Amid the claims made by BJP officials about the <a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/amit-shah-visits-shiva-sena-chief-uddhav-thackeray-expected-to-try-and-mollify-him-142682">"positive" meeting between Amit Shah and Shiv Sena chief</a> Uddhav Thackeray, Maharashtra MP and Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut has clarified that the Shiv Sena will stick to its resolution of contesting the upcoming elections on its own.

Raut said, "We know what the agenda of Amit Shah ji is but Shiv Sena has passed a resolution that we'll contest all upcoming elections on our own. There will be no change in that resolution".

BJP president Amit Shah and Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray held a meeting at Thackeray's residence on Wednesday. The meeting was part of BJP's ongoing `Sampark for Samarthan` (Contact for Support) campaign.

The meeting was scheduled by the BJP chief to reduce the growing tensions between the two parties, said a BJP official.

Differences between the two parties emerged lately and were clearly seen in the recent bypoll&nbsp;elections where the two parties contested separately.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis who was also present in the meeting said that although there was no plan to dissolve the alliance, mutual efforts were essential for sustaining ties.

(With inputs from ANI) 
&nbsp;

Maharashtra MP and Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut said, 'We know what the agenda of Amit Shah ji is but Shiv Sena has passed a resolution that we'll contest all upcoming elections on our own. There will be no change in that resolution'

Amid the claims made by BJP officials about the "positive" meeting between Amit Shah and Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray, Maharashtra MP and Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut has clarified that the Shiv Sena will stick to its resolution of contesting the upcoming elections on its own. Raut said, "We know what the agenda of Amit Shah ji is but Shiv Sena has passed a resolution that we'll contest all upcoming elections on our own. There will be no change in that resolution". BJP president Amit Shah and Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray held a meeting at Thackeray's residence on Wednesday. The meeting was part of BJP's ongoing `Sampark for Samarthan` (Contact for Support) campaign. The meeting was scheduled by the BJP chief to reduce the growing tensions between the two parties, said a BJP official. Differences between the two parties emerged lately and were clearly seen in the recent bypoll elections where the two parties contested separately. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis who was also present in the meeting said that although there was no plan to dissolve the alliance, mutual efforts were essential for sustaining ties. (With inputs from ANI)

Despite Amit Shah's meeting, Shiv Sena clarifies 'will contest all upcoming elections on our own'

BJP president Amit Shah will today meet industrialist Ratan Tata, singer Lata Mangeshkar and actor Madhuri Dixit and share the Modi government's achievements with them as part of his party's "contact for support" campaign, sources in the party said. 
 
Mr Shah, who will be in Mumbai today, is also scheduled to meet sporting legend Milkha Singh on&nbsp;June 7&nbsp;in Chandigarh, they said. 
 
The BJP launched a mega public drive, sampark for samarthan, following the Modi government's fourth anniversary on May 26. It announced that 4,000 functionaries of the party will contact one lakh people, who are well-known names in their fields, to spread the word about the government's works during its four-year tenure. 
 
Mr Shah will himself contact 50 people, the party had said. 
 
Launching the exercise, he met former Army chief Dalbir Singh Suhag and former Lok Sabha secretary general Subhash Kashyap on May 29. 
 
He has also met cricket legend Kapil Dev, former chief justice of India RC Lahoti and yoga guru Ramdev, who is associated with the Patanjali group of companies. 
 
Mr Shah had earlier said that the campaign was aimed at informing people about various government initiatives, which have resulted in raising the living standards of people. A lot of work had been done to remove the problems people faced in villages and to help the poor live a better life, he had said.

&nbsp;

Mr Shah, who will be in Mumbai today, is also scheduled to meet sporting legend Milkha Singh on June 7 in Chandigarh

BJP president Amit Shah will today meet industrialist Ratan Tata, singer Lata Mangeshkar and actor Madhuri Dixit and share the Modi government's achievements with them as part of his party's "contact for support" campaign, sources in the party said. Mr Shah, who will be in Mumbai today, is also scheduled to meet sporting legend Milkha Singh on June 7 in Chandigarh, they said. The BJP launched a mega public drive, sampark for samarthan, following the Modi government's fourth anniversary on May 26. It announced that 4,000 functionaries of the party will contact one lakh people, who are well-known names in their fields, to spread the word about the government's works during its four-year tenure. Mr Shah will himself contact 50 people, the party had said. Launching the exercise, he met former Army chief Dalbir Singh Suhag and former Lok Sabha secretary general Subhash Kashyap on May 29. He has also met cricket legend Kapil Dev, former chief justice of India RC Lahoti and yoga guru Ramdev, who is associated with the Patanjali group of companies. Mr Shah had earlier said that the campaign was aimed at informing people about various government initiatives, which have resulted in raising the living standards of people. A lot of work had been done to remove the problems people faced in villages and to help the poor live a better life, he had said.

Amit Shah to meet Ratan Tata, Lata Mangeshkar, Madhuri Dixit today

The BJP&nbsp;on Tuesday&nbsp;hit out at the Goa and Daman archbishop for his claim that the Constitution was in danger, saying it was a "political appeal" by a religious head which marked a "new dangerous trend".

BJP general secretary Bhupender Yadav said the Delhi archbishop had earlier spoken out on similar lines and asserted that the two would set in motion a precedent that did not augur well for Indian democracy. 
 
Archbishop of Goa and Daman Father Filipe Neri Ferrao had in a letter said the Constitution was in danger and most of the people were living in insecurity. 
 
"As heads of religious institutions they must bless all. The distance between a religious institution & politics should be maintained," Yadav said in a series of tweets. 
 
In a swipe at the Goa archbishop, he referred to the proclamation of the Emergency in 1975 and said his office did not see any threat to the Constitution then when it was in danger. 
 
'They are now choosing to speak for political and not religious sections. Religious institutions controlling politics & political opinion happen in theocratic state which was rejected centuries ago," Yadav said. 
 
The BJP leader wondered what would happen if heads of other religious denominations followed the archbishop's example and started making similar appeals. 
 
He said both archbishops might have written their letters in general terms, but their message had not been lost. 
 
"After the political letter written by the Archbishop of Delhi, his counterpart in Goa has expressed a similar view. It's a political appeal by a religious head which marks a new dangerous trend in Indian politics. India isn't a theocratic state. It doesn't distinguish on basis of religion. India is world's largest democracy. It's governed by one of the most liberal constitutions of the world," he said.

The very fact that archbishops have expressed their criticism is the best evidence of free speech, he said.

Archbishop of Goa and Daman Father Filipe Neri Ferrao had in a letter said the Constitution was in danger and most of the people were living in insecurity

The BJP on Tuesday hit out at the Goa and Daman archbishop for his claim that the Constitution was in danger, saying it was a "political appeal" by a religious head which marked a "new dangerous trend". BJP general secretary Bhupender Yadav said the Delhi archbishop had earlier spoken out on similar lines and asserted that the two would set in motion a precedent that did not augur well for Indian democracy. Archbishop of Goa and Daman Father Filipe Neri Ferrao had in a letter said the Constitution was in danger and most of the people were living in insecurity. "As heads of religious institutions they must bless all. The distance between a religious institution & politics should be maintained," Yadav said in a series of tweets. In a swipe at the Goa archbishop, he referred to the proclamation of the Emergency in 1975 and said his office did not see any threat to the Constitution then when it was in danger. 'They are now choosing to speak for political and not religious sections. Religious institutions controlling politics & political opinion happen in theocratic state which was rejected centuries ago," Yadav said. The BJP leader wondered what would happen if heads of other religious denominations followed the archbishop's example and started making similar appeals. He said both archbishops might have written their letters in general terms, but their message had not been lost. "After the political letter written by the Archbishop of Delhi, his counterpart in Goa has expressed a similar view. It's a political appeal by a religious head which marks a new dangerous trend in Indian politics. India isn't a theocratic state. It doesn't distinguish on basis of religion. India is world's largest democracy. It's governed by one of the most liberal constitutions of the world," he said. The very fact that archbishops have expressed their criticism is the best evidence of free speech, he said.

Archbishop's letter marks dangerous trend: BJP

What will former President Pranab Mukherji say at the RSS function tomorrow is less of a talk, more of a horrified reaction within Congress. It seems that some of the senior leaders, despite the party's loss in 2014 elections, are living in a political cocoon untouched by the transformation Indian politics has gone through.

The RSS-BJP combine has electorate's legitimacy, and nothing matters more than it. The touch-me-not posture of some of the leaders comes across as childish and undemocratic. It reminds me of a famous quote: "If popular sentiments globally have become illiberal then liberal response has become undemocratic."

Congress has fallen into the same trap. Rather than responding to the situation, the party has reacted and handed over a plate of opportunity to the RSS-BJP combine. It makes RSS looks grand and inclusive and grudging Congressmen as tiny tot intellectuals.

There is no doubt that this interaction is part of the hunt for social legitimacy which has been denied to RSS post Mahatma Gandhi's assassination. It remains a sore point for RSS since then. It is this very social and intellectual boycott of RSS which eventually spurned them to erect their own ideation platforms like India Foundation and multiple allied organisations working in various social sectors.

The RSS might cloak invitation to Pranab Mukherji as regular interaction, but it is part of their outreach programme. The effort has become intense and expansive after the 2014 victory. The confidence stems from the verdict which gave BJP simple majority and RSS much awaited opportunity to pursue its goals unbridled in cultural and social sphere which was curtailed because of the compulsion of the coalition politics during Atal Bihari Vajpayee.

On the other hand, consternation within Congress is neither politically savvy nor grounded in intellectual brilliance. It looks more of a knee jerk reaction to BJP's politically ugly and intolerant campaign of 'Congress Mukt Bharat'.

A sensible way of dealing with a former stalwart would have been to make use of the opportunity. Congress should have taken the position that RSS ultimately had to borrow wisdom from a Congressman and they welcome it. They should have said that in all sincerity RSS should listen to wise words of Congressman Pranab Mukherji. They should have said that we hope that RSS shines in Pranab's intellectual glory. The message would have stopped RSS in its track.

Today the response looks childish as RSS's hunt for social legitimacy did not begin with Pranab and will neither end there.

It is also foolish if someone within the RSS is of the view that Pranab Mukherji's visit is an affirmation of their ideology. Pranab Mukherji's visit must be understood in the Indian cultural context where scholars and religious figures have constantly debated and argued the idea of God with each other.

The idea of an ideological enemy is a western import. It is the BJP which pushed this thought electorally when it spoke about Congress Mukt Bharat and Congress should have used this opportunity to expose BJP-RSS double standards. Instead, touch-me-not, elitist attitude of some of the party leaders ended up creating a wrong public impression.

Lastly, a letter shot of by one of the former Congress minister shows selective use of history. Though it is the BJP which generally resorts to selective use of history when it comes to freedom struggle and appropriating founding fathers. This time, it has happened from the other side.

Ambedkar's differences with Gandhi and Nehru were as acute as his abhorrence for the type of Hinduism advocated by the RSS. Ambedkar quit Congress over difference with Nehru. Ambedkar fought with Gandhi. All of this had nothing to do with the RSS.

If Congress wants to stand up to the challenge led by RSS-BJP, then it should stay away from drawing discussions on nationalism and political untouchability and remain focused on farm issues which today is BJP's Achilles Heel. Opposition for opposition sake does not work in long run and legitimacy ultimately flow from the electorate.

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of ZMCL)

The RSS might cloak invitation to Pranab Mukherji as regular interaction, but it is part of their outreach programme.

What will former President Pranab Mukherji say at the RSS function tomorrow is less of a talk, more of a horrified reaction within Congress. It seems that some of the senior leaders, despite the party's loss in 2014 elections, are living in a political cocoon untouched by the transformation Indian politics has gone through. The RSS-BJP combine has electorate's legitimacy, and nothing matters more than it. The touch-me-not posture of some of the leaders comes across as childish and undemocratic. It reminds me of a famous quote: "If popular sentiments globally have become illiberal then liberal response has become undemocratic." Congress has fallen into the same trap. Rather than responding to the situation, the party has reacted and handed over a plate of opportunity to the RSS-BJP combine. It makes RSS looks grand and inclusive and grudging Congressmen as tiny tot intellectuals. There is no doubt that this interaction is part of the hunt for social legitimacy which has been denied to RSS post Mahatma Gandhi's assassination. It remains a sore point for RSS since then. It is this very social and intellectual boycott of RSS which eventually spurned them to erect their own ideation platforms like India Foundation and multiple allied organisations working in various social sectors. The RSS might cloak invitation to Pranab Mukherji as regular interaction, but it is part of their outreach programme. The effort has become intense and expansive after the 2014 victory. The confidence stems from the verdict which gave BJP simple majority and RSS much awaited opportunity to pursue its goals unbridled in cultural and social sphere which was curtailed because of the compulsion of the coalition politics during Atal Bihari Vajpayee. On the other hand, consternation within Congress is neither politically savvy nor grounded in intellectual brilliance. It looks more of a knee jerk reaction to BJP's politically ugly and intolerant campaign of 'Congress Mukt Bharat'. A sensible way of dealing with a former stalwart would have been to make use of the opportunity. Congress should have taken the position that RSS ultimately had to borrow wisdom from a Congressman and they welcome it. They should have said that in all sincerity RSS should listen to wise words of Congressman Pranab Mukherji. They should have said that we hope that RSS shines in Pranab's intellectual glory. The message would have stopped RSS in its track. Today the response looks childish as RSS's hunt for social legitimacy did not begin with Pranab and will neither end there. It is also foolish if someone within the RSS is of the view that Pranab Mukherji's visit is an affirmation of their ideology. Pranab Mukherji's visit must be understood in the Indian cultural context where scholars and religious figures have constantly debated and argued the idea of God with each other. The idea of an ideological enemy is a western import. It is the BJP which pushed this thought electorally when it spoke about Congress Mukt Bharat and Congress should have used this opportunity to expose BJP-RSS double standards. Instead, touch-me-not, elitist attitude of some of the party leaders ended up creating a wrong public impression. Lastly, a letter shot of by one of the former Congress minister shows selective use of history. Though it is the BJP which generally resorts to selective use of history when it comes to freedom struggle and appropriating founding fathers. This time, it has happened from the other side. Ambedkar's differences with Gandhi and Nehru were as acute as his abhorrence for the type of Hinduism advocated by the RSS. Ambedkar quit Congress over difference with Nehru. Ambedkar fought with Gandhi. All of this had nothing to do with the RSS. If Congress wants to stand up to the challenge led by RSS-BJP, then it should stay away from drawing discussions on nationalism and political untouchability and remain focused on farm issues which today is BJP's Achilles Heel. Opposition for opposition sake does not work in long run and legitimacy ultimately flow from the electorate. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of ZMCL)

Opinion: Hunt for social legitimacy by RSS and Congress's self-goal

Member of parliament and actor Paresh Rawal is all set to play to Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a biopic. The actor has revealed to a newspaper that the work on the film has just begun and he will soon start shooting for it.&nbsp; 
“We are just locking the script and hopefully it will be finished by August 15, and we will begin to shoot it in September or October,” Rawal told the publication. “It will be a hugely challenging role.”

Rawal, who is a member of the Bharatiya Janata Party, will also produce the film. It is not clear yet on who will helm the project and which actors, other than Rawal, are part of it.&nbsp;

The 63-year-old actor will soon be seen as Sunil Dutt in Raju Hirani’s biopic on Sanjay Dutt. Sanju will be released on June 9. 
&nbsp;

Rawal will play the PM's character in the film.

Member of parliament and actor Paresh Rawal is all set to play to Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a biopic. The actor has revealed to a newspaper that the work on the film has just begun and he will soon start shooting for it. “We are just locking the script and hopefully it will be finished by August 15, and we will begin to shoot it in September or October,” Rawal told the publication. “It will be a hugely challenging role.” Rawal, who is a member of the Bharatiya Janata Party, will also produce the film. It is not clear yet on who will helm the project and which actors, other than Rawal, are part of it. The 63-year-old actor will soon be seen as Sunil Dutt in Raju Hirani’s biopic on Sanjay Dutt. Sanju will be released on June 9.

