BJP's Om Birla and Congress' Ramnarayan Meena will be up in the key contest in Kota constituency. In the 4th phase, a total of 71 seats across 8 states will witness Lok Sabha election 2019.

WION Gravitas: Big ticket battles in phase 4

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is holding a grand roadshow in Varanasi, a day before he files the nomination papers from the Lok Sabha seat. Watch this video to know more.

WION Gravitas: PM Modi holds mega roadshow in Varanasi

Congress on Thursday ended all speculation around party general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra contesting Lok Sabha Election from Varanasi constituency. Watch this video to know more.

WION Gravitas: No Modi vs Priyanka in Varanasi as Congress names Ajay Rai as its candidate

Lok Sabha polls 2019: Quick guide to third phase of elections due on April 23

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Thursday stressed on national security, saying a New India gives a befitting reply to terrorism.

Addressing a meeting after a massive show of strength in his Lok Sabha constituency, Modi said his government had dealt effectively against terrorism.

In an apparent reference to the Balakot air strike after Pakistan-based militants killed 40 para-military men in Pulwama, he said the world now backed India in its fight against terror.

Modi also referred to the recent bomb blasts in Sri Lanka, saying innocent people observing Easter lost their lives.

The prime minister will file his nomination papers Friday, seeking a second term in the Lok Sabha from the constituency.

Modi said he will not claim that whatever he had wished for the constituency had come true during the last five years. But the pace and the direction of its development are right, he said.

He said while the last five years of his government were about sincere effort, the next five years will be about results.

Earlier, Modi's roadshow drew a massive crowd.

Modi was joined by BJP president Amit Shah, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and other senior BJP leaders in the temple town, on a day the Congress ended speculation over its leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra contesting against him by announcing Ajay Rai's candidature. 
&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Thursday stressed on national security, saying a New India gives a befitting reply to terrorism. Addressing a meeting after a massive show of strength in his Lok Sabha constituency, Modi said his government had dealt effectively against terrorism.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Thursday stressed on national security, saying a New India gives a befitting reply to terrorism. Addressing a meeting after a massive show of strength in his Lok Sabha constituency, Modi said his government had dealt effectively against terrorism. In an apparent reference to the Balakot air strike after Pakistan-based militants killed 40 para-military men in Pulwama, he said the world now backed India in its fight against terror. Modi also referred to the recent bomb blasts in Sri Lanka, saying innocent people observing Easter lost their lives. The prime minister will file his nomination papers Friday, seeking a second term in the Lok Sabha from the constituency. Modi said he will not claim that whatever he had wished for the constituency had come true during the last five years. But the pace and the direction of its development are right, he said. He said while the last five years of his government were about sincere effort, the next five years will be about results. Earlier, Modi's roadshow drew a massive crowd. Modi was joined by BJP president Amit Shah, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and other senior BJP leaders in the temple town, on a day the Congress ended speculation over its leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra contesting against him by announcing Ajay Rai's candidature.

New India gives befitting reply to terror: PM Modi

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

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

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

PM Modi performs Ganga aarti after roadshow in Varanasi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has reached his Lok Sabha constituency Varanasi, where thousands gathered welcomed him wholeheartedly. The Prime Minister first garlanded the statue of Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya and has now begun his mega roadshow. Watch this video to know more.

Modi's Mega Roadshow: PM gets rousing welcome in Varanasi

In politics, a strong challenge is never received lightly and if it comes across as a fake call, then the person is not taken seriously thereafter.

Priyanka Gandhi by maintaining the suspense on her candidature from Varanasi’s Lok Sabha seat has made a serious error which she must avoid in future or her image would coalesce into a politician who is all thunder sans rain.&nbsp;

In past, politicians like Arjun Singh and Sharad Pawar suffered the same fate. After a point in time, none of them was taken seriously as contenders in Delhi. Similarly, it may boomerang in the long run for Priyanka Gandhi too.&nbsp;

She allowed Congress to gain space in media but ended up giving a handle to BJP in the last 4 phases of elections.

Henceforth, the attack on Congress would be brutal and direct. Priyanka Gandhi will be attacked for not having a stomach for a strong political fight.&nbsp;

What prompted Priyanka to keep people guessing remains a mystery but even Congress party president Rahul Gandhi did nothing to clear the fog. He participated in it by stating that he would like to keep the suspense on. It did not work. It fuelled the expectations which were not met, eventually, disappointing many.

The issue is as to what was the thinking behind keeping the suspense on? Did Congress develop cold feet in the end? Did &nbsp;Rahul Gandhi overrule her on the ground that she cannot give a fight to Narendra Modi and her loss would affect both party and her career? &nbsp;Lastly, why did it take Congress a month to realise that Modi is unbeatable in Varanasi? Was it not visible right at the start of the election campaign? Did a real possibility exist on the ground to defeat Modi? My take is that no such circumstances ever existed but even then Priyanka Gandhi Vadra sought suggestions from her constituents during her meeting in Amethi and Raebareli on fighting from Varanasi. 
 
