Muslim organisations on Saturday burnt 'anti-Jinnah' posters outside BJP office in Lucknow in protest against the portrait of Muhammad Ali Jinnah in Aligarh Muslim University (AMU).

The police seized an effigy of Jinnah from them.

Earlier, internet services were suspended in Aligarh district in the wake of unrest in AMU after the Jinnah portrait row.

Tension prevailed in Aligarh and students continued with their sit-in at the university's Baab-e-Syed gate, where they had clashed with the police on Wednesday.

They are boycotting classes for the next two days.

Wednesday's clash took place when the students were demanding action against right-wing protesters who entered the campus and wanted the Pakistan founder's portrait removed from the student union office, where it has been hanging for decades.

The row started after local BJP MP Satish Gautam wrote to AMU raising objections to the portrait.

The University said portraits of all life members of the student union hang there. Jinnah, a founder member of the University Court, had also been given this honour before Partition.

AMU vice chancellor Tariq Mansoor today visited the Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College Hospital where three of the students injured in the police lathi-charge are being treated.

Also, the national head of All-India Muslim Mahasangh on Friday announced a reward of Rs 1 Lakh for destroying Jinnah's posters.&nbsp;

Speaking to ANI, Farhat Ali Khan said that no organisation in Pakistan must be having photos of Indian leaders who fought for independence, and the vice versa should be followed in India.

"I appeal everyone to tear and burn down posters of Jinnah and people like him. I announce a reward of Rs 1 Lakh cash for the one who burns down the poster," Khan said.

The row started after local BJP MP Satish Gautam wrote to AMU raising objections to the portrait

Muslim organisations on Saturday burnt 'anti-Jinnah' posters outside BJP office in Lucknow in protest against the portrait of Muhammad Ali Jinnah in Aligarh Muslim University (AMU). The police seized an effigy of Jinnah from them. Earlier, internet services were suspended in Aligarh district in the wake of unrest in AMU after the Jinnah portrait row. Tension prevailed in Aligarh and students continued with their sit-in at the university's Baab-e-Syed gate, where they had clashed with the police on Wednesday. They are boycotting classes for the next two days. Wednesday's clash took place when the students were demanding action against right-wing protesters who entered the campus and wanted the Pakistan founder's portrait removed from the student union office, where it has been hanging for decades. The row started after local BJP MP Satish Gautam wrote to AMU raising objections to the portrait. The University said portraits of all life members of the student union hang there. Jinnah, a founder member of the University Court, had also been given this honour before Partition. AMU vice chancellor Tariq Mansoor today visited the Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College Hospital where three of the students injured in the police lathi-charge are being treated. Also, the national head of All-India Muslim Mahasangh on Friday announced a reward of Rs 1 Lakh for destroying Jinnah's posters. Speaking to ANI, Farhat Ali Khan said that no organisation in Pakistan must be having photos of Indian leaders who fought for independence, and the vice versa should be followed in India. "I appeal everyone to tear and burn down posters of Jinnah and people like him. I announce a reward of Rs 1 Lakh cash for the one who burns down the poster," Khan said.

Muslim organisations burn 'anti-Jinnah' posters outside BJP office

The Congress leaders would be seeking divine blessings at various temples in MP in a bid to wrest power from the BJP in the state where the Assembly polls are due later this year.

The Congress state election campaign committee chairman, Jyotiraditya Scindia, will kick off the party's campaign for the polls from Ujjain district after offering prayers at the famous Mahakal temple on May 11, state party spokesman Pankaj Chaturvedi said.

"Scindia is a deeply religious person, he is going to visit many temples to seek blessings of the Almighty to overthrow the BJP government, which has been in power for over 14 years in MP," he said.

The newly appointed MP Congress president, Kamal Nath, who formally took charge of the party in the state on May 1, visited the Gufa Mandir in Bhopal on May 2.

The same day, he also went to the Mahakal temple in Ujjain and offered prayers at the Pitambara Peeth in Datia district.

A Congress leader said their party chief Rahul Gandhi was likely to start his election campaign in MP after visiting either the Mahakal temple or the Pitambara Peeth.

Gandhi would visit some prominent Hindu temples in MP, replicating his Gujarat electioneering model, the leader said on condition of anonymity. 
 
Notably, senior Congress leader Digvijay Singh last month completed his 3,300-km 'Narmada Parikarma' (circumambulation) along the river banks on foot.

A BJP leader dubbed such tactics of the Congress leaders as "hypocrisy" to woo the voters, saying that the strategy won't work in the polls.

"The Congress leaders' visits to temples, especially Digvijayji's Narmada yatra, is just a hypocrisy. Everyone knows that Digvijayji believes in minority appeasement," state BJP general secretary V D Sharma said.

"The people know that the Congress leaders in MP have turned religious only to get votes. Their temple-going tactics to woo voters won't work in the forthcoming elections. They are anti-Hindu and believe in minority appeasement for votes," Sharma said.&nbsp

The Congress state election campaign committee chairman, Jyotiraditya Scindia, will kick off the party's campaign for the polls from Ujjain district after offering prayers at the famous Mahakal temple on May 11, state party spokesman Pankaj Chaturvedi said

The Congress leaders would be seeking divine blessings at various temples in MP in a bid to wrest power from the BJP in the state where the Assembly polls are due later this year. The Congress state election campaign committee chairman, Jyotiraditya Scindia, will kick off the party's campaign for the polls from Ujjain district after offering prayers at the famous Mahakal temple on May 11, state party spokesman Pankaj Chaturvedi said. "Scindia is a deeply religious person, he is going to visit many temples to seek blessings of the Almighty to overthrow the BJP government, which has been in power for over 14 years in MP," he said. The newly appointed MP Congress president, Kamal Nath, who formally took charge of the party in the state on May 1, visited the Gufa Mandir in Bhopal on May 2. The same day, he also went to the Mahakal temple in Ujjain and offered prayers at the Pitambara Peeth in Datia district. A Congress leader said their party chief Rahul Gandhi was likely to start his election campaign in MP after visiting either the Mahakal temple or the Pitambara Peeth. Gandhi would visit some prominent Hindu temples in MP, replicating his Gujarat electioneering model, the leader said on condition of anonymity. Notably, senior Congress leader Digvijay Singh last month completed his 3,300-km 'Narmada Parikarma' (circumambulation) along the river banks on foot. A BJP leader dubbed such tactics of the Congress leaders as "hypocrisy" to woo the voters, saying that the strategy won't work in the polls. "The Congress leaders' visits to temples, especially Digvijayji's Narmada yatra, is just a hypocrisy. Everyone knows that Digvijayji believes in minority appeasement," state BJP general secretary V D Sharma said. "The people know that the Congress leaders in MP have turned religious only to get votes. Their temple-going tactics to woo voters won't work in the forthcoming elections. They are anti-Hindu and believe in minority appeasement for votes," Sharma said.

Congress leaders to go temple-hopping in MP; BJP says it won't work

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will carry out four public rallies in Karnataka on Saturday. The rallies will be held in Tumkur, Gadag, Shimoga, and Mangaluru as a part of his campaign blitzkrieg.&nbsp

PM Modi will begin the day with a rally at Tumakuru at 11:00 am, followed by three more at Gadag, Shivamogga, and Managaluru at 2:00 pm, 4:00 pm and 6:30 pm respectively.&nbsp

Meanwhile, party president Amit Shah will hold five road shows in the day -- in Piriyapattana constituency at 11:30 am, at T. Narasipura (Varuna) at 2:00 pm, in NR constituency (Mysore) at 4:00 pm, Chamaraja constituency at 5:00 pm, Krishnaraja constituency (Mysore) at 6:30 pm.&nbsp

The prime minister, who was earlier scheduled to address 15 rallies, will now hold 21 public meetings across the poll-bound state.&nbsp

According to reports, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which is looking to wrest control from the Congress, may increase Modi's election rallies to 21 from 15.

After addressing today's rallies, he is scheduled to stay back in Mangaluru tonight and will take up campaigning again tomorrow in Chitradurga, Raichur, Jamkhandi, and Hubballi.

As opposed to the earlier schedule, he may also address three public meetings each on May 6 and May 9.

Karnataka BJP president and party's chief ministerial candidate BS&nbspYeddyurappa will accompany the Prime Minister in some of the rallies.

Earlier, he interacted with party's Mahila Morcha of Karnataka through the Namo App.

Karnataka goes to polls on May 12 and 2,655 candidates, including 219 women, are in the poll fray for securing 224 seats up. The results will be declared on May 15.&nbsp

(With inputs from ANI)

Karnataka BJP president and party's chief ministerial candidate BS Yeddyurappa will accompany the Prime Minister in some of the rallies

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will carry out four public rallies in Karnataka on Saturday. The rallies will be held in Tumkur, Gadag, Shimoga, and Mangaluru as a part of his campaign blitzkrieg. PM Modi will begin the day with a rally at Tumakuru at 11:00 am, followed by three more at Gadag, Shivamogga, and Managaluru at 2:00 pm, 4:00 pm and 6:30 pm respectively. Meanwhile, party president Amit Shah will hold five road shows in the day -- in Piriyapattana constituency at 11:30 am, at T. Narasipura (Varuna) at 2:00 pm, in NR constituency (Mysore) at 4:00 pm, Chamaraja constituency at 5:00 pm, Krishnaraja constituency (Mysore) at 6:30 pm. The prime minister, who was earlier scheduled to address 15 rallies, will now hold 21 public meetings across the poll-bound state. According to reports, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which is looking to wrest control from the Congress, may increase Modi's election rallies to 21 from 15. After addressing today's rallies, he is scheduled to stay back in Mangaluru tonight and will take up campaigning again tomorrow in Chitradurga, Raichur, Jamkhandi, and Hubballi. As opposed to the earlier schedule, he may also address three public meetings each on May 6 and May 9. Karnataka BJP president and party's chief ministerial candidate BS&nbspYeddyurappa will accompany the Prime Minister in some of the rallies. Earlier, he interacted with party's Mahila Morcha of Karnataka through the Namo App. Karnataka goes to polls on May 12 and 2,655 candidates, including 219 women, are in the poll fray for securing 224 seats up. The results will be declared on May 15. (With inputs from ANI)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi to address rallies in Karnataka today, to hold six more rallies than planned

In a highly caste-ridden state like Karnataka, all election debates centre around&nbsp;caste. The Chief Minister Siddaramaiah-led ruling Congress is confident of retaining the government while the BJP is also ready with its own data and hopeful of a win.&nbsp;

The JD (S), trying hard to create a badly hung Assembly, claiming that it will come to power is making its own calculations.

The stakes are high for everyone in the high-octane election largely being seen as a semi-final ahead of the final showdown in 2019. The&nbsp;caste equation plays an important role in any election in the country and Karnataka is no different. All parties of the southern state are baking on caste-centric approach, as is evident in their campaign, to win the polls.

Siddaramaiah government conducted a caste census in the state in 2015. Though official results of the same have not been made public, &nbsp;various media outlets reported on the caste divisions in the state, claiming to be from the survey.&nbsp;

According to the census data, Dalits and Muslims outnumber Lingayats and Vokkaligas. The Scheduled Castes (SCs) account for 19.5 per cent of the total population in the state, making it the single-largest caste entity. Muslims come next, making up 16 per cent. These two groups are followed by the Lingayats and Vokkaligas, who make up 14 per cent and 11 per cent of the population, respectively.

Among the Other Backward Classes (OBCs), the Kurubas alone account for 7 per cent of the state’s population. Overall, the OBCs make up 20 per cent of Karnataka’s population.&nbsp;

As per the data, SCs, STs, Muslims and Kurubas together form 47.5 per cent of the total population, making it the strongest combination. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s AHINDA (Minorities, Backward Classes and Dalits) group would be the most formidable one in the state, forcing Lingayats and Vokkaligas to play second fiddle to them.&nbsp;

The revelations of the survey punched holes in the earlier claims of Lingayats and Vokkaligas that their communities are the majority in the state.&nbsp;

Since Independence, Lingayats and Vokkaligas have been controlling the levers of power, claiming to be the ‘top communities’ in the state. The two castes have always accounted for 50 per cent of the MP and MLA seats from the state, irrespective of the party in power.&nbsp;

Nevertheless, about 80 percent of the 6.5 crore population of Karnataka belongs to Minorities, OBCs, SCs and STs.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah belongs to the backward caste Kurubas, who popularly proclaims himself to be following socio-political philosophy ‘Ahinda’ (Kannada acronym for minorities, backward classes and Dalits). Among the crucial election promises of Congress party in the state is to enhance the reservation quota for SCs, STs and OBCs from 50 per cent to 70 per cent, thus wooing voters from minority and vulnerable communities seem to be Congress line of approach.

Siddaramaiah-led Congress government recently accepted an expert committee’s recommendation, and accorded the status of a religion (a minority one) to the Lingayat sect, until now considered a part of Hinduism.

The move, which analysts see as an astute political move and opponents as an opportunistic one with an eye on the forthcoming state elections in Karnataka, acknowledges an almost four-decade-long demand by the Lingayats.

Lingayats currently have 5 per cent reservation and are classified as an Other Backward Class.

BS Yeddyurappa, BJP state president and party’s chief ministerial candidate belongs to Lingayat community, the dominant caste in the state. Despite corruption charges, BJP made him the chief ministerial candidate as his support base among the Lingayat voters remains intact. &nbsp;

The BJP, which has largely been seen as a ‘Lingayat’ party has failed to win the support of the Vokkaliga community. But with former Congressman SM Krishna joining the BJP, the party is trying to win the Vokkaliga votes and make inroads into the Old Mysore region.

On the other hand, JD(S) had earlier announced that its CM candidate as HD Kumaraswamy, son of former Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda, belongs to Vokkaligas, another dominant caste in the state.

On 8 February, JD(S) had officially forged an alliance with Bahujan Samajwadi Party (BSP) for the upcoming elections. Therefore hoping support from upper caste Vokkaligas and Dalits. 
&nbsp;

Caste equation plays an important role in any election in the country and Karnataka is no different.

