<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/modis-main-bhi-chowkidar-campaign-hollow-rhetoric-shatrughan-sinha-204739">BJP leader Shatrughan Sinha</a> who was widely speculated to be leaving the party will join the Congress.&nbsp;

Shakti Singh Gohil, Congress in-charge of Bihar said: "Shatrughan Sinha has decided that he will join the Congress party and will work as our star leader and star campaigner."&nbsp;

The former actor had a long association with the BJP. He was the shipping and health and family welfare minister during former prime minister Vajpayee's regime. He won <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/shatrughan-joins-opposition-leaders-at-kolkata-rally-says-not-afraid-if-bjp-removes-him-191463">the Patna Sahib Lok Sabha seat </a>in 2009 and then again during the BJP wave under Narendra Modi in 2014.

Sinha fell out of favour with the BJP after he began criticising the leadership of the BJP and was sidelined by the party in the last few years. BJP snubbed him recently while handing out the Lok Sabha ticket to Union minister Ravi Shankar Prasad.

Congress hasn't officially stated that it would give the ticket to Sinha for the Patna Sahib seat with Gohil announcing that the former Bollywood star will be a "star leader and star campaigner".

On Wednesday, Sinha tweeted saying: "Father figure, most revered, learned, friend, philosopher, guide, guru &amp; ultimate leader of the Bhartiya Janta Party, Shri. L.K.Advani has been shown the door/royal exit from the electoral politics without his consent &amp; permission (as he was to be part of the decision makers."

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Father figure, most revered, learned, friend, philosopher, guide, guru &amp; ultimate leader of the Bhartiya Janta Party, Shri. L.K.Advani has been shown the door/royal exit from the electoral politics without his consent &amp; permission (as he was to be part of the decision makers
— Shatrughan Sinha (@ShatruganSinha) <a href="https://twitter.com/ShatruganSinha/status/1110911307321143297?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 27, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"It has come as a rude shock &amp; that too at this juncture of his illustrious political career, though it was only expected in this autocratic rule of 1 man show &amp; 2 men army. This action &nbsp;is not only disgraceful, in very poor taste &amp; disappointing."

"For a man of the standing &amp; stature of Shri. L.K.Advani &amp; for other veterans like Shri. Murli Manohar Joshi &amp; Shri.Shanta Kumar also...totally humiliating!" he added.

 
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BJP leader Shatrughan Sinha who was widely speculated to be leaving the party will join the Congress. Shakti Singh Gohil, Congress in-charge of Bihar said: "Shatrughan Sinha has decided that he will join the Congress party and will work as our star leader and star campaigner.

BJP leader Shatrughan Sinha who was widely speculated to be leaving the party will join the Congress. Shakti Singh Gohil, Congress in-charge of Bihar said: "Shatrughan Sinha has decided that he will join the Congress party and will work as our star leader and star campaigner." The former actor had a long association with the BJP. He was the shipping and health and family welfare minister during former prime minister Vajpayee's regime. He won the Patna Sahib Lok Sabha seat in 2009 and then again during the BJP wave under Narendra Modi in 2014. Sinha fell out of favour with the BJP after he began criticising the leadership of the BJP and was sidelined by the party in the last few years. BJP snubbed him recently while handing out the Lok Sabha ticket to Union minister Ravi Shankar Prasad. Congress hasn't officially stated that it would give the ticket to Sinha for the Patna Sahib seat with Gohil announcing that the former Bollywood star will be a "star leader and star campaigner". On Wednesday, Sinha tweeted saying: "Father figure, most revered, learned, friend, philosopher, guide, guru & ultimate leader of the Bhartiya Janta Party, Shri. L.K.Advani has been shown the door/royal exit from the electoral politics without his consent & permission (as he was to be part of the decision makers." Father figure, most revered, learned, friend, philosopher, guide, guru & ultimate leader of the Bhartiya Janta Party, Shri. L.K.Advani has been shown the door/royal exit from the electoral politics without his consent & permission (as he was to be part of the decision makers — Shatrughan Sinha (@ShatruganSinha) March 27, 2019 × "It has come as a rude shock & that too at this juncture of his illustrious political career, though it was only expected in this autocratic rule of 1 man show & 2 men army. This action is not only disgraceful, in very poor taste & disappointing." "For a man of the standing & stature of Shri. L.K.Advani & for other veterans like Shri. Murli Manohar Joshi & Shri.Shanta Kumar also...totally humiliating!" he added.

Shatrughan Sinha to join Congress, will be 'star leader and star campaigner': Shakti Singh Gohil

Rebel BJP MP Shatrughan Sinha to join Congress today

Prime Minister Narendra Modi embarked on another one of his campaign blitzkriegs today. He is currently speaking in Uttar Pradesh's Meerut, after which he will take in two more states — Uttarakhand and Jammu and Kashmir — on Thursday itself.&nbsp;

"Five years ago, when I sought your blessings, you gave me a lot of love," Modi said in Meerut.&nbsp;

"I had said that I will return the blessings and the love with interest, and I had also said that I will give account of the work that I have done," he added.&nbsp;

Modi then said that he would give his "hisab", but added that he would also ask others for theirs.&nbsp;

"Apna hisab doonga, saath saath doosra ka hisab bhi lunga. Ye dono kaam saath saath chalne waale hain. Tabhi to hoga hisab barabar (I will give my account, but will also ask others for theirs. Both will be done together. Only then will accounts be settled)," he said.&nbsp;

"Aur aap to jaante hain main chowkidaar hu. Aur chowkidaar kabhi nainsaafi nahi karta hai (You know that I am Chowkidar. And Chowkidar will never do injustice)," he said&nbsp;

"Hisab hoga, sabka hoga, aur baari baari se hoga (The accounts will be settled, one by one)," he added.&nbsp;

Modi also made mention of Mission Shakti, in which India shot down a satellite in space on Wednesday.&nbsp;

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PM Narendra Modi at a public rally in Meerut: Zameen ho, aasmaan ho, ya fir antriksh, surgical strike ka saahas aapke isi chowkidaar ki sarkaar ne dikhaya pic.twitter.com/W2TK0Q7OvG
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"Whether on the ground, the sky, or space, only Chowkidar has the courage to conduct a surgical strike," he said.&nbsp;

Modi will next speak in Rudrapur.&nbsp;

India will go to the polls on April 11 next month. Voting will be carried out over seven phases and will continue up to May 19.&nbsp;

The results will be out on May 23.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi embarked on another one of his campaign blitzkriegs today. He is currently speaking in Uttar Pradesh's Meerut, after which he will take in two more states — Uttarakhand and Jammu and Kashmir — on Thursday itself.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi embarked on another one of his campaign blitzkriegs today. He is currently speaking in Uttar Pradesh's Meerut, after which he will take in two more states — Uttarakhand and Jammu and Kashmir — on Thursday itself. "Five years ago, when I sought your blessings, you gave me a lot of love," Modi said in Meerut. "I had said that I will return the blessings and the love with interest, and I had also said that I will give account of the work that I have done," he added. Modi then said that he would give his "hisab", but added that he would also ask others for theirs. "Apna hisab doonga, saath saath doosra ka hisab bhi lunga. Ye dono kaam saath saath chalne waale hain. Tabhi to hoga hisab barabar (I will give my account, but will also ask others for theirs. Both will be done together. Only then will accounts be settled)," he said. "Aur aap to jaante hain main chowkidaar hu. Aur chowkidaar kabhi nainsaafi nahi karta hai (You know that I am Chowkidar. And Chowkidar will never do injustice)," he said "Hisab hoga, sabka hoga, aur baari baari se hoga (The accounts will be settled, one by one)," he added. Modi also made mention of Mission Shakti, in which India shot down a satellite in space on Wednesday. PM Narendra Modi at a public rally in Meerut: Zameen ho, aasmaan ho, ya fir antriksh, surgical strike ka saahas aapke isi chowkidaar ki sarkaar ne dikhaya pic.twitter.com/W2TK0Q7OvG — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) March 28, 2019 × "Whether on the ground, the sky, or space, only Chowkidar has the courage to conduct a surgical strike," he said. Modi will next speak in Rudrapur. India will go to the polls on April 11 next month. Voting will be carried out over seven phases and will continue up to May 19. The results will be out on May 23.

Will give account of last 5 years, but will also ask others for theirs: PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP president Amit Shah are all set to kick-start the party's campaign in Bengal ahead of the first phase of elections scheduled to be held on April 11, 2019.

The party has set a target of at least 23 of the total 42 Lok Sabha seats in the state and the top leadership is leaving no stone unturned to boost the morale of the state unit and reach out to the masses.

According to the BJP's state unit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will campaign in the state on April 3. He will hold two public rallies on the day. The first rally will be held in North Bengal's Siliguri — part of the Darjeeling constituency — at 1pm and later hold another public meeting in Kolkata at the Brigade Parade Grounds at 3pm.

Brigade Parade Grounds is a significant venue for this is where Trinamool Congress supremo Mamata Banerjee held her first Mahagathbandhan meeting on January 19 early this year.

BJP president Amit Shah will hold two public meetings on March 30 ahead of the first phase of elections.

Shah's first meeting will be held at Cooch Behar and the second at Raigunj in North Dinajpur – both North Bengal districts.

He will return to Bengal again for a second time on April 2 and hold a public meeting at Jalpaiguri.

Sources in the state unit say the party is also trying to rope in Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP president Amit Shah are all set to kick-start the party's campaign in Bengal ahead of the first phase of elections scheduled to be held on April 11, 2019.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP president Amit Shah are all set to kick-start the party's campaign in Bengal ahead of the first phase of elections scheduled to be held on April 11, 2019. The party has set a target of at least 23 of the total 42 Lok Sabha seats in the state and the top leadership is leaving no stone unturned to boost the morale of the state unit and reach out to the masses. According to the BJP's state unit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will campaign in the state on April 3. He will hold two public rallies on the day. The first rally will be held in North Bengal's Siliguri — part of the Darjeeling constituency — at 1pm and later hold another public meeting in Kolkata at the Brigade Parade Grounds at 3pm. Brigade Parade Grounds is a significant venue for this is where Trinamool Congress supremo Mamata Banerjee held her first Mahagathbandhan meeting on January 19 early this year. BJP president Amit Shah will hold two public meetings on March 30 ahead of the first phase of elections. Shah's first meeting will be held at Cooch Behar and the second at Raigunj in North Dinajpur – both North Bengal districts. He will return to Bengal again for a second time on April 2 and hold a public meeting at Jalpaiguri. Sources in the state unit say the party is also trying to rope in Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.

Lok Sabha polls 2019: Modi, Amit Shah to kick-start BJP campaign in Bengal

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra renewed Congress pitch on agriculture and jobs as Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation&nbsp;on successful ASAT mission carried out by the DRDO scientists.&nbsp;

Though Priyanka Gandhi congratulated the scientists, she made it a point to mention that it was established by India’s first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/my-final-goal-is-the-2022-assembly-elections-in-uttar-pradesh-priyanka-gandhi-vadra-196999">Priyanka Gandhi who is on</a> a three-day visit to Amethi&nbsp;also countered BJP’s narrative that Congress perpetuates poverty for electoral end.&nbsp;

“Lot of work has been done. I’m not saying that all the work has been done but progress has also happened under Congress rule,” said Priyanka Gandhi.

The UP east general secretary attacked the ruling dispensation on the ground that the Modi government failed on the employment front. Priyanka also attacked the BJP on agricultural distress and charged the government for rising seed and fertilizer prices.&nbsp;

“Farmers are in debt. The issue is that there is gross unemployment. Young people are unemployed, and I see them everywhere,” said Priyanka Gandhi. She said that the economy is in shambles and of public importance must be discussed during Lok Sabha elections.

When asked a question on whether she would like to contest Lok Sabha elections, she said, "Why not. I would like to contest the elections if my party asks me to do so.” Though she added that she would like to focus on the organization and said that now she is a full-time politician.&nbsp;

Priyanka Gandhi is on a three-day visit to Uttar Pradesh. On March 28th, she will be in Ayodhya where she will be visiting the famous Hanumangarhi temple. She is also expected to do a roadshow in the city.

When asked whether she would visit Ram Lala Virajman, she remained non-committal and said that she would go to places visited by her brother Rahul Gandhi.

