Amit Shah's journey to becoming BJP's most successful president

Riding on communal polarisation, NRC, infighting within TMC and transfer of Left votes, the BJP in West Bengal breached the impregnable fortress of Trinamool Congress supremo Mamata Banerjee by winning 18 out of the 42 Lok Sabha seats and grabbing a vote share of 40.5 per cent.

Up from two seats and 17 per cent vote share it had in 2014, the BJP not only pulled through an unprecedented victory in the bordering state of Bengal, where it was once considered as a marginal force, but also took a lead in around 130 assembly segments of the state in terms of vote share.

The state is scheduled to go for Legislative assembly polls in two years time in 2021.

Bengal witnessed a saffron surge on Thursday as the BJP inflicted a deadly blow to ruling Trinamool Congress by winning 18 of the total 42 Lok Sabha seats in the state.

The ruling TMC won 22 seats down from 34 in 2014.

BJP's national general secretary and Bengal minder, Kailash Vijayvargiya, said it was vote against Banerjee's appeasement politics and misrule. 
"This is the penultimate step, the final step will be the formation of BJP government in Bengal," Vijayvargiya said.

According to the BJP sources, among the several factors that led to BJP's stunning growth in Bengal are polarisation of votes due to TMC's minority appeasement politics, it's promise to implement NRC in Bengal to drive out infiltrators, overwhelming shift of the Left Fronts vote share to the saffron party besides infighting within the ruling TMC.

The BJP built its political narrative mostly around Hindutva and nationalism, which resulted in massive polarisation in the state, where Muslims constitute 27 per cent of the population.

Since independence Bengal, where the electoral discourse has largely steered clear of communal politics, witnessed one of the most polarised elections with both TMC and the BJP accusing each other of resorting to minority and majority appeasement.

Riding on polarisation, both TMC and BJP managed to sideline Left Front and Congress.

Watch: BJP party workers celebrate in West Bengal and Mumbai

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Promises of NRC in Bengal to drive out infiltrators, allegations that TMC government stopped Durga Puja in Bengal, Ram Navami rallies, hundreds of communal riots in various parts of Bengal sharpened the communal divide with TMC lapping up the much of the Muslim vote share and BJP bagging a major chunk of the Hindu votes in the states.

The issues of NRC, citizenship bill and polarisation playing an important role in BJP's vote share can be gauged from the fact that the saffron camp made substantial gains in areas close to the India-Bangladesh border, which have a substantial minority vote.

The gamble of Citizenship (Amendment) Bill reaped huge dividends for BJP in seats like Bongoan and Ranaghat, which has huge Matua population- who originally hail from erstwhile East Pakistan, now Bangladesh, and began migrating to West Bengal at the beginning of the 1950s, mostly due to religious persecution.

It also worked wonder for BJP in tribal-dominated areas of Junglemahal, where TMC faced a complete rout.

Another most important factor that played an important role in BJP's victory in Bengal is the massive shift of the Left Fronts votes to it.

Compared to the 2014 Lok Sabha polls, the Lefts vote share of 29 per cent dwindled to about 7 per cent this time whereas BJP, which had around 17 per cent votes in 2014, bagged around 40.5 per cent votes this time.

According to senior Left leaders, a huge section of Left voters, including party cadres, chose BJP to defeat Mamata Banerjee in the state.

BJP's spectacular performance may have raised several eyebrows given its poor organisational strength in the state, but according to senior BJP leader, and one of main architects of saffron surge, Mukul Roy, this victory was much anticipated as there is huge undercurrent against TMC both inside and outside the party.

"In most of the areas a large section of disgruntled TMC workers and leaders have voted in favour of BJP. Several TMC leaders have actually worked in favour of us. Now it's time for us to bring those TMC workers and leaders into BJP and work towards the final battle for assembly polls," he said.The way lakhs of people including TMC workers were denied to cast their votes during last rural polls, backfired for TMC, Roy said.

The saffron camp which is now eyeing the next assembly polls in the state want to consolidate on the factors that led to its stupendous triumph and work towards new avenues to grab a much larger pie of vote share.&nbsp;

Riding on communal polarisation, NRC, infighting within TMC and transfer of Left votes, the BJP in West Bengal breached the impregnable fortress of Trinamool Congress supremo Mamata Banerjee by winning 18 out of the 42 Lok Sabha seats and grabbing a vote share of 40.

Riding on communal polarisation, NRC, infighting within TMC and transfer of Left votes, the BJP in West Bengal breached the impregnable fortress of Trinamool Congress supremo Mamata Banerjee by winning 18 out of the 42 Lok Sabha seats and grabbing a vote share of 40.5 per cent. Up from two seats and 17 per cent vote share it had in 2014, the BJP not only pulled through an unprecedented victory in the bordering state of Bengal, where it was once considered as a marginal force, but also took a lead in around 130 assembly segments of the state in terms of vote share. The state is scheduled to go for Legislative assembly polls in two years time in 2021. Bengal witnessed a saffron surge on Thursday as the BJP inflicted a deadly blow to ruling Trinamool Congress by winning 18 of the total 42 Lok Sabha seats in the state. The ruling TMC won 22 seats down from 34 in 2014. BJP's national general secretary and Bengal minder, Kailash Vijayvargiya, said it was vote against Banerjee's appeasement politics and misrule. "This is the penultimate step, the final step will be the formation of BJP government in Bengal," Vijayvargiya said. According to the BJP sources, among the several factors that led to BJP's stunning growth in Bengal are polarisation of votes due to TMC's minority appeasement politics, it's promise to implement NRC in Bengal to drive out infiltrators, overwhelming shift of the Left Fronts vote share to the saffron party besides infighting within the ruling TMC. The BJP built its political narrative mostly around Hindutva and nationalism, which resulted in massive polarisation in the state, where Muslims constitute 27 per cent of the population. Since independence Bengal, where the electoral discourse has largely steered clear of communal politics, witnessed one of the most polarised elections with both TMC and the BJP accusing each other of resorting to minority and majority appeasement. Riding on polarisation, both TMC and BJP managed to sideline Left Front and Congress. Watch: BJP party workers celebrate in West Bengal and Mumbai × Promises of NRC in Bengal to drive out infiltrators, allegations that TMC government stopped Durga Puja in Bengal, Ram Navami rallies, hundreds of communal riots in various parts of Bengal sharpened the communal divide with TMC lapping up the much of the Muslim vote share and BJP bagging a major chunk of the Hindu votes in the states. The issues of NRC, citizenship bill and polarisation playing an important role in BJP's vote share can be gauged from the fact that the saffron camp made substantial gains in areas close to the India-Bangladesh border, which have a substantial minority vote. The gamble of Citizenship (Amendment) Bill reaped huge dividends for BJP in seats like Bongoan and Ranaghat, which has huge Matua population- who originally hail from erstwhile East Pakistan, now Bangladesh, and began migrating to West Bengal at the beginning of the 1950s, mostly due to religious persecution. It also worked wonder for BJP in tribal-dominated areas of Junglemahal, where TMC faced a complete rout. Another most important factor that played an important role in BJP's victory in Bengal is the massive shift of the Left Fronts votes to it. Compared to the 2014 Lok Sabha polls, the Lefts vote share of 29 per cent dwindled to about 7 per cent this time whereas BJP, which had around 17 per cent votes in 2014, bagged around 40.5 per cent votes this time. According to senior Left leaders, a huge section of Left voters, including party cadres, chose BJP to defeat Mamata Banerjee in the state. BJP's spectacular performance may have raised several eyebrows given its poor organisational strength in the state, but according to senior BJP leader, and one of main architects of saffron surge, Mukul Roy, this victory was much anticipated as there is huge undercurrent against TMC both inside and outside the party. "In most of the areas a large section of disgruntled TMC workers and leaders have voted in favour of BJP. Several TMC leaders have actually worked in favour of us. Now it's time for us to bring those TMC workers and leaders into BJP and work towards the final battle for assembly polls," he said.The way lakhs of people including TMC workers were denied to cast their votes during last rural polls, backfired for TMC, Roy said. The saffron camp which is now eyeing the next assembly polls in the state want to consolidate on the factors that led to its stupendous triumph and work towards new avenues to grab a much larger pie of vote share.

Polarisation, NRC, transfer of Left votes help BJP breach Mamata Banerjee's fortress

The BJP candidates not only won all 10 seats in Haryana, but its nominees also left rivals behind by huge margins - over six lakh in two constituencies and more than three lakh in six.

Rohtak, however, bucked the trend where Arvind Sharma of the BJP defeated three-time MP and Congress candidate Deepender Singh Hooda by just 7,503 votes.&nbsp;

Leading the club of BJP candidates in Haryana is its state general secretary and Karnal nominee Sanjay Bhatia, who surprised many with a record margin of 6,56,412 votes over his nearest rival Kuldeep Sharma of the Congress.&nbsp;

Bhatia, popularly called 'Bunty Bhai', is a confidant of Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar.&nbsp;

The BJP had replaced sitting MP Ashwani Kumar Chopra from Karnal with Bhatia.&nbsp;

Bhatia was followed by Union minister and sitting Faridabad MP Krishan Pal Gurjar in terms of the victory margin.&nbsp;

He defeated his Congress rival Avtar Singh Bhadana by a margin of 6,38,239 votes.&nbsp;

In the Bhiwani-Mahendergarh constituency too, BJP's sitting MP Dharambir inflicted a crushing defeat on Congress' Shruti Choudhary, who is the granddaughter of former chief minister Bansi Lal.

The former MP lost to Dharambir by a huge margin of 4,44,463 votes. Shruti was elected to the Lok Sabha from the seat in 2009 but was defeated by Dharambir in the 2014 Lok Sabha elections.

Union Minister Rao Inderjit Singh too retained his Gurugram seat. He defeated Congress' Ajay Singh Yadav by 3,86,256 votes.&nbsp;

Haryana minister Nayab Singh Saini, who was fielded from Kurukshetra after sitting MP RK Saini rebelled, defeated Congress' Nirmal Singh by a margin of 3,84,591 votes.&nbsp;

Sitting Ambala MP Rattan Lal Kataria defeated former Union minister and Congress' Kumari Selja by a margin of 3,42,345 votes. Selja is a two-time MP from the constituency. She had bagged the seat in the 2004 and 2009 elections.

Bureaucrat-turned-politician Brijendra Singh won from Hisar, defeating sitting MP and Jannayak Janata Party (JJP) candidate Dushyant Chautala by a margin of 3,14,068 votes.&nbsp;

Dushyant, who is the grandson of former chief minister Om Prakash Chautala, had floated his own political outfit after splitting from the Indian National Lok Dal (INLD).&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;&nbsp;BJP Crosses 300 Mark On Its Own

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Congress candidate Bhavya Bishnoi, the gradson of former chief minister Bhajan Lal, finished third.&nbsp;

Brijendra Singh is the son of Union Minister Birender Singh. He had joined the BJP recently.&nbsp;

The state Congress chief, Ashok Tanwar, too faced a crushing defeat at the hands of BJP's Sunita Duggal. He lost the contest by a margin of 3,09,918 votes.

In Sonipat too, where the Congress had fielded former chief minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda, the saffron outfit registered an impressive victory.&nbsp;

Sitting MP Ramesh Chander Kaushik defeated the former chief minister by a margin of 1,64,864 votes.&nbsp;

The BJP won all 10 seats in the state, improving its last tally of seven seats.

The BJP candidates not only won all 10 seats in Haryana, but its nominees also left rivals behind by huge margins - over six lakh in two constituencies and more than three lakh in six.

The BJP candidates not only won all 10 seats in Haryana, but its nominees also left rivals behind by huge margins - over six lakh in two constituencies and more than three lakh in six. Rohtak, however, bucked the trend where Arvind Sharma of the BJP defeated three-time MP and Congress candidate Deepender Singh Hooda by just 7,503 votes. Leading the club of BJP candidates in Haryana is its state general secretary and Karnal nominee Sanjay Bhatia, who surprised many with a record margin of 6,56,412 votes over his nearest rival Kuldeep Sharma of the Congress. Bhatia, popularly called 'Bunty Bhai', is a confidant of Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar. The BJP had replaced sitting MP Ashwani Kumar Chopra from Karnal with Bhatia. Bhatia was followed by Union minister and sitting Faridabad MP Krishan Pal Gurjar in terms of the victory margin. He defeated his Congress rival Avtar Singh Bhadana by a margin of 6,38,239 votes. In the Bhiwani-Mahendergarh constituency too, BJP's sitting MP Dharambir inflicted a crushing defeat on Congress' Shruti Choudhary, who is the granddaughter of former chief minister Bansi Lal. The former MP lost to Dharambir by a huge margin of 4,44,463 votes. Shruti was elected to the Lok Sabha from the seat in 2009 but was defeated by Dharambir in the 2014 Lok Sabha elections. Union Minister Rao Inderjit Singh too retained his Gurugram seat. He defeated Congress' Ajay Singh Yadav by 3,86,256 votes. Haryana minister Nayab Singh Saini, who was fielded from Kurukshetra after sitting MP RK Saini rebelled, defeated Congress' Nirmal Singh by a margin of 3,84,591 votes. Sitting Ambala MP Rattan Lal Kataria defeated former Union minister and Congress' Kumari Selja by a margin of 3,42,345 votes. Selja is a two-time MP from the constituency. She had bagged the seat in the 2004 and 2009 elections. Bureaucrat-turned-politician Brijendra Singh won from Hisar, defeating sitting MP and Jannayak Janata Party (JJP) candidate Dushyant Chautala by a margin of 3,14,068 votes. Dushyant, who is the grandson of former chief minister Om Prakash Chautala, had floated his own political outfit after splitting from the Indian National Lok Dal (INLD). Watch: BJP Crosses 300 Mark On Its Own × Congress candidate Bhavya Bishnoi, the gradson of former chief minister Bhajan Lal, finished third. Brijendra Singh is the son of Union Minister Birender Singh. He had joined the BJP recently. The state Congress chief, Ashok Tanwar, too faced a crushing defeat at the hands of BJP's Sunita Duggal. He lost the contest by a margin of 3,09,918 votes. In Sonipat too, where the Congress had fielded former chief minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda, the saffron outfit registered an impressive victory. Sitting MP Ramesh Chander Kaushik defeated the former chief minister by a margin of 1,64,864 votes. The BJP won all 10 seats in the state, improving its last tally of seven seats.

Not just clean sweep, BJP candidates in Haryana also notched up big margin wins

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/lok-sabha-elections-2019-better-management-of-vote-bank-contradictions-nationalism-and-development-were-bjps-keys-221176">BJP, which won 24 of the 25 Lok Sabha seats</a> in Rajasthan where it had lost the 2018 assembly polls to the Congress, saw its vote share increase from 54.94 per cent in 2014 to 58.5 per cent in this general election.

The saffron party had contested on 24 seats and its ally Rashtriya Loktantrik Party (RLP) on one seat, which it won.&nbsp;

The Congress, which could not win a single Lok Sabha constituency in the desert state, also witnessed an increase in vote share from 30.36 per cent in 2014 to 34.2 per cent this time, according to Election Commission data. &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

The vote share of the BJP and the Congress increased by 3.56 and 3.84 percentage points respectively.&nbsp;

The BSP, CPI, CPM saw a fall in vote share by 1.27, 0.12 and 0.09 percentage points respectively as compared to 2014, according to EC data.

Prime minister Narendra Modi conducted eight rallies while Congress president Rahul Gandhi addressed nine rallies during the Lok Sabha elections in the state, but the Congress failed to open its account.&nbsp;

The winning margin on 20 seats increased and on five seats, it decreased as compared to 2014.

