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

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

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

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

Modi Vs Rahul's vote appeal on twitter. Watch complete video to know more.

Modi Vs Rahul's vote appeal on twitter

I am cynical/practical/experienced enough to know that pre-election opinion polls can go quite wrong for at least three reasons. Voters may not truly reveal their minds and/or change their minds close to polling day.&nbsp;

The sampling methodology may go wrong or converting vote shares based on sample surveys into seats can get tricky. Last but not the least, media organisations carrying out opinion poll results in league with pollster organisations can add a bit of spice to suit their own priorities.

After discounting for all this, I do believe that in the general elections that are now underway, Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has reached a point where it will certainly not get a majority of its own like it did in 2014, and may also not be entirely home even with its National Democratic Alliance (NDA) partners.

One TV news channel that is visibly, loudly and consistently supportive of the BJP sees the NDA tally at 279, just four ahead of the half-way mark. An average of all opinion polls this week gives the NDA 277 seats in the Lok Sabha.&nbsp;

There are as many as 167 "marginal" seats where close contests will decide winners in the 543-member Lok Sabha.

It is time to ask some what-if questions. My guess is that in a scenario where the NDA is short of a clear majority, three leaders from the south will become important: Naveen Patnaik of the Biju Janata Dal from Odisha, Kalvakuntla Chandrashekhar Rao of the Telangana Rashtra Samithi and YS Jagan Mohan Reddy from the YSR Congress in Andhra Pradesh.&nbsp;

(If the Tropic of Cancer is seen as the dividing line between northern and southern India, Odisha, which is to the southeast, certainly falls in the south. It is also definitely south of the Vindhya mountain range, the traditional threshold to separate the south from the north.)

KCR, as the Telangana Chief Minister is called, is officially part of the 'Mahagatbandhan' (grand alliance) against Modi and will be needed by the BJP only if there is a significant late swing against it. With Telangana still in its honeymoon phase after he led a decades-old movement to carve the state out of the undivided Andhra Pradesh, he is perhaps the strongest ruling CM in India today, not counting Pawan Chamling of Sikkim. KCR's pro-farmer programmes are considered a role model for the rest of India.

Patnaik has been maintaining a studied equidistance from the BJP and the Congress and has had a phenomenal run in his state, having won four terms in a row to be the Odisha Chief Minister since the year 2000. His development efforts are part of the national folklore.

Jagan Reddy, only 46 years old, is yet to taste power but is seen as the front-runner in an anti-incumbency mood against Andhra CM N Chandrababu Naidu's Telugu Desam Party (TDP). He announced last week he had no ill-will against the Congress, from which his party broke off, even as he maintains that he favours anyone who grants special status to Andhra under an arrangement made when Telangana was carved out.

Jagan is perhaps the easiest for the BJP to woo since Naidu is already on the side of the anti-Modi alliance. KCR can be wooed in a desperate scenario. But Patnaik may be a harder nut to crack. It all depends on the exact break-up of the Lok Sabha that gets formed in the summer heat. Watch out in the coming days nice things to be said about these three gentlemen. They may be kingmakers, and they may even edge close to each other where the eventual verdict swings away from the current predictions.

(This article was originally published on Zee News. Read the <a href="https://zeenews.india.com/blogs/after-2019-lok-sabha-elections-the-kingmakers-are-likely-to-be-from-the-south-2194704.html">original article)</a>

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

I am cynical/practical/experienced enough to know that pre-election opinion polls can go quite wrong for at least three reasons. Voters may not truly reveal their minds and/or change their minds close to polling day.

I am cynical/practical/experienced enough to know that pre-election opinion polls can go quite wrong for at least three reasons. Voters may not truly reveal their minds and/or change their minds close to polling day. The sampling methodology may go wrong or converting vote shares based on sample surveys into seats can get tricky. Last but not the least, media organisations carrying out opinion poll results in league with pollster organisations can add a bit of spice to suit their own priorities. After discounting for all this, I do believe that in the general elections that are now underway, Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has reached a point where it will certainly not get a majority of its own like it did in 2014, and may also not be entirely home even with its National Democratic Alliance (NDA) partners. One TV news channel that is visibly, loudly and consistently supportive of the BJP sees the NDA tally at 279, just four ahead of the half-way mark. An average of all opinion polls this week gives the NDA 277 seats in the Lok Sabha. There are as many as 167 "marginal" seats where close contests will decide winners in the 543-member Lok Sabha. It is time to ask some what-if questions. My guess is that in a scenario where the NDA is short of a clear majority, three leaders from the south will become important: Naveen Patnaik of the Biju Janata Dal from Odisha, Kalvakuntla Chandrashekhar Rao of the Telangana Rashtra Samithi and YS Jagan Mohan Reddy from the YSR Congress in Andhra Pradesh. (If the Tropic of Cancer is seen as the dividing line between northern and southern India, Odisha, which is to the southeast, certainly falls in the south. It is also definitely south of the Vindhya mountain range, the traditional threshold to separate the south from the north.) KCR, as the Telangana Chief Minister is called, is officially part of the 'Mahagatbandhan' (grand alliance) against Modi and will be needed by the BJP only if there is a significant late swing against it. With Telangana still in its honeymoon phase after he led a decades-old movement to carve the state out of the undivided Andhra Pradesh, he is perhaps the strongest ruling CM in India today, not counting Pawan Chamling of Sikkim. KCR's pro-farmer programmes are considered a role model for the rest of India. Patnaik has been maintaining a studied equidistance from the BJP and the Congress and has had a phenomenal run in his state, having won four terms in a row to be the Odisha Chief Minister since the year 2000. His development efforts are part of the national folklore. Jagan Reddy, only 46 years old, is yet to taste power but is seen as the front-runner in an anti-incumbency mood against Andhra CM N Chandrababu Naidu's Telugu Desam Party (TDP). He announced last week he had no ill-will against the Congress, from which his party broke off, even as he maintains that he favours anyone who grants special status to Andhra under an arrangement made when Telangana was carved out. Jagan is perhaps the easiest for the BJP to woo since Naidu is already on the side of the anti-Modi alliance. KCR can be wooed in a desperate scenario. But Patnaik may be a harder nut to crack. It all depends on the exact break-up of the Lok Sabha that gets formed in the summer heat. Watch out in the coming days nice things to be said about these three gentlemen. They may be kingmakers, and they may even edge close to each other where the eventual verdict swings away from the current predictions. (This article was originally published on Zee News. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

After 2019 Lok Sabha elections, the kingmakers are likely to be from the south

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

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

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

PM Modi charges Congress with 'Tughlaq Road Chunav Ghotala'

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

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

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

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

India's general election begins with voting in first of seven phases

Pakistan's Premier Imran Khan has said he believes there may be a better chance of peace talks with India and settle the Kashmir issue if Prime Minister Narendra Modi's party BJP wins the general elections.

India Election Watch: Better chances for peace if Narendra Modi wins, says Imran Khan

Congress president Rahul Gandhi files his nomination papers for the Amethi Lok Sabha seat today and also hold a road show in the constituency.

India Election Watch: Rahul Gandhi files nomination from Amethi

PM Modi said in Gujarat rally that after Karnataka, MP has become an ATM for Congress.