Priyanka Gandhi also held a nine-hour long meeting with booth workers of Amethi at Musafirkhana. She asked the booth workers to ensure that booths are not unattended and BJP’s failures must be highlighted.&nbsp;

Amethi is Congress president Rahul Gandhi’s constituency. BJP has again fielded Union Cabinet Minister Smriti Irani against Rahul.&nbsp;

In 2014, the winning margin of Rahul Gandhi had declined. Priyanka will be conducting a similar meeting with booth workers on Thursday in Rae Bareilly from where her mother Sonia Gandhi is contesting elections. &nbsp;

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra renewed Congress pitch on agriculture and jobs as Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation on successful ASAT mission carried out by the DRDO scientists.

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra renewed Congress pitch on agriculture and jobs as Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation on successful ASAT mission carried out by the DRDO scientists. Though Priyanka Gandhi congratulated the scientists, she made it a point to mention that it was established by India’s first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru. Priyanka Gandhi who is on a three-day visit to Amethi also countered BJP’s narrative that Congress perpetuates poverty for electoral end. “Lot of work has been done. I’m not saying that all the work has been done but progress has also happened under Congress rule,” said Priyanka Gandhi. The UP east general secretary attacked the ruling dispensation on the ground that the Modi government failed on the employment front. Priyanka also attacked the BJP on agricultural distress and charged the government for rising seed and fertilizer prices. “Farmers are in debt. The issue is that there is gross unemployment. Young people are unemployed, and I see them everywhere,” said Priyanka Gandhi. She said that the economy is in shambles and of public importance must be discussed during Lok Sabha elections. When asked a question on whether she would like to contest Lok Sabha elections, she said, "Why not. I would like to contest the elections if my party asks me to do so.” Though she added that she would like to focus on the organization and said that now she is a full-time politician. Priyanka Gandhi is on a three-day visit to Uttar Pradesh. On March 28th, she will be in Ayodhya where she will be visiting the famous Hanumangarhi temple. She is also expected to do a roadshow in the city. When asked whether she would visit Ram Lala Virajman, she remained non-committal and said that she would go to places visited by her brother Rahul Gandhi. Priyanka Gandhi also held a nine-hour long meeting with booth workers of Amethi at Musafirkhana. She asked the booth workers to ensure that booths are not unattended and BJP’s failures must be highlighted. Amethi is Congress president Rahul Gandhi’s constituency. BJP has again fielded Union Cabinet Minister Smriti Irani against Rahul. In 2014, the winning margin of Rahul Gandhi had declined. Priyanka will be conducting a similar meeting with booth workers on Thursday in Rae Bareilly from where her mother Sonia Gandhi is contesting elections.

Priyanka renews agrarian pitch for Congress in Lok Sabha elections

Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel's father Nand Kumar Baghel on Monday expressed his willingness to contest the upcoming Lok Sabha elections against Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Nand Kumar Baghel is not a member of any political party. Addressing reporters outside the Congress headquarters here, he said, "I want to contest election against Prime Minister Narendra Modi. If Congress gives me a ticket, I will contest to defeat him and make Rahul Gandhi the next Prime Minister of India."

Terming Prime Minister as "dictator", he said, "He (Modi) has made false promises to the country. Congress should field me against him."

"Congress party should not ally with regional parties and if the alliance happens, it should happen only on condition that Rahul Gandhi will be the next Prime Minister," he added.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is once again set to contest general elections from Varanasi Lok Sabha constituency, the seat from which he won in 2014 polls.

The Lok Sabha elections are scheduled to be conducted in seven phases. The counting of votes will be done on May 23.&nbsp;

Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel's father Nand Kumar Baghel on Monday expressed his willingness to contest the upcoming Lok Sabha elections against Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel's father Nand Kumar Baghel on Monday expressed his willingness to contest the upcoming Lok Sabha elections against Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Nand Kumar Baghel is not a member of any political party. Addressing reporters outside the Congress headquarters here, he said, "I want to contest election against Prime Minister Narendra Modi. If Congress gives me a ticket, I will contest to defeat him and make Rahul Gandhi the next Prime Minister of India." Terming Prime Minister as "dictator", he said, "He (Modi) has made false promises to the country. Congress should field me against him." "Congress party should not ally with regional parties and if the alliance happens, it should happen only on condition that Rahul Gandhi will be the next Prime Minister," he added. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is once again set to contest general elections from Varanasi Lok Sabha constituency, the seat from which he won in 2014 polls. The Lok Sabha elections are scheduled to be conducted in seven phases. The counting of votes will be done on May 23.

Lok Sabha polls: Chhattisgarh CM's father wishes to contest against PM Modi

In a surprise move, the BJP Tuesday fielded party's youth wing leader Tejaswi Surya from its bastion of Bangalore South from where the widow of union minister Ananth Kumar, a six-time MP from this prestigious Lok Sabha constituency, was denied the ticket.

Ending the suspense with just hours left for the deadline for filing of nominations for the first phase of polls in Karnataka, the BJP central leadership announced past midnight last night the name of 28-year-old Surya, a lawyer and a member of the party's national social media campaign team.&nbsp;

Surya is the general secretary of Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha(BJYM), the youth wing of the BJP.

It was widely expected that the BJP would field Tejaswini given her active participation in scripting her husband's victories from the seat six times, but Surya emerged as the dark horse. Surya filed his nomination papers Tuesday.

The Karnataka BJP core committee had proposed only Tejaswini's name, according to Padmanabhanagar MLA and former deputy chief minister R Ashok.

Tejaswini was also confident about fighting the poll on BJP ticket and had been preparing for it and had started a door-to-door campaign.

She said the party decision came as a shock to her and all of her supporters but maintained that it is very important to show that the BJP was a party with a difference.

"OMG OMG!!! I can't believe this. PM of world's largest democracy &amp; President of largest political party has reposed faith in a 28 yr old guy to represent them in a constituency as prestigious as B'lore South. This can happen only in my BJP," Surya tweeted, reacting to the announcement. 
"Tejaswini Ji has given her blessings".

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OMG OMG!!! I can't believe this. 
PM of world's largest democracy &amp; President of largest political party have reposed faith in a 28 yr old guy to represent them in a constituency as prestigious as B'lore South. This can happen only in my BJP. Only in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NewIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NewIndia</a> of <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a>
— Chowkidar Tejasvi Surya (@Tejasvi_Surya) <a href="https://twitter.com/Tejasvi_Surya/status/1110289883887656960?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 25, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The reason behind projecting Surya, said BJP sources, was to build a second line of young and talented leaders who can lead the party.

Counted for his oratorical skills, Surya was involved in strengthening the party base in the city as well as in coastal Karnataka, especially around Mangaluru and Udupi, the BJP strongholds.

He will take on Congress Rajya Sabha member B K Hariprasad.

The party apparently plumped for Surya who is from the RSS stable.&nbsp;

Besides being a part of the BJP social media campaign team, he heads the party's state IT cell.

A BJP veteran, Ananth Kumar, who died last year after battling cancer, represented Bangalore South for six terms and had defeated IT czar Nandan Nilekani in the 2014 polls.

"It's Tejaswi and not Tejaswini!" the Twitterati reacted, as the BJP central leadership sprang a surprise for the Bangalore South seat.

Following the denial of ticket to Tejaswini, her loyalists made a bee-line to her house.

A group of her supporters shouted slogans, saying she should have been given the ticket.

Tejaswini, however, insisted that she remained loyal to the party and she accepted their decision to ensure 'NaMo Again'.

"I urge all the BJP karyakartas, friends and well-wishers who are anxious and upset &amp; still visiting our house in large numbers, time to show we are a party with a difference. We are all committed to tread the path of ideology. And work for #NamoAgain2019," she said in a tweet.

Later talking to reporters here, she said there can be some sense of dissatisfaction because things did not happen according to one's beliefs. 
"It is but natural. But above all is the decision of the party... I have been telling my party workers, whatever the party has decided will remain binding on me. Nation first, party next and my interests come last," she added.

Tejaswini, an aerospace engineer, runs an NGO Adamya Chetana in memory of her mother-in-law Girija Shastry, a staunch RSS loyalist, who was active in politics as the member of Bharatiya Jan Sangh, the earlier avatar of BJP. 
Active in public life through the NGO, Tejaswini had worked as a scientist at Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) between 1993-1997 and also on the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA - Tejas) project.

During her student days, she was very active in Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) and has also served as its state Joint Secretary and the National executive member.

Highly politically conscious Bangalore South has remained an anti-Congress pocket since 1977, barring once when former late chief minister and a Congress stalwart R Gundu Rao won the 1989 polls.

Bangalore South has eight assembly segments, with BJP holding five and Congress three after the 2018 assembly polls in Karnataka.

True to its cosmopolitan nature, the constituency has a considerable share of Brahmin, Vokkaliga and Muslim voters and a mix of upper and middle-class voters.

The constituency was under the hold of the erstwhile Janata Party after the 1977, 1980 and 1984 general elections and from 1991-2014 in successive parliamentary polls the BJP has maintained its grip, mostly with Ananth Kumar, who first got elected to the Lok Sabha in 1996.

In a surprise move, the BJP Tuesday fielded party's youth wing leader Tejaswi Surya from its bastion of Bangalore South from where the widow of union minister Ananth Kumar, a six-time MP from this prestigious Lok Sabha constituency, was denied the ticket.

In a surprise move, the BJP Tuesday fielded party's youth wing leader Tejaswi Surya from its bastion of Bangalore South from where the widow of union minister Ananth Kumar, a six-time MP from this prestigious Lok Sabha constituency, was denied the ticket. Ending the suspense with just hours left for the deadline for filing of nominations for the first phase of polls in Karnataka, the BJP central leadership announced past midnight last night the name of 28-year-old Surya, a lawyer and a member of the party's national social media campaign team. Surya is the general secretary of Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha(BJYM), the youth wing of the BJP. It was widely expected that the BJP would field Tejaswini given her active participation in scripting her husband's victories from the seat six times, but Surya emerged as the dark horse. Surya filed his nomination papers Tuesday. The Karnataka BJP core committee had proposed only Tejaswini's name, according to Padmanabhanagar MLA and former deputy chief minister R Ashok. Tejaswini was also confident about fighting the poll on BJP ticket and had been preparing for it and had started a door-to-door campaign. She said the party decision came as a shock to her and all of her supporters but maintained that it is very important to show that the BJP was a party with a difference. "OMG OMG!!! I can't believe this. PM of world's largest democracy & President of largest political party has reposed faith in a 28 yr old guy to represent them in a constituency as prestigious as B'lore South. This can happen only in my BJP," Surya tweeted, reacting to the announcement. "Tejaswini Ji has given her blessings". OMG OMG!!! I can't believe this. PM of world's largest democracy & President of largest political party have reposed faith in a 28 yr old guy to represent them in a constituency as prestigious as B'lore South. This can happen only in my BJP. Only in #NewIndia of @narendramodi — Chowkidar Tejasvi Surya (@Tejasvi_Surya) March 25, 2019 × The reason behind projecting Surya, said BJP sources, was to build a second line of young and talented leaders who can lead the party. Counted for his oratorical skills, Surya was involved in strengthening the party base in the city as well as in coastal Karnataka, especially around Mangaluru and Udupi, the BJP strongholds. He will take on Congress Rajya Sabha member B K Hariprasad. The party apparently plumped for Surya who is from the RSS stable. Besides being a part of the BJP social media campaign team, he heads the party's state IT cell. A BJP veteran, Ananth Kumar, who died last year after battling cancer, represented Bangalore South for six terms and had defeated IT czar Nandan Nilekani in the 2014 polls. "It's Tejaswi and not Tejaswini!" the Twitterati reacted, as the BJP central leadership sprang a surprise for the Bangalore South seat. Following the denial of ticket to Tejaswini, her loyalists made a bee-line to her house. A group of her supporters shouted slogans, saying she should have been given the ticket. Tejaswini, however, insisted that she remained loyal to the party and she accepted their decision to ensure 'NaMo Again'. "I urge all the BJP karyakartas, friends and well-wishers who are anxious and upset & still visiting our house in large numbers, time to show we are a party with a difference. We are all committed to tread the path of ideology. And work for #NamoAgain2019," she said in a tweet. Later talking to reporters here, she said there can be some sense of dissatisfaction because things did not happen according to one's beliefs. "It is but natural. But above all is the decision of the party... I have been telling my party workers, whatever the party has decided will remain binding on me. Nation first, party next and my interests come last," she added. Tejaswini, an aerospace engineer, runs an NGO Adamya Chetana in memory of her mother-in-law Girija Shastry, a staunch RSS loyalist, who was active in politics as the member of Bharatiya Jan Sangh, the earlier avatar of BJP. Active in public life through the NGO, Tejaswini had worked as a scientist at Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) between 1993-1997 and also on the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA - Tejas) project. During her student days, she was very active in Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) and has also served as its state Joint Secretary and the National executive member. Highly politically conscious Bangalore South has remained an anti-Congress pocket since 1977, barring once when former late chief minister and a Congress stalwart R Gundu Rao won the 1989 polls. Bangalore South has eight assembly segments, with BJP holding five and Congress three after the 2018 assembly polls in Karnataka. True to its cosmopolitan nature, the constituency has a considerable share of Brahmin, Vokkaliga and Muslim voters and a mix of upper and middle-class voters. The constituency was under the hold of the erstwhile Janata Party after the 1977, 1980 and 1984 general elections and from 1991-2014 in successive parliamentary polls the BJP has maintained its grip, mostly with Ananth Kumar, who first got elected to the Lok Sabha in 1996.