In a highly caste-ridden state like Karnataka, all election debates centre around caste. The Chief Minister Siddaramaiah-led ruling Congress is confident of retaining the government while the BJP is also ready with its own data and hopeful of a win. The JD (S), trying hard to create a badly hung Assembly, claiming that it will come to power is making its own calculations. The stakes are high for everyone in the high-octane election largely being seen as a semi-final ahead of the final showdown in 2019. The caste equation plays an important role in any election in the country and Karnataka is no different. All parties of the southern state are baking on caste-centric approach, as is evident in their campaign, to win the polls. Siddaramaiah government conducted a caste census in the state in 2015. Though official results of the same have not been made public, various media outlets reported on the caste divisions in the state, claiming to be from the survey. According to the census data, Dalits and Muslims outnumber Lingayats and Vokkaligas. The Scheduled Castes (SCs) account for 19.5 per cent of the total population in the state, making it the single-largest caste entity. Muslims come next, making up 16 per cent. These two groups are followed by the Lingayats and Vokkaligas, who make up 14 per cent and 11 per cent of the population, respectively. Among the Other Backward Classes (OBCs), the Kurubas alone account for 7 per cent of the state’s population. Overall, the OBCs make up 20 per cent of Karnataka’s population. As per the data, SCs, STs, Muslims and Kurubas together form 47.5 per cent of the total population, making it the strongest combination. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s AHINDA (Minorities, Backward Classes and Dalits) group would be the most formidable one in the state, forcing Lingayats and Vokkaligas to play second fiddle to them. The revelations of the survey punched holes in the earlier claims of Lingayats and Vokkaligas that their communities are the majority in the state. Since Independence, Lingayats and Vokkaligas have been controlling the levers of power, claiming to be the ‘top communities’ in the state. The two castes have always accounted for 50 per cent of the MP and MLA seats from the state, irrespective of the party in power. Nevertheless, about 80 percent of the 6.5 crore population of Karnataka belongs to Minorities, OBCs, SCs and STs. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah belongs to the backward caste Kurubas, who popularly proclaims himself to be following socio-political philosophy ‘Ahinda’ (Kannada acronym for minorities, backward classes and Dalits). Among the crucial election promises of Congress party in the state is to enhance the reservation quota for SCs, STs and OBCs from 50 per cent to 70 per cent, thus wooing voters from minority and vulnerable communities seem to be Congress line of approach. Siddaramaiah-led Congress government recently accepted an expert committee’s recommendation, and accorded the status of a religion (a minority one) to the Lingayat sect, until now considered a part of Hinduism. The move, which analysts see as an astute political move and opponents as an opportunistic one with an eye on the forthcoming state elections in Karnataka, acknowledges an almost four-decade-long demand by the Lingayats. Lingayats currently have 5 per cent reservation and are classified as an Other Backward Class. BS Yeddyurappa, BJP state president and party’s chief ministerial candidate belongs to Lingayat community, the dominant caste in the state. Despite corruption charges, BJP made him the chief ministerial candidate as his support base among the Lingayat voters remains intact. The BJP, which has largely been seen as a ‘Lingayat’ party has failed to win the support of the Vokkaliga community. But with former Congressman SM Krishna joining the BJP, the party is trying to win the Vokkaliga votes and make inroads into the Old Mysore region. On the other hand, JD(S) had earlier announced that its CM candidate as HD Kumaraswamy, son of former Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda, belongs to Vokkaligas, another dominant caste in the state. On 8 February, JD(S) had officially forged an alliance with Bahujan Samajwadi Party (BSP) for the upcoming elections. Therefore hoping support from upper caste Vokkaligas and Dalits.

Karnataka elections: Caste arithmetic explained

Congress party on Saturday slammed BJP for ''threatening voters in frustration''.&nbsp;

"A defeatist BJP facing rejection at the hands of Kannadigas is threatening voters in frustration. Mr Yeddyurappa, insulting democracy and intimidating voters will trounce the BJP decisively," tweeted Congress spokesperson Randeep Surjewala.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://cmsuat.wionews.com/india-news/tie-hands-legs-of-non-voters-make-them-vote-for-bjp-yeddyurappa-134790">Tie hands, legs of non-voters, make them vote for BJP: Yeddyurappa</a>

Earlier BJP Karnataka chief ministerial candidate BS Yeddyurappa advised people to tie hands and legs of the non-voters and make them vote in favour of Mahantesh Doddagoudar, BJP candidate from Kittur.

Addressing a public gathering at Belagavi, Yeddyurappa said, "Don't rest now. If you think that somebody isn't voting, go to their homes, tie up their hands and legs and bring them to vote in favour of Mahantesh Doddagoudar."

Continuing his tirade against the Congress, he claimed that Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah will lose both in Badami and in Chamundeshwari.

"Siddaramaiah will lose in Chamundi he will also lose in Badami against Sri Ramulu, Congress is now was sinking ship. That is why I am requesting you to vote in favour of the BJP," he added.

Karnataka will go to polls on May 12 to elect representatives to the 225-member state assembly. The results will be out on May 15.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
A defeatist BJP facing rejection at the hands of Kannadigas is threatening voters in frustration. 
 
Mr. Yeddyurappa, insulting democracy & intimidating voters will trounce the BJP decisively. <a href="https://t.co/3hGuFAsZ6p">https://t.co/3hGuFAsZ6p</a>
— Randeep Singh Surjewala (@rssurjewala) <a href="https://twitter.com/rssurjewala/status/992720229200547846?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 5, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

&nbsp;

''Mr Yeddyurappa, insulting democracy and intimidating voters will trounce the BJP decisively," tweeted Congress spokesperson Randeep Surjewala.

Congress party on Saturday slammed BJP for ''threatening voters in frustration''. "A defeatist BJP facing rejection at the hands of Kannadigas is threatening voters in frustration. Mr Yeddyurappa, insulting democracy and intimidating voters will trounce the BJP decisively," tweeted Congress spokesperson Randeep Surjewala. Also read: Tie hands, legs of non-voters, make them vote for BJP: Yeddyurappa Earlier BJP Karnataka chief ministerial candidate BS Yeddyurappa advised people to tie hands and legs of the non-voters and make them vote in favour of Mahantesh Doddagoudar, BJP candidate from Kittur. Addressing a public gathering at Belagavi, Yeddyurappa said, "Don't rest now. If you think that somebody isn't voting, go to their homes, tie up their hands and legs and bring them to vote in favour of Mahantesh Doddagoudar." Continuing his tirade against the Congress, he claimed that Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah will lose both in Badami and in Chamundeshwari. "Siddaramaiah will lose in Chamundi he will also lose in Badami against Sri Ramulu, Congress is now was sinking ship. That is why I am requesting you to vote in favour of the BJP," he added. Karnataka will go to polls on May 12 to elect representatives to the 225-member state assembly. The results will be out on May 15. A defeatist BJP facing rejection at the hands of Kannadigas is threatening voters in frustration. Mr. Yeddyurappa, insulting democracy & intimidating voters will trounce the BJP decisively. https://t.co/3hGuFAsZ6p — Randeep Singh Surjewala (@rssurjewala) May 5, 2018 ×

Congress slams Yeddyurappa for 'threatening' voters

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Karnataka chief ministerial candidate BS Yeddyurappa on Saturday advised people to tie hands and legs of the non-voters and make them vote in favour of Mahantesh Doddagoudar, BJP candidate from Kittur.

Addressing a public gathering at Belagavi, Yeddyurappa said, "Don't rest now. If you think that somebody isn't voting, go to their homes, tie up their hands and legs and bring them to vote in favour of Mahantesh Doddagoudar."

Continuing his tirade against the Congress, he claimed that Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah will lose both in Badami and in Chamundeshwari.

"Siddaramaiah will lose in Chamundi he will also lose in Badami against Sri Ramulu, Congress is now was sinking ship. That is why I am requesting you to vote in favour of the BJP," he added.

Karnataka will go to polls on May 12 to elect representatives to the 225-member state assembly. The results will be out on May 15.&nbsp

Karnataka will go to polls on May 12 to elect representatives to the 225-member state assembly.

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Karnataka chief ministerial candidate BS Yeddyurappa on Saturday advised people to tie hands and legs of the non-voters and make them vote in favour of Mahantesh Doddagoudar, BJP candidate from Kittur. Addressing a public gathering at Belagavi, Yeddyurappa said, "Don't rest now. If you think that somebody isn't voting, go to their homes, tie up their hands and legs and bring them to vote in favour of Mahantesh Doddagoudar." Continuing his tirade against the Congress, he claimed that Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah will lose both in Badami and in Chamundeshwari. "Siddaramaiah will lose in Chamundi he will also lose in Badami against Sri Ramulu, Congress is now was sinking ship. That is why I am requesting you to vote in favour of the BJP," he added. Karnataka will go to polls on May 12 to elect representatives to the 225-member state assembly. The results will be out on May 15.

Tie hands, legs of non-voters, make them vote for BJP: Yeddyurappa

BJP MP Udit Raj today disapproved of party leaders having food at homes of Dalits as part of an outreach campaign, saying such gestures are not enough to address the aspirations of the community and cited the Congress' poll defeats despite its leader Rahul Gandhi having meal in Dalit households.

He warned that those who do not understand the aspirations of the community will face "consequences". Raj said that he "failed" to understand why politicians, academicians and intellectuals are not able to grasp the issues of Dalit community.

Observing that just dining with Dalits will not "satisfy" them, Raj said there is a need to address their aspirations.

"Having night stay and food at houses of Dalits neither empowers the Dalit families nor benefits the politicians. Rahul Gandhi is an example of it," Raj said.

The Dalit leader, who represents North-West Delhi in Lok Sabha, said having food at a Dalit household is similar to a doctor giving medicines to treat fever to a patient who has a problem in his stomach.

Citing the Congress' defeat in elections despite Gandhi having food with Dalit families and the Bharat Bandh organised by Dalit outfits last month, Raj said that a "lesson needs to be learnt from the protest".

However, he clarified that he supports Prime Minister Narendra Modi's outreach programme 'Gram Swaraj Abhiyan' as a leader of the Bhartiya Janta Party.

The MP had earlier opposed his party's outreach programme 'Gram Swaraj Abhiyan', saying it would not bring any electoral gains to the party and instead it makes Dalits feel "inferior".

The BJP leader said that on April 2, Dalit people had agitated on a large scale in the country, seeking their rights.

"They (Dalits) did not protest for why politicians are not coming to have food at their households, but protested to press their demands including their rights, equality, jobs and among others," he told reporters.

"Having food at Dalit households is similar to a doctor giving medicines to treat fever to a patient, but he has a problem in his stomach," he said.

Raj said he has expressed his views as a Dalit activist and social worker and not a leader of a political party.

"I have come here to tell that a Dalit has other aspirations. They want respect, jobs, rights and equality. If a doctor doesn't understand the problem of his patient, he will not be able to treat his disease.

"Similarly, we have to first understand the aspirations of Dalit. They (Dalit people) want respect, equality, right, but on other hand, attempts are being made to satisfy them by having food and tea them," he said.

"My opinion is not against the BJP, rather it is aimed at helping it. Rahul Gandhi had food at Dalit houses and lost the election. Dalits managed Bharat Bandh on April 2 without any organisation. Are there not lessons to be learnt from these," he said.

Yesterday, BJP MP Sadhvi Savitri Bai Phoole also said that politicians rushing to Dalit households to break bread with them but ordering food, utensils and even waiters from outside is an "insult" to the people belonging to the weaker sections.

Also, at the event held at Dadri village near Chhattarpur in Madhya Pradesh three days back, Union Minister Uma Bharti had said she does not take part in such community meals as she doesn't consider herself Lord Rama, who would purify people by having food with them.

"I don't go to the houses of Dalits to have meals, though I support this (breaking bread with the people of scheduled caste category)," she said.

Bharti said instead, she invites Dalits to her home to have food.&nbsp

However, he clarified that he supports Prime Minister Narendra Modi's outreach programme 'Gram Swaraj Abhiyan' as a leader of the Bhartiya Janta Party.

BJP MP Udit Raj today disapproved of party leaders having food at homes of Dalits as part of an outreach campaign, saying such gestures are not enough to address the aspirations of the community and cited the Congress' poll defeats despite its leader Rahul Gandhi having meal in Dalit households. He warned that those who do not understand the aspirations of the community will face "consequences". Raj said that he "failed" to understand why politicians, academicians and intellectuals are not able to grasp the issues of Dalit community. Observing that just dining with Dalits will not "satisfy" them, Raj said there is a need to address their aspirations. "Having night stay and food at houses of Dalits neither empowers the Dalit families nor benefits the politicians. Rahul Gandhi is an example of it," Raj said. The Dalit leader, who represents North-West Delhi in Lok Sabha, said having food at a Dalit household is similar to a doctor giving medicines to treat fever to a patient who has a problem in his stomach. Citing the Congress' defeat in elections despite Gandhi having food with Dalit families and the Bharat Bandh organised by Dalit outfits last month, Raj said that a "lesson needs to be learnt from the protest". However, he clarified that he supports Prime Minister Narendra Modi's outreach programme 'Gram Swaraj Abhiyan' as a leader of the Bhartiya Janta Party. The MP had earlier opposed his party's outreach programme 'Gram Swaraj Abhiyan', saying it would not bring any electoral gains to the party and instead it makes Dalits feel "inferior". The BJP leader said that on April 2, Dalit people had agitated on a large scale in the country, seeking their rights. "They (Dalits) did not protest for why politicians are not coming to have food at their households, but protested to press their demands including their rights, equality, jobs and among others," he told reporters. "Having food at Dalit households is similar to a doctor giving medicines to treat fever to a patient, but he has a problem in his stomach," he said. Raj said he has expressed his views as a Dalit activist and social worker and not a leader of a political party. "I have come here to tell that a Dalit has other aspirations. They want respect, jobs, rights and equality. If a doctor doesn't understand the problem of his patient, he will not be able to treat his disease. "Similarly, we have to first understand the aspirations of Dalit. They (Dalit people) want respect, equality, right, but on other hand, attempts are being made to satisfy them by having food and tea them," he said. "My opinion is not against the BJP, rather it is aimed at helping it. Rahul Gandhi had food at Dalit houses and lost the election. Dalits managed Bharat Bandh on April 2 without any organisation. Are there not lessons to be learnt from these," he said. Yesterday, BJP MP Sadhvi Savitri Bai Phoole also said that politicians rushing to Dalit households to break bread with them but ordering food, utensils and even waiters from outside is an "insult" to the people belonging to the weaker sections. Also, at the event held at Dadri village near Chhattarpur in Madhya Pradesh three days back, Union Minister Uma Bharti had said she does not take part in such community meals as she doesn't consider herself Lord Rama, who would purify people by having food with them. "I don't go to the houses of Dalits to have meals, though I support this (breaking bread with the people of scheduled caste category)," she said. Bharti said instead, she invites Dalits to her home to have food.