India Election Watch: MP has become an ATM for Congress, says PM Modi

Phase 1 of Lok Sabha Election 2019 will be held on April 11, Thursday, on 91 seats and voters will be choosing their representatives from nearly 1,300 candidates.

India Election Watch: All you need to know about the First Phase of Voting

Rally roster for top leaders for April 10, 2019. Watch more to know.

India Election Watch: Rally roster for top leaders for April 10, 2019

The Election Commission of India on Wednesday stalled the release of PM Narendra Modi, a day before it was set to hit theatres.

India Election Watch: PM Modi's Biopic won't release during polls

Lakhimpur Lok Sabha constituency in north-eastern Assam assumes significance due to its strategic location and economic benefits it now promises&nbsp;to the people in the area.

It is well known for its valuable food resources including rice, tea and sugarcane, however, it was the inauguration of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/fighter-jets-can-land-on-indias-longest-rail-road-bridge-bogibeel-other-top-facts-186294">Bogibeel bridge with a </a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/fighter-jets-can-land-on-indias-longest-rail-road-bridge-bogibeel-other-top-facts-186294">rail-road</a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/fighter-jets-can-land-on-indias-longest-rail-road-bridge-bogibeel-other-top-facts-186294"> service</a> stretching from Lakhimpur to Dhemaji along the Brahmaputra which has not only changed the atmosphere around the area but it has assumed new political significance.

The importance of the constituency can be gauged from the fact that Rahul Gandhi has already toured the area and addressed a rally well ahead of the first phase polls on April 11th. The Congress president held an election rally on April 3rd in the Congress headquarters meant to boost the morale of the Congress workers.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-to-inaugurate-indias-longest-rail-road-bridge-today-186250">PM Modi who had&nbsp;inaugurated</a> the country's longest bridge back in December during his high profile visit to Guwahati sent out political vibes in the area, a factor which the BJP hopes to leverage on polling day. &nbsp;

Earlier, Lakhimpur district contained several areas of Arunachal Pradesh and Assam, however, it was separated from it gradually.

The flourishing district has been an Asom Gana Parishad(AGP) and Congress bastion since the constituency first went to the polls in 1967, however, in a significant shift the BJP under Sarbananda Sonowal had won from here during the Modi wave in 2014 upsetting the AGP-Congress applecart.

AGP this time has aligned with the BJP and decided not to field any&nbsp;candidate in the constituency due to its&nbsp;seat-sharing agreement.

BJP's Sonowal in 2014 had won the seat bagging over 6 lakh votes while beating his nearest Congress rival Ranee Narah quite easily who won just over 3 lakh votes.

This time the BJP has given the ticket to Pradan Baruah, while the Congress has decided to give Dr. Hema Hari Prasanna Pegu a chance to win back the seat.

CPM has decided to fight the seat under Amiya Kumar Handique's leadership and Socialist Unity Centre Of India(Communist) have given Hem Kanta Miri a ticket.

The Citizenship (Amendment) Bill is an important factor in this polls, with the Opposition parties counting on the anti-incumbency factor working against the BJP.

There are over nine lakh electorates in this constituency which hosts several small-scale and handloom factories. The Subansiri Lower Hydroelectric Project(SLHEP) is also being constructed in the area which will allow it to keep its development model chugging away.

The constituency has several new voters, at least 11,000 over the age of 18 who could prove to be the crucial gamechanger in this elections. The results to be declared on May 23rd would be keenly followed due to the economic boost the constituency could provide to the area and to its people.

Lakhimpur Lok Sabha constituency in north-eastern Assam assumes significance due to its strategic location and economic benefits it now promises to the people in the area.

Lakhimpur Lok Sabha constituency in north-eastern Assam assumes significance due to its strategic location and economic benefits it now promises to the people in the area. It is well known for its valuable food resources including rice, tea and sugarcane, however, it was the inauguration of the Bogibeel bridge with a rail-road service stretching from Lakhimpur to Dhemaji along the Brahmaputra which has not only changed the atmosphere around the area but it has assumed new political significance. The importance of the constituency can be gauged from the fact that Rahul Gandhi has already toured the area and addressed a rally well ahead of the first phase polls on April 11th. The Congress president held an election rally on April 3rd in the Congress headquarters meant to boost the morale of the Congress workers. PM Modi who had inaugurated the country's longest bridge back in December during his high profile visit to Guwahati sent out political vibes in the area, a factor which the BJP hopes to leverage on polling day. Earlier, Lakhimpur district contained several areas of Arunachal Pradesh and Assam, however, it was separated from it gradually. The flourishing district has been an Asom Gana Parishad(AGP) and Congress bastion since the constituency first went to the polls in 1967, however, in a significant shift the BJP under Sarbananda Sonowal had won from here during the Modi wave in 2014 upsetting the AGP-Congress applecart. AGP this time has aligned with the BJP and decided not to field any candidate in the constituency due to its seat-sharing agreement. BJP's Sonowal in 2014 had won the seat bagging over 6 lakh votes while beating his nearest Congress rival Ranee Narah quite easily who won just over 3 lakh votes. This time the BJP has given the ticket to Pradan Baruah, while the Congress has decided to give Dr. Hema Hari Prasanna Pegu a chance to win back the seat. CPM has decided to fight the seat under Amiya Kumar Handique's leadership and Socialist Unity Centre Of India(Communist) have given Hem Kanta Miri a ticket. The Citizenship (Amendment) Bill is an important factor in this polls, with the Opposition parties counting on the anti-incumbency factor working against the BJP. There are over nine lakh electorates in this constituency which hosts several small-scale and handloom factories. The Subansiri Lower Hydroelectric Project(SLHEP) is also being constructed in the area which will allow it to keep its development model chugging away. The constituency has several new voters, at least 11,000 over the age of 18 who could prove to be the crucial gamechanger in this elections. The results to be declared on May 23rd would be keenly followed due to the economic boost the constituency could provide to the area and to its people.

First phase polls: BJP counts on Bogibeel bridge to reassert control in Assam's Lakhimpur

Tomorrow is the first day of Lok Sabha elections 2019 of India. See how it is difficult to conduct voting in remote locations and how the preparedness is going on for tomorrow.

Preparedness started, How polling is a challenge in remote locations of India?

PM Modi campaigned in his home state of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-blowing-pakistans-trumpet-more-than-indias-modi-in-manipur-208624">Gujarat for the first time today </a>as he took a dig at the Congress over I-T raids on Madhya Pradesh chief minister Kamal Nath's aides.

"First, Karnataka was ATM for Congress, now Madhya Pradesh has also become an ATM, PM Modi said while taking a jibe at I-T raids on CM Kamal Nath's aides.&nbsp;

Speaking at the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/middle-class-has-always-suffered-under-congress-pm-modi-in-tripura-208537">rally in Junagarh in western Gujarat</a>, the Indian prime minister accused the Congress of looting money meant for the poor.

Junagadh will be going to the polls in the third phase on April 23rd. It is sixth largest city in Gujarat and an important industrial town. The BJP has won the parliamentary polls on the last two occasions from the city in 2014 and 2009.

"Congress used all abusive words in the dictionary against 'your son, your chowkidar', he said, adding," air strikes was against Pakistan, but affected Congress in India."

