kripya karke agar unme thodi bhi sharm ho to khud ja ke dekh lein ki sach kya hai pic.twitter.com/vwQraaqaVn — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) April 22, 2019 × The Congress leader addressing people at a Nukkad Sabha here said "You should understand what is happening in this election, lying, attempting to divert the attention of people and a campaign that is removed from reality. I have been going around Uttar Pradesh East and seeing the suffering of people, small industries have been shut, youth are unemployed, they have stopped development works in Amethi." #WATCH Union Min Smriti Irani: Call all the relatives you have,be it from India,from Italy or from any part of the world.People of India will do justice&they have already decided to choose Pradhansevak again,but this time whole Gandhi family will also be given a strong message." pic.twitter.com/ocp1H1CSHQ — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) April 22, 2019 × Speaking in the same vein, Priyanka said, "People of Amethi and Rae Bareli have never begged in front of anyone. Whosoever has come in front of them, have come with respect. My family have realised that people made us. You have given power and love as well. You are the one who make us leaders." Meanwhile, the actor-turned-politician Smriti Irani hit back at Priyanka Gandhi and said, "I have been an actor and it would be better if Priyanka ji stopped her acting. As far as the plight of those poor people who did not have shoes to wear, if she has even a bit of shame she should go and see for herself what the truth is." BJP has fielded Smriti Irani against Congress president Rahul Gandhi in Amethi. In 2014, Rahul had defeated Irani by a margin of over one lakh votes. Priyanka also hit out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi claiming that he has not visited a single village of his constituency. "Rajiv Gandhi used to visit areas of his constituency. Rahul Gandhi also visits villages. I went to Varanasi, I asked people if the Prime Minister has come there. I learnt that he has not visited a single village in the last five years," she said. Amethi and Rae Bareli in Uttar Pradesh are scheduled to go to polls in the fourth phase of the Lok Sabha elections on May 6, while Varanasi will witness polling in the last phase on May 19.

Smriti Irani insulted people of Amethi by distributing shoes: Priyanka Gandhi Vadra

<p>Union minister Prakash Javadekar has said that Congress president Rahul Gandhi will lose Lok Sabha elections from Amethi and this is the reason why he chose to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rahul-gandhi-files-nomination-from-wayanad-parliamentary-constituency-207840">contest from Kerala's Wayanad</a> too.</p>

<p>"Legally and as per the practice strategy, anyone can fight from two constituencies. The issue is not that he is fighting from Wayanad, the issue is why he has ran away from Amethi. Because we won all the panchayat elections, zilla parishad elections and other major elections in the last five years. Also, Smriti Irani has worked hard. So the people are with us. Amethi has defeated his uncle Sanjay Gandhi and I'm absolutely sure that Rahul Gandhi will lose from Amethi," Javadekar told WION.</p>

<p>When asked about Congress general secretary <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-polls-with-congress-tight-lipped-about-varanasi-candidate-speculations-pit-priyanka-gandhi-against-pm-modi-in-his-home-constituency-210397">Priyanka Gandhi Vadra</a>'s entry into mainstream politics, the Union HRD minister said, "She can fight elections from anywhere. She has campaigned in last three general elections but could not achieve desired results." Javadekar also said that the BJP takes elections far more seriously than Rahul Gandhi.</p>

<p>Javadekar, who is also the in-charge of Rajasthan, said that like 2014 Lok Sabha elections, the BJP will sweep all 25 seats in the state. The senior minister said that reverses faced by BJP in assembly will not affect the general elections as issues are different today. He said that in 1999, the BJP and Samajwadi Party alliance did very well in Lok Sabha elections but lost the government in Maharashtra as people cast their votes differently for the Centre and the state.</p>

<p>He insisted that the BJP will increase its tally in the Lok Sabha and also refused to give much credence to BSP-SP-RLD alliance in Uttar Pradesh.</p>

<p>Javadekar admitted that nationalism has indeed become an issue in the Lok Sabha elections "but it does not mean that BJP has given up on <em>sabka saath sabka vikas</em>". "Economic progress remains central to BJP manifesto, but India requires a terror free environment to develop. Narendra Modi has provided that environment," he said. Javadekar also said that elections of 2019 will give a clear mandate to Narendra Modi as there is no other leader who stands as tall as him.</p>

