Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav on Friday said the Congress game plan was not to stop the BJP from forming the government at the Centre, but to come to power in Uttar Pradesh in 2022.

Akhilesh Yadav also said that his party and the BSP have sacrificed seats in the national interest.

"Our intention is clear right from the word go. We formed an alliance (with BSP and RLD) to stop the communal party and in the process, we in the SP and also the BSP had to sacrifice seats in the national interest," said Akhilesh.

But, the Congress' agenda in the ongoing parliamentary polls is not to stop the BJP from forming the next government at the Centre.

They are working for making the next UP chief minister in 2022 (when the next assembly polls are due), Akhilesh&nbsp;added.

His no holds barred attack came days after he lashed out at the Congress for its "too big ego".

The SP chief's remarks assume significance against the backdrop of Congress president Rahul Gandhi himself asserting that his party will form the government at the Centre and that "after the Lok Sabha polls, the next target was (UP) assembly elections (in 2022) to ensure that the state is at the top in education, health and employment as before."

Maintaining that his alliance with the BSP and the RLD is "strong", Akhilesh said, "Both the parties have sacrificed for the sake of the country.

''We have given up half of our seats only to ensure the communal BJP did not return to power again", Akhilesh said.

When asked about Prime Minister Narendra Modi's prediction that the SP-BSP alliance will crack the moment election results are out on May 23, Akhilesh said, "What has the BJP got to do with it? Why are they bothered? In UP we are strong and the BJP is nowhere. And this is the ground reality. They are trailing far behind the alliance."

Asked to comment on Modi terming the alliance as "maha milawat", Akhilesh retorted, "What should we call their (BJP) alliance with 38 parties? We are contesting on core issues and people have seen hope in our alliance."

Trashing Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya's statement that complaints about EVM malfunctioning across the state by the SP show that it has sensed defeat after the third phase of polls, Akhilesh said, "He could not become CM.

''He is still under training. He did not get a helicopter for campaigning for three days. He is nobody in the party", Akhilesh&nbsp;added.

"There are large scale discrepancies in EVM machines in Rampur, Badaun and Mainpuri too. Hundreds of EVMs malfunctioned. Is this not serious?" the former UP CM shot back.

About BJP's campaign targeting corruption during previous SP and BSP regimes, Akhilesh said, "They (BJP) did not have any development issues to raise. Why are they not taking action if there is an anomaly in previous regime works? Who is stopping them?"

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav on Friday said the Congress game plan was not to stop the BJP from forming the government at the Centre, but to come to power in Uttar Pradesh in 2022.

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav on Friday said the Congress game plan was not to stop the BJP from forming the government at the Centre, but to come to power in Uttar Pradesh in 2022. Akhilesh Yadav also said that his party and the BSP have sacrificed seats in the national interest. "Our intention is clear right from the word go. We formed an alliance (with BSP and RLD) to stop the communal party and in the process, we in the SP and also the BSP had to sacrifice seats in the national interest," said Akhilesh. But, the Congress' agenda in the ongoing parliamentary polls is not to stop the BJP from forming the next government at the Centre. They are working for making the next UP chief minister in 2022 (when the next assembly polls are due), Akhilesh added. His no holds barred attack came days after he lashed out at the Congress for its "too big ego". The SP chief's remarks assume significance against the backdrop of Congress president Rahul Gandhi himself asserting that his party will form the government at the Centre and that "after the Lok Sabha polls, the next target was (UP) assembly elections (in 2022) to ensure that the state is at the top in education, health and employment as before." Maintaining that his alliance with the BSP and the RLD is "strong", Akhilesh said, "Both the parties have sacrificed for the sake of the country. ''We have given up half of our seats only to ensure the communal BJP did not return to power again", Akhilesh said. When asked about Prime Minister Narendra Modi's prediction that the SP-BSP alliance will crack the moment election results are out on May 23, Akhilesh said, "What has the BJP got to do with it? Why are they bothered? In UP we are strong and the BJP is nowhere. And this is the ground reality. They are trailing far behind the alliance." Asked to comment on Modi terming the alliance as "maha milawat", Akhilesh retorted, "What should we call their (BJP) alliance with 38 parties? We are contesting on core issues and people have seen hope in our alliance." Trashing Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya's statement that complaints about EVM malfunctioning across the state by the SP show that it has sensed defeat after the third phase of polls, Akhilesh said, "He could not become CM. ''He is still under training. He did not get a helicopter for campaigning for three days. He is nobody in the party", Akhilesh added. "There are large scale discrepancies in EVM machines in Rampur, Badaun and Mainpuri too. Hundreds of EVMs malfunctioned. Is this not serious?" the former UP CM shot back. About BJP's campaign targeting corruption during previous SP and BSP regimes, Akhilesh said, "They (BJP) did not have any development issues to raise. Why are they not taking action if there is an anomaly in previous regime works? Who is stopping them?"

Congress more keen on forming government in UP in 2022, rather than halting BJP: Akhilesh Yadav

The Delhi CEO Office has received 365 applications till date on pre-certification of political advertisements by various political parties with the <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-to-file-nomination-on-april-26-security-beefed-up-in-wake-of-roadshow-today-213354&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjQm4LzzOrhAhUHMY8KHVN0B80QFjAAegQIAxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2sqTG-HQ6-0UIqHplmE_Kb">BJP</a> filing a maximum of 244 applications, according to data shared by the poll body here on Wednesday.

These advertisements to be played on TV or social media, among other platforms are to be pre-certified by the Media Certification and Monitoring Committee (MCMC) of the Election Commission constituted at state and district levels.

According to the data shared by the Delhi CEO office, the BJP has sent 244 applications, Congress 98 and the AAP 20, till date for MCMC certifications.

As many as 330 certificates have been issued and 11 are pending till date, while 24 were rejected, it said.

The CEO office also said that as many as 179 FIRs and daily diary (DD) entries were filed against political parties and others here for a violation of the model code of conduct, till date.

The statistics surveillance team of Delhi's Chief Electoral Office constituted to keep an eye on the expenses of political parties, has seized Rs 2.88 crore in cash and 1378 kg of narcotics and drugs.

"A total of 179 FIRs or DD entries have been lodged till date in connection with the violation of the model code of conduct," the office of the Delhi Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) said in a statement.

"Out of these, 21 are against the Aam Aadmi Party (13 FIRs and eight DD entries), 28 against the Bhartiya Janata Party (14 FIRs and 14 DD entries), nine against the Congress (three FIRs and six DD entries), one against the Bahujan Samaj Party (an FIR), Samajwadi Party (one DD entry), four against CPI (M) (two FIRs and two DD entries) and 115 (111 FIRs and four DD entries) are against others or non-political (entities)," it said.

The office of the Delhi CEO said over 3.25 lakh posters, banners and hoardings have been removed since March 10, when the poll code came into force.&nbsp;

The Delhi CEO Office has received 365 applications till date on pre-certification of political advertisements by various political parties with the BJP filing a maximum of 244 applications, according to data shared by the poll body here on Wednesday.

The Delhi CEO Office has received 365 applications till date on pre-certification of political advertisements by various political parties with the BJP filing a maximum of 244 applications, according to data shared by the poll body here on Wednesday. These advertisements to be played on TV or social media, among other platforms are to be pre-certified by the Media Certification and Monitoring Committee (MCMC) of the Election Commission constituted at state and district levels. According to the data shared by the Delhi CEO office, the BJP has sent 244 applications, Congress 98 and the AAP 20, till date for MCMC certifications. As many as 330 certificates have been issued and 11 are pending till date, while 24 were rejected, it said. The CEO office also said that as many as 179 FIRs and daily diary (DD) entries were filed against political parties and others here for a violation of the model code of conduct, till date. The statistics surveillance team of Delhi's Chief Electoral Office constituted to keep an eye on the expenses of political parties, has seized Rs 2.88 crore in cash and 1378 kg of narcotics and drugs. "A total of 179 FIRs or DD entries have been lodged till date in connection with the violation of the model code of conduct," the office of the Delhi Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) said in a statement. "Out of these, 21 are against the Aam Aadmi Party (13 FIRs and eight DD entries), 28 against the Bhartiya Janata Party (14 FIRs and 14 DD entries), nine against the Congress (three FIRs and six DD entries), one against the Bahujan Samaj Party (an FIR), Samajwadi Party (one DD entry), four against CPI (M) (two FIRs and two DD entries) and 115 (111 FIRs and four DD entries) are against others or non-political (entities)," it said. The office of the Delhi CEO said over 3.25 lakh posters, banners and hoardings have been removed since March 10, when the poll code came into force.

Lok Sabha polls 2019: BJP filed nearly 67% of total applications sent to MCMC

'Modi wave' sweeps Varanasi as huge crowd gathers at roadshow

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/people-contesting-in-40-20-or-even-eight-seats-are-standing-in-queue-to-be-pm-modi-213371">Prime Minister Narendra Modi</a>&nbsp;on Thursday undertook a mega roadshow in his Lok Sabha constituency Varanasi with&nbsp;thousands in attendance chanting the prime minister's name.

The roadshow was&nbsp;scheduled for a day before PM Modi sets out to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-to-file-nomination-on-april-26-security-beefed-up-in-wake-of-roadshow-today-213354">file his nomination paper</a> on Friday.

The PM's roadshow passed through the main areas of the temple town before culminating at Dashashwamedh Ghat where he participated in "Ganga Aarti".

After arriving at Varanasi's Babatpur airport, PM Modi headed to the helipad at Banaras Hindu University and took a car to reach Lanka, a place in the BHU.

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The roadshow began from Lanka and moved to Dashashwamedh Ghat.

The authorities had&nbsp;deployed small drones to keep an eye on the ongoing activities in the roadshow.

The roadshow is expected to have&nbsp;stretched over 7 km.&nbsp;

Before embarking on the roadshow PM Modi first paid respect to the statue of Madan Mohan Malviya at the location.
<img alt="Road show in Varanasi" data-align="center" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="98b32554-2007-46bd-8003-6308e81fbb39" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/modi%202.JPG" />
&nbsp;

PM Modi was accompanied by several senior leaders of the party including union ministers Nitin Gadkari, Sushma Swaraj, Piyush Goyal and others.

Varanasi will go the polls on May 19th in the seventh phase.

&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday undertook a mega roadshow in his Lok Sabha constituency Varanasi with thousands in attendance chanting the prime minister's name.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday undertook a mega roadshow in his Lok Sabha constituency Varanasi with thousands in attendance chanting the prime minister's name. The roadshow was scheduled for a day before PM Modi sets out to file his nomination paper on Friday. The PM's roadshow passed through the main areas of the temple town before culminating at Dashashwamedh Ghat where he participated in "Ganga Aarti". After arriving at Varanasi's Babatpur airport, PM Modi headed to the helipad at Banaras Hindu University and took a car to reach Lanka, a place in the BHU. × The roadshow began from Lanka and moved to Dashashwamedh Ghat. The authorities had deployed small drones to keep an eye on the ongoing activities in the roadshow. The roadshow is expected to have stretched over 7 km. Before embarking on the roadshow PM Modi first paid respect to the statue of Madan Mohan Malviya at the location. PM Modi was accompanied by several senior leaders of the party including union ministers Nitin Gadkari, Sushma Swaraj, Piyush Goyal and others. Varanasi will go the polls on May 19th in the seventh phase. (With inputs from agencies)

PM Modi performs Ganga aarti after roadshow in Varanasi

Highlighting the airstrike carried by the Indian Air Force on JeM camp in Pakistan’s Balakot, BJP president Amit Shah on Thursday slammed Congress president Rahul Gandhi, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/alliances-prove-our-strength-amit-shah-on-sp-bsp-coming-together-194602">BSP supremo Mayawati and SP leader Akhilesh Yadav</a> and asked them whether they were related to terrorists.

While addressing a rally in Ghazipur, Shah said when the airstrike was carried out, the whole country was celebrating it, however, there was mourning in two places – one in Pakistan and the other in offices of Rahul, Mayawati and Akhilesh.

“Mujhe maloom nahi padta, aatankwadi Pakistan ke mare, inke chehre ka nor kyo chala gaya? Kyo bhai ye chachere-mamere bhai lagte hai kya apke? Apke chehre ka nor chala gaya (I don’t underway why they got sad when Pakistan’s terrorists were killed),” Shah said.

“We belong to the BJP and Narendra Modi is our Prime Minister, we can’t do ‘ILU-ILU’ with terrorists. Nobody can play with the security of this nation,” he added.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/will-scrap-a-370-once-bjp-gets-majority-in-parliament-amit-shah-211926">Amit Shah</a> also criticised Rahul Gandhi for staying mum on National Conference leader Omar Abdullah’s demand for having a separate Prime Minister for Jammu and Kashmir.

“Today is the 14th day of me asking Rahul Gandhi on what he has to say regarding Omar Adullah’s statement on two Prime Ministers for the country. He is quiet. He is thinking of vote bank. Narendra Modi will become the Prime Minister again. If one day we won’t have the power, and BJP people will sit in Opposition, till there is even one BJP worker, nobody can separate Kashmir from India,” he said.

Later he added, “Till the time BJP is there, those who shout slogans for dividing India will find themselves behind the bars.”

Highlighting the airstrike carried by the Indian Air Force on JeM camp in Pakistan’s Balakot, BJP president Amit Shah on Thursday slammed Congress president Rahul Gandhi, BSP supremo Mayawati and SP leader Akhilesh Yadav and asked them whether they were related to terrorists.