Whatever may be the real reason, it is not available to media. In its absence, BJP will make Priyanka’s exit an electoral issue. BJP now can go to town shouting that Priyanka Vadra shied away from the big battle of Uttar Pradesh.

The discourse will be shifted from her charismatic appeal and being natural to her inability to stand up to a strong challenge. This will invite a focus on the top leadership of the Congress and fuel discourse that ‘family’ &nbsp;cannot look beyond safe seats. It will also make Gandhi's look less serious in public discussion. Priyanka in 2012 had once said, "Main Aaun Kya." She did not. It has happened again.&nbsp;

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)&nbsp;

In politics, a strong challenge is never received lightly and if it comes across as a fake call, then the person is not taken seriously thereafter. Priyanka Gandhi by maintaining the suspense on her candidature from Varanasi’s Lok Sabha seat has made a serious error which she must avoid in future or her image would coalesce into a politician who is all thunder sans rain.

In politics, a strong challenge is never received lightly and if it comes across as a fake call, then the person is not taken seriously thereafter. Priyanka Gandhi by maintaining the suspense on her candidature from Varanasi’s Lok Sabha seat has made a serious error which she must avoid in future or her image would coalesce into a politician who is all thunder sans rain. In past, politicians like Arjun Singh and Sharad Pawar suffered the same fate. After a point in time, none of them was taken seriously as contenders in Delhi. Similarly, it may boomerang in the long run for Priyanka Gandhi too. She allowed Congress to gain space in media but ended up giving a handle to BJP in the last 4 phases of elections. Henceforth, the attack on Congress would be brutal and direct. Priyanka Gandhi will be attacked for not having a stomach for a strong political fight. What prompted Priyanka to keep people guessing remains a mystery but even Congress party president Rahul Gandhi did nothing to clear the fog. He participated in it by stating that he would like to keep the suspense on. It did not work. It fuelled the expectations which were not met, eventually, disappointing many. The issue is as to what was the thinking behind keeping the suspense on? Did Congress develop cold feet in the end? Did Rahul Gandhi overrule her on the ground that she cannot give a fight to Narendra Modi and her loss would affect both party and her career? Lastly, why did it take Congress a month to realise that Modi is unbeatable in Varanasi? Was it not visible right at the start of the election campaign? Did a real possibility exist on the ground to defeat Modi? My take is that no such circumstances ever existed but even then Priyanka Gandhi Vadra sought suggestions from her constituents during her meeting in Amethi and Raebareli on fighting from Varanasi. Whatever may be the real reason, it is not available to media. In its absence, BJP will make Priyanka’s exit an electoral issue. BJP now can go to town shouting that Priyanka Vadra shied away from the big battle of Uttar Pradesh. The discourse will be shifted from her charismatic appeal and being natural to her inability to stand up to a strong challenge. This will invite a focus on the top leadership of the Congress and fuel discourse that ‘family’ cannot look beyond safe seats. It will also make Gandhi's look less serious in public discussion. Priyanka in 2012 had once said, "Main Aaun Kya." She did not. It has happened again. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Disappointing many, Priyanka Gandhi's suspense game gives BJP a political handle

Union Home Minister <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-polls-2019-rajnath-singh-files-nomination-from-lucknow-210886&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwiYyOLXjOjhAhVr6nMBHR_MCLEQFggOMAM&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw1D8RizZQlIkCEDFGqb-e7C">Rajnath Singh</a> on Tuesday said that by the year 2030 India could replace any one of the three world superpowers (Russia, China and America).

"By 2030 or 2031 Bharat will replace any one of the three superpowers, either Russia, China or America from the list of top three countries of the world in terms of economy and strength," said Rajnath Singh while addressing an election rally at Chatra.

He said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi led government has provided an immense boost to the economy of India.

"In 2014 we were at ninth place among the top 10 countries in terms of the size of the economy. After four years of governance led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in 2018 we jumped to the sixth position," he said.

"And I say it with confidence that not in few years but in few months we will be at the fifth place," said Rajnath.

The Home Minister also said that the Prime Minister had assured that every paise earmarked for the welfare of the people reaches the common man.

"Rajiv Gandhi helplessly said that out of 100 Paise given by him only 16 Paise manages to reach the people but Prime Minister Narendra Modi has overcome this and now when 100 paise is sent, 100 paise reaches your pocket," said Singh.

Rajnath Singh also gave an assurance of completely wiping out Naxalism.

"Naxalism which was spread across 126 districts of the country is now restricted to only seven to eight districts. I assure you it will be entirely uprooted from India in the next three to four years," he said.

Jharkhand has 14 Lok Sabha constituencies which will go for polls on 29 April, 6 May, 12 May and 19 May for its 3, 4, 4 and 3 seats respectively.

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday said that by the year 2030 India could replace any one of the three world superpowers (Russia, China and America). "By 2030 or 2031 Bharat will replace any one of the three superpowers, either Russia, China or America from the list of top three countries of the world in terms of economy and strength," said Rajnath Singh while addressing an election rally at Chatra.