Tejasvi Surya: 28-year-old lawyer, BJP’s surprise pick over late Ananth Kumar’s wife for Bengaluru South seat

Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday stated that he is pretty sure of another term for Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Singh, in middle of his statement, got caught in a poetic frenzy and said, "Chowkidar is not a chor, he is pure and another term for him is sure".&nbsp;

Earlier this month, Prime Minister Narendra Modi changed his Twitter handle to '<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-changes-name-on-twitter-to-chowkidar-narendra-modi-amit-shah-piyush-goyal-follow-suit-203811">Chowkidar' Narendra Modi</a>. Scores of BJP bigwigs, including party president Amit Shah and Railway Minister Piyush Goyal, followed suit.&nbsp;

"Your Chowkidar is standing firm &amp; serving the nation," Modi had tweeted on.&nbsp;

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Union Minister &amp; BJP leader Rajnath Singh at a public rally in Delhi: Chowkidar chorr nahi, Chowkidar pure hai. Chowkidar ka dobara PM banana sure hai, desh ki samasyaon ka woh hi cure hai. <a href="https://t.co/5hcvCV6M96">pic.twitter.com/5hcvCV6M96</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1110433156560310274?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 26, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"But, I am not alone," he said. "Everyone who is fighting corruption, dirt, social evils is a Chowkidar. Everyone working hard for the progress of India is a Chowkidar."&nbsp;

"Today, every Indian is saying-#MainBhiChowkidar," he added.&nbsp;

The Prime Minister had first referred to himself as the chowkidar (watchman) of the nation in the run-up to the 2014 general elections. "Na khaoonga, na khaane doonga (I will not be corrupt, I will not let others be corrupt)," he had said then. &nbsp;

On March 16, Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged his supporters to take the 'main bhai chowkidar' (I too am watchman) pledge, saying he is not alone in the fight against graft and social evils.

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Your Chowkidar is standing firm &amp; serving the nation. 
 
But, I am not alone. 
 
Everyone who is fighting corruption, dirt, social evils is a Chowkidar. 
 
Everyone working hard for the progress of India is a Chowkidar. 
 
Today, every Indian is saying-<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MainBhiChowkidar?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MainBhiChowkidar</a>
— Chowkidar Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1106759555315314689?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 16, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"Your Chowkidar is standing firm and serving the nation. But, I am not alone. Everyone who is fighting corruption, dirt, social evils is a Chowkidar. Everyone working hard for the progress of India is a Chowkidar. Today, every Indian is saying-#MainBhiChowkidar," he wrote on Twitter.

He also posted a three-minute long video to drive home his message.

PM Modi has often described himself as a "chowkidar" by the opposition.

Congress president Rahul Gandhi has been repeatedly hurling the "chowkidar chor hai" (watchman is the thief) jibe at the Prime Minister to claim irregularities and favouritism in the Rafale fighter jet deal, a charge the BJP-led government has rejected.

Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday stated that he is pretty sure of another term for Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Singh, in middle of his statement, got caught in a poetic frenzy and said, "Chowkidar is not a chor, he is pure and another term for him is sure".

Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday stated that he is pretty sure of another term for Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Singh, in middle of his statement, got caught in a poetic frenzy and said, "Chowkidar is not a chor, he is pure and another term for him is sure". Earlier this month, Prime Minister Narendra Modi changed his Twitter handle to 'Chowkidar' Narendra Modi. Scores of BJP bigwigs, including party president Amit Shah and Railway Minister Piyush Goyal, followed suit. "Your Chowkidar is standing firm & serving the nation," Modi had tweeted on. Union Minister & BJP leader Rajnath Singh at a public rally in Delhi: Chowkidar chorr nahi, Chowkidar pure hai. Chowkidar ka dobara PM banana sure hai, desh ki samasyaon ka woh hi cure hai. pic.twitter.com/5hcvCV6M96 — ANI (@ANI) March 26, 2019 × "But, I am not alone," he said. "Everyone who is fighting corruption, dirt, social evils is a Chowkidar. Everyone working hard for the progress of India is a Chowkidar." "Today, every Indian is saying-#MainBhiChowkidar," he added. The Prime Minister had first referred to himself as the chowkidar (watchman) of the nation in the run-up to the 2014 general elections. "Na khaoonga, na khaane doonga (I will not be corrupt, I will not let others be corrupt)," he had said then. On March 16, Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged his supporters to take the 'main bhai chowkidar' (I too am watchman) pledge, saying he is not alone in the fight against graft and social evils. Your Chowkidar is standing firm & serving the nation. But, I am not alone. Everyone who is fighting corruption, dirt, social evils is a Chowkidar. Everyone working hard for the progress of India is a Chowkidar. Today, every Indian is saying-#MainBhiChowkidar — Chowkidar Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 16, 2019 × "Your Chowkidar is standing firm and serving the nation. But, I am not alone. Everyone who is fighting corruption, dirt, social evils is a Chowkidar. Everyone working hard for the progress of India is a Chowkidar. Today, every Indian is saying-#MainBhiChowkidar," he wrote on Twitter. He also posted a three-minute long video to drive home his message. PM Modi has often described himself as a "chowkidar" by the opposition. Congress president Rahul Gandhi has been repeatedly hurling the "chowkidar chor hai" (watchman is the thief) jibe at the Prime Minister to claim irregularities and favouritism in the Rafale fighter jet deal, a charge the BJP-led government has rejected.

Chowkidar is pure, another term for him is sure: Rajnath Singh goes poetic on Modi

Veteran actress Jaya Prada joins BJP, may contest from Rampur

Veteran actor <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jaya-prada-says-azam-khan-reminds-her-of-padmaavats-khilji-35299">Jaya Prada</a> has joined the BJP.

The announcement was made in Delhi.&nbsp;The news agency PTI meanwhile reported that the BJP is expected to field Jaya Prada from Uttar Pradesh's Rampur constituency.&nbsp;

Jaya Prada has won twice from Rampur, but on a Samajwadi Party ticket.&nbsp;

Jaya Prada was a close associate of the former Samajwadi Party leader and Rajya Sabha MP Amar Singh.&nbsp;

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Delhi: Veteran actor and former MP Jaya Prada joins Bharatiya Janata Party. <a href="https://t.co/vmZD3H1PSL">pic.twitter.com/vmZD3H1PSL</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1110447108933459968?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 26, 2019</a></blockquote>
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If fielded from Rampur, Jaya Prada will take on senior SP leader Azam Khan.&nbsp;

(With inputs from PTI)

Veteran actor Jaya Prada has joined the BJP. The announcement was made in Delhi. The news agency PTI meanwhile reported that the BJP is expected to field Jaya Prada from Uttar Pradesh's Rampur constituency.

Veteran actor Jaya Prada has joined the BJP. The announcement was made in Delhi. The news agency PTI meanwhile reported that the BJP is expected to field Jaya Prada from Uttar Pradesh's Rampur constituency. Jaya Prada has won twice from Rampur, but on a Samajwadi Party ticket. Jaya Prada was a close associate of the former Samajwadi Party leader and Rajya Sabha MP Amar Singh. Delhi: Veteran actor and former MP Jaya Prada joins Bharatiya Janata Party. pic.twitter.com/vmZD3H1PSL — ANI (@ANI) March 26, 2019 × If fielded from Rampur, Jaya Prada will take on senior SP leader Azam Khan. (With inputs from PTI)

Veteran actor, former MP Jaya Prada joins the BJP

The Bharatiya Janata Party on Tuesday&nbsp;released its list of star campaigners for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls.&nbsp;

According to reports, BJP's star campaigners include Prime Minister Narendra Modi, party chief Amit Shah along with union ministers like Rajnath Singh, Nitin Gadkari, Arun Jaitley, Sushma Swaraj.&nbsp;

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BJP has released list of star campaigners for <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LokSabhaElections2019?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LokSabhaElections2019</a> for UP. PM Narendra Modi, Amit Shah, Rajnath Singh, Nitin Gadkari, Arun Jaitley, Sushma Swaraj, Uma Bharti feature on the list. Names of LK Advani &amp; Murli Manohar Joshi missing from the list 40 star campaigners
— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANINewsUP/status/1110374857169166338?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 26, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Interestingly, the party has kept out some of the tallest party leaders and political bigwigs like LK Advani and Murli Manohar Joshi out from its list of 40 star campaigners.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, the party is all set to launch its <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bjp-to-kick-off-campaign-blitz-in-bihar-as-poll-heat-picks-up-205646">Lok Sabha election campaign in Bihar</a>.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Bihar on July 2, party sources said on Monday. He is expected to address election rallies in Jamui and Gaya.

Before PM's visit, party chief Amit Shah is scheduled to visit Bihar on March 29.

(With inputs from ANI)&nbsp;

The Bharatiya Janata Party on Tuesday released its list of star campaigners for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls. According to reports, BJP's star campaigners include Prime Minister Narendra Modi, party chief Amit Shah along with union ministers like Rajnath Singh, Nitin Gadkari, Arun Jaitley, Sushma Swaraj.

The Bharatiya Janata Party on Tuesday released its list of star campaigners for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls. According to reports, BJP's star campaigners include Prime Minister Narendra Modi, party chief Amit Shah along with union ministers like Rajnath Singh, Nitin Gadkari, Arun Jaitley, Sushma Swaraj. BJP has released list of star campaigners for #LokSabhaElections2019 for UP. PM Narendra Modi, Amit Shah, Rajnath Singh, Nitin Gadkari, Arun Jaitley, Sushma Swaraj, Uma Bharti feature on the list. Names of LK Advani & Murli Manohar Joshi missing from the list 40 star campaigners — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) March 26, 2019 × Interestingly, the party has kept out some of the tallest party leaders and political bigwigs like LK Advani and Murli Manohar Joshi out from its list of 40 star campaigners. Meanwhile, the party is all set to launch its Lok Sabha election campaign in Bihar. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Bihar on July 2, party sources said on Monday. He is expected to address election rallies in Jamui and Gaya. Before PM's visit, party chief Amit Shah is scheduled to visit Bihar on March 29. (With inputs from ANI)

Lok Sabha polls: BJP's list of star campaigners skips Advani, Murli Manohar Joshi

The Bharatiya Janata Party has asked former BJP president and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-polls-bjps-list-of-star-campaigners-skips-advani-murli-manohar-joshi-205654">Lok Sabha MP Murli Manohar</a> Joshi not to contest the upcoming Lok Sabha polls, his office said.

The move is being seen in line of the party's decision to not field some its veteran candidates, those ageing over 75 years.&nbsp;

BJP leaders said the party has taken a "principled decision" that veterans should make the way for younger leaders.

The BJP has also not given tickets to likes of BC Khanduri, Kariya Munda, Kalraj Mishra, Bijoya Chakravarty - all many term MPs and over 80 years of age - besides Advani (91).

Joshi's office confirmed the development saying that the 85-year-old leader has issued a statement in Kanpur, the Lok Sabha constituency from where he won in 2014 Lok Sabha polls.&nbsp;

The statement said BJP general secretary (organisation) Ram Lal, a Rashtriya Swayamsewak Sangh (RSS) appointee, had conveyed Joshi the party leadership's decision that he should not be contesting the elections.

