With the BJP emerging as the single-largest party in Karnataka, its chief Amit Shah today asserted that the party's winning streak will continue and it will win all elections from now on including the Lok Sabha polls in 2019.

The BJP chief, who was speaking in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and several other senior leaders of the party, said the state had shown trust in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's "clean governance" and rejected the Congress' "divisive politics".

"Congress used the politics of caste to divide the people and tried to incite Dalits on SC/ST Act in Karnataka," Amit Shah said while addressing BJP workers at the party headquarters in New Delhi.

Accusing the Congress of using money and muscle power in Karnataka, Amit Shah said that the party was rejected by the people of the state.

The Congress and the JD(S) have joined hands and staked claim to form government.

Official EC trends at the moment say the BJP has won or is leading in 104 seats, the Congress in 78, the JD(S)+ in 37, and Others 3.&nbsp;

The majority mark is 112 in the 222-member Assembly. Voting for two seats is yet to take place.

Shah today dispatched three Union ministers, including Prakash Javadekar, J P Nadda and Dharmendra Pradhan, to Karnataka to talk to potential allies to cobble up a majority for forming a government in the state.

(With inputs from PTI)

With the BJP emerging as the single-largest party in Karnataka, its chief Amit Shah today asserted that the party will win all elections from now on including the Lok Sabha polls in 2019

With the BJP emerging as the single-largest party in Karnataka, its chief Amit Shah today asserted that the party's winning streak will continue and it will win all elections from now on including the Lok Sabha polls in 2019. The BJP chief, who was speaking in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and several other senior leaders of the party, said the state had shown trust in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's "clean governance" and rejected the Congress' "divisive politics". "Congress used the politics of caste to divide the people and tried to incite Dalits on SC/ST Act in Karnataka," Amit Shah said while addressing BJP workers at the party headquarters in New Delhi. Accusing the Congress of using money and muscle power in Karnataka, Amit Shah said that the party was rejected by the people of the state. The Congress and the JD(S) have joined hands and staked claim to form government. Official EC trends at the moment say the BJP has won or is leading in 104 seats, the Congress in 78, the JD(S)+ in 37, and Others 3. The majority mark is 112 in the 222-member Assembly. Voting for two seats is yet to take place. Shah today dispatched three Union ministers, including Prakash Javadekar, J P Nadda and Dharmendra Pradhan, to Karnataka to talk to potential allies to cobble up a majority for forming a government in the state. (With inputs from PTI)

BJP's winning streak will continue: Amit Shah

After his<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/yeddyurappa-is-mentally-disturbed-says-karnataka-cm-siddaramaiah--136333"> comments on BJP's chief ministerial candidate BS Yeddyurappa</a>, Siddaramaiah has now targetted the party president Amit Shah and called him "a comedy show".&nbsp;&nbsp;

He said that they were not worried about&nbsp;losing the elections as Amit Shah is like "a comedy show and Modi's "image had drastically&nbsp;declined".

He said, " This Amit Shah is like a comedy show and Narendra Modi's image is drastically declined, his speeches are completely hollow and have made no impact on the voters of Karnataka. Therefore&nbsp;we are not worried."&nbsp;

Earlier the Congress leader Siddaramaiah&nbsp;had&nbsp;called BS Yeddyurappa ''mentally disturbed".&nbsp;

Dismissing&nbsp;the claims made by Yeddyurappa about his party winning 150 seats and forming the government in the state on May 17, Siddaramaiah called him "mentally disturbed".

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This Amit Shah is like a comedy show and Narendra Modi's image has drastically declined, his speeches are completely hollow and have made no impact on the voters of Karnataka. Therefore we are not worried: Chief Minister Siddaramaiah<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KarnatakaElection2018?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KarnatakaElection2018</a> <a href="https://t.co/gmdl3lYlB6">pic.twitter.com/gmdl3lYlB6</a>
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He said, 'This Amit Shah is like a comedy show and Narendra Modi's image is drastically declined, his speeches are completely hollow and have made no impact on the voters of Karnataka. Therefore we are not worried'

After his comments on BJP's chief ministerial candidate BS Yeddyurappa, Siddaramaiah has now targetted the party president Amit Shah and called him "a comedy show". He said that they were not worried about losing the elections as Amit Shah is like "a comedy show and Modi's "image had drastically declined". He said, " This Amit Shah is like a comedy show and Narendra Modi's image is drastically declined, his speeches are completely hollow and have made no impact on the voters of Karnataka. Therefore we are not worried." Earlier the Congress leader Siddaramaiah had called BS Yeddyurappa ''mentally disturbed". Dismissing the claims made by Yeddyurappa about his party winning 150 seats and forming the government in the state on May 17, Siddaramaiah called him "mentally disturbed". This Amit Shah is like a comedy show and Narendra Modi's image has drastically declined, his speeches are completely hollow and have made no impact on the voters of Karnataka. Therefore we are not worried: Chief Minister Siddaramaiah#KarnatakaElection2018 pic.twitter.com/gmdl3lYlB6 — ANI (@ANI) May 12, 2018 ×

'Amit Shah is like a comedy show': Siddaramaiah

Dissident BJP MP Shatrughan Sinha on Thursday disapproved of the aggressive tone of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's speeches during the Karnataka assembly elections campaign, which concluded today, and sought to offer some 'advice'.

In a series of tweets, Sinha who has often contradicted his party's official stand -- tagged Modi and said becoming the prime minister does not make anyone the wisest.

Sir. Today, the election campaign will come to an end. Regardless of Dhan Shakti (power of wealth)...Ultimately Jan Shakti (power of the people) prevails, the actor-turned-politician tweeted in his trademark style.

In Sinha's tweets, his disenchantments over not being invited as a star campaigner for the BJP in the state elections were amply clear.&nbsp

Even though I am uninvited, like in other states, from Bihar to UP to Gujarat as a star campaigner, for reasons best known to all of us, I shall humbly suggest as an old friend, well-wisher and supporter of the party...Let's not cross limits. Let's not get personal. Issues should be conveyed in most beautiful way, keeping decorum. Maryada and Garima of honourable PM must be kept intact,' tweeted the Patna Sahib MP, tagging both Modi and BJP national president Amit Shah.

Why do we come with odd and ridiculous definitions.. Like PPP for INC (Pondicherry, Punjab and Pariwar)?, he tweeted, strongly disapproving the barbs hurled by the prime minister at the Congress during his election rallies.

During an election rally on May 5, Prime Minister Modi had mounted a scathing attack on the Congress over corruption, and asserted it will remain "Punjab, Puducherry, Parivar" Congress after its defeat in the Karnataka Assembly polls.

The state goes to polls on May 12 and counting of votes will take place on May 15.

Results will be announced on 15th. Anything can happen. Being PM does not make anyone the wisest in the country ?. For being PM requires no qualification ?.. Only majority...While for becoming Shankaracharya one requires great wisdom, experience and statesmanship," Sinha tweeted.&nbsp 
?What happens if your definition changes after results and your PPP becomes of the People by the People and for the People, or for that matter turns into Popular People's Party?, he said, again tagging Modi. 
?Let the people of Karnataka decide and let the best persons win," he signed off.&nbsp

In a series of tweets, Sinha who has often contradicted his party's official stand -- tagged Modi and said becoming the prime minister does not make anyone the wisest.

Dissident BJP MP Shatrughan Sinha on Thursday disapproved of the aggressive tone of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's speeches during the Karnataka assembly elections campaign, which concluded today, and sought to offer some 'advice'. In a series of tweets, Sinha who has often contradicted his party's official stand -- tagged Modi and said becoming the prime minister does not make anyone the wisest. Sir. Today, the election campaign will come to an end. Regardless of Dhan Shakti (power of wealth)...Ultimately Jan Shakti (power of the people) prevails, the actor-turned-politician tweeted in his trademark style. In Sinha's tweets, his disenchantments over not being invited as a star campaigner for the BJP in the state elections were amply clear. Even though I am uninvited, like in other states, from Bihar to UP to Gujarat as a star campaigner, for reasons best known to all of us, I shall humbly suggest as an old friend, well-wisher and supporter of the party...Let's not cross limits. Let's not get personal. Issues should be conveyed in most beautiful way, keeping decorum. Maryada and Garima of honourable PM must be kept intact,' tweeted the Patna Sahib MP, tagging both Modi and BJP national president Amit Shah. Why do we come with odd and ridiculous definitions.. Like PPP for INC (Pondicherry, Punjab and Pariwar)?, he tweeted, strongly disapproving the barbs hurled by the prime minister at the Congress during his election rallies. During an election rally on May 5, Prime Minister Modi had mounted a scathing attack on the Congress over corruption, and asserted it will remain "Punjab, Puducherry, Parivar" Congress after its defeat in the Karnataka Assembly polls. The state goes to polls on May 12 and counting of votes will take place on May 15. Results will be announced on 15th. Anything can happen. Being PM does not make anyone the wisest in the country ?. For being PM requires no qualification ?.. Only majority...While for becoming Shankaracharya one requires great wisdom, experience and statesmanship," Sinha tweeted. ?What happens if your definition changes after results and your PPP becomes of the People by the People and for the People, or for that matter turns into Popular People's Party?, he said, again tagging Modi. ?Let the people of Karnataka decide and let the best persons win," he signed off.

Karnataka polls: Shatrughan Sinha not happy with aggressive tone of PM's speeches

The <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/my-mother-more-indian-than-many-rahul-gandhi-135937">vitriol-filled campaign</a> for the Karnataka Assembly elections ended today with top leaders of the BJP and Congress, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Congress president Rahul Gandhi, making a last-gasp effort to sway the voters in a likely cliffhanger.

From corruption to communalism, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's Rs 70 lakh Hublot watch, to UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi's foreign origin, the electoral potboiler had it all.

Like all state polls since he assumed the reins of power in New Delhi, Modi helmed the BJP's adrenaline-charged campaign despite the party having declared B S Yeddyurappa its chief ministerial candidate, while Rahul Gandhi helmed that of the Congress.

Though Modi remained out of the electoral scene for a long time after addressing a public meeting in February, he launched a blitzkrieg on May 1, addressing over a score of rallies in his bid to wrest the key southern state, which BJP chief Amit Shah dubbed as the party's "gateway to south", from the Congress.

Always high on energy during elections, he adddressed at least three rallies every day when he was in Karnataka, or else interacted with workers of the BJP's different frontal organisations through the 'Namo App'.

Though development remained part of the political discourse, it was overtaken by a slanging match between the two parties over corruption.

The prime minister and Amit Shah raised the issue of the killing of RSS and BJP workers by SDPI, a radical Islamist political party floated by the Popular Front of India, which Modi said was the "abc of communalism".

Shah claimed two of the candidates fielded by the Congress were, in fact, members of the SDPI.

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On day one of his campaign, Modi raked up the issue of Sonia's foreign origin at an election rally where he dared the Congress chief to speak for 15 minutes about the achievements of the Karnataka government in any language, including his "mother's mother tongue".

An emotional Rahul Gandhi hit back today at a press conference where he said,"My mother is an Italian. She has lived the larger part of her life in India. She is more Indian than many, many Indians I have seen."

Modi repeatedly addressed the Siddaramaiah ministry as "seedha rupaiah government (a government that takes bribes for work) and "10 per cent commission government".

Provoked, Siddaramaiah first called the Modi dispensation a "90 per cent commission government" and then served legal notices to Modi and Shah, demanding an apology and threatening to file Rs 100 crore civil and criminal defamation suit if they did not tender it.

Rally after election rally, Rahul Gandhi targeted BJP's chief ministerial candidate Yeddyurappa over corruption when he helmed the state while BJP was in power between 2008 and 2013.

"Will Modi ji tell the people of Karnataka why a man who spent time in jail for corruption is the BJP's CM candidate? Why the BJP has given 8 tickets to Reddy brothers and their associates who looted Rs 35,000 crore from the people of Karnataka?" he asked, as he sought to paint the saffron party into a corner.

The Congress president frequently referred to fugitive diamantaire Nirav Modi in his speeches, alleging the government allowed him to flee the country after defrauding the Punjab National Bank fraud.

Modi, who has powered the BJP to victory after victory in Assembly polls in states in the last four years, also invoked nationalism and B R Ambedkar, after he was in the Congress president's firing line over a string of attacks on Dalits. He slammed the Congress for raising questions about the Army's surgical strikes in PoK.

Though Modi did not campaign in Karnataka today, he addressed BJP's SC/ST/OBC and Slum Morcha workers through his Namo App and said, "There is no place for dalits and backward classes in the heart of the Congress." He accused the Congress of "insulting" Ambedkar, a Dalit icon.

Sonia Gandhi, who avoided the rough and tumble of elections for two years after she was taken ill during a roadshow in Varanasi ahead of the Uttar Pradesh polls, also addressed a rally in the Lingayat stronghold of

Vijayapura where she said "Modi is possessed by the devil of 'Congress mukt Bharat' (bhoot lag gaya hai)".

Apart from Shah, who vigourously campaigned across the state over the last two months, the BJP fielded its Hindutva mascot Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, who toured the communally sensitive coastal belt of Dakshina Kannada and Uttara Kannada district.

Adityanath exhorted electors to elect a government that can protect people from "jihadi" forces.

After Rahul Gandhi publicly declared he was ready to become the prime minister if Congress emerged as the single largest party, Modi mocked him, calling him a "dynast" and wondering whether the nation will accept him as its leader.

The campaign was hit by a "fake" voter ID card scandal in it dying moments, but election officials said those appeared to be genuine.

Nearly 10,000 cards were recovered from a flat in Rajarajeshwari Nagar constituency on Tuesday, setting off a war of words between the Congress and BJP, with each alleging the owner of the apartment owed allegiance to the rival party.

The contentious issue of the Siddaramaiah government recommending religious minority status for the numerically strong Lingayat community took a back seat as the two parties appeared unsure about its electoral fallout.

Opinion polls and surveys have projected a thriller of a contest, with neither BJP nor the Congress getting a majority on its own and the JD(S) of former prime minister H D Deve Gowda playing the kingmaker.

