<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/delhi-police-man-who-attacked-cm-was-aap-supporter-215994">An AAP supporter slapped Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal</a> during a roadshow on Saturday because he was dissatisfied with the behaviour of the party leaders, police said.

Kejriwal was atop an open jeep when a man wearing a red t-shirt jumped onto the vehicle and slapped the chief minister before being pulled off the jeep.

The 33-year-old man, identified as Suresh, who is a scrap dealer in the area, has been a supporter of the Aam Aadmi Party and used to work as an organiser of the party's rallies and meetings, they said.

"An enquiry by a DCP-level officer has been ordered to enquire as to how this person was allowed to be in the reception or proximate group," Anil Mittal, Additional PRO (Delhi Police) said.

According to his version, over a period of time, Suresh got disenchanted due to the behaviour of the AAP leaders. His anger intensified due to "distrust of the party in the armed forces", the official said, adding further interrogation is on in the matter.

No FIR has been registered in the matter as police did not receive any complaint.

"Today, he was wearing a cap (which he later took off) and scarf of the AAP and was in the reception group of the CM. No one objected to him being there as he had been an organiser for the party. He was standing near the front right tyre of the Gypsy. He took off the scarf, climbed the bonnet and attempted to assault the CM," Delhi Police said in its statement.

The AAP, however, alleged that the Delhi Police had planted that the man belonged to the party.

The AAP roadshow was organised from 4 pm to 10 pm in Moti Nagar. It was scheduled to start from Karampura and was to terminate at RK Ashram Marg, it said.

Proper police arrangement from both Security Unit and local police were put in place for the event in consultation with the organizers of the event, it added.

The chief minister arrived at around 5.43 pm at the starting point. He got out of the official vehicle and boarded the open gypsy prepared for the roadshow. As he was meeting and greeting his party workers who had gathered around the gypsy, suddenly a person got on to the bonnet of the vehicle and attempted to assault the chief minister, the statement said.

He was immediately overpowered and saved from the agitated supporters and taken to hospital for medical treatment. The roadshow then started and continued as per the schedule, it said.

During security arrangements at such events, which are put in place in consultation with the organizers, necessary tie-up is made with the organizers so that they ensure that only the persons identified by them are in the reception party or the proximate group or near the vehicle used for the roadshow, police said.

AAP spokesperson Saurabh Bharadwaj alleged that the Delhi Police had planted the man.

"Delhi Police planting that man belonged to AAP, this is really shameful given the fact that the attacker's wife has herself said he was a Modi Bhakt and did not like anyone talking against Modi.

"This is the same Delhi Police which had planted earlier that no 'mirchi attack' happened on the chief minister. It was later when the Delhi government provided CCTV footage to Delhi Police that left its political masters red-faced," Bharadwaj said.&nbsp;

An AAP supporter slapped Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal during a roadshow on Saturday because he was dissatisfied with the behaviour of the party leaders, police said.

An AAP supporter slapped Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal during a roadshow on Saturday because he was dissatisfied with the behaviour of the party leaders, police said. Kejriwal was atop an open jeep when a man wearing a red t-shirt jumped onto the vehicle and slapped the chief minister before being pulled off the jeep. The 33-year-old man, identified as Suresh, who is a scrap dealer in the area, has been a supporter of the Aam Aadmi Party and used to work as an organiser of the party's rallies and meetings, they said. "An enquiry by a DCP-level officer has been ordered to enquire as to how this person was allowed to be in the reception or proximate group," Anil Mittal, Additional PRO (Delhi Police) said. According to his version, over a period of time, Suresh got disenchanted due to the behaviour of the AAP leaders. His anger intensified due to "distrust of the party in the armed forces", the official said, adding further interrogation is on in the matter. No FIR has been registered in the matter as police did not receive any complaint. "Today, he was wearing a cap (which he later took off) and scarf of the AAP and was in the reception group of the CM. No one objected to him being there as he had been an organiser for the party. He was standing near the front right tyre of the Gypsy. He took off the scarf, climbed the bonnet and attempted to assault the CM," Delhi Police said in its statement. The AAP, however, alleged that the Delhi Police had planted that the man belonged to the party. The AAP roadshow was organised from 4 pm to 10 pm in Moti Nagar. It was scheduled to start from Karampura and was to terminate at RK Ashram Marg, it said. Proper police arrangement from both Security Unit and local police were put in place for the event in consultation with the organizers of the event, it added. The chief minister arrived at around 5.43 pm at the starting point. He got out of the official vehicle and boarded the open gypsy prepared for the roadshow. As he was meeting and greeting his party workers who had gathered around the gypsy, suddenly a person got on to the bonnet of the vehicle and attempted to assault the chief minister, the statement said. He was immediately overpowered and saved from the agitated supporters and taken to hospital for medical treatment. The roadshow then started and continued as per the schedule, it said. During security arrangements at such events, which are put in place in consultation with the organizers, necessary tie-up is made with the organizers so that they ensure that only the persons identified by them are in the reception party or the proximate group or near the vehicle used for the roadshow, police said. AAP spokesperson Saurabh Bharadwaj alleged that the Delhi Police had planted the man. "Delhi Police planting that man belonged to AAP, this is really shameful given the fact that the attacker's wife has herself said he was a Modi Bhakt and did not like anyone talking against Modi. "This is the same Delhi Police which had planted earlier that no 'mirchi attack' happened on the chief minister. It was later when the Delhi government provided CCTV footage to Delhi Police that left its political masters red-faced," Bharadwaj said.

AAP supporter slapped Kejriwal as he was dissatisfied with party leaders: Police

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Sunday reacted on being attacked by a man on Saturday and said that the attack indicated that whoever speaks against PM Modi will not be spared.

Kejriwal's remarks came just a day after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/aap-supporter-slapped-kejriwal-as-he-was-dissatisfied-with-party-leaders-police-216026">he was slapped by a man</a>, who was later identified as an AAP supporter, in Delhi during a roadshow.&nbsp;

"This is a sign of dictatorship, to silence those who raise voice against you. This attacker was sent to give out the message that no one, who raises voice against the PM, will be spared," Kejriwal said.&nbsp;

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Delhi CM: This was 9th attack on me in last 5 yrs &amp; 5th attack after becoming CM. I don't think in India's history there has been such attacks on any CM. In this country Delhi CM is the only only CM whose security's responsibility is in the hands of opposition party that is BJP. <a href="https://t.co/jPwGTuroDY">pic.twitter.com/jPwGTuroDY</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1124928917792407552?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 5, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"This was the 9th attack on me in the last 5 years and the fifth attack after becoming the CM. I don't think in India's history there have been such attacks on any CM. In this country, Delhi CM is the only CM whose security's responsibility is in the hands of the opposition party that is BJP," he added.&nbsp;

An AAP supporter slapped Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal during a roadshow on Saturday because he was dissatisfied with the behaviour of the party leaders, police said.

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Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal: A Chief Minister was attacked and the Central govt says, 'didn't receive the complaint, unable to move ahead with further proceedings, the PM should resign over it. It's not an attack on Arvind Kejriwal, it is an attack on Delhi's mandate. <a href="https://t.co/RsUlRFhlVn">pic.twitter.com/RsUlRFhlVn</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1124935555609972736?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 5, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Kejriwal was atop an open jeep when a man wearing a red t-shirt jumped onto the vehicle and slapped the chief minister before being pulled off the jeep, news agency PTI reported.&nbsp;

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Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal: Is hamlawar ko isliye bheja gaya, ye message dene ki koshish ki ja rahi hai desh ko, ki modi ji ke khilaaf jo bhi bolega is desh ke andar usko bakhsha nahi jaega. Ye tanashahi ki nishaani hai ki apne khilaaf har aawaz ko band kar diya jaye. <a href="https://t.co/YZVfNztxOg">pic.twitter.com/YZVfNztxOg</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1124929252602843136?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 5, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The 33-year-old man, identified as Suresh, who is a scrap dealer in the area, has been a supporter of the Aam Aadmi Party and used to work as an organiser of the party's rallies and meetings, they said.

"An enquiry by a DCP-level officer has been ordered to enquire as to how this person was allowed to be in the reception or proximate group," Anil Mittal, Additional PRO (Delhi Police) said.

According to his version, over a period of time, Suresh got disenchanted due to the behaviour of the AAP leaders. His anger intensified due to "distrust of the party in the armed forces", the official said, adding further interrogation is on in the matter.

The AAP, however, alleged that the Delhi Police had planted that the man belonged to the party.

The AAP roadshow was organised from 4 pm to 10 pm in Moti Nagar. It was scheduled to start from Karampura and was to terminate at RK Ashram Marg, it said.

(With inputs from PTI)&nbsp;

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Sunday reacted on being attacked by a man on Saturday and said that the attack indicated that whoever speaks against PM Modi will not be spared.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Sunday reacted on being attacked by a man on Saturday and said that the attack indicated that whoever speaks against PM Modi will not be spared. Kejriwal's remarks came just a day after he was slapped by a man, who was later identified as an AAP supporter, in Delhi during a roadshow. "This is a sign of dictatorship, to silence those who raise voice against you. This attacker was sent to give out the message that no one, who raises voice against the PM, will be spared," Kejriwal said. Delhi CM: This was 9th attack on me in last 5 yrs & 5th attack after becoming CM. I don't think in India's history there has been such attacks on any CM. In this country Delhi CM is the only only CM whose security's responsibility is in the hands of opposition party that is BJP. pic.twitter.com/jPwGTuroDY — ANI (@ANI) May 5, 2019 × "This was the 9th attack on me in the last 5 years and the fifth attack after becoming the CM. I don't think in India's history there have been such attacks on any CM. In this country, Delhi CM is the only CM whose security's responsibility is in the hands of the opposition party that is BJP," he added. An AAP supporter slapped Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal during a roadshow on Saturday because he was dissatisfied with the behaviour of the party leaders, police said. Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal: A Chief Minister was attacked and the Central govt says, 'didn't receive the complaint, unable to move ahead with further proceedings, the PM should resign over it. It's not an attack on Arvind Kejriwal, it is an attack on Delhi's mandate. pic.twitter.com/RsUlRFhlVn — ANI (@ANI) May 5, 2019 × Kejriwal was atop an open jeep when a man wearing a red t-shirt jumped onto the vehicle and slapped the chief minister before being pulled off the jeep, news agency PTI reported. Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal: Is hamlawar ko isliye bheja gaya, ye message dene ki koshish ki ja rahi hai desh ko, ki modi ji ke khilaaf jo bhi bolega is desh ke andar usko bakhsha nahi jaega. Ye tanashahi ki nishaani hai ki apne khilaaf har aawaz ko band kar diya jaye. pic.twitter.com/YZVfNztxOg — ANI (@ANI) May 5, 2019 × The 33-year-old man, identified as Suresh, who is a scrap dealer in the area, has been a supporter of the Aam Aadmi Party and used to work as an organiser of the party's rallies and meetings, they said. "An enquiry by a DCP-level officer has been ordered to enquire as to how this person was allowed to be in the reception or proximate group," Anil Mittal, Additional PRO (Delhi Police) said. According to his version, over a period of time, Suresh got disenchanted due to the behaviour of the AAP leaders. His anger intensified due to "distrust of the party in the armed forces", the official said, adding further interrogation is on in the matter. The AAP, however, alleged that the Delhi Police had planted that the man belonged to the party. The AAP roadshow was organised from 4 pm to 10 pm in Moti Nagar. It was scheduled to start from Karampura and was to terminate at RK Ashram Marg, it said. (With inputs from PTI)

Don't think there have been such attacks on any chief minister in nation's history: Arvind Kejriwal 

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal was slapped by a man during a roadshow in Moti Nagar in the New Delhi constituency, prompting a strong reaction from the AAP which alleged the BJP was behind the "cowardly act".

Police said the man has been taken into the custody and an investigation into the matter is underway.

Kejriwal was on an open jeep when a man wearing a red t-shirt jumped onto the vehicle and slapped the chief minister before he was pulled off the jeep.

DCP (West) Monika Bhardwaj said the man has been identified as Suresh, 33, and he deals in spare parts in Kailash Park area.&nbsp;

Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia slammed the BJP after the incident.&nbsp;

"Do Modi and Amit Shah want Kejriwal to be murdered?" Sisodia tweeted, attacking the prime minister and the BJP chief.&nbsp;

He said the BJP could not break the morale of Kejriwal and could not defeat him in elections in five years despite putting in all its might. "Now you want him removed from your way like this. You cowards! This Kejriwal is your end," he said in a tweet in Hindi.&nbsp;&nbsp;

AAP spokesperson Saurabh Bharadwaj too alleged that the BJP might be behind the attack and asserted the incident would not deter the spirit of the party.

"Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal got attacked during the roadshow. We condemned this cowardly act. This opposition sponsored attack cannot stop the Aam Aadmi Party in Delhi," he said.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a>: A man slaps Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal during his roadshow in Moti Nagar area. (Note: Abusive language) <a href="https://t.co/laDndqOSL4">pic.twitter.com/laDndqOSL4</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1124655868589404161?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 4, 2019</a></blockquote>
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BJP Delhi president Manoj Tiwari condemned the incident and said the AAP might have "scripted" the incident.&nbsp;

"We do not support violence and condemn such action by anyone. But I have doubt as to why such incidents happen with Kejriwal in election time only.

"I doubt this incident may have been scripted by Kejriwal himself," Tiwari alleged.

Kejriwal was holding the roadshow in favour of New Delhi candidate Brijesh Goyal who is contesting from the Lok Sabha seat.

This is the second time Kejriwal has been slapped in a public rally. Earlier, he was also attacked with ink and spices.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal was slapped by a man during a roadshow in Moti Nagar in the New Delhi constituency, prompting a strong reaction from the AAP which alleged the BJP was behind the "cowardly act".

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal was slapped by a man during a roadshow in Moti Nagar in the New Delhi constituency, prompting a strong reaction from the AAP which alleged the BJP was behind the "cowardly act". Police said the man has been taken into the custody and an investigation into the matter is underway. Kejriwal was on an open jeep when a man wearing a red t-shirt jumped onto the vehicle and slapped the chief minister before he was pulled off the jeep. DCP (West) Monika Bhardwaj said the man has been identified as Suresh, 33, and he deals in spare parts in Kailash Park area. Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia slammed the BJP after the incident. "Do Modi and Amit Shah want Kejriwal to be murdered?" Sisodia tweeted, attacking the prime minister and the BJP chief. He said the BJP could not break the morale of Kejriwal and could not defeat him in elections in five years despite putting in all its might. "Now you want him removed from your way like this. You cowards! This Kejriwal is your end," he said in a tweet in Hindi. AAP spokesperson Saurabh Bharadwaj too alleged that the BJP might be behind the attack and asserted the incident would not deter the spirit of the party. "Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal got attacked during the roadshow. We condemned this cowardly act. This opposition sponsored attack cannot stop the Aam Aadmi Party in Delhi," he said. #WATCH: A man slaps Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal during his roadshow in Moti Nagar area. (Note: Abusive language) pic.twitter.com/laDndqOSL4 — ANI (@ANI) May 4, 2019 × BJP Delhi president Manoj Tiwari condemned the incident and said the AAP might have "scripted" the incident. "We do not support violence and condemn such action by anyone. But I have doubt as to why such incidents happen with Kejriwal in election time only. "I doubt this incident may have been scripted by Kejriwal himself," Tiwari alleged. Kejriwal was holding the roadshow in favour of New Delhi candidate Brijesh Goyal who is contesting from the Lok Sabha seat. This is the second time Kejriwal has been slapped in a public rally. Earlier, he was also attacked with ink and spices.

Kejriwal slapped by man during roadshow in Delhi; AAP accuses BJP

Hitting out at Union Minister Vijay Goel after he claimed that 14 AAP MLAs were in touch with the BJP, willing to switch sides, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Friday said it is not easy to buy <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/alka-lamba-skips-kejriwals-roadshow-says-she-was-insulted-by-aap-215343&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiG7tqi-P7hAhUL_XMBHfAlD8UQFjAEegQIAhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0d0vud-oFNqwv7A9w_GCkd">AAP</a> leaders.

Taking a dig at Goyal, Kejriwal tweeted,&nbsp;"Goyal Sahib, baat kahan phasi hai? Aap kitna de rahe ho? Woh kitna mang rahe hain. (Where are you facing a deadlock? How much are you paying? How much are they demanding?)"

"Modi ji, will you topple every government run by an opposition party by buying MLAs in the respective states? Is this your definition of democracy? And from where do you bring so much money to buy MLAs? You have tried to buy our MLA many times. Buying AAP leaders is not easy at all," the Chief Minister asserted in another tweet.

On Thursday, Goel had said, "14 AAP MLAs want to leave the party because the party has gone astray from its objectives but the BJP does not need to buy these MLAs. Allegations of the BJP offering Rs 10 crores are false.''

All 7 Lok Sabha seats in Delhi will go to polls in a single phase on May 12.

General elections in the country have been scheduled to be held in seven phases starting from April 11 and ending on May 19.

Counting of votes will take place on May 23.

Hitting out at Union Minister Vijay Goel after he claimed that 14 AAP MLAs were in touch with the BJP, willing to switch sides, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Friday said it is not easy to buy AAP leaders.

Hitting out at Union Minister Vijay Goel after he claimed that 14 AAP MLAs were in touch with the BJP, willing to switch sides, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Friday said it is not easy to buy AAP leaders. Taking a dig at Goyal, Kejriwal tweeted, "Goyal Sahib, baat kahan phasi hai? Aap kitna de rahe ho? Woh kitna mang rahe hain. (Where are you facing a deadlock? How much are you paying? How much are they demanding?)" "Modi ji, will you topple every government run by an opposition party by buying MLAs in the respective states? Is this your definition of democracy? And from where do you bring so much money to buy MLAs? You have tried to buy our MLA many times. Buying AAP leaders is not easy at all," the Chief Minister asserted in another tweet. On Thursday, Goel had said, "14 AAP MLAs want to leave the party because the party has gone astray from its objectives but the BJP does not need to buy these MLAs. Allegations of the BJP offering Rs 10 crores are false.'' All 7 Lok Sabha seats in Delhi will go to polls in a single phase on May 12. General elections in the country have been scheduled to be held in seven phases starting from April 11 and ending on May 19. Counting of votes will take place on May 23.

It's not easy to buy AAP leaders, says Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president Amit Shah said when Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government gave a befitting reply to terrorists in Pakistan after the Pulwama attack, Congress president Rahul Gandhi and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal were crying as if their cousins were killed in the neighbouring country.

"On the 13th day of Pulwama attack, Narendra Modi instructed the Indian Air Force to conduct an operation. Our jawans entered Pakistan and returned after attacking terrorists in Balakot... Rahul Gandhi and Kejriwal were saddened by this. There was mourning in two places - one in Rahul Gandhi's office and another at Kejriwal's office in Delhi. They were crying profusely. Were the deceased terrorists (in Balakot) your cousins?" Shah said while addressing a public rally in Delhi.

"This is Modi government. This is BJP's government. If Pakistan fires bullets, we will reply with cannon balls," he added.

Referring to the sloganeering incident in Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) in 2016, the BJP chief accused Rahul and Kejriwal of aligning with those who wanted to break the country.

"Rahul Gandhi went two steps further. BJP said we want to do away with Article 370 and Article 35A and make Jammu and Kashmir an integral part of India. He said abolish sedition law. What will we do if someone is found spying for Pakistan&nbsp;Rahul and Kejriwal should answer," he said.

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president Amit Shah said when Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government gave a befitting reply to terrorists in Pakistan after the Pulwama attack, Congress president Rahul Gandhi and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal were crying as if their cousins were killed in the neighbouring country.

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president Amit Shah said when Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government gave a befitting reply to terrorists in Pakistan after the Pulwama attack, Congress president Rahul Gandhi and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal were crying as if their cousins were killed in the neighbouring country. "On the 13th day of Pulwama attack, Narendra Modi instructed the Indian Air Force to conduct an operation. Our jawans entered Pakistan and returned after attacking terrorists in Balakot... Rahul Gandhi and Kejriwal were saddened by this. There was mourning in two places - one in Rahul Gandhi's office and another at Kejriwal's office in Delhi. They were crying profusely. Were the deceased terrorists (in Balakot) your cousins?" Shah said while addressing a public rally in Delhi. "This is Modi government. This is BJP's government. If Pakistan fires bullets, we will reply with cannon balls," he added. Referring to the sloganeering incident in Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) in 2016, the BJP chief accused Rahul and Kejriwal of aligning with those who wanted to break the country. "Rahul Gandhi went two steps further. BJP said we want to do away with Article 370 and Article 35A and make Jammu and Kashmir an integral part of India. He said abolish sedition law. What will we do if someone is found spying for Pakistan Rahul and Kejriwal should answer," he said.

Rahul, Kejriwal cried like their cousins were killed in Balakot airstrike: Amit Shah in Delhi rally

Disgruntled AAP MLA Alka Lamba said she skipped the road show of party chief and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in Chandni Chowk on Wednesday as she was "insulted" by her party.

In a tweet, the Chandni Chowk MLA vented her anger and claimed she was asked to walk behind Kejriwal's car while other MLAs were with him in the car.

AAP candidate Pankaj (Gupta) ji's phone came to me and he invited me for the CM's roadshow. I was ready, then another message was sent that I would not be present with Kejriwal in his car but have to walk behind his car while other MLAs would be present with him. I cannot stand this and I decided not to participate in the road show, she said in the tweet.

Kejriwal held the roadshow in Chandni Chowk on Tuesday with AAP Chandni Chowk candidate Pankaj Gupta. It saw the participation of a large number of supporters.

Lamba has been at odds with the AAP for quite some time now.

Earlier last month, Lamba engaged in a bitter Twitter spat with AAP's Greater Kailash MLA Saurabh Bharadwaj, who had taunted her to resign from the party.

Following the spat, Lamba addressed a large crowd outside Jama Masjid and said the party was repeatedly demanding her resignation.

Lamba hit a rough patch with the AAP over its decision to pass a resolution to revoke Rajiv Gandhi's Bharat Ratna. Lamba had raised objections to the party's resolution.

Lamba had alleged that the party leadership was "weakening" her and said she is being accused of attempting to switch over to the Congress.

In December, Lamba said in a tweet that AAP had asked her to support the resolution, which she refused. Lamba then added that now she is ready to face any punishment because of her actions.

Alka Lamba won the Chandni Chowk assembly seat in the 2013 Delhi elections. Before joining the AAP, Lamba was part of the Congress women's wing.&nbsp;

Disgruntled AAP MLA Alka Lamba said she skipped the road show of party chief and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in Chandni Chowk on Wednesday as she was "insulted" by her party.

Disgruntled AAP MLA Alka Lamba said she skipped the road show of party chief and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in Chandni Chowk on Wednesday as she was "insulted" by her party. In a tweet, the Chandni Chowk MLA vented her anger and claimed she was asked to walk behind Kejriwal's car while other MLAs were with him in the car. AAP candidate Pankaj (Gupta) ji's phone came to me and he invited me for the CM's roadshow. I was ready, then another message was sent that I would not be present with Kejriwal in his car but have to walk behind his car while other MLAs would be present with him. I cannot stand this and I decided not to participate in the road show, she said in the tweet. Kejriwal held the roadshow in Chandni Chowk on Tuesday with AAP Chandni Chowk candidate Pankaj Gupta. It saw the participation of a large number of supporters. Lamba has been at odds with the AAP for quite some time now. Earlier last month, Lamba engaged in a bitter Twitter spat with AAP's Greater Kailash MLA Saurabh Bharadwaj, who had taunted her to resign from the party. Following the spat, Lamba addressed a large crowd outside Jama Masjid and said the party was repeatedly demanding her resignation. Lamba hit a rough patch with the AAP over its decision to pass a resolution to revoke Rajiv Gandhi's Bharat Ratna. Lamba had raised objections to the party's resolution. Lamba had alleged that the party leadership was "weakening" her and said she is being accused of attempting to switch over to the Congress. In December, Lamba said in a tweet that AAP had asked her to support the resolution, which she refused. Lamba then added that now she is ready to face any punishment because of her actions. Alka Lamba won the Chandni Chowk assembly seat in the 2013 Delhi elections. Before joining the AAP, Lamba was part of the Congress women's wing.

Alka Lamba skips Kejriwal's roadshow, says she was insulted by AAP

Union minister and BJP candidate from Chandni Chowk Harsh Vardhan hit out at the Congress on Sunday for promising to repeal the sedition law and said the people of Delhi would never forgive such a party.

The Union minister of science and technology, who held ''jan sabhas'' and foot marches in the constituency, said Delhi had always been a bastion of nationalist ideologues and their supporters.&nbsp;

"The citizens of Delhi will never ever tolerate an anti-national element and that is why they are all out to strengthen nationalist elements. The voters of Delhi will never forgive the party promising to repeal the sedition law and those who openly sided with the JNU student leaders associated with the 'tukde, tukde' gang," he said.

The incumbent MP said for the BJP, the country and nationalism were its topmost priority, while personal interests were at the bottom.

He accused the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government headed by <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/how-can-full-statehood-be-given-to-kejriwal-with-dubious-character-says-harsh-vardhan-214051">Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in Delhi of sitting over a file</a> that dealt with grant of permission to take the matter to the court of law in respect of the main student leader directly involved in the "tukde-tukde" rhetoric.

"The BJP would never allow such forces to damage the unity and integrity of the country. In case such forces create further trouble, the country will face chaos," the Union minister said.

Vardhan lambasted the Congress for promising to repeal the sedition law in its election manifesto.

"Looks like both the AAP and the Congress are in league on the issue of weakening the country and its unity. Their priority is to safeguard their political interests. These parties will not be able to face the BJP in the current and future elections because Delhiites are fully committed to nationalism," he said.