PM Modi accused the Congress of supporting those who want to separate J&amp;K from India and have a separate PM there.

"Sardar Patel resolved issues of princely states but one (Kashmir) was kept for Nehru and due to his bungling soldiers lost lives," he said.

In the last five years, I have brought them to doors of jail, if given the next five years, they will be inside, PM Modi said while targeting the Opposition.

PM Modi had addressed a poll rally in Latur, Maharashtra on Tuesday along with Shiv Sena president Uddhav Thackeray as both leaders lashed out at Pakistan. &nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;

PM Modi campaigned in his home state of Gujarat for the first time today as he took a dig at the Congress over I-T raids on Madhya Pradesh chief minister Kamal Nath's aides.

PM Modi campaigned in his home state of Gujarat for the first time today as he took a dig at the Congress over I-T raids on Madhya Pradesh chief minister Kamal Nath's aides. "First, Karnataka was ATM for Congress, now Madhya Pradesh has also become an ATM, PM Modi said while taking a jibe at I-T raids on CM Kamal Nath's aides. Speaking at the rally in Junagarh in western Gujarat, the Indian prime minister accused the Congress of looting money meant for the poor. Junagadh will be going to the polls in the third phase on April 23rd. It is sixth largest city in Gujarat and an important industrial town. The BJP has won the parliamentary polls on the last two occasions from the city in 2014 and 2009. "Congress used all abusive words in the dictionary against 'your son, your chowkidar', he said, adding," air strikes was against Pakistan, but affected Congress in India." PM Modi accused the Congress of supporting those who want to separate J&K from India and have a separate PM there. "Sardar Patel resolved issues of princely states but one (Kashmir) was kept for Nehru and due to his bungling soldiers lost lives," he said. In the last five years, I have brought them to doors of jail, if given the next five years, they will be inside, PM Modi said while targeting the Opposition. PM Modi had addressed a poll rally in Latur, Maharashtra on Tuesday along with Shiv Sena president Uddhav Thackeray as both leaders lashed out at Pakistan.

First, Karnataka, now Madhya Pradesh has become an ATM for Congress: PM Modi in Gujarat

The BJP’s vision document for the 2019 elections is a cocktail of the old and the new, as well as an assertion of certain narratives related to national security that have resonated with the people in recent months. The old has, among other things, its commitment to the construction of a Ram temple in Ayodhya in a lawful and harmonious manner. The new has a roadmap to make India a five-trillion-dollar economy, a massive push to infrastructure, further booster shots for the Make in India campaign, employment generation ideas and a more simplified Goods and Services Tax regime. But it is the party’s position on national security which stands out, primarily because both Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his senior party colleagues have made it a key election issue. The other reason is that the BJP’s commitment in the 'Sankalp Patra' on this subject contrasts sharply with that of the Congress’s promise in its manifesto.&nbsp;

The BJP’s stand on Article 370 and Article 35A, which are exclusive to Jammu &amp; Kashmir, have been known for long. But the underlining of its commitment to scrap the two provisions becomes especially important in an election season. The party seems to have come around to the view that one of the ways to effectively tackle the problems that the state keeps throwing up at regular intervals is to divest it of the special provisions which were supposed to have helped integrate it better with the rest of India. &nbsp;

The other reason for the BJP to give the issue prominence in its vision document was to put the Congress on the defensive. The Congress had in its manifesto promised to retain Article 370. It’s position on Article 35A too is that of maintaining the status quo. However, the popular perception nationwide seems to be veering towards a rethink on these provisions, and that fits well with the BJP’s overall nationalist agenda. &nbsp;

The BJP would be pleased with the response after it set the cat among the pigeons. Both the state’s leading parties, the National Conference and the Peoples Democratic Party have reacted strongly against the promise and warned that any tinkering with the two provisions would result in India losing hold over Kashmir. This is playing straight into the BJP’s hand since the party has for long been maintaining that these parties promote soft separatism and are not just reluctant to act against separatists but also back them when the Centre acts against them. There is more than a grain of truth in the BJP’s allegation, and taking the matter to the people helps the party burnish its nationalist credentials.&nbsp;

One may wonder if such strong statements do not harm the BJP’s prospects in Kashmir valley. The first fact is that the BJP has little electoral prospects in that region. The second fact is that there is a constituency beyond Kashmir in the state — Jammu, for instance, where the BJP has a strong presence and which would be more than satisfied with the party’s position on the issue. But even more importantly, there is the larger constituency beyond the state itself which aligns with the BJP’s thoughts on the matter and can help the party garner more seats nationally.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The 'Sankalp Patra' also promises to strengthen the country’s Armed Forces, have zero tolerance to terror, and continue to give a free hand to the forces to deal with terror. Read alongside the Congress manifesto which has spoken about reviewing the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, the BJP’s vision document virtually endorses AFSPA and leaves the issue to be decided in consultation with the Armed Forces. &nbsp;

In confirmation of its belligerent stand on anti-national activities, the vision document does not, as the Congress manifesto does, speak of scrapping the sedition law. Here it’s important to note that the vision document commits the party to “taking necessary and effective steps against Left-wing extremism to eliminate this menace in the next five years”. The connection cannot be missed, given that many Maoist sympathisers have been in recent months facing the heat for their support to Left-wing extremism, and the cry for charges of sedition to be slapped against them have grown from Right-wing elements.&nbsp;

The BJP’s aggressive stance, which has been reflected in the Sankalp Patra, should not surprise those who have been following the party’s election campaign. Led by Prime Minister Modi, it has made nationalism and national security, apart from development, the fulcrum of its poll narrative. The Congress has willy nilly extended a helping hand by its soft attitude, with senior Union Minister Arun Jaitely quipping that the BJP’s vision document had not been crafted by any 'tukde-tukde' group. The party clearly believes that it has the upper hand when it comes to keeping the focus on national security and nationalism.&nbsp;

&nbsp; (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.) &nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The BJP’s vision document for the 2019 elections is a cocktail of the old and the new, as well as an assertion of certain narratives related to national security that have resonated with the people in recent months.