He had vacated Varanasi seat, which he had won in 2009, for Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2014.

The Bharatiya Janata Party on Tuesday released its list of star campaigners for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls.&nbsp;

According to reports, BJP's star campaigners include Prime Minister Narendra Modi, party chief Amit Shah along with union ministers like Rajnath Singh, Nitin Gadkari, Arun Jaitley, Sushma Swaraj.&nbsp;

Here also, the party has kept out some of the tallest party leaders and political bigwigs like LK Advani and Murli Manohar Joshi out from its list of 40 star campaigners.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The Bharatiya Janata Party has asked former BJP president and Lok Sabha MP Murli Manohar Joshi not to contest the upcoming Lok Sabha polls, his office said. The move is being seen in line of the party's decision to not field some its veteran candidates, those ageing over 75 years.

The Bharatiya Janata Party has asked former BJP president and Lok Sabha MP Murli Manohar Joshi not to contest the upcoming Lok Sabha polls, his office said. The move is being seen in line of the party's decision to not field some its veteran candidates, those ageing over 75 years. BJP leaders said the party has taken a "principled decision" that veterans should make the way for younger leaders. The BJP has also not given tickets to likes of BC Khanduri, Kariya Munda, Kalraj Mishra, Bijoya Chakravarty - all many term MPs and over 80 years of age - besides Advani (91). Joshi's office confirmed the development saying that the 85-year-old leader has issued a statement in Kanpur, the Lok Sabha constituency from where he won in 2014 Lok Sabha polls. The statement said BJP general secretary (organisation) Ram Lal, a Rashtriya Swayamsewak Sangh (RSS) appointee, had conveyed Joshi the party leadership's decision that he should not be contesting the elections. He had vacated Varanasi seat, which he had won in 2009, for Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2014. The Bharatiya Janata Party on Tuesday released its list of star campaigners for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls. According to reports, BJP's star campaigners include Prime Minister Narendra Modi, party chief Amit Shah along with union ministers like Rajnath Singh, Nitin Gadkari, Arun Jaitley, Sushma Swaraj. Here also, the party has kept out some of the tallest party leaders and political bigwigs like LK Advani and Murli Manohar Joshi out from its list of 40 star campaigners.

Lok Sabha polls 2019: Murli Manohar Joshi asked not to contest, says his office

The BJP said Sunday that there had been a "huge jump" in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/is-it-going-to-be-rahul-gandhi-vs-narendra-modi-in-2019-185056">Congress President Rahul Gandhi</a>'s income and asked where the money was coming from.&nbsp;

The BJP national spokesperson Sambit Patra said at a press conference on Sunday that Rahul's income, according to his election affidavits, had risen from over Rs 55 lakh in 2004 to Rs 9 crore in 2014.&nbsp;

"How can an MP, who is not a professional, witness such a jump in his income?" Patra asked.&nbsp;

Patra also challenged Gandhi to file a defamation case against him, saying he was stating facts with evidence.&nbsp;

Patra went on to allege that Rahul's income "by and large, is profiteering from scams, dubious deals". He also alleged that Rahul had lied on his election affidavits. He did not however provide any evidence or document to substantiate his claim.

Patra said Sunday that the BJP will hold a series of press conferences in the coming days to expose the "corruption of Rahul Gandhi".

The Congress has rubbished the charges, calling them a "desperate attempt by BJP" to "divert attention" from the real issues.&nbsp;&nbsp;

On Saturday, union minister Ravi Shankar Prasad had said, "In his (Rahul Gandhi) election affidavit in 2004, his income was Rs 55,38,123 while in 2009, it rose to Rs 2 crore and in 2014 it rose to Rs 9 crore.&nbsp;

"We know how much an MP earns. We want to ask what is this Rahul Gandhi model of development without an ostensible source of income?" he had added.&nbsp;

(With inputs from PTI)

The BJP said Sunday that there had been a "huge jump" in Congress President Rahul Gandhi's income and asked where the money was coming from. The BJP national spokesperson Sambit Patra said at a press conference on Sunday that Rahul's income, according to his election affidavits, had risen from over Rs 55 lakh in 2004 to Rs 9 crore in 2014.

The BJP said Sunday that there had been a "huge jump" in Congress President Rahul Gandhi's income and asked where the money was coming from. The BJP national spokesperson Sambit Patra said at a press conference on Sunday that Rahul's income, according to his election affidavits, had risen from over Rs 55 lakh in 2004 to Rs 9 crore in 2014. "How can an MP, who is not a professional, witness such a jump in his income?" Patra asked. Patra also challenged Gandhi to file a defamation case against him, saying he was stating facts with evidence. Patra went on to allege that Rahul's income "by and large, is profiteering from scams, dubious deals". He also alleged that Rahul had lied on his election affidavits. He did not however provide any evidence or document to substantiate his claim. Patra said Sunday that the BJP will hold a series of press conferences in the coming days to expose the "corruption of Rahul Gandhi". The Congress has rubbished the charges, calling them a "desperate attempt by BJP" to "divert attention" from the real issues. On Saturday, union minister Ravi Shankar Prasad had said, "In his (Rahul Gandhi) election affidavit in 2004, his income was Rs 55,38,123 while in 2009, it rose to Rs 2 crore and in 2014 it rose to Rs 9 crore. "We know how much an MP earns. We want to ask what is this Rahul Gandhi model of development without an ostensible source of income?" he had added. (With inputs from PTI)

'Huge jump' in Rahul Gandhi's income, says BJP, asks where it's coming from

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-declares-complete-exoneration-after-mueller-report-finds-no-collusion-205408">Trump declares 'complete exoneration' after Mueller report finds no collusion with Russia</a>

US President Donald Trump declared Sunday that he had been completely exonerated after his campaign was cleared of colluding with Russia in the 2016 election, in a major boost for his re-election hopes.

The long-awaited final report of Special Counsel Robert Mueller's probe into Moscow's election meddling concluded that no member or associate of the campaign conspired or coordinated with Russia in its plot to boost Trump in the vote more than two years ago.

While not completely absolving the president, Attorney General Bill Barr's letter to Congress summarizing the still-secret Mueller report cleared a dark cloud that had hung over the Trump's legitimacy since he took office in January 2017.

 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/huge-jump-in-rahul-gandhis-income-says-bjp-asks-where-its-coming-from-205426">'Huge jump' in Rahul Gandhi's income, says BJP, asks where it's coming from</a>

The BJP said Sunday that there had been a "huge jump" in Congress President Rahul Gandhi's income and asked where the money was coming from.&nbsp;

The BJP national spokesperson Sambit Patra said at a press conference on Sunday that Rahul's income, according to his election affidavits, had risen from over Rs 55 lakh in 2004 to Rs 9 crore in 2014.&nbsp;

"How can an MP, who is not a professional, witness such a jump in his income?" Patra asked.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pak-hindu-minor-girls-approach-court-seeking-protection-man-suspected-to-assist-in-wedding-held-205430">Pakistan: Minor Hindu girls approach </a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pak-hindu-minor-girls-approach-court-seeking-protection-man-suspected-to-assist-in-wedding-held-205430">court</a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pak-hindu-minor-girls-approach-court-seeking-protection-man-suspected-to-assist-in-wedding-held-205430">, </a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pak-hindu-minor-girls-approach-court-seeking-protection-man-suspected-to-assist-in-wedding-held-205430">man</a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pak-hindu-minor-girls-approach-court-seeking-protection-man-suspected-to-assist-in-wedding-held-205430"> suspected to have assisted in their&nbsp;wedding held</a>

A man suspected to have assisted in solemnising the wedding of two Pakistani Hindu minor girls, who were reportedly abducted and forcefully converted to Islam, was arrested on Sunday, as the teenagers approached a court in Pakistan's Punjab province seeking protection, according to a media report.&nbsp;

The two girls, Raveena (13) and Reena (15), were allegedly kidnapped by a group of "influential" men from their home in Ghotki district in Sindh on the eve of Holi. Soon after the kidnapping, a video went viral in which a cleric was purportedly shown solemnising the Nikah (marriage) of the two girls, triggering nationwide outrage.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan had also ordered a probe into the issue.

 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/stricken-norway-cruise-ship-reaches-port-after-airlift-drama-205421">Stricken Norway cruise ship reaches port after airlift drama</a>

A cruise liner that ran into trouble in stormy seas off Norway reached port under its own steam Sunday after hundreds of passengers were winched to safety by helicopter in a spectacular rescue operation.

Escorted by tugboats, the Viking Sky arrived in the port of Molde at around 4:15 pm (1515 GMT), television images showed. Nearly a third of its 1,373 passengers and crew had already been airlifted off the ship.

The cruise liner lost power and started drifting on Saturday afternoon two kilometres (1.2 miles) off a stretch of Norwegian coastline notorious for shipwrecks.

 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/on-the-back-foot-democrats-demand-release-of-full-mueller-report-205409">On the back foot, Democrats demand </a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/on-the-back-foot-democrats-demand-release-of-full-mueller-report-205409">release</a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/on-the-back-foot-democrats-demand-release-of-full-mueller-report-205409"> of full Mueller report</a>

Top congressional Democrats said Sunday it was "urgent" that the full report on Russian interference in the 2016 US election be publicly released, stressing it does not exonerate Donald Trump.

The president was quick to claim vindication by Special Counsel Robert Mueller's report findings which, according to a summary by Attorney General Bill Barr, found that no Trump campaign official was involved in Russian conspiracies to interfere in the 2016 US election.

Such a conclusion would no doubt blunt a key weapon for Democrats desperate to oust Trump in 2020.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Trump declares 'complete exoneration' after Mueller report finds no collusion with Russia US President Donald Trump declared Sunday that he had been completely exonerated after his campaign was cleared of colluding with Russia in the 2016 election, in a major boost for his re-election hopes.

Trump declares 'complete exoneration' after Mueller report finds no collusion with Russia US President Donald Trump declared Sunday that he had been completely exonerated after his campaign was cleared of colluding with Russia in the 2016 election, in a major boost for his re-election hopes. The long-awaited final report of Special Counsel Robert Mueller's probe into Moscow's election meddling concluded that no member or associate of the campaign conspired or coordinated with Russia in its plot to boost Trump in the vote more than two years ago. While not completely absolving the president, Attorney General Bill Barr's letter to Congress summarizing the still-secret Mueller report cleared a dark cloud that had hung over the Trump's legitimacy since he took office in January 2017. 'Huge jump' in Rahul Gandhi's income, says BJP, asks where it's coming from The BJP said Sunday that there had been a "huge jump" in Congress President Rahul Gandhi's income and asked where the money was coming from. The BJP national spokesperson Sambit Patra said at a press conference on Sunday that Rahul's income, according to his election affidavits, had risen from over Rs 55 lakh in 2004 to Rs 9 crore in 2014. "How can an MP, who is not a professional, witness such a jump in his income?" Patra asked. Pakistan: Minor Hindu girls approach court, man suspected to have assisted in their wedding held A man suspected to have assisted in solemnising the wedding of two Pakistani Hindu minor girls, who were reportedly abducted and forcefully converted to Islam, was arrested on Sunday, as the teenagers approached a court in Pakistan's Punjab province seeking protection, according to a media report. The two girls, Raveena (13) and Reena (15), were allegedly kidnapped by a group of "influential" men from their home in Ghotki district in Sindh on the eve of Holi. Soon after the kidnapping, a video went viral in which a cleric was purportedly shown solemnising the Nikah (marriage) of the two girls, triggering nationwide outrage. Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan had also ordered a probe into the issue. Stricken Norway cruise ship reaches port after airlift drama A cruise liner that ran into trouble in stormy seas off Norway reached port under its own steam Sunday after hundreds of passengers were winched to safety by helicopter in a spectacular rescue operation. Escorted by tugboats, the Viking Sky arrived in the port of Molde at around 4:15 pm (1515 GMT), television images showed. Nearly a third of its 1,373 passengers and crew had already been airlifted off the ship. The cruise liner lost power and started drifting on Saturday afternoon two kilometres (1.2 miles) off a stretch of Norwegian coastline notorious for shipwrecks. On the back foot, Democrats demand release of full Mueller report Top congressional Democrats said Sunday it was "urgent" that the full report on Russian interference in the 2016 US election be publicly released, stressing it does not exonerate Donald Trump. The president was quick to claim vindication by Special Counsel Robert Mueller's report findings which, according to a summary by Attorney General Bill Barr, found that no Trump campaign official was involved in Russian conspiracies to interfere in the 2016 US election. Such a conclusion would no doubt blunt a key weapon for Democrats desperate to oust Trump in 2020.