Vardhan is pitted against the Congress's Jai Prakash Aggarwal and the AAP's Pankaj?Gupta in the Chandni Chowk constituency. Delhi will go to the polls in the sixth phase on May 12.&nbsp;

Union minister and BJP candidate from Chandni Chowk Harsh Vardhan hit out at the Congress on Sunday for promising to repeal the sedition law and said the people of Delhi would never forgive such a party.

Union minister and BJP candidate from Chandni Chowk Harsh Vardhan hit out at the Congress on Sunday for promising to repeal the sedition law and said the people of Delhi would never forgive such a party. The Union minister of science and technology, who held ''jan sabhas'' and foot marches in the constituency, said Delhi had always been a bastion of nationalist ideologues and their supporters. "The citizens of Delhi will never ever tolerate an anti-national element and that is why they are all out to strengthen nationalist elements. The voters of Delhi will never forgive the party promising to repeal the sedition law and those who openly sided with the JNU student leaders associated with the 'tukde, tukde' gang," he said. The incumbent MP said for the BJP, the country and nationalism were its topmost priority, while personal interests were at the bottom. He accused the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government headed by Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in Delhi of sitting over a file that dealt with grant of permission to take the matter to the court of law in respect of the main student leader directly involved in the "tukde-tukde" rhetoric. "The BJP would never allow such forces to damage the unity and integrity of the country. In case such forces create further trouble, the country will face chaos," the Union minister said. Vardhan lambasted the Congress for promising to repeal the sedition law in its election manifesto. "Looks like both the AAP and the Congress are in league on the issue of weakening the country and its unity. Their priority is to safeguard their political interests. These parties will not be able to face the BJP in the current and future elections because Delhiites are fully committed to nationalism," he said. Vardhan is pitted against the Congress's Jai Prakash Aggarwal and the AAP's Pankaj?Gupta in the Chandni Chowk constituency. Delhi will go to the polls in the sixth phase on May 12.

Union minister Harsh Vardhan hits out at Congress for promising to repeal sedition law

Refuting the ruling AAP's demand for full statehood to Delhi, Union minister and BJP's Chandni Chowk candidate Harsh Vardhan wondered whether statehood could be given to a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/bjp-lodges-complaints-with-election-commission-against-delhi-cm-arvind-kejriwal-214025">chief minister like Arvind Kejriwal</a> with "dubious and questionable character".&nbsp;

In an interview to PTI, Vardhan, who is contesting for the second time from Chandni Chowk Lok Sabha seat, asserted that the national capital was suffering due to the AAP government's "negative mentality".&nbsp;

He said the Kejriwal-led government has done nothing for the people, except "wasting time in abusing the Prime Minister".

"Delhi is suffering because of the negative mentality of its government and the chief minister in particular. They have hardly done anything in the last four years. You can see their 70 promises and find there is hardly any promise that has been delivered," the minister said.&nbsp;

"They have not done anything except wasting their time and abusing the Prime Minister day in and day out. What has Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal done? Nothing. This is the same chief minister who felt proud in calling himself an 'anarchist' ahead of the Republic Day parade a couple of years ago.&nbsp;

"Now he (Kejriwal) is shouting about statehood. Do you think statehood can be given to a chief minister who is dubious and is of questionable character?" he said.

The AAP supremo had during a protest on January 20, 2014 in the city called himself an "anarchist". He had raised the demand of bringing Delhi police under the city government.&nbsp;

Vardhan, who holds the portfolios of Environment, Forests and Climate Change, Science and Technology and Earth Sciences ministries, also blamed the AAP government for not cooperating in several developmental projects, including the Shahjahanabad redevelopment project.

"I initiated the Shahjahanabad redevelopment project a few months after taking over. The project was also started. Unfortunately, the chief minister (Kejriwal) refused support to the project. I am sure if we have the government in Delhi along with the central government, which we will get&nbsp;next month, we will be able to complete it," he asserted.

The project aims at creation of pedestrian-oriented space in Chandni Chowk, seen as a catalyst for revitalising economic, infrastructure and tourism potential of Shahjahanabad.&nbsp;

Highlighting his achievements in Chandni Chowk in the last five years, Vardhan said he gave people Rani Jhansi flyover which was lying incomplete for 10 years.

"Look at the Rani Jhansi flyover, it was lingering on for almost 10 years. I took up this project and every 15 days, I used to have a meeting and visit the project site. When there was some difficulty, I got Rs 86 crore sanctioned from the government to ensure that the municipal corporation does not run out of money," he said.&nbsp;

"I also delivered the road at Kishanganj. So many schools have been constructed in my constituency and community centres have been built.&nbsp;Over 200 gyms and 700 play apparatuses have been constructed. Several projects were also sanctioned by Union Road and Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari," he added.

The four-time MLA from east Delhi's Krishna Nagar assembly constituency also lambasted the AAP for not providing support to municipal corporations of the city.&nbsp;

"Despite the fact that we do not have a government in Delhi, our road and surface transport minister (Nitin Gadkari) got Rs 46,000 crore worth schemes sanctioned for Delhi," Vardhan said.&nbsp;

"Whether it is east and west corridor or eastern and western peripheral expressway, we have given new metro lines and for every scheme, the government of Delhi is being supported.&nbsp;

"On the contrary, despite the massive support the Delhi government receives from the Centre, it does not pass on the same kind of support to the municipal corporations of Delhi (MCDs)," he said.

The senior BJP leader also hit out at the ruling AAP for its handling of 'safai karmachaaris' of the municipal corporations.&nbsp;

"You saw how badly people suffered when there was a strike by the safai karmacharis due to non-payment of salaries. They could not get the pay because money was not given by the government of Delhi. Unfortunately, the rules are such that the Centre cannot directly give money to the corporations and it has to be routed through the state government," he&nbsp;said.

Vardhan exuded confidence of a clean sweep, like the 2014 Lok Sabha poll verdict, in the national capital.&nbsp;

"I am pretty sure that like last time, we will win all seven seats in Delhi and with better margins," he said.&nbsp;

The incumbent MP from Chandni Chowk will be facing AAP's Pankaj Gupta and Congress candidate J P Agarwal.&nbsp;

Delhi will vote on May 12 and the results will be announced on May 23.

Refuting the ruling AAP's demand for full statehood to Delhi, Union minister and BJP's Chandni Chowk candidate Harsh Vardhan wondered whether statehood could be given to a chief minister like Arvind Kejriwal with "dubious and questionable character".

Refuting the ruling AAP's demand for full statehood to Delhi, Union minister and BJP's Chandni Chowk candidate Harsh Vardhan wondered whether statehood could be given to a chief minister like Arvind Kejriwal with "dubious and questionable character". In an interview to PTI, Vardhan, who is contesting for the second time from Chandni Chowk Lok Sabha seat, asserted that the national capital was suffering due to the AAP government's "negative mentality". He said the Kejriwal-led government has done nothing for the people, except "wasting time in abusing the Prime Minister". "Delhi is suffering because of the negative mentality of its government and the chief minister in particular. They have hardly done anything in the last four years. You can see their 70 promises and find there is hardly any promise that has been delivered," the minister said. "They have not done anything except wasting their time and abusing the Prime Minister day in and day out. What has Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal done? Nothing. This is the same chief minister who felt proud in calling himself an 'anarchist' ahead of the Republic Day parade a couple of years ago. "Now he (Kejriwal) is shouting about statehood. Do you think statehood can be given to a chief minister who is dubious and is of questionable character?" he said. The AAP supremo had during a protest on January 20, 2014 in the city called himself an "anarchist". He had raised the demand of bringing Delhi police under the city government. Vardhan, who holds the portfolios of Environment, Forests and Climate Change, Science and Technology and Earth Sciences ministries, also blamed the AAP government for not cooperating in several developmental projects, including the Shahjahanabad redevelopment project. "I initiated the Shahjahanabad redevelopment project a few months after taking over. The project was also started. Unfortunately, the chief minister (Kejriwal) refused support to the project. I am sure if we have the government in Delhi along with the central government, which we will get next month, we will be able to complete it," he asserted. The project aims at creation of pedestrian-oriented space in Chandni Chowk, seen as a catalyst for revitalising economic, infrastructure and tourism potential of Shahjahanabad. Highlighting his achievements in Chandni Chowk in the last five years, Vardhan said he gave people Rani Jhansi flyover which was lying incomplete for 10 years. "Look at the Rani Jhansi flyover, it was lingering on for almost 10 years. I took up this project and every 15 days, I used to have a meeting and visit the project site. When there was some difficulty, I got Rs 86 crore sanctioned from the government to ensure that the municipal corporation does not run out of money," he said. "I also delivered the road at Kishanganj. So many schools have been constructed in my constituency and community centres have been built. Over 200 gyms and 700 play apparatuses have been constructed. Several projects were also sanctioned by Union Road and Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari," he added. The four-time MLA from east Delhi's Krishna Nagar assembly constituency also lambasted the AAP for not providing support to municipal corporations of the city. "Despite the fact that we do not have a government in Delhi, our road and surface transport minister (Nitin Gadkari) got Rs 46,000 crore worth schemes sanctioned for Delhi," Vardhan said. "Whether it is east and west corridor or eastern and western peripheral expressway, we have given new metro lines and for every scheme, the government of Delhi is being supported. "On the contrary, despite the massive support the Delhi government receives from the Centre, it does not pass on the same kind of support to the municipal corporations of Delhi (MCDs)," he said. The senior BJP leader also hit out at the ruling AAP for its handling of 'safai karmachaaris' of the municipal corporations. "You saw how badly people suffered when there was a strike by the safai karmacharis due to non-payment of salaries. They could not get the pay because money was not given by the government of Delhi. Unfortunately, the rules are such that the Centre cannot directly give money to the corporations and it has to be routed through the state government," he said. Vardhan exuded confidence of a clean sweep, like the 2014 Lok Sabha poll verdict, in the national capital. "I am pretty sure that like last time, we will win all seven seats in Delhi and with better margins," he said. The incumbent MP from Chandni Chowk will be facing AAP's Pankaj Gupta and Congress candidate J P Agarwal. Delhi will vote on May 12 and the results will be announced on May 23.

How can full statehood be given to Kejriwal with 'dubious' character, says Harsh Vardhan 

The BJP Saturday lodged complaints with the Election Commission against <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-cm-arvind-kejriwal-postpones-indefinite-hunger-strike-in-view-of-prevailing-indo-pak-situation-199845">AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal</a> for "misguiding" voters through FM radio advertisement and distorting party chief Amit Shah's statement on illegal infiltrators.

Delhi BJP spokesperson Praveen Shankar Kapoor in a complaint letter to the Election Commission objected the content of the AAP's FM radio advertisement.

"In the radio advertisement, the Delhi Chief Minister can be heard provoking people of Delhi that the central government collects thousands of crores rupees in revenue from Delhi but gives back around partly Rs 325 crore to Delhi, he said in his complaint.

He requested the EC to review the contents of the AAP advertisement and block it as it was "misleading" for the voters.

The central government which maintains Delhi Police spends Rs 7,881 crore annually on it for maintaining law and order in the city and spends around Rs 40,000 crore annually on Delhi Metro, road infrastructure, Yamuna cleaning, hospitals, Delhi University among others which directly benefits the people of Delhi, Kapoor said.

In another complaint filed by BJP's national secretary R P Singh and Delhi BJP legal cell in-charge Neeraj, the party accused Kejriwal of "distorting" party chief Amit Shah's statement on illegal infiltrators in the country.

The complaint accused Kejriwal of trying to gain Muslims votes by "misleading" them and "instigating" their religious sentiments.

"Citing BJP's election manifesto, Shah had on April 10 said that with the help of National Register of Citizens (NRC), the party would drive out infiltrators from India and protect the Hindus, Sikhs and Buddhists. But the Delhi CM is not only trying to defame Shah by distorting his statement but instigating religious sentiments in violation of the Model Code of Conduct, Singh said.&nbsp;

Kejriwal, a bitter critic of Modi-Shah duo, has been talking about defeating the BJP in the Lok Sabha polls to "save the country." The Delhi chief minister has also been seeking Muslim votes for the AAP saying only it could stop the BJP in Delhi.&nbsp;

The BJP Saturday lodged complaints with the Election Commission against AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal for "misguiding" voters through FM radio advertisement and distorting party chief Amit Shah's statement on illegal infiltrators.

