A day after Nationalist Congress Party leader Sharad Pawar claimed that late BJP leader Manohar Parrikar quit defence ministry because he did not agree with the Rafale jet deal, Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis abrogated his claims and said that it was not right to give such statements after his death.

"Giving statements like this after his death is not right. Manohar Parrikar ji had given a reply to this. Rahul ji too had attempted to say something like this earlier. It was a crass joke but Manohar ji was alive then, so he could give a reply", Fadnavis said.

Fadnavis further said that just eight days before his death Parrikar had said that he should get the chance to campaign for Modi ji in at least two rallies as there won't be a PM like him.

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Maha CM: Giving statements like this after his death is not right. Manohar Parrikar ji had given a reply to this. He was such a man that 8 days before his death he had said that he should get the chance to campaign for Modi ji in at least 2 rallies as there won't be a PM like him <a href="https://t.co/ySRUyUhRbc">https://t.co/ySRUyUhRbc</a>
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Recently Pawar had claimed that Parrikar returned to Goa and quit as defence minister as he did not agree with the Rafale deal, in which the opposition has alleged corruption.

Parrikar, who died last month of cancer, had said that he always wanted to work in Goa. He returned as the state's chief minister after the assembly polls in 2017 amid demands by BJP's allies that he should be leading the alliance government.

(With inputs from PTI) 
&nbsp;

A day after Nationalist Congress Party leader Sharad Pawar claimed that late BJP leader Manohar Parrikar quit defence ministry because he did not agree with the Rafale jet deal, Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis abrogated his claims and said that it was not right to give such statements after his death.

A day after Nationalist Congress Party leader Sharad Pawar claimed that late BJP leader Manohar Parrikar quit defence ministry because he did not agree with the Rafale jet deal, Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis abrogated his claims and said that it was not right to give such statements after his death. "Giving statements like this after his death is not right. Manohar Parrikar ji had given a reply to this. Rahul ji too had attempted to say something like this earlier. It was a crass joke but Manohar ji was alive then, so he could give a reply", Fadnavis said. Fadnavis further said that just eight days before his death Parrikar had said that he should get the chance to campaign for Modi ji in at least two rallies as there won't be a PM like him. Maha CM: Giving statements like this after his death is not right. Manohar Parrikar ji had given a reply to this. He was such a man that 8 days before his death he had said that he should get the chance to campaign for Modi ji in at least 2 rallies as there won't be a PM like him https://t.co/ySRUyUhRbc — ANI (@ANI) April 14, 2019 × Recently Pawar had claimed that Parrikar returned to Goa and quit as defence minister as he did not agree with the Rafale deal, in which the opposition has alleged corruption. Parrikar, who died last month of cancer, had said that he always wanted to work in Goa. He returned as the state's chief minister after the assembly polls in 2017 amid demands by BJP's allies that he should be leading the alliance government. (With inputs from PTI)

Eight days before his death Parrikar wanted to campaign for Modi: Devendra Fadnavis

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday launched a scathing attack on Congress alleging that the previous government led by it used to only lament after a terrorist attack but the BJP-led dispensation "killed terrorists inside their home".

Addressing an election rally, the Prime Minister said, "What used to happen earlier was terrorists would come from Pakistan, attack us and the Congress government would only lament before the world that we have been attacked. But in this new India when terrorists attacked Uri, our brave soldiers conducted a surgical strike."

"The second big mistake the terrorists made was in Pulwama after which we killed them in their home through air strikes,`Modi said.

He said, "Only those who have strength are heard in this world. The one who always keeps crying does not get anyone`s attention. Be it the United Nation, Russia, Saudi Arabia, the UAE or Afghanistan, India is being given importance."

Modi said that the capacity to shoot down a satellite was with India for about a decade but the Congress government did not support it.

"However, after our government was formed we immediately gave go-ahead to the project," he said.

He alleged that it is not in the agenda of SP-BSP or Congress to strengthen the country and they only hurl abuses at him.

"Have they ever shared their vision for the country? Did they ever talk about strengthening the country? They have only a one-point agenda and it is to abuse Modi. I have two decades of listening to the abuses and now I am immune to such things," the Prime Minister said.

He said that the Bill against triple talaq will be once again brought in Parliament if his party is elected to power.

Modi also took a jibe at SP chief Akhilesh Yadav and BSP supremo Mayawati for forming an alliance and said, "The `nephew` has in past made many comments against his `aunt` including saying that she had looted Uttar Pradesh... The nephew has also forgotten the days when the aunt used to advice Netaji (Mulayam Singh Yadav) to go to a mental asylum. The elephant is riding cycle now to target the chowkidar. The real danger is on their identity and hence the past has been forgotten."

Earlier in the day, Modi addressed a rally in Aligarh where he lauded B R Ambedkar for framing the Constitution which has enabled the elevation of individuals from weaker sections to key posts in the country.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday launched a scathing attack on Congress alleging that the previous government led by it used to only lament after a terrorist attack but the BJP-led dispensation "killed terrorists inside their home".

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday launched a scathing attack on Congress alleging that the previous government led by it used to only lament after a terrorist attack but the BJP-led dispensation "killed terrorists inside their home". Addressing an election rally, the Prime Minister said, "What used to happen earlier was terrorists would come from Pakistan, attack us and the Congress government would only lament before the world that we have been attacked. But in this new India when terrorists attacked Uri, our brave soldiers conducted a surgical strike." "The second big mistake the terrorists made was in Pulwama after which we killed them in their home through air strikes,`Modi said. He said, "Only those who have strength are heard in this world. The one who always keeps crying does not get anyone`s attention. Be it the United Nation, Russia, Saudi Arabia, the UAE or Afghanistan, India is being given importance." Modi said that the capacity to shoot down a satellite was with India for about a decade but the Congress government did not support it. "However, after our government was formed we immediately gave go-ahead to the project," he said. He alleged that it is not in the agenda of SP-BSP or Congress to strengthen the country and they only hurl abuses at him. "Have they ever shared their vision for the country? Did they ever talk about strengthening the country? They have only a one-point agenda and it is to abuse Modi. I have two decades of listening to the abuses and now I am immune to such things," the Prime Minister said. He said that the Bill against triple talaq will be once again brought in Parliament if his party is elected to power. Modi also took a jibe at SP chief Akhilesh Yadav and BSP supremo Mayawati for forming an alliance and said, "The `nephew` has in past made many comments against his `aunt` including saying that she had looted Uttar Pradesh... The nephew has also forgotten the days when the aunt used to advice Netaji (Mulayam Singh Yadav) to go to a mental asylum. The elephant is riding cycle now to target the chowkidar. The real danger is on their identity and hence the past has been forgotten." Earlier in the day, Modi addressed a rally in Aligarh where he lauded B R Ambedkar for framing the Constitution which has enabled the elevation of individuals from weaker sections to key posts in the country.

Congress govt lamented after terror attacks, we killed terrorists in their home: PM Modi

Political will was lacking to retaliate the terror attacks in Mumbai in 2018, said Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in Bengaluru on Sunday, while accusing the Congress party of ‘politicising the armed forces.’

“Nobody wants to politicise armed forces but is it wrong to highlight after Mumbai terror attacks in 2008, then Central government did not give free hand to armed forces to act against the perpetrators of the heinous act. The political will was lacking,” she said while speaking at an event.

“As a result, we had continuous threat and attacks by non-state actors from across the border with a complete backing of Pakistani agencies,” said Defence Minister Sitharaman.

The 2008 Mumbai attacks, also referred to as 26/11, had been carried out by 10 terrorists, belonging to Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba. At least 174 people were killed in a series of 12 coordinated shooting and bombing attacks, which had lasted four days across Mumbai. Nearly 300 others had been injured in these attacks.

“Today in a horrible incident like Pulwama, where a suicide bomber takes the life of 40 of our soldiers, the country felt is this what we are capable of, repeatedly getting attacked, of getting bombed without taking action against the people responsible. There was a similar feeling in 2008.”

“No action was taken then. Action is being taken now. Political will based on sound intelligence information gives the freedom to armed forces to take necessary action as they deem fit,” she said.

“That is not the politicisation of armed forces. We are stating what happened post-2008 and what happened post-Pulwama. So what is this narrative being put forth by those who are peddling the argument that armed forces are being politicised,” asked Sitharaman.

Talking about how the current NDA government is different from the Congress-led UPA dispensation, she said that there were multiple problems like soaring prices of pulse, inflation, and corruption which led to the Congress’ defeat in 2014 Lok Sabha polls.

“The economy was under severe strain. Prices went beyond everyone’s control. The pulse prices soared to Rs 150-200 a kg. Corruption was in every sector. The government was not able to act. That was the kind of ruling party you had in 2014. Now we have proven ourselves to you in the last five years. Not once did the inflation go up. The prices remained constant,” she said.

Citing the example of how India has become self-sufficient in the production of pulses, Sitharaman said that India was better off in every aspect under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi because of his far-sightedness and his resolve to weed out problems from their roots.

“Prime Minister Modi does not look for temporary solutions. He is inherently the kind of leader who is looking for a long term solution. Be it making India an open defecation free (ODF) country where every house has a toilet or giving a house to every Indian by 2022.”

“His visions are long-term. For 2047, when India will celebrate its 100th year of Independence, PM Modi has summarised India shall be out of this developing country jargon,” she said.

Without naming any Congress leader, she referred to “a spurious website” which had questioned the efficacy of electronic voting machines (EVMs), and which recently also claimed that during demonetisation “some fantastic amount of Indian currency” was printed somewhere outside and brought in by the Indian Air Force to Hindon airport.

“Is that not defamation of the armed forces? Is that not the politicisation of armed forces? I respect the veterans but no voices to condemn the accusations against the Air Force were heard? But these voices got active when the armed forces were given the liberty to take action as deemed fit, and we are asked to not politicise armed forces.”

Asserting that India is on the path of change under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi, she said that the current 2019 Lok Sabha elections are a crucial one for the country.

“Each election is important in its own way, but this election of 2019 is very critical and crucial. Therefore, I underline the importance of 2019 being historically very important. It is happening at a time when India’s youths are more in number than the middle-aged and senior citizens,” she said.&nbsp;

Political will was lacking to retaliate the terror attacks in Mumbai in 2018, said Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in Bengaluru on Sunday, while accusing the Congress party of ‘politicising the armed forces.

Political will was lacking to retaliate the terror attacks in Mumbai in 2018, said Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in Bengaluru on Sunday, while accusing the Congress party of ‘politicising the armed forces.’ “Nobody wants to politicise armed forces but is it wrong to highlight after Mumbai terror attacks in 2008, then Central government did not give free hand to armed forces to act against the perpetrators of the heinous act. The political will was lacking,” she said while speaking at an event. “As a result, we had continuous threat and attacks by non-state actors from across the border with a complete backing of Pakistani agencies,” said Defence Minister Sitharaman. The 2008 Mumbai attacks, also referred to as 26/11, had been carried out by 10 terrorists, belonging to Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba. At least 174 people were killed in a series of 12 coordinated shooting and bombing attacks, which had lasted four days across Mumbai. Nearly 300 others had been injured in these attacks. “Today in a horrible incident like Pulwama, where a suicide bomber takes the life of 40 of our soldiers, the country felt is this what we are capable of, repeatedly getting attacked, of getting bombed without taking action against the people responsible. There was a similar feeling in 2008.” “No action was taken then. Action is being taken now. Political will based on sound intelligence information gives the freedom to armed forces to take necessary action as they deem fit,” she said. “That is not the politicisation of armed forces. We are stating what happened post-2008 and what happened post-Pulwama. So what is this narrative being put forth by those who are peddling the argument that armed forces are being politicised,” asked Sitharaman. Talking about how the current NDA government is different from the Congress-led UPA dispensation, she said that there were multiple problems like soaring prices of pulse, inflation, and corruption which led to the Congress’ defeat in 2014 Lok Sabha polls. “The economy was under severe strain. Prices went beyond everyone’s control. The pulse prices soared to Rs 150-200 a kg. Corruption was in every sector. The government was not able to act. That was the kind of ruling party you had in 2014. Now we have proven ourselves to you in the last five years. Not once did the inflation go up. The prices remained constant,” she said. Citing the example of how India has become self-sufficient in the production of pulses, Sitharaman said that India was better off in every aspect under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi because of his far-sightedness and his resolve to weed out problems from their roots. “Prime Minister Modi does not look for temporary solutions. He is inherently the kind of leader who is looking for a long term solution. Be it making India an open defecation free (ODF) country where every house has a toilet or giving a house to every Indian by 2022.” “His visions are long-term. For 2047, when India will celebrate its 100th year of Independence, PM Modi has summarised India shall be out of this developing country jargon,” she said. Without naming any Congress leader, she referred to “a spurious website” which had questioned the efficacy of electronic voting machines (EVMs), and which recently also claimed that during demonetisation “some fantastic amount of Indian currency” was printed somewhere outside and brought in by the Indian Air Force to Hindon airport. “Is that not defamation of the armed forces? Is that not the politicisation of armed forces? I respect the veterans but no voices to condemn the accusations against the Air Force were heard? But these voices got active when the armed forces were given the liberty to take action as deemed fit, and we are asked to not politicise armed forces.” Asserting that India is on the path of change under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi, she said that the current 2019 Lok Sabha elections are a crucial one for the country. “Each election is important in its own way, but this election of 2019 is very critical and crucial. Therefore, I underline the importance of 2019 being historically very important. It is happening at a time when India’s youths are more in number than the middle-aged and senior citizens,” she said.

Political will was lacking to retaliate 2008 Mumbai terror attack: Nirmala Sitharaman

The BJP Sunday termed the opposition parties meeting in Delhi an exercise "to find excuses for their impending massive defeat" in the Lok Sabha polls.

The opposition alliance is a misnomer because most of them are fighting elections separately, BJP spokesperson GVL Narasimha Rao said.

"The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/opposition-parties-to-approach-supreme-court-again-to-demand-verification-of-50-votes-by-paper-trails-210298">so-called all-party meeting convened in Delhi</a> is nothing but a confession of defeat by the so-called Mahagathbandhan. They are already trying to find excuses for their impending massive defeat. They have not only failed to mount a challenge against the BJP in this election but have also failed as an opposition in the last five years," Rao said.