Highlighting the airstrike carried by the Indian Air Force on JeM camp in Pakistan’s Balakot, BJP president Amit Shah on Thursday slammed Congress president Rahul Gandhi, BSP supremo Mayawati and SP leader Akhilesh Yadav and asked them whether they were related to terrorists. While addressing a rally in Ghazipur, Shah said when the airstrike was carried out, the whole country was celebrating it, however, there was mourning in two places – one in Pakistan and the other in offices of Rahul, Mayawati and Akhilesh. “Mujhe maloom nahi padta, aatankwadi Pakistan ke mare, inke chehre ka nor kyo chala gaya? Kyo bhai ye chachere-mamere bhai lagte hai kya apke? Apke chehre ka nor chala gaya (I don’t underway why they got sad when Pakistan’s terrorists were killed),” Shah said. “We belong to the BJP and Narendra Modi is our Prime Minister, we can’t do ‘ILU-ILU’ with terrorists. Nobody can play with the security of this nation,” he added. Amit Shah also criticised Rahul Gandhi for staying mum on National Conference leader Omar Abdullah’s demand for having a separate Prime Minister for Jammu and Kashmir. “Today is the 14th day of me asking Rahul Gandhi on what he has to say regarding Omar Adullah’s statement on two Prime Ministers for the country. He is quiet. He is thinking of vote bank. Narendra Modi will become the Prime Minister again. If one day we won’t have the power, and BJP people will sit in Opposition, till there is even one BJP worker, nobody can separate Kashmir from India,” he said. Later he added, “Till the time BJP is there, those who shout slogans for dividing India will find themselves behind the bars.”

Are terrorists your relatives? Amit Shah asks Rahul, Mayawati and Akhilesh

Actor Sunny Deol is the latest celebrity to have entered politics. On Tuesday the actor joined Bharatiya Janata Party. On Friday, as Deol's photo with BJP chief Amit Shah started doing the rounds of social media, rumours were abuzz that the actor would be joining the party and contesting from one of the key constituencies of Punjab.&nbsp;

Deol was inducted into the party by Union Ministers Piyush Goyal and Nirmala Sitharaman on Tuesday at an event.&nbsp;

According to media reports, Deol is likely to contest from either Gurdaspur or Chandigarh.&nbsp;The BJP, that has formed an alliance with Shiromani Akali Dal, is fighting three of the 13 parliamentary seats in Punjab: Amritsar, Gurdaspur and Hoshiarpur.

Deol, 62, is best known for his action films like 'Ghatak', 'Gadar', 'Himmat' and 'Border'.

Deol's father, veteran actor Dharmendra had also had a brief stint in politics some ten years back when he contested the 2004 general elections from Rajasthan's Bikaner on BJP ticket and had won. This year, Dharmendra has been campaigning for his wife, actor and BJP MP Hema Malini in Uttar Pradesh's Mathura.&nbsp;

While addressing the press, Deol said, "I will work for this (BJP) family. I won't say much. I will let my work speak for me."

Actor Sunny Deol is the latest celebrity to have entered politics. On Tuesday the actor joined Bharatiya Janata Party. On Friday, as Deol's photo with BJP chief Amit Shah started doing the rounds of social media, rumours were abuzz that the actor would be joining the party and contesting from one of the key constituencies of Punjab.

Actor Sunny Deol is the latest celebrity to have entered politics. On Tuesday the actor joined Bharatiya Janata Party. On Friday, as Deol's photo with BJP chief Amit Shah started doing the rounds of social media, rumours were abuzz that the actor would be joining the party and contesting from one of the key constituencies of Punjab. Deol was inducted into the party by Union Ministers Piyush Goyal and Nirmala Sitharaman on Tuesday at an event. According to media reports, Deol is likely to contest from either Gurdaspur or Chandigarh. The BJP, that has formed an alliance with Shiromani Akali Dal, is fighting three of the 13 parliamentary seats in Punjab: Amritsar, Gurdaspur and Hoshiarpur. Deol, 62, is best known for his action films like 'Ghatak', 'Gadar', 'Himmat' and 'Border'. Deol's father, veteran actor Dharmendra had also had a brief stint in politics some ten years back when he contested the 2004 general elections from Rajasthan's Bikaner on BJP ticket and had won. This year, Dharmendra has been campaigning for his wife, actor and BJP MP Hema Malini in Uttar Pradesh's Mathura. While addressing the press, Deol said, "I will work for this (BJP) family. I won't say much. I will let my work speak for me."

Actor Sunny Deol joins BJP, likely to contest election from Gurdaspur

Prime Minister Modi on Saturday targetted Mamata Banerjee and said West Bengal chief minister has fooled people in the name of 'Maa, Mati and Manush'.

Modi, who was addressing a rally in&nbsp;Buniadpur, South Dinajpur district attacked the TMC leader&nbsp;over the campaigning of Bangladeshi film star Ferdous Ahmed.

"It is shameful that people from neighbouring country are campaigning for the TMC, which was done to appease the minority community," Modi said.

The BJP had earlier claimed that the Trinamool Congress was trying to consolidate minority votes for the Lok Sabha elections by roping in famous Bangladeshi actors.

45-year-old Ferdous Ahmed, a Bangladeshi film star was reportedly seen seeking votes for a TMC candidate at campaign rallies across Hemtabad and Karandighi near the Indo-Bangladesh border.

Another Bangladeshi actor Ghazi Abdul was also seen taking part in a political rally in West Bengal. As per reports, Noor attended a political rally in Dumdum, West Bengal. His visa had also expired.&nbsp;

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PM Modi addressing a rally at Buniadpur, West Bengal: Kya kabhi Hindustan mein aisa hua hai ki duniya ke kisi desh ke log aa karke Bharat mein chunaav prachar kare? Apne vote bank ke liye, tushtikaran ke liye, Didi kisi bhi hadd tak jaane ke liye tayar hai. <a href="https://t.co/0tE2ypJoHf">pic.twitter.com/0tE2ypJoHf</a>
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Modi also criticised Banerjee for seeking proof of the Balakot air strikes in Pakistan and asked her to, instead, collect evidence against those behind chit fund scams.&nbsp;

"Mamata Banerjee should seek proof against those behind chit fund scams, instead of asking for proof of the Balakot strike,".

Recalling the death of a BJP worker in Purulia, West Bengal, PM Modi assured justice to the party workers and people of the state.

"In Purulia, a BJP worker was murdered. I want to assure each West Bengal BJP worker and people of the state that justice will be done. Strict action will be taken against those people who are responsible, ".

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

Prime Minister Modi on Saturday targetted Mamata Banerjee and said West Bengal chief minister has fooled people in the name of 'Maa, Mati and Manush'. Modi, who was addressing a rally in Buniadpur, South Dinajpur district attacked the TMC leader over the campaigning of Bangladeshi film star Ferdous Ahmed.

Prime Minister Modi on Saturday targetted Mamata Banerjee and said West Bengal chief minister has fooled people in the name of 'Maa, Mati and Manush'. Modi, who was addressing a rally in Buniadpur, South Dinajpur district attacked the TMC leader over the campaigning of Bangladeshi film star Ferdous Ahmed. "It is shameful that people from neighbouring country are campaigning for the TMC, which was done to appease the minority community," Modi said. The BJP had earlier claimed that the Trinamool Congress was trying to consolidate minority votes for the Lok Sabha elections by roping in famous Bangladeshi actors. 45-year-old Ferdous Ahmed, a Bangladeshi film star was reportedly seen seeking votes for a TMC candidate at campaign rallies across Hemtabad and Karandighi near the Indo-Bangladesh border. Another Bangladeshi actor Ghazi Abdul was also seen taking part in a political rally in West Bengal. As per reports, Noor attended a political rally in Dumdum, West Bengal. His visa had also expired. PM Modi addressing a rally at Buniadpur, West Bengal: Kya kabhi Hindustan mein aisa hua hai ki duniya ke kisi desh ke log aa karke Bharat mein chunaav prachar kare? Apne vote bank ke liye, tushtikaran ke liye, Didi kisi bhi hadd tak jaane ke liye tayar hai. pic.twitter.com/0tE2ypJoHf — ANI (@ANI) April 20, 2019 × Modi also criticised Banerjee for seeking proof of the Balakot air strikes in Pakistan and asked her to, instead, collect evidence against those behind chit fund scams. "Mamata Banerjee should seek proof against those behind chit fund scams, instead of asking for proof of the Balakot strike,". Recalling the death of a BJP worker in Purulia, West Bengal, PM Modi assured justice to the party workers and people of the state. "In Purulia, a BJP worker was murdered. I want to assure each West Bengal BJP worker and people of the state that justice will be done. Strict action will be taken against those people who are responsible, ". (With inputs from agencies)

Mamata fooled people in name of 'Maa, Mati and Manush': PM Modi in West Bengal

The Allahabad High Court Friday asked the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/vivek-oberoi-meets-election-commission-officials-over-the-release-of-modi-biopic-says-happy-but-cant-reveal-their-response-211680">Election Commission </a>to file its reply on a PIL seeking a stay on the release of a biopic on Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The court has asked the poll panel to file the reply by the next date of hearing on April 26.

A bench comprising justices Sudhir Agarwal and Rajendra Kumar also asked the EC how the makers of the film will be compensated for losses due to delay in the release of the movie.

The bench passed the order after hearing the PIL filed by Sana Ullah Khan, president of Bhim Sena.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The petitioner contended that the release of the movie during election time will influence voters, and hence, violate the Model Code of Conduct.

It was also alleged that the release of movie will effect free and fair elections. Hence, its release must be stopped, the petition said.

The Modi biopic, starring Vivek Oberoi and directed by Omung Kumar, tells the story of PM Modi's rise to power from his humble beginnings.

The Allahabad High Court Friday asked the Election Commission to file its reply on a PIL seeking a stay on the release of a biopic on Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The Allahabad High Court Friday asked the Election Commission to file its reply on a PIL seeking a stay on the release of a biopic on Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The court has asked the poll panel to file the reply by the next date of hearing on April 26. A bench comprising justices Sudhir Agarwal and Rajendra Kumar also asked the EC how the makers of the film will be compensated for losses due to delay in the release of the movie. The bench passed the order after hearing the PIL filed by Sana Ullah Khan, president of Bhim Sena. The petitioner contended that the release of the movie during election time will influence voters, and hence, violate the Model Code of Conduct. It was also alleged that the release of movie will effect free and fair elections. Hence, its release must be stopped, the petition said. The Modi biopic, starring Vivek Oberoi and directed by Omung Kumar, tells the story of PM Modi's rise to power from his humble beginnings.

High Court seeks Election Commission's reply on a plea against release of biopic on Modi

Prime Minister Modi on Saturday targetted the Congress party of preaching vote bank politics more than the national interest of the country.

Claiming that the UPA government was following the "vote bhakti" politics, PM Modi said, "The country has witnessed two types of politics of 'vote bhakti' and of "desh bhakti".

The former was on display after the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, when the then government did not go after Pakistan for abetting terror".

Attacking further he said that the then government chose to derail the investigations in many terror cases and came up with the theory of "Hindu terror".

PM Modi said his government responded to the Uri terror attack with surgical strikes and Pulwama by air strikes, demonstrating "desh bhakti" politics.

PM Modi who was addressing an election rally in Araria, Bihar, further said that the opposition party and its allies were rattled by the trends that have emerged from the first two phases of the Lok Sabha polls.

"... The trends of the first two phases of elections have left them rattled. They no more have the audacity to demand proofs of the valiant cross-border operations conducted by our armed forces," the prime minister said.

He said that "lies" were being spread about his government that its introduction of five per cent quota for the unreserved categories was a step in the direction of doing away with reservations.

"Beware of such lies," he said.

(With inputs from agencies)

Prime Minister Modi on Saturday targetted the Congress party of preaching vote bank politics more than the national interest of the country. Claiming that the UPA government was following the "vote bhakti" politics, PM Modi said, "The country has witnessed two types of politics of 'vote bhakti' and of "desh bhakti".

Prime Minister Modi on Saturday targetted the Congress party of preaching vote bank politics more than the national interest of the country. Claiming that the UPA government was following the "vote bhakti" politics, PM Modi said, "The country has witnessed two types of politics of 'vote bhakti' and of "desh bhakti". The former was on display after the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, when the then government did not go after Pakistan for abetting terror". Attacking further he said that the then government chose to derail the investigations in many terror cases and came up with the theory of "Hindu terror". PM Modi said his government responded to the Uri terror attack with surgical strikes and Pulwama by air strikes, demonstrating "desh bhakti" politics. PM Modi who was addressing an election rally in Araria, Bihar, further said that the opposition party and its allies were rattled by the trends that have emerged from the first two phases of the Lok Sabha polls. "... The trends of the first two phases of elections have left them rattled. They no more have the audacity to demand proofs of the valiant cross-border operations conducted by our armed forces," the prime minister said. He said that "lies" were being spread about his government that its introduction of five per cent quota for the unreserved categories was a step in the direction of doing away with reservations. "Beware of such lies," he said. (With inputs from agencies)

Congress placed vote bank politics above national interest: PM Modi

Union Minister and BJP leader Maneka Gandhi on Thursday filed her nomination from the Sultanpur parliamentary constituency in Uttar Pradesh.&nbsp;

Before filing her nomination from the constituency,&nbsp;Maneka&nbsp;undertook a five-km-long roadshow.

Gandhi had earlier been a member of Parliament from Uttar Pradesh's Pilibhit constituency, while her son Varun Gandhi had fought the elections from Sultanpur.

The BJP has swapped their seats this time.

Speaking to news agency ANI, Maneka had said, "The development works in Sultanpur, if I am elected, will continue in the same way they did in my previous constituency."

She also asserted that the work initiated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi will "trump" the SP-BSP-RLD alliance in Uttar Pradesh.

"I am sure that BJP will win the election and form government," she added.

Gandhi had earlier been issued a show-cause notice by the Election Commission for her remark during a poll speech in Sultanpur.

While addressing a rally in Sultanpur, Maneka had said that her win from Sultanpur Lok Sabha constituency is certain "with or without" the support of Muslims and the community should realise it since they will need to get their work done once the BJP is in power.

Following this, the EC had also banned Gandhi for campaigning for 48 hours.

The polling in Uttar Pradesh will be held in all seven phases which started on April 11.&nbsp;

Sultanpur will vote on May 12.

The counting of votes will be held on May 23.

