<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/business-economy/consumer-inflation-soars-to-488-while-industrial-output-growth-slows-to-22-26549" target="_blank">Retail inflation hits 15-month high of 4.88% in November</a></p>

<p>Fuelled by soaring food prices, retail inflation climbed to a 15-month high of 4.88% in November. It was at 3.58 % in October.</p>

<p>Industrial output growth meanwhile slowed to 2.2% in October from 3.8% in September, with demand continuing to suffer from the disruption caused by the rollout of the new Goods and Services Tax (GST). &nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/government-to-set-special-courts-for-speedy-trial-of-mps-mlas-pending-cases-26535">Centre to SC: Will set up 12 special courts to decide criminal cases pending against MPs, MLAs</a></p>

<p>The Centre has told the Supreme Court, in an affidavit filed by the law minister, that it will set up 12 special courts to decide criminal cases pending against MPs and MLA.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/tami-nadu-honour-killing-six-of-the-convicts-get-death-sentence-including-father-in-law-26538">Tamil Nadu </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/tami-nadu-honour-killing-six-of-the-convicts-get-death-sentence-including-father-in-law-26538">honour</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/tami-nadu-honour-killing-six-of-the-convicts-get-death-sentence-including-father-in-law-26538"> killing: 6 sentenced to death including father-in-law</a></p>

<p>A Tirupur court in Tamil Nadu convicted 11 people on Tuesday for the murder of Dalit youth V Shankar, six of the convicts were given death sentences.</p>

<p>One was sentenced to life imprisonment.</p>

<p>The convicts who were given death sentences included Shankar&#39;s father-in-law.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/bjp-demands-mlas-to-step-down-for-organising-kissing-competition-26537">Jharkhand kissing competition: Organising MLAs asked to step down</a></p>

<p>The BJP has come down hard on the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha leaders involved in organising the event, demanding an apology and their immediate suspension from the state assembly.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/business-economy/indias-economy-to-grow-at-72-in-2018-un-26543">India&#39;s economy to grow at 7.2% in 2018: UN</a></p>

<p>India&#39;s economy is projected to grow at 7.2 per cent in 2018 and 7.4 per cent in 2019, despite a slowdown observed this year and the lingering effects from the demonetisation, the UN has said.</p>


Retail inflation hits 15-month high of 4.88% in November Fuelled by soaring food prices, retail inflation climbed to a 15-month high of 4.88% in November. It was at 3.58 % in October. Industrial output growth meanwhile slowed to 2.2% in October from 3.8% in September, with demand continuing to suffer from the disruption caused by the rollout of the new Goods and Services Tax (GST). Centre to SC: Will set up 12 special courts to decide criminal cases pending against MPs, MLAs The Centre has told the Supreme Court, in an affidavit filed by the law minister, that it will set up 12 special courts to decide criminal cases pending against MPs and MLA. Tamil Nadu honour killing: 6 sentenced to death including father-in-law A Tirupur court in Tamil Nadu convicted 11 people on Tuesday for the murder of Dalit youth V Shankar, six of the convicts were given death sentences. One was sentenced to life imprisonment. The convicts who were given death sentences included Shankar's father-in-law. Jharkhand kissing competition: Organising MLAs asked to step down The BJP has come down hard on the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha leaders involved in organising the event, demanding an apology and their immediate suspension from the state assembly. India's economy to grow at 7.2% in 2018: UN India's economy is projected to grow at 7.2 per cent in 2018 and 7.4 per cent in 2019, despite a slowdown observed this year and the lingering effects from the demonetisation, the UN has said.

WION Evening News Brief, December 12, 2017

<p>The Gujarat police have turned down the request made by political parties for conducting a road show in the state.</p>

<p>BJP and Congress had requested for a roadshow to be conducted on Tuesday, however, the state police rejected their request citing law and order situation.</p>

<p>Police Commissioner Anup Kumar Singh said that the request was turned down due to security, law and order reasons and to avoid public inconvenience.&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Request by BJP &amp; Congress for conducting PM Modi &amp; Rahul Gandhi&#39;s road show tomorrow, turned down by Police due to security, law &amp; order reasons &amp; to avoid public inconvenience : Anup Kumar Singh, Police Commissioner <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Ahmedabad?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Ahmedabad</a> to ANI <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GujaratElection2017?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GujaratElection2017</a> <a href="https://t.co/qaNr7lbdYL">pic.twitter.com/qaNr7lbdYL</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/940079236823400450?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 11, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>PM Modi and Rahul Gandhi were to address the last day of campaigning for the Gujarat assembly elections on Tuesday, December 12.</p>

<p>The state will undergo the second phase of elections on December 14&nbsp;for 93 seats in North and Central Gujarat.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The voting for the first phase of election in Gujarat was conducted on 9 December which saw a voter turnout of 68 per cent. The first phase elections were conducted on 89 seats of Saurashtra and South region.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The counting of votes is scheduled for December 18.&nbsp;</p>

<p><br />
&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


BJP and Congress had requested for a roadshow to be conducted on Tuesday, however, the state police rejected their request citing law and order situation

The Gujarat police have turned down the request made by political parties for conducting a road show in the state. BJP and Congress had requested for a roadshow to be conducted on Tuesday, however, the state police rejected their request citing law and order situation. Police Commissioner Anup Kumar Singh said that the request was turned down due to security, law and order reasons and to avoid public inconvenience. Request by BJP & Congress for conducting PM Modi & Rahul Gandhi's road show tomorrow, turned down by Police due to security, law & order reasons & to avoid public inconvenience : Anup Kumar Singh, Police Commissioner #Ahmedabad to ANI #GujaratElection2017 pic.twitter.com/qaNr7lbdYL — ANI (@ANI) December 11, 2017 × PM Modi and Rahul Gandhi were to address the last day of campaigning for the Gujarat assembly elections on Tuesday, December 12. The state will undergo the second phase of elections on December 14 for 93 seats in North and Central Gujarat. The voting for the first phase of election in Gujarat was conducted on 9 December which saw a voter turnout of 68 per cent. The first phase elections were conducted on 89 seats of Saurashtra and South region. The counting of votes is scheduled for December 18.

Gujarat elections: Police denies permission to PM Modi, Rahul for election roadshow

<p>Amid all the congratulatory messages which Rahul Gandhi has been receiving for his unopposed elevation as the President of Indian National Congress, it would be Prime Minister Narendra Modi&#39;s wishes which would have brought a smile on his face.</p>

<p>The two political rivals left no stone unturned to defame each other&#39;s position and policies in the Gujarat assembly election campaigns.<br />
&nbsp; &nbsp;<br />
But after the news of Rahul Gandhi&#39;s elevation was confirmed, PM Modi wasted no time and took to his Twitter handle to wish the Gandhi scion a fruitful tenure:&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">I congratulate Rahul Ji on his election as Congress President. My best wishes for a fruitful tenure. <a href="https://twitter.com/OfficeOfRG?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@OfficeOfRG</a></p>
&mdash; Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/940207336097964032?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 11, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>Rahul replied:&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Thank you for your good wishes Modi ji. <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a></p>
&mdash; Office of RG (@OfficeOfRG) <a href="https://twitter.com/OfficeOfRG/status/940278053636161536?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 11, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>Earlier at a press conference today, Senior Congress leader Mullappally Ramachandran named Rahul Gandhi as the new president of the grand old party.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Ramachandran, who is also the All India Congress Committee&#39;s returning officer for the election, added that all 89 nominations proposals were found to be valid, and Rahul had been elevated to the top post since he was the only candidate in the fray.</p>

<p>Rahul will take over the reins of the party from his mother and current president, Sonia Gandhi, on December 16, who held held the position for almost 19 years.<br />
&nbsp;</p>


Rahul will officially take over as Congress president -- from his mother -- on Dec 16

Amid all the congratulatory messages which Rahul Gandhi has been receiving for his unopposed elevation as the President of Indian National Congress, it would be Prime Minister Narendra Modi's wishes which would have brought a smile on his face. The two political rivals left no stone unturned to defame each other's position and policies in the Gujarat assembly election campaigns. But after the news of Rahul Gandhi's elevation was confirmed, PM Modi wasted no time and took to his Twitter handle to wish the Gandhi scion a fruitful tenure: I congratulate Rahul Ji on his election as Congress President. My best wishes for a fruitful tenure. @OfficeOfRG — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 11, 2017 × Rahul replied: Thank you for your good wishes Modi ji. @narendramodi — Office of RG (@OfficeOfRG) December 11, 2017 × Earlier at a press conference today, Senior Congress leader Mullappally Ramachandran named Rahul Gandhi as the new president of the grand old party. Ramachandran, who is also the All India Congress Committee's returning officer for the election, added that all 89 nominations proposals were found to be valid, and Rahul had been elevated to the top post since he was the only candidate in the fray. Rahul will take over the reins of the party from his mother and current president, Sonia Gandhi, on December 16, who held held the position for almost 19 years.

PM Modi wishes Rahul Gandhi 'fruitful tenure' as Congress president

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi today suggested Pakistan was trying to influence the Assembly elections in Gujarat, claiming some Pakistani officials and ex-prime minister Manmohan Singh met a day before Mani Shankar Aiyar made the &quot;neech&quot; jibe against him.</p>

<p>In a new twist to the vitriol-filled campaign, Modi said the meeting took place at Aiyar&#39;s residence.</p>

<p>He also raised questions about the alleged appeal by former director general (DG) of the Pakistan Army Sardar Arshad Rafiq to make senior Congress leader Ahmed Patel the chief minister of Gujarat.</p>

<p>&quot;There were media reports yesterday about a meeting at Mani Shankar Aiyar&#39;s house. It was attended by Pakistan&#39;s high commissioner, Pakistan&#39;s former foreign minister, India&#39;s former vice president and former prime minister Manmohan Singh,&quot; Modi told an election rally at Palanpur.</p>

<p>The meeting at Aiyar&#39;s house continued for almost three hours, Modi said, adding &quot;the next day, Mani Shankar Aiyar said Modi is &#39;neech&#39; (a vile man). This is a serious matter.&quot;</p>

<p>&quot;(On one hand) Pakistan Army&#39;s former DG is interfering in Gujarat&#39;s election, on the other, Pakistani people are holding a meeting at Mani Shankar Aiyar&#39;s house. After that meeting, people of Gujarat, backward communities, poor people and Modi were insulted. Don&#39;t you think such events raise doubts,&quot; Modi asked.</p>

<p>Congress spokesman Randeep Surjewala, however, rubbished Modi&#39;s claim, terming it as &quot;baseless&quot;.</p>

<p>&quot;Holding the country&#39;s topmost post, Modiji is making baseless allegations. Modiji is worried, dejected, angry. Such a statement has no truth or fact, and is based on lies. Such a behaviour is unbecoming of a prime minister,&quot; Surjewala told reporters in Ahmedabad.</p>

<p>Though Modi did not name the ex-vice president present at the meeting, BJP president Amit Shah said in Ahmedabad that it was Hamid Ansari.</p>

<p>Shah told reporters that the Congress leaders had not informed the ministry of external affairs or the Indian government about the meeting.</p>

<p>Modi also accused the Congress of creating a &quot;rift&quot; between various communities and spreading the &quot;poison of casteism&quot; in society for power.</p>

<p>The prime minister, who did not speak much due to sore throat at the Palanpur rally, slammed the Congress for spreading a false propaganda that the Modi government worked only for the rich.</p>

<p>Modi cited the case of Genabhai Patel, a progressive farmer from Banaskantha district who was recently conferred with &#39;Padma Shri&#39;, to claim his government&#39;s pro-poor credentials.</p>

<p>&quot;Just compare those who received Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan and Padma Vibhushan during the 10 year rule of the Congress with those who were given the same awards in my three-year tenure (as PM so far). That comparison would tell you who was pro-rich and who is pro-poor,&quot; he said.</p>

<p>&quot;Do you know who received that award (Padma Shri) from Banaskantha? That was our Genabhai. Is he rich or is he a mill owner? Does he have an aeroplane?..This shows who is working for the poor,&quot; Modi said.</p>

<p>He said the entire north Gujarat region, particularly Palanpur, would witness &quot;unbelievable growth&quot; over the next five years due to the Delhi-Mumbai Freight Corridor.</p>

<p>Later, while addressing a rally in Kaalol town, Modi accused the Congress of sowing seeds of enmity between various communities for power.</p>

<p>&quot;It seems that Congress just doesn&#39;t want to improve. They still believe in acquiring power by creating enmity between two communities and by creating a rift between brothers. They spread poison of casteism in the society to retain power in the past,&quot; the prime minister said.</p>

<p>Referring to Congress leader Arjun Modhwadia&#39;s claim that the EVMs used for the first phase of polling on December 9 might have been tampered with, Modi said the party was &quot;preparing excuses&quot; to insulate Rahul Gandhi against impending defeat.</p>

<p>&quot;On December 18 (the day of counting), party leaders will claim on television that Congress lost because of (Mani Shankar) Aiyar&#39;s comment. They won&#39;t say that party lost because of Rahul. There is an agenda in the Congress- &#39;Save Rahul, Save Family&#39;,&quot; he said.</p>

<p>During the first phase of Gujarat elections yesterday, Modhwadia, the party candidate for Porbandar seat, alleged that his cell phone was getting connected to an EVM through bluetooth, a claim the Election Commission said was incorrect.</p>

<p>Modi seized on Modhwadia&#39;s claim to attack the Congress.</p>

<p>&quot;To be on the safer side, they have prepared one more excuse. Yesterday, when the polling was on, some leaders claimed that (one) EVM was connected with bluetooth. They should have used common sense. EVMs are not online devices and can never be connected with bluetooth,&quot; he said.</p>


The Congress rubbished Modi's claim, calling it 'baseless'