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday said that by the year 2030 India could replace any one of the three world superpowers (Russia, China and America). "By 2030 or 2031 Bharat will replace any one of the three superpowers, either Russia, China or America from the list of top three countries of the world in terms of economy and strength," said Rajnath Singh while addressing an election rally at Chatra. He said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi led government has provided an immense boost to the economy of India. "In 2014 we were at ninth place among the top 10 countries in terms of the size of the economy. After four years of governance led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in 2018 we jumped to the sixth position," he said. "And I say it with confidence that not in few years but in few months we will be at the fifth place," said Rajnath. The Home Minister also said that the Prime Minister had assured that every paise earmarked for the welfare of the people reaches the common man. "Rajiv Gandhi helplessly said that out of 100 Paise given by him only 16 Paise manages to reach the people but Prime Minister Narendra Modi has overcome this and now when 100 paise is sent, 100 paise reaches your pocket," said Singh. Rajnath Singh also gave an assurance of completely wiping out Naxalism. "Naxalism which was spread across 126 districts of the country is now restricted to only seven to eight districts. I assure you it will be entirely uprooted from India in the next three to four years," he said. Jharkhand has 14 Lok Sabha constituencies which will go for polls on 29 April, 6 May, 12 May and 19 May for its 3, 4, 4 and 3 seats respectively.

Lok Sabha polls 2019: By 2030 India will replace one of the top 3 superpowers, says Rajnath Singh

Attacking Congress president Rahul Gandhi, BJP president Amit Shah on Wednesday said that the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) will not be repealed even if another Gandhi comes after him.

Congress has promised in its manifesto that it will not allow any change in Article 370 and will review the AFSPA if voted to power.

"Congress in its manifesto said that they will scrap AFSPA so that cases can be filed against the Army men. Should AFSPA be repealed? I have come to tell Rahul baba it will not be repealed in your whole life and after you, even if another Gandhi comes he will also not be able to repeal it," Shah said while addressing an election rally .

The AFSPA grants special powers to the Indian Armed Forces in 'disturbed areas'.

According to The Disturbed Areas (Special Courts) Act, 1976, once declared 'disturbed', the area has to maintain the status quo for a minimum of three months. Shah alleged that Congress and its allies want to separate Kashmir from India.

"Congress is in alliance with the National Conference. Omar says that there should be separate Prime Minister for Kashmir...&nbsp;These gathbandhan people - Lalu, Rabri and Rahul - want that Kashmir should be separated from the country," he said.

"Kashmir is the crown of Mother India. Kashmir is an integral part of Hindustan. The leaders of Mahamalavat want to separate Kashmir from India. For this, they have to go over our lives," Shah said.

The BJP president claimed that the Mahagathbandhan does not have any leader who can lead it and each of them aspire to assume the Prime Minister's office on a rotational basis.

"Who is the leader of gathbandhan? They have no leader. If they come to power on Monday, Mayawati will become the Prime Minister. On Tuesday, Akhilesh Yadav will become the Prime Minister. On Wednesday, Lalu Yadav will become the Prime Minister," said Shah.

Emphasising that all seven days in a week will see a different face in the prime minister's chair except on a Sunday, Shah added, "On Thursday, Deve Gowda will become the Prime Minister. On Friday, Chandrababu Naidu will become the Prime Minister. On Saturday, Stalin will become the Prime Minister. And, a holiday on Sunday."&nbsp;

Attacking Congress president Rahul Gandhi, BJP president Amit Shah on Wednesday said that the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) will not be repealed even if another Gandhi comes after him.

Attacking Congress president Rahul Gandhi, BJP president Amit Shah on Wednesday said that the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) will not be repealed even if another Gandhi comes after him. Congress has promised in its manifesto that it will not allow any change in Article 370 and will review the AFSPA if voted to power. "Congress in its manifesto said that they will scrap AFSPA so that cases can be filed against the Army men. Should AFSPA be repealed? I have come to tell Rahul baba it will not be repealed in your whole life and after you, even if another Gandhi comes he will also not be able to repeal it," Shah said while addressing an election rally . The AFSPA grants special powers to the Indian Armed Forces in 'disturbed areas'. According to The Disturbed Areas (Special Courts) Act, 1976, once declared 'disturbed', the area has to maintain the status quo for a minimum of three months. Shah alleged that Congress and its allies want to separate Kashmir from India. "Congress is in alliance with the National Conference. Omar says that there should be separate Prime Minister for Kashmir... These gathbandhan people - Lalu, Rabri and Rahul - want that Kashmir should be separated from the country," he said. "Kashmir is the crown of Mother India. Kashmir is an integral part of Hindustan. The leaders of Mahamalavat want to separate Kashmir from India. For this, they have to go over our lives," Shah said. The BJP president claimed that the Mahagathbandhan does not have any leader who can lead it and each of them aspire to assume the Prime Minister's office on a rotational basis. "Who is the leader of gathbandhan? They have no leader. If they come to power on Monday, Mayawati will become the Prime Minister. On Tuesday, Akhilesh Yadav will become the Prime Minister. On Wednesday, Lalu Yadav will become the Prime Minister," said Shah. Emphasising that all seven days in a week will see a different face in the prime minister's chair except on a Sunday, Shah added, "On Thursday, Deve Gowda will become the Prime Minister. On Friday, Chandrababu Naidu will become the Prime Minister. On Saturday, Stalin will become the Prime Minister. And, a holiday on Sunday."