Paresh Rawal to start working on a biopic on PM Narendra Modi soon

The over-a-century old Mughalsarai railway station has been renamed after RSS ideologue Deen Dayal Upadhyaya, with Uttar Pradesh Governor Ram Naik giving his assent.

The central government had last year cleared UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's request to rename the station, despite protests raised in parliament by various parties.

A notification for this was issued by the state government yesterday, an official spokesman said today.

The state government had in June last year decided to rename Mughalsarai Junction in Chandauli district after Upadhyaya, who was found dead near the station in mysterious circumstances in 1968.

The Centre gave its in-principal approval for renaming the station, among the busiest in the country, last year. The move drew flak from opposition parties which accused the ruling party of attempting to tamper with history.

The Aam Aadmi Party was quick to criticise the move after the stations renaming was announced today.

Arvind Kejriwal, the Chief Minister of Delhi, tweeted in Hindi, "If you vote BJP, then names of cities and stations will change. If you vote AAP, then the future of your children will change."

Senior lawyer Prashant Bhushan also took a dig at Yogi Adityanath. "Who says that the Yogi government isn't working? Amidst all the heavy work done to provide oxygen to children at Gorakhpur Hospital, beating up people for Cows, & battering women thru Romeo squads, Yogi still got time to change the name of Mughalsarai Jn to Pandit Deendayal Jn!," Bhushan tweeted.

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भाजपा को वोट दोगे तो शहरों और स्टेशनो के नाम बदलेंगे। 
 
AAP को वोट दोगे तो आपके बच्चों का भविष्य बदलेंगे। <a href="https://t.co/giiQC3UZjx">https://t.co/giiQC3UZjx</a>
— Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) <a href="https://twitter.com/ArvindKejriwal/status/1003882389691494400?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 5, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Who says that the Yogi government isn't working? Amidst all the heavy work done to provide oxygen to children at Gorakhpur Hospital, beating up people for Cows, & battering women thru Romeo squads, Yogi still got time to change the name of Mughalsarai Jn to Pandit Deendayal Jn! <a href="https://t.co/BMdcZaSo8I">https://t.co/BMdcZaSo8I</a>
— Prashant Bhushan (@pbhushan1) <a href="https://twitter.com/pbhushan1/status/1003861405106241536?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 5, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The station was built during colonial rule and was a major stop on the Delhi-Howrah route.&nbsp;

The central government had last year cleared UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's request to rename the station, despite protests raised in parliament by various parties

The over-a-century old Mughalsarai railway station has been renamed after RSS ideologue Deen Dayal Upadhyaya, with Uttar Pradesh Governor Ram Naik giving his assent. The central government had last year cleared UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's request to rename the station, despite protests raised in parliament by various parties. A notification for this was issued by the state government yesterday, an official spokesman said today. The state government had in June last year decided to rename Mughalsarai Junction in Chandauli district after Upadhyaya, who was found dead near the station in mysterious circumstances in 1968. The Centre gave its in-principal approval for renaming the station, among the busiest in the country, last year. The move drew flak from opposition parties which accused the ruling party of attempting to tamper with history. The Aam Aadmi Party was quick to criticise the move after the stations renaming was announced today. Arvind Kejriwal, the Chief Minister of Delhi, tweeted in Hindi, "If you vote BJP, then names of cities and stations will change. If you vote AAP, then the future of your children will change." Senior lawyer Prashant Bhushan also took a dig at Yogi Adityanath. "Who says that the Yogi government isn't working? Amidst all the heavy work done to provide oxygen to children at Gorakhpur Hospital, beating up people for Cows, & battering women thru Romeo squads, Yogi still got time to change the name of Mughalsarai Jn to Pandit Deendayal Jn!," Bhushan tweeted. भाजपा को वोट दोगे तो शहरों और स्टेशनो के नाम बदलेंगे। AAP को वोट दोगे तो आपके बच्चों का भविष्य बदलेंगे। https://t.co/giiQC3UZjx — Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) June 5, 2018 × Who says that the Yogi government isn't working? Amidst all the heavy work done to provide oxygen to children at Gorakhpur Hospital, beating up people for Cows, & battering women thru Romeo squads, Yogi still got time to change the name of Mughalsarai Jn to Pandit Deendayal Jn! https://t.co/BMdcZaSo8I — Prashant Bhushan (@pbhushan1) June 5, 2018 × The station was built during colonial rule and was a major stop on the Delhi-Howrah route.

Mughalsarai renamed Deen Dayal Upadhyay Junction, Kejriwal takes dig at BJP

Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman today asserted that there was absolutely "no scandal" in the Rafale fighter jet deal with France and allegations of wrongdoings relating to it were politically motivated.

Without naming the Congress, Sitharaman said, "false comparisons" were made between the price at which India was procuring the jets and the price being negotiated by some other countries.

"I am assuring you in the company of all the senior officials that yes there is no scandal in Rafale. We are very clear about that," she said replying to a question on allegations of scam in the Rafale deal.

She was addressing a press conference along with top officials of the defence ministry on the occasion of the fourth anniversary of the NDA government.&nbsp

"Absolutely," she said when asked whether she can assure that not even a single rupee has been made in the Rafale deal.

She called the allegations very clear case of "motivated attacks".

Sitharaman also said that there has been no allegations of corruption against any officials of the defence ministry in the last four years.

India had signed an inter-governmental agreement with France in September 2016 for procurement of 36 Rafale fighter jets at a cost of around Rs 58,000 crore, nearly one-and-half years after Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the proposal during a visit to Paris.&nbsp

The delivery of the jets is scheduled to begin from September 2019.

The Congress had raised several questions about the deal including the rates and accused the government of compromising national interest and security while causing a loss to the public exchequer.

The Congress has been demanding details of the deal including cost of equipment and weapons, alleging that the deal negotiated under its rule was much cheaper than the contract signed by the Modi government

The government has been refusing to give an item-wise cost and other details about the deal in Parliament citing confidentiality provisions of a 2008 Indo-France pact.

The UPA government had negotiated a USD 10.2 billion deal for the 126 jets. However, the deal could not be finalised.&nbsp

Without naming the Congress, Sitharaman said, "false comparisons" were made between the price at which India was procuring the jets and the price being negotiated by some other countries

Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman today asserted that there was absolutely "no scandal" in the Rafale fighter jet deal with France and allegations of wrongdoings relating to it were politically motivated. Without naming the Congress, Sitharaman said, "false comparisons" were made between the price at which India was procuring the jets and the price being negotiated by some other countries. "I am assuring you in the company of all the senior officials that yes there is no scandal in Rafale. We are very clear about that," she said replying to a question on allegations of scam in the Rafale deal. She was addressing a press conference along with top officials of the defence ministry on the occasion of the fourth anniversary of the NDA government. "Absolutely," she said when asked whether she can assure that not even a single rupee has been made in the Rafale deal. She called the allegations very clear case of "motivated attacks". Sitharaman also said that there has been no allegations of corruption against any officials of the defence ministry in the last four years. India had signed an inter-governmental agreement with France in September 2016 for procurement of 36 Rafale fighter jets at a cost of around Rs 58,000 crore, nearly one-and-half years after Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the proposal during a visit to Paris. The delivery of the jets is scheduled to begin from September 2019. The Congress had raised several questions about the deal including the rates and accused the government of compromising national interest and security while causing a loss to the public exchequer. The Congress has been demanding details of the deal including cost of equipment and weapons, alleging that the deal negotiated under its rule was much cheaper than the contract signed by the Modi government The government has been refusing to give an item-wise cost and other details about the deal in Parliament citing confidentiality provisions of a 2008 Indo-France pact. The UPA government had negotiated a USD 10.2 billion deal for the 126 jets. However, the deal could not be finalised.

No scandal in Rafale deal: Defence Minister Sitharaman

The Congress has been out of power in Chhattisgarh for the last 15 years. And it suffers from a dearth of top leadership in the state after Naxalites ambushed and killed a number of their leaders in 2013.

In 2013, the Congress lost the state to the BJP by a margin of 0.73 per cent of votes.

The Congress has given PL Punia, former chairman of the SC/ST Commission, charge of Chhattisgarh.

Punia told WION they are working on seats where smaller parties like the GGP and the BSP are strong. When asked about an alliance, he said, "All options are open. Final decision is yet to be taken.”&nbsp;

Punia's full interview to WION follows:&nbsp;

&nbsp;

WION: What are the challenges for the Congress Party in Chhattisgarh?

PL Punia: Every election is a challenge whether in power or not. This time around the difference is that BJP has amassed lot of wealth and look insurmountable. But despite their financial strength, anti-incumbency exists in Chhattisgarh. Corruption is an issue. There are serious allegations against Chief Minister Raman Singh. We are also working on seats where parties like GGP (Gondwana Gantantra Party) and BSP (Bahujan Samaj Party) are strong. Roughly there are 15 seats where smaller parties make a difference in the state. I’m trying to ensure that vote does not get split.

WION: Is Congress thinking of an alliance with parties like GGP and BSP?

PL Punia: Not at the moment. We have left the option of alliance open. Rahul Gandhi has already said that alliances in the state would be decided on case to case basis. &nbsp;If required, alliances will be worked out in Chhattisgarh. We are working constituency to constituency basis and strengthening the cadre.

WION: How big a factor is former CM of Chhattisgarh, Ajit Jogi?

PL Punia: He is not a factor at all. He is not in the Congress Party anymore that is an advantage to us. He was disliked by a certain section of the society. The traders and businessmen were averse to him. He will cut into the BJP’s vote share more than ours.

WION: Then why wasn’t he asked to leave?

PL Punia: Many leaders felt in the party that in his absence we would lose the elections. But in my opinion, he used to backstab the party. He would not let candidates opposed to him as CM face win elections. For this reason, he would support non Congress candidate to defeat official Congress candidate. He was not declared as the Chief Ministerial candidate in previous elections.

WION: Congress does not have a top leadership in the state. Isn’t that an issue?

PL Punia: Unfortunately, our leadership was targeted by the Naxalites. It is a fact. But we have collective leadership today. The top gives inspiration but the work is done at the level of booth. We are focused at the level of booth management. We have focused our efforts at the level of the workers and I’m sure it will work in the coming assembly elections.

WION: What are the issues on which the Congress is contesting elections?

PL Punia: Corruption is an issue. The state government has tweaked laws and made tribal lands available to non-tribal which is not allowed under the existing provisions. We have gone down to small hamlets and organised training session for our workers. We have asked our workers to tell voters as to what role did Congress Party contributed to freedom struggle and how BJP stayed away from it. Basic development too is an issue. This time tribal and Dalit segments will vote for us.

WION: Despite your focus on backward politics, BJP still ends up getting good numbers during elections?

PL Punia: Well, they will not get it in Chhattisgarh. “Kaath ki haandi baar baar nahi charhti hai.”

&nbsp;

Punia said they are working on seats where parties like the GGP (Gondwana Gantantra Party) and the BSP (Bahujan Samaj Party) are strong, and that a decision on an alliance or alliances will be taken soon

The Congress has been out of power in Chhattisgarh for the last 15 years. And it suffers from a dearth of top leadership in the state after Naxalites ambushed and killed a number of their leaders in 2013. In 2013, the Congress lost the state to the BJP by a margin of 0.73 per cent of votes. The Congress has given PL Punia, former chairman of the SC/ST Commission, charge of Chhattisgarh. Punia told WION they are working on seats where smaller parties like the GGP and the BSP are strong. When asked about an alliance, he said, "All options are open. Final decision is yet to be taken.” Punia's full interview to WION follows: WION: What are the challenges for the Congress Party in Chhattisgarh? PL Punia: Every election is a challenge whether in power or not. This time around the difference is that BJP has amassed lot of wealth and look insurmountable. But despite their financial strength, anti-incumbency exists in Chhattisgarh. Corruption is an issue. There are serious allegations against Chief Minister Raman Singh. We are also working on seats where parties like GGP (Gondwana Gantantra Party) and BSP (Bahujan Samaj Party) are strong. Roughly there are 15 seats where smaller parties make a difference in the state. I’m trying to ensure that vote does not get split. WION: Is Congress thinking of an alliance with parties like GGP and BSP? PL Punia: Not at the moment. We have left the option of alliance open. Rahul Gandhi has already said that alliances in the state would be decided on case to case basis. If required, alliances will be worked out in Chhattisgarh. We are working constituency to constituency basis and strengthening the cadre. WION: How big a factor is former CM of Chhattisgarh, Ajit Jogi? PL Punia: He is not a factor at all. He is not in the Congress Party anymore that is an advantage to us. He was disliked by a certain section of the society. The traders and businessmen were averse to him. He will cut into the BJP’s vote share more than ours. WION: Then why wasn’t he asked to leave? PL Punia: Many leaders felt in the party that in his absence we would lose the elections. But in my opinion, he used to backstab the party. He would not let candidates opposed to him as CM face win elections. For this reason, he would support non Congress candidate to defeat official Congress candidate. He was not declared as the Chief Ministerial candidate in previous elections. WION: Congress does not have a top leadership in the state. Isn’t that an issue? PL Punia: Unfortunately, our leadership was targeted by the Naxalites. It is a fact. But we have collective leadership today. The top gives inspiration but the work is done at the level of booth. We are focused at the level of booth management. We have focused our efforts at the level of the workers and I’m sure it will work in the coming assembly elections. WION: What are the issues on which the Congress is contesting elections? PL Punia: Corruption is an issue. The state government has tweaked laws and made tribal lands available to non-tribal which is not allowed under the existing provisions. We have gone down to small hamlets and organised training session for our workers. We have asked our workers to tell voters as to what role did Congress Party contributed to freedom struggle and how BJP stayed away from it. Basic development too is an issue. This time tribal and Dalit segments will vote for us. WION: Despite your focus on backward politics, BJP still ends up getting good numbers during elections? PL Punia: Well, they will not get it in Chhattisgarh. “Kaath ki haandi baar baar nahi charhti hai.”

All options, including alliance, open in Chhattisgarh: Congress' PL Punia to WION

The JD(U) core committee met&nbspahead of a meeting of the National Democratic Alliance scheduled later this week, after which a senior party leader said Chief Minister Nitish Kumar is the face of the NDA in Bihar. 
Kumar, also the JD(U) national president, held the core committee meeting at his residence.

JD(U) national general secretaries K C Tyagi and Pavan Varma, who arrived from New Delhi, poll strategist Prashant Kishor and a few other state leaders took part in the meeting.

The meeting assumes significance as the BJP-led NDA, which the JD(U) joined in August last year, is scheduled to hold a meeting in Bihar on June 7. During the NDA meeting, to be attended by Kumar, the coalition partners are likely to discuss their strategy in the state for the next Lok Sabha polls.

Emerging out of the chief minister's residence after the meeting, Varma told reporters that Kumar "is the face of the NDA in Bihar, that is why he is the chief minister. JD(U) is the largest constituent of the coalition".

Varma's remark assumes significance amidst speculation in political circles here that the JD(U), which has only two Lok Sabha members, might press for a seat-sharing arrangement commensurate with its strength in the Bihar assembly where it has about 70 MLAs against nearly 50 of the BJP.

Besides the JD(U) and the BJP, the NDA in Bihar comprises Ram Vilas Paswan's Lok Janshakti Party and Upendra Kushwaha's Rashtriya Lok Samata Party.

The BJP had bagged 22 out of the 40 Lok Sabha seats in the state in 2014, when the JD(U) had fought separately.

However, in the wake of the poor show by the BJP in a number of bypolls recently, its allies have started voicing the need for better coordination within the NDA instead of a "big brotherly attitude" displayed by the senior coalition partner.

Asked about Kumar's renewed demand for special status to Bihar, Varma said "the party had never given up the demand. To fight for this legitimate right of the state is the JD(U)'s commitment".

He, however, declined to divulge the details of the consultations held with Kumar.