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today suggested Pakistan was trying to influence the Assembly elections in Gujarat, claiming some Pakistani officials and ex-prime minister Manmohan Singh met a day before Mani Shankar Aiyar made the "neech" jibe against him. In a new twist to the vitriol-filled campaign, Modi said the meeting took place at Aiyar's residence. He also raised questions about the alleged appeal by former director general (DG) of the Pakistan Army Sardar Arshad Rafiq to make senior Congress leader Ahmed Patel the chief minister of Gujarat. "There were media reports yesterday about a meeting at Mani Shankar Aiyar's house. It was attended by Pakistan's high commissioner, Pakistan's former foreign minister, India's former vice president and former prime minister Manmohan Singh," Modi told an election rally at Palanpur. The meeting at Aiyar's house continued for almost three hours, Modi said, adding "the next day, Mani Shankar Aiyar said Modi is 'neech' (a vile man). This is a serious matter." "(On one hand) Pakistan Army's former DG is interfering in Gujarat's election, on the other, Pakistani people are holding a meeting at Mani Shankar Aiyar's house. After that meeting, people of Gujarat, backward communities, poor people and Modi were insulted. Don't you think such events raise doubts," Modi asked. Congress spokesman Randeep Surjewala, however, rubbished Modi's claim, terming it as "baseless". "Holding the country's topmost post, Modiji is making baseless allegations. Modiji is worried, dejected, angry. Such a statement has no truth or fact, and is based on lies. Such a behaviour is unbecoming of a prime minister," Surjewala told reporters in Ahmedabad. Though Modi did not name the ex-vice president present at the meeting, BJP president Amit Shah said in Ahmedabad that it was Hamid Ansari. Shah told reporters that the Congress leaders had not informed the ministry of external affairs or the Indian government about the meeting. Modi also accused the Congress of creating a "rift" between various communities and spreading the "poison of casteism" in society for power. The prime minister, who did not speak much due to sore throat at the Palanpur rally, slammed the Congress for spreading a false propaganda that the Modi government worked only for the rich. Modi cited the case of Genabhai Patel, a progressive farmer from Banaskantha district who was recently conferred with 'Padma Shri', to claim his government's pro-poor credentials. "Just compare those who received Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan and Padma Vibhushan during the 10 year rule of the Congress with those who were given the same awards in my three-year tenure (as PM so far). That comparison would tell you who was pro-rich and who is pro-poor," he said. "Do you know who received that award (Padma Shri) from Banaskantha? That was our Genabhai. Is he rich or is he a mill owner? Does he have an aeroplane?..This shows who is working for the poor," Modi said. He said the entire north Gujarat region, particularly Palanpur, would witness "unbelievable growth" over the next five years due to the Delhi-Mumbai Freight Corridor. Later, while addressing a rally in Kaalol town, Modi accused the Congress of sowing seeds of enmity between various communities for power. "It seems that Congress just doesn't want to improve. They still believe in acquiring power by creating enmity between two communities and by creating a rift between brothers. They spread poison of casteism in the society to retain power in the past," the prime minister said. Referring to Congress leader Arjun Modhwadia's claim that the EVMs used for the first phase of polling on December 9 might have been tampered with, Modi said the party was "preparing excuses" to insulate Rahul Gandhi against impending defeat. "On December 18 (the day of counting), party leaders will claim on television that Congress lost because of (Mani Shankar) Aiyar's comment. They won't say that party lost because of Rahul. There is an agenda in the Congress- 'Save Rahul, Save Family'," he said. During the first phase of Gujarat elections yesterday, Modhwadia, the party candidate for Porbandar seat, alleged that his cell phone was getting connected to an EVM through bluetooth, a claim the Election Commission said was incorrect. Modi seized on Modhwadia's claim to attack the Congress. "To be on the safer side, they have prepared one more excuse. Yesterday, when the polling was on, some leaders claimed that (one) EVM was connected with bluetooth. They should have used common sense. EVMs are not online devices and can never be connected with bluetooth," he said.

Modi claims Pakistan trying to influence Gujarat elections

<p>Men rush in and out of two small rooms in a double-storeyed hotel off the Palanpur-Mehsana highway. The floor is littered with campaign material -- festoons, banners, posters - all bearing Jignesh Mevani&#39;s bearded and smiling face, eyes behind thick-rimmed glasses.</p>

<p>The Dalit lawyer-activist, along with Patidar quota leader Hardik Patel and OBC leader Alpesh Thakore, has emerged as the face of resistance against the BJP, which has ruled Gujarat for the last 20 years.</p>

<p>Late last month, he announced he was standing for election as an independent candidate from the Vadgam constituency of north Gujarat&#39;s Sabarkatha district, prompting the Congress to swiftly withdraw its candidate from the seat, a traditional stronghold of the party.</p>

<p>The highway-side dhaba-cum-hotel is Mevani&#39;s election headquarters where an assortment of young activists from in and around Gujarat and from faraway Jawaharlal Nehru University brainstorm to make the 35-year-old&#39;s maiden foray into electoral politics a success.</p>

<p>With around 1 lakh Muslims and Dalit voters in the 2.5 lakh-strong constituency, Mevani, who emerged as a Dalit spearhead after organising movements against atrocities against the community in Una, was largely expected to sail through.</p>

<p>But with a combination of local issues, Mevani&#39;s prospects suddenly appear a little bleak, says a local Congress supporter.</p>

<p>Three factors have been working against him. For one, Mevani is being seen as an outsider, since he is from Mehsana and his movement was largely based out of Saurashtra. A rebel Congress candidate is also in the fray. And there is a possible consolidation of Hindu votes cutting across castes.</p>

<p>&quot;Had the Congress fielded its own candidate, a victory was certain. But this time, there will be a contest,&quot; Abdul Haq, the supporter, says, reflecting the lack of enthusiasm among the Congress&#39;s foot soldiers in the area.</p>

<p>In Vadgam&#39;s Chhapi village, sarpanch Bharatbhai Patel, a Choudhary by caste, asserts, &quot;The Congress&#39;s tactical mistake of not fielding a candidate will cost it the seat.&quot;</p>

<p>He says Muslims, numbering around 70,000, may largely vote for Mevani, but votes of Dalits and other castes such as Thakores, Choudharys and Rajputs will get splintered between Mevani and rebel Congress candidate Ashvinbhai Parmar, son of a prominent local party leader.</p>

<p>&quot;I decided to contest as an independent only after people and party functionaries pitched for my candidature. Even last time I was denied a ticket but did not rebel. I do not want the Congress to lose its traditional seat,&quot; Parmar said.</p>

<p>Congress sitting MLA Manibhai Vaghela had won the seat, reserved for SCs, by a margin of 21,000 votes in the last Assembly polls. It was under Congress&#39;s control in the previous two terms, too, the sarpanch said.</p>

<p>There are strong voices in favour of Mevani as well, especially among the youth.</p>

<p>&quot;There will be no division of votes, at least not among Dalits and Muslims. Jignesh bhai has worked hard for these communities, braving the wrath of the State. People are flocking to his rallies in large numbers,&quot; 29-year-old Bhawesh Kumar, who runs a mobile repairing shop, says.</p>

<p>Mahesh Chauhan, a young Dalit, adds that what attracts him to Mevani is a practice that may push many others away. To be a part of his team, Chauhan has to contribute to Mevani&#39;s campaign funds.</p>

<p>&quot;People used to being showered by money and liquor by the other parties during elections are not used to this, which explains the antipathy towards Jignesh bhai professed by many,&quot; Chauhan says.</p>

<p>But BJP supporters of the area, used to defeats due to the complex caste and religion matrix, are hopeful of a good performance this time.</p>

<p>&quot;The Congress managed to hold on to the seat because of the large presence of Dalits and Muslims. But with the cracks in their camp, a BJP victory cannot be ruled out,&quot; a local grocery shop owner says.</p>

<p>Sarpanch Bharatbhai adds that the Congress did not base its entire campaign on Dalits and Muslims in earlier polls.</p>

<p>&quot;But Jignesh bhai has alienated a large section of Hindus by investing all his energies on Dalits and Muslims. The others are not taking it lightly,&quot; he says.&nbsp;</p>


With around 1 lakh Muslims and Dalit voters in the 2.5 lakh-strong constituency, the Dalit leader was expected to sail through

Men rush in and out of two small rooms in a double-storeyed hotel off the Palanpur-Mehsana highway. The floor is littered with campaign material -- festoons, banners, posters - all bearing Jignesh Mevani's bearded and smiling face, eyes behind thick-rimmed glasses. The Dalit lawyer-activist, along with Patidar quota leader Hardik Patel and OBC leader Alpesh Thakore, has emerged as the face of resistance against the BJP, which has ruled Gujarat for the last 20 years. Late last month, he announced he was standing for election as an independent candidate from the Vadgam constituency of north Gujarat's Sabarkatha district, prompting the Congress to swiftly withdraw its candidate from the seat, a traditional stronghold of the party. The highway-side dhaba-cum-hotel is Mevani's election headquarters where an assortment of young activists from in and around Gujarat and from faraway Jawaharlal Nehru University brainstorm to make the 35-year-old's maiden foray into electoral politics a success. With around 1 lakh Muslims and Dalit voters in the 2.5 lakh-strong constituency, Mevani, who emerged as a Dalit spearhead after organising movements against atrocities against the community in Una, was largely expected to sail through. But with a combination of local issues, Mevani's prospects suddenly appear a little bleak, says a local Congress supporter. Three factors have been working against him. For one, Mevani is being seen as an outsider, since he is from Mehsana and his movement was largely based out of Saurashtra. A rebel Congress candidate is also in the fray. And there is a possible consolidation of Hindu votes cutting across castes. "Had the Congress fielded its own candidate, a victory was certain. But this time, there will be a contest," Abdul Haq, the supporter, says, reflecting the lack of enthusiasm among the Congress's foot soldiers in the area. In Vadgam's Chhapi village, sarpanch Bharatbhai Patel, a Choudhary by caste, asserts, "The Congress's tactical mistake of not fielding a candidate will cost it the seat." He says Muslims, numbering around 70,000, may largely vote for Mevani, but votes of Dalits and other castes such as Thakores, Choudharys and Rajputs will get splintered between Mevani and rebel Congress candidate Ashvinbhai Parmar, son of a prominent local party leader. "I decided to contest as an independent only after people and party functionaries pitched for my candidature. Even last time I was denied a ticket but did not rebel. I do not want the Congress to lose its traditional seat," Parmar said. Congress sitting MLA Manibhai Vaghela had won the seat, reserved for SCs, by a margin of 21,000 votes in the last Assembly polls. It was under Congress's control in the previous two terms, too, the sarpanch said. There are strong voices in favour of Mevani as well, especially among the youth. "There will be no division of votes, at least not among Dalits and Muslims. Jignesh bhai has worked hard for these communities, braving the wrath of the State. People are flocking to his rallies in large numbers," 29-year-old Bhawesh Kumar, who runs a mobile repairing shop, says. Mahesh Chauhan, a young Dalit, adds that what attracts him to Mevani is a practice that may push many others away. To be a part of his team, Chauhan has to contribute to Mevani's campaign funds. "People used to being showered by money and liquor by the other parties during elections are not used to this, which explains the antipathy towards Jignesh bhai professed by many," Chauhan says. But BJP supporters of the area, used to defeats due to the complex caste and religion matrix, are hopeful of a good performance this time. "The Congress managed to hold on to the seat because of the large presence of Dalits and Muslims. But with the cracks in their camp, a BJP victory cannot be ruled out," a local grocery shop owner says. Sarpanch Bharatbhai adds that the Congress did not base its entire campaign on Dalits and Muslims in earlier polls. "But Jignesh bhai has alienated a large section of Hindus by investing all his energies on Dalits and Muslims. The others are not taking it lightly," he says.

Gujarat elections: In Vadgam, going suddenly appears tough for Jignesh Mevani

<p>With 68 per cent voter turnout in the first phase of Gujarat assembly elections, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Sunday expressed confidence over its victory, and said, now, Congress should not harbour any illusion about the result.</p>

<p>Talking to ANI, BJP leader Shahnawaz Hussain said, &quot;The way in which first phase of Gujarat Assembly elections has concluded, it seems the public has decided to make Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP win by securing a three-fourths majority. Gujarat has cleared the misgivings of Congress through its turnout in the first phase.&quot;</p>

<p>He said people of the state did not accept the kind of language used against the Prime Minister.</p>

<p>&quot;The voting has been in favour of the BJP and there is an excitement among the people,&quot; Hussain further said.</p>

<p>Another BJP leader, Bizay Sonkar Shastri said the votes in the first phase were clearly in party&#39;s victory.</p>

<p>&quot;The first phase voting will benefit our party and, moreover, the heavy membership within the party will play a positive role here,&quot; Shastri added.</p>

<p>While a Congress leader, Raju Waghmare said, &quot;It is a very good sign for the Congress and there are two reasons behind it. Some BJP voters are very nervous and they are disappointed by their party&#39;s performance. On the other hand, whatever the turnout is right now, the public wants a change and that change is possible with Congress&quot;.</p>

<p>&quot;This 68 per cent is a very good sign for our party and we will take this first phase seriously,&quot; the Maharashtra leader added.</p>

<p>Sixty-eight percent voters came out to vote in the first phase of Gujarat Assembly elections, informed the Election Commission, on Saturday.</p>

<p>The voting for 89 assembly constituencies in Saurashtra and South Gujarat region, began at 8:00 am and ended in the evening on Saturday.</p>

<p>Prominent candidates in the fray include Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani of BJP, who is contesting from Rajkot (West), along with Congress&#39; Shaktisinh Gohil and Paresh Dhanani.</p>

<p>The second phase will be held on December 14 for the remaining 93 assembly constituencies. Counting of votes and the results will be announced on December 18.&nbsp;</p>


With 68 per cent voter turnout in the first phase of Gujarat assembly elections, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Sunday expressed confidence over its victory, and said, now, Congress should not harbour any illusion about the result

With 68 per cent voter turnout in the first phase of Gujarat assembly elections, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Sunday expressed confidence over its victory, and said, now, Congress should not harbour any illusion about the result. Talking to ANI, BJP leader Shahnawaz Hussain said, "The way in which first phase of Gujarat Assembly elections has concluded, it seems the public has decided to make Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP win by securing a three-fourths majority. Gujarat has cleared the misgivings of Congress through its turnout in the first phase." He said people of the state did not accept the kind of language used against the Prime Minister. "The voting has been in favour of the BJP and there is an excitement among the people," Hussain further said. Another BJP leader, Bizay Sonkar Shastri said the votes in the first phase were clearly in party's victory. "The first phase voting will benefit our party and, moreover, the heavy membership within the party will play a positive role here," Shastri added. While a Congress leader, Raju Waghmare said, "It is a very good sign for the Congress and there are two reasons behind it. Some BJP voters are very nervous and they are disappointed by their party's performance. On the other hand, whatever the turnout is right now, the public wants a change and that change is possible with Congress". "This 68 per cent is a very good sign for our party and we will take this first phase seriously," the Maharashtra leader added. Sixty-eight percent voters came out to vote in the first phase of Gujarat Assembly elections, informed the Election Commission, on Saturday. The voting for 89 assembly constituencies in Saurashtra and South Gujarat region, began at 8:00 am and ended in the evening on Saturday. Prominent candidates in the fray include Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani of BJP, who is contesting from Rajkot (West), along with Congress' Shaktisinh Gohil and Paresh Dhanani. The second phase will be held on December 14 for the remaining 93 assembly constituencies. Counting of votes and the results will be announced on December 18.