Polling for 223 seats of the 224-member Assembly will be held on May 12. Election for the Jayanagar seat was countermanded after the death of the sitting BJP MLA and its candidate B N Jayakumar. Results will be declared on May 15.&nbsp;

Like Gujarat before it, the campaign for Karnataka has been rough and ugly with a number of personal attacks from either side. The results will be out on May 15

The vitriol-filled campaign for the Karnataka Assembly elections ended today with top leaders of the BJP and Congress, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Congress president Rahul Gandhi, making a last-gasp effort to sway the voters in a likely cliffhanger. From corruption to communalism, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's Rs 70 lakh Hublot watch, to UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi's foreign origin, the electoral potboiler had it all. Like all state polls since he assumed the reins of power in New Delhi, Modi helmed the BJP's adrenaline-charged campaign despite the party having declared B S Yeddyurappa its chief ministerial candidate, while Rahul Gandhi helmed that of the Congress. Though Modi remained out of the electoral scene for a long time after addressing a public meeting in February, he launched a blitzkrieg on May 1, addressing over a score of rallies in his bid to wrest the key southern state, which BJP chief Amit Shah dubbed as the party's "gateway to south", from the Congress. Always high on energy during elections, he adddressed at least three rallies every day when he was in Karnataka, or else interacted with workers of the BJP's different frontal organisations through the 'Namo App'. Though development remained part of the political discourse, it was overtaken by a slanging match between the two parties over corruption. The prime minister and Amit Shah raised the issue of the killing of RSS and BJP workers by SDPI, a radical Islamist political party floated by the Popular Front of India, which Modi said was the "abc of communalism". Shah claimed two of the candidates fielded by the Congress were, in fact, members of the SDPI. Opinion polls and surveys have projected a thriller of a contest, with neither BJP nor the Congress getting a majority on its own and the JD(S) of former prime minister H D Deve Gowda playing the kingmaker × On day one of his campaign, Modi raked up the issue of Sonia's foreign origin at an election rally where he dared the Congress chief to speak for 15 minutes about the achievements of the Karnataka government in any language, including his "mother's mother tongue". An emotional Rahul Gandhi hit back today at a press conference where he said,"My mother is an Italian. She has lived the larger part of her life in India. She is more Indian than many, many Indians I have seen." Modi repeatedly addressed the Siddaramaiah ministry as "seedha rupaiah government (a government that takes bribes for work) and "10 per cent commission government". Provoked, Siddaramaiah first called the Modi dispensation a "90 per cent commission government" and then served legal notices to Modi and Shah, demanding an apology and threatening to file Rs 100 crore civil and criminal defamation suit if they did not tender it. Rally after election rally, Rahul Gandhi targeted BJP's chief ministerial candidate Yeddyurappa over corruption when he helmed the state while BJP was in power between 2008 and 2013. "Will Modi ji tell the people of Karnataka why a man who spent time in jail for corruption is the BJP's CM candidate? Why the BJP has given 8 tickets to Reddy brothers and their associates who looted Rs 35,000 crore from the people of Karnataka?" he asked, as he sought to paint the saffron party into a corner. The Congress president frequently referred to fugitive diamantaire Nirav Modi in his speeches, alleging the government allowed him to flee the country after defrauding the Punjab National Bank fraud. Modi, who has powered the BJP to victory after victory in Assembly polls in states in the last four years, also invoked nationalism and B R Ambedkar, after he was in the Congress president's firing line over a string of attacks on Dalits. He slammed the Congress for raising questions about the Army's surgical strikes in PoK. Though Modi did not campaign in Karnataka today, he addressed BJP's SC/ST/OBC and Slum Morcha workers through his Namo App and said, "There is no place for dalits and backward classes in the heart of the Congress." He accused the Congress of "insulting" Ambedkar, a Dalit icon. Sonia Gandhi, who avoided the rough and tumble of elections for two years after she was taken ill during a roadshow in Varanasi ahead of the Uttar Pradesh polls, also addressed a rally in the Lingayat stronghold of Vijayapura where she said "Modi is possessed by the devil of 'Congress mukt Bharat' (bhoot lag gaya hai)". Apart from Shah, who vigourously campaigned across the state over the last two months, the BJP fielded its Hindutva mascot Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, who toured the communally sensitive coastal belt of Dakshina Kannada and Uttara Kannada district. Adityanath exhorted electors to elect a government that can protect people from "jihadi" forces. After Rahul Gandhi publicly declared he was ready to become the prime minister if Congress emerged as the single largest party, Modi mocked him, calling him a "dynast" and wondering whether the nation will accept him as its leader. The campaign was hit by a "fake" voter ID card scandal in it dying moments, but election officials said those appeared to be genuine. Nearly 10,000 cards were recovered from a flat in Rajarajeshwari Nagar constituency on Tuesday, setting off a war of words between the Congress and BJP, with each alleging the owner of the apartment owed allegiance to the rival party. The contentious issue of the Siddaramaiah government recommending religious minority status for the numerically strong Lingayat community took a back seat as the two parties appeared unsure about its electoral fallout. Opinion polls and surveys have projected a thriller of a contest, with neither BJP nor the Congress getting a majority on its own and the JD(S) of former prime minister H D Deve Gowda playing the kingmaker. Polling for 223 seats of the 224-member Assembly will be held on May 12. Election for the Jayanagar seat was countermanded after the death of the sitting BJP MLA and its candidate B N Jayakumar. Results will be declared on May 15.

Vitriol-filled campaign for Karnataka ends, elections on May 12

The high-voltage campaigning for the crucial Karnataka Assembly polls will come to an end on Thursday at 5 pm.

The political parties, eyeing to sweep the polls, will hold multiple rallies today in their last attempt to woo the voter in their favour.

BJP chief Amit Shah and the party chief ministerial candidate BS&nbspYeddyurappa will participate in the roadshow in Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah`s Badami constituency.

Apart from this Congress chief Rahul Gandhi and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah will campaign for their party on the final day.

The regional parties will also make all-out efforts to mark their place among the voters.

Both the BJP and Congress have extensively tried to undermine each other in a bid to persuade the electorate of the state, as a win in this election is also likely to give an edge for next year`s General Elections to the winning party.

A total of 2655 candidates, including 219 women are in the poll fray in the election.

In 2018, 2436 males will be contesting the elections as compared to 2788 in 2013, a difference of 352 less.

This year, 219 women are in the poll fray as opposed to 170 in 2013, a difference of 49.

There are 800 registered candidates from unrecognised political parties contesting the polls this year, compared to 832 in 2013, a difference of 32.

In 2018, 1155 independent candidates are contesting the state polls as compared to 1223 in 2013, that is, 68 less.

The election in Karnataka will be held on May 12 in 223 constituencies, out of 224 of the Karnataka Legislative Assembly while the counting of votes and announcement of result will take place on May 15.

The election for one constituency has been postponed following the death of B.N. Vijay Kumar, Jayanagar BJP candidate.&nbsp

The political parties, eyeing to sweep the polls, will hold multiple rallies today in their last attempt to woo the voter in their favour.

The high-voltage campaigning for the crucial Karnataka Assembly polls will come to an end on Thursday at 5 pm. The political parties, eyeing to sweep the polls, will hold multiple rallies today in their last attempt to woo the voter in their favour. BJP chief Amit Shah and the party chief ministerial candidate BS&nbspYeddyurappa will participate in the roadshow in Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah`s Badami constituency. Apart from this Congress chief Rahul Gandhi and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah will campaign for their party on the final day. The regional parties will also make all-out efforts to mark their place among the voters. Both the BJP and Congress have extensively tried to undermine each other in a bid to persuade the electorate of the state, as a win in this election is also likely to give an edge for next year`s General Elections to the winning party. A total of 2655 candidates, including 219 women are in the poll fray in the election. In 2018, 2436 males will be contesting the elections as compared to 2788 in 2013, a difference of 352 less. This year, 219 women are in the poll fray as opposed to 170 in 2013, a difference of 49. There are 800 registered candidates from unrecognised political parties contesting the polls this year, compared to 832 in 2013, a difference of 32. In 2018, 1155 independent candidates are contesting the state polls as compared to 1223 in 2013, that is, 68 less. The election in Karnataka will be held on May 12 in 223 constituencies, out of 224 of the Karnataka Legislative Assembly while the counting of votes and announcement of result will take place on May 15. The election for one constituency has been postponed following the death of B.N. Vijay Kumar, Jayanagar BJP candidate.

Karnataka polls: High-pitched campaigning to conclude today

BJP president Amit Shah has said that Karnataka Assembly poll is crucial not just in ensuring another big state in the BJP kitty, but also as a "gateway to the south".

In a conversation with WION editor in chief Sudhir Chaudhary, Shah said that Congress is an anti-farmer govt with 3,500 farmers have committed suicide in Karnataka. 
&nbsp; 
"The wave is in favour of BJP and one can see it. One can take a look at the rallies of PM Modi, the size of the rallies, the enthusiasm among people, that itself tells you that there is a wave in favour of BJP," he told WION.

"Karnataka elections are important for us, as this is our gateway to the south," said Shah during the interview. 
&nbsp; 
Shah has been in Karnataka for quite some time now for the aggressive election campaign.

Earlier at an election rally in Nargund, BJP president Amit Shah alleged that fearing defeat, the Congress has colluded with "anti-national" SDPI and PFI in the Karnataka assembly polls.

He said the BJP and RSS lost 24 workers in the last four years but the Siddaramaiah government "did not arrest the murderers."

Shah said once the BJP comes to power, it will send every culprit behind bars even if they were hiding in the remotest corner of the world.

"Fearing defeat, the Congress government is sitting with the anti-national forces. They aren't ashamed to take the support of PFI and SDPI. JD-S has taken the support of (AIMIM chief Asaduddin) Owaisi," said Shah. 
&nbsp; 
After travelling more than 40,000 kilometres in Karnataka for party's poll campaign, Amit Shah is confident of winning the Karnataka assembly polls as he believes PM&nbsp;Modi’s personal popularity has helped the party tap “people’s anger” against the Siddaramaiah government in the state.

Shah has been in Karnataka for quite some time now for the aggressive election campaign.

BJP president Amit Shah has said that Karnataka Assembly poll is crucial not just in ensuring another big state in the BJP kitty, but also as a "gateway to the south". In a conversation with WION editor in chief Sudhir Chaudhary, Shah said that Congress is an anti-farmer govt with 3,500 farmers have committed suicide in Karnataka. "The wave is in favour of BJP and one can see it. One can take a look at the rallies of PM Modi, the size of the rallies, the enthusiasm among people, that itself tells you that there is a wave in favour of BJP," he told WION. "Karnataka elections are important for us, as this is our gateway to the south," said Shah during the interview. Shah has been in Karnataka for quite some time now for the aggressive election campaign. Earlier at an election rally in Nargund, BJP president Amit Shah alleged that fearing defeat, the Congress has colluded with "anti-national" SDPI and PFI in the Karnataka assembly polls. He said the BJP and RSS lost 24 workers in the last four years but the Siddaramaiah government "did not arrest the murderers." Shah said once the BJP comes to power, it will send every culprit behind bars even if they were hiding in the remotest corner of the world. "Fearing defeat, the Congress government is sitting with the anti-national forces. They aren't ashamed to take the support of PFI and SDPI. JD-S has taken the support of (AIMIM chief Asaduddin) Owaisi," said Shah. After travelling more than 40,000 kilometres in Karnataka for party's poll campaign, Amit Shah is confident of winning the Karnataka assembly polls as he believes PM Modi’s personal popularity has helped the party tap “people’s anger” against the Siddaramaiah government in the state.

Karnataka government has failed on all fronts: Amit Shah to WION

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has sent a legal notice to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, BJP President Amit Shah, and the BJP's chief minister candidate for Karnataka BS Yeddyurappa.&nbsp;

The six-page legal notice accuses them of civil and criminal defamation.&nbsp;

Siddaramaiah, who has demanded a public apology, has said he will sue the trio for Rs 100 crore if an apology is not forthcoming.&nbsp;

News reports Monday said Siddaramaiah had taken exception to Prime Minister Modi's "<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/karnataka-election-2018-sidda-rupaiya-govt-expert-at-graft-says-pm-narendra-modi-in-ballari-134371">Seedha-Rupiah</a>" (money up front) comment.

Modi had made the comment on the Karnataka campaign trail. Modi had been trying to say that nothing gets done in Karnataka until money is first paid to the Karnataka government.&nbsp;

The Karnataka Chief Minister has said in his notice, the news reports said, that that was a personal attack.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/karnataka-assembly-election-2018-modi-and-yogi-are-north-indian-imports-says-siddaramaiah-132772">Modi and Yogi are north Indian imports, says Siddaramaiah</a>

Modi and the BJP have been relentlessly attacking the Siddaramaiah-led Congress government in Karnataka of corruption. They have also called his government a "10 per cent government".&nbsp;

Siddaramaiah has taken exception to Prime MInister Modi's 'Seedha-Rupiah' comment. He has threatened to sue for Rs 100 crore if the apology is not forthcoming

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has sent a legal notice to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, BJP President Amit Shah, and the BJP's chief minister candidate for Karnataka BS Yeddyurappa. The six-page legal notice accuses them of civil and criminal defamation. Siddaramaiah, who has demanded a public apology, has said he will sue the trio for Rs 100 crore if an apology is not forthcoming. News reports Monday said Siddaramaiah had taken exception to Prime Minister Modi's "Seedha-Rupiah" (money up front) comment. Modi had made the comment on the Karnataka campaign trail. Modi had been trying to say that nothing gets done in Karnataka until money is first paid to the Karnataka government. The Karnataka Chief Minister has said in his notice, the news reports said, that that was a personal attack. Also read: Modi and Yogi are north Indian imports, says Siddaramaiah Modi and the BJP have been relentlessly attacking the Siddaramaiah-led Congress government in Karnataka of corruption. They have also called his government a "10 per cent government".

Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah sends defamation notice to Modi, Amit Shah, demands public apology

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will carry out four public rallies in Karnataka on Saturday. The rallies will be held in Tumkur, Gadag, Shimoga, and Mangaluru as a part of his campaign blitzkrieg.&nbsp

PM Modi will begin the day with a rally at Tumakuru at 11:00 am, followed by three more at Gadag, Shivamogga, and Managaluru at 2:00 pm, 4:00 pm and 6:30 pm respectively.&nbsp

Meanwhile, party president Amit Shah will hold five road shows in the day -- in Piriyapattana constituency at 11:30 am, at T. Narasipura (Varuna) at 2:00 pm, in NR constituency (Mysore) at 4:00 pm, Chamaraja constituency at 5:00 pm, Krishnaraja constituency (Mysore) at 6:30 pm.&nbsp

The prime minister, who was earlier scheduled to address 15 rallies, will now hold 21 public meetings across the poll-bound state.&nbsp

According to reports, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which is looking to wrest control from the Congress, may increase Modi's election rallies to 21 from 15.

After addressing today's rallies, he is scheduled to stay back in Mangaluru tonight and will take up campaigning again tomorrow in Chitradurga, Raichur, Jamkhandi, and Hubballi.

As opposed to the earlier schedule, he may also address three public meetings each on May 6 and May 9.

Karnataka BJP president and party's chief ministerial candidate BS&nbspYeddyurappa will accompany the Prime Minister in some of the rallies.

Earlier, he interacted with party's Mahila Morcha of Karnataka through the Namo App.