(With inputs from agencies)

Union Minister and BJP leader Maneka Gandhi on Thursday filed her nomination from the Sultanpur parliamentary constituency in Uttar Pradesh. Before filing her nomination from the constituency, Maneka undertook a five-km-long roadshow.

Union Minister and BJP leader Maneka Gandhi on Thursday filed her nomination from the Sultanpur parliamentary constituency in Uttar Pradesh. Before filing her nomination from the constituency, Maneka undertook a five-km-long roadshow. Gandhi had earlier been a member of Parliament from Uttar Pradesh's Pilibhit constituency, while her son Varun Gandhi had fought the elections from Sultanpur. The BJP has swapped their seats this time. Speaking to news agency ANI, Maneka had said, "The development works in Sultanpur, if I am elected, will continue in the same way they did in my previous constituency." She also asserted that the work initiated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi will "trump" the SP-BSP-RLD alliance in Uttar Pradesh. "I am sure that BJP will win the election and form government," she added. Gandhi had earlier been issued a show-cause notice by the Election Commission for her remark during a poll speech in Sultanpur. While addressing a rally in Sultanpur, Maneka had said that her win from Sultanpur Lok Sabha constituency is certain "with or without" the support of Muslims and the community should realise it since they will need to get their work done once the BJP is in power. Following this, the EC had also banned Gandhi for campaigning for 48 hours. The polling in Uttar Pradesh will be held in all seven phases which started on April 11. Sultanpur will vote on May 12. The counting of votes will be held on May 23. (With inputs from agencies)

Lok Sabha polls 2019: Union Minister Maneka Gandhi files nomination from Sultanpur

The Supreme Court has issued a notice to Congress president Rahul Gandhi in connection with a contempt petition filed against him by the Bharatiya Janata Party on the Rafale controversy.

Supreme Court to Rahul Gandhi: Explain ''Chowkidar Rafale Chor'' comments

The BJP is popular among the upper castes and in northern India. With the largest number of membership, the BJP today is one of the largest parties in the world.

Tracing the history of Bharatiya Janata Party

Speaking on the 128th birth anniversary of BR Ambedkar, PM Modi commended the contribution of Baba Sahab and said it was all because of his efforts that today the country's President, Vice President and Prime Minister have come from the deprived class.

Addressing a rally in Aligarh on Sunday, PM Modi said, "This is the strength of Baba Sahab Ambedkar's constitution that today common men from the deprived and exploited class have become the country's president, vice president and prime minister".

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PM in Aligarh: Ye Baba Sahab Ambedkar ke samvidhaan ki taqat hai ki aaj vanchit-soshit samaj se nikal kar desh ke rashtrapati pad par ek sajjan baithe hain, gaon kisan ke saamanya parivaar se up-rashtrapati pad par koi baitha hai.Baba sahab ki kripa hai ki ek chaiwala PM bana hai <a href="https://t.co/FUM7iyY7hg">pic.twitter.com/FUM7iyY7hg</a>
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Attacking the anti-BJP alliance formed for the ongoing Lok Sabha polls, he said while people wanted to get rid of terrorism, those in the "maha milawat" wanted to remove him from power.

"Tell me whether terrorism should be eliminated or not, whether we should enter Pakistan and kill the terrorists, whether we should conduct surgical strikes and airstrikes, whether our jawans should get a free hand or not? Has your chowkidar done the right thing?,&nbsp;" he asked.

"Imagine only for a second that if there was a small goof-up in the surgical strike or airstrikes carried out by us, wouldn't all of them have ripped Modi apart (Modi ki chamdhi udhedh dete ki nahi, Modi ke baal noch lete ki nahi)?.... But what would happen to Modi later on, should the decision be based on this? Modi never thinks about himself, he thinks about the country."

Stating that Uttar Pradesh could not attain the place it deserved in the country due to its politics, Modi said, "People talk about Bengaluru, Chennai and Ahmedabad. Tell me whether they should also talk about UP or not? Should we allow such a powerful state to languish?

"I want to take UP to the number one spot as far as the economy and the social set-up are concerned. I want to restore UP's glory, which it had enjoyed in the era of Lord Ram and Lord Krishna. And for this, I need your support."

(With inputs from PTI)

Speaking on the 128th birth anniversary of BR Ambedkar, PM Modi commended the contribution of Baba Sahab and said it was all because of his efforts that today the country's President, Vice President and Prime Minister have come from the deprived class.

Speaking on the 128th birth anniversary of BR Ambedkar, PM Modi commended the contribution of Baba Sahab and said it was all because of his efforts that today the country's President, Vice President and Prime Minister have come from the deprived class. Addressing a rally in Aligarh on Sunday, PM Modi said, "This is the strength of Baba Sahab Ambedkar's constitution that today common men from the deprived and exploited class have become the country's president, vice president and prime minister". PM in Aligarh: Ye Baba Sahab Ambedkar ke samvidhaan ki taqat hai ki aaj vanchit-soshit samaj se nikal kar desh ke rashtrapati pad par ek sajjan baithe hain, gaon kisan ke saamanya parivaar se up-rashtrapati pad par koi baitha hai.Baba sahab ki kripa hai ki ek chaiwala PM bana hai pic.twitter.com/FUM7iyY7hg — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) April 14, 2019 × Attacking the anti-BJP alliance formed for the ongoing Lok Sabha polls, he said while people wanted to get rid of terrorism, those in the "maha milawat" wanted to remove him from power. "Tell me whether terrorism should be eliminated or not, whether we should enter Pakistan and kill the terrorists, whether we should conduct surgical strikes and airstrikes, whether our jawans should get a free hand or not? Has your chowkidar done the right thing?, " he asked. "Imagine only for a second that if there was a small goof-up in the surgical strike or airstrikes carried out by us, wouldn't all of them have ripped Modi apart (Modi ki chamdhi udhedh dete ki nahi, Modi ke baal noch lete ki nahi)?.... But what would happen to Modi later on, should the decision be based on this? Modi never thinks about himself, he thinks about the country." Stating that Uttar Pradesh could not attain the place it deserved in the country due to its politics, Modi said, "People talk about Bengaluru, Chennai and Ahmedabad. Tell me whether they should also talk about UP or not? Should we allow such a powerful state to languish? "I want to take UP to the number one spot as far as the economy and the social set-up are concerned. I want to restore UP's glory, which it had enjoyed in the era of Lord Ram and Lord Krishna. And for this, I need your support." (With inputs from PTI)

People want to get rid of terrorism, those in 'maha milawat' want to remove Modi: PM

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/who-will-do-nyay-to-governments-of-the-great-mgr-asks-pm-modi-in-tamil-nadu-210024">Prime Minister Narendra Modi</a> Saturday mocked Congress' "dream" of forming a government at the Centre and castigated it on national security and Jammu and Kashmir issues, asking people to punish it in such a way that the party would not be able to save its deposits in the Lok Sabha polls.

Addressing a massive rally in Bengaluru, he said the Congress has promised to remove the Army from Jammu and Kashmir, saying "exactly what Pakistan says word to word in Pakistan's language."

Devoting most parts of his speech to national security, Modi said the Congress had spoken about coming to power in its manifesto and added, "who can stop one from dreaming? "&nbsp;

"But let them dream about forming the government. I can understand it because a chaiwala has robbed the opportunity of four generations of Sultanate," he said.

Modi said what was worrying was that the Congress has said in its manifesto that if they form the government in Delhi, they would "remove" AFSPA (Armed Forces Special Powers Act) that gives special powers to the soldiers.

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PM:When Congress' 'mahamilavati remote govt' was at centre, didn't blasts occur in Bengaluru?Didn't the nation was living under fear of terror attacks?Did any major blast took place in last 5 yrs of your "chowkidaar's chowkidaari".It was power of your 1 vote that made it possible <a href="https://t.co/Go5tyjbXEV">pic.twitter.com/Go5tyjbXEV</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1117074020095098880?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 13, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"Which way are they going? Didn't you feel the pain and anger hearing this? The Jammu Kashmir for which thousands of soldiers were martyred, you want to make soldiers unarmed, helpless?" he asked the crowd.

Modi said Congress had also said in Pakistan's language that they would remove the army from Jammu and Kashmir.

"Is this okay with you, will you be able to forgive Congress?.

Pandit Nehru sowed the seed of fire in Kashmir and still, the country is bearing it, now they say they will remove the army from there, what is the meaning of it?"

Modi also referred to the talk about having two prime ministers -one in Hindustan and the other in J&amp;K (by National Conference leader Farooq Abdullah).

"Their talk of removing the law (AFSPA), removing the military and their Milavati friends talk about second Prime Minister.

If you see all these together, does Congress want to save Kashmir? Will you allow Kashmir to go away? The land on which our soldiers have shed their blood," Modi asked.

The Congress manifesto said the party proposed to reduce the presence of the Indian Army and central armed police forces (CAPFs) in the Kashmir valley.

It said the AFSPA and the Disturbed Areas Act in Jammu and Kashmir would be reviewed.

Referring to the air strike and surgical strike on terror camps in Pakistan and launch of ASAT (Anti Satellite) by India, Modi said the whole world was with India.

"Earlier whenever such things or statements were made, Russia used to be with us and the entire world with Pakistan. Now what has happened is China alone is with Pakistan while the entire world was with us. 
Isn't it India's strength? he asked.

"You might have felt Congress processor is slow, but their software is corrupt.

Their process is fast the only when something has to be done against the country's security and demoralise our brave soldiers," Modi said.

The Prime Minister also hit out at the Congress for its promise to review the sedition law, saying it wants to remove law to punish those who indulge in treason.

"Will you accept such Congress and their allies?"

Making such promises, can we forgive the Congress that has such a mindset?, he asked, telling voters that "in this election, punish Congress in such a way and also their allies that they should not be able to save their deposits."

The prime minister also took exception to the political row created by the ruling Congress-JDS alliance over the recent Income Tax raids on several JDS men across Karnataka.

Modi asked the crowd, "should the law be followed or not whether it is PM or CM or minister? Why get scared if you have not committed anything&nbsp; 
wrong?" he asked.

On March 28, the Income Tax department carried out raids at multiple locations in Bengaluru, Mysuru, Mandya, Ramanagara, Shivamogga and Hassan, triggering a strong reaction from Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy and Congress leaders, who accused the Centre of promoting the politics of vendetta.

Kumaraswamy had even called the I-T officers as BJP agents and led a protest by the ruling Congress-JDS coalition in front of the IT department office here.

In his rally at Mangaluru, Modi said the ruling Congress-JDS coalition in Karnataka and parties alike were inspired by "Pariwarvad" (dynasty) and believed in giving power to even the last member of the family.

Addressing a massive rally, Modi said unlike the Congress, JDS and others, BJP's inspiration came from "Rashtrawad" (nationalism).

He said the Lok Sabha polls was not about who became an MP or prime minister or minister, but about how the "New India" should be and what should be its inspiration.

"Inspiration of Congress-JD(S) and parties like them is pariwarwad (dynasty) and our inspiration is rashtrawad (nationalism).

They look for ways to give power to even the last member of their family, while we are striving to bring those people ahead who are in the last line of society."

"Their darshan is vamshoday, while ours is antyodaya (uplifting the weaker sections of society).

Because of their vamshoday there will be corruption and injustice and because our antyodaya the glory of transparency and honesty will increase", Modi said.

Continuing to target the dynasty politics of Congress on the second consecutive day of his campaign in Karnataka, Modi said, "this vamshoday will ignore their own party senior leaders, while our antyodaya will make a tea seller the Prime Minister."&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Saturday mocked Congress' "dream" of forming a government at the Centre and castigated it on national security and Jammu and Kashmir issues, asking people to punish it in such a way that the party would not be able to save its deposits in the Lok Sabha polls.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Saturday mocked Congress' "dream" of forming a government at the Centre and castigated it on national security and Jammu and Kashmir issues, asking people to punish it in such a way that the party would not be able to save its deposits in the Lok Sabha polls. Addressing a massive rally in Bengaluru, he said the Congress has promised to remove the Army from Jammu and Kashmir, saying "exactly what Pakistan says word to word in Pakistan's language." Devoting most parts of his speech to national security, Modi said the Congress had spoken about coming to power in its manifesto and added, "who can stop one from dreaming? " "But let them dream about forming the government. I can understand it because a chaiwala has robbed the opportunity of four generations of Sultanate," he said. Modi said what was worrying was that the Congress has said in its manifesto that if they form the government in Delhi, they would "remove" AFSPA (Armed Forces Special Powers Act) that gives special powers to the soldiers. PM:When Congress' 'mahamilavati remote govt' was at centre, didn't blasts occur in Bengaluru?Didn't the nation was living under fear of terror attacks?Did any major blast took place in last 5 yrs of your "chowkidaar's chowkidaari".It was power of your 1 vote that made it possible pic.twitter.com/Go5tyjbXEV — ANI (@ANI) April 13, 2019 × "Which way are they going? Didn't you feel the pain and anger hearing this? The Jammu Kashmir for which thousands of soldiers were martyred, you want to make soldiers unarmed, helpless?" he asked the crowd. Modi said Congress had also said in Pakistan's language that they would remove the army from Jammu and Kashmir. "Is this okay with you, will you be able to forgive Congress?. Pandit Nehru sowed the seed of fire in Kashmir and still, the country is bearing it, now they say they will remove the army from there, what is the meaning of it?" Modi also referred to the talk about having two prime ministers -one in Hindustan and the other in J&K (by National Conference leader Farooq Abdullah). "Their talk of removing the law (AFSPA), removing the military and their Milavati friends talk about second Prime Minister. If you see all these together, does Congress want to save Kashmir? Will you allow Kashmir to go away? The land on which our soldiers have shed their blood," Modi asked. The Congress manifesto said the party proposed to reduce the presence of the Indian Army and central armed police forces (CAPFs) in the Kashmir valley. It said the AFSPA and the Disturbed Areas Act in Jammu and Kashmir would be reviewed. Referring to the air strike and surgical strike on terror camps in Pakistan and launch of ASAT (Anti Satellite) by India, Modi said the whole world was with India. "Earlier whenever such things or statements were made, Russia used to be with us and the entire world with Pakistan. Now what has happened is China alone is with Pakistan while the entire world was with us. Isn't it India's strength? he asked. "You might have felt Congress processor is slow, but their software is corrupt. Their process is fast the only when something has to be done against the country's security and demoralise our brave soldiers," Modi said. The Prime Minister also hit out at the Congress for its promise to review the sedition law, saying it wants to remove law to punish those who indulge in treason. "Will you accept such Congress and their allies?" Making such promises, can we forgive the Congress that has such a mindset?, he asked, telling voters that "in this election, punish Congress in such a way and also their allies that they should not be able to save their deposits." The prime minister also took exception to the political row created by the ruling Congress-JDS alliance over the recent Income Tax raids on several JDS men across Karnataka. Modi asked the crowd, "should the law be followed or not whether it is PM or CM or minister? Why get scared if you have not committed anything wrong?" he asked. On March 28, the Income Tax department carried out raids at multiple locations in Bengaluru, Mysuru, Mandya, Ramanagara, Shivamogga and Hassan, triggering a strong reaction from Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy and Congress leaders, who accused the Centre of promoting the politics of vendetta. Kumaraswamy had even called the I-T officers as BJP agents and led a protest by the ruling Congress-JDS coalition in front of the IT department office here. In his rally at Mangaluru, Modi said the ruling Congress-JDS coalition in Karnataka and parties alike were inspired by "Pariwarvad" (dynasty) and believed in giving power to even the last member of the family. Addressing a massive rally, Modi said unlike the Congress, JDS and others, BJP's inspiration came from "Rashtrawad" (nationalism). He said the Lok Sabha polls was not about who became an MP or prime minister or minister, but about how the "New India" should be and what should be its inspiration. "Inspiration of Congress-JD(S) and parties like them is pariwarwad (dynasty) and our inspiration is rashtrawad (nationalism). They look for ways to give power to even the last member of their family, while we are striving to bring those people ahead who are in the last line of society." "Their darshan is vamshoday, while ours is antyodaya (uplifting the weaker sections of society). Because of their vamshoday there will be corruption and injustice and because our antyodaya the glory of transparency and honesty will increase", Modi said. Continuing to target the dynasty politics of Congress on the second consecutive day of his campaign in Karnataka, Modi said, "this vamshoday will ignore their own party senior leaders, while our antyodaya will make a tea seller the Prime Minister."