JD(U) national general secretaries K C Tyagi and Pavan Varma, who arrived from New Delhi, poll strategist Prashant Kishor and a few other state leaders took part in the meeting

The JD(U) core committee met&nbspahead of a meeting of the National Democratic Alliance scheduled later this week, after which a senior party leader said Chief Minister Nitish Kumar is the face of the NDA in Bihar. Kumar, also the JD(U) national president, held the core committee meeting at his residence. JD(U) national general secretaries K C Tyagi and Pavan Varma, who arrived from New Delhi, poll strategist Prashant Kishor and a few other state leaders took part in the meeting. The meeting assumes significance as the BJP-led NDA, which the JD(U) joined in August last year, is scheduled to hold a meeting in Bihar on June 7. During the NDA meeting, to be attended by Kumar, the coalition partners are likely to discuss their strategy in the state for the next Lok Sabha polls. Emerging out of the chief minister's residence after the meeting, Varma told reporters that Kumar "is the face of the NDA in Bihar, that is why he is the chief minister. JD(U) is the largest constituent of the coalition". Varma's remark assumes significance amidst speculation in political circles here that the JD(U), which has only two Lok Sabha members, might press for a seat-sharing arrangement commensurate with its strength in the Bihar assembly where it has about 70 MLAs against nearly 50 of the BJP. Besides the JD(U) and the BJP, the NDA in Bihar comprises Ram Vilas Paswan's Lok Janshakti Party and Upendra Kushwaha's Rashtriya Lok Samata Party. The BJP had bagged 22 out of the 40 Lok Sabha seats in the state in 2014, when the JD(U) had fought separately. However, in the wake of the poor show by the BJP in a number of bypolls recently, its allies have started voicing the need for better coordination within the NDA instead of a "big brotherly attitude" displayed by the senior coalition partner. Asked about Kumar's renewed demand for special status to Bihar, Varma said "the party had never given up the demand. To fight for this legitimate right of the state is the JD(U)'s commitment". He, however, declined to divulge the details of the consultations held with Kumar.

Nitish face of NDA in Bihar, says JD(U) leader after core committee meeting

In a latest dig at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Congress president Rahul Gandhi called him out saying that the interviews he&nbsp;gives are pre-scripted.&nbsp;

Sharing a video of PM Modi in Singapore, Rahul Gandhi alleged that PM Modi was the first Indian 'PM who ‘took spontaneous questions that the translator has pre-scripted answers to’.

He wrote on Twitter: “The first Indian PM who takes "spontaneous" questions that the translator has pre-scripted answers to! Good that he doesn't take real questions. Would have been a real embarrassment to us all if he did.” &nbsp;

The video was of an interview PM Modi had given at Singapore’s Nanyang Technological University (NTU) last Friday where he was seen answering a question about the challenges faced by Asia.&nbsp;

After PM Modi finished answering in Hindi, his translator then took out a piece of paper and read the same answer in English for the audience which also included facts that PM Modi's answer did not mention.&nbsp;

The Congress has often attacked PM Modi for not holding press conferences and only giving one-on-one interviews and has also said that PM Modi has time and again refused to answer "real questions" posed by opposition leaders and other.

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The first Indian PM who takes "spontaneous" questions that the translator has pre-scripted answers to! 
 
Good that he doesn't take real questions. Would have been a real embarrassment to us all if he did. <a href="https://t.co/8Iyfgiaseh">pic.twitter.com/8Iyfgiaseh</a>
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) <a href="https://twitter.com/RahulGandhi/status/1003557365646389249?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 4, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Sharing a video of PM Modi in Singapore, Rahul Gandhi alleged that PM Modi was the first Indian 'PM who takes 'spontaneous' questions that the translator has pre-scripted answers to!’

In a latest dig at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Congress president Rahul Gandhi called him out saying that the interviews he gives are pre-scripted. Sharing a video of PM Modi in Singapore, Rahul Gandhi alleged that PM Modi was the first Indian 'PM who ‘took spontaneous questions that the translator has pre-scripted answers to’. He wrote on Twitter: “The first Indian PM who takes "spontaneous" questions that the translator has pre-scripted answers to! Good that he doesn't take real questions. Would have been a real embarrassment to us all if he did.” The video was of an interview PM Modi had given at Singapore’s Nanyang Technological University (NTU) last Friday where he was seen answering a question about the challenges faced by Asia. After PM Modi finished answering in Hindi, his translator then took out a piece of paper and read the same answer in English for the audience which also included facts that PM Modi's answer did not mention. The Congress has often attacked PM Modi for not holding press conferences and only giving one-on-one interviews and has also said that PM Modi has time and again refused to answer "real questions" posed by opposition leaders and other. The first Indian PM who takes "spontaneous" questions that the translator has pre-scripted answers to! Good that he doesn't take real questions. Would have been a real embarrassment to us all if he did. pic.twitter.com/8Iyfgiaseh — Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) June 4, 2018 ×

Watch: PM Modi 'doesn't take real questions', says Rahul Gandhi

Union Minister Ram Vilas Paswan met with BJP President Amit Shah on Sunday raising various demands from the party in alliance including a special status for Bihar.

Lok Janshakti Party chief Ram Vilas Paswan sought an ordinance for reservation in promotion and to restore the original provisions of the&nbsp;law on atrocities against Dalit.

In the meeting, Paswan stressed on the need to bring an ordinance to restore the original stringent provisions of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.

The Supreme Court, in a recent order, had introduced new guidelines which, almost every political party has claimed, dilutes the law and will lead to a rise in crimes against Dalits.

Also highlighting the demand for the special status to Bihar, he said Bihar is a backward state so the status must be granted to it.

He said, "As far as special status to Bihar is concerned, we have been demanding for it. Bihar is a backward state so the status must be granted to it. Govt must listen to our pleas".

The demand for special status to Bihar was also raised by state chief minister Nitish Kumar.

A JDU national spokesperson later confirmed that the&nbsp;party will not part ways with its ally, BJP. He said&nbsp;that the party would stay in NDA and continue to fight for the special status for Bihar.

(With inputs from PTI)

 
 
&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

Lok Janshakti Party chief Ram Vilas Paswan also sought an ordinance for reservation in promotion and to restore the original provisions of the law on atrocities against Dalit

Union Minister Ram Vilas Paswan met with BJP President Amit Shah on Sunday raising various demands from the party in alliance including a special status for Bihar. Lok Janshakti Party chief Ram Vilas Paswan sought an ordinance for reservation in promotion and to restore the original provisions of the law on atrocities against Dalit. In the meeting, Paswan stressed on the need to bring an ordinance to restore the original stringent provisions of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. The Supreme Court, in a recent order, had introduced new guidelines which, almost every political party has claimed, dilutes the law and will lead to a rise in crimes against Dalits. Also highlighting the demand for the special status to Bihar, he said Bihar is a backward state so the status must be granted to it. He said, "As far as special status to Bihar is concerned, we have been demanding for it. Bihar is a backward state so the status must be granted to it. Govt must listen to our pleas". The demand for special status to Bihar was also raised by state chief minister Nitish Kumar. A JDU national spokesperson later confirmed that the party will not part ways with its ally, BJP. He said that the party would stay in NDA and continue to fight for the special status for Bihar. (With inputs from PTI)

Ram Vilas Paswan meets Amit Shah, demands special status for Bihar

After facing consistent losses in the recent elections, the Bhartiya Janata Party leader Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi has hinted on forming new alliance ahead of the 2019 Lok Sabha polls.

Admitting the same, the Union Minister said on Sunday that the recent electoral reverses have affected the BJP and the party would go for new alliance if a need arises.

He added that their party has not put up a "no-entry" sign and will go for new allies if party needs. He also said that they would want the existing allies to stay with the party.

Referring to the TDP, he said that the party was also ready to accept the alliance parties who have left the NDA recently.

Naqvi said that the BJP was committed to alliance partners from the time of Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.

He said the recent defeat in the&nbsp;bypolls in Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh and other states have impacted the party and also taught them a lesson.

He said that now that the party was aware of the strategy of the opposition, it would be easier for them to contest the polls against them. 
&nbsp;

Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi said the recent defeat in the bypolls in Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh and other states have impacted the party and also taught them a lesson

After facing consistent losses in the recent elections, the Bhartiya Janata Party leader Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi has hinted on forming new alliance ahead of the 2019 Lok Sabha polls. Admitting the same, the Union Minister said on Sunday that the recent electoral reverses have affected the BJP and the party would go for new alliance if a need arises. He added that their party has not put up a "no-entry" sign and will go for new allies if party needs. He also said that they would want the existing allies to stay with the party. Referring to the TDP, he said that the party was also ready to accept the alliance parties who have left the NDA recently. Naqvi said that the BJP was committed to alliance partners from the time of Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. He said the recent defeat in the bypolls in Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh and other states have impacted the party and also taught them a lesson. He said that now that the party was aware of the strategy of the opposition, it would be easier for them to contest the polls against them.

Will go for new alliance if need arises: BJP leader Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/whatever-i-have-to-say-i-will-say-in-nagpur-pranab-mukherjee-on-accepting-rss-invite-141926">Whatever I have to say, I will say in Nagpur: Pranab Mukherjee on accepting RSS invite</a>

Former President Pranab Mukherjee has responded to the criticism (and the many suggestions) he has got after accepting an invite to an RSS event.&nbsp;

Mukherjee has been invited to speak to swayamsevaks in Nagpur on June 7 at the concluding function of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh's Tritiya Varsha Varg or third-year course.&nbsp;

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/sushma-swarajs-aircraft-goes-incommunicado-for-14-mins-en-route-to-mauritius--141934">En route to Mauritius, Sushma Swaraj's plane went incommunicado for 14 minutes</a>

Mauritius air traffic control was given a serious scare Saturday when External Affaris Minister Sushma Swaraj's aircraft, flying in from Trivandrum, went incommunicado for about 14 minutes.&nbsp;

Swaraj's Embraer ERJ135 jet took from Trivandrum at 4 pm and lost contact at around 4.44 pm.&nbsp;

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/autopsy-of-bjp-worker-found-hanging-in-bengal-says-suicide-141953">Autopsy</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/autopsy-of-bjp-worker-found-hanging-in-bengal-says-suicide-141953"> of BJP worker found hanging in Bengal says suicide</a>

The autopsy conducted on the body of the BJP worker found hanging yesterday in West Bengal's Purulia district has indicated he committed suicide.&nbsp;

Dulal Kumar was found hanging from an electricity tower on Saturday.&nbsp;

His was the second body to be found hanging in quick succession.&nbsp;

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/after-a-year-of-keeping-quiet-kejriwal-renews-attacks-on-modi-141947">After a year of keeping quiet, Kejriwal renews attacks on Modi</a>&nbsp;

In 2017, following AAP's poor performance in Punjab and the BJP's sweep in Uttar Pradesh, Kejriwal consciously decided to minimise his attacks on his bete-noire, Prime Minister Narendra Modi.&nbsp;

He continued with the strategy for a little more than a year. But with the BJP suffering a string of electoral defeats and anti-incumbency sentiment slowly setting in against the BJP government at the Centre, Kejriwal has renewed his attacks on Modi with the same level of acerbity as before.

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/features/swara-bhasker-told-off-by-pakistan-actress-for-calling-the-country-a-failing-state--141923">Swara </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/features/swara-bhasker-told-off-by-pakistan-actress-for-calling-the-country-a-failing-state--141923">Bhasker</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/features/swara-bhasker-told-off-by-pakistan-actress-for-calling-the-country-a-failing-state--141923"> calls Pakistan 'failing state'. Pak actress calls her 'failing human being'</a>

Pakistani actress Urwa Hocane has responded to Bollywood actress Swara Bhasker calling Pakistan a 'failing state'.&nbsp;

Hocane, in her response, called Bhasker a 'failing human being'.&nbsp;

Bhasker made her comment after her most recent film Veere Di Wedding was banned in Pakistan because of its "vulgar content".&nbsp;

Whatever I have to say, I will say in Nagpur: Pranab Mukherjee on accepting RSS invite Former President Pranab Mukherjee has responded to the criticism (and the many suggestions) he has got after accepting an invite to an RSS event. Mukherjee has been invited to speak to swayamsevaks in Nagpur on June 7 at the concluding function of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh's Tritiya Varsha Varg or third-year course. En route to Mauritius, Sushma Swaraj's plane went incommunicado for 14 minutes Mauritius air traffic control was given a serious scare Saturday when External Affaris Minister Sushma Swaraj's aircraft, flying in from Trivandrum, went incommunicado for about 14 minutes. Swaraj's Embraer ERJ135 jet took from Trivandrum at 4 pm and lost contact at around 4.44 pm. Autopsy of BJP worker found hanging in Bengal says suicide The autopsy conducted on the body of the BJP worker found hanging yesterday in West Bengal's Purulia district has indicated he committed suicide. Dulal Kumar was found hanging from an electricity tower on Saturday. His was the second body to be found hanging in quick succession. After a year of keeping quiet, Kejriwal renews attacks on Modi In 2017, following AAP's poor performance in Punjab and the BJP's sweep in Uttar Pradesh, Kejriwal consciously decided to minimise his attacks on his bete-noire, Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He continued with the strategy for a little more than a year. But with the BJP suffering a string of electoral defeats and anti-incumbency sentiment slowly setting in against the BJP government at the Centre, Kejriwal has renewed his attacks on Modi with the same level of acerbity as before. Swara Bhasker calls Pakistan 'failing state'. Pak actress calls her 'failing human being' Pakistani actress Urwa Hocane has responded to Bollywood actress Swara Bhasker calling Pakistan a 'failing state'. Hocane, in her response, called Bhasker a 'failing human being'. Bhasker made her comment after her most recent film Veere Di Wedding was banned in Pakistan because of its "vulgar content".

News brief: Big stories of the day

In a boxing match, a player sometimes fends off the opponent, sometimes defends, and then, at the apt moment, he attacks.

As momentum gathers for the 2019 general election, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal seems to be playing the political game just as carefully, say leaders of his Aam Aadmi Party and political observers.

In 2017, following AAP's poor performance in Punjab and the BJP's sweep in Uttar Pradesh, Kejriwal consciously decided to minimise his attacks on his bete-noire, Prime Minister Narendra Modi.&nbsp

He continued with the strategy for a little more than a year. But with the BJP suffering a string of electoral defeats and anti-incumbency sentiment slowly setting in&nbspagainst the BJP government at the Centre, Kejriwal has renewed his attacks on Modi with the same level of acerbity as before.

"When Kejriwal changed strategy in 2017, post Uttar Pradesh poll results, the charisma of Modi was intact. You don't attack a leader who is popular because that will backfire. But when he is becoming unpopular, change the strategy,&nbspa senior AAP leader told PTI.

The rising fuel prices that has resulted in anger among the people, the recent defeats in the bypolls and the opposition banding together against the BJP have prompted the change, he said.

On May 31, the day of the bypoll results in which the BJP won one parliamentary seat and one assembly seat of 14 constituencies, Kejriwal posted a carefully timed tweet in praise of former prime minister Manmohan Singh, the target of his anti-graft campaign during the 2013 Delhi Assembly polls and the Lok Sabha polls the following year.

Taking a swipe at Modi, Kejriwal said people were missing an "educated prime minister" like Manmohan Singh.

"It's dawning on people now that the PM should be educated," Kejriwal tweeted, posting a Wall Street Journal article on the falling rupee.

This was a clear dig at Modi, reminiscent of his past attacks on the prime minister and reiterating doubts on the authenticity of his educational qualifications.

After the bypoll results became known, Kejriwal said the results were a reflection of people's anger against the prime minister.

The BJP had earlier lost Karnataka and the Gorakhpur and Phulpur parliamentary constituencies in Uttar Pradesh.

On May 31 itself, Kejriwal tweeted a video about people in Varanasi criticising the prime minister. He sought to link the CBI raid on state Health Minister Satyendar Jain's residence to steps the Delhi government is planning to take to reduce the charges by hospitals.

On the raid that took on place on May 30, he tweeted, "What does PM Modi want?"