Karnataka goes to polls on May 12 and 2,655 candidates, including 219 women, are in the poll fray for securing 224 seats up. The results will be declared on May 15.&nbsp

(With inputs from ANI)

Karnataka BJP president and party's chief ministerial candidate BS Yeddyurappa will accompany the Prime Minister in some of the rallies

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will carry out four public rallies in Karnataka on Saturday. The rallies will be held in Tumkur, Gadag, Shimoga, and Mangaluru as a part of his campaign blitzkrieg. PM Modi will begin the day with a rally at Tumakuru at 11:00 am, followed by three more at Gadag, Shivamogga, and Managaluru at 2:00 pm, 4:00 pm and 6:30 pm respectively. Meanwhile, party president Amit Shah will hold five road shows in the day -- in Piriyapattana constituency at 11:30 am, at T. Narasipura (Varuna) at 2:00 pm, in NR constituency (Mysore) at 4:00 pm, Chamaraja constituency at 5:00 pm, Krishnaraja constituency (Mysore) at 6:30 pm. The prime minister, who was earlier scheduled to address 15 rallies, will now hold 21 public meetings across the poll-bound state. According to reports, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which is looking to wrest control from the Congress, may increase Modi's election rallies to 21 from 15. After addressing today's rallies, he is scheduled to stay back in Mangaluru tonight and will take up campaigning again tomorrow in Chitradurga, Raichur, Jamkhandi, and Hubballi. As opposed to the earlier schedule, he may also address three public meetings each on May 6 and May 9. Karnataka BJP president and party's chief ministerial candidate BS&nbspYeddyurappa will accompany the Prime Minister in some of the rallies. Earlier, he interacted with party's Mahila Morcha of Karnataka through the Namo App. Karnataka goes to polls on May 12 and 2,655 candidates, including 219 women, are in the poll fray for securing 224 seats up. The results will be declared on May 15. (With inputs from ANI)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi to address rallies in Karnataka today, to hold six more rallies than planned

BJP President Amit Shah on Saturday said Congress and Pakistan have amazing telepathy.

In a tweet, Shah said, "Congress and Pakistan have amazing telepathy. Yesterday Pakistan Government remembered Tipu Sultan, whose Jayanti Congress marks with fanfare and today Mr. Mani Shankar Aiyar admires Jinnah. Be it Gujarat or Karnataka polls, I fail to understand why Congress involves Pakistan!"

Pakistan on Friday remembered 18th-century ruler Tipu Sultan on his 218th death anniversary.

"Revisiting an important & influential historical figure, Tiger of Mysore - Tipu Sultan on his death anniversary. Right from his early years, he was trained in the art of warfare & had a fascination for learning," tweeted the Pakistani Government.

Though the Pakistan government tweeted about the Mysore ruler on his death anniversary, it has also come at a time when Karnataka is set to witness elections in a week.

Popularly known as Tiger of Mysore, he has become a controversial figure in India, especially since 2015, when the BJP and the Congress engaged in a war of words over the birth anniversary celebrations of Tipu on November 10.

BJP considers the historical figure a `Muslim tyrant` and describes him as `anti-Hindu`, `anti-Karnataka` and `mass murderer`, while the Congress consider him as the first freedom fighter who fought against the British.

Pakistan`s founder Muhammad Ali Jinnah is also in the news in India.

In Aligarh, some groups have protested against the portrait of Pakistan`s founder at the office of Aligarh Muslim University student union`s office.

The matter hit the headlines after Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)`s Aligarh MP Satish Gautam questioned the portrait`s presence in the AMU student union office.

On Thursday, 28 students and 13 cops were injured in a clash which broke out between AMU students and the police.&nbsp

Pakistan on Friday remembered 18th-century ruler Tipu Sultan on his 218th death anniversary.

BJP President Amit Shah on Saturday said Congress and Pakistan have amazing telepathy. In a tweet, Shah said, "Congress and Pakistan have amazing telepathy. Yesterday Pakistan Government remembered Tipu Sultan, whose Jayanti Congress marks with fanfare and today Mr. Mani Shankar Aiyar admires Jinnah. Be it Gujarat or Karnataka polls, I fail to understand why Congress involves Pakistan!" Pakistan on Friday remembered 18th-century ruler Tipu Sultan on his 218th death anniversary. "Revisiting an important & influential historical figure, Tiger of Mysore - Tipu Sultan on his death anniversary. Right from his early years, he was trained in the art of warfare & had a fascination for learning," tweeted the Pakistani Government. Though the Pakistan government tweeted about the Mysore ruler on his death anniversary, it has also come at a time when Karnataka is set to witness elections in a week. Popularly known as Tiger of Mysore, he has become a controversial figure in India, especially since 2015, when the BJP and the Congress engaged in a war of words over the birth anniversary celebrations of Tipu on November 10. BJP considers the historical figure a `Muslim tyrant` and describes him as `anti-Hindu`, `anti-Karnataka` and `mass murderer`, while the Congress consider him as the first freedom fighter who fought against the British. Pakistan`s founder Muhammad Ali Jinnah is also in the news in India. In Aligarh, some groups have protested against the portrait of Pakistan`s founder at the office of Aligarh Muslim University student union`s office. The matter hit the headlines after Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)`s Aligarh MP Satish Gautam questioned the portrait`s presence in the AMU student union office. On Thursday, 28 students and 13 cops were injured in a clash which broke out between AMU students and the police.

Congress and Pakistan have amazing telepathy: Amit Shah

Newly-elected Tripura Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb's statements are getting stranger by the minute.&nbsp;

He has before this said the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/internet-and-satellite-existed-since-mahabharata-era-claims-tripura-cm-131112">internet and satellite communication existed in the times of the&nbsp;Mahabharata.&nbsp;</a>

Before that he had said <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/aishwarya-rai-represents-indian-women-not-diana-hayden-tripura-cm-biplab-deb-133113">Diana Hayden, </a>who was crowned Miss World in 1997, did not represent Indian&nbsp;women. But that Aishwarya Rai did.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/after-a-string-of-bizarre-remarks-pm-modi-calls-tripura-cm-to-new-delhi-133665?first_load=no">Deb has been summoned to Delhi tomorrow by Prime Minister Narendra Modi</a> because of his many strange utterings. BJP President Amit Shah will also be present.&nbsp;

Deb is expected to get an earful.&nbsp;

But that has not stopped him for a second.&nbsp;

On Tuesday, Deb offered up yet another gem.

This time, he used the analogy of a farmer bringing a vegetable to the market.

At 8 am, said Deb, the vegetable is okay. But so many people poke their nails into it, he then added, that by 9 am it is not fit to eat.&nbsp;

Then, hittting a much more strident note, he added that nothing of the sort will be allowed to happen with his government.&nbsp;

And that anyone "fingering" his government should have their nails chopped off.&nbsp;

"Mere sarkaar mein aisa nahin hona chahiye ki koi bhi usme ungli maar de, nakhoon laga de. Jinhone nakhoon lagaya, uska nakhoon kaat lena chahiye," said Deb.&nbsp;

Watch video below:&nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> Tripura CM Biplab Kumar Deb says, "Mere sarkaar mein aisa nahin hona chahiye ki koi bhi usme ungli maar de, nakhoon laga de. Jinhone nakhoon lagaya, uska nakhoon kaat lena chahiye" <a href="https://t.co/bht51upsmX">pic.twitter.com/bht51upsmX</a>
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Deb's last blooper had come as recently as Sunday when he said Tripura's youth should <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/biplab-deb-advocates--every-house-should-have-cow-133585">rear cows or open paan shops</a> instead of running after government jobs and wasting their time.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

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Biplab Deb's comments have been getting stranger by the minute. He has been summoned to Delhi on Wednesday by Prime Minister Narendra Modi from whom he is expected to get an earful

Newly-elected Tripura Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb's statements are getting stranger by the minute. He has before this said the internet and satellite communication existed in the times of the Mahabharata. Before that he had said Diana Hayden, who was crowned Miss World in 1997, did not represent Indian women. But that Aishwarya Rai did. Deb has been summoned to Delhi tomorrow by Prime Minister Narendra Modi because of his many strange utterings. BJP President Amit Shah will also be present. Deb is expected to get an earful. But that has not stopped him for a second. On Tuesday, Deb offered up yet another gem. This time, he used the analogy of a farmer bringing a vegetable to the market. At 8 am, said Deb, the vegetable is okay. But so many people poke their nails into it, he then added, that by 9 am it is not fit to eat. Then, hittting a much more strident note, he added that nothing of the sort will be allowed to happen with his government. And that anyone "fingering" his government should have their nails chopped off. "Mere sarkaar mein aisa nahin hona chahiye ki koi bhi usme ungli maar de, nakhoon laga de. Jinhone nakhoon lagaya, uska nakhoon kaat lena chahiye," said Deb. Watch video below: #WATCH Tripura CM Biplab Kumar Deb says, "Mere sarkaar mein aisa nahin hona chahiye ki koi bhi usme ungli maar de, nakhoon laga de. Jinhone nakhoon lagaya, uska nakhoon kaat lena chahiye" pic.twitter.com/bht51upsmX — ANI (@ANI) May 1, 2018 × Deb's last blooper had come as recently as Sunday when he said Tripura's youth should rear cows or open paan shops instead of running after government jobs and wasting their time.

Watch: Tripura CM now says, 'Anyone fingering my govt, his nails should be chopped off'

12: 52 pm:&nbsp;Before questioning us Rahul Gandhi should know that in 2005 Manmohan Singh had said that all villages will be electrified by 2009, and the same thing was said by Sonia Gandhi ji and you(Rahul ) mock the labourers &nbsp;and workers who made this (electrification) possible: PM Modi&nbsp;

12: 50 pm: On Lokayukta, the PM said: "In Karnataka, there is no law and order. The Lokayukta is not safe, how can the common people be safe."

12: 49 pm: "If CM has a 2+1 formula then ministers have 1+1 formula. Relatives of ministers are fighting polls. This is hurting the workers of the Congress, the PM said.&nbsp;

12:48 pm: Vote for BJP is a vote for vikas&nbsp;(development), he said in his closing remarks.

12:47 pm: Why is there no proper access to safe drinking water in Karnataka: Modi

12:45 pm: Only NDA is working for the benefit of farmers, he declared.

12:44 pm: Whenever there is Congress, there is corruption, he said.

12:38 pm: Congress is naamdaar&nbsp;(those who pretend to work), BJP is kaamdaar(doer), Modi said, adding, family&nbsp;politics will not work.&nbsp;&nbsp;

12:32 pm: Rahul can't even pronounce the names of his party leaders, the prime minister said.

12:27 pm: Can Rahul Gandhi even speak for 15 minutes on Karnataka's development without reading from any piece of paper, PM Modi said while taking a dig at Congress vice-president.

You can speak in Hindi, English or your mother tongue, he added.

12:22 pm:&nbsp;I want to dedicate the historical achievement of the country on 28th April, when all villages in India were electrified, to the workers and labourers of the country on this Labour day, PM Modi said.

12:20 pm: Taking a dig at the Congress government, the prime asked: Why are 4 crore people without electricity in the state? Want electricity in every household, he declared.

12:16 pm: BJP will sweep Karnataka elections, he said.

12:12 pm:&nbsp;In his first election rally in Karnataka, PM Modi said not a wave but a BJP storm will hit Karnataka

12:13pm: Sitting with the next BJP chief minister(Yeddyurappa who is present at the poll rally)

Earlier, PM Modi along with BJP <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/karnataka-elections-bjp-registers-complaint-against-jignesh-mewani-prakash-raj-for-comments-on-pm-modi-133878">president Amit Shah arrived</a> in Karnataka's Senthemarahalli village in Chamarajanagar district on Tuesday to kick-start his poll rally today.

This is PM Modi's first rally in Karnataka ever since the polls were announced two months ago. The Prime Minister will address a string of rallies in Karnataka over the next five days including three today in Mysuru, Udupi and Belagavi.

His next stop today will be at Udupi at 3pm where he will visit Krishna Mutt and take blessings of the Pejawar seer before addressing a public rally at AGM College Ground at 3pm.&nbsp;

Later on Tuesday, the prime minister will address another public gathering in Chikkodi at 6pm.

Karnataka which is being led by a chief minister Siddaramaiah's Congress government will go to the polls on 12th May with the results to be announced three days later on 15th.

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This is PM Modi's first rally in Karnataka ever since the polls were announced two months ago.

12: 52 pm: Before questioning us Rahul Gandhi should know that in 2005 Manmohan Singh had said that all villages will be electrified by 2009, and the same thing was said by Sonia Gandhi ji and you(Rahul ) mock the labourers and workers who made this (electrification) possible: PM Modi 12: 50 pm: On Lokayukta, the PM said: "In Karnataka, there is no law and order. The Lokayukta is not safe, how can the common people be safe." 12: 49 pm: "If CM has a 2+1 formula then ministers have 1+1 formula. Relatives of ministers are fighting polls. This is hurting the workers of the Congress, the PM said. 12:48 pm: Vote for BJP is a vote for vikas (development), he said in his closing remarks. 12:47 pm: Why is there no proper access to safe drinking water in Karnataka: Modi 12:45 pm: Only NDA is working for the benefit of farmers, he declared. 12:44 pm: Whenever there is Congress, there is corruption, he said. 12:38 pm: Congress is naamdaar (those who pretend to work), BJP is kaamdaar(doer), Modi said, adding, family politics will not work. 12:32 pm: Rahul can't even pronounce the names of his party leaders, the prime minister said. 12:27 pm: Can Rahul Gandhi even speak for 15 minutes on Karnataka's development without reading from any piece of paper, PM Modi said while taking a dig at Congress vice-president. You can speak in Hindi, English or your mother tongue, he added. 12:22 pm: I want to dedicate the historical achievement of the country on 28th April, when all villages in India were electrified, to the workers and labourers of the country on this Labour day, PM Modi said. 12:20 pm: Taking a dig at the Congress government, the prime asked: Why are 4 crore people without electricity in the state? Want electricity in every household, he declared. 12:16 pm: BJP will sweep Karnataka elections, he said. 12:12 pm: In his first election rally in Karnataka, PM Modi said not a wave but a BJP storm will hit Karnataka 12:13pm: Sitting with the next BJP chief minister(Yeddyurappa who is present at the poll rally) Earlier, PM Modi along with BJP president Amit Shah arrived in Karnataka's Senthemarahalli village in Chamarajanagar district on Tuesday to kick-start his poll rally today. This is PM Modi's first rally in Karnataka ever since the polls were announced two months ago. The Prime Minister will address a string of rallies in Karnataka over the next five days including three today in Mysuru, Udupi and Belagavi. His next stop today will be at Udupi at 3pm where he will visit Krishna Mutt and take blessings of the Pejawar seer before addressing a public rally at AGM College Ground at 3pm. Later on Tuesday, the prime minister will address another public gathering in Chikkodi at 6pm. Karnataka which is being led by a chief minister Siddaramaiah's Congress government will go to the polls on 12th May with the results to be announced three days later on 15th.

Can Rahul Gandhi speak on Karnataka's development for 15 minutes, asks PM Modi in poll rally

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) President Amit Shah on Sunday held a roadshow in Karnataka's Tumkur as a part of his campaigning for the upcoming state legislative assembly elections.

Earlier in the day, he hosted a packed roadshow in Davanagere.