AFSPA will not be repealed even if another Gandhi comes after Rahul: Amit Shah

In a veiled reference to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's remark that West Bengal Chief Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/i-have-many-friends-in-opposition-mamata-banerjee-sends-kurtas-sweets-to-me-pm-narendra-modi-to-akshay-kumar-213161">Mamata Banerjee sends him sweets and kurtas every year</a>, the TMC leader said Wednesday it is Bengal's culture to welcome guests with sweets and gifts but not a single vote will be given to his party.

Banerjee made the comments at a rally in Serampore in Hooghly district against the backdrop of Modi's interview to actor Akshay Kumar aired by TV channels in which the prime minister mentioned her gifts to him.

"It is Bengal's culture to welcome guests with sweets and tea. We also greet them on special occasions. This is our tradition. We welcome guests with sweets and gifts but not a single vote will be given (to BJP)," the Trinamool Congress (TMC) supremo said without naming Modi.

&nbsp;

In a veiled reference to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's remark that West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee sends him sweets and kurtas every year, the TMC leader said Wednesday it is Bengal's culture to welcome guests with sweets and gifts but not a single vote will be given to his party.

In a veiled reference to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's remark that West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee sends him sweets and kurtas every year, the TMC leader said Wednesday it is Bengal's culture to welcome guests with sweets and gifts but not a single vote will be given to his party. Banerjee made the comments at a rally in Serampore in Hooghly district against the backdrop of Modi's interview to actor Akshay Kumar aired by TV channels in which the prime minister mentioned her gifts to him. "It is Bengal's culture to welcome guests with sweets and tea. We also greet them on special occasions. This is our tradition. We welcome guests with sweets and gifts but not a single vote will be given (to BJP)," the Trinamool Congress (TMC) supremo said without naming Modi.

It's Bengal's culture, says Mamata in veiled response to PM's remark on receiving sweets from her

Phase 3 is the biggest phase in Elections 2019. Know about its significance.

IEW: Significance of Phase 3 of Lok Sabha Polls

Watch this segment of India Election Watch for latest updates of India Election as on 23rd April 2019.

India Election Watch; 23rd April 2019

BJP president Amit Shah on Tuesday said that the Congress is confused with respect to its candidate from Varanasi.&nbsp;

Shah said that BJP is clear, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is going to contest from the constituency. He will hold a roadshow in Kashi on April 25 and file his nomination on April 26," Shah said.&nbsp;

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Amit Shah on reports Priyanka Gandhi Vadra may contest from Varanasi: There is democracy in the country, anyone can contest. Congress is in confusion, not us. Our candidate has been declared, Narendra Modi will contest election from here. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LokSabhaElections2019?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LokSabhaElections2019</a> <a href="https://t.co/7wEBTCwo2M">pic.twitter.com/7wEBTCwo2M</a>
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On Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Shah said that India is a democratic nation and anyone can contest.&nbsp;

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BJP President Amit Shah: Sukhbir Singh Badal, Nitish Kumar, Uddhav Thackeray and other NDA leaders will be present during nomination filing by PM Modi on April 26 <a href="https://t.co/05qXS3CWYV">https://t.co/05qXS3CWYV</a>
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"There is democracy in the country, anyone can contest. Congress is in confusion, not us. Our candidate has been declared, Narendra Modi will contest election from here," he added.&nbsp;

Earlier in the day, Shah said the party's Bhopal Lok Sabha candidate Pragya Singh Thakur was framed in false cases by those who had coined the term "Hindu terror" and indulged in vote bank politics.

He defended her candidature and called it an "absolutely right decision".

BJP president Amit Shah on Tuesday said that the Congress is confused with respect to its candidate from Varanasi. Shah said that BJP is clear, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is going to contest from the constituency.

BJP president Amit Shah on Tuesday said that the Congress is confused with respect to its candidate from Varanasi. Shah said that BJP is clear, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is going to contest from the constituency. He will hold a roadshow in Kashi on April 25 and file his nomination on April 26," Shah said. Amit Shah on reports Priyanka Gandhi Vadra may contest from Varanasi: There is democracy in the country, anyone can contest. Congress is in confusion, not us. Our candidate has been declared, Narendra Modi will contest election from here. #LokSabhaElections2019 pic.twitter.com/7wEBTCwo2M — ANI (@ANI) April 23, 2019 × On Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Shah said that India is a democratic nation and anyone can contest. BJP President Amit Shah: Sukhbir Singh Badal, Nitish Kumar, Uddhav Thackeray and other NDA leaders will be present during nomination filing by PM Modi on April 26 https://t.co/05qXS3CWYV — ANI (@ANI) April 23, 2019 × "There is democracy in the country, anyone can contest. Congress is in confusion, not us. Our candidate has been declared, Narendra Modi will contest election from here," he added. Earlier in the day, Shah said the party's Bhopal Lok Sabha candidate Pragya Singh Thakur was framed in false cases by those who had coined the term "Hindu terror" and indulged in vote bank politics. He defended her candidature and called it an "absolutely right decision".