A few days before that, on May 26, responding to a tweet on the performance of Delhi government schools, Kerjiwal said, "This is despite the obstacles created by the LG, the BJP and the PM. Congratulations to all students, principals and teachers."

On May 22, he attacked the prime minister's insurance scheme on the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY). "PM's crop insurance scheme is a complete fraud on the farmers. Its sole objective is to benefit some insurance companies,"&nbspthe AAP chief said.

"Attacking a leader when he is popular will backfire. When the opposition is uniting against Modi, the bypoll results suggest that anti-incumbency is setting in, he is jumping on the bandwagon and mounting an attack,"&nbspsaid political analyst Sanjay Kumar.

AAP's Delhi unit spokesperson Saurabh Bharadwaj said Kejriwal was a human being and was bound to hit back.

"How long will you push him against the wall? After all he is a human being, he is bound to hit back. They have not allowed the Delhi government to function,"&nbsphe said.

"We also tried to use the strategy of minimising our attacks and instead focus on work, but the incidents over past one year reflect that the strategy has not worked,"&nbspBharadwaj added.&nbsp

He was referring to the recent raids on Jain's residence by the CBI, the interrogation of the chief minister and his deputy Manish Sisodia in the case of an alleged assault on Chief Secretary Anshu Prakash by AAP MLAs, the removal of Delhi government advisors, including Atishi Marlena, and the arrest of Kejriwal's kin in an alleged irregularity in the PWD related work.&nbsp

Kejriwal kept mum in 2017 after AAP's poor performance in Punjab and the the BJP's sweep of Uttar Pradesh. But now, with Modi on the backfoot, the Delhi Chief Minister has renewed his attacks with the same level of acerbity as earlier

In a boxing match, a player sometimes fends off the opponent, sometimes defends, and then, at the apt moment, he attacks. As momentum gathers for the 2019 general election, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal seems to be playing the political game just as carefully, say leaders of his Aam Aadmi Party and political observers. In 2017, following AAP's poor performance in Punjab and the BJP's sweep in Uttar Pradesh, Kejriwal consciously decided to minimise his attacks on his bete-noire, Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He continued with the strategy for a little more than a year. But with the BJP suffering a string of electoral defeats and anti-incumbency sentiment slowly setting in&nbspagainst the BJP government at the Centre, Kejriwal has renewed his attacks on Modi with the same level of acerbity as before. "When Kejriwal changed strategy in 2017, post Uttar Pradesh poll results, the charisma of Modi was intact. You don't attack a leader who is popular because that will backfire. But when he is becoming unpopular, change the strategy,&nbspa senior AAP leader told PTI. The rising fuel prices that has resulted in anger among the people, the recent defeats in the bypolls and the opposition banding together against the BJP have prompted the change, he said. On May 31, the day of the bypoll results in which the BJP won one parliamentary seat and one assembly seat of 14 constituencies, Kejriwal posted a carefully timed tweet in praise of former prime minister Manmohan Singh, the target of his anti-graft campaign during the 2013 Delhi Assembly polls and the Lok Sabha polls the following year. Taking a swipe at Modi, Kejriwal said people were missing an "educated prime minister" like Manmohan Singh. "It's dawning on people now that the PM should be educated," Kejriwal tweeted, posting a Wall Street Journal article on the falling rupee. This was a clear dig at Modi, reminiscent of his past attacks on the prime minister and reiterating doubts on the authenticity of his educational qualifications. After the bypoll results became known, Kejriwal said the results were a reflection of people's anger against the prime minister. The BJP had earlier lost Karnataka and the Gorakhpur and Phulpur parliamentary constituencies in Uttar Pradesh. On May 31 itself, Kejriwal tweeted a video about people in Varanasi criticising the prime minister. He sought to link the CBI raid on state Health Minister Satyendar Jain's residence to steps the Delhi government is planning to take to reduce the charges by hospitals. On the raid that took on place on May 30, he tweeted, "What does PM Modi want?" A few days before that, on May 26, responding to a tweet on the performance of Delhi government schools, Kerjiwal said, "This is despite the obstacles created by the LG, the BJP and the PM. Congratulations to all students, principals and teachers." On May 22, he attacked the prime minister's insurance scheme on the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY). "PM's crop insurance scheme is a complete fraud on the farmers. Its sole objective is to benefit some insurance companies,"&nbspthe AAP chief said. "Attacking a leader when he is popular will backfire. When the opposition is uniting against Modi, the bypoll results suggest that anti-incumbency is setting in, he is jumping on the bandwagon and mounting an attack,"&nbspsaid political analyst Sanjay Kumar. AAP's Delhi unit spokesperson Saurabh Bharadwaj said Kejriwal was a human being and was bound to hit back. "How long will you push him against the wall? After all he is a human being, he is bound to hit back. They have not allowed the Delhi government to function,"&nbsphe said. "We also tried to use the strategy of minimising our attacks and instead focus on work, but the incidents over past one year reflect that the strategy has not worked,"&nbspBharadwaj added. He was referring to the recent raids on Jain's residence by the CBI, the interrogation of the chief minister and his deputy Manish Sisodia in the case of an alleged assault on Chief Secretary Anshu Prakash by AAP MLAs, the removal of Delhi government advisors, including Atishi Marlena, and the arrest of Kejriwal's kin in an alleged irregularity in the PWD related work.

After a year of keeping quiet, Kejriwal renews attacks on Modi 

Sachin Pilot is President of the Rajasthan Congress Committee. He has been a two-term MP and also served as a minister of state under Manmohan Singh.

He lost his Lok Sabha seat in the Modi wave of 2014. Since then he has kept his focus on Rajasthan, even relocating to the state.

Today, with an assembly election coming up, the Congress is on a strong wicket in the state. It is the BJP government that will have to fight anti-incumbency. The Congress did very well in the recent by-elections and Sachin says the BJP will be defeated in Rajasthan. His entire interview with WION follows:&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
 
WION: How has the Rajasthan government handled the farmer unrest and the debt issue? 
Sachin Pilot: 150 farmers have already committed suicide in the state. Farmers'&nbsp;distress today stands at its worst stage. The state government has turned a blind eye to the farmers'&nbsp;problem. Unavailability of water and seeds compounded with debt management has broken farmers back in the last 3 years. 
&nbsp; 
WION: Do you think rural distress as an issue can also resonate in Madhya Pradesh? 
Sachin Pilot: Both Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan are suffering from massive agrarian distress. Both are agriculture based states and a large part of population depends on it. BJP has not paid sufficient attention to the farmers. Congress too has not forgotten Mandasaur incident. It is for this reason Congress President Rahul Gandhi visited the place to mark death anniversary of the farmers who were shot while agitating. I feel this resentment will express itself during the time of vote. 
&nbsp; 
WION: Is Kairana a roadmap for the Opposition for the coming Lok Sabha elections? 
Sachin Pilot: To an extent but every state has a different dynamic and tieups will happen keeping that in mind. Mrs Gandhi had recently organised a meet of 17 parties. Subsequently we saw a realignment in Uttar Pradesh. But we should not forget that Congress is the only party which can nationally mount a challenge against BJP. For any anti-BJP alliance, Congress will have to be in the pivot position. Political players to come together on a platform like this will have to give up personal interests. 
&nbsp; 
WION: What about states like Rajasthan where Congress does not need an alliance? Will the Kairana model be applicable there? 
Sachin Pilot: Rajasthan is a two-party state. Elections are fought between BJP and Congress. Our party does not need any alliance in the state. We will defeat BJP on our strength. Rajasthan bypolls have shown as to how weak BJP has become in the state. Lot of like-minded people in Rajasthan are coming together to fight BJP. Tribals, Dalits and farmers have received a raw deal under the Rajasthan government. 
&nbsp; 
WION: Congress is refocusing on OBC vote. Historically, after Charan Singh’s exit from Congress, OBC votes remained with the Opposition parties then and now rests with BJP and regional setups. How do you expect Congress to catch up? 
Sachin Pilot: It is never too late. Congress is a rainbow party. I will not deny that strong OBC leadership in recent past have emanated from regional parties. It is a talented community and Congress will be building its fresh leadership in the party. &nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
WION: You said Dalits have got a raw deal in Rajasthan but if you look at the Karnataka results, BJP has not done badly in reserved constituencies. 
Sachin Pilot: I’m not an expert on Karnataka. In north India, atrocities against Dalits have increased manifold. Dalit community is very vulnerable today. They have been at the receiving end and in many states, videos of violence against them have also come up. So, there is a huge turnaround of the Dalit community in north India. 
&nbsp; 
WION: Can we say that Sachin Pilot is the CM candidate? 
Sachin Pilot: No. It all depends on the Congress President Rahul Gandhi. My job is to fight election. We will fight elections collectively. I have received support from everyone and it is for this reason that Congress gave impressive results in Rajasthan. 
&nbsp; 
WION: How is your relation with Ashok Gehlot? (Senior Congress leader and former Rajasthan CMAshok Gehlot has been moved to Delhi and made a General Secretary of the party.)&nbsp; 
Sachin Pilot: I have a very good relationship with Ashok Gehlot. I have good relationship with everyone in the Rajasthan Congress. Ashok Gehlot and many other senior leaders have done good work in the state. Now he has a new assignment as General Secretary of the Congress Party. 
&nbsp; 
WION: Congress has built a strong anti-Modi campaign but you have not come out with alternative ideas and a positive theme. Why? 
Sachin Pilot: &nbsp;Tall promises were made by Narendra Modi and not us in 2014. We are doing the correct thing by asking questions. We are exposing BJP by asking questions as everyone knows that promises have not been kept. We are not being just critical. We are making BJP accountable. And Congress too will have a positive campaign. Let the time come.

The recent Rajasthan bypolls have shown how weak the BJP has become in the state, Pilot said. Rajasthan will go to the polls in 2018

Sachin Pilot is President of the Rajasthan Congress Committee. He has been a two-term MP and also served as a minister of state under Manmohan Singh. He lost his Lok Sabha seat in the Modi wave of 2014. Since then he has kept his focus on Rajasthan, even relocating to the state. Today, with an assembly election coming up, the Congress is on a strong wicket in the state. It is the BJP government that will have to fight anti-incumbency. The Congress did very well in the recent by-elections and Sachin says the BJP will be defeated in Rajasthan. His entire interview with WION follows: WION: How has the Rajasthan government handled the farmer unrest and the debt issue? Sachin Pilot: 150 farmers have already committed suicide in the state. Farmers' distress today stands at its worst stage. The state government has turned a blind eye to the farmers' problem. Unavailability of water and seeds compounded with debt management has broken farmers back in the last 3 years. WION: Do you think rural distress as an issue can also resonate in Madhya Pradesh? Sachin Pilot: Both Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan are suffering from massive agrarian distress. Both are agriculture based states and a large part of population depends on it. BJP has not paid sufficient attention to the farmers. Congress too has not forgotten Mandasaur incident. It is for this reason Congress President Rahul Gandhi visited the place to mark death anniversary of the farmers who were shot while agitating. I feel this resentment will express itself during the time of vote. WION: Is Kairana a roadmap for the Opposition for the coming Lok Sabha elections? Sachin Pilot: To an extent but every state has a different dynamic and tieups will happen keeping that in mind. Mrs Gandhi had recently organised a meet of 17 parties. Subsequently we saw a realignment in Uttar Pradesh. But we should not forget that Congress is the only party which can nationally mount a challenge against BJP. For any anti-BJP alliance, Congress will have to be in the pivot position. Political players to come together on a platform like this will have to give up personal interests. WION: What about states like Rajasthan where Congress does not need an alliance? Will the Kairana model be applicable there? Sachin Pilot: Rajasthan is a two-party state. Elections are fought between BJP and Congress. Our party does not need any alliance in the state. We will defeat BJP on our strength. Rajasthan bypolls have shown as to how weak BJP has become in the state. Lot of like-minded people in Rajasthan are coming together to fight BJP. Tribals, Dalits and farmers have received a raw deal under the Rajasthan government. WION: Congress is refocusing on OBC vote. Historically, after Charan Singh’s exit from Congress, OBC votes remained with the Opposition parties then and now rests with BJP and regional setups. How do you expect Congress to catch up? Sachin Pilot: It is never too late. Congress is a rainbow party. I will not deny that strong OBC leadership in recent past have emanated from regional parties. It is a talented community and Congress will be building its fresh leadership in the party. WION: You said Dalits have got a raw deal in Rajasthan but if you look at the Karnataka results, BJP has not done badly in reserved constituencies. Sachin Pilot: I’m not an expert on Karnataka. In north India, atrocities against Dalits have increased manifold. Dalit community is very vulnerable today. They have been at the receiving end and in many states, videos of violence against them have also come up. So, there is a huge turnaround of the Dalit community in north India. WION: Can we say that Sachin Pilot is the CM candidate? Sachin Pilot: No. It all depends on the Congress President Rahul Gandhi. My job is to fight election. We will fight elections collectively. I have received support from everyone and it is for this reason that Congress gave impressive results in Rajasthan. WION: How is your relation with Ashok Gehlot? (Senior Congress leader and former Rajasthan CMAshok Gehlot has been moved to Delhi and made a General Secretary of the party.) Sachin Pilot: I have a very good relationship with Ashok Gehlot. I have good relationship with everyone in the Rajasthan Congress. Ashok Gehlot and many other senior leaders have done good work in the state. Now he has a new assignment as General Secretary of the Congress Party. WION: Congress has built a strong anti-Modi campaign but you have not come out with alternative ideas and a positive theme. Why? Sachin Pilot: Tall promises were made by Narendra Modi and not us in 2014. We are doing the correct thing by asking questions. We are exposing BJP by asking questions as everyone knows that promises have not been kept. We are not being just critical. We are making BJP accountable. And Congress too will have a positive campaign. Let the time come.

Congress does not need an alliance in Rajasthan, will beat BJP on its own: Sachin Pilot to WION

West Bengal Police have blamed, prima facie, the deaths of the two men the BJP says were party workers on suicide and personal enmity.&nbsp

Both deaths took place in Bengal's Purulia district.&nbsp

The first body, of 20-year-old Trilochan Mahto, was found hanging from a tree on Thursday. On the front and back of his white T-shirt was written:&nbsp"This is for doing BJP politics from age 18. Been trying to kill you since the vote. Failed. Today you are dead."

The second body, of Dulal Kumar, was found hanging from an electric pole, on Saturday. &nbsp

"In preliminary investigation in first incident, it seems to be case of personal enmity. We've started investigating and we'll take proper action," said Purulia SP Joy Biswas.&nbsp

"Second incident seems to be case of suicide. Body sent for postmortem," he added.&nbsp

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
In preliminary investigation in 1st incident, it seems to be case of personal enmity. We've started investigating & we'll take proper action. 2nd incident, seems to be case of suicide. Body sent for postmortem: Joy Biswas,Purulia SP on bodies of 2 BJP workers found in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WestBengal?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WestBengal</a> <a href="https://t.co/k3aQH64c35">pic.twitter.com/k3aQH64c35</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1002849603249508352?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 2, 2018</a></blockquote>
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ADG के पूर्ण प्रयास के बाद भी आखिर<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WestBengal?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WestBengal</a> के पुरुलिया जिले में,<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BJP?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BJP</a> कार्यकर्ता दुलाल की लाश भी 
सुबह टॉवर पर लटकी हुई मिली है! 
 
