Certain of clinching all the seven seats in the national capital, the BJP continued to dominate the trends with two of its <a href="https://www.wionews.com/">candidates taking the lead</a> by a margin of over 3.40 lakh votes while the Congress and AAP trailed at the second spot in five and two constituencies respectively.

The BJP already went into a celebratory mode with jubilant supporters of the saffron party starting to burst crackers and shouting slogans at various counting centres.

BJP's incumbent MP from West Delhi Parvesh Verma was leading with a maximum margin of over 3.49 lakh votes while Congress's Mahabal Mishra was at the second spot. Verma had won from the constituency in 2014 with a record margin of over 2.68 lakh votes, the highest in the national capital ever.

Singer-turned-politician Hans Raj Hans followed him with a margin of over 3.40 lakh votes in the Northwest Delhi constituency where he is pitted against AAP's Gugan Singh, who is on the second position and Congress' Rajesh Lilothia at the third spot.

Delhi BJP chief Manoj Tiwari, who contested from the Northeast Delhi constituency against Congress veteran and former chief minister Sheila Dikshit and AAP's Dilip Pandey, was leading with a margin of over 2.99 lakh votes.&nbsp;

Tiwari said they (BJP) were sure of victory but did not expect such a "huge" margin.&nbsp;

"We were confident of the victory but were not expecting this kind of huge margin. I am indebted to the voters for imposing their faith in us.&nbsp;

"The kind of treatment that AAP has meted out to me always, the public has always observed it and voted accordingly. We have crossed the first hurdle in Delhi and will now gear up for the second one in February (Assembly elections)," Tiwari told reporters.

Watch: Tanveer Ahmed reacts on Lok Sabha poll results

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Cricketer-turned-politician Gautam Gambhir, who is making his electoral debut from East Delhi constituency, was leading by a margin over 2.38 lakh votes. Gambhir is locked in a contest with Congress' Arvinder Singh Lovely and AAP's Atishi.

Incumbent MP from New Delhi Meenakshi Lekhi was also ahead of Congress' Ajay Maken by a margin of over 1.98 lakh votes.

South Delhi's incumbent MP Ramesh Bidhuri was leading with a margin of over 2.26 lakh votes on the seat with AAP's Raghav Chadha on the second spot.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/lok-sabha-election-results-2019-l-k-advani-congratulates-modi-shah-and-party-workers-for-unprecedented-victory-220964">LK Advani congratulates Modi, Shah and party workers for unprecedented victory</a>

"People have voted for the work done by Modi government. The previous governments were afraid of taking strong decisions. I worked according to the vision of the Modi government and based on that people have voted for me and have given a clear majority to the BJP," Bidhuri told reporters.

Chandni Chowk was the only seat where BJP candidate's margin was less than a lakh at 64,659 votes. Union Minister Harsh Vardhan is locked in a close fight with Congress veteran Jai Prakash Agarwal from the constituency.&nbsp;

Counting is underway for seven Lok Sabha seats in the national capital.

Watch:&nbsp;BJP workers welcome Amit Shah at party headquarters after BJP's stellar performance

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"The counting is going on smoothly in all the seven counting centres. Till now we have not received any complaints or any information of disturbance at the counting centres. Also the law and order situation is normal in the city," Delhi Chief Electoral Officer Ranbir Singh said.&nbsp;

Certain of clinching all the seven seats in the national capital, the BJP continued to dominate the trends with two of its candidates taking the lead by a margin of over 3.

Certain of clinching all the seven seats in the national capital, the BJP continued to dominate the trends with two of its candidates taking the lead by a margin of over 3.40 lakh votes while the Congress and AAP trailed at the second spot in five and two constituencies respectively. The BJP already went into a celebratory mode with jubilant supporters of the saffron party starting to burst crackers and shouting slogans at various counting centres. BJP's incumbent MP from West Delhi Parvesh Verma was leading with a maximum margin of over 3.49 lakh votes while Congress's Mahabal Mishra was at the second spot. Verma had won from the constituency in 2014 with a record margin of over 2.68 lakh votes, the highest in the national capital ever. Singer-turned-politician Hans Raj Hans followed him with a margin of over 3.40 lakh votes in the Northwest Delhi constituency where he is pitted against AAP's Gugan Singh, who is on the second position and Congress' Rajesh Lilothia at the third spot. Delhi BJP chief Manoj Tiwari, who contested from the Northeast Delhi constituency against Congress veteran and former chief minister Sheila Dikshit and AAP's Dilip Pandey, was leading with a margin of over 2.99 lakh votes. Tiwari said they (BJP) were sure of victory but did not expect such a "huge" margin. "We were confident of the victory but were not expecting this kind of huge margin. I am indebted to the voters for imposing their faith in us. "The kind of treatment that AAP has meted out to me always, the public has always observed it and voted accordingly. We have crossed the first hurdle in Delhi and will now gear up for the second one in February (Assembly elections)," Tiwari told reporters. Watch: Tanveer Ahmed reacts on Lok Sabha poll results × Cricketer-turned-politician Gautam Gambhir, who is making his electoral debut from East Delhi constituency, was leading by a margin over 2.38 lakh votes. Gambhir is locked in a contest with Congress' Arvinder Singh Lovely and AAP's Atishi. Incumbent MP from New Delhi Meenakshi Lekhi was also ahead of Congress' Ajay Maken by a margin of over 1.98 lakh votes. South Delhi's incumbent MP Ramesh Bidhuri was leading with a margin of over 2.26 lakh votes on the seat with AAP's Raghav Chadha on the second spot. Also Read: LK Advani congratulates Modi, Shah and party workers for unprecedented victory "People have voted for the work done by Modi government. The previous governments were afraid of taking strong decisions. I worked according to the vision of the Modi government and based on that people have voted for me and have given a clear majority to the BJP," Bidhuri told reporters. Chandni Chowk was the only seat where BJP candidate's margin was less than a lakh at 64,659 votes. Union Minister Harsh Vardhan is locked in a close fight with Congress veteran Jai Prakash Agarwal from the constituency. Counting is underway for seven Lok Sabha seats in the national capital. Watch: BJP workers welcome Amit Shah at party headquarters after BJP's stellar performance × "The counting is going on smoothly in all the seven counting centres. Till now we have not received any complaints or any information of disturbance at the counting centres. Also the law and order situation is normal in the city," Delhi Chief Electoral Officer Ranbir Singh said.

Lok Sabha election results 2019: BJP certain of a clean sweep in Delhi, two candidates leading by huge margin

With trends painting a dismal picture for the Congress in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/">Lok Sabha elections</a>, United Progressive Alliance (UPA) chairperson Sonia Gandhi on Thursday met Congress president Rahul Gandhi at his residence.&nbsp;

Earlier in the day, party General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra also met Rahul Gandhi here.&nbsp;

Even Priyanka's formal entry into politics could not act as a saving grace for the Congress. She was made in-charge of the party's fortunes in eastern Uttar Pradesh, but despite her high-octane election campaign Congress is ahead on just one seat- her mother Sonia Gandhi from Raebareli.&nbsp;

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/congratulations-to-the-winners-but-all-losers-are-not-losers-how-opposition-reacted-to-lok-sabha-2019-election-results-220926">How opposition reacted to Lok Sabha 2019 election results</a>

Rahul Gandhi is facing a tough battle in Amethi as BJP rival Smriti Irani is leading from the seat, though by a slim margin. However, he is leading from Kerala's Wayanad.&nbsp;

As per trends post noon, the ruling BJP appears to be storming back to power with a comfortable majority on its own for the second consecutive time and is set to cross the 300-mark in the Lok Sabha along with its NDA allies.&nbsp;

On the other hand, Congress was way behind BJP, leading in only 51 seats. Its ally DMK has put up a good show leading in 22 of the 30 seats in Tamil Nadu.&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;'There is no place for dynasty rulers, corrupt leaders in this nation' says Yogi Adityanath

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The Congress was leading in eight of the nine seats it contested in the state. The party was also doing well in Kerala where it was leading in 15 out of total 20 parliamentary seats.

With trends painting a dismal picture for the Congress in Lok Sabha elections, United Progressive Alliance (UPA) chairperson Sonia Gandhi on Thursday met Congress president Rahul Gandhi at his residence.

With trends painting a dismal picture for the Congress in Lok Sabha elections, United Progressive Alliance (UPA) chairperson Sonia Gandhi on Thursday met Congress president Rahul Gandhi at his residence. Earlier in the day, party General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra also met Rahul Gandhi here. Even Priyanka's formal entry into politics could not act as a saving grace for the Congress. She was made in-charge of the party's fortunes in eastern Uttar Pradesh, but despite her high-octane election campaign Congress is ahead on just one seat- her mother Sonia Gandhi from Raebareli. Also Read: How opposition reacted to Lok Sabha 2019 election results Rahul Gandhi is facing a tough battle in Amethi as BJP rival Smriti Irani is leading from the seat, though by a slim margin. However, he is leading from Kerala's Wayanad. As per trends post noon, the ruling BJP appears to be storming back to power with a comfortable majority on its own for the second consecutive time and is set to cross the 300-mark in the Lok Sabha along with its NDA allies. On the other hand, Congress was way behind BJP, leading in only 51 seats. Its ally DMK has put up a good show leading in 22 of the 30 seats in Tamil Nadu. Watch: 'There is no place for dynasty rulers, corrupt leaders in this nation' says Yogi Adityanath × The Congress was leading in eight of the nine seats it contested in the state. The party was also doing well in Kerala where it was leading in 15 out of total 20 parliamentary seats.

Lok Sabha election results 2019: Sonia Gandhi, Priyanka meet Rahul as Congress stares at defeat

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/americas/us-will-respond-with-great-force-if-iran-attacks-interests-donald-trump-220247">US President Donald Trump</a> on Monday said he disagreed with a federal judge who ruled against his attempt to block a House of Representatives committee from seeking his financial records and told reporters he would appeal the decision.

Trump told reporters the decision was "crazy" and that it would be appealed.

Lawyers for Trump and his company had argued the House Oversight Committee's demand for financial records from his accounting firm exceeded Congress's constitutional limits.

A US judge on Sunday has told Trump's accounting firms Mazars it will need to turn over his accounting records from before he was President to the Democratic-controlled House Oversight Committee.

Trump said, ''It's totally the wrong decision by obviously an Obama-appointed judge.''&nbsp;

US District Judge Amit Mehta said Mazars has seven days to comply with the subpoena.

Meanwhile, Mazars has denied to choose a side and said it will "comply with all legal obligations."

Trump's lawyers have argued that Congress is on a quest to "turn up something that Democrats can use as a political tool against the president now and in the 2020 election."

(With inputs from Reuters)

US President Donald Trump on Monday said he disagreed with a federal judge who ruled against his attempt to block a House of Representatives committee from seeking his financial records and told reporters he would appeal the decision.

US President Donald Trump on Monday said he disagreed with a federal judge who ruled against his attempt to block a House of Representatives committee from seeking his financial records and told reporters he would appeal the decision. Trump told reporters the decision was "crazy" and that it would be appealed. Lawyers for Trump and his company had argued the House Oversight Committee's demand for financial records from his accounting firm exceeded Congress's constitutional limits. A US judge on Sunday has told Trump's accounting firms Mazars it will need to turn over his accounting records from before he was President to the Democratic-controlled House Oversight Committee. Trump said, ''It's totally the wrong decision by obviously an Obama-appointed judge.'' US District Judge Amit Mehta said Mazars has seven days to comply with the subpoena. Meanwhile, Mazars has denied to choose a side and said it will "comply with all legal obligations." Trump's lawyers have argued that Congress is on a quest to "turn up something that Democrats can use as a political tool against the president now and in the 2020 election." (With inputs from Reuters)

Trump vows to appeal US judge's decision on sharing financial records with Congress

Hours after the BJP in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/congress-madhya-pradesh-government-will-fall-on-its-own-bjp-220113">Madhya Pradesh</a> asked the Congress government to prove its majority and wrote to the state governor for convening a special session of the state Assembly, Chief Minister Kamal Nath Monday said he was all prepared to go for the floor test.

Nath also claimed that he had proven the majority of his coalition government "four times" in the last five months, and is ready to do so again.

Earlier in the day, the BJP wrote to Governor Anandiben Patel, asking her to convene a special session of the House.

"I have already told them...The BJP is trying it for long. I have proved majority in the House four times in the last five months and I am ready for floor test again," Nath told PTI late evening.

He said the BJP was talking about the instability of the Congress-led government as it wanted to save itself from getting "exposed" on its erstwhile corrupt rule.

The chief minister said the BJP had lost on the floor of the House on earlier occasions as well but didn't elaborate.

On earlier occasions, the Congres had managed to elect Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the party even after the BJP demanded the division of votes.

The Congress had also passed the supplementary Budget and regular Budget in the House.

In the Assembly polls last year, the Congress won 114 of the state's 230 seats, two short of the majority mark of 116. The Bahujan Samaj Party, having two MLAs, and Samajwadi Party, which has one, are supporting the Congress. There are four Independents. The BJP won 109 seats.

In his letter to the governor, Leader of Opposition in the Assembly, Gopal Bhargava stated that the party wanted a discussion on important issues like the farm loan waiver and (to) test the government's strength.

The development came a day after the majority of exit polls predicted the return of the BJP-led NDA to power for the second term.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Hours after the BJP in Madhya Pradesh asked the Congress government to prove its majority and wrote to the state governor for convening a special session of the state Assembly, Chief Minister Kamal Nath Monday said he was all prepared to go for the floor test.

Hours after the BJP in Madhya Pradesh asked the Congress government to prove its majority and wrote to the state governor for convening a special session of the state Assembly, Chief Minister Kamal Nath Monday said he was all prepared to go for the floor test. Nath also claimed that he had proven the majority of his coalition government "four times" in the last five months, and is ready to do so again. Earlier in the day, the BJP wrote to Governor Anandiben Patel, asking her to convene a special session of the House. "I have already told them...The BJP is trying it for long. I have proved majority in the House four times in the last five months and I am ready for floor test again," Nath told PTI late evening. He said the BJP was talking about the instability of the Congress-led government as it wanted to save itself from getting "exposed" on its erstwhile corrupt rule. The chief minister said the BJP had lost on the floor of the House on earlier occasions as well but didn't elaborate. On earlier occasions, the Congres had managed to elect Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the party even after the BJP demanded the division of votes. The Congress had also passed the supplementary Budget and regular Budget in the House. In the Assembly polls last year, the Congress won 114 of the state's 230 seats, two short of the majority mark of 116. The Bahujan Samaj Party, having two MLAs, and Samajwadi Party, which has one, are supporting the Congress. There are four Independents. The BJP won 109 seats. In his letter to the governor, Leader of Opposition in the Assembly, Gopal Bhargava stated that the party wanted a discussion on important issues like the farm loan waiver and (to) test the government's strength. The development came a day after the majority of exit polls predicted the return of the BJP-led NDA to power for the second term.