The BJP’s vision document for the 2019 elections is a cocktail of the old and the new, as well as an assertion of certain narratives related to national security that have resonated with the people in recent months. The old has, among other things, its commitment to the construction of a Ram temple in Ayodhya in a lawful and harmonious manner. The new has a roadmap to make India a five-trillion-dollar economy, a massive push to infrastructure, further booster shots for the Make in India campaign, employment generation ideas and a more simplified Goods and Services Tax regime. But it is the party’s position on national security which stands out, primarily because both Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his senior party colleagues have made it a key election issue. The other reason is that the BJP’s commitment in the 'Sankalp Patra' on this subject contrasts sharply with that of the Congress’s promise in its manifesto. The BJP’s stand on Article 370 and Article 35A, which are exclusive to Jammu & Kashmir, have been known for long. But the underlining of its commitment to scrap the two provisions becomes especially important in an election season. The party seems to have come around to the view that one of the ways to effectively tackle the problems that the state keeps throwing up at regular intervals is to divest it of the special provisions which were supposed to have helped integrate it better with the rest of India. The other reason for the BJP to give the issue prominence in its vision document was to put the Congress on the defensive. The Congress had in its manifesto promised to retain Article 370. It’s position on Article 35A too is that of maintaining the status quo. However, the popular perception nationwide seems to be veering towards a rethink on these provisions, and that fits well with the BJP’s overall nationalist agenda. The BJP would be pleased with the response after it set the cat among the pigeons. Both the state’s leading parties, the National Conference and the Peoples Democratic Party have reacted strongly against the promise and warned that any tinkering with the two provisions would result in India losing hold over Kashmir. This is playing straight into the BJP’s hand since the party has for long been maintaining that these parties promote soft separatism and are not just reluctant to act against separatists but also back them when the Centre acts against them. There is more than a grain of truth in the BJP’s allegation, and taking the matter to the people helps the party burnish its nationalist credentials. One may wonder if such strong statements do not harm the BJP’s prospects in Kashmir valley. The first fact is that the BJP has little electoral prospects in that region. The second fact is that there is a constituency beyond Kashmir in the state — Jammu, for instance, where the BJP has a strong presence and which would be more than satisfied with the party’s position on the issue. But even more importantly, there is the larger constituency beyond the state itself which aligns with the BJP’s thoughts on the matter and can help the party garner more seats nationally. The 'Sankalp Patra' also promises to strengthen the country’s Armed Forces, have zero tolerance to terror, and continue to give a free hand to the forces to deal with terror. Read alongside the Congress manifesto which has spoken about reviewing the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, the BJP’s vision document virtually endorses AFSPA and leaves the issue to be decided in consultation with the Armed Forces. In confirmation of its belligerent stand on anti-national activities, the vision document does not, as the Congress manifesto does, speak of scrapping the sedition law. Here it’s important to note that the vision document commits the party to “taking necessary and effective steps against Left-wing extremism to eliminate this menace in the next five years”. The connection cannot be missed, given that many Maoist sympathisers have been in recent months facing the heat for their support to Left-wing extremism, and the cry for charges of sedition to be slapped against them have grown from Right-wing elements. The BJP’s aggressive stance, which has been reflected in the Sankalp Patra, should not surprise those who have been following the party’s election campaign. Led by Prime Minister Modi, it has made nationalism and national security, apart from development, the fulcrum of its poll narrative. The Congress has willy nilly extended a helping hand by its soft attitude, with senior Union Minister Arun Jaitely quipping that the BJP’s vision document had not been crafted by any 'tukde-tukde' group. The party clearly believes that it has the upper hand when it comes to keeping the focus on national security and nationalism. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

National security BJP's 'sankalp' as party manifesto vows to repeal Articles 370 & 35A, end left-wing extremism

PM Modi and Shiv Sena president Uddhav Thackeray addressed a poll rally in Latur in Maharashtra on Tuesday as both leaders lashed out at Pakistan.

"Had pre-Independence Congress leaders acted wisely, 'this Pakistan' would not have been created, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/nationalism-our-inspiration-good-governance-our-mantra-says-pm-modi-as-bjp-unveils-election-manifesto-208728">PM Modi said at the rally</a>, adding, "Congress is responsible for the creation of Pakistan."

"Congress manifesto and Pakistan speak same language on Kashmir-related issues,"&nbsp;the PM said.

Latur will be voting in the second phase of elections on April 18th.

The prime minister told the people present at the venue that one of the key aims of his government was to rid India of Naxals.

"Those who talk of a separate prime minister and secession of J&amp;K are the ones on whom the nation had trusted once. The country can now understand who governed J&amp;K for decades, and who they actually served. The thoughts in their hearts are now in the open."

"Congress and NCP are now standing with those who advocate for a separate PM in J&amp;K. Sharad Pawarji, you are standing with such people! The country has no expectations with the Congress party but Sharadji&nbsp;you? Does it suit you?&nbsp;he asked.

"How much evidence do Congress leaders want to prove India downed Pak aircraft,"&nbsp;the prime minister asked. 
&nbsp; 
"We didn't talk of air strike in the&nbsp;manifesto, but carried it out when warranted,"&nbsp;he said.

"Can your first vote be dedicated to those who carried out air strike,"&nbsp;PM Modi asked the first-time voters.

Speaking at the event, Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray said: "Deal Pak such a blow that nothing of it remains."

PM Modi and Shiv Sena president Uddhav Thackeray addressed a poll rally in Latur in Maharashtra on Tuesday as both leaders lashed out at Pakistan. "Had pre-Independence Congress leaders acted wisely, 'this Pakistan' would not have been created, PM Modi said at the rally, adding, "Congress is responsible for the creation of Pakistan.

PM Modi and Shiv Sena president Uddhav Thackeray addressed a poll rally in Latur in Maharashtra on Tuesday as both leaders lashed out at Pakistan. "Had pre-Independence Congress leaders acted wisely, 'this Pakistan' would not have been created, PM Modi said at the rally, adding, "Congress is responsible for the creation of Pakistan." "Congress manifesto and Pakistan speak same language on Kashmir-related issues," the PM said. Latur will be voting in the second phase of elections on April 18th. The prime minister told the people present at the venue that one of the key aims of his government was to rid India of Naxals. "Those who talk of a separate prime minister and secession of J&K are the ones on whom the nation had trusted once. The country can now understand who governed J&K for decades, and who they actually served. The thoughts in their hearts are now in the open." "Congress and NCP are now standing with those who advocate for a separate PM in J&K. Sharad Pawarji, you are standing with such people! The country has no expectations with the Congress party but Sharadji you? Does it suit you? he asked. "How much evidence do Congress leaders want to prove India downed Pak aircraft," the prime minister asked. "We didn't talk of air strike in the manifesto, but carried it out when warranted," he said. "Can your first vote be dedicated to those who carried out air strike," PM Modi asked the first-time voters. Speaking at the event, Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray said: "Deal Pak such a blow that nothing of it remains."

Congress manifesto, Pak speak same language on Kashmir-related issues, says PM Modi in Latur

A BJP leader and four&nbsp;policemen were killed on Tuesday when the Naxals attacked a convoy in Chhattisgarh's Dantewada.

The incident occurred at Shyamgiri hills when the BJP MLA Bheema Mandavi's convoy was heading towards Kuwakonda from Bacheli area.

The Naxalites blew up a vehicle in the convoy with an IED and opened indiscriminate fire at the occupants. The police confirmed that the BJP leader and policemen were killed in the attack.

It comes just two days before voting for Lok Sabha elections in Chhattisgarh. The state will go to polls in the first three phases - April 11, 18 and 23 for its 11 parliamentary constituencies. The Maoists have given a call for a boycott of the elections.

"All the killed security personnel are from District Reserve Group," said an official. The District Reserve Group is a locally raised force vested with battling Maoists.
<img alt="Naxal" data-align="center" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e55e8eeb-4dff-4420-be4a-7e6aab861c2f" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/IMG-20190409-WA0012%281%29.jpg" />
Bheema Mandavi was the lone Bharatiya Janata Party MLA from Bastar region which accounts for 12 Assembly seats.&nbsp;
<img alt="naxal" data-align="center" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0810d6b0-9dcc-4dc3-937a-92032738598c" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/IMG-20190409-WA0017.jpg" />
State police and paramilitary forces have intensified anti-Naxal operations ahead of the polls.