Let them dream about forming government: PM Modi mocks Congress

While addressing an election rally in Dongargaon town in Rajnandgaon on Friday, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/even-after-19-years-of-rule-in-odisha-naveen-patnaik-cant-talk-in-odia-amit-shah-209838">Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president Amit Shah</a> termed the recent Naxal attack in Dantewada as a ''political conspiracy'' asked Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to probe it.

A <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/chhattisgarh-bjp-convoy-attacked-by-naxals-policemen-mla-killed-209063">BJP MLA Bheema Mandavi and four policemen were killed</a> on Tuesday when the Naxals attacked a convoy in Chhattisgarh's Dantewada. The incident occurred at Shyamgiri hills when Mandavi's convoy was heading towards Kuwakonda from Bacheli area.

"Our MLA Bheema Mandavi was killed in the Naxal attack. I pay my tribute to him and pray that the departed soul rests in peace. It was not a normal incident and it seems to be a political conspiracy," Shah said.

"Mandavi's wife has demanded a CBI probe into the attack. If the chief minister (Bhupesh Baghel) do not want to hide anything, he should get the incident probed by the central agency. A neutral probe should be carried out into the attack," Shah added.

BJP president also targeted the chief minister for banning CBI from investigating any fresh cases in the state without seeking the consent of state government.

The BJP has fielded its state general secretary Santosh Pandey in Rajnandgaon Lok Sabha constituency. The constituency will go to polls in the third phase on April 23.

While addressing an election rally in Dongargaon town in Rajnandgaon on Friday, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president Amit Shah termed the recent Naxal attack in Dantewada as a ''political conspiracy'' asked Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to probe it.

While addressing an election rally in Dongargaon town in Rajnandgaon on Friday, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president Amit Shah termed the recent Naxal attack in Dantewada as a ''political conspiracy'' asked Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to probe it. A BJP MLA Bheema Mandavi and four policemen were killed on Tuesday when the Naxals attacked a convoy in Chhattisgarh's Dantewada. The incident occurred at Shyamgiri hills when Mandavi's convoy was heading towards Kuwakonda from Bacheli area. "Our MLA Bheema Mandavi was killed in the Naxal attack. I pay my tribute to him and pray that the departed soul rests in peace. It was not a normal incident and it seems to be a political conspiracy," Shah said. "Mandavi's wife has demanded a CBI probe into the attack. If the chief minister (Bhupesh Baghel) do not want to hide anything, he should get the incident probed by the central agency. A neutral probe should be carried out into the attack," Shah added. BJP president also targeted the chief minister for banning CBI from investigating any fresh cases in the state without seeking the consent of state government. The BJP has fielded its state general secretary Santosh Pandey in Rajnandgaon Lok Sabha constituency. The constituency will go to polls in the third phase on April 23.

Dantewada's Naxal attack 'political conspiracy', CBI should probe it: Amit Shah

Seeking to make the Lok Sabha polls a contest between him and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bjp-moves-election-commission-for-action-against-rahul-gandhi-for-making-baseless-allegations-against-pm-modi-209819">Congress chief Rahul Gandhi</a>, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-narendra-modi-gets-highest-civilian-award-of-russia-209806">Prime Minister Narendra Modi</a> Friday asked voters to chose between 'imaandar chowkidar' and 'bhrashtachari naamdar'.

Gandhi has been hurling the "chowkidar chor hai" jibe at Modi to claim irregularities in Rafale deal, while the PM has been calling the Congress chief as 'naamdar' (dynast).

At a rally here to campaign for BJP-Shiv Sena alliance candidates of Ahmednagar and Shirdi Lok Sabha constituencies respectively, Modi said, "You have to decide the country's future and which direction will it take in this election.''

"You have to choose between imaandar chowkidar and bhrashtachari naamdar. You also have to choose between heroes of India and supporters of Pakistan," Modi added.

Modi said in the last five years, people have seen that his government is a strong regime which takes decisions.

"You have seen Chowkidar's government which is strong and takes decisions. Scams and decision-making delays were the order of the day during the remote-controlled government (UPA) earlier," Modi said.

If people compare the Congress-led alliance with the NDA, the latter's "buland irade" (strong intentions) are visible, Modi said.

"During the UPA rule, bomb blasts were frequent in which farmers, middle-class people and traders were killed. Blasts happened in trains, buses and stations. But under the Chowkidar's rule, where are the bomb blasts," he said.

"This is because the Chowkidar has instilled fear in minds of the terror perpetrators that even a single mistake would prove costly for them. The Chowkidar will find them from hell and punish them," Modi said, asking the crowd if it agreed with his policy of eliminating terrorists by going into their territory and killing them.

Modi said the earlier government looked weak "in front of Pakistan and rest of the world".

"Our army wanted to take revenge but the (then) government kept quiet. This Chowkidar gave permission (to army) to kill terrorists by going inside their territory. Are you happy with this strong government," he said.

On the National Conference demanding Prime Minister's post for Jammu and Kashmir, Modi said, "the Congress and NCP are supporting those who demand that Jammu and Kashmir have a Prime Minister."

"I have no expectation from the Congress since it has stopped thinking about people long ago," he said. "This sin is the creation of that party," he added.

Modi said NCP chief Sharad Pawar had quit the Congress in the name of the country. "Sharad rao, how can you be silent on the two PM demand. Why are you silent? Is this acceptable to you?

"Your party's name is Rashtravadi but you see the country through a foreign lens after allying with the Congress again. Is the name Rashtravadi in your party to fool people," Modi said.

"How can you (Pawar) sleep despite being from the land of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj," he said.

Modi said the Congress wants to scrap the special powers of the armed forces.

Reaching out to first-time voters, Modi said,"those born in the 21st century will be voting for the first time. Do you agree with the weak approach of previous governments and their compromising national security? Is this acceptable to you?"

Modi said he has been able to work on various development projects, including farmers welfare, because of people's support.

He expressed confidence that the "Modi sarkar" will be re-elected on May 23 when results of the ongoing Lok Sabha polls are declared.

Modi said after being re-elected to power, his government would have a separate ministry for water management. He accused the Congress-NCP combine of being enemies of farmers.

Modi said the Congress needs to be decisively defeated to ensure poverty eradication, modern infrastructure and development of all sections of society.

Continuing his tirade against Rahul Gandhi, Modi linked the IT raids on aides of Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath, claiming this was&nbsp; 
"Tughlak Road chunavi ghotala" (election scam).

Tughlak Road is the residence of a "naamdar neta" in Delhi where funds are being sent, Modi said.

"Child nutrition funds given to Madhya Pradesh government are being used for elections. Habits of the Congress won't go. The Chowkidar is alert and that is why he could arrest the thieves," he said.

Notably, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath's residence as an MP is at 1, Tughlaq Road in New Delhi, while Congress president Rahul Gandhi's official residence as an MP is 12, Tughlak Lane in the national capital.

The Income Tax Department recently conducted raids on close aides of Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister and Congress leader Kamal Nath and others in four states on Sunday.

The CBDT, that frames policy for the I-T department, had said the department has also detected a trail of Rs 20 crore suspect cash allegedly being moved to the "headquarters of a major political party in Delhi" from the house of an important person who lives on Tughlaq Road, home to many VIPs.

"Searches in Madhya Pradesh have detected widespread and well-organised racket of collection of unaccounted cash of about Rs 281 crore through various persons in different walks of life, including business, politics and public service," it had said.&nbsp;

Seeking to make the Lok Sabha polls a contest between him and Congress chief Rahul Gandhi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi Friday asked voters to chose between 'imaandar chowkidar' and 'bhrashtachari naamdar'.

Seeking to make the Lok Sabha polls a contest between him and Congress chief Rahul Gandhi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi Friday asked voters to chose between 'imaandar chowkidar' and 'bhrashtachari naamdar'. Gandhi has been hurling the "chowkidar chor hai" jibe at Modi to claim irregularities in Rafale deal, while the PM has been calling the Congress chief as 'naamdar' (dynast). At a rally here to campaign for BJP-Shiv Sena alliance candidates of Ahmednagar and Shirdi Lok Sabha constituencies respectively, Modi said, "You have to decide the country's future and which direction will it take in this election.'' "You have to choose between imaandar chowkidar and bhrashtachari naamdar. You also have to choose between heroes of India and supporters of Pakistan," Modi added. Modi said in the last five years, people have seen that his government is a strong regime which takes decisions. "You have seen Chowkidar's government which is strong and takes decisions. Scams and decision-making delays were the order of the day during the remote-controlled government (UPA) earlier," Modi said. If people compare the Congress-led alliance with the NDA, the latter's "buland irade" (strong intentions) are visible, Modi said. "During the UPA rule, bomb blasts were frequent in which farmers, middle-class people and traders were killed. Blasts happened in trains, buses and stations. But under the Chowkidar's rule, where are the bomb blasts," he said. "This is because the Chowkidar has instilled fear in minds of the terror perpetrators that even a single mistake would prove costly for them. The Chowkidar will find them from hell and punish them," Modi said, asking the crowd if it agreed with his policy of eliminating terrorists by going into their territory and killing them. Modi said the earlier government looked weak "in front of Pakistan and rest of the world". "Our army wanted to take revenge but the (then) government kept quiet. This Chowkidar gave permission (to army) to kill terrorists by going inside their territory. Are you happy with this strong government," he said. On the National Conference demanding Prime Minister's post for Jammu and Kashmir, Modi said, "the Congress and NCP are supporting those who demand that Jammu and Kashmir have a Prime Minister." "I have no expectation from the Congress since it has stopped thinking about people long ago," he said. "This sin is the creation of that party," he added. Modi said NCP chief Sharad Pawar had quit the Congress in the name of the country. "Sharad rao, how can you be silent on the two PM demand. Why are you silent? Is this acceptable to you? "Your party's name is Rashtravadi but you see the country through a foreign lens after allying with the Congress again. Is the name Rashtravadi in your party to fool people," Modi said. "How can you (Pawar) sleep despite being from the land of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj," he said. Modi said the Congress wants to scrap the special powers of the armed forces. Reaching out to first-time voters, Modi said,"those born in the 21st century will be voting for the first time. Do you agree with the weak approach of previous governments and their compromising national security? Is this acceptable to you?" Modi said he has been able to work on various development projects, including farmers welfare, because of people's support. He expressed confidence that the "Modi sarkar" will be re-elected on May 23 when results of the ongoing Lok Sabha polls are declared. Modi said after being re-elected to power, his government would have a separate ministry for water management. He accused the Congress-NCP combine of being enemies of farmers. Modi said the Congress needs to be decisively defeated to ensure poverty eradication, modern infrastructure and development of all sections of society. Continuing his tirade against Rahul Gandhi, Modi linked the IT raids on aides of Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath, claiming this was "Tughlak Road chunavi ghotala" (election scam). Tughlak Road is the residence of a "naamdar neta" in Delhi where funds are being sent, Modi said. "Child nutrition funds given to Madhya Pradesh government are being used for elections. Habits of the Congress won't go. The Chowkidar is alert and that is why he could arrest the thieves," he said. Notably, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath's residence as an MP is at 1, Tughlaq Road in New Delhi, while Congress president Rahul Gandhi's official residence as an MP is 12, Tughlak Lane in the national capital. The Income Tax Department recently conducted raids on close aides of Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister and Congress leader Kamal Nath and others in four states on Sunday. The CBDT, that frames policy for the I-T department, had said the department has also detected a trail of Rs 20 crore suspect cash allegedly being moved to the "headquarters of a major political party in Delhi" from the house of an important person who lives on Tughlaq Road, home to many VIPs. "Searches in Madhya Pradesh have detected widespread and well-organised racket of collection of unaccounted cash of about Rs 281 crore through various persons in different walks of life, including business, politics and public service," it had said.