He also visited the Duggamma Temple in Davanagere to seek blessings the ahead of the elections.

It may be a Sunday today, but that will not deter the candidates who would continue their campaign in full swing.

As the elections in the state are inching closer, the political parties are leaving no stones unturned to woo the voters.

A few days back, Congress president Rahul Gandhi also visited the poll-bound state and held rallies.

Karnataka will go to polls on May 12 to elect representatives to the 225-member state assembly. The results will be out on May 15.

It is now official that a total of 2,655 candidates will contest the elections in Karnataka. The Congress has released its manifesto and called it the Mann ki Baat of Karnataka. The BJP is yet to release its manifesto.

(With inputs from ANI)

It is now official that a total of 2,655 candidates will contest the elections in Karnataka.

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) President Amit Shah on Sunday held a roadshow in Karnataka's Tumkur as a part of his campaigning for the upcoming state legislative assembly elections. Earlier in the day, he hosted a packed roadshow in Davanagere. He also visited the Duggamma Temple in Davanagere to seek blessings the ahead of the elections. It may be a Sunday today, but that will not deter the candidates who would continue their campaign in full swing. As the elections in the state are inching closer, the political parties are leaving no stones unturned to woo the voters. A few days back, Congress president Rahul Gandhi also visited the poll-bound state and held rallies. Karnataka will go to polls on May 12 to elect representatives to the 225-member state assembly. The results will be out on May 15. It is now official that a total of 2,655 candidates will contest the elections in Karnataka. The Congress has released its manifesto and called it the Mann ki Baat of Karnataka. The BJP is yet to release its manifesto. (With inputs from ANI)

Amit Shah holds a roadshow in Karnataka's Tumkur

As expected, Congress President Rahul Gandhi hit the ground running and went on the attack against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his government at his Jan Aakrosh (public outrage) rally.&nbsp;

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Rahul attacked the government over virtually everything that has gone wrong for the government in recent times.&nbsp;

Rahul said the people's money has gone into Nirav Modi's pocket, attacked Modi over the Rafale deal, BJP President Amit Shah over the alleged sudden increase in his son's income, and accused the government of interfering in the judiciary.&nbsp;

He also spoke of farmer debt and the recent rapes in Kathua in Jammu and Kashmir and Unnao in Uttar Pradesh that&nbsp;have rattled the country.&nbsp;

The rally at Delhi's Ramlila Maidan is currently underway. &nbsp;

The Congress helped unite the country over the last 70 years, said Rahul. This government however, he added, is spreading lies and hate.&nbsp;

The minorities&nbsp;everywhere are being attacked but PM Modi does not bother to respond to such incidents, said Rahul.&nbsp;

He added that that unemployment has reached peak levels, and that demonetisation and the "Gabbar Singh"&nbsp;Tax (GST) have hurt the national economy.

Rahul added that when PM Modi speaks, people have to search hard for shreds of truth within his speeches.&nbsp;

The Congress President that everywhere he travelled in the country, he asked people if they were happy with the government at the centre. And that the answer was a resounding "no".&nbsp;

Rahul added that the Congress will emerge victorious in the upcoming Karnataka, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh assembly polls, as also in the 2019 general polls.

Sonia Gandhi spoke before Rahul, saying corruption had increased under Prime Minister Narendra Modi.&nbsp;

"Modi ji had said 'na khaunga na khane dunga' but corruption has increased," she said.&nbsp;

"Aaj desh mein asatya aur anyay ka bolbala hai. Whoever raises (their) voice has to bear the brunt of Modi government's anger," she added.&nbsp;

Former prime minister Manmohan Singh also addressed the rally, saying,&nbsp;"Our democratic institutions are under attack. Parliament is not being allowed to function and legislation is being bulldozed."

"Our democracy is in danger and we must all work together to protect it," he added.&nbsp;

The "Jan Akrosh Rally" comes shortly ahead of the crucial Karnataka elections to be held on May 12.&nbsp;

Rahul attacked Modi and the centre over virtually everything that has gone wrong for the government in recent times

As expected, Congress President Rahul Gandhi hit the ground running and went on the attack against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his government at his Jan Aakrosh (public outrage) rally. × Rahul attacked the government over virtually everything that has gone wrong for the government in recent times. Rahul said the people's money has gone into Nirav Modi's pocket, attacked Modi over the Rafale deal, BJP President Amit Shah over the alleged sudden increase in his son's income, and accused the government of interfering in the judiciary. He also spoke of farmer debt and the recent rapes in Kathua in Jammu and Kashmir and Unnao in Uttar Pradesh that have rattled the country. The rally at Delhi's Ramlila Maidan is currently underway. The Congress helped unite the country over the last 70 years, said Rahul. This government however, he added, is spreading lies and hate. The minorities everywhere are being attacked but PM Modi does not bother to respond to such incidents, said Rahul. He added that that unemployment has reached peak levels, and that demonetisation and the "Gabbar Singh" Tax (GST) have hurt the national economy. Rahul added that when PM Modi speaks, people have to search hard for shreds of truth within his speeches. The Congress President that everywhere he travelled in the country, he asked people if they were happy with the government at the centre. And that the answer was a resounding "no". Rahul added that the Congress will emerge victorious in the upcoming Karnataka, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh assembly polls, as also in the 2019 general polls. Sonia Gandhi spoke before Rahul, saying corruption had increased under Prime Minister Narendra Modi. "Modi ji had said 'na khaunga na khane dunga' but corruption has increased," she said. "Aaj desh mein asatya aur anyay ka bolbala hai. Whoever raises (their) voice has to bear the brunt of Modi government's anger," she added. Former prime minister Manmohan Singh also addressed the rally, saying, "Our democratic institutions are under attack. Parliament is not being allowed to function and legislation is being bulldozed." "Our democracy is in danger and we must all work together to protect it," he added. The "Jan Akrosh Rally" comes shortly ahead of the crucial Karnataka elections to be held on May 12.

Congress will win in 2019, this government spreads lies and hate: Rahul slams Modi at Jan Aakrosh rally in Delhi

BJP president Amit Shah on Friday accused Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah-led state government of "pocketing" the funds pumped into the state by the Centre.

"Under the 13th Finance Commission, Karnataka got Rs. 88,583 crore, which was increased to Rs. 2, 19,506 crore under the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government. All the money sent by the Modi government has been pocketed by the Siddaramaiah government," Shah was quoted as saying by news agency ANI while addressing a public rally at Koppal.&nbsp;

Shah said that state under the Siddaramaiah government had become one with widespread farmer suicides, atrocities against women and unemployment.

"The people of Karnataka do not have electricity supply&nbsp;nor&nbsp;jobs to sustain a livelihood, but their chief minister wears a watch worth Rs. 40 lakh. This indicates how much corruption the government is involved in," he said.

Launching a scathing attack on the incumbent chief minister, Shah claimed that the former was 'running away' and looking for a safer seat to contest in the upcoming assembly polls.

"The Congress is dependent on Siddaramaiah in this election. However, he himself is running away from the Chamundeshwari to the Badami assembly constituency to escape to a safer seat. The only achievements of the Siddaramaiah governement in the state have been a rapid increase in corruption, rapes and farmer suicides. After all this, Rahul Gandhi still thinks Siddaramaiah will win the election for him. How can anyone who has run away from his own seat win elections for his party" he said according to ANI.&nbsp;

On the second day of his two-day visit to poll-bound Karnataka, the BJP Chief is expected to address public rallies in three different regions. He is also expected to visit the Basawesawara Aikya Sthala in Kudala Sangama, and Siddhesvara Temple in Haveri district.

Karnataka will go to polls on May 12 to elect representatives to the 225-member state assembly.

Highlighting corruption prevalent in the state, Shah claimed that Karnataka under the Siddaramaiah government had become one with widespread farmer suicides, atrocities against women and unemployment.

BJP president Amit Shah on Friday accused Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah-led state government of "pocketing" the funds pumped into the state by the Centre. "Under the 13th Finance Commission, Karnataka got Rs. 88,583 crore, which was increased to Rs. 2, 19,506 crore under the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government. All the money sent by the Modi government has been pocketed by the Siddaramaiah government," Shah was quoted as saying by news agency ANI while addressing a public rally at Koppal. Shah said that state under the Siddaramaiah government had become one with widespread farmer suicides, atrocities against women and unemployment. "The people of Karnataka do not have electricity supply nor jobs to sustain a livelihood, but their chief minister wears a watch worth Rs. 40 lakh. This indicates how much corruption the government is involved in," he said. Launching a scathing attack on the incumbent chief minister, Shah claimed that the former was 'running away' and looking for a safer seat to contest in the upcoming assembly polls. "The Congress is dependent on Siddaramaiah in this election. However, he himself is running away from the Chamundeshwari to the Badami assembly constituency to escape to a safer seat. The only achievements of the Siddaramaiah governement in the state have been a rapid increase in corruption, rapes and farmer suicides. After all this, Rahul Gandhi still thinks Siddaramaiah will win the election for him. How can anyone who has run away from his own seat win elections for his party" he said according to ANI. On the second day of his two-day visit to poll-bound Karnataka, the BJP Chief is expected to address public rallies in three different regions. He is also expected to visit the Basawesawara Aikya Sthala in Kudala Sangama, and Siddhesvara Temple in Haveri district. Karnataka will go to polls on May 12 to elect representatives to the 225-member state assembly.

Amit Shah charges Siddaramaiah government with 'pocketing' Centre's funds

<a href="http://cmsuat.wionews.com/india-news/modi-xi-to-chart-a-new-course-for-india-china-ties-at-wuhan-summit--132075">Modi-Xi to chart a new course for India-China ties at Wuhan summit</a>

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping will hold a summit in China's Wuhan city from April 27 to 28 for a "heart-to-heart" chat to explore a new paradigm for India-China ties and find ways to address the contentious issues like the border dispute.

<a href="http://cmsuat.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-election-2018-many-killed-in-a-blast-at-voter-registration-centre-in-kabul-131999">Kabul suicide blast: Death toll reaches 48</a>

The death toll from Sunday's blast in the Afghan capital Kabul rose to 48, with 112 others wounded, a public health officer said. The attack follows several weeks of relative calm in Kabul.&nbsp;

<a href="http://cmsuat.wionews.com/india-news/congress-may-move-court-if-impeachment-notice-rejected-132066">Congress may move court if impeachment notice rejected</a>

As the Congress awaits the decision of Rajya Sabha Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu on an impeachment notice moved by it and other parties against Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra, it is considering moving the Supreme Court if the petition is rejected, party leaders said.

<a href="http://cmsuat.wionews.com/world/israel-hints-it-could-hit-irans-air-force-in-syria-132058">Israel hints it could hit Iran's 'air force' in Syria</a>

Israel released details on Tuesday about what it described as an Iranian "air force" deployed in neighbouring Syria, including civilian planes suspected of transferring arms, a signal that these could be attacked should tensions with Tehran escalate.

<a href="http://cmsuat.wionews.com/india-news/i-am-also-ignored-amit-shah-doesnt-allow-any-of-my-programme-to-happen-subramanian-swamy-on-yashwant-sinha-132030">Subramanian Swamy accuses Amit Shah of ignoring him, but won't quit BJP</a>

Subramanian Swamy on Sunday claimed that he has often been ignored by party chief Amit Shah who, he said, has often did not allow his programmes to take place.

.

Modi-Xi to chart a new course for India-China ties at Wuhan summit Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping will hold a summit in China's Wuhan city from April 27 to 28 for a "heart-to-heart" chat to explore a new paradigm for India-China ties and find ways to address the contentious issues like the border dispute. Kabul suicide blast: Death toll reaches 48 The death toll from Sunday's blast in the Afghan capital Kabul rose to 48, with 112 others wounded, a public health officer said. The attack follows several weeks of relative calm in Kabul. Congress may move court if impeachment notice rejected As the Congress awaits the decision of Rajya Sabha Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu on an impeachment notice moved by it and other parties against Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra, it is considering moving the Supreme Court if the petition is rejected, party leaders said. Israel hints it could hit Iran's 'air force' in Syria Israel released details on Tuesday about what it described as an Iranian "air force" deployed in neighbouring Syria, including civilian planes suspected of transferring arms, a signal that these could be attacked should tensions with Tehran escalate. Subramanian Swamy accuses Amit Shah of ignoring him, but won't quit BJP Subramanian Swamy on Sunday claimed that he has often been ignored by party chief Amit Shah who, he said, has often did not allow his programmes to take place. .

News brief: Big stories of the day

Taking his party's fight against the Congress to the Gandhi family's pocket borough, BJP president Amit Shah today said his party would rid Rae Bareli, the Lok Sabha constituency of former Congress president Sonia Gandhi, of 'parivarvad' and take it on the path of development.

Addressing a public meeting here, Shah said Rae Bareli voted for top Congress leaders, but had not witnessed development since Independence.

Also read:&nbsp<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/fire-breaks-out-during-amit-shahs-rally-in-raebareli--131858">Fire breaks out during Amit Shah's rally in Raebareli</a>

"Rae Bareli has seen 'parivarvad' (dynastic politics) ever since Independence till this day and no development...I have come here to make it clear that the BJP will free Rae Bareli of 'parivarvad' and will start the campaign from today itself for taking it on the path of 'vikasvad' (development)," he said.

"The Congress and its top leadership have ruled in Uttar Pradesh and Rae Bareli for years but the 'bhumi pujan' (ground breaking ceremony) of community health centre and primary health centre was carried out only lately and the Yogi Adityanath-led state government has done a lot for the constituency...Now with some Congress leaders here joining the BJP, it is our responsibility to develop it by leaps and bounds," he said.

"We will develop it as an ideal constituency and a model district," he said, virtually blowing the BJP's election bugle with the Lok Sabha polls barely some months away.

He said before the Yogi Adityanath dispensation assumed office, Uttar Pradesh was known for 'goonda raj' and bad law and order."...Yogi government has established rule of law," he said.

On acquittal of Swami Aseemanand in the Mecca Masjid blast case earlier this week, he sought to target the Congress over the party's attempts to "defame" Hindus in terror cases.

"I want to ask Rahul 'Baba', your leaders have talked about saffron terrorism...You need to apologise...Decide how low you can stoop," he said.

Shah said he wanted to tell Rae Bareli people that he had been touring all over the country and "I can say Narendra Modi government will come back with a bigger mandate in 2019".

Exuding confidence that the BJP will win the Karnataka assembly election, he said, "The BJP will have its 16th state government in the country after May 15."

Though the BJP swept Uttar Pradesh in the 2014 general election, the BJP lost both Rae Bareli and Amethi to the Congress.

Barring three exceptions -- 1977, 1996 and 1998 -- Rae Bareli has stood with the Congress since 1952.

This time the BJP is out to test Rae Bareli's love for the Nehru-Gandhi family currently represented by UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi, a four-term MP. Amethi is represented in Parliament by Congress president Rahul Gandhi.

Earlier, a minor fire broke out at the venue of the public meeting, triggering panic and commotion in the audience.