Eating food with Dalits not enough, address their aspirations: BJP MP Udit Raj

Much of the focus in the run-up to Karnataka assembly elections has been on the Congress. The reasons are obvious. It is the only big state which Congress has in its kitty. Without Karnataka, the morale of its workers would dip in states like Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh where elections are due later this year. But it does not mean that BJP remains immune from the election result. The impact of defeat in Karnataka would be far more challenging for the BJP than Congress. The latter is anyways on the margin.

BJP's defeat in Karnataka would cut short the party's dream to expand its footprint in South India. 2008 was BJP's renaissance in the south it won Karnataka handsomely. They lost the state again in 2013. After an impressive victory in 2014 elections, BJP embarked on an aggressive strategy to expand in southern and eastern India. It tasted success in the Northeast but failed in West Bengal.

Similar aggressive campaign of BJP in Kerala also failed. Despite the swell, fight remained between the Left and Congress. If BJP fails in Karnataka, it will be reduced as non-player in 130 seats. On top of it, BJP has lost a stable partner in the form of Telugu Desam Party (TDP). Both Chandrababu Naidu and K Chandrashekhar Rao are openly canvassing for a Third Front.

The BJP's efforts in Tamil Nadu too have not yielded results. The AIADMK has split and two film stars have jumped in the fray. Political players have multiplied and situation remains fluid in the state. Ruling AIADMK was not able to wrest Jayalalithaa's RK Nagar seat. Dinakaran won RK Nagar sending the message that the cadre is split. The state also saw a mild overture from Prime Minister Narendra Modi when he paid a visit to Karunanidhi. The meet was hailed as ice breaker but today, the DMK is also openly mooting the idea of a Third Front. So post Atal Bihari Vajpaye, BJP remains without alliance in Tamil Nadu. TDP has broken ties with the Centre and BJP has not been able to create a footprint in Telangana. 
&nbsp; 
A loss in the state will have less of an impact in three northern state going to polls and more on the general elections in 2019. The BJP cannot expect to repeat its performance in most of the northern and western states. The Samajwadi Party and Bahujan Samaj Party have already come together in Uttar Pradesh. Loss of alliance and footprint in south and east would mean that regional parties will have a greater say in the central government. It will reinforce the impression that despite success in many parts of India, BJP's idea of India remains alien to South India. This is not to undermine the fact that BJP's performance in Northeast was spectacular but it only adds 25 Lok Sabha seats to the kitty. 
&nbsp; 
The loss would also empower the idea of regional players coming together to combat BJP at the Centre. It can also galvanise other regional parties who as of now are neutral or with the BJP. A loss would also empower the idea of strong regional chieftains against an imposing Centre which will again have resonance in Indian politics. The Congress lost the 1977 and 1989 Lok Sabha elections because regional parties came together. It happened again in 1996 but BJP emerged as the largest party in Lok Sabha.

Karnataka's loss can inspire politics on similar lines. For Congress a loss would mean another blow to Rahul Gandhi's credibility as a leader and further shrinking of whatever remains of the Congress. It would mean that it would become even more marginal when it comes to opposition politics. But for the BJP stakes are higher. A loss in Karnataka will impact its overall Lok Sabha strategy. It is for this reason more is at stake for BJP in Karnataka than Congress party.

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

A loss in the state will have less of an impact in three northern state going to polls and more on the general elections in 2019.

Much of the focus in the run-up to Karnataka assembly elections has been on the Congress. The reasons are obvious. It is the only big state which Congress has in its kitty. Without Karnataka, the morale of its workers would dip in states like Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh where elections are due later this year. But it does not mean that BJP remains immune from the election result. The impact of defeat in Karnataka would be far more challenging for the BJP than Congress. The latter is anyways on the margin. BJP's defeat in Karnataka would cut short the party's dream to expand its footprint in South India. 2008 was BJP's renaissance in the south it won Karnataka handsomely. They lost the state again in 2013. After an impressive victory in 2014 elections, BJP embarked on an aggressive strategy to expand in southern and eastern India. It tasted success in the Northeast but failed in West Bengal. Similar aggressive campaign of BJP in Kerala also failed. Despite the swell, fight remained between the Left and Congress. If BJP fails in Karnataka, it will be reduced as non-player in 130 seats. On top of it, BJP has lost a stable partner in the form of Telugu Desam Party (TDP). Both Chandrababu Naidu and K Chandrashekhar Rao are openly canvassing for a Third Front. The BJP's efforts in Tamil Nadu too have not yielded results. The AIADMK has split and two film stars have jumped in the fray. Political players have multiplied and situation remains fluid in the state. Ruling AIADMK was not able to wrest Jayalalithaa's RK Nagar seat. Dinakaran won RK Nagar sending the message that the cadre is split. The state also saw a mild overture from Prime Minister Narendra Modi when he paid a visit to Karunanidhi. The meet was hailed as ice breaker but today, the DMK is also openly mooting the idea of a Third Front. So post Atal Bihari Vajpaye, BJP remains without alliance in Tamil Nadu. TDP has broken ties with the Centre and BJP has not been able to create a footprint in Telangana. A loss in the state will have less of an impact in three northern state going to polls and more on the general elections in 2019. The BJP cannot expect to repeat its performance in most of the northern and western states. The Samajwadi Party and Bahujan Samaj Party have already come together in Uttar Pradesh. Loss of alliance and footprint in south and east would mean that regional parties will have a greater say in the central government. It will reinforce the impression that despite success in many parts of India, BJP's idea of India remains alien to South India. This is not to undermine the fact that BJP's performance in Northeast was spectacular but it only adds 25 Lok Sabha seats to the kitty. The loss would also empower the idea of regional players coming together to combat BJP at the Centre. It can also galvanise other regional parties who as of now are neutral or with the BJP. A loss would also empower the idea of strong regional chieftains against an imposing Centre which will again have resonance in Indian politics. The Congress lost the 1977 and 1989 Lok Sabha elections because regional parties came together. It happened again in 1996 but BJP emerged as the largest party in Lok Sabha. Karnataka's loss can inspire politics on similar lines. For Congress a loss would mean another blow to Rahul Gandhi's credibility as a leader and further shrinking of whatever remains of the Congress. It would mean that it would become even more marginal when it comes to opposition politics. But for the BJP stakes are higher. A loss in Karnataka will impact its overall Lok Sabha strategy. It is for this reason more is at stake for BJP in Karnataka than Congress party. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Opinion: More is at stake for BJP than Congress in Karnataka elections

First thing first. Rahul Gandhi is not a true politician. He simply is a mascot of the Congress party and all his actions and words are directed and scripted by his advisers and the party's few prominent veterans.

Notwithstanding above, whatever he says, reflects the stand of the party at the end of the day. Rahul's team decides his punch lines and issues, which he needs to raise and then he starts harping on them, rather mindlessly.

The latest of his persistent attack is that democracy is in serious danger under Modi and that Modi is subverting all democratic institution. Then he goes on and blames Modi and BJP for not letting Parliament function, which is such a barefaced propaganda as it is Congress who has been blocking Parliament right since 2014 when Modi assumed power.

Now coming back to Rahul's claim that democracy is being subverted by Modi. His audacity needs to be saluted. It is hilarious to say the least.

Rahul needs to peep into history and see how his father and grandmother handled the democratic values in this country in past.

Jawaharlal Nehru deserves an unequivocal credit for upholding the democracy in India and in the Congress. After the death of Patel in 1950, Nehru was the undisputed leader but he never took advantage of the situation. If democracy has been deep-rooted in India, then Nehru as the first premier (for good 17 years) is one of the biggest reasons.

But once Indira took over in 1966, situation veered in a different direction. Indira first subverted - rather curbed - internal democracy within Congress and converted party into a sort of family venture. She shunted all old Congress stalwarts ruthlessly.

If you believe that the moment when Indira imposed Emergency in 1975 was the only moment Congress tried to supress democracy in India, you are mistaken.

The decade of the 80s (1980-89) was the last time when the family member of Gandhi/Nehru family ruled the country. Indira from 1980 till 1984 (till her assassination) and Rajiv from 1984 till 1989, when VP Singh-led Janta Dal dethroned Congress.

During this period, Indira and Rajiv became undisputed power centres and democratic values took a complete back seat. Congress-led central government misused Article 356 of the Constitution in a brazen manner to topple non-Congress state governments, through Governors of states. All the Governors were basically picked by Indira/Rajiv on the sole criteria of their loyalty towards the family.

In 1984, Governor of Andhra Pradesh Thakur Ram Lal (a mediocre Congressman from Himachal but a big-time Indira loyalist) removed N T Rama Rao when the latter was in the US for a surgery. Thakur Ram Lal appointed a former Congressman Bhaskara Rao as chief minister. NTR hit hard after he came back from the US. After a month-long drama, Indira realised that this plan to thwart NTR would not work. She made Ram Lal a scapegoat and sacked him NTR forced his way to the power.

In April 1989, S R Bommai-led government in Karnataka was dismissed and President's Rule was imposed on frivolous and unjustified reasons. The matter went to court and the court decreed restrictions on the Centre's power to dismiss a state government under Article 356.

Not only Governor's office but the office of chief minister was also grossly undermined, particularly by Rajiv Gandhi. During 1984-89, Rajiv was appointing and replacing CMs in Congress-ruled states solely on his whims. His picks were not based on how strong connect the incumbent had with the ground and the state politics and again the sole criterion was his loyalty to Rajiv Gandhi. In Bihar alone, Congress had four chief ministers in five years during 1985-1990. Congress paid a heavy price of this immaturity of Rajiv Gandhi as the party lost people's connect in two largest states of UP and Bihar and never came to power after 1990 and today Congress is at the brink of extinction in these two states.

Coming to the institutions now. During 1984-89, state-run broadcaster Doordarshan (DD) virtually became a Congress-owned channel. During those days, DD used to air a 20 minutes news capsule and 10-15 minutes were covered for a recap of what Rajiv did during the day. As an ultimate epitome of politics of appeasement, Rajiv Gandhi enacted a law in Parliament after Supreme Court's ruling in regard to famous Shah Bano case. The law diluted or rather nullified ruling of India's highest court.

Rahul Gandhi needs to realise that there is no point making such statements. Given the past Congress has, Rahul can never create a narrative by raising this issue. In case BJP hits back with Congress's misadventures with democracy in the past (which PM does often, particularly in Parliament), Rahul will have no answer. Rahul Gandhi needs to ponder over what his father and grandmother did to the democracy in this country before he points the finger at others.

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Rahul needs to peep into history and see how his father and grandmother handled the democratic values in this country in past.

First thing first. Rahul Gandhi is not a true politician. He simply is a mascot of the Congress party and all his actions and words are directed and scripted by his advisers and the party's few prominent veterans. Notwithstanding above, whatever he says, reflects the stand of the party at the end of the day. Rahul's team decides his punch lines and issues, which he needs to raise and then he starts harping on them, rather mindlessly. The latest of his persistent attack is that democracy is in serious danger under Modi and that Modi is subverting all democratic institution. Then he goes on and blames Modi and BJP for not letting Parliament function, which is such a barefaced propaganda as it is Congress who has been blocking Parliament right since 2014 when Modi assumed power. Now coming back to Rahul's claim that democracy is being subverted by Modi. His audacity needs to be saluted. It is hilarious to say the least. Rahul needs to peep into history and see how his father and grandmother handled the democratic values in this country in past. Jawaharlal Nehru deserves an unequivocal credit for upholding the democracy in India and in the Congress. After the death of Patel in 1950, Nehru was the undisputed leader but he never took advantage of the situation. If democracy has been deep-rooted in India, then Nehru as the first premier (for good 17 years) is one of the biggest reasons. But once Indira took over in 1966, situation veered in a different direction. Indira first subverted - rather curbed - internal democracy within Congress and converted party into a sort of family venture. She shunted all old Congress stalwarts ruthlessly. If you believe that the moment when Indira imposed Emergency in 1975 was the only moment Congress tried to supress democracy in India, you are mistaken. The decade of the 80s (1980-89) was the last time when the family member of Gandhi/Nehru family ruled the country. Indira from 1980 till 1984 (till her assassination) and Rajiv from 1984 till 1989, when VP Singh-led Janta Dal dethroned Congress. During this period, Indira and Rajiv became undisputed power centres and democratic values took a complete back seat. Congress-led central government misused Article 356 of the Constitution in a brazen manner to topple non-Congress state governments, through Governors of states. All the Governors were basically picked by Indira/Rajiv on the sole criteria of their loyalty towards the family. In 1984, Governor of Andhra Pradesh Thakur Ram Lal (a mediocre Congressman from Himachal but a big-time Indira loyalist) removed N T Rama Rao when the latter was in the US for a surgery. Thakur Ram Lal appointed a former Congressman Bhaskara Rao as chief minister. NTR hit hard after he came back from the US. After a month-long drama, Indira realised that this plan to thwart NTR would not work. She made Ram Lal a scapegoat and sacked him NTR forced his way to the power. In April 1989, S R Bommai-led government in Karnataka was dismissed and President's Rule was imposed on frivolous and unjustified reasons. The matter went to court and the court decreed restrictions on the Centre's power to dismiss a state government under Article 356. Not only Governor's office but the office of chief minister was also grossly undermined, particularly by Rajiv Gandhi. During 1984-89, Rajiv was appointing and replacing CMs in Congress-ruled states solely on his whims. His picks were not based on how strong connect the incumbent had with the ground and the state politics and again the sole criterion was his loyalty to Rajiv Gandhi. In Bihar alone, Congress had four chief ministers in five years during 1985-1990. Congress paid a heavy price of this immaturity of Rajiv Gandhi as the party lost people's connect in two largest states of UP and Bihar and never came to power after 1990 and today Congress is at the brink of extinction in these two states. Coming to the institutions now. During 1984-89, state-run broadcaster Doordarshan (DD) virtually became a Congress-owned channel. During those days, DD used to air a 20 minutes news capsule and 10-15 minutes were covered for a recap of what Rajiv did during the day. As an ultimate epitome of politics of appeasement, Rajiv Gandhi enacted a law in Parliament after Supreme Court's ruling in regard to famous Shah Bano case. The law diluted or rather nullified ruling of India's highest court. Rahul Gandhi needs to realise that there is no point making such statements. Given the past Congress has, Rahul can never create a narrative by raising this issue. In case BJP hits back with Congress's misadventures with democracy in the past (which PM does often, particularly in Parliament), Rahul will have no answer. Rahul Gandhi needs to ponder over what his father and grandmother did to the democracy in this country before he points the finger at others. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Opinion: What Rahul Gandhi needs to realise before pointing fingers at BJP

The BJP in Karnataka has filed a complaint against independent MLA Jignesh Mewani and actor Prakash Raj&nbspfor allegedly using defamatory and abusive language against Prime Minister&nbspModi and party's chief ministerial candidate BS Yeddyurappa.