Security forces have been rushed to the area.

A BJP leader and four policemen were killed on Tuesday when the Naxals attacked a convoy in Chhattisgarh's Dantewada. The incident occurred at Shyamgiri hills when the BJP MLA Bheema Mandavi's convoy was heading towards Kuwakonda from Bacheli area.

A BJP leader and four policemen were killed on Tuesday when the Naxals attacked a convoy in Chhattisgarh's Dantewada. The incident occurred at Shyamgiri hills when the BJP MLA Bheema Mandavi's convoy was heading towards Kuwakonda from Bacheli area. The Naxalites blew up a vehicle in the convoy with an IED and opened indiscriminate fire at the occupants. The police confirmed that the BJP leader and policemen were killed in the attack. It comes just two days before voting for Lok Sabha elections in Chhattisgarh. The state will go to polls in the first three phases - April 11, 18 and 23 for its 11 parliamentary constituencies. The Maoists have given a call for a boycott of the elections. "All the killed security personnel are from District Reserve Group," said an official. The District Reserve Group is a locally raised force vested with battling Maoists. Bheema Mandavi was the lone Bharatiya Janata Party MLA from Bastar region which accounts for 12 Assembly seats. State police and paramilitary forces have intensified anti-Naxal operations ahead of the polls. Security forces have been rushed to the area.

Dantewada: BJP MLA Bheema Mandavi, four security personnel killed in Naxal attack

In a scathing criticism of the BJP's manifesto for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls, Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday said it was the voice of "an isolated man", besides being "short-sighted" and "arrogant".

The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) released its manifesto for the high-stakes general election starting April 11 on Monday, promising to implement the NRC in different parts of the country to push out infiltrators and zero tolerance to terror while reiterating its pet causes -- construction of the Ram temple in Ayodhya and scrapping of Articles 370 and 35A, dealing with Jammu and Kashmir's special status.

"The Congress manifesto was created through discussion. The voice of over a million Indian people it is wise and powerful," Gandhi said in a tweet.

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The Congress manifesto was created through discussion. The voice of over a million Indian people it is wise and powerful. 
 
The BJP Manifesto was created in a closed room. The voice of an isolated man, it is short sighted and arrogant.
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) <a href="https://twitter.com/RahulGandhi/status/1115452958332915717?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 9, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"The BJP Manifesto was created in a closed room. The voice of an isolated man, it is short-sighted and arrogant," he added.

The Congress had dubbed the BJP's election manifesto a "Jhansa Patra" (deception document) and a "bubble of lies" on Monday and said it would have been better had the BJP had issued a "maafinama" (apology letter ) instead.

In a scathing criticism of the BJP's manifesto for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls, Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday said it was the voice of "an isolated man", besides being "short-sighted" and "arrogant".

In a scathing criticism of the BJP's manifesto for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls, Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday said it was the voice of "an isolated man", besides being "short-sighted" and "arrogant". The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) released its manifesto for the high-stakes general election starting April 11 on Monday, promising to implement the NRC in different parts of the country to push out infiltrators and zero tolerance to terror while reiterating its pet causes -- construction of the Ram temple in Ayodhya and scrapping of Articles 370 and 35A, dealing with Jammu and Kashmir's special status. "The Congress manifesto was created through discussion. The voice of over a million Indian people it is wise and powerful," Gandhi said in a tweet. The Congress manifesto was created through discussion. The voice of over a million Indian people it is wise and powerful. The BJP Manifesto was created in a closed room. The voice of an isolated man, it is short sighted and arrogant. — Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) April 9, 2019 × "The BJP Manifesto was created in a closed room. The voice of an isolated man, it is short-sighted and arrogant," he added. The Congress had dubbed the BJP's election manifesto a "Jhansa Patra" (deception document) and a "bubble of lies" on Monday and said it would have been better had the BJP had issued a "maafinama" (apology letter ) instead.

BJP's poll manifesto voice of an isolated man: Rahul Gandhi

The green valley of Koraput located in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/first-phase-lok-sabha-polls-after-pm-modis-rally-bjp-eyes-cooch-behar-in-west-bengal-208675">southern Odisha with over</a> one crore electorates will go to the polls in the first phase on April 11th. It has been a BJD-Congress bastion for decades, however, the BJP hopes to change the equation after PM Modi kicked off his eastern campaign on March 29th from the home of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and NALCO.&nbsp;

Rahul Gandhi had already held a rally at Koraput on March 8th aiming to win back the constituency annexed by the Biju Janata Dal(BJD) MP Jhina Hikaka in 2014. The BJP has never won from this seat.

While addressing the rally, PM Modi said: "It is for the people to decide how they want themselves to be governed in the coming years because even after decades of rule by parties like the Congress and BJD, the potential of the state of Odisha is greatly under-utilised.” Clearly, the prime minister pitched his party against the might of the ruling BJD and Congress.

Koraput, a reserved&nbsp;ST category constituency, is one of the 21 in&nbsp;Odisha which will witness a four-way fight between the BJD, Congress, BJP and BSP each jostling to win over the voter.

The ruling BJD had won this seat in the 2009 Lok Sabha polls as well with the Congress winning in 2004 and 1999 respectively. In fact, the Congress has won this seat successively from 1957 to 2004 when it dislodged by the Naveen Patnaik's BJD.

This time the BJD has appointed Jhina Hikaka's wife Kausalya to fight the polls in keeping with its policy of giving seats to women. Former BJD MP Jayaram Pangi will be taking on the ruling BJD in the constituency. He had earlier won the seat in 2004.

The BJP is hoping to grab votes of the dominant Kondhs to which Pangi belongs. The Kondh community comprises of over 40 per cent of the population. The BJP is also hoping that the anti-incumbency factor works in its favour.

Another factor the BJP is trying to exploit is the Saura factor. The Sura tribe which is the second largest voter in Koraput is expected to swayed by political heavyweight Giridhar Gamang, former Congress leader who joined the party two years ago. The former chief minister of Odisha Giridhar Gamang had finished runner-up in both 2009 and 2004 Lok Sabha elections when he fought for the Congress.

Local issues like the lack of implementation of MLAD funds has riled voters in Koraput which could play out against the BJD.

The Congress party has pitched Saptagiri Sankar Ulaka to take on the BJP and BJD in this constituency. It is widely expected that it will eventually come down to a triangular fight between Kausalya Hakka, Jayaram Pangi and Saptagiri Sankar Ulaka in the end.

Although the BJP has expressed confidence in Pangi with PM Modi giving him his blessings during the poll rally, however, the strength of the ruling BJD in the constituency cannot be discounted, also the fact that the Congress has always been a strong&nbsp;contender would mean a close fight is on the cards.&nbsp;

The results to be declared on May 23rd will reveal the leader of the pack, watch this space.

The green valley of Koraput located in southern Odisha with over one crore electorates will go to the polls in the first phase on April 11th. It has been a BJD-Congress bastion for decades, however, the BJP hopes to change the equation after PM Modi kicked off his eastern campaign on March 29th from the home of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and NALCO.