The increase in the winning margin is over 3 lakh for the Bhilwara seat.BJP's Subhash Chandra Baheria won with a margin of 6,12,000 votes.&nbsp;

In 2014, he won this seat with a margin of 2,46,264 votes.&nbsp;

The EC data said an increase from 2 to 3 lakh in the vote margin was also registered in Ajmer, Barmer, Banswara, Chittorgarh and Udaipur Lok Sabha seats.

Watch:&nbsp;India hopes for economic revival under NDA 2.0

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The Ganganagar, Jhalawar-Baran, Rajsamand and Nagaur seats also saw an increase in the winning margins in comparison to that in 2014.

In Nagaur, BJP's alliance partner RLP contested and its candidate Hanuman Beniwal won with a margin of 1,81,260 votes, which is 1.06 lakh more than the winning margin of 2014.&nbsp;

The seats where the winning margin decreased are Bikaner, Jaipur, Jalore, Jodhpur and Tonk.

Union ministers of State Arjun Ram Meghwal and Gajendra Singh Shekhawat contested and won the Bikaner and Jodhpur seats respectively.

Shekhawat, who had won the seat in 2014 with a margin of 4.10 lakh votes, this time emerged victorious with a margin of 2.74 lakh votes.

Rahul Gandhi, Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, Deputy Chief Minister and Congress party president Sachin Pilot conducted rallies and intense campaign, but couldn't get the electorate to vote for the party.&nbsp;

Whereas PM Modi held rallies in Chittorgarh, Barmer, Udaipur, Jodhpur, Jaipur, Karauli-Dholpur, Sikar and Bikaner constituencies, Rahul was in Dungarpur, Ajmer, Jalore, Kota, Karauli-Dholpur, Churu, Jaipur rural, Sikar and Bharatpur constituencies during the election campaign.

The BJP, which won 24 of the 25 Lok Sabha seats in Rajasthan where it had lost the 2018 assembly polls to the Congress, saw its vote share increase from 54.94 per cent in 2014 to 58.

The BJP, which won 24 of the 25 Lok Sabha seats in Rajasthan where it had lost the 2018 assembly polls to the Congress, saw its vote share increase from 54.94 per cent in 2014 to 58.5 per cent in this general election. The saffron party had contested on 24 seats and its ally Rashtriya Loktantrik Party (RLP) on one seat, which it won. The Congress, which could not win a single Lok Sabha constituency in the desert state, also witnessed an increase in vote share from 30.36 per cent in 2014 to 34.2 per cent this time, according to Election Commission data. The vote share of the BJP and the Congress increased by 3.56 and 3.84 percentage points respectively. The BSP, CPI, CPM saw a fall in vote share by 1.27, 0.12 and 0.09 percentage points respectively as compared to 2014, according to EC data. Prime minister Narendra Modi conducted eight rallies while Congress president Rahul Gandhi addressed nine rallies during the Lok Sabha elections in the state, but the Congress failed to open its account. The winning margin on 20 seats increased and on five seats, it decreased as compared to 2014. The increase in the winning margin is over 3 lakh for the Bhilwara seat.BJP's Subhash Chandra Baheria won with a margin of 6,12,000 votes. In 2014, he won this seat with a margin of 2,46,264 votes. The EC data said an increase from 2 to 3 lakh in the vote margin was also registered in Ajmer, Barmer, Banswara, Chittorgarh and Udaipur Lok Sabha seats. Watch: India hopes for economic revival under NDA 2.0 The Ganganagar, Jhalawar-Baran, Rajsamand and Nagaur seats also saw an increase in the winning margins in comparison to that in 2014. In Nagaur, BJP's alliance partner RLP contested and its candidate Hanuman Beniwal won with a margin of 1,81,260 votes, which is 1.06 lakh more than the winning margin of 2014. The seats where the winning margin decreased are Bikaner, Jaipur, Jalore, Jodhpur and Tonk. Union ministers of State Arjun Ram Meghwal and Gajendra Singh Shekhawat contested and won the Bikaner and Jodhpur seats respectively. Shekhawat, who had won the seat in 2014 with a margin of 4.10 lakh votes, this time emerged victorious with a margin of 2.74 lakh votes. Rahul Gandhi, Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, Deputy Chief Minister and Congress party president Sachin Pilot conducted rallies and intense campaign, but couldn't get the electorate to vote for the party. Whereas PM Modi held rallies in Chittorgarh, Barmer, Udaipur, Jodhpur, Jaipur, Karauli-Dholpur, Sikar and Bikaner constituencies, Rahul was in Dungarpur, Ajmer, Jalore, Kota, Karauli-Dholpur, Churu, Jaipur rural, Sikar and Bharatpur constituencies during the election campaign.

Lok Sabha election result 2019: BJP gets over 58% vote share in Rajasthan

TRS Lok Sabha candidates were leading in nine segments and BJP in four in Telangana after three hours of counting Thursday.

The Congress was leading in three seats.

AIMIM President Asaduddin Owaisi was ahead in Hyderabad seat, where he is seeking reelection for the fourth successive time, according to Election Commission sources.

Initial trends suggested gains for the BJP.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/lok-sabha-election-results-2019-live-updates-220687">Get LIVE updates here.</a>

In the 2014 Lok Sabha polls, the TRS had bagged 11 seats and the Congress two, while the BJP, YSRCP, TDP and AIMIM shared one each.

TRS supremo and Telangana Chief Minister's daughter K Kavitha was trailing in Nizamabad by 13,581votes to BJP's D Arvind who was leading.

BJP candidates were leading in Adilabad, Karimnagar and Secunderabad also.

Congress nominees were leading in Malajgiri, Nalgonda, Chevella.

Watch:&nbsp;BJP+ well on course to sweep the polls

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Telangana Congress working president Revanth Reddy was leading in Malkajgiri by 19,220 as per the latest trends available.

Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee chief N Uttam Kumar Reddy has&nbsp;established a lead of 12,221 votes in Nalgonda.

Chevella sitting MP Konda Vishweshwar Reddy was leading by 4,555 votes over his nearest TRS rival Ranjith Reddy.

BJP candidate B Sanjay was leading by 47,228 votes against his nearest rival and sitting TRS MP B Vinod Kumar in Karimnagar after the second round.

Soyam Bapurao of BJP was leading by 32,354 votes after the first round over his TRS rival Godam Nagesh in Adilabad, official sources said.

Owaisi was leading in Hyderabad Lok Sabha seat by nearly 60,000 votes over his BJP rival Bhagavanth Rao.

Former Union Minister Renuka Chowdary was trailing by 54,045 votes in Khammam segment, where TRS nominee N Nageswara Rao was leading.

Polls were held for 17 Lok Sabha seats on April 11.

Counting of votes began at 8 AM Thursday.

TRS Lok Sabha candidates were leading in nine segments and BJP in four in Telangana after three hours of counting Thursday. The Congress was leading in three seats.

TRS Lok Sabha candidates were leading in nine segments and BJP in four in Telangana after three hours of counting Thursday. The Congress was leading in three seats. AIMIM President Asaduddin Owaisi was ahead in Hyderabad seat, where he is seeking reelection for the fourth successive time, according to Election Commission sources. Initial trends suggested gains for the BJP. Get LIVE updates here. In the 2014 Lok Sabha polls, the TRS had bagged 11 seats and the Congress two, while the BJP, YSRCP, TDP and AIMIM shared one each. TRS supremo and Telangana Chief Minister's daughter K Kavitha was trailing in Nizamabad by 13,581votes to BJP's D Arvind who was leading. BJP candidates were leading in Adilabad, Karimnagar and Secunderabad also. Congress nominees were leading in Malajgiri, Nalgonda, Chevella. Watch: BJP+ well on course to sweep the polls Telangana Congress working president Revanth Reddy was leading in Malkajgiri by 19,220 as per the latest trends available. Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee chief N Uttam Kumar Reddy has established a lead of 12,221 votes in Nalgonda. Chevella sitting MP Konda Vishweshwar Reddy was leading by 4,555 votes over his nearest TRS rival Ranjith Reddy. BJP candidate B Sanjay was leading by 47,228 votes against his nearest rival and sitting TRS MP B Vinod Kumar in Karimnagar after the second round. Soyam Bapurao of BJP was leading by 32,354 votes after the first round over his TRS rival Godam Nagesh in Adilabad, official sources said. Owaisi was leading in Hyderabad Lok Sabha seat by nearly 60,000 votes over his BJP rival Bhagavanth Rao. Former Union Minister Renuka Chowdary was trailing by 54,045 votes in Khammam segment, where TRS nominee N Nageswara Rao was leading. Polls were held for 17 Lok Sabha seats on April 11. Counting of votes began at 8 AM Thursday.

Lok Sabha election result 2019: TRS leading in nine seats, BJP in four in Telangana

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/bjp-surges-ahead-with-319-seats-in-early-trends-congress-trails-far-behind-with-105-220814">BJP is leading the trends </a>in all seven Lok Sabha seats in Delhi, with the Congress trailing in five constituencies and the AAP in two seats, poll officials said.

Debutant Gautam Gambhir, Union minister Harsh Vardhan and sitting lawmaker Manoj Tiwari of the Bharatiya Janata Party were among early gainers.

Congress veteran Sheila Dikshit was on second spot behind Tiwari, by a margin of 29,797 votes in North East Delhi while former MP J P Agarwal, pitted against Vardhan in Chandni Chowk constituency, was trailing by 8,764 votes.

Get LIVE updates here.

Agarwal has alleged that strongrooms were opened in "absence" of his counting agents.

Sitting BJP MP Parvesh Sahib Singh Verma was leading against his Congress rival Mahabal Mishra by 37,387 votes in the West Delhi Lok Sabha seat, they said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/lok-sabha-election-results-2019-live-updates-220687">Watch:&nbsp;WION Exclusive | In conversation with Dr. Harshvardhan | Lok Sabha Election Results 2019 | Counting Day</a>

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BJP candidates were also leading in New Delhi, South Delhi and North West Delhi parliamentary constituencies.

Cricketer-turned-BJP leader Gambhir was leading in East Delhi against Congress' Arvinder Singh Lovely by a margin 18,632 votes.

Sitting MP Ramesh Bidhuri was leading against his AAP rival Raghav Chadha by 30,755 votes in the South Delhi Lok Sabha seat, officials said.

Sitting New Delhi MP Meenakshi Lekhi was ahead of Congress' Ajay Maken by a margin of 10,486 votes.

In North West Delhi, saffron party's Hans Raj Hans was ahead of AAP's Gagan Singh by 46,379 votes, they said.

AAP North East Delhi candidate Dilip Pandey told reporters that people to not make any judgement on the basis of initial trends, as "it will not be apt".

Counting is underway for all seven parliamentary constituencies in Delhi to decide the fate of 164 candidates, who contested the Lok Sabha elections here on May 12.

Over 1.43 crore people were eligible to vote in the polls in Delhi, out of which 60.21 per cent had exercised their franchise.

The elections for the seven parliamentary seats were largely a triangular contest among the incumbent BJP, a spirited Congress and the AAP - the ruling party in Delhi.

Prominent names who were in the fray include former Delhi chief minister Dikshit, Union Minister Vardhan and cricketer-turned-politician Gambhir.

Olympian boxer Vijender Singh (South Delhi), who made his electoral debut, and AAP's Atishi are also among the candidates in Delhi.

While the BJP, which had won all seven seats in the 2014 polls, is keen to regain the turf, the Congress, that ended up at the third spot in the last Lok Sabha elections, is looking to bounce back.&nbsp;

The BJP is leading the trends in all seven Lok Sabha seats in Delhi, with the Congress trailing in five constituencies and the AAP in two seats, poll officials said.

The BJP is leading the trends in all seven Lok Sabha seats in Delhi, with the Congress trailing in five constituencies and the AAP in two seats, poll officials said. Debutant Gautam Gambhir, Union minister Harsh Vardhan and sitting lawmaker Manoj Tiwari of the Bharatiya Janata Party were among early gainers. Congress veteran Sheila Dikshit was on second spot behind Tiwari, by a margin of 29,797 votes in North East Delhi while former MP J P Agarwal, pitted against Vardhan in Chandni Chowk constituency, was trailing by 8,764 votes. Get LIVE updates here. Agarwal has alleged that strongrooms were opened in "absence" of his counting agents. Sitting BJP MP Parvesh Sahib Singh Verma was leading against his Congress rival Mahabal Mishra by 37,387 votes in the West Delhi Lok Sabha seat, they said. Watch: WION Exclusive | In conversation with Dr. Harshvardhan | Lok Sabha Election Results 2019 | Counting Day BJP candidates were also leading in New Delhi, South Delhi and North West Delhi parliamentary constituencies. Cricketer-turned-BJP leader Gambhir was leading in East Delhi against Congress' Arvinder Singh Lovely by a margin 18,632 votes. Sitting MP Ramesh Bidhuri was leading against his AAP rival Raghav Chadha by 30,755 votes in the South Delhi Lok Sabha seat, officials said. Sitting New Delhi MP Meenakshi Lekhi was ahead of Congress' Ajay Maken by a margin of 10,486 votes. In North West Delhi, saffron party's Hans Raj Hans was ahead of AAP's Gagan Singh by 46,379 votes, they said. AAP North East Delhi candidate Dilip Pandey told reporters that people to not make any judgement on the basis of initial trends, as "it will not be apt". Counting is underway for all seven parliamentary constituencies in Delhi to decide the fate of 164 candidates, who contested the Lok Sabha elections here on May 12. Over 1.43 crore people were eligible to vote in the polls in Delhi, out of which 60.21 per cent had exercised their franchise. The elections for the seven parliamentary seats were largely a triangular contest among the incumbent BJP, a spirited Congress and the AAP - the ruling party in Delhi. Prominent names who were in the fray include former Delhi chief minister Dikshit, Union Minister Vardhan and cricketer-turned-politician Gambhir. Olympian boxer Vijender Singh (South Delhi), who made his electoral debut, and AAP's Atishi are also among the candidates in Delhi. While the BJP, which had won all seven seats in the 2014 polls, is keen to regain the turf, the Congress, that ended up at the third spot in the last Lok Sabha elections, is looking to bounce back.

Lok Sabha election result 2019: BJP leads in all seven seats in Delhi

The BJP is leading in four of the 26 Lok Sabha seats in Gujarat, including Gandhinagar where party president Amit Shah is contesting, while the Congress is ahead in one seat, as per initial trends.

Shah is ahead by over 19,000 votes against his nearest rival and Congress candidate C J Chavda, after counting of the first round, election officials said.

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In Bhavnagar, BJP candidate Bhartiben Siyal is leading against Congress candidate Manharbhai Patel.

In Chotta Udaipur seat, BJP's Gitaben Rathva is leading against Congress' Ranjitsinh Rathva.

Watch:&nbsp;Analysis: Impact of early trends on the big battles

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/analysis-impact-of-early-trends-on-the-big-battles-220781/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

In Rajkot, BJP's Mohan Kundariya is leading against Congress' Lalit Kagathara.

Besides, Congress candidate Sherkhan Pathan is leading against BJP's Mansukh Vasava in Bharuch.&nbsp;

The BJP is leading in four of the 26 Lok Sabha seats in Gujarat, including Gandhinagar where party president Amit Shah is contesting, while the Congress is ahead in one seat, as per initial trends.

The BJP is leading in four of the 26 Lok Sabha seats in Gujarat, including Gandhinagar where party president Amit Shah is contesting, while the Congress is ahead in one seat, as per initial trends. Shah is ahead by over 19,000 votes against his nearest rival and Congress candidate C J Chavda, after counting of the first round, election officials said. Tap for live updates here. In Bhavnagar, BJP candidate Bhartiben Siyal is leading against Congress candidate Manharbhai Patel. In Chotta Udaipur seat, BJP's Gitaben Rathva is leading against Congress' Ranjitsinh Rathva. Watch: Analysis: Impact of early trends on the big battles In Rajkot, BJP's Mohan Kundariya is leading against Congress' Lalit Kagathara. Besides, Congress candidate Sherkhan Pathan is leading against BJP's Mansukh Vasava in Bharuch.