News brief: Big stories of the day

In the perception battle ahead of the forthcoming Lok Sabha polls, the Indian electorate has been inundated, rattled, one might even say bedazzled, by slogans galore. Competing for attention as also for votes, these slogans have galvanised the campaign, leading to several witty, creative, even brilliant moves, counter-moves, and exchanges. All of which add to the zest, spice, and savour of Indian elections, making them unlike any other on the planet. Of these, perhaps none has captured the public imagination as much as the “chowkidar” vs “chor” slanging match that’s still playing itself out over mainstream and social media.

At its heart are two slogans. The one that started the clash was coined by the main opposition party, the Congress: “Chowkidar Chor Hai”— the guard or gatekeeper is the thief. Clearly directed at the Prime Minister, the slogan meant not only to cast aspersions on Narendra Modi’s reputation as an honest and clean leader, but also to call into question the anti-corruption image of the Bharatiya Janata Party. The latter’s counter, “Main Bhi Chowkidar”— I too am a guard — resulted in many party members, including senior ministers, not to mention millions of Modi supporters, changing their social media handles to include the prefatory self-appellation “Chowkidar.” The hashtag has reportedly been tweeted over 20 lakh times. Many a “convertee” or “me-too” Chowkidar also received personalised congratulatory and thank you messages from the Prime Minister’s handle itself, which they promptly went on to proudly blazon and recirculate.

So, who is winning this battle of slogans, media catchphrases, and clickbaits? This was a closely-contested skirmish, with the Congress starting with the upper hand, but now the tide clearly seems to have turned. There is a simple reason for this. Not only is the BJP media cell more active and aggressive, but so is the PM himself. Modi has the uncanny knack of turning around everything that is thrown at him with a redoubled force so that it crashes back into the opposition like a boomerang. His political genius lies in his ability to connect spontaneously with his audience no matter whether they are poor, semi-literate, so-called “unwashed” masses or the top echelons of Lutyens Delhi and corporate czars.&nbsp;

No wonder, Modi made it a point to address a specifically targeted audience of some 25 lakh chowkidars or security guards via a radio speech. He made it a point to say he was sorry for the insult heaped upon them by the Congress: “I apologise to all chowkidars that some people, for their own interests, have been abusing chowkidars and saying chowkidar chor hai, raising questions about the integrity of the chowkidars of the nation.” Obviously, it was an attack on Rahul Gandhi for using that refrain against him. Modi added that the slogan was harmful to the whole country. He was right. Just imagine: If our security guards were really thieves, wouldn’t it spell a terrible security crisis for all of us? Wouldn’t it be quite detrimental therefore to call into question their devotion to duty or their honesty?

We know that the profession of security guards is one of our fastest growing. It is a respectable job, even if not highly paying. Requiring neither high skills, education levels nor, indeed, strenuous labour, it attracts a huge contingent of our unemployed rural workforce. By praising chowkidars all over the country, upholding their dignity and status, the PM was scoring a point over the opposition. He was also hitting out at Arvind Kejriwal, another opposition leader, who mocked Modi for promoting the job of a chowkidar over that of an engineer. Modi, by emphasising the dignity of labour, cleverly turned Kejriwal’s aspirational jibe against the Aam Aadmi (common person’s) Party.

In doing so, he was the garnering sympathy of neutral onlookers too. That is because “Main Bhi Chowkidar” extends the sphere of the responsibility of protection of the state from those in positions of power to the common citizenry. While “Chowkidar Chor Hai” is revealed, on closer analysis, not just to be negative, but demeaning, “Main Bhi Chowkidar,” arguably, shows solidarity with watchmen and guardians of the state.&nbsp;

Just prior to his speech to chowkidars, the PM added another feather to his cap. His sur-namesake, Nirav Modi, was jailed in London. The capture of the fugitive diamond merchant, wanted for defrauding Indian banks of a staggering two billion dollars, seemed to prove that the long arm of PM Modi as chowkidar extended outside India. Nirav in a British jail, with its different time zone, gave some credence to PM Modi’s “24x7 Chowkidar” boast. Milking the opportunity to his advantage, Modi concluded by saying, “No matter how much they insult us calling us chor, we don’t have to be afraid and we should embrace such insults like ornaments.”&nbsp;

Touche.&nbsp;

(This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-main-bhi-chowkidar-vs-chowkidar-chor-hai-who-is-winning-2732122">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

In the perception battle ahead of the forthcoming Lok Sabha polls, the Indian electorate has been inundated, rattled, one might even say bedazzled, by slogans galore.

In the perception battle ahead of the forthcoming Lok Sabha polls, the Indian electorate has been inundated, rattled, one might even say bedazzled, by slogans galore. Competing for attention as also for votes, these slogans have galvanised the campaign, leading to several witty, creative, even brilliant moves, counter-moves, and exchanges. All of which add to the zest, spice, and savour of Indian elections, making them unlike any other on the planet. Of these, perhaps none has captured the public imagination as much as the “chowkidar” vs “chor” slanging match that’s still playing itself out over mainstream and social media. At its heart are two slogans. The one that started the clash was coined by the main opposition party, the Congress: “Chowkidar Chor Hai”— the guard or gatekeeper is the thief. Clearly directed at the Prime Minister, the slogan meant not only to cast aspersions on Narendra Modi’s reputation as an honest and clean leader, but also to call into question the anti-corruption image of the Bharatiya Janata Party. The latter’s counter, “Main Bhi Chowkidar”— I too am a guard — resulted in many party members, including senior ministers, not to mention millions of Modi supporters, changing their social media handles to include the prefatory self-appellation “Chowkidar.” The hashtag has reportedly been tweeted over 20 lakh times. Many a “convertee” or “me-too” Chowkidar also received personalised congratulatory and thank you messages from the Prime Minister’s handle itself, which they promptly went on to proudly blazon and recirculate. So, who is winning this battle of slogans, media catchphrases, and clickbaits? This was a closely-contested skirmish, with the Congress starting with the upper hand, but now the tide clearly seems to have turned. There is a simple reason for this. Not only is the BJP media cell more active and aggressive, but so is the PM himself. Modi has the uncanny knack of turning around everything that is thrown at him with a redoubled force so that it crashes back into the opposition like a boomerang. His political genius lies in his ability to connect spontaneously with his audience no matter whether they are poor, semi-literate, so-called “unwashed” masses or the top echelons of Lutyens Delhi and corporate czars. No wonder, Modi made it a point to address a specifically targeted audience of some 25 lakh chowkidars or security guards via a radio speech. He made it a point to say he was sorry for the insult heaped upon them by the Congress: “I apologise to all chowkidars that some people, for their own interests, have been abusing chowkidars and saying chowkidar chor hai, raising questions about the integrity of the chowkidars of the nation.” Obviously, it was an attack on Rahul Gandhi for using that refrain against him. Modi added that the slogan was harmful to the whole country. He was right. Just imagine: If our security guards were really thieves, wouldn’t it spell a terrible security crisis for all of us? Wouldn’t it be quite detrimental therefore to call into question their devotion to duty or their honesty? We know that the profession of security guards is one of our fastest growing. It is a respectable job, even if not highly paying. Requiring neither high skills, education levels nor, indeed, strenuous labour, it attracts a huge contingent of our unemployed rural workforce. By praising chowkidars all over the country, upholding their dignity and status, the PM was scoring a point over the opposition. He was also hitting out at Arvind Kejriwal, another opposition leader, who mocked Modi for promoting the job of a chowkidar over that of an engineer. Modi, by emphasising the dignity of labour, cleverly turned Kejriwal’s aspirational jibe against the Aam Aadmi (common person’s) Party. In doing so, he was the garnering sympathy of neutral onlookers too. That is because “Main Bhi Chowkidar” extends the sphere of the responsibility of protection of the state from those in positions of power to the common citizenry. While “Chowkidar Chor Hai” is revealed, on closer analysis, not just to be negative, but demeaning, “Main Bhi Chowkidar,” arguably, shows solidarity with watchmen and guardians of the state. Just prior to his speech to chowkidars, the PM added another feather to his cap. His sur-namesake, Nirav Modi, was jailed in London. The capture of the fugitive diamond merchant, wanted for defrauding Indian banks of a staggering two billion dollars, seemed to prove that the long arm of PM Modi as chowkidar extended outside India. Nirav in a British jail, with its different time zone, gave some credence to PM Modi’s “24x7 Chowkidar” boast. Milking the opportunity to his advantage, Modi concluded by saying, “No matter how much they insult us calling us chor, we don’t have to be afraid and we should embrace such insults like ornaments.” Touche. (This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

'Main bhi chowkidar' vs 'Chowkidar chor hai': Who is winning?

Union Minister Uma Bharti has been appointed the national president of the Bharatiya Janata Party, said Union Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda here on Saturday.

"As Uma ji has written to BJP president Amit Shah, reiterating her decision not to contest the Lok Sabha elections, the party has appointed her the national vice president of the BJP," Nadda said at a press conference.

Drinking Water and Sanitation Minister Uma had told Shah that she won't be contesting 17th Lok Sabha elections, adding that she will be happy to accept any other responsibilities assigned to her by the party.

"Dear friend, as I have already declared, reiterating the same I had written a letter to the party president Mr Amit Shah, repeating my request of not contesting an election, so that the party officially declares it," wrote Bharti on her Twitter account."

I have told all the friends that for the next one-and-a-half years, I want to spend the maximum time on the banks of the Ganga. During this period, I will participate in the Lok Sabha election campaign according to the BJP's directive, and will fulfil the responsibilities assigned to me," she said.

Bharti, however, said that she will not retire from politics till 'her last breath'&nbsp;and will continue to do politics for the rights of poor man.

"Prime Minister @narendramodi ji is the head guard of the country. All of BJP workers are included in the army of the chowkidars. My wish is that our government is formed and Narendra Modi becomes the Prime Minister again," she had tweeted.

In 1989, Bharti contested and won Khajuraho Lok Sabha seat, and retained it in elections conducted in 1991, 1996 and 1998. In 1999, she switched her constituency and won Bhopal seat in Madhya Pradesh. She won the last poll from Jhansi in UP.

In December last year, Bharti had announced to take a break from active politics to focus on the issue of Ram temple and cleaning of Ganga river. She had also announced that she would not contest the Lok Sabha polls in 2019.

Union Minister Uma Bharti has been appointed the national president of the Bharatiya Janata Party, said Union Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda here on Saturday. "As Uma ji has written to BJP president Amit Shah, reiterating her decision not to contest the Lok Sabha elections, the party has appointed her the national vice president of the BJP," Nadda said at a press conference.

Union Minister Uma Bharti has been appointed the national president of the Bharatiya Janata Party, said Union Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda here on Saturday. "As Uma ji has written to BJP president Amit Shah, reiterating her decision not to contest the Lok Sabha elections, the party has appointed her the national vice president of the BJP," Nadda said at a press conference. Drinking Water and Sanitation Minister Uma had told Shah that she won't be contesting 17th Lok Sabha elections, adding that she will be happy to accept any other responsibilities assigned to her by the party. "Dear friend, as I have already declared, reiterating the same I had written a letter to the party president Mr Amit Shah, repeating my request of not contesting an election, so that the party officially declares it," wrote Bharti on her Twitter account." I have told all the friends that for the next one-and-a-half years, I want to spend the maximum time on the banks of the Ganga. During this period, I will participate in the Lok Sabha election campaign according to the BJP's directive, and will fulfil the responsibilities assigned to me," she said. Bharti, however, said that she will not retire from politics till 'her last breath' and will continue to do politics for the rights of poor man. "Prime Minister @narendramodi ji is the head guard of the country. All of BJP workers are included in the army of the chowkidars. My wish is that our government is formed and Narendra Modi becomes the Prime Minister again," she had tweeted. In 1989, Bharti contested and won Khajuraho Lok Sabha seat, and retained it in elections conducted in 1991, 1996 and 1998. In 1999, she switched her constituency and won Bhopal seat in Madhya Pradesh. She won the last poll from Jhansi in UP. In December last year, Bharti had announced to take a break from active politics to focus on the issue of Ram temple and cleaning of Ganga river. She had also announced that she would not contest the Lok Sabha polls in 2019.