<p>Speaking on issues such as Articles 370 and 35(A), which grant special status to Jammu and Kashmir, Javadekar said that BJP has not changed its ideological position on these two issues for the last 50 years.</p>

<p>"As the mandate was fractured in Jammu and Kashmir, we decided to experiment, but we parted ways when we felt that we will have to compromise on core issues. People in India want Jammu and Kashmir to be treated like any other state," he said.</p>

<p>He also said that NDA is opposed to restoration on pre-1953 status and would oppose it at any cost. The demand made by some Jammu and Kashmir parties, including the National Conference, talks about greater autonomy to Jammu and Kashmir which is vehemently opposed by BJP.</p>


Union minister Prakash Javadekar has said that Congress president Rahul Gandhi will lose Lok Sabha elections from Amethi and this is the reason why he chose to contest from Kerala's Wayanad too.

Union minister Prakash Javadekar has said that Congress president Rahul Gandhi will lose Lok Sabha elections from Amethi and this is the reason why he chose to contest from Kerala's Wayanad too. "Legally and as per the practice strategy, anyone can fight from two constituencies. The issue is not that he is fighting from Wayanad, the issue is why he has ran away from Amethi. Because we won all the panchayat elections, zilla parishad elections and other major elections in the last five years. Also, Smriti Irani has worked hard. So the people are with us. Amethi has defeated his uncle Sanjay Gandhi and I'm absolutely sure that Rahul Gandhi will lose from Amethi," Javadekar told WION. When asked about Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra's entry into mainstream politics, the Union HRD minister said, "She can fight elections from anywhere. She has campaigned in last three general elections but could not achieve desired results." Javadekar also said that the BJP takes elections far more seriously than Rahul Gandhi. Javadekar, who is also the in-charge of Rajasthan, said that like 2014 Lok Sabha elections, the BJP will sweep all 25 seats in the state. The senior minister said that reverses faced by BJP in assembly will not affect the general elections as issues are different today. He said that in 1999, the BJP and Samajwadi Party alliance did very well in Lok Sabha elections but lost the government in Maharashtra as people cast their votes differently for the Centre and the state. He insisted that the BJP will increase its tally in the Lok Sabha and also refused to give much credence to BSP-SP-RLD alliance in Uttar Pradesh. Javadekar admitted that nationalism has indeed become an issue in the Lok Sabha elections "but it does not mean that BJP has given up on sabka saath sabka vikas". "Economic progress remains central to BJP manifesto, but India requires a terror free environment to develop. Narendra Modi has provided that environment," he said. Javadekar also said that elections of 2019 will give a clear mandate to Narendra Modi as there is no other leader who stands as tall as him. Speaking on issues such as Articles 370 and 35(A), which grant special status to Jammu and Kashmir, Javadekar said that BJP has not changed its ideological position on these two issues for the last 50 years. "As the mandate was fractured in Jammu and Kashmir, we decided to experiment, but we parted ways when we felt that we will have to compromise on core issues. People in India want Jammu and Kashmir to be treated like any other state," he said. He also said that NDA is opposed to restoration on pre-1953 status and would oppose it at any cost. The demand made by some Jammu and Kashmir parties, including the National Conference, talks about greater autonomy to Jammu and Kashmir which is vehemently opposed by BJP.

We take elections seriously, not Rahul Gandhi: Prakash Javadekar to WION

<p>The Home Ministry has said that it has received no letter from Congress regarding the alleged breach in security of its president Rahul Gandhi's security in Amethi on Wednesday. "However, as soon as MHA's attention was drawn to reports that there was an incident of 'green light' being pointed at him yesterday in Amethi, the Director (SPG) was asked to verify the factual position," the Home Ministry spokesperson said today.</p>

<p>"Director (SPG) has informed the MHA that they have gone through the video clipping of the incident very closely. The 'green light' shown in the clipping was found to be that of a mobile phone used by the AICC photographer, who was videographing the impromptu press interaction of Rahul Gandhi near the collectorate at Amethi," the spokesperson further said adding that there was no security implication whatsoever.</p>

<p>News agency ANI tweeted a letter from the Congress party which it said was sent to Home Minister Rajnath Singh citing a breach in security of Rahul Gandhi when he was in Amethi to file nomination on Wednesday.</p>