Lok Sabha election results 2019: BJP leading in four seats in Gujarat, Congress ahead in one

The BJP is leading in four out of five seats of Uttarakhand while the Congress was leading in one, according to early Election Commission trends Thursday.

Sitting MP from Tehri Mala Rajya Laxmi Shah is leading by 2000 votes over her nearest rival and Pradesh Congress president Pritam Singh.

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Union Minister of State Ajay Tamta is leading by around 8000 votes over his nearest rival Pradeep Tamta in Almora.

Watch:&nbsp;BJP+ leading in first trends with 59 seats over Congress+ with 21 initially

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BJP's Tirath Singh Rawat is leading by over 3000 votes over his nearest Congress rival and son of sitting BJP MP from the seat B C Khanduri's son Manish Khanduri.

Pradesh BJP president Ajay Bhatt is leading by nearly 3000 votes over AICC general secretary and former CM Harish Rawat in Nainital.

However, sitting BJP MP from Haridwar Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank is trailing behind his nearest rival from the Congress Ambrish Kumar by nearly 3000 votes.

Polling was held in Uttarakhand in the first phase on April 11.

The BJP is leading in four out of five seats of Uttarakhand while the Congress was leading in one, according to early Election Commission trends Thursday. Sitting MP from Tehri Mala Rajya Laxmi Shah is leading by 2000 votes over her nearest rival and Pradesh Congress president Pritam Singh.

The BJP is leading in four out of five seats of Uttarakhand while the Congress was leading in one, according to early Election Commission trends Thursday. Sitting MP from Tehri Mala Rajya Laxmi Shah is leading by 2000 votes over her nearest rival and Pradesh Congress president Pritam Singh. Tap for live updates here. Union Minister of State Ajay Tamta is leading by around 8000 votes over his nearest rival Pradeep Tamta in Almora. Watch: BJP+ leading in first trends with 59 seats over Congress+ with 21 initially BJP's Tirath Singh Rawat is leading by over 3000 votes over his nearest Congress rival and son of sitting BJP MP from the seat B C Khanduri's son Manish Khanduri. Pradesh BJP president Ajay Bhatt is leading by nearly 3000 votes over AICC general secretary and former CM Harish Rawat in Nainital. However, sitting BJP MP from Haridwar Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank is trailing behind his nearest rival from the Congress Ambrish Kumar by nearly 3000 votes. Polling was held in Uttarakhand in the first phase on April 11.

Lok Sabha election results 2019: BJP leading in four out of five seats in Uttarakhand as counting underway

Buoyed by exit polls predicting a sweeping victory for the BJP in Delhi, the party's unit here has already ordered delicacies like 'motichoor cakes' and 'kamal barfis', a day before counting of votes for the Lok Sabha polls on Thursday.

BJP president Manoj Tiwari, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/exit-polls-2019-pollsters-predict-bjp-to-make-a-clean-sweep-in-delhi-on-all-7-seats-219933">asserting the party's victory on all seven Lok Sabha seats in the national capital</a>, said 350-kg of fine quality "ladoos" have been ordered for celebrations at the central office on DDU Marg and the Delhi unit's office on Pant Marg.

The party has also placed orders for a 7-kg special 'motichoor cake' and nine similar cakes, each weighing between 4-5 kgs, at the Bengali Pastry shop, BJP's social media team's co-convener Neelkant Bakshi said.&nbsp;

The cakes will be cut at the BJP's central office, Bakshi said.&nbsp;

BJP spokesperson Praveen Shankar Kapoor has ordered a 50-kg lotus shaped 'kamal barfi'. The price per kg is Rs 2,000.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-votes-exit-polls-2019-bjp-react-to-exit-poll-predictions-219967/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The Congress, which hopes for a "good show" in the polls, maintained a cautious note, with its leaders saying celebrations will be held after the declaration of results.

Most of the exit polls have predicted that the BJP may win 5-7 seats and have put the Congress in second place.&nbsp;

They have predicted victory for the Congress on 1-2 seats, while most of them have forecast that the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) here will be in third place on most of the seats.

Former Delhi Congress president and the party's candidate from the New Delhi Lok Sabha seat Ajay Maken said he was confident of a victory.

"The Congress will put up a good show. We have the support of all sections of society, especially minorities and government employees. Of course, celebrations will be held with the distribution of sweets and bursting of crackers," Maken said.

Congress working president Rajesh Lilothia, who is contesting from the North West Delhi Lok Sabha seat, said the party will win on all seven seats.

"We will celebrate after the results are declared and it will be a grand one," Rajesh Lilothia said.

The parties have also made special arrangements like installing large LED screens for party workers and other visitors to watch progression of counting of votes.

The candidates in the fray will visit the counting centres and take updates on trends from their agents and party leaders. The counting of votes will begin at 8 am on Thursday.

A total of 164 candidates contested the Lok Sabha elections from the seven seats in Delhi.

Over 1.43 crore people were eligible to vote in the polls in Delhi, out of which 60.21 per cent exercised their franchise.

The elections for the seven parliamentary seats were largely a triangular contest among the incumbent BJP, a spirited Congress and the AAP.&nbsp;

In 2004, the BJP managed a clean sweep winning all seven seats.

Buoyed by exit polls predicting a sweeping victory for the BJP in Delhi, the party's unit here has already ordered delicacies like 'motichoor cakes' and 'kamal barfis', a day before counting of votes for the Lok Sabha polls on Thursday.

Buoyed by exit polls predicting a sweeping victory for the BJP in Delhi, the party's unit here has already ordered delicacies like 'motichoor cakes' and 'kamal barfis', a day before counting of votes for the Lok Sabha polls on Thursday. BJP president Manoj Tiwari, asserting the party's victory on all seven Lok Sabha seats in the national capital, said 350-kg of fine quality "ladoos" have been ordered for celebrations at the central office on DDU Marg and the Delhi unit's office on Pant Marg. The party has also placed orders for a 7-kg special 'motichoor cake' and nine similar cakes, each weighing between 4-5 kgs, at the Bengali Pastry shop, BJP's social media team's co-convener Neelkant Bakshi said. The cakes will be cut at the BJP's central office, Bakshi said. BJP spokesperson Praveen Shankar Kapoor has ordered a 50-kg lotus shaped 'kamal barfi'. The price per kg is Rs 2,000. The Congress, which hopes for a "good show" in the polls, maintained a cautious note, with its leaders saying celebrations will be held after the declaration of results. Most of the exit polls have predicted that the BJP may win 5-7 seats and have put the Congress in second place. They have predicted victory for the Congress on 1-2 seats, while most of them have forecast that the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) here will be in third place on most of the seats. Former Delhi Congress president and the party's candidate from the New Delhi Lok Sabha seat Ajay Maken said he was confident of a victory. "The Congress will put up a good show. We have the support of all sections of society, especially minorities and government employees. Of course, celebrations will be held with the distribution of sweets and bursting of crackers," Maken said. Congress working president Rajesh Lilothia, who is contesting from the North West Delhi Lok Sabha seat, said the party will win on all seven seats. "We will celebrate after the results are declared and it will be a grand one," Rajesh Lilothia said. The parties have also made special arrangements like installing large LED screens for party workers and other visitors to watch progression of counting of votes. The candidates in the fray will visit the counting centres and take updates on trends from their agents and party leaders. The counting of votes will begin at 8 am on Thursday. A total of 164 candidates contested the Lok Sabha elections from the seven seats in Delhi. Over 1.43 crore people were eligible to vote in the polls in Delhi, out of which 60.21 per cent exercised their franchise. The elections for the seven parliamentary seats were largely a triangular contest among the incumbent BJP, a spirited Congress and the AAP. In 2004, the BJP managed a clean sweep winning all seven seats.

Buoyed by exit poll projections, BJP leaders order ladoos, motichoor cakes to celebrate win

The BJP is maintaining a lead on the 10 out of total 11 Lok Sabha seats in Chhattisgarh while the Congress is leading only in Bastar (ST) constituency, as per the trends available so far.

In the 2014 general elections, the BJP had bagged 10 seats and the Congress one.

The Congress had won the assembly elections late last year by dislodging the BJP from power.

In the trends available so far, state BJP vice president Sunil Soni is leading over his Congress opponent and Raipur Mayor Pramod Dubey by 1,57,292 votes in Raipur seat.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/lok-sabha-election-results-2019-live-updates-220687">Get LIVE updates here.</a>

In Durg seat, BJP's Vijay Baghel is ahead of Congress nominee Pratima Chandrakar by 1,85,455 votes.

In Rajnandgaon seat, BJP's Santosh Pandey is leading over Congress rival Bholaram Sahu by 88,389 votes.

In Raigarh (ST) seat, BJP's Gomtee Sai was leading over Congress nominee Laljeet Singh Rathiya by 65,073 votes.

Watch:&nbsp;Vivek Oberoi speaks to WION about Modi biopic and general elections

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/vivek-oberoi-speaks-to-wion-about-modi-biopic-and-general-elections-220873/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

In Surguja (ST) seat, BJP's Renuka Singh is ahead of Congress' Khelsai Singh by 1,12,287 votes.

In Janjgir-Champa (SC) seat, BJP's Guharam Ajgalley is leading over Congress rival Ravi Bhardwaj by 48,666 votes.

In Korba, Congress' Jyotsana Mahant, wife of state Assembly Speaker Charandas Mahant, is trailing by 7,470 votes against BJP's Jyotinand Dubey.

In Kanker (ST) seat, BJP's Mohan Mandavi is ahead of Congress Biresh Thakur by 13,285 votes while in Bilaspur, BJP's Arun Sao is leading by 72,179 votes against Congress' Atal Shrivastav.

In Mahasamund seat, BJP's Chunnilal Sahu, who was initially trailing, has now taken a lead over Congress' Dhanendra Sahu by 18,286 votes.

The lone solace for the Congress seems to be Bastar (ST) seat, as far as trends are concerned, where its sitting MLA Dipak Baij is ahead of BJP's Baiduram Kashyap by 36,834 votes.&nbsp;

The BJP is maintaining a lead on the 10 out of total 11 Lok Sabha seats in Chhattisgarh while the Congress is leading only in Bastar (ST) constituency, as per the trends available so far.

The BJP is maintaining a lead on the 10 out of total 11 Lok Sabha seats in Chhattisgarh while the Congress is leading only in Bastar (ST) constituency, as per the trends available so far. In the 2014 general elections, the BJP had bagged 10 seats and the Congress one. The Congress had won the assembly elections late last year by dislodging the BJP from power. In the trends available so far, state BJP vice president Sunil Soni is leading over his Congress opponent and Raipur Mayor Pramod Dubey by 1,57,292 votes in Raipur seat. Get LIVE updates here. In Durg seat, BJP's Vijay Baghel is ahead of Congress nominee Pratima Chandrakar by 1,85,455 votes. In Rajnandgaon seat, BJP's Santosh Pandey is leading over Congress rival Bholaram Sahu by 88,389 votes. In Raigarh (ST) seat, BJP's Gomtee Sai was leading over Congress nominee Laljeet Singh Rathiya by 65,073 votes. Watch: Vivek Oberoi speaks to WION about Modi biopic and general elections In Surguja (ST) seat, BJP's Renuka Singh is ahead of Congress' Khelsai Singh by 1,12,287 votes. In Janjgir-Champa (SC) seat, BJP's Guharam Ajgalley is leading over Congress rival Ravi Bhardwaj by 48,666 votes. In Korba, Congress' Jyotsana Mahant, wife of state Assembly Speaker Charandas Mahant, is trailing by 7,470 votes against BJP's Jyotinand Dubey. In Kanker (ST) seat, BJP's Mohan Mandavi is ahead of Congress Biresh Thakur by 13,285 votes while in Bilaspur, BJP's Arun Sao is leading by 72,179 votes against Congress' Atal Shrivastav. In Mahasamund seat, BJP's Chunnilal Sahu, who was initially trailing, has now taken a lead over Congress' Dhanendra Sahu by 18,286 votes. The lone solace for the Congress seems to be Bastar (ST) seat, as far as trends are concerned, where its sitting MLA Dipak Baij is ahead of BJP's Baiduram Kashyap by 36,834 votes.

Lok Sabha election result 2019: BJP leads in 10 seats in Chhattisgarh

Incidents of violence in West Bengal and clashes in Punjab were reported during the seventh and last phase of Lok Sabha polls on Sunday, with 60.21&nbsp;polling percentage being recorded till 6&nbsp;pm in 59 seats.

The last phase of Lok Sabha elections, which will decide the fate of 918 candidates including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, also saw EVM glitches and poll boycott at some booths.

Voting was held&nbsp;in all 13 seats of Punjab and an equal number of seats in Uttar Pradesh, nine in West Bengal, eight seats each in Bihar and Madhya Pradesh, four in Himachal Pradesh, three in Jharkhand and the lone seat Chandigarh.

According to the Election Commission app, in Uttar Pradesh, 54.31&nbsp;per cent voting was recorded till 6&nbsp;pm in 13 Lok Sabha seats, officials said.

The turnout in Varanasi was 46.53 per cent, while in Gorakhpur, it was 48.17 per cent. The highest turnout was 53.30 per cent in Deoria, while Ballia reported the lowest turnout of 42.51 per cent, the Election Commission said.&nbsp;

Violence erupted in Chandauli Lok Sabha constituency, where state Bharatiya Janata Party chief Mahendra Nath Pandey is seeking re-election, when supporters of the saffron party and the Samajwadi Party clashed. The situation was later brought under control.

A report from Chandauli said the fingers of Dalits had been inked before they could actually cast their vote in Tara Jivanpur village under Alinagar police station. Officials said an FIR was registered in the matter.

Incidents of violence were reported in West Bengal where 73.07&nbsp;per cent of over 1.49 crore electorate exercised their franchise till 6&nbsp;pm in nine Lok Sabha seats.

According to BJP's North Kolkata candidate Rahul Sinha, a crude bomb was hurled near Girish Park in the constituency around noon. Police, however, said crackers were burst in the area, and polling was underway peacefully.

In Kolkata south, TMC candidate Mala Roy alleged that she was stopped from entering polling booths.

Sporadic clashes were reported in Kolkata and its surrounding areas, with TMC workers claiming that voters were being intimidated by central forces outside booths.

BJP candidate Nilanjan Roy in Diamond Harbour constituency alleged that his car was vandalised in Budge Budge area. Similar reports also came in from Jadavpur constituency, where BJP candidate Anupam Hazra's car came under the attack of unidentified men.

"Polling has by and large been peaceful in the nine seats. There have been no complaints of any violence from any of the polling booths," an election official told PTI.

"There were also reports of EVM glitches in several polling stations. We have sent reserve EVMs to booths, where the voting process was temporarily hampered due to technical glitches," he added.

Punjab saw a polling percentage of 58.81 per&nbsp;cent till 6&nbsp;pm in 13 Lok Sabha seats. More than 50 per cent turnout was registered in lone Chandigarh Lok Sabha seat, EC app stated.&nbsp;Maximum polling percentage was witnessed at 62.67 in Sangrur and the lowest was in Hoshiarpur at 49.11.

In the morning, there were some reports of technical glitches in EVMs at several places including Ludhiana, Samana and Moga. Punjab's Chief Electoral Officer S Karuna Raju said eight ballot units, 13 control units, and eight voter-verified paper audit trail have been replaced.&nbsp;

There were also reports of clashes between Congress and Akali-BJP workers in Talwandi Sabo in Bathinda and Gurdaspur. At Talwandi Sabo, Akalis alleged that shots were also fired by ruling party workers.