The green valley of Koraput located in southern Odisha with over one crore electorates will go to the polls in the first phase on April 11th. It has been a BJD-Congress bastion for decades, however, the BJP hopes to change the equation after PM Modi kicked off his eastern campaign on March 29th from the home of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and NALCO. Rahul Gandhi had already held a rally at Koraput on March 8th aiming to win back the constituency annexed by the Biju Janata Dal(BJD) MP Jhina Hikaka in 2014. The BJP has never won from this seat. While addressing the rally, PM Modi said: "It is for the people to decide how they want themselves to be governed in the coming years because even after decades of rule by parties like the Congress and BJD, the potential of the state of Odisha is greatly under-utilised.” Clearly, the prime minister pitched his party against the might of the ruling BJD and Congress. Koraput, a reserved ST category constituency, is one of the 21 in Odisha which will witness a four-way fight between the BJD, Congress, BJP and BSP each jostling to win over the voter. The ruling BJD had won this seat in the 2009 Lok Sabha polls as well with the Congress winning in 2004 and 1999 respectively. In fact, the Congress has won this seat successively from 1957 to 2004 when it dislodged by the Naveen Patnaik's BJD. This time the BJD has appointed Jhina Hikaka's wife Kausalya to fight the polls in keeping with its policy of giving seats to women. Former BJD MP Jayaram Pangi will be taking on the ruling BJD in the constituency. He had earlier won the seat in 2004. The BJP is hoping to grab votes of the dominant Kondhs to which Pangi belongs. The Kondh community comprises of over 40 per cent of the population. The BJP is also hoping that the anti-incumbency factor works in its favour. Another factor the BJP is trying to exploit is the Saura factor. The Sura tribe which is the second largest voter in Koraput is expected to swayed by political heavyweight Giridhar Gamang, former Congress leader who joined the party two years ago. The former chief minister of Odisha Giridhar Gamang had finished runner-up in both 2009 and 2004 Lok Sabha elections when he fought for the Congress. Local issues like the lack of implementation of MLAD funds has riled voters in Koraput which could play out against the BJD. The Congress party has pitched Saptagiri Sankar Ulaka to take on the BJP and BJD in this constituency. It is widely expected that it will eventually come down to a triangular fight between Kausalya Hakka, Jayaram Pangi and Saptagiri Sankar Ulaka in the end. Although the BJP has expressed confidence in Pangi with PM Modi giving him his blessings during the poll rally, however, the strength of the ruling BJD in the constituency cannot be discounted, also the fact that the Congress has always been a strong contender would mean a close fight is on the cards. The results to be declared on May 23rd will reveal the leader of the pack, watch this space.

First phase polls: BJD, BJP, Congress in fierce fight in Odisha's Koraput

Curtains were drawn on the high voltage electioneering on Tuesday evening for Odisha's four Lok Sabha and 28 Assembly seats, including several naxal-hit areas, where polling is slated to be held in the first phase on April 11.

A galaxy of high profile leaders of all major political parties including BJP, Congress and Biju Janata Dal (BJD) undertook whirlwind tours of the constituencies, mostly in south Odisha, to bolster the prospects of their candidates at the hustings.

Spearheading the campaign for BJP, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and party President Amit Shah crisscrossed the poll-bound segments addressing a host of election rallies in a bid to arm the saffron party with extra strength.

Balloting in Kalahandi, Nabarangapur, Berhampur and Koraput Lok Sabha seats and 28 Assembly segments coming under these four parliamentary constituencies will be held on April 11.

A battery of other leaders also hit the campaign trail to give steam to the BJP campaign. They included Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Jharkhand Chief Minister Raghubar Das, former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and many Union Ministers.

Virtually camping in the state was Union Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, who hails from Odisha, as BJP made all out efforts to put up a formidable challenge to the BJD, which has been in power since 2000.

The Congress campaign, on the other hand, was led single-handedly by party president Rahul Gandhi who attended poll rallies in places like Koraput and Bhawanipatna besides holding special interactions with women and others. Gandhi was joined by senior leaders including Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhepesh Baghel and Odisha Congress chief Niranjan Patnaik.

For the ruling BJD, party president and Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, seeking a fifth term this time, geared up and undertook extensive tours of the poll-bound areas.

Besides trading charges, the national parties like Congress and BJP hit out at the BJD government in the state accusing it of having failed to ensure development in the state despite being in power for 19 years. The BJD, on its part, accused both BJP and Congress of meting out step-motherly approach towards Odisha.

Candidates left no stone unturned to woo voters by holding large rallies, street corner meetings and road shows.

As the cacophony of electioneering fell silent at 5 pm, the candidates and their supporters readied for engaging in inter-personal canvassing.

The first phase polling will decide the electoral fate of 26 candidates, including many heavyweights, who are in the fray in four Lok Sabha seats, while there are 191 candidates in 28 Assembly seats. The state has 21 Lok Sabha and 147 Assembly seats.

Trying his luck at the hustings is Congress stalwart and former Union Minister Bhakta Charan Das who is crossing swords with BJP state unit president Basant Panda and BJD heavyweight and former state minister Pushpendra Singhdeo in Kalahandi Lok Sabha constituency.

Similarly, former Union Minister Chandra Sekhar Sahu is in the fray from Berhampur Lok Sabha seat where BJP has fielded its state unit general secretary Bhrugu Baxipatra.

State minister Ramesh Majhi is locking horns as a BJD nominee with state Congress working president and former MP Pradip Majhi in tribal-dominated Nabarangpur Lok Sabha seat.

Assembly election will witness high profile contest in several seats in the first phase with state minister S N Patro contesting from Digapahandi, Congress chief whip Tara Prasad Bahinipati from Jeypore and former minister Pradeep Panigrahi from Gopalpur.

The Election Commission, security forces including state Police and other officials have taken necessary steps to ensure free, fair and peaceful conduct of elections, an official said.

B K Sharma, who is DGP In-charge, said police has geared up to face challenges in to ensure peaceful conduct of elections in Maoist-affected areas many of which go to polls in the first phase.

Similarly, officials in-charge of polling duty along with security personnel have been mobilised to make arrangements for the polls in these constituencies.

More than 60 lakh voters are eligible to exercise their franchise in the first phase of polling to be held in 7,233 booths, the official said.&nbsp;

Curtains were drawn on the high voltage electioneering on Tuesday evening for Odisha's four Lok Sabha and 28 Assembly seats, including several naxal-hit areas, where polling is slated to be held in the first phase on April 11.