हम शर्मिंदा हैं! 
शायद प्रजातन्त्र भी शर्मिंदा है!! <a href="https://t.co/0IjlhwWctb">pic.twitter.com/0IjlhwWctb</a>
— Kailash Vijayvargiya (@KailashOnline) <a href="https://twitter.com/KailashOnline/status/1002760954306678784?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 2, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp

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After Trilochan Mahato, Dulal Kumar, another BJP karyakarta’s body found hanging from a tower in Purulia... BJP did exceedingly well here winning all 9 gram panchayats and 2 zilla parishad seats in the block. Mamata Banerjee must be proud of her murderous hoodlums. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SaveBengal?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SaveBengal</a> <a href="https://t.co/n8Xq3C44KW">pic.twitter.com/n8Xq3C44KW</a>
— Amit Malviya (@amitmalviya) <a href="https://twitter.com/amitmalviya/status/1002772782973968385?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 2, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The BJP however has been quick to blame the murders on the Trinamool Congress.&nbsp

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The present TMC govt in West Bengal has surpassed the violent legacy of Communist rule. Entire BJP mourns this tragic loss & stands firmly with Trilochan Mahato’s family in this hour of grief. His sacrifice for organisation & ideology will not go in vain. Om Shanti Shanti Shanti.
— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) <a href="https://twitter.com/AmitShah/status/1001825007213973505?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 30, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp

&nbsp

The two men were found hanging from a tree and an electricity tower within 48 hours of each other

West Bengal Police have blamed, prima facie, the deaths of the two men the BJP says were party workers on suicide and personal enmity. Both deaths took place in Bengal's Purulia district. The first body, of 20-year-old Trilochan Mahto, was found hanging from a tree on Thursday. On the front and back of his white T-shirt was written: "This is for doing BJP politics from age 18. Been trying to kill you since the vote. Failed. Today you are dead." The second body, of Dulal Kumar, was found hanging from an electric pole, on Saturday. "In preliminary investigation in first incident, it seems to be case of personal enmity. We've started investigating and we'll take proper action," said Purulia SP Joy Biswas. "Second incident seems to be case of suicide. Body sent for postmortem," he added. In preliminary investigation in 1st incident, it seems to be case of personal enmity. We've started investigating & we'll take proper action. 2nd incident, seems to be case of suicide. Body sent for postmortem: Joy Biswas,Purulia SP on bodies of 2 BJP workers found in #WestBengal pic.twitter.com/k3aQH64c35 — ANI (@ANI) June 2, 2018 × ADG के पूर्ण प्रयास के बाद भी आखिर#WestBengal के पुरुलिया जिले में,#BJP कार्यकर्ता दुलाल की लाश भी सुबह टॉवर पर लटकी हुई मिली है! हम शर्मिंदा हैं! शायद प्रजातन्त्र भी शर्मिंदा है!! pic.twitter.com/0IjlhwWctb — Kailash Vijayvargiya (@KailashOnline) June 2, 2018 × After Trilochan Mahato, Dulal Kumar, another BJP karyakarta’s body found hanging from a tower in Purulia... BJP did exceedingly well here winning all 9 gram panchayats and 2 zilla parishad seats in the block. Mamata Banerjee must be proud of her murderous hoodlums. #SaveBengal pic.twitter.com/n8Xq3C44KW — Amit Malviya (@amitmalviya) June 2, 2018 × The BJP however has been quick to blame the murders on the Trinamool Congress. The present TMC govt in West Bengal has surpassed the violent legacy of Communist rule. Entire BJP mourns this tragic loss & stands firmly with Trilochan Mahato’s family in this hour of grief. His sacrifice for organisation & ideology will not go in vain. Om Shanti Shanti Shanti. — Amit Shah (@AmitShah) May 30, 2018 ×

After BJP says 2 workers killed in Bengal, police blame personal enmity, suicide

Non-BJP parties are beaming after success in bypoll results on May 31, particularly on BJP's defeat in Kairana. All local satraps of non-BJP parties (or can we say a legion of aspiring PM candidates) are denouncing that this is beginning of end game for Modi and Shah.

The rhetoric is that united opposition would make sure that BJP is defeated in 2019. Somehow Congress is in the funniest situation. All the spokespersons of the party have been upbeat and smiling on all channels despite the fact Congress got nothing in this bypoll. When one TV anchor asked a very pertinent question to Congress last night "whether your objective in 2019 to win election or just to make sure that BJP is defeated?", Congress spokesperson was mumbling in response.

The bottomline is that despite results of Kairana and Gorakhpur/Phulpur earlier, the non-BJP federal front stands no merit. In the first place, against a formidable Modi/Shah duo, the united opposition will not have an easy task in hand. But even if they have a chance, it is not good for the nation in any way.

History tells this to us in an unequivocal manner.

There is a very unique paradox here. All these parties are coming together because of a looming existential crisis. There is an ultimate fear factor and let's call it XYZ factor. This&nbsp; XYZ factor may keep these parties on a platform until the time of the election. Once they get political success (this is just an assumption though) this XYZ factor vanishes in no time. Since XYZ was the only binding factor, once it goes, in-fighting and split is imminent. Once in power, personal political agenda of each satrap will come to the fore and completely take over the XYZ factor. This phenomenon is in the very DNA of the mankind and cannot be denied.

In 1977, as soon as all leaders under JP were able to defeat Indira Gandhi and government was formed at the Centre, swords came out and all heavyweights started fighting with each other. It took just a couple of years for the government to fall.

In 1989, the drive to remove Rajiv and Congress was so strong that in an unprecedented move left (CPI/CPM) and right (BJP) came on a single platform to support VP Singh. VP Singh couldn't even complete one year at the office.

Take the latest example of Karnataka. In a haste to stop the BJP, Congress and JD(S) have come together but once in power, they are not even able to set ministers for different portfolios even after 10 days of getting a go ahead for forming the government.

But make no mistake. Even a united opposition is in no way in the position of 1977 and 1989. In 1977, there was nationwide anger against Indira Gandhi and in 1989 there was a clear resentment against Rajiv. Being astute statesmen, JP and VP Singh capitalised on the situation and built a strong narrative. This time united opposition neither have a unique politician (like JP and VP Singh) behind whom other can coalesce and at the top of it, Modi is still on a very strong pitch.

Bypoll results can be misleading. One political commentator made a very interesting comment. He said that Modi's direct involvement in any election in itself results in 2-3% vote swing in favour of BJP. So the real battle would be a different ball game.

In the end, the slogan "Modi hatao" cannot be the single point objective. Opposition parties need to set a convincing agenda and put up the same to voters. The Indian democracy and voters have matured over the years. Extrapolating Kairana's result to the whole nation in 2019 can, in fact, be fatal for the united opposition.

Modi and Shah are very much up for the challenge. There is one full year for the 2019 election and Amit Shah is shrewd enough to recalibrate his plans for this new challenge.

The attempt of united opposition to topple BJP is bound to fail and it is nothing more the repeat of failed experiments in the past.

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Non-BJP parties are beaming after success in bypoll results on May 31, particularly on BJP's defeat in Kairana. All local satraps of non-BJP parties (or can we say a legion of aspiring PM candidates) are denouncing that this is beginning of end game for Modi and Shah. The rhetoric is that united opposition would make sure that BJP is defeated in 2019. Somehow Congress is in the funniest situation. All the spokespersons of the party have been upbeat and smiling on all channels despite the fact Congress got nothing in this bypoll. When one TV anchor asked a very pertinent question to Congress last night "whether your objective in 2019 to win election or just to make sure that BJP is defeated?", Congress spokesperson was mumbling in response. The bottomline is that despite results of Kairana and Gorakhpur/Phulpur earlier, the non-BJP federal front stands no merit. In the first place, against a formidable Modi/Shah duo, the united opposition will not have an easy task in hand. But even if they have a chance, it is not good for the nation in any way. History tells this to us in an unequivocal manner. There is a very unique paradox here. All these parties are coming together because of a looming existential crisis. There is an ultimate fear factor and let's call it XYZ factor. This XYZ factor may keep these parties on a platform until the time of the election. Once they get political success (this is just an assumption though) this XYZ factor vanishes in no time. Since XYZ was the only binding factor, once it goes, in-fighting and split is imminent. Once in power, personal political agenda of each satrap will come to the fore and completely take over the XYZ factor. This phenomenon is in the very DNA of the mankind and cannot be denied. In 1977, as soon as all leaders under JP were able to defeat Indira Gandhi and government was formed at the Centre, swords came out and all heavyweights started fighting with each other. It took just a couple of years for the government to fall. In 1989, the drive to remove Rajiv and Congress was so strong that in an unprecedented move left (CPI/CPM) and right (BJP) came on a single platform to support VP Singh. VP Singh couldn't even complete one year at the office. Take the latest example of Karnataka. In a haste to stop the BJP, Congress and JD(S) have come together but once in power, they are not even able to set ministers for different portfolios even after 10 days of getting a go ahead for forming the government. But make no mistake. Even a united opposition is in no way in the position of 1977 and 1989. In 1977, there was nationwide anger against Indira Gandhi and in 1989 there was a clear resentment against Rajiv. Being astute statesmen, JP and VP Singh capitalised on the situation and built a strong narrative. This time united opposition neither have a unique politician (like JP and VP Singh) behind whom other can coalesce and at the top of it, Modi is still on a very strong pitch. Bypoll results can be misleading. One political commentator made a very interesting comment. He said that Modi's direct involvement in any election in itself results in 2-3% vote swing in favour of BJP. So the real battle would be a different ball game. In the end, the slogan "Modi hatao" cannot be the single point objective. Opposition parties need to set a convincing agenda and put up the same to voters. The Indian democracy and voters have matured over the years. Extrapolating Kairana's result to the whole nation in 2019 can, in fact, be fatal for the united opposition. Modi and Shah are very much up for the challenge. There is one full year for the 2019 election and Amit Shah is shrewd enough to recalibrate his plans for this new challenge. The attempt of united opposition to topple BJP is bound to fail and it is nothing more the repeat of failed experiments in the past. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Opinion: Can united opposition take on BJP? History says otherwise

Counting of votes in&nbsp;4 Lok Sabha bypoll seats began on Thursday morning. The bypolls were held on Monday in Kairana in Uttar Pradesh, Palghar and Bhandara-Gondiya in Maharashtra and in a single seat in Nagaland.

After taking an early lead through postal ballots,&nbsp;BJP's&nbsp;Mriganka Singh is now trailing against&nbsp;RLD's&nbsp;Tabassum Hasan&nbsp;by over 8,000 votes.

After leading in Bhandara-Gondiya, BJP is now trailing against NCP in Maharashtra's Bhandara-Gondiya by 3,000 votes.&nbsp;

In Palghar, BJP's Gavit Rajendra Dhedya is leading by over 10,000 votes against&nbsp;Shiv Sena.

The high profile Kairana seat has all political pandits transfixed with BJP's Mriganka Singh, daughter of late BJP MP Hukum Singh pitted against Rashtriya Lok Dal's (RLD) Tabassum Hasan with the Opposition Congress, Samajwadi Party and BSP providing support on the ground.

A victory for RLD would be seen as strengthing of the federal front after its victory in Karnataka&nbsp;Assembly elections recently and in the Gorakhpur and Phulpur seats in Uttar Pradesh earlier.

The voter turnout in Kairana was 54 per cent amid complaints of Electronic Voting Machine(EVM) Voter-Verifiable Paper Audit Trail(VVPAT) malfunction which led the Election Commission to order repoll in 73 booths.

Malfunctioning of EVMs was also reported in Palghar and Bhandara-Gondia Lok Sabha seats in Maharashtra. The BJP and NCP are locked in a bitter battle in the crucial Maharashtra seats.

The lone seat in Nagaland had reported 70 per cent polling with the People's Democratic Alliance (PDA) battling the NDPP and the BJP.

Malfunctioning of EVMs was also reported in Palghar and Bhandara-Gondia Lok Sabha seats in Maharashtra.

Counting of votes in 4 Lok Sabha bypoll seats began on Thursday morning. The bypolls were held on Monday in Kairana in Uttar Pradesh, Palghar and Bhandara-Gondiya in Maharashtra and in a single seat in Nagaland. After taking an early lead through postal ballots, BJP's Mriganka Singh is now trailing against RLD's Tabassum Hasan by over 8,000 votes. After leading in Bhandara-Gondiya, BJP is now trailing against NCP in Maharashtra's Bhandara-Gondiya by 3,000 votes. In Palghar, BJP's Gavit Rajendra Dhedya is leading by over 10,000 votes against Shiv Sena. The high profile Kairana seat has all political pandits transfixed with BJP's Mriganka Singh, daughter of late BJP MP Hukum Singh pitted against Rashtriya Lok Dal's (RLD) Tabassum Hasan with the Opposition Congress, Samajwadi Party and BSP providing support on the ground. A victory for RLD would be seen as strengthing of the federal front after its victory in Karnataka Assembly elections recently and in the Gorakhpur and Phulpur seats in Uttar Pradesh earlier. The voter turnout in Kairana was 54 per cent amid complaints of Electronic Voting Machine(EVM) Voter-Verifiable Paper Audit Trail(VVPAT) malfunction which led the Election Commission to order repoll in 73 booths. Malfunctioning of EVMs was also reported in Palghar and Bhandara-Gondia Lok Sabha seats in Maharashtra. The BJP and NCP are locked in a bitter battle in the crucial Maharashtra seats. The lone seat in Nagaland had reported 70 per cent polling with the People's Democratic Alliance (PDA) battling the NDPP and the BJP.

Live Lok Sabha bypolls: BJP's Mriganka Singh trails in Kairana; NCP leads in Bhandara-Gondiya

In a big setback to the ruling BJP, opposition parties on Thursday won two out of four Lok Sabha seats strengthening non-BJP unity in the run-up to the 2019 general elections. BJP retained one seat and its ally Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP) won the Nagaland Lok Sabha bypoll.

With prestige at stake in every single bypoll, the BJP was seen losing the high-profile Kairana Lok Sabha seat in politically important Uttar Pradesh to a united Opposition after a communally-charged election campaign, while similar appeared the result for Bhandara-Gondiya Lok Sabha constituency in Maharashtra, as per the trends and results announced by the Election Commission.

United opposition&nbsp;candidate Rashtriya Lok Dal's Tabassum Hasan, who was supported by the Congress, the Samajwadi Party and the Bahujan Samaj Party,&nbsp;won the Kairana seat by a margin of 44,618 votes

However, the BJP retained another Lok Sabha seat from Maharashtra, Palghar, where it had faced a challenge from its own ally Shiv Sena but the Opposition could not pose a united fight. BJP's Rajendra Gavit won the seat, defeating Shiv Sena's Shrinivas Wanaga by 29574 votes.

The fourth Lok Sabha seat, Nagaland, for which bypoll was held earlier this week appeared to be going in favour of the Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP), a BJP allly in the northeastern state.

The results appeared more slanted against the BJP after taking into account the parties that had won these seats before bypolls were necessitated. While the BJP alliance was seen retaining two Lok Sabha seats -- one in Maharashtra and another in Nagaland -- it failed to retain two others -- UP's Kairana and Maharashtra's Palghar.

Commenting on the results, senior BJP leader and Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh said one has to take two steps backward before a big leap.

Asked about the BJP's performance in these by-elections ahead of next year's general polls, Singh said, "For a massive leap, one always has to go two steps backward."

"We are going to take a massive leap," he added.

AAP leader and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal latched onto the bypoll results to attack the BJP and said it reflects the anger against the Modi government.

The trends from UP showed the biggest electoral upset for the BJP with the joint opposition candidate, RLD's Tabassum Hasan, leading by a big margin in Kairana Lok Sabha constituency.

&nbsp;The seat fell vacant following the death of the BJP candidate Mriganka Singh's father, Hukum Singh.

Rashtriya Lok Dal's Tabassum Hasan, supported by the Congress, Samajwadi Party and the Bahujan Samaj Party, established an early lead over Mriganka Singh right from the beginning to establish an almost invincible lead by noon.