In Himachal Pradesh, 66.18&nbsp;per cent turnout was recorded till 5 pm in four Lok Sabha seats where five MLAs, including a state minister, are among the 45 candidates in the fray.

EVM snags delayed voting at nine polling stations. Voting restarted after the nine faulty EVMs were replaced, a state election officer said.

A turnout of 132 per cent has been recorded in the world's highest polling station in Lahaul and Spiti district's Tashigang village, a district official said.

In Madhya Pradesh, 69.38&nbsp;per cent voter turnout was recorded till 6&nbsp;pm in eight Lok Sabha seats.

However, voters listed at a booth in Agar Malwa district falling under the Dewas seat and five booths in Mandsaur seat boycotted the polling over their demands. Efforts were on to persuade voters to exercise their democratic right, an official said.

The official said around 12 people cast their votes at the polling booth in Dewas after being persuaded by election officials there.

Bihar witnessed 49.92&nbsp;per cent voting till 6&nbsp;pm in eight Lok Sabha seats.

An election official said, "Going by reports that reached us from district headquarters, we have found out that the voting process was temporarily hampered at few polling stations in Ara, Sasaram, Jehanabad, Pataliputr and Buxar. Officials have attended to the complaints and redressed all grievances," he said.

In neighbouring Jharkhand, an estimated 70.05&nbsp;per cent of the total 45,64,681 voters exercised their franchise in three Lok Sabha seats.

In the last phase of Lok Sabha polls, over 10.01 crore voters are eligible to exercise their franchise. The Election Commission has set up more than 1.12 lakh polling stations and has deployed security personnel for smooth conduct of polls.

An average of 66.88 per cent voters exercised their franchise in the last six phases. The whole elections were spread over 38 days. Counting of votes will be taken up on May 23.

Incidents of violence in West Bengal and clashes in Punjab were reported during the seventh and last phase of Lok Sabha polls on Sunday, with 60.21 polling percentage being recorded till 6 pm in 59 seats.

Incidents of violence in West Bengal and clashes in Punjab were reported during the seventh and last phase of Lok Sabha polls on Sunday, with 60.21 polling percentage being recorded till 6 pm in 59 seats. The last phase of Lok Sabha elections, which will decide the fate of 918 candidates including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, also saw EVM glitches and poll boycott at some booths. Voting was held in all 13 seats of Punjab and an equal number of seats in Uttar Pradesh, nine in West Bengal, eight seats each in Bihar and Madhya Pradesh, four in Himachal Pradesh, three in Jharkhand and the lone seat Chandigarh. According to the Election Commission app, in Uttar Pradesh, 54.31 per cent voting was recorded till 6 pm in 13 Lok Sabha seats, officials said. The turnout in Varanasi was 46.53 per cent, while in Gorakhpur, it was 48.17 per cent. The highest turnout was 53.30 per cent in Deoria, while Ballia reported the lowest turnout of 42.51 per cent, the Election Commission said. Violence erupted in Chandauli Lok Sabha constituency, where state Bharatiya Janata Party chief Mahendra Nath Pandey is seeking re-election, when supporters of the saffron party and the Samajwadi Party clashed. The situation was later brought under control. A report from Chandauli said the fingers of Dalits had been inked before they could actually cast their vote in Tara Jivanpur village under Alinagar police station. Officials said an FIR was registered in the matter. Incidents of violence were reported in West Bengal where 73.07 per cent of over 1.49 crore electorate exercised their franchise till 6 pm in nine Lok Sabha seats. According to BJP's North Kolkata candidate Rahul Sinha, a crude bomb was hurled near Girish Park in the constituency around noon. Police, however, said crackers were burst in the area, and polling was underway peacefully. In Kolkata south, TMC candidate Mala Roy alleged that she was stopped from entering polling booths. Sporadic clashes were reported in Kolkata and its surrounding areas, with TMC workers claiming that voters were being intimidated by central forces outside booths. BJP candidate Nilanjan Roy in Diamond Harbour constituency alleged that his car was vandalised in Budge Budge area. Similar reports also came in from Jadavpur constituency, where BJP candidate Anupam Hazra's car came under the attack of unidentified men. "Polling has by and large been peaceful in the nine seats. There have been no complaints of any violence from any of the polling booths," an election official told PTI. "There were also reports of EVM glitches in several polling stations. We have sent reserve EVMs to booths, where the voting process was temporarily hampered due to technical glitches," he added. Punjab saw a polling percentage of 58.81 per cent till 6 pm in 13 Lok Sabha seats. More than 50 per cent turnout was registered in lone Chandigarh Lok Sabha seat, EC app stated. Maximum polling percentage was witnessed at 62.67 in Sangrur and the lowest was in Hoshiarpur at 49.11. In the morning, there were some reports of technical glitches in EVMs at several places including Ludhiana, Samana and Moga. Punjab's Chief Electoral Officer S Karuna Raju said eight ballot units, 13 control units, and eight voter-verified paper audit trail have been replaced. There were also reports of clashes between Congress and Akali-BJP workers in Talwandi Sabo in Bathinda and Gurdaspur. At Talwandi Sabo, Akalis alleged that shots were also fired by ruling party workers. In Himachal Pradesh, 66.18 per cent turnout was recorded till 5 pm in four Lok Sabha seats where five MLAs, including a state minister, are among the 45 candidates in the fray. EVM snags delayed voting at nine polling stations. Voting restarted after the nine faulty EVMs were replaced, a state election officer said. A turnout of 132 per cent has been recorded in the world's highest polling station in Lahaul and Spiti district's Tashigang village, a district official said. In Madhya Pradesh, 69.38 per cent voter turnout was recorded till 6 pm in eight Lok Sabha seats. However, voters listed at a booth in Agar Malwa district falling under the Dewas seat and five booths in Mandsaur seat boycotted the polling over their demands. Efforts were on to persuade voters to exercise their democratic right, an official said. The official said around 12 people cast their votes at the polling booth in Dewas after being persuaded by election officials there. Bihar witnessed 49.92 per cent voting till 6 pm in eight Lok Sabha seats. An election official said, "Going by reports that reached us from district headquarters, we have found out that the voting process was temporarily hampered at few polling stations in Ara, Sasaram, Jehanabad, Pataliputr and Buxar. Officials have attended to the complaints and redressed all grievances," he said. In neighbouring Jharkhand, an estimated 70.05 per cent of the total 45,64,681 voters exercised their franchise in three Lok Sabha seats. In the last phase of Lok Sabha polls, over 10.01 crore voters are eligible to exercise their franchise. The Election Commission has set up more than 1.12 lakh polling stations and has deployed security personnel for smooth conduct of polls. An average of 66.88 per cent voters exercised their franchise in the last six phases. The whole elections were spread over 38 days. Counting of votes will be taken up on May 23.

Lok Sabha polls 2019: Violence in Bengal, clashes in Punjab reported

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/will-make-sedition-law-more-stringent-rajnath-singh-219016">Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh </a>on Thursday said that inflation is not an issue in the ongoing elections as it has been well controlled by Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government at the Centre.

"If you go through Indian elections` history, you will see inflation was an issue in all of them. People used to sing `Congress sarkar aayi hai, kamartod mehengai layi hai` (Congress government has come and brought high inflation along with it). But 2004 and 2019 are two elections where there were issues but inflation was not one of them," Singh said while addressing an election rally in Himachal Pradesh.

"There was Atal Bihari Vajpayee`s government before 2004 and Narendra Modi`s before 2019. Both of them handled economic management well and attacked corruption. Pakistan`s inflation rate is 10-12 per cent and India`s is 2-3 per cent. We did not let inflation cross Indo-Pak border and enter here," he said.

The Home Minister was addressing the rally in support of sitting BJP MP Ram Swaroop Sharma from Mandi Lok Sabha seat.

The four Lok Sabha seats in Himachal Pradesh, including Mandi, would go for polling on May 19.

The counting of votes will take place on May 23.

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday said that inflation is not an issue in the ongoing elections as it has been well controlled by Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government at the Centre.

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday said that inflation is not an issue in the ongoing elections as it has been well controlled by Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government at the Centre. "If you go through Indian elections` history, you will see inflation was an issue in all of them. People used to sing `Congress sarkar aayi hai, kamartod mehengai layi hai` (Congress government has come and brought high inflation along with it). But 2004 and 2019 are two elections where there were issues but inflation was not one of them," Singh said while addressing an election rally in Himachal Pradesh. "There was Atal Bihari Vajpayee`s government before 2004 and Narendra Modi`s before 2019. Both of them handled economic management well and attacked corruption. Pakistan`s inflation rate is 10-12 per cent and India`s is 2-3 per cent. We did not let inflation cross Indo-Pak border and enter here," he said. The Home Minister was addressing the rally in support of sitting BJP MP Ram Swaroop Sharma from Mandi Lok Sabha seat. The four Lok Sabha seats in Himachal Pradesh, including Mandi, would go for polling on May 19. The counting of votes will take place on May 23.

Inflation not issue in 2019, Modi handled economy well: Rajnath Singh

The Special NIA court in Mumbai has directed all accused of Malegaon 2008 blast case to remain present before the court at least once a week.

The court on Friday&nbsp;expressed displeasure over the&nbsp;absence of Sadhvi Pragya and&nbsp;Lt Col Prasad Purohit from the courtroom.

Bharatiya Janata Party's Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur is among the seven accused facing trial in the Malegaon blast case, wherein six people were killed and a dozen others were injured. The bomb that was placed on a motorcycle exploded in Maharashtra's Malegaon on September 29, 2008.

Next hearing in the matter has been scheduled for May 20.

Bharatiya Janata Party has been drawing flak from the opposition since they gave the ticket to Sadhvi Pragya for the 2019 Lok Sabha elections.

Sadhvi&nbsp;was fielded from Madhya Pradesh's Bhopal constituency against Congress veteran leader Digvijay Singh.

(With inputs from agencies)

The Special NIA court in Mumbai has directed all accused of Malegaon 2008 blast case to remain present before the court at least once a week. The court on Friday expressed displeasure over the absence of Sadhvi Pragya and Lt Col Prasad Purohit from the courtroom.

The Special NIA court in Mumbai has directed all accused of Malegaon 2008 blast case to remain present before the court at least once a week. The court on Friday expressed displeasure over the absence of Sadhvi Pragya and Lt Col Prasad Purohit from the courtroom. Bharatiya Janata Party's Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur is among the seven accused facing trial in the Malegaon blast case, wherein six people were killed and a dozen others were injured. The bomb that was placed on a motorcycle exploded in Maharashtra's Malegaon on September 29, 2008. Next hearing in the matter has been scheduled for May 20. Bharatiya Janata Party has been drawing flak from the opposition since they gave the ticket to Sadhvi Pragya for the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. Sadhvi was fielded from Madhya Pradesh's Bhopal constituency against Congress veteran leader Digvijay Singh. (With inputs from agencies)

NIA court expresses displeasure over absence of Sadhvi Pragya, Lt Col Purohit 

BJP president Amit Shah on Friday distanced himself from the controversial comments made by <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/iew-row-over-sadhvi-pragya-thakurs-comments-219226">Pragya Thakur</a>, Ananth Kumar Hegde and Nalin Kateel where the&nbsp;three leaders glorified Nathuram Godse.

Speaking to news agency ANI, Shah said, "Statements of, Pragya Thakur and Nalin Kateel are their personal opinion, BJP has nothing to do with it. They have withdrawn their statements and apologised. BJP has taken their statements seriously and sent these statements to disciplinary committee".

Shah further said, "The disciplinary committee will seek explanation from all the three leaders and will submit the report to the party within 10 days".

BJP's Bhopal Lok Sabha candidate Pragya Singh Thakur had triggered a controversy on Thursday through her comments on Nathuram Godse.

Pragya had called Godse&nbsp;"true patriot". She, however, later tendered an apology for her comments.

Pragya had said, "If someone has been hurt then I apologise for it. What Gandhi ji did for this country cannot be forgotten. I respect him a lot. My statement was misinterpreted and twisted by the media".

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Union Minister Anant Kumar Hegde on Friday came out openly backing Nathuram Godse, notwithstanding BJP's condemnation of Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur calling Mahatma Gandhi`s assassin Nathuram Godse a "true patriot".

However, with his remarks attracting attention, he later deleted the tweet. "My Twitter account has been breached twice in the past one week and certain tweets have been posted on my timeline which has been discarded and deleted. Regret the posts attributed to me," he said in a fresh tweet.

In the earlier tweet, Hegde, known to courting controversies, was quoted as saying he felt that these debates give "good scope for the condemned to be heard upon."Am glad that 7 decades later today`s generation debates in a changed perceptional environment and gives good scope for the condemned to be heard upon. #NathuramGodse would have finally felt happy with this debate," the tweet said.

(With inputs from agencies)

BJP president Amit Shah on Friday distanced himself from the controversial comments made by Pragya Thakur, Ananth Kumar Hegde and Nalin Kateel where the three leaders glorified Nathuram Godse.

BJP president Amit Shah on Friday distanced himself from the controversial comments made by Pragya Thakur, Ananth Kumar Hegde and Nalin Kateel where the three leaders glorified Nathuram Godse. Speaking to news agency ANI, Shah said, "Statements of, Pragya Thakur and Nalin Kateel are their personal opinion, BJP has nothing to do with it. They have withdrawn their statements and apologised. BJP has taken their statements seriously and sent these statements to disciplinary committee". Shah further said, "The disciplinary committee will seek explanation from all the three leaders and will submit the report to the party within 10 days". BJP's Bhopal Lok Sabha candidate Pragya Singh Thakur had triggered a controversy on Thursday through her comments on Nathuram Godse. Pragya had called Godse "true patriot". She, however, later tendered an apology for her comments. Pragya had said, "If someone has been hurt then I apologise for it. What Gandhi ji did for this country cannot be forgotten. I respect him a lot. My statement was misinterpreted and twisted by the media". × Union Minister Anant Kumar Hegde on Friday came out openly backing Nathuram Godse, notwithstanding BJP's condemnation of Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur calling Mahatma Gandhi`s assassin Nathuram Godse a "true patriot". However, with his remarks attracting attention, he later deleted the tweet. "My Twitter account has been breached twice in the past one week and certain tweets have been posted on my timeline which has been discarded and deleted. Regret the posts attributed to me," he said in a fresh tweet. In the earlier tweet, Hegde, known to courting controversies, was quoted as saying he felt that these debates give "good scope for the condemned to be heard upon."Am glad that 7 decades later today`s generation debates in a changed perceptional environment and gives good scope for the condemned to be heard upon. #NathuramGodse would have finally felt happy with this debate," the tweet said. (With inputs from agencies)

Hegde, Pragya's statements on Godse are their personal opinion, says Amit Shah

After <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/trinamool-congress-can-stop-me-from-attending-rallies-not-bjps-victory-amit-shah-218441">BJP president Amit Shah </a>was denied permission to hold a rally in Jadavpur, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Monday met the state`s Chief Electoral Officer accusing TMC of using the state`s police and administration to suppress the BJP.

"CM Mamata Banerjee is contesting elections using police and administration of the state because she has lost people support. That is why she is trying to suppress BJP using the government. They do not give permission for our leaders to hold rallies in the state," BJP leader Sunil Deodhar told reporters here.

"The District Magistrate of South 24 Parganas Ratnakar Rao is working as an agent of TMC. We have told the CEO that he should be removed. BJP president`s rally also denied permission. Yogi Adityanath has to hold rallies in all 5 LS seats of South 24 Parganas district on May 15. But EC denied permission," he said.

The BJP leader underlined that they did not face such problems anywhere else in the country.

Speaking on the elections, Deodhar said,&nbsp;"In 2014, the results of Uttar Pradesh shook everyone. And in 2019, it will be West Bengal which will surprise all."