Ready for floor test: Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath

For Bihar, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/exit-polls-2019-pm-modi-returning-to-power-with-300-plus-seats-say-pollsters-219927">the exit polls predict</a> that out of 40 Lok Sabha seats in the state the NDA will claim around over 30 seats while the Congress-RJD alliance will settle with around 4-6.&nbsp;

The News18-IPSOS survey gives 34-36 seats to the NDA in Bihar while Congress-RJD is likely to bag 4 to 6 seats. Today's Chanakya projected NDA to win 32 seats and Congress to claim 8. &nbsp;

Two other pollsters - Jan ki Baat and C-Voter also showed the Modi-Nitish duo to stump the Mahagathbandhan. While the former estimated 28 to 33 seats to go to the NDA in the state and 8 to 11 seats for Congress, the latter said the NDA should be able to comfortably bag 33 seats leaving 7 for the Congress.&nbsp;

In 2014, the result threw the electoral victory in BJP's favour which registered a win on 22 seats. Ram Vilas Paswan's Lok Janshakti Party (LJP) won on 6 seats, Lalu Yadav-led Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) settled with 4.&nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TCPoll?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TCPoll</a> 
Bihar LS Seat Projection 
BJP+ 32 ± 4 Seats 
Congress+ 8 ± 4 Seats 
Others 0 ± 1 Seats<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/News24TodaysChanakya?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#News24TodaysChanakya</a>
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The exit polls seem to predict the electoral result in BJP's favour, suggesting that the Narendra Modi-led Bharatiya Janata Party won't be impacted by the coming together of regional alliances and is likely to retain the throne at the Centre.

While the Times Now-VMR exit poll says the BJP-led NDA will win 306 of the 542 seats and the UPA will settle at 132, Republic C-Voter says the NDA will win 287 seats and UPA 128. Others, which include regional parties, will get 120 seats according to Times Now-VMR and 87 according to Republic C-Voter survey.

The News18-IPSOS survey predicts Prime Minister Narendra Modi's return with 336 seats for the NDA.

In 2014, the BJP, along with its NDA constituents had won 336 out of 543 seats and formed the government at the Centre - the first time in about three decades that a party had won such a huge number of seats.

&nbsp;

For Bihar, the exit polls predict that out of 40 Lok Sabha seats in the state the NDA will claim around over 30 seats while the Congress-RJD alliance will settle with around 4-6.

For Bihar, the exit polls predict that out of 40 Lok Sabha seats in the state the NDA will claim around over 30 seats while the Congress-RJD alliance will settle with around 4-6. The News18-IPSOS survey gives 34-36 seats to the NDA in Bihar while Congress-RJD is likely to bag 4 to 6 seats. Today's Chanakya projected NDA to win 32 seats and Congress to claim 8. Two other pollsters - Jan ki Baat and C-Voter also showed the Modi-Nitish duo to stump the Mahagathbandhan. While the former estimated 28 to 33 seats to go to the NDA in the state and 8 to 11 seats for Congress, the latter said the NDA should be able to comfortably bag 33 seats leaving 7 for the Congress. In 2014, the result threw the electoral victory in BJP's favour which registered a win on 22 seats. Ram Vilas Paswan's Lok Janshakti Party (LJP) won on 6 seats, Lalu Yadav-led Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) settled with 4. #TCPoll Bihar LS Seat Projection BJP+ 32 ± 4 Seats Congress+ 8 ± 4 Seats Others 0 ± 1 Seats#News24TodaysChanakya — Today's Chanakya (@TodaysChanakya) May 19, 2019 × The exit polls seem to predict the electoral result in BJP's favour, suggesting that the Narendra Modi-led Bharatiya Janata Party won't be impacted by the coming together of regional alliances and is likely to retain the throne at the Centre. While the Times Now-VMR exit poll says the BJP-led NDA will win 306 of the 542 seats and the UPA will settle at 132, Republic C-Voter says the NDA will win 287 seats and UPA 128. Others, which include regional parties, will get 120 seats according to Times Now-VMR and 87 according to Republic C-Voter survey. The News18-IPSOS survey predicts Prime Minister Narendra Modi's return with 336 seats for the NDA. In 2014, the BJP, along with its NDA constituents had won 336 out of 543 seats and formed the government at the Centre - the first time in about three decades that a party had won such a huge number of seats.

Flop show for Congress-RJD in Bihar, says pollsters; NDA to win big 

While Opposition leaders are rallying together in efforts to form an anti-NDA front, BSP chief Mayawati is likely to meet UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi and Congress President Rahul Gandhi here, ahead of the announcement of the Lok Sabha election result on May 23.

This comes in the wake of Andhra Pradesh chief minister and TDP chief Chandrababu Naidu meeting with Sonia Gandhi today as he continued his attempts to cobble a front to keep BJP out of power in case it falls of majority in the elections.

Naidu had also met Mayawati on Saturday in Lucknow.

According to sources, Congress is working hard to get all alliance partners on board before the general elections are announced.

According to sources, Congress managers are attempting to fix a meeting between Sonia Gandhi and Mayawati.

Congress is hopeful that Mayawati will support any government other than BJP, even though the BSP supremo had lashed out at Congress throughout her campaigning.

However, she had said that votes of the grand alliance in Uttar Pradesh would go to the Congress, which contested on two seats -Rae Barelli and Amethi- fought by Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi.

Nothing was disclosed about the Naidu-Sonia meeting here and what was discussed but it is understood that the two leaders went over the options before non-BJP parties in the post-poll scenario.

On Saturday Naidu had undertaken a hectic round of discussions with parties opposed to BJP when he met leaders including Congress president Rahul Gandhi and the mahagathbandhan leaders -- Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav and Mayawati in Lucknow.

Naidu also met NCP chief Sharad Pawar, CPI leader Sudhakar Reddy and Loktantrik Janata Dal leader Sharad Yadav in Delhi.

Meanwhile Sonia Gandhi has also invited leaders of the UPA and sounded some others including Odisha and Telangana chief ministers Naveen Pattnaik and K Chandrasekhar Rao respectively as well as YSR Congress party chief Jaganmohan Reddy for a meeting on May 23, when the results will be out.She has also convened a meeting of party leaders on May 22, for preparations for the Thursday meeting.&nbsp;

While Opposition leaders are rallying together in efforts to form an anti-NDA front, BSP chief Mayawati is likely to meet UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi and Congress President Rahul Gandhi here, ahead of the announcement of the Lok Sabha election result on May 23.

While Opposition leaders are rallying together in efforts to form an anti-NDA front, BSP chief Mayawati is likely to meet UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi and Congress President Rahul Gandhi here, ahead of the announcement of the Lok Sabha election result on May 23. This comes in the wake of Andhra Pradesh chief minister and TDP chief Chandrababu Naidu meeting with Sonia Gandhi today as he continued his attempts to cobble a front to keep BJP out of power in case it falls of majority in the elections. Naidu had also met Mayawati on Saturday in Lucknow. According to sources, Congress is working hard to get all alliance partners on board before the general elections are announced. According to sources, Congress managers are attempting to fix a meeting between Sonia Gandhi and Mayawati. Congress is hopeful that Mayawati will support any government other than BJP, even though the BSP supremo had lashed out at Congress throughout her campaigning. However, she had said that votes of the grand alliance in Uttar Pradesh would go to the Congress, which contested on two seats -Rae Barelli and Amethi- fought by Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi. Nothing was disclosed about the Naidu-Sonia meeting here and what was discussed but it is understood that the two leaders went over the options before non-BJP parties in the post-poll scenario. On Saturday Naidu had undertaken a hectic round of discussions with parties opposed to BJP when he met leaders including Congress president Rahul Gandhi and the mahagathbandhan leaders -- Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav and Mayawati in Lucknow. Naidu also met NCP chief Sharad Pawar, CPI leader Sudhakar Reddy and Loktantrik Janata Dal leader Sharad Yadav in Delhi. Meanwhile Sonia Gandhi has also invited leaders of the UPA and sounded some others including Odisha and Telangana chief ministers Naveen Pattnaik and K Chandrasekhar Rao respectively as well as YSR Congress party chief Jaganmohan Reddy for a meeting on May 23, when the results will be out.She has also convened a meeting of party leaders on May 22, for preparations for the Thursday meeting.

Mayawati likely to meet Sonia Gandhi, ahead of Lok Sabha poll result

Amidst sniping of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/weve-come-to-power-only-with-blessing-of-rahul-gandhi-kumaraswamy-141024">coalition partners JD(S) by Congress </a>leaders in Karnataka, Congress President Rahul Gandhi on Sunday told the state unit that such behaviour will not be tolerated.

This was conveyed by Gandhi to a delegation of party leaders who met him in Delhi&nbsp;according to working president of the Karnataka Congress unit, Dinesh Gundu Rao.

"The meeting with Rahul Gandhi is a bid to work in a more cohesive, strong and united manner. Some statements have been made against the coalition government by a few of our party members, which are not acceptable at all. Because of Lok Sabha election, we did not take any strict action but in the future, the party high command has said such things will be not tolerated and firm action will be taken. We need to have more discipline in Congress party," said Rao.

The delegation included former chief minister Siddaramaiah and Karnataka minister DK Shivakumar.

The state unit president also said that very soon a co-ordination committee meeting will be convened.

"We are expecting very good results on May 23, there will be a new government in Delhi. There has been misrule in the country because of five years of Narendra Modi government and people are going to send him out," Rao added.

Lately there were statements from Siddaramaiah`s supporters against chief minister H D Kumaraswamy with the statements suggesting that there could be trouble for him after the results are out.

Kumaraswamy himself took a dig at Siddaramaiah, a former JD(S) leader, saying Congress veteran Mallikarjun Kharge missed the bus for chief ministership in the party.

Siddaramaiah hit back saying even Kumaraswamy`s brother H D Revanna would be a better candidate for the top post.Polling began on Sunday in 59 seats spread across seven states and one Union Territory in the seventh and last phase of Lok Sabha elections. The counting of votes will begin on May 23. (ANI)&nbsp;

Amidst sniping of coalition partners JD(S) by Congress leaders in Karnataka, Congress President Rahul Gandhi on Sunday told the state unit that such behaviour will not be tolerated.

Amidst sniping of coalition partners JD(S) by Congress leaders in Karnataka, Congress President Rahul Gandhi on Sunday told the state unit that such behaviour will not be tolerated. This was conveyed by Gandhi to a delegation of party leaders who met him in Delhi according to working president of the Karnataka Congress unit, Dinesh Gundu Rao. "The meeting with Rahul Gandhi is a bid to work in a more cohesive, strong and united manner. Some statements have been made against the coalition government by a few of our party members, which are not acceptable at all. Because of Lok Sabha election, we did not take any strict action but in the future, the party high command has said such things will be not tolerated and firm action will be taken. We need to have more discipline in Congress party," said Rao. The delegation included former chief minister Siddaramaiah and Karnataka minister DK Shivakumar. The state unit president also said that very soon a co-ordination committee meeting will be convened. "We are expecting very good results on May 23, there will be a new government in Delhi. There has been misrule in the country because of five years of Narendra Modi government and people are going to send him out," Rao added. Lately there were statements from Siddaramaiah`s supporters against chief minister H D Kumaraswamy with the statements suggesting that there could be trouble for him after the results are out. Kumaraswamy himself took a dig at Siddaramaiah, a former JD(S) leader, saying Congress veteran Mallikarjun Kharge missed the bus for chief ministership in the party. Siddaramaiah hit back saying even Kumaraswamy`s brother H D Revanna would be a better candidate for the top post.Polling began on Sunday in 59 seats spread across seven states and one Union Territory in the seventh and last phase of Lok Sabha elections. The counting of votes will begin on May 23. (ANI)

Rahul Gandhi tells Karnataka leaders to behave, avoid coalition troubles

UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi has called a meeting of senior Congress leaders on May 22, a day ahead of the counting of votes in the Lok Sabha elections.

All senior leaders, General Secretaries and 'in-charge'&nbsp;of the party have been called by Gandhi to prepare for the meeting of UPA allies and some other parties she has convened on May 23 in a bid to keep the BJP out of power if the ruling party is short of a majority in a hung house.

The possibility of roping in new non-NDA parties into the UPA coalition to buttress the opposition numbers may be discussed in the May 22 meeting, sources said.

After the feedback session, tasks will be assigned to various leaders as per their expertise. A team of four leaders has already been put in place to reach out to potential allies and is working hard to make the alliance meeting successful.

Gandhi is understood to have invited leaders of secular parties including NCP chief Sharad Pawar, DMK chief MK Stalin, RJD and TMC for the meeting on a day the results will be out.

Everybody is working hard to sway fence sitters and the Congress was also seeing a change in the tone of leaders like Telangana Chief Minister K.

Chandrashekar Rao. Rao has recently met Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and DMK chief M K Stalin as part of his efforts to form a third front government.

There were reports that Rao and the chief of YSRCP Congress Jaganmohan Reddy have also been invited but there was no confirmation.

The sources said Congress was confident that BJP was not going to get a majority and that was why it wanted to put in place a front to outsmart the rival BJP in case of a hung Parliament.&nbsp;

UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi has called a meeting of senior Congress leaders on May 22, a day ahead of the counting of votes in the Lok Sabha elections. All senior leaders, General Secretaries and 'in-charge' of the party have been called by Gandhi to prepare for the meeting of UPA allies and some other parties she has convened on May 23 in a bid to keep the BJP out of power if the ruling party is short of a majority in a hung house.

UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi has called a meeting of senior Congress leaders on May 22, a day ahead of the counting of votes in the Lok Sabha elections. All senior leaders, General Secretaries and 'in-charge' of the party have been called by Gandhi to prepare for the meeting of UPA allies and some other parties she has convened on May 23 in a bid to keep the BJP out of power if the ruling party is short of a majority in a hung house. The possibility of roping in new non-NDA parties into the UPA coalition to buttress the opposition numbers may be discussed in the May 22 meeting, sources said. After the feedback session, tasks will be assigned to various leaders as per their expertise. A team of four leaders has already been put in place to reach out to potential allies and is working hard to make the alliance meeting successful. Gandhi is understood to have invited leaders of secular parties including NCP chief Sharad Pawar, DMK chief MK Stalin, RJD and TMC for the meeting on a day the results will be out. Everybody is working hard to sway fence sitters and the Congress was also seeing a change in the tone of leaders like Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao. Rao has recently met Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and DMK chief M K Stalin as part of his efforts to form a third front government. There were reports that Rao and the chief of YSRCP Congress Jaganmohan Reddy have also been invited but there was no confirmation. The sources said Congress was confident that BJP was not going to get a majority and that was why it wanted to put in place a front to outsmart the rival BJP in case of a hung Parliament.

Sonia Gandhi calls meeting of senior Congress leaders on May 22 to muster strategies

Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Friday said that a decision on the prime ministerial post of a non-BJP government at the Centre would be taken after the Lok Sabha poll results are out on May 23.