The fire, which was brought under control in short time, broke out due to an electrical short-circuit near the media enclosure, officials said.

Shah and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath were present on the dais at the time of the incident.

State BJP chief Mahendranath Pandey was addressing the gathering when smoke and sparks were noticed. Because of the fire, the programme was stopped for a while.

Addressing a public meeting here, Shah said Rae Bareli voted for top Congress leaders, but had not witnessed development since Independence

Taking his party's fight against the Congress to the Gandhi family's pocket borough, BJP president Amit Shah today said his party would rid Rae Bareli, the Lok Sabha constituency of former Congress president Sonia Gandhi, of 'parivarvad' and take it on the path of development. Addressing a public meeting here, Shah said Rae Bareli voted for top Congress leaders, but had not witnessed development since Independence. Also read: Fire breaks out during Amit Shah's rally in Raebareli "Rae Bareli has seen 'parivarvad' (dynastic politics) ever since Independence till this day and no development...I have come here to make it clear that the BJP will free Rae Bareli of 'parivarvad' and will start the campaign from today itself for taking it on the path of 'vikasvad' (development)," he said. "The Congress and its top leadership have ruled in Uttar Pradesh and Rae Bareli for years but the 'bhumi pujan' (ground breaking ceremony) of community health centre and primary health centre was carried out only lately and the Yogi Adityanath-led state government has done a lot for the constituency...Now with some Congress leaders here joining the BJP, it is our responsibility to develop it by leaps and bounds," he said. "We will develop it as an ideal constituency and a model district," he said, virtually blowing the BJP's election bugle with the Lok Sabha polls barely some months away. He said before the Yogi Adityanath dispensation assumed office, Uttar Pradesh was known for 'goonda raj' and bad law and order."...Yogi government has established rule of law," he said. On acquittal of Swami Aseemanand in the Mecca Masjid blast case earlier this week, he sought to target the Congress over the party's attempts to "defame" Hindus in terror cases. "I want to ask Rahul 'Baba', your leaders have talked about saffron terrorism...You need to apologise...Decide how low you can stoop," he said. Shah said he wanted to tell Rae Bareli people that he had been touring all over the country and "I can say Narendra Modi government will come back with a bigger mandate in 2019". Exuding confidence that the BJP will win the Karnataka assembly election, he said, "The BJP will have its 16th state government in the country after May 15." Though the BJP swept Uttar Pradesh in the 2014 general election, the BJP lost both Rae Bareli and Amethi to the Congress. Barring three exceptions -- 1977, 1996 and 1998 -- Rae Bareli has stood with the Congress since 1952. This time the BJP is out to test Rae Bareli's love for the Nehru-Gandhi family currently represented by UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi, a four-term MP. Amethi is represented in Parliament by Congress president Rahul Gandhi. Earlier, a minor fire broke out at the venue of the public meeting, triggering panic and commotion in the audience. The fire, which was brought under control in short time, broke out due to an electrical short-circuit near the media enclosure, officials said. Shah and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath were present on the dais at the time of the incident. State BJP chief Mahendranath Pandey was addressing the gathering when smoke and sparks were noticed. Because of the fire, the programme was stopped for a while.

BJP will rid Raebareli of 'parivarvad': Amit Shah

A minor fire broke out at the venue of a public meeting of BJP president Amit Shah, triggering panic and commotion in the audience.&nbsp;

Shah was addressing a public rally in Sonia Gandhi's constituency of Raebareli on Saturday when a short circuit outside the main gate caused mild chaos.

Shah and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath were present on the dais at the time of the incident.

State BJP chief Mahendranath Pandey was addressing the gathering when smoke and sparks were noticed.

There was a short break in the programme due to the incident but soon the BJP leaders could be again seen making speeches and going about their schedule.&nbsp;

Shah was addressing a public rally in Sonia Gandhi's constituency of Raebareli on Saturday when a short circuit outside the main gate caused mild chaos

A minor fire broke out at the venue of a public meeting of BJP president Amit Shah, triggering panic and commotion in the audience. Shah was addressing a public rally in Sonia Gandhi's constituency of Raebareli on Saturday when a short circuit outside the main gate caused mild chaos. Shah and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath were present on the dais at the time of the incident. State BJP chief Mahendranath Pandey was addressing the gathering when smoke and sparks were noticed. There was a short break in the programme due to the incident but soon the BJP leaders could be again seen making speeches and going about their schedule.

Fire breaks out during Amit Shah's rally in Raebareli

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Friday accused the Congress party of trivialising the power of impeachment and using it as a political tool.

In a scathing Facebook post, the senior BJP leader said the 114-page judgement in the Judge Loya death case authored by Justice D Y Chandrachud on behalf of the three Judge Bench of the Supreme Court "exposes every fact of the conspiracy" to generate falsehood as propaganda in the public and political space.

He further said Amit Shah (now BJP president) had no role in Sohrabuddin Case and it was an alleged encounter executed by some central agencies through the state&nbsp;police.&nbsp;

Referring to the move of Congress and six other opposition parties to impeach Chief Justice of India Deepak Misra, Jaitley said: "The Congress Party and its friends have started using impeachment as a political tool".

Stressing that trivialising the use of power of impeachment is a "dangerous event", he said the move is an attempt to "intimidate" a judge and send a "message"&nbsp;to other judges, "that if you don't agree with us, fifty MP's are enough for a revenge action".

Referring to the judgement in Loya death case, Jaitley said never ever so blatantly in the past have national political parties, a few retired judges and some senior lawyers "so closely identified themselves with the generation of falsehood that they almost come out as conspirators".&nbsp;

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Jaitley said Amit Shah (now BJP President) had no role in Sohrabuddin Case and it was an alleged encounter executed by some central agencies through the State Police.

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Friday accused the Congress party of trivialising the power of impeachment and using it as a political tool. In a scathing Facebook post, the senior BJP leader said the 114-page judgement in the Judge Loya death case authored by Justice D Y Chandrachud on behalf of the three Judge Bench of the Supreme Court "exposes every fact of the conspiracy" to generate falsehood as propaganda in the public and political space. He further said Amit Shah (now BJP president) had no role in Sohrabuddin Case and it was an alleged encounter executed by some central agencies through the state police. Referring to the move of Congress and six other opposition parties to impeach Chief Justice of India Deepak Misra, Jaitley said: "The Congress Party and its friends have started using impeachment as a political tool". Stressing that trivialising the use of power of impeachment is a "dangerous event", he said the move is an attempt to "intimidate" a judge and send a "message" to other judges, "that if you don't agree with us, fifty MP's are enough for a revenge action". Referring to the judgement in Loya death case, Jaitley said never ever so blatantly in the past have national political parties, a few retired judges and some senior lawyers "so closely identified themselves with the generation of falsehood that they almost come out as conspirators". ×

Congress using CJI Deepak Misra's impeachment as a 'political tool': Arun Jaitley

Hours after Supreme Court ruled out an SIT probe into&nbsp;circumstances surrounding special CBI judge BH Loya's death in 2014, the Congress president Rahul Gandhi tweeted the truth has its own way of catching up with people like Amit Shah.

''Indians are deeply intelligent. Most Indians, including those in the BJP, instinctively understand the truth about Mr Amit Shah. The truth has its own way of catching up with people like him,'' Rahul Gandhi said in a tweet without referring&nbsp;to the case.

Rahul's statement was in reaction to the apex court's dismissal of a batch of PILs demanding a probe into the circumstances surrounding special CBI judge BH Loya's death in 2014.&nbsp;

A bench comprising Chief Justice Dipak Misra and justices A M Khanwilkar and D Y Chandrachud held that there was absolutely no merit in the petitions and said Loya died of natural causes.

Loya had been hearing the politically sensitive Sohrabuddin Sheikh fake encounter case, in which then Gujarat home minister Amit Shah was an accused. After Loya's death, Shah was discharged and the CBI refused to file an appeal against the verdict.

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Indians are deeply intelligent. Most Indians, including those in the BJP, instinctively understand the truth about Mr Amit Shah. The truth has its own way of catching up with people like him.
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Immediately after the verdict was pronounced both BJP and Congress indulged in a political mudslinging. The BJP alleged the "invisible hand" behind the pleas was of Rahul Gandhi as part of "a conspiracy to finish the political career" of the ruling party chief Amit Shah. The party also demanded an apology from the Congress president.&nbsp;

The Congress, on the other hand, described the verdict as a ''sad letter day'' in India's history.&nbsp;

Attacking the BJP for accusing Congress president Rahul Gandhi's as being the invisible hand behind the petitions seeking the probe, party spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala termed the allegations as a malicious attempt which showed the ruling party's jitteriness

''Indians are deeply intelligent. Most Indians, including those in the BJP, instinctively understand the truth about Mr Amit Shah. The truth has its own way of catching up with people like him,'' Rahul Gandhi said in a tweet.

Hours after Supreme Court ruled out an SIT probe into circumstances surrounding special CBI judge BH Loya's death in 2014, the Congress president Rahul Gandhi tweeted the truth has its own way of catching up with people like Amit Shah. ''Indians are deeply intelligent. Most Indians, including those in the BJP, instinctively understand the truth about Mr Amit Shah. The truth has its own way of catching up with people like him,'' Rahul Gandhi said in a tweet without referring to the case. Rahul's statement was in reaction to the apex court's dismissal of a batch of PILs demanding a probe into the circumstances surrounding special CBI judge BH Loya's death in 2014. A bench comprising Chief Justice Dipak Misra and justices A M Khanwilkar and D Y Chandrachud held that there was absolutely no merit in the petitions and said Loya died of natural causes. Loya had been hearing the politically sensitive Sohrabuddin Sheikh fake encounter case, in which then Gujarat home minister Amit Shah was an accused. After Loya's death, Shah was discharged and the CBI refused to file an appeal against the verdict. Indians are deeply intelligent. Most Indians, including those in the BJP, instinctively understand the truth about Mr Amit Shah. The truth has its own way of catching up with people like him. — Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) April 19, 2018 × Immediately after the verdict was pronounced both BJP and Congress indulged in a political mudslinging. The BJP alleged the "invisible hand" behind the pleas was of Rahul Gandhi as part of "a conspiracy to finish the political career" of the ruling party chief Amit Shah. The party also demanded an apology from the Congress president. The Congress, on the other hand, described the verdict as a ''sad letter day'' in India's history. Attacking the BJP for accusing Congress president Rahul Gandhi's as being the invisible hand behind the petitions seeking the probe, party spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala termed the allegations as a malicious attempt which showed the ruling party's jitteriness

Truth has its own way of catching up with people like Amit Shah: Tweets Rahul Gandhi

The Supreme Court is likely to pronounce its verdict on Thursday on a batch of pleas seeking an independent probe into the alleged mysterious death of special CBI judge BH Loya, who was hearing the high-profile Sohrabuddin Sheikh fake encounter case.

Loya had allegedly died of cardiac arrest in Nagpur on December 1, 2014 when he had gone to attend the wedding of a colleague's daughter.

A bench comprising Chief Justice Dipak Misra and Justices A M Khanwilkar and D Y Chandrachud had on March 16 reserved the judgment on the pleas.

The Maharashtra government had argued in the apex court that all pleas seeking an independent probe into Loya's death were motivated and aimed at targeting "one individual" in the guise of upholding the rule of law.

It had come down heavily on alleged accusations, bullying and browbeating of judges in the top court by some activist lawyers in the Loya case and said that the judiciary and judicial officers need to be saved from such averments.

Meanwhile, those seeking an independent probe into the matter had referred to the sequence of events to highlight that a fair investigation was needed to rule out any foul play in the death.

The issue of Loya's death had come under spotlight in November last year after media reports quoting his sister had fuelled suspicion about the circumstances surrounding it and its link to the Sohrabuddin case. But Loya's son had on January 14 said in Mumbai that his father had died of natural causes.&nbsp

In the Sohrabuddin Sheikh fake encounter case, BJP president Amit Shah along with Rajasthan home minister Gulabchand Kataria, Rajasthan-based businessman Vimal Patni, former Gujarat police chief P C Pande, additional director general of police Geeta Johri and Gujarat police officers Abhay Chudasama and N K Amin have already been discharged.

Several accused, including police personnel, are currently facing trial for their involvement in the alleged fake encounter of Sohrabuddin Shaikh, his wife Kausar Bi and their associate Tulsiram Prajapati in Gujarat in November 2005. The case was later transferred to CBI and the trial shifted to Mumbai.

A batch of pleas, including those filed by Congress leader Tehseen Poonawala and Maharashtra-based B S Lone, was filed in the top court seeking an independent probe into Loya's death in 2014.

Four senior-most apex court judges -- Justices J Chelameswar, Ranjan Gogoi, M B Lokur and Kurian Joseph -- at their January 12 press conference had questioned the manner in which sensitive cases were being allocated and Loya's case was one of them.

Loya, who had been hearing the high-profile Sohrabuddin Sheikh fake encounter case, had died in mysterious circumstances in December 2014

The Supreme Court is likely to pronounce its verdict on Thursday on a batch of pleas seeking an independent probe into the alleged mysterious death of special CBI judge BH Loya, who was hearing the high-profile Sohrabuddin Sheikh fake encounter case. Loya had allegedly died of cardiac arrest in Nagpur on December 1, 2014 when he had gone to attend the wedding of a colleague's daughter. A bench comprising Chief Justice Dipak Misra and Justices A M Khanwilkar and D Y Chandrachud had on March 16 reserved the judgment on the pleas. The Maharashtra government had argued in the apex court that all pleas seeking an independent probe into Loya's death were motivated and aimed at targeting "one individual" in the guise of upholding the rule of law. It had come down heavily on alleged accusations, bullying and browbeating of judges in the top court by some activist lawyers in the Loya case and said that the judiciary and judicial officers need to be saved from such averments. Meanwhile, those seeking an independent probe into the matter had referred to the sequence of events to highlight that a fair investigation was needed to rule out any foul play in the death. The issue of Loya's death had come under spotlight in November last year after media reports quoting his sister had fuelled suspicion about the circumstances surrounding it and its link to the Sohrabuddin case. But Loya's son had on January 14 said in Mumbai that his father had died of natural causes. In the Sohrabuddin Sheikh fake encounter case, BJP president Amit Shah along with Rajasthan home minister Gulabchand Kataria, Rajasthan-based businessman Vimal Patni, former Gujarat police chief P C Pande, additional director general of police Geeta Johri and Gujarat police officers Abhay Chudasama and N K Amin have already been discharged. Several accused, including police personnel, are currently facing trial for their involvement in the alleged fake encounter of Sohrabuddin Shaikh, his wife Kausar Bi and their associate Tulsiram Prajapati in Gujarat in November 2005. The case was later transferred to CBI and the trial shifted to Mumbai. A batch of pleas, including those filed by Congress leader Tehseen Poonawala and Maharashtra-based B S Lone, was filed in the top court seeking an independent probe into Loya's death in 2014. Four senior-most apex court judges -- Justices J Chelameswar, Ranjan Gogoi, M B Lokur and Kurian Joseph -- at their January 12 press conference had questioned the manner in which sensitive cases were being allocated and Loya's case was one of them.