Congress is in confusion, not us: Amit Shah on reports of Priyanka Gandhi Vadra contesting from Varanasi 

Heavy security forces have been deployed in Anantnag of Jammu & Kashmir for peaceful voting of Phase 3 of Lok Sabha Election 2019. There are total 18 candidates in fray for this Lok Sabha seat.

Lok Sabha Election 2019: Heavy security forces in Anantnag of J&K for peaceful voting

Prime Minister Narendra Modi took a ride in an open SUV this morning as he made his way to Ahmedabad to cast his vote in the third phase of the national election. Surrounded by his bodyguards, PM Modi waved to a long line of people who waved back at him, in a roadshow-like display.

Lok Sabha Election 2019: PM Modi casts his vote in Ahmedabad, urges people to vote in huge as well

Gautam Gambhir will contest in Lok Sabha Election 2019 from East Delhi against Arvinder Singh Lovely of Congress.

Gautam Gambhir to contest in LS Polls 2019 from East Delhi against Arvinder Singh Lovely

Election Commission has banned Navjot Singh Sidhu from campaigning for 72 hours.

Election Commission bans Navjot Singh Sidhu from campaigning for 72 hours

In phase 3 of Lok Sabha Election 2019, 20 Parliamentary seats up for grab in Kerala. watch complete video to know more.

Lok Sabha Election 2019: 20 Parliamentary seats up for grab in Kerala

In Lok Sabha Election 2019, Western Maharashtra to vote in Phase 3. Today, eyes on BJP-Sena alliance over NCP.

Lok Sabha Election 2019: West-Maharashtra to vote in Phase 3, eyes on BJP-Sena alliance over NCP

In this phase of Lok Sabha Election 2019, PM Modi will also cast his vote in Ahmedabad today. Watch complete video to know more.

Lok Sabha Election 2019: PM Modi to cast his vote in Ahmedabad today

Today, Polling is also getting at the two important and crucial constituencies, i.e., Amit Shah's Gandhi Nagar & Rahul's Wayanad. Watch complete video to know more.

Lok Sabha Election 2019: Amit Shah's Gandhi Nagar & Rahul's Wayanad in the fray today

The Phase 3 of the 2019 General Election will take place on 23 April, 2019 where 116 Lok Sabha constituencies go to polls across 13 states.

Lok Sabha Election 2019: 13 states, 116 seats & 1600 contenders

Polling is underway for the third and largest phase of Lok Sabha election in 116 seats, including all constituencies in Gujarat and Kerala, with BJP president Amit Shah, Congress chief Rahul Gandhi and several Union ministers among prominent candidates in the fray.

High-Octane 'Phase 3' of Lok Sabha election 2019 battle underway

The Phase 3 of the 2019 General Election will take place on 23 April, 2019 where 115 Lok Sabha constituencies go to polls across 14 states and Union Territories (UTs). Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Jammu and Kashmir, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Odisha, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal will witness voting in some Lok Sabha seats. All parliamentary constituencies in Gujarat, Kerala, Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Goa and Daman and Diu will vote on 23 April in a single phase. The counting of votes will take place on 23 May for the same.

Lok Sabha Election 2019: Largest phase of polling underway

Lok Sabha election 2019 is underway so as its 3rd round of polling. Polling for 302 out of 543 seats is about to end. Watch video.

Lok Sabha election 2019: Voter turnout figures as of 5pm

Lok sabha election 2019: Polling for 302 out of 543 seats to end

It is a three-cornered contest in <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ls-polls-north-malda-to-witness-tough-fight-between-first-cousins-212079&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwif8MLJ--XhAhUB3Y8KHWssCDUQFggLMAI&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw3rmpqaLc_D9xwIrmHEw0Eu">Malda</a>, one of the last Congress bastions in West Bengal, which goes to polls on Tuesday in <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-polls-2019-phase-3-voting-on-april-23-212719&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwif8MLJ--XhAhUB3Y8KHWssCDUQFggFMAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw3-4PH-ZrdqOxgXwH_bzoRj">the third phase of the Lok Sabha elections</a>, and Muslim votes are likely to settle the fight for the seat.

 
Muslims form a major chunk of the electorate in both the Maldaha North and the Maldaha South seats, which have stayed with the Congress for almost 40 years, and there is a distinct buzz about the need for a change this time.

 
And that buzz has created a space, which the BJP and the TMC are vying for.

 
While the Congress has pitted Isha Khan Choudhury against sitting Congress MP and now TMC nominee Mausam Noor, Ghani Khan's nephew and niece respectively&nbsp;from Maldaha North, the BJP has fielded former CPI(M) leader Khagen Murmu in the seat.

 
In Maldaha South, sitting Congress MP Abu Hasem Khan, Ghani Khan's brother, is contesting against Moazzem Hossain of the TMC and Sreerupa Mitra Choudhury of the BJP.