"People will deliver their mandate on May 23. I will not comment on it before their decision is out. I do not want to prejudge the judgment of Indian people. We will take the decision on the basis of what people decide," Gandhi said during a press conference when ANI asked if the Congress would compromise on the PM's post.

Gandhi's comment comes a day after senior Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad said that his party does not have any problem if it did not get the Prime Minister's post as it wants to dislodge the NDA government at the Centre.

"We have already made our stand clear. If a consensus is made in favour of the Congress, then the party will take the leadership but our aim has always been that the NDA should not come to power again. We will go with the unanimous decision," Azad had told the media persons in Patna on Wednesday.

Azad said, "We are not going to make an issue that we (Congress) will not let anyone else become the Prime Minister if it is not offered to us (Congress)."&nbsp;

Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Friday said that a decision on the prime ministerial post of a non-BJP government at the Centre would be taken after the Lok Sabha poll results are out on May 23.

Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Friday said that a decision on the prime ministerial post of a non-BJP government at the Centre would be taken after the Lok Sabha poll results are out on May 23. "People will deliver their mandate on May 23. I will not comment on it before their decision is out. I do not want to prejudge the judgment of Indian people. We will take the decision on the basis of what people decide," Gandhi said during a press conference when ANI asked if the Congress would compromise on the PM's post. Gandhi's comment comes a day after senior Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad said that his party does not have any problem if it did not get the Prime Minister's post as it wants to dislodge the NDA government at the Centre. "We have already made our stand clear. If a consensus is made in favour of the Congress, then the party will take the leadership but our aim has always been that the NDA should not come to power again. We will go with the unanimous decision," Azad had told the media persons in Patna on Wednesday. Azad said, "We are not going to make an issue that we (Congress) will not let anyone else become the Prime Minister if it is not offered to us (Congress)."

Will decide on PM's post after results are out on May 23: Rahul Gandhi

Businessman Robert Vadra, husband of Congress General Secretary in-charge for Uttar Pradesh (East)<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/priyankas-himachal-visit-cancelled-due-to-bad-weather-218696"> Priyanka Gandhi,</a> on Friday accused Bharatiya Janata Party of making "false" and "hollow" promises.

Vadra took to Facebook to take a dig at the incumbent government and said, "Congress will give to the people what it has promised. Not make false, hollow promises like the BJP did, and never delivered even one promise. We will fulfil every need."Vadra also posted two pictures.

While in one photo he urged voters to vote for the Congress, in the other photo he could be seen giving food to the poor."We will stay true to our promises. Vote for new India," the photo stated.

Robert Vadra has three cases - Bikaner land deal money laundering case, 2009 petroleum deal case under the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) era and United Kingdom assets case, going on against him.

As many as 59 parliamentary constituencies spread across 7 states and 1 Union Territory will go to polls in the last and seventh phase of the Lok Sabha elections on May 19.

The results will be announced on May 23.

Businessman Robert Vadra, husband of Congress General Secretary in-charge for Uttar Pradesh (East) Priyanka Gandhi, on Friday accused Bharatiya Janata Party of making "false" and "hollow" promises.

Businessman Robert Vadra, husband of Congress General Secretary in-charge for Uttar Pradesh (East) Priyanka Gandhi, on Friday accused Bharatiya Janata Party of making "false" and "hollow" promises. Vadra took to Facebook to take a dig at the incumbent government and said, "Congress will give to the people what it has promised. Not make false, hollow promises like the BJP did, and never delivered even one promise. We will fulfil every need."Vadra also posted two pictures. While in one photo he urged voters to vote for the Congress, in the other photo he could be seen giving food to the poor."We will stay true to our promises. Vote for new India," the photo stated. Robert Vadra has three cases - Bikaner land deal money laundering case, 2009 petroleum deal case under the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) era and United Kingdom assets case, going on against him. As many as 59 parliamentary constituencies spread across 7 states and 1 Union Territory will go to polls in the last and seventh phase of the Lok Sabha elections on May 19. The results will be announced on May 23.

Congress will give people what it promises unlike BJP: Robert Vadra

The Congress Tuesday condemned the remarks of its leader Mani Shankar Aiyar on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and said appropriate action would be taken against him, even as it accused the PM of lowering the political discourse by using "abusive" language against his rivals. &nbsp; &nbsp;

Aiyar was back in the news on Tuesday with an article justifying his "neech" jibe against Modi two years ago, prompting the BJP to call him "abuser-in-chief" and his party arrogant. Aiyar also called Modi the most "foul-mouthed" prime minister the country has seen.

"We completely reject and condemn the remark of the likes of Mani Shankar Aiyar and every other person who is violating the time-tested principle of self-discipline in political discourse of mutual respect and adherence of ideas and ideology and not to verbal abuse while fighting an election," Congress' chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said.&nbsp;

"To give due regard even to your worst political enemy as was shown by (Congress president) Rahul Gandhi on the floor of Parliament. And, the BJP and Modiji gives sermons to us on political discourse," he said.

On action against Aiyar, Surjewala said, "We shall at the appropriate forum in the party, will definitely look at it and take appropriate action".

Aiyar was in 2017 suspended from the party when he made the "neech aadmi" remark against Modi ahead of the Gujarat assembly election, but was reinstated later.

Reacting to Aiyar's remarks at a press conference, Surjewala alleged that hatred, violence and abuse is the modus operandi of the BJP and not of the Congress.

"We have seen how in the last five years, including in the current election, rage and revenge has blinded Narendra Modi in using completely unacceptable, downright insulting, abusive language for his political opponents," he said.

The "truth" is that Modi has seriously lowered the prestige of the office of the prime minister in independent India by his choice of words, anger, uncontrollable rage, and by his quest to seek revenge against every opposition leader, particularly Rahul Gandhi and his family, he claimed.

Surjewala also said the Congress would like to seek answers from Modi on the "abuses and insults" to the memory of Jawaharlal Nehru and Rajiv Gandhi every other day.

Is the prime minister following a respectable political discourse, he asked.

"When the prime minister uses insulting remarks for (UPA chairperson) Sonia Gandhi in election rallies is that the 'maryada' (decorum) that is followed in our Indian political discourses," he said.

Surjewala accused Modi of lowering the political discourse by describing someone as "a 50-crore girlfriend".

He also hit out at Modi for promoting leaders who abused opposition leaders even describing them as 'Chenghiz Khan ki aulad'.

"The truth is that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will go down in history as the only PM who decimated, denigrated and annihilated the prestige of the office of the prime minister he holds, who violated every article of restraint and mutual respect written in the civilization of the country, who chooses verbal abuse as a weapon to silence his critics when he has no answer on jobs on agrarian distress and on a failed economy," he said.

Earlier in the day, Congress spokesperson Jaiveer Shergill said his party is not on the back foot regarding Aiyar's remarks. Instead, it should be Modi who should be ashamed for his remarks on former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi, he said.

"Mani Shankar Aiyar's remarks are his own as stated by him in his article. His remarks are not shameful and the Congress is neither on the back foot nor ashamed of his remarks. It's the PM who should be ashamed for lowering the dignity of the office he occupies by making disparaging remarks against former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi and former Congress president Sonia Gandhi.

"The PM should apologise to the country for the abusive language that he has used," Shergill said, referring to Modi recently saying Rajiv Gandhi's life ended as 'Bhrashtachari No 1' (corrupt number 1).&nbsp;

Shergill said more than Aiyar, the media should question Modi and he should apologise for downgrading the system for using a lowly language and inflicting low blows.&nbsp;

"The prime minister is paranoid. Prime minister is in electoral depression. His abusive remarks, lowly remarks not befitting the post of the Prime Minister reflect the defeat which he is going to face on 23 May, 2019," he said.&nbsp;

The Congress Tuesday condemned the remarks of its leader Mani Shankar Aiyar on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and said appropriate action would be taken against him, even as it accused the PM of lowering the political discourse by using "abusive" language against his rivals.

The Congress Tuesday condemned the remarks of its leader Mani Shankar Aiyar on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and said appropriate action would be taken against him, even as it accused the PM of lowering the political discourse by using "abusive" language against his rivals. Aiyar was back in the news on Tuesday with an article justifying his "neech" jibe against Modi two years ago, prompting the BJP to call him "abuser-in-chief" and his party arrogant. Aiyar also called Modi the most "foul-mouthed" prime minister the country has seen. "We completely reject and condemn the remark of the likes of Mani Shankar Aiyar and every other person who is violating the time-tested principle of self-discipline in political discourse of mutual respect and adherence of ideas and ideology and not to verbal abuse while fighting an election," Congress' chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said. "To give due regard even to your worst political enemy as was shown by (Congress president) Rahul Gandhi on the floor of Parliament. And, the BJP and Modiji gives sermons to us on political discourse," he said. On action against Aiyar, Surjewala said, "We shall at the appropriate forum in the party, will definitely look at it and take appropriate action". Aiyar was in 2017 suspended from the party when he made the "neech aadmi" remark against Modi ahead of the Gujarat assembly election, but was reinstated later. Reacting to Aiyar's remarks at a press conference, Surjewala alleged that hatred, violence and abuse is the modus operandi of the BJP and not of the Congress. "We have seen how in the last five years, including in the current election, rage and revenge has blinded Narendra Modi in using completely unacceptable, downright insulting, abusive language for his political opponents," he said. The "truth" is that Modi has seriously lowered the prestige of the office of the prime minister in independent India by his choice of words, anger, uncontrollable rage, and by his quest to seek revenge against every opposition leader, particularly Rahul Gandhi and his family, he claimed. Surjewala also said the Congress would like to seek answers from Modi on the "abuses and insults" to the memory of Jawaharlal Nehru and Rajiv Gandhi every other day. Is the prime minister following a respectable political discourse, he asked. "When the prime minister uses insulting remarks for (UPA chairperson) Sonia Gandhi in election rallies is that the 'maryada' (decorum) that is followed in our Indian political discourses," he said. Surjewala accused Modi of lowering the political discourse by describing someone as "a 50-crore girlfriend". He also hit out at Modi for promoting leaders who abused opposition leaders even describing them as 'Chenghiz Khan ki aulad'. "The truth is that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will go down in history as the only PM who decimated, denigrated and annihilated the prestige of the office of the prime minister he holds, who violated every article of restraint and mutual respect written in the civilization of the country, who chooses verbal abuse as a weapon to silence his critics when he has no answer on jobs on agrarian distress and on a failed economy," he said. Earlier in the day, Congress spokesperson Jaiveer Shergill said his party is not on the back foot regarding Aiyar's remarks. Instead, it should be Modi who should be ashamed for his remarks on former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi, he said. "Mani Shankar Aiyar's remarks are his own as stated by him in his article. His remarks are not shameful and the Congress is neither on the back foot nor ashamed of his remarks. It's the PM who should be ashamed for lowering the dignity of the office he occupies by making disparaging remarks against former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi and former Congress president Sonia Gandhi. "The PM should apologise to the country for the abusive language that he has used," Shergill said, referring to Modi recently saying Rajiv Gandhi's life ended as 'Bhrashtachari No 1' (corrupt number 1). Shergill said more than Aiyar, the media should question Modi and he should apologise for downgrading the system for using a lowly language and inflicting low blows. "The prime minister is paranoid. Prime minister is in electoral depression. His abusive remarks, lowly remarks not befitting the post of the Prime Minister reflect the defeat which he is going to face on 23 May, 2019," he said.

Congress condemns Mani Shankar Aiyar's comments on Modi, slams PM for lowering discourse

Asserting that the Congress will be losing the Lok Sabha elections, Prime Minister Narendra Modi Wednesday claimed that the party has fielded "two batsmen" to defend the "naamdar" (dynast).

In a veiled dig at Congress leaders Mani Shankar Aiyar and Sam Pitroda, Modi said they were tasked by the party to take the responsibility for the poor poll show.

"One says 'hua to hua' ( it happened, so what) on the 1984 anti-Sikh riots while the other, who has been behind curtains after abusing me during the Gujarat elections, is again attacking me," the prime minister said.

While Pitroda faced the wrath of Congress president Rahul Gandhi for his remarks, Aiyar in an article raked up his controversial "neech" remark against Modi, saying his comments turned out to be prophetic.

The prime minister has often targeted Gandhi, calling him "naamdar".

Attacking the Congress leadership, Modi said, "What the rule by one family could not do in 55 years, the BJP-led government did in 55 months.

"The country has seen development and there has not been a single taint on the government. When I say this from Babadham (temple town of Deoghar) I feel proud that the people have given me the responsibility to head an honest government."

Two-time BJP MP Nishikant Dubey is contesting from Godda Lok Sabha seat, under which the temple town of Deoghar falls, and facing Jharkhand Vikas Morcha (Prajatantrik) candidate Pradip Yadav, who is backed by the opposition grand alliance.

Godda, Dumka (ST) and Rajmahal (ST) will be voting in the last phase of the Lok Sabha polls on May 19.&nbsp;

Asserting that the Congress will be losing the Lok Sabha elections, Prime Minister Narendra Modi Wednesday claimed that the party has fielded "two batsmen" to defend the "naamdar" (dynast).

Asserting that the Congress will be losing the Lok Sabha elections, Prime Minister Narendra Modi Wednesday claimed that the party has fielded "two batsmen" to defend the "naamdar" (dynast). In a veiled dig at Congress leaders Mani Shankar Aiyar and Sam Pitroda, Modi said they were tasked by the party to take the responsibility for the poor poll show. "One says 'hua to hua' ( it happened, so what) on the 1984 anti-Sikh riots while the other, who has been behind curtains after abusing me during the Gujarat elections, is again attacking me," the prime minister said. While Pitroda faced the wrath of Congress president Rahul Gandhi for his remarks, Aiyar in an article raked up his controversial "neech" remark against Modi, saying his comments turned out to be prophetic. The prime minister has often targeted Gandhi, calling him "naamdar". Attacking the Congress leadership, Modi said, "What the rule by one family could not do in 55 years, the BJP-led government did in 55 months. "The country has seen development and there has not been a single taint on the government. When I say this from Babadham (temple town of Deoghar) I feel proud that the people have given me the responsibility to head an honest government." Two-time BJP MP Nishikant Dubey is contesting from Godda Lok Sabha seat, under which the temple town of Deoghar falls, and facing Jharkhand Vikas Morcha (Prajatantrik) candidate Pradip Yadav, who is backed by the opposition grand alliance. Godda, Dumka (ST) and Rajmahal (ST) will be voting in the last phase of the Lok Sabha polls on May 19.

Congress has fielded two batsmen to take blame for poll defeat: PM Modi

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Monday took a dig at the Congress and said it is unfortunate that it has reduced to a party which is contesting elections just to cut vote share of the BJP.