Raising doubts over the credibility of EVMs, a number of opposition parties, including the Congress, Telugu Desam Party (TDP), Samajwadi Party, CPI and CPI(M), Sunday said they will move the Supreme Court again to demand verification of at least 50 per cent of votes by paper trail.

The people are delivering a massive blow to "this negative opposition" and their attempts to really come together is only "to express confession of their defeat in the ongoing elections," he said.

The only thing they have in common is negativity and that they want to pull India back from the development it has witnessed in the last five years, he said.

The BJP also took a dig at the Congress for fielding its MLA Lalit Nagar as its Lok Sabha candidate from Faridabad in Haryana, alleging that he was named because his brother played a role in various land deals involving Gandhi family and Rahul Gandhi's brother-in law Robert Vadra.

Alleging that Nagar's brother signed several documents on behalf of Rahul Gandhi, Rober Vadra and Priyanka Vadra, Rao said "he is the benami of the family".

"Why has the Congress party fielded a benami as a candidate, is this out of pressure, is this out of love or does this not clearly establish that all those who are involved in property scandals are actually extremely close to Gandhi family and Rahul Gandhi himself," he alleged.

Rao also asked Congress president Rahul Gandhi to answer questions about all the "shady and murky" property deals that he and his brother-in-law got into after coming to power in 2004.

Referring to the purchase of some properties, Rao also sought to know the sources of Rahul's incomes and how has his assets increased over the years despite he having no other source of income except being an MP.

"Rahul Gandhi's alliance with middlemen, brokers, property mafias and his sympathetic approach towards separatists and even terrorists clearly show that Congress party's real alliance in this country is with negative and evil forces only," he said.

He further alleged that Gandhi's public interactions and speeches only show frustration of the party for not being able to "reverse the negative trend" and therefore indulging in lot of negative vibes.

"People will punish the Congress for not only failing as an opposition in the last five years but also indulging in reckless statements and reckless acts of political buffoonery," he said.

Referring to the all-party meeting of opposition leaders in the national capital, Rao said,"Mr Naidu's visit to Delhi is the result of his frustration after sensing a massive drubbing in Andhra Pradesh simultaneously in the state assembly and Lok Sabha polls and the only other party in deep frustration in Delhi is Congress."

Mr Naidu may travel to other parts of the country to jointly cry over their impending defeat in the national and assembly polls. "This is an indication that the so-called grand alliance looks extremely depleted, completely frustrated and this alliance is looking for massive excuses for the impending defeat," the BJP leader said.

Reacting to Congress' demand for a thorough probe into the alleged transportation of a "suspicious black trunk" in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's helicopter during his visit to Chitradurg in Karnataka, Rao said these are baseless allegations and the "Congress party which is synonymous to corruption" should come out clean on their issues.&nbsp;

The BJP Sunday termed the opposition parties meeting in Delhi an exercise "to find excuses for their impending massive defeat" in the Lok Sabha polls. The opposition alliance is a misnomer because most of them are fighting elections separately, BJP spokesperson GVL Narasimha Rao said.

The BJP Sunday termed the opposition parties meeting in Delhi an exercise "to find excuses for their impending massive defeat" in the Lok Sabha polls. The opposition alliance is a misnomer because most of them are fighting elections separately, BJP spokesperson GVL Narasimha Rao said. "The so-called all-party meeting convened in Delhi is nothing but a confession of defeat by the so-called Mahagathbandhan. They are already trying to find excuses for their impending massive defeat. They have not only failed to mount a challenge against the BJP in this election but have also failed as an opposition in the last five years," Rao said. Raising doubts over the credibility of EVMs, a number of opposition parties, including the Congress, Telugu Desam Party (TDP), Samajwadi Party, CPI and CPI(M), Sunday said they will move the Supreme Court again to demand verification of at least 50 per cent of votes by paper trail. The people are delivering a massive blow to "this negative opposition" and their attempts to really come together is only "to express confession of their defeat in the ongoing elections," he said. The only thing they have in common is negativity and that they want to pull India back from the development it has witnessed in the last five years, he said. The BJP also took a dig at the Congress for fielding its MLA Lalit Nagar as its Lok Sabha candidate from Faridabad in Haryana, alleging that he was named because his brother played a role in various land deals involving Gandhi family and Rahul Gandhi's brother-in law Robert Vadra. Alleging that Nagar's brother signed several documents on behalf of Rahul Gandhi, Rober Vadra and Priyanka Vadra, Rao said "he is the benami of the family". "Why has the Congress party fielded a benami as a candidate, is this out of pressure, is this out of love or does this not clearly establish that all those who are involved in property scandals are actually extremely close to Gandhi family and Rahul Gandhi himself," he alleged. Rao also asked Congress president Rahul Gandhi to answer questions about all the "shady and murky" property deals that he and his brother-in-law got into after coming to power in 2004. Referring to the purchase of some properties, Rao also sought to know the sources of Rahul's incomes and how has his assets increased over the years despite he having no other source of income except being an MP. "Rahul Gandhi's alliance with middlemen, brokers, property mafias and his sympathetic approach towards separatists and even terrorists clearly show that Congress party's real alliance in this country is with negative and evil forces only," he said. He further alleged that Gandhi's public interactions and speeches only show frustration of the party for not being able to "reverse the negative trend" and therefore indulging in lot of negative vibes. "People will punish the Congress for not only failing as an opposition in the last five years but also indulging in reckless statements and reckless acts of political buffoonery," he said. Referring to the all-party meeting of opposition leaders in the national capital, Rao said,"Mr Naidu's visit to Delhi is the result of his frustration after sensing a massive drubbing in Andhra Pradesh simultaneously in the state assembly and Lok Sabha polls and the only other party in deep frustration in Delhi is Congress." Mr Naidu may travel to other parts of the country to jointly cry over their impending defeat in the national and assembly polls. "This is an indication that the so-called grand alliance looks extremely depleted, completely frustrated and this alliance is looking for massive excuses for the impending defeat," the BJP leader said. Reacting to Congress' demand for a thorough probe into the alleged transportation of a "suspicious black trunk" in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's helicopter during his visit to Chitradurg in Karnataka, Rao said these are baseless allegations and the "Congress party which is synonymous to corruption" should come out clean on their issues.

Party meeting is confession of defeat by so-called Mahagathbandhan: BJP

The BJP will scrap Article 370 of the Constitution which grants special status to Jammu and Kashmir and introduce <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/assams-national-register-of-citizens-an-explainer-155549">National Register for Citizens</a> across the country if voted to power again, BJP chief Amit Shah said Thursday, raking up the two hugely disputed issues.

On the campaign trail in West Bengal's Kalimpong in Darjeeling Lok Sabha seat and Raigang seat in North Dinajpur, he also accused TMC supremo <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/opinion-mamata-banerjee-takes-a-u-turn-on-national-register-of-citizens-156891">Mamata Banerjee </a>of questioning the air strikes to "appease" her minority vote bank, and demanded that she clarify whether she too favoured a separate prime minister for Jammu and Kashmir like her ally National Conference leader Omar Abdullah.

"We will remove Article 370 from Kashmir after forming the next BJP government at the Centre," Shah told an election rally at Kalimpong in Darjeeling Lok Sabha constituency where the party has fielded industrialist Raju Singh Bisht.

Calling illegal migrants from Bangladesh "termites", Shah said at another rally in Raiganj that his party will throw them out after coming to power at the Centre for a second consecutive term.

Shah alleged that Banerjee, who is vehemently opposed to the contentious National Register of Citizens (NRC) that is currently restricted to Assam, was "misleading" people, and vowed to introduce it in every state after winning the polls.

"It is our commitment to bring in NRC across the country to chuck out each and every infiltrator. Unlike Mamata Banerjee, we don't treat infiltrators as our vote bank. For us national security is supreme. We would ensure that each and every Hindu and Buddhist refugee gets citizenship of this country," he said. 
Banerjee has repeatedly claimed the NRC, which seeks to weed out illegal migrants from Assam, will turn even bonafide Indian citizens into refugees. 
The NRC got mired in a massive controversy after the names of around 40 lakh people, living in Assam for decades, were omitted from the complete draft that was released last year.

He alleged that the Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress government in West Bengal was only interested in appeasing minorities.

The BJP chief claimed that TMC stood for "Tushtikaran, (appeasement), mafia and chit funds.

"Illegal migrants are like termites. They are eating our foodgrains that should go to the poor, they are taking away our jobs. The T of the TMC stands for 'Tushtikaran, M for mafia and C for chitfund (scams)," Shah said.

He also took on the West Bengal chief minister for "questioning the veracity" of the Indian Air Force's strike in Pakistan's Balakot to avenge the killing of 40 CRPF troopers in Kashmir, saying the IAF's assault was mourned in only two places--Pakistan and Mamata Banerjee's office.

"We came to know that Mamata Banerjee was mourning the air strikes. It is quite obvious that the air strikes will be mourned in Pakistan. But why is Mamata Banerjee mourning? She is mourning in order to appease her minority vote bank. This is a shame," Shah said, attacking the West Bengal leader.

Banerjee and other opposition leaders may be interested in talks with Pakistan but the government beleives in responding to their "bullets with canon balls", he said.

"Apko (Mamata) Pakistan ke saath ilu ilu (I love you) karna hain toh kijiye. Lekin agar Pakistan goli marega toh hum gola marenge (If you are interested in love with Pakistan, you can do that but we would respond to their bullets with canon balls)," Shah said, referring to the popular love song from film Saudagar released in the early 1990s.

Mocking the grand opposition alliance proposed by Banerjee, Shah wondered why the Congress and CPI(M) were criticising the TMC if they were her allies.

"I wonder what kind of grand alliance Banerjee is proposing. She is saying vote for the grand alliance. Why are the Congress and CPI(M) criticising her TMC if they are allies at the Centre. The fact is no one is willing to stand with Banerjee. This alliance neither has a leader nor a policy," he said.

Seeking to reach out to tea garden workers, who constitute a sizeable section of the electorate, the BJP chief said his party's manifesto has promised to provide a pension of Rs 3,000 to them after the age of 60.

In Assam, where the BJP is in power, the government has twice transferred Rs 2,500 directly to their bank accounts, he said, claiming the TMC government in West Bengal neglected tea garden workers.

Shah said the Lok Sabha elections in West Bengal were about "restoring democracy" in the TMC-ruled state.

Claiming that the countdown to the "corrupt" TMC government's downfall will begin on May 23, the day the Lok Sabha election results are declared, Shah appealed to the voters to give the BJP another opportunity to serve them. The BJP, he asserted, will win 23 seats in the state.

Under the TMC rule "all three--mother, motherland and people are suffering", he said, referring to the 'Ma, Maati and Manush' slogan of West Bengal's ruling party.

"Mothers are now bereft of love, infiltrators have taken away our land and people are being brutalised and killed," he said.

Shah referred to the firing incident at Darivit High School in North Dinajpur district in September last year that had left two students dead during a protest against the alleged appointment of an Urdu teacher.

He accused Banerjee of trying to "impose" Urdu on the Bengali-speaking people of the state and urged them to defeat the TMC candidate in Raiganj to avenge the killing.

Only Modi can save Bengal from the TMC and its "reign of terror", the BJP chief claimed.

The BJP is making a determined bid to expand its influence in West Bengal where the support base of the Congress and the Left has shrunk over the years.

Shah has set a somewhat ambitious target of winning 23 of the state's 42 seats. The BJP had won only two seats in the state in 2014.

The BJP will scrap Article 370 of the Constitution which grants special status to Jammu and Kashmir and introduce National Register for Citizens across the country if voted to power again, BJP chief Amit Shah said Thursday, raking up the two hugely disputed issues.

The BJP will scrap Article 370 of the Constitution which grants special status to Jammu and Kashmir and introduce National Register for Citizens across the country if voted to power again, BJP chief Amit Shah said Thursday, raking up the two hugely disputed issues. On the campaign trail in West Bengal's Kalimpong in Darjeeling Lok Sabha seat and Raigang seat in North Dinajpur, he also accused TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee of questioning the air strikes to "appease" her minority vote bank, and demanded that she clarify whether she too favoured a separate prime minister for Jammu and Kashmir like her ally National Conference leader Omar Abdullah. "We will remove Article 370 from Kashmir after forming the next BJP government at the Centre," Shah told an election rally at Kalimpong in Darjeeling Lok Sabha constituency where the party has fielded industrialist Raju Singh Bisht. Calling illegal migrants from Bangladesh "termites", Shah said at another rally in Raiganj that his party will throw them out after coming to power at the Centre for a second consecutive term. Shah alleged that Banerjee, who is vehemently opposed to the contentious National Register of Citizens (NRC) that is currently restricted to Assam, was "misleading" people, and vowed to introduce it in every state after winning the polls. "It is our commitment to bring in NRC across the country to chuck out each and every infiltrator. Unlike Mamata Banerjee, we don't treat infiltrators as our vote bank. For us national security is supreme. We would ensure that each and every Hindu and Buddhist refugee gets citizenship of this country," he said. Banerjee has repeatedly claimed the NRC, which seeks to weed out illegal migrants from Assam, will turn even bonafide Indian citizens into refugees. The NRC got mired in a massive controversy after the names of around 40 lakh people, living in Assam for decades, were omitted from the complete draft that was released last year. He alleged that the Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress government in West Bengal was only interested in appeasing minorities. The BJP chief claimed that TMC stood for "Tushtikaran, (appeasement), mafia and chit funds. "Illegal migrants are like termites. They are eating our foodgrains that should go to the poor, they are taking away our jobs. The T of the TMC stands for 'Tushtikaran, M for mafia and C for chitfund (scams)," Shah said. He also took on the West Bengal chief minister for "questioning the veracity" of the Indian Air Force's strike in Pakistan's Balakot to avenge the killing of 40 CRPF troopers in Kashmir, saying the IAF's assault was mourned in only two places--Pakistan and Mamata Banerjee's office. "We came to know that Mamata Banerjee was mourning the air strikes. It is quite obvious that the air strikes will be mourned in Pakistan. But why is Mamata Banerjee mourning? She is mourning in order to appease her minority vote bank. This is a shame," Shah said, attacking the West Bengal leader. Banerjee and other opposition leaders may be interested in talks with Pakistan but the government beleives in responding to their "bullets with canon balls", he said. "Apko (Mamata) Pakistan ke saath ilu ilu (I love you) karna hain toh kijiye. Lekin agar Pakistan goli marega toh hum gola marenge (If you are interested in love with Pakistan, you can do that but we would respond to their bullets with canon balls)," Shah said, referring to the popular love song from film Saudagar released in the early 1990s. Mocking the grand opposition alliance proposed by Banerjee, Shah wondered why the Congress and CPI(M) were criticising the TMC if they were her allies. "I wonder what kind of grand alliance Banerjee is proposing. She is saying vote for the grand alliance. Why are the Congress and CPI(M) criticising her TMC if they are allies at the Centre. The fact is no one is willing to stand with Banerjee. This alliance neither has a leader nor a policy," he said. Seeking to reach out to tea garden workers, who constitute a sizeable section of the electorate, the BJP chief said his party's manifesto has promised to provide a pension of Rs 3,000 to them after the age of 60. In Assam, where the BJP is in power, the government has twice transferred Rs 2,500 directly to their bank accounts, he said, claiming the TMC government in West Bengal neglected tea garden workers. Shah said the Lok Sabha elections in West Bengal were about "restoring democracy" in the TMC-ruled state. Claiming that the countdown to the "corrupt" TMC government's downfall will begin on May 23, the day the Lok Sabha election results are declared, Shah appealed to the voters to give the BJP another opportunity to serve them. The BJP, he asserted, will win 23 seats in the state. Under the TMC rule "all three--mother, motherland and people are suffering", he said, referring to the 'Ma, Maati and Manush' slogan of West Bengal's ruling party. "Mothers are now bereft of love, infiltrators have taken away our land and people are being brutalised and killed," he said. Shah referred to the firing incident at Darivit High School in North Dinajpur district in September last year that had left two students dead during a protest against the alleged appointment of an Urdu teacher. He accused Banerjee of trying to "impose" Urdu on the Bengali-speaking people of the state and urged them to defeat the TMC candidate in Raiganj to avenge the killing. Only Modi can save Bengal from the TMC and its "reign of terror", the BJP chief claimed. The BJP is making a determined bid to expand its influence in West Bengal where the support base of the Congress and the Left has shrunk over the years. Shah has set a somewhat ambitious target of winning 23 of the state's 42 seats. The BJP had won only two seats in the state in 2014.