The complaint,&nbspregistered with the&nbspChief Electoral Officer on Monday, states that while addressing a speech at an event in Bengaluru on April 29 Mevani called the PM "a corporate salesman and a thief who has looted the country".

The letter added that Mevani and Prakash Raj have been constantly involved in jeopardising PM Modi and Yeddyurappa's image.

The complaint also requested the Election Commission to not to grant any permission to Mevani or Raj for holding any indoor or outdoor meeting in the state till the polls.

The BJP has also registered a complaint against senior politician AK Subbaiah for saying "Yeddyurappa along with his fiancee would run away once polls results are out".&nbsp

&nbsp

(With inputs from ANI)

The complaint, registered with the Chief Electoral Officer on Monday, states that while addressing a speech at an event in Bengaluru on April 29 Mevani called the PM 'a corporate salesman and a thief who has looted the country'

The BJP in Karnataka has filed a complaint against independent MLA Jignesh Mewani and actor Prakash Raj&nbspfor allegedly using defamatory and abusive language against Prime Minister&nbspModi and party's chief ministerial candidate BS Yeddyurappa. The complaint,&nbspregistered with the&nbspChief Electoral Officer on Monday, states that while addressing a speech at an event in Bengaluru on April 29 Mevani called the PM "a corporate salesman and a thief who has looted the country". The letter added that Mevani and Prakash Raj have been constantly involved in jeopardising PM Modi and Yeddyurappa's image. The complaint also requested the Election Commission to not to grant any permission to Mevani or Raj for holding any indoor or outdoor meeting in the state till the polls. The BJP has also registered a complaint against senior politician AK Subbaiah for saying "Yeddyurappa along with his fiancee would run away once polls results are out". (With inputs from ANI)

Karnataka elections: BJP registers complaint against Jignesh Mewani, Prakash Raj for comments on PM Modi

Newly-elected Tripura Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb's statements are getting stranger by the minute.&nbsp;

He has before this said the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/internet-and-satellite-existed-since-mahabharata-era-claims-tripura-cm-131112">internet and satellite communication existed in the times of the&nbsp;Mahabharata.&nbsp;</a>

Before that he had said <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/aishwarya-rai-represents-indian-women-not-diana-hayden-tripura-cm-biplab-deb-133113">Diana Hayden, </a>who was crowned Miss World in 1997, did not represent Indian&nbsp;women. But that Aishwarya Rai did.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/after-a-string-of-bizarre-remarks-pm-modi-calls-tripura-cm-to-new-delhi-133665?first_load=no">Deb has been summoned to Delhi tomorrow by Prime Minister Narendra Modi</a> because of his many strange utterings. BJP President Amit Shah will also be present.&nbsp;

Deb is expected to get an earful.&nbsp;

But that has not stopped him for a second.&nbsp;

On Tuesday, Deb offered up yet another gem.

This time, he used the analogy of a farmer bringing a vegetable to the market.

At 8 am, said Deb, the vegetable is okay. But so many people poke their nails into it, he then added, that by 9 am it is not fit to eat.&nbsp;

Then, hittting a much more strident note, he added that nothing of the sort will be allowed to happen with his government.&nbsp;

And that anyone "fingering" his government should have their nails chopped off.&nbsp;

"Mere sarkaar mein aisa nahin hona chahiye ki koi bhi usme ungli maar de, nakhoon laga de. Jinhone nakhoon lagaya, uska nakhoon kaat lena chahiye," said Deb.&nbsp;

Watch video below:&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> Tripura CM Biplab Kumar Deb says, "Mere sarkaar mein aisa nahin hona chahiye ki koi bhi usme ungli maar de, nakhoon laga de. Jinhone nakhoon lagaya, uska nakhoon kaat lena chahiye" <a href="https://t.co/bht51upsmX">pic.twitter.com/bht51upsmX</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/991266646873518080?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 1, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Deb's last blooper had come as recently as Sunday when he said Tripura's youth should <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/biplab-deb-advocates--every-house-should-have-cow-133585">rear cows or open paan shops</a> instead of running after government jobs and wasting their time.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

Biplab Deb's comments have been getting stranger by the minute. He has been summoned to Delhi on Wednesday by Prime Minister Narendra Modi from whom he is expected to get an earful

Newly-elected Tripura Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb's statements are getting stranger by the minute. He has before this said the internet and satellite communication existed in the times of the Mahabharata. Before that he had said Diana Hayden, who was crowned Miss World in 1997, did not represent Indian women. But that Aishwarya Rai did. Deb has been summoned to Delhi tomorrow by Prime Minister Narendra Modi because of his many strange utterings. BJP President Amit Shah will also be present. Deb is expected to get an earful. But that has not stopped him for a second. On Tuesday, Deb offered up yet another gem. This time, he used the analogy of a farmer bringing a vegetable to the market. At 8 am, said Deb, the vegetable is okay. But so many people poke their nails into it, he then added, that by 9 am it is not fit to eat. Then, hittting a much more strident note, he added that nothing of the sort will be allowed to happen with his government. And that anyone "fingering" his government should have their nails chopped off. "Mere sarkaar mein aisa nahin hona chahiye ki koi bhi usme ungli maar de, nakhoon laga de. Jinhone nakhoon lagaya, uska nakhoon kaat lena chahiye," said Deb. Watch video below: #WATCH Tripura CM Biplab Kumar Deb says, "Mere sarkaar mein aisa nahin hona chahiye ki koi bhi usme ungli maar de, nakhoon laga de. Jinhone nakhoon lagaya, uska nakhoon kaat lena chahiye" pic.twitter.com/bht51upsmX — ANI (@ANI) May 1, 2018 × Deb's last blooper had come as recently as Sunday when he said Tripura's youth should rear cows or open paan shops instead of running after government jobs and wasting their time.

Watch: Tripura CM now says, 'Anyone fingering my govt, his nails should be chopped off'

After PM Modi took a dig at<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-kicks-off-election-rally-in-karnataka--133940"> Karnataka chief minister at </a>an election rally, Siddaramaiah hit back saying the BJP won't cross the 60-70-seat margin.

Addressing an election rally for the first time in Karnataka's Mysuru, the PM had said: BJP will sweep the state, not a wave but a BJP storm will hit Karnataka."&nbsp;

Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah took a dig at the prime minister, saying: "Was it fear that drove you to contest from two parliamentary constituencies (Varanasi & Vadodara)."

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Was it fear that drove you to contest from 2 parliamentary constituencies (Varanasi & Vadodara) Mr. PM <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> ? Of course you are a 56 inch man, you would have some clever explanation!! 
 
Forget 2 seats, Sir. Worry about the fact that your party will not cross 60-70! <a href="https://t.co/Hr3V5x6sDE">https://t.co/Hr3V5x6sDE</a>
— Siddaramaiah (@siddaramaiah) <a href="https://twitter.com/siddaramaiah/status/991215792334270464?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 1, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

"Of course you are a 56-inch man, you would have some clever explanation!!"

During the rally, PM Modi had said the people of Karnataka will decide if they want "family politics" or "people's politics".

Siddaramaiah followed up his remarks, saying: "Forget two seats, Sir. Worry about the fact that your party will not cross 60-70."

During the rally, PM Modi took a jibe at Rahul Gandhi asserting that the Congress vice-president couldn't even "speak for 15 minutes on Karnataka's development". PM Modi challenged Rahul Gandhi to speak on Karnataka's development without reading from any piece of paper in Hindi, English or "your mother tongue".

This is PM Modi's first election rally in the state which goes to the polls on May 12th. The prime minister is set to address another two rallies in Udupi and Belagavi.

His next stop will be in Udupi at 3pm today where he will visit Krishna Mutt and take blessings of the Pejawar seer before addressing a public rally at AGM College Ground.

Later the prime minister will address a rally in Chikkodi at 6pm.&nbsp;

<iframe allow="autoplay encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/u-KbZ2m14vg" width="560"></iframe>

During the rally, PM Modi had said the people of Karnataka will decide if they want "family politics" or "people's politics".

After PM Modi took a dig at Karnataka chief minister at an election rally, Siddaramaiah hit back saying the BJP won't cross the 60-70-seat margin. Addressing an election rally for the first time in Karnataka's Mysuru, the PM had said: BJP will sweep the state, not a wave but a BJP storm will hit Karnataka." Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah took a dig at the prime minister, saying: "Was it fear that drove you to contest from two parliamentary constituencies (Varanasi & Vadodara)." Was it fear that drove you to contest from 2 parliamentary constituencies (Varanasi & Vadodara) Mr. PM @narendramodi ? Of course you are a 56 inch man, you would have some clever explanation!! Forget 2 seats, Sir. Worry about the fact that your party will not cross 60-70! https://t.co/Hr3V5x6sDE — Siddaramaiah (@siddaramaiah) May 1, 2018 × "Of course you are a 56-inch man, you would have some clever explanation!!" During the rally, PM Modi had said the people of Karnataka will decide if they want "family politics" or "people's politics". Siddaramaiah followed up his remarks, saying: "Forget two seats, Sir. Worry about the fact that your party will not cross 60-70." During the rally, PM Modi took a jibe at Rahul Gandhi asserting that the Congress vice-president couldn't even "speak for 15 minutes on Karnataka's development". PM Modi challenged Rahul Gandhi to speak on Karnataka's development without reading from any piece of paper in Hindi, English or "your mother tongue". This is PM Modi's first election rally in the state which goes to the polls on May 12th. The prime minister is set to address another two rallies in Udupi and Belagavi. His next stop will be in Udupi at 3pm today where he will visit Krishna Mutt and take blessings of the Pejawar seer before addressing a public rally at AGM College Ground. Later the prime minister will address a rally in Chikkodi at 6pm.

'Was it fear that drove you to contest from two parliamentary constituencies?' Siddaramaiah asks Modi

Aligarh Muslim University made headlines after a picture of Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the founder of Pakistan, was found displayed on its premises. The incident has sparked a controversy.

According to reports, BJP's MP from Aligarh Satish Gautam has written to the university's Vice-Chancellor Tariq Mansoor demanding an explanation on the same.&nbsp;

In his letter, Gautam questioned why was Jinnah's portrait put up in the first place and not of any of the legendary men of the nation?&nbsp;

"I have heard a portrait of Muhammad Ali Jinnah is hung inside the campus. Kindly gather more details on this and give reasons behind it," Gautam enquired.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
BJP MP from Aligarh Satish Kumar Gautam writes to vice-chancellor of Aligarh Muslim University, says, 'I have heard a portrait of Muhammad Ali Jinnah is hung inside the campus. Kindly gather more details on this and give reasons behind it.'
— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANINewsUP/status/991206412360605696?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 1, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Meanwhile, the president of the university's students' union retorted that the picture was put up years ago before the partition had taken place. He said that a formal decision will be taken on the matter by the institution if a formal order is given by the government.&nbsp;

AMUSU president Faizul Hassan asked why Jinnah's portrait was not taken down from the Parliament? AMU officials also noted that no lesson on Jinnah is being taught in the university, however, he is revered in the institute.&nbsp;

Jinnah was given a lifetime membership to the university before the partition.&nbsp;

Muhammad Ali Jinnah, also known as Mohammedali Jinnahbhai, was born on 25 December 1876 in present-day Sindh, Pakistan.

He served as the leader of the All-India Muslim League from 1913 until Pakistan's independence on 14 August 1947. Jinnah was Pakistan's first Governor-General until his death in 1948. 
&nbsp;

Jinnah was given a lifetime membership to the university before the partition

Aligarh Muslim University made headlines after a picture of Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the founder of Pakistan, was found displayed on its premises. The incident has sparked a controversy. According to reports, BJP's MP from Aligarh Satish Gautam has written to the university's Vice-Chancellor Tariq Mansoor demanding an explanation on the same. In his letter, Gautam questioned why was Jinnah's portrait put up in the first place and not of any of the legendary men of the nation? "I have heard a portrait of Muhammad Ali Jinnah is hung inside the campus. Kindly gather more details on this and give reasons behind it," Gautam enquired. BJP MP from Aligarh Satish Kumar Gautam writes to vice-chancellor of Aligarh Muslim University, says, 'I have heard a portrait of Muhammad Ali Jinnah is hung inside the campus. Kindly gather more details on this and give reasons behind it.' — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) May 1, 2018 × Meanwhile, the president of the university's students' union retorted that the picture was put up years ago before the partition had taken place. He said that a formal decision will be taken on the matter by the institution if a formal order is given by the government. AMUSU president Faizul Hassan asked why Jinnah's portrait was not taken down from the Parliament? AMU officials also noted that no lesson on Jinnah is being taught in the university, however, he is revered in the institute. Jinnah was given a lifetime membership to the university before the partition. Muhammad Ali Jinnah, also known as Mohammedali Jinnahbhai, was born on 25 December 1876 in present-day Sindh, Pakistan. He served as the leader of the All-India Muslim League from 1913 until Pakistan's independence on 14 August 1947. Jinnah was Pakistan's first Governor-General until his death in 1948.

Why was Jinnah's portrait put up? BJP MP to Aligarh Muslim University VC

Hitting back at the BJP for calling his government "corrupt", Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah targetted the Bhartiya Janata Party on Tuesday saying their party do not have any moral right to talk about corruption.

He also questioned the BJP over the appointment of Lokpal.

He said, " What moral right does BJP have to talk about corruption? For last 4 years, the Central Government has not appointed a Lokpal. When he was the Chief Minister&nbsp;of Gujarat, Narendra Modi never appointed Lokayukta".

Referring to PM Modi's visit to Karnataka to address rallies ahead of the assembly election, he said " It is a democracy, we have no personal enmity with the PM. We have no objection to him coming here (Karnataka), but it is not going to have any impact".

BJP President Amit Shah had said on Monday that the Siddaramaiah government in the Karnataka is famous only for corruption.

While addressing a public meeting in the state he had said "Each and every state in the country has been known for some special programmes like promoting agriculture, giving prominence to industries, constructing dams to solve water crisis to name a few in the last five years. But the Siddaramaiah government in Karnataka is famous only for corruption".