Congress should not harbour any illusion about Gujarat poll result: BJP

<p>Several cases of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) malfunctioning reported in the first phase of Gujarat Assembly election which began today morning.&nbsp;</p>

<p>An EVM machine in Surat&#39;s Varaccha was replaced earlier today.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Master trainee of the election commission in Surat&#39;s Varaccha said that all the faulty machines have been replaced.&nbsp; &quot;These were electronic items, it could have had issues,&nbsp;&quot; he said.</p>

<p>&quot;&#39;We have replaced two machines and one VVPAT, you cannot really call it a technical error, these are electronic&nbsp;items there can be some issues. Now everything is okay and voting is started,&quot; he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Faulty EVM in Sardar Patel Vidyalaya booth in Surat&#39;s Varaccha has been replaced <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GujaratElection2017?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GujaratElection2017</a> <a href="https://t.co/X6Tzu7aNCs">pic.twitter.com/X6Tzu7aNCs</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/939356762192277504?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 9, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Have replaced two machines and one VVPAT, you cannot really call it a technical error, these are electronic items there can be some issues. Now everything is okay &amp; voting has started: Vipul Goti, Master Trainer, Election Commission in Surat&#39;s Varaccha <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GujaratElection2017?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GujaratElection2017</a> <a href="https://t.co/RVF86aW4Wh">pic.twitter.com/RVF86aW4Wh</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/939364978573709312?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 9, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>Meanwhile, Congress leader Ahmed Patel urged the election officials to deal with&nbsp;EVM malfunctioning immediately.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Wherever there are complaints of EVM malfunctioning, it should be dealt with immediately: Ahmed Patel, Congress <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GujaratElection2017?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GujaratElection2017</a> <a href="https://t.co/CPkE8hM6cq">pic.twitter.com/CPkE8hM6cq</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/939367044058722304?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 9, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>The first phase of Gujarat election is underway. &nbsp;</p>

<p>The voting is being held in 89 seats of Saurashtra and South Gujarat regions with a total of 977 candidates in the fray.</p>

<p>The second phase of election will be held in 93 seats in North and Central Gujarat and is scheduled for December 14.</p>

<p>Counting of votes will begin on December 18.</p>


Amidst the ongoing first phase assembly elections in Gujarat, reports of several faulty Electronic Voting Machines have surfaced

Several cases of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) malfunctioning reported in the first phase of Gujarat Assembly election which began today morning. An EVM machine in Surat's Varaccha was replaced earlier today. Master trainee of the election commission in Surat's Varaccha said that all the faulty machines have been replaced. "These were electronic items, it could have had issues, " he said. "'We have replaced two machines and one VVPAT, you cannot really call it a technical error, these are electronic items there can be some issues. Now everything is okay and voting is started," he added. Faulty EVM in Sardar Patel Vidyalaya booth in Surat's Varaccha has been replaced #GujaratElection2017 pic.twitter.com/X6Tzu7aNCs — ANI (@ANI) December 9, 2017 × Have replaced two machines and one VVPAT, you cannot really call it a technical error, these are electronic items there can be some issues. Now everything is okay & voting has started: Vipul Goti, Master Trainer, Election Commission in Surat's Varaccha #GujaratElection2017 pic.twitter.com/RVF86aW4Wh — ANI (@ANI) December 9, 2017 × Meanwhile, Congress leader Ahmed Patel urged the election officials to deal with EVM malfunctioning immediately. Wherever there are complaints of EVM malfunctioning, it should be dealt with immediately: Ahmed Patel, Congress #GujaratElection2017 pic.twitter.com/CPkE8hM6cq — ANI (@ANI) December 9, 2017 × The first phase of Gujarat election is underway. The voting is being held in 89 seats of Saurashtra and South Gujarat regions with a total of 977 candidates in the fray. The second phase of election will be held in 93 seats in North and Central Gujarat and is scheduled for December 14. Counting of votes will begin on December 18.

Gujarat elections: Faulty EVMs hinder smooth polling

<p>Obstacles in elections always come out of the blue. They are sudden and have the capacity to change the narrative. Indian elections are far more prone to react to lose talk and emotional pitch. Both Kapil Sibal and Mani Shankar Aiyyar&rsquo;s comments proved once again that elections can go off the course if organisations fail to control leaders of their extra-curricular activities.</p>

<p>Many in BJP rejoiced that Congress handed over a &#39;<em>Maut Ka Saudagar</em>&#39; moment to them on a platter till Nana Patole, BJP MP resigned from Lok Sabha calling BJP anti-farmers. It is too early to know about the nature and depth of the damage and whether it is <em>Maut ka Saudagar</em> part 2, it definitely tells us a few things about current politics.</p>

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<h5>Despite analysts making broad observations about highly charged urban Gujarat, rural and economic issues have found resonance in the state.</h5>
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<p>Despite analysts making broad observations about highly charged urban Gujarat, rural and economic issues have found resonance in the state. It, for this reason, BJP clung to mandir and &#39;<em>neech</em>&#39; remarks quickly because it could harness latent Gujarati pride. Lastly, the industry which has worked well pillorying Rahul Gandhi have a cause to worry.</p>

<p>Even social media&rsquo;s response to this issue in Gujarat and rest of India remained very different. Rahul is a dynast and not like Modi who has become Prime Minister out of his own might and will. The only difference is that for the first time instead of being seen as a child of privilege, Rahul is getting sympathy for a simple reason that the people feel that he has received more than his share of brickbats.</p>

<p>BJP should be wary of it. Indira became authoritarian from being strong in a very short period of time. Rajiv Gandhi from being the most honest and fresh politician became a symbol of corruption. The liberal and new age Nehru became weak within a decade and division of power between Sonia and Manmohan led to the theme of PM without authority in 2014 Lok Sabha elections.</p>

<p>Rahul who has portrayed as <em>Pappu</em> and a dynast has the capacity to become an underdog. It should worry the government, whether Gujarat is retained or not. It should worry Modi too though he is quick to change and responded pretty quickly to <em>suit boot ki Sarkar</em> jibe which had pinned him as pro industrialist. It is for this reason land bill is still in cold storage.</p>

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<h5>Politicians like Mani Shankar and Kapil Sibal enjoyed a good amount of autonomy under Sonia which I don&rsquo;t think will continue under Rahul Gandhi.</h5>
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<p>Internally, what we see today is a different Congress. Politicians like Mani Shankar and Kapil Sibal enjoyed a good amount of autonomy under Sonia which I don&rsquo;t think will continue under Rahul Gandhi. Within hours, Mani Shankar Aiyyar was suspended, apology issued and BJP was asked to extend a similar courtesy to Congress when their senior leaders abuse Gandhi&rsquo;s in person.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
BJP on the other hands remain fixated on the power of emotional issues. Its campaign which had been lacklustre only picked up after <em>neech</em>&nbsp;and <em>mandir</em> made it to the public domain. Prime Minister was quick to seize the opportunity and milked the statement to best of his abilities. It remains to be seen whether it can recreate the magic of <em>maut ka saudagar</em>&nbsp;once again.</p>

<p>The controversy shows that BJP wants to ensure that its national campaign remains centred around cultural nationalism and Ayodhya issue. The success of Gujarat will show the way to BJP for 2019 campaign. During 2014, the campaign was around delivering a prosperous India. 2019 may be about strong and united India if the emotional pitch of PM works in Gujarat. Whatever may be the result, the election would be interesting and polarised.</p>

<p><em>(Disclaimer: The author writes here in a personal capacity).</em></p>


In 2014 the campaign was around delivering a prosperous India. 2019 may be about strong and united India if the emotional pitch of PM works in Gujarat

Obstacles in elections always come out of the blue. They are sudden and have the capacity to change the narrative. Indian elections are far more prone to react to lose talk and emotional pitch. Both Kapil Sibal and Mani Shankar Aiyyar’s comments proved once again that elections can go off the course if organisations fail to control leaders of their extra-curricular activities. Many in BJP rejoiced that Congress handed over a 'Maut Ka Saudagar' moment to them on a platter till Nana Patole, BJP MP resigned from Lok Sabha calling BJP anti-farmers. It is too early to know about the nature and depth of the damage and whether it is Maut ka Saudagar part 2, it definitely tells us a few things about current politics. Despite analysts making broad observations about highly charged urban Gujarat, rural and economic issues have found resonance in the state. × Despite analysts making broad observations about highly charged urban Gujarat, rural and economic issues have found resonance in the state. It, for this reason, BJP clung to mandir and 'neech' remarks quickly because it could harness latent Gujarati pride. Lastly, the industry which has worked well pillorying Rahul Gandhi have a cause to worry. Even social media’s response to this issue in Gujarat and rest of India remained very different. Rahul is a dynast and not like Modi who has become Prime Minister out of his own might and will. The only difference is that for the first time instead of being seen as a child of privilege, Rahul is getting sympathy for a simple reason that the people feel that he has received more than his share of brickbats. BJP should be wary of it. Indira became authoritarian from being strong in a very short period of time. Rajiv Gandhi from being the most honest and fresh politician became a symbol of corruption. The liberal and new age Nehru became weak within a decade and division of power between Sonia and Manmohan led to the theme of PM without authority in 2014 Lok Sabha elections. Rahul who has portrayed as Pappu and a dynast has the capacity to become an underdog. It should worry the government, whether Gujarat is retained or not. It should worry Modi too though he is quick to change and responded pretty quickly to suit boot ki Sarkar jibe which had pinned him as pro industrialist. It is for this reason land bill is still in cold storage. Politicians like Mani Shankar and Kapil Sibal enjoyed a good amount of autonomy under Sonia which I don’t think will continue under Rahul Gandhi. × Internally, what we see today is a different Congress. Politicians like Mani Shankar and Kapil Sibal enjoyed a good amount of autonomy under Sonia which I don’t think will continue under Rahul Gandhi. Within hours, Mani Shankar Aiyyar was suspended, apology issued and BJP was asked to extend a similar courtesy to Congress when their senior leaders abuse Gandhi’s in person. BJP on the other hands remain fixated on the power of emotional issues. Its campaign which had been lacklustre only picked up after neech and mandir made it to the public domain. Prime Minister was quick to seize the opportunity and milked the statement to best of his abilities. It remains to be seen whether it can recreate the magic of maut ka saudagar once again. The controversy shows that BJP wants to ensure that its national campaign remains centred around cultural nationalism and Ayodhya issue. The success of Gujarat will show the way to BJP for 2019 campaign. During 2014, the campaign was around delivering a prosperous India. 2019 may be about strong and united India if the emotional pitch of PM works in Gujarat. Whatever may be the result, the election would be interesting and polarised. (Disclaimer: The author writes here in a personal capacity).

Opinion: Rahul, the underdog?

<p>Rajya Sabha MP Amar Singh lashed out at Mani Shankar Aiyar for his &quot;neech&quot; comments against Prime Minister Narendra Modi.</p>

<p>Amar Singh said that Aiyar has insulted several politicians in the past including&nbsp;former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalitha and Union Minister Uma Bharti.</p>

<p>&quot;In this country, many people have been troubled by Mani Shankar Aiyar. Aiyar has insulted many influential people like Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalithaa. I too have had a sour experience with him,&quot; said Amar Singh.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="hi">Iss desh ke anek neta Mani peedit hain, iss mein Uma Bharti ji, late Jayalalithaa ji aur tamaam bade bade naam hain. Mai swayam bhi Mani peedit hoon: Amar Singh on Mani Shankar Aiyar&#39;s remark about PM Modi yesterday <a href="https://t.co/rkDVMvEpmk">pic.twitter.com/rkDVMvEpmk</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/938961628044804096?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 8, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p><br />
Singh also recalled a similar incident between him and Aiyar.</p>

<p>Amar Singh also recalled a tiff between him and Aiyar saying, &quot;Once there was dinner at Satish Gujral&#39;s house, after consuming alcohol he was saying such things that I had a historical argument with him.&quot;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="hi">Gujral saab (Satish Gujral, brother of former PM IK Gujral) ke niwaas par ek bhoj tha; madhyapaan karke, nashe mein choor madmast aadhe ghante itni kroor baatein wo kar rahe the ki humari aur unki ek etihaisik jhadap hui: Amar Singh on Mani Shankar Aiyar <a href="https://t.co/4Npg8XZg5d">pic.twitter.com/4Npg8XZg5d</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/938961820454305793?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 8, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>Later he gave him a befitting reply, &quot;The tiff between me and Aiyar became famous across the country,&quot; he added.</p>

<p>On Thursday Aiyar&#39;s&nbsp;raised a controversy by his choice of words as he referred Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a &quot;neech aadmi.&quot;</p>

<p>Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/neech-remark-row-bjp-should-improve-their-language-says-surjewala-26173">&#39;Neech&#39; remark row: BJP should improve their language, says Surjewala</a></p>

<p>Also read:<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/neech-row-both-congress-and-i-want-mani-shankar-aiyar-to-apologise-says-rahul-gandhi-26147"> &#39;Neech&#39; row: I can reply to PM in his language, says Mani Shankar Aiyar</a></p>

<p>But later, Aiyar&nbsp;clarified that it was unintentional&nbsp;and happened due to his poor understanding of Hindi Language.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Mani Shankar has now been <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/after-neech-jibe-on-pm-modi-congress-suspends-mani-shankar-aiyar-26159">suspended</a> from the primary membership of the party and also issues a show cause notice by Congress.</p>

<p><br />
&nbsp;</p>


On Thursday Aiyar's?raised a controversy by his choice of words as he referred Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a 'neech aadmi'

Rajya Sabha MP Amar Singh lashed out at Mani Shankar Aiyar for his "neech" comments against Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Amar Singh said that Aiyar has insulted several politicians in the past including former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalitha and Union Minister Uma Bharti. "In this country, many people have been troubled by Mani Shankar Aiyar. Aiyar has insulted many influential people like Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalithaa. I too have had a sour experience with him," said Amar Singh. Iss desh ke anek neta Mani peedit hain, iss mein Uma Bharti ji, late Jayalalithaa ji aur tamaam bade bade naam hain. Mai swayam bhi Mani peedit hoon: Amar Singh on Mani Shankar Aiyar's remark about PM Modi yesterday pic.twitter.com/rkDVMvEpmk — ANI (@ANI) December 8, 2017 × Singh also recalled a similar incident between him and Aiyar. Amar Singh also recalled a tiff between him and Aiyar saying, "Once there was dinner at Satish Gujral's house, after consuming alcohol he was saying such things that I had a historical argument with him." Gujral saab (Satish Gujral, brother of former PM IK Gujral) ke niwaas par ek bhoj tha; madhyapaan karke, nashe mein choor madmast aadhe ghante itni kroor baatein wo kar rahe the ki humari aur unki ek etihaisik jhadap hui: Amar Singh on Mani Shankar Aiyar pic.twitter.com/4Npg8XZg5d — ANI (@ANI) December 8, 2017 × Later he gave him a befitting reply, "The tiff between me and Aiyar became famous across the country," he added. On Thursday Aiyar's raised a controversy by his choice of words as he referred Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a "neech aadmi." Also read: 'Neech' remark row: BJP should improve their language, says Surjewala Also read: 'Neech' row: I can reply to PM in his language, says Mani Shankar Aiyar But later, Aiyar clarified that it was unintentional and happened due to his poor understanding of Hindi Language. Mani Shankar has now been suspended from the primary membership of the party and also issues a show cause notice by Congress.