In Maharashtra, the BJP retained Palghar but was staring at defeat in the Bhandara-Gondiya Lok Sabha constituency, which the BJP had won in the 2014 elections. The NCP's Madhukar Kukade was leading over the BJP's Hemant Patel, as per latest trends.&nbsp;

The announcement of results was not without controversies. While repolling was held in few polling booths due to EVMs failures, on the counting, Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray said that said that there were some discrepancies in counting and appealed to the Election Commission to announce the results after those discrepancies are sorted out. However, Election Commission rejected the request and issued the victory certificate to the BJP candidate, Rajendra Gavit.&nbsp;

(With PTI inputs)&nbsp;

The BJP retained another Lok Sabha seat from Maharashtra, Palghar, where it had faced a challenge from its own ally Shiv Sena

In a big setback to the ruling BJP, opposition parties on Thursday won two out of four Lok Sabha seats strengthening non-BJP unity in the run-up to the 2019 general elections. BJP retained one seat and its ally Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP) won the Nagaland Lok Sabha bypoll. With prestige at stake in every single bypoll, the BJP was seen losing the high-profile Kairana Lok Sabha seat in politically important Uttar Pradesh to a united Opposition after a communally-charged election campaign, while similar appeared the result for Bhandara-Gondiya Lok Sabha constituency in Maharashtra, as per the trends and results announced by the Election Commission. United opposition candidate Rashtriya Lok Dal's Tabassum Hasan, who was supported by the Congress, the Samajwadi Party and the Bahujan Samaj Party, won the Kairana seat by a margin of 44,618 votes However, the BJP retained another Lok Sabha seat from Maharashtra, Palghar, where it had faced a challenge from its own ally Shiv Sena but the Opposition could not pose a united fight. BJP's Rajendra Gavit won the seat, defeating Shiv Sena's Shrinivas Wanaga by 29574 votes. The fourth Lok Sabha seat, Nagaland, for which bypoll was held earlier this week appeared to be going in favour of the Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP), a BJP allly in the northeastern state. The results appeared more slanted against the BJP after taking into account the parties that had won these seats before bypolls were necessitated. While the BJP alliance was seen retaining two Lok Sabha seats -- one in Maharashtra and another in Nagaland -- it failed to retain two others -- UP's Kairana and Maharashtra's Palghar. Commenting on the results, senior BJP leader and Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh said one has to take two steps backward before a big leap. Asked about the BJP's performance in these by-elections ahead of next year's general polls, Singh said, "For a massive leap, one always has to go two steps backward." "We are going to take a massive leap," he added. AAP leader and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal latched onto the bypoll results to attack the BJP and said it reflects the anger against the Modi government. The trends from UP showed the biggest electoral upset for the BJP with the joint opposition candidate, RLD's Tabassum Hasan, leading by a big margin in Kairana Lok Sabha constituency. The seat fell vacant following the death of the BJP candidate Mriganka Singh's father, Hukum Singh. Rashtriya Lok Dal's Tabassum Hasan, supported by the Congress, Samajwadi Party and the Bahujan Samaj Party, established an early lead over Mriganka Singh right from the beginning to establish an almost invincible lead by noon. In Maharashtra, the BJP retained Palghar but was staring at defeat in the Bhandara-Gondiya Lok Sabha constituency, which the BJP had won in the 2014 elections. The NCP's Madhukar Kukade was leading over the BJP's Hemant Patel, as per latest trends. The announcement of results was not without controversies. While repolling was held in few polling booths due to EVMs failures, on the counting, Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray said that said that there were some discrepancies in counting and appealed to the Election Commission to announce the results after those discrepancies are sorted out. However, Election Commission rejected the request and issued the victory certificate to the BJP candidate, Rajendra Gavit. (With PTI inputs)

Lok Sabha bypoll results: Opposition snatches Kairana from BJP, NCP wins Bhandara-Gondiya

Hours after bypolls results were declared, Samajwadi Party President Akhilesh Yadav launched a scathing attack on BJP saying people have given a befitting reply to the saffron party.&nbsp;

The SP president congratulated all the people who voted for his party and said&nbsp;victory of the combined opposition candidates in the Kairana Lok Sabha and Noorpur Assembly bypolls&nbsp;is a "befitting" reply to the BJP and those who sought to divide the country.

''This is a defeat for those who do not believe in the democracy,'' he added.

''I want to congratulate all the people who voted for us. This is a defeat for those who do not believe in the democracy. People have given a befitting reply to the BJP,'' the SP leader further said.&nbsp;

He said that people of the state have taught the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) a lesson for "betraying" on all the poll promises.&nbsp; 
 
"People of the state have taught them a lesson for betraying them," Yadav said, adding, "UP government has repeatedly fooled the people. Farmers were told that their loans were waived but instead they lost their lives."&nbsp; 
 
The SP leader congratulated the voters in Noorpur and Kairana. "This is a victory for the farmers, the neglected, the poor and the Dalits." 
 
He thanked the Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) Chief Ajit Singh, RLD leader Jayant Chaudhary for holding the fort against the BJP in Kairana and recalled the legacy of former Prime Minister Charan Singh. 
 
The SP leader also thanked the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Mahan Party, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), Nishad Party, Peace Party, Left parties and the COngress for supporting the opposition candidates in the by-polls.

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कैराना और नूरपुर की जनता, कार्यकर्ताओं, उम्मीदवारों व सभी एकजुट दलों को जीत की हार्दिक बधाई! कैराना में सत्ताधारियों की हार उनकी अपनी ही प्रयोगशाला में, देश को बाँटने वाली उनकी राजनीति की हार है. ये एकता-अमन में विश्वास करने वाली जनता की जीत व अहंकारी सत्ता के अंत की शुरूआत है.
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I want to congratulate all the people who voted for us. This is a defeat for those who do not believe in the democracy. People have given a befitting reply to the BJP: Akhilesh Yadav, Samajwadi Party President <a href="https://t.co/RrBM0JCXqX">pic.twitter.com/RrBM0JCXqX</a>
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&nbsp;

''I want to congratulate all the people who voted for us. This is a defeat for those who do not believe in the democracy. People have given a befitting reply to the BJP,'' the SP leader said.

Hours after bypolls results were declared, Samajwadi Party President Akhilesh Yadav launched a scathing attack on BJP saying people have given a befitting reply to the saffron party. The SP president congratulated all the people who voted for his party and said victory of the combined opposition candidates in the Kairana Lok Sabha and Noorpur Assembly bypolls is a "befitting" reply to the BJP and those who sought to divide the country. ''This is a defeat for those who do not believe in the democracy,'' he added. ''I want to congratulate all the people who voted for us. This is a defeat for those who do not believe in the democracy. People have given a befitting reply to the BJP,'' the SP leader further said. He said that people of the state have taught the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) a lesson for "betraying" on all the poll promises. "People of the state have taught them a lesson for betraying them," Yadav said, adding, "UP government has repeatedly fooled the people. Farmers were told that their loans were waived but instead they lost their lives." The SP leader congratulated the voters in Noorpur and Kairana. "This is a victory for the farmers, the neglected, the poor and the Dalits." He thanked the Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) Chief Ajit Singh, RLD leader Jayant Chaudhary for holding the fort against the BJP in Kairana and recalled the legacy of former Prime Minister Charan Singh. The SP leader also thanked the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Mahan Party, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), Nishad Party, Peace Party, Left parties and the COngress for supporting the opposition candidates in the by-polls. कैराना और नूरपुर की जनता, कार्यकर्ताओं, उम्मीदवारों व सभी एकजुट दलों को जीत की हार्दिक बधाई! कैराना में सत्ताधारियों की हार उनकी अपनी ही प्रयोगशाला में, देश को बाँटने वाली उनकी राजनीति की हार है. ये एकता-अमन में विश्वास करने वाली जनता की जीत व अहंकारी सत्ता के अंत की शुरूआत है. — Akhilesh Yadav (@yadavakhilesh) May 31, 2018 × I want to congratulate all the people who voted for us. This is a defeat for those who do not believe in the democracy. People have given a befitting reply to the BJP: Akhilesh Yadav, Samajwadi Party President pic.twitter.com/RrBM0JCXqX — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) May 31, 2018 ×

Bypoll results defeat for those who do not believe in 'democracy': Akhilesh Yadav

Shiv Sena's demand to not to announce the results of Palghar bypoll&nbsp;has been rejected by Election Commission, according to news agency ANI. The winning certificate has been given to the BJP candidate, Rajendra Gavit by Palghar collector, the report added.&nbsp;

After they lost the&nbsp;Palghar bypoll&nbsp;to BJP,&nbsp;Uddhav Thackeray of&nbsp;Shiv Sena demanded&nbsp;recounting of votes and alleged discrepancy in the voting pattern.

Addressing a press conference, Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray said that said that there were some discrepancies in counting and appealed to the Election Commission to announce the results after those discrepancies are sorted out.&nbsp;

As the results of Palghar bypoll was in favour of BJP, Thackeray said if needed they will go to court.

''If needed, we will go to court. But, whatever I have said about our democracy, election process and the threat to it, was very serious,'' he added.&nbsp;

He also alleged corruption in election commission and said that EC should not be appointed but elected.

''Seeing the corruption in Election Commission, I would suggest that even election commissioners should not be appointed, but elected,'' Thackeray said.&nbsp;

He also attacked Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath and said he is losing in his own state and he is coming to campaign here (Maharashtra).&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

As the results of Palghar bypoll was in favour of BJP, Thackeray said if needed they will go to court

Shiv Sena's demand to not to announce the results of Palghar bypoll has been rejected by Election Commission, according to news agency ANI. The winning certificate has been given to the BJP candidate, Rajendra Gavit by Palghar collector, the report added. After they lost the Palghar bypoll to BJP, Uddhav Thackeray of Shiv Sena demanded recounting of votes and alleged discrepancy in the voting pattern. Addressing a press conference, Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray said that said that there were some discrepancies in counting and appealed to the Election Commission to announce the results after those discrepancies are sorted out. As the results of Palghar bypoll was in favour of BJP, Thackeray said if needed they will go to court. ''If needed, we will go to court. But, whatever I have said about our democracy, election process and the threat to it, was very serious,'' he added. He also alleged corruption in election commission and said that EC should not be appointed but elected. ''Seeing the corruption in Election Commission, I would suggest that even election commissioners should not be appointed, but elected,'' Thackeray said. He also attacked Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath and said he is losing in his own state and he is coming to campaign here (Maharashtra).

Palghar bypolls: Shiv Sena's demand for recount rejected, winning certificate issued to BJP candidate

Counting of votes began in&nbsp;10 assembly constituencies in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, Maharashtra, Kerala, Meghalaya, Punjab and Uttarakhand.

In a new twist, Congress' Miani D Shira won from&nbsp;Meghalaya's Ampati Assembly constituency as the grand old party emerged as the single largest party in the state.

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Congress candidate Miani D Shira wins Ampati seat in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Meghalaya?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Meghalaya</a>. She is the daughter of Former CM and Congress leader Mukul Sangma <a href="https://t.co/fLkwk9SVrp">pic.twitter.com/fLkwk9SVrp</a>
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Congress candidate Vishwajeet Patangrao Kadam was "elected unopposed" from Maharashtra's Palus Kadegaon Assembly constituency.

In the high profile Rajarajeshwari(RR) Nagar Assembly constituency in Karnataka, Congress candidate Muniratna beat his JD(S) and BJP rivals handsomely even as newly-elected Karnataka chief minister Kumaraswamy conceded defeat.

Muniratna won by 41,162 votes to upset the JD(S) and the BJP.

Lalu Prasad's party the Rashtriya Janta Dal(RJD) won the Jokihat Assembly constituency in Bihar even after&nbsp;JD(U) candidate Murshid Alam led in previous rounds.

Akhilesh Yadav's Samajwadi Party(SP) clinched the Noorpur Assembly constituency in Uttar Pradesh with Naim-ul-Hasan emerging victorious.

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The number of votes JDU got, is less than our victory margin. People of Bihar are continuing to avenge the uturn taken by Nitish Kumar: Tejashwi Yadav on RJD won Jokihat assembly bypoll <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Bihar?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Bihar</a> <a href="https://t.co/ljVXanHJ06">pic.twitter.com/ljVXanHJ06</a>
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&nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Karnataka?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Karnataka</a>: Congress workers celebrate in Bengaluru as Party leads from Rajarajeshwari Nagar assembly constituency <a href="https://t.co/vmlBSkeToq">pic.twitter.com/vmlBSkeToq</a>
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In other constituencies, CPM won the Chengannur Assembly constituency in Kerala. The&nbsp;Jharkhand Mukti Morcha(JMM) surprised the ruling BJP in the state to clinch the Jharkhand seat.&nbsp;

Congress candidate Laddi Sherowalia won from the Shahkot Assembly seat in Punjab.

TMC's Dulal Chandra Das is leading by over 20,000 votes from Maheshtala assembly constituency in West Bengal after the sixth round of counting with CPM second and BJP trailing in third spot.

Congress' Miani D Shira won the Meghalaya's Ampati Assembly constituency early

Counting of votes began in 10 assembly constituencies in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, Maharashtra, Kerala, Meghalaya, Punjab and Uttarakhand. In a new twist, Congress' Miani D Shira won from Meghalaya's Ampati Assembly constituency as the grand old party emerged as the single largest party in the state. Congress candidate Miani D Shira wins Ampati seat in #Meghalaya. She is the daughter of Former CM and Congress leader Mukul Sangma pic.twitter.com/fLkwk9SVrp — ANI (@ANI) May 31, 2018 × Congress candidate Vishwajeet Patangrao Kadam was "elected unopposed" from Maharashtra's Palus Kadegaon Assembly constituency. In the high profile Rajarajeshwari(RR) Nagar Assembly constituency in Karnataka, Congress candidate Muniratna beat his JD(S) and BJP rivals handsomely even as newly-elected Karnataka chief minister Kumaraswamy conceded defeat. Muniratna won by 41,162 votes to upset the JD(S) and the BJP. Lalu Prasad's party the Rashtriya Janta Dal(RJD) won the Jokihat Assembly constituency in Bihar even after JD(U) candidate Murshid Alam led in previous rounds. Akhilesh Yadav's Samajwadi Party(SP) clinched the Noorpur Assembly constituency in Uttar Pradesh with Naim-ul-Hasan emerging victorious. The number of votes JDU got, is less than our victory margin. People of Bihar are continuing to avenge the uturn taken by Nitish Kumar: Tejashwi Yadav on RJD won Jokihat assembly bypoll #Bihar pic.twitter.com/ljVXanHJ06 — ANI (@ANI) May 31, 2018 × #Karnataka: Congress workers celebrate in Bengaluru as Party leads from Rajarajeshwari Nagar assembly constituency pic.twitter.com/vmlBSkeToq — ANI (@ANI) May 31, 2018 × In other constituencies, CPM won the Chengannur Assembly constituency in Kerala. The Jharkhand Mukti Morcha(JMM) surprised the ruling BJP in the state to clinch the Jharkhand seat. Congress candidate Laddi Sherowalia won from the Shahkot Assembly seat in Punjab. TMC's Dulal Chandra Das is leading by over 20,000 votes from Maheshtala assembly constituency in West Bengal after the sixth round of counting with CPM second and BJP trailing in third spot.

Assembly bypolls: Congress wins in Karnataka's RR Nagar; RJD wins Jokihat in Bihar

In what BJP claimed a political murder linked to violent civic polls in the state, a young BJP worker was found hanging from a tree in West Bengal's Purulia this morning. 20-year-old Trilochan Mahato was found hanging by his own trousers.

A chilling message was scrawled on the back&nbspand front of his white T-Shirt. Another note was found on a piece of paper left at his feet dangling just inches from the ground.

Roughly translated, the messages said, "This is for doing BJP politics from age 18. Been trying to kill you since the vote. Failed. Today you are dead." Near the body, the police also found a broken pen, a broken refill, a mobile, wallet, slippers, and Trilochan's new bicycle.

BJP president Amit Shah, in tweets, said he was "deeply hurt by the brutal killing of our young karyakarta."

In the post that also included an image of Trilochan's body, Mr Shah tweeted: "A young life full of possibilities was brutally taken out under state's patronage. He was hanged on a tree just because his ideology differed from that of state-sponsored goons."

Deeply hurt by the brutal killing of our young karyakarta, Trilochan Mahato in Balarampur,West Bengal. A young life full of possibilities was brutally taken out under state’s patronage. He was hanged on a tree just because his ideology differed from that of state sponsored goons.