The BJP Saturday lodged complaints with the Election Commission against AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal for "misguiding" voters through FM radio advertisement and distorting party chief Amit Shah's statement on illegal infiltrators. Delhi BJP spokesperson Praveen Shankar Kapoor in a complaint letter to the Election Commission objected the content of the AAP's FM radio advertisement. "In the radio advertisement, the Delhi Chief Minister can be heard provoking people of Delhi that the central government collects thousands of crores rupees in revenue from Delhi but gives back around partly Rs 325 crore to Delhi, he said in his complaint. He requested the EC to review the contents of the AAP advertisement and block it as it was "misleading" for the voters. The central government which maintains Delhi Police spends Rs 7,881 crore annually on it for maintaining law and order in the city and spends around Rs 40,000 crore annually on Delhi Metro, road infrastructure, Yamuna cleaning, hospitals, Delhi University among others which directly benefits the people of Delhi, Kapoor said. In another complaint filed by BJP's national secretary R P Singh and Delhi BJP legal cell in-charge Neeraj, the party accused Kejriwal of "distorting" party chief Amit Shah's statement on illegal infiltrators in the country. The complaint accused Kejriwal of trying to gain Muslims votes by "misleading" them and "instigating" their religious sentiments. "Citing BJP's election manifesto, Shah had on April 10 said that with the help of National Register of Citizens (NRC), the party would drive out infiltrators from India and protect the Hindus, Sikhs and Buddhists. But the Delhi CM is not only trying to defame Shah by distorting his statement but instigating religious sentiments in violation of the Model Code of Conduct, Singh said. Kejriwal, a bitter critic of Modi-Shah duo, has been talking about defeating the BJP in the Lok Sabha polls to "save the country." The Delhi chief minister has also been seeking Muslim votes for the AAP saying only it could stop the BJP in Delhi.

BJP lodges complaints with Election Commission against Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/there-is-no-hope-left-for-alliance-with-congress-now-manish-sisodia-212001">Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) </a>on Thursday released its election manifesto for the ongoing Lok Sabha elections, which is considered as the roadmap for how the party will take the agenda of full statehood to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/alliance-fallout-if-bjp-wins-in-delhi-aap-and-congress-will-blame-each-other-for-their-rout-212800">Delhi </a>forward if voted to power.

In its manifesto, the party has made several promises like education, health, women safety, jobs, police reforms, zero corruption, pollution, etc.

The manifesto titled 'Lekar Rahenge Poorn Rajya'&nbsp;(We Will Take Full Statehood) was released in the presence of AAP national convenor and Delhi Chief Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-court-stays-non-bailable-warrants-against-arvind-kejriwal-others-in-defamation-complaint-213168">Arvind Kejriwal </a>and other senior party leaders in Delhi.

Speaking at the manifesto launch, Kejriwal said the ongoing election in the country is about saving democracy.

"2019 polls is about saving the country. If India is safe, parties will be saved. Need to save India from divisive forces. Today India's unity is under threat. BJP has an only one-point manifesto. BJP is fulfiling Pakistan's agenda. BJP's agenda is to divide India on the basis of caste and religion," Kejriwal said.

Talking at length about the AAP's constant demand of full statehood to Delhi, Kejriwal said, "We will fulfil a 70-year-old demand of the people of Delhi by granting full statehood. Both parties, BJP and Congress, have not fulfilled their promise of giving full statehood to Delhi. If Delhi becomes full statehood, we will not require the Centre`s permission. The Anti-Corruption branch will be handled by the Delhi government again."

The AAP convenor talked about jobs, reserving college seats for students from Delhi and revamping the educational system during the launch of the party`s manifesto.

Making a poll promise, Kejriwal said if full statehood is granted to Delhi, 85 per cent reservation will be granted to students from the national capital for admission in colleges.

Seven candidates fielded by the AAP are Chandni Chowk candidate Pankaj Gupta, East Delhi candidate Atishi, North West Delhi candidate Gugan Singh, South Delhi candidate Raghav Chadha, North East Delhi candidate Dilip Pandey, West Delhi candidate Balbir Singh Jakhar and New Delhi candidate Brajesh Goel.

Single-phase polling in Delhi will take place on 12 May and the results will be announced on 23 May.&nbsp;

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Thursday released its election manifesto for the ongoing Lok Sabha elections, which is considered as the roadmap for how the party will take the agenda of full statehood to Delhi forward if voted to power.

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Thursday released its election manifesto for the ongoing Lok Sabha elections, which is considered as the roadmap for how the party will take the agenda of full statehood to Delhi forward if voted to power. In its manifesto, the party has made several promises like education, health, women safety, jobs, police reforms, zero corruption, pollution, etc. The manifesto titled 'Lekar Rahenge Poorn Rajya' (We Will Take Full Statehood) was released in the presence of AAP national convenor and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and other senior party leaders in Delhi. Speaking at the manifesto launch, Kejriwal said the ongoing election in the country is about saving democracy. "2019 polls is about saving the country. If India is safe, parties will be saved. Need to save India from divisive forces. Today India's unity is under threat. BJP has an only one-point manifesto. BJP is fulfiling Pakistan's agenda. BJP's agenda is to divide India on the basis of caste and religion," Kejriwal said. Talking at length about the AAP's constant demand of full statehood to Delhi, Kejriwal said, "We will fulfil a 70-year-old demand of the people of Delhi by granting full statehood. Both parties, BJP and Congress, have not fulfilled their promise of giving full statehood to Delhi. If Delhi becomes full statehood, we will not require the Centre`s permission. The Anti-Corruption branch will be handled by the Delhi government again." The AAP convenor talked about jobs, reserving college seats for students from Delhi and revamping the educational system during the launch of the party`s manifesto. Making a poll promise, Kejriwal said if full statehood is granted to Delhi, 85 per cent reservation will be granted to students from the national capital for admission in colleges. Seven candidates fielded by the AAP are Chandni Chowk candidate Pankaj Gupta, East Delhi candidate Atishi, North West Delhi candidate Gugan Singh, South Delhi candidate Raghav Chadha, North East Delhi candidate Dilip Pandey, West Delhi candidate Balbir Singh Jakhar and New Delhi candidate Brajesh Goel. Single-phase polling in Delhi will take place on 12 May and the results will be announced on 23 May.

AAP releases Lok Sabha poll manifesto, primarily focuses on full statehood for Delhi

A Delhi court on Wednesday stayed the non-bailable warrants, which were issued against Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, his deputy Manish Sisodia and Swaraj India president Yogendra Yadav after they had failed to appear before it in a criminal defamation complaint filed in 2013. Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Samar Vishal passed the order after lawyers for the three leaders sought cancellation of the NBWs.

The court said it will take up the main matter on April 29. Sharma, in his complaint, had alleged that in 2013 he was approached by volunteers of AAP who had asked him to contest the Delhi Assembly elections on a party ticket, saying Kejriwal was pleased with his social services. He filled up the application form to contest the polls after being told by Sisodia and Yadav that AAP’s Political Affairs Committee had decided to give him the ticket.

However, it was later denied to him. On October 14, 2013, the complainant claimed that articles in leading newspapers carried “defamatory, unlawful and derogatory words used by the accused persons” which have lowered his reputation in the Bar and the society. Opposing the complaint, the AAP leaders had submitted that cancellation or allotment of an election ticket is the prerogative of the party and the complainant had not divulged correct information as to the cases pending against him.

On the basis of the complaint, the trial court had earlier sought their presence before it in the matter. It had, however, granted bail to Kejriwal, Sisodia and Yadav after they had appeared before it in pursuance to summonses against them. The summonses were issued on the complaint under sections 499, 500 (defamation) and 34 (common intention) of the IPC, with the trial court saying there was prima facie material to summon the accused.

A Delhi court on Wednesday stayed the non-bailable warrants, which were issued against Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, his deputy Manish Sisodia and Swaraj India president Yogendra Yadav after they had failed to appear before it in a criminal defamation complaint filed in 2013.

A Delhi court on Wednesday stayed the non-bailable warrants, which were issued against Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, his deputy Manish Sisodia and Swaraj India president Yogendra Yadav after they had failed to appear before it in a criminal defamation complaint filed in 2013. Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Samar Vishal passed the order after lawyers for the three leaders sought cancellation of the NBWs. The court said it will take up the main matter on April 29. Sharma, in his complaint, had alleged that in 2013 he was approached by volunteers of AAP who had asked him to contest the Delhi Assembly elections on a party ticket, saying Kejriwal was pleased with his social services. He filled up the application form to contest the polls after being told by Sisodia and Yadav that AAP’s Political Affairs Committee had decided to give him the ticket. However, it was later denied to him. On October 14, 2013, the complainant claimed that articles in leading newspapers carried “defamatory, unlawful and derogatory words used by the accused persons” which have lowered his reputation in the Bar and the society. Opposing the complaint, the AAP leaders had submitted that cancellation or allotment of an election ticket is the prerogative of the party and the complainant had not divulged correct information as to the cases pending against him. On the basis of the complaint, the trial court had earlier sought their presence before it in the matter. It had, however, granted bail to Kejriwal, Sisodia and Yadav after they had appeared before it in pursuance to summonses against them. The summonses were issued on the complaint under sections 499, 500 (defamation) and 34 (common intention) of the IPC, with the trial court saying there was prima facie material to summon the accused.

Delhi court stays non-bailable warrants against Arvind Kejriwal, others in defamation complaint

It’s now official, finally. There will be no alliance between the Congress and the Aam Aadmi Party in Delhi. This is a setback for both the parties since they now have to take on the Bharatiya Janata Party individually. The BJP had swept all the seven seats on offer in 2014 and is sitting pretty now, given the division of its anti-votes.&nbsp; 
 
The failure to strike an alliance is a reflection of the larger problems that the opposition faces in formulating a coalition to take on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his party at the national level. &nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
After various aborted attempts at a national-level alliance, there had been a realisation that the most pragmatic way to prevent the BJP from retaining power was to form state-level alliances.&nbsp;

Thus, the Congress and the Nationalist Congress Party came together in Maharashtra, the Congress and the National Conference structured a deal in Jammu &amp; Kashmir, the JD (S) and the Congress maintained their partnership in Karnataka despite problems, the Congress struck a coalition with the DMK in Tamil Nadu, and the Samajwadi Party and the BSP, otherwise bitterly opposed to each other, aligned in Uttar Pradesh. It was expected that, along the same lines, the AAP and the Congress would join hands in Delhi. The idea was to somehow short-circuit Modi and his party and work out an arrangement post-poll results. &nbsp;

The manner in which the situation unfolded over the weeks in Delhi does no credit to either the Congress or the AAP. All through this time, conflicting signals were sent out, giving the impression that neither of them was approaching the challenge with maturity. But the AAP came out worse because it was seen as the more desperate party to reach an understanding. 
 
It was repeatedly snubbed by the Congress and yet it continued to send feelers. Once Sheila Dikshit became Delhi’s Congress, it became near certain that no deal would be made. Dikshit was vehemently opposed to an understanding with the AAP, given the history of conflict between her and AAP supremo and Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. Her lobby made it known to the high command that the party would be better off fighting alone. There were two reasons for this stand. The first was that the Congress is expecting a surge in its popularity as compared to 2014 and wanted to cash in on it, without surrendering seats to an alliance partner. The second was that &nbsp;Dikshit and her people were worried about the adverse public reaction to an AAP-Congress partnership — after all, the AAP was born out of an anti-corruption movement directed against a Congress-led regime at the Centre. &nbsp;

Despite her stature, Dikshit’s opinion may well have been ignored, had the AAP not insisted on an understanding with the Congress for Haryana as part of the Delhi deal. The Congress was in no mood to accommodate Kejriwal’s party in the neighbouring state because it saw no political gain for itself since the AAP has only a scattered presence in Haryana.&nbsp;

The Congress also realised that Kejriwal was seeking to spread his wings by riding piggyback on the Congress and eventually weakening its presence in those regions. &nbsp;

It appears from media reports that Congress president Rahul Gandhi favoured an alliance with the AAP in Delhi, and his point man PC Chacko was burning the midnight oil to make this happen. But Chacko had come up against a resolute Dikshit — though, for the record, the former Chief Minister said she would abide by the high command’s final decision. &nbsp;

That said, the fact is that Congress has seen itself pushed out of coalition arrangements in a few key states. In Uttar Pradesh, which sends the highest number of MPs to the Lok Sabha, it was kept out of the SP-BSP-RLD combine. It has failed to stitch an alliance with regional players in Haryana. Its understanding with Chandrababu Naidu’s TDP in the Telangana state polls has collapsed, both in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.

And it could not reach an agreement with the Left Front in West Bengal to take on an entrenched Trinamool Congress and a resurgent BJP. To add to its woes, the Congress has been pushed down the pecking order in the past years by the BJP even in states where it had been an important opposition — such as in Odisha and West Bengal, and even the North-East where it has not been able to work out deals with powerful regional outfits to take on the BJP and its allies who are part of the North-East Democratic Alliance. &nbsp;

With a three-way contest now certain in Delhi, the major contenders have decided to play it safe, more or less banking on tested candidates. While the AAP has projected most of its senior faces, the BJP has made only slight changes, such as including cricketer Gautam Gambhir as a candidate. The Congress too has relied on the old faces. If the BJP wins resoundingly, the AAP and the Congress will blame each other for their rout. If the BJP is contained, both will seek to corner the credit to themselves. &nbsp;

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

It’s now official, finally. There will be no alliance between the Congress and the Aam Aadmi Party in Delhi. This is a setback for both the parties since they now have to take on the Bharatiya Janata Party individually.