<p>"Today (Wednesday), Congress president, Rahul Gandhi filed his nomination from Amethi parliamentary constituency. Post that nomination, he addressed the media. A perusal of his interaction will reflect that a laser was pointed at his head, on at least 7 separate occasions," the Congress said in its letter about party's roadshow in Amethi.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Congress wrote to Home Minister over breach in security of its president Rahul Gandhi y'day; says Gandhi was addressing media after filing nomination from Amethi, "a persual of his interaction will reflect that a laser was pointed at his head, on at least 7 separate occasions" <a href="https://t.co/f3Jmnjhzs5">pic.twitter.com/f3Jmnjhzs5</a></p>
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<p>We reiterate and again request you to initiate immediate action in the matter to investigate and neutralise the threat, if any, the party further said in the letter. It was signed by Ahmed Patel, Jairam Ramesh and Randeep Singh Surjewala.</p>

<p>Rahul on Wednesday filed his nomination for the Amethi Lok Sabha seat. The three-time Amethi MP was accompanied by UPA chairperson and mother Sonia Gandhi, sister Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and brother-in-law Robert Vadra as he filed his papers.</p>

<p>The Gandhis and other party leaders travelled three kilometres in an open vehicle, and were showered with rose petals and marigold flowers.</p>

<p>Less than a week ago, the Congress president had filed his papers from a second constituency - Wayanad in Kerala - prompting the BJP to accuse Rahul of "fleeing" from home turf Amethi.</p>

<p>Rahul Gandhi is expected to face a tough fight in Amethi from Union Minister and BJP nominee Smriti Irani.</p>

<p>In 2014, he defeated her by a reduced margin of about one lakh votes, and the BJP leader has been nursing the constituency since then.</p>

<p>Amethi goes to polls on May 6 in the fifth phase of the Lok Sabha elections. It is virtually a Gandhi versus Irani fight as the SP-BSP-RLD opposition alliance in Uttar Pradesh has decided not to field a candidate on the seat.</p>


The Home Ministry has said that it has received no letter from Congress regarding the alleged breach in security of its president Rahul Gandhi's security in Amethi on Wednesday.

The Home Ministry has said that it has received no letter from Congress regarding the alleged breach in security of its president Rahul Gandhi's security in Amethi on Wednesday. "However, as soon as MHA's attention was drawn to reports that there was an incident of 'green light' being pointed at him yesterday in Amethi, the Director (SPG) was asked to verify the factual position," the Home Ministry spokesperson said today. "Director (SPG) has informed the MHA that they have gone through the video clipping of the incident very closely. The 'green light' shown in the clipping was found to be that of a mobile phone used by the AICC photographer, who was videographing the impromptu press interaction of Rahul Gandhi near the collectorate at Amethi," the spokesperson further said adding that there was no security implication whatsoever. News agency ANI tweeted a letter from the Congress party which it said was sent to Home Minister Rajnath Singh citing a breach in security of Rahul Gandhi when he was in Amethi to file nomination on Wednesday. "Today (Wednesday), Congress president, Rahul Gandhi filed his nomination from Amethi parliamentary constituency. Post that nomination, he addressed the media. A perusal of his interaction will reflect that a laser was pointed at his head, on at least 7 separate occasions," the Congress said in its letter about party's roadshow in Amethi. Congress wrote to Home Minister over breach in security of its president Rahul Gandhi y'day; says Gandhi was addressing media after filing nomination from Amethi, "a persual of his interaction will reflect that a laser was pointed at his head, on at least 7 separate occasions" pic.twitter.com/f3Jmnjhzs5 — ANI (@ANI) April 11, 2019 × We reiterate and again request you to initiate immediate action in the matter to investigate and neutralise the threat, if any, the party further said in the letter. It was signed by Ahmed Patel, Jairam Ramesh and Randeep Singh Surjewala. Rahul on Wednesday filed his nomination for the Amethi Lok Sabha seat. The three-time Amethi MP was accompanied by UPA chairperson and mother Sonia Gandhi, sister Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and brother-in-law Robert Vadra as he filed his papers. The Gandhis and other party leaders travelled three kilometres in an open vehicle, and were showered with rose petals and marigold flowers. Less than a week ago, the Congress president had filed his papers from a second constituency - Wayanad in Kerala - prompting the BJP to accuse Rahul of "fleeing" from home turf Amethi. Rahul Gandhi is expected to face a tough fight in Amethi from Union Minister and BJP nominee Smriti Irani. In 2014, he defeated her by a reduced margin of about one lakh votes, and the BJP leader has been nursing the constituency since then. Amethi goes to polls on May 6 in the fifth phase of the Lok Sabha elections. It is virtually a Gandhi versus Irani fight as the SP-BSP-RLD opposition alliance in Uttar Pradesh has decided not to field a candidate on the seat.