Curtains were drawn on the high voltage electioneering on Tuesday evening for Odisha's four Lok Sabha and 28 Assembly seats, including several naxal-hit areas, where polling is slated to be held in the first phase on April 11. A galaxy of high profile leaders of all major political parties including BJP, Congress and Biju Janata Dal (BJD) undertook whirlwind tours of the constituencies, mostly in south Odisha, to bolster the prospects of their candidates at the hustings. Spearheading the campaign for BJP, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and party President Amit Shah crisscrossed the poll-bound segments addressing a host of election rallies in a bid to arm the saffron party with extra strength. Balloting in Kalahandi, Nabarangapur, Berhampur and Koraput Lok Sabha seats and 28 Assembly segments coming under these four parliamentary constituencies will be held on April 11. A battery of other leaders also hit the campaign trail to give steam to the BJP campaign. They included Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Jharkhand Chief Minister Raghubar Das, former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and many Union Ministers. Virtually camping in the state was Union Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, who hails from Odisha, as BJP made all out efforts to put up a formidable challenge to the BJD, which has been in power since 2000. The Congress campaign, on the other hand, was led single-handedly by party president Rahul Gandhi who attended poll rallies in places like Koraput and Bhawanipatna besides holding special interactions with women and others. Gandhi was joined by senior leaders including Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhepesh Baghel and Odisha Congress chief Niranjan Patnaik. For the ruling BJD, party president and Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, seeking a fifth term this time, geared up and undertook extensive tours of the poll-bound areas. Besides trading charges, the national parties like Congress and BJP hit out at the BJD government in the state accusing it of having failed to ensure development in the state despite being in power for 19 years. The BJD, on its part, accused both BJP and Congress of meting out step-motherly approach towards Odisha. Candidates left no stone unturned to woo voters by holding large rallies, street corner meetings and road shows. As the cacophony of electioneering fell silent at 5 pm, the candidates and their supporters readied for engaging in inter-personal canvassing. The first phase polling will decide the electoral fate of 26 candidates, including many heavyweights, who are in the fray in four Lok Sabha seats, while there are 191 candidates in 28 Assembly seats. The state has 21 Lok Sabha and 147 Assembly seats. Trying his luck at the hustings is Congress stalwart and former Union Minister Bhakta Charan Das who is crossing swords with BJP state unit president Basant Panda and BJD heavyweight and former state minister Pushpendra Singhdeo in Kalahandi Lok Sabha constituency. Similarly, former Union Minister Chandra Sekhar Sahu is in the fray from Berhampur Lok Sabha seat where BJP has fielded its state unit general secretary Bhrugu Baxipatra. State minister Ramesh Majhi is locking horns as a BJD nominee with state Congress working president and former MP Pradip Majhi in tribal-dominated Nabarangpur Lok Sabha seat. Assembly election will witness high profile contest in several seats in the first phase with state minister S N Patro contesting from Digapahandi, Congress chief whip Tara Prasad Bahinipati from Jeypore and former minister Pradeep Panigrahi from Gopalpur. The Election Commission, security forces including state Police and other officials have taken necessary steps to ensure free, fair and peaceful conduct of elections, an official said. B K Sharma, who is DGP In-charge, said police has geared up to face challenges in to ensure peaceful conduct of elections in Maoist-affected areas many of which go to polls in the first phase. Similarly, officials in-charge of polling duty along with security personnel have been mobilised to make arrangements for the polls in these constituencies. More than 60 lakh voters are eligible to exercise their franchise in the first phase of polling to be held in 7,233 booths, the official said.

Lok Sabha polls 2019: High voltage campaigning for first phase election ends

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

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

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

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

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India Election Watch; 08th April, 2019

Watch the complete story on the relations of Israel and India before and after PM Narendra Modi.

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PM Modi and Uddhav Thackeray last shared the dais in Mumbai in December 2016 at a function to lay the foundation stone of the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj memorial off the Arabian Sea.

PM Modi & Uddhav Thackeray to share stage after 28 months at Osmanabad today

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is addressing a rally at Latur in Maharashtra. From Maharashtra the Prime Minister will move to Karnataka where he will address two rallies in Chitradurga and Mysuru. Prime Minister is also scheduled to address a public meeting at Coimbatore in Tamil Nadu in the evening.

PM Modi will address rallies in three states today

In a bid to reach out to voters, especially the young one, the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the opposition BJP in West Bengal have extended their fight to the social media with innovative ideas and catchy jingles.

Dedicated teams comprising hundreds of volunteers are slogging away to ensure that the "Jumla metre" and "Pradhan mantri hisab do" campaign of the Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the "Main Bhi Chowkidar" music video of the BJP reach their target audience.

From coming out with Web series to catchy online songs to campaigns, both the parties are looking at making optimal use of social media platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, WhatsApp and Instagram, besides traditional emails and SMS.

Attacking the BJP and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the TMC has launched a Web series "Pradhan Mantri Hisab Do" (Prime Minister, answer this).

In this campaign, the party is releasing a short video everyday on Twitter and Facebook comparing the "failure" of Modi government and "success" of Mamata Banerjee-led TMC government in West Bengal in a particular field.

The TMC have also come out with a "Jumla meter" on its website showing whether or not claims made by the BJP especially on governance issues in West Bengal, are true.

"Both Pradhan Mantri Hisab Do and Jumla meter have become hugely popular among netizens. We have also taken steps so that each episode of Pradhan Mantri Hisab Do goes viral. We are trying reach out to our target audience - youths and first time voters," a senior TMC leader said.

According to the Election Commission, West Bengal has 20.1 lakh first time voters, the maximum among the states in the coming Lok Sabha elections.

The BJP, on the other hand, has made the music video of "Main Bhi Chowkidar" campaign viral on social media.

The Facebook page of the saffron party's West Bengal unit live streams all the public meetings of Modi and party president Amit Shah.

"We have a trained cadre base with presence down to the booth level to use the social media. We also have a huge network of volunteers. We are highlighting the failures of the TMC government and the pro-people policies of the BJP," senior BJP leader Sayantan Basu said.

The TMC has trained over 40,000 youths on the use of social media under the stewardship of Abhishek Banerjee, the party's youth wing president and nephew of Mamata Banerjee.

"We have one social media team for each constituency and its job is to air speeches of our party candidates via Facebook Live. We also organise Facebook chats," Col (retd) Dipatanshu Chowdhury, who is a joint convenor of the TMC's Media cell, said.

The party has also set up a team to monitor media content, fake news and trolls from district level to booth level, said a member of the TMC's Social Media IT cell.

The party has also created more than 10,000 WhatsApp groups to spread its message to the people.

The BJP West Bengal unit has also set up a core team of around 100 professionals, who have revamped social media presence of the party in the state.

The BJP has also created WhatsApp groups at various levels to create public opinion on local issues, Basu said.

The top leaders of both the TMC and the BJP are regular users of social media.

Mamata Banerjee, TMC's national spokesperson Derek O' Brien and Abhishek Banerjee are quite active on Twitter and Facebook.

The chief minister has around 2.9 million followers on Facebook and 3.25 million followers on Twitter.

Besides Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Shah, Union minister Babul Supriyo who is BJP candidate from Asansol, is one of the most popular faces of the party on social media.

In a bid to reach out to voters, especially the young one, the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the opposition BJP in West Bengal have extended their fight to the social media with innovative ideas and catchy jingles.