Earlier in the day, the BJP also staged a protest outside the CEO`s office here alleging bias in holding the Lok Sabha elections in the state.

Nine parliamentary constituencies including Dum Dum, Barasat, Basirhat, Jaynagar, Mathurapur, Diamond Harbour, Jadavpur, Kolkata Dakshin and Kolkata Uttar will vote in the last phase of the Lok Sabha elections in West Bengal on May 19. 
&nbsp;

After BJP president Amit Shah was denied permission to hold a rally in Jadavpur, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Monday met the state`s Chief Electoral Officer accusing TMC of using the state`s police and administration to suppress the BJP.

After BJP president Amit Shah was denied permission to hold a rally in Jadavpur, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Monday met the state`s Chief Electoral Officer accusing TMC of using the state`s police and administration to suppress the BJP. "CM Mamata Banerjee is contesting elections using police and administration of the state because she has lost people support. That is why she is trying to suppress BJP using the government. They do not give permission for our leaders to hold rallies in the state," BJP leader Sunil Deodhar told reporters here. "The District Magistrate of South 24 Parganas Ratnakar Rao is working as an agent of TMC. We have told the CEO that he should be removed. BJP president`s rally also denied permission. Yogi Adityanath has to hold rallies in all 5 LS seats of South 24 Parganas district on May 15. But EC denied permission," he said. The BJP leader underlined that they did not face such problems anywhere else in the country. Speaking on the elections, Deodhar said, "In 2014, the results of Uttar Pradesh shook everyone. And in 2019, it will be West Bengal which will surprise all." Earlier in the day, the BJP also staged a protest outside the CEO`s office here alleging bias in holding the Lok Sabha elections in the state. Nine parliamentary constituencies including Dum Dum, Barasat, Basirhat, Jaynagar, Mathurapur, Diamond Harbour, Jadavpur, Kolkata Dakshin and Kolkata Uttar will vote in the last phase of the Lok Sabha elections in West Bengal on May 19.

BJP approaches CEO, after their leaders denied permission to hold rallies in West Bengal

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Monday took a dig at the Congress and said it is unfortunate that it has reduced to a party which is contesting elections just to cut vote share of the BJP.

"Congress` princess says that Congress is contesting elections so that they can cut into the vote share of the BJP. This is unfortunate for Congress that they have become `vote cutwa` party (a party which cut into the vote of others)," Adityanath said while campaigning for actor-turned-politician Ravi Kishan who is contesting from Gorakhpur on a BJP ticket.

"Those persons who have disgraced democracy and are coming as `vote-cutwa` and confusing people, people should teach them a lesson," he said.

Adityanath`s remark came after Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra had said that her party has fielded some Lok Sabha candidates in Uttar Pradesh with the aim to cut into the vote share of BJP, not to just win the elections.

On May 1, when asked about chances of Congress` victory in UP, Priyanka had said, "My strategy is very clear. Congress will win on the seats where our candidates are strong. Where our candidates are slightly lightweight, they will cut into BJP`s vote share. One does not do politics only to win."

The Gorakhpur seat was represented by UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath for five terms since 1998 until Praveen Kumar Nishad of Samajwadi Party won the seat in a by-poll last year. The seat was vacated by Yogi Adityanath when he became the CM.

Gorakhpur, one of 13 parliamentary constituencies in Uttar Pradesh will go to polls on May 19 in the last phase of Lok Sabha elections.&nbsp;

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Monday took a dig at the Congress and said it is unfortunate that it has reduced to a party which is contesting elections just to cut vote share of the BJP.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Monday took a dig at the Congress and said it is unfortunate that it has reduced to a party which is contesting elections just to cut vote share of the BJP. "Congress` princess says that Congress is contesting elections so that they can cut into the vote share of the BJP. This is unfortunate for Congress that they have become `vote cutwa` party (a party which cut into the vote of others)," Adityanath said while campaigning for actor-turned-politician Ravi Kishan who is contesting from Gorakhpur on a BJP ticket. "Those persons who have disgraced democracy and are coming as `vote-cutwa` and confusing people, people should teach them a lesson," he said. Adityanath`s remark came after Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra had said that her party has fielded some Lok Sabha candidates in Uttar Pradesh with the aim to cut into the vote share of BJP, not to just win the elections. On May 1, when asked about chances of Congress` victory in UP, Priyanka had said, "My strategy is very clear. Congress will win on the seats where our candidates are strong. Where our candidates are slightly lightweight, they will cut into BJP`s vote share. One does not do politics only to win." The Gorakhpur seat was represented by UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath for five terms since 1998 until Praveen Kumar Nishad of Samajwadi Party won the seat in a by-poll last year. The seat was vacated by Yogi Adityanath when he became the CM. Gorakhpur, one of 13 parliamentary constituencies in Uttar Pradesh will go to polls on May 19 in the last phase of Lok Sabha elections.

Unfortunate Congress is contesting polls only to cut BJP's vote share: Adityanath

The BJP on Tuesday alleged that its party posters and flags were removed by TMC workers and police ahead of party president Amit Shah's roadshow in the city.

"Mamata ji's goons and police removed all the posters and flags of our party. They escaped soon after we reached here," BJP general secretary Kailash Vijayvargiya told ANI.

Since the Lok Sabha elections began on April 10, both BJP and TMC have been at loggerheads in West Bengal.

Workers of two parties have repeatedly clashed with each other on polling days.

The BJP has alleged TMC of attacking its party workers and their convoys while campaigning in different parts of the state.

West Bengal has 42 Lok Sabha seats. While election to 31 parliamentary constituencies has been already held, polling in the remaining eight seats will be held on May 19.

Counting of votes will take place on May 23.

The BJP on Tuesday alleged that its party posters and flags were removed by TMC workers and police ahead of party president Amit Shah's roadshow in the city. "Mamata ji's goons and police removed all the posters and flags of our party.

The BJP on Tuesday alleged that its party posters and flags were removed by TMC workers and police ahead of party president Amit Shah's roadshow in the city. "Mamata ji's goons and police removed all the posters and flags of our party. They escaped soon after we reached here," BJP general secretary Kailash Vijayvargiya told ANI. Since the Lok Sabha elections began on April 10, both BJP and TMC have been at loggerheads in West Bengal. Workers of two parties have repeatedly clashed with each other on polling days. The BJP has alleged TMC of attacking its party workers and their convoys while campaigning in different parts of the state. West Bengal has 42 Lok Sabha seats. While election to 31 parliamentary constituencies has been already held, polling in the remaining eight seats will be held on May 19. Counting of votes will take place on May 23.

Lok Sabha polls 2019: BJP alleges posters, flags removed by TMC ahead of Amit Shah's rally in Kolkata

Exuding confidence that BJP will win more seats than it did in 2014 Lok Sabha elections, Union Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday said that thepossibility of a two-third majority cannot be ruled out.

"In comparison to 2004 and 2014 Lok Sabha elections, BJP will win with greater majority this time. The possibility of a two-third majority cannot be ruled out. The hopes and desires people had from the prime minister in the 2014 elections have now taken the shape of trust," he told media persons.

Lauding the Modi-led government for its capability on the economic front, he said, "Inflation did not become an issue during the last five years and did not come up during the election campaign as well. This shows the financial capabilities of our government."

Attacking the Mamata Banerjee government over the issue of violence in West Bengal on polling day, he said, "There is no place for political violence in a healthy democracy. It`s unfortunate that more and more incidents of violence are taking place in West Bengal. What can be more unfortunate that the chief minister is unable to stop violence in the state?"

Slamming the Congress party on Hindu terrorism comment, Singh said that such statements weaken BJP`s fight against terrorism.

"Terrorism is terrorism. It does not have a religion. Due to such statements, our fight against terrorism is weakened. Congress party did the similar thing in 2008 when Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said that `kewal bharat he nahi pakistan bhi atankwad ka shikar hai` (not only India but Pakistan is also a victim of terrorism). Such repetitive statements weaken the whole system," said Singh.

Continuing his tirade against the opposition party, Singh said, "Congress president Rahul Gandhi always talks about the eradication of poverty but does not do anything about it."&nbsp;

Exuding confidence that BJP will win more seats than it did in 2014 Lok Sabha elections, Union Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday said that thepossibility of a two-third majority cannot be ruled out.

Exuding confidence that BJP will win more seats than it did in 2014 Lok Sabha elections, Union Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday said that thepossibility of a two-third majority cannot be ruled out. "In comparison to 2004 and 2014 Lok Sabha elections, BJP will win with greater majority this time. The possibility of a two-third majority cannot be ruled out. The hopes and desires people had from the prime minister in the 2014 elections have now taken the shape of trust," he told media persons. Lauding the Modi-led government for its capability on the economic front, he said, "Inflation did not become an issue during the last five years and did not come up during the election campaign as well. This shows the financial capabilities of our government." Attacking the Mamata Banerjee government over the issue of violence in West Bengal on polling day, he said, "There is no place for political violence in a healthy democracy. It`s unfortunate that more and more incidents of violence are taking place in West Bengal. What can be more unfortunate that the chief minister is unable to stop violence in the state?" Slamming the Congress party on Hindu terrorism comment, Singh said that such statements weaken BJP`s fight against terrorism. "Terrorism is terrorism. It does not have a religion. Due to such statements, our fight against terrorism is weakened. Congress party did the similar thing in 2008 when Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said that `kewal bharat he nahi pakistan bhi atankwad ka shikar hai` (not only India but Pakistan is also a victim of terrorism). Such repetitive statements weaken the whole system," said Singh. Continuing his tirade against the opposition party, Singh said, "Congress president Rahul Gandhi always talks about the eradication of poverty but does not do anything about it."

BJP will win more seats than it got in 2014: Rajnath Singh

Calling himself a 'Kashi vaasi'- resident of Varanasi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is seeking re-election from the Lok Sabha seat, issued an emotional message for people of the constituency and sought their blessings for victory.

Modi outlined his personal and emotional association with the city and its people in a video released by his website on Monday.

"It is often said that whosoever come to Kashi even once, becomes part of the city. In the last five years, I have experienced this every passing moment. In moulding me and giving a direction to my political and spiritual being, Kashi has a huge influence on me."

Modi underlined that Kashi is not a mere word for him, but an inspiration, in terms of religion, spirituality, and culture. "I am fortunate that its people provided me with an opportunity to serve," he said.

The Prime Minister further spoke about the presiding deity of the city- Lord Kashi Vishwanath and said it is a matter of satisfaction for him to be in service of the city.

"The city which is favourite of Baba Vishwanath doesn't need anyone else. But that fact that my life could be of any use for Kashi is a matter of great satisfaction for me. My people of Kashi have blessed me by giving me an opportunity to serve them," Modi said in the moving message.

Asserting that he is proud of people's participation in the development of Varanasi in the last five years, Modi added that it serves as an example for the whole country. He also outlined various developmental initiatives undertaken in the city during his tenure.

"Be it houses or toilets, free LPG or electricity connection, Varanasi has presented an ideal example of development in all sectors. Artisans were able to get global exposure for their products through Deendayal Hastkala Sankul. Construction of two new cancer hospitals provided relief to not only people of Varanasi but also of nearby areas. Every attempt has been made for the welfare of farmers, traders, businessman, youth and 'mallahs' (boatmen) of Kashi," said Modi.

He also spoke about road and highway construction and makeover of Maduadih railway station and multi-model terminal on river Ganga, and called them "major infrastructural changes".

The city's parliamentarian termed the construction of the new Kashi Vishwanath corridor as a "makeover" while adding that it will be a subject of awe.

Modi also stressed upon Kashi's significance and said a lot of work is still left to be do be done. "In last five years, we have done a lot of work for Kashi but a lot is still left. We have to do this together. It is our vow that we will not let the speed of this development stop," he remarked.

In what sounded like a hint that he will not be campaigning in the constituency ahead of voting day, the Prime Minister said, "This time when I came for the roadshow, you assured me that you will handle everything. I have faith in every word. For me, those words are a promise. I know that every resident of Kashi is fighting elections for and as Narendra Modi."

He urged people to go for early voting and avoid the scorching summer sun and asked them to celebrate the exercise as a festival.

"Everyone must participate in the biggest celebration of democracy. You should also encourage your friends and relatives to vote. The whole country will be looking towards Kashi on that day. Go out in large numbers, wear your traditional clothes, and celebrate the day of voting with joy and fervor. Kashi has to make a new record now when the whole country is looking up to it. The record of the whole country should be broken by Kashi," said Modi.

Referring to himself as a 'Kashi vaasi', Prime Minister concluded his address with chants of 'Har Har Mahadev' and 'Har Har Gange'.

Modi held a massive road-show in Varanasi before filling his nomination on April 26. In a show of strength, almost all prominent leaders of the BJP, as well as members of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and North-East Democratic Alliance (NEDA) accompanied him. He won the seat in 2014, defeating Aam Aadmi Party national convenor and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal by a massive margin of 3.37 lakh votes.

The highly-priced Lok Sabha constituency will vote on May 19, the last phase of national polls with results scheduled for May 23.&nbsp;

Calling himself a 'Kashi vaasi'- resident of Varanasi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is seeking re-election from the Lok Sabha seat, issued an emotional message for people of the constituency and sought their blessings for victory.

Calling himself a 'Kashi vaasi'- resident of Varanasi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is seeking re-election from the Lok Sabha seat, issued an emotional message for people of the constituency and sought their blessings for victory. Modi outlined his personal and emotional association with the city and its people in a video released by his website on Monday. "It is often said that whosoever come to Kashi even once, becomes part of the city. In the last five years, I have experienced this every passing moment. In moulding me and giving a direction to my political and spiritual being, Kashi has a huge influence on me." Modi underlined that Kashi is not a mere word for him, but an inspiration, in terms of religion, spirituality, and culture. "I am fortunate that its people provided me with an opportunity to serve," he said. The Prime Minister further spoke about the presiding deity of the city- Lord Kashi Vishwanath and said it is a matter of satisfaction for him to be in service of the city. "The city which is favourite of Baba Vishwanath doesn't need anyone else. But that fact that my life could be of any use for Kashi is a matter of great satisfaction for me. My people of Kashi have blessed me by giving me an opportunity to serve them," Modi said in the moving message. Asserting that he is proud of people's participation in the development of Varanasi in the last five years, Modi added that it serves as an example for the whole country. He also outlined various developmental initiatives undertaken in the city during his tenure. "Be it houses or toilets, free LPG or electricity connection, Varanasi has presented an ideal example of development in all sectors. Artisans were able to get global exposure for their products through Deendayal Hastkala Sankul. Construction of two new cancer hospitals provided relief to not only people of Varanasi but also of nearby areas. Every attempt has been made for the welfare of farmers, traders, businessman, youth and 'mallahs' (boatmen) of Kashi," said Modi. He also spoke about road and highway construction and makeover of Maduadih railway station and multi-model terminal on river Ganga, and called them "major infrastructural changes". The city's parliamentarian termed the construction of the new Kashi Vishwanath corridor as a "makeover" while adding that it will be a subject of awe. Modi also stressed upon Kashi's significance and said a lot of work is still left to be do be done. "In last five years, we have done a lot of work for Kashi but a lot is still left. We have to do this together. It is our vow that we will not let the speed of this development stop," he remarked. In what sounded like a hint that he will not be campaigning in the constituency ahead of voting day, the Prime Minister said, "This time when I came for the roadshow, you assured me that you will handle everything. I have faith in every word. For me, those words are a promise. I know that every resident of Kashi is fighting elections for and as Narendra Modi." He urged people to go for early voting and avoid the scorching summer sun and asked them to celebrate the exercise as a festival. "Everyone must participate in the biggest celebration of democracy. You should also encourage your friends and relatives to vote. The whole country will be looking towards Kashi on that day. Go out in large numbers, wear your traditional clothes, and celebrate the day of voting with joy and fervor. Kashi has to make a new record now when the whole country is looking up to it. The record of the whole country should be broken by Kashi," said Modi. Referring to himself as a 'Kashi vaasi', Prime Minister concluded his address with chants of 'Har Har Mahadev' and 'Har Har Gange'. Modi held a massive road-show in Varanasi before filling his nomination on April 26. In a show of strength, almost all prominent leaders of the BJP, as well as members of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and North-East Democratic Alliance (NEDA) accompanied him. He won the seat in 2014, defeating Aam Aadmi Party national convenor and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal by a massive margin of 3.37 lakh votes. The highly-priced Lok Sabha constituency will vote on May 19, the last phase of national polls with results scheduled for May 23.