We will scrap Article 370, introduce NRC across country: Amit Shah

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh said Thursday that the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/chhattisgarh-bjp-convoy-attacked-by-naxals-policemen-mla-killed-209063">sacrifice of BJP MLA Bheema Mandavi </a>and the four policemen who were killed in a Naxal attack will not go in vain, and the perpetrators will be punished.

Addressing an election rally at Basna in Mahasamund Lok Sabha constituency of Chhattisgarh, Singh also slammed the Congress for promising to repeal the sedition law.

Mandavi and four others were killed in Chhattisgarh's Dantewada district Tuesday when the Naxals blew up their vehicle.

"I am pained by the martyrdom of MLA Bheema Mandavi and jawans. Their sacrifice will not go in vain. The perpetrators will not be forgiven," Singh said.

"Change can be brought in Naxal-affected areas through democratic ways, not through guns. The Naxals have now weakened in the country. The Centre stands with the state in its fight against the Naxals," he said.

On Congress' promise to repeal the sedition law, the Union home minister asked the gathering "whether the anti-national people should be forgiven". 
"If our government is elected to power, the law will remain in force," Singh said.

He also said the Congress raised a hue and cry over Rafale fighter aircraft purchase, but had the deal been completed during its tenure, Indian forces would not have needed to venture inside Pakistan to destroy terror camps; the camps could have been hit from inside the Indian territory.

"When we conducted air strike on terror camps in Pakistan, the Congress is asking for evidences. (Then prime minister) Indira Gandhi was praised by Atal Bihari Vajpayee in Parliament for her action against Pakistan (in the 1971 war), then why (prime minister) Modi can not be praised for the air strike (now)," Singh asked.

The senior BJP leader also said that those who level charges of corruption at Modi "should be punished severely".

"Modi has devoted his life for the country. For whom he will indulge in corruption and earn money?" he asked.

Scams such as submarine scam, 2G scam were committed by Congress governments and its leaders were in jail, yet the party was accusing the BJP government of corruption, he said.

The BJP has fielded Chunnilal Sahu from Mahasamund, where polling will be held on April 18, alongwith two other seats in the state, namely, Rajnandgon and Kanker.

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh said Thursday that the sacrifice of BJP MLA Bheema Mandavi and the four policemen who were killed in a Naxal attack will not go in vain, and the perpetrators will be punished.

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh said Thursday that the sacrifice of BJP MLA Bheema Mandavi and the four policemen who were killed in a Naxal attack will not go in vain, and the perpetrators will be punished. Addressing an election rally at Basna in Mahasamund Lok Sabha constituency of Chhattisgarh, Singh also slammed the Congress for promising to repeal the sedition law. Mandavi and four others were killed in Chhattisgarh's Dantewada district Tuesday when the Naxals blew up their vehicle. "I am pained by the martyrdom of MLA Bheema Mandavi and jawans. Their sacrifice will not go in vain. The perpetrators will not be forgiven," Singh said. "Change can be brought in Naxal-affected areas through democratic ways, not through guns. The Naxals have now weakened in the country. The Centre stands with the state in its fight against the Naxals," he said. On Congress' promise to repeal the sedition law, the Union home minister asked the gathering "whether the anti-national people should be forgiven". "If our government is elected to power, the law will remain in force," Singh said. He also said the Congress raised a hue and cry over Rafale fighter aircraft purchase, but had the deal been completed during its tenure, Indian forces would not have needed to venture inside Pakistan to destroy terror camps; the camps could have been hit from inside the Indian territory. "When we conducted air strike on terror camps in Pakistan, the Congress is asking for evidences. (Then prime minister) Indira Gandhi was praised by Atal Bihari Vajpayee in Parliament for her action against Pakistan (in the 1971 war), then why (prime minister) Modi can not be praised for the air strike (now)," Singh asked. The senior BJP leader also said that those who level charges of corruption at Modi "should be punished severely". "Modi has devoted his life for the country. For whom he will indulge in corruption and earn money?" he asked. Scams such as submarine scam, 2G scam were committed by Congress governments and its leaders were in jail, yet the party was accusing the BJP government of corruption, he said. The BJP has fielded Chunnilal Sahu from Mahasamund, where polling will be held on April 18, alongwith two other seats in the state, namely, Rajnandgon and Kanker.

Sacrifice of Mandavi, others won't be in vain: Rajnath Singh

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Thursday slammed the Congress for indulging in corruption and said a new scam "Tughlaq Road Chunav Ghotala" by it has come to the fore.

In the new scam crores of rupees meant for nutrition of poor children and expectant mothers have been seized even as old cases of corruption against it are still on, he told a rally in Assam.

The "naamdari parivar" (famed family) is engaged in corruption and has made it a way a life for which its members are now on bail, but they call the "chowkidar a chor", he said.

"There is a Tughlaq Road in Delhi and there is a bungalow there where a big leader lives. During the last few days, a game involving several crores of rupees is being played. Sack loads of currency notes are being recovered from those people who are connected with this bungalow," he said.

"This is the Tughlaq Road Chunav Ghotala and Congress indulges in corruption to win elections ... If they do not loot, how will they fight elections?

"It is a sin to vote for such people," Modi said adding Congress has compromised the security of the nation by demanding proof of attack on terrorist camps in Pakistan.

Criticising the Congress for indulging in vote bank politics, Modi said had it wanted they could have solved the problems in Assam and Jammu and Kashmir after the 1971 Indo-Pak war. "But they kept the issues burning deliberately for their vested interests."

Congress allowed infiltration to ensure that their vote bank remained intact.

"But this chowkidar will ensure that infiltration is stopped to protect the interests of the people of Assam and North East ... We will ensure Indo-Bangla border fencing is completed soon, that there are no names of foreigners in the National Register of Citizens and no genuine Indians are left out," he added.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Thursday slammed the Congress for indulging in corruption and said a new scam "Tughlaq Road Chunav Ghotala" by it has come to the fore.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Thursday slammed the Congress for indulging in corruption and said a new scam "Tughlaq Road Chunav Ghotala" by it has come to the fore. In the new scam crores of rupees meant for nutrition of poor children and expectant mothers have been seized even as old cases of corruption against it are still on, he told a rally in Assam. The "naamdari parivar" (famed family) is engaged in corruption and has made it a way a life for which its members are now on bail, but they call the "chowkidar a chor", he said. "There is a Tughlaq Road in Delhi and there is a bungalow there where a big leader lives. During the last few days, a game involving several crores of rupees is being played. Sack loads of currency notes are being recovered from those people who are connected with this bungalow," he said. "This is the Tughlaq Road Chunav Ghotala and Congress indulges in corruption to win elections ... If they do not loot, how will they fight elections? "It is a sin to vote for such people," Modi said adding Congress has compromised the security of the nation by demanding proof of attack on terrorist camps in Pakistan. Criticising the Congress for indulging in vote bank politics, Modi said had it wanted they could have solved the problems in Assam and Jammu and Kashmir after the 1971 Indo-Pak war. "But they kept the issues burning deliberately for their vested interests." Congress allowed infiltration to ensure that their vote bank remained intact. "But this chowkidar will ensure that infiltration is stopped to protect the interests of the people of Assam and North East ... We will ensure Indo-Bangla border fencing is completed soon, that there are no names of foreigners in the National Register of Citizens and no genuine Indians are left out," he added.

PM Modi charges Congress with 'Tughlaq Road Chunav Ghotala'

Union Minister and BJP leader Smriti Irani on Thursday filed her nomination from Amethi parliamentary constituency in Uttar Pradesh.&nbsp;

Irani is fighting the Lok Sabha against <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/laser-pointed-at-rahul-gandhis-head-7-times-congress-complains-to-home-ministry-citing-security-breach-in-amethi-209537">Congress President Rahul Gandhi</a>, &nbsp;who has been a three-time Member of Parliament from Amethi.

Gandhi had&nbsp;filed the nomination from Amethi on Wednesday.

Ahead of filing the nomination, Smriti Irani had performed 'puja' along with her husband&nbsp;Zubin Irani.

Polling will be held in Amethi on May 6 during the fifth phase of the general elections.

In the 2014 general elections, Rahul Gandhi had defeated Smriti Irani by a margin of around one lakh votes.

The seven-phase Lok Sabha elections in Uttar Pradesh started today and will end on May 19.&nbsp;

Counting of votes will be held on May 23.

(With inputs from agencies)

Union Minister and BJP leader Smriti Irani on Thursday filed her nomination from Amethi parliamentary constituency in Uttar Pradesh. Irani is fighting the Lok Sabha against Congress President Rahul Gandhi, who has been a three-time Member of Parliament from Amethi.

Union Minister and BJP leader Smriti Irani on Thursday filed her nomination from Amethi parliamentary constituency in Uttar Pradesh. Irani is fighting the Lok Sabha against Congress President Rahul Gandhi, who has been a three-time Member of Parliament from Amethi. Gandhi had filed the nomination from Amethi on Wednesday. Ahead of filing the nomination, Smriti Irani had performed 'puja' along with her husband Zubin Irani. Polling will be held in Amethi on May 6 during the fifth phase of the general elections. In the 2014 general elections, Rahul Gandhi had defeated Smriti Irani by a margin of around one lakh votes. The seven-phase Lok Sabha elections in Uttar Pradesh started today and will end on May 19. Counting of votes will be held on May 23. (With inputs from agencies)

Lok Sabha polls 2019: BJP leader Smriti Irani files nomination from Amethi

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday said that the BJP never made promises of transferring Rs 15 lakhs into people's bank accounts during the campaign for Lok Sabha election in 2014.

"Never said that Rs 15 lakh will come (to accounts of people). This was never said. (Bilkul nahi kaha tha ki Rs 15 lakh aenge. Ye kabhi nahi kaha tha). We had said that we will take action (karyawahi) against black money. Action is being taken against black money. It was our government which made SIT on the topic of black money," Rajnath told ANI in an exclusive interview.

His statement comes at a time when opposition parties have been criticising the BJP for having made “false promises" to woo the people of India ahead of 2014 general elections and now repeating it in 2019.

Bringing black money stashed abroad was one of the key issues for 2014 elections and the BJP had promised to crack down on black money parked in foreign banks. In this year’s manifesto, there is a mention of cracking down on parallel economy but it doesn’t occupy pride of place in speeches by political leaders.

The opposition, especially the Congress party, has been quick to point out that the BJP has not delivered on ‘bringing back home illegal wealth stashed abroad’ as was promised.&nbsp;

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday said that the BJP never made promises of transferring Rs 15 lakhs into people's bank accounts during the campaign for Lok Sabha election in 2014.

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday said that the BJP never made promises of transferring Rs 15 lakhs into people's bank accounts during the campaign for Lok Sabha election in 2014. "Never said that Rs 15 lakh will come (to accounts of people). This was never said. (Bilkul nahi kaha tha ki Rs 15 lakh aenge. Ye kabhi nahi kaha tha). We had said that we will take action (karyawahi) against black money. Action is being taken against black money. It was our government which made SIT on the topic of black money," Rajnath told ANI in an exclusive interview. His statement comes at a time when opposition parties have been criticising the BJP for having made “false promises" to woo the people of India ahead of 2014 general elections and now repeating it in 2019. Bringing black money stashed abroad was one of the key issues for 2014 elections and the BJP had promised to crack down on black money parked in foreign banks. In this year’s manifesto, there is a mention of cracking down on parallel economy but it doesn’t occupy pride of place in speeches by political leaders. The opposition, especially the Congress party, has been quick to point out that the BJP has not delivered on ‘bringing back home illegal wealth stashed abroad’ as was promised.

Never said that Rs 15 lakh will come to people's accounts: Rajnath Singh

The BJP Monday announced the names of three more Lok Sabha candidates from Odisha.

With this, the party has announced the names of 374 candidates.&nbsp;

The party has also released the names of 11 more candidates for the Odisha state assembly polls, which will be held in four phases starting from April 11 and ending on April 29.&nbsp;

The BJP has so far announced candidates for all the Lok Sabha seats which will go to polls in the first four phases of the seven-phased election.&nbsp;

The general elections will begin from April 11 and continue till May 19. The counting of votes will be held on May 23.