Amar Singh calls Aiyar 'habitual offender'

<p>Former Uttar Pradesh chief minister Akhilesh Yadav on Friday said the &#39;Gujarat model&#39;, as claimed by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), does not exist and is a deception.</p>

<p>Speaking at a press conference here, &quot;The truth has come out in this Assembly election that there is no such thing as the Gujarat model, the Gujarat model is a deception model. I have come here today to the people of Gujarat on the day before voting to advice them to not get deceived by the BJP&quot;.</p>

<p>He added BJP leaders say that they fight elections on the basis of development, &quot;therefore, I decided that we should come see the `Gujarat model`&quot;.</p>

<p>&quot;We made the metro in 2.5 years and an elevator road in Uttar Pradesh. Pension was given to 55 lakh poor, but when we talked of development, BJP talked about caste and religion. They divided the people of Uttar Pradesh,&quot; Akhilesh said.</p>

<p>He further stated the Samajwadi Party provided electricity for 24 hours in the state, then the BJP said they will provide the same for &#39;25&#39; hours. &quot;Can somebody tell me are there 25 hours in a day? The BJP campaigns were based on lies,&quot; Akhilesh added.</p>

<p>The former Uttar Pradesh chief minister reached Ahmedabad on the day before the first round of Gujarat Assembly elections.</p>

<p>The two-phase Gujarat Assembly elections will take place on December 9 and 14, while the results will be out on December 18.</p>


'The truth has come out in this Assembly election that there is no such thing as the Gujarat model, the Gujarat model is a deception model. I have come here today to the people of Gujarat on the day before voting to advice them to not get deceived by the BJP,' said Akhilesh Yadav

Former Uttar Pradesh chief minister Akhilesh Yadav on Friday said the 'Gujarat model', as claimed by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), does not exist and is a deception. Speaking at a press conference here, "The truth has come out in this Assembly election that there is no such thing as the Gujarat model, the Gujarat model is a deception model. I have come here today to the people of Gujarat on the day before voting to advice them to not get deceived by the BJP". He added BJP leaders say that they fight elections on the basis of development, "therefore, I decided that we should come see the `Gujarat model`". "We made the metro in 2.5 years and an elevator road in Uttar Pradesh. Pension was given to 55 lakh poor, but when we talked of development, BJP talked about caste and religion. They divided the people of Uttar Pradesh," Akhilesh said. He further stated the Samajwadi Party provided electricity for 24 hours in the state, then the BJP said they will provide the same for '25' hours. "Can somebody tell me are there 25 hours in a day? The BJP campaigns were based on lies," Akhilesh added. The former Uttar Pradesh chief minister reached Ahmedabad on the day before the first round of Gujarat Assembly elections. The two-phase Gujarat Assembly elections will take place on December 9 and 14, while the results will be out on December 18.

'Gujarat model' deceptive, claims Akhilesh

<p>Congress party is going to win elections in Gujarat and no one can stop it, said Rahul Gandhi on Friday.</p>

<p>Campaigning in Chotta Udaipur ahead of upcoming Assembly polls in Gujarat, Rahul Gandhi said &#39;&#39;Congress party is going to win elections in Gujarat and no one can stop it. Aandhi aa rahi hai.&#39;&#39;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Congress party is going to win elections in Gujarat &amp; no one can stop it. Aandhi aa rahi hai: Rahul Gandhi in Chotta Udaipur <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GujaratElection2017?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GujaratElection2017</a> <a href="https://t.co/3O9Thmji52">pic.twitter.com/3O9Thmji52</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/939041978280321024?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 8, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>The Congress vice-president also promised that he will waive off farm loans within 10 days of assuming&nbsp;power. &#39;&#39;Congress party within 10 days of winning the elections will make a policy for farmer loan waiver,&#39;&#39; he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>BJP has not yet told the people what they are going to do. In fact, their election manifesto is not yet been released, Rahul Gandhi said.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Congress party within 10 days of winning the elections will make a policy for farmer loan waiver: Rahul Gandhi in Chotta Udaipur <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GujaratElection2017?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GujaratElection2017</a> <a href="https://t.co/ctjjSoF7lQ">pic.twitter.com/ctjjSoF7lQ</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/939039603230519296?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 8, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>&#39;&#39;Congress party respects the designation of Prime Minister and no one in congress party can use derogatory terms against Prime minister; Modi ji can say anything about us but we are not like that and that&#39;s why we took strict action against Mani Shankar Aiyar,&#39;&#39; Rahul added.&nbsp;</p>


BJP has not yet told the people what they are going to do. In fact, their election manifesto is not yet been released, Rahul Gandhi said

Congress party is going to win elections in Gujarat and no one can stop it, said Rahul Gandhi on Friday. Campaigning in Chotta Udaipur ahead of upcoming Assembly polls in Gujarat, Rahul Gandhi said ''Congress party is going to win elections in Gujarat and no one can stop it. Aandhi aa rahi hai.'' Congress party is going to win elections in Gujarat & no one can stop it. Aandhi aa rahi hai: Rahul Gandhi in Chotta Udaipur #GujaratElection2017 pic.twitter.com/3O9Thmji52 — ANI (@ANI) December 8, 2017 × The Congress vice-president also promised that he will waive off farm loans within 10 days of assuming power. ''Congress party within 10 days of winning the elections will make a policy for farmer loan waiver,'' he added. BJP has not yet told the people what they are going to do. In fact, their election manifesto is not yet been released, Rahul Gandhi said. Congress party within 10 days of winning the elections will make a policy for farmer loan waiver: Rahul Gandhi in Chotta Udaipur #GujaratElection2017 pic.twitter.com/ctjjSoF7lQ — ANI (@ANI) December 8, 2017 × ''Congress party respects the designation of Prime Minister and no one in congress party can use derogatory terms against Prime minister; Modi ji can say anything about us but we are not like that and that's why we took strict action against Mani Shankar Aiyar,'' Rahul added.

'Aandhi aa rahi hai': Rahul Gandhi in Chotta Udaipur

<p>Senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Tapan Bhowmik on Friday stirred a controversy saying if the Supreme Court doesn&#39;t pronounce the Ayodhya verdict in favour of the Ram temple, then the apex body will be forced to do so by the Hindus. &nbsp;</p>

<p>Bhowmik, who was addressing a gathering in Madhya Pradesh&#39;s Ratlam, stated that crores of Hindus will make sure that SC favours them.</p>

<p>He added that after the verdict, their people sitting in Lok Sabha will make rules and pass a bill to build a temple at the same spot.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Verdict will go in favour of Hindus&hellip; if it does not, we will ensure it does. Hindus will do so. After this verdict, our people sitting in Lok Sabha will make rules, pass Bill to build a temple at the same spot: Tapan Bhowmik,BJP on Ram Temple in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Ayodhya?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Ayodhya</a> <a href="https://t.co/KUGxQQUww7">pic.twitter.com/KUGxQQUww7</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/938991911704002561?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 8, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">If that does not happen, crores of Hindus will make that happen: Tapan Bhowmik,BJP on Ram Temple in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Ayodhya?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Ayodhya</a> <a href="https://t.co/ZHnav491Ad">pic.twitter.com/ZHnav491Ad</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/938992046466940930?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 8, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>As per reports, Bhowmik made these statements during an event to mark the release of a book titled &#39;Kar Sewa Aankhon Dekhi&#39;. &nbsp;</p>


Bhowmik said that crores of Hindus will make sure that SC favours them

Senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Tapan Bhowmik on Friday stirred a controversy saying if the Supreme Court doesn't pronounce the Ayodhya verdict in favour of the Ram temple, then the apex body will be forced to do so by the Hindus. Bhowmik, who was addressing a gathering in Madhya Pradesh's Ratlam, stated that crores of Hindus will make sure that SC favours them. He added that after the verdict, their people sitting in Lok Sabha will make rules and pass a bill to build a temple at the same spot. Verdict will go in favour of Hindus… if it does not, we will ensure it does. Hindus will do so. After this verdict, our people sitting in Lok Sabha will make rules, pass Bill to build a temple at the same spot: Tapan Bhowmik,BJP on Ram Temple in #Ayodhya pic.twitter.com/KUGxQQUww7 — ANI (@ANI) December 8, 2017 × If that does not happen, crores of Hindus will make that happen: Tapan Bhowmik,BJP on Ram Temple in #Ayodhya pic.twitter.com/ZHnav491Ad — ANI (@ANI) December 8, 2017 × As per reports, Bhowmik made these statements during an event to mark the release of a book titled 'Kar Sewa Aankhon Dekhi'.

Will force SC to pronounce Ayodhya's verdict in favour of Ram Temple, says BJP leader

<p>A priest allegedly came under attack in Gujarat on Thursday night. The priest was attacked when he was campaigning for the BJP. &nbsp;</p>

<p>Swami Bhaktiprasad, a priest of the Swaminarayan Gurukul, was attacked by two unidentified miscreants in Junagadh&#39;s Kotda.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The priest was campaigning for the BJP in an area. He was rushed to the hospital, where his condition is reportedly&nbsp;stable.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Gujarat: Swaminarayan Sampraday priest Bhakti Prasad attacked by two unidentified miscreants in Junagadh&#39;s Kotda yesterday <a href="https://t.co/khshWEJV8b">pic.twitter.com/khshWEJV8b</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/939009762322030592?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 8, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>The priest alleged that workers of the opposition Congress were behind the attack.</p>

<p>Gujarat will vote tomorrow and on Thursday for a new 182-member assembly. The results will be declared on December 18.</p>

<p><br />
&nbsp;</p>


The priest was campaigning for the BJP in an area

A priest allegedly came under attack in Gujarat on Thursday night. The priest was attacked when he was campaigning for the BJP. Swami Bhaktiprasad, a priest of the Swaminarayan Gurukul, was attacked by two unidentified miscreants in Junagadh's Kotda. The priest was campaigning for the BJP in an area. He was rushed to the hospital, where his condition is reportedly stable. Gujarat: Swaminarayan Sampraday priest Bhakti Prasad attacked by two unidentified miscreants in Junagadh's Kotda yesterday pic.twitter.com/khshWEJV8b — ANI (@ANI) December 8, 2017 × The priest alleged that workers of the opposition Congress were behind the attack. Gujarat will vote tomorrow and on Thursday for a new 182-member assembly. The results will be declared on December 18.

Gujarat priest campaigning for BJP comes under attack

<p>A BJP activist&#39;s house was attacked at Paravoor in Kerala on Thursday night.&nbsp;</p>

<p>TJ Jijesh&#39;s house in Paravoor was attacked by unknown people on Thursday night.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Kerala: House of BJP activist TJ Jijesh in Paravoor, attacked by unknown people, late last night; 3 two-wheelers parked in front of the house caught fire. <a href="https://t.co/pqZwsAnhqP">pic.twitter.com/pqZwsAnhqP</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/939011172279259137?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 8, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>Two-wheelers that were parked in front of the house were reportedly set on fire during the attack. No casualty has been reported yet.</p>

<p>The reason for the sudden attack is not known yet.&nbsp;</p>

<p>There is no information about the attackers as of now, said the police who are investigating the case.&nbsp;</p>

<p>(Further details awaited)</p>


Two-wheelers that were parked in front of the house also caught fire, no casualty has been reported yet

A BJP activist's house was attacked at Paravoor in Kerala on Thursday night. TJ Jijesh's house in Paravoor was attacked by unknown people on Thursday night. Kerala: House of BJP activist TJ Jijesh in Paravoor, attacked by unknown people, late last night; 3 two-wheelers parked in front of the house caught fire. pic.twitter.com/pqZwsAnhqP — ANI (@ANI) December 8, 2017 × Two-wheelers that were parked in front of the house were reportedly set on fire during the attack. No casualty has been reported yet. The reason for the sudden attack is not known yet. There is no information about the attackers as of now, said the police who are investigating the case. (Further details awaited)

BJP activist's house attacked in Kerala

<p>The BJP come under renewed attack on Friday when the opposition took aim at the saffron party for not releasing party&#39;s manifesto ahead of the Assembly polls in Gujarat.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi on Thursday tweeted accused&nbsp;the &#39;BJP of disrespecting the&nbsp;people of Gujarat by not releasing the manifesto.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&#39;&#39;The BJP has shown unbelievable disrespect towards the people of Gujarat. The campaign is over and STILL no mention of a manifesto for the people, no vision and no ideas presented for Gujarat&rsquo;s future,&#39;&#39; tweeted Rahul Gandhi.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="hi">CD ????? ?? ????? ??? ????? ????? ???? ????? ??? ??,?? ?????? ????????????</p>
&mdash; Hardik Patel (@HardikPatel_) <a href="https://twitter.com/HardikPatel_/status/938994900795666432?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 8, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;Meanwhile Patidar Anamat Andolan Samiti (PAAS) leader Hardik Patel today tweeted BJP is busy making CDs.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&#39;&#39;The BJP is busy making CDs and in the process forgot to release the party manifesto,&#39;&#39; Patel tweeted in Hindi.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The BJP has shown unbelievable disrespect towards the people of Gujarat. Campaign is over and STILL no mention of a manifesto for the people, no vision and no ideas presented for Gujarat&rsquo;s future. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BJPDisrespectsGujarat?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BJPDisrespectsGujarat</a></p>
&mdash; Office of RG (@OfficeOfRG) <a href="https://twitter.com/OfficeOfRG/status/938806342411739137?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 7, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>Congress party released its manifesto on December 4 and&nbsp;promised&nbsp;quota for Patidars besides farm debt waiver.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>The election will be held in two phases on December 9 and 14.</p>


Congress vice-president tweeted yesterday that the BJP has shown unbelievable disrespect towards the people of Gujarat. Campaign is over and still no mention of a manifesto

The BJP come under renewed attack on Friday when the opposition took aim at the saffron party for not releasing party's manifesto ahead of the Assembly polls in Gujarat. Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi on Thursday tweeted accused the 'BJP of disrespecting the people of Gujarat by not releasing the manifesto. ''The BJP has shown unbelievable disrespect towards the people of Gujarat. The campaign is over and STILL no mention of a manifesto for the people, no vision and no ideas presented for Gujarat’s future,'' tweeted Rahul Gandhi. CD ????? ?? ????? ??? ????? ????? ???? ????? ??? ??,?? ?????? ???????????? — Hardik Patel (@HardikPatel_) December 8, 2017 × Meanwhile Patidar Anamat Andolan Samiti (PAAS) leader Hardik Patel today tweeted BJP is busy making CDs. ''The BJP is busy making CDs and in the process forgot to release the party manifesto,'' Patel tweeted in Hindi. The BJP has shown unbelievable disrespect towards the people of Gujarat. Campaign is over and STILL no mention of a manifesto for the people, no vision and no ideas presented for Gujarat’s future. #BJPDisrespectsGujarat — Office of RG (@OfficeOfRG) December 7, 2017 × Congress party released its manifesto on December 4 and promised quota for Patidars besides farm debt waiver. The election will be held in two phases on December 9 and 14.