 
"How long can we vote for these people who are still using the name of their dead dada (brother), mama (maternal uncle) for votes," Bhaskar Ghosh (22) asked, referring to the family of Ghani Khan Choudhury, the late eight-time MP who won consecutively between 1980 and 2004, followed by his family members in both the constituencies separated by the delimitation in 2009.

 
For Ghosh, a student who works at a computer repair shop in Kaliachak, the TMC might benefit from the "waning magic of Ghani Khan" in the Maldaha South Lok Sabha seat, where riots had broken out in January 2016 over purported derogatory remarks against Prophet Muhammad.

 
However, he agrees with other locals that the riots opened the doors for the BJP to emerge as a key player in the area, leading to the saffron party's surprising win in the assembly seat of Baishnabnagar, which has a Muslim population of around 52 per cent.

"Dalubabu (Abu Hasem Khan, the sitting MP from Maldaha Dakshin) is a spent force here. He comes here only when there is election and forgets about us. All he does when he comes here is talk of Ghani Khan. We don't want to know what they have done for us in the past. We want to know what they can do now," Ghosh added.

 
"No Hindu vote is going to Dalubabu this time. However, we are the minority here, so he could still win," Ranjan Haldar (29), who runs a business in the area, said.

 
BJP national secretary and Bengal in-charge Kailash Vijayvarghi, who was in Malda to campaign for Murmu, indicated that the party had made major inroads and was a serious threat to the Congress this time.

 
"There is now a fervour for the BJP. Our workers have worked tirelessly. The buzz around the party is more than it was in 2014. This politics of appeasement (by ruling TMC in the state) had to end," Vijayvarghi told PTI.

 
"The Congress had tried to isolate Muslims from Narendra Modi. But we truly believe in Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas. We are addressing the people's basic issues, be it Hindus or Muslims. It is a myth that Muslims are anti-Modi," he added.

 
Murmu, once a grassroots CPI(M) leader, said that he is confident of retaining his votes from 2014 when he ended second to Noor in Maldaha North. However, as a BJP candidate this time, he is unlikely to bag the Muslim votes.

 
"What the BJP has done is to ensure that there is polarisation. While some Hindus may vote for the BJP, it is difficult to say if Ghani Khan loyalists will move en masse.

What we are sure of is that we are not voting for them. The problem is that the votes in our community also might split between the Congress and the TMC, and herein lies the problem," Md Emazuddin (45), a businessman from Ratua, which falls under Maldaha North, said.

 
Days after the Pulwama terror attack and the resultant air strikes, Malda saw a flurry of activities from BJP workers, recalled locals.

 
"They organised bike rallies, displayed photos of the dead soldiers and the Muslim community organised marches to condemn the attack. It was tense, the city was tethering between jubilance and anxiety," Ajwarul, a small business owner in Ratua, said.

 
However, just 40 km away in Gazole, people feel Mamata Banerjee is the answer to the city's communally tense atmosphere.

The TMC will clinch the Malda North seat, with both the Muslims and Hindus voting in its favour, they opined.

"Most of the roads that you see here are because of her. She has ensured our children go to school and free uniform and books are provided to them. No one else has done such much for us," Abdul Qayum, a labourer in Gazole, said.

 
Both communities in the constituency praised Mamata Banerjee for her Kanyashree scheme and the pension scheme for the aged.

The TMC-led government's scheme promoting education is also a big hit with both communities, most of whom survive on small businesses or work as labourers.

Most people here said they were hit hard by demonetisation and the GST, and are open to change.

 
Meanwhile, Congress' Isha Khan Choudhury, blamed the chief minister for creating space for the saffron party in the area. 
"Mamata has played into the hands of the BJP. Her politics has created a vacuum in which the BJP sees hope. However, we are not worried. If there are free and fair elections, we will win," Choudhury said.

The Congress has virtually been given a walkover by the Left in both these seats, with CPI(M) voters openly pledging support to Congress candidates. 
But for TMC's Noor, the fight in Malda is Didi vs Modi.

"The TMC has emerged as the only secular force which can fight the polarisation of the BJP," Noor, through whom the TMC is trying to woo Congress voters, said. 
However, her tag as a "betrayer", by both her party and her family, is a sore issue with many TMC supporters.

 
As voting was underway Tuesday, the two seats in Malda could be anyone's game.

It is a three-cornered contest in Malda, one of the last Congress bastions in West Bengal, which goes to polls on Tuesday in the third phase of the Lok Sabha elections, and Muslim votes are likely to settle the fight for the seat.