"Congress` princess says that Congress is contesting elections so that they can cut into the vote share of the BJP. This is unfortunate for Congress that they have become `vote cutwa` party (a party which cut into the vote of others)," Adityanath said while campaigning for actor-turned-politician Ravi Kishan who is contesting from Gorakhpur on a BJP ticket.

"Those persons who have disgraced democracy and are coming as `vote-cutwa` and confusing people, people should teach them a lesson," he said.

Adityanath`s remark came after Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra had said that her party has fielded some Lok Sabha candidates in Uttar Pradesh with the aim to cut into the vote share of BJP, not to just win the elections.

On May 1, when asked about chances of Congress` victory in UP, Priyanka had said, "My strategy is very clear. Congress will win on the seats where our candidates are strong. Where our candidates are slightly lightweight, they will cut into BJP`s vote share. One does not do politics only to win."

The Gorakhpur seat was represented by UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath for five terms since 1998 until Praveen Kumar Nishad of Samajwadi Party won the seat in a by-poll last year. The seat was vacated by Yogi Adityanath when he became the CM.

Gorakhpur, one of 13 parliamentary constituencies in Uttar Pradesh will go to polls on May 19 in the last phase of Lok Sabha elections.&nbsp;

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Monday took a dig at the Congress and said it is unfortunate that it has reduced to a party which is contesting elections just to cut vote share of the BJP.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Monday took a dig at the Congress and said it is unfortunate that it has reduced to a party which is contesting elections just to cut vote share of the BJP. "Congress` princess says that Congress is contesting elections so that they can cut into the vote share of the BJP. This is unfortunate for Congress that they have become `vote cutwa` party (a party which cut into the vote of others)," Adityanath said while campaigning for actor-turned-politician Ravi Kishan who is contesting from Gorakhpur on a BJP ticket. "Those persons who have disgraced democracy and are coming as `vote-cutwa` and confusing people, people should teach them a lesson," he said. Adityanath`s remark came after Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra had said that her party has fielded some Lok Sabha candidates in Uttar Pradesh with the aim to cut into the vote share of BJP, not to just win the elections. On May 1, when asked about chances of Congress` victory in UP, Priyanka had said, "My strategy is very clear. Congress will win on the seats where our candidates are strong. Where our candidates are slightly lightweight, they will cut into BJP`s vote share. One does not do politics only to win." The Gorakhpur seat was represented by UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath for five terms since 1998 until Praveen Kumar Nishad of Samajwadi Party won the seat in a by-poll last year. The seat was vacated by Yogi Adityanath when he became the CM. Gorakhpur, one of 13 parliamentary constituencies in Uttar Pradesh will go to polls on May 19 in the last phase of Lok Sabha elections.

Unfortunate Congress is contesting polls only to cut BJP's vote share: Adityanath

Congress general secretary <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/it-is-clear-bjp-government-is-going-priyanka-gandhi-vadra-after-casting-vote-218052">Priyanka Gandhi</a>'s proposed visit to Himachal Pradesh on Tuesday was cancelled due to bad weather.

Priyanka was scheduled to address a rally in Sundernagar in support of Mandi Congress candidate Aashray Sharma, a state party leader said.

Aashray is pitted against sitting BJP MP Ram Swaroop Sharma.

He is the grandson of former Union Minister Sukh Ram. Aashray's father Anil Sharma has recently resigned from the state cabinet.

All four seats in Himachal Pradesh will go to the polls on May 19.

Anil Sharma, along with his son Ashray and father Sukh Ram had switched over to Bharatiya Janata Party, ahead of the 2017 assembly polls. He won the Mandi Vidhan Sabha seat and became power minister in the BJP government.&nbsp;

Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi's proposed visit to Himachal Pradesh on Tuesday was cancelled due to bad weather. Priyanka was scheduled to address a rally in Sundernagar in support of Mandi Congress candidate Aashray Sharma, a state party leader said.

Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi's proposed visit to Himachal Pradesh on Tuesday was cancelled due to bad weather. Priyanka was scheduled to address a rally in Sundernagar in support of Mandi Congress candidate Aashray Sharma, a state party leader said. Aashray is pitted against sitting BJP MP Ram Swaroop Sharma. He is the grandson of former Union Minister Sukh Ram. Aashray's father Anil Sharma has recently resigned from the state cabinet. All four seats in Himachal Pradesh will go to the polls on May 19. Anil Sharma, along with his son Ashray and father Sukh Ram had switched over to Bharatiya Janata Party, ahead of the 2017 assembly polls. He won the Mandi Vidhan Sabha seat and became power minister in the BJP government.

Priyanka Gandhi's Himachal visit cancelled due to bad weather

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bjp-may-revive-operation-kamala-post-ls-polls-but-it-will-not-succeed-siddaramaiah-210843">Senior Congress leader Siddaramaiah</a>&nbsp;on Tuesday termed the growing clamour within his party to make him chief minister once again as an expression of supporters' "affection", but said he still stands by his word about not contesting the next assembly polls.

The Congress Legislature party Leader said he saw nothing wrong in the demand being made by his supporters.

"I have made it very very clear that the chief minister's post is not vacant now (hence no question about me becoming CM). What our people are saying is, after next election, I should become chief minister once again," Siddaramaiah said.

Speaking to reporters in Hubballi, he said, "Is there anything that I should not become (Chief Minister) if people give their blessings? Where is that I should not become, if people bless our party?"&nbsp;

"Have they (supporters) said I should become now? In the 2023 election if people bless Congress, Siddaramaiah may become chief minister - this is what they are saying. What is wrong in that?" he asked.

However, Siddaramaiah said, he stands by his earlier word, not to contest the next assembly polls.

"I have said, I will not contest next election, but is there anything that they (supporters) should also say what I have said, they are expressing their opinion.

"I have expressed my opinion that I will not contest next election, even today I will abide by it," he said.

Siddaramaiah noted that when people at meetings demand that he should become CM once again, he responds by saying, "if people bless let us see".

"What is wrong in responding like that to a particular situation,?" he asked.&nbsp;

He also blamed the media for making it a big issue and said, "Where have I said, I will become CM?"&nbsp;

Ahead of the May 2018 assembly polls, Siddaramaiah had said it could "most likely" be his last election.

Earlier, during the 2013 assembly polls too, Siddaramaiah had said that it was his last election and went on to become chief minister after the polls.

For the last few days there has been a growing clamour among Congress legislators to make Siddaramaiah CM once again, which has irked JD(S) leaders and the incumbent Chief Minister of the coalition government H D Kumaraswamy.

The issue also had led to a bitter public spat between Siddaramaiah, and his bete noire and JD(S) state President A H Vishwanath. &nbsp; &nbsp;

He said state BJP chief B S Yeddyurappa was "dreaming" about forming the government and becoming chief minister has become a "laughing stock" in the eyes of the people.

"He has been saying this from the day one. He did become the chief minister with 104 MLAs as the single largest party, but had to resign in three days, unable to prove the majority.

He should be ashamed about repeatedly claiming that he will become the chief minister? If he had said it once people might have taken it seriously, but repeatedly saying it, no one will believe him," he said.

Yeddyurappa had recently claimed that there is an "atmosphere" for the BJP to form government in the state, and had said longevity of the coalition government would depend on the stand taken by about 20 "disgruntled" Congress legislators after Lok Sabha poll results.

On his spat with JD(S) state President Vishwanth, Siddaramaiah said, "I have already said what I had to on the issue, I don't want to discuss it publicly again.

"I will discuss it in the coordination committee meeting, there ends the matter."&nbsp;

Growing differences between alliance partners has resulted in a public spat between leaders of the two parties in the past few days.

Senior Congress leader Siddaramaiah on Tuesday termed the growing clamour within his party to make him chief minister once again as an expression of supporters' "affection", but said he still stands by his word about not contesting the next assembly polls.

Senior Congress leader Siddaramaiah on Tuesday termed the growing clamour within his party to make him chief minister once again as an expression of supporters' "affection", but said he still stands by his word about not contesting the next assembly polls. The Congress Legislature party Leader said he saw nothing wrong in the demand being made by his supporters. "I have made it very very clear that the chief minister's post is not vacant now (hence no question about me becoming CM). What our people are saying is, after next election, I should become chief minister once again," Siddaramaiah said. Speaking to reporters in Hubballi, he said, "Is there anything that I should not become (Chief Minister) if people give their blessings? Where is that I should not become, if people bless our party?" "Have they (supporters) said I should become now? In the 2023 election if people bless Congress, Siddaramaiah may become chief minister - this is what they are saying. What is wrong in that?" he asked. However, Siddaramaiah said, he stands by his earlier word, not to contest the next assembly polls. "I have said, I will not contest next election, but is there anything that they (supporters) should also say what I have said, they are expressing their opinion. "I have expressed my opinion that I will not contest next election, even today I will abide by it," he said. Siddaramaiah noted that when people at meetings demand that he should become CM once again, he responds by saying, "if people bless let us see". "What is wrong in responding like that to a particular situation,?" he asked. He also blamed the media for making it a big issue and said, "Where have I said, I will become CM?" Ahead of the May 2018 assembly polls, Siddaramaiah had said it could "most likely" be his last election. Earlier, during the 2013 assembly polls too, Siddaramaiah had said that it was his last election and went on to become chief minister after the polls. For the last few days there has been a growing clamour among Congress legislators to make Siddaramaiah CM once again, which has irked JD(S) leaders and the incumbent Chief Minister of the coalition government H D Kumaraswamy. The issue also had led to a bitter public spat between Siddaramaiah, and his bete noire and JD(S) state President A H Vishwanath. He said state BJP chief B S Yeddyurappa was "dreaming" about forming the government and becoming chief minister has become a "laughing stock" in the eyes of the people. "He has been saying this from the day one. He did become the chief minister with 104 MLAs as the single largest party, but had to resign in three days, unable to prove the majority. He should be ashamed about repeatedly claiming that he will become the chief minister? If he had said it once people might have taken it seriously, but repeatedly saying it, no one will believe him," he said. Yeddyurappa had recently claimed that there is an "atmosphere" for the BJP to form government in the state, and had said longevity of the coalition government would depend on the stand taken by about 20 "disgruntled" Congress legislators after Lok Sabha poll results. On his spat with JD(S) state President Vishwanth, Siddaramaiah said, "I have already said what I had to on the issue, I don't want to discuss it publicly again. "I will discuss it in the coordination committee meeting, there ends the matter." Growing differences between alliance partners has resulted in a public spat between leaders of the two parties in the past few days.

Still stand by my word not to contest next assembly polls: Congress leader Siddaramaiah

Congress leader Digvijaya Singh on Sunday expressed regret over not being able to cast his ballot in Rajgarh district of Madhya Pradesh, reported news agency ANI.

Rajgarh is over 130 km away from state capital Bhopal where he is locked in a key contest with BJP candidate Pragya Singh Thakur.

"I regret that I could not reach Rajgarh to cast my ballot. Next time, I will ensure that my vote is registered in Bhopal," ANI reported quoting Singh.

Throughout the day, the Congress candidate from Bhopal visited various polling stations in the constituency to track the voting, sources said.

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Digvijaya Singh, Congress Lok Sabha candidate from Bhopal: Yes I couldn't go to vote to Rajgarh and I regret it. Next time I will register my name in Bhopal. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LokSabhaElections2019?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LokSabhaElections2019</a> <a href="https://t.co/ewlpgBncmg">pic.twitter.com/ewlpgBncmg</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1127550385961472000?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 12, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Earlier in the day, he was seen outside a temple. When asked whether he will go to cast his vote, he replied, "I will see. I will try to reach."

The former Madhya Pradesh chief minister also urged people to exercise their franchise in large numbers. "Go in large numbers and cast your vote. Vote without fear," he said.

The Congress leader is facing Thakur, a 2008 Malegaon blast case accused, among other candidates.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Congress leader Digvijaya Singh on Sunday expressed regret over not being able to cast his ballot in Rajgarh district of Madhya Pradesh, reported news agency ANI.

Congress leader Digvijaya Singh on Sunday expressed regret over not being able to cast his ballot in Rajgarh district of Madhya Pradesh, reported news agency ANI. Rajgarh is over 130 km away from state capital Bhopal where he is locked in a key contest with BJP candidate Pragya Singh Thakur. "I regret that I could not reach Rajgarh to cast my ballot. Next time, I will ensure that my vote is registered in Bhopal," ANI reported quoting Singh. Throughout the day, the Congress candidate from Bhopal visited various polling stations in the constituency to track the voting, sources said. Digvijaya Singh, Congress Lok Sabha candidate from Bhopal: Yes I couldn't go to vote to Rajgarh and I regret it. Next time I will register my name in Bhopal. #LokSabhaElections2019 pic.twitter.com/ewlpgBncmg — ANI (@ANI) May 12, 2019 × Earlier in the day, he was seen outside a temple. When asked whether he will go to cast his vote, he replied, "I will see. I will try to reach." The former Madhya Pradesh chief minister also urged people to exercise their franchise in large numbers. "Go in large numbers and cast your vote. Vote without fear," he said. The Congress leader is facing Thakur, a 2008 Malegaon blast case accused, among other candidates.

Digvijaya Singh expresses regret over not being able to cast his ballot in Rajgarh 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday slammed the Congress party saying that they ask for votes in the name of legacy but "when questioned on their (ancestors) misdeeds, they say 'hua to hua'".

The Prime Minister was referring to Congress leader <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-bjp-slam-pitroda-over-remarks-on-1984-anti-sikh-riots-congress-distances-itself-217586">Sam Pitroda's remarks on the 1984 riots</a>.&nbsp;

Pitroda, on Thursday, said, "hua to hua" (So what, it happened) about the anti-Sikh riots. He made this remark in response to a question on the riots by a newsman in Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh.

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PM Narendra Modi in Solan, Himachal Pradesh: They ask for votes in the name of their ancestors, but when questioned on their (ancestors) misdeeds, they say "hua to hua" <a href="https://t.co/9jI8pWISa5">pic.twitter.com/9jI8pWISa5</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1127881289959333889?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 13, 2019</a></blockquote>
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While addressing a rally in Solan, Himachal Pradesh today, PM Modi continued&nbsp;to sharpen his attack on the Congress and said that "those who are themselves on bail search new words from their dictionary daily to abuse your 'chowkidaar'".

He said that he is not going to budge by those abuses, adding "aakhirkar humne bhi to Solan ka mushroom khaya hai (after all, I have also eaten Solan's mushrooms)".