Congress claims laser pointed at Rahul Gandhi's head, MHA says it was mobile's green light

<p>Congress president Rahul Gandhi filed his nomination papers for the Amethi Lok Sabha seat on Wednesday.</p>

<p>Gandhi was accompanied by his mother and UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi and sister Priyanka Gandhi.</p>

<p>Gandhi embarked on a roadshow ahead of filing the nomination papers.</p>

<p>He was accompanied by sister Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, her husband Robert Vadra and their two children.</p>

<p>Rahul Gandhi, who is also contesting from Wayanad in Kerala, had filed his nomination papers there on April 4.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Rahul Gandhi, who has been representing the constituency for the past 15 years, will this time again face BJP's Smriti Irani who is likely to file her nomination papers a day later on Thursday.</p>

<p>In the 2014 general elections, Irani was defeated by Rahul Gandhi by over one lakh votes.</p>

<p>This time, the Congress president is contesting from two Lok sabha constituencies.</p>

<p>Last Thursday, Rahul Gandhi filed his nomination from Wayanad in Kerala and said he was contesting from a seat in South India as well to send a message of unity.</p>

<p>Amethi goes to polls in the fifth phase on May 6.&nbsp;</p>


Congress president Rahul Gandhi filed his nomination papers for the Amethi Lok Sabha seat on Wednesday. Gandhi was accompanied by his mother and UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi and sister Priyanka Gandhi.

Congress president Rahul Gandhi filed his nomination papers for the Amethi Lok Sabha seat on Wednesday. Gandhi was accompanied by his mother and UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi and sister Priyanka Gandhi. Gandhi embarked on a roadshow ahead of filing the nomination papers. He was accompanied by sister Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, her husband Robert Vadra and their two children. Rahul Gandhi, who is also contesting from Wayanad in Kerala, had filed his nomination papers there on April 4. Rahul Gandhi, who has been representing the constituency for the past 15 years, will this time again face BJP's Smriti Irani who is likely to file her nomination papers a day later on Thursday. In the 2014 general elections, Irani was defeated by Rahul Gandhi by over one lakh votes. This time, the Congress president is contesting from two Lok sabha constituencies. Last Thursday, Rahul Gandhi filed his nomination from Wayanad in Kerala and said he was contesting from a seat in South India as well to send a message of unity. Amethi goes to polls in the fifth phase on May 6.

Lok Sabha polls 2019: Rahul Gandhi files nomination from Amethi 

Congress president Rahul Gandhi files his nomination papers for the Amethi Lok Sabha seat today and also hold a road show in the constituency.

India Election Watch: Rahul Gandhi files nomination from Amethi

IEW: Smriti Irani attacks Congress president, says Rahul Gandhi did nothing for Amethi

<p>In this year's Lok Sabha elections, some key political battles will determine the fates of many political bigwigs. Among these is the battle royale in Amethi, a small town but holds big political relevance.</p>

<p>Amethi has been the bastion and Lok Sabha constituency of Congress president Rahul Gandhi since 2004. However, his victory margin suffered a major blow when the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) fielded Smriti Irani to take on the Gandhi scion in the 2014 Lok Sabha election from the turf of Nehru-Gandhi family in Uttar Pradesh.</p>

<p>Rahul Gandhi has won three consecutive Lok Sabha elections from Amethi in 2004, 2009 and 2014. While his victory margin in 2004 and 2007 were 2,90,853 and 3,70,198, respectively, it was merely 1,07,903 against Smriti Irani in 2014 Lok Sabha elections, when the BJP was riding on Narendra Modi wave. The close fight showed that Smriti Irani had managed to corner Rahul Gandhi and delivered some crunching blows.</p>

<p>And this year too, the BJP has fielded Amriti Irani from Amethi to take on Rahul Gandhi.</p>

<p>Though Smriti Irani could not win the elections, she made a promise to people of Amethi that she would not turn her back. And since then, the Union minister has been launching a slew of projects and schemes in a bid to turn the fortunes of the people hailing from the Gandhi bastion.</p>