The BJP had earlier nominated Prime Minister Narendra Modi from Varanasi and Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh from Lucknow. Party chief Amit Shah will contest from Gandhinagar, where L K Advani is the sitting MP.&nbsp;

The BJP Monday announced the names of three more Lok Sabha candidates from Odisha. With this, the party has announced the names of 374 candidates. The party has also released the names of 11 more candidates for the Odisha state assembly polls, which will be held in four phases starting from April 11 and ending on April 29.

The BJP Monday announced the names of three more Lok Sabha candidates from Odisha. With this, the party has announced the names of 374 candidates. The party has also released the names of 11 more candidates for the Odisha state assembly polls, which will be held in four phases starting from April 11 and ending on April 29. The BJP has so far announced candidates for all the Lok Sabha seats which will go to polls in the first four phases of the seven-phased election. The general elections will begin from April 11 and continue till May 19. The counting of votes will be held on May 23. The BJP had earlier nominated Prime Minister Narendra Modi from Varanasi and Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh from Lucknow. Party chief Amit Shah will contest from Gandhinagar, where L K Advani is the sitting MP.

Lok Sabha polls 2019: BJP announces three more Lok Sabha candidates from Odisha

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), in a bid to amplify its poll campaign, is now looking at reaching out to the masses with the '<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/bjps-wrong-foot-on-social-media-ministers-prefix-chowkidar-to-twitter-handles-204159">Main Bhi Chowkidar</a>'&nbsp;caller tune ahead of the Lok Sabha elections.

As part of the move, subscribers of various mobile networks will now be able to access and download the caller tune.

'Main Bhi Chowkidar'&nbsp;was launched on Saturday by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

A day after the launch of the campaign, the Prime Minister, as well as a number of BJP leaders across the country, added the prefix 'chowkidar'&nbsp;to their Twitter handles as a mark of support to the poll campaign.

In the run-up to the Lok Sabha polls, Prime Minister Modi will address over 25 lakh 'chowkidars'&nbsp;(security guards) from across the country today via audio conference.

He is also slated to address security guards from 500 locations who are associated with the `Main Bhi Chowkidar` campaign, on March 31.&nbsp;

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), in a bid to amplify its poll campaign, is now looking at reaching out to the masses with the 'Main Bhi Chowkidar' caller tune ahead of the Lok Sabha elections.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), in a bid to amplify its poll campaign, is now looking at reaching out to the masses with the 'Main Bhi Chowkidar' caller tune ahead of the Lok Sabha elections. As part of the move, subscribers of various mobile networks will now be able to access and download the caller tune. 'Main Bhi Chowkidar' was launched on Saturday by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. A day after the launch of the campaign, the Prime Minister, as well as a number of BJP leaders across the country, added the prefix 'chowkidar' to their Twitter handles as a mark of support to the poll campaign. In the run-up to the Lok Sabha polls, Prime Minister Modi will address over 25 lakh 'chowkidars' (security guards) from across the country today via audio conference. He is also slated to address security guards from 500 locations who are associated with the `Main Bhi Chowkidar` campaign, on March 31.

Lok Sabha 2019: BJP amplifies poll campaign with 'Main Bhi Chowkidar' caller tunes

The BJP is likely to release its first list of candidates for the Lok Sabha polls on Saturday, when its central election committee is scheduled to meet.

The list will have the names of most of the candidates for the first phase of polling, which will be held on April 11 in 91 seats.

The election for 543 parliamentary seats will be held in seven phases till May 19 and the counting of votes will be taken up on May 23.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, party president Amit Shah and other top Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders will attend the central election committee meeting.

All 42 seats in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana will go to the polls in the first phase with a fraction of constituencies in many other states, including Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Maharashtra, West Bengal, Odisha and Assam, also to witness polling on April 11.

The Assembly polls in Telangana and Odisha will be held simultaneously with the general election.

With Modi known for dropping a number of incumbents in order to beat the anti-incumbency factor, the saffron party has been abuzz with speculation over the fate of its sitting MPs.

It has sought feedback from a number of sources, including the public, and has also asked its MPs to furnish details of the works they have carried out as it finalises its candidates for the upcoming polls.&nbsp;

The BJP is likely to release its first list of candidates for the Lok Sabha polls on Saturday, when its central election committee is scheduled to meet. The list will have the names of most of the candidates for the first phase of polling, which will be held on April 11 in 91 seats.

The BJP is likely to release its first list of candidates for the Lok Sabha polls on Saturday, when its central election committee is scheduled to meet. The list will have the names of most of the candidates for the first phase of polling, which will be held on April 11 in 91 seats. The election for 543 parliamentary seats will be held in seven phases till May 19 and the counting of votes will be taken up on May 23. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, party president Amit Shah and other top Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders will attend the central election committee meeting. All 42 seats in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana will go to the polls in the first phase with a fraction of constituencies in many other states, including Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Maharashtra, West Bengal, Odisha and Assam, also to witness polling on April 11. The Assembly polls in Telangana and Odisha will be held simultaneously with the general election. With Modi known for dropping a number of incumbents in order to beat the anti-incumbency factor, the saffron party has been abuzz with speculation over the fate of its sitting MPs. It has sought feedback from a number of sources, including the public, and has also asked its MPs to furnish details of the works they have carried out as it finalises its candidates for the upcoming polls.

Lok Sabha polls: BJP likely to release first list of candidates on Saturday

Maharashtra Chief Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/fadnavis-confident-of-bjps-pre-poll-alliance-with-shiv-sena-195168">Devendra Fadnavis</a> Friday said the alliance between the BJP and the Shiv Sena was very strong and impenetrable. 
 
Fadnavis was addressing a rally in here ahead of the Lok Sabha elections, where Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray and other leaders of both the parties were present. 
 
'The BJP-Shiv Sena alliance is joining of hands of the Hindutva parties, which share a common ideology. It has stood the ground so far and will do so in future as well. Yeh Fevicol ka majboot jod hai! (It is a strong bond like that of Fevicol),'&nbsp;he said at the launch of the poll campaign. 
 
The alliance is impenetrable...Some people tried to separate us as they wanted to be in power, but once the alliance was announced, they started retreating,'&nbsp;he said. 
 
Overcoming their strained ties, the BJP and Shiv Sena had last month announced a seat-sharing pact for the ensuing Lok Sabha and Assembly elections in Maharashtra. The BJP will contest 25 seats and Shiv Sena 23 of the 48 Lok Sabha seats in Maharashtra. 
 
Thackeray said he never allowed his party's differences with the BJP harm the interests of the state. 
 
'BJP-Sena alliance has grown into a tall tree. In no case should we allow pests to eat into it? I don't believe in (poll) surveys. I trust more my self-confidence, which tells me that so overwhelming will be the victory that even 48 seats (in the state) would fall short.' 
 
In a lighter vein, Thackeray asked Fadanvis not to entertain Sharad Pawar if he wished to join BJP. 
 
'The situation in the state is such that whenever BJP-Sena leaders criticize the opposition leaders, the next day they join the BJP-Sena. This makes me think if I should criticize or not? If I criticize Pawar today, he may join BJP tomorrow. But don't give him any room in the party,'&nbsp;Thackeray said. 
 
'We need to keep some people outside, else there would be no one left out for us to talk about,'&nbsp;he added jokingly.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis Friday said the alliance between the BJP and the Shiv Sena was very strong and impenetrable. Fadnavis was addressing a rally in here ahead of the Lok Sabha elections, where Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray and other leaders of both the parties were present.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis Friday said the alliance between the BJP and the Shiv Sena was very strong and impenetrable. Fadnavis was addressing a rally in here ahead of the Lok Sabha elections, where Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray and other leaders of both the parties were present. 'The BJP-Shiv Sena alliance is joining of hands of the Hindutva parties, which share a common ideology. It has stood the ground so far and will do so in future as well. Yeh Fevicol ka majboot jod hai! (It is a strong bond like that of Fevicol),' he said at the launch of the poll campaign. The alliance is impenetrable...Some people tried to separate us as they wanted to be in power, but once the alliance was announced, they started retreating,' he said. Overcoming their strained ties, the BJP and Shiv Sena had last month announced a seat-sharing pact for the ensuing Lok Sabha and Assembly elections in Maharashtra. The BJP will contest 25 seats and Shiv Sena 23 of the 48 Lok Sabha seats in Maharashtra. Thackeray said he never allowed his party's differences with the BJP harm the interests of the state. 'BJP-Sena alliance has grown into a tall tree. In no case should we allow pests to eat into it? I don't believe in (poll) surveys. I trust more my self-confidence, which tells me that so overwhelming will be the victory that even 48 seats (in the state) would fall short.' In a lighter vein, Thackeray asked Fadanvis not to entertain Sharad Pawar if he wished to join BJP. 'The situation in the state is such that whenever BJP-Sena leaders criticize the opposition leaders, the next day they join the BJP-Sena. This makes me think if I should criticize or not? If I criticize Pawar today, he may join BJP tomorrow. But don't give him any room in the party,' Thackeray said. 'We need to keep some people outside, else there would be no one left out for us to talk about,' he added jokingly.

BJP-Shiv Sena alliance strong, impenetrable: Devendra Fadnavis

Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot on Friday said the BJP and its ideologue RSS cannot tolerate their criticism and have no regard for the democratic system.&nbsp; 
 
Mahatma Gandhi had said that opposition's views should be respected in a democracy, but neither Prime Minister Narendra Modi nor former chief minister Vasundhara Raje can tolerate their criticism, the senior Congress leader said.&nbsp; 
 
'People in the BJP and RSS are not able to tolerate their criticism. 
 
Mahatma Gandhi had said views of opposition should be respected in democracy, but neither Prime Minister (Modi) nor former state chief minister (Raje) can tolerate their criticism as they do not believe in the&nbsp;democratic systems, 'Gehlot said at a public meeting in Sri Dungargarh.&nbsp; 
 
He said the saffron brigade was doing politics with the 'mask of democracy'.&nbsp; 
 
The chief minister alleged that the BJP recalled the issue of Ram Temple when elections were near.&nbsp; 
 
Targeting the central government over its 2014 election promises, the senior Congress leader said Modi failed to bring back black money, deposit Rs 15 lakh in bank accounts of people and provide 2 crore employment every year. 
 
Gehlot added that there was 'no guarantee'&nbsp;of future elections if Modi was voted back to power. 
&nbsp; 
'...There is no guarantee that there will be elections in the future if Modi is elected again,'&nbsp;he said.&nbsp;

Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot on Friday said the BJP and its ideologue RSS cannot tolerate their criticism and have no regard for the democratic system. Mahatma Gandhi had said that opposition's views should be respected in a democracy, but neither Prime Minister Narendra Modi nor former chief minister Vasundhara Raje can tolerate their criticism, the senior Congress leader said.

Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot on Friday said the BJP and its ideologue RSS cannot tolerate their criticism and have no regard for the democratic system. Mahatma Gandhi had said that opposition's views should be respected in a democracy, but neither Prime Minister Narendra Modi nor former chief minister Vasundhara Raje can tolerate their criticism, the senior Congress leader said. 'People in the BJP and RSS are not able to tolerate their criticism. Mahatma Gandhi had said views of opposition should be respected in democracy, but neither Prime Minister (Modi) nor former state chief minister (Raje) can tolerate their criticism as they do not believe in the democratic systems, 'Gehlot said at a public meeting in Sri Dungargarh. He said the saffron brigade was doing politics with the 'mask of democracy'. The chief minister alleged that the BJP recalled the issue of Ram Temple when elections were near. Targeting the central government over its 2014 election promises, the senior Congress leader said Modi failed to bring back black money, deposit Rs 15 lakh in bank accounts of people and provide 2 crore employment every year. Gehlot added that there was 'no guarantee' of future elections if Modi was voted back to power. '...There is no guarantee that there will be elections in the future if Modi is elected again,' he said.

BJP-RSS cannot tolerate criticism, no regard for democracy: Ashok Gehlot

The Bharatiya Janata Party's website was allegedly hacked on Tuesday.

This came to light after several social media users posted a grab of the website on Twitter.

Moments after the news surfaced online, Divya Spandana, head of social media for Congress, took to Twitter, and said, "If you’re not looking at the BJP website right now -- you’re missing out."

In addition, she also posted a screenshot of a meme featuring Prime Minister Narendra Modi and German Chancellor Angela Merkel.&nbsp;

In the video, Merkel was seen walking past the Prime Minister as he tried to shake hands with her.

In February, just days after the Pulwama terror attack, the website of Chhattisgarh BJP was reportedly hacked and the photos of the Pakistan flag and Army were posted on the homepage.&nbsp;

The Bharatiya Janata Party's website was allegedly hacked on Tuesday. This came to light after several social media users posted a grab of the website on Twitter.

The Bharatiya Janata Party's website was allegedly hacked on Tuesday. This came to light after several social media users posted a grab of the website on Twitter. Moments after the news surfaced online, Divya Spandana, head of social media for Congress, took to Twitter, and said, "If you’re not looking at the BJP website right now -- you’re missing out." In addition, she also posted a screenshot of a meme featuring Prime Minister Narendra Modi and German Chancellor Angela Merkel. In the video, Merkel was seen walking past the Prime Minister as he tried to shake hands with her. In February, just days after the Pulwama terror attack, the website of Chhattisgarh BJP was reportedly hacked and the photos of the Pakistan flag and Army were posted on the homepage.

BJP's website allegedly hacked

Former BJD MP Baijayant 'Jay' Panda on Monday joined Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the presence of Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

Welcoming Panda into the party fold, Pradhan said, "A new force has joined BJP today. He has been a well-known face in both upper and lower house of parliament for about 20 years. His coming to BJP is also a testimony of growing stature of BJP in Odisha."

Speaking at the occasion, Panda said, "It is no secret that I have admired Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership and the direction in which it is taking the country. We have a situation in Odisha where governance has very sharply deteriorated in recent years. There has been an extremely high rise in crime and corruption. This needs changing and only BJP is capable of doing it."

After joining the BJP, Panda also met with BJP chief Amit Shah. Panda was suspended from the BJD for his "anti-party activities" in January last year. Later on May 28, 2018, Panda ended his over 18 years of association with BJD by quitting the party.

In his strong-worded resignation letter addressed to BJD chief and Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, Panda had stated that he was disappointed with the kind of politics being practised by the party.