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PM Modi in Solan, Himachal Pradesh: Those who are themselves on bail search new words from their dictionary daily to abuse your 'chowkidaar'. But your 'chowkidaar' is not going to budge because of their abuses, "aakhirkar humne bhi to Solan ka mushroom khaya hai" <a href="https://t.co/byvqi6Sfvb">pic.twitter.com/byvqi6Sfvb</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1127880860206653440?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 13, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Meanwhile, Congress chief Rahul Gandhi today said that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/you-should-be-ashamed-rahul-gandhi-hits-out-at-sam-pitroda-for-remarks-on-1984-riots-218338">Pitroda should be "ashamed" of his remarks</a> on anti-Sikh riots.&nbsp;

"What Sam Pitroda said about 1984 (anti-Sikh riots) was totally wrong and he should seek an apology from the country. I am saying this publicly and I also said the same to him over the phone. Pitroda ji, what you had said was completely wrong and you should be ashamed of yourself. You should seek a public apology," Gandhi said during a rally in Punjab's Khanna.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday slammed the Congress party saying that they ask for votes in the name of legacy but "when questioned on their (ancestors) misdeeds, they say 'hua to hua'".

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday slammed the Congress party saying that they ask for votes in the name of legacy but "when questioned on their (ancestors) misdeeds, they say 'hua to hua'". The Prime Minister was referring to Congress leader Sam Pitroda's remarks on the 1984 riots. Pitroda, on Thursday, said, "hua to hua" (So what, it happened) about the anti-Sikh riots. He made this remark in response to a question on the riots by a newsman in Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh. PM Narendra Modi in Solan, Himachal Pradesh: They ask for votes in the name of their ancestors, but when questioned on their (ancestors) misdeeds, they say "hua to hua" pic.twitter.com/9jI8pWISa5 — ANI (@ANI) May 13, 2019 × While addressing a rally in Solan, Himachal Pradesh today, PM Modi continued to sharpen his attack on the Congress and said that "those who are themselves on bail search new words from their dictionary daily to abuse your 'chowkidaar'". He said that he is not going to budge by those abuses, adding "aakhirkar humne bhi to Solan ka mushroom khaya hai (after all, I have also eaten Solan's mushrooms)". PM Modi in Solan, Himachal Pradesh: Those who are themselves on bail search new words from their dictionary daily to abuse your 'chowkidaar'. But your 'chowkidaar' is not going to budge because of their abuses, "aakhirkar humne bhi to Solan ka mushroom khaya hai" pic.twitter.com/byvqi6Sfvb — ANI (@ANI) May 13, 2019 × Meanwhile, Congress chief Rahul Gandhi today said that Pitroda should be "ashamed" of his remarks on anti-Sikh riots. "What Sam Pitroda said about 1984 (anti-Sikh riots) was totally wrong and he should seek an apology from the country. I am saying this publicly and I also said the same to him over the phone. Pitroda ji, what you had said was completely wrong and you should be ashamed of yourself. You should seek a public apology," Gandhi said during a rally in Punjab's Khanna.

They want votes in name of legacy but when it comes to answering questions, they say 'hua to hua': PM Modi

With Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP continuing their attack on the Congress over <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-bjp-slam-pitroda-over-remarks-on-1984-anti-sikh-riots-congress-distances-itself-217586">Sam Pitroda's remarks on the 1984 riots</a>, party chief Rahul Gandhi Monday said the leader should be ashamed of himself and seek apology from the country.

Gandhi was addressing a poll rally here in favour of Congress candidate Amar Singh, who is pitted against SAD nominee D S Guru from Fatehgarh Sahib (reserve) constituency.

"What Sam Pitroda said about 1984 (anti-Sikh riots) was totally wrong and he should seek an apology from the country. I am saying this publicly and I also said the same to him over the phone. Pitroda ji, what you had said was completely wrong and you should be ashamed of yourself. You should seek a public apology," he said winding up his speech here.

Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh was also present at the event.

The BJP has stepped up offensive against the Congress over the Indian Overseas Congress chief's remarks as the 1984 anti-Sikh riots is an emotive issue in Punjab which is going to polls on May 19.

During campaigning in Rohtak in Haryana and at Hoshiarpur in Punjab, Modi on Friday had hit out at the Congress, saying Pitroda's remarks reflected the "character and arrogance" of the opposition party.

On Sunday in Amritsar, BJP chief Amit Shah had asked Gandhi whether the matter has ended with Pitroda tendering an apology for "justifying" the Sikh genocide.&nbsp;

With Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP continuing their attack on the Congress over Sam Pitroda's remarks on the 1984 riots, party chief Rahul Gandhi Monday said the leader should be ashamed of himself and seek apology from the country.

With Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP continuing their attack on the Congress over Sam Pitroda's remarks on the 1984 riots, party chief Rahul Gandhi Monday said the leader should be ashamed of himself and seek apology from the country. Gandhi was addressing a poll rally here in favour of Congress candidate Amar Singh, who is pitted against SAD nominee D S Guru from Fatehgarh Sahib (reserve) constituency. "What Sam Pitroda said about 1984 (anti-Sikh riots) was totally wrong and he should seek an apology from the country. I am saying this publicly and I also said the same to him over the phone. Pitroda ji, what you had said was completely wrong and you should be ashamed of yourself. You should seek a public apology," he said winding up his speech here. Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh was also present at the event. The BJP has stepped up offensive against the Congress over the Indian Overseas Congress chief's remarks as the 1984 anti-Sikh riots is an emotive issue in Punjab which is going to polls on May 19. During campaigning in Rohtak in Haryana and at Hoshiarpur in Punjab, Modi on Friday had hit out at the Congress, saying Pitroda's remarks reflected the "character and arrogance" of the opposition party. On Sunday in Amritsar, BJP chief Amit Shah had asked Gandhi whether the matter has ended with Pitroda tendering an apology for "justifying" the Sikh genocide.

You should be ashamed: Rahul Gandhi hits out at Sam Pitroda for remarks on 1984 riots

Ahead of the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/live-lok-sabha-phase-6-elections-voting-begins-for-59-constituencies-across-seven-states-217872"> sixth phase of Lok Sabha polls</a>, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday appealed to youngsters to go out and vote in record numbers.

"Yet another phase of the 2019 Lok Sabha elections is here! Urging all those whose constituencies are polling in today`s sixth phase to go out and vote. I hope youngsters are voting in record numbers," Prime Minister tweeted before voting for sixth phase of Lok Sabha polls began.

"After all, their participation makes the polls even more special," he added.

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Yet another phase of the 2019 Lok Sabha elections is here! 
 
Urging all those whose constituencies are polling in today’s sixth phase to go out and vote. I hope youngsters are voting in record numbers. After all, their participation makes the polls even more special.
— Chowkidar Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1127382183293833216?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 12, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Voting for sixth phase of Lok Sabha polls began on Sunday morning.

A total of 59 seats from six states and Union Territory of Delhi are going to polls in the sixth phase.

The counting of votes will be done on May 23.

Ahead of the sixth phase of Lok Sabha polls, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday appealed to youngsters to go out and vote in record numbers. "Yet another phase of the 2019 Lok Sabha elections is here!

Ahead of the sixth phase of Lok Sabha polls, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday appealed to youngsters to go out and vote in record numbers. "Yet another phase of the 2019 Lok Sabha elections is here! Urging all those whose constituencies are polling in today`s sixth phase to go out and vote. I hope youngsters are voting in record numbers," Prime Minister tweeted before voting for sixth phase of Lok Sabha polls began. "After all, their participation makes the polls even more special," he added. Yet another phase of the 2019 Lok Sabha elections is here! Urging all those whose constituencies are polling in today’s sixth phase to go out and vote. I hope youngsters are voting in record numbers. After all, their participation makes the polls even more special. — Chowkidar Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 12, 2019 × Voting for sixth phase of Lok Sabha polls began on Sunday morning. A total of 59 seats from six states and Union Territory of Delhi are going to polls in the sixth phase. The counting of votes will be done on May 23.

Lok Sabha polls 2019: PM Modi urges youngsters to vote in record numbers

Delhi Congress unit chief Sheila Dikshit on Saturday said the people's perception about Rahul Gandhi has undergone a sea change.

"People's perception about Rahul ji has gone through a major change. He is being seen as a promising leader," said Dikshit in an exclusive conversation with ANI.

She also said that the campaign of the Congress party in Delhi drastically picked up the pace after the roadshow of party general secretary Priyanka Gandhi.

"People's response towards Priyanka ji has been overwhelming. The high turnout of people during her roadshow even amazed us. Our campaign suddenly spiked after the arrival of Priyanka ji and Rahul ji," said the three-time former chief minister.

Resisting from predicting the Lok Sabha result, the octogenarian leader said: "It is a three-sided contest between Congress, AAP, and BJP. But it is only the Congress party which has got an enviable record of bringing development to Delhi during our three terms."

Contesting from North-East Delhi parliamentary constituency, Dikshit expressed concern over the delay in sending slips to the voters in her constituency.

"Voters in my constituency have not received voter slips by now. I have called the officials thrice and they have assured me that the slips will reach in time. Let us hope for the best," said Dikshit.

All seven parliamentary constituencies in Delhi are going to polls on May 12. The counting of votes will take place on May 23.&nbsp;

Delhi Congress unit chief Sheila Dikshit on Saturday said the people's perception about Rahul Gandhi has undergone a sea change. "People's perception about Rahul ji has gone through a major change.

Delhi Congress unit chief Sheila Dikshit on Saturday said the people's perception about Rahul Gandhi has undergone a sea change. "People's perception about Rahul ji has gone through a major change. He is being seen as a promising leader," said Dikshit in an exclusive conversation with ANI. She also said that the campaign of the Congress party in Delhi drastically picked up the pace after the roadshow of party general secretary Priyanka Gandhi. "People's response towards Priyanka ji has been overwhelming. The high turnout of people during her roadshow even amazed us. Our campaign suddenly spiked after the arrival of Priyanka ji and Rahul ji," said the three-time former chief minister. Resisting from predicting the Lok Sabha result, the octogenarian leader said: "It is a three-sided contest between Congress, AAP, and BJP. But it is only the Congress party which has got an enviable record of bringing development to Delhi during our three terms." Contesting from North-East Delhi parliamentary constituency, Dikshit expressed concern over the delay in sending slips to the voters in her constituency. "Voters in my constituency have not received voter slips by now. I have called the officials thrice and they have assured me that the slips will reach in time. Let us hope for the best," said Dikshit. All seven parliamentary constituencies in Delhi are going to polls on May 12. The counting of votes will take place on May 23.

People's perception about Rahul Gandhi has undergone change: Sheila Dikshit

In pics: Key constituencies in Phase 6 of Lok Sabha polls

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday led a fresh BJP offensive on the Congress over its leader <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/arun-jaitley-amit-shah-slams-sam-pitroda-over-his-remark-on-1984-anti-sikh-riots-217415">Sam Pitroda's "so what" remarks on 1984 anti-Sikh riots</a>, saying it reflected the "character and arrogance" of the opposition party.

As Pitroda's remarks kicked up a storm, the Congress distanced itself from the comments and asked the leaders of the party to be careful and sensitive in future.

Pitroda on his part accused the BJP of twisting the three words in Hindi on the riots to "distort facts, divide us (Congress) and hide their failures" and said things of the past are not relevant in this election.

Pitroda, a close aide of Rahul Gandhi and Overseas Congress' head, on Thursday said, 'hua to hua' (So what, it happened) about the anti-Sikh riots. He made this remark in response to a question on the riots by a newsman in Dharamshala in Himachal Pradesh.

The BJP demanded that UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi and Congress president Rahul Gandhi apologise to the nation while ally Akali Dal chief Sukhbir Singh Badal and his wife and union minister Harsimrat Kaur said the comments were "disgraceful" and reflected the mindset of the Gandhis.

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said it is a matter of disgrace that the party had no remorse over the Sikh killings and wondered if Rahul Gandhi would "oust his Guru" for the remarks.

Latching on to Pitroda's remarks, Modi kept up his attack on the Congress while addressing poll rallies in Rohtak and Mandi in Haryana and Himachal Pradesh respectively

"How Congress ran this country for 70 years, how their mind works, how they are filled with arrogance, they themselves yesterday summed this up in three words. Congress, which ruled for the maximum period, has been so much insensitive and that is reflected by the three words spoken yesterday. These words have not been spoken just like that, these words are character and mentality and intentions of the Congress. And which were these words, these were 'hua to hua',"&nbsp;said Modi referring to Pitroda's remarks.

'Hua to hua,' Modi repeated a number of times during the course of his speech in Rohtak.

"We can very well understand the arrogance of Congress and those who run it in these three words- hua to hua."&nbsp;PM Modi.

"Yesterday, one of the tallest leaders of the Congress speaking in a loud voice on 1984 said '84 ka danga hua to hua'. Do you know who this leader is, he is very close to the Gandhi family, he keeps meeting them on a daily basis and is their biggest confidant. This leader was a very good friend of (late) Rajiv Gandhi and he is Guru of Congress 'naamdar' (dynast) president," he said.

"For them, they have no value for life, for them, a human being is not a human being,"&nbsp;said Modi.

In Mandi, Modi said Pitroda's remarks reflected Congress' mindset.

Stating that the Congress had strived to ensure justice for the 1984 riot victims, Congress's chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said the party continued to support the quest for justice and stern punishment for those found guilty in the anti-Sikh riots, as also the subsequent acts of violence, including the 2002 riots in Gujarat.

"Violence and riots are unacceptable and unpardonable in our society..."

"Any opinion or remark made by any individual to the contrary, including Sam Pitroda, is not the opinion of the Congress party. We advise all leaders to be careful and sensitive," Surjewala said in a statement.

Pitroda said the BJP is attacking Congress leaders with "lies" because they cannot talk about their performance and have no vision to take India forward to inclusively growth and prosperity for all with focus on jobs, kids and more jobs.

He took to Twitter to explain his position over the remarks.

"I have noticed how BJP is again twisting three words from my interview to distort facts, divide us and hide their failures. Sad that they have nothing positive to offer. I acknowledged the pain of my Sikh brothers and sisters during difficult times in 1984 and deeply feel for the atrocities that happened," Pitroda said.

"But these are things from the past that are not really relevant to this election which is all about what did Modi government do for the last five years. Rajiv Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi will never target a group of people based on creed," he said.

"Truth is being distorted, lies are being amplified through social media and targeted. People are systematically being intimidated. However, the truth will always prevail and lies will be exposed. It is just a matter of time. Have patience."

Union minister and BJP leader Prakash Javadekar said the statement by Pitroda was "irresponsible".

"Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi must apologise for Sam Pitroda's irresponsible statement," he told reporters.

"Today, he has made an even a more dangerous statement. He says that I can acknowledge the pain of the Sikh community, but it is not relevant today."

Another Union minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi said Pitroda had rubbed salt into the wounds of the riot victims.

Sukhbir Badal asked Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh whether he would continue to remain with the Congress after Pitroda's "disgraceful"&nbsp;comments.

BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra at a press conference in Delhi in the presence of Nirpreet Kaur, a witness to the riots, said the language used by Pitroda is comparable only to the "insensitive, inhuman" remark made by Rajiv Gandhi who in the aftermath of the "genocide" said that "when a big tree falls, the earth shakes."