It is a three-cornered contest in Malda, one of the last Congress bastions in West Bengal, which goes to polls on Tuesday in the third phase of the Lok Sabha elections, and Muslim votes are likely to settle the fight for the seat. Muslims form a major chunk of the electorate in both the Maldaha North and the Maldaha South seats, which have stayed with the Congress for almost 40 years, and there is a distinct buzz about the need for a change this time. And that buzz has created a space, which the BJP and the TMC are vying for. While the Congress has pitted Isha Khan Choudhury against sitting Congress MP and now TMC nominee Mausam Noor, Ghani Khan's nephew and niece respectively from Maldaha North, the BJP has fielded former CPI(M) leader Khagen Murmu in the seat. In Maldaha South, sitting Congress MP Abu Hasem Khan, Ghani Khan's brother, is contesting against Moazzem Hossain of the TMC and Sreerupa Mitra Choudhury of the BJP. "How long can we vote for these people who are still using the name of their dead dada (brother), mama (maternal uncle) for votes," Bhaskar Ghosh (22) asked, referring to the family of Ghani Khan Choudhury, the late eight-time MP who won consecutively between 1980 and 2004, followed by his family members in both the constituencies separated by the delimitation in 2009. For Ghosh, a student who works at a computer repair shop in Kaliachak, the TMC might benefit from the "waning magic of Ghani Khan" in the Maldaha South Lok Sabha seat, where riots had broken out in January 2016 over purported derogatory remarks against Prophet Muhammad. However, he agrees with other locals that the riots opened the doors for the BJP to emerge as a key player in the area, leading to the saffron party's surprising win in the assembly seat of Baishnabnagar, which has a Muslim population of around 52 per cent. "Dalubabu (Abu Hasem Khan, the sitting MP from Maldaha Dakshin) is a spent force here. He comes here only when there is election and forgets about us. All he does when he comes here is talk of Ghani Khan. We don't want to know what they have done for us in the past. We want to know what they can do now," Ghosh added. "No Hindu vote is going to Dalubabu this time. However, we are the minority here, so he could still win," Ranjan Haldar (29), who runs a business in the area, said. BJP national secretary and Bengal in-charge Kailash Vijayvarghi, who was in Malda to campaign for Murmu, indicated that the party had made major inroads and was a serious threat to the Congress this time. "There is now a fervour for the BJP. Our workers have worked tirelessly. The buzz around the party is more than it was in 2014. This politics of appeasement (by ruling TMC in the state) had to end," Vijayvarghi told PTI. "The Congress had tried to isolate Muslims from Narendra Modi. But we truly believe in Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas. We are addressing the people's basic issues, be it Hindus or Muslims. It is a myth that Muslims are anti-Modi," he added. Murmu, once a grassroots CPI(M) leader, said that he is confident of retaining his votes from 2014 when he ended second to Noor in Maldaha North. However, as a BJP candidate this time, he is unlikely to bag the Muslim votes. "What the BJP has done is to ensure that there is polarisation. While some Hindus may vote for the BJP, it is difficult to say if Ghani Khan loyalists will move en masse. What we are sure of is that we are not voting for them. The problem is that the votes in our community also might split between the Congress and the TMC, and herein lies the problem," Md Emazuddin (45), a businessman from Ratua, which falls under Maldaha North, said. Days after the Pulwama terror attack and the resultant air strikes, Malda saw a flurry of activities from BJP workers, recalled locals. "They organised bike rallies, displayed photos of the dead soldiers and the Muslim community organised marches to condemn the attack. It was tense, the city was tethering between jubilance and anxiety," Ajwarul, a small business owner in Ratua, said. However, just 40 km away in Gazole, people feel Mamata Banerjee is the answer to the city's communally tense atmosphere. The TMC will clinch the Malda North seat, with both the Muslims and Hindus voting in its favour, they opined. "Most of the roads that you see here are because of her. She has ensured our children go to school and free uniform and books are provided to them. No one else has done such much for us," Abdul Qayum, a labourer in Gazole, said. Both communities in the constituency praised Mamata Banerjee for her Kanyashree scheme and the pension scheme for the aged. The TMC-led government's scheme promoting education is also a big hit with both communities, most of whom survive on small businesses or work as labourers. Most people here said they were hit hard by demonetisation and the GST, and are open to change. Meanwhile, Congress' Isha Khan Choudhury, blamed the chief minister for creating space for the saffron party in the area. "Mamata has played into the hands of the BJP. Her politics has created a vacuum in which the BJP sees hope. However, we are not worried. If there are free and fair elections, we will win," Choudhury said. The Congress has virtually been given a walkover by the Left in both these seats, with CPI(M) voters openly pledging support to Congress candidates. But for TMC's Noor, the fight in Malda is Didi vs Modi. "The TMC has emerged as the only secular force which can fight the polarisation of the BJP," Noor, through whom the TMC is trying to woo Congress voters, said. However, her tag as a "betrayer", by both her party and her family, is a sore issue with many TMC supporters. As voting was underway Tuesday, the two seats in Malda could be anyone's game.

As BJP, TMC dive deep, Congress bastion Malda sees battle for Muslim votes

In Phase 3 of Lok Sabha Election 2019, Voting is underway on 14 out of 28 seats of Karnataka. BS Yeddyurappa talked WION and said he is confident of son's victory.

Lok Sabha Election 2019: BS Yeddyurappa confident of son's victory in Karnataka

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Tuesday asserted that the Congress and opposition parties are spending sleepless nights as the 'lahar' (wave) for the BJP has become a 'lalkar' (challenge) for them after the first two phases of elections.

Addressing a rally here, Modi urged the people of Odisha to press the lotus symbol button with both hands, one for the Lok Sabha elections and the other for Assembly polls.