"It's with deep anguish, hurt and sorrow that I have decided to quit the politics into which our BJD has descended," Panda had written.

He also later resigned as a member of the Lok Sabha from Kendrapara constituency on June 12.

The relation between Panda and his former party BJD further soured in September after the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) workers staged a protest in Bhubaneswar, demanding his arrest for allegedly flying his chopper over an "eco-sensitive zone" in Chilika Lake.

Panda, who also describes himself as a helicopter pilot and columnist, has often heaped praises on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Central government policies.&nbsp;

At the same time, he had also criticised Odisha government on various issues.

Recently on February 25, Panda criticised the state government on the education issue and wrote on his twitter, "Odisha education has sharply deteriorated in the past 5 years.&nbsp;

The corrupt and the criminal function with such impunity (despite the department`s earlier "strict action") because they know they can wriggle out by cosying up to the coterie that now runs the state (and protects many like them)!"So far, Panda has served as Member of Parliament for a total of four times twice in the Lok Sabha and twice in the Rajya Sabha.&nbsp;

Former BJD MP Baijayant 'Jay' Panda on Monday joined Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the presence of Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. Welcoming Panda into the party fold, Pradhan said, "A new force has joined BJP today.

Former BJD MP Baijayant 'Jay' Panda on Monday joined Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the presence of Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. Welcoming Panda into the party fold, Pradhan said, "A new force has joined BJP today. He has been a well-known face in both upper and lower house of parliament for about 20 years. His coming to BJP is also a testimony of growing stature of BJP in Odisha." Speaking at the occasion, Panda said, "It is no secret that I have admired Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership and the direction in which it is taking the country. We have a situation in Odisha where governance has very sharply deteriorated in recent years. There has been an extremely high rise in crime and corruption. This needs changing and only BJP is capable of doing it." After joining the BJP, Panda also met with BJP chief Amit Shah. Panda was suspended from the BJD for his "anti-party activities" in January last year. Later on May 28, 2018, Panda ended his over 18 years of association with BJD by quitting the party. In his strong-worded resignation letter addressed to BJD chief and Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, Panda had stated that he was disappointed with the kind of politics being practised by the party. "It's with deep anguish, hurt and sorrow that I have decided to quit the politics into which our BJD has descended," Panda had written. He also later resigned as a member of the Lok Sabha from Kendrapara constituency on June 12. The relation between Panda and his former party BJD further soured in September after the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) workers staged a protest in Bhubaneswar, demanding his arrest for allegedly flying his chopper over an "eco-sensitive zone" in Chilika Lake. Panda, who also describes himself as a helicopter pilot and columnist, has often heaped praises on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Central government policies. At the same time, he had also criticised Odisha government on various issues. Recently on February 25, Panda criticised the state government on the education issue and wrote on his twitter, "Odisha education has sharply deteriorated in the past 5 years. The corrupt and the criminal function with such impunity (despite the department`s earlier "strict action") because they know they can wriggle out by cosying up to the coterie that now runs the state (and protects many like them)!"So far, Panda has served as Member of Parliament for a total of four times twice in the Lok Sabha and twice in the Rajya Sabha.

Former BJD leader Baijayant Jay Panda joins BJP

Claiming that the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-vs-centre-sc-delivers-split-verdict-on-control-of-services-refers-it-to-larger-bench-197305">Supreme Court's split verdict</a> on the contentious issue of control of services in the National Capital Territory is against "constitution and democracy", Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal Thursday said the AAP government will seek legal remedies.

At a press conference after the apex court order, he accused the BJP-led government at the centre of creating hurdles in the functioning of the AAP dispensation and appealed to the people to elect AAP candidates in all the seven Lok Sabha seats in the national capital in the upcoming general elections to help the party achieve full-statehood for Delhi.

"The judgment is against constitution and democracy. We will seek legal remedies," Kejriwal said, adding it was an "injustice to the people" of Delhi. 
&nbsp; 
"The people of Delhi helped us win 67 of 70 seats. An elected government doesn't even have the power to transfer officers, but those with three seats (BJP) do. How will the government function if we can't transfer non-performing officials?" he posed.

"The solution to the problem lies with the people of Delhi. I appeal to the residents not to see the polls as only to elect a prime minister. Please give all the seven Lok Sabha seats in Delhi to the AAP. We will force the government at the Centre to give full statehood to Delhi," the AAP national convener said.

In a jolt to the AAP dispensation, the Supreme Court Thursday delivered a split verdict on the contentious issue of control of services in the National Capital Territory between the Delhi government and the Centre and referred the matter to a larger bench.

A two-judge bench comprising Justices A K Sikri and Ashok Bhushan, however, agreed on their views on disputes pertaining to the Anti-Corruption Branch (ACB), setting up of a commission of inquiry, control over electricity boards, land revenue matters and appointment of public prosecutors.

The apex court also upheld the Centre's notification that its employees cannot be probed in corruption cases by ACB of Delhi government.

Claiming the court order states the elected government has no power to transfer officers, Kejriwal sought to know how the AAP dispensation will work and said the chief minister of Delhi does not have the power to appoint even a peon.

"We have been suffering for the last four years. For every work and forgetting each file cleared, if the Delhi chief minister and his ministers have to hold protests and sit on hunger strike at the L-G house, how will the government work? What sort of democracy is it?" he asked.

On former Delhi chief minister and Congress leader Sheila Dikshit's comments that according to the constitution "Delhi government doesn't have unlimited powers and, the L-G and the MHA also have control over many things", Kejriwal said his predecessor should refrain from making such statements for short-term political gains.

"I respect Sheila Dikshit ji. I appeal to her not to make such comments. We don't even have 10 per cent of the power that her government had. Didn't she have the power to transfer officers? Didn't she have ACB under her? Still, in the last four years we have done more work than her government did in 15 years," he said.

Claiming that the Supreme Court's split verdict on the contentious issue of control of services in the National Capital Territory is against "constitution and democracy", Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal Thursday said the AAP government will seek legal remedies.

Claiming that the Supreme Court's split verdict on the contentious issue of control of services in the National Capital Territory is against "constitution and democracy", Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal Thursday said the AAP government will seek legal remedies. At a press conference after the apex court order, he accused the BJP-led government at the centre of creating hurdles in the functioning of the AAP dispensation and appealed to the people to elect AAP candidates in all the seven Lok Sabha seats in the national capital in the upcoming general elections to help the party achieve full-statehood for Delhi. "The judgment is against constitution and democracy. We will seek legal remedies," Kejriwal said, adding it was an "injustice to the people" of Delhi. "The people of Delhi helped us win 67 of 70 seats. An elected government doesn't even have the power to transfer officers, but those with three seats (BJP) do. How will the government function if we can't transfer non-performing officials?" he posed. "The solution to the problem lies with the people of Delhi. I appeal to the residents not to see the polls as only to elect a prime minister. Please give all the seven Lok Sabha seats in Delhi to the AAP. We will force the government at the Centre to give full statehood to Delhi," the AAP national convener said. In a jolt to the AAP dispensation, the Supreme Court Thursday delivered a split verdict on the contentious issue of control of services in the National Capital Territory between the Delhi government and the Centre and referred the matter to a larger bench. A two-judge bench comprising Justices A K Sikri and Ashok Bhushan, however, agreed on their views on disputes pertaining to the Anti-Corruption Branch (ACB), setting up of a commission of inquiry, control over electricity boards, land revenue matters and appointment of public prosecutors. The apex court also upheld the Centre's notification that its employees cannot be probed in corruption cases by ACB of Delhi government. Claiming the court order states the elected government has no power to transfer officers, Kejriwal sought to know how the AAP dispensation will work and said the chief minister of Delhi does not have the power to appoint even a peon. "We have been suffering for the last four years. For every work and forgetting each file cleared, if the Delhi chief minister and his ministers have to hold protests and sit on hunger strike at the L-G house, how will the government work? What sort of democracy is it?" he asked. On former Delhi chief minister and Congress leader Sheila Dikshit's comments that according to the constitution "Delhi government doesn't have unlimited powers and, the L-G and the MHA also have control over many things", Kejriwal said his predecessor should refrain from making such statements for short-term political gains. "I respect Sheila Dikshit ji. I appeal to her not to make such comments. We don't even have 10 per cent of the power that her government had. Didn't she have the power to transfer officers? Didn't she have ACB under her? Still, in the last four years we have done more work than her government did in 15 years," he said.

Supreme Court's split verdict on control of services against 'constitution and democracy', says Kejriwal

Addressing a rally in West Bengals' Kharagpur, Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Wednesday targeted the Trinamool Congress calling it corrupt and said his party would not stop till the Trinamool regime was ousted from the state.

He also made a scathing attack at the TMC government for <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/mamata-government-denies-permission-for-yogi-adityanath-rally-in-west-bengal-194729">denying permission</a> to several BJP leaders to land helicopters in the state, resulting in the cancellation of a number of public meetings.

Mamata Banerjee led government in West Bengal had earlier refused&nbsp;to allow the landing of the chopper of BJP leaders&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/calcutta-high-court-denies-permission-for-bjp-president-amit-shahs-rath-yatra-in-west-bengal-181993">Amit Shah</a>&nbsp;and Yogi Adityanath.

Chouhan who was scheduled to address two meetings in the state on Wednesday had to cancel one in the state's Bahrampur in Murshidabad after his helicopter was denied permission to land.

The former chief minister addressed only one "Ganatantra bachao rally" at Kharagpur travelling by road after alighting at the Kolkata airport.&nbsp;

"The more you (Mamata) try and stop us, more often shall we come to Bengal, "he said.

He also asked West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who has been instrumental in bringing together opposition parties onto one platform, to name the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/opinions/how-far-will-the-united-opposition-go-without-prime-ministerial-face-194989">PM candidate of the alliance</a>.

Mocking the 'mahagathbandhan' (grand alliance) that was called off by Mamata Banerjee on January 19 he called the meeting "Bina dhulhe ki barat" (marriage party without a groom).

Further targetting the Mamata government over the recent tussle between Kolkata police and the CBI, Chouhan said, "Mamata ji, not only Bengal but entire nation wants to know why do you want to protect Rajeev Kumar. Who would've landed in trouble had he been interrogated? She sits on dharna worrying, she loses her sleep. We want answers. Has an IPS officer ever sat on a dharna?"

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
SS Chouhan,BJP: Mamata ji, not only Bengal but entire nation wants to know why do you want to protect Rajeev Kumar. Who would've landed in trouble had he been interrogated? She sits on dharna worrying, she loses her sleep. We want answers. Has an IPS officer ever sat on a dharna? <a href="https://t.co/9plqcqvqFM">pic.twitter.com/9plqcqvqFM</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1093126781111070720?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 6, 2019</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
SS Chouhan, BJP: These days Mamata ji is doing everything else except running her govt... Amit Shah ka helicopter na utar jaaye, Pradhanmantri ji ki sabha na ho jaaye, Yogi ji ki sabha nA ho jaaye, Shivraj ka helicopter na utar jaaye iss chinta mein Mamata Didi dubli ho rahi hain <a href="https://t.co/7z0DKGscf7">pic.twitter.com/7z0DKGscf7</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1093124055144808449?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 6, 2019</a></blockquote>
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(With inputs from agencies)

Addressing a rally in West Bengals' Kharagpur, Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Wednesday targeted the Trinamool Congress calling it corrupt and said his party would not stop till the Trinamool regime was ousted from the state.

Addressing a rally in West Bengals' Kharagpur, Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Wednesday targeted the Trinamool Congress calling it corrupt and said his party would not stop till the Trinamool regime was ousted from the state. He also made a scathing attack at the TMC government for denying permission to several BJP leaders to land helicopters in the state, resulting in the cancellation of a number of public meetings. Mamata Banerjee led government in West Bengal had earlier refused to allow the landing of the chopper of BJP leaders Amit Shah and Yogi Adityanath. Chouhan who was scheduled to address two meetings in the state on Wednesday had to cancel one in the state's Bahrampur in Murshidabad after his helicopter was denied permission to land. The former chief minister addressed only one "Ganatantra bachao rally" at Kharagpur travelling by road after alighting at the Kolkata airport. "The more you (Mamata) try and stop us, more often shall we come to Bengal, "he said. He also asked West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who has been instrumental in bringing together opposition parties onto one platform, to name the PM candidate of the alliance. Mocking the 'mahagathbandhan' (grand alliance) that was called off by Mamata Banerjee on January 19 he called the meeting "Bina dhulhe ki barat" (marriage party without a groom). Further targetting the Mamata government over the recent tussle between Kolkata police and the CBI, Chouhan said, "Mamata ji, not only Bengal but entire nation wants to know why do you want to protect Rajeev Kumar. Who would've landed in trouble had he been interrogated? She sits on dharna worrying, she loses her sleep. We want answers. Has an IPS officer ever sat on a dharna?" SS Chouhan,BJP: Mamata ji, not only Bengal but entire nation wants to know why do you want to protect Rajeev Kumar. Who would've landed in trouble had he been interrogated? She sits on dharna worrying, she loses her sleep. We want answers. Has an IPS officer ever sat on a dharna? pic.twitter.com/9plqcqvqFM — ANI (@ANI) February 6, 2019 × SS Chouhan, BJP: These days Mamata ji is doing everything else except running her govt... Amit Shah ka helicopter na utar jaaye, Pradhanmantri ji ki sabha na ho jaaye, Yogi ji ki sabha nA ho jaaye, Shivraj ka helicopter na utar jaaye iss chinta mein Mamata Didi dubli ho rahi hain pic.twitter.com/7z0DKGscf7 — ANI (@ANI) February 6, 2019 × (With inputs from agencies)

Mamata Banerjee government now does not allow Shivraj Singh Chouhan's helicopter to land

The last two months have not brought good news for the BJP. The party lost elections in the three Hindi heartland states. The CBI and Justice Sikri episodes have created unnecessary controversy.

It is facing a spirited Congress attack on social media. To top it all, the SP and the BSP have announced a formidable alliance for the forthcoming polls in Uttar Pradesh, which accounted for one-fourth of BJP’s tally in 2014. Suddenly, what looked like an easy sail through for the party in 2019, has turned into a tight, wide open contest.

BJP recognises it has an uphill task at hand and the stupendous verdict 2014 could be termed as an outlier.