Judge Loya death case: SC likely to decide today on independent probe

The BJP on Thursday&nbsplaunched a fierce attack on the Congress after the Supreme Court rejected petitions seeking probe into Judge B H Loya's death, and alleged the "invisible hand" behind the pleas was of Rahul Gandhi as part of "a conspiracy to finish the political career" of the ruling party chief Amit Shah.

Soon after the Supreme Court passed its order rejecting a batch of petitions in the Loya case, a number of senior BJP leaders blasted the Congress and Gandhi and sought his apology for what they described as an attempt to use the judiciary for a political battle aimed at "character assassination" of Shah.

The apex court said the judge died of natural causes while rejecting petitions that cast a cloud over reasons of his demise and sought an independent probe. Before his death in December 2014, Loya was hearing the Sohrabuddin encounter case in which Shah was an accused. The BJP president was discharged later.

Addressing a press conference after the SC verdict, Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said the Congress and its chief Rahul Gandhi conspired to target BJP President Amit Shah as it believes that only one family had a right to rule the country"It was a conspiracy by the Congress and its chief Gandhi to finish the political career of BJP President Amit Shah, as part of which wrong accusations were made and an over 100-strong delegation was taken to the President," Prasad said.

Home Minister Rajnath Singh took to Twitter to say that the judiciary has sent a message that it cannot be misled by allegations based on political vendetta and claimed that several attempts have been made to target top BJP leaders through 'fake news'.

"The Supreme Court has also cautioned against the misuse of courts in political tug of war," Singh tweeted.

While Singh did not specifically name Congress or its chief, Prasad was unsparing in his attack on Gandhi and wondered if he wanted to enhance his party's political standing by seeking recourse to the corridors of courts by making them "a political battleground with politically-vested litigations".

Earlier in the day, BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra told reporters that the public interest litigations (PILs) seeking a probe into Loya's death were like "political interest litigations".

Alleging that the "invisible hand" behind these petitions was of Gandhi and the Congress, Patra said the Congress chief should be "ashamed" for what he described as a conspiracy to target Shah, the Indian judiciary and the country's democracy.

"The Congress engages in all sorts of conspiracies after its ruling family loses power," Patra alleged and added that the attempt to use judiciary for political purposes was a "new low" in Indian politics.

The BJP leader further alleged that the pleas were filed to settle political scores as Congress was incapable of taking on Shah and Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the electoral field.&nbsp

The Union Minister said Gandhi should apologise as he had led a delegation of opposition MPs to the President and his party had held press conferences seeking a probe into the special CBI judge's death.

Loya had died of cardiac arrest, according to police investigation reports, in Nagpur on December 1, 2014 when he had gone to attend the wedding of a colleague's daughter.

The issue of Loya's death came in spotlight in November last year after some media reports quoting his sister fuelled suspicion about circumstances surrounding it and its link to the Sohrabuddin case.

Quoting from the apex court's order, Prasad said the verdict answers all questions raised by the Congress as well as by the petitioners who acted as a "front" or were in close cooperation with the main opposition party.

He said the the plea was not in public interest but in the interest of the Congress and to damage the BJP and its chief.

Prasad said the party had kept quiet so far on the issue was it "wanted the law to take its own course".

"The Congress has been unmasked today," he said.

To a query about questions raised by the Congress following the order, he said some people accept the court's verdict only when it suits them but the decision of the Supreme Court is final.

Patra said it is a new low in the Indian politics as the Congress tried to politicise the judiciary.

Joining the attack on the Congress, Union Minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi said the party failed to ?destroy? the then Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi and Shah, when it was in power at the Centre.

"Now in opposition, Congress was conspiring to defame the BJP's top leadership," he said.

"Today's judgement has demolished the Congress' attempts of hatching criminal conspiracy to destroy and defame our top leadership. The Congress, its president Shri Rahul Gandhi and Smt Sonia Gandhi should apologise for this sin," Naqvi told reporters.

In its order, the Supreme Court said the petitions seeking a probe into Judge Loya's death were a serious attempt to scandalise and obstruct the course of justice.

The top court dubbed the PILs into the death of judge Loya as frivolous and motivated litigations to settle political scores and rivalry were behind the "facade of the PIL" to malign the dignity of judicial officers and Bombay High Court judges.

Home Minister Rajnath Singh took to Twitter to say that the judiciary has sent a message that it cannot be misled by allegations based on political vendetta and claimed that several attempts have been made to target top BJP leaders through 'fake news'.

The BJP on Thursday&nbsplaunched a fierce attack on the Congress after the Supreme Court rejected petitions seeking probe into Judge B H Loya's death, and alleged the "invisible hand" behind the pleas was of Rahul Gandhi as part of "a conspiracy to finish the political career" of the ruling party chief Amit Shah. Soon after the Supreme Court passed its order rejecting a batch of petitions in the Loya case, a number of senior BJP leaders blasted the Congress and Gandhi and sought his apology for what they described as an attempt to use the judiciary for a political battle aimed at "character assassination" of Shah. The apex court said the judge died of natural causes while rejecting petitions that cast a cloud over reasons of his demise and sought an independent probe. Before his death in December 2014, Loya was hearing the Sohrabuddin encounter case in which Shah was an accused. The BJP president was discharged later. Addressing a press conference after the SC verdict, Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said the Congress and its chief Rahul Gandhi conspired to target BJP President Amit Shah as it believes that only one family had a right to rule the country"It was a conspiracy by the Congress and its chief Gandhi to finish the political career of BJP President Amit Shah, as part of which wrong accusations were made and an over 100-strong delegation was taken to the President," Prasad said. Home Minister Rajnath Singh took to Twitter to say that the judiciary has sent a message that it cannot be misled by allegations based on political vendetta and claimed that several attempts have been made to target top BJP leaders through 'fake news'. "The Supreme Court has also cautioned against the misuse of courts in political tug of war," Singh tweeted. While Singh did not specifically name Congress or its chief, Prasad was unsparing in his attack on Gandhi and wondered if he wanted to enhance his party's political standing by seeking recourse to the corridors of courts by making them "a political battleground with politically-vested litigations". Earlier in the day, BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra told reporters that the public interest litigations (PILs) seeking a probe into Loya's death were like "political interest litigations". Alleging that the "invisible hand" behind these petitions was of Gandhi and the Congress, Patra said the Congress chief should be "ashamed" for what he described as a conspiracy to target Shah, the Indian judiciary and the country's democracy. "The Congress engages in all sorts of conspiracies after its ruling family loses power," Patra alleged and added that the attempt to use judiciary for political purposes was a "new low" in Indian politics. The BJP leader further alleged that the pleas were filed to settle political scores as Congress was incapable of taking on Shah and Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the electoral field. The Union Minister said Gandhi should apologise as he had led a delegation of opposition MPs to the President and his party had held press conferences seeking a probe into the special CBI judge's death. Loya had died of cardiac arrest, according to police investigation reports, in Nagpur on December 1, 2014 when he had gone to attend the wedding of a colleague's daughter. The issue of Loya's death came in spotlight in November last year after some media reports quoting his sister fuelled suspicion about circumstances surrounding it and its link to the Sohrabuddin case. Quoting from the apex court's order, Prasad said the verdict answers all questions raised by the Congress as well as by the petitioners who acted as a "front" or were in close cooperation with the main opposition party. He said the the plea was not in public interest but in the interest of the Congress and to damage the BJP and its chief. Prasad said the party had kept quiet so far on the issue was it "wanted the law to take its own course". "The Congress has been unmasked today," he said. To a query about questions raised by the Congress following the order, he said some people accept the court's verdict only when it suits them but the decision of the Supreme Court is final. Patra said it is a new low in the Indian politics as the Congress tried to politicise the judiciary. Joining the attack on the Congress, Union Minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi said the party failed to ?destroy? the then Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi and Shah, when it was in power at the Centre. "Now in opposition, Congress was conspiring to defame the BJP's top leadership," he said. "Today's judgement has demolished the Congress' attempts of hatching criminal conspiracy to destroy and defame our top leadership. The Congress, its president Shri Rahul Gandhi and Smt Sonia Gandhi should apologise for this sin," Naqvi told reporters. In its order, the Supreme Court said the petitions seeking a probe into Judge Loya's death were a serious attempt to scandalise and obstruct the course of justice. The top court dubbed the PILs into the death of judge Loya as frivolous and motivated litigations to settle political scores and rivalry were behind the "facade of the PIL" to malign the dignity of judicial officers and Bombay High Court judges.

BJP sees Rahul's 'invisible hand' behind Loya death probe pleas, demands apology for 'conspiracy'

As PM Narendra began his fast on Thursday, Union minister Piyush Goyal began&nbsp;observing a fast in Thane, Maharashtra along with other party leaders as a protest against the Parliament "washout"&nbsp;during the Budget session.

In Delhi, several BJP leaders observed fast in the Townhall.

''The way in which Congress & other opposition parties did not let the Budget session run, is condemnable, to say the least," Piyush Goyal said.

BJP MPs in Bengaluru have also been&nbsp;observing&nbsp;a day-long fast over the disruption in Parliament during the Budget session.

Meanwhile, Narendra Modi is observing a day-long fast along as he announced yesterday. He continued his day on fast while inaugurating the DefExpo at Mahabalipuram.

Party president Amit Shah will take part in a sit-in at Hubli-Dharwad against the Siddaramaiah government in poll-bound Karnataka.

The BJP has blamed Congress for practising divisive politics accusing it of taking parliamentary proceedings "to a new low".

On last day of budget session PM Modi had announced his decision to observe a fast and urged all his BJP parliamentarians to do the same.

Congress spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala had responded saying "farce of a fast by the Modi government and BJP".

Congress said BJP should be on a fast to seek an apology over issues like banking frauds, CBSE paper leak and dilution of SC/ST Act.

BJP MPs in Bengaluru as well are observing a fast in over the parliament disruptions during the budget session

As PM Narendra began his fast on Thursday, Union minister Piyush Goyal began observing a fast in Thane, Maharashtra along with other party leaders as a protest against the Parliament "washout" during the Budget session. In Delhi, several BJP leaders observed fast in the Townhall. ''The way in which Congress & other opposition parties did not let the Budget session run, is condemnable, to say the least," Piyush Goyal said. BJP MPs in Bengaluru have also been observing a day-long fast over the disruption in Parliament during the Budget session. Meanwhile, Narendra Modi is observing a day-long fast along as he announced yesterday. He continued his day on fast while inaugurating the DefExpo at Mahabalipuram. Party president Amit Shah will take part in a sit-in at Hubli-Dharwad against the Siddaramaiah government in poll-bound Karnataka. The BJP has blamed Congress for practising divisive politics accusing it of taking parliamentary proceedings "to a new low". On last day of budget session PM Modi had announced his decision to observe a fast and urged all his BJP parliamentarians to do the same. Congress spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala had responded saying "farce of a fast by the Modi government and BJP". Congress said BJP should be on a fast to seek an apology over issues like banking frauds, CBSE paper leak and dilution of SC/ST Act.

BJP MPs in Bengaluru, Maharashtra & Delhi observe fast along with Modi

BJP president Amit Shah on Wednesday visited Uttar Pradesh to take stock of the preparations for the upcoming legislative council polls in the state and meet the party's 'sulking' alliance partners.

The BJP national president, who took a day's off from the Karnataka assembly campaign, is understood to have taken a look at the names of probable party candidates for the legislative council polls.

The elections to the 13 seats will be held on April 26 with the ruling BJP being certain of winning at least 11 seats, going by its brute majority in the state legislative assembly.

Shah began his tour by garlanding the statue of Jyotibha Phule, sending a message that the saffron party did not want to keep the Dalits at an arms distance at a time when the Lok Sabha polls were barely a few months away.

"With party MPs Savitribai Phoole, Ashok Dohrey, Chhotelal, Yashwant Singh virtually raising a banner of revolt against Chief Minister Yogi Aditynath, Shah had a long discussion with the chief minister at the latter's 5 Kalidas Marg residence to assuage their hurt sentiments. The parliamentarians had written about their discontent to Prime Minister Narendra Modi," a senior party leader said.

UP deputy chief ministers Keshav Prasad Maurya and Dinesh Sharma, and state BJP chief Mahendra Nath Pandey were also present during the discussion, he said.

The party leader said the Lok Sabha bypoll debacle of Gorakhpur and Phulpur also figured in the meeting.

The outburst of the four parliamentarians and another BJP MP Udit Raj came at a time when the country witnessed a public outcry against the Supreme Court's order on the SC/ST Act, which the Dalit leaders said was an attempt to "dilute" the law.

After facing strident criticism from the Opposition on Dalit issues, the BJP is also grappling with a rising voice of discontent among its own MPs belonging to the Scheduled Castes in Uttar Pradesh.

Lok Sabha members from Etawah and Nagina, Ashok Kumar Dohrey and Yashwant Singh respectively, are the latest to join their Dalit colleagues from the party to criticise the UP government.

In a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Dohrey had alleged that the Dalits and tribals across the country, especially in Uttar Pradesh, were being framed by the police in false cases after the protests, leading to growing insecurity among them.

Yashwant Singh, meanwhile, had reportedly said that nothing had been done for Dalits in the last four years.

Party insiders also said that the BJP's sulking ally, SBSP leader O P Rajbhar, who is also a cabinet minister, presented his case before Shah.

Rajbhar told PTI, "I raised the issue of quota within quota for the most backward classes. Apart from this, discrepancies pertaining to ration cards, housing, toilets, pensions and scholarship were also discussed.

Rajbhar-led Suheldev Bharatiya Samaj Party (SBSP) has four MLAs in the state assembly. He had threatened to boycott last month's Rajya Sabha biennial election.

Apna Dal (Sonelal) leader Ashish Patel also met the BJP president.

"The meeting with the BJP chief was held in a very cordial atmosphere. We spoke for adequate representation of Dalits and backward classes at police stations and Tehsil offices, and we were told that our demands will be looked into," he said.