<p>The actress-turned-politician has also been making several trips to Amethi. During one of her visits, in November 2018, Smriti had inaugurated and laid foundation stones of projects of various schemes worth Rs 77 crore. And not just this, the Union minister has promised that by 2022, every family in Amethi will have a house and each household will have electricity.</p>

<p>The Congress, meanwhile, announced that Rahul Gandhi will also contest from Wayanad in Kerala. The announcement gave ammunition to BJP who accused Rahul of running away because he has not fulfilled the promises he made to the people of Amethi. But the Congress president hit back claiming that people in South India "feel hostility" from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and said he decided to contest from Wayanad in Kerala to send out the message that he stands with them.</p>

<p>Wayanad district is in the north eastern part of Kerala and houses various tribal groups of the state. The area was badly affected due to last year's floods. The Congress is hoping to further consolidate its position this time in Kerala.</p>

<p>Top Congress leaders have contested from the South earlier as well.</p>

<p>The 2014 Lok Sabha election witnessed a fierce contest in Amethi between Smriti Irani and Rahul Gandhi. And with the BJP deciding to retain her candidature in 2019 as well, it will certainly be one of the most dramatic battles to be fought during the Lok Sabha election.</p>


In this year's Lok Sabha elections, some key political battles will determine the fates of many political bigwigs. Among these is the battle royale in Amethi, a small town but holds big political relevance.

In this year's Lok Sabha elections, some key political battles will determine the fates of many political bigwigs. Among these is the battle royale in Amethi, a small town but holds big political relevance. Amethi has been the bastion and Lok Sabha constituency of Congress president Rahul Gandhi since 2004. However, his victory margin suffered a major blow when the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) fielded Smriti Irani to take on the Gandhi scion in the 2014 Lok Sabha election from the turf of Nehru-Gandhi family in Uttar Pradesh. Rahul Gandhi has won three consecutive Lok Sabha elections from Amethi in 2004, 2009 and 2014. While his victory margin in 2004 and 2007 were 2,90,853 and 3,70,198, respectively, it was merely 1,07,903 against Smriti Irani in 2014 Lok Sabha elections, when the BJP was riding on Narendra Modi wave. The close fight showed that Smriti Irani had managed to corner Rahul Gandhi and delivered some crunching blows. And this year too, the BJP has fielded Amriti Irani from Amethi to take on Rahul Gandhi. Though Smriti Irani could not win the elections, she made a promise to people of Amethi that she would not turn her back. And since then, the Union minister has been launching a slew of projects and schemes in a bid to turn the fortunes of the people hailing from the Gandhi bastion. The actress-turned-politician has also been making several trips to Amethi. During one of her visits, in November 2018, Smriti had inaugurated and laid foundation stones of projects of various schemes worth Rs 77 crore. And not just this, the Union minister has promised that by 2022, every family in Amethi will have a house and each household will have electricity. The Congress, meanwhile, announced that Rahul Gandhi will also contest from Wayanad in Kerala. The announcement gave ammunition to BJP who accused Rahul of running away because he has not fulfilled the promises he made to the people of Amethi. But the Congress president hit back claiming that people in South India "feel hostility" from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and said he decided to contest from Wayanad in Kerala to send out the message that he stands with them. Wayanad district is in the north eastern part of Kerala and houses various tribal groups of the state. The area was badly affected due to last year's floods. The Congress is hoping to further consolidate its position this time in Kerala. Top Congress leaders have contested from the South earlier as well. The 2014 Lok Sabha election witnessed a fierce contest in Amethi between Smriti Irani and Rahul Gandhi. And with the BJP deciding to retain her candidature in 2019 as well, it will certainly be one of the most dramatic battles to be fought during the Lok Sabha election.