In a bid to reach out to voters, especially the young one, the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the opposition BJP in West Bengal have extended their fight to the social media with innovative ideas and catchy jingles. Dedicated teams comprising hundreds of volunteers are slogging away to ensure that the "Jumla metre" and "Pradhan mantri hisab do" campaign of the Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the "Main Bhi Chowkidar" music video of the BJP reach their target audience. From coming out with Web series to catchy online songs to campaigns, both the parties are looking at making optimal use of social media platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, WhatsApp and Instagram, besides traditional emails and SMS. Attacking the BJP and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the TMC has launched a Web series "Pradhan Mantri Hisab Do" (Prime Minister, answer this). In this campaign, the party is releasing a short video everyday on Twitter and Facebook comparing the "failure" of Modi government and "success" of Mamata Banerjee-led TMC government in West Bengal in a particular field. The TMC have also come out with a "Jumla meter" on its website showing whether or not claims made by the BJP especially on governance issues in West Bengal, are true. "Both Pradhan Mantri Hisab Do and Jumla meter have become hugely popular among netizens. We have also taken steps so that each episode of Pradhan Mantri Hisab Do goes viral. We are trying reach out to our target audience - youths and first time voters," a senior TMC leader said. According to the Election Commission, West Bengal has 20.1 lakh first time voters, the maximum among the states in the coming Lok Sabha elections. The BJP, on the other hand, has made the music video of "Main Bhi Chowkidar" campaign viral on social media. The Facebook page of the saffron party's West Bengal unit live streams all the public meetings of Modi and party president Amit Shah. "We have a trained cadre base with presence down to the booth level to use the social media. We also have a huge network of volunteers. We are highlighting the failures of the TMC government and the pro-people policies of the BJP," senior BJP leader Sayantan Basu said. The TMC has trained over 40,000 youths on the use of social media under the stewardship of Abhishek Banerjee, the party's youth wing president and nephew of Mamata Banerjee. "We have one social media team for each constituency and its job is to air speeches of our party candidates via Facebook Live. We also organise Facebook chats," Col (retd) Dipatanshu Chowdhury, who is a joint convenor of the TMC's Media cell, said. The party has also set up a team to monitor media content, fake news and trolls from district level to booth level, said a member of the TMC's Social Media IT cell. The party has also created more than 10,000 WhatsApp groups to spread its message to the people. The BJP West Bengal unit has also set up a core team of around 100 professionals, who have revamped social media presence of the party in the state. The BJP has also created WhatsApp groups at various levels to create public opinion on local issues, Basu said. The top leaders of both the TMC and the BJP are regular users of social media. Mamata Banerjee, TMC's national spokesperson Derek O' Brien and Abhishek Banerjee are quite active on Twitter and Facebook. The chief minister has around 2.9 million followers on Facebook and 3.25 million followers on Twitter. Besides Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Shah, Union minister Babul Supriyo who is BJP candidate from Asansol, is one of the most popular faces of the party on social media.

Web series vs music video: Trinamool Congress, BJP fight it out on social media

It's 'Phir Ek Baar Modi Sarkar' Vs 'Ab Hoga NYAY'

National Conference president Farooq Abdullah on Monday said abrogating Article 370 of the Constitution will pave the way for "freedom" for people of Jammu and Kashmir and asked the BJP to try joining the hearts and not breaking them.

Abdullah's remarks come on the day BJP released its manifesto for the Lok Sabha polls in which the party reiterated its commitment to scrap Article 370, which grants special status to Jammu and Kashmir.

The party also resolved to annul Article 35A of the Constitution, which bars people from outside to own property in Jammu and Kashmir.

"They talk of abrogating Article 370. If you do that, the accession will also not stand. I swear by Allah, I think this is the wish of Almighty, we will get freedom from them," Abdullah, who is contesting the Lok Sabha polls from Srinagar constituency, said at an election rally here.

The former chief minister said there would not be anyone to hoist the national flag in Kashmir if Article 370 is abrogated.

"Let them do it, we will see. I will see who is ready to hoist their flag here. So don't do such things that break our hearts. Try joining the hearts, not breaking them," he said.&nbsp;

Launching a scathing attack on the BJP leadership, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Abdullah said, "When you do an election rally do speak a few words of love for Jammu and Kashmir."

"Yes, we are a Muslim majority state and there is no doubt about that. Try as much as you want but you can't change it. You think by removing Article 35A, you will usurp our rights. Will we take this lying down? We will fight it," he added.

The NC president said the special residency laws were brought in by then Maharaja of Jammu and Kashmir, Hari Singh, in 1927 as a safeguard for Dogras so that their numbers were not diluted by influx of population from other parts of India.

"Do you know what is Article 35A? It gives you (people of state) the right to this place. Nobody from outside can buy land here or apply for jobs. This was kept by Maharaja Hari Singh in 1927 so that the population of Dogras does not fall. It was not as much for us as much for them (Dogras). What do they want? Will they bring people from outside and settle them here to dilute our numbers?" he asked.

NC vice president Omar Abdullah used the BJP manifesto to hit out at Governor Satya Pal Malik.

"Recently J&amp;K Governor claimed there was no threat to Art 370 &amp; 35-A and that parties like mine were only using them to drum up fear in the elections. I hope his colleagues in the BJP send him a copy of their manifesto," he tweeted.&nbsp;

National Conference president Farooq Abdullah on Monday said abrogating Article 370 of the Constitution will pave the way for "freedom" for people of Jammu and Kashmir and asked the BJP to try joining the hearts and not breaking them.

National Conference president Farooq Abdullah on Monday said abrogating Article 370 of the Constitution will pave the way for "freedom" for people of Jammu and Kashmir and asked the BJP to try joining the hearts and not breaking them. Abdullah's remarks come on the day BJP released its manifesto for the Lok Sabha polls in which the party reiterated its commitment to scrap Article 370, which grants special status to Jammu and Kashmir. The party also resolved to annul Article 35A of the Constitution, which bars people from outside to own property in Jammu and Kashmir. "They talk of abrogating Article 370. If you do that, the accession will also not stand. I swear by Allah, I think this is the wish of Almighty, we will get freedom from them," Abdullah, who is contesting the Lok Sabha polls from Srinagar constituency, said at an election rally here. The former chief minister said there would not be anyone to hoist the national flag in Kashmir if Article 370 is abrogated. "Let them do it, we will see. I will see who is ready to hoist their flag here. So don't do such things that break our hearts. Try joining the hearts, not breaking them," he said. Launching a scathing attack on the BJP leadership, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Abdullah said, "When you do an election rally do speak a few words of love for Jammu and Kashmir." "Yes, we are a Muslim majority state and there is no doubt about that. Try as much as you want but you can't change it. You think by removing Article 35A, you will usurp our rights. Will we take this lying down? We will fight it," he added. The NC president said the special residency laws were brought in by then Maharaja of Jammu and Kashmir, Hari Singh, in 1927 as a safeguard for Dogras so that their numbers were not diluted by influx of population from other parts of India. "Do you know what is Article 35A? It gives you (people of state) the right to this place. Nobody from outside can buy land here or apply for jobs. This was kept by Maharaja Hari Singh in 1927 so that the population of Dogras does not fall. It was not as much for us as much for them (Dogras). What do they want? Will they bring people from outside and settle them here to dilute our numbers?" he asked. NC vice president Omar Abdullah used the BJP manifesto to hit out at Governor Satya Pal Malik. "Recently J&K Governor claimed there was no threat to Art 370 & 35-A and that parties like mine were only using them to drum up fear in the elections. I hope his colleagues in the BJP send him a copy of their manifesto," he tweeted.

Abrogating Article 370 will pave way for 'freedom' for people of J&K: Farooq Abdullah

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