The BJP national president, who took a day's off from the Karnataka assembly campaign, is understood to have taken a look at the names of probable party candidates for the legislative council polls

BJP president Amit Shah on Wednesday visited Uttar Pradesh to take stock of the preparations for the upcoming legislative council polls in the state and meet the party's 'sulking' alliance partners. The BJP national president, who took a day's off from the Karnataka assembly campaign, is understood to have taken a look at the names of probable party candidates for the legislative council polls. The elections to the 13 seats will be held on April 26 with the ruling BJP being certain of winning at least 11 seats, going by its brute majority in the state legislative assembly. Shah began his tour by garlanding the statue of Jyotibha Phule, sending a message that the saffron party did not want to keep the Dalits at an arms distance at a time when the Lok Sabha polls were barely a few months away. "With party MPs Savitribai Phoole, Ashok Dohrey, Chhotelal, Yashwant Singh virtually raising a banner of revolt against Chief Minister Yogi Aditynath, Shah had a long discussion with the chief minister at the latter's 5 Kalidas Marg residence to assuage their hurt sentiments. The parliamentarians had written about their discontent to Prime Minister Narendra Modi," a senior party leader said. UP deputy chief ministers Keshav Prasad Maurya and Dinesh Sharma, and state BJP chief Mahendra Nath Pandey were also present during the discussion, he said. The party leader said the Lok Sabha bypoll debacle of Gorakhpur and Phulpur also figured in the meeting. The outburst of the four parliamentarians and another BJP MP Udit Raj came at a time when the country witnessed a public outcry against the Supreme Court's order on the SC/ST Act, which the Dalit leaders said was an attempt to "dilute" the law. After facing strident criticism from the Opposition on Dalit issues, the BJP is also grappling with a rising voice of discontent among its own MPs belonging to the Scheduled Castes in Uttar Pradesh. Lok Sabha members from Etawah and Nagina, Ashok Kumar Dohrey and Yashwant Singh respectively, are the latest to join their Dalit colleagues from the party to criticise the UP government. In a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Dohrey had alleged that the Dalits and tribals across the country, especially in Uttar Pradesh, were being framed by the police in false cases after the protests, leading to growing insecurity among them. Yashwant Singh, meanwhile, had reportedly said that nothing had been done for Dalits in the last four years. Party insiders also said that the BJP's sulking ally, SBSP leader O P Rajbhar, who is also a cabinet minister, presented his case before Shah. Rajbhar told PTI, "I raised the issue of quota within quota for the most backward classes. Apart from this, discrepancies pertaining to ration cards, housing, toilets, pensions and scholarship were also discussed. Rajbhar-led Suheldev Bharatiya Samaj Party (SBSP) has four MLAs in the state assembly. He had threatened to boycott last month's Rajya Sabha biennial election. Apna Dal (Sonelal) leader Ashish Patel also met the BJP president. "The meeting with the BJP chief was held in a very cordial atmosphere. We spoke for adequate representation of Dalits and backward classes at police stations and Tehsil offices, and we were told that our demands will be looked into," he said.

Uttar Pradesh: Amit Shah meets BJP's 'sulking' alliance partners

Prime Minister Narendra Modi along with BJP lawmakers will be observing a day-long fast on Thursday in Delhi&nbsp;against the recent Parliment washout by the opposition parties.&nbsp;

The decision was announced by the BJP on the last day of the Budget session last week after accusing the opposition, mainly Congress, of practicing divisive politics.&nbsp;

While Modi will go about his day and fast from his residence in Lok Kalyan Marg, BJP president Amit Shah, on the other hand, will be sitting on a dharna (silent protest) in Hubli-Dharwad against the Siddaramaiah government in poll-bound Karnataka.&nbsp;

BJP spokesperson GVL Narasimha Rao said that the idea of the fast was mooted by Modi to communicate to the nation that BJP is aware of the suffering imposed on them by the logjam in Parliament. "This is why all NDA MPs decided to forego their salaries for 23 days of the Budget session," Rao added.

This year’s Budget session has been the most unproductive in the last eight years and the BJP has tried to put the blame on Congress for stopping deliberation in both Houses.&nbsp;

The Congress had stopped important bills from being passed, which led to a "criminal wastage" of the taxpayer's money, parliamentary affairs minister Ananth Kumar had told reporters.

The BJP's announcement of a fast comes just a day after Congress chief Rahul Gandhi led his party on a nationwide fast targeting the Modi government over the washout of the Parliament session and a host of other issues, including the alleged caste and communal violence.&nbsp;

Modi will address all BJP MLAs (nearly 1,600) through video conferencing on Wednesday and interact with some of them&nbsp;when the MPs will be holding "Samata Diwas" in their respective constituencies on the occasion of Jyotiba Phule birth anniversary. All BJP MPs will go on a fast in their respective constituencies.

Meanwhile, Congress spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala said the "farce of a fast by the Modi government and BJP" on the April 12 should really be a fast to seek an apology over a range of issues including the banking frauds, leak of CBSE paper and dilution of SC/ST Act.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The decision was announced by the BJP on the last day of the Budget session last week after accusing the opposition, mainly Congress, of practicing divisive politics

Prime Minister Narendra Modi along with BJP lawmakers will be observing a day-long fast on Thursday in Delhi against the recent Parliment washout by the opposition parties. The decision was announced by the BJP on the last day of the Budget session last week after accusing the opposition, mainly Congress, of practicing divisive politics. While Modi will go about his day and fast from his residence in Lok Kalyan Marg, BJP president Amit Shah, on the other hand, will be sitting on a dharna (silent protest) in Hubli-Dharwad against the Siddaramaiah government in poll-bound Karnataka. BJP spokesperson GVL Narasimha Rao said that the idea of the fast was mooted by Modi to communicate to the nation that BJP is aware of the suffering imposed on them by the logjam in Parliament. "This is why all NDA MPs decided to forego their salaries for 23 days of the Budget session," Rao added. This year’s Budget session has been the most unproductive in the last eight years and the BJP has tried to put the blame on Congress for stopping deliberation in both Houses. The Congress had stopped important bills from being passed, which led to a "criminal wastage" of the taxpayer's money, parliamentary affairs minister Ananth Kumar had told reporters. The BJP's announcement of a fast comes just a day after Congress chief Rahul Gandhi led his party on a nationwide fast targeting the Modi government over the washout of the Parliament session and a host of other issues, including the alleged caste and communal violence. Modi will address all BJP MLAs (nearly 1,600) through video conferencing on Wednesday and interact with some of them when the MPs will be holding "Samata Diwas" in their respective constituencies on the occasion of Jyotiba Phule birth anniversary. All BJP MPs will go on a fast in their respective constituencies. Meanwhile, Congress spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala said the "farce of a fast by the Modi government and BJP" on the April 12 should really be a fast to seek an apology over a range of issues including the banking frauds, leak of CBSE paper and dilution of SC/ST Act.

PM Modi, BJP lawmakers to fast tomorrow over Parliament 'washout'

The Congress and several other opposition parties today slammed BJP chief Amit Shah for dragging political discourse to a "new low" after his remarks equating parties trying to join hands against the BJP to 'snakes, 'mongoose, 'dogs' and 'cats'.

The CPI and the TMC also hit out at Shah for his remarks, saying one does not expect this from the president of a national party in power.

Senior Congress spokesperson Anand Sharma said the remarks were "shameful" and reflected Shah's mindset.

He was reacting to remarks by Shah during a Mumbai rally to mark BJP's Foundation Day.

Shah said, "The countdown for 2019 (polls) has begun. Attempts are being made for opposition unity. When huge floods occur, everything is washed away. Only a 'vatvriksha (banyan tree) survives and snakes, mongoose, dogs, cats and other animals climb to save themselves from the rising waters."

"Due to Modi flood, all cats, dogs, snakes and mongoose are getting together to contest polls," the BJP president said, in apparent reference to the efforts being made by various parties such as the TRS, the Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the TDP to sew up a coalition to take on the Modi-led BJP in the next general elections.

Later, Shah said his intention was not to equate opposition parties to animals.

Congress leader Sharma said, "The remarks made by Amit Shah are condemnable. It shows their mindset. They have repeatedly dragged the political discourse to a new low."

"It is shameful. What else do we expect from them. It is in their DNA," he told.

Congress communications in-charge Randeep Surjewala said Shah considers his political opponents as 'dogs and cats' and that is due to arrogance that has reached his head.

"Mr Shah, floods bring devastation and so does the Modi-Shah duo - For distressed farmers', unemployed youth', SC/ST's' and small traders and businessmen'.

"Don't forget, fury of the floods is temporary. We'll build bandhs' of friendship to stop it forever," he tweeted.

CPI leader D Raja said this is not the language one expects from the president of a national party.

"He is also a member of the Rajya Sabha and he should remember that we are all democratic parties. People of this country will give a befitting reply," he said.

Trinamool Congress leader Derek O'Brien said he has used "sickening language".

"Of course we are political rivals, can we expect such language from the national president of the party in power&nbspBasic courtesy? Too much to ask for?" he said.

National Conference chief Omar Abdullah tweeted, "Did the BJP President liken the Hon PM to a natural disaster?"

Later, addressing a press conference, Shah said, "What I meant was political parties having no ideological similarities are coming together out of fear of Modi."

He was responding to questions over his remarks. "Snake and mongoose have nothing in common. Let me take names: Samajwadi Party and BSP, Trinamool Congress and Congress, Chandrababu Naidu and Congress, they have nothing in common and no ideological similarities, but are coming together," the BJP president said.&nbsp

Senior Congress spokesperson Anand Sharma said the remarks were "shameful" and reflected Shah's mindset.

The Congress and several other opposition parties today slammed BJP chief Amit Shah for dragging political discourse to a "new low" after his remarks equating parties trying to join hands against the BJP to 'snakes, 'mongoose, 'dogs' and 'cats'. The CPI and the TMC also hit out at Shah for his remarks, saying one does not expect this from the president of a national party in power. Senior Congress spokesperson Anand Sharma said the remarks were "shameful" and reflected Shah's mindset. He was reacting to remarks by Shah during a Mumbai rally to mark BJP's Foundation Day. Shah said, "The countdown for 2019 (polls) has begun. Attempts are being made for opposition unity. When huge floods occur, everything is washed away. Only a 'vatvriksha (banyan tree) survives and snakes, mongoose, dogs, cats and other animals climb to save themselves from the rising waters." "Due to Modi flood, all cats, dogs, snakes and mongoose are getting together to contest polls," the BJP president said, in apparent reference to the efforts being made by various parties such as the TRS, the Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the TDP to sew up a coalition to take on the Modi-led BJP in the next general elections. Later, Shah said his intention was not to equate opposition parties to animals. Congress leader Sharma said, "The remarks made by Amit Shah are condemnable. It shows their mindset. They have repeatedly dragged the political discourse to a new low." "It is shameful. What else do we expect from them. It is in their DNA," he told. Congress communications in-charge Randeep Surjewala said Shah considers his political opponents as 'dogs and cats' and that is due to arrogance that has reached his head. "Mr Shah, floods bring devastation and so does the Modi-Shah duo - For distressed farmers', unemployed youth', SC/ST's' and small traders and businessmen'. "Don't forget, fury of the floods is temporary. We'll build bandhs' of friendship to stop it forever," he tweeted. CPI leader D Raja said this is not the language one expects from the president of a national party. "He is also a member of the Rajya Sabha and he should remember that we are all democratic parties. People of this country will give a befitting reply," he said. Trinamool Congress leader Derek O'Brien said he has used "sickening language". "Of course we are political rivals, can we expect such language from the national president of the party in power&nbspBasic courtesy? Too much to ask for?" he said. National Conference chief Omar Abdullah tweeted, "Did the BJP President liken the Hon PM to a natural disaster?" Later, addressing a press conference, Shah said, "What I meant was political parties having no ideological similarities are coming together out of fear of Modi." He was responding to questions over his remarks. "Snake and mongoose have nothing in common. Let me take names: Samajwadi Party and BSP, Trinamool Congress and Congress, Chandrababu Naidu and Congress, they have nothing in common and no ideological similarities, but are coming together," the BJP president said.

Opposition parties slam Amit Shah for animal remarks

Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Saturday slammed BJP chief Amit Shah's remarks equating the opposition parties with animals, alleging that the "disrespectful statement" reflected his "mentality" that considered Dalits, tribals, minorities and even his own party leaders "worthless".

"Calling the entire opposition animals...see according to Amit Shah and the basic vision of the BJP RSS - there are only two non-animals in this country. There is Mr Narendra Modi and there is Mr Amit Shah," Gandhi told reporters here.

"Everybody else as far as they are concerned are animals. That's fine, that is the way they look at the world. It is a disrespectful statement, but we don't take what Mr Amit Shah says with too much seriousness," Gandhi said. Taking a swipe at Shah, the Congress chief said it was the mentality that there were only two or three people in this country "who are worth anything, who understand everything and everybody else is a worthless person".

"It's not only Dalits, it's tribals, it's minorities. It doesn't stop there. It's Mr Advani, Mr Manohar Joshi, even Mr Gadkari, it's everybody," he said. "The thing is that the BJP people internally don't have guts to say it to you. They say it to us," Gandhi said.

The Congress president said, "the fact of the matter is between Mr Amit Shah and Mr Modi, they are convinced, there are only two human beings in this country. That's all, that's the reality."

At a rally in Mumbai to mark BJP's foundation day on Friday, Shah had equated opposition parties to 'snakes' and mongoose' and 'dogs' and 'cats', who are seeking to unite despite their inherent differences to take on the BJP in next year's Lok Sabha polls. Later, Shah said his intention was not to equate opposition parties with animals.

At the rally, Shah had said, "The countdown for 2019 (polls) has begun. Attempts are being made for opposition unity. When huge floods occur, everything is washed away. Only a "vatvriksha (banyan tree) survives and snakes, mongoose, dogs, cats and other animals climb to save themselves from the rising waters." At a press conference, Shah later said, "What I meant was political parties having no ideological similarities are coming together out of fear of Modi."

Shah had equated opposition parties to 'snakes' and mongoose' and 'dogs' and 'cats', who are seeking to unite despite their inherent differences to take on the BJP

Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Saturday slammed BJP chief Amit Shah's remarks equating the opposition parties with animals, alleging that the "disrespectful statement" reflected his "mentality" that considered Dalits, tribals, minorities and even his own party leaders "worthless". "Calling the entire opposition animals...see according to Amit Shah and the basic vision of the BJP RSS - there are only two non-animals in this country. There is Mr Narendra Modi and there is Mr Amit Shah," Gandhi told reporters here. "Everybody else as far as they are concerned are animals. That's fine, that is the way they look at the world. It is a disrespectful statement, but we don't take what Mr Amit Shah says with too much seriousness," Gandhi said. Taking a swipe at Shah, the Congress chief said it was the mentality that there were only two or three people in this country "who are worth anything, who understand everything and everybody else is a worthless person". "It's not only Dalits, it's tribals, it's minorities. It doesn't stop there. It's Mr Advani, Mr Manohar Joshi, even Mr Gadkari, it's everybody," he said. "The thing is that the BJP people internally don't have guts to say it to you. They say it to us," Gandhi said. The Congress president said, "the fact of the matter is between Mr Amit Shah and Mr Modi, they are convinced, there are only two human beings in this country. That's all, that's the reality." At a rally in Mumbai to mark BJP's foundation day on Friday, Shah had equated opposition parties to 'snakes' and mongoose' and 'dogs' and 'cats', who are seeking to unite despite their inherent differences to take on the BJP in next year's Lok Sabha polls. Later, Shah said his intention was not to equate opposition parties with animals. At the rally, Shah had said, "The countdown for 2019 (polls) has begun. Attempts are being made for opposition unity. When huge floods occur, everything is washed away. Only a "vatvriksha (banyan tree) survives and snakes, mongoose, dogs, cats and other animals climb to save themselves from the rising waters." At a press conference, Shah later said, "What I meant was political parties having no ideological similarities are coming together out of fear of Modi."