He also said that Congress party is known for corrupt practices and is not supporting anti-corruption steps.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
What moral right does BJP have to talk about corruption? For last 4 years, the Central Government has not appointed a Lokpal. When he was the Chief Minister of Gujarat, Narendra Modi never appointed Lokayukta: Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KarnatakaElections2018?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KarnatakaElections2018</a> <a href="https://t.co/1Mz5GYTor2">pic.twitter.com/1Mz5GYTor2</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/991201490911055872?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 1, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
It is a democracy, we have no personal enmity with the PM. We have no objection to him coming here (Karnataka), but it is not going to have any impact: Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KarnatakaElections2018?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KarnatakaElections2018</a> <a href="https://t.co/6Vz8Kjtekh">pic.twitter.com/6Vz8Kjtekh</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/991202383932862465?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 1, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

&nbsp;

Siddaramaiah said, 'What moral right does BJP have to talk about corruption? For last 4 years, the Central Government has not appointed a Lokpal. When he was the Chief Minister of Gujarat, Narendra Modi never appointed Lokayukta'

Hitting back at the BJP for calling his government "corrupt", Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah targetted the Bhartiya Janata Party on Tuesday saying their party do not have any moral right to talk about corruption. He also questioned the BJP over the appointment of Lokpal. He said, " What moral right does BJP have to talk about corruption? For last 4 years, the Central Government has not appointed a Lokpal. When he was the Chief Minister of Gujarat, Narendra Modi never appointed Lokayukta". Referring to PM Modi's visit to Karnataka to address rallies ahead of the assembly election, he said " It is a democracy, we have no personal enmity with the PM. We have no objection to him coming here (Karnataka), but it is not going to have any impact". BJP President Amit Shah had said on Monday that the Siddaramaiah government in the Karnataka is famous only for corruption. While addressing a public meeting in the state he had said "Each and every state in the country has been known for some special programmes like promoting agriculture, giving prominence to industries, constructing dams to solve water crisis to name a few in the last five years. But the Siddaramaiah government in Karnataka is famous only for corruption". He also said that Congress party is known for corrupt practices and is not supporting anti-corruption steps. What moral right does BJP have to talk about corruption? For last 4 years, the Central Government has not appointed a Lokpal. When he was the Chief Minister of Gujarat, Narendra Modi never appointed Lokayukta: Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah. #KarnatakaElections2018 pic.twitter.com/1Mz5GYTor2 — ANI (@ANI) May 1, 2018 × It is a democracy, we have no personal enmity with the PM. We have no objection to him coming here (Karnataka), but it is not going to have any impact: Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah. #KarnatakaElections2018 pic.twitter.com/6Vz8Kjtekh — ANI (@ANI) May 1, 2018 ×

BJP has no moral right to talk about corruption: Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah

Militants shot and critically injured a BJP activist in Allochibagh area of Srinagar city, police said.

Official sources told news agency GNS that the gunmen fired upon Zubair Majeed Parray (30) son of Abdul Majeed Parray at around 8:35 pm.

“The gunmen shot him from point-blank range in his crockery shop in Allochibagh”.

"He sustained abdominal injuries and was immediately shifted to hospital," police said.

Parray was a former police constable who had later become an activist of the BJP.

(With inputs from Agencies)

Official sources told news agency GNS that the gunmen fired upon Zubair Majeed Parray (30) son of Abdul Majeed Parray at around 8:35 pm.

Militants shot and critically injured a BJP activist in Allochibagh area of Srinagar city, police said. Official sources told news agency GNS that the gunmen fired upon Zubair Majeed Parray (30) son of Abdul Majeed Parray at around 8:35 pm. “The gunmen shot him from point-blank range in his crockery shop in Allochibagh”. "He sustained abdominal injuries and was immediately shifted to hospital," police said. Parray was a former police constable who had later become an activist of the BJP. (With inputs from Agencies)

Former policeman turned BJP activist shot at in Srinagar 

Jammu and Kashmir's state cabinet will undergo a reshuffle on Monday. Deputy Chief Minister Nirmal Singh noted on Saturday that the PDP-BJP alliance government will undertake a cabinet reshuffle on April 30.

According to Singh, the reshuffle would see the induction of some new ministers.

"The oath ceremony will take place at 12 noon on April 30," Singh noted.

The list of the inductees is yet to be finalised, shared Singh.

As per reports, a couple of ministers of state (MosS) may get elevated to the Cabinet rank.

The BJP's state cadre had held a meeting with party's top officials in New Delhi last Sunday to discuss and finalise new inductees and to assess the performance of the current state ministers.

On April 17, nine state ministers from Jammu and Kashmir were asked to step down to enable the party to bring in new faces in the Mufti cabinet.

The BJP has been experiencing pressure mounting over its ministers, Lal Singh and Chander Prakash Gangam, who allegedly supported the accused in the Kathua rape and murder case.&nbsp;

Currently, the BJP has six cabinet ministers, including associate member Sajad Lone, and three MoS.

The J&K cabinet can have a maximum of 25 ministers, including the chief minister. While 14 portfolios rest with the PDP, the BJP holds the remaining.&nbsp;

(With inputs from PTI)&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

Currently, the BJP has six cabinet ministers, including associate member Sajad Lone, and three MoS

Jammu and Kashmir's state cabinet will undergo a reshuffle on Monday. Deputy Chief Minister Nirmal Singh noted on Saturday that the PDP-BJP alliance government will undertake a cabinet reshuffle on April 30. According to Singh, the reshuffle would see the induction of some new ministers. "The oath ceremony will take place at 12 noon on April 30," Singh noted. The list of the inductees is yet to be finalised, shared Singh. As per reports, a couple of ministers of state (MosS) may get elevated to the Cabinet rank. The BJP's state cadre had held a meeting with party's top officials in New Delhi last Sunday to discuss and finalise new inductees and to assess the performance of the current state ministers. On April 17, nine state ministers from Jammu and Kashmir were asked to step down to enable the party to bring in new faces in the Mufti cabinet. The BJP has been experiencing pressure mounting over its ministers, Lal Singh and Chander Prakash Gangam, who allegedly supported the accused in the Kathua rape and murder case. Currently, the BJP has six cabinet ministers, including associate member Sajad Lone, and three MoS. The J&K cabinet can have a maximum of 25 ministers, including the chief minister. While 14 portfolios rest with the PDP, the BJP holds the remaining. (With inputs from PTI)

J&K cabinet reshuffle on Monday: Deputy Chief Minister

Andhra Pradesh ruling party- Telugu Desam Party (TDP) will hold a public meeting on April 30 against the Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government over its failure to grant Special Category Status to the state.

The party has called the "Nammaka Droham-Kutra Rajakeeyalapai Dharma Porata Bahiranga Sabha" (Fight against Betrayal and Collusion Politics -Public Meeting) in order to remind how Prime Minister Narendra Modi failed to keep the promises he made four years ago on the same day standing at the Lord Balaji temple in Tirupati.

Prime Minister Modi during 2014 general elections went to offer prayers in Lord Balaji temple, in Tirupati and had promised the people of Andhra Pradesh, to soon grant the state a Special Category Status.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu will also address the gathering by showing visuals of Prime Minister Modi making promises to Andhra four years ago from the temple premises.

"BJP has colluded with a tainted party, YSR Congress to do injustice to 5 crore people of Andhra Pradesh. Our fight will continue against them until justice gets delivered and there is no compromise on that," Naidu said.

The TDP has been fighting against the Centre for the rights of people of Andhra, demanding it to fulfil assurances made in Rajya Sabha including SCS and provisions of Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act.

Last month, the party quit the BJP-led NDA alliance over the same.&nbsp

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu will also address the gathering by showing visuals of Prime Minister Modi making promises to Andhra four years ago from the temple premises

Andhra Pradesh ruling party- Telugu Desam Party (TDP) will hold a public meeting on April 30 against the Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government over its failure to grant Special Category Status to the state. The party has called the "Nammaka Droham-Kutra Rajakeeyalapai Dharma Porata Bahiranga Sabha" (Fight against Betrayal and Collusion Politics -Public Meeting) in order to remind how Prime Minister Narendra Modi failed to keep the promises he made four years ago on the same day standing at the Lord Balaji temple in Tirupati. Prime Minister Modi during 2014 general elections went to offer prayers in Lord Balaji temple, in Tirupati and had promised the people of Andhra Pradesh, to soon grant the state a Special Category Status. Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu will also address the gathering by showing visuals of Prime Minister Modi making promises to Andhra four years ago from the temple premises. "BJP has colluded with a tainted party, YSR Congress to do injustice to 5 crore people of Andhra Pradesh. Our fight will continue against them until justice gets delivered and there is no compromise on that," Naidu said. The TDP has been fighting against the Centre for the rights of people of Andhra, demanding it to fulfil assurances made in Rajya Sabha including SCS and provisions of Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act. Last month, the party quit the BJP-led NDA alliance over the same.

TDP to hold public meeting over Special Category Status tomorrow

Launching a scathing attack on the Modi government, former Congress president Sonia Gandhi today accused it of "betraying" the people by not keeping its promises and alleged that corruption had taken "deeper roots" since it came to 
power.

In her address to the 'Jan Aakrosh' rally at Ramlila Maidan here, the UPA chairperson alleged that the government has left no stone unturned in undermining institutions and targeting political rivals by misusing central agencies.

She also made a reference to the "serious crisis" that had gripped the top judiciary, saying it had never happened before.

Sonia Gandhi claimed all sections of the society were unhappy and angry with the government as none of the promises made to them were fulfilled.

In her 10-minute address, she said unlike truth prevailing in the past, today falsehood, hatred and violence were ruling the roost.&nbsp;

The Congress leader cautioned the people to remain alert in the "sensitive" phase that the country was passing through.

"What happened to Modi ji's slogan 'Na khaunga, na khane dunga' (would not take bribes, nor let anyone do so) as the roots of corruption have become deeper under his watch," she said.

Sonia Gandhi charged the government with muzzling dissenting voices and dividing communities with an eye on electoral gains.

"For all of us, the country is passing through a sensitive phase and we need to take it seriously. That is why I want to tell you to remain alert," she said, adding that the people should strengthen their voice along with party president Rahul Gandhi to fight divisive forces.

"We will fight unitedly the directionless, anti-people Modi government, which has made false promises and betrayed the people," she said.&nbsp;

The former Congress chief said, "I am confident that the voice raised at the rally at the historic Ramlila Maidan will resonate across every household and our fight will be successful in the days to come."

She said, "This government has not left any stone unturned in undermining constitutional institutions. Political rivals are being targeted through government agencies. "The media cannot play its role and it is being stopped from doing so," she said, adding institutions were built with a lot of hard work in the last 60-65 years and need to be strengthened.

"All this is being done at the behest of an organisation, which follows a certain mindset," the Congress leader said, in an apparent reference to the RSS, the BJP's ideological mentor.

Urging people to unite under Rahul Gandhi's leadership, Sonia Gandhi said, "We will fight Modi ji and his colleagues who are weakening the foundations of the Constitution for their personal interests.&nbsp;

"We will fight those who are imposing their will and not the law of the land. We will fight those who want to annihilate our Ganga-Jamuni culture," she said.

The chairperson of the Congress Parliamentary Party said leaders of the party in the past sacrificed everything as they wanted to create an India based on the values of truth, love and non-violence.&nbsp;

"But what has happened in the last four years is there before all of us. I feel pained to see that falsehood, hatred and violence is rampant in the country today instead of truth, love and non-violence.&nbsp;

"Those who raise voice for justice become victims of Modi government's anger. They (the BJP) take their majority in the Lok Sabha as a licence to work at their whims and fancies. They think it is their right to muzzle voices at every level," she added.&nbsp;

In her address to the 'Jan Aakrosh' rally at Ramlila Maidan here, the UPA chairperson alleged that the government has left no stone unturned in undermining institutions and targeting political rivals by misusing central agencies

Launching a scathing attack on the Modi government, former Congress president Sonia Gandhi today accused it of "betraying" the people by not keeping its promises and alleged that corruption had taken "deeper roots" since it came to power. In her address to the 'Jan Aakrosh' rally at Ramlila Maidan here, the UPA chairperson alleged that the government has left no stone unturned in undermining institutions and targeting political rivals by misusing central agencies. She also made a reference to the "serious crisis" that had gripped the top judiciary, saying it had never happened before. Sonia Gandhi claimed all sections of the society were unhappy and angry with the government as none of the promises made to them were fulfilled. In her 10-minute address, she said unlike truth prevailing in the past, today falsehood, hatred and violence were ruling the roost. The Congress leader cautioned the people to remain alert in the "sensitive" phase that the country was passing through. "What happened to Modi ji's slogan 'Na khaunga, na khane dunga' (would not take bribes, nor let anyone do so) as the roots of corruption have become deeper under his watch," she said. Sonia Gandhi charged the government with muzzling dissenting voices and dividing communities with an eye on electoral gains. "For all of us, the country is passing through a sensitive phase and we need to take it seriously. That is why I want to tell you to remain alert," she said, adding that the people should strengthen their voice along with party president Rahul Gandhi to fight divisive forces. "We will fight unitedly the directionless, anti-people Modi government, which has made false promises and betrayed the people," she said. The former Congress chief said, "I am confident that the voice raised at the rally at the historic Ramlila Maidan will resonate across every household and our fight will be successful in the days to come." She said, "This government has not left any stone unturned in undermining constitutional institutions. Political rivals are being targeted through government agencies. "The media cannot play its role and it is being stopped from doing so," she said, adding institutions were built with a lot of hard work in the last 60-65 years and need to be strengthened. "All this is being done at the behest of an organisation, which follows a certain mindset," the Congress leader said, in an apparent reference to the RSS, the BJP's ideological mentor. Urging people to unite under Rahul Gandhi's leadership, Sonia Gandhi said, "We will fight Modi ji and his colleagues who are weakening the foundations of the Constitution for their personal interests. "We will fight those who are imposing their will and not the law of the land. We will fight those who want to annihilate our Ganga-Jamuni culture," she said. The chairperson of the Congress Parliamentary Party said leaders of the party in the past sacrificed everything as they wanted to create an India based on the values of truth, love and non-violence. "But what has happened in the last four years is there before all of us. I feel pained to see that falsehood, hatred and violence is rampant in the country today instead of truth, love and non-violence. "Those who raise voice for justice become victims of Modi government's anger. They (the BJP) take their majority in the Lok Sabha as a licence to work at their whims and fancies. They think it is their right to muzzle voices at every level," she added.

Modi government betrayed people, corruption has taken deeper roots under it: Sonia

Amid the outrage over the Kathua and Unnao incidents, Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman today lamented that crimes against women were getting politicised based on the identity of the perpetrators.

Addressing a gathering as part of BJPs women outreach interactive programme called 'Karunada Mahila Jagruthi', Sitharaman said "You see every morning how such crimes against women are vitiating atmosphere. It is even more painful when that gets politicised."

"Crimes against women "who's the perpetrator, whos not the perpetrator" based on that, agony is replayed and charges are levelled," she noted.