Every resident contesting on my behalf: PM Modi's emotional message to Varanasi

A minor argument took place between BJP`s Maneka Gandhi and her Lok Sabha contest opponent of the SP-BSP alliance, Sonu Singh, on Sunday after the Union Minister alleged that Singh`s supporters were threatening voters.

In the spat, recorded on camera, the two leaders who are contesting from Sultanpur can be seen on either side of a Toyota Fortuner, pointing fingers at each other and talking.

Gandhi can be heard warning her political rival that his "bully-like" behaviour (`dabbangai`) will not work, while Singh said that he has not done any wrong.

Supporters of the `gathbandhan` candidate raise slogans in his support towards the end of the video before the two leaders went their way.

" We were here for the booth inspection and were taking care that there should not be any criminal element at or around the polling booths. One of the persons with Singh is absconding from the prison. These people are threatening and pressurising the people before voting. This is not at all right and acceptable. Everyone has the right to cast their votes freely and peacefully," Maneka Gandhi told ANI.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a>: Minor argument between Union Minister and BJP's candidate from Sultanpur Maneka Gandhi and Mahagathbandhan candidate Sonu Singh after Gandhi alleged that Singh's supporters were threatening voters. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LokSabhaElections?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LokSabhaElections</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Phase6?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Phase6</a> <a href="https://t.co/l2Pn1yCRVO">pic.twitter.com/l2Pn1yCRVO</a>
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Sonu Singh denied claims made by Gandhi, "The entire village is in my support. There is no point putting false allegation of threatening people. I am 100 per cent sure of my victory." the BSP leader said.

Gandhi is the sitting lawmaker from Pilibhit, this year, however, her seat was swapped with son and BJP leader Varun Gandhi who is the lawmaker for Sultanpur.

Today, Uttar Pradesh is witnessing voting for 14 out of the total 80 seats in the state. Overall, 59 seats across 6 states and the capital of Delhi are polling today, with the counting of votes scheduled for May 23. 
&nbsp;

A minor argument took place between BJP`s Maneka Gandhi and her Lok Sabha contest opponent of the SP-BSP alliance, Sonu Singh, on Sunday after the Union Minister alleged that Singh`s supporters were threatening voters.

A minor argument took place between BJP`s Maneka Gandhi and her Lok Sabha contest opponent of the SP-BSP alliance, Sonu Singh, on Sunday after the Union Minister alleged that Singh`s supporters were threatening voters. In the spat, recorded on camera, the two leaders who are contesting from Sultanpur can be seen on either side of a Toyota Fortuner, pointing fingers at each other and talking. Gandhi can be heard warning her political rival that his "bully-like" behaviour (`dabbangai`) will not work, while Singh said that he has not done any wrong. Supporters of the `gathbandhan` candidate raise slogans in his support towards the end of the video before the two leaders went their way. " We were here for the booth inspection and were taking care that there should not be any criminal element at or around the polling booths. One of the persons with Singh is absconding from the prison. These people are threatening and pressurising the people before voting. This is not at all right and acceptable. Everyone has the right to cast their votes freely and peacefully," Maneka Gandhi told ANI. #WATCH: Minor argument between Union Minister and BJP's candidate from Sultanpur Maneka Gandhi and Mahagathbandhan candidate Sonu Singh after Gandhi alleged that Singh's supporters were threatening voters. #LokSabhaElections #Phase6 pic.twitter.com/l2Pn1yCRVO — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) May 12, 2019 × Sonu Singh denied claims made by Gandhi, "The entire village is in my support. There is no point putting false allegation of threatening people. I am 100 per cent sure of my victory." the BSP leader said. Gandhi is the sitting lawmaker from Pilibhit, this year, however, her seat was swapped with son and BJP leader Varun Gandhi who is the lawmaker for Sultanpur. Today, Uttar Pradesh is witnessing voting for 14 out of the total 80 seats in the state. Overall, 59 seats across 6 states and the capital of Delhi are polling today, with the counting of votes scheduled for May 23.

Lok Sabha polls 2019: Minor argument between Maneka Gandhi, her 'gathbandhan' opponent

Ahead of the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/live-lok-sabha-phase-6-elections-voting-begins-for-59-constituencies-across-seven-states-217872"> sixth phase of Lok Sabha polls</a>, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday appealed to youngsters to go out and vote in record numbers.

"Yet another phase of the 2019 Lok Sabha elections is here! Urging all those whose constituencies are polling in today`s sixth phase to go out and vote. I hope youngsters are voting in record numbers," Prime Minister tweeted before voting for sixth phase of Lok Sabha polls began.

"After all, their participation makes the polls even more special," he added.

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Yet another phase of the 2019 Lok Sabha elections is here! 
 
Urging all those whose constituencies are polling in today’s sixth phase to go out and vote. I hope youngsters are voting in record numbers. After all, their participation makes the polls even more special.
— Chowkidar Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1127382183293833216?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 12, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Voting for sixth phase of Lok Sabha polls began on Sunday morning.

A total of 59 seats from six states and Union Territory of Delhi are going to polls in the sixth phase.

The counting of votes will be done on May 23.

Ahead of the sixth phase of Lok Sabha polls, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday appealed to youngsters to go out and vote in record numbers. "Yet another phase of the 2019 Lok Sabha elections is here!

Ahead of the sixth phase of Lok Sabha polls, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday appealed to youngsters to go out and vote in record numbers. "Yet another phase of the 2019 Lok Sabha elections is here! Urging all those whose constituencies are polling in today`s sixth phase to go out and vote. I hope youngsters are voting in record numbers," Prime Minister tweeted before voting for sixth phase of Lok Sabha polls began. "After all, their participation makes the polls even more special," he added. Yet another phase of the 2019 Lok Sabha elections is here! Urging all those whose constituencies are polling in today’s sixth phase to go out and vote. I hope youngsters are voting in record numbers. After all, their participation makes the polls even more special. — Chowkidar Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 12, 2019 × Voting for sixth phase of Lok Sabha polls began on Sunday morning. A total of 59 seats from six states and Union Territory of Delhi are going to polls in the sixth phase. The counting of votes will be done on May 23.

Lok Sabha polls 2019: PM Modi urges youngsters to vote in record numbers

In pics: Key constituencies in Phase 6 of Lok Sabha polls

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/masood-azhar-getting-designated-as-global-terrorist-big-win-for-bjp-adityanath-216664">Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath </a>Wednesday alleged that the Congress doesn't deserve to get votes as it is "more concerned about Pakistan than India".

Addressing a poll rally in Madhya Pradesh&nbsp;to canvass for the BJP's Guna Lok Sabha seat candidate K P Yadav, Adityanath alleged that not only Congress president Rahul Gandhi, but his sister and the party's general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra too speaks lies.

"Rahul Gandhi does not deserve votes as he is more concerned about Pakistan. If India is in trouble, he doesn't think about the people," the BJP leader told an election meeting here.

He alleged that the Congress president sensed defeat in Amethi which is why he contested the polls also from Wayanad in Kerala.

Referring to a viral video, purportedly showing children using abusive language in front of Priyanka Gandhi, Adityanath alleged, "She was teaching abuses to children after people refused to vote for the Congress. This is not a good conduct on the part of a woman."

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra had earlier clarified that she had stopped children from raising wrong slogans and asked them to raise good slogans.

Adityanath also claimed that what the Narendra Modi government achieved in the last five years, the Congress could not do in 50 years.&nbsp;

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath Wednesday alleged that the Congress doesn't deserve to get votes as it is "more concerned about Pakistan than India".

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath Wednesday alleged that the Congress doesn't deserve to get votes as it is "more concerned about Pakistan than India". Addressing a poll rally in Madhya Pradesh to canvass for the BJP's Guna Lok Sabha seat candidate K P Yadav, Adityanath alleged that not only Congress president Rahul Gandhi, but his sister and the party's general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra too speaks lies. "Rahul Gandhi does not deserve votes as he is more concerned about Pakistan. If India is in trouble, he doesn't think about the people," the BJP leader told an election meeting here. He alleged that the Congress president sensed defeat in Amethi which is why he contested the polls also from Wayanad in Kerala. Referring to a viral video, purportedly showing children using abusive language in front of Priyanka Gandhi, Adityanath alleged, "She was teaching abuses to children after people refused to vote for the Congress. This is not a good conduct on the part of a woman." Priyanka Gandhi Vadra had earlier clarified that she had stopped children from raising wrong slogans and asked them to raise good slogans. Adityanath also claimed that what the Narendra Modi government achieved in the last five years, the Congress could not do in 50 years.

Congress more concerned about Pakistan than India: Adityanath

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/priyanka-gandhi-will-be-wasting-her-time-campaigning-in-the-national-capital-kejriwal-216999">Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal </a>Thursday accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of seeking votes in name of "fake nationalism" and said he has done nothing in the last five years except "jumlebaazi", foreign tours and lectures.

In response to Modi's comments that Delhi government brought "nakampanthi" (non-performance) model of governance, Kejriwal said his party has addressed issues related to education, health, electricity and water and asked, "what have you done?".

In a tweet, Kejriwal charged, "Modi has done nothing in the last five years except jumlebaazi, foreign tours and lectures and that is the reason he is seeking votes in make of fake nationalism".

Kejriwal said, "The people of Delhi have sought answers of three questions from you for which you had no answers".

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हमने शिक्षा, स्वास्थ्य, बिजली, पानी-अनेक काम किए 
 
आपने 5 साल में क्या किया- भाषण, विदेश भ्रमण और जुमलेबाज़ी? और कुछ? 
 
इसीलिए आज आप फ़र्ज़ी और झूठे राष्ट्रवाद के नाम पर वोट माँग रहे हो 
 
दिल्ली वालों ने कल आपसे तीन सवाल पूछे थे। उनके आपके पास जवाब नहीं हैं <a href="https://t.co/3mFsgnxqWi">https://t.co/3mFsgnxqWi</a>
— Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) <a href="https://twitter.com/ArvindKejriwal/status/1126304318938738688?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 9, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The "Aam Aadmi Party chief on Wednesday sought answer to three questions from Modi, "Why didn't the BJP pass an ordinance and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/will-stop-sealing-drives-in-delhi-if-we-get-all-7-lok-sabha-seats-says-arvind-kejriwal-216411/amp">stop sealing in Delhi</a>? In 2014, PM Narendra Modi promised full statehood for Delhi. Why did the BJP not grant full statehood? Why is Imran Khan endorsing Narendra Modi?"

In the tweet, Kejriwal tagged Modi's tweet in which he said Delhi government brought in "nakampanthi" (non-performance) model of governance."

Modi Wednesday launched a blistering attack on the AAP in his first rally in the national capital, accusing the Arvind Kejriwal-led government "of supporting the "tukde-tukde gang" and bringing in "nakampanthi" (non-performance) model of governance."

He said there are four models-- 'naampanthi' (dynastic politics), 'vaampanthi' (left politics) and dam and 'damanpanthi' (hooliganism) and 'vikaspanth' (those who believe in development).&nbsp;

"But Delhi is the only state where we learnt about the fifth model. Delhi has seen 'nakampanthi' (non-performance) which created anarchy and betrayed the people of the country," Modi said.

&nbsp;

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal Thursday accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of seeking votes in name of "fake nationalism" and said he has done nothing in the last five years except "jumlebaazi", foreign tours and lectures.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal Thursday accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of seeking votes in name of "fake nationalism" and said he has done nothing in the last five years except "jumlebaazi", foreign tours and lectures. In response to Modi's comments that Delhi government brought "nakampanthi" (non-performance) model of governance, Kejriwal said his party has addressed issues related to education, health, electricity and water and asked, "what have you done?". In a tweet, Kejriwal charged, "Modi has done nothing in the last five years except jumlebaazi, foreign tours and lectures and that is the reason he is seeking votes in make of fake nationalism". Kejriwal said, "The people of Delhi have sought answers of three questions from you for which you had no answers". हमने शिक्षा, स्वास्थ्य, बिजली, पानी-अनेक काम किए आपने 5 साल में क्या किया- भाषण, विदेश भ्रमण और जुमलेबाज़ी? और कुछ? इसीलिए आज आप फ़र्ज़ी और झूठे राष्ट्रवाद के नाम पर वोट माँग रहे हो दिल्ली वालों ने कल आपसे तीन सवाल पूछे थे। उनके आपके पास जवाब नहीं हैं https://t.co/3mFsgnxqWi — Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) May 9, 2019 × The "Aam Aadmi Party chief on Wednesday sought answer to three questions from Modi, "Why didn't the BJP pass an ordinance and stop sealing in Delhi? In 2014, PM Narendra Modi promised full statehood for Delhi. Why did the BJP not grant full statehood? Why is Imran Khan endorsing Narendra Modi?" In the tweet, Kejriwal tagged Modi's tweet in which he said Delhi government brought in "nakampanthi" (non-performance) model of governance." Modi Wednesday launched a blistering attack on the AAP in his first rally in the national capital, accusing the Arvind Kejriwal-led government "of supporting the "tukde-tukde gang" and bringing in "nakampanthi" (non-performance) model of governance." He said there are four models-- 'naampanthi' (dynastic politics), 'vaampanthi' (left politics) and dam and 'damanpanthi' (hooliganism) and 'vikaspanth' (those who believe in development). "But Delhi is the only state where we learnt about the fifth model. Delhi has seen 'nakampanthi' (non-performance) which created anarchy and betrayed the people of the country," Modi said.

Modi seeking votes in name of fake nationalism: Kejriwal

Senior Congress leader M Veerappa Moily Wednesday said there was nothing wrong in TRS President and Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao's efforts to forge a federal front of regional parties.

Claiming that the&nbsp;Congress would get around 200 seats in the Lok Sabha elections, emerging as the leading party among the opposition he further said that the&nbsp;federal front of regional parties was a move against the&nbsp;BJP-led NDA.

"Make state-by-state (poll) analysis and you will definitely come to conclusion that the NDA government will fall", the former Union Minister said, adding a conglomeration of opposition parties would form the government.

On some parties speculating about the possibility of a United Front-type of Government of 1996-1998 with outside support from the Congress, Moily said, "There is no such thing now. It's too early and premature to say that".

"Among all members of the opposition, the Congress figure (tally of seats) would be the highest", the former Karnataka chief minister said.

"Common enemy is (Narendra) Modi and NDA. That is why, they (regional parties) can't join NDA; there shall be a combination of opposition parties who will definitely form the coalition (government)," Moily said.

He defended the Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra's decision not to stand against Modi in Varanasi, saying it was not necessary as contesting there would have confined her to that constituency.

"But now her services are available, she is going everywhere (for campaigning), that has given us more advantage", Moily told PTI.

On whether the Congress would position its President Rahul Gandhi as the prime ministerial candidate, he said ultimately there should be unanimity among the opposition put together.

"Congress as a largest party in Parliament, particularly more so among the opposition, we definitely have the advantage of leading the opposition front," Moily said.

On Rao's push to forge a non-Congress, non-BJP federal front of regional parties, he said there was nothing wrong about that.

"That means he (Rao) is also against NDA. That is more than enough for us. That means to say there are no takers for the NDA, except Shiv Sena and some fringe parties like Ram Vilas Paswan's party", Moily said.