The party has affected big organisational changes recently. The most important among them is the appointment of the three ex-chief ministers – Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Vasundhara Raje and Raman Singh as national vice-presidents.

The party strategy is to use the experience and charisma of these leaders, especially in the Hindi heartland and reduce the load of Narendra Modi to some extent, who can then focus on greenfield areas like East and South of India.

This step also helps soothe the taut nerves of upper caste and OBCs who form the core vote bank of the party.

In the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, these sections accounting for 60 per cent of the population, voted overwhelmingly for the BJP and its allies.

After the losses, notes of dissent have come out in the open with party veterans questioning the approach of the Modi-Shah duo.

These appointments may have been done to quell such noises. With Sushma Swaraj announcing that she will not contest 2019 polls, BJP now lacks a pan-India woman leader with mass appeal. Raje fills this gap. With many flagship schemes of the government — Ujjwala, Awas, Swachch Bharat, Saubhagya — to name only a few aimed at women beneficiaries, this strategy may pay rich dividends.

The Modi-Shah duo now wants to win at any cost and the Prime Minister has not been shy of campaigning extensively even in state polls.

Another appointment, which has caught everyone’s attention is of Gordhan Zadafia, once a bitter critic of Modi belonging to the rival Sanjay Joshi camp, who has been made in-charge of the most important state of Uttar Pradesh. The party faced a lot of flak, especially from the upper castes, for nullifying the Supreme Court order on SC-ST Atrocities Act.

The SC-STs overwhelmingly voted against the party recently in the three states where it was in power. BJP won 128 SC-ST reserved seats in these states in 2013, which fell by more than half to 59 in 2018.

A section of upper caste disillusioned with the party pressed NOTA, stayed at home, some even voting for Sapaks, a party championing upper caste rights.

The party had to face reversals in belts where upper caste formed a significant proportion of population like Gwalior-Chambal in Madhya Pradesh.

Even OBCs, staunch supporters of the BJP, switched sides in Chhattisgarh.

With this step, BJP hopes to keep its anchor voting segment in good humour especially when Congress is trying to play the Brahman card and revive its traditional vote bank of upper caste, Dalits and Muslims.

In the national convention held over the weekend, Modi exhorted the BJP cadre not to be complacent and work hard on the ground. They shouldn’t just hope Modi will come, hold rallies and swing votes. They need to take the welfare schemes of the government door to door and highlight the achievements.

As per CSDS National Election Studies (NES) 2014, 27 per cent of BJP supporters would not have voted for party if Modi was not the prime ministerial candidate.

The dip in popularity ratings of Modi and a corresponding increase in Rahul’s has cautioned BJP against over-reliance on the Modi factor.

Though a lot of credit is given to Modi for the 2014 victory, it was also a result of effort and leadership of many state leaders like Chouhan, Raman, Raje, Parrikar, mini Modis in their own might.

The call is also to them and to new leaders like Yogi and Fadnavis to work hard to realize their common dream.

The party is seeking suggestions from the public on various issues like implementation of schemes, impact of proposed grand alliance and three most popular party leaders in their constituencies, among other things.

To negate anti-incumbency, BJP is likely to deny tickets to 30-40 per cent of existing MPs, around 100 in total.

This exercise will provide information on the popularity of MPs and suggest alternatives. Though elections in India are increasingly becoming presidential in style, one-fourth of the voters gave importance to the local candidate while voting in 2014, according to NES.

The unfavourable verdict in the three states brought to the forefront rural and agri distress. It also highlighted growing urban apathy among the middle class, staunch supporters of BJP. The party is likely to come up with schemes to ease the nerves of these crucial segments.

For farmers, the party could roll out a programme on the lines of Ryathu Bandhu Scheme of Telangana, where per hectare amount will be paid out to them. The middle class could see an increase in the income exemption limit from the current Rs 2.5 lakh per annum to Rs 5 lakh per annum.

For the rural population, the possibility of doling out a UBI scheme, where Rs 2-2,500 per month will be given to BPL category, is being mentioned. The party is now pulling out all stops.

(This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-pumping-up-party-organisation-2709176">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

The last two months have not brought good news for the BJP. The party lost elections in the three Hindi heartland states. The CBI and Justice Sikri episodes have created unnecessary controversy.

The last two months have not brought good news for the BJP. The party lost elections in the three Hindi heartland states. The CBI and Justice Sikri episodes have created unnecessary controversy. It is facing a spirited Congress attack on social media. To top it all, the SP and the BSP have announced a formidable alliance for the forthcoming polls in Uttar Pradesh, which accounted for one-fourth of BJP’s tally in 2014. Suddenly, what looked like an easy sail through for the party in 2019, has turned into a tight, wide open contest. BJP recognises it has an uphill task at hand and the stupendous verdict 2014 could be termed as an outlier. The party has affected big organisational changes recently. The most important among them is the appointment of the three ex-chief ministers – Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Vasundhara Raje and Raman Singh as national vice-presidents. The party strategy is to use the experience and charisma of these leaders, especially in the Hindi heartland and reduce the load of Narendra Modi to some extent, who can then focus on greenfield areas like East and South of India. This step also helps soothe the taut nerves of upper caste and OBCs who form the core vote bank of the party. In the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, these sections accounting for 60 per cent of the population, voted overwhelmingly for the BJP and its allies. After the losses, notes of dissent have come out in the open with party veterans questioning the approach of the Modi-Shah duo. These appointments may have been done to quell such noises. With Sushma Swaraj announcing that she will not contest 2019 polls, BJP now lacks a pan-India woman leader with mass appeal. Raje fills this gap. With many flagship schemes of the government — Ujjwala, Awas, Swachch Bharat, Saubhagya — to name only a few aimed at women beneficiaries, this strategy may pay rich dividends. The Modi-Shah duo now wants to win at any cost and the Prime Minister has not been shy of campaigning extensively even in state polls. Another appointment, which has caught everyone’s attention is of Gordhan Zadafia, once a bitter critic of Modi belonging to the rival Sanjay Joshi camp, who has been made in-charge of the most important state of Uttar Pradesh. The party faced a lot of flak, especially from the upper castes, for nullifying the Supreme Court order on SC-ST Atrocities Act. The SC-STs overwhelmingly voted against the party recently in the three states where it was in power. BJP won 128 SC-ST reserved seats in these states in 2013, which fell by more than half to 59 in 2018. A section of upper caste disillusioned with the party pressed NOTA, stayed at home, some even voting for Sapaks, a party championing upper caste rights. The party had to face reversals in belts where upper caste formed a significant proportion of population like Gwalior-Chambal in Madhya Pradesh. Even OBCs, staunch supporters of the BJP, switched sides in Chhattisgarh. With this step, BJP hopes to keep its anchor voting segment in good humour especially when Congress is trying to play the Brahman card and revive its traditional vote bank of upper caste, Dalits and Muslims. In the national convention held over the weekend, Modi exhorted the BJP cadre not to be complacent and work hard on the ground. They shouldn’t just hope Modi will come, hold rallies and swing votes. They need to take the welfare schemes of the government door to door and highlight the achievements. As per CSDS National Election Studies (NES) 2014, 27 per cent of BJP supporters would not have voted for party if Modi was not the prime ministerial candidate. The dip in popularity ratings of Modi and a corresponding increase in Rahul’s has cautioned BJP against over-reliance on the Modi factor. Though a lot of credit is given to Modi for the 2014 victory, it was also a result of effort and leadership of many state leaders like Chouhan, Raman, Raje, Parrikar, mini Modis in their own might. The call is also to them and to new leaders like Yogi and Fadnavis to work hard to realize their common dream. The party is seeking suggestions from the public on various issues like implementation of schemes, impact of proposed grand alliance and three most popular party leaders in their constituencies, among other things. To negate anti-incumbency, BJP is likely to deny tickets to 30-40 per cent of existing MPs, around 100 in total. This exercise will provide information on the popularity of MPs and suggest alternatives. Though elections in India are increasingly becoming presidential in style, one-fourth of the voters gave importance to the local candidate while voting in 2014, according to NES. The unfavourable verdict in the three states brought to the forefront rural and agri distress. It also highlighted growing urban apathy among the middle class, staunch supporters of BJP. The party is likely to come up with schemes to ease the nerves of these crucial segments. For farmers, the party could roll out a programme on the lines of Ryathu Bandhu Scheme of Telangana, where per hectare amount will be paid out to them. The middle class could see an increase in the income exemption limit from the current Rs 2.5 lakh per annum to Rs 5 lakh per annum. For the rural population, the possibility of doling out a UBI scheme, where Rs 2-2,500 per month will be given to BPL category, is being mentioned. The party is now pulling out all stops. (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)

Pumping up party organisation: BJP formulates multi-pronged strategy to regain lost ground

Suheldev Bahujan Samaj Party (SBSP) President, OP Rajbhar said on Saturday that his party will break the alliance with the NDA if BJP does not want to continue with the alliance.

Rajbhar who is a minister in the Uttar Pradesh government has always been very critical of the BJP government.

In an interview to news agency ANI, Rajbhar said his party has given 100 days to the Bhartiya Janata Party to respond and if they do not wish to align, they (SBSP) will contest on all the 80 seat solo.

"We are with the BJP if the BJP wants to keep us then we will stay with them, if they don't want us, then we have given them 100 days, 12 days have already passed. We will fight on 80 seats after 100 days, "he said.

The comments have come at a time when the BSP and the SP announced their coalition for the 2019 Lok Sabha elections.

The SP and the BSP will contest on 38 seats each while the other two seats will be left for other parties.&nbsp;

Both the parties have also decided not to field any candidates from the Gandhi family stronghold - Amethi and Raebareli.&nbsp;

(With inputs from ANI)

Suheldev Bahujan Samaj Party (SBSP) President, OP Rajbhar said on Saturday that his party will break the alliance with the NDA if BJP does not want to continue with the alliance.

Suheldev Bahujan Samaj Party (SBSP) President, OP Rajbhar said on Saturday that his party will break the alliance with the NDA if BJP does not want to continue with the alliance. Rajbhar who is a minister in the Uttar Pradesh government has always been very critical of the BJP government. In an interview to news agency ANI, Rajbhar said his party has given 100 days to the Bhartiya Janata Party to respond and if they do not wish to align, they (SBSP) will contest on all the 80 seat solo. "We are with the BJP if the BJP wants to keep us then we will stay with them, if they don't want us, then we have given them 100 days, 12 days have already passed. We will fight on 80 seats after 100 days, "he said. The comments have come at a time when the BSP and the SP announced their coalition for the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. The SP and the BSP will contest on 38 seats each while the other two seats will be left for other parties. Both the parties have also decided not to field any candidates from the Gandhi family stronghold - Amethi and Raebareli. (With inputs from ANI)

Will leave NDA if BJP is not interested: OP Rajbhar

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) chief<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/we-will-conduct-rath-yatra-nobody-can-stop-us-amit-shah-182194"> Amit Shah</a> has called a meeting on December 13 of national office bearers to discuss the outcome of assembly poll results of five states and strategy for the upcoming 2019 Lok Sabha elections.

The meeting will take place at 2 pm in the national capital.

On Saturday, a meeting took place between Shah and BJP`s general secretaries, which discussed among other things the exit-polls of just concluded <a href="http://www.wionews.com/assembly-elections">assembly elections</a>, which the saffron party losing many key states.

The results of five states-Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan, Telangana and Mizoram legislative assembly elections will be announced on December 11.

"The meeting on December 13 will deliberate upon the assembly polls results in view of which the party leaders will also discuss possible strategies for the coming Lok Sabha polls," said the BJP sources.&nbsp;

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) chief Amit Shah has called a meeting on December 13 of national office bearers to discuss the outcome of assembly poll results of five states and strategy for the upcoming 2019 Lok Sabha elections.

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) chief Amit Shah has called a meeting on December 13 of national office bearers to discuss the outcome of assembly poll results of five states and strategy for the upcoming 2019 Lok Sabha elections. The meeting will take place at 2 pm in the national capital. On Saturday, a meeting took place between Shah and BJP`s general secretaries, which discussed among other things the exit-polls of just concluded assembly elections, which the saffron party losing many key states. The results of five states-Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan, Telangana and Mizoram legislative assembly elections will be announced on December 11. "The meeting on December 13 will deliberate upon the assembly polls results in view of which the party leaders will also discuss possible strategies for the coming Lok Sabha polls," said the BJP sources.

Amit Shah calls national 'office bearers' meet on December 13

Terming any grand alliance between various opposition parties as a 'sham,'<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/we-will-conduct-rath-yatra-nobody-can-stop-us-amit-shah-182194"> BJP chief Amit Shah </a>Saturday said in the next parliamentary elections people will have to decide whether they want 'strong' or the 'helpless' government.

Shah said the proposed grand alliance may not have any impact in various states barring Uttar Pradesh where it could pose some challenge for the party, but he is hopeful for further improving its performance and is aiming for more than 51 per cent vote in the state.

Most of the regional parties are unlikely to have any impact on the electoral outcomes outside their respective states, Shah said while asserting that politics is also about chemistry.&nbsp;

"Politics is not physics where two plus two becomes four, it is chemistry. The grand alliance is nothing but a sham''.

Perhaps only in Uttar Pradesh, the grand alliance between SP and BSP could pose some challenge for the party. The BJP had got more than 40 per cent vote share in the state and will fight for more than 51 per cent vote share in the next general elections," he said.

Describing Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a strong and decisive leader, Shah said the next elections will be about either strong government led by Modi or helpless government of grand alliance.

"Now people have to decide in 2019, that whether they want mazboot sarkar aur mazboor sarkar (strong government or helpless government)," he said.

Confident of party's better performance in Lok Sabha elections next year, Shah said BJP got more than 17 crore votes in 2014 general elections and in the last four years of its government, it has provided benefits to more than 22 crore people through its various welfare schemes.

Replying a question on the issue of<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/will-topple-govt-if-ram-temple-construction-is-opposed-subramanian-swamy-182345"> Ram temple</a>, Shah said the party has always maintained that the grand Lord Ram temple should be built at the earliest in Ayodhya.

Terming any grand alliance between various opposition parties as a 'sham,' BJP chief Amit Shah Saturday said in the next parliamentary elections people will have to decide whether they want 'strong' or the 'helpless' government.