"But does that mean that you don't talk of politics at all in the context of women? You do! You make parties which don't mouth or make lip services for women in parliament, their emancipation or empowerment," she stated.

Sitharaman felt that security of women was not a new topic for India at all.

"But periodically the country faces such unfortunate situation of one after the other diabolically human crimes, especially one targeting women, adolescents and sometimes even children who are not even in their teens," she said.

She emphasised that while discussing crimes against women, a fine line should be drawn so that the issue does not get politicised and the exercise should not restrict only to lip services but finding out a concrete solution to the problem.

Every government, said Sitharaman, has the responsibility to make sure such crimes are prevented.

"If there is difficulty in preventing crime, the government should have stringent laws," Sitharaman added.

Citing the example of BJP government at the Centre, the defence minister said the government came up with the ordinance because the parliament was not in session.

She said, "We brought in an ordinance to make sure that the punishments are even more stringent."

The Union Cabinet recently approved an ordinance to provide stringent punishment, including death penalty, for those convicted of rape of girls below 12 years amid a nation-wide outrage over cases of sexual assault and murder of minors in Kathua and Surat and the rape of a girl in Unnao. Taking a dig at the Congress government in Karnataka, Sitharaman said the government here failed to identify that such crimes have to be prevented with "methods which meets something."

"We are tolerating a lot in Karnataka... Corruption has known no boundary," said Sitharaman.

During the question and answer session, a woman asked why the BJP, which talks about women empowerment, gave inadequate number of tickets to women to contest in the May 12 assembly polls, Sitharaman said it was not the gender but the candidate's winning chances which matter.

In this context, she cited the example of BJP MP Shobha Karandlaje, who was sitting next to her.

She emphasised that while discussing crimes against women, a fine line should be drawn

Amid the outrage over the Kathua and Unnao incidents, Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman today lamented that crimes against women were getting politicised based on the identity of the perpetrators. Addressing a gathering as part of BJPs women outreach interactive programme called 'Karunada Mahila Jagruthi', Sitharaman said "You see every morning how such crimes against women are vitiating atmosphere. It is even more painful when that gets politicised." "Crimes against women "who's the perpetrator, whos not the perpetrator" based on that, agony is replayed and charges are levelled," she noted. "But does that mean that you don't talk of politics at all in the context of women? You do! You make parties which don't mouth or make lip services for women in parliament, their emancipation or empowerment," she stated. Sitharaman felt that security of women was not a new topic for India at all. "But periodically the country faces such unfortunate situation of one after the other diabolically human crimes, especially one targeting women, adolescents and sometimes even children who are not even in their teens," she said. She emphasised that while discussing crimes against women, a fine line should be drawn so that the issue does not get politicised and the exercise should not restrict only to lip services but finding out a concrete solution to the problem. Every government, said Sitharaman, has the responsibility to make sure such crimes are prevented. "If there is difficulty in preventing crime, the government should have stringent laws," Sitharaman added. Citing the example of BJP government at the Centre, the defence minister said the government came up with the ordinance because the parliament was not in session. She said, "We brought in an ordinance to make sure that the punishments are even more stringent." The Union Cabinet recently approved an ordinance to provide stringent punishment, including death penalty, for those convicted of rape of girls below 12 years amid a nation-wide outrage over cases of sexual assault and murder of minors in Kathua and Surat and the rape of a girl in Unnao. Taking a dig at the Congress government in Karnataka, Sitharaman said the government here failed to identify that such crimes have to be prevented with "methods which meets something." "We are tolerating a lot in Karnataka... Corruption has known no boundary," said Sitharaman. During the question and answer session, a woman asked why the BJP, which talks about women empowerment, gave inadequate number of tickets to women to contest in the May 12 assembly polls, Sitharaman said it was not the gender but the candidate's winning chances which matter. In this context, she cited the example of BJP MP Shobha Karandlaje, who was sitting next to her.

Crimes against women are getting politicised: Nirmala Sitharaman

Congress Chief Rahul Gandhi released party manifesto for the upcoming Karnataka polls earlier today. Gandhi noted that the manifesto is the 'Mann ki baat' for Karnataka people.&nbsp;

"Our manifesto is the voice of Karnataka, it shows Karnataka's sentiments" Rahul Gandhi noted during his address at TMA Pai Convention Hall in Mangaluru.

The Congress chief went on to say that his party believes in Basava's philosophy. Reacting to PM Modi's remarks made on the Congress yesterday during his live address to &nbsp;Karnataka BJP candidates, Rahul Gandhi noted that the Congress stands for truth.&nbsp;

He lashed out at the BJP saying that the BJP that does not stand for what they say and promise. "In our last manifesto, 95 percent of things we said have been done," Gandhi said.

"The Prime Minister guaranteed a corruption-free government but we see scams after scams," Gandhi exclaimed. He alluded to the multi-billion dollar PNB scam and fraudsters like Nirav Modi who were able to execute such scams "under PM Modi's rule".&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Mangalore: CM Siddaramaiah, Congress President Rahul Gandhi and other senior party leaders launch Congress party's manifesto for <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KarnatakaElections2018?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KarnatakaElections2018</a>. Rahul Gandhi says,'Whatever the manifesto says will be done, 95% of what was mentioned in the last manifesto has been done.' <a href="https://t.co/p5J81iRW7R">pic.twitter.com/p5J81iRW7R</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/989734916769251328?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 27, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

"Why would you want to give votes to corrupt Reddys?" Gandhi reasoned.&nbsp;

Yesterday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed BJP candidates for the upcoming Karnataka assembly polls. He stated his party's agenda for Karnataka is "development that is fast-paced and all-rounded".&nbsp;

The PM accused the Congress of hiring foreign companies for spreading lies.&nbsp;

Rahul Gandhi-led Congress and the Bhartiya Janta Party are currently in full swing to lure the voters for the upcoming Karnataka assembly elections.

The polls to the 224-member Karnataka Assembly will be held on May 12. The southern state is slated to witness a three-corner contest involving the ruling Congress, the BJP and the H D Deve Gowda-led JD(S). The result of the polls will be announced on May 15.

The Congress chief went on to say that his party believes in Basava's philosophy

Congress Chief Rahul Gandhi released party manifesto for the upcoming Karnataka polls earlier today. Gandhi noted that the manifesto is the 'Mann ki baat' for Karnataka people. "Our manifesto is the voice of Karnataka, it shows Karnataka's sentiments" Rahul Gandhi noted during his address at TMA Pai Convention Hall in Mangaluru. The Congress chief went on to say that his party believes in Basava's philosophy. Reacting to PM Modi's remarks made on the Congress yesterday during his live address to Karnataka BJP candidates, Rahul Gandhi noted that the Congress stands for truth. He lashed out at the BJP saying that the BJP that does not stand for what they say and promise. "In our last manifesto, 95 percent of things we said have been done," Gandhi said. "The Prime Minister guaranteed a corruption-free government but we see scams after scams," Gandhi exclaimed. He alluded to the multi-billion dollar PNB scam and fraudsters like Nirav Modi who were able to execute such scams "under PM Modi's rule". Mangalore: CM Siddaramaiah, Congress President Rahul Gandhi and other senior party leaders launch Congress party's manifesto for #KarnatakaElections2018. Rahul Gandhi says,'Whatever the manifesto says will be done, 95% of what was mentioned in the last manifesto has been done.' pic.twitter.com/p5J81iRW7R — ANI (@ANI) April 27, 2018 × "Why would you want to give votes to corrupt Reddys?" Gandhi reasoned. Yesterday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed BJP candidates for the upcoming Karnataka assembly polls. He stated his party's agenda for Karnataka is "development that is fast-paced and all-rounded". The PM accused the Congress of hiring foreign companies for spreading lies. Rahul Gandhi-led Congress and the Bhartiya Janta Party are currently in full swing to lure the voters for the upcoming Karnataka assembly elections. The polls to the 224-member Karnataka Assembly will be held on May 12. The southern state is slated to witness a three-corner contest involving the ruling Congress, the BJP and the H D Deve Gowda-led JD(S). The result of the polls will be announced on May 15.

Rahul Gandhi releases Karnataka manifesto, calls it 'Mann ki baat' of people of state

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today set out on the agenda to address Bhartiya Janta Party Karnataka candidates. In a live address, PM Modi entertained some of the BJP candidates' queries and talked on a range of topics concerning the state of Karnataka.&nbsp;

"Parties fear discussions on development as it is measurable," PM Modi noted.&nbsp;

Development is the only agenda of the BJP, the Prime Minister noted further adding that development is not an issue for the ones who deal in caste-based politics, "they give a lollipop of fake promises to a particular community and then do same with another community in next elections".&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
We are fighting elections only on the issue of development. There is one aspect on which they can never defeat us, that is our power as a party & the power of the party's youth force: PM Modi to <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Karnataka?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Karnataka</a> BJP workers <a href="https://t.co/Ujkz3e83Bh">pic.twitter.com/Ujkz3e83Bh</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/989355144151207936?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 26, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

He went on to note that for Karnataka, the party has the agenda of development that is fast paced&nbsp;and all rounded.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Parties fear discussions on development as it is measurable. Development is not an issue for ones who do in caste-based politics, they give a lollipop of fake promises to particular community & then do same with another community in next elections: PM to <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Karnataka?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Karnataka</a> BJP workers <a href="https://t.co/OnaZKZSYRu">pic.twitter.com/OnaZKZSYRu</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/989350457645690881?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 26, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The Prime Minister stated that the BJP will form a government in Karnataka with a majority, "there is one aspect on which they can never defeat us, that is our power as a party and the power of the party's youth force," he noted.

PM Modi also stressed the significance of empowering the poor.

He lashed out at the Congress alleging that the party spread lies and by hiring foreign agencies, "We need to purify the culture by removing Congress," he stated.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Looking forward to interacting with all candidates, office bearers, elected representatives and Karyakartas of <a href="https://twitter.com/BJP4Karnataka?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BJP4Karnataka</a> through the 'Narendra Modi Mobile App' at 9 AM. <a href="https://t.co/ZFxnxXvOF6">https://t.co/ZFxnxXvOF6</a>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/989330981642493953?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 26, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Rahul Gandhi-led Congress and the Bhartiya Janta Party are currently in full swing to lure the voters for the upcoming Karnataka assembly elections.

The polls to the 224-member Karnataka Assembly will be held on May 12. The southern state is slated to witness a three-corner contest involving the ruling Congress, the BJP and the H D Deve Gowda-led JD(S). The result of the polls will be announced on May 15.

Modi spoke on Thursday to the BJP's candidates for the upcoming Karnataka elections and the party's workers via his NaMo app. He also took questions

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today set out on the agenda to address Bhartiya Janta Party Karnataka candidates. In a live address, PM Modi entertained some of the BJP candidates' queries and talked on a range of topics concerning the state of Karnataka. "Parties fear discussions on development as it is measurable," PM Modi noted. Development is the only agenda of the BJP, the Prime Minister noted further adding that development is not an issue for the ones who deal in caste-based politics, "they give a lollipop of fake promises to a particular community and then do same with another community in next elections". We are fighting elections only on the issue of development. There is one aspect on which they can never defeat us, that is our power as a party & the power of the party's youth force: PM Modi to #Karnataka BJP workers pic.twitter.com/Ujkz3e83Bh — ANI (@ANI) April 26, 2018 × He went on to note that for Karnataka, the party has the agenda of development that is fast paced and all rounded. Parties fear discussions on development as it is measurable. Development is not an issue for ones who do in caste-based politics, they give a lollipop of fake promises to particular community & then do same with another community in next elections: PM to #Karnataka BJP workers pic.twitter.com/OnaZKZSYRu — ANI (@ANI) April 26, 2018 × The Prime Minister stated that the BJP will form a government in Karnataka with a majority, "there is one aspect on which they can never defeat us, that is our power as a party and the power of the party's youth force," he noted. PM Modi also stressed the significance of empowering the poor. He lashed out at the Congress alleging that the party spread lies and by hiring foreign agencies, "We need to purify the culture by removing Congress," he stated. Looking forward to interacting with all candidates, office bearers, elected representatives and Karyakartas of @BJP4Karnataka through the 'Narendra Modi Mobile App' at 9 AM. https://t.co/ZFxnxXvOF6 — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 26, 2018 × Rahul Gandhi-led Congress and the Bhartiya Janta Party are currently in full swing to lure the voters for the upcoming Karnataka assembly elections. The polls to the 224-member Karnataka Assembly will be held on May 12. The southern state is slated to witness a three-corner contest involving the ruling Congress, the BJP and the H D Deve Gowda-led JD(S). The result of the polls will be announced on May 15.

We cannot be defeated because of power of party: PM Modi before Karnataka elections

A survey conducted by the Times Now-VMR has indicated a "photo-finish" in the Karnataka Assembly elections, with the BJP and the Congress neck-and-neck.

In the 224 member House, the Congress is likely to get 91 seats, and the BJP just two seats fewer. The JD(S) could emerge as the kingmaker with 40 seats, the survey, conducted between April 4 and April 16, stated.

"If polls were held now neither Chief Minister Siddaramaiah nor B S Yeddyurappa (of the BJP) is in a position to form the government as they are both well short of the 112 mark," it said.

As far as the choice for the chief ministerial post is concerned, Siddaramaiah leads the race with more than 46 per cent respondents voting for him. Yeddyurappa was the choice for the top post in the state for 32 per cent respondents, the survey stated.

The survey conducted by VMR for Times Now channel was had more than 4,000 respondents surveyed through stratified random sampling spread across all regions of the state.

The Karnataka Assembly election will be held on May 12 and the counting of votes will be done on May 15.

In the 224 member House, the Congress is likely to get 91 seats, and the BJP just two seats fewer

A survey conducted by the Times Now-VMR has indicated a "photo-finish" in the Karnataka Assembly elections, with the BJP and the Congress neck-and-neck. In the 224 member House, the Congress is likely to get 91 seats, and the BJP just two seats fewer. The JD(S) could emerge as the kingmaker with 40 seats, the survey, conducted between April 4 and April 16, stated. "If polls were held now neither Chief Minister Siddaramaiah nor B S Yeddyurappa (of the BJP) is in a position to form the government as they are both well short of the 112 mark," it said. As far as the choice for the chief ministerial post is concerned, Siddaramaiah leads the race with more than 46 per cent respondents voting for him. Yeddyurappa was the choice for the top post in the state for 32 per cent respondents, the survey stated. The survey conducted by VMR for Times Now channel was had more than 4,000 respondents surveyed through stratified random sampling spread across all regions of the state. The Karnataka Assembly election will be held on May 12 and the counting of votes will be done on May 15.