BJP is busy making CDs, forgot to release party's manifesto: Hardik Patel

<p>Continuing his trail of attacks on PM Modi, Dr Manmohan Sigh on Thursday questioned his demonetization scheme once again, claiming that he has betrayed the trust of fellow &#39;Gujratis&#39;.</p>

<p>While talking to the crowd in Gujrat&#39;s Rajkot, the former PM said: &quot;The people of Rajkot and Gujarat trusted the Prime Minister and believed in the policy of demonetisation in the hope that their sacrifice would benefit India. Their faith and hopes have been shattered. Modiji has betrayed the trust that Gujaratis had reposed in him&quot; he said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He has also urged people to ask officials to present documents related to demonetisation.</p>

<p>&quot;We must demand the government to release all the documents related to demonetisation in public domain for scrutiny&quot;, he said.</p>

<p>&quot;99% of the demonetised currency came back to the banks. It is clear that a lot of black money got converted to white and corruption continues to flourish. One immediate impact of demonetisation has been on job sector. Therefore, demonetisation was an uninformed attack and a disastrous decision for our economy,&quot; he further added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He previously also commented on <a href="http://www.wionews.com/preview/article/26119">Modi&#39;s government&#39;s economic policies</a> saying that to equal the UPA&#39;s ten year average, the economy will have to grow at 10.6 per cent in the fifth year.&nbsp;</p>


He previously also commented on Modi's government's economic policies saying that to equal the UPA's ten year average, the economy will have to grow at 10.6 per cent in the fifth year

Continuing his trail of attacks on PM Modi, Dr Manmohan Sigh on Thursday questioned his demonetization scheme once again, claiming that he has betrayed the trust of fellow 'Gujratis'. While talking to the crowd in Gujrat's Rajkot, the former PM said: "The people of Rajkot and Gujarat trusted the Prime Minister and believed in the policy of demonetisation in the hope that their sacrifice would benefit India. Their faith and hopes have been shattered. Modiji has betrayed the trust that Gujaratis had reposed in him" he said. He has also urged people to ask officials to present documents related to demonetisation. "We must demand the government to release all the documents related to demonetisation in public domain for scrutiny", he said. "99% of the demonetised currency came back to the banks. It is clear that a lot of black money got converted to white and corruption continues to flourish. One immediate impact of demonetisation has been on job sector. Therefore, demonetisation was an uninformed attack and a disastrous decision for our economy," he further added. He previously also commented on Modi's government's economic policies saying that to equal the UPA's ten year average, the economy will have to grow at 10.6 per cent in the fifth year.

PM Modi has betrayed Gujaratis: Manmohan Singh

<p>On the&nbsp;25th anniversary of the infamous Babri Masjid demolition which stoked communal violence between Hindus and Muslims across India, Uttar Pradesh&#39;s Ayodhya has been put on alert Wednesday&nbsp;and additional security has been deployed to avoid any kind of untoward incident.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Security heightened in Ayodhya on the 25th anniversary of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BabriDemolition?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BabriDemolition</a> <a href="https://t.co/IyfctuiQpq">pic.twitter.com/IyfctuiQpq</a></p>
&mdash; ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANINewsUP/status/938268255138877441?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 6, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Posters seen in Meerut yesterday, ahead of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BabriDemolition?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BabriDemolition</a>&#39;s 25th anniversary. Police say posters have been taken down &amp; one person behind the act has been identified. <a href="https://t.co/tNDC7F2iyI">pic.twitter.com/tNDC7F2iyI</a></p>
&mdash; ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANINewsUP/status/938308392669589507?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 6, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>On December 6, 1992, the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) organised a rally in Ayodhya involving over 1.5 lakh volunteers, known as &#39;kar sevaks&#39;. However, it soon turned violent, and the crowd overpowered the security forces before demolishing the 16th Century Babri Masjid.</p>

<p>The rally saw the presence of senior BHP leaders including LK Advani, Uma Bharti and Murli Manohar Joshi.</p>

<p>The VHP celebrates the demolition day as &#39;Shaurya Diwas&#39; and organises several events every year, claiming that a temple of Lord Ram temple originally stood there and was demolished to construct the mosque.<br />
&nbsp;</p>


The demolition took place on December 6, 1992 and triggered riots all over the country

On the 25th anniversary of the infamous Babri Masjid demolition which stoked communal violence between Hindus and Muslims across India, Uttar Pradesh's Ayodhya has been put on alert Wednesday and additional security has been deployed to avoid any kind of untoward incident. Security heightened in Ayodhya on the 25th anniversary of #BabriDemolition pic.twitter.com/IyfctuiQpq — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) December 6, 2017 = × Posters seen in Meerut yesterday, ahead of #BabriDemolition's 25th anniversary. Police say posters have been taken down & one person behind the act has been identified. pic.twitter.com/tNDC7F2iyI — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) December 6, 2017 × On December 6, 1992, the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) organised a rally in Ayodhya involving over 1.5 lakh volunteers, known as 'kar sevaks'. However, it soon turned violent, and the crowd overpowered the security forces before demolishing the 16th Century Babri Masjid. The rally saw the presence of senior BHP leaders including LK Advani, Uma Bharti and Murli Manohar Joshi. The VHP celebrates the demolition day as 'Shaurya Diwas' and organises several events every year, claiming that a temple of Lord Ram temple originally stood there and was demolished to construct the mosque.

Babri Masjid demolition anniversary: Security beefed up in Ayodhya

<p>The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB)&nbsp;has cleared the air regarding Kapil Sibal&#39;s request to the Supreme Court.</p>

<p>Senior advocate <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/ayodhya-case-next-hearing-in-supreme-court-in-february-2018-25932" target="_blank">Kapil Sibal had asked the Supreme Court</a> yesterday to take up the Ayodhya matter on July 15, 2019, once all the pleadings are complete.&nbsp;</p>

<p>His request had drawn a lot of verbal attack&nbsp;from the opposition.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>Even the Sunni Waqf Board represented by Haji Mehboob had disapproved Sibal&#39;s request to the Supreme Court for conducting the judgment after July 2019.</p>

<p>He said that Sibal asking for a delay in the judgment was wrong and that they want the court to pronounce the judgment as soon as possible. He said: &quot;Yes Kapil Sibal is our lawyer but he is also related to a political party, his statement in Supreme Court yesterday was wrong, we want a solution to the issue at the earliest.&quot;&nbsp;</p>

<p>Clearing the stance of Kapil Sibal, the AIMPLB has said that a stand was taken by the counsels representing Muslim Parties that it was not the right time to take up the matter for final hearing.&nbsp;The Law Board said the stand was taken on the instruction of their respective clients.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">During the course of arguments in SC, a stand was taken by the Counsels representing Muslim Parties, on instruction of their respective Clients, stating that it was not the right time to take up the matter for Final Hearing: All India Muslim Personal Law Board <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Ayodhya?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Ayodhya</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/938390565342859266?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 6, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">As the representative body, the Board endorses and confirms the said statement of the Counsels made in Court: All India Muslim Personal Law Board General Secretary <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Ayodhya?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Ayodhya</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/938390700227379200?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 6, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Board clarifies that statements from leaders for constructing Ram Temple &amp; indicating dates/place etc are unfortunate. Condemn it as case is subjudice, expect political statements not to be made by parties,as we&#39;ve heard since yesterday in relation to the court proceedings:AIMPLB</p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/938391700711473152?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 6, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>Following the clarification, Haji Mehboob, the Ayodhya case petitioner has also assented to the request of Kapil Sibal.</p>

<p>He said &quot;If Jilani saab&nbsp;is saying that what Kapil Sibal said yesterday was right, then I agree&nbsp;with him.&quot;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">If Jilani saab (Zafaryab Jilani,convenor of the Babri Masjid Action Committee) is saying that what Kapil Sibal said yesterday was right, then I agree with him. Don&#39;t want to say anything else: Haji Mehboob, Ayodhya case petitioner <a href="https://t.co/mDggyrqVEg">pic.twitter.com/mDggyrqVEg</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/938393503570128897?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 6, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>After Sibal&#39;s&nbsp;request to the Supreme Court, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/how-is-ayodhya-case-related-to-2019-elections-pm-modi-asks-kapil-sibal-26043" target="_blank">leaders from the opposition</a> including PM Narendra Modi, Amit Shah, Ravishankar Prasad, Sambit Patra and many other attacked Sibal and his party asking the party&#39;s stand on Temple issue.</p>


Earlier, Haji Mehboob representing the Sunni Waqf Board had disapproved Sibal's request to the Supreme Court for conducting the judgment after July 2019

The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) has cleared the air regarding Kapil Sibal's request to the Supreme Court. Senior advocate Kapil Sibal had asked the Supreme Court yesterday to take up the Ayodhya matter on July 15, 2019, once all the pleadings are complete. His request had drawn a lot of verbal attack from the opposition. Even the Sunni Waqf Board represented by Haji Mehboob had disapproved Sibal's request to the Supreme Court for conducting the judgment after July 2019. He said that Sibal asking for a delay in the judgment was wrong and that they want the court to pronounce the judgment as soon as possible. He said: "Yes Kapil Sibal is our lawyer but he is also related to a political party, his statement in Supreme Court yesterday was wrong, we want a solution to the issue at the earliest." Clearing the stance of Kapil Sibal, the AIMPLB has said that a stand was taken by the counsels representing Muslim Parties that it was not the right time to take up the matter for final hearing. The Law Board said the stand was taken on the instruction of their respective clients. During the course of arguments in SC, a stand was taken by the Counsels representing Muslim Parties, on instruction of their respective Clients, stating that it was not the right time to take up the matter for Final Hearing: All India Muslim Personal Law Board #Ayodhya — ANI (@ANI) December 6, 2017 × As the representative body, the Board endorses and confirms the said statement of the Counsels made in Court: All India Muslim Personal Law Board General Secretary #Ayodhya — ANI (@ANI) December 6, 2017 × Board clarifies that statements from leaders for constructing Ram Temple & indicating dates/place etc are unfortunate. Condemn it as case is subjudice, expect political statements not to be made by parties,as we've heard since yesterday in relation to the court proceedings:AIMPLB — ANI (@ANI) December 6, 2017 × Following the clarification, Haji Mehboob, the Ayodhya case petitioner has also assented to the request of Kapil Sibal. He said "If Jilani saab is saying that what Kapil Sibal said yesterday was right, then I agree with him." If Jilani saab (Zafaryab Jilani,convenor of the Babri Masjid Action Committee) is saying that what Kapil Sibal said yesterday was right, then I agree with him. Don't want to say anything else: Haji Mehboob, Ayodhya case petitioner pic.twitter.com/mDggyrqVEg — ANI (@ANI) December 6, 2017 × After Sibal's request to the Supreme Court, leaders from the opposition including PM Narendra Modi, Amit Shah, Ravishankar Prasad, Sambit Patra and many other attacked Sibal and his party asking the party's stand on Temple issue.

Ayodhya case: Sunni Waqf Board assents to Kapil Sibal's request to Supreme Court

<p>Former Minister of External affairs and senior Bhartiya Janta Party leader, Yashwant Sinha was detained by police in Maharashtra&#39;s Akola last evening while protesting outside the office of Akola district collector. Mr Sinha, along with hundreds of farmers protested against the government&#39;s &quot;apathy&quot; towards cotton and soybean cultivators of the Vidarbha region; reportedly, he was released later in the day and refused to budge from his demands.&nbsp;Speaking to reporters, Sinha said he would stay put even if police allowed him to leave.</p>

<p>&quot;I wish to tell the police, district administration and the state government that if we are formally arrested and released and they think that we will go home, then they are under the wrong impression,&quot; Sinha said. &quot;You are seeing the mood of farmers now. We won&#39;t be responsible for what happens,&quot; the veteran leader said.</p>

<p>&quot;Before coming to power, the BJP had promised to give 50 percent over and above the minimum support price (MSP). But after coming to power, the party forgot the promise,&quot; Sinha said.</p>

<p>&quot;Just as Indian soldiers carried out surgical strikes across the border, the farmers will also carry out a surgical strike against the government till justice has been done,&quot; Sinha said.</p>

<p>&quot;We detained Mr Sinha and around 250 farmers outside the district collectorate as per provisions of section 68 of the Bombay Police Act,&quot; Akola district Superintendent of Police Rakesh Kalasagar told PTI.</p>

<p>&quot;We are trying to convince Sinha that the government is sensitive towards farmers issues. We have told him that if he wishes, he is free to leave,&quot; district collector Asit Kumar Pandey told PTI.</p>

<p>Mr Pandey also shared that former Minister of Finance insisted on lodging FIRs against bogus Bt cotton companies. Reportedly, the government has already taken strict action and filed FIRs against six such companies, he said.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from PTI)</em></p>


'I wish to tell the police, district administration and the state government that if we are formally arrested and released and they think that we will go home, then they are under the wrong impression,' Sinha said

Former Minister of External affairs and senior Bhartiya Janta Party leader, Yashwant Sinha was detained by police in Maharashtra's Akola last evening while protesting outside the office of Akola district collector. Mr Sinha, along with hundreds of farmers protested against the government's "apathy" towards cotton and soybean cultivators of the Vidarbha region; reportedly, he was released later in the day and refused to budge from his demands. Speaking to reporters, Sinha said he would stay put even if police allowed him to leave. "I wish to tell the police, district administration and the state government that if we are formally arrested and released and they think that we will go home, then they are under the wrong impression," Sinha said. "You are seeing the mood of farmers now. We won't be responsible for what happens," the veteran leader said. "Before coming to power, the BJP had promised to give 50 percent over and above the minimum support price (MSP). But after coming to power, the party forgot the promise," Sinha said. "Just as Indian soldiers carried out surgical strikes across the border, the farmers will also carry out a surgical strike against the government till justice has been done," Sinha said. "We detained Mr Sinha and around 250 farmers outside the district collectorate as per provisions of section 68 of the Bombay Police Act," Akola district Superintendent of Police Rakesh Kalasagar told PTI. "We are trying to convince Sinha that the government is sensitive towards farmers issues. We have told him that if he wishes, he is free to leave," district collector Asit Kumar Pandey told PTI. Mr Pandey also shared that former Minister of Finance insisted on lodging FIRs against bogus Bt cotton companies. Reportedly, the government has already taken strict action and filed FIRs against six such companies, he said. (With inputs from PTI)

Maharashtra: Yashwant Sinha detained, released, says won't 'go home'

<p>Congress leader Randeep Surejwala has said that Congress stand has always been clear and that the BJP is playing the role of &#39;Manthara&#39;.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Surejwala said, &quot; The Congress stand has always been clear, that Ayodhya case will be decided by Supreme Court, same has been said by Law minister many times.&quot;</p>

<p>He said that that the Congress party has nothing to do with who Kapil Sibal represents.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Referring to Arun Jaitley&#39;s representation in the Bhopal Gas Tragedy&nbsp;case, the Congress leader asked: should the entire BJP be blamed for that?</p>

<p>BJP President Amit Shah had asked&nbsp;Congress to clear their stand on temple issue after&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/ayodhya-case-next-hearing-in-supreme-court-in-february-2018-25932" target="_blank">Kapil Sibal asked for a delay in Ramjanambhoomi case</a>.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He said at a point when Rahul&nbsp;Gandhi is visiting temples in Gujarat, Kapil Sibal is asking for a delay in Ram Janambhoomi case.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Senior advocate Kapil Sibal who is representing the Sunni Waqf Board in&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/videos/a-wion-perspective-ayodhyas-temple-of-harmony-7163" target="_blank">Ayodhya Babri Masjid case</a>&nbsp;has asked the Supreme Court&nbsp;to take up the matter on July 15, 2019 once all the pleadings are complete.&nbsp; &nbsp;</p>

<p>He told the Supreme Court that serious repercussions will be created outside the court, whenever the matter is heard. To preserve the decorum of law and order, the court should conduct the proceedings after all pleadings are complete.&nbsp;</p>


Replying to Amit Shah, Congress leader Randeep Surejwala has said that Congress stand has always been clear and that the BJP is playing the role of Manthara

Congress leader Randeep Surejwala has said that Congress stand has always been clear and that the BJP is playing the role of 'Manthara'. Surejwala said, " The Congress stand has always been clear, that Ayodhya case will be decided by Supreme Court, same has been said by Law minister many times." He said that that the Congress party has nothing to do with who Kapil Sibal represents. Referring to Arun Jaitley's representation in the Bhopal Gas Tragedy case, the Congress leader asked: should the entire BJP be blamed for that? BJP President Amit Shah had asked Congress to clear their stand on temple issue after Kapil Sibal asked for a delay in Ramjanambhoomi case. He said at a point when Rahul Gandhi is visiting temples in Gujarat, Kapil Sibal is asking for a delay in Ram Janambhoomi case. Senior advocate Kapil Sibal who is representing the Sunni Waqf Board in Ayodhya Babri Masjid case has asked the Supreme Court to take up the matter on July 15, 2019 once all the pleadings are complete. He told the Supreme Court that serious repercussions will be created outside the court, whenever the matter is heard. To preserve the decorum of law and order, the court should conduct the proceedings after all pleadings are complete.