Rahul Gandhi calls BJP chief’s animal remarks ‘disrespectful’, says don’t take Amit Shah seriously

BJP President Amit Shah said on Friday that the party won't abolish reservations and won't allow anyone to do so.

Amit Shah made the statement at the BJP's 38th Foundation Day rally in Mumbai.&nbsp;

The BJP chief's remarks assume significance amid the recent protests by Dalits over a Supreme Court verdict putting in place safeguards to prevent misuse of a law to prevent atrocities against SCs and STs.

Seeking to reach out to the Dalit community, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had also said recently no regime had honoured Dalit icon BR Ambedkar as his government had.

The BJP chief's remarks assume significance amid the recent protests by Dalits over a Supreme Court verdict putting in place safeguards to prevent misuse of a law to prevent atrocities against SCs and STs

BJP President Amit Shah said on Friday that the party won't abolish reservations and won't allow anyone to do so. Amit Shah made the statement at the BJP's 38th Foundation Day rally in Mumbai. The BJP chief's remarks assume significance amid the recent protests by Dalits over a Supreme Court verdict putting in place safeguards to prevent misuse of a law to prevent atrocities against SCs and STs. Seeking to reach out to the Dalit community, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had also said recently no regime had honoured Dalit icon BR Ambedkar as his government had.

BJP won't abolish reservations, won't allow anyone to do so: Amit Shah

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) national president Amit Shah on Tuesday an end to rumours that the Central Government would repeal the provision for reservation in the Constitution.

"It is pure rumour. Dalits should not pay attention to this. BJP has immense faith in the Constitution and would not allow any other parties to do the same," news agency ANI quoted as saying to reporters outside the airport here.

Shah also trained guns at the Opposition, holding them accountable for the violence that marked the Monday protest against Supreme Court's ruling on the SC/ST Prevention of Atrocities Act.

He added that the call for a nationwide bandh was not necessary, given the Centre had already decided to file a review petition in the apex court.

The apex court had, on March 20, introduced the provision of anticipatory bail in the SC/ST Prevention of Atrocities Act while directing that there would be no automatic arrest on any complaint filed under the law.

"It is pure rumour. Dalits should not pay attention to this. BJP has immense faith in the Constitution and would not allow any other parties to do the same," Shah told reporters outside the airport here.

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) national president Amit Shah on Tuesday an end to rumours that the Central Government would repeal the provision for reservation in the Constitution. "It is pure rumour. Dalits should not pay attention to this. BJP has immense faith in the Constitution and would not allow any other parties to do the same," news agency ANI quoted as saying to reporters outside the airport here. Shah also trained guns at the Opposition, holding them accountable for the violence that marked the Monday protest against Supreme Court's ruling on the SC/ST Prevention of Atrocities Act. He added that the call for a nationwide bandh was not necessary, given the Centre had already decided to file a review petition in the apex court. The apex court had, on March 20, introduced the provision of anticipatory bail in the SC/ST Prevention of Atrocities Act while directing that there would be no automatic arrest on any complaint filed under the law.

Amit Shah rebuffs rumours of repealing reservation policy

Congress and BJP accused each other of violation of model code of conduct in the poll-bound Karnataka.&nbsp;

The Karnataka BJP filed a&nbsp;complaint against Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah citing the violation of model code of conduct. BJP says CM bribed two women who welcomed him at Chamundeshwari temple in Mysuru with Rs 2,000 each.

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Meanwhile, Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee filed a complaint with Election Commission against BJP President Amit Shah citing the violation of model code of conduct. Congress claimed that Shah handed over a cheque of Rs 5 lakhs to the family of killed RSS worker Raju with an intention to polarise voters in Mysuru, the complaint stated.&nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Karnataka?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Karnataka</a> Pradesh Congress Committee files complaint with Election Commission against BJP President Amit Shah citing violation of model code of conduct;says Shah handed over a cheque of Rs 5 lakhs to family of killed RSS worker Raju with an intention to polarise voters in Mysuru <a href="https://t.co/1opS6GrI6E">pic.twitter.com/1opS6GrI6E</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/979710672832552960?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 30, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee filed a complaint with Election Commission against BJP President Amit Shah

Congress and BJP accused each other of violation of model code of conduct in the poll-bound Karnataka. The Karnataka BJP filed a complaint against Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah citing the violation of model code of conduct. BJP says CM bribed two women who welcomed him at Chamundeshwari temple in Mysuru with Rs 2,000 each. BJP Karnataka files complaint against #Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah citing violation of model code of conduct; BJP says CM bribed two women who welcomed him at Chamundeshwari temple in Mysuru with Rs 2,000 each pic.twitter.com/qPtGXvJpUS — ANI (@ANI) March 30, 2018 × Meanwhile, Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee filed a complaint with Election Commission against BJP President Amit Shah citing the violation of model code of conduct. Congress claimed that Shah handed over a cheque of Rs 5 lakhs to the family of killed RSS worker Raju with an intention to polarise voters in Mysuru, the complaint stated. #Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee files complaint with Election Commission against BJP President Amit Shah citing violation of model code of conduct;says Shah handed over a cheque of Rs 5 lakhs to family of killed RSS worker Raju with an intention to polarise voters in Mysuru pic.twitter.com/1opS6GrI6E — ANI (@ANI) March 30, 2018 ×

Karnataka polls: Cong, BJP accuse each other of violation of model code of conduct

BJP in Karnataka has made efforts to give a royal touch for its prospects in the May 12 assembly polls in the state, with its national President Amit Shah meeting the Wadiyar royal family of Mysuru today.

Shah, who is touring old Mysuru region, met the erstwhile royal family at their private palace here, triggering speculations about their supporting or joining the BJP.

According to sources, during the closed-door meeting with the scion of the royal family or the present titular Maharaja- Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar and Rajamata Pramoda Devi Wadiyar, Shah reportedly discussed various issues, including politics.

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Had a wonderful meeting with&nbsp;Maharaja Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar,&nbsp;Rajamatha Pramoda Devi Wadiyar and Maharani Trishika Kumari Devi of the Royal Family of Mysuru. <a href="https://t.co/CdMsGaWxX8">pic.twitter.com/CdMsGaWxX8</a>
— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) <a href="https://twitter.com/AmitShah/status/979614972086030336?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 30, 2018</a></blockquote>
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He is also said to have expressed his admiration for the progressive and pro-people work by the royal family and the erstwhile Maharajas during their rule in the past.

State BJP Chief B S Yedyurappa, Union Minister Ananth Kumar and Member of Parliament from Mysuru Pratap Simha were present along with Shah during the meeting.

"Had a wonderful meeting with Maharaja Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar, Rajamatha Pramoda Devi Wadiyar and Maharani Trishika Kumari Devi of the Royal Family of Mysuru," Shah said in a tweet after the meeting with pictures.

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It was nice to see Yuvraj Adyaveer Narasimha Wadiyar too! <a href="https://t.co/nEhox0bAIN">pic.twitter.com/nEhox0bAIN</a>
— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) <a href="https://twitter.com/AmitShah/status/979615424995385344?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 30, 2018</a></blockquote>
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"It was nice to see Yuvraj Adyaveer Narasimha Wadiyar too!" he said in another tweet, sharing a picture of him along with Yaduveer and the infant "prince".

Amidst speculations in the media, Yaduveer, the 27th "King" of the Wadiyar dynasty, had recently ruled out his political entry.

"I have told several times that I'm not interested in politics. There is no chance at all about me joining any party. I'm not interested in politics. Through social work we will continue our relationship with the public," he said.

Though it is not clear what transpired at the meeting, BJP's move is, however, seen as an attempt by the party to muster more support in the region, where the party had not won a single seat in the previous election.

The royal family still commands considerable respect and affection in the old Mysuru region.

Also, politics is not something new to the Mysuru royal family. The previous scion, Srikantadatta Narasimharaja Wadiyar, represented Mysuru Parliamentary constituency four times and had lost once.

Srikantadatta mostly remained with the Congress, but also had a short stint with the BJP.

Srikantadatta's father Jayachamarajendra Wadiyar, the last Maharaja of Mysuru, held the position of Rajpramukh/Governor after independence.&nbsp;

Shah, who is touring old Mysuru region, met the erstwhile royal family at their private palace here, triggering speculations about their supporting or joining the BJP.

BJP in Karnataka has made efforts to give a royal touch for its prospects in the May 12 assembly polls in the state, with its national President Amit Shah meeting the Wadiyar royal family of Mysuru today. Shah, who is touring old Mysuru region, met the erstwhile royal family at their private palace here, triggering speculations about their supporting or joining the BJP. According to sources, during the closed-door meeting with the scion of the royal family or the present titular Maharaja- Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar and Rajamata Pramoda Devi Wadiyar, Shah reportedly discussed various issues, including politics. Had a wonderful meeting with Maharaja Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar, Rajamatha Pramoda Devi Wadiyar and Maharani Trishika Kumari Devi of the Royal Family of Mysuru. pic.twitter.com/CdMsGaWxX8 — Amit Shah (@AmitShah) March 30, 2018 × He is also said to have expressed his admiration for the progressive and pro-people work by the royal family and the erstwhile Maharajas during their rule in the past. State BJP Chief B S Yedyurappa, Union Minister Ananth Kumar and Member of Parliament from Mysuru Pratap Simha were present along with Shah during the meeting. "Had a wonderful meeting with Maharaja Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar, Rajamatha Pramoda Devi Wadiyar and Maharani Trishika Kumari Devi of the Royal Family of Mysuru," Shah said in a tweet after the meeting with pictures. It was nice to see Yuvraj Adyaveer Narasimha Wadiyar too! pic.twitter.com/nEhox0bAIN — Amit Shah (@AmitShah) March 30, 2018 × "It was nice to see Yuvraj Adyaveer Narasimha Wadiyar too!" he said in another tweet, sharing a picture of him along with Yaduveer and the infant "prince". Amidst speculations in the media, Yaduveer, the 27th "King" of the Wadiyar dynasty, had recently ruled out his political entry. "I have told several times that I'm not interested in politics. There is no chance at all about me joining any party. I'm not interested in politics. Through social work we will continue our relationship with the public," he said. Though it is not clear what transpired at the meeting, BJP's move is, however, seen as an attempt by the party to muster more support in the region, where the party had not won a single seat in the previous election. The royal family still commands considerable respect and affection in the old Mysuru region. Also, politics is not something new to the Mysuru royal family. The previous scion, Srikantadatta Narasimharaja Wadiyar, represented Mysuru Parliamentary constituency four times and had lost once. Srikantadatta mostly remained with the Congress, but also had a short stint with the BJP. Srikantadatta's father Jayachamarajendra Wadiyar, the last Maharaja of Mysuru, held the position of Rajpramukh/Governor after independence.

Karnataka polls: BJP chief Amit Shah meets Wadiyar royal family in Mysuru

Responding to his&nbsp;recent blooper, BJP President Amit Shah said that <a href="http://cmsuat.wionews.com/india-news/amit-shahs-blooper-calls-yeddyurappa-government-most-corrupt-126623">he would have made a mistake but the people of Karnataka would not</a>.

He said, " In a slip of tongue, I said that Yeddyurappa government is corrupt instead of Siddaramaiah's, and the entire Congress party started to rejoice. I want to tell Rahul Gandhi that I would have made a mistake but the people of Karnataka will not".

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In a slip of tongue, I said that Yeddyurappa govt is corrupt instead of Siddaramaiah's, & the entire Congress party started to rejoice. I want to tell Rahul Gandhi, that I might have made a mistake but the people of Karnataka will not: Amit Shah in Mysuru. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KarnatakaElection2018?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KarnatakaElection2018</a> <a href="https://t.co/IvYhbe8Yt3">pic.twitter.com/IvYhbe8Yt3</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/979620275070349312?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 30, 2018</a></blockquote>
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In a major social blunder, Amit Shah had&nbsp;called the government led by BJP leader and former Karnataka chief minister BS Yeddyurappa as the "most corrupt government".

His slip of tongue had invited inviting sarcastic comments from Congress supporters.

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Now that the BJP IT cell has announced Karnataka elections, time for a sneak preview of our top secret campaign video! 
 
Gifted to us by the BJP President, our campaign in Karnataka is off to a fabulous start. He says Yeddyurappa ran the most corrupt Govt ever... 
 
True. <a href="https://t.co/UYqGDZuKyR">pic.twitter.com/UYqGDZuKyR</a>
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) <a href="https://twitter.com/RahulGandhi/status/978568393266675712?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 27, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ShahOfLies?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ShahOfLies</a> finally speaks truth. Thank you <a href="https://twitter.com/AmitShah?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AmitShah</a> <a href="https://t.co/WczQdUfw5U">pic.twitter.com/WczQdUfw5U</a>
— Siddaramaiah (@siddaramaiah) <a href="https://twitter.com/siddaramaiah/status/978545908072763393?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 27, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Amit Shah was addressing a rally in Karnataka ahead of the assembly elections.&nbsp;

Responding to his recent blooper, BJP President Amit Shah said that he would have made a mistake but the people of Karnataka would not.

Responding to his recent blooper, BJP President Amit Shah said that he would have made a mistake but the people of Karnataka would not. He said, " In a slip of tongue, I said that Yeddyurappa government is corrupt instead of Siddaramaiah's, and the entire Congress party started to rejoice. I want to tell Rahul Gandhi that I would have made a mistake but the people of Karnataka will not". In a slip of tongue, I said that Yeddyurappa govt is corrupt instead of Siddaramaiah's, & the entire Congress party started to rejoice. I want to tell Rahul Gandhi, that I might have made a mistake but the people of Karnataka will not: Amit Shah in Mysuru. #KarnatakaElection2018 pic.twitter.com/IvYhbe8Yt3 — ANI (@ANI) March 30, 2018 × In a major social blunder, Amit Shah had called the government led by BJP leader and former Karnataka chief minister BS Yeddyurappa as the "most corrupt government". His slip of tongue had invited inviting sarcastic comments from Congress supporters. Now that the BJP IT cell has announced Karnataka elections, time for a sneak preview of our top secret campaign video! Gifted to us by the BJP President, our campaign in Karnataka is off to a fabulous start. He says Yeddyurappa ran the most corrupt Govt ever... True. pic.twitter.com/UYqGDZuKyR — Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) March 27, 2018 × The #ShahOfLies finally speaks truth. Thank you @AmitShah pic.twitter.com/WczQdUfw5U — Siddaramaiah (@siddaramaiah) March 27, 2018 × Amit Shah was addressing a rally in Karnataka ahead of the assembly elections.

I might have made mistake, but people of Karnataka will not: Amit Shah on recent blooper

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