Karnataka elections: Survey indicates 'photo-finish' by Congress, BJP

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday had a conversation with the party lawmakers and legislatures using his Narendra Modi App and asked them to keep a distance from the media.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"We commit mistakes and give masala to media. The moment we see a camera, we jump to make a statement as if we are great social scientists or experts ... and then these ill-informed statements are used by media. It is not the media's fault," he said.

Modi also asked legislators to apply restraint before commenting on sensitive issues.

“If everyone starts giving opinions then the main issue gets deflected and harms the party and personal image. Specific people have been appointed to reply on issues,” the PM said.&nbsp;

This comes following the much-talked-about Kathua rape case where two BJP ministers passed remarks and subsequently stepped down from their posts. They have also gone public demanding a probe by the Central Bureau of Investigation, aggravating the situation in the state which is widely polarised over the issue.

Modi also praised the party members for their continued hard work and said that his government was focusing on education for children, opportunities for youth and healthcare for the elderly.

He also asked all the party MLAs to undertake at least one developmental work for villages under them, while directing MPs to increase their Twitter followers to at least 3 lakh. During the one hour-long interaction, the PM said 11 crore people had already benefited from the Mudra Yojana scheme.

Modi also asked legislators to apply restraint before commenting on sensitive issues

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday had a conversation with the party lawmakers and legislatures using his Narendra Modi App and asked them to keep a distance from the media. "We commit mistakes and give masala to media. The moment we see a camera, we jump to make a statement as if we are great social scientists or experts ... and then these ill-informed statements are used by media. It is not the media's fault," he said. Modi also asked legislators to apply restraint before commenting on sensitive issues. “If everyone starts giving opinions then the main issue gets deflected and harms the party and personal image. Specific people have been appointed to reply on issues,” the PM said. This comes following the much-talked-about Kathua rape case where two BJP ministers passed remarks and subsequently stepped down from their posts. They have also gone public demanding a probe by the Central Bureau of Investigation, aggravating the situation in the state which is widely polarised over the issue. Modi also praised the party members for their continued hard work and said that his government was focusing on education for children, opportunities for youth and healthcare for the elderly. He also asked all the party MLAs to undertake at least one developmental work for villages under them, while directing MPs to increase their Twitter followers to at least 3 lakh. During the one hour-long interaction, the PM said 11 crore people had already benefited from the Mudra Yojana scheme.

Don't give media too much masala: PM Modi's advice to party members

BJP today released its&nbsp;fourth list of candidates for the Karnataka elections due to be held next month.

The list comprised of seven candidates. On Friday, the party had released its third list of 59 candidates which included the mining barons - Reddy brothers -&nbsp;and an actor.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
BJP releases fourth list of 7 candidates for <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KarnatakaElections2018?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KarnatakaElections2018</a> <a href="https://t.co/awjRV68sVG">pic.twitter.com/awjRV68sVG</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/988346129967386629?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 23, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The list also included sons of two BJP leaders, Gopal Karjol and Arun Somanna.

 
The BJP has so far announced names of 220 candidates in four lists for the 224-member state assembly.

 
Karnataka will go to the polls on 12th May and the results will be declared three days later on 15th May.

The BJP has so far announced names of 220 candidates in four lists for the 224-member state assembly.

BJP today released its fourth list of candidates for the Karnataka elections due to be held next month. The list comprised of seven candidates. On Friday, the party had released its third list of 59 candidates which included the mining barons - Reddy brothers - and an actor. BJP releases fourth list of 7 candidates for #KarnatakaElections2018 pic.twitter.com/awjRV68sVG — ANI (@ANI) April 23, 2018 × The list also included sons of two BJP leaders, Gopal Karjol and Arun Somanna. The BJP has so far announced names of 220 candidates in four lists for the 224-member state assembly. Karnataka will go to the polls on 12th May and the results will be declared three days later on 15th May.

Karnataka elections: BJP releases fourth list

A 57-year-old advocate was arrested on Sunday for allegedly sexually assaulting a minor girl in Thiruvananthapuram-Chennai Express on Sunday.

According to a report by news agency ANI, the accused advocate has been identified as KP Prem Ananth and he was a BJP candidate in 2006 assembly election from RK Nagar constituency.

Ananth allegedly assaulted the minor while she was asleep.

After she woke up started shouting following which her family nabbed him and informed the travelling ticket examiner. A police complaint has been registered.

A case under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO Act), 2012 has been charged and is now in Coimbatore prison.

The Chennai-based lawyer had boarded the train from Coimbatore on April 21 night, police said.

Recently a rape case by another BJP MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar in Unnao triggered a massive outrage in the country.

The case is now being investigated by the Central Bureau of Investigation.

The case received national attention after the victim and her family attempted to immolate herself in front of the residence of Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath. 
&nbsp

Accused identified as KP Prem Ananth has now been arrested and is in Coimbatore prison

A 57-year-old advocate was arrested on Sunday for allegedly sexually assaulting a minor girl in Thiruvananthapuram-Chennai Express on Sunday. According to a report by news agency ANI, the accused advocate has been identified as KP Prem Ananth and he was a BJP candidate in 2006 assembly election from RK Nagar constituency. Ananth allegedly assaulted the minor while she was asleep. After she woke up started shouting following which her family nabbed him and informed the travelling ticket examiner. A police complaint has been registered. A case under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO Act), 2012 has been charged and is now in Coimbatore prison. The Chennai-based lawyer had boarded the train from Coimbatore on April 21 night, police said. Recently a rape case by another BJP MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar in Unnao triggered a massive outrage in the country. The case is now being investigated by the Central Bureau of Investigation. The case received national attention after the victim and her family attempted to immolate herself in front of the residence of Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath.

Chennai: 57-year-old advocate sexually assaults a minor sleeping in train

<a href="http://cmsuat.wionews.com/india-news/modi-xi-to-chart-a-new-course-for-india-china-ties-at-wuhan-summit--132075">Modi-Xi to chart a new course for India-China ties at Wuhan summit</a>

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping will hold a summit in China's Wuhan city from April 27 to 28 for a "heart-to-heart" chat to explore a new paradigm for India-China ties and find ways to address the contentious issues like the border dispute.

<a href="http://cmsuat.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-election-2018-many-killed-in-a-blast-at-voter-registration-centre-in-kabul-131999">Kabul suicide blast: Death toll reaches 48</a>

The death toll from Sunday's blast in the Afghan capital Kabul rose to 48, with 112 others wounded, a public health officer said. The attack follows several weeks of relative calm in Kabul.&nbsp;

<a href="http://cmsuat.wionews.com/india-news/congress-may-move-court-if-impeachment-notice-rejected-132066">Congress may move court if impeachment notice rejected</a>

As the Congress awaits the decision of Rajya Sabha Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu on an impeachment notice moved by it and other parties against Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra, it is considering moving the Supreme Court if the petition is rejected, party leaders said.

<a href="http://cmsuat.wionews.com/world/israel-hints-it-could-hit-irans-air-force-in-syria-132058">Israel hints it could hit Iran's 'air force' in Syria</a>

Israel released details on Tuesday about what it described as an Iranian "air force" deployed in neighbouring Syria, including civilian planes suspected of transferring arms, a signal that these could be attacked should tensions with Tehran escalate.

<a href="http://cmsuat.wionews.com/india-news/i-am-also-ignored-amit-shah-doesnt-allow-any-of-my-programme-to-happen-subramanian-swamy-on-yashwant-sinha-132030">Subramanian Swamy accuses Amit Shah of ignoring him, but won't quit BJP</a>

Subramanian Swamy on Sunday claimed that he has often been ignored by party chief Amit Shah who, he said, has often did not allow his programmes to take place.

.

Modi-Xi to chart a new course for India-China ties at Wuhan summit Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping will hold a summit in China's Wuhan city from April 27 to 28 for a "heart-to-heart" chat to explore a new paradigm for India-China ties and find ways to address the contentious issues like the border dispute. Kabul suicide blast: Death toll reaches 48 The death toll from Sunday's blast in the Afghan capital Kabul rose to 48, with 112 others wounded, a public health officer said. The attack follows several weeks of relative calm in Kabul. Congress may move court if impeachment notice rejected As the Congress awaits the decision of Rajya Sabha Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu on an impeachment notice moved by it and other parties against Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra, it is considering moving the Supreme Court if the petition is rejected, party leaders said. Israel hints it could hit Iran's 'air force' in Syria Israel released details on Tuesday about what it described as an Iranian "air force" deployed in neighbouring Syria, including civilian planes suspected of transferring arms, a signal that these could be attacked should tensions with Tehran escalate. Subramanian Swamy accuses Amit Shah of ignoring him, but won't quit BJP Subramanian Swamy on Sunday claimed that he has often been ignored by party chief Amit Shah who, he said, has often did not allow his programmes to take place. .

News brief: Big stories of the day

In politically significant remarks, the ruling AIADMK on Sunday said that signs of it&nbsp;working with the BJP like a "double-barrelled gun" in the political arena were visible and "no one can sever ties" between the two parties.

This is a major departure from the AIADMK's policy under late party supremo J Jayalalithaa who kept the saffron party at the arm's length when it came electoral alliance.&nbsp;

Coming down stronly on principal opposition DMK-led persistent protests over the Cauvery imbroglio, the AIADMK said "whatever be the number of protests and demonstrations, no one can sever the ties between the AIADMK and the BJP."

No one can weaken the bond between "the Central and the State governments" either, the AIADMK said in its Tamil mouthpiece "Namadhu Puratchi Thalaivi Amma."

The state's ruling party said the protests by the DMK, its allies and friendly parties on the Cauvery issue were only aimed at spoiling the warmth between it and the BJP, reported news agency PTI.

"The signs are (increasingly) becoming visible for the AIADMK and the BJP to work like a double-barrelled gun in Indian politics. The pathway is clear," the daily said while emphasising upon the need for the leadership of the two parties to chart out a roadmap for the purpose.

"A roadmap for it should be thrashed out by the high commands of both the parties. That is the need of the hour," the AIADMK mouthpiece added.

"The state and the Central regimes led by the AIADMK and the BJP respectively are working responsibly and are headed towards a final resolution of the issue," the daily said, referring to the Cauvery issue.

Under such circumstances, the AIADMK said, the main opposition DMK was holding "unnecessary protests" as it was "apprehensive" that the State and the Central governments, working in cohesion, would succeed in resolving the Cauvery issue.

Mocking the DMK for holding protests which did not enjoy the "people's support," the AIADMK hit out at its arch-rival for trying to get an appointment with Prime Minister Narendra Modi now on the issue after attempting to show black flags to him recently.

Asking if it was an act of "political civility," the AIADMK mouthpiece said no other party could indulge in such politics burying its self-respect.

The AIADMK said its government allowed protests like black flag demonstrations keeping democratic ethos in mind.

The daily, however, asked if the protesters succeeded in showing even a single black flag to Prime Minister Modi.

Notably, the AIADMK's assertion comes days after asking the Centre to change its mindset over the Cauvery issue.

The ruling party, after holding a day-long fast across Tamil Nadu on the issue earlier this month, has announced rallies between April 25 and 29 in the delta region to press the Centre to implement the Supreme Court verdict on the matter.

Following the February 16 Supreme Court verdict, Tamil Nadu has been insisting that the court's order to the Centre to formulate a "scheme" referred to the setting up of the CMB and the Cauvery Water Regulatory Committee (CWRC).

No one can weaken the bond between "the Central and the State governments" either, the AIADMK said in its Tamil mouthpiece "Namadhu Puratchi Thalaivi Amma."

In politically significant remarks, the ruling AIADMK on Sunday said that signs of it working with the BJP like a "double-barrelled gun" in the political arena were visible and "no one can sever ties" between the two parties. This is a major departure from the AIADMK's policy under late party supremo J Jayalalithaa who kept the saffron party at the arm's length when it came electoral alliance. Coming down stronly on principal opposition DMK-led persistent protests over the Cauvery imbroglio, the AIADMK said "whatever be the number of protests and demonstrations, no one can sever the ties between the AIADMK and the BJP." No one can weaken the bond between "the Central and the State governments" either, the AIADMK said in its Tamil mouthpiece "Namadhu Puratchi Thalaivi Amma." The state's ruling party said the protests by the DMK, its allies and friendly parties on the Cauvery issue were only aimed at spoiling the warmth between it and the BJP, reported news agency PTI. "The signs are (increasingly) becoming visible for the AIADMK and the BJP to work like a double-barrelled gun in Indian politics. The pathway is clear," the daily said while emphasising upon the need for the leadership of the two parties to chart out a roadmap for the purpose. "A roadmap for it should be thrashed out by the high commands of both the parties. That is the need of the hour," the AIADMK mouthpiece added. "The state and the Central regimes led by the AIADMK and the BJP respectively are working responsibly and are headed towards a final resolution of the issue," the daily said, referring to the Cauvery issue. Under such circumstances, the AIADMK said, the main opposition DMK was holding "unnecessary protests" as it was "apprehensive" that the State and the Central governments, working in cohesion, would succeed in resolving the Cauvery issue. Mocking the DMK for holding protests which did not enjoy the "people's support," the AIADMK hit out at its arch-rival for trying to get an appointment with Prime Minister Narendra Modi now on the issue after attempting to show black flags to him recently. Asking if it was an act of "political civility," the AIADMK mouthpiece said no other party could indulge in such politics burying its self-respect. The AIADMK said its government allowed protests like black flag demonstrations keeping democratic ethos in mind. The daily, however, asked if the protesters succeeded in showing even a single black flag to Prime Minister Modi. Notably, the AIADMK's assertion comes days after asking the Centre to change its mindset over the Cauvery issue. The ruling party, after holding a day-long fast across Tamil Nadu on the issue earlier this month, has announced rallies between April 25 and 29 in the delta region to press the Centre to implement the Supreme Court verdict on the matter. Following the February 16 Supreme Court verdict, Tamil Nadu has been insisting that the court's order to the Centre to formulate a "scheme" referred to the setting up of the CMB and the Cauvery Water Regulatory Committee (CWRC).

Signs visible for joining hands with BJP, says AIADMK

Subramanian Swamy on Sunday claimed that he has often been ignored by party chief Amit Shah who, he said, has&nbsp;often did not allow his programmes to take place.&nbsp;

''Shah does not allow any of my programmes to happen in this country. He calls me and asks to cancel my programme,"&nbsp;Swamy quipped.&nbsp;

With reference to Yashwant Sinha's decision to&nbsp;quit the party, he said&nbsp;"I fight for principles that’s why I tolerate it. He will have to face God, it doesn’t mean that I leave the party. Therefore, I don’t favour Yashwant Sinha on leaving the party."