Terming any grand alliance between various opposition parties as a 'sham,' BJP chief Amit Shah Saturday said in the next parliamentary elections people will have to decide whether they want 'strong' or the 'helpless' government. Shah said the proposed grand alliance may not have any impact in various states barring Uttar Pradesh where it could pose some challenge for the party, but he is hopeful for further improving its performance and is aiming for more than 51 per cent vote in the state. Most of the regional parties are unlikely to have any impact on the electoral outcomes outside their respective states, Shah said while asserting that politics is also about chemistry. "Politics is not physics where two plus two becomes four, it is chemistry. The grand alliance is nothing but a sham''. Perhaps only in Uttar Pradesh, the grand alliance between SP and BSP could pose some challenge for the party. The BJP had got more than 40 per cent vote share in the state and will fight for more than 51 per cent vote share in the next general elections," he said. Describing Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a strong and decisive leader, Shah said the next elections will be about either strong government led by Modi or helpless government of grand alliance. "Now people have to decide in 2019, that whether they want mazboot sarkar aur mazboor sarkar (strong government or helpless government)," he said. Confident of party's better performance in Lok Sabha elections next year, Shah said BJP got more than 17 crore votes in 2014 general elections and in the last four years of its government, it has provided benefits to more than 22 crore people through its various welfare schemes. Replying a question on the issue of Ram temple, Shah said the party has always maintained that the grand Lord Ram temple should be built at the earliest in Ayodhya.

2019 elections will be about 'strong' or 'helpless' government: Amit Shah

The Congress Party on Thursday released the fifth list of 14 candidates for the ensuing Assembly polls in Madhya Pradesh. The party has fielded former Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) legislator Sartaj Singh from Hoshangabad constituency.

Apart from Singh, Satyanarayan Patidar will be contesting from Neemuch, Vinay Kumar Saxena from Jabalpur North and Babu Jandel from Sheopur.

The Congress had released the fourth list on Wednesday naming 29 candidates including the brother-in-law of Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Sanjay Singh Masani.

The first list was released on November 3, which contained the name of 155 candidates, including 21 women, 21 Scheduled Caste (SC) candidates and 34 Scheduled Tribe (ST) candidates.

The Congress Party on Thursday released the fifth list of 14 candidates for the ensuing Assembly polls in Madhya Pradesh. The party has fielded former Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) legislator Sartaj Singh from Hoshangabad constituency.

The Congress Party on Thursday released the fifth list of 14 candidates for the ensuing Assembly polls in Madhya Pradesh. The party has fielded former Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) legislator Sartaj Singh from Hoshangabad constituency. Apart from Singh, Satyanarayan Patidar will be contesting from Neemuch, Vinay Kumar Saxena from Jabalpur North and Babu Jandel from Sheopur. The Congress had released the fourth list on Wednesday naming 29 candidates including the brother-in-law of Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Sanjay Singh Masani. The first list was released on November 3, which contained the name of 155 candidates, including 21 women, 21 Scheduled Caste (SC) candidates and 34 Scheduled Tribe (ST) candidates.

14 candidates in Congress' fifth list for Madhya Pradesh polls

BJP general secretary Kailash Vijayvargiya Tuesday dismissed allegations of nepotism in his party even as he asserted the "right" of the deserving kin of politicians to demand ticket for contesting elections.

Vijayvargiya's remarks came against the backdrop of reports that his son Akash is staking claim for a ticket from Indore for the November 28 assembly elections.

The senior BJP leader is an MLA from Mhow assembly constituency in Indore district.

"Is it a crime to be born in a political family? Kin of politicians can also enter politics. If a member of a political family proves himself and demands ticket on the basis of his credentials, it is his right to do so," he told reporters.

Responding to a query,Vijayvargiya said he had not sought ticket for his son Akash.

However, he claimed that an internal survey conducted by the Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) has found Akash eligible as a prospective nominee from four constituencies in Indore.

"If my party finds it is right, it would make my son a nominee," he said.

Vijayvargiya also said the BJP didn't endorse dynastic politics unlike in the Congress "where only a member of the Gandhi family runs the party irrespective of his political eligibility".

When asked about Rahul Gandhi dubbing Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a "thief" in public rallies, the BJP leader said the Congress chief was "polluting" the political atmosphere of the country by using "unparliamentary language".

"Usage of such language is the hallmark of the Congress," he said.

Gandhi has been firing barbs at the prime minister in election rallies in Madhya Pradesh over Rafale deal, where he had said the "Chowkidar Chor Hai" (the watchman is a thief)".

Meanwhile, BJP sources said the ticket distribution for nine seats in Indore district is getting delayed due to a reported tussle between local MP and Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan and Vijayvargiya.

BJP general secretary Kailash Vijayvargiya Tuesday dismissed allegations of nepotism in his party even as he asserted the "right" of the deserving kin of politicians to demand ticket for contesting elections.

BJP general secretary Kailash Vijayvargiya Tuesday dismissed allegations of nepotism in his party even as he asserted the "right" of the deserving kin of politicians to demand ticket for contesting elections. Vijayvargiya's remarks came against the backdrop of reports that his son Akash is staking claim for a ticket from Indore for the November 28 assembly elections. The senior BJP leader is an MLA from Mhow assembly constituency in Indore district. "Is it a crime to be born in a political family? Kin of politicians can also enter politics. If a member of a political family proves himself and demands ticket on the basis of his credentials, it is his right to do so," he told reporters. Responding to a query,Vijayvargiya said he had not sought ticket for his son Akash. However, he claimed that an internal survey conducted by the Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) has found Akash eligible as a prospective nominee from four constituencies in Indore. "If my party finds it is right, it would make my son a nominee," he said. Vijayvargiya also said the BJP didn't endorse dynastic politics unlike in the Congress "where only a member of the Gandhi family runs the party irrespective of his political eligibility". When asked about Rahul Gandhi dubbing Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a "thief" in public rallies, the BJP leader said the Congress chief was "polluting" the political atmosphere of the country by using "unparliamentary language". "Usage of such language is the hallmark of the Congress," he said. Gandhi has been firing barbs at the prime minister in election rallies in Madhya Pradesh over Rafale deal, where he had said the "Chowkidar Chor Hai" (the watchman is a thief)". Meanwhile, BJP sources said the ticket distribution for nine seats in Indore district is getting delayed due to a reported tussle between local MP and Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan and Vijayvargiya.

Deserving kin of politicians have right to seek poll ticket: BJP general secretary

In a bid to reach out to masses in poll-bound Madhya Pradesh, the BJP Sunday launched 'Samriddh (Prosperous) Madhya Pradesh' campaign from here by flagging off 50 hi-tech vehicles designed as chariots.

The mass outreach programme is aimed at preparing 'Drishti Patra' or a vision document for the next month's polls on the basis of suggestions received from the common people, a party leader said.

Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and Union minister Narendra Singh Tomar flagged off the chariots, fitted with LED screens, sound systems and other equipment, from the state BJP headquarters in the state capital.

The chariots will comb all the 230 assembly constituencies in the next 15 days during which they would travel to at least 20 places in every segment.

The BJP has also released a phone number on which the suggestions can be forwarded either through WhatsApp, SMSes or by making a phone call.

Speaking at the launch function, Chouhan said his government had modelled various welfare schemes on the basis of feedback received from the common people.

"Because of this, we have decided to prepare a roadmap of a prosperous Madhya Pradesh on the basis of suggestions of the 7.5-crore people of the state," he said.

The chief minister attacked the Congress for its "misrule" of the past.

"During the rule of the Congress (before 2013), people were forced to take temporary roads in their farmland for travelling instead of the main roads which were almost non-existent then. People had to spend nights on roads during summer season due to power cuts," he said.

The CM also accused the Congress of pushing Madhya Pradesh into poverty through its policies.

"Every sector, including the education and irrigation, was in a bad shape at that time because of the Congress which had pushed this state into BIMARU category.

"We (the BJP government) lifted Madhya Pradesh from that category and turned it into a 'Sucharu' (smoothly run) and viksit (developed) state," he said.

BIMARU is an acronym for states of Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh grouped into the category in the past for their poor economic condition.

Chouhan said Madhya Pradesh will become a prosperous state in the next five years, if the BJP gets the popular mandate for another term.

Madhya Pradesh will go to polls on November 28. Counting of votes will take place on December 11.

Meanwhile, the state Congress unit has sought the Election Commission's intervention to stop the "Samriddha Madhya Pradesh Abhiyan", which the party said is a violation of model code of conduct.

"This is time for the BJP to give an account of its work. Instead of doing that, they are luring the people with false promises and are misleading them by seeking suggestions and ideas, which is prohibited under the poll code. We have filed a complaint with the EC," said state Congress spokesman Narendra Saluja.

Leader of Opposition in the state Legislative Assembly Ajay Singh also dismissed the campaign as a gimmick.

"The chief minister is trying to sell false dreams to the people fearing defeat in polls, which is imminent. This campaign is aimed at deceiving the common people," Singh alleged.

Meanwhile, in an embarrassment to the BJP, a portrait of former prime minister and BJP patriarch (late) Atal Bihari Vajpayee was not put up at the launch function held at its headquarters.

When asked about this, BJP senior leader Prabhat Jha tried to play down the incident and said, "Vajpayee ji is in the heart of every person of the state. So, this incident should not be misinterpreted"

In a bid to reach out to masses in poll-bound Madhya Pradesh, the BJP Sunday launched 'Samriddh (Prosperous) Madhya Pradesh' campaign from here by flagging off 50 hi-tech vehicles designed as chariots.

In a bid to reach out to masses in poll-bound Madhya Pradesh, the BJP Sunday launched 'Samriddh (Prosperous) Madhya Pradesh' campaign from here by flagging off 50 hi-tech vehicles designed as chariots. The mass outreach programme is aimed at preparing 'Drishti Patra' or a vision document for the next month's polls on the basis of suggestions received from the common people, a party leader said. Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and Union minister Narendra Singh Tomar flagged off the chariots, fitted with LED screens, sound systems and other equipment, from the state BJP headquarters in the state capital. The chariots will comb all the 230 assembly constituencies in the next 15 days during which they would travel to at least 20 places in every segment. The BJP has also released a phone number on which the suggestions can be forwarded either through WhatsApp, SMSes or by making a phone call. Speaking at the launch function, Chouhan said his government had modelled various welfare schemes on the basis of feedback received from the common people. "Because of this, we have decided to prepare a roadmap of a prosperous Madhya Pradesh on the basis of suggestions of the 7.5-crore people of the state," he said. The chief minister attacked the Congress for its "misrule" of the past. "During the rule of the Congress (before 2013), people were forced to take temporary roads in their farmland for travelling instead of the main roads which were almost non-existent then. People had to spend nights on roads during summer season due to power cuts," he said. The CM also accused the Congress of pushing Madhya Pradesh into poverty through its policies. "Every sector, including the education and irrigation, was in a bad shape at that time because of the Congress which had pushed this state into BIMARU category. "We (the BJP government) lifted Madhya Pradesh from that category and turned it into a 'Sucharu' (smoothly run) and viksit (developed) state," he said. BIMARU is an acronym for states of Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh grouped into the category in the past for their poor economic condition. Chouhan said Madhya Pradesh will become a prosperous state in the next five years, if the BJP gets the popular mandate for another term. Madhya Pradesh will go to polls on November 28. Counting of votes will take place on December 11. Meanwhile, the state Congress unit has sought the Election Commission's intervention to stop the "Samriddha Madhya Pradesh Abhiyan", which the party said is a violation of model code of conduct. "This is time for the BJP to give an account of its work. Instead of doing that, they are luring the people with false promises and are misleading them by seeking suggestions and ideas, which is prohibited under the poll code. We have filed a complaint with the EC," said state Congress spokesman Narendra Saluja. Leader of Opposition in the state Legislative Assembly Ajay Singh also dismissed the campaign as a gimmick. "The chief minister is trying to sell false dreams to the people fearing defeat in polls, which is imminent. This campaign is aimed at deceiving the common people," Singh alleged. Meanwhile, in an embarrassment to the BJP, a portrait of former prime minister and BJP patriarch (late) Atal Bihari Vajpayee was not put up at the launch function held at its headquarters. When asked about this, BJP senior leader Prabhat Jha tried to play down the incident and said, "Vajpayee ji is in the heart of every person of the state. So, this incident should not be misinterpreted"

Madhya Pradesh polls: BJP launches 'Prosperous MP' campaign

Bharatiya Janata Party general secretary Ram Madhav said on Wednesday that the party would fight alone in the Mizoram assembly election, but might forge an alliance with like-minded parties.

Addressing a press conference here, Madhav, who is in charge of the Northeast, said the BJP would field candidates in all the 40 assembly seats if possible.

On the Opposition calling Mizo National Front (MNF) "proxy" of the BJP, the general secretary termed it "ridiculous". The party would contest against the MNF and the National People's Party in the polls, though they are constituents of North-East Democratic Alliance (NEDA).

NEDA is a political coalition formed in 2016 by the BJP, along with regional political parties of the northeast like Naga People's Front, Sikkim Democratic Front, People's Party of Arunachal, Asom Gana Parishad and Bodoland People's Front.

He asserted that the BJP "respected" the food habits, distinct cultural and customs of the Mizos and their religion.

Madhav accused the ruling Congress, headed by Chief Minister Lal Thanhawla -- in power for 10 years -- of being corrupt and inefficient.

The Thanhawla regime did not create any basic infrastructure development during the last decade, though the Centre initiated several developmental projects and funding the projects, the BJP leader said.

If voted to power, the BJP would construct a four-lane highway across the state, linking both Myanmar and Bangladesh, Madhav said. The proposed highway would ensure access to the international market and open the east-west corridor for trade.

He added that engineering colleges would be established at Lunglei and Champhai districts if the saffron party wins.

Bharatiya Janata Party general secretary Ram Madhav said on Wednesday that the party would fight alone in the Mizoram assembly election, but might forge an alliance with like-minded parties.