BJP playing the role of 'Manthara': Congress leader

<p>BJP President Amit Shah told Rahul Gandhi on Sunday to &quot;please&nbsp;respect the honour and valour of our jawans guarding the borders&quot;.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Shah, who was campaigning in Mahuva, Gujarat, said the Congress vice-president had asked for proof after the surgical strike carried out by the army in Pakistan.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&quot;He (Rahul Gandhi) was asking, who saw the surgical strikes taking place?&quot; said Shah.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&quot;Rahul bhai, please respect the honour and valour of our jawans guarding the borders,&quot; he added.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">When Uri terror attack took place, anger was brewing in the entire nation.<br />
Everyone thought PM would give a statement&amp; things will get over but this time it wasn&#39;t the government of Sonia Gandhi and Manmohan Singh rather it was a govt chosen by you: Amit Shah in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Gujarat?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Gujarat</a>&#39;s Mahuva <a href="https://t.co/6uco6zh7hb">pic.twitter.com/6uco6zh7hb</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/937245797397098496?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 3, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Within ten days Indian Army went to Pakistan, took revenge &amp; came back.Pak was left red faced&amp; Rahul Gandhi was demanding proof. He was asking, who saw the surgical strikes taking place? Rahul Bhai, please respect the honour and valour of our jawans guarding the borders:Amit Shah <a href="https://t.co/bsIe0EqWAg">pic.twitter.com/bsIe0EqWAg</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/937246142026301440?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 3, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>This was not the first attack on Gandhi on Sunday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Earlier in the day, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh had reacted to Rahul&#39;s &quot;development has gone mad&quot; comment by saying&nbsp;&quot;unke dimaag par taras aata hai&quot;.</p>

<p>&quot;Development can slow down, it can speed up, it can stop, but does it ever go mad?&quot; Singh had said. Adding,&nbsp;&quot;And what do you call someone who says that?&quot;&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/unke-dimaag-par-taras-aata-hai-rajnath-singh-on-rahul-gandhis-development-has-gone-mad-remark-25734" target="_blank">&#39;Unke </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/unke-dimaag-par-taras-aata-hai-rajnath-singh-on-rahul-gandhis-development-has-gone-mad-remark-25734" target="_blank">dimaag</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/unke-dimaag-par-taras-aata-hai-rajnath-singh-on-rahul-gandhis-development-has-gone-mad-remark-25734" target="_blank"> par </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/unke-dimaag-par-taras-aata-hai-rajnath-singh-on-rahul-gandhis-development-has-gone-mad-remark-25734" target="_blank">taras</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/unke-dimaag-par-taras-aata-hai-rajnath-singh-on-rahul-gandhis-development-has-gone-mad-remark-25734" target="_blank"> </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/unke-dimaag-par-taras-aata-hai-rajnath-singh-on-rahul-gandhis-development-has-gone-mad-remark-25734" target="_blank">aata</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/unke-dimaag-par-taras-aata-hai-rajnath-singh-on-rahul-gandhis-development-has-gone-mad-remark-25734" target="_blank"> hai&#39;: Rajnath Singh on Rahul Gandhi&#39;s &#39;development has gone mad&#39; remark</a></p>

<p>Gandhi had himself on Sunday accused the BJP government of not providing the women of poll-bound Gujarat with security, education, or nutrition.</p>

<p>Gujarat goes to the polls on December 9 and 14.&nbsp;</p>


Shah said Rahul Gandhi had asked for proof of the 'surgical strike'

BJP President Amit Shah told Rahul Gandhi on Sunday to "please respect the honour and valour of our jawans guarding the borders". Shah, who was campaigning in Mahuva, Gujarat, said the Congress vice-president had asked for proof after the surgical strike carried out by the army in Pakistan. "He (Rahul Gandhi) was asking, who saw the surgical strikes taking place?" said Shah. "Rahul bhai, please respect the honour and valour of our jawans guarding the borders," he added. When Uri terror attack took place, anger was brewing in the entire nation. Everyone thought PM would give a statement& things will get over but this time it wasn't the government of Sonia Gandhi and Manmohan Singh rather it was a govt chosen by you: Amit Shah in #Gujarat's Mahuva pic.twitter.com/6uco6zh7hb — ANI (@ANI) December 3, 2017 × Within ten days Indian Army went to Pakistan, took revenge & came back.Pak was left red faced& Rahul Gandhi was demanding proof. He was asking, who saw the surgical strikes taking place? Rahul Bhai, please respect the honour and valour of our jawans guarding the borders:Amit Shah pic.twitter.com/bsIe0EqWAg — ANI (@ANI) December 3, 2017 × This was not the first attack on Gandhi on Sunday. Earlier in the day, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh had reacted to Rahul's "development has gone mad" comment by saying "unke dimaag par taras aata hai". "Development can slow down, it can speed up, it can stop, but does it ever go mad?" Singh had said. Adding, "And what do you call someone who says that?" 'Unke dimaag par taras aata hai': Rajnath Singh on Rahul Gandhi's 'development has gone mad' remark Gandhi had himself on Sunday accused the BJP government of not providing the women of poll-bound Gujarat with security, education, or nutrition. Gujarat goes to the polls on December 9 and 14.

Rahul bhai, please respect honour & valour of jawans guarding borders: Amit Shah

<p>Subramanian Swamy, senior BJP leader has assured the devotees of Lord Ram that they will be able to celebrate next Diwali in Ayodhya.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He said that the construction of Ram Temple will commence soon and it will be complete by next Diwali in October.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He said, &quot;The&nbsp;next Diwali will be celebrated in the newly constructed temple.&quot;</p>

<p>He also assured that everything needed for the construction&nbsp;of the Ram temple was ready.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Emphasising that there is no need to make a new law he said that the Narasimha Rao government had issued an affidavit to the Supreme Court which stated that the land will be given to Hindus if it is proven that there was a temple at the place.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He said, &quot;it was just the matter of attaching it like the Swami Narayan Mandir&quot;.</p>

<p>Claiming that the existence of the temple was already proven, he was confident of winning the case. He further said that although they can bring the law, it was not needed.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He also said that the Sunni Waqf Board has nothing for rebuttal.</p>

<p>Swamy has&nbsp;presented an additional argument that offering prayers in that land is the fundamental right of Hindus. Muslims do not have that right and they&nbsp;are just interested in the property.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


He said that everything needed for the construction?of the Ram temple was ready

Subramanian Swamy, senior BJP leader has assured the devotees of Lord Ram that they will be able to celebrate next Diwali in Ayodhya. He said that the construction of Ram Temple will commence soon and it will be complete by next Diwali in October. He said, "The next Diwali will be celebrated in the newly constructed temple." He also assured that everything needed for the construction of the Ram temple was ready. Emphasising that there is no need to make a new law he said that the Narasimha Rao government had issued an affidavit to the Supreme Court which stated that the land will be given to Hindus if it is proven that there was a temple at the place. He said, "it was just the matter of attaching it like the Swami Narayan Mandir". Claiming that the existence of the temple was already proven, he was confident of winning the case. He further said that although they can bring the law, it was not needed. He also said that the Sunni Waqf Board has nothing for rebuttal. Swamy has presented an additional argument that offering prayers in that land is the fundamental right of Hindus. Muslims do not have that right and they are just interested in the property.

Ram Mandir in Ayodhya will be built by Diwali, says Subramanian Swamy

<p>The Janata Dal (United) on Sunday ridiculed the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its chief Amit Shah and said the party should bring an amendment in the constitution following which an individual will be certified as a Hindu.</p>

<p>&quot;Mr. Amit Shah and the BJP should bring an amendment to the constitution which says in order to qualify to be a Hindu every claimant must visit temples at this frequency per day, per week, per month, per year. Only then will Mr. Amit Shah certify if one is a Hindu or not,&quot; JDU leader Pavan Varma told ANI.</p>

<p>A heated controversy on religion emerged after the BJP raised a question on Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi after his name was allegedly listed as a non-Hindu visitor in the visitor-book during his visit at Gujarat&#39;s Somnath Temple.</p>

<p>The controversy started when party&#39;s media coordinator Manoj Tyagi allegedly entered names of Rahul Gandhi and Congress MP Ahmed Patel in the special register for non-Hindus visiting the temple.</p>

<p>Later, Rahul Gandhi had said his family is devotee of Lord Shiva, but does not believe in using it for political gain.The Congress also issued a clarification on Twitter saying, &quot;There is only one visitor&#39;s book at Somnath Temple that was signed by Congress VP Rahul Gandhi. Any other image being circulated is fabricated. Desperate times call for desperate measures.&#39;&#39;</p>


The Janata Dal (United) on Sunday ridiculed the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its chief Amit Shah and said the party should bring an amendment in the constitution following which an individual will be certified as a Hindu

The Janata Dal (United) on Sunday ridiculed the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its chief Amit Shah and said the party should bring an amendment in the constitution following which an individual will be certified as a Hindu. "Mr. Amit Shah and the BJP should bring an amendment to the constitution which says in order to qualify to be a Hindu every claimant must visit temples at this frequency per day, per week, per month, per year. Only then will Mr. Amit Shah certify if one is a Hindu or not," JDU leader Pavan Varma told ANI. A heated controversy on religion emerged after the BJP raised a question on Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi after his name was allegedly listed as a non-Hindu visitor in the visitor-book during his visit at Gujarat's Somnath Temple. The controversy started when party's media coordinator Manoj Tyagi allegedly entered names of Rahul Gandhi and Congress MP Ahmed Patel in the special register for non-Hindus visiting the temple. Later, Rahul Gandhi had said his family is devotee of Lord Shiva, but does not believe in using it for political gain.The Congress also issued a clarification on Twitter saying, "There is only one visitor's book at Somnath Temple that was signed by Congress VP Rahul Gandhi. Any other image being circulated is fabricated. Desperate times call for desperate measures.''

JDU takes on BJP over Rahul Gandhi temple entry row

<p>A BJP leader was shot dead outside his house last night by unidentified assailants at Bagma village in extremist-hit Khunti district, police said.</p>

<p>His cousin and mother also suffered bullet injuries in the attack.</p>

<p>Superintendent of Police Ashiwini Kumar Singh, who rushed to the spot today after being informed about the incident, said the motive behind the killing of district secretary of the BJP&#39;s ST cell, Bhaiya Ram Munda, was yet to be ascertained.</p>

<p>&quot;We are investigating the incident from all possible angles to find out the motive behind the killing of the 38-year-old leader,&quot; the SP asserted.</p>

<p>A massive search operation led by Sub-Divisional Police Officer Ranveer Singh has been launched to apprehend the culprits.</p>

<p>&quot;Munda&#39;s cousin Birsa and mother Aguni Devi were initially admitted in a local hospital with bullet injuries. The doctors there referred them to Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences in Ranchi. Their condition is stable now,&quot; the SDPO said.</p>

<p>Initial investigations suggest Munda was killed by suspected members of an ultra group over levy demands, he added.</p>

<p>The district committee president of the BJP, Kashinath Mahato, said he has found out from the villagers that a group of assailants dragged Munda out of his house before pumping bullets into him.</p>

<p>Mahato today sought adequate compensation for Munda&#39;s kin, a government job for a family member and education expenses of his children.</p>

<p>He said that the BJP state committee has assured a sum of Rs 2 lakh from the party fund to the victim&#39;s family.</p>


BJP leader Ram Mundi was shot dead outside his house last night by unidentified assailants at Bagma village in extremist-hit Khunti district, police said

A BJP leader was shot dead outside his house last night by unidentified assailants at Bagma village in extremist-hit Khunti district, police said. His cousin and mother also suffered bullet injuries in the attack. Superintendent of Police Ashiwini Kumar Singh, who rushed to the spot today after being informed about the incident, said the motive behind the killing of district secretary of the BJP's ST cell, Bhaiya Ram Munda, was yet to be ascertained. "We are investigating the incident from all possible angles to find out the motive behind the killing of the 38-year-old leader," the SP asserted. A massive search operation led by Sub-Divisional Police Officer Ranveer Singh has been launched to apprehend the culprits. "Munda's cousin Birsa and mother Aguni Devi were initially admitted in a local hospital with bullet injuries. The doctors there referred them to Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences in Ranchi. Their condition is stable now," the SDPO said. Initial investigations suggest Munda was killed by suspected members of an ultra group over levy demands, he added. The district committee president of the BJP, Kashinath Mahato, said he has found out from the villagers that a group of assailants dragged Munda out of his house before pumping bullets into him. Mahato today sought adequate compensation for Munda's kin, a government job for a family member and education expenses of his children. He said that the BJP state committee has assured a sum of Rs 2 lakh from the party fund to the victim's family.