Senior leader and former finance minister Yashwant Sinha on Saturday quit the BJP. The veteran BJP leader has on many occasions criticised the BJP and the Narendra Modi government in the past.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/party-gave-yashwant-sinha-a-lot-but-he-acted-like-a-congress-leader-bjp-131908">Party gave Yashwant Sinha a lot but he acted like a Congress leader: BJP</a>

Sinha made the announcement at the opposition rally at Patna. He said democracy is under threat and slammed the Modi-led NDA government.&nbsp;

Senior leader and former finance minister Yashwant Sinha has on Saturday quit the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The veteran leader has on many occasions criticised the BJP and the Narendra Modi government

Subramanian Swamy on Sunday claimed that he has often been ignored by party chief Amit Shah who, he said, has often did not allow his programmes to take place. ''Shah does not allow any of my programmes to happen in this country. He calls me and asks to cancel my programme," Swamy quipped. With reference to Yashwant Sinha's decision to quit the party, he said "I fight for principles that’s why I tolerate it. He will have to face God, it doesn’t mean that I leave the party. Therefore, I don’t favour Yashwant Sinha on leaving the party." Senior leader and former finance minister Yashwant Sinha on Saturday quit the BJP. The veteran BJP leader has on many occasions criticised the BJP and the Narendra Modi government in the past. Also read: Party gave Yashwant Sinha a lot but he acted like a Congress leader: BJP Sinha made the announcement at the opposition rally at Patna. He said democracy is under threat and slammed the Modi-led NDA government.

Subramanian Swamy accuses Amit Shah of ignoring him, but won't quit BJP

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Friday hit out at the Congress party and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) over their lack of support for the Special Category Status (SCS) to the state - an assurance that was given in the Rajya Sabha at the time of bifurcation in 2014.

Speaking to the media after ending his 12-hour fast over `Centre`s non-cooperation with the state` in Vijayawada, Naidu said, "Andhra Pradesh was bifurcated by Congress and the BJP with an understanding. Congress did not give any assurances to the state. Then, in Rajya Sabha, the special status was announced. That was not asked by us," he added.

The Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister maintained that he would have the responsibility of developing the state and demanded equal justice to both Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.

Asserting that he had joined the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) for state`s interests, Naidu added, "We are never power greedy. During (Atal Bihari) Vajpayee`s rule, we did not take any ministerial berths. National politics are not new to Telugu Desam Party (TDP). I went along with BJP with the only thought of state interests."Sensing conspiracy by the BJP on not giving special status, he continued, "What Modi ji told in Tirupati and what he fulfilled? I am asking today the central government on behalf of five crores people of Andhra, to fulfill the promises given in parliament. Nothing more than that."

"What you have told on the special status? Each year you spoke of some election or some other reason. Centre said special status will not be given to anybody. But after giving special status to 11 states, even now, then why not for Andhra?" he questioned.

Naidu further said that the Centre was trying to take Andhra into their hold, similar to what they did with Tamil Nadu.

Slamming the BJP for not supporting the special status to the southern state, he said, "Prakash Javadekar said that we cooperated to Andhra Pradesh as we thought the TDP will continue with us. Had we known earlier that TDP quit NDA, we would not have cooperated. Even now we have never compromised on the development of the state."

"The opposition parties had questioned us many things. I have never compromised. I played soft with the Centre for state interests. But when the right time came, we took stubborn decisions. You asked us to get our ministers resigned and put no-confidence motion. I did all those things at a correct and appropriate time. Then why you are not coming together with us. After all these, I took up this hunger strike. Why did not you turn up?", Naidu added, continuing his tirade against the BJP and the Congress party.

The Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister threatened to "take action" and not "spare" anyone if the Centre continued to think beyond the state`s interests.

Many parties like the Samara Party, Nava Samaj Party, Lok Satta, Aam Aadmi Party, Revolutionary Socialist Party, and All India Forward Bloc extended their support to Naidu over the special status.

Pratyeka Hoda Sadhana Samiti (Association for Special Status) convenor Chalasani Srinivas appealed to Naidu to take up indefinite hunger strike in the national capital. He also suggested all the parties in Andhra Pradesh to unite to fight for special status and other promises made by the Centre.Naidu has been calling for the SCS to Andhra Pradesh.

Asserting his demand, the TDP had quit the BJP-led NDA alliance last month.

The SCS was first accorded in 1969 to Jammu and Kashmir, Assam and Nagaland. Over the years, eight more states were added to the list - Arunachal Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Sikkim, Tripura and, finally, in 2010, Uttarakhand.&nbsp

Speaking to the media after ending his 12-hour fast over `Centre`s non-cooperation with the state` in Vijayawada, Naidu said, 'Andhra Pradesh was bifurcated by Congress and the BJP with an understanding. Congress did not give any assurances to the state. Then, in Rajya Sabha, the special status was announced. That was not asked by us,' he added.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Friday hit out at the Congress party and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) over their lack of support for the Special Category Status (SCS) to the state - an assurance that was given in the Rajya Sabha at the time of bifurcation in 2014. Speaking to the media after ending his 12-hour fast over `Centre`s non-cooperation with the state` in Vijayawada, Naidu said, "Andhra Pradesh was bifurcated by Congress and the BJP with an understanding. Congress did not give any assurances to the state. Then, in Rajya Sabha, the special status was announced. That was not asked by us," he added. The Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister maintained that he would have the responsibility of developing the state and demanded equal justice to both Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. Asserting that he had joined the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) for state`s interests, Naidu added, "We are never power greedy. During (Atal Bihari) Vajpayee`s rule, we did not take any ministerial berths. National politics are not new to Telugu Desam Party (TDP). I went along with BJP with the only thought of state interests."Sensing conspiracy by the BJP on not giving special status, he continued, "What Modi ji told in Tirupati and what he fulfilled? I am asking today the central government on behalf of five crores people of Andhra, to fulfill the promises given in parliament. Nothing more than that." "What you have told on the special status? Each year you spoke of some election or some other reason. Centre said special status will not be given to anybody. But after giving special status to 11 states, even now, then why not for Andhra?" he questioned. Naidu further said that the Centre was trying to take Andhra into their hold, similar to what they did with Tamil Nadu. Slamming the BJP for not supporting the special status to the southern state, he said, "Prakash Javadekar said that we cooperated to Andhra Pradesh as we thought the TDP will continue with us. Had we known earlier that TDP quit NDA, we would not have cooperated. Even now we have never compromised on the development of the state." "The opposition parties had questioned us many things. I have never compromised. I played soft with the Centre for state interests. But when the right time came, we took stubborn decisions. You asked us to get our ministers resigned and put no-confidence motion. I did all those things at a correct and appropriate time. Then why you are not coming together with us. After all these, I took up this hunger strike. Why did not you turn up?", Naidu added, continuing his tirade against the BJP and the Congress party. The Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister threatened to "take action" and not "spare" anyone if the Centre continued to think beyond the state`s interests. Many parties like the Samara Party, Nava Samaj Party, Lok Satta, Aam Aadmi Party, Revolutionary Socialist Party, and All India Forward Bloc extended their support to Naidu over the special status. Pratyeka Hoda Sadhana Samiti (Association for Special Status) convenor Chalasani Srinivas appealed to Naidu to take up indefinite hunger strike in the national capital. He also suggested all the parties in Andhra Pradesh to unite to fight for special status and other promises made by the Centre.Naidu has been calling for the SCS to Andhra Pradesh. Asserting his demand, the TDP had quit the BJP-led NDA alliance last month. The SCS was first accorded in 1969 to Jammu and Kashmir, Assam and Nagaland. Over the years, eight more states were added to the list - Arunachal Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Sikkim, Tripura and, finally, in 2010, Uttarakhand.

No support from Congress, BJP on special status to Andhra: CM Naidu

The BJP said today that it was not surprised by former Union minister Yashwant Sinha's announcement of quitting the party, saying his comments and writings made it clear that he was no longer in the organisation and was acting at the Congress' behest.

"It was clear from his comments and writing that he was no longer in the BJP. The party gave him a lot of respect and important positions but his conduct has been improper. "His comments sounded more like that of a

Congress leader or somebody working at the behest of the opposition party," BJP spokesperson and national media head Anil Baluni said.

The party is not surprised by Sinha's announcement, he said.

80-year-old Sinha today said in Patna that he was quitting the BJP and would no longer be a part of party politics.

Sinha held finance and external affairs portfolios in the Atal Bihari Vajpayee government but was sidelined after Narendra Modi and Amit Shah came at the helm.

He has been publicly opposing the Modi government's economic policies and style of functioning.

In a newspaper article, Sinha had criticised Arun Jaitley over what he called the "mess the finance minister has made of the economy" after which Jaitley hit back calling him "a job applicant at 80 years" who has forgotten his record as finance minister.

In a no-holds-barred attack, Sinha had also said that demonetisation had proved to be an "unmitigated economic disaster" and that the Goods and Services Tax (GST) was "badly conceived and poorly implemented." He had also deprecated the Centre's handling of Kashmir.

"Everybody in the BJP is living in fear. We are not," Sinha had said while "Rashtriya Manch" (National Forum) on January 30 as an "apolitical forum" to highlight the alleged"anti-people" policies of the Centre. 
Sinha today alleged that democracy was "under threat" under the present government and that he would launch a strong movement to "save democracy" in the country.

80-year-old Sinha today said in Patna that he was quitting the BJP and would no longer be a part of party politics

The BJP said today that it was not surprised by former Union minister Yashwant Sinha's announcement of quitting the party, saying his comments and writings made it clear that he was no longer in the organisation and was acting at the Congress' behest. "It was clear from his comments and writing that he was no longer in the BJP. The party gave him a lot of respect and important positions but his conduct has been improper. "His comments sounded more like that of a Congress leader or somebody working at the behest of the opposition party," BJP spokesperson and national media head Anil Baluni said. The party is not surprised by Sinha's announcement, he said. 80-year-old Sinha today said in Patna that he was quitting the BJP and would no longer be a part of party politics. Sinha held finance and external affairs portfolios in the Atal Bihari Vajpayee government but was sidelined after Narendra Modi and Amit Shah came at the helm. He has been publicly opposing the Modi government's economic policies and style of functioning. In a newspaper article, Sinha had criticised Arun Jaitley over what he called the "mess the finance minister has made of the economy" after which Jaitley hit back calling him "a job applicant at 80 years" who has forgotten his record as finance minister. In a no-holds-barred attack, Sinha had also said that demonetisation had proved to be an "unmitigated economic disaster" and that the Goods and Services Tax (GST) was "badly conceived and poorly implemented." He had also deprecated the Centre's handling of Kashmir. "Everybody in the BJP is living in fear. We are not," Sinha had said while "Rashtriya Manch" (National Forum) on January 30 as an "apolitical forum" to highlight the alleged"anti-people" policies of the Centre. Sinha today alleged that democracy was "under threat" under the present government and that he would launch a strong movement to "save democracy" in the country.

Party gave Yashwant Sinha a lot but he acted like a Congress leader: BJP

The BJP said on Saturday that it was not surprised by former Union minister Yashwant Sinha's announcement of quitting the party, saying his comments and writings made it clear that he was no longer in the organisation and was acting at the Congress' behest.

"It was clear from his comments and writing that he was no longer in the BJP. The party gave him a lot of respect and important positions but his conduct has been improper. "His comments sounded more like that of a Congress leader or somebody working at the behest of the opposition party," BJP spokesperson and national media head Anil Baluni said.

The party is not surprised by Sinha's announcement, he said.

80-year-old Sinha today said in Patna that he was quitting the BJP and would no longer be a part of party politics.

Sinha held finance finance and external affairs portfolios in the Atal Bihari Vajpayee government but was sidelined after Narendra Modi and Amit Shah came at the helm.

He has been publicly opposing the Modi government's economic policies and style of functioning.

In a newspaper article, Sinha had criticised Arun Jaitley over what he called the mess the finance minister has made of the economy&nbsp;after which Jaitley hit back calling him "a job applicant at 80 years" who has forgotten his record as finance minister.

In a no-holds-barred attack, Sinha had also said that demonetisation had proved to be an unmitigated economic disaster and that the Goods and Services Tax (GST) was badly conceived and poorly implemented. He had also deprecated the Centre's handling of Kashmir.

Everybody in the BJP is living in fear. We are not,&nbsp;Sinha had said while "Rashtriya Manch" (National Forum) on January 30 as an "apolitical forum" to highlight the alleged"anti-people" policies of the Centre.

Sinha today alleged that democracy was "under threat" under the present government and that he would launch a strong movement to "save democracy" in the country.&nbsp;

80-year-old Sinha today said in Patna that he was quitting the BJP and would no longer be a part of party politics.

The BJP said on Saturday that it was not surprised by former Union minister Yashwant Sinha's announcement of quitting the party, saying his comments and writings made it clear that he was no longer in the organisation and was acting at the Congress' behest. "It was clear from his comments and writing that he was no longer in the BJP. The party gave him a lot of respect and important positions but his conduct has been improper. "His comments sounded more like that of a Congress leader or somebody working at the behest of the opposition party," BJP spokesperson and national media head Anil Baluni said. The party is not surprised by Sinha's announcement, he said. 80-year-old Sinha today said in Patna that he was quitting the BJP and would no longer be a part of party politics. Sinha held finance finance and external affairs portfolios in the Atal Bihari Vajpayee government but was sidelined after Narendra Modi and Amit Shah came at the helm. He has been publicly opposing the Modi government's economic policies and style of functioning. In a newspaper article, Sinha had criticised Arun Jaitley over what he called the mess the finance minister has made of the economy after which Jaitley hit back calling him "a job applicant at 80 years" who has forgotten his record as finance minister. In a no-holds-barred attack, Sinha had also said that demonetisation had proved to be an unmitigated economic disaster and that the Goods and Services Tax (GST) was badly conceived and poorly implemented. He had also deprecated the Centre's handling of Kashmir. Everybody in the BJP is living in fear. We are not, Sinha had said while "Rashtriya Manch" (National Forum) on January 30 as an "apolitical forum" to highlight the alleged"anti-people" policies of the Centre. Sinha today alleged that democracy was "under threat" under the present government and that he would launch a strong movement to "save democracy" in the country.

Party gave  Yashwant Sinha a lot but he acted like a Congress leader: BJP

Bjp, News on Bjp, stories on Bjp, articles on Bjp, Bjp stories at Wion, Bjp news, Bjp latest news