It’s now official, finally. There will be no alliance between the Congress and the Aam Aadmi Party in Delhi. This is a setback for both the parties since they now have to take on the Bharatiya Janata Party individually. The BJP had swept all the seven seats on offer in 2014 and is sitting pretty now, given the division of its anti-votes. The failure to strike an alliance is a reflection of the larger problems that the opposition faces in formulating a coalition to take on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his party at the national level. After various aborted attempts at a national-level alliance, there had been a realisation that the most pragmatic way to prevent the BJP from retaining power was to form state-level alliances. Thus, the Congress and the Nationalist Congress Party came together in Maharashtra, the Congress and the National Conference structured a deal in Jammu & Kashmir, the JD (S) and the Congress maintained their partnership in Karnataka despite problems, the Congress struck a coalition with the DMK in Tamil Nadu, and the Samajwadi Party and the BSP, otherwise bitterly opposed to each other, aligned in Uttar Pradesh. It was expected that, along the same lines, the AAP and the Congress would join hands in Delhi. The idea was to somehow short-circuit Modi and his party and work out an arrangement post-poll results. The manner in which the situation unfolded over the weeks in Delhi does no credit to either the Congress or the AAP. All through this time, conflicting signals were sent out, giving the impression that neither of them was approaching the challenge with maturity. But the AAP came out worse because it was seen as the more desperate party to reach an understanding. It was repeatedly snubbed by the Congress and yet it continued to send feelers. Once Sheila Dikshit became Delhi’s Congress, it became near certain that no deal would be made. Dikshit was vehemently opposed to an understanding with the AAP, given the history of conflict between her and AAP supremo and Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. Her lobby made it known to the high command that the party would be better off fighting alone. There were two reasons for this stand. The first was that the Congress is expecting a surge in its popularity as compared to 2014 and wanted to cash in on it, without surrendering seats to an alliance partner. The second was that Dikshit and her people were worried about the adverse public reaction to an AAP-Congress partnership — after all, the AAP was born out of an anti-corruption movement directed against a Congress-led regime at the Centre. Despite her stature, Dikshit’s opinion may well have been ignored, had the AAP not insisted on an understanding with the Congress for Haryana as part of the Delhi deal. The Congress was in no mood to accommodate Kejriwal’s party in the neighbouring state because it saw no political gain for itself since the AAP has only a scattered presence in Haryana. The Congress also realised that Kejriwal was seeking to spread his wings by riding piggyback on the Congress and eventually weakening its presence in those regions. It appears from media reports that Congress president Rahul Gandhi favoured an alliance with the AAP in Delhi, and his point man PC Chacko was burning the midnight oil to make this happen. But Chacko had come up against a resolute Dikshit — though, for the record, the former Chief Minister said she would abide by the high command’s final decision. That said, the fact is that Congress has seen itself pushed out of coalition arrangements in a few key states. In Uttar Pradesh, which sends the highest number of MPs to the Lok Sabha, it was kept out of the SP-BSP-RLD combine. It has failed to stitch an alliance with regional players in Haryana. Its understanding with Chandrababu Naidu’s TDP in the Telangana state polls has collapsed, both in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. And it could not reach an agreement with the Left Front in West Bengal to take on an entrenched Trinamool Congress and a resurgent BJP. To add to its woes, the Congress has been pushed down the pecking order in the past years by the BJP even in states where it had been an important opposition — such as in Odisha and West Bengal, and even the North-East where it has not been able to work out deals with powerful regional outfits to take on the BJP and its allies who are part of the North-East Democratic Alliance. With a three-way contest now certain in Delhi, the major contenders have decided to play it safe, more or less banking on tested candidates. While the AAP has projected most of its senior faces, the BJP has made only slight changes, such as including cricketer Gautam Gambhir as a candidate. The Congress too has relied on the old faces. If the BJP wins resoundingly, the AAP and the Congress will blame each other for their rout. If the BJP is contained, both will seek to corner the credit to themselves. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Alliance fallout: If BJP wins in Delhi, AAP and Congress will blame each other for their rout

Aam Aadmi Party chief Arvind Kejriwal on Tuesday alleged that there have been several instances of faulty electronic voting machines in Goa during polling for the third phase of Lok Sabha elections.

In a series of tweets, Kejriwal tagged reports of alleged faulty electronic voting machines.

Tagging a news report which claimed that "faulty EVM in a booth at Kizhakke Nalpathu near Cherthala was replaced after it was found that all votes were getting registered to BJP", Kejriwal said, "Absolutely shocking. All faulty EVMs deliver votes to BJP".

In another instance, he shared the party's Goa convenor Elvis Gomes' tweet, "Election of shame? Mock poll with 9 votes for each of 6 candidates in booth no 31 in 34 AC in Goa. Total count BJP gets 17, Cong 9, Aap 8. Ind 1. Robbery."

Replying to Gomes' tweet, he said, "Faulty EVM in Goa also transfers other votes to BJP. Are these really faulty or programmed in this fashion?"

He shared another tweet of a citizen who alleged that "in Kerala if you press 'Hand' symbol, light shows as 'Lotus'. How is that all 'faulty EVMs' select only BJP?" to which Kejriwal said "another faulty EVM voting for BJP".

In the third phase of elections, about 18.56 crore voters are eligible for voting, for which 2.10 lakh polling booths/stations have been set up.

Besides all seats in Gujarat (26) and Kerala (20), voting will be held in four seats in Assam, five in Bihar, seven in Chhattisgarh, 14 each in Karnataka and Maharashtra, six in Odisha, 10 in Uttar Pradesh, five in West Bengal, two in Goa, and one each in Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Daman and Diu and Tripura.&nbsp;

Aam Aadmi Party chief Arvind Kejriwal on Tuesday alleged that there have been several instances of faulty electronic voting machines in Goa during polling for the third phase of Lok Sabha elections.

Aam Aadmi Party chief Arvind Kejriwal on Tuesday alleged that there have been several instances of faulty electronic voting machines in Goa during polling for the third phase of Lok Sabha elections. In a series of tweets, Kejriwal tagged reports of alleged faulty electronic voting machines. Tagging a news report which claimed that "faulty EVM in a booth at Kizhakke Nalpathu near Cherthala was replaced after it was found that all votes were getting registered to BJP", Kejriwal said, "Absolutely shocking. All faulty EVMs deliver votes to BJP". In another instance, he shared the party's Goa convenor Elvis Gomes' tweet, "Election of shame? Mock poll with 9 votes for each of 6 candidates in booth no 31 in 34 AC in Goa. Total count BJP gets 17, Cong 9, Aap 8. Ind 1. Robbery." Replying to Gomes' tweet, he said, "Faulty EVM in Goa also transfers other votes to BJP. Are these really faulty or programmed in this fashion?" He shared another tweet of a citizen who alleged that "in Kerala if you press 'Hand' symbol, light shows as 'Lotus'. How is that all 'faulty EVMs' select only BJP?" to which Kejriwal said "another faulty EVM voting for BJP". In the third phase of elections, about 18.56 crore voters are eligible for voting, for which 2.10 lakh polling booths/stations have been set up. Besides all seats in Gujarat (26) and Kerala (20), voting will be held in four seats in Assam, five in Bihar, seven in Chhattisgarh, 14 each in Karnataka and Maharashtra, six in Odisha, 10 in Uttar Pradesh, five in West Bengal, two in Goa, and one each in Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Daman and Diu and Tripura.

Kejriwal alleges several instances of faulty EVMs in polls in Goa

Ending days of speculation over the alliance with Congress, the Aam Aadmi Party clarified on Saturday that an alliance with the former was not possible in the national capital as the party&nbsp;refused to have tie-up anywhere else.

Accusing the Congress of playing "spoilsport" in alliance talks and "being unfair" by not giving them any seat in Punjab and asking for too many seats in Delhi, Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia said their party has closed all the negotiations now.

"We are strong in Delhi, while Congress is nowhere close. In Haryana, they denied, even when we offered them seven seats. There is no hope left for a coalition with Congress. We have also closed all the negotiations now. There is no question of seat-sharing with Congress in Delhi," he said.

"The Congress doesn`t have a single seat in Delhi, but they are demanding three seats from us. In Punjab, we have 4 MPs and 20 MLAs, yet they are not giving us any seats to contest from the state," said Manish Sisodia.

He further added that the Congress first proposed 6:3:1 seat sharing formula to the AAP in Haryana where six seats would be for Congress, three for Janayak Janata Party and one seat for AAP. "Our decision to form an alliance with the Congress was to stop the Modi-Shah duo," he said.

Senior party leader Sanjay Singh said they have agreed to all the seat-sharing arrangements that the Congress proposed but even then the grand old party backtracked.

"After discussions with our alliance partner in Haryana JJP we agreed to it but the Congress refused and said they can't give more than two seats to the JJP and proposed 7:2:1 formula," said Singh, who was negotiating with the Congress.

JJP chief Dushyant Chautala even agreed to that but then the Congress backtracked again on Friday night, saying there is no possibility of formation of any alliance anywhere except Delhi, he said.

Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia further targetted the Congress by saying&nbsp;that giving three seats to the party in the national capital would mean "giving three seats to the BJP".

Elections in Delhi will be held on May 12 in the sixth phase for all the seven seats.&nbsp;

The counting of votes will begin on May 23.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Ending days of speculation over the alliance with Congress, the Aam Aadmi Party clarified on Saturday that an alliance with the former was not possible in the national capital as the party refused to have tie-up anywhere else.

Ending days of speculation over the alliance with Congress, the Aam Aadmi Party clarified on Saturday that an alliance with the former was not possible in the national capital as the party refused to have tie-up anywhere else. Accusing the Congress of playing "spoilsport" in alliance talks and "being unfair" by not giving them any seat in Punjab and asking for too many seats in Delhi, Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia said their party has closed all the negotiations now. "We are strong in Delhi, while Congress is nowhere close. In Haryana, they denied, even when we offered them seven seats. There is no hope left for a coalition with Congress. We have also closed all the negotiations now. There is no question of seat-sharing with Congress in Delhi," he said. "The Congress doesn`t have a single seat in Delhi, but they are demanding three seats from us. In Punjab, we have 4 MPs and 20 MLAs, yet they are not giving us any seats to contest from the state," said Manish Sisodia. He further added that the Congress first proposed 6:3:1 seat sharing formula to the AAP in Haryana where six seats would be for Congress, three for Janayak Janata Party and one seat for AAP. "Our decision to form an alliance with the Congress was to stop the Modi-Shah duo," he said. Senior party leader Sanjay Singh said they have agreed to all the seat-sharing arrangements that the Congress proposed but even then the grand old party backtracked. "After discussions with our alliance partner in Haryana JJP we agreed to it but the Congress refused and said they can't give more than two seats to the JJP and proposed 7:2:1 formula," said Singh, who was negotiating with the Congress. JJP chief Dushyant Chautala even agreed to that but then the Congress backtracked again on Friday night, saying there is no possibility of formation of any alliance anywhere except Delhi, he said. Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia further targetted the Congress by saying that giving three seats to the party in the national capital would mean "giving three seats to the BJP". Elections in Delhi will be held on May 12 in the sixth phase for all the seven seats. The counting of votes will begin on May 23. (With inputs from agencies)

No hope left for alliance with Congress now: Manish Sisodia

The Lok Sabha alliance between Aam Aadmi Party and Congress party in Delhi has been called off, AAP leader Sanjay Singh told media on Wednesday.&nbsp;

As per reports, the alliance has been called-off following a disagreement over tie-up in Haryana and Delhi, news agency PTI reported quoting Singh.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/what-u-turn-tweet-suggests-youre-not-interested-in-alliance-kejriwal-slams-rahul-gandhi-210728">Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Congress chief Rahul Gandhi</a> have lately been in a flip-flop over the much-anticipated alliance in Delhi for Lok Sabha polls.&nbsp;

The Congress Tuesday asserted that it has shown a "big heart" by agreeing to form an alliance with the AAP in Delhi and said the ball is now in the court of the Arvind Kejriwal-led party to take a decision.

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Sanjay Singh, AAP: In order to stop BJP we were ready for an alliance with Congress, but Congress is not in a mood for any coalition. It is a matter of sadness, that even after so many efforts, Congress is not ready for any kind of compromise. <a href="https://t.co/UbaxqsbW6K">pic.twitter.com/UbaxqsbW6K</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1118510045078130690?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 17, 2019</a></blockquote>
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A day after Congress president Rahul Gandhi and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal indulged in a public spat over the issue, the grand old party said it has already offered AAP four seats in the national capital and now the decision has to be taken by it.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Monday reacted over Congress chief Rahul Gandhi's remark wherein he accuses Kejriwal of taking a U-turns on an alliance in Delhi.