Choose between honest 'chowkidar' and corrupt 'naamdar': PM Modi

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-polls-2019-frightened-rahul-gandhi-has-fled-amethi-seat-says-yogi-adityanath-209328">Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath</a> on Friday said that terrorists and<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/chhattisgarh-bjp-convoy-attacked-by-naxals-policemen-mla-killed-209063"> Naxals</a> are afraid of BJP government and don't want to come near it, as they are aware that they will either be jailed or killed.&nbsp;

While addressing a rally in Raipur, Adityanath said, "The terrorists and Naxals run away from us, they do not want to come near us for they know it means only two things, either they will land in jail or they will be killed (unka Ram Naam Satya ho jayega) and leave for their heavenly adobe.&nbsp;There is no third meaning."

Taking a dig at Congress, he said that in the last few months, the system has derailed in Chhattisgarh under the Congress rule."In the last 5-6 months, the system has totally derailed in Chhattisgarh.&nbsp;

In the 55-60 years of their rule, the successive Congress government have only looted the country and plunged it into poverty, casteism, regionalism, terrorism, and Naxalism," he said. Adityanath also slammed former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh by alleging that he discriminated between Muslims and other individuals."

Manmohan Singh during his tenure as Prime Minister said that Muslims have first right over the resources of this country. Where will the Dalits, backward, women, tribal and others go?" the UP CM asked.&nbsp;

People on Thursday turned up in large numbers to cast their vote in the first phase of Lok Sabha elections in Chhattisgarh.

Voters queued up to exercise their franchise in Naxal-affected regions of Dantewada and Sukma amid heavy security. Chhattisgarh, which went to polls in the first phase of Lok Sabha elections on April 11, will now go to polls on April 18 and 23&nbsp;for its 11 parliamentary constituencies.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Friday said that terrorists and Naxals are afraid of BJP government and don't want to come near it, as they are aware that they will either be jailed or killed.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Friday said that terrorists and Naxals are afraid of BJP government and don't want to come near it, as they are aware that they will either be jailed or killed. While addressing a rally in Raipur, Adityanath said, "The terrorists and Naxals run away from us, they do not want to come near us for they know it means only two things, either they will land in jail or they will be killed (unka Ram Naam Satya ho jayega) and leave for their heavenly adobe. There is no third meaning." Taking a dig at Congress, he said that in the last few months, the system has derailed in Chhattisgarh under the Congress rule."In the last 5-6 months, the system has totally derailed in Chhattisgarh. In the 55-60 years of their rule, the successive Congress government have only looted the country and plunged it into poverty, casteism, regionalism, terrorism, and Naxalism," he said. Adityanath also slammed former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh by alleging that he discriminated between Muslims and other individuals." Manmohan Singh during his tenure as Prime Minister said that Muslims have first right over the resources of this country. Where will the Dalits, backward, women, tribal and others go?" the UP CM asked. People on Thursday turned up in large numbers to cast their vote in the first phase of Lok Sabha elections in Chhattisgarh. Voters queued up to exercise their franchise in Naxal-affected regions of Dantewada and Sukma amid heavy security. Chhattisgarh, which went to polls in the first phase of Lok Sabha elections on April 11, will now go to polls on April 18 and 23 for its 11 parliamentary constituencies.

Terrorists, Naxals afraid of BJP government: Yogi Adityanath

The BJP leadership Friday demanded repoll at several booths in<a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/first-phase-lok-sabha-polls-after-pm-modis-rally-bjp-eyes-cooch-behar-in-west-bengal-208675&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwiciamRyMrhAhUUiXAKHcNYAjEQFggFMAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw0ae6GBWr-LgwXhHW4RRjBt"> Cooch Bebar </a>Lok Sabha seat alleging that the ruling <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-election-2019-in-west-bengal-bjp-tmc-bank-on-turncoats-to-win-poll-battle-205078&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwiL3Lq6yMrhAhUBNo8KHSivBsYQFggIMAE&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw1L9y9merdzX2D83Ue_sffV">Trinamool Congress</a> (TMC) indulged in malpractices during polling there Thursday.

The saffron party also claimed that the TMC rigged those booths where state police personnel were on guard and the Election Commission failed to provide adequate security to the voters.

Polling was held in Cooch Bebar and Alipurduar seats in north Bengal in the first phase on Thursday and around 81 per cent of 34.52 lakh voters&nbsp; 
exercised their franchise.

"There should be repoll in Cooch Behar Lok Sabha seat. Several booths were rigged by the TMC as the security in these booths were provided by the state police. We wanted central forces to provide security cover," BJP state president Dilip Ghosh said.

The BJP candidate of Cooch Behar seat Nishit Pramanik Thursday night held a protest in front of the district magistrate's office, demanding re-poll in all booths where central force was not deployed.

He claimed that at least 350 polling stations were rigged by the TMC.

Senior BJP leader Mukul Roy Friday visited the office of the Chief Electoral Officer in Kolkata and demanded repoll.

Echoing the views of Ghosh, BJP national general secretary Kailash Vijayvargiya claimed that West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee does not respect democratic norms and should stop talking about democracy in the country.

Vijayvargiya said, "If she is so confident of victory, why isn't she not allowing free and fair polls? Why is the TMC trying to rig the elections?"

Ghosh had a word of caution for police officers who are allegedly working at the behest of the ruling party.

If they do not stop acting in an unbiased manner, they would have to face the music, he said.

"We would complain to the Election Commission and ensure that these officers are removed," Ghosh said.

The BJP and the TMC on Thursday had accused each other of using state police and central forces to "manipulate" the voting in Cooch Behar Lok Sabha seat.

"We want repoll in all the polling stations which were guarded by the state police and not by the central force personnel," Pramanik had said.

On the other hand, TMC secretary-general Partha Chatterjee said. "We have reports of central forces threatening voters. This is unprecedented. We condemn it and want the EC to look into it,"&nbsp;

The BJP leadership Friday demanded repoll at several booths in Cooch Bebar Lok Sabha seat alleging that the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) indulged in malpractices during polling there Thursday.

The BJP leadership Friday demanded repoll at several booths in Cooch Bebar Lok Sabha seat alleging that the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) indulged in malpractices during polling there Thursday. The saffron party also claimed that the TMC rigged those booths where state police personnel were on guard and the Election Commission failed to provide adequate security to the voters. Polling was held in Cooch Bebar and Alipurduar seats in north Bengal in the first phase on Thursday and around 81 per cent of 34.52 lakh voters exercised their franchise. "There should be repoll in Cooch Behar Lok Sabha seat. Several booths were rigged by the TMC as the security in these booths were provided by the state police. We wanted central forces to provide security cover," BJP state president Dilip Ghosh said. The BJP candidate of Cooch Behar seat Nishit Pramanik Thursday night held a protest in front of the district magistrate's office, demanding re-poll in all booths where central force was not deployed. He claimed that at least 350 polling stations were rigged by the TMC. Senior BJP leader Mukul Roy Friday visited the office of the Chief Electoral Officer in Kolkata and demanded repoll. Echoing the views of Ghosh, BJP national general secretary Kailash Vijayvargiya claimed that West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee does not respect democratic norms and should stop talking about democracy in the country. Vijayvargiya said, "If she is so confident of victory, why isn't she not allowing free and fair polls? Why is the TMC trying to rig the elections?" Ghosh had a word of caution for police officers who are allegedly working at the behest of the ruling party. If they do not stop acting in an unbiased manner, they would have to face the music, he said. "We would complain to the Election Commission and ensure that these officers are removed," Ghosh said. The BJP and the TMC on Thursday had accused each other of using state police and central forces to "manipulate" the voting in Cooch Behar Lok Sabha seat. "We want repoll in all the polling stations which were guarded by the state police and not by the central force personnel," Pramanik had said. On the other hand, TMC secretary-general Partha Chatterjee said. "We have reports of central forces threatening voters. This is unprecedented. We condemn it and want the EC to look into it,"

BJP alleges rigging by TMC in Cooch Behar, demands repoll

Hitting out at the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) government in Odisha, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/we-will-scrap-article-370-introduce-nrc-across-country-amit-shah-209607">Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president Amit Shah</a> said Friday the state is rich in natural resources, but its people continue to remain poor under the Naveen Patnaik-led dispensation.

Addressing a rally here, Shah said the BJD rule in the state was marked by misrule and corruption.

Taking a jibe at the chief minister, Shah said, "Even after 19 years of rule in Odisha, Naveen (Patnaik) babu cannot talk to his people in Odia."

He asserted that people across the country are raising slogans in favour of the BJP.

"From Kashmir to Kanyakumari, from Odisha to Gujarat, people are raising slogans in favour of Narendra Modi. We can hear Modi... Modi... Chants everywhere," Shah said.

Slamming the opposition Congress, Shah said: "Rahul Baba's party ruled the country for 70 years, but could not eradicate poverty."

"The BJP-led government, on the other hand, launched an era of development in the country, marked by speedy and concrete steps to eradicate poverty," he insisted.

Sharing his plans for the tribal-dominated district, the BJP chief said a steel plant will be set up here if the saffron party is re-elected to power at the Centre.

"Under District Mineral Fund, Rs 1600 crore has been allocated to this district. If the BJP is voted to power again, all forest produces will be procured from the tribals at Minimum Support Price (MSP) and no GST will be levied on tendu leaves," Shah added.

Hitting out at the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) government in Odisha, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president Amit Shah said Friday the state is rich in natural resources, but its people continue to remain poor under the Naveen Patnaik-led dispensation.

Hitting out at the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) government in Odisha, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president Amit Shah said Friday the state is rich in natural resources, but its people continue to remain poor under the Naveen Patnaik-led dispensation. Addressing a rally here, Shah said the BJD rule in the state was marked by misrule and corruption. Taking a jibe at the chief minister, Shah said, "Even after 19 years of rule in Odisha, Naveen (Patnaik) babu cannot talk to his people in Odia." He asserted that people across the country are raising slogans in favour of the BJP. "From Kashmir to Kanyakumari, from Odisha to Gujarat, people are raising slogans in favour of Narendra Modi. We can hear Modi... Modi... Chants everywhere," Shah said. Slamming the opposition Congress, Shah said: "Rahul Baba's party ruled the country for 70 years, but could not eradicate poverty." "The BJP-led government, on the other hand, launched an era of development in the country, marked by speedy and concrete steps to eradicate poverty," he insisted. Sharing his plans for the tribal-dominated district, the BJP chief said a steel plant will be set up here if the saffron party is re-elected to power at the Centre. "Under District Mineral Fund, Rs 1600 crore has been allocated to this district. If the BJP is voted to power again, all forest produces will be procured from the tribals at Minimum Support Price (MSP) and no GST will be levied on tendu leaves," Shah added.

Even after 19 years of rule in Odisha, Naveen Patnaik can't talk in Odia: Amit Shah

The BJP on Friday moved the Election Commission seeking action against Rahul Gandhi for his "abusive" and "completely untrue" comments against <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-narendra-modi-gets-highest-civilian-award-of-russia-209806">Prime Minister Narendra Modi</a>, accusing the Congress president of attributing words to the Supreme Court in the Rafale case that it never said.

Senior BJP leader and Union minister Nirmala Sitharaman also expressed her party's "disappointment" with the poll watchdog, saying it has looked the other way despite their repeated pleas to it against Gandhi for his "baseless" allegations against Modi.

A BJP delegation, including Sitharaman, Union minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi and its media head Anil Baluni, submitted to the EC a memorandum in which the saffron party also accused the Trinamool Congress of poll rigging in West Bengal during the first phase polling of the general election on Thursday.

Pointing to Gandhi's remarks Wednesday that the apex court has acknowledged that Modi is a "thief" and that he gave Rs 30,000 crore to industrialist Anil Ambani, Naqvi said such "lies" and "baseless allegations" are not only violative of the Model Code of Conduct but also fall under "corrupt practices", as described in the Representation of People Act.

The court had never said such a thing, he said.

"Congress president Rahul Gandhi is using abusive and such strong statements which are totally untrue, calling repeatedly the prime minister a 'chor' (thief) and also putting words in the mouth of Supreme Court," Sitharaman told reporters.

Gandhi has been making such allegations without any evidence, she said, adding that the BJP has approached the EC three times so far against the Congress president.

The BJP felt "let down" that the EC has not taken cognizance of its complaints against him, she said.

Taking a dig at Gandhi, Naqvi said the "brand new president" of an old party like the Congress has crossed all boundaries with his utterances.

The apex court had on Wednesday allowed leaked documents to be relied upon by petitioners seeking review of its Rafale judgement and dismissed the government's preliminary objections claiming "privilege" over them.

Gandhi had then claimed that the court has accepted that Modi was a thief.

The BJP on Friday moved the Election Commission seeking action against Rahul Gandhi for his "abusive" and "completely untrue" comments against Prime Minister Narendra Modi, accusing the Congress president of attributing words to the Supreme Court in the Rafale case that it never said.