Uma Bharti appointed as BJP national vice president

Ahead of the Lok Sabha elections, markets in various parts of India are flooded with diverse kinds of political merchandise, including masks, shirts and flags containing pictures of various political leaders on them.

Speaking to ANI, Vijay Tendulkar, the owner of a shop in Mumbai, said the aim is to attract more youth and encourage them to exercise their franchise in the impending polls.

"We are selling key chains, T-shirts, and jackets, among other things. On all merchandise, party logo is there. There is a humongous demand right now. The biggest demand is for flags, cap and mufflers," he added.

Markets in Coimbatore, too, have seen similar merchandise being sold in the run-up to the polls, including those with the face of late Tamil Nadu chief minister J Jayalalithaa on them.

Interestingly, merchandise with the faces of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Congress president Rahul Gandhi are most popular in markets, locals say.

Lok Sabha elections will be held in seven phases between April 11 and May 19.

Results will be declared on May 23.&nbsp;

Ahead of the Lok Sabha elections, markets in various parts of India are flooded with diverse kinds of political merchandise, including masks, shirts and flags containing pictures of various political leaders on them.

Ahead of the Lok Sabha elections, markets in various parts of India are flooded with diverse kinds of political merchandise, including masks, shirts and flags containing pictures of various political leaders on them. Speaking to ANI, Vijay Tendulkar, the owner of a shop in Mumbai, said the aim is to attract more youth and encourage them to exercise their franchise in the impending polls. "We are selling key chains, T-shirts, and jackets, among other things. On all merchandise, party logo is there. There is a humongous demand right now. The biggest demand is for flags, cap and mufflers," he added. Markets in Coimbatore, too, have seen similar merchandise being sold in the run-up to the polls, including those with the face of late Tamil Nadu chief minister J Jayalalithaa on them. Interestingly, merchandise with the faces of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Congress president Rahul Gandhi are most popular in markets, locals say. Lok Sabha elections will be held in seven phases between April 11 and May 19. Results will be declared on May 23.

Political merchandise hit markets ahead of Lok Sabha polls

Union Minister Piyush Goyal on Saturday expressed confidence in the Bharatiya Janata Party's performance in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls, stating that the Congress "will not get more than 60 seats" in the general elections.&nbsp;

Goyal said that he is confident of the BJP making a clean sweep, bagging more than 300 Lok Sabha seats. He targetted Congress' Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, criticising her political debut that happened just 60 days ahead of the general polls.&nbsp;

Goyal said Priyanka induction into politics at this juncture is just to "bail out her failed elder brother", news agency ANI reported.&nbsp;

"Nation needs more serious politicians than the fly-by-night ones," he said.&nbsp;

Slamming Congress leader Sam Pitroda over his remarks on <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/if-only-a-similar-deterrent-action-was-taken-after-mumbai-attack-sitharaman-on-balakot-airstrikes-205237">aggressive action against Pakistan</a>, Goyal said the BJP would give a befitting reply to terror attacks and not be 'apologetic' as the opposition party leaders, news agency PTI reported. &nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also took to Twitter on Friday, and in a series of tweets, lashed out at <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/amit-shah-slams-rahul-gandhi-over-pitrodas-remarks-asks-do-you-consider-pulwama-attack-a-routine-incident-205033">Pitroda</a>. &nbsp;

"The most trusted advisor and guide of the Congress President has kick-started the Pakistan National Day celebrations on behalf of the Congress, ironically by demeaning India’s armed forces," PM Modi tweeted out.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Union Minister Piyush Goyal on Saturday expressed confidence in the Bharatiya Janata Party's performance in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls, stating that the Congress "will not get more than 60 seats" in the general elections.

Union Minister Piyush Goyal on Saturday expressed confidence in the Bharatiya Janata Party's performance in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls, stating that the Congress "will not get more than 60 seats" in the general elections. Goyal said that he is confident of the BJP making a clean sweep, bagging more than 300 Lok Sabha seats. He targetted Congress' Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, criticising her political debut that happened just 60 days ahead of the general polls. Goyal said Priyanka induction into politics at this juncture is just to "bail out her failed elder brother", news agency ANI reported. "Nation needs more serious politicians than the fly-by-night ones," he said. Slamming Congress leader Sam Pitroda over his remarks on aggressive action against Pakistan, Goyal said the BJP would give a befitting reply to terror attacks and not be 'apologetic' as the opposition party leaders, news agency PTI reported. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also took to Twitter on Friday, and in a series of tweets, lashed out at Pitroda. "The most trusted advisor and guide of the Congress President has kick-started the Pakistan National Day celebrations on behalf of the Congress, ironically by demeaning India’s armed forces," PM Modi tweeted out. (With inputs from agencies)

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra's political debut is just to 'bail out her failed elder brother': Piyush Goyal

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Friday released a list of 36 <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bjp-releases-first-list-of-182-candidates-for-lok-sabha-polls-modi-to-contest-from-varanasi-again-204704">candidates for Lok Sabha polls</a>&nbsp;in Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Maharashtra and Odisha ahead of the general elections.

The party has fielded Girish Bapat from Pune (Maharashtra), its national spokesperson Sambit Patra from Puri (Odisha), Dilip Kumar Kilaru from Vijayawada (Andhra Pradesh), Bharati Pawar from Dindori (Maharashtra) and Sanbor Shullai from Shillong (Meghalaya).

The decision was taken after a meeting of the Central Election Committee of the BJP in New Delhi. The meeting was attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh, Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley and External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj among others.

Speaking to ANI after the CEC meeting, Union Minister JP Nadda said, "We have come out with a list of 36 new candidates which includes Odisha BJP President Basant Panda, senior leader Suresh Pujari and our spokesperson Sambit Patra. We would like to clear the first and second phase candidates as soon as possible and we`re working on it."

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BJP releases list of 36 candidates from Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Maharashtra, Odisha. Girish Bapat to contest from Pune (Maharashtra), Sambit Patra to contest from Puri (Odisha). <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LokSabhaElections2019?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LokSabhaElections2019</a> <a href="https://t.co/Ft3C3cl1cX">pic.twitter.com/Ft3C3cl1cX</a>
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The first phase of the 2019 Lok Sabha elections will be held on April 11, and results will be announced on May 23.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Friday released a list of 36 candidates for Lok Sabha polls in Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Maharashtra and Odisha ahead of the general elections.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Friday released a list of 36 candidates for Lok Sabha polls in Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Maharashtra and Odisha ahead of the general elections. The party has fielded Girish Bapat from Pune (Maharashtra), its national spokesperson Sambit Patra from Puri (Odisha), Dilip Kumar Kilaru from Vijayawada (Andhra Pradesh), Bharati Pawar from Dindori (Maharashtra) and Sanbor Shullai from Shillong (Meghalaya). The decision was taken after a meeting of the Central Election Committee of the BJP in New Delhi. The meeting was attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh, Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley and External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj among others. Speaking to ANI after the CEC meeting, Union Minister JP Nadda said, "We have come out with a list of 36 new candidates which includes Odisha BJP President Basant Panda, senior leader Suresh Pujari and our spokesperson Sambit Patra. We would like to clear the first and second phase candidates as soon as possible and we`re working on it." BJP releases list of 36 candidates from Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Maharashtra, Odisha. Girish Bapat to contest from Pune (Maharashtra), Sambit Patra to contest from Puri (Odisha). #LokSabhaElections2019 pic.twitter.com/Ft3C3cl1cX — ANI (@ANI) March 22, 2019 × The first phase of the 2019 Lok Sabha elections will be held on April 11, and results will be announced on May 23.

Lok Sabha polls: BJP releases list of 36 candidates, Sambit Patra to contest from Puri

Ahead of the Lok Sabha elections in Telangana, the Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) are all set to rope in star campaigners and senior party leaders for its election campaign in the state.

According to Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee (TPCC) spokesperson Gudur Narayan Reddy, the Congress has planned at least three public meetings to be addressed by party chief Rahul Gandhi and has urged the party to send AICC general secretary Priyanka Gandhi for the campaign in the state.

Reddy further said the list of star campaigners would be released after candidates are finalised for all constituencies in the state. "Roadshows and public meetings would be held as part of the campaign,” he added.

Meanwhile, BJP Member of Legislative Council (MLC) Ramchandra Rao said Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP president Amit Shah have agreed to address four and six public meetings, respectively, in Telangana. Union Ministers Piyush Goyal and Nirmala Sitaraman will visit Telangana in the coming days, he added.

Rao also said the schedule of their campaign will be announced in a day or two.

All 17 Lok Sabha seats in Telangana will go to polls in a single phase on April 11.

Ahead of the Lok Sabha elections in Telangana, the Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) are all set to rope in star campaigners and senior party leaders for its election campaign in the state.

Ahead of the Lok Sabha elections in Telangana, the Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) are all set to rope in star campaigners and senior party leaders for its election campaign in the state. According to Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee (TPCC) spokesperson Gudur Narayan Reddy, the Congress has planned at least three public meetings to be addressed by party chief Rahul Gandhi and has urged the party to send AICC general secretary Priyanka Gandhi for the campaign in the state. Reddy further said the list of star campaigners would be released after candidates are finalised for all constituencies in the state. "Roadshows and public meetings would be held as part of the campaign,” he added. Meanwhile, BJP Member of Legislative Council (MLC) Ramchandra Rao said Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP president Amit Shah have agreed to address four and six public meetings, respectively, in Telangana. Union Ministers Piyush Goyal and Nirmala Sitaraman will visit Telangana in the coming days, he added. Rao also said the schedule of their campaign will be announced in a day or two. All 17 Lok Sabha seats in Telangana will go to polls in a single phase on April 11.

Lok Sabha polls: BJP, Congress to rope in star campaigners for Telangana

The ruling Trinamool Congress and the opposition BJP, who are ready to battle it out in the Lok Sabha polls in West Bengal, are preferring turncoats over their tried and tested leaders. There is discontent over candidate selection within both the parties dominating the poll scenario in the state.&nbsp;

Senior TMC leader and it's South Dinajpur district chief Biplab Mitra said there is anger among grass-roots level workers of the party over giving tickets to newcomers and ignoring the old-timers.

The TMC is going solo and has declared names of candidates for all 42 Lok Sabha seats. The BJP declared its first list of 28 contestants in the state Thursday. The two parties defend their decision, saying winnability was of prime consideration for them.

However, the TMC feels it is the best way to quell the infighting in the party, whereas for the BJP, fielding turncoats had become a compulsion as it did not have enough candidates to assure its victory. “We have party leaders and workers who are working very hard. We had given them tickets in panchayat and assembly polls. But in case of fighting Lok Sabha polls, we don’t have enough candidates who can put up a fight and win,” state BJP chief Dilip Ghosh said last Friday.

Out of 18 new faces in TMC’s list, seven are those who have either switched over from the Congress or the Left parties in the past few years. Two of the TMC’s sitting MPs in the north and south Bengal — Dasarth Tirkey and Sunil Mondal — who have been renominated this time, used to be MLAs of Left Front constituents RSP and Forward Bloc, respectively. BJP’s list has six candidates who were earlier either with the TMC or the CPI(M).

It also includes the name of an ex-IPS officer, who was once considered close to TMC chief Mamata Banerjee. A TMC leader told PTI on condition of anonymity that infighting is one of the biggest problems being faced by the party this time. “There are so many factions in every district that it was next to impossible to bring all the disgruntled leaders on the same page… That is why in at least seven seats which are considered tough, we have pitted those who have come from other parties so that opposing factions will at least unite under their umbrellas to help us win,” he said.

Out of the seven candidates who have either switched over from the Congress or the Left parties in the past few years, three have been nominated from Bolpur, Medinipur and Coochbehar which the TMC had won last time. In Malda North, Raiganj, Jangipur and Murshidabad seats, which were won by the Congress and the CPI(M) last time, the TMC has nominated MLAs and MPs who had switched over from the Congress in the last two years.

“In Cooch Behar, former Left Front minister Paresh Chandra Adhikary was nominated as only a strong candidate can ensure in retaining the seat in the face of factionalism and resurgent BJP there,” said a senior TMC MLA from north Bengal. The reason is the same behind nominating former state Congress president Manas Bhunia from Mednipur and Asit Mal from Bolpur.