Activists of the BJP and Akali Dal staged a protest in Amritsar against Pitroda's remarks.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday led a fresh BJP offensive on the Congress over its leader Sam Pitroda's "so what" remarks on 1984 anti-Sikh riots, saying it reflected the "character and arrogance" of the opposition party.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday led a fresh BJP offensive on the Congress over its leader Sam Pitroda's "so what" remarks on 1984 anti-Sikh riots, saying it reflected the "character and arrogance" of the opposition party. As Pitroda's remarks kicked up a storm, the Congress distanced itself from the comments and asked the leaders of the party to be careful and sensitive in future. Pitroda on his part accused the BJP of twisting the three words in Hindi on the riots to "distort facts, divide us (Congress) and hide their failures" and said things of the past are not relevant in this election. Pitroda, a close aide of Rahul Gandhi and Overseas Congress' head, on Thursday said, 'hua to hua' (So what, it happened) about the anti-Sikh riots. He made this remark in response to a question on the riots by a newsman in Dharamshala in Himachal Pradesh. The BJP demanded that UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi and Congress president Rahul Gandhi apologise to the nation while ally Akali Dal chief Sukhbir Singh Badal and his wife and union minister Harsimrat Kaur said the comments were "disgraceful" and reflected the mindset of the Gandhis. Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said it is a matter of disgrace that the party had no remorse over the Sikh killings and wondered if Rahul Gandhi would "oust his Guru" for the remarks. Latching on to Pitroda's remarks, Modi kept up his attack on the Congress while addressing poll rallies in Rohtak and Mandi in Haryana and Himachal Pradesh respectively "How Congress ran this country for 70 years, how their mind works, how they are filled with arrogance, they themselves yesterday summed this up in three words. Congress, which ruled for the maximum period, has been so much insensitive and that is reflected by the three words spoken yesterday. These words have not been spoken just like that, these words are character and mentality and intentions of the Congress. And which were these words, these were 'hua to hua'," said Modi referring to Pitroda's remarks. 'Hua to hua,' Modi repeated a number of times during the course of his speech in Rohtak. "We can very well understand the arrogance of Congress and those who run it in these three words- hua to hua." PM Modi. "Yesterday, one of the tallest leaders of the Congress speaking in a loud voice on 1984 said '84 ka danga hua to hua'. Do you know who this leader is, he is very close to the Gandhi family, he keeps meeting them on a daily basis and is their biggest confidant. This leader was a very good friend of (late) Rajiv Gandhi and he is Guru of Congress 'naamdar' (dynast) president," he said. "For them, they have no value for life, for them, a human being is not a human being," said Modi. In Mandi, Modi said Pitroda's remarks reflected Congress' mindset. Stating that the Congress had strived to ensure justice for the 1984 riot victims, Congress's chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said the party continued to support the quest for justice and stern punishment for those found guilty in the anti-Sikh riots, as also the subsequent acts of violence, including the 2002 riots in Gujarat. "Violence and riots are unacceptable and unpardonable in our society..." "Any opinion or remark made by any individual to the contrary, including Sam Pitroda, is not the opinion of the Congress party. We advise all leaders to be careful and sensitive," Surjewala said in a statement. Pitroda said the BJP is attacking Congress leaders with "lies" because they cannot talk about their performance and have no vision to take India forward to inclusively growth and prosperity for all with focus on jobs, kids and more jobs. He took to Twitter to explain his position over the remarks. "I have noticed how BJP is again twisting three words from my interview to distort facts, divide us and hide their failures. Sad that they have nothing positive to offer. I acknowledged the pain of my Sikh brothers and sisters during difficult times in 1984 and deeply feel for the atrocities that happened," Pitroda said. "But these are things from the past that are not really relevant to this election which is all about what did Modi government do for the last five years. Rajiv Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi will never target a group of people based on creed," he said. "Truth is being distorted, lies are being amplified through social media and targeted. People are systematically being intimidated. However, the truth will always prevail and lies will be exposed. It is just a matter of time. Have patience." Union minister and BJP leader Prakash Javadekar said the statement by Pitroda was "irresponsible". "Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi must apologise for Sam Pitroda's irresponsible statement," he told reporters. "Today, he has made an even a more dangerous statement. He says that I can acknowledge the pain of the Sikh community, but it is not relevant today." Another Union minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi said Pitroda had rubbed salt into the wounds of the riot victims. Sukhbir Badal asked Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh whether he would continue to remain with the Congress after Pitroda's "disgraceful" comments. BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra at a press conference in Delhi in the presence of Nirpreet Kaur, a witness to the riots, said the language used by Pitroda is comparable only to the "insensitive, inhuman" remark made by Rajiv Gandhi who in the aftermath of the "genocide" said that "when a big tree falls, the earth shakes." Activists of the BJP and Akali Dal staged a protest in Amritsar against Pitroda's remarks.

PM, BJP slam Pitroda over remarks on 1984 anti-Sikh riots; Congress distances itself

The Russia probe plunged Washington into turmoil Wednesday as Donald Trump's son reportedly was ordered to testify before a Senate panel and the White House refused to release material on investigations into the president.

A day after the top Republican in Congress called the Russia probe "case closed," Trump's conflict with his Democratic opponents escalated to new heights as a House panel voted to hold the nation's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-house-panel-accuses-william-barr-of-contempt-as-trump-invokes-executive-privilege-217129">Attorney General Bill Barr in contempt</a> for refusing to turn over key documents.

Following a day of drama that included Trump asserting executive privilege for the first time in his presidency, the Republican-led Senate Intelligence Committee took the surprise step of issuing a subpoena to Donald Trump Jr to testify as part of its investigation into Russian election interference, US media reported.

It was the first known legal summons issued to a member of the president's family to force testimony in the ongoing investigation, and comes after special counsel Robert Mueller declined to accuse Trump's 2016 campaign of criminal conspiracy to collude with the Russians.

Trump Jr, 41, has testified voluntarily in private once to the committee, and was peppered with questions about a June 9, 2016 meeting at Trump Tower in New York that he and other campaign officials had with a Russian lawyer who had offered them dirt on Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton.

Committee aides would not confirm the subpoena or what they want to discuss with the president's eldest son, who currently helps run the Trump Organization.

Citing a person close to Trump Jr, The Wall Street Journal reported he had offered to answer questions in writing from the committee, and planned to fight the subpoena, which demands he testify in person.

The White House has been seeking to shield a large swathe of material -- including redacted portions of Mueller's report -- subpoenaed by lawmakers seeking to exert their oversight responsibility.

The rare move to invoke executive privilege came as the House Judiciary Committee took its most substantive step yet against a member of the Trump administration by approving a contempt motion against Barr.

"This was a very grave and momentous step we were forced to take today," committee chairman Jerry Nadler said after the party-line vote. 
Nadler said the contempt citation will proceed "rapidly" for a full House vote but did not offer a timeline.

He accused Trump and the White House of stonewalling by preventing America's congressional representatives from conducting oversight of the executive branch.

"It's an attack on the essence of our democracy," Nadler said. "We are now in a constitutional crisis." The Department of Justice swiftly shot back, branding the contempt vote "inappropriate political theatrics." Hours earlier, Trump made clear he would assert his executive privilege to keep Mueller's full report under wraps.

"Neither the White House nor Attorney General Barr will comply with Chairman Nadler's unlawful and reckless demands," White House press secretary Sarah Sanders said.

Assistant Attorney General Stephen Boyd stressed that Trump had moved to keep "the entirety of the subpoenaed materials" from the eyes of Congress.

Nadler warned that such action "represents a clear escalation in the Trump administration's blanket defiance of Congress's constitutionally mandated duties." Democrats have struggled with their battle plan in the wake of the Mueller report.

Some have called for impeachment proceedings against Trump, while others stress the need to refocus on issues affecting everyday Americans ahead of the 2020 election.

Trump claimed the document exonerated him of wrongdoing. On the question of obstruction of justice, the report did not conclude Trump committed a crime, but Mueller wrote that "it also does not exonerate him."&nbsp;

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Trump's nemesis in Congress, has refrained from calling for his impeachment.

But on Wednesday she voiced support for the contempt move, and delivered a stinging message about the White House refusal to release the unredacted report.

"Is this what it looks like when you have nothing to hide?" Pelosi tweeted.

For several hours in the tense judiciary hearing, lawmakers traded barbs about Barr's brazen protection of the president and the calculated effort by Democrats to punish him and gain access to key material.

Addressing a rally of supporters in Florida on Wednesday night, Trump defended his attorney general as "great" and said that after Mueller's two-year probe found "nothing," the Democrats were not finished.

"You know it was going to be, like, 'we want the Mueller report.' Now they say, 'Mueller report, no, we want to start all over again.' It is a disgrace." Barr defied a subpoena to turn over a complete copy of Mueller's report and the underlying evidence, and last week refused to testify before the House Judiciary Committee.

The panel approved the 27-page contempt citation in which Nadler wrote that even the redacted report "offers disturbing evidence and analysis that President Trump engaged in obstruction of justice at the highest levels."

The Russia probe plunged Washington into turmoil Wednesday as Donald Trump's son reportedly was ordered to testify before a Senate panel and the White House refused to release material on investigations into the president.

The Russia probe plunged Washington into turmoil Wednesday as Donald Trump's son reportedly was ordered to testify before a Senate panel and the White House refused to release material on investigations into the president. A day after the top Republican in Congress called the Russia probe "case closed," Trump's conflict with his Democratic opponents escalated to new heights as a House panel voted to hold the nation's Attorney General Bill Barr in contempt for refusing to turn over key documents. Following a day of drama that included Trump asserting executive privilege for the first time in his presidency, the Republican-led Senate Intelligence Committee took the surprise step of issuing a subpoena to Donald Trump Jr to testify as part of its investigation into Russian election interference, US media reported. It was the first known legal summons issued to a member of the president's family to force testimony in the ongoing investigation, and comes after special counsel Robert Mueller declined to accuse Trump's 2016 campaign of criminal conspiracy to collude with the Russians. Trump Jr, 41, has testified voluntarily in private once to the committee, and was peppered with questions about a June 9, 2016 meeting at Trump Tower in New York that he and other campaign officials had with a Russian lawyer who had offered them dirt on Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton. Committee aides would not confirm the subpoena or what they want to discuss with the president's eldest son, who currently helps run the Trump Organization. Citing a person close to Trump Jr, The Wall Street Journal reported he had offered to answer questions in writing from the committee, and planned to fight the subpoena, which demands he testify in person. The White House has been seeking to shield a large swathe of material -- including redacted portions of Mueller's report -- subpoenaed by lawmakers seeking to exert their oversight responsibility. The rare move to invoke executive privilege came as the House Judiciary Committee took its most substantive step yet against a member of the Trump administration by approving a contempt motion against Barr. "This was a very grave and momentous step we were forced to take today," committee chairman Jerry Nadler said after the party-line vote. Nadler said the contempt citation will proceed "rapidly" for a full House vote but did not offer a timeline. He accused Trump and the White House of stonewalling by preventing America's congressional representatives from conducting oversight of the executive branch. "It's an attack on the essence of our democracy," Nadler said. "We are now in a constitutional crisis." The Department of Justice swiftly shot back, branding the contempt vote "inappropriate political theatrics." Hours earlier, Trump made clear he would assert his executive privilege to keep Mueller's full report under wraps. "Neither the White House nor Attorney General Barr will comply with Chairman Nadler's unlawful and reckless demands," White House press secretary Sarah Sanders said. Assistant Attorney General Stephen Boyd stressed that Trump had moved to keep "the entirety of the subpoenaed materials" from the eyes of Congress. Nadler warned that such action "represents a clear escalation in the Trump administration's blanket defiance of Congress's constitutionally mandated duties." Democrats have struggled with their battle plan in the wake of the Mueller report. Some have called for impeachment proceedings against Trump, while others stress the need to refocus on issues affecting everyday Americans ahead of the 2020 election. Trump claimed the document exonerated him of wrongdoing. On the question of obstruction of justice, the report did not conclude Trump committed a crime, but Mueller wrote that "it also does not exonerate him." House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Trump's nemesis in Congress, has refrained from calling for his impeachment. But on Wednesday she voiced support for the contempt move, and delivered a stinging message about the White House refusal to release the unredacted report. "Is this what it looks like when you have nothing to hide?" Pelosi tweeted. For several hours in the tense judiciary hearing, lawmakers traded barbs about Barr's brazen protection of the president and the calculated effort by Democrats to punish him and gain access to key material. Addressing a rally of supporters in Florida on Wednesday night, Trump defended his attorney general as "great" and said that after Mueller's two-year probe found "nothing," the Democrats were not finished. "You know it was going to be, like, 'we want the Mueller report.' Now they say, 'Mueller report, no, we want to start all over again.' It is a disgrace." Barr defied a subpoena to turn over a complete copy of Mueller's report and the underlying evidence, and last week refused to testify before the House Judiciary Committee. The panel approved the 27-page contempt citation in which Nadler wrote that even the redacted report "offers disturbing evidence and analysis that President Trump engaged in obstruction of justice at the highest levels."

Trump Jr subpoenaed as Congress battles White House over Russia report

The Congress has lost all political credibility when it comes to addressing the issue of poverty, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/water-will-flow-to-rajasthan-punjab-not-pakistan-if-it-continues-to-support-terrorism-nitin-gadkari-217165">Union minister Nitin Gadkari</a> said on Thursday, taking a dig at Rahul Gandhi's proposed "Nyay" scheme by invoking Congress prime ministers, who, he claimed, had vowed to eradicate poverty and failed.&nbsp;

Addressing a press conference at the BJP office, Gadkari also alleged that the Congress had deliberately created "fear" in the minds of the minorities to divert attention from performance, work and development, which should have been the issues in the ongoing Lok Sabha election.

"The Congress party has no credibility. After 1947, (then prime minister Jawaharlal) Nehru said he will remove poverty. Then Indira Gandhi said this. She used the slogan of removing poverty and won (elections), but poverty did not go. Then Rajiv Gandhi repeated that;&nbsp;then Sonia Gandhi and then Manmohan Singh, but poverty did not go. Now, even Panditji's (Nehru) great-grandson is saying the same thing," he said.

"If he (Congress chief Rahul Gandhi) will remove poverty by giving Rs 72,000, then what did Pandit Nehru, Indira Gandhi, Manmohan Singh do? That is why the political credibility of the Congress in removing poverty has ended," Gadkari said.&nbsp;

The senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader further alleged that the Congress had a history of injustice and since 1947, it had been responsible for "wrong economic policies, bad and corrupt governance and visionless leadership".

"So, 'Nyay' will not happen, because, with justice, the person dolling it out should also be trustworthy," he said.

Gadkari also lashed out at the opposition party for the abuse it had meted out to Prime Minister Narendra Modi during its poll campaign and said he had a list of 56 such abuses.

"The Congress deliberately wants to ensure that performance and work do not become poll issues. That is why they have done two things. One, fear is their biggest capital. Create fear in the minds of Dalits, minorities, SCs and STs. Two, ensure that a discussion on the work done in five years, which had not happened in 50 years, does not take place. If the discussion revolves around development, then they know they will be in trouble," he said.