The BJP on Friday moved the Election Commission seeking action against Rahul Gandhi for his "abusive" and "completely untrue" comments against Prime Minister Narendra Modi, accusing the Congress president of attributing words to the Supreme Court in the Rafale case that it never said. Senior BJP leader and Union minister Nirmala Sitharaman also expressed her party's "disappointment" with the poll watchdog, saying it has looked the other way despite their repeated pleas to it against Gandhi for his "baseless" allegations against Modi. A BJP delegation, including Sitharaman, Union minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi and its media head Anil Baluni, submitted to the EC a memorandum in which the saffron party also accused the Trinamool Congress of poll rigging in West Bengal during the first phase polling of the general election on Thursday. Pointing to Gandhi's remarks Wednesday that the apex court has acknowledged that Modi is a "thief" and that he gave Rs 30,000 crore to industrialist Anil Ambani, Naqvi said such "lies" and "baseless allegations" are not only violative of the Model Code of Conduct but also fall under "corrupt practices", as described in the Representation of People Act. The court had never said such a thing, he said. "Congress president Rahul Gandhi is using abusive and such strong statements which are totally untrue, calling repeatedly the prime minister a 'chor' (thief) and also putting words in the mouth of Supreme Court," Sitharaman told reporters. Gandhi has been making such allegations without any evidence, she said, adding that the BJP has approached the EC three times so far against the Congress president. The BJP felt "let down" that the EC has not taken cognizance of its complaints against him, she said. Taking a dig at Gandhi, Naqvi said the "brand new president" of an old party like the Congress has crossed all boundaries with his utterances. The apex court had on Wednesday allowed leaked documents to be relied upon by petitioners seeking review of its Rafale judgement and dismissed the government's preliminary objections claiming "privilege" over them. Gandhi had then claimed that the court has accepted that Modi was a thief.

BJP moves Election Commission for action against Rahul Gandhi for making 'baseless' allegations against PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Thursday said the BJP is committed to passing the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill once the NDA returns to power after the ongoing Lok Sabha polls.

The bill will be amended after proper consultation with all sections of the society and ensuring safety of the Assamese community, Modi told a poll rally in Silchar, Assam.

Protection to Assamese language, culture and identity will be ensured while considering the Bill again, he assured.

The Bill had been passed by the Lok Sabha by the Modi government on January 8 but was not introduced in the Rajya Sabha. The Bill is now set to lapse on June 3.

Slamming the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-charges-congress-with-tughlaq-road-chunav-ghotala-209560">Congress</a>, he said it did not think about the minorities in Pakistan while dividing the country during Independence.

"The fundamentalists tortured our brothers and sisters in Pakistan. Is Congress not a culprit for this? People going to mandirs and gurudwaras in Bangladesh and Pakistan had to come to India. Congress sins made them foreigners in their own land ?" he added.

"Our daughters are being tortured in Pakistan even nowadays," he alleged.

On the triple talaq bill, Modi said his government will "strongly try" to pass the legislation after it comes to power at the Centre.

"Even if the Congress, AIUDF and mahamialvat (other opposition parties) try, they will be able to do nothing (to stop the triple talaq bill). Our daughters will get justice," he added.

Referring to the ongoing first phase of Lok Sabha polls in the country, Modi said "As per information I have received so far a huge wave is seen for us in the polling being held today.

"People have decided and it will be difficult for the opposition to survive ... In Assam, all five seats (where polling is being held in the first phase) will be won by BJP and the NDA."&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Thursday said the BJP is committed to passing the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill once the NDA returns to power after the ongoing Lok Sabha polls.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Thursday said the BJP is committed to passing the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill once the NDA returns to power after the ongoing Lok Sabha polls. The bill will be amended after proper consultation with all sections of the society and ensuring safety of the Assamese community, Modi told a poll rally in Silchar, Assam. Protection to Assamese language, culture and identity will be ensured while considering the Bill again, he assured. The Bill had been passed by the Lok Sabha by the Modi government on January 8 but was not introduced in the Rajya Sabha. The Bill is now set to lapse on June 3. Slamming the Congress, he said it did not think about the minorities in Pakistan while dividing the country during Independence. "The fundamentalists tortured our brothers and sisters in Pakistan. Is Congress not a culprit for this? People going to mandirs and gurudwaras in Bangladesh and Pakistan had to come to India. Congress sins made them foreigners in their own land ?" he added. "Our daughters are being tortured in Pakistan even nowadays," he alleged. On the triple talaq bill, Modi said his government will "strongly try" to pass the legislation after it comes to power at the Centre. "Even if the Congress, AIUDF and mahamialvat (other opposition parties) try, they will be able to do nothing (to stop the triple talaq bill). Our daughters will get justice," he added. Referring to the ongoing first phase of Lok Sabha polls in the country, Modi said "As per information I have received so far a huge wave is seen for us in the polling being held today. "People have decided and it will be difficult for the opposition to survive ... In Assam, all five seats (where polling is being held in the first phase) will be won by BJP and the NDA."

BJP committed to passing Triple Talaq, Citizenship (Amendment) Bill: PM Modi

More than 900 artists, including Pandit Jasraj, Vivek Oberoi and Rita Ganguli, Wednesday issued a statement asking people to vote for the BJP and said the country needs a "Majboot Sarkar" not a "Majboor Sarkar".

The artists appealed to the people to cast their vote without any pressure and prejudice.

"It is our firm conviction that the continuance of government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi is the need of the hour. Besides, when challenges like terrorism are before all of us, we need a 'Majboot Sarkar' not a 'Majboor Sarkar' and hence we need the present government to continue," it said.

Among those who have issued the joint statement are Shankar Mahadevan, Triloki Nath Mishra, Koena Mitra, Anuradha Paudwal and Hans Raj Hans.

The joint statement said that during the last five years, India has seen a government which delivered "corruption-free good governance and development-oriented administration".

The joint statement comes a week after more than 600 theatre personalities, including Amol Palekar, Naseeruddin Shah, Girish Karnad and Usha Ganguli, had signed a letter asking people to "vote BJP and its allies" out of power, arguing that the idea of India and its constitution are under threat.&nbsp;

The letter, which was issued Thursday evening in 12 languages on the Artist Unite India website, said the upcoming Lok Sabha elections are the "most critical in the history" of the country.

More than 900 artists, including Pandit Jasraj, Vivek Oberoi and Rita Ganguli, Wednesday issued a statement asking people to vote for the BJP and said the country needs a "Majboot Sarkar" not a "Majboor Sarkar".

More than 900 artists, including Pandit Jasraj, Vivek Oberoi and Rita Ganguli, Wednesday issued a statement asking people to vote for the BJP and said the country needs a "Majboot Sarkar" not a "Majboor Sarkar". The artists appealed to the people to cast their vote without any pressure and prejudice. "It is our firm conviction that the continuance of government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi is the need of the hour. Besides, when challenges like terrorism are before all of us, we need a 'Majboot Sarkar' not a 'Majboor Sarkar' and hence we need the present government to continue," it said. Among those who have issued the joint statement are Shankar Mahadevan, Triloki Nath Mishra, Koena Mitra, Anuradha Paudwal and Hans Raj Hans. The joint statement said that during the last five years, India has seen a government which delivered "corruption-free good governance and development-oriented administration". The joint statement comes a week after more than 600 theatre personalities, including Amol Palekar, Naseeruddin Shah, Girish Karnad and Usha Ganguli, had signed a letter asking people to "vote BJP and its allies" out of power, arguing that the idea of India and its constitution are under threat. The letter, which was issued Thursday evening in 12 languages on the Artist Unite India website, said the upcoming Lok Sabha elections are the "most critical in the history" of the country.

After 600 artists issued statements to vote BJP out of power, over 900 urge people to vote for them

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Tuesday said Congress president Rahul Gandhi did not contest Lok Sabha polls from Karnataka fearing revenge by coalition partner JDS' supremo H D Deve Gowda for being 'backstabbed' by Sonia Gandhi when he was removed as prime minister.

Addressing a rally in Mysore, he said the only vision and agenda of the Congress was "Modi Hatao" (remove Modi), which was also shared by the partners of "Mahamilavat", a derisive reference to the "grand alliance" of opposition parties.

Modi said Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy has become a "punching bag" for the Congress.

He said though the Congress was sharing power with JDS in the state, Gandhi preferred Kerala for his second seat besides the traditional stronghold of Amethi in Uttar Pradesh rather than Karnataka.

Modi claimed this was because the Congress feared that Gowda might take revenge over former Congress chief Sonia Gandhi "backstabbing" him when he was removed as prime minister heading the United Front government in 1996.

He also said one could imagine the plight of the Congress today when its president's existing seat itself was in danger, referring to Rahul Gandhi contesting from the second seat of Wayanad in Kerala.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Tuesday said Congress president Rahul Gandhi did not contest Lok Sabha polls from Karnataka fearing revenge by coalition partner JDS' supremo H D Deve Gowda for being 'backstabbed' by Sonia Gandhi when he was removed as prime minister.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Tuesday said Congress president Rahul Gandhi did not contest Lok Sabha polls from Karnataka fearing revenge by coalition partner JDS' supremo H D Deve Gowda for being 'backstabbed' by Sonia Gandhi when he was removed as prime minister. Addressing a rally in Mysore, he said the only vision and agenda of the Congress was "Modi Hatao" (remove Modi), which was also shared by the partners of "Mahamilavat", a derisive reference to the "grand alliance" of opposition parties. Modi said Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy has become a "punching bag" for the Congress. He said though the Congress was sharing power with JDS in the state, Gandhi preferred Kerala for his second seat besides the traditional stronghold of Amethi in Uttar Pradesh rather than Karnataka. Modi claimed this was because the Congress feared that Gowda might take revenge over former Congress chief Sonia Gandhi "backstabbing" him when he was removed as prime minister heading the United Front government in 1996. He also said one could imagine the plight of the Congress today when its president's existing seat itself was in danger, referring to Rahul Gandhi contesting from the second seat of Wayanad in Kerala.

Rahul didn't contest from Karnataka fearing 'revenge' from Gowda: PM Modi

Invoking the Balakot air strikes inside Pakistan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi Tuesday asked first-time voters for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls to dedicate their vote to those who carried out the daring operation to target a terror camp.

Modi also urged the voters to dedicate their first vote to the slain CRPF personnel in the Pulwama terror attack and to the cause of providing pucca houses to the poor, water in farms of farmers and 'healthcare for all'. The first phase of the multi-phase parliamentary elections begins Thursday.

The remarks by Modi on the IAF operation on February 26 while addressing rallies in Maharashtra and Karnataka prompted the CPI-M to write a letter to the Election Commission(EC) alleging violation of model code.

"With deep anguish we are drawing your attention to the latest violation of Model Code of Conduct (MCC) by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He is also violating the specific direction of the Election Commission to refrain from invoking the armed forces for seeking votes," CPI-M politburo member Nilotpal Basu said.

Congress spokesman Kapil Sibal told reporters in Delhi there should be no politics in the name of our martyrs, but it is happening and the 'sad part' is that the Election Commission is also not doing anything about it.

The EC issued an advisory on March 19 asking parties and their candidates to desist from indulging in any political propaganda involving activities of defence forces during their election campaign.

"Can your first vote be dedicated to those who carried out the air strike," Modi said, appealing to the first-time voters at his rally in Ausa in Latur district in Maharashtra.

"I want to tell the first-time voters: can your first vote be dedicated to the 'veer jawans' (valiant soldiers) who carried out the air strike in Pakistan).

"Can your first vote be dedicated to the 'veer shaheed' (brave martyrs) of Pulwama (terror attack)," Modi said. As many as 40 CRPF personnel were killed in an attack on their convoy in Pulwama in Jammu and Kashmir by a Jaish suicide bomber on February 14.

Modi said the first-time voters should remember that their first vote is something which they will remember for the rest of their lives. "You will always remember to whom did you vote and in which election."

"Can your first vote be dedicated to (the cause of) providing pucca houses to the poor?. Should not your first vote go for providing water in farms of farmers?" he asked.

"Should not you vote for 'healthcare for all' and the Ayushman Bharat scheme," Modi said.

Modi spoke on similar lines at his rally in Chitradurga in Karnataka while greeting first time voters across the country and asked them to vote after thinking to bring a strong government in the country.

He said in this Lok Sabha election people have to choose not only an MP or a prime minister, but a strong government for a strong India. "Only a strong government can take firm decisions for the benefit of the country."

Citing how a strong government functions, Modi again referred to the Balakot air strike in response to the Pulwama carnage.

"There was a time five years ago, when Pakistan's terrorists used to attack us and Pakistan used to threaten us. Our brave soldiers used to seek permission for action, but the government then sat in fear."

"This Chowkidar (watchman) has changed the situation. Now if there is fear, it is on the other side of the border. People sitting in power there are getting different types of nightmares...Terrorists are frightened after Balakot attack," he said.

Devoting a significant part of his speech to national security, he asked the crowd, "when we attacked Pakistan's terrorists did you like it or not? Are you happy? Did I do right?" to which it roared in approval.

"When we attacked terrorists it pained Pakistan, but tears could be seen among those in Congress and JD(S)," Modi said. The JD(S) and Congress are ruling coalition partners in Karnataka.

He said the whole world stood with India, but "our Mahamilavati dal here" (Congress-JDS), was condemning Modi instead of Pakistan.

"The chief minister (H D Kumarawamy) here went a step ahead and said the bravery of Indian soldiers should not be spoken, because it will affect their vote bank...."I want to ask the chief minister whether his vote bank is in India or in Pakistan? The chief minister should clarify on this," Modi said.

Under the BJP's watch it is the policy of 'New India' that it will kill terrorists by barging into their dens, he said.

National Conference leader Omar Abdullah hoped that first-time voters ask the prime minister why the Balakot air strike became necessary.

"I hope the first-time voters ask PM Modi why Balakot became necessary in the first place. Why did the Pulwama attack succeed? On whose watch have attacks in Uri, Pathankot, Sunjwan (Jammu), Nagrota &amp; Pulwama happened? Don't reward Balakot, punish Pulwama! (sic)" Abdullah tweeted.

PDP president Mehbooba Mufti also took a sarcastic swipe at the prime minister.

"Repeat after me. MCC is Modi Code of Conduct," she tweeted.

Stepping up his attack on the Congress, Modi said had its leaders acted wisely, Pakistan would not have been created.

Pakistan would not have been born in 1947 had Congress leaders acted wisely in the pre-Independence era, Modi said. The Congress party's manifesto speaks the same language as that of Pakistan, he added.

Modi also attacked the Congress over the recent income tax raids at several locations, including in Delhi and Madhya Pradesh, against close aides of Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath and others on charges of tax evasion and hawala transactions.