Former Congress MP Mausam Benazir Noor, who crossed over to the TMC, and has been nominated from Malda North seat told PTI, “I had joined TMC as I feel only it can fight against communal BJP in the state.” On the other hand, sitting TMC MP from Bolpur, Anupam Hazra has switched over to the BJP and has been fielded from Jadavpur seat in the city.

In Murshidabad, TMC youth leader and key organisational man Shamik Hossain was overlooked in favour of former Congress MLA Abu Taher, who had switched over only last year. The situation is more difficult in the BJP, which had won two seats in 2014 and now targeting to win 23 seats in the state.

The BJP has emerged as the main opposition party after the 2018 panchayat polls. The party in its first list has five candidates who had recently defected to it from the TMC and one from the CPI(M). Former IPS officer Bharati Ghosh who recently joined BJP will be contesting Ghatal Lok Sabha seat on the party’s ticket. During her stint as the Jhargram SP, she was considered to be the defacto TMC district president.

Former TMC MLA Arjun Singh, who recently switched over to the BJP, has been pitted against TMC’s Dinesh Trivedi in Barrackpore. Singh had quit the TMC recently after the party denied him a ticket for the Barrackpore seat. Former TMC MP Soumitra Khan has been given BJP ticket from his Bishnupur seat, while former CPI(M) MLA Khagen Murmu will contest on a BJP ticket from Malda North.

Former TMC leader Sreerupa Mitra Chowdhury, who had contested polls on that party’s ticket from New Delhi, is the BJP candidate from Malda South seat this time, while TMC youth leader Nishith Pramanik, who was expelled last year, has been fielded from Cooch Behar.

The BJP has fielded another TMC turncoat Bolpur MP Anupam Hazra from Jadavpur. BJP leader Mukul Roy, once TMC’s number two, defended the saffron party’s decision on fielding turncoats. “Anybody who wants to fight against TMC misrule in Bengal is welcome,” Roy said.

BJP workers had staged a protest in Cooch Behar and Malda North against the party’s decision to nominate TMC and CPI(M) leaders instead of local party leaders. Several BJP leaders, including its vice president Raj Kamal Pathak, have submitted their resignation and protests have been organised in various parts of the state over candidate selection. The seven-phase polling in the state will begin on April 11.

The ruling Trinamool Congress and the opposition BJP, who are ready to battle it out in the Lok Sabha polls in West Bengal, are preferring turncoats over their tried and tested leaders.

The ruling Trinamool Congress and the opposition BJP, who are ready to battle it out in the Lok Sabha polls in West Bengal, are preferring turncoats over their tried and tested leaders. There is discontent over candidate selection within both the parties dominating the poll scenario in the state. Senior TMC leader and it's South Dinajpur district chief Biplab Mitra said there is anger among grass-roots level workers of the party over giving tickets to newcomers and ignoring the old-timers. The TMC is going solo and has declared names of candidates for all 42 Lok Sabha seats. The BJP declared its first list of 28 contestants in the state Thursday. The two parties defend their decision, saying winnability was of prime consideration for them. However, the TMC feels it is the best way to quell the infighting in the party, whereas for the BJP, fielding turncoats had become a compulsion as it did not have enough candidates to assure its victory. “We have party leaders and workers who are working very hard. We had given them tickets in panchayat and assembly polls. But in case of fighting Lok Sabha polls, we don’t have enough candidates who can put up a fight and win,” state BJP chief Dilip Ghosh said last Friday. Out of 18 new faces in TMC’s list, seven are those who have either switched over from the Congress or the Left parties in the past few years. Two of the TMC’s sitting MPs in the north and south Bengal — Dasarth Tirkey and Sunil Mondal — who have been renominated this time, used to be MLAs of Left Front constituents RSP and Forward Bloc, respectively. BJP’s list has six candidates who were earlier either with the TMC or the CPI(M). It also includes the name of an ex-IPS officer, who was once considered close to TMC chief Mamata Banerjee. A TMC leader told PTI on condition of anonymity that infighting is one of the biggest problems being faced by the party this time. “There are so many factions in every district that it was next to impossible to bring all the disgruntled leaders on the same page… That is why in at least seven seats which are considered tough, we have pitted those who have come from other parties so that opposing factions will at least unite under their umbrellas to help us win,” he said. Out of the seven candidates who have either switched over from the Congress or the Left parties in the past few years, three have been nominated from Bolpur, Medinipur and Coochbehar which the TMC had won last time. In Malda North, Raiganj, Jangipur and Murshidabad seats, which were won by the Congress and the CPI(M) last time, the TMC has nominated MLAs and MPs who had switched over from the Congress in the last two years. “In Cooch Behar, former Left Front minister Paresh Chandra Adhikary was nominated as only a strong candidate can ensure in retaining the seat in the face of factionalism and resurgent BJP there,” said a senior TMC MLA from north Bengal. The reason is the same behind nominating former state Congress president Manas Bhunia from Mednipur and Asit Mal from Bolpur. Former Congress MP Mausam Benazir Noor, who crossed over to the TMC, and has been nominated from Malda North seat told PTI, “I had joined TMC as I feel only it can fight against communal BJP in the state.” On the other hand, sitting TMC MP from Bolpur, Anupam Hazra has switched over to the BJP and has been fielded from Jadavpur seat in the city. In Murshidabad, TMC youth leader and key organisational man Shamik Hossain was overlooked in favour of former Congress MLA Abu Taher, who had switched over only last year. The situation is more difficult in the BJP, which had won two seats in 2014 and now targeting to win 23 seats in the state. The BJP has emerged as the main opposition party after the 2018 panchayat polls. The party in its first list has five candidates who had recently defected to it from the TMC and one from the CPI(M). Former IPS officer Bharati Ghosh who recently joined BJP will be contesting Ghatal Lok Sabha seat on the party’s ticket. During her stint as the Jhargram SP, she was considered to be the defacto TMC district president. Former TMC MLA Arjun Singh, who recently switched over to the BJP, has been pitted against TMC’s Dinesh Trivedi in Barrackpore. Singh had quit the TMC recently after the party denied him a ticket for the Barrackpore seat. Former TMC MP Soumitra Khan has been given BJP ticket from his Bishnupur seat, while former CPI(M) MLA Khagen Murmu will contest on a BJP ticket from Malda North. Former TMC leader Sreerupa Mitra Chowdhury, who had contested polls on that party’s ticket from New Delhi, is the BJP candidate from Malda South seat this time, while TMC youth leader Nishith Pramanik, who was expelled last year, has been fielded from Cooch Behar. The BJP has fielded another TMC turncoat Bolpur MP Anupam Hazra from Jadavpur. BJP leader Mukul Roy, once TMC’s number two, defended the saffron party’s decision on fielding turncoats. “Anybody who wants to fight against TMC misrule in Bengal is welcome,” Roy said. BJP workers had staged a protest in Cooch Behar and Malda North against the party’s decision to nominate TMC and CPI(M) leaders instead of local party leaders. Several BJP leaders, including its vice president Raj Kamal Pathak, have submitted their resignation and protests have been organised in various parts of the state over candidate selection. The seven-phase polling in the state will begin on April 11.

Lok Sabha election 2019: In West Bengal, BJP, TMC bank on turncoats to win poll battle

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BJP President Amit Shah slams Congress over Pitroda's remarks on Balakot airstrike

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After Congress levelled <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/tax-dept-says-loose-sheets-containing-alleged-pay-offs-by-yeddyurappa-doubtful-204926">corruption allegations</a> against former Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yeddyurappa, his son BY Raghavendra came down heavily on the party on Saturday and demanded an investigation into the matter.

"This has become the joke of the year," Raghavendra told ANI while accusing the Congress of unnecessarily creating a controversy.

"My father does not have a habit of writing in a dairy," he added.

He further alleged that the creator of the controversy lacks common sense as his father would never sign the pages of his own diary and demanded that a fair inquiry must be conducted into the issue.

On March 22, citing a news magazine report, Congress spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala in a press conference alleged that BS Yeddyurappa`s diary had a mention about the payments allegedly made to the BJP`s Central Committee which included Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, Home Minister Rajnath Singh and Shipping Minister Nitin Gadkari, besides the Prime Minister.&nbsp;

After Congress levelled corruption allegations against former Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yeddyurappa, his son BY Raghavendra came down heavily on the party on Saturday and demanded an investigation into the matter.

After Congress levelled corruption allegations against former Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yeddyurappa, his son BY Raghavendra came down heavily on the party on Saturday and demanded an investigation into the matter. "This has become the joke of the year," Raghavendra told ANI while accusing the Congress of unnecessarily creating a controversy. "My father does not have a habit of writing in a dairy," he added. He further alleged that the creator of the controversy lacks common sense as his father would never sign the pages of his own diary and demanded that a fair inquiry must be conducted into the issue. On March 22, citing a news magazine report, Congress spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala in a press conference alleged that BS Yeddyurappa`s diary had a mention about the payments allegedly made to the BJP`s Central Committee which included Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, Home Minister Rajnath Singh and Shipping Minister Nitin Gadkari, besides the Prime Minister.

Yeddyurappa's son demands inquiry into 'diary' controversy

Bharatiya Janata Party chief Amit Shah on Saturday reacted over Indian Overseas Congress chief <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-most-trusted-adviser-has-kick-started-pak-national-day-celebrations-by-demeaning-iaf-pm-modi-hits-out-at-sam-pitroda-204818">Sam Pitroda's remark on Balakot airstrikes</a>. Shah lashed out at Congress president Rahul Gandhi saying that Gandhi "should explain it to the nation - do you consider such heinous attack (Pulwama attack) a routine incident?"

Pitroda, who is also known as a close aide of Congress president Rahul Gandhi, on Friday questioned the airstrikes carried out by the Indian Air Force at JeM camps in Balakot, Pakistan in an interview with news agency ANI.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
BJP President Amit Shah: Who do you (Rahul Gandhi) support? Doubting the Indian Air Force is not right for the national president of any party. You stand in support when slogans are raised against the country in JNU, and call it the freedom of expression. <a href="https://t.co/xoBasGtEja">pic.twitter.com/xoBasGtEja</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1109361051252850689?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 23, 2019</a></blockquote>
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“If they (IAF) killed 300, it's ok. All I am saying is can you give me more facts and prove it,” said Pitroda on Friday in the interview.

Shah alleged that the Congress chief supports those who doubt the Indian Air Force. "Who do you (Rahul Gandhi) support? Doubting the Indian Air Force is not right for the national president of any party. You stand in support when slogans are raised against the country in JNU, and call it the freedom of expression," Shah noted.&nbsp;

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BJP Chief Amit Shah on Indian Overseas Congress Chief Sam Pitroda's remark on <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/airstrike?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#airstrike</a>: Congress President should explain it to the nation- do you consider such heinous attack (Pulwama attack) a routine incident? <a href="https://t.co/2jHtKiWsIs">pic.twitter.com/2jHtKiWsIs</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1109359969248382976?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 23, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Amit Shah referred to Pitroda's remark that a country shouldn't be held responsible for the deeds done by few people and demanded Congress party answer "who is the culprit".

"If a country shouldn't be held responsible for deeds of 7-8 ppl, does Congress believe that Pakistan government and the military has a connection with terror attacks here? If there is a connection, who is the culprit? Congress party should answer," he said.&nbsp;

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Amit Shah on Sam Pitroda's remark on <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/airstrike?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#airstrike</a>: If a country shouldn't be held responsible for deeds of 7-8 ppl, does Congress believe that Pakistan govt&amp;military has a connection with terror attacks here? If there is a connection,who is the culprit, Congress party should answer <a href="https://t.co/AE3pTfZmiB">https://t.co/AE3pTfZmiB</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1109360566794158081?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 23, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Shah's remarks come a day after the BJP had a field day criticising Pitroda's comments on Pulwama attack and the Balakot strikes on Friday. Prime Minister Narendra Modi yesterday took to Twitter, and in a series of tweets, lashed out at Pitroda. &nbsp;

"The most trusted advisor and guide of the Congress President has kick-started the Pakistan National Day celebrations on behalf of the Congress, ironically by demeaning India’s armed forces," PM Modi tweeted out.&nbsp;

Bharatiya Janata Party chief Amit Shah on Saturday reacted over Indian Overseas Congress chief Sam Pitroda's remark on Balakot airstrikes. Shah lashed out at Congress president Rahul Gandhi saying that Gandhi "should explain it to the nation - do you consider such heinous attack (Pulwama attack) a routine incident?