"Lahar nehin ye lalkar hai, Phir ek bar Modi sarkar hai'' (this is not a wave but a challenge, once again Modi government will be formed).

I haven't received so much adulation and love even in 2014," he said, claiming that the response in the first two phases of polls indicate that people are favouring BJP over other parties.

Emphasising that not a single charge of corruption has surfaced against the BJP-led government in the past five years, Modi said those who have been levelling false allegations have found themselves in the dock.

"Voters are now teaching those liars a lesson. The Congress and other opposition parties are now in a state of shock. They are trying to find new excuses to target and abuse me," the prime minister said.

He appealed to the people to vote for a BJP government in the state, which can work in tandem with the Centre.

"The Patnaik-led BJD is only bothered about grabbing power, development has never figured its list of priorities. "The people of Odisha will bid the BJD government farewell, they are wiser than the politicians who have been ruling the state. Naveen babu, it's time for you to go," Modi added.

Voting is underway in six parliamentary constituencies and 42 assembly seats in Odisha.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Tuesday asserted that the Congress and opposition parties are spending sleepless nights as the 'lahar' (wave) for the BJP has become a 'lalkar' (challenge) for them after the first two phases of elections.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Tuesday asserted that the Congress and opposition parties are spending sleepless nights as the 'lahar' (wave) for the BJP has become a 'lalkar' (challenge) for them after the first two phases of elections. Addressing a rally here, Modi urged the people of Odisha to press the lotus symbol button with both hands, one for the Lok Sabha elections and the other for Assembly polls. "Lahar nehin ye lalkar hai, Phir ek bar Modi sarkar hai'' (this is not a wave but a challenge, once again Modi government will be formed). I haven't received so much adulation and love even in 2014," he said, claiming that the response in the first two phases of polls indicate that people are favouring BJP over other parties. Emphasising that not a single charge of corruption has surfaced against the BJP-led government in the past five years, Modi said those who have been levelling false allegations have found themselves in the dock. "Voters are now teaching those liars a lesson. The Congress and other opposition parties are now in a state of shock. They are trying to find new excuses to target and abuse me," the prime minister said. He appealed to the people to vote for a BJP government in the state, which can work in tandem with the Centre. "The Patnaik-led BJD is only bothered about grabbing power, development has never figured its list of priorities. "The people of Odisha will bid the BJD government farewell, they are wiser than the politicians who have been ruling the state. Naveen babu, it's time for you to go," Modi added. Voting is underway in six parliamentary constituencies and 42 assembly seats in Odisha.

Wave in favour of BJP giving sleepless nights to opposition: PM Modi

Cricketer-turned-politician<a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.wionews.com/videos/gautam-gambhir-to-contest-in-ls-polls-2019-from-east-delhi-against-arvinder-singh-lovely-212789&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwjU_7rT5eXhAhWHMY8KHXaDAH4QFggFMAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw3sN6jWrA9w-PjCEsvME3BZ"> Gautam Gambhir</a> on Tuesday held a roadshow here ahead of filling his nomination papers as the BJP Lok Sabha candidate from East Delhi.

Amid loud cheers, Gambhir waved to hundreds of people during the roadshow.

"I really want to contribute something to the country and whatever our Prime Minister has done in the last five years.

I want to take that legacy forward. I will try to work as much as I can with an honest heart and clear intentions," Gambhir told ANI.

On Monday, the BJP had announced that Gambhir would contest the ongoing Lok Sabha polls from East Delhi Lok Sabha constituency.

Gambhir is pitted against Congress` Arvinder Singh Lovely and Atishi of AAP from the seat.

A Padma Shri awardee, Gambhir joined the BJP on March 22 in the presence of Union Ministers Ravi Shankar Prasad and Arun Jaitley.Delhi, which has seven Lok Sabha constituencies, will go to polls on May 12.

The counting of votes will take place on May 23.

Cricketer-turned-politician Gautam Gambhir on Tuesday held a roadshow here ahead of filling his nomination papers as the BJP Lok Sabha candidate from East Delhi.

Cricketer-turned-politician Gautam Gambhir on Tuesday held a roadshow here ahead of filling his nomination papers as the BJP Lok Sabha candidate from East Delhi. Amid loud cheers, Gambhir waved to hundreds of people during the roadshow. "I really want to contribute something to the country and whatever our Prime Minister has done in the last five years. I want to take that legacy forward. I will try to work as much as I can with an honest heart and clear intentions," Gambhir told ANI. On Monday, the BJP had announced that Gambhir would contest the ongoing Lok Sabha polls from East Delhi Lok Sabha constituency. Gambhir is pitted against Congress` Arvinder Singh Lovely and Atishi of AAP from the seat. A Padma Shri awardee, Gambhir joined the BJP on March 22 in the presence of Union Ministers Ravi Shankar Prasad and Arun Jaitley.Delhi, which has seven Lok Sabha constituencies, will go to polls on May 12. The counting of votes will take place on May 23.

Gautam Gambhir, the new BJP Lok Sabha candidate holds roadshow in Delhi

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