He alleged that corruption was the only activity which the Congress does "with honesty" after coming to power.

"You must have seen how boxes full of currency notes are being recovered from the houses of Congress courtiers. Buying votes shows their political culture. They are saying for the last six months that the watchman is a thief but from where have the notes come out and who is the real thief?" Modi said.

Congress president Rahul Gandhi has been attacking the prime minister using the 'chowkidar chor hai' phrase, alleging corruption in the Rafale deal. 
&nbsp;

Invoking the Balakot air strikes inside Pakistan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi Tuesday asked first-time voters for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls to dedicate their vote to those who carried out the daring operation to target a terror camp.

Invoking the Balakot air strikes inside Pakistan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi Tuesday asked first-time voters for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls to dedicate their vote to those who carried out the daring operation to target a terror camp. Modi also urged the voters to dedicate their first vote to the slain CRPF personnel in the Pulwama terror attack and to the cause of providing pucca houses to the poor, water in farms of farmers and 'healthcare for all'. The first phase of the multi-phase parliamentary elections begins Thursday. The remarks by Modi on the IAF operation on February 26 while addressing rallies in Maharashtra and Karnataka prompted the CPI-M to write a letter to the Election Commission(EC) alleging violation of model code. "With deep anguish we are drawing your attention to the latest violation of Model Code of Conduct (MCC) by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He is also violating the specific direction of the Election Commission to refrain from invoking the armed forces for seeking votes," CPI-M politburo member Nilotpal Basu said. Congress spokesman Kapil Sibal told reporters in Delhi there should be no politics in the name of our martyrs, but it is happening and the 'sad part' is that the Election Commission is also not doing anything about it. The EC issued an advisory on March 19 asking parties and their candidates to desist from indulging in any political propaganda involving activities of defence forces during their election campaign. "Can your first vote be dedicated to those who carried out the air strike," Modi said, appealing to the first-time voters at his rally in Ausa in Latur district in Maharashtra. "I want to tell the first-time voters: can your first vote be dedicated to the 'veer jawans' (valiant soldiers) who carried out the air strike in Pakistan). "Can your first vote be dedicated to the 'veer shaheed' (brave martyrs) of Pulwama (terror attack)," Modi said. As many as 40 CRPF personnel were killed in an attack on their convoy in Pulwama in Jammu and Kashmir by a Jaish suicide bomber on February 14. Modi said the first-time voters should remember that their first vote is something which they will remember for the rest of their lives. "You will always remember to whom did you vote and in which election." "Can your first vote be dedicated to (the cause of) providing pucca houses to the poor?. Should not your first vote go for providing water in farms of farmers?" he asked. "Should not you vote for 'healthcare for all' and the Ayushman Bharat scheme," Modi said. Modi spoke on similar lines at his rally in Chitradurga in Karnataka while greeting first time voters across the country and asked them to vote after thinking to bring a strong government in the country. He said in this Lok Sabha election people have to choose not only an MP or a prime minister, but a strong government for a strong India. "Only a strong government can take firm decisions for the benefit of the country." Citing how a strong government functions, Modi again referred to the Balakot air strike in response to the Pulwama carnage. "There was a time five years ago, when Pakistan's terrorists used to attack us and Pakistan used to threaten us. Our brave soldiers used to seek permission for action, but the government then sat in fear." "This Chowkidar (watchman) has changed the situation. Now if there is fear, it is on the other side of the border. People sitting in power there are getting different types of nightmares...Terrorists are frightened after Balakot attack," he said. Devoting a significant part of his speech to national security, he asked the crowd, "when we attacked Pakistan's terrorists did you like it or not? Are you happy? Did I do right?" to which it roared in approval. "When we attacked terrorists it pained Pakistan, but tears could be seen among those in Congress and JD(S)," Modi said. The JD(S) and Congress are ruling coalition partners in Karnataka. He said the whole world stood with India, but "our Mahamilavati dal here" (Congress-JDS), was condemning Modi instead of Pakistan. "The chief minister (H D Kumarawamy) here went a step ahead and said the bravery of Indian soldiers should not be spoken, because it will affect their vote bank...."I want to ask the chief minister whether his vote bank is in India or in Pakistan? The chief minister should clarify on this," Modi said. Under the BJP's watch it is the policy of 'New India' that it will kill terrorists by barging into their dens, he said. National Conference leader Omar Abdullah hoped that first-time voters ask the prime minister why the Balakot air strike became necessary. "I hope the first-time voters ask PM Modi why Balakot became necessary in the first place. Why did the Pulwama attack succeed? On whose watch have attacks in Uri, Pathankot, Sunjwan (Jammu), Nagrota & Pulwama happened? Don't reward Balakot, punish Pulwama! (sic)" Abdullah tweeted. PDP president Mehbooba Mufti also took a sarcastic swipe at the prime minister. "Repeat after me. MCC is Modi Code of Conduct," she tweeted. Stepping up his attack on the Congress, Modi said had its leaders acted wisely, Pakistan would not have been created. Pakistan would not have been born in 1947 had Congress leaders acted wisely in the pre-Independence era, Modi said. The Congress party's manifesto speaks the same language as that of Pakistan, he added. Modi also attacked the Congress over the recent income tax raids at several locations, including in Delhi and Madhya Pradesh, against close aides of Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath and others on charges of tax evasion and hawala transactions. He alleged that corruption was the only activity which the Congress does "with honesty" after coming to power. "You must have seen how boxes full of currency notes are being recovered from the houses of Congress courtiers. Buying votes shows their political culture. They are saying for the last six months that the watchman is a thief but from where have the notes come out and who is the real thief?" Modi said. Congress president Rahul Gandhi has been attacking the prime minister using the 'chowkidar chor hai' phrase, alleging corruption in the Rafale deal.

PM Modi to first-time voters: Dedicate vote for Balakot 'air strike' men; CPI-M alleges model code violation

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/chhattisgarh-bjp-convoy-attacked-by-naxals-policemen-mla-killed-209063">Dantewada: BJP MLA Bheema Mandavi, 5 policemen killed in Naxal attack</a>

A BJP leader and five policemen were killed on Tuesday when the Naxals attacked a convoy in Chhattisgarh's Dantewada.

The incident occurred at Shyamgiri hills when the BJP MLA Bheema Mandavi's convoy was heading towards Kuwakonda from Bacheli area.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/bjp-led-alliance-to-win-thin-majority-in-lok-sabha-elections-2019-poll-shows-ahead-of-vote-209027">BJP-led alliance to win thin majority in Lok Sabha elections 2019, poll shows ahead of vote</a>

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's ruling alliance will win a thin majority in a general election that starts on April 11, an average of four opinion polls showed, with a focus on national security appearing to trump concerns over other issues.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/german-is-woman-accused-of-letting-yazidi-slave-girl-die-of-thirst-209045">German Islamic State woman accused of letting Yazidi 'slave' girl die of thirst</a>

A German woman who joined the Islamic State jihadist group went on trial Tuesday accused of the war crime of letting a five-year-old Yazidi "slave" girl die of thirst in the sun.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/if-nda-wins-they-should-first-implement-river-linking-project-rajinikanth-209026">If NDA wins they should first implement river-linking project: Rajinikanth</a>

Superstar Rajinikanth on Tuesday clarified his stance over Bharatiya Janata Party's election manifesto that was released yesterday.

Speaking to reporters outside his Chennai residence, Rajinikanth termed the mention of linking rivers in the manifesto as a "welcome move".

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/mehbooba-mufti-and-gautam-gambhir-get-into-a-twitter-fight-over-article-370-209020">Mehbooba Mufti and Gautam Gambhir get into a Twitter fight over Article 370</a>

The issue of Article 370 has triggered a war of words between the J&amp;K's former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti and former cricketer and BJP leader Gautam Gambhir.&nbsp;

Dantewada: BJP MLA Bheema Mandavi, 5 policemen killed in Naxal attack A BJP leader and five policemen were killed on Tuesday when the Naxals attacked a convoy in Chhattisgarh's Dantewada.

Dantewada: BJP MLA Bheema Mandavi, 5 policemen killed in Naxal attack A BJP leader and five policemen were killed on Tuesday when the Naxals attacked a convoy in Chhattisgarh's Dantewada. The incident occurred at Shyamgiri hills when the BJP MLA Bheema Mandavi's convoy was heading towards Kuwakonda from Bacheli area. BJP-led alliance to win thin majority in Lok Sabha elections 2019, poll shows ahead of vote Prime Minister Narendra Modi's ruling alliance will win a thin majority in a general election that starts on April 11, an average of four opinion polls showed, with a focus on national security appearing to trump concerns over other issues. German Islamic State woman accused of letting Yazidi 'slave' girl die of thirst A German woman who joined the Islamic State jihadist group went on trial Tuesday accused of the war crime of letting a five-year-old Yazidi "slave" girl die of thirst in the sun. If NDA wins they should first implement river-linking project: Rajinikanth Superstar Rajinikanth on Tuesday clarified his stance over Bharatiya Janata Party's election manifesto that was released yesterday. Speaking to reporters outside his Chennai residence, Rajinikanth termed the mention of linking rivers in the manifesto as a "welcome move". Mehbooba Mufti and Gautam Gambhir get into a Twitter fight over Article 370 The issue of Article 370 has triggered a war of words between the J&K's former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti and former cricketer and BJP leader Gautam Gambhir.

News brief: Big stories of the day

Union minister and BJP candidate Smriti Irani will file her nomination papers for the Lok Sabha polls on April 11, party sources said here on Tuesday.

"She was to file her nomination on April 17, but since it's a holiday, she will now file her papers on April 11," Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) district president Durgesh Tripathi said.

Irani will be accompanied by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, BJP in-charge for Amethi Mohsin Raza, state minister and MLA Jagdishpur Suresh Pasi, besides others, at the time of filing her nomination, party sources said.

The Union textile minister will perform rituals at a temple of Budhan Mai inside the BJP office at Gauriganj on the Banda-Tanda national highway, before reaching the collectorate at Gauriganj (the Amethi district headquarters) in a procession to file her papers.

The Amethi parliamentary constituency, represented in the Lok Sabha by Congress president Rahul Gandhi, has four Assembly segments -- Tiloi, Gauriganj and Jagdishpur (reserved) in Amethi district and Salon (reserved) in Raebareli.

Gandhi is all set to file his nomination on Wednesday.

The district administration has made all the arrangements for the filing of nominations, District Magistrate RM Mishra said.

Amethi goes to the polls in the fifth phase on May 6.&nbsp;

Union minister and BJP candidate Smriti Irani will file her nomination papers for the Lok Sabha polls on April 11, party sources said here on Tuesday. "She was to file her nomination on April 17, but since it's a holiday, she will now file her papers on April 11," Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) district president Durgesh Tripathi said.

Union minister and BJP candidate Smriti Irani will file her nomination papers for the Lok Sabha polls on April 11, party sources said here on Tuesday. "She was to file her nomination on April 17, but since it's a holiday, she will now file her papers on April 11," Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) district president Durgesh Tripathi said. Irani will be accompanied by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, BJP in-charge for Amethi Mohsin Raza, state minister and MLA Jagdishpur Suresh Pasi, besides others, at the time of filing her nomination, party sources said. The Union textile minister will perform rituals at a temple of Budhan Mai inside the BJP office at Gauriganj on the Banda-Tanda national highway, before reaching the collectorate at Gauriganj (the Amethi district headquarters) in a procession to file her papers. The Amethi parliamentary constituency, represented in the Lok Sabha by Congress president Rahul Gandhi, has four Assembly segments -- Tiloi, Gauriganj and Jagdishpur (reserved) in Amethi district and Salon (reserved) in Raebareli. Gandhi is all set to file his nomination on Wednesday. The district administration has made all the arrangements for the filing of nominations, District Magistrate RM Mishra said. Amethi goes to the polls in the fifth phase on May 6.

Lok Sabha polls 2019: Smriti Irani to file nomination from Amethi on April 11

From doubling farmers' income to Make in India in Defence: Key points of BJP manifesto

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) was formed on April 6, 1980. Today, with a vaunted membership of 100 million people, it is the world’s largest political organisation. What is more, from a dismal tally of just two seats in 1984, the first general elections after it was founded, in 2014 it notched up an impressive 282 of the National Democratic Alliance’s total of 336 seats in the 543-seat Lok Sabha. What an incredible success story, even its harshest critics would admit.&nbsp;

Actually, the climb of the BJP to its current summit is even more remarkable than it might first appear. In its earlier avatar, it was known as the Akhil Bharatiya Jana Sangh or Jana Sangh, for short.

The Jana Sangh was started on 21 October 1951. Unfortunately, its founder and first president, Syama Prasad Mukherjee, died in Srinagar less than two years later, on June 23, 1953. Mukherjee entered Kashmir on May 21, 1953, to protest against Article 370 granting special status to the state.&nbsp;

His slogan, “Ek desh me do nishan, do pradhan, nahin chalega, nahin chalega,” had become popular all over India at that time. Mukherjee was arrested at Lakhenpur soon after he had crossed the “border,” then transferred to Srinagar Central Jail. When his health deteriorated, he was placed under house arrest. There, diagnosed as suffering from “dry pleurisy,” he had a severe reaction to streptomycin administered by Dr Ali Mohammad. On June 22, Mukherjee was transferred to the hospital after suffering a heart attack. The very next day, he died in circumstances which many regard as “suspicious.” No post-mortem was conducted, nor did Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru seek to an inquiry.

If Mukherjee was its founder, Deen Dayal Upadhyaya was Jana Sangh’s most influential ideologue. His “Integral Humanism” remains the guiding philosophy of the BJP.

Upadhyaya became the president of Jana Sangh in December 1967. Just a couple of months afterwards, he was murdered on February 11, 1968. Around 2:00 am, he was pushed out of a moving train nearing Mughalsarai Junction. His body was found some 700 metres from the platform. A one-man inquiry commission by Justice YV&nbsp;Chandrachud, then of Bombay High Court, concluded that “nothing that has come before me can support the accusation that there was any politics in Shri Upadhyaya’s murder.” Last August, Mughalsarai was renamed PT. Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Junction.