"What U-turn?" tweets Kejriwal adding that talks are still going on.&nbsp;

"Your tweet exhibits that you are not interested in an alliance, I am sad that you are indulging in just giving out statements," Kejriwal's tweet read.&nbsp;

Kejriwal went on to say that the country needs to be saved from "Modi ji and Amit Shah ji" and unfortunately, "the Congress is just helping the BJP by distributing anti-Modi votes in UP and other states too".

Earlier in the day, Rahul Gandhi tweeted out saying that although he is ready for an alliance with the Aam Aadmi Party and can give 4 Lok Sabha seats for the party, "Mr Kejriwal has done another U turn!"&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

The Lok Sabha alliance between Aam Aadmi Party and Congress party in Delhi has been called off, AAP leader Sanjay Singh told media on Wednesday. As per reports, the alliance has been called-off following a disagreement over tie-up in Haryana and Delhi, news agency PTI reported quoting Singh.

The Lok Sabha alliance between Aam Aadmi Party and Congress party in Delhi has been called off, AAP leader Sanjay Singh told media on Wednesday. As per reports, the alliance has been called-off following a disagreement over tie-up in Haryana and Delhi, news agency PTI reported quoting Singh. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Congress chief Rahul Gandhi have lately been in a flip-flop over the much-anticipated alliance in Delhi for Lok Sabha polls. The Congress Tuesday asserted that it has shown a "big heart" by agreeing to form an alliance with the AAP in Delhi and said the ball is now in the court of the Arvind Kejriwal-led party to take a decision. Sanjay Singh, AAP: In order to stop BJP we were ready for an alliance with Congress, but Congress is not in a mood for any coalition. It is a matter of sadness, that even after so many efforts, Congress is not ready for any kind of compromise. pic.twitter.com/UbaxqsbW6K — ANI (@ANI) April 17, 2019 × A day after Congress president Rahul Gandhi and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal indulged in a public spat over the issue, the grand old party said it has already offered AAP four seats in the national capital and now the decision has to be taken by it. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Monday reacted over Congress chief Rahul Gandhi's remark wherein he accuses Kejriwal of taking a U-turns on an alliance in Delhi. "What U-turn?" tweets Kejriwal adding that talks are still going on. "Your tweet exhibits that you are not interested in an alliance, I am sad that you are indulging in just giving out statements," Kejriwal's tweet read. Kejriwal went on to say that the country needs to be saved from "Modi ji and Amit Shah ji" and unfortunately, "the Congress is just helping the BJP by distributing anti-Modi votes in UP and other states too". Earlier in the day, Rahul Gandhi tweeted out saying that although he is ready for an alliance with the Aam Aadmi Party and can give 4 Lok Sabha seats for the party, "Mr Kejriwal has done another U turn!" (With inputs from agencies)

Alliance with Congress in Delhi has been called off: AAP leader Sanjay Singh

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Monday reacted over Congress chief Rahul Gandhi's remark wherein he accuses Kejriwal of taking a U-turns on an alliance in Delhi.

"What U-turn?" tweets Kejriwal adding that talks are still going on.&nbsp;

"<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/on-alliance-with-aap-rahul-gandhi-says-times-running-out-ready-to-give-4-seats-210651">Your tweet</a> exhibits that you are not interested in an alliance, I am sad that you are indulging in just giving out statements," Kejriwal's tweet read.&nbsp;

Kejriwal went on to say that the country needs to be saved from "Modi ji and Amit Shah ji" and unfortunately, "the Congress is just helping the BJP by distributing anti-Modi votes in UP and other states too".

Earlier in the day, Rahul Gandhi tweeted out saying that although he is ready for an alliance with the Aam Aadmi Party and can give 4 Lok Sabha seats for the party, "Mr Kejriwal has done another U turn!"&nbsp;

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कौन सा U-टर्न?अभी तो बातचीत चल रही थी 
 
आपका ट्वीट दिखाता है कि गठबंधन आपकी इच्छा नहीं मात्र दिखावा है।मुझे दुःख है आप बयान बाज़ी कर रहे हैं 
 
आज देश को मोदी-शाह के ख़तरे से बचाना अहं है।दुर्भाग्य कि आप UP और अन्य राज्यों में भी मोदी विरोधी वोट बाँट कर मोदी जी की मदद कर रहे हैं <a href="https://t.co/9jnYXJFA0S">https://t.co/9jnYXJFA0S</a>
— Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) <a href="https://twitter.com/ArvindKejriwal/status/1117774571711500288?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 15, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"An alliance between the Congress and AAP in Delhi would mean the rout of the BJP. The Congress is willing to give up 4 Delhi seats to the AAP to ensure this," Gandhi said in a tweet.&nbsp;

He added that Congress' door for an alliance with the AAP in Delhi is still open, "but the clock is running out".&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Congress Delhi in-charge PC Chacko said that the AAP is suggesting an alliance on 18 seats beyond Delhi.&nbsp;

"Let us come together in Delhi first. Rahul ji said our doors are open, it should be done... Whatever decision is reached in one state cannot be replicated in the same way in other states," Chacko said on Monday.&nbsp;

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Monday reacted over Congress chief Rahul Gandhi's remark wherein he accuses Kejriwal of taking a U-turns on an alliance in Delhi.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Monday reacted over Congress chief Rahul Gandhi's remark wherein he accuses Kejriwal of taking a U-turns on an alliance in Delhi. "What U-turn?" tweets Kejriwal adding that talks are still going on. "Your tweet exhibits that you are not interested in an alliance, I am sad that you are indulging in just giving out statements," Kejriwal's tweet read. Kejriwal went on to say that the country needs to be saved from "Modi ji and Amit Shah ji" and unfortunately, "the Congress is just helping the BJP by distributing anti-Modi votes in UP and other states too". Earlier in the day, Rahul Gandhi tweeted out saying that although he is ready for an alliance with the Aam Aadmi Party and can give 4 Lok Sabha seats for the party, "Mr Kejriwal has done another U turn!" कौन सा U-टर्न?अभी तो बातचीत चल रही थी आपका ट्वीट दिखाता है कि गठबंधन आपकी इच्छा नहीं मात्र दिखावा है।मुझे दुःख है आप बयान बाज़ी कर रहे हैं आज देश को मोदी-शाह के ख़तरे से बचाना अहं है।दुर्भाग्य कि आप UP और अन्य राज्यों में भी मोदी विरोधी वोट बाँट कर मोदी जी की मदद कर रहे हैं https://t.co/9jnYXJFA0S — Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) April 15, 2019 × "An alliance between the Congress and AAP in Delhi would mean the rout of the BJP. The Congress is willing to give up 4 Delhi seats to the AAP to ensure this," Gandhi said in a tweet. He added that Congress' door for an alliance with the AAP in Delhi is still open, "but the clock is running out". Meanwhile, Congress Delhi in-charge PC Chacko said that the AAP is suggesting an alliance on 18 seats beyond Delhi. "Let us come together in Delhi first. Rahul ji said our doors are open, it should be done... Whatever decision is reached in one state cannot be replicated in the same way in other states," Chacko said on Monday.

'What U-turn? Tweet suggests you're not interested in alliance': Kejriwal slams Rahul Gandhi 

Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Monday tweeted out saying that although he is ready for an alliance with the Aam Aadmi Party and can give 4 Lok Sabha seats for the party, "Mr Kejriwal has done another U turn!"

"An alliance between the Congress and&nbsp;AAP in Delhi would mean the rout of the BJP. The Congress is willing to give up 4 Delhi seats to the AAP to ensure this," Gandhi said in a tweet.&nbsp;

He added that Congress' door for an alliance with the AAP in Delhi is still open, "but the clock is running out".&nbsp;

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An alliance between the Congress &amp; AAP in Delhi would mean the rout of the BJP. The Congress is willing to give up 4 Delhi seats to the AAP to ensure this. 
 
But, Mr Kejriwal has done yet another U turn! 
 
Our doors are still open, but the clock is running out. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AbAAPkiBaari?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AbAAPkiBaari</a>
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) <a href="https://twitter.com/RahulGandhi/status/1117764561459802112?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 15, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Sunday said that he is <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/will-do-whatever-is-needed-to-save-country-from-modi-amit-shah-arvind-kejriwal-on-alliance-with-congress-210374">ready to do anything</a> to save the country from "Modi ji and Amit Shah ji," while referring to an alliance with the Congress in Delhi.

"Our efforts will continue till the end," Kejriwal noted.&nbsp;

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PC Chacko, Congress Delhi In-charge: AAP is suggesting alliance on 18 seats beyond Delhi. Let us come together in Delhi first. Rahul ji said our doors are open, it should be done.... Whatever decision is reached in one state cannot be replicated in the same way in other states. <a href="https://t.co/oXVSR9URsu">pic.twitter.com/oXVSR9URsu</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1117792086684647425?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 15, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Earlier in the month, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rahul-gandhi-refused-to-forge-alliance-with-aap-for-lok-sabha-polls-arvind-kejriwal-207181">Kejriwal had said that Rahul Gandhi has refused to forge an alliance with the AAP</a> for the Lok Sabha polls in the national capital.

Talking to reporters at the airport in Visakhapatnam, the AAP leader said he had met Gandhi recently and the Congress leader had refused to join hands with the AAP, news agency PTI reported.&nbsp;

Asked about Congress' Delhi unit president Sheila Dikshit's remarks that Kejriwal never approached her for an alliance, the chief minister said, "We have met Rahul Gandhi. Dikshit is not that important leader".

 
&nbsp;

Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Monday tweeted out saying that although he is ready for an alliance with the Aam Aadmi Party and can give 4 Lok Sabha seats for the party, "Mr Kejriwal has done another U turn!

Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Monday tweeted out saying that although he is ready for an alliance with the Aam Aadmi Party and can give 4 Lok Sabha seats for the party, "Mr Kejriwal has done another U turn!" "An alliance between the Congress and AAP in Delhi would mean the rout of the BJP. The Congress is willing to give up 4 Delhi seats to the AAP to ensure this," Gandhi said in a tweet. He added that Congress' door for an alliance with the AAP in Delhi is still open, "but the clock is running out". An alliance between the Congress & AAP in Delhi would mean the rout of the BJP. The Congress is willing to give up 4 Delhi seats to the AAP to ensure this. But, Mr Kejriwal has done yet another U turn! Our doors are still open, but the clock is running out. #AbAAPkiBaari — Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) April 15, 2019 × Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Sunday said that he is ready to do anything to save the country from "Modi ji and Amit Shah ji," while referring to an alliance with the Congress in Delhi. "Our efforts will continue till the end," Kejriwal noted. PC Chacko, Congress Delhi In-charge: AAP is suggesting alliance on 18 seats beyond Delhi. Let us come together in Delhi first. Rahul ji said our doors are open, it should be done.... Whatever decision is reached in one state cannot be replicated in the same way in other states. pic.twitter.com/oXVSR9URsu — ANI (@ANI) April 15, 2019 × Earlier in the month, Kejriwal had said that Rahul Gandhi has refused to forge an alliance with the AAP for the Lok Sabha polls in the national capital. Talking to reporters at the airport in Visakhapatnam, the AAP leader said he had met Gandhi recently and the Congress leader had refused to join hands with the AAP, news agency PTI reported. Asked about Congress' Delhi unit president Sheila Dikshit's remarks that Kejriwal never approached her for an alliance, the chief minister said, "We have met Rahul Gandhi. Dikshit is not that important leader".

'Time's running out; ready to give 4 seats,' says Rahul Gandhi on alliance with AAP

Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal on Sunday said that his party is ready to do "whatever is needed to save the country from Modi ji and Amit Shah ji". Kejriwal was reacting on a query relating to AAP's decision on an alliance with Congress.&nbsp;

"Our efforts will continue till the end," Kejriwal noted.&nbsp;

The Delhi CM also alleged that every political party other than Modi-led BJP is pressing for verification of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/opposition-parties-to-approach-supreme-court-again-to-demand-verification-of-50-votes-by-paper-trails-210298">50 per cent of the votes through paper trails</a>, news agency ANI reported.&nbsp;

"If BJP does not want Voter Verifies Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) to be counted, then why did they spend 9,000 crores on the Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs)? They do not want VVPAT to be counted since they are benefiting from the laxity," CM Kejriwal told media persons on Sunday.

The Delhi chief minister also alleged that the Election Commission (EC) only listens to concerns of the BJP.&nbsp;

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Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal on if discussions on Congress-AAP alliance are still underway: The country is in danger. To save the country from Modi Ji &amp; Amit Shah Ji's 'jodi', we are ready to do whatever is needed. Our efforts will continue till the end. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LokSabhaElections2019?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LokSabhaElections2019</a> <a href="https://t.co/ryvtACTrQj">pic.twitter.com/ryvtACTrQj</a>
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Just a day ago, Andhra CM and TDP chief N Chandrababu Naidu demanded the Election Commission of India (ECI) revert to the ballot system.&nbsp;

Naidu raised questions over the efficacy of the electronic voting machines (EVM) and said that going back to the paper system should be done immediately to "preserve the sanctity and protect the spirit of the electoral process and democracy."