Under the Modi government, the social sector had benefitted immensely, Gadkari said while talking about the opening of bank accounts, roads, water and electricity.&nbsp;

"Last time during the Kumbh, the prime minister of Mauritius could not go for a bath in the Ganga... This time, 20 crore people visited the Kumbh and took bath in the river. For the first time, the Ganga was pure and clean. We did what we promised," the Union Minister said.

"We made the waterways and that is why (Congress leader) Priyanka (Gandhi Vadra) could travel from Prayagraj to Varanasi on a boat while abusing us continuously. I want to ask her, had we not made the waterway, how would she have done that? She could drink the water thrice because we have cleaned the Ganga water. Or else, she would have also had to leave like the Mauritius PM," the Union minister for road transport and highways said.

He said it was unfortunate that those who had promoted the accused in the 1984 anti-Sikh riots, those who had failed to give justice to the victims were now talking about "Nyay".

"The politics of performance and development is our biggest asset. Our schemes have reached every nook and cranny of this country and that is how we want to fight the election. The lowering of the standard of the discourse during this election has been noticed by the people of this country. We will form a BJP-led NDA government with a record mandate," Gadkari said.

The Congress has lost all political credibility when it comes to addressing the issue of poverty, Union minister Nitin Gadkari said on Thursday, taking a dig at Rahul Gandhi's proposed "Nyay" scheme by invoking Congress prime ministers, who, he claimed, had vowed to eradicate poverty and failed.

The Congress has lost all political credibility when it comes to addressing the issue of poverty, Union minister Nitin Gadkari said on Thursday, taking a dig at Rahul Gandhi's proposed "Nyay" scheme by invoking Congress prime ministers, who, he claimed, had vowed to eradicate poverty and failed. Addressing a press conference at the BJP office, Gadkari also alleged that the Congress had deliberately created "fear" in the minds of the minorities to divert attention from performance, work and development, which should have been the issues in the ongoing Lok Sabha election. "The Congress party has no credibility. After 1947, (then prime minister Jawaharlal) Nehru said he will remove poverty. Then Indira Gandhi said this. She used the slogan of removing poverty and won (elections), but poverty did not go. Then Rajiv Gandhi repeated that; then Sonia Gandhi and then Manmohan Singh, but poverty did not go. Now, even Panditji's (Nehru) great-grandson is saying the same thing," he said. "If he (Congress chief Rahul Gandhi) will remove poverty by giving Rs 72,000, then what did Pandit Nehru, Indira Gandhi, Manmohan Singh do? That is why the political credibility of the Congress in removing poverty has ended," Gadkari said. The senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader further alleged that the Congress had a history of injustice and since 1947, it had been responsible for "wrong economic policies, bad and corrupt governance and visionless leadership". "So, 'Nyay' will not happen, because, with justice, the person dolling it out should also be trustworthy," he said. Gadkari also lashed out at the opposition party for the abuse it had meted out to Prime Minister Narendra Modi during its poll campaign and said he had a list of 56 such abuses. "The Congress deliberately wants to ensure that performance and work do not become poll issues. That is why they have done two things. One, fear is their biggest capital. Create fear in the minds of Dalits, minorities, SCs and STs. Two, ensure that a discussion on the work done in five years, which had not happened in 50 years, does not take place. If the discussion revolves around development, then they know they will be in trouble," he said. Under the Modi government, the social sector had benefitted immensely, Gadkari said while talking about the opening of bank accounts, roads, water and electricity. "Last time during the Kumbh, the prime minister of Mauritius could not go for a bath in the Ganga... This time, 20 crore people visited the Kumbh and took bath in the river. For the first time, the Ganga was pure and clean. We did what we promised," the Union Minister said. "We made the waterways and that is why (Congress leader) Priyanka (Gandhi Vadra) could travel from Prayagraj to Varanasi on a boat while abusing us continuously. I want to ask her, had we not made the waterway, how would she have done that? She could drink the water thrice because we have cleaned the Ganga water. Or else, she would have also had to leave like the Mauritius PM," the Union minister for road transport and highways said. He said it was unfortunate that those who had promoted the accused in the 1984 anti-Sikh riots, those who had failed to give justice to the victims were now talking about "Nyay". "The politics of performance and development is our biggest asset. Our schemes have reached every nook and cranny of this country and that is how we want to fight the election. The lowering of the standard of the discourse during this election has been noticed by the people of this country. We will form a BJP-led NDA government with a record mandate," Gadkari said.

Congress has lost credibility to address poverty: Nitin Gadkari

Seeking to counter the BJP's Hindutva plank, hundreds of sadhus chanted "Jai Shree Ram" as they took part in a roadshow held on Wednesday by Congress veteran Digvijaya Singh, who is contesting the Lok Sabha poll from Bhopal seat in Madhya Pradesh.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/digvijaya-singh-performs-yagna-with-computer-baba-to-ensure-win-in-lok-sabha-elections-216658">Singh along with religious leader Namdev Tyagi</a> alias Computer Baba led the roadshow from Bhawani Chowk to Lal Parade ground, moving through main roads of the city, to seek votes.

Several saffron and white robes-clad saints holding the Congress' and saffron flags shouted "Jai Shree Ram" while campaigning in support of Singh, who is pitted against BJP candidate Pragya Thakur, a Hindutva activist.

Some seers participating in the roadshow said they want the Ram temple to be constructed in Ayodhya at the earliest.

Some police personnel, both men and women, in plain clothes were seen sporting saffron 'gamchha' (a cloth worn around shoulders and neck) during the roadshow.

On Tuesday, hundreds of sadhus trooped to the state capital to seek votes for Singh and campaign against Thakur.

Computer Baba, who was recently appointed chairman of a river trust by the Congress government, on Tuesday said the BJP remained in power for five years but it failed to construct the Ram temple.

"Ab Ram Mandir nahi toh Modi nahi (when there is no Ram Mandir then there should be no Narendra Modi too)," the self-styled godman said.

Meanwhile, Thakur, who is an accused in the 2008 Malegaon blast case, released BJP's vision document here on Wednesday, promising all round development of the state capital Bhopal.

BJP president Amit Shah will also hold a roadshow here in the evening.

The Bhopal seat, which has been a stronghold of the BJP, will go to polls on May 12. 
&nbsp;

Seeking to counter the BJP's Hindutva plank, hundreds of sadhus chanted "Jai Shree Ram" as they took part in a roadshow held on Wednesday by Congress veteran Digvijaya Singh, who is contesting the Lok Sabha poll from Bhopal seat in Madhya Pradesh.

Seeking to counter the BJP's Hindutva plank, hundreds of sadhus chanted "Jai Shree Ram" as they took part in a roadshow held on Wednesday by Congress veteran Digvijaya Singh, who is contesting the Lok Sabha poll from Bhopal seat in Madhya Pradesh. Singh along with religious leader Namdev Tyagi alias Computer Baba led the roadshow from Bhawani Chowk to Lal Parade ground, moving through main roads of the city, to seek votes. Several saffron and white robes-clad saints holding the Congress' and saffron flags shouted "Jai Shree Ram" while campaigning in support of Singh, who is pitted against BJP candidate Pragya Thakur, a Hindutva activist. Some seers participating in the roadshow said they want the Ram temple to be constructed in Ayodhya at the earliest. Some police personnel, both men and women, in plain clothes were seen sporting saffron 'gamchha' (a cloth worn around shoulders and neck) during the roadshow. On Tuesday, hundreds of sadhus trooped to the state capital to seek votes for Singh and campaign against Thakur. Computer Baba, who was recently appointed chairman of a river trust by the Congress government, on Tuesday said the BJP remained in power for five years but it failed to construct the Ram temple. "Ab Ram Mandir nahi toh Modi nahi (when there is no Ram Mandir then there should be no Narendra Modi too)," the self-styled godman said. Meanwhile, Thakur, who is an accused in the 2008 Malegaon blast case, released BJP's vision document here on Wednesday, promising all round development of the state capital Bhopal. BJP president Amit Shah will also hold a roadshow here in the evening. The Bhopal seat, which has been a stronghold of the BJP, will go to polls on May 12.

Saffron dominates Digvijaya's roadshow in Bhopal

Union Minister<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/videos/smriti-irani-alleges-voters-being-forced-to-vote-for-congress-216384&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiMy6ui14jiAhXS7nMBHSRfAkIQFjAIegQIBhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw03qzuEilU0CXJuZVJMu1RV"> Smriti Irani </a>on Monday hit out at Congress president Rahul Gandhi for cancelling his visit to <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/photos/lok-sabha-elections-smriti-irani-rahul-gandhi-face-off-in-fifth-phase-polls-216380&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiMy6ui14jiAhXS7nMBHSRfAkIQFjAEegQIBRAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1OigluUO7MaLqWxplwLqjg">Amethi on the polling day</a>, which she said is "an insult to the people" of the constituency.

"Rahul Gandhi has once again cheated the people of Amethi. I did not know that Rahul Gandhi could become so egotistic that he will not appear on the polling day. At least, he should have not insulted the people of his constituency. The person who can lie on the matter of his tours should never be trusted by the people," Irani said while speaking to ANI.

In response to Irani`s statement, Congress MLC Deepak Singh said,&nbsp;"Smriti Irani is frustrated as she is losing her deposit in Amethi. Her allegation shows that people have given mandate in favour of Congress. People of Amethi told Rahul Gandhi to look after the country and they will look after Amethi. This is the reason Rahul Gandhi did not come to Amethi today."

Irani has faced Rahul in Amethi Lok Sabha seat for which the polling took place on Monday.

Gandhi has been winning this seat since 2004.

In the last Lok Sabha polls, he had defeated Irani by a margin of over one lakh votes.

The counting of votes will take place on May 23.

Union Minister Smriti Irani on Monday hit out at Congress president Rahul Gandhi for cancelling his visit to Amethi on the polling day, which she said is "an insult to the people" of the constituency.

Union Minister Smriti Irani on Monday hit out at Congress president Rahul Gandhi for cancelling his visit to Amethi on the polling day, which she said is "an insult to the people" of the constituency. "Rahul Gandhi has once again cheated the people of Amethi. I did not know that Rahul Gandhi could become so egotistic that he will not appear on the polling day. At least, he should have not insulted the people of his constituency. The person who can lie on the matter of his tours should never be trusted by the people," Irani said while speaking to ANI. In response to Irani`s statement, Congress MLC Deepak Singh said, "Smriti Irani is frustrated as she is losing her deposit in Amethi. Her allegation shows that people have given mandate in favour of Congress. People of Amethi told Rahul Gandhi to look after the country and they will look after Amethi. This is the reason Rahul Gandhi did not come to Amethi today." Irani has faced Rahul in Amethi Lok Sabha seat for which the polling took place on Monday. Gandhi has been winning this seat since 2004. In the last Lok Sabha polls, he had defeated Irani by a margin of over one lakh votes. The counting of votes will take place on May 23.

On polling day, Rahul Gandhi cancels Amethi visit; Smriti Irani says insult to people

&nbsp;A voter turnout of 63.5 per cent was recorded in the fifth phase of the <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-election-watch-know-5-crucial-points-about-phase-5-216501&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwimxaT71YjiAhVUmuYKHRlOD_QQFjAHegQIBhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2SIFkZ3QIKeYWEkwZ7z0k9">Lok Sabha elections</a>, which is the lowest in all the phases so far, Election Commission data shows.

According to the Commission's Voter Turnout android application, at 9.00 PM, the turnout in the Monday's polling was 63.5 per cent.&nbsp;

The voter turnout has recorded a decreasing trend so far this election.

At 69.50 per cent, the polling in phase-1 is the highest in the five phases&nbsp;so far.

In phase-2, the turnout was 69.44 per cent, it was 68.40 in phase-3 and 65.51 per cent in phase-4.

Senior Deputy Election Commissioner Sandeep Saxena told reporters here that as compared to 2014, in the first four phases (barring Monday's phase five), 7.85 crore more people eligible to cast vote.&nbsp;

He also said that six crore more voters participated in the democratic exercise in the first four phases as compared to 2014 LS polls in its four phases.&nbsp;

The Anantnag Parliamentary Constituency in Jammu &amp; Kashmir went to polls in Phase III, Phase IV &amp; Phase V, the only such instance in the country.

The overall voter turnout there was 8.76 per cent this year as compared to 28.54 per cent in 2014 Lok Sabha polls.

The Ladakh constituency of the state, which went to polls Monday, recorded a turnout of 71.10 per cent at 10 PM as per the EC app. In 2014, the turnout was nearly the same at 71.9 per cent.

A total of 51 constituencies in seven states voted Monday. In this phase, the least number of states were involved.

Over 8.75 crore electors were to decide the fate of 674 candidates, including top leaders such as Congress president Rahul Gandhi, UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi and Home Minister Rajnath Singh, in this phase.

The Election Commission set up over 96,000 polling booths, which included a maximum of 28,072 in Uttar Pradesh, for smooth conduct of polls.

A voter turnout of 63.5 per cent was recorded in the fifth phase of the Lok Sabha elections, which is the lowest in all the phases so far, Election Commission data shows.

A voter turnout of 63.5 per cent was recorded in the fifth phase of the Lok Sabha elections, which is the lowest in all the phases so far, Election Commission data shows. According to the Commission's Voter Turnout android application, at 9.00 PM, the turnout in the Monday's polling was 63.5 per cent. The voter turnout has recorded a decreasing trend so far this election. At 69.50 per cent, the polling in phase-1 is the highest in the five phases so far. In phase-2, the turnout was 69.44 per cent, it was 68.40 in phase-3 and 65.51 per cent in phase-4. Senior Deputy Election Commissioner Sandeep Saxena told reporters here that as compared to 2014, in the first four phases (barring Monday's phase five), 7.85 crore more people eligible to cast vote. He also said that six crore more voters participated in the democratic exercise in the first four phases as compared to 2014 LS polls in its four phases. The Anantnag Parliamentary Constituency in Jammu & Kashmir went to polls in Phase III, Phase IV & Phase V, the only such instance in the country. The overall voter turnout there was 8.76 per cent this year as compared to 28.54 per cent in 2014 Lok Sabha polls. The Ladakh constituency of the state, which went to polls Monday, recorded a turnout of 71.10 per cent at 10 PM as per the EC app. In 2014, the turnout was nearly the same at 71.9 per cent. A total of 51 constituencies in seven states voted Monday. In this phase, the least number of states were involved. Over 8.75 crore electors were to decide the fate of 674 candidates, including top leaders such as Congress president Rahul Gandhi, UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi and Home Minister Rajnath Singh, in this phase. The Election Commission set up over 96,000 polling booths, which included a maximum of 28,072 in Uttar Pradesh, for smooth conduct of polls.