Bharatiya Janata Party chief Amit Shah on Saturday reacted over Indian Overseas Congress chief Sam Pitroda's remark on Balakot airstrikes. Shah lashed out at Congress president Rahul Gandhi saying that Gandhi "should explain it to the nation - do you consider such heinous attack (Pulwama attack) a routine incident?" Pitroda, who is also known as a close aide of Congress president Rahul Gandhi, on Friday questioned the airstrikes carried out by the Indian Air Force at JeM camps in Balakot, Pakistan in an interview with news agency ANI. BJP President Amit Shah: Who do you (Rahul Gandhi) support? Doubting the Indian Air Force is not right for the national president of any party. You stand in support when slogans are raised against the country in JNU, and call it the freedom of expression. pic.twitter.com/xoBasGtEja — ANI (@ANI) March 23, 2019 × “If they (IAF) killed 300, it's ok. All I am saying is can you give me more facts and prove it,” said Pitroda on Friday in the interview. Shah alleged that the Congress chief supports those who doubt the Indian Air Force. "Who do you (Rahul Gandhi) support? Doubting the Indian Air Force is not right for the national president of any party. You stand in support when slogans are raised against the country in JNU, and call it the freedom of expression," Shah noted. BJP Chief Amit Shah on Indian Overseas Congress Chief Sam Pitroda's remark on #airstrike: Congress President should explain it to the nation- do you consider such heinous attack (Pulwama attack) a routine incident? pic.twitter.com/2jHtKiWsIs — ANI (@ANI) March 23, 2019 × Amit Shah referred to Pitroda's remark that a country shouldn't be held responsible for the deeds done by few people and demanded Congress party answer "who is the culprit". "If a country shouldn't be held responsible for deeds of 7-8 ppl, does Congress believe that Pakistan government and the military has a connection with terror attacks here? If there is a connection, who is the culprit? Congress party should answer," he said. Amit Shah on Sam Pitroda's remark on #airstrike: If a country shouldn't be held responsible for deeds of 7-8 ppl, does Congress believe that Pakistan govt&military has a connection with terror attacks here? If there is a connection,who is the culprit, Congress party should answer https://t.co/AE3pTfZmiB — ANI (@ANI) March 23, 2019 × Shah's remarks come a day after the BJP had a field day criticising Pitroda's comments on Pulwama attack and the Balakot strikes on Friday. Prime Minister Narendra Modi yesterday took to Twitter, and in a series of tweets, lashed out at Pitroda. "The most trusted advisor and guide of the Congress President has kick-started the Pakistan National Day celebrations on behalf of the Congress, ironically by demeaning India’s armed forces," PM Modi tweeted out.

Amit Shah slams Rahul Gandhi over Pitroda's remarks, asks 'do you consider Pulwama attack a routine incident?'

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Sometime in early 2003, I approached Manohar Parrikar, then Goa’s chief minister, with a problem. I had been, a few months ago, appointed as his media advisor and concurrently deputed as director, Department of Information and Publicity, Government of Goa. I was having trouble with the bureaucracy in pushing ahead some of my ideas to revamp the functioning of the department — ideas that I had discussed with him and gained his approval for.&nbsp;

He heard me out, smiled, and said: “You have to learn to work with the babus. They are instinctively trained to object, not facilitate. I have found my way of dealing with them, without antagonising them. You have to discover your own method.”&nbsp;

The incident encapsulates the style of Parrikar, the man and the politician. He always ‘found’ ways to deal with challenges. He never shied away from confrontation but did his best to ensure that it did not result in bad blood or enduring enmity. Which is why he had supporters and admirers from not just all walks of life but across the political spectrum. The quality was demonstrably evident some two years ago when the state elections results threw up a hung House. Two leading regional parties publicly announced that they would be part of a BJP-led coalition to prevent Congress from coming to power, only if Parrikar was made the chief minister.

The BJP’s central leadership asked Parrikar, who was then the country’s defence minister, to return to the state.&nbsp;

When I was in office, many bureaucrats would reach out to me under the (false) impression that I enjoyed leverage with him and could put in a good word on their behalf with the chief minister. It’s true that Parrikar loved it when those in the bureaucracy and the media praised him. But he had no respect for sycophants though tolerated them. In private conversations, he would tell me that such persons were spineless and that he had greater regard for those who complimented his good work but also constructively criticised when his government slipped.&nbsp;

I recall an occasion when the local media had been miffed over some comment of his and decided to protest by wearing black bands at his events. When I informed him of the issue, he brushed it aside and remarked that it was a ‘passing fad’. At a Press conference soon after, in which certain members of the media sported the black band, he smilingly observed that the bands looked ‘nice’ on the sleeves. He added that his intention was not to deride the media when he made the comment which some journalists had found objectionable and that he fully respected their freedom of expression. That was the end of the media protest.&nbsp;

That Parrikar was committed to a free but responsible media is evident from yet another incident. One fine day, the state Governor called me and the Secretary, Information, for an audience. After the usual courtesies, the Governor enquired about the functioning of the information &amp; publicity department which I headed. Before I could say anything, he remarked:&nbsp;

“You people must keep an eye on those in the media that are critical of the government. Track their movements…” Both the Secretary and I were taken aback but kept our counsel. Later, when I narrated the incident to Parrikar, he laughed and said I should “ignore such nonsense”. &nbsp; &nbsp;

Parrikar did not like to pull up senior bureaucrats in front of others, but on rare occasions, I saw him do so. At a meeting called to discuss the promotion of tourism in the state, he was severely critical of the Tourism Secretary, telling her that she did not understand the Goan ethos, which is why the plans she had presented were unworkable. He was less restrained with party workers and office-bearers, many of whom he had known for years and developed a close relationship with. He would reprimand them and scoff at them, but no offence would be taken by those in the line of fire because they knew their Manohar “bhai” had no malice.&nbsp;

&nbsp;Various commentators have, since his death, written and spoken of his many qualities, both as defence minister and chief minister. They have rightly pointed out that no politician from Goa had risen to such national prominence as he had — with a pan-India image. His decisiveness as a leader too has been talked about. I will recollect one instance. Once it became clear that Goa would be the permanent venue for the International Film Festival of India, Parrikar swung into action to get the infrastructure in place in time for the prestigious event. He despatched a three-member delegation — I was one of the members — to the Cannes International Film Festival in France with an aim to learn. He read the report we submitted on our return with keen interest and realised that the scale and proportion in which the Cannes event was held could not possibly be replicated in Goa. However, the real challenge lay elsewhere, in the absence of infrastructure. There was not even a multiplex, nor office space for the newly created the Entertainment Society of Goa that was tasked with organising the event. And there was barely 12 months to get all of these in place. &nbsp;

Parrikar immersed himself with missionary zeal to meet the challenge. He would be at the site — the old Goa Medical College complex, where the new infrastructure was to come up — morning and evening.&nbsp;

He would interact with the officials concerned, the contractors, even the masons and other labourers. It was a sight to have the state’s Chief Minister standing atop the rubble of concrete being pulled down to make way for a spanking new building and the multiplex, giving directions and encouraging everyone around. Needless to add, the place was ready for the inaugural event of IFFI-Goa.&nbsp;

Parrikar was full of energy when he was at his fittest; he displayed spirit when he was crippled by illness in the last few months of his life. Lesser people would have given up, but he attended office and Assembly proceedings with a feeder tube dangling from his nose, and though he needed assistance to walk a few steps. That was his josh. &nbsp; 
 
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Sometime in early 2003, I approached Manohar Parrikar, then Goa’s chief minister, with a problem. I had been, a few months ago, appointed as his media advisor and concurrently deputed as director, Department of Information and Publicity, Government of Goa.

Sometime in early 2003, I approached Manohar Parrikar, then Goa’s chief minister, with a problem. I had been, a few months ago, appointed as his media advisor and concurrently deputed as director, Department of Information and Publicity, Government of Goa. I was having trouble with the bureaucracy in pushing ahead some of my ideas to revamp the functioning of the department — ideas that I had discussed with him and gained his approval for. He heard me out, smiled, and said: “You have to learn to work with the babus. They are instinctively trained to object, not facilitate. I have found my way of dealing with them, without antagonising them. You have to discover your own method.” The incident encapsulates the style of Parrikar, the man and the politician. He always ‘found’ ways to deal with challenges. He never shied away from confrontation but did his best to ensure that it did not result in bad blood or enduring enmity. Which is why he had supporters and admirers from not just all walks of life but across the political spectrum. The quality was demonstrably evident some two years ago when the state elections results threw up a hung House. Two leading regional parties publicly announced that they would be part of a BJP-led coalition to prevent Congress from coming to power, only if Parrikar was made the chief minister. The BJP’s central leadership asked Parrikar, who was then the country’s defence minister, to return to the state. When I was in office, many bureaucrats would reach out to me under the (false) impression that I enjoyed leverage with him and could put in a good word on their behalf with the chief minister. It’s true that Parrikar loved it when those in the bureaucracy and the media praised him. But he had no respect for sycophants though tolerated them. In private conversations, he would tell me that such persons were spineless and that he had greater regard for those who complimented his good work but also constructively criticised when his government slipped. I recall an occasion when the local media had been miffed over some comment of his and decided to protest by wearing black bands at his events. When I informed him of the issue, he brushed it aside and remarked that it was a ‘passing fad’. At a Press conference soon after, in which certain members of the media sported the black band, he smilingly observed that the bands looked ‘nice’ on the sleeves. He added that his intention was not to deride the media when he made the comment which some journalists had found objectionable and that he fully respected their freedom of expression. That was the end of the media protest. That Parrikar was committed to a free but responsible media is evident from yet another incident. One fine day, the state Governor called me and the Secretary, Information, for an audience. After the usual courtesies, the Governor enquired about the functioning of the information & publicity department which I headed. Before I could say anything, he remarked: “You people must keep an eye on those in the media that are critical of the government. Track their movements…” Both the Secretary and I were taken aback but kept our counsel. Later, when I narrated the incident to Parrikar, he laughed and said I should “ignore such nonsense”. Parrikar did not like to pull up senior bureaucrats in front of others, but on rare occasions, I saw him do so. At a meeting called to discuss the promotion of tourism in the state, he was severely critical of the Tourism Secretary, telling her that she did not understand the Goan ethos, which is why the plans she had presented were unworkable. He was less restrained with party workers and office-bearers, many of whom he had known for years and developed a close relationship with. He would reprimand them and scoff at them, but no offence would be taken by those in the line of fire because they knew their Manohar “bhai” had no malice. Various commentators have, since his death, written and spoken of his many qualities, both as defence minister and chief minister. They have rightly pointed out that no politician from Goa had risen to such national prominence as he had — with a pan-India image. His decisiveness as a leader too has been talked about. I will recollect one instance. Once it became clear that Goa would be the permanent venue for the International Film Festival of India, Parrikar swung into action to get the infrastructure in place in time for the prestigious event. He despatched a three-member delegation — I was one of the members — to the Cannes International Film Festival in France with an aim to learn. He read the report we submitted on our return with keen interest and realised that the scale and proportion in which the Cannes event was held could not possibly be replicated in Goa. However, the real challenge lay elsewhere, in the absence of infrastructure. There was not even a multiplex, nor office space for the newly created the Entertainment Society of Goa that was tasked with organising the event. And there was barely 12 months to get all of these in place. Parrikar immersed himself with missionary zeal to meet the challenge. He would be at the site — the old Goa Medical College complex, where the new infrastructure was to come up — morning and evening. He would interact with the officials concerned, the contractors, even the masons and other labourers. It was a sight to have the state’s Chief Minister standing atop the rubble of concrete being pulled down to make way for a spanking new building and the multiplex, giving directions and encouraging everyone around. Needless to add, the place was ready for the inaugural event of IFFI-Goa. Parrikar was full of energy when he was at his fittest; he displayed spirit when he was crippled by illness in the last few months of his life. Lesser people would have given up, but he attended office and Assembly proceedings with a feeder tube dangling from his nose, and though he needed assistance to walk a few steps. That was his josh. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Blog: Manohar Parrikar never shied away from confrontations and inspired others to do the same

Union minister JP Nadda announces first list of candidates for LS polls

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