The TDP supremo met officials of the ECI on Saturday over the issue of EVM malfunctioning in the ongoing Lok Sabha elections. 
&nbsp;

Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal on Sunday said that his party is ready to do "whatever is needed to save the country from Modi ji and Amit Shah ji". Kejriwal was reacting on a query relating to AAP's decision on an alliance with Congress.

Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal on Sunday said that his party is ready to do "whatever is needed to save the country from Modi ji and Amit Shah ji". Kejriwal was reacting on a query relating to AAP's decision on an alliance with Congress. "Our efforts will continue till the end," Kejriwal noted. The Delhi CM also alleged that every political party other than Modi-led BJP is pressing for verification of 50 per cent of the votes through paper trails, news agency ANI reported. "If BJP does not want Voter Verifies Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) to be counted, then why did they spend 9,000 crores on the Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs)? They do not want VVPAT to be counted since they are benefiting from the laxity," CM Kejriwal told media persons on Sunday. The Delhi chief minister also alleged that the Election Commission (EC) only listens to concerns of the BJP. Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal on if discussions on Congress-AAP alliance are still underway: The country is in danger. To save the country from Modi Ji & Amit Shah Ji's 'jodi', we are ready to do whatever is needed. Our efforts will continue till the end. #LokSabhaElections2019 pic.twitter.com/ryvtACTrQj — ANI (@ANI) April 14, 2019 × Just a day ago, Andhra CM and TDP chief N Chandrababu Naidu demanded the Election Commission of India (ECI) revert to the ballot system. Naidu raised questions over the efficacy of the electronic voting machines (EVM) and said that going back to the paper system should be done immediately to "preserve the sanctity and protect the spirit of the electoral process and democracy." The TDP supremo met officials of the ECI on Saturday over the issue of EVM malfunctioning in the ongoing Lok Sabha elections.

Will do whatever is needed to save country from Modi, Amit Shah: Arvind Kejriwal on alliance with Congress

"If Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) is ready for an alliance in Delhi, we are ready even today," the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-claims-laser-pointed-at-rahul-gandhis-head-mha-says-it-was-mobiles-green-light-209537">Congress said</a> on Friday.

"AAP wanted to have an alliance in other states also which is not practical. Every state is different. We will announce the seats tomorrow or day after tomorrow. If they are ready for an alliance in Delhi with Congress, we are ready even today," Congress leader PC Chacko said during a press conference here.

He added that the Congress is ready to do ally with parties who are willing to defeat the Bharatiya Janata Party.

"We (Congress and AAP) are fighting face to face in Delhi, we fought municipality, assembly, and parliamentary elections, so naturally we both have political bitterness between us but we both understand that the political necessity is that we should come together and defeat BJP in Delhi," said Chacko

"Sanjay Singh met me and we discussed our corresponding strength in the last election in Delhi (in 2017). Congress got 31 seats and AAP got 49 seats and together we had 80 seats. Our vote share was INC got 21 per cent votes, AAP got 26 per cent votes and in total, we got 47 per cent. There are 7 Lok Sabha seats, we are eligible to get approximately 3 seats while AAP is entitled to 4 seats," Chacko said.

With regards to the recent decision by the Supreme Court over the electoral bonds issue, Congress leader and senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi said the Electoral Bonds have become "electoral corruption."

"Modi Ji will now have to explain in writing what is the source of the money, he will also need to explain that whether this money is black or white," said Singhvi while taking a jibe at the Prime Minister.

The apex court passed an interim order asking political parties to submit in a sealed cover to the Election Commission of India (ECI) details of the donations received through electoral bonds.

In an interim order, the apex court directed the parties to furnish details of donors and amounts received through the bonds to the poll watchdog by May 30.

The order was passed by a bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi on public interest litigation (PIL) filed by NGO Association of Democratic Reforms (ADR) and CPI(M).

"If Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) is ready for an alliance in Delhi, we are ready even today," the Congress said on Friday. "AAP wanted to have an alliance in other states also which is not practical.

"If Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) is ready for an alliance in Delhi, we are ready even today," the Congress said on Friday. "AAP wanted to have an alliance in other states also which is not practical. Every state is different. We will announce the seats tomorrow or day after tomorrow. If they are ready for an alliance in Delhi with Congress, we are ready even today," Congress leader PC Chacko said during a press conference here. He added that the Congress is ready to do ally with parties who are willing to defeat the Bharatiya Janata Party. "We (Congress and AAP) are fighting face to face in Delhi, we fought municipality, assembly, and parliamentary elections, so naturally we both have political bitterness between us but we both understand that the political necessity is that we should come together and defeat BJP in Delhi," said Chacko "Sanjay Singh met me and we discussed our corresponding strength in the last election in Delhi (in 2017). Congress got 31 seats and AAP got 49 seats and together we had 80 seats. Our vote share was INC got 21 per cent votes, AAP got 26 per cent votes and in total, we got 47 per cent. There are 7 Lok Sabha seats, we are eligible to get approximately 3 seats while AAP is entitled to 4 seats," Chacko said. With regards to the recent decision by the Supreme Court over the electoral bonds issue, Congress leader and senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi said the Electoral Bonds have become "electoral corruption." "Modi Ji will now have to explain in writing what is the source of the money, he will also need to explain that whether this money is black or white," said Singhvi while taking a jibe at the Prime Minister. The apex court passed an interim order asking political parties to submit in a sealed cover to the Election Commission of India (ECI) details of the donations received through electoral bonds. In an interim order, the apex court directed the parties to furnish details of donors and amounts received through the bonds to the poll watchdog by May 30. The order was passed by a bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi on public interest litigation (PIL) filed by NGO Association of Democratic Reforms (ADR) and CPI(M).

If AAP ready for alliance in Delhi, we are ready even today: Congress

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal Monday said that Congress President Rahul Gandhi has refused to forge an alliance with the AAP for the Lok Sabha polls in the national capital.

Talking to reporters at the airport in&nbsp;Visakhapatnam, the AAP leader said he had met Gandhi recently and the Congress leader had refused to join hands with the AAP.&nbsp;

Asked about Congress' Delhi unit president Sheila Dikshit's remarks that Kejriwal never approached her for an alliance, the chief minister said, "We have met Rahul Gandhi. Dikshit is not that important leader".

Kejriwal has been urging the Congress to stitch an alliance in Delhi for the Lok Sabha polls to keep the BJP away from power.

Leaders in the Delhi unit of the Congress were divided over the issue of alliance with Dikshit and her three working presidents opposing it, party sources had said.

A top source in the party had recently said that chances of alliance were "slim" considering its long term repercussions in Delhi.

"The biggest question is how will Congress face the AAP in Assembly elections due in 2020 after the tie up. Also, the party does not gain much politically as it is being offered only 2-3 seats by Kejriwal," the source had said.

Congress had drawn a blank in the 2014 parliamentary elections in Delhi.

The talk of alliance was fuelled by the fact that the Congress and AAP had jointly polled more votes than the BJP that had walked away with all the seven seats in the national capital.&nbsp;

Delhi has 7 Lok Sabha seats and it will go to polls on May 12.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal Monday said that Congress President Rahul Gandhi has refused to forge an alliance with the AAP for the Lok Sabha polls in the national capital.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal Monday said that Congress President Rahul Gandhi has refused to forge an alliance with the AAP for the Lok Sabha polls in the national capital. Talking to reporters at the airport in Visakhapatnam, the AAP leader said he had met Gandhi recently and the Congress leader had refused to join hands with the AAP. Asked about Congress' Delhi unit president Sheila Dikshit's remarks that Kejriwal never approached her for an alliance, the chief minister said, "We have met Rahul Gandhi. Dikshit is not that important leader". Kejriwal has been urging the Congress to stitch an alliance in Delhi for the Lok Sabha polls to keep the BJP away from power. Leaders in the Delhi unit of the Congress were divided over the issue of alliance with Dikshit and her three working presidents opposing it, party sources had said. A top source in the party had recently said that chances of alliance were "slim" considering its long term repercussions in Delhi. "The biggest question is how will Congress face the AAP in Assembly elections due in 2020 after the tie up. Also, the party does not gain much politically as it is being offered only 2-3 seats by Kejriwal," the source had said. Congress had drawn a blank in the 2014 parliamentary elections in Delhi. The talk of alliance was fuelled by the fact that the Congress and AAP had jointly polled more votes than the BJP that had walked away with all the seven seats in the national capital. Delhi has 7 Lok Sabha seats and it will go to polls on May 12.

Rahul Gandhi refused to forge alliance with AAP for Lok Sabha polls: Arvind Kejriwal

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal Wednesday said if Delhi is granted full statehood, he will turn it into a model city and an example for the world with everyone in the national capital having their own flat.

The Aam Aadmi Party chief alleged that the people of Delhi are insulted time and again by the central government which has given a "half status" to the national capital. He appealed to them to unite and join the movement towards full statehood.

"At the time of Sheila ji's government (former chief minister Sheila Dikshit) the power tariff used to increase every year for 15 years but we reduced it to half," he said, addressing a rally in Kondli in East Delhi.

Kejriwal claimed that if the city-state gets full statehood, he would "build a model city in which everyone would have their own flat and the national capital would be an example for the whole world".

"The real Delhi resides beyond the ring road, the real Delhi is in small lanes where there were no proper roads earlier," he said.

At another rally in R K Puram, Kejriwal claimed that no party is going to get absolute majority this time and urged people to vote for full statehood this time and not for Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Accusing the Centre of creating "hurdles" for Delhi's development, the AAP leader alleged that he faced several obstructions at various stages to get clearances from the central government.

He said the people of Delhi pay Rs 1.5 lakh crore worth Income Tax and receive only Rs 325 crore from the Centre.

"Why should we pay so much and get so less in return? What have Delhiites done to the central government to deserve this? The situation is similar to the time before India got independence.

"First Britishers looted us, now the central government is looting us," the chief minister said.

"Just for political enmity, PM Modi stopped the development work for the common man of Delhi. Last time you voted for him, but this time do not vote for him, otherwise he would not let me work for development," he added.

The ruling AAP in the city is fighting the upcoming Lok Sabha election on the agenda of granting full statehood to Delhi.

Raising the slogan of 'Poorna Rajya Banao Jhadu ka Button Dabao', the party is busy convincing people to vote for AAP to get full statehood for Delhi.

The election to the seven Lok Sabha seats in the national capital will be held on May 12.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal Wednesday said if Delhi is granted full statehood, he will turn it into a model city and an example for the world with everyone in the national capital having their own flat.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal Wednesday said if Delhi is granted full statehood, he will turn it into a model city and an example for the world with everyone in the national capital having their own flat. The Aam Aadmi Party chief alleged that the people of Delhi are insulted time and again by the central government which has given a "half status" to the national capital. He appealed to them to unite and join the movement towards full statehood. "At the time of Sheila ji's government (former chief minister Sheila Dikshit) the power tariff used to increase every year for 15 years but we reduced it to half," he said, addressing a rally in Kondli in East Delhi. Kejriwal claimed that if the city-state gets full statehood, he would "build a model city in which everyone would have their own flat and the national capital would be an example for the whole world". "The real Delhi resides beyond the ring road, the real Delhi is in small lanes where there were no proper roads earlier," he said. At another rally in R K Puram, Kejriwal claimed that no party is going to get absolute majority this time and urged people to vote for full statehood this time and not for Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Accusing the Centre of creating "hurdles" for Delhi's development, the AAP leader alleged that he faced several obstructions at various stages to get clearances from the central government. He said the people of Delhi pay Rs 1.5 lakh crore worth Income Tax and receive only Rs 325 crore from the Centre. "Why should we pay so much and get so less in return? What have Delhiites done to the central government to deserve this? The situation is similar to the time before India got independence. "First Britishers looted us, now the central government is looting us," the chief minister said. "Just for political enmity, PM Modi stopped the development work for the common man of Delhi. Last time you voted for him, but this time do not vote for him, otherwise he would not let me work for development," he added. The ruling AAP in the city is fighting the upcoming Lok Sabha election on the agenda of granting full statehood to Delhi. Raising the slogan of 'Poorna Rajya Banao Jhadu ka Button Dabao', the party is busy convincing people to vote for AAP to get full statehood for Delhi. The election to the seven Lok Sabha seats in the national capital will be held on May 12.

Granted statehood, Delhi will be turned into model city, example for world: Kejriwal

A&nbsp;day after declaring its candidate for the seventh Lok Sabha seat, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Monday made it clear that there would be neither any alliance with the Congress nor a rollback of any of its candidates in Delhi.

Asserting that "enough is enough", senior AAP leader Gopal Rai said these are the final seven candidates of the party and there is no question of "any roll back".

The ruling AAP had earlier on March 2, announced the names of its candidates for the six Lok Sabha seats.

On Sunday, the party declared its last candidate in Delhi, with a senior leader saying the announcement was made seeing the Congress's "irresponsible and indecisive" attitude towards an alliance.