The present TMC govt in West Bengal has surpassed the violent legacy of Communist rule. Entire BJP mourns this tragic loss & stands firmly with Trilochan Mahato’s family in this hour of grief. His sacrifice for organisation & ideology will not go in vain. Om Shanti Shanti Shanti.

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Deeply hurt by the brutal killing of our young karyakarta, Trilochan Mahato in Balarampur,West Bengal. A young life full of possibilities was brutally taken out under state’s patronage. He was hanged on a tree just because his ideology differed from that of state sponsored goons. <a href="https://t.co/nHAEK09n7R">pic.twitter.com/nHAEK09n7R</a>
— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) <a href="https://twitter.com/AmitShah/status/1001824928998547457?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 30, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The present TMC govt in West Bengal has surpassed the violent legacy of Communist rule. Entire BJP mourns this tragic loss & stands firmly with Trilochan Mahato’s family in this hour of grief. His sacrifice for organisation & ideology will not go in vain. Om Shanti Shanti Shanti.
— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) <a href="https://twitter.com/AmitShah/status/1001825007213973505?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 30, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp

BJP president Amit Shah, in tweets, said he was "deeply hurt by the brutal killing of our young karyakarta."

In what BJP claimed a political murder linked to violent civic polls in the state, a young BJP worker was found hanging from a tree in West Bengal's Purulia this morning. 20-year-old Trilochan Mahato was found hanging by his own trousers. A chilling message was scrawled on the back&nbspand front of his white T-Shirt. Another note was found on a piece of paper left at his feet dangling just inches from the ground. Roughly translated, the messages said, "This is for doing BJP politics from age 18. Been trying to kill you since the vote. Failed. Today you are dead." Near the body, the police also found a broken pen, a broken refill, a mobile, wallet, slippers, and Trilochan's new bicycle. BJP president Amit Shah, in tweets, said he was "deeply hurt by the brutal killing of our young karyakarta." In the post that also included an image of Trilochan's body, Mr Shah tweeted: "A young life full of possibilities was brutally taken out under state's patronage. He was hanged on a tree just because his ideology differed from that of state-sponsored goons." Deeply hurt by the brutal killing of our young karyakarta, Trilochan Mahato in Balarampur,West Bengal. A young life full of possibilities was brutally taken out under state’s patronage. He was hanged on a tree just because his ideology differed from that of state sponsored goons. The present TMC govt in West Bengal has surpassed the violent legacy of Communist rule. Entire BJP mourns this tragic loss & stands firmly with Trilochan Mahato’s family in this hour of grief. His sacrifice for organisation & ideology will not go in vain. Om Shanti Shanti Shanti. Deeply hurt by the brutal killing of our young karyakarta, Trilochan Mahato in Balarampur,West Bengal. A young life full of possibilities was brutally taken out under state’s patronage. He was hanged on a tree just because his ideology differed from that of state sponsored goons. pic.twitter.com/nHAEK09n7R — Amit Shah (@AmitShah) May 30, 2018 × The present TMC govt in West Bengal has surpassed the violent legacy of Communist rule. Entire BJP mourns this tragic loss & stands firmly with Trilochan Mahato’s family in this hour of grief. His sacrifice for organisation & ideology will not go in vain. Om Shanti Shanti Shanti. — Amit Shah (@AmitShah) May 30, 2018 ×

BJP Dalit supporter found hanging from tree; party says it's political murder

After Kerala cut prices of petrol and diesel by Rs 1, Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan appealed all the states to reduce the fuel price.&nbsp;

Kerala did well by reducing the price and all states, whether governed by BJP or opposition, should try to reduce fuel prices but each state has different priorities and responsibilities, he said.&nbsp;&nbsp;

''I welcome it. One must also note that Kerala is one of the highest tax-collecting states and when we appealed(for fuel price cut), their finance minister refused, but now they took responsibility, I thank them for it,'' the petroleum minister said.

On the petrol price faux pas earlier in the day, he said since we moved to the mechanism of daily price change, prices have gone up and down by 1 paisa, 12 paise, 27 paise etc, it is not for the first time that there has been a change of 1 paisa. However, today one of our employees made a mistake and we accept it,'' he said.&nbsp;

Earlier in the day, Indian Oil had declared that they had cut oil prices in the country by 60 paise after sixteen consecutive days of high prices which had angered everyone.

However, the euphoria of price cut short-lived as hours after announcing cut in fuel prices, Indian Oil Corporation said the revised price was actually 1 paisa and not 60 paise as previously reported blaming it on "clerical error".&nbsp;

As a result, petrol prices have now have been revised down by just 1 paisa and not 60 paise in Delhi and&nbsp;59 paise in Mumbai.

Kerala did well by reducing the price and all states, whether governed by BJP or opposition, should try to reduce fuel prices but each state has different priorities and responsibilities, he said.

After Kerala cut prices of petrol and diesel by Rs 1, Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan appealed all the states to reduce the fuel price. Kerala did well by reducing the price and all states, whether governed by BJP or opposition, should try to reduce fuel prices but each state has different priorities and responsibilities, he said. ''I welcome it. One must also note that Kerala is one of the highest tax-collecting states and when we appealed(for fuel price cut), their finance minister refused, but now they took responsibility, I thank them for it,'' the petroleum minister said. On the petrol price faux pas earlier in the day, he said since we moved to the mechanism of daily price change, prices have gone up and down by 1 paisa, 12 paise, 27 paise etc, it is not for the first time that there has been a change of 1 paisa. However, today one of our employees made a mistake and we accept it,'' he said. Earlier in the day, Indian Oil had declared that they had cut oil prices in the country by 60 paise after sixteen consecutive days of high prices which had angered everyone. However, the euphoria of price cut short-lived as hours after announcing cut in fuel prices, Indian Oil Corporation said the revised price was actually 1 paisa and not 60 paise as previously reported blaming it on "clerical error". As a result, petrol prices have now have been revised down by just 1 paisa and not 60 paise in Delhi and 59 paise in Mumbai.

Petroleum minister hails Kerala fuel price cut, wants all states to follow suit

The income of seven national parties from "unknown sources" during 2016-17 was Rs 710.80 crore, while total donations (above Rs 20,000) declared by them stood at Rs 589.38 crore, with BJP receiving Rs 532.27 crore from 1,194 entities, says a report.

Donations declared by BJP is more than nine times the aggregate declared by Indian National Congress (INC), Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), Communist Party of India (CPI), Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPM) and All India Trinamool Congress (AITC) for the same period, the report by Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) said today.

"The total donations (above Rs 20,000) declared by the national parties was Rs 589.38 crore, from 2,123 donations. A total of Rs 532.27 crore was declared by BJP from 1,194 donations while INC declared receiving Rs 41.90 crore from 599 donations," it said.

Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) declared that it did not receive any donations above Rs 20,000 during 2016-17, as it has been declaring for the past 11 years.

Total donations of national parties during 2016-17 increased by Rs 487.36 crore from Rs 102.02 crore during the previous financial year 2015-16, the report jointly prepared by ADR and National Election Watch (NEW) said.

Donations to BJP increased from Rs 76.85 crore during 2015-16 to Rs 532.27 crore in 2016-17, while that of NCP increased from Rs 71 lakh in 2015-16 to Rs 6.34 crore in 2016-17, the Delhi-based think-tank said.

Also, donations to AITC increased by 231 per cent, CPM and INC have declared an increase of 190 per cent and 105 per cent, respectively, as per their donation reports for 2015-16 and 2016-17, while that of CPI decreased by 9 per cent, it said.

The total income of national parties for 2016-17 was Rs 1,559.17 crore. Total income of national parties from known donors (details of donors as available from contribution report submitted by the parties to Election Commission) was Rs 589.38 crore, which is 37.8 per cent of the total income of the seven national parties in 2016-17, the report said.

Total income of the parties from other known sources ( sale of assets, membership fees, bank interest, sale of publications and party levy) was Rs 258.99 crore, or 16.61 per cent of the total income.

As per ADR, total income of seven national parties from unknown sources (income specified in IT Returns whose sources are unknown), for 2016-17 was Rs 710.80 crore, which is 45.59 per cent of the total income of the parties from all over India.

BJP's total income from unknown sources, including voluntary contributions, miscellaneous income, was Rs 464.94 crore during 2016-17, while that of Congress' total income from unknown sources stood at Rs 126.124 crore.

Among unknown sources of funding, maximum funds were collected under "voluntary contributions" by the BJP during 2016-17. A total of Rs 464.84 crore was collected under this head, which formed 99.98 per cent of the total income from unknown sources.

The most preferred unknown source of funding for INC was "sale of coupons" under which the party collected a total of Rs 115.64 crore which formed 91.69 per cent of its total income from unknown sources during 2016-17, it said.

The report further said that 708 donations to national parties were made by corporate/business sectors amounting to Rs 563.24 crore (95.56 per cent of total donations), while 1,354 individual donors donated Rs 25.07 crore (4.25 per cent of total donations) to the parties during 2016-17.

ADR said that 531 donations from corporate/business sectors were made to BJP (Rs 515.43 crore) while 663 individual donors donated Rs 16.82 crore to the party during 2016-17.

INC received a total of Rs 36.06 crore via 98 donations from corporate/business sectors and Rs 5.84 crore through 501 individual donors during 2016-17. 
Satya Electoral Trust donated a total of Rs 265.12 crore to BJP and INC and is one of the top two donors to the two parties. The Trust donated Rs 251.22 crore to BJP and Rs 13.90 crore to INC, the report said. 
Among state-wise donations to national parties, a total of Rs 290.90 crore was donated from Delhi, followed by Rs 112.31 crore from Maharashtra and Rs 20.22 crore from Uttar Pradesh, it added.&nbsp

Donations declared by BJP is more than nine times the aggregate declared by INC, NCP, CPI, Marxist CPM and AITC for the same period, the report by ADR said today

The income of seven national parties from "unknown sources" during 2016-17 was Rs 710.80 crore, while total donations (above Rs 20,000) declared by them stood at Rs 589.38 crore, with BJP receiving Rs 532.27 crore from 1,194 entities, says a report. Donations declared by BJP is more than nine times the aggregate declared by Indian National Congress (INC), Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), Communist Party of India (CPI), Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPM) and All India Trinamool Congress (AITC) for the same period, the report by Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) said today. "The total donations (above Rs 20,000) declared by the national parties was Rs 589.38 crore, from 2,123 donations. A total of Rs 532.27 crore was declared by BJP from 1,194 donations while INC declared receiving Rs 41.90 crore from 599 donations," it said. Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) declared that it did not receive any donations above Rs 20,000 during 2016-17, as it has been declaring for the past 11 years. Total donations of national parties during 2016-17 increased by Rs 487.36 crore from Rs 102.02 crore during the previous financial year 2015-16, the report jointly prepared by ADR and National Election Watch (NEW) said. Donations to BJP increased from Rs 76.85 crore during 2015-16 to Rs 532.27 crore in 2016-17, while that of NCP increased from Rs 71 lakh in 2015-16 to Rs 6.34 crore in 2016-17, the Delhi-based think-tank said. Also, donations to AITC increased by 231 per cent, CPM and INC have declared an increase of 190 per cent and 105 per cent, respectively, as per their donation reports for 2015-16 and 2016-17, while that of CPI decreased by 9 per cent, it said. The total income of national parties for 2016-17 was Rs 1,559.17 crore. Total income of national parties from known donors (details of donors as available from contribution report submitted by the parties to Election Commission) was Rs 589.38 crore, which is 37.8 per cent of the total income of the seven national parties in 2016-17, the report said. Total income of the parties from other known sources ( sale of assets, membership fees, bank interest, sale of publications and party levy) was Rs 258.99 crore, or 16.61 per cent of the total income. As per ADR, total income of seven national parties from unknown sources (income specified in IT Returns whose sources are unknown), for 2016-17 was Rs 710.80 crore, which is 45.59 per cent of the total income of the parties from all over India. BJP's total income from unknown sources, including voluntary contributions, miscellaneous income, was Rs 464.94 crore during 2016-17, while that of Congress' total income from unknown sources stood at Rs 126.124 crore. Among unknown sources of funding, maximum funds were collected under "voluntary contributions" by the BJP during 2016-17. A total of Rs 464.84 crore was collected under this head, which formed 99.98 per cent of the total income from unknown sources. The most preferred unknown source of funding for INC was "sale of coupons" under which the party collected a total of Rs 115.64 crore which formed 91.69 per cent of its total income from unknown sources during 2016-17, it said. The report further said that 708 donations to national parties were made by corporate/business sectors amounting to Rs 563.24 crore (95.56 per cent of total donations), while 1,354 individual donors donated Rs 25.07 crore (4.25 per cent of total donations) to the parties during 2016-17. ADR said that 531 donations from corporate/business sectors were made to BJP (Rs 515.43 crore) while 663 individual donors donated Rs 16.82 crore to the party during 2016-17. INC received a total of Rs 36.06 crore via 98 donations from corporate/business sectors and Rs 5.84 crore through 501 individual donors during 2016-17. Satya Electoral Trust donated a total of Rs 265.12 crore to BJP and INC and is one of the top two donors to the two parties. The Trust donated Rs 251.22 crore to BJP and Rs 13.90 crore to INC, the report said. Among state-wise donations to national parties, a total of Rs 290.90 crore was donated from Delhi, followed by Rs 112.31 crore from Maharashtra and Rs 20.22 crore from Uttar Pradesh, it added.

National parties receive Rs 711 cr donation from 'unknown sources' in 2016-17: ADR

Members of civil society and religious minorities in India were concerned over minority communities feeling "increasingly vulnerable" due to Hindu nationalist groups engaging in violence against them in 2017, a US report on international religious freedom said today.

The Congressional-mandated annual report on International Religious Freedom covering 2017 was released by Secretary of State Mike Pompeo.

According to the report, representatives of religious minority communities stated that, while the national government sometimes spoke out against incidents of violence, local political leaders often did not, and at times made public remarks that individuals could interpret as condoning violence.

"Members of civil society and religious minorities stated that under the current government, religious minority communities felt increasingly vulnerable due to Hindu nationalist groups engaging in violence against non-Hindu individuals and their places of worship, the report said.

"Authorities often did not prosecute violence by vigilantes against persons, mostly Muslims, suspected of slaughtering or illegally transporting cows or trading in or consuming beef,&nbsp;the report said.

Citing some court cases such as triple Talaq, it said many long-standing legal cases involving religiously motivated violence and riots continued to advance slowly.

"The government continued its challenge to the minority status of Muslim educational institutions in the Supreme Court. Minority status afforded these institutions independence in hiring and curriculum decisions,"&nbsp;it said.

It said on July 13, Prime Minister Narendra Modi condemned a rise in deadly mob attacks on cattle traders, consumers of beef, and dairy farmers, and said killing persons in the name of protecting cows was unacceptable.&nbsp;

In a speech at University of Bangalore on August 7, then-Vice President of India Hamid Ansari said Dalits, Muslims, and Christians were feeling increasingly insecure, it noted. &nbsp;

In an August 10 interview, Ansari stated there was a feeling of "unease"&nbsp;and "insecurity creeping in"&nbsp;among Muslims in the country. His remarks drew criticism from the BJP and Hindu nationalist groups, the report said.

According to figures compiled by local partners of international non-governmental organisation (NGO) Open Doors, during the first six months of the year, Christians were harassed, threatened, or attacked for their faith in 410 reported incidents, compared with 441 incidents in all of 2016, the report said.