Amethi's battle royale: Smriti Irani to take on Rahul Gandhi again

<p>The law permits a candidate to contest from two seats, and so there is nothing irregular in Rahul Gandhi deciding to contest from two Lok Sabha constituencies. But the law is not the issue here; the issue is political in nature. From the time it became officially known that the Congress president would fight from Wayanad in Kerala, in addition to re-contesting from Amethi — from where he is the sitting Member of Parliament — his party has been trying to justify the decision using various ways. Whether that defence sounds credible is one matter, but the fact that the Congress has been pushed to the back foot should be a source of satisfaction for the Bharatiya Janata Party.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
Congress has given two broad explanations. The first is that it is not unusual for politicians to contest from two constituencies. The party has pointed to Narendra Modi fighting the 2014 Lok Sabha polls from Varanasi and Vadodara. There are many other examples too, but the Modi analogy is flawed. Leaders generally take this route to be ‘safe’, in case the feedback from one constituency is not very assuring. Modi was not a Lok Sabha MP when he decided to take the national plunge. He had 26 ‘safe’ seats in Gujarat, and thus safety could not have been a reason for his choice of Varanasi as an additional constituency.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The idea was to energise his party in Uttar Pradesh where once the BJP was strong but had fallen on bad times since the previous two decades. Besides, Uttar Pradesh, with 80 Lok Sabha seats, was the key to win over the Centre. We now know that the strategy worked wonderfully for the party.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
Rahul Gandhi won in 2014 with a vastly reduced margin as compared to 2009 from Amethi. And this happened when he faced a newcomer to electoral politics, Smriti Irani. It needs to be remembered that, in a show of arrogance which is characteristic of the Nehru-Gandhi family, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra had then quipped: “Irani who?” Since then, Irani has maintained close touch with the constituency, arguably visiting it more frequently than the incumbent MP. The so-called Nehru-Gandhi bastion fell to the BJP in the 2017 State elections, where the Congress could not win a single Assembly constituency. &nbsp;</p>

<p>Over the last five years, with the BJP regime at the Centre and later in the state, Rahul Gandhi’s constituency has benefitted from the equation. The development in the period and lack of it in the previous times despite the Congress chief being its representative is the narrative that the BJP has been relentlessly pushing in the constituency. There is an additional factor to be considered — the refusal of the SP-BSP combine to put up a candidate in the constituency. Apparently, this has been done as a token of magnanimity, and to also ensure that the anti-BJP votes do not split. But it is a double-edged sword. There is no certainty that a majority of the votes that would have gone to SP-BSP candidate will fall in the Congress’s kitty. There is a possibility that some of them might end up in the BJP’s coffer, especially if neither Mayawati nor Akhilesh campaigns for Rahul Gandhi.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In sum, the Congress president faces a tougher contest than even the last time, and this is probably the reason why he has chosen a ‘safe’ seat in Wayanad. How safe even that, remains to be seen, given that the Communist Party of India (Marxist), which too in the fray from that constituency, has vowed to defeat the Congress heavyweight.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The second explanation the Congress has given for the Wayanad choice is that the party wants to ‘bridge’ the north-south divide, carry forward Indira Gandhi’s south-bound legacy, and boost the Congress’s prospects in Kerala. The fact is that Indira Gandhi had contested from Chikmagalur in Karnataka after facing a shocking and humiliating defeat from Rae Bareli in the post-Emergency elections. Karnataka had big leaders from the ruling Janata Dal at the Centre, and yet she won because by then the Janata Party experiment had just about begun to fall apart. The narrative of the north-south divide is specious because by that logic there must have been a west-north divide too when Modi contested from Vadodara and Varanasi — and he managed to bridge it! As for boosting the Congress’s chances in the state, that, for now, remains a fond hope.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The fact is: The choice of Wayanad is self-explanatory, and it has nothing to do with bridging any regional divide or taking a legacy forward. According to the 2011 Census, the percentage of Muslim and Christian population taken together is over 50 per cent, and the Congress believes that the demographics provided a safe enough cushion for Rahul Gandhi to emerge victorious. As per the same Census, nearly 95 per cent of the population lives in rural regions which, the Congress calculates, can be exploited in the party’s favour. &nbsp;<br />
<br />
<em>(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)<br />
&nbsp;&nbsp;</em></p>


The law permits a candidate to contest from two seats, and so there is nothing irregular in Rahul Gandhi deciding to contest from two Lok Sabha constituencies. But the law is not the issue here; the issue is political in nature.