"Despite facing stiff opposition from its workers, the AAP was open to an alliance with the Congress in Delhi but after waiting for so long and constantly hearing conflicting statements from the party, we have decided that enough is enough and now even if Congress approaches us with a proposal there would be no alliance in Delhi," he said.

He said there has been no communication from the Congress and it clearly shows that the grand old party is "not serious" about elections in Delhi.

The BJP and Congress have not yet declared their candidates for elections in Delhi.

There were rumours of an alliance between Congress-AAP last week when the Congress decided to seek feedback from its booth-level workers on a tie-up with the AAP.

"There are many leaders and workers in Delhi Congress who are in favour of alliance with AAP. But a final call in this regard will be taken by party president Rahul Gandhi," P C Chacko, a senior Congress leader, had said earlier.

Elections to the seven Lok Sabha seats in Delhi will be held on May 12. The results will be declared with the rest of the country on May 23.

A day after declaring its candidate for the seventh Lok Sabha seat, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Monday made it clear that there would be neither any alliance with the Congress nor a rollback of any of its candidates in Delhi.

A day after declaring its candidate for the seventh Lok Sabha seat, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Monday made it clear that there would be neither any alliance with the Congress nor a rollback of any of its candidates in Delhi. Asserting that "enough is enough", senior AAP leader Gopal Rai said these are the final seven candidates of the party and there is no question of "any roll back". The ruling AAP had earlier on March 2, announced the names of its candidates for the six Lok Sabha seats. On Sunday, the party declared its last candidate in Delhi, with a senior leader saying the announcement was made seeing the Congress's "irresponsible and indecisive" attitude towards an alliance. "Despite facing stiff opposition from its workers, the AAP was open to an alliance with the Congress in Delhi but after waiting for so long and constantly hearing conflicting statements from the party, we have decided that enough is enough and now even if Congress approaches us with a proposal there would be no alliance in Delhi," he said. He said there has been no communication from the Congress and it clearly shows that the grand old party is "not serious" about elections in Delhi. The BJP and Congress have not yet declared their candidates for elections in Delhi. There were rumours of an alliance between Congress-AAP last week when the Congress decided to seek feedback from its booth-level workers on a tie-up with the AAP. "There are many leaders and workers in Delhi Congress who are in favour of alliance with AAP. But a final call in this regard will be taken by party president Rahul Gandhi," P C Chacko, a senior Congress leader, had said earlier. Elections to the seven Lok Sabha seats in Delhi will be held on May 12. The results will be declared with the rest of the country on May 23.

No alliance with Congress in Delhi: AAP

A Delhi court Friday summoned Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and others in a defamation case filed by BJP leader Rajeev Babbar.&nbsp;

Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Samar Vishal directed Kejriwal and other accused to appear on April 30.&nbsp;

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Delhi's Patiala House Court issues summons to Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal, AAP leader Atishi Marlena, AAP MP Sushil Gupta and MLA Manoj Kumar in a defamation case filed by BJP leader Rajiv babbar, asking them to appear before the Court on April 30.
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Babbar has sought proceeding against Kejriwal, Rajya Sabha member Sushil Kumar Gupta, MLA Manoj Kumar and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) spokesperson Atishi Malena for harming the reputation of BJP by blaming it for the deletion of the names of "voters" from the electoral rolls in Delhi.

The court had earlier taken cognisance of the defamation complaint filed against Kejriwal and others by Babbar.

"All the accused made accusations against BJP in a calculated manner with the sole intention to portray a negative image of BJP in relation to the voters belonging to certain sections of society viz. Bania, Poorvanchalis, Muslims etc. The reputation of the complainant has been damaged beyond repair," Babbar had said.

A Delhi court Friday summoned Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and others in a defamation case filed by BJP leader Rajeev Babbar. Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Samar Vishal directed Kejriwal and other accused to appear on April 30.

A Delhi court Friday summoned Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and others in a defamation case filed by BJP leader Rajeev Babbar. Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Samar Vishal directed Kejriwal and other accused to appear on April 30. Delhi's Patiala House Court issues summons to Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal, AAP leader Atishi Marlena, AAP MP Sushil Gupta and MLA Manoj Kumar in a defamation case filed by BJP leader Rajiv babbar, asking them to appear before the Court on April 30. — ANI (@ANI) March 15, 2019 × Babbar has sought proceeding against Kejriwal, Rajya Sabha member Sushil Kumar Gupta, MLA Manoj Kumar and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) spokesperson Atishi Malena for harming the reputation of BJP by blaming it for the deletion of the names of "voters" from the electoral rolls in Delhi. The court had earlier taken cognisance of the defamation complaint filed against Kejriwal and others by Babbar. "All the accused made accusations against BJP in a calculated manner with the sole intention to portray a negative image of BJP in relation to the voters belonging to certain sections of society viz. Bania, Poorvanchalis, Muslims etc. The reputation of the complainant has been damaged beyond repair," Babbar had said.

Delhi court summons Arvind Kejriwal, others in defamation case filed by BJP's Rajeev Babbar

&nbsp;Imagine a cricket match in which the fielding team gets a wicket off the very first ball - and that too a run-out because the two batsmen don't know how to run between the wickets.&nbsp;

That's what Delhi's political scene is looking like now. On the very first day after the Election Commission of India announced general elections, Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has found the going good in the capital city thanks to a poor understanding between its main rivals.

With Congress president Rahul Gandhi formally asking his party cadre to win all the seven Lok Sabha seats in the capital, a triangular fight between itself, the BJP and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) is confirmed to a point where I believe the lotus-wallahs have a clear upper hand for several reasons.&nbsp;

Unless there is some late change of mood, and a pinhole exists for a mutually agreeable arrangement as some reports speculate, the advantage is clearly with the BJP.

So what happened to the grand plan to unseat the BJP in a 'Mahagatbandhan' - a grand alliance? In Delhi at least, it has fallen a victim to narrow egos that do not sit easily with claims that Modi's defeat is so important that everyone else has to close ranks.&nbsp;

While you can apportion blame between both the Congress and AAP, the Congress must take a higher share because it had every reason to swallow a bit of its 133-year-old pride as modern India's oldest political grouping.

In Lucknow, they say the old nawabs were so courteous to each other that they would say 'pehle aap' (you first) repeatedly to the other when a horsecart arrived that the cart would leave without either of them. In Delhi, we have a 'pehle aap' culture of a different variety, with much the same result.

The Congress, it seems, wanted the AAP to make the first move in what might have been an alliance. 'Pehle AAP', it seemed to say. But the AAP went ahead and announced candidates for six seats in Delhi without much ado (If there were any backroom talks, we are not quite aware). For Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, putting the AAP first has become his own variant. 'Pehle AAP,' as it were.&nbsp;

The result of all this is a triangular contest in which the BJP is set to be the gainer. Given the fact that there is a widespread belief that Modi is the front-runner, but faces an anti-incumbency factor in which the BJP on its own may not get a clear majority in the Lok Sabha like it did last time, every seat counts for those who want to - or claim to want to - unseat him. With seven seats tilting towards the BJP, the grand alliance of the opposition has gotten off to a not-so-grand start in the national capital.

Even otherwise, the BJP is on strong ground in Delhi. With memories of the Pulwama attack in Kashmir and anti-terror airstrikes by the Indian Air Force in Pakistani territory fresh in public memory, Modi has already made national security a major poll plank. There is no state, I believe, that buys this plank more than Delhi. As the capital region, national issues are close to its heart. Delhi also is arguably the least affected by caste politics by Indian standards. Given the BJP's tendency to appeal above caste divides, that is another advantage for the BJP.

The Congress is a bruised party. Its own internal tensions between Delhi party leaders Sheila Dixit and Ajay Maken is part of the capital's political folklore. It does not help that the AAP is sitting in power in the local government and has been energetically working towards raising its profile. Its passion and energy can be seen everywhere as if it has put behind the bad vibes it acquired when senior leaders like Prashant Bhushan and Yogendra Yadav found themselves out of the group in an unseemly turn of events.

AAP has truly revolutionised education and healthcare in Delhi with visible administrative interventions by its government. Kejriwal and his deputy, Manish Sisodia, have also perfected the dubious art of hyping up achievements. I expect AAP to be BJP's main challenger because it also has built up considerable goodwill among teeming migrants from eastern UP and Bihar.

The Congress is no doubt strong in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, but it cannot expect a simple rebound vote to help it in Delhi, given AAP's inspired, though chequered, rule over the city. There are no rabbits that I can see coming out of Rahul Gandhi's magical hat.

At the national level, if the Lok Sabha break-up throws up a pleasant surprise for the opposition (which I do not rule out), Delhi's seats may turn up to be more crucial than it appears now. The Congress seems to want to brazen it out there despite the sensitivity of the situation. It seems to confuse memories of the past with the imperatives of the present.

(This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the <a href="https://zeenews.india.com/blogs/each-seat-matters-but-congress-aap-have-gifted-advantage-to-bjp-in-delhi-in-2019-lok-sabha-elections-2187208.html">original article)</a>

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Imagine a cricket match in which the fielding team gets a wicket off the very first ball - and that too a run-out because the two batsmen don't know how to run between the wickets.

Imagine a cricket match in which the fielding team gets a wicket off the very first ball - and that too a run-out because the two batsmen don't know how to run between the wickets. That's what Delhi's political scene is looking like now. On the very first day after the Election Commission of India announced general elections, Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has found the going good in the capital city thanks to a poor understanding between its main rivals. With Congress president Rahul Gandhi formally asking his party cadre to win all the seven Lok Sabha seats in the capital, a triangular fight between itself, the BJP and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) is confirmed to a point where I believe the lotus-wallahs have a clear upper hand for several reasons. Unless there is some late change of mood, and a pinhole exists for a mutually agreeable arrangement as some reports speculate, the advantage is clearly with the BJP. So what happened to the grand plan to unseat the BJP in a 'Mahagatbandhan' - a grand alliance? In Delhi at least, it has fallen a victim to narrow egos that do not sit easily with claims that Modi's defeat is so important that everyone else has to close ranks. While you can apportion blame between both the Congress and AAP, the Congress must take a higher share because it had every reason to swallow a bit of its 133-year-old pride as modern India's oldest political grouping. In Lucknow, they say the old nawabs were so courteous to each other that they would say 'pehle aap' (you first) repeatedly to the other when a horsecart arrived that the cart would leave without either of them. In Delhi, we have a 'pehle aap' culture of a different variety, with much the same result. The Congress, it seems, wanted the AAP to make the first move in what might have been an alliance. 'Pehle AAP', it seemed to say. But the AAP went ahead and announced candidates for six seats in Delhi without much ado (If there were any backroom talks, we are not quite aware). For Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, putting the AAP first has become his own variant. 'Pehle AAP,' as it were. The result of all this is a triangular contest in which the BJP is set to be the gainer. Given the fact that there is a widespread belief that Modi is the front-runner, but faces an anti-incumbency factor in which the BJP on its own may not get a clear majority in the Lok Sabha like it did last time, every seat counts for those who want to - or claim to want to - unseat him. With seven seats tilting towards the BJP, the grand alliance of the opposition has gotten off to a not-so-grand start in the national capital. Even otherwise, the BJP is on strong ground in Delhi. With memories of the Pulwama attack in Kashmir and anti-terror airstrikes by the Indian Air Force in Pakistani territory fresh in public memory, Modi has already made national security a major poll plank. There is no state, I believe, that buys this plank more than Delhi. As the capital region, national issues are close to its heart. Delhi also is arguably the least affected by caste politics by Indian standards. Given the BJP's tendency to appeal above caste divides, that is another advantage for the BJP. The Congress is a bruised party. Its own internal tensions between Delhi party leaders Sheila Dixit and Ajay Maken is part of the capital's political folklore. It does not help that the AAP is sitting in power in the local government and has been energetically working towards raising its profile. Its passion and energy can be seen everywhere as if it has put behind the bad vibes it acquired when senior leaders like Prashant Bhushan and Yogendra Yadav found themselves out of the group in an unseemly turn of events. AAP has truly revolutionised education and healthcare in Delhi with visible administrative interventions by its government. Kejriwal and his deputy, Manish Sisodia, have also perfected the dubious art of hyping up achievements. I expect AAP to be BJP's main challenger because it also has built up considerable goodwill among teeming migrants from eastern UP and Bihar. The Congress is no doubt strong in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, but it cannot expect a simple rebound vote to help it in Delhi, given AAP's inspired, though chequered, rule over the city. There are no rabbits that I can see coming out of Rahul Gandhi's magical hat. At the national level, if the Lok Sabha break-up throws up a pleasant surprise for the opposition (which I do not rule out), Delhi's seats may turn up to be more crucial than it appears now. The Congress seems to want to brazen it out there despite the sensitivity of the situation. It seems to confuse memories of the past with the imperatives of the present. (This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

2019 Lok Sabha elections: Congress and AAP have gifted advantage to BJP in Delhi

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