BJP leader shot dead in Jharkhand's Khunti district

<p>The opposition parties have blamed the electronic voting machines (EVMs) for the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/credit-for-up-civic-poll-victory-goes-to-all-bjp-workers-up-cm-25616" target="_blank">victory of BJP in Uttar Pradesh civic polls</a>. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>Bahujan Samaj Party leader Mayawati said that if ballot papers are used, BJP won&#39;t come to power.&nbsp;</p>

<p>She further asked the BJP to discard EVM&#39;s and conduct&nbsp;voting on Ballot papers. She called for such voting in the upcoming 2019 elections.&nbsp;</p>

<p>She said, &quot;if BJP is honest and believes in democracy then discard EVMs and conduct voting on Ballot papers.&quot;</p>

<p>She also guaranteed that BJP will not come to power if Ballot papers are used.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Samajwadi Party President Akhilesh Yadav said that the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/bjp-gains-early-lead-in-up-civic-polls-25565" target="_blank">BJP winning percentage</a> is 46 per cent in areas wherever&nbsp;polls were conducted via EVMs and 15 per cent when it was done by ballot papers.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">BJP says a total of 16 elections have been held in UP, out of which 14 were won by BJP, 2 by BSP &amp; Congress-SP disappeared. We say that BJP&#39;s wining percentage is 46% wherever polls were conducted via EVMs and 15% when it was done via ballot papers.: Akhilesh Yadav, SP in Kolkata <a href="https://t.co/n4l1OOaU5U">pic.twitter.com/n4l1OOaU5U</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/936875172623089664?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 2, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>Another Samajwadi party leader, Azam Khan has claimed that there was &quot;setting&quot;&nbsp;in the elections. He said that BJP won in areas where EVMs were used and SP won wherever&nbsp;ballot papers were used.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">There was no tampering but setting. BJP won wherever EVMs were used and SP won wherever ballot papers were used.: Azam Khan, Samajwadi Party <a href="https://t.co/xQja0uAjQI">pic.twitter.com/xQja0uAjQI</a></p>
&mdash; ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANINewsUP/status/936881347078995968?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 2, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>In the recent&nbsp;civic polls, the results of which were announced on December 1 BJP registered a massive victory by winning over 14 out of the 16 mayoral seats.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">If BJP is honest &amp; believes in democracy then discard EVMs &amp; conduct voting on Ballot papers. General Elections are due in 2019. If BJP believes people are with them, they must implement it. I can guarantee if Ballot papers are used, BJP won&#39;t come to power.: Mayawati, BSP Pres <a href="https://t.co/NYveJeuSDb">pic.twitter.com/NYveJeuSDb</a></p>
&mdash; ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANINewsUP/status/936835472508182529?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 2, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>The <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/amethi-rahul-gandhis-family-bastion-falls-to-bjp-in-up-civic-falls-25611" target="_blank">party even swept Gandhi&#39;s out of Amethi</a>- which has been the Gandhi&#39;s bastion since ages.&nbsp;</p>


Samajwadi Party President Akhilesh Yadav has said that the BJP winning percentage is 46 per cent in areas wherever?polls were conducted via EVMs and 15 per cent when it was done by ballot papers

The opposition parties have blamed the electronic voting machines (EVMs) for the victory of BJP in Uttar Pradesh civic polls. Bahujan Samaj Party leader Mayawati said that if ballot papers are used, BJP won't come to power. She further asked the BJP to discard EVM's and conduct voting on Ballot papers. She called for such voting in the upcoming 2019 elections. She said, "if BJP is honest and believes in democracy then discard EVMs and conduct voting on Ballot papers." She also guaranteed that BJP will not come to power if Ballot papers are used. Samajwadi Party President Akhilesh Yadav said that the BJP winning percentage is 46 per cent in areas wherever polls were conducted via EVMs and 15 per cent when it was done by ballot papers. BJP says a total of 16 elections have been held in UP, out of which 14 were won by BJP, 2 by BSP & Congress-SP disappeared. We say that BJP's wining percentage is 46% wherever polls were conducted via EVMs and 15% when it was done via ballot papers.: Akhilesh Yadav, SP in Kolkata pic.twitter.com/n4l1OOaU5U — ANI (@ANI) December 2, 2017 × Another Samajwadi party leader, Azam Khan has claimed that there was "setting" in the elections. He said that BJP won in areas where EVMs were used and SP won wherever ballot papers were used. There was no tampering but setting. BJP won wherever EVMs were used and SP won wherever ballot papers were used.: Azam Khan, Samajwadi Party pic.twitter.com/xQja0uAjQI — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) December 2, 2017 × In the recent civic polls, the results of which were announced on December 1 BJP registered a massive victory by winning over 14 out of the 16 mayoral seats. If BJP is honest & believes in democracy then discard EVMs & conduct voting on Ballot papers. General Elections are due in 2019. If BJP believes people are with them, they must implement it. I can guarantee if Ballot papers are used, BJP won't come to power.: Mayawati, BSP Pres pic.twitter.com/NYveJeuSDb — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) December 2, 2017 × The party even swept Gandhi's out of Amethi- which has been the Gandhi's bastion since ages.

If ballot papers are used, BJP won't come to power: Mayawati

<p>BJP which swept <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/up-civic-polls-bjp-ahead-in-16-mayor-seats-bsp-2-25597">the Uttar Pradesh civic polls won</a> a politically significant seat today - Amethi, which is the parliamentary constituency of Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi.</p>

<p>BJP&#39;s Chandrama Devi clinched the Amethi Nagar Panchayat by 1,035 votes in Rahul Gandhi&#39;s family bastion.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="hi">Bharatiya Janta Party wins Nagar Panchayat in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Amethi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Amethi</a></p>
&mdash; ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANINewsUP/status/936514673695846400?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 1, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Amethi Nagarpalika trends: SP leading in Gauriganj, BJP leading in Jais</p>
&mdash; ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANINewsUP/status/936479328744833025?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 1, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>Polling was held for 16 nagar nigams, 198 nagar palika parishads and 438 nagar panchayats today.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath had undertaken a whirlwind campaign criss-crossing the state to power the BJP, however, the opposition leaders did not campaign much with SP chief Akhilesh Yadav and BSP supremo Mayawati staying away.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Rahul Gandhi&#39;s twitter handle had no reference to the UP civic polls even though it generated a lot of political heat throughout the day.</p>

<p>The Congress vice-president&#39;s twitter handle had this message today:</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="hi">22 ????? ?? ?????,<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/%E0%A4%97%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%9C%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A4_%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%82%E0%A4%97%E0%A5%87_%E0%A4%9C%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#??????_?????_????</a><br />
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?????????????? ?? ????? ????:<br />
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2002-16 ?? ??? ?62,549 Cr ?? ????? ????? ?? 4 ???? ???????? ?? ??? ????? ????<br />
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?????? ????? ????????? ?? ?????? 62% ???? ?? ???? ?????? ?? ?3/ ????? ?? ????? ?24 ?? ????? ???????<br />
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???? ?? ????, ????? ??????</p>
&mdash; Office of RG (@OfficeOfRG) <a href="https://twitter.com/OfficeOfRG/status/936413023211679744?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 1, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


BJP's Chandrama Devi clinched the Amethi Nagar Panchayat by 1,035 votes

BJP which swept the Uttar Pradesh civic polls won a politically significant seat today - Amethi, which is the parliamentary constituency of Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi. BJP's Chandrama Devi clinched the Amethi Nagar Panchayat by 1,035 votes in Rahul Gandhi's family bastion. Bharatiya Janta Party wins Nagar Panchayat in #Amethi — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) December 1, 2017 × Amethi Nagarpalika trends: SP leading in Gauriganj, BJP leading in Jais — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) December 1, 2017 × Polling was held for 16 nagar nigams, 198 nagar palika parishads and 438 nagar panchayats today. Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath had undertaken a whirlwind campaign criss-crossing the state to power the BJP, however, the opposition leaders did not campaign much with SP chief Akhilesh Yadav and BSP supremo Mayawati staying away. Rahul Gandhi's twitter handle had no reference to the UP civic polls even though it generated a lot of political heat throughout the day. The Congress vice-president's twitter handle had this message today: 22 ????? ?? ?????,#??????_?????_???? ?????????????? ?? ????? ????: 2002-16 ?? ??? ?62,549 Cr ?? ????? ????? ?? 4 ???? ???????? ?? ??? ????? ???? ?????? ????? ????????? ?? ?????? 62% ???? ?? ???? ?????? ?? ?3/ ????? ?? ????? ?24 ?? ????? ??????? ???? ?? ????, ????? ?????? — Office of RG (@OfficeOfRG) December 1, 2017 ×

Amethi: Rahul Gandhi's family bastion falls to BJP in UP civic falls

<p><br />
The ruling BJP established early leads in the Uttar Pradesh civic polls as counting of votes was in progress for all the 652 urban local bodies.</p>

<p>Out of 16 mayor seats, the BJP has won 14 mayoral seats while the BSP has won two seats. BJP&#39;s mayor candidates have won in Varanasi, Gorakhpur, Ghaziabad, Bareilly, Agra, Firozabad, Ayodhya, Mathura, Lucknow, Kanpur, Saharanpur Jhansi and Bareilly, and Moradabad. The BSP has won in Aligarh and Meerut.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath and said development has triumphed once again in the country.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Development has triumphed once again in the country. Thank people of the state for this grand victory. Many congratulations to CM Yogi Adityanath &amp; all party workers. This win motivates us to work even harder for people&#39;s betterment, tweets PM Modi <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UPCivicPolls2017?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UPCivicPolls2017</a> (File Pic) <a href="https://t.co/7g6T3THlNq">pic.twitter.com/7g6T3THlNq</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/936545768277622785?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 1, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UPCivicPolls2017?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UPCivicPolls2017</a> Out of 16 mayor seats, BJP ahead in 14 and BSP in 2 <a href="https://t.co/Yf9kOpYvJN">pic.twitter.com/Yf9kOpYvJN</a></p>
&mdash; ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANINewsUP/status/936517480603729920?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 1, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Uttar Pradesh: Celebration outside BJP office in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Lucknow?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Lucknow</a> following <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UPCivicPolls2017?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UPCivicPolls2017</a> results <a href="https://t.co/Nn1tUjMESw">pic.twitter.com/Nn1tUjMESw</a></p>
&mdash; ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANINewsUP/status/936535444489093121?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 1, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>In a major blow to Congress, the BJP has won the Amethi Nagar Panchayat elections. Amethi is the constituency of Congress Vice-president Rahul Gandhi and is considered a bastion of the party.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="hi">Bharatiya Janta Party wins Nagar Panchayat in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Amethi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Amethi</a></p>
&mdash; ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANINewsUP/status/936514673695846400?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 1, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>The final results are expected by this evening. Results will be communicated to the candidates through SMS on their registered mobile numbers.</p>

<p>Official sources said no procession would be allowed during the counting process and following the announcement of the results.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">BJP&#39;s Maya Tripathi loses ward no 68 in Gorakhpur. Independent candidate Nadira wins. Gorakhnath Temple is situated in this ward <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UPCivicPolls2017?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UPCivicPolls2017</a></p>
&mdash; ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANINewsUP/status/936525203118612481?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 1, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>Polling was held for 16 nagar nigams, 198 nagar palika parishads and 438 nagar panchayats with an average turnout of all the three phases estimated at 52.5 per cent of the 3.32 crore voters.<br />
&nbsp;</p>


Aam Aadmi Party has won one civic body seat in Rae Bareli

The ruling BJP established early leads in the Uttar Pradesh civic polls as counting of votes was in progress for all the 652 urban local bodies. Out of 16 mayor seats, the BJP has won 14 mayoral seats while the BSP has won two seats. BJP's mayor candidates have won in Varanasi, Gorakhpur, Ghaziabad, Bareilly, Agra, Firozabad, Ayodhya, Mathura, Lucknow, Kanpur, Saharanpur Jhansi and Bareilly, and Moradabad. The BSP has won in Aligarh and Meerut. Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath and said development has triumphed once again in the country. Development has triumphed once again in the country. Thank people of the state for this grand victory. Many congratulations to CM Yogi Adityanath & all party workers. This win motivates us to work even harder for people's betterment, tweets PM Modi #UPCivicPolls2017 (File Pic) pic.twitter.com/7g6T3THlNq — ANI (@ANI) December 1, 2017 × #UPCivicPolls2017 Out of 16 mayor seats, BJP ahead in 14 and BSP in 2 pic.twitter.com/Yf9kOpYvJN — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) December 1, 2017 × Uttar Pradesh: Celebration outside BJP office in #Lucknow following #UPCivicPolls2017 results pic.twitter.com/Nn1tUjMESw — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) December 1, 2017 × In a major blow to Congress, the BJP has won the Amethi Nagar Panchayat elections. Amethi is the constituency of Congress Vice-president Rahul Gandhi and is considered a bastion of the party. Bharatiya Janta Party wins Nagar Panchayat in #Amethi — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) December 1, 2017 × The final results are expected by this evening. Results will be communicated to the candidates through SMS on their registered mobile numbers. Official sources said no procession would be allowed during the counting process and following the announcement of the results. BJP's Maya Tripathi loses ward no 68 in Gorakhpur. Independent candidate Nadira wins. Gorakhnath Temple is situated in this ward #UPCivicPolls2017 — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) December 1, 2017 × Polling was held for 16 nagar nigams, 198 nagar palika parishads and 438 nagar panchayats with an average turnout of all the three phases estimated at 52.5 per cent of the 3.32 crore voters.

UP civic polls: BJP wins 14 mayor seats, BSP 2

<p>Randip Surjewala, Chairman, Congress Media Cell tells WION&#39;s <strong><em>Kartikeya Sharma</em></strong> Rahul Gandhi is a Hindu but BJP wants to polarize the election on the basis of religion and perpetrated a fraud in Somnath Temple. Rahul Gandhi signed the visitor&rsquo;s register and wrote that he was inspired by the spirituality in the Somnath Temple. In a register which was signed by a colleague of ours in the media department for the entry of the journalists, it was used to prove that Rahul Gandhi has converted. Excerpts &nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Q: Why is your party in contest in Gujarat this time around?</strong><br />
A: People of Gujarat are fed up with BJP and there is a deep yearning for change. BJP has been high on rhetoric and less on the delivery of promises. We have also changed our strategy. We have fanned out at grass root level and ensured that people from neighbouring states help our party in Gujarat. We also ensured that social media is used effectively and it has worked in our favour this time around.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
<strong>Q: If you are so confident, then where is the manifesto? It is being said that party will have to clarify its position on Patidar quota issue?</strong><br />
A: No. Even BJP has not released the manifesto but the outline of our manifesto has been made public by Rahul Gandhi in his speeches. In next 72 hours, we will be releasing the manifesto. The document will not be a manifesto in the traditional sense of the word but a layout of what we intend to do in terms of development.<br />
<strong>&nbsp;<br />
Q: Is there a crisis of leadership in Gujarat as no one leader was projected as the CM candidate?</strong><br />
A: Every state has a different strategy. There are states where we declare CM candidates and there are states we go with collective leadership. We have a young leadership in Gujarat. We will go with our collective leadership in the state. We have to see what are the aspirations of people in the state. BJP didn&rsquo;t portray anyone as a CM candidate in Uttar Pradesh but still won the elections.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
<strong>Q: Off </strong><strong>late</strong><strong> the election in Gujarat has become all about </strong><strong>asmita</strong><strong>. Your comments?</strong><br />
A: Gujarati asmita is extremely important. But the question is as to who attacked Gujarati asmita and took away the jobs and good life from people both in urban and rural areas. BJP leadership has been insensitive towards Gujarati people. Look at the way the BJP leadership removed a woman Chief Minister of Gujarat. This conspiracy was hatched by BJP leaders to remove Anandiben Patel as the CM.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
<strong>Q: Why did you use the word Janeyudhari Hindu?</strong><br />
A: Rahul Gandhi is a Hindu but BJP wants to polarize the election on the basis of religion. They perpetrated a fraud in Somnath Temple. Rahul Gandhi signed the visitor&rsquo;s register and wrote that he was inspired by the spirituality in the Somnath Temple. In a register which was signed by a colleague of ours in the media department for the entry of the journalists, it was used to prove that Rahul Gandhi has converted.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
<strong>Q: My question was that why did you use the word Janyeudhari?</strong><br />
A: In our culture, certain rituals require janeyu. It is customary on some occasions but please remember that Rahul Gandhi has said that he respects all religion that his country and his flag is his religion. So, his commitment it to his belief, country and the flag.</p>


Even BJP has not released the manifesto but the outline of our manifesto has been made public by Rahul Gandhi in his speeches.