During the anti- and post-Emergency period of 1977-1980, the Jana Sangh merged into the Janata Party. This conglomeration of ideologically diverse pollical forces, which had come together to oust Indira Gandhi from power, fell apart, giving rise to most of the non-Congress political formations that are present till today in our complex electoral arrangements. The issue flagged by the opponents of the Jana Sangh faction within the Janata Party was the former’s “dual membership” or link with the other “Sangh,” their parent organisation, the RSS. Indeed, it is this umbilical cord that actually defines the BJP’s distinctive identity in our political spectrum.

That is why the two “real” progenitors of the BJP must not be overlooked. “Guruji” Madhav Sadashiv Golwalkar became the Sarsanghachalak or head of the RSS in 1940. He inspired Mukherjee and other right-leaning leaders, giving them several RSS workers to start a political party. Before him, “Doctorji” Keshav Baliram Hedgewar, the founder and first Sarsaghachalak of the RSS, had already recognized the need for a political party to safeguard the interests of the Hindus. That is why the Jana Sangh was established close to his birthday, Gudi Padva, the start of the new year for Maharashtrians, Telugus, and Kannadigas. A former Congressman, Hedgewar founded the RSS in 1925 and was a prominent member of the Hindu Mahasabha. The latter, however, failed to take off. After independence, Golwalkar decided to support another political organisation, which is how the Jana Sangh came into being.

Given this background, when one of the founders of the BJP, nonagenarian LK Advani, writes a blog, the nation sits up and takes note. Especially on the eve of the 39th anniversary of the foundation of the party and just before the general elections. Who can disagree with the view that “in our conception of Indian nationalism, we have never regarded those who disagree with us politically as ‘anti-national’”? Or that “Nation First, Party Next, Self Last” and “the triad of Satya (truth), Rashtra Nishtha (dedication to the Nation) and Loktantra (democracy, both within and outside the party)” should guide the party? PM Narendra Modi, the BJP’s star campaigner, was quick to take advantage of Advani’s admonitions. He tweeted, “Proud That Greats Like LK Advani Strengthened BJP” and “Perfectly sums up true essence of BJP” thus check-mating the opposition’s and media’s attempt to turn Advani’s statement against the current BJP leadership.&nbsp;

(This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-advani-modi-the-saffron-party-s-foundation-day-2736694">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) was formed on April 6, 1980. Today, with a vaunted membership of 100 million people, it is the world’s largest political organisation.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) was formed on April 6, 1980. Today, with a vaunted membership of 100 million people, it is the world’s largest political organisation. What is more, from a dismal tally of just two seats in 1984, the first general elections after it was founded, in 2014 it notched up an impressive 282 of the National Democratic Alliance’s total of 336 seats in the 543-seat Lok Sabha. What an incredible success story, even its harshest critics would admit. Actually, the climb of the BJP to its current summit is even more remarkable than it might first appear. In its earlier avatar, it was known as the Akhil Bharatiya Jana Sangh or Jana Sangh, for short. The Jana Sangh was started on 21 October 1951. Unfortunately, its founder and first president, Syama Prasad Mukherjee, died in Srinagar less than two years later, on June 23, 1953. Mukherjee entered Kashmir on May 21, 1953, to protest against Article 370 granting special status to the state. His slogan, “Ek desh me do nishan, do pradhan, nahin chalega, nahin chalega,” had become popular all over India at that time. Mukherjee was arrested at Lakhenpur soon after he had crossed the “border,” then transferred to Srinagar Central Jail. When his health deteriorated, he was placed under house arrest. There, diagnosed as suffering from “dry pleurisy,” he had a severe reaction to streptomycin administered by Dr Ali Mohammad. On June 22, Mukherjee was transferred to the hospital after suffering a heart attack. The very next day, he died in circumstances which many regard as “suspicious.” No post-mortem was conducted, nor did Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru seek to an inquiry. If Mukherjee was its founder, Deen Dayal Upadhyaya was Jana Sangh’s most influential ideologue. His “Integral Humanism” remains the guiding philosophy of the BJP. Upadhyaya became the president of Jana Sangh in December 1967. Just a couple of months afterwards, he was murdered on February 11, 1968. Around 2:00 am, he was pushed out of a moving train nearing Mughalsarai Junction. His body was found some 700 metres from the platform. A one-man inquiry commission by Justice YV Chandrachud, then of Bombay High Court, concluded that “nothing that has come before me can support the accusation that there was any politics in Shri Upadhyaya’s murder.” Last August, Mughalsarai was renamed PT. Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Junction. During the anti- and post-Emergency period of 1977-1980, the Jana Sangh merged into the Janata Party. This conglomeration of ideologically diverse pollical forces, which had come together to oust Indira Gandhi from power, fell apart, giving rise to most of the non-Congress political formations that are present till today in our complex electoral arrangements. The issue flagged by the opponents of the Jana Sangh faction within the Janata Party was the former’s “dual membership” or link with the other “Sangh,” their parent organisation, the RSS. Indeed, it is this umbilical cord that actually defines the BJP’s distinctive identity in our political spectrum. That is why the two “real” progenitors of the BJP must not be overlooked. “Guruji” Madhav Sadashiv Golwalkar became the Sarsanghachalak or head of the RSS in 1940. He inspired Mukherjee and other right-leaning leaders, giving them several RSS workers to start a political party. Before him, “Doctorji” Keshav Baliram Hedgewar, the founder and first Sarsaghachalak of the RSS, had already recognized the need for a political party to safeguard the interests of the Hindus. That is why the Jana Sangh was established close to his birthday, Gudi Padva, the start of the new year for Maharashtrians, Telugus, and Kannadigas. A former Congressman, Hedgewar founded the RSS in 1925 and was a prominent member of the Hindu Mahasabha. The latter, however, failed to take off. After independence, Golwalkar decided to support another political organisation, which is how the Jana Sangh came into being. Given this background, when one of the founders of the BJP, nonagenarian LK Advani, writes a blog, the nation sits up and takes note. Especially on the eve of the 39th anniversary of the foundation of the party and just before the general elections. Who can disagree with the view that “in our conception of Indian nationalism, we have never regarded those who disagree with us politically as ‘anti-national’”? Or that “Nation First, Party Next, Self Last” and “the triad of Satya (truth), Rashtra Nishtha (dedication to the Nation) and Loktantra (democracy, both within and outside the party)” should guide the party? PM Narendra Modi, the BJP’s star campaigner, was quick to take advantage of Advani’s admonitions. He tweeted, “Proud That Greats Like LK Advani Strengthened BJP” and “Perfectly sums up true essence of BJP” thus check-mating the opposition’s and media’s attempt to turn Advani’s statement against the current BJP leadership. (This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Modi checkmated opposition's attempt to turn Advani’s statement against current BJP leadership

Union Minister and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/irani-mostly-angry-trying-to-copy-amitabh-bachchan-but-always-ends-up-being-villain-surjewala-208051">BJP Lok Sabha candidate from Amethi, Smriti Irani</a> on Friday said that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/i-love-narendra-modi-no-anger-against-him-rahul-gandhi-208114">Congress president Rahul Gandhi</a> is supporting the anti-national elements who want to break India.

"Yesterday, Rahul Gandhi went with anti-Bharat forces to file his nomination. Every time he reveals his real motive that he is not with Hindustan but with those elements who want to break Hindustan," said Smriti Irani, while talking to ANI at Jagdishpur in Amethi.

"The people in the national capital have already heard how he stood in support of 'Bharat-tere-tukde-hoge' (India will be ripped apart) slogan. Also, the recently released manifesto of Congress under the leadership of Rahul Gandhi has tried to defame the Army and supported slogans like 'bharat-tere-tukde-hoge' ", said Smriti Irani.

She also alleged that Rahul colluded with scamsters for financial gains.

"He has to give answer to the nation why he stood with everyone who looted the nation. Newspaper reports say that Rahul Gandhi's name came up in AgustaWestland Scam, earlier also his name surfaced in land scam cases and he has benefitted himself in monetary terms," she said.

The&nbsp;Congress&nbsp;manifesto released on Tuesday promised significant changes in the laws, like quashing of the&nbsp;Sedition&nbsp;law and amendment to the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA).

The manifesto proposed to decriminalise laws that are essentially directed against civil violations and can be subjected to civil penalties. The laws include the sedition law and defamation.

Union Minister and BJP Lok Sabha candidate from Amethi, Smriti Irani on Friday said that Congress president Rahul Gandhi is supporting the anti-national elements who want to break India.

Union Minister and BJP Lok Sabha candidate from Amethi, Smriti Irani on Friday said that Congress president Rahul Gandhi is supporting the anti-national elements who want to break India. "Yesterday, Rahul Gandhi went with anti-Bharat forces to file his nomination. Every time he reveals his real motive that he is not with Hindustan but with those elements who want to break Hindustan," said Smriti Irani, while talking to ANI at Jagdishpur in Amethi. "The people in the national capital have already heard how he stood in support of 'Bharat-tere-tukde-hoge' (India will be ripped apart) slogan. Also, the recently released manifesto of Congress under the leadership of Rahul Gandhi has tried to defame the Army and supported slogans like 'bharat-tere-tukde-hoge' ", said Smriti Irani. She also alleged that Rahul colluded with scamsters for financial gains. "He has to give answer to the nation why he stood with everyone who looted the nation. Newspaper reports say that Rahul Gandhi's name came up in AgustaWestland Scam, earlier also his name surfaced in land scam cases and he has benefitted himself in monetary terms," she said. The Congress manifesto released on Tuesday promised significant changes in the laws, like quashing of the Sedition law and amendment to the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA). The manifesto proposed to decriminalise laws that are essentially directed against civil violations and can be subjected to civil penalties. The laws include the sedition law and defamation.

Smriti Irani accuses Rahul Gandhi of supporting anti-national elements

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/mahagathbandhan-is-political-circus-recipe-for-chaos-arun-jaitley-206527">Finance Minister Arun Jaitley</a> on Friday hit out at Congress president Rahul Gandhi for keeping silent over the charge sheet in AgustaWestland deal case.

At a press conference here, Jaitley said, "Rahul Gandhi talks on several subjects. He makes wild and unsubstantiated allegations against all and sundry. Now, who are 'RG', 'AP'&nbsp;and 'FAM'&nbsp;mentioned in the charge sheet in the AgustaWestland case."

Commenting on the diary recovered by Enforcement Directorate (ED) from the accused in the deal, Sushen Mohan Gupta, who is under arrest now, Jaitly said, "There is an erroneous belief among Indian politicians that a diary is never admissible as evidence. A diary constitutes an admission in writing and is admissible against the maker of that admission. It is admissible against the other co-conspirators as well.

"Are 'RG', 'AP'&nbsp;and 'FAM' fictional characters or were they in a position to influence the deal?", questioned Jaitley.

Hitting out at the Congress President, Jaitley said, "How come every time there is a controversial defence deal and evidence is collected, names close to the Congress Party’s first family start appearing?"

Slamming Rahul Gandhi for his silence over the deal, Jaitley said, "The Right to Silence is available to an accused, not to a Prime Ministerial aspirant."

Citing the example of Bofors case, Jaitley said, "Alphabet 'Q'&nbsp;appeared in Martin Ardbo's diary in the Bofors Case, with a comment that 'Q'&nbsp;must be protected at all cost, the Congress party was in denial even then."

"It is only when the Swiss authorities in 1993 disclosed the names of one of the beneficiaries of the kickbacks of Bofors being paid as Ottavio Quattrocchi, the Narasimha Rao Government facilitated his escape from India in less than 24 hours. This did not wash away the ghost of ‘Q’ which had scarred the face of the Congress Party nor will 'RG', 'AP'&nbsp;and 'FAM'," he added.

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Friday hit out at Congress president Rahul Gandhi for keeping silent over the charge sheet in AgustaWestland deal case. At a press conference here, Jaitley said, "Rahul Gandhi talks on several subjects.

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Friday hit out at Congress president Rahul Gandhi for keeping silent over the charge sheet in AgustaWestland deal case. At a press conference here, Jaitley said, "Rahul Gandhi talks on several subjects. He makes wild and unsubstantiated allegations against all and sundry. Now, who are 'RG', 'AP' and 'FAM' mentioned in the charge sheet in the AgustaWestland case." Commenting on the diary recovered by Enforcement Directorate (ED) from the accused in the deal, Sushen Mohan Gupta, who is under arrest now, Jaitly said, "There is an erroneous belief among Indian politicians that a diary is never admissible as evidence. A diary constitutes an admission in writing and is admissible against the maker of that admission. It is admissible against the other co-conspirators as well. "Are 'RG', 'AP' and 'FAM' fictional characters or were they in a position to influence the deal?", questioned Jaitley. Hitting out at the Congress President, Jaitley said, "How come every time there is a controversial defence deal and evidence is collected, names close to the Congress Party’s first family start appearing?" Slamming Rahul Gandhi for his silence over the deal, Jaitley said, "The Right to Silence is available to an accused, not to a Prime Ministerial aspirant." Citing the example of Bofors case, Jaitley said, "Alphabet 'Q' appeared in Martin Ardbo's diary in the Bofors Case, with a comment that 'Q' must be protected at all cost, the Congress party was in denial even then." "It is only when the Swiss authorities in 1993 disclosed the names of one of the beneficiaries of the kickbacks of Bofors being paid as Ottavio Quattrocchi, the Narasimha Rao Government facilitated his escape from India in less than 24 hours. This did not wash away the ghost of ‘Q’ which had scarred the face of the Congress Party nor will 'RG', 'AP' and 'FAM'," he added.

Who are 'AP', 'FAM' mentioned in charge sheet?: Arun Jaitley questions Rahul's silence on chopper case

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