Bharatiya Janata Party general secretary Ram Madhav said on Wednesday that the party would fight alone in the Mizoram assembly election, but might forge an alliance with like-minded parties. Addressing a press conference here, Madhav, who is in charge of the Northeast, said the BJP would field candidates in all the 40 assembly seats if possible. On the Opposition calling Mizo National Front (MNF) "proxy" of the BJP, the general secretary termed it "ridiculous". The party would contest against the MNF and the National People's Party in the polls, though they are constituents of North-East Democratic Alliance (NEDA). NEDA is a political coalition formed in 2016 by the BJP, along with regional political parties of the northeast like Naga People's Front, Sikkim Democratic Front, People's Party of Arunachal, Asom Gana Parishad and Bodoland People's Front. He asserted that the BJP "respected" the food habits, distinct cultural and customs of the Mizos and their religion. Madhav accused the ruling Congress, headed by Chief Minister Lal Thanhawla -- in power for 10 years -- of being corrupt and inefficient. The Thanhawla regime did not create any basic infrastructure development during the last decade, though the Centre initiated several developmental projects and funding the projects, the BJP leader said. If voted to power, the BJP would construct a four-lane highway across the state, linking both Myanmar and Bangladesh, Madhav said. The proposed highway would ensure access to the international market and open the east-west corridor for trade. He added that engineering colleges would be established at Lunglei and Champhai districts if the saffron party wins.

BJP to go alone in Mizoram poll: General Secretary 

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Monday claimed that the Congress party scrapped the Rafale deal with France as United Progressive Alliance (UPA) chairperson Sonia Gandhi's son-in-law Robert Vadra's company was not accepted as a 'middleman'.

Union Minister and BJP leader Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, while addressing a press conference, said that in order to take revenge for the same, the Congress is working hard to jeopardise the deal finalised by the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government.

"The Congress intended to make arms dealer Sanjay Bhandari and Robert Vadra's company as a middleman in the Rafale deal. But when this did not happen, they scrapped the deal and now they are trying to take revenge for the same by jeopardising the deal finalised by the NDA," the BJP leader said.

Shekhawat further alleged that the Congress is politicising the Rafale deal and is taking help of foreign forces to remove Prime Minister Narendra Modi from power.

The Rs. 58,000 crore controversial deal was signed by the NDA government in 2016 after scrapping negotiations made by the UPA government earlier.

The UPA's original plan was to buy 18 off-the-shelf jets from France's Dassault Aviation, with 108 others being assembled in India by the state-run Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) in Bengaluru.

The controversy over the Rafale jet intensified after former French president François Hollande, in an interview to a French media house, claimed that the France government had no other option but to choose Reliance Defence as an offset partner for Dassault Aviation.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Monday claimed that the Congress party scrapped the Rafale deal with France as United Progressive Alliance (UPA) chairperson Sonia Gandhi's son-in-law Robert Vadra's company was not accepted as a 'middleman'.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Monday claimed that the Congress party scrapped the Rafale deal with France as United Progressive Alliance (UPA) chairperson Sonia Gandhi's son-in-law Robert Vadra's company was not accepted as a 'middleman'. Union Minister and BJP leader Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, while addressing a press conference, said that in order to take revenge for the same, the Congress is working hard to jeopardise the deal finalised by the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government. "The Congress intended to make arms dealer Sanjay Bhandari and Robert Vadra's company as a middleman in the Rafale deal. But when this did not happen, they scrapped the deal and now they are trying to take revenge for the same by jeopardising the deal finalised by the NDA," the BJP leader said. Shekhawat further alleged that the Congress is politicising the Rafale deal and is taking help of foreign forces to remove Prime Minister Narendra Modi from power. The Rs. 58,000 crore controversial deal was signed by the NDA government in 2016 after scrapping negotiations made by the UPA government earlier. The UPA's original plan was to buy 18 off-the-shelf jets from France's Dassault Aviation, with 108 others being assembled in India by the state-run Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) in Bengaluru. The controversy over the Rafale jet intensified after former French president François Hollande, in an interview to a French media house, claimed that the France government had no other option but to choose Reliance Defence as an offset partner for Dassault Aviation.

Congress scrapped Rafale deal as Vadra's firm wasn't made middleman: BJP 

The BJP will launch a fortnight-long programme to mark the fourth anniversary of the Modi government, with its president Amit Shah leading an exercise to reach out to one lakh personalities from different walks of life to highlight its achievements.

The programme will start on May 27, in which all ministers -- both from the Centre and BJP-ruled states, MPs, MLAs, mayors and all other office-bearers of the party will reach out to personalities or experts or influential people across the country, BJP general secretary Arun Singh said in a letter.

It will also include a special contact drive in SC and ST localities and also with senior citizens, he said.

"As part of the programme, each BJP leader will interact with at least 25 renowned people from various fields such as retired judges of the Supreme Court and high courts, retired bureaucrats, retired army personnel, sports stars, writers among others and will inform them about the achievements of the Modi government in last four years," Singh said.

Singh further said all party leaders have also been instructed to organise various events such as a conference of beneficiaries of various welfare schemes, get-together of intellectuals, press conference and gram sabhas.

Besides, the leaders have been asked by the party to meet at least 50 polling booth workers of the BJP and brief them about the Modi government's works.

Singh also asked the party leaders to promote the use of Narendra Modi App during their interactions with the people.

The programme will start on May 27, in which all ministers -- both from the Centre and BJP-ruled states, MPs, MLAs, mayors and all other office-bearers of the party will reach out to personalities or experts or influential people across the country

The BJP will launch a fortnight-long programme to mark the fourth anniversary of the Modi government, with its president Amit Shah leading an exercise to reach out to one lakh personalities from different walks of life to highlight its achievements. The programme will start on May 27, in which all ministers -- both from the Centre and BJP-ruled states, MPs, MLAs, mayors and all other office-bearers of the party will reach out to personalities or experts or influential people across the country, BJP general secretary Arun Singh said in a letter. It will also include a special contact drive in SC and ST localities and also with senior citizens, he said. "As part of the programme, each BJP leader will interact with at least 25 renowned people from various fields such as retired judges of the Supreme Court and high courts, retired bureaucrats, retired army personnel, sports stars, writers among others and will inform them about the achievements of the Modi government in last four years," Singh said. Singh further said all party leaders have also been instructed to organise various events such as a conference of beneficiaries of various welfare schemes, get-together of intellectuals, press conference and gram sabhas. Besides, the leaders have been asked by the party to meet at least 50 polling booth workers of the BJP and brief them about the Modi government's works. Singh also asked the party leaders to promote the use of Narendra Modi App during their interactions with the people.

BJP to launch 15-day programme to mark fourth anniversary of Modi government

A day after veteran leader <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/ex-finance-minister-yashwant-sinha-quits-bjp-says-democracy-is-under-threat-131817">Yashwant Sinha </a>announced his exit from the Bhartiya Janata Party, a BJP leader said that Sinha was expecting a higher position for his son in the ministry.

He said " I think he ( Yashwant Sinha) was expecting a higher position after his son was made a Minister. When his wishes were not fulfilled he started bad&nbsp;mouthing the party".

Further hitting out at Yashwant Sinha and <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/wont-quit-bjp--i-am-here-to-stay-shatrughan-sinha--131904">Shatrughan Sinha</a> he also said that the leaders had become arrogant after the party gave them " too much importance".

Yashwant Sinha had&nbsp;announced his exit from the party on Saturday.

After his&nbsp;exit, the BJP said that the party was not surprised by his exit as his recent comments made it clear that he was no longer in the organisation and was acting as the congress' behest.

The 80 year old veteran leader announced his exit from the Bhartiya Janata Party on Saturday from Patna.

He was heading the finance and external affairs portfolio in the Atal Bihari Vajpayee government. After Narendra Modi and Amit Shah came to power the leader was not given any important portfolio.

Sinha had earlier criticised the Finance Minister by saying "mess the finance minister has made of the economy". He also called the demonetisation move of the Centre as an " unmitigated economic disaster" and the Goods and Services Tax as " badly conceived and poorly implemented". He had also criticised the Centre's handling of the Kashmir issue.

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Party gave too much importance to Yashwant Sinha & Shatrughan Sinha which made them arrogant. I think he (Yashwant Sinha) was expecting a higher position after his son was made a Minister. When his wishes were not fulfilled he started bad mouthing the party: Gopal N Singh, BJP MP <a href="https://t.co/KEZp1DJEv4">pic.twitter.com/KEZp1DJEv4</a>
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He said 'I think he ( Yashwant Sinha) was expecting a higher position after his son was made a Minister. When his wishes were not fulfilled he started bad mouthing the party'

A day after veteran leader Yashwant Sinha announced his exit from the Bhartiya Janata Party, a BJP leader said that Sinha was expecting a higher position for his son in the ministry. He said " I think he ( Yashwant Sinha) was expecting a higher position after his son was made a Minister. When his wishes were not fulfilled he started bad mouthing the party". Further hitting out at Yashwant Sinha and Shatrughan Sinha he also said that the leaders had become arrogant after the party gave them " too much importance". Yashwant Sinha had announced his exit from the party on Saturday. After his exit, the BJP said that the party was not surprised by his exit as his recent comments made it clear that he was no longer in the organisation and was acting as the congress' behest. The 80 year old veteran leader announced his exit from the Bhartiya Janata Party on Saturday from Patna. He was heading the finance and external affairs portfolio in the Atal Bihari Vajpayee government. After Narendra Modi and Amit Shah came to power the leader was not given any important portfolio. Sinha had earlier criticised the Finance Minister by saying "mess the finance minister has made of the economy". He also called the demonetisation move of the Centre as an " unmitigated economic disaster" and the Goods and Services Tax as " badly conceived and poorly implemented". He had also criticised the Centre's handling of the Kashmir issue. Party gave too much importance to Yashwant Sinha & Shatrughan Sinha which made them arrogant. I think he (Yashwant Sinha) was expecting a higher position after his son was made a Minister. When his wishes were not fulfilled he started bad mouthing the party: Gopal N Singh, BJP MP pic.twitter.com/KEZp1DJEv4 — ANI (@ANI) April 22, 2018 ×

Yashwant Sinha started bad mouthing party after son not given important position: BJP leader

Opposition parties led by the Congress will meet today to give final shape to the proposed impeachment motion against Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra and are likely to submit it to Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu.

According to sources, opposition parties including the Congress, the NCP, the Left parties, the Samajwadi Party (SP), the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) and some others will meet in Parliament to give final shape to the proposed impeachment motion.

Thereafter, the opposition parties will meet the Chairman of Rajya Sabha and are likely to submit the same today itself, the sources said.

A time has already been sought from the Chairman, they said.

“We will meet today to give final shape to the impeachment motion to be moved against the Chief Justice of India,” an opposition leader said.

Sources said the Trinamool Congress and the DMK, which were initially in favour of the impeachment against the CJI, are no longer part of it.

The impeachment notice comes a day after the Supreme Court rejected a bunch of petitions seeking an independent probe into the death of Judge B H Loya, who was hearing the Sohrabuddin Sheikh encounter case.

The SC judgement was delivered by a bench headed by the Chief Justice of India.

An impeachment motion in the Rajya Sabha has to be supported by a total of at least 50 MPs of the Upper House, while the number of MPs supporting such a motion in the Lok Sabha is 100.

Once the notice of an impeachment motion is submitted to the Rajya Sabha chairman, he will ascertain whether there is merit or ground for moving such a motion.

In case he finds merit, then he may form a committee to look into it, else he can reject it.

If moved, this will be the first time ever in the country's history that an impeachment would be moved against the Chief Justice of India.

Sources said the Trinamool Congress and the DMK, which were initially in favour of the impeachment against the CJI, are no longer part of it.

Opposition parties led by the Congress will meet today to give final shape to the proposed impeachment motion against Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra and are likely to submit it to Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu. According to sources, opposition parties including the Congress, the NCP, the Left parties, the Samajwadi Party (SP), the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) and some others will meet in Parliament to give final shape to the proposed impeachment motion. Thereafter, the opposition parties will meet the Chairman of Rajya Sabha and are likely to submit the same today itself, the sources said. A time has already been sought from the Chairman, they said. “We will meet today to give final shape to the impeachment motion to be moved against the Chief Justice of India,” an opposition leader said. Sources said the Trinamool Congress and the DMK, which were initially in favour of the impeachment against the CJI, are no longer part of it. The impeachment notice comes a day after the Supreme Court rejected a bunch of petitions seeking an independent probe into the death of Judge B H Loya, who was hearing the Sohrabuddin Sheikh encounter case. The SC judgement was delivered by a bench headed by the Chief Justice of India. An impeachment motion in the Rajya Sabha has to be supported by a total of at least 50 MPs of the Upper House, while the number of MPs supporting such a motion in the Lok Sabha is 100. Once the notice of an impeachment motion is submitted to the Rajya Sabha chairman, he will ascertain whether there is merit or ground for moving such a motion. In case he finds merit, then he may form a committee to look into it, else he can reject it. If moved, this will be the first time ever in the country's history that an impeachment would be moved against the Chief Justice of India.

Opposition parties to meet to give shape to proposed CJI impeachment motion 

The Opposition is likely to hold a meeting in the Parliament today. The meeting will&nbsp;discuss the political situation prevailing in the&nbsp;country and is expected to be held in the chamber of Opposition leader Ghulam Nabi Azad.&nbsp;

The leaders may discuss the recent <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/justice-loya-death-case-supreme-court-dismisses-plea-for-sit-probe-131322">Supreme Court verdict on the death of judge BH Loya</a>. The Supreme Court on Thursday dismissed petitions seeking a Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe into the death of Special CBI Judge BH Loya.The court said attempts were made to scandalise the judiciary by levelling serious allegations against judicial officers and judges of the Bombay High Court.&nbsp;

The leaders may also take up the issue of moving an impeachment motion against Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra.

The opposition party leaders may also discuss the collective measures that to take in order to defeat the BJP in the upcoming assembly polls.

The meeting is expected to be held in the chamber of Opposition leader Ghulam Nabi Azad

The Opposition is likely to hold a meeting in the Parliament today. The meeting will discuss the political situation prevailing in the country and is expected to be held in the chamber of Opposition leader Ghulam Nabi Azad. The leaders may discuss the recent Supreme Court verdict on the death of judge BH Loya. The Supreme Court on Thursday dismissed petitions seeking a Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe into the death of Special CBI Judge BH Loya.The court said attempts were made to scandalise the judiciary by levelling serious allegations against judicial officers and judges of the Bombay High Court. The leaders may also take up the issue of moving an impeachment motion against Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra. The opposition party leaders may also discuss the collective measures that to take in order to defeat the BJP in the upcoming assembly polls.

Opposition party leaders likely to meet today