The TRS had been pitching the idea of a non-Congress, non-BJP federal front of regional parties for several months now.

Asked if some of the regional parties who are not on board with UPA would be "friends" post-poll, he said, "Correct. It's always like that. There may be combination prior to elections, and combination, permutations after elections".

"This has happened even in 2004. For example, UDF is fighting against LDF in Kerala. So, there cannot be prior (pre-poll) understanding between these two parties. Even then, we joined together in 2004 in forming government," he said.

Moily claimed that majority of regional parties would join the opposition combination to defeat the NDA. "Opposition will join together and form government", he said.

Senior Congress leader M Veerappa Moily Wednesday said there was nothing wrong in TRS President and Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao's efforts to forge a federal front of regional parties.

Senior Congress leader M Veerappa Moily Wednesday said there was nothing wrong in TRS President and Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao's efforts to forge a federal front of regional parties. Claiming that the Congress would get around 200 seats in the Lok Sabha elections, emerging as the leading party among the opposition he further said that the federal front of regional parties was a move against the BJP-led NDA. "Make state-by-state (poll) analysis and you will definitely come to conclusion that the NDA government will fall", the former Union Minister said, adding a conglomeration of opposition parties would form the government. On some parties speculating about the possibility of a United Front-type of Government of 1996-1998 with outside support from the Congress, Moily said, "There is no such thing now. It's too early and premature to say that". "Among all members of the opposition, the Congress figure (tally of seats) would be the highest", the former Karnataka chief minister said. "Common enemy is (Narendra) Modi and NDA. That is why, they (regional parties) can't join NDA; there shall be a combination of opposition parties who will definitely form the coalition (government)," Moily said. He defended the Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra's decision not to stand against Modi in Varanasi, saying it was not necessary as contesting there would have confined her to that constituency. "But now her services are available, she is going everywhere (for campaigning), that has given us more advantage", Moily told PTI. On whether the Congress would position its President Rahul Gandhi as the prime ministerial candidate, he said ultimately there should be unanimity among the opposition put together. "Congress as a largest party in Parliament, particularly more so among the opposition, we definitely have the advantage of leading the opposition front," Moily said. On Rao's push to forge a non-Congress, non-BJP federal front of regional parties, he said there was nothing wrong about that. "That means he (Rao) is also against NDA. That is more than enough for us. That means to say there are no takers for the NDA, except Shiv Sena and some fringe parties like Ram Vilas Paswan's party", Moily said. The TRS had been pitching the idea of a non-Congress, non-BJP federal front of regional parties for several months now. Asked if some of the regional parties who are not on board with UPA would be "friends" post-poll, he said, "Correct. It's always like that. There may be combination prior to elections, and combination, permutations after elections". "This has happened even in 2004. For example, UDF is fighting against LDF in Kerala. So, there cannot be prior (pre-poll) understanding between these two parties. Even then, we joined together in 2004 in forming government," he said. Moily claimed that majority of regional parties would join the opposition combination to defeat the NDA. "Opposition will join together and form government", he said.

Federal front push of TRS is against NDA: Veerappa Moily

The Supreme Court Wednesday refused to hear Congress MP Sushmita Dev's plea seeking action against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP President Amit Shah for alleged poll code violations.

A bench comprising Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi and Justice Deepak Gupta, however, gave Dev the liberty to file a fresh plea against various Election Commission (EC) orders rejecting complaints of Model Code of Conduct (MCC) violations by Modi and Shah during campaigning.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

The apex court had on Monday asked the MP from Silchar to bring on record the EC's orders giving clean chit to the BJP leaders on several complaints of MCC violations over alleged hate speeches and references to armed forces for "political propaganda".&nbsp;

"Rightly or wrongly", the poll panel has decided the complaints of MCC violations and these orders warrant filing of a fresh petition, the bench said.

Senior advocate Rakesh Dwivedi, appearing for the EC, said the persons who had given representations of MCC violations to the poll panel have not come forward to assail them.

Senior advocate A M Singhvi, appearing for Dev, said the poll panel had given unreasoned orders in dismissing the complaints against Modi and Shah.

The EC has given clean chit to Modi for two of his speeches -- one in Latur last month urging first time voters to dedicate their votes in the name of Balakot air strike heroes and soldiers killed in the Pulwama attack, and the other in Wardha on April 1, slamming Congress chief Rahul Gandhi where he had also indicated that Kerala constituency had more voters from the minority community.&nbsp;

Dev had on Tuesday claimed before the apex court that the EC has failed to appreciate that the alleged "hate speeches" by PM Modi and Shah are "corrupt practices" and promote the feeling of enmity on religious grounds.

In an affidavit, Dev has said that the poll panel has passed orders in a "cryptic manner without mentioning any reason whatsoever, in stark violation of the law laid down by this court" while disposing of some complaints.

The Congress party has on May 6 lodged a fresh complaint before the poll panel against Modi for his remarks which "maligned and tarnished the image" of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, Dev said in the affidavit filed in the court.

The apex court had on Monday asked the Congress MP to bring on record EC's orders giving clean chit to Modi and Shah, after she accused the poll panel of inaction on complaints against the two BJP leaders for allegedly violating the MCC with "hate speeches" and using armed forces for "political propaganda".

Alleging discrimination and arbitrariness on part of the EC, Dev had said that the poll panel has initiated action for violation of model code of conduct against Union minister Maneka Gandhi, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, BSP Supremo Mayawati and BJP leader Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur for statements which were similar in "tone, tenor, meaning, purport and intention" to Modi and Shah's statements.

Dev said that the dissent reported and given by one of the Election Commissioners is not provided along with the order.&nbsp;

"This demonstrates a complete lack of transparency and arbitrariness of the Respondent's (EC) decision-making process on complaints against Shri Modi and Shri Amit Shah," the affidavit said.

Dev, in her plea, has alleged inaction by EC in deciding complaints against Modi and Shah and has said that it was "a sign of invidious discrimination" and also "arbitrary, capricious and impermissible" as it was destructive of the integrity of electoral process.

The plea listed out several alleged instances of MCC violations by Modi and Shah in their meetings and referred to as the first violation the speech of Modi at a rally at Wardha, Maharashtra, on April 1 where he had allegedly raised the issue of 'bhagva aatankwad' (saffron terror).

Earlier, the apex court had directed the poll panel to decide by May 6, the nine complaints of the Congress party alleging violations of MCC by the Prime Minister and Shah.

The poll panel had said that by May 8, it was likely to consider all the representations of the Congress party and its leader.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The Supreme Court Wednesday refused to hear Congress MP Sushmita Dev's plea seeking action against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP President Amit Shah for alleged poll code violations.

The Supreme Court Wednesday refused to hear Congress MP Sushmita Dev's plea seeking action against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP President Amit Shah for alleged poll code violations. A bench comprising Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi and Justice Deepak Gupta, however, gave Dev the liberty to file a fresh plea against various Election Commission (EC) orders rejecting complaints of Model Code of Conduct (MCC) violations by Modi and Shah during campaigning. The apex court had on Monday asked the MP from Silchar to bring on record the EC's orders giving clean chit to the BJP leaders on several complaints of MCC violations over alleged hate speeches and references to armed forces for "political propaganda". "Rightly or wrongly", the poll panel has decided the complaints of MCC violations and these orders warrant filing of a fresh petition, the bench said. Senior advocate Rakesh Dwivedi, appearing for the EC, said the persons who had given representations of MCC violations to the poll panel have not come forward to assail them. Senior advocate A M Singhvi, appearing for Dev, said the poll panel had given unreasoned orders in dismissing the complaints against Modi and Shah. The EC has given clean chit to Modi for two of his speeches -- one in Latur last month urging first time voters to dedicate their votes in the name of Balakot air strike heroes and soldiers killed in the Pulwama attack, and the other in Wardha on April 1, slamming Congress chief Rahul Gandhi where he had also indicated that Kerala constituency had more voters from the minority community. Dev had on Tuesday claimed before the apex court that the EC has failed to appreciate that the alleged "hate speeches" by PM Modi and Shah are "corrupt practices" and promote the feeling of enmity on religious grounds. In an affidavit, Dev has said that the poll panel has passed orders in a "cryptic manner without mentioning any reason whatsoever, in stark violation of the law laid down by this court" while disposing of some complaints. The Congress party has on May 6 lodged a fresh complaint before the poll panel against Modi for his remarks which "maligned and tarnished the image" of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, Dev said in the affidavit filed in the court. The apex court had on Monday asked the Congress MP to bring on record EC's orders giving clean chit to Modi and Shah, after she accused the poll panel of inaction on complaints against the two BJP leaders for allegedly violating the MCC with "hate speeches" and using armed forces for "political propaganda". Alleging discrimination and arbitrariness on part of the EC, Dev had said that the poll panel has initiated action for violation of model code of conduct against Union minister Maneka Gandhi, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, BSP Supremo Mayawati and BJP leader Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur for statements which were similar in "tone, tenor, meaning, purport and intention" to Modi and Shah's statements. Dev said that the dissent reported and given by one of the Election Commissioners is not provided along with the order. "This demonstrates a complete lack of transparency and arbitrariness of the Respondent's (EC) decision-making process on complaints against Shri Modi and Shri Amit Shah," the affidavit said. Dev, in her plea, has alleged inaction by EC in deciding complaints against Modi and Shah and has said that it was "a sign of invidious discrimination" and also "arbitrary, capricious and impermissible" as it was destructive of the integrity of electoral process. The plea listed out several alleged instances of MCC violations by Modi and Shah in their meetings and referred to as the first violation the speech of Modi at a rally at Wardha, Maharashtra, on April 1 where he had allegedly raised the issue of 'bhagva aatankwad' (saffron terror). Earlier, the apex court had directed the poll panel to decide by May 6, the nine complaints of the Congress party alleging violations of MCC by the Prime Minister and Shah. The poll panel had said that by May 8, it was likely to consider all the representations of the Congress party and its leader.

Supreme Court refuses to hear Congress MP's plea seeking action against Modi, Shah for poll code violations

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said if the NDA government comes back to power, he will put the `shahenshah` who looted farmers behind bars within the next five years.

"Whenever there was Congress government in Centre and Haryana, they took away the land of farmers at low rates. With your blessings, this Chowkidar has taken those who looted farmers to the court. They are going around seeking bail. They are going to ED offices. They used to think that they are `shahenshahs` (emperor) and nobody can touch them. Now they are nervous. I have already taken them to the door of the jail, give me your blessings and I`ll put them in jail within next five years," Modi said in an apparent reference to UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi`s son-in-law Robert Vadra, who is currently facing trial in a land deal case.

Modi, while addressing the gathering here, also said those who have looted the country "will have to pay back."

The Prime Minister went on to criticise the Congress over the 1984 anti-Sikh riots.

"In 1984, in different parts of the country including Delhi, Punjab and Haryana thousands of our Sikh brothers and sisters were killed at the behest of the Congress family," he said.&nbsp;

"For 34 years, a dozen of commissions were made, but justice was not given to the Sikh community. Your `Chowkidar` had promised to punish those involved in the 1984 riots. I am happy that the process to punish them has begun."

Modi went on to say, "This shameless Congress is still providing benefits to these tainted people who were involved in committing that sin. They even made one of those involved in the riots as the Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh. From this, it is clear that Congress is not bothered about your feelings."&nbsp;

He also accused the Congress of not making enough efforts at the time of Independence to ensure that Kartarpur Sahib is a part of India."

Congress` history is about ignoring your emotions. Otherwise, there was no reason why Kartarpur Sahib is in Pakistan. At the time of partition, if they would have made a little effort then Kartarpur Sahib would have been in India... But our government is making efforts to ensure that people who go to seek blessing from Kartarpur Sahib don`t face any problem. For this, the Kartarpur Sahib corridor is being made," he added.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said if the NDA government comes back to power, he will put the `shahenshah` who looted farmers behind bars within the next five years.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said if the NDA government comes back to power, he will put the `shahenshah` who looted farmers behind bars within the next five years. "Whenever there was Congress government in Centre and Haryana, they took away the land of farmers at low rates. With your blessings, this Chowkidar has taken those who looted farmers to the court. They are going around seeking bail. They are going to ED offices. They used to think that they are `shahenshahs` (emperor) and nobody can touch them. Now they are nervous. I have already taken them to the door of the jail, give me your blessings and I`ll put them in jail within next five years," Modi said in an apparent reference to UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi`s son-in-law Robert Vadra, who is currently facing trial in a land deal case. Modi, while addressing the gathering here, also said those who have looted the country "will have to pay back." The Prime Minister went on to criticise the Congress over the 1984 anti-Sikh riots. "In 1984, in different parts of the country including Delhi, Punjab and Haryana thousands of our Sikh brothers and sisters were killed at the behest of the Congress family," he said. "For 34 years, a dozen of commissions were made, but justice was not given to the Sikh community. Your `Chowkidar` had promised to punish those involved in the 1984 riots. I am happy that the process to punish them has begun." Modi went on to say, "This shameless Congress is still providing benefits to these tainted people who were involved in committing that sin. They even made one of those involved in the riots as the Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh. From this, it is clear that Congress is not bothered about your feelings." He also accused the Congress of not making enough efforts at the time of Independence to ensure that Kartarpur Sahib is a part of India." Congress` history is about ignoring your emotions. Otherwise, there was no reason why Kartarpur Sahib is in Pakistan. At the time of partition, if they would have made a little effort then Kartarpur Sahib would have been in India... But our government is making efforts to ensure that people who go to seek blessing from Kartarpur Sahib don`t face any problem. For this, the Kartarpur Sahib corridor is being made," he added.

Will put 'shahenshah' who looted farmers behind bars within next 5 years: PM Modi

The BJP is making its presence felt in this once Maoist hotbed despite a dominant presence of the Mamata Banerjee-led TMC, which routed the Left Front promising 'poriborton' (change).

Several locals, who were among the thousands that joined a movement in 2008 to express their angst with the then CPI(M) government led by Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee, say they sense another change in this part of West Bengal.

Trinamool Congress (TMC) flags dot 'haats' (local markets) and villages, and its signature blue can be seen on walls of several establishments, even schools and security outposts here.

But at Lalgarh's bustling tea stalls and markets, the discussion is about the challenge the TMC faces from the BJP in this erstwhile CPI(M) stronghold.

The BJP making inroads into Lalgarh and its surrounding areas has not gone unnoticed by the TMC chief, who completely overhauled the grassroot-level leadership before the 2019 Lok Sabha polls in an attempt to earn the goodwill of the people.

"It came as a shock to us to see the BJP gain so much traction in the (Jhargram) district after the panchayat polls last year. It had not done any work in the area...We banked on the development that the TMC has brought in since 2011," Jyoti Prasad Mahato, a local TMC leader, said.

In Jhargram district, the TMC lost 28-gram panchayats out of 79.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;

Part of the Jhargram Lok Sabha constituency and district, it was in 2008 that this dusty corner of Bengal, around 170 km from Kolkata, became the hotbed for the ultras and later, a centre point of left-wing extremism, which after continuous crackdown by security forces met a natural death in 2011 --the year the TMC came to power.

"Schemes announced by the Centre haven't reached us and those announced by the state are only benefitting people who hobnob with the TMC. Why shouldn't we demand change, now that there is an alternative," said Sushma Mahato, as she rolled tendu leaves into bidis in front of her mud hut.