Randip Surjewala, Chairman, Congress Media Cell tells WION's Kartikeya Sharma Rahul Gandhi is a Hindu but BJP wants to polarize the election on the basis of religion and perpetrated a fraud in Somnath Temple. Rahul Gandhi signed the visitor’s register and wrote that he was inspired by the spirituality in the Somnath Temple. In a register which was signed by a colleague of ours in the media department for the entry of the journalists, it was used to prove that Rahul Gandhi has converted. Excerpts Q: Why is your party in contest in Gujarat this time around? A: People of Gujarat are fed up with BJP and there is a deep yearning for change. BJP has been high on rhetoric and less on the delivery of promises. We have also changed our strategy. We have fanned out at grass root level and ensured that people from neighbouring states help our party in Gujarat. We also ensured that social media is used effectively and it has worked in our favour this time around. Q: If you are so confident, then where is the manifesto? It is being said that party will have to clarify its position on Patidar quota issue? A: No. Even BJP has not released the manifesto but the outline of our manifesto has been made public by Rahul Gandhi in his speeches. In next 72 hours, we will be releasing the manifesto. The document will not be a manifesto in the traditional sense of the word but a layout of what we intend to do in terms of development. Q: Is there a crisis of leadership in Gujarat as no one leader was projected as the CM candidate? A: Every state has a different strategy. There are states where we declare CM candidates and there are states we go with collective leadership. We have a young leadership in Gujarat. We will go with our collective leadership in the state. We have to see what are the aspirations of people in the state. BJP didn’t portray anyone as a CM candidate in Uttar Pradesh but still won the elections. Q: Off late the election in Gujarat has become all about asmita. Your comments? A: Gujarati asmita is extremely important. But the question is as to who attacked Gujarati asmita and took away the jobs and good life from people both in urban and rural areas. BJP leadership has been insensitive towards Gujarati people. Look at the way the BJP leadership removed a woman Chief Minister of Gujarat. This conspiracy was hatched by BJP leaders to remove Anandiben Patel as the CM. Q: Why did you use the word Janeyudhari Hindu? A: Rahul Gandhi is a Hindu but BJP wants to polarize the election on the basis of religion. They perpetrated a fraud in Somnath Temple. Rahul Gandhi signed the visitor’s register and wrote that he was inspired by the spirituality in the Somnath Temple. In a register which was signed by a colleague of ours in the media department for the entry of the journalists, it was used to prove that Rahul Gandhi has converted. Q: My question was that why did you use the word Janyeudhari? A: In our culture, certain rituals require janeyu. It is customary on some occasions but please remember that Rahul Gandhi has said that he respects all religion that his country and his flag is his religion. So, his commitment it to his belief, country and the flag.

There is a deep yearning for change in Gujarat: Randip Surjewala

<p>Former union minister and journalist Arun Shourie has&nbsp;said there is &quot;too much centralisation of power in the Prime Minister&rsquo;s Office due to the insecurity of the &ldquo;top boss&#39;,&quot;&nbsp;news reports said.</p>

<p>Shourie added that in his 40 years of viewing politics in Inda, he had never come across an &quot;exaggeration of falsehoods&quot;&nbsp;of the kind happening at present, stating that Modi is a very &quot;astute politician&quot;.</p>

<p>Shourie was speaking on Sunday at the Times Lit Fest in Delhi, where he said: &quot;A person who is psychologically secure, he will not be nervous of any situation. And a person who is psychologically insecure will never allow others who have a base of expertise to come near (him).&#39;&nbsp;</p>

<p>&quot;I fear this will get worse because Modi realises he has not been able to, and won&#39;t be able to, deliver on his promise of development. So they will only work harder to do what they do best: divide people and then conquer,&quot; Shourie added.</p>

<p>Shourie further urged the people to not only look at what a person or leader has been doing in the past but to examine their work &ldquo;minutely&rdquo;.</p>

<p>He also expressed his concern over the&nbsp;rise of communal incidents in India, saying that it was dangerous when groups indulging&nbsp;in violence &quot;marry the state&quot;.&nbsp;</p>


Shourie added that in his 40 years of viewing politics in Inda he had never come across an 'exaggeration of falsehoods'?of the kind happening at present

Former union minister and journalist Arun Shourie has said there is "too much centralisation of power in the Prime Minister’s Office due to the insecurity of the “top boss'," news reports said. Shourie added that in his 40 years of viewing politics in Inda, he had never come across an "exaggeration of falsehoods" of the kind happening at present, stating that Modi is a very "astute politician". Shourie was speaking on Sunday at the Times Lit Fest in Delhi, where he said: "A person who is psychologically secure, he will not be nervous of any situation. And a person who is psychologically insecure will never allow others who have a base of expertise to come near (him).' "I fear this will get worse because Modi realises he has not been able to, and won't be able to, deliver on his promise of development. So they will only work harder to do what they do best: divide people and then conquer," Shourie added. Shourie further urged the people to not only look at what a person or leader has been doing in the past but to examine their work “minutely”. He also expressed his concern over the rise of communal incidents in India, saying that it was dangerous when groups indulging in violence "marry the state".

Too much centralisation of power in PMO due to insecurity of 'top boss': Arun Shourie

<p>Congress leader Jairam Ramesh on Saturday took a dig at Modi saying that former prime minister Indira Gandhi was a &#39;strong believer in Mann Ki Baat as she would listen to peoples voice and not preach.&#39;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

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<p>Ramesh said Gandhi was &#39;strong believer in Mann Ki Baat as she would listen to peoples voice and not preach.&#39; (Others)</p>
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<p>Ramesh also said that Ms Gandhi ensured that she followed her &#39;mann ki baat&#39; and executed it in a rightful manner.</p>

<p>&quot;Gandhi also was a great believer in &#39;mann ki baat&#39;, but her &#39;mann ki baat&#39; was a listening &#39;mann ki baat&#39; not a speaking &#39;mann ki baat&#39;. When she did &#39;mann ki baat&#39;, she listened, she didn&#39;t pontificate,&quot; said Mr Ramesh.</p>

<p>&quot;She didn&#39;t tell the other person that she had all the answers to all the world&#39;s problem... entire environmental odyssey was a &#39;mann ki baat&#39;, but a listening &#39;mann ki baat&#39;,&quot; he said, he added without mentioning Modi.</p>

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address the nation on the &#39;Mann Ki Baat&#39; on Sunday morning.</p>

<p>Modi also tweeted about&nbsp;the 38th edition of his monthly radio programme and asked the people to come up with ideas on Narendra Modi Mobile Application.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MannKiBaat?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MannKiBaat</a> will take place tomorrow at 11 AM. Do tune in. <a href="https://t.co/dfIeEtMRpg">pic.twitter.com/dfIeEtMRpg</a></p>
&mdash; Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/934386818132389888?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 25, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>In his last address, Modi talked about how people needed to give more importance to children&#39;s health, considering the low-level&nbsp;of immunity among the younger children&nbsp;due to &#39;lifestyle disorder.&#39;&nbsp;</p>

<p>The programme will be broadcast on All India Radio (AIR), Doordarshan and the Narendra Modi mobile application.</p>


Modi also posted a tweet and motivated people to come up with ideas on Narendra Modi Mobile Application

Congress leader Jairam Ramesh on Saturday took a dig at Modi saying that former prime minister Indira Gandhi was a 'strong believer in Mann Ki Baat as she would listen to peoples voice and not preach.' Ramesh said Gandhi was 'strong believer in Mann Ki Baat as she would listen to peoples voice and not preach.' (Others) × Ramesh also said that Ms Gandhi ensured that she followed her 'mann ki baat' and executed it in a rightful manner. "Gandhi also was a great believer in 'mann ki baat', but her 'mann ki baat' was a listening 'mann ki baat' not a speaking 'mann ki baat'. When she did 'mann ki baat', she listened, she didn't pontificate," said Mr Ramesh. "She didn't tell the other person that she had all the answers to all the world's problem... entire environmental odyssey was a 'mann ki baat', but a listening 'mann ki baat'," he said, he added without mentioning Modi. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address the nation on the 'Mann Ki Baat' on Sunday morning. Modi also tweeted about the 38th edition of his monthly radio programme and asked the people to come up with ideas on Narendra Modi Mobile Application. #MannKiBaat will take place tomorrow at 11 AM. Do tune in. pic.twitter.com/dfIeEtMRpg — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 25, 2017 × In his last address, Modi talked about how people needed to give more importance to children's health, considering the low-level of immunity among the younger children due to 'lifestyle disorder.' The programme will be broadcast on All India Radio (AIR), Doordarshan and the Narendra Modi mobile application.

Indira Gandhi believed in people's 'Mann ki Baat': Jairam Ramesh

<p style="text-align: justify;">The Election Commission (EC) has issued a notice to the archbishop of Gandhinagar for asking Christians to pray to save the country from &quot;nationalist forces&quot; in the run-up to the Gujarat Assembly polls.</p>

<p style="text-align: justify;">Issuing a letter addressed to the Christians, the Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Gandhinagar, Thomas Macwan, had last week urged the members of the community to save the country from &quot;nationalist forces&quot; as its &quot;democratic fabric&quot; was at stake, amidst a growing &quot;sense of insecurity&quot; among the minorities.</p>

<p style="text-align: justify;">In Gujarat&#39;s political circles, the appeal was seen as an indirect call to vote against the ruling BJP.</p>

<p style="text-align: justify;">Also Read:<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/gujarat-elections-save-country-from-nationalist-forces-says-gandhinagar-archbishop-24971"> Gujarat elections: Save country from nationalist forces, says Gandhinagar Archbishop</a></p>

<p style="text-align: justify;">Gandhinagar Collector and District Election Officer Satish Patel told PTI that the EC issued the notice after taking cognisance of media reports and asked the archbishop to clarify his intention behind issuing such a letter.</p>

<p style="text-align: justify;">&quot;We have issued a notice to the archbishop, seeking clarity over his intention behind the letter, which was widely publicised in the media. We have given him a few days&#39; time to respond. We will decide on the future course of action on the basis of his reply,&quot; Patel said today.</p>

<p style="text-align: justify;">He added that the letter seemed to be aimed at &quot;confusing&quot; the voters of the minority communities and misguiding them when the poll code was in force in the state.</p>

<p style="text-align: justify;">&quot;We understand that the letter was an attempt to misguide the voters and confuse the minority community voters at a time when the model code of conduct is in force. Such a language should not be used,&quot; Patel said.</p>

<p style="text-align: justify;">In an official communique dated November 21, Macwan had appealed to the Christians to organise prayer services at parishes and convents, &quot;so that we may have such people elected to the Gujarat</p>

<p style="text-align: justify;">Assembly, who would remain faithful to the Indian Constitution and respect every human being without any sort of discrimination&quot;.</p>

<p style="text-align: justify;">&quot;The democratic fabric of the country is at stake amidst a growing sense of insecurity among the minorities, other backward classes (OBC), backward classes, poor etc.,&quot; he had said.</p>

<p style="text-align: justify;">&quot;The results of this election are significant and will have repercussions and reverberations throughout our beloved nation. It will influence the future course of our country.</p>

<p style="text-align: justify;">&quot;We are aware that the secular and democratic fabric of our country is at stake. Human rights are being violated. The constitutional rights are being trampled. Not a single day goes without an attack on our churches, church personnel, faithful or institutions,&quot; he said.</p>

<p style="text-align: justify;">&quot;The recitation of the Holy Rosary at individual, community, family and parish levels will be of great help. Encourage your faithful to pray the Rosary,&quot; he said.</p>

<p style="text-align: justify;">In the letter, the archbishop had also cited examples of how such prayers saved Europe during the victory at Lepanto, referring to the battle of 1571, in which the Holy League of Venetian and Spanish empires had defeated the Ottoman Empire in the Gulf of Patras, and how the &quot;protecting hand of our beloved Mother Mary defeated communist governments and dictators in a number of countries&quot;.</p>

<p style="text-align: justify;">The 182-member Gujarat Assembly will go to the polls in two phases -- on December 9 and 14. The counting of votes will be taken up on December 18.</p>


The Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Gandhinagar, Thomas Macwan, had last week urged the members of the Christians community to save the country from 'nationalist forces' as its 'democratic fabric' was at stake, amidst a growing 'sense of insecurity' among the minorities

The Election Commission (EC) has issued a notice to the archbishop of Gandhinagar for asking Christians to pray to save the country from "nationalist forces" in the run-up to the Gujarat Assembly polls. Issuing a letter addressed to the Christians, the Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Gandhinagar, Thomas Macwan, had last week urged the members of the community to save the country from "nationalist forces" as its "democratic fabric" was at stake, amidst a growing "sense of insecurity" among the minorities. In Gujarat's political circles, the appeal was seen as an indirect call to vote against the ruling BJP. Also Read: Gujarat elections: Save country from nationalist forces, says Gandhinagar Archbishop Gandhinagar Collector and District Election Officer Satish Patel told PTI that the EC issued the notice after taking cognisance of media reports and asked the archbishop to clarify his intention behind issuing such a letter. "We have issued a notice to the archbishop, seeking clarity over his intention behind the letter, which was widely publicised in the media. We have given him a few days' time to respond. We will decide on the future course of action on the basis of his reply," Patel said today. He added that the letter seemed to be aimed at "confusing" the voters of the minority communities and misguiding them when the poll code was in force in the state. "We understand that the letter was an attempt to misguide the voters and confuse the minority community voters at a time when the model code of conduct is in force. Such a language should not be used," Patel said. In an official communique dated November 21, Macwan had appealed to the Christians to organise prayer services at parishes and convents, "so that we may have such people elected to the Gujarat Assembly, who would remain faithful to the Indian Constitution and respect every human being without any sort of discrimination". "The democratic fabric of the country is at stake amidst a growing sense of insecurity among the minorities, other backward classes (OBC), backward classes, poor etc.," he had said. "The results of this election are significant and will have repercussions and reverberations throughout our beloved nation. It will influence the future course of our country. "We are aware that the secular and democratic fabric of our country is at stake. Human rights are being violated. The constitutional rights are being trampled. Not a single day goes without an attack on our churches, church personnel, faithful or institutions," he said. "The recitation of the Holy Rosary at individual, community, family and parish levels will be of great help. Encourage your faithful to pray the Rosary," he said. In the letter, the archbishop had also cited examples of how such prayers saved Europe during the victory at Lepanto, referring to the battle of 1571, in which the Holy League of Venetian and Spanish empires had defeated the Ottoman Empire in the Gulf of Patras, and how the "protecting hand of our beloved Mother Mary defeated communist governments and dictators in a number of countries". The 182-member Gujarat Assembly will go to the polls in two phases -- on December 9 and 14. The counting of votes will be taken up on December 18.

Gujarat polls: Gandhinagar archbishop gets Election Commission notice for prayer appeal

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