The law permits a candidate to contest from two seats, and so there is nothing irregular in Rahul Gandhi deciding to contest from two Lok Sabha constituencies. But the law is not the issue here; the issue is political in nature. From the time it became officially known that the Congress president would fight from Wayanad in Kerala, in addition to re-contesting from Amethi — from where he is the sitting Member of Parliament — his party has been trying to justify the decision using various ways. Whether that defence sounds credible is one matter, but the fact that the Congress has been pushed to the back foot should be a source of satisfaction for the Bharatiya Janata Party. Congress has given two broad explanations. The first is that it is not unusual for politicians to contest from two constituencies. The party has pointed to Narendra Modi fighting the 2014 Lok Sabha polls from Varanasi and Vadodara. There are many other examples too, but the Modi analogy is flawed. Leaders generally take this route to be ‘safe’, in case the feedback from one constituency is not very assuring. Modi was not a Lok Sabha MP when he decided to take the national plunge. He had 26 ‘safe’ seats in Gujarat, and thus safety could not have been a reason for his choice of Varanasi as an additional constituency. The idea was to energise his party in Uttar Pradesh where once the BJP was strong but had fallen on bad times since the previous two decades. Besides, Uttar Pradesh, with 80 Lok Sabha seats, was the key to win over the Centre. We now know that the strategy worked wonderfully for the party. Rahul Gandhi won in 2014 with a vastly reduced margin as compared to 2009 from Amethi. And this happened when he faced a newcomer to electoral politics, Smriti Irani. It needs to be remembered that, in a show of arrogance which is characteristic of the Nehru-Gandhi family, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra had then quipped: “Irani who?” Since then, Irani has maintained close touch with the constituency, arguably visiting it more frequently than the incumbent MP. The so-called Nehru-Gandhi bastion fell to the BJP in the 2017 State elections, where the Congress could not win a single Assembly constituency. Over the last five years, with the BJP regime at the Centre and later in the state, Rahul Gandhi’s constituency has benefitted from the equation. The development in the period and lack of it in the previous times despite the Congress chief being its representative is the narrative that the BJP has been relentlessly pushing in the constituency. There is an additional factor to be considered — the refusal of the SP-BSP combine to put up a candidate in the constituency. Apparently, this has been done as a token of magnanimity, and to also ensure that the anti-BJP votes do not split. But it is a double-edged sword. There is no certainty that a majority of the votes that would have gone to SP-BSP candidate will fall in the Congress’s kitty. There is a possibility that some of them might end up in the BJP’s coffer, especially if neither Mayawati nor Akhilesh campaigns for Rahul Gandhi. In sum, the Congress president faces a tougher contest than even the last time, and this is probably the reason why he has chosen a ‘safe’ seat in Wayanad. How safe even that, remains to be seen, given that the Communist Party of India (Marxist), which too in the fray from that constituency, has vowed to defeat the Congress heavyweight. The second explanation the Congress has given for the Wayanad choice is that the party wants to ‘bridge’ the north-south divide, carry forward Indira Gandhi’s south-bound legacy, and boost the Congress’s prospects in Kerala. The fact is that Indira Gandhi had contested from Chikmagalur in Karnataka after facing a shocking and humiliating defeat from Rae Bareli in the post-Emergency elections. Karnataka had big leaders from the ruling Janata Dal at the Centre, and yet she won because by then the Janata Party experiment had just about begun to fall apart. The narrative of the north-south divide is specious because by that logic there must have been a west-north divide too when Modi contested from Vadodara and Varanasi — and he managed to bridge it! As for boosting the Congress’s chances in the state, that, for now, remains a fond hope. The fact is: The choice of Wayanad is self-explanatory, and it has nothing to do with bridging any regional divide or taking a legacy forward. According to the 2011 Census, the percentage of Muslim and Christian population taken together is over 50 per cent, and the Congress believes that the demographics provided a safe enough cushion for Rahul Gandhi to emerge victorious. As per the same Census, nearly 95 per cent of the population lives in rural regions which, the Congress calculates, can be exploited in the party’s favour. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Lok Sabha polls 2019: Rahul Gandhi chose to contest from Wayanad because Amethi may no longer be a 'safe' seat for him

<p>Union Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said on Monday that in three terms as a member of parliament from Amethi, Congress president Rahul Gandhi has nothing done for his constituency.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Sitharaman made her comments at Zee News's '<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-will-remain-out-of-power-for-at-least-5-years-says-amit-shah-207273">India ka DNA</a>' conclave in Delhi. She was in conversation with Zee News Editor-in-Chief Sudhir Chaudhary. &nbsp;</p>

<p>"Amethi is so backward," she said. Nothing has been done for it.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Smriti Irani, despite losing, has done something for Amethi," Sitharaman added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Irani, the union minister for textiles, had lost to Rahul in 2014. She will fight him again from there in 2019.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Sitharaman added that Rahul had asked no questions about Amethi in parliament in his three terms as MP.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Sitharaman went on to say that it was because of this — the lack of development in Amethi — that Rahul had chosen to also fight the Lok Sabha polls from Wayanad in Kerala.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He's gone there for "safety", she said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Chaudhary reminder her at that point that "over 50%" of Wayanad's population is made up of minorities.&nbsp;</p>


Union Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said on Monday that in three terms as a member of parliament from Amethi, Congress president Rahul Gandhi has nothing done for his constituency.