Echoing Sushma's view, a villager said,"When the TMC won the Jhargram seat we had no other party to protect our interests. Now, we do. We don't want them to feel that they are entitled to our votes. They have to deliver on their promises."&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

In 2014, TMC's Uma Soren had wrested the Jhargram from Pulin Bihari Baske of the CPI(M), ending the Left party's 42-year domination in the constituency. This time the TMC has pitted Birbha Soren against CPI(M)'s Deblina Hembram and BJP's Kunar Hembram.&nbsp;

While Deblina is known for her fiery speeches, Kunar, his party people, say will win the polls as there is an anti-Mamata wave and people want change.&nbsp;

However, some changes cannot go unnoticed.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;

&nbsp;Dirt and mud roads, which security forces treaded cautiously fearing buried IEDs, have now been paved with asphalt and infrastructure development in Binpur-1 block, under which Lalgarh falls, is on at full pace.

The Banerjee-led government has also delivered around 25,000 cycles under the Sabuj Sathi scheme, built about 30 healthcare centres and about 1,300 self-help groups have come up in block.

"The facelift that you see around here is&nbsp;just that an outer shell. What will we do with them if we don't have jobs and food to eat?&nbsp;asked Sushma.

It was Banerjee's promise of change that brought her to power in Lalgarh that yearned for things like jobs, food, water, electricity and connectivity.

But, two assembly and one Lok Sabha elections since Banerjee swept into power, another resident said there seems to be a "strong feeling of mistrust between the TMC and the people here".

"Nothing has reached us. People have been made civic volunteers, but only those connected with the ruling party have got benefits. The local TMC leaders are so corrupt that they take money from us to even deliver basic benefits," the resident said.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;

People said they are more concerned about their basic needs, rather than the politics or the violence associated with it, as election day comes closer. Jhargram goes to polls on May 12.

This time, there is a straight contest between the BJP and the TMC, but the ruling party in Bengal is the dominant force, a member of a local group said.

The saffron party has worked quietly and made its mark here, he said.

Even TMC's Jyoti Prasad said, "BJP worked so silently, pumped in money that we didn't even realise what was happening."

Each police station in the area - Lalghar, Binpur, Belpahari and Goaltorh has more than 200 "civic volunteers".

"These men are not to help us, but to spy on us. Who we are speaking with, what are we telling them. Who is coming to campaign here, what are they promising us. It's like living under constant watch. They look out for everything even for Maoist resurgence,"&nbsp;said a villager, claiming that three civic volunteers are in his area.

Rani Mahato rued water comes here for an hour in the morning and in the evening, people have to wait for it.&nbsp;

"It depends on the whims and fancies of the man who releases the water. We are not unhappy with Didi (as Banerjee is popularly known), but her man here needs to be taught a lesson," she said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other senior BJP leaders have held several rallies Bengal, including in Jhargram, to counter the heavy presence of the ruling TMC.

The BJP is making its presence felt in this once Maoist hotbed despite a dominant presence of the Mamata Banerjee-led TMC, which routed the Left Front promising 'poriborton' (change).

The BJP is making its presence felt in this once Maoist hotbed despite a dominant presence of the Mamata Banerjee-led TMC, which routed the Left Front promising 'poriborton' (change). Several locals, who were among the thousands that joined a movement in 2008 to express their angst with the then CPI(M) government led by Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee, say they sense another change in this part of West Bengal. Trinamool Congress (TMC) flags dot 'haats' (local markets) and villages, and its signature blue can be seen on walls of several establishments, even schools and security outposts here. But at Lalgarh's bustling tea stalls and markets, the discussion is about the challenge the TMC faces from the BJP in this erstwhile CPI(M) stronghold. The BJP making inroads into Lalgarh and its surrounding areas has not gone unnoticed by the TMC chief, who completely overhauled the grassroot-level leadership before the 2019 Lok Sabha polls in an attempt to earn the goodwill of the people. "It came as a shock to us to see the BJP gain so much traction in the (Jhargram) district after the panchayat polls last year. It had not done any work in the area...We banked on the development that the TMC has brought in since 2011," Jyoti Prasad Mahato, a local TMC leader, said. In Jhargram district, the TMC lost 28-gram panchayats out of 79. Part of the Jhargram Lok Sabha constituency and district, it was in 2008 that this dusty corner of Bengal, around 170 km from Kolkata, became the hotbed for the ultras and later, a centre point of left-wing extremism, which after continuous crackdown by security forces met a natural death in 2011 --the year the TMC came to power. "Schemes announced by the Centre haven't reached us and those announced by the state are only benefitting people who hobnob with the TMC. Why shouldn't we demand change, now that there is an alternative," said Sushma Mahato, as she rolled tendu leaves into bidis in front of her mud hut. Echoing Sushma's view, a villager said,"When the TMC won the Jhargram seat we had no other party to protect our interests. Now, we do. We don't want them to feel that they are entitled to our votes. They have to deliver on their promises." In 2014, TMC's Uma Soren had wrested the Jhargram from Pulin Bihari Baske of the CPI(M), ending the Left party's 42-year domination in the constituency. This time the TMC has pitted Birbha Soren against CPI(M)'s Deblina Hembram and BJP's Kunar Hembram. While Deblina is known for her fiery speeches, Kunar, his party people, say will win the polls as there is an anti-Mamata wave and people want change. However, some changes cannot go unnoticed. Dirt and mud roads, which security forces treaded cautiously fearing buried IEDs, have now been paved with asphalt and infrastructure development in Binpur-1 block, under which Lalgarh falls, is on at full pace. The Banerjee-led government has also delivered around 25,000 cycles under the Sabuj Sathi scheme, built about 30 healthcare centres and about 1,300 self-help groups have come up in block. "The facelift that you see around here is just that an outer shell. What will we do with them if we don't have jobs and food to eat? asked Sushma. It was Banerjee's promise of change that brought her to power in Lalgarh that yearned for things like jobs, food, water, electricity and connectivity. But, two assembly and one Lok Sabha elections since Banerjee swept into power, another resident said there seems to be a "strong feeling of mistrust between the TMC and the people here". "Nothing has reached us. People have been made civic volunteers, but only those connected with the ruling party have got benefits. The local TMC leaders are so corrupt that they take money from us to even deliver basic benefits," the resident said. People said they are more concerned about their basic needs, rather than the politics or the violence associated with it, as election day comes closer. Jhargram goes to polls on May 12. This time, there is a straight contest between the BJP and the TMC, but the ruling party in Bengal is the dominant force, a member of a local group said. The saffron party has worked quietly and made its mark here, he said. Even TMC's Jyoti Prasad said, "BJP worked so silently, pumped in money that we didn't even realise what was happening." Each police station in the area - Lalghar, Binpur, Belpahari and Goaltorh has more than 200 "civic volunteers". "These men are not to help us, but to spy on us. Who we are speaking with, what are we telling them. Who is coming to campaign here, what are they promising us. It's like living under constant watch. They look out for everything even for Maoist resurgence," said a villager, claiming that three civic volunteers are in his area. Rani Mahato rued water comes here for an hour in the morning and in the evening, people have to wait for it. "It depends on the whims and fancies of the man who releases the water. We are not unhappy with Didi (as Banerjee is popularly known), but her man here needs to be taught a lesson," she said. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other senior BJP leaders have held several rallies Bengal, including in Jhargram, to counter the heavy presence of the ruling TMC.

Lalgarh: In this former Maoist hotbed, TMC's new challenge is BJP

Seeking to counter the BJP's Hindutva plank, hundreds of sadhus chanted "Jai Shree Ram" as they took part in a roadshow held on Wednesday by Congress veteran Digvijaya Singh, who is contesting the Lok Sabha poll from Bhopal seat in Madhya Pradesh.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/digvijaya-singh-performs-yagna-with-computer-baba-to-ensure-win-in-lok-sabha-elections-216658">Singh along with religious leader Namdev Tyagi</a> alias Computer Baba led the roadshow from Bhawani Chowk to Lal Parade ground, moving through main roads of the city, to seek votes.

Several saffron and white robes-clad saints holding the Congress' and saffron flags shouted "Jai Shree Ram" while campaigning in support of Singh, who is pitted against BJP candidate Pragya Thakur, a Hindutva activist.

Some seers participating in the roadshow said they want the Ram temple to be constructed in Ayodhya at the earliest.

Some police personnel, both men and women, in plain clothes were seen sporting saffron 'gamchha' (a cloth worn around shoulders and neck) during the roadshow.

On Tuesday, hundreds of sadhus trooped to the state capital to seek votes for Singh and campaign against Thakur.

Computer Baba, who was recently appointed chairman of a river trust by the Congress government, on Tuesday said the BJP remained in power for five years but it failed to construct the Ram temple.

"Ab Ram Mandir nahi toh Modi nahi (when there is no Ram Mandir then there should be no Narendra Modi too)," the self-styled godman said.

Meanwhile, Thakur, who is an accused in the 2008 Malegaon blast case, released BJP's vision document here on Wednesday, promising all round development of the state capital Bhopal.

BJP president Amit Shah will also hold a roadshow here in the evening.

The Bhopal seat, which has been a stronghold of the BJP, will go to polls on May 12. 
&nbsp;

Seeking to counter the BJP's Hindutva plank, hundreds of sadhus chanted "Jai Shree Ram" as they took part in a roadshow held on Wednesday by Congress veteran Digvijaya Singh, who is contesting the Lok Sabha poll from Bhopal seat in Madhya Pradesh.

Seeking to counter the BJP's Hindutva plank, hundreds of sadhus chanted "Jai Shree Ram" as they took part in a roadshow held on Wednesday by Congress veteran Digvijaya Singh, who is contesting the Lok Sabha poll from Bhopal seat in Madhya Pradesh. Singh along with religious leader Namdev Tyagi alias Computer Baba led the roadshow from Bhawani Chowk to Lal Parade ground, moving through main roads of the city, to seek votes. Several saffron and white robes-clad saints holding the Congress' and saffron flags shouted "Jai Shree Ram" while campaigning in support of Singh, who is pitted against BJP candidate Pragya Thakur, a Hindutva activist. Some seers participating in the roadshow said they want the Ram temple to be constructed in Ayodhya at the earliest. Some police personnel, both men and women, in plain clothes were seen sporting saffron 'gamchha' (a cloth worn around shoulders and neck) during the roadshow. On Tuesday, hundreds of sadhus trooped to the state capital to seek votes for Singh and campaign against Thakur. Computer Baba, who was recently appointed chairman of a river trust by the Congress government, on Tuesday said the BJP remained in power for five years but it failed to construct the Ram temple. "Ab Ram Mandir nahi toh Modi nahi (when there is no Ram Mandir then there should be no Narendra Modi too)," the self-styled godman said. Meanwhile, Thakur, who is an accused in the 2008 Malegaon blast case, released BJP's vision document here on Wednesday, promising all round development of the state capital Bhopal. BJP president Amit Shah will also hold a roadshow here in the evening. The Bhopal seat, which has been a stronghold of the BJP, will go to polls on May 12.

Saffron dominates Digvijaya's roadshow in Bhopal

The Election Commission has given a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/ec-gives-clean-chit-to-pm-narendra-modi-in-two-more-cases-of-alleged-mcc-violation-216624">clean chit to Prime Minister Narendra Modi </a>over his Pulwama remark in Chitradurga, Karnataka, on April 9, where he reportedly asked voters to vote for the heroes of the Balakot air strike, sources said.

The Prime Minister has also has been given a clean chit by the electoral body for his "roadshow" in Ahmedabad held on April 23, sources added.

On April 23, Lok Sabha elections were held in Gujarat. Prime Minister Modi took a ride in an open SUV in Ahmedabad as he made his way to cast his vote in the third phase of the elections.

The seven-phase Lok Sabha elections started on April 11 and will go on till May 19.

The result will be announced on May 23.&nbsp;

The Election Commission has given a clean chit to Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his Pulwama remark in Chitradurga, Karnataka, on April 9, where he reportedly asked voters to vote for the heroes of the Balakot air strike, sources said.

The Election Commission has given a clean chit to Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his Pulwama remark in Chitradurga, Karnataka, on April 9, where he reportedly asked voters to vote for the heroes of the Balakot air strike, sources said. The Prime Minister has also has been given a clean chit by the electoral body for his "roadshow" in Ahmedabad held on April 23, sources added. On April 23, Lok Sabha elections were held in Gujarat. Prime Minister Modi took a ride in an open SUV in Ahmedabad as he made his way to cast his vote in the third phase of the elections. The seven-phase Lok Sabha elections started on April 11 and will go on till May 19. The result will be announced on May 23.

Election Commission gives clean chit to PM Modi over Pulwama remark, 'roadshow' in Ahmedabad: Sources

The Bharatiya Janata Party`s five-year rule was just a trailer, and the real picture is yet to emerge, said Union Minister Nitin Gadkari on Saturday.

"The Congress is a confused party. They cannot change the future of India. It is only the BJP which can take India towards development. The five-year rule of the BJP was just a trailer. The real picture is yet to emerge," said Gadkari while speaking to ANI.

Criticising Indian Overseas Congress chief Sam Pitroda and Congress president Rahul Gandhi, Gadkari said,&nbsp;"Congress and its allies have one aim which is to defeat BJP. Congress party is at its worst at the Parliament, after Independence. They are in a bad state. They can`t even have a Leader of the Opposition."

"He (Rahul) can say whatever he wants. His credibility has suffered a blow. I do not think anyone believes that Congress will form the government. They want to help those who can defeat BJP. They have the sentiment that BJP, Modi ji should lose, even if they (Congress) are not elected. Congress party is at its worst at the Parliament, after Independence. They are in a bad state. They cannot even have the Leader of the Opposition," he said.

Continuing his tirade against Congress, Gadkari said, "Is NYAY (Nyuntam Aay Yojana) introduced to remove poverty? The Congress has been cheating India since Jawahar Lal Nehru and Indira Gandhi`s time in the name of `Garibi Hatao,".

"The process of cleaning Ganga initiated under Rajiv Gandhi`s rule in 1984 but no work was done. Today, Ganga became `aviral and nirmal` under the BJP`s rule. For the first time, a decisive government was formed, which has received respect from the entire world to act against terrorism. The whole world stood against Pakistan in declaring Masood Azhar a global terrorist, which is an achievement for us," he said.

The Bharatiya Janata Party`s five-year rule was just a trailer, and the real picture is yet to emerge, said Union Minister Nitin Gadkari on Saturday. "The Congress is a confused party.

The Bharatiya Janata Party`s five-year rule was just a trailer, and the real picture is yet to emerge, said Union Minister Nitin Gadkari on Saturday. "The Congress is a confused party. They cannot change the future of India. It is only the BJP which can take India towards development. The five-year rule of the BJP was just a trailer. The real picture is yet to emerge," said Gadkari while speaking to ANI. Criticising Indian Overseas Congress chief Sam Pitroda and Congress president Rahul Gandhi, Gadkari said, "Congress and its allies have one aim which is to defeat BJP. Congress party is at its worst at the Parliament, after Independence. They are in a bad state. They can`t even have a Leader of the Opposition." "He (Rahul) can say whatever he wants. His credibility has suffered a blow. I do not think anyone believes that Congress will form the government. They want to help those who can defeat BJP. They have the sentiment that BJP, Modi ji should lose, even if they (Congress) are not elected. Congress party is at its worst at the Parliament, after Independence. They are in a bad state. They cannot even have the Leader of the Opposition," he said. Continuing his tirade against Congress, Gadkari said, "Is NYAY (Nyuntam Aay Yojana) introduced to remove poverty? The Congress has been cheating India since Jawahar Lal Nehru and Indira Gandhi`s time in the name of `Garibi Hatao,". "The process of cleaning Ganga initiated under Rajiv Gandhi`s rule in 1984 but no work was done. Today, Ganga became `aviral and nirmal` under the BJP`s rule. For the first time, a decisive government was formed, which has received respect from the entire world to act against terrorism. The whole world stood against Pakistan in declaring Masood Azhar a global terrorist, which is an achievement for us," he said.

BJP's five-year rule was just a trailer, real picture is yet to begin: Nitin Gadkari