From January through May, the Ministry of Home Affairs reported 296 conflicts between religious communities, resulting in 44 deaths and 892 injuries, it said.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The Congressional-mandated annual report on International Religious Freedom covering 2017 was released by Secretary of State Mike Pompeo

Members of civil society and religious minorities in India were concerned over minority communities feeling "increasingly vulnerable" due to Hindu nationalist groups engaging in violence against them in 2017, a US report on international religious freedom said today. The Congressional-mandated annual report on International Religious Freedom covering 2017 was released by Secretary of State Mike Pompeo. According to the report, representatives of religious minority communities stated that, while the national government sometimes spoke out against incidents of violence, local political leaders often did not, and at times made public remarks that individuals could interpret as condoning violence. "Members of civil society and religious minorities stated that under the current government, religious minority communities felt increasingly vulnerable due to Hindu nationalist groups engaging in violence against non-Hindu individuals and their places of worship, the report said. "Authorities often did not prosecute violence by vigilantes against persons, mostly Muslims, suspected of slaughtering or illegally transporting cows or trading in or consuming beef, the report said. Citing some court cases such as triple Talaq, it said many long-standing legal cases involving religiously motivated violence and riots continued to advance slowly. "The government continued its challenge to the minority status of Muslim educational institutions in the Supreme Court. Minority status afforded these institutions independence in hiring and curriculum decisions," it said. It said on July 13, Prime Minister Narendra Modi condemned a rise in deadly mob attacks on cattle traders, consumers of beef, and dairy farmers, and said killing persons in the name of protecting cows was unacceptable. In a speech at University of Bangalore on August 7, then-Vice President of India Hamid Ansari said Dalits, Muslims, and Christians were feeling increasingly insecure, it noted. In an August 10 interview, Ansari stated there was a feeling of "unease" and "insecurity creeping in" among Muslims in the country. His remarks drew criticism from the BJP and Hindu nationalist groups, the report said. According to figures compiled by local partners of international non-governmental organisation (NGO) Open Doors, during the first six months of the year, Christians were harassed, threatened, or attacked for their faith in 410 reported incidents, compared with 441 incidents in all of 2016, the report said. From January through May, the Ministry of Home Affairs reported 296 conflicts between religious communities, resulting in 44 deaths and 892 injuries, it said.

Religious minority communities in India felt increasingly vulnerable in 2017: Report

As part of government's scheme of funding the unfunded, Prime Minister Narendra Modi today said banks and financial institutions have given Rs 6 lakh crore to 12 crore beneficiaries.

"Out of the 12 crore beneficiaries, 28 per cent or 3.25 crore are first-time entrepreneurs," he said in his interaction with beneficiaries of this scheme.

He also said 74 per cent or 9 crore, borrowers are women and 55 per cent belong to the SC/ST and OBC category.

Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY) was launched by the Prime Minister on April 8, 2015, for providing loans of up to Rs 10 lakh to the non-corporate, non-farm small/micro enterprises.&nbsp;

Prime Minister said 74 per cent or 9 crore, borrowers are women and 55 per cent belong to the SC/ST and OBC category

As part of government's scheme of funding the unfunded, Prime Minister Narendra Modi today said banks and financial institutions have given Rs 6 lakh crore to 12 crore beneficiaries. "Out of the 12 crore beneficiaries, 28 per cent or 3.25 crore are first-time entrepreneurs," he said in his interaction with beneficiaries of this scheme. He also said 74 per cent or 9 crore, borrowers are women and 55 per cent belong to the SC/ST and OBC category. Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY) was launched by the Prime Minister on April 8, 2015, for providing loans of up to Rs 10 lakh to the non-corporate, non-farm small/micro enterprises.

Banks have given Rs 6 lakh crore Mudra loans to 12 crore beneficiaries: PM Modi

A Congress MLA Siddu Nyama Gowda passed away in a road accident near Tulasigere, Karnataka while he was on his way to Bagalkot from Goa.

The 67-year-old MLA's car had rammed into divider while trying to avoid a collision from a truck coming from the opposite side.&nbsp;

He died while he was on his way to the hospital after the accident.

The accident took place early in the morning around 4.30 am near Tulasigere.&nbsp;

He won election from Jamkhandi assembly seat as he defeated BJP's Kulkarni Shrikant Subrao in the recent Karnataka Assembly election.

Karnataka Congress tweeted a condolence message on its Twitter account.

"Deepest condolences on the passing away of our senior leader and Jamkhandi MLA, Shri Siddu B Nyamagouda. The Congress party stands by his family in this hour of grief," the tweet reads.

Former chief minister of the state also condoled his death on Twitter.

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ನಮ್ಮ ಪಕ್ಷದ ಶಾಸಕ ಸಿದ್ದುನ್ಯಾಮಗೌಡ‌ ಅವರ‌‌ ಅಕಾಲಿಕ ಸಾವು ನನ್ನನ್ನು ಆಘಾತಕ್ಕೀಡು ಮಾಡಿದೆ. 'ಬ್ಯಾರೇಜ್ ಸಿದ್ದು' ಎಂದೇ ಜನಪ್ರಿಯರಾಗಿದ್ದ ಸಿದ್ದು ನ್ಯಾಮಗೌಡ ಅವರು ಶಾಸಕ ಸಂಸದ, ಮತ್ತು ಕೇಂದ್ರ‌ ಸಚಿವರಾಗಿ ಜನ ಸದಾ ನೆನಪು ಮಾಡಿಕೊಳ್ಳುವಂತಹ ಕೆಲಸ ಮಾಡಿದ್ದಾರೆ. ಸ್ನೇಹಿತ ಸಿದ್ದು ನ್ಯಾಮಗೌಡರಿಗೆ‌ ನನ್ನ ದುಃಖ ತಪ್ತ ಶ್ರದ್ಧಾಂಜಲಿ. <a href="https://t.co/U8IZBKL3ql">pic.twitter.com/U8IZBKL3ql</a>
— Siddaramaiah (@siddaramaiah) <a href="https://twitter.com/siddaramaiah/status/1000926068004438016?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 28, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Congress MLA Siddu Nyama Gowda passed away in a road accident near Tulasigeri. He was on his way from Goa to Bagalkot. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Karnataka?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Karnataka</a> <a href="https://t.co/0V8R9spaHh">pic.twitter.com/0V8R9spaHh</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1000912296586108928?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 28, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Siddu Nyama Gowda died while he was on his way to the hospital after the accident

A Congress MLA Siddu Nyama Gowda passed away in a road accident near Tulasigere, Karnataka while he was on his way to Bagalkot from Goa. The 67-year-old MLA's car had rammed into divider while trying to avoid a collision from a truck coming from the opposite side. He died while he was on his way to the hospital after the accident. The accident took place early in the morning around 4.30 am near Tulasigere. He won election from Jamkhandi assembly seat as he defeated BJP's Kulkarni Shrikant Subrao in the recent Karnataka Assembly election. Karnataka Congress tweeted a condolence message on its Twitter account. "Deepest condolences on the passing away of our senior leader and Jamkhandi MLA, Shri Siddu B Nyamagouda. The Congress party stands by his family in this hour of grief," the tweet reads. Former chief minister of the state also condoled his death on Twitter. ನಮ್ಮ ಪಕ್ಷದ ಶಾಸಕ ಸಿದ್ದುನ್ಯಾಮಗೌಡ‌ ಅವರ‌‌ ಅಕಾಲಿಕ ಸಾವು ನನ್ನನ್ನು ಆಘಾತಕ್ಕೀಡು ಮಾಡಿದೆ. 'ಬ್ಯಾರೇಜ್ ಸಿದ್ದು' ಎಂದೇ ಜನಪ್ರಿಯರಾಗಿದ್ದ ಸಿದ್ದು ನ್ಯಾಮಗೌಡ ಅವರು ಶಾಸಕ ಸಂಸದ, ಮತ್ತು ಕೇಂದ್ರ‌ ಸಚಿವರಾಗಿ ಜನ ಸದಾ ನೆನಪು ಮಾಡಿಕೊಳ್ಳುವಂತಹ ಕೆಲಸ ಮಾಡಿದ್ದಾರೆ. ಸ್ನೇಹಿತ ಸಿದ್ದು ನ್ಯಾಮಗೌಡರಿಗೆ‌ ನನ್ನ ದುಃಖ ತಪ್ತ ಶ್ರದ್ಧಾಂಜಲಿ. pic.twitter.com/U8IZBKL3ql — Siddaramaiah (@siddaramaiah) May 28, 2018 × Congress MLA Siddu Nyama Gowda passed away in a road accident near Tulasigeri. He was on his way from Goa to Bagalkot. #Karnataka pic.twitter.com/0V8R9spaHh — ANI (@ANI) May 28, 2018 ×

Congress Karnataka MLA Siddu Nyama Gowda dies in road accident

Congress President Rahul Gandhi took to Twitter to inform "friends in the BJP social media"&nbsp; that he will be out of India for some days.

In his tweet on Sunday, Gandhi said he will be accompanying his mother and former party president Sonia Gandhi for her medical check-up.

The tweet&nbsp;specifically addressed to the "BJP social media troll army" was seen as an attempt to evade any kind of criticism from the opposition.

Rahul Gandhi has often been a subject of ridicule because of his foreign visits.

According to media reports, Sonia Gandhi along with her son will leave for abroad tonight.

While Rahul is expected to return within a week, Sonia Gandhi may have to&nbsp;stay out of India for a longer period.

Rahul Gandhi's tweet read,&nbsp;"Will be out of India for a few days, accompanying Sonia ji to her annual medical check up . To my friends in the BJP social media troll army: don’t get too worked up...I'll be back soon!"

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Will be out of India for a few days, accompanying Sonia ji to her annual medical check up. 
 
To my friends in the BJP social media troll army: don’t get too worked up...I'll be back soon!
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) <a href="https://twitter.com/RahulGandhi/status/1000778403824336898?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 27, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Rahul Gandhi's tweet read, 'Will be out of India for a few days, accompanying Sonia ji to her annual medical check up. To my friends in the BJP social media troll army: don’t get too worked up...I'll be back soon!'

Congress President Rahul Gandhi took to Twitter to inform "friends in the BJP social media" that he will be out of India for some days. In his tweet on Sunday, Gandhi said he will be accompanying his mother and former party president Sonia Gandhi for her medical check-up. The tweet specifically addressed to the "BJP social media troll army" was seen as an attempt to evade any kind of criticism from the opposition. Rahul Gandhi has often been a subject of ridicule because of his foreign visits. According to media reports, Sonia Gandhi along with her son will leave for abroad tonight. While Rahul is expected to return within a week, Sonia Gandhi may have to stay out of India for a longer period. Rahul Gandhi's tweet read, "Will be out of India for a few days, accompanying Sonia ji to her annual medical check up . To my friends in the BJP social media troll army: don’t get too worked up...I'll be back soon!" Will be out of India for a few days, accompanying Sonia ji to her annual medical check up. To my friends in the BJP social media troll army: don’t get too worked up...I'll be back soon! — Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) May 27, 2018 ×

'Don't get worked up, I'll be back soon': Rahul to 'BJP troll army' on foreign trip

Hitting out at the newly appointed chief minister of Karnataka on Monday the BJP called him as "chief manager (CM)" of the Congress.

Party spokesperson Sambit Patra said that for the Congress, Karnataka was its ATM and it had found a chief manager in Kumaraswamy.

He also added that the CM was "lying prostrate at the feet of the Gandhi family".

Referring to the residential address of the former Congress chief Sonia Gandhi, he added that the government in the southern state would be run from Janpath.

The comments&nbsp;from the BJP came in response to Kumaraswamy's statement where he said that "he was at the mercy of Congress and not the 1.6 crore people of Karnataka".

The former chief minister of the state responded to Kumaraswamy's statement by saying that, "Kumaraswamy must apologise for his statement. I want to remind him that he took oath as the Chief Minister to serve the people of Karnataka not Congress party. He cannot work as the CM of Congress party. It is clear that Kumaraswamy is at the mercy of Congress"

Kumaraswamy had said on Sunday that he was at the mercy of the Congress as he did not get the required mandate. He added that he was not under the pressure of the 6.5 crore people of the state.

He said, "Mine is not an independent government. I had requested the people to give me a mandate that prevents me from succumbing to any pressure other than you. But today I am at the mercy of the Congress. I am not under the pressure of the 6.5 crore people of the state".

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Kumaraswamy must apologise for his statement. I want to remind him that he took oath as the Chief Minister to serve the people of Karnataka not Congress party. He cannot work as the CM of Congress party. It is clear that Kumaraswamy is at the mercy of Congress: BS Yeddyurappa <a href="https://t.co/rXcEdtaAES">pic.twitter.com/rXcEdtaAES</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1001070031524978688?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 28, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The comments by the BJP came in response to Kumaraswamy's statement where he said that 'he was at the mercy of Congress and not the 1.6 crore people of Karnataka'

Hitting out at the newly appointed chief minister of Karnataka on Monday the BJP called him as "chief manager (CM)" of the Congress. Party spokesperson Sambit Patra said that for the Congress, Karnataka was its ATM and it had found a chief manager in Kumaraswamy. He also added that the CM was "lying prostrate at the feet of the Gandhi family". Referring to the residential address of the former Congress chief Sonia Gandhi, he added that the government in the southern state would be run from Janpath. The comments from the BJP came in response to Kumaraswamy's statement where he said that "he was at the mercy of Congress and not the 1.6 crore people of Karnataka". The former chief minister of the state responded to Kumaraswamy's statement by saying that, "Kumaraswamy must apologise for his statement. I want to remind him that he took oath as the Chief Minister to serve the people of Karnataka not Congress party. He cannot work as the CM of Congress party. It is clear that Kumaraswamy is at the mercy of Congress" Kumaraswamy had said on Sunday that he was at the mercy of the Congress as he did not get the required mandate. He added that he was not under the pressure of the 6.5 crore people of the state. He said, "Mine is not an independent government. I had requested the people to give me a mandate that prevents me from succumbing to any pressure other than you. But today I am at the mercy of the Congress. I am not under the pressure of the 6.5 crore people of the state". Kumaraswamy must apologise for his statement. I want to remind him that he took oath as the Chief Minister to serve the people of Karnataka not Congress party. He cannot work as the CM of Congress party. It is clear that Kumaraswamy is at the mercy of Congress: BS Yeddyurappa pic.twitter.com/rXcEdtaAES — ANI (@ANI) May 28, 2018 ×

Kumaraswamy is 'Chief Manager' of Congress, Karnataka its ATM: BJP

Hitting out at the newly appointed chief minister of Karnataka on Monday the BJP called him as "chief manager (CM)" of the Congress.

Party spokesperson Sambit Patra said that for the Congress, Karnataka was its ATM and it had found a chief manager in Kumaraswamy.

He also added that he was "lying prostrate at the feet of the Gandhi family".

Referring to the residential address of the former Congress chief Sonia Gandhi, he added that the government in the southern state would be run from Janpath.

The comments by the BJP came in response to Kumaraswamy's statement where he said that "he was at the mercy of Congress and not the 1.6 crore people of Karnataka".

Kumaraswamy had said on Sunday that he was at the mercy of the Congress as he did not get the required mandate. He said he was not under the pressure of the 6.5 crore people of the state.

He said, "Mine is not an independent government. I had requested the people to give me a mandate that prevents me from succumbing to any pressure other than you. But today I am at the mercy of the Congress. I am not under the pressure of the 6.5 crore people of the state," Mr Kumaraswamy said

Hitting out at the newly appointed chief minister of Karnataka on Monday the BJP called him as "chief manager (CM)" of the Congress. Party spokesperson Sambit Patra said that for the Congress, Karnataka was its ATM and it had found a chief manager in Kumaraswamy. He also added that he was "lying prostrate at the feet of the Gandhi family". Referring to the residential address of the former Congress chief Sonia Gandhi, he added that the government in the southern state would be run from Janpath. The comments by the BJP came in response to Kumaraswamy's statement where he said that "he was at the mercy of Congress and not the 1.6 crore people of Karnataka". Kumaraswamy had said on Sunday that he was at the mercy of the Congress as he did not get the required mandate. He said he was not under the pressure of the 6.5 crore people of the state. He said, "Mine is not an independent government. I had requested the people to give me a mandate that prevents me from succumbing to any pressure other than you. But today I am at the mercy of the Congress. I am not under the pressure of the 6.5 crore people of the state," Mr Kumaraswamy said

Kumaraswamy is 'Chief Manager' of Congress, while Karnataka its ATM: BJP

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