Union Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said on Monday that in three terms as a member of parliament from Amethi, Congress president Rahul Gandhi has nothing done for his constituency. Sitharaman made her comments at Zee News's 'India ka DNA' conclave in Delhi. She was in conversation with Zee News Editor-in-Chief Sudhir Chaudhary. "Amethi is so backward," she said. Nothing has been done for it. "Smriti Irani, despite losing, has done something for Amethi," Sitharaman added. Irani, the union minister for textiles, had lost to Rahul in 2014. She will fight him again from there in 2019. Sitharaman added that Rahul had asked no questions about Amethi in parliament in his three terms as MP. Sitharaman went on to say that it was because of this — the lack of development in Amethi — that Rahul had chosen to also fight the Lok Sabha polls from Wayanad in Kerala. He's gone there for "safety", she said. Chaudhary reminder her at that point that "over 50%" of Wayanad's population is made up of minorities.

In 3 terms as MP, Rahul Gandhi has done nothing for Amethi: Nirmala Sitharaman at 'India ka DNA' conclave

<p>Putting an end to speculation, Congress on Sunday said that the party president Rahul Gandhi will contest from Wayanad in Kerala along with family bastion Amethi, Uttar Pradesh in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.</p>

<p>Congress leader AK Antony made the announcement in a press conference at the party headquarters on Sunday and said Gandhi has agreed to fight from two seats.&nbsp;</p>

<p>''Rahul ji has given his consent to contest from two seats, very happy to inform you that he will also contest from Wayanad in Kerala,'' Antony was quoted as saying.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">AK Antony,Congress: Rahul ji has given his consent to contest from two seats, very happy to inform you that he will also contest from Wayanad in Kerala. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LokSabhaElections2019?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LokSabhaElections2019</a> <a href="https://t.co/Rt7IDNxr0D">pic.twitter.com/Rt7IDNxr0D</a></p>
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<p>When asked whether Rahul Gandhi was not confident in Amethi, Congress spokesperson Randeep Surjewala retorted: ''Why did Modi ji leave Gujarat and contest from Varanasi? Was he not confident in Gujarat? These are immature and childish comments, he said and added ''She (Smriti Irani) will complete a hat-trick of losses''.</p>

<p>Earlier, Kerala Congress had requested Rahul to contest from&nbsp;Wayanad Lok Sabha constituency.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>


Putting an end to speculation, Congress on Sunday said that the party president Rahul Gandhi will contest from Wayanad in Kerala along with family bastion Amethi, Uttar Pradesh in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.

Putting an end to speculation, Congress on Sunday said that the party president Rahul Gandhi will contest from Wayanad in Kerala along with family bastion Amethi, Uttar Pradesh in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. Congress leader AK Antony made the announcement in a press conference at the party headquarters on Sunday and said Gandhi has agreed to fight from two seats. ''Rahul ji has given his consent to contest from two seats, very happy to inform you that he will also contest from Wayanad in Kerala,'' Antony was quoted as saying. AK Antony,Congress: Rahul ji has given his consent to contest from two seats, very happy to inform you that he will also contest from Wayanad in Kerala. #LokSabhaElections2019 pic.twitter.com/Rt7IDNxr0D — ANI (@ANI) March 31, 2019 × When asked whether Rahul Gandhi was not confident in Amethi, Congress spokesperson Randeep Surjewala retorted: ''Why did Modi ji leave Gujarat and contest from Varanasi? Was he not confident in Gujarat? These are immature and childish comments, he said and added ''She (Smriti Irani) will complete a hat-trick of losses''. Earlier, Kerala Congress had requested Rahul to contest from Wayanad Lok Sabha constituency.

Lok Sabha polls 2019: Rahul Gandhi to contest from Wayanad in Kerala in addition to Amethi  

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