63.5% voter turnout in Phase 5: Election Commission

Congress leader and former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Digvijay Singh on Tuesday performed a 'havan'&nbsp;in the presence of Namdas Tyagi also known as Computer Baba and other sadhus at a Maha Yagna organised in Bhopal on Tuesday.

Tyagi said that the Yagna was a form of `Hath Yoga` to ensure Digvijaya`s win in the Lok Sabha elections and added that BJP had "fooled" the community of seers by using the Ram Mandir issue as a political tool.

"BJP has fooled not just the public but the community of seers as well. All sadhus who are with me unanimously say that without a Ram Mandir there will not be a Modi government again, we are holding the Yagna to ensure Digvijay Singh`s win," Tyagi said here.

Namdas Tyagi or `Computer Baba` was appointed the Minister of State (MoS) position under the Shivraj Singh Chouhan government.

However, he had openly rebelled against the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) after being denied the party ticket for the state assembly elections held in Madhya Pradesh.

At the `pooja` Digvijaya is seen dressed in white kurta pyjama seated on the ground while others surround him in a semi circle.

Digvijay Singh will be up against BJP`s MP candidate and firebrand leader Sadhvi Pragya in the Lok Sabha elections.

Bhopal is going to polls in the sixth phase of parliamentary elections on May 12.

The counting of votes will begin on May 23. 
&nbsp;

Congress leader and former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Digvijay Singh on Tuesday performed a 'havan' in the presence of Namdas Tyagi also known as Computer Baba and other sadhus at a Maha Yagna organised in Bhopal on Tuesday.

Congress leader and former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Digvijay Singh on Tuesday performed a 'havan' in the presence of Namdas Tyagi also known as Computer Baba and other sadhus at a Maha Yagna organised in Bhopal on Tuesday. Tyagi said that the Yagna was a form of `Hath Yoga` to ensure Digvijaya`s win in the Lok Sabha elections and added that BJP had "fooled" the community of seers by using the Ram Mandir issue as a political tool. "BJP has fooled not just the public but the community of seers as well. All sadhus who are with me unanimously say that without a Ram Mandir there will not be a Modi government again, we are holding the Yagna to ensure Digvijay Singh`s win," Tyagi said here. Namdas Tyagi or `Computer Baba` was appointed the Minister of State (MoS) position under the Shivraj Singh Chouhan government. However, he had openly rebelled against the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) after being denied the party ticket for the state assembly elections held in Madhya Pradesh. At the `pooja` Digvijaya is seen dressed in white kurta pyjama seated on the ground while others surround him in a semi circle. Digvijay Singh will be up against BJP`s MP candidate and firebrand leader Sadhvi Pragya in the Lok Sabha elections. Bhopal is going to polls in the sixth phase of parliamentary elections on May 12. The counting of votes will begin on May 23.

Digvijaya Singh performs yagna with Computer Baba to ensure win in Lok Sabha elections

Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel exuded confidence over Congress'&nbsp;victory in the ongoing Lok Sabha elections claiming that the country is in the mood of change, hence, certainly the Congress'&nbsp;government will be formed after May 23.

When asked that how confident he is over Congress'&nbsp;victory in the ongoing Lok Sabha elections, Baghel told reporters, "The atmosphere in Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand and other states is good towards the Congress. The BJP is very behind. The country is in the mood of change, certainly, the Congress government will be formed."

On being asked to respond on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent remarks on late Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi during a public rally, he said, "Look at the statement given by Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur (BJP Lok Sabha candidate from Bhopal), Prime Minister's remark about Rajiv ji, it is clear to everyone that such statements are in support of terrorism. The Prime Minister should take care of his dignity and post as we did not expect such comments by him."

Referring to the 1999 plane hijack which led to the release of Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) chief Masood Azhar to Kandahar, the Chief Minister also accused the BJP of having links with the terrorists and Naxals.

Questioning why till date no investigation was initiated in the ghastly Pulwama terror attack by JeM which claimed lives of 40 CRPF personnel on February 14, he said, "Masood Azhar was sent to Pakistan by BJP. What is the relation between them? They (BJP) have relations with terrorists and Naxals...The probe in the Pulwama terror attack did not start till date. When the terror attack took place, why Prime Minister Narendra Modi was doing a photo shoot?"

Talking about the policy to tackle with the Naxals issue, the Chief Minister said after the completion of the ongoing general elections, he will interact with the central government and other Naxal-affected states to form a policy regarding the problem.

"Naxalism is not only in Chhattisgarh but in other states as well. It is necessary to work in a collective way to prevent this. After the Model Code of Conduct, we will also interact with the Centre and other states to form a policy to tackle with the Naxal issue," Baghel said.&nbsp;

Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel exuded confidence over Congress' victory in the ongoing Lok Sabha elections claiming that the country is in the mood of change, hence, certainly the Congress' government will be formed after May 23.

Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel exuded confidence over Congress' victory in the ongoing Lok Sabha elections claiming that the country is in the mood of change, hence, certainly the Congress' government will be formed after May 23. When asked that how confident he is over Congress' victory in the ongoing Lok Sabha elections, Baghel told reporters, "The atmosphere in Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand and other states is good towards the Congress. The BJP is very behind. The country is in the mood of change, certainly, the Congress government will be formed." On being asked to respond on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent remarks on late Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi during a public rally, he said, "Look at the statement given by Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur (BJP Lok Sabha candidate from Bhopal), Prime Minister's remark about Rajiv ji, it is clear to everyone that such statements are in support of terrorism. The Prime Minister should take care of his dignity and post as we did not expect such comments by him." Referring to the 1999 plane hijack which led to the release of Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) chief Masood Azhar to Kandahar, the Chief Minister also accused the BJP of having links with the terrorists and Naxals. Questioning why till date no investigation was initiated in the ghastly Pulwama terror attack by JeM which claimed lives of 40 CRPF personnel on February 14, he said, "Masood Azhar was sent to Pakistan by BJP. What is the relation between them? They (BJP) have relations with terrorists and Naxals...The probe in the Pulwama terror attack did not start till date. When the terror attack took place, why Prime Minister Narendra Modi was doing a photo shoot?" Talking about the policy to tackle with the Naxals issue, the Chief Minister said after the completion of the ongoing general elections, he will interact with the central government and other Naxal-affected states to form a policy regarding the problem. "Naxalism is not only in Chhattisgarh but in other states as well. It is necessary to work in a collective way to prevent this. After the Model Code of Conduct, we will also interact with the Centre and other states to form a policy to tackle with the Naxal issue," Baghel said.

'Country in mood of change,' says Chhattisgarh CM exuding confidence over Congress' victory

Bahujan Samaj Party supremo Mayawati on Sunday said that the SP-BSP-RLD alliance has left out Amethi and Rae Bareli Lok Sabha seats for Congress to contest to ensure that the BJP does not gain.&nbsp;

"Humne desh mein, janhit mein khaskar BJP-RSS wadi takaton ko kamzor karne ke liye UP mein Amethi-Raebareli LS seat ko Congress party ke liye isiliye chhod diya taki iske dono sarvoch neta dono seaton se hi phirse chunav lade aur in dono seaton mein ulajh kar na reh jaye," she told media.

She added that she is confident that each and every vote for the 'alliance' in the two constituencies will go to the Congress. &nbsp;

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Mayawati: Phir kahin BJP iska fayda UP ke bahar kuch zyada na utha le. Ise khas dhyan mein rakhkar hi, hamare gathbandhan ne dono seaten Congress ke liye chhod di thi. Mujhe poori ummeed hai ke hamare gathbandhan ka ek ek vote har halat mein dono Congress neta ko milne wala hai. <a href="https://t.co/yHVxME7PZx">https://t.co/yHVxME7PZx</a>
— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANINewsUP/status/1124906249865256960?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 5, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"Phir kahin BJP iska fayda UP ke bahar kuch zyada na utha le. Ise khas dhyan mein rakhkar hi, hamare gathbandhan ne dono seaten Congress ke liye chhod di thi. Mujhe poori ummeed hai ke hamare gathbandhan ka ek ek vote har halat mein dono Congress neta ko milne wala hai," Mayawati said.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav has said that the SP-BSP-RLD alliance will decide who will form the government and who will be the next prime minister of the country.&nbsp;

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Akhilesh Yadav, SP: He (PM Modi) is a 180 degree PM, he does just the opposite of whatever he says. He is the PM of only 1% of the population. So he has this issue that how those in the favour of social justice are taking the nation towards a change. <a href="https://t.co/kjvVh4MwV2">https://t.co/kjvVh4MwV2</a>
— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANINewsUP/status/1124910189293871104?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 5, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"BJP can see no other way. They're not talking about development, farmers' income. PM just wants to mislead people," Yadav said.&nbsp;

He alleged that PM Modi does the "opposite of whatever he says" and called him "180 degree PM".&nbsp;

"He is the PM of only 1% of the population. So he has this issue that how those in the favour of social justice are taking the nation towards a change," he noted.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Bahujan Samaj Party supremo Mayawati on Sunday said that the SP-BSP-RLD alliance has left out Amethi and Rae Bareli Lok Sabha seats for Congress to contest to ensure that the BJP does not gain.

Bahujan Samaj Party supremo Mayawati on Sunday said that the SP-BSP-RLD alliance has left out Amethi and Rae Bareli Lok Sabha seats for Congress to contest to ensure that the BJP does not gain. "Humne desh mein, janhit mein khaskar BJP-RSS wadi takaton ko kamzor karne ke liye UP mein Amethi-Raebareli LS seat ko Congress party ke liye isiliye chhod diya taki iske dono sarvoch neta dono seaton se hi phirse chunav lade aur in dono seaton mein ulajh kar na reh jaye," she told media. She added that she is confident that each and every vote for the 'alliance' in the two constituencies will go to the Congress. Mayawati: Phir kahin BJP iska fayda UP ke bahar kuch zyada na utha le. Ise khas dhyan mein rakhkar hi, hamare gathbandhan ne dono seaten Congress ke liye chhod di thi. Mujhe poori ummeed hai ke hamare gathbandhan ka ek ek vote har halat mein dono Congress neta ko milne wala hai. https://t.co/yHVxME7PZx — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) May 5, 2019 × "Phir kahin BJP iska fayda UP ke bahar kuch zyada na utha le. Ise khas dhyan mein rakhkar hi, hamare gathbandhan ne dono seaten Congress ke liye chhod di thi. Mujhe poori ummeed hai ke hamare gathbandhan ka ek ek vote har halat mein dono Congress neta ko milne wala hai," Mayawati said. Meanwhile, Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav has said that the SP-BSP-RLD alliance will decide who will form the government and who will be the next prime minister of the country. Akhilesh Yadav, SP: He (PM Modi) is a 180 degree PM, he does just the opposite of whatever he says. He is the PM of only 1% of the population. So he has this issue that how those in the favour of social justice are taking the nation towards a change. https://t.co/kjvVh4MwV2 — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) May 5, 2019 × "BJP can see no other way. They're not talking about development, farmers' income. PM just wants to mislead people," Yadav said. He alleged that PM Modi does the "opposite of whatever he says" and called him "180 degree PM". "He is the PM of only 1% of the population. So he has this issue that how those in the favour of social justice are taking the nation towards a change," he noted.

Left Amethi, Rae Bareli for Congress to ensure BJP's defeat: Mayawati 

The BJP Saturday termed Congress president <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/videos/rahul-gandhi-attacks-pm-modi-raises-issues-of-surgical-strikes-and-economy-215901&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiZ7c6j4IHiAhXQh3AKHbfRDssQFjADegQIEBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2Ni9mgReLxDPeVhBEljofZ">Rahul Gandhi's</a> attacks on Prime Minister, the outcome of frustration as the party is not only losing elections across the country in a big way but its "so-called bastion Amethi is also crumbling."

Addressing a press conference, BJP spokesperson G V L Narasimha Rao said the remarks by the Congress chief indicate "desperation because the party is seeing not only its fortunes crumble all over India but also seeing its so-called bastions in Amethi and Rae Bareli crumbling".

"Field reports clearly suggest that Rahul Gandhi is losing Amethi by a wide margin and the party, therefore according to the local reports is resorting to unleashing manpower, distribution of liquor and even sizeable number of weapons have been seized from both the constituencies. So certainly great desperation is visible in the Congress camp as they see even Amethi crumbling in this election," Rao said.

"People of the country want Modiji back. Rahul Gandhi knows the reality and is scared of losing Amethi, and out of desperation is making such claims which are factually incorrect," he added.

Congress president on Saturday said his party's internal assessment after four phases of polling shows that the BJP will lose in the Lok Sabha elections and he sees a "scared prime minister" unable to face the onslaught of the opposition.

Rao further said the "vote-cutter" comment of Congress is a clear acceptance of its defeat and degeneration of the party.

Earlier this week, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, the Congress general secretary and in-charge of eastern Uttar Pradesh, said wherever the party has strong candidates it will win while in other places it has fielded those candidates who will cut the votes of the BJP.

Referring to various claims made by Rahul Gandhi as farcical, Rao said the Congress is not only losing polls in this election but also losing its relevance.

"Congress is facing extinction in this election. Despite a series of lies uttered by Gandhi over the last several months, he simply has not been able to bring the party back to life and is literally on the death-bed in this election," Rao said.

Responding to questions by the Congress leaders as to why national security was an issue, he said it is the top issue for the BJP and dominant issue for the country unlike the Congress, during whose regime there have been several terror attacks.

Referring to the recent terror attacks in Sri Lanka which claimed 253 lives, Rao said it shows how terrorism and violence can act detrimental for the development of a country and bring it to a standstill.

Nine suicide bombers, including a woman, carried out a series of devastating blasts in Lanka that tore through three churches and three luxury hotels on April 21, killing 253 people and injuring over 500 others.&nbsp;

"No major terror strike in any main states have happened during the Modi government's rule and people today breathe easy and feel secure that they have a chowkidaar. Congress party's track record in this regards has been dismal and that is why it doesn't want any discussion on national security," he alleged.

Rao said that Congress leaders are making frivolous claims of having conducted surgical strikes during their tenure but before September 29,&nbsp;2016&nbsp;there is no record of such strikes and it was also stated by the Army Director General Military Operations in an RTI reply.

He termed the BJP MLA Sangeet Som's demand for a ban on burqa as his individual opinion, not the party's.

"The key issues in this elections we comment on those from this platform. Various individual opinions of various leaders are strictly individual opinions," Rao&nbsp;said.

The BJP Saturday termed Congress president Rahul Gandhi's attacks on Prime Minister, the outcome of frustration as the party is not only losing elections across the country in a big way but its "so-called bastion Amethi is also crumbling.

The BJP Saturday termed Congress president Rahul Gandhi's attacks on Prime Minister, the outcome of frustration as the party is not only losing elections across the country in a big way but its "so-called bastion Amethi is also crumbling." Addressing a press conference, BJP spokesperson G V L Narasimha Rao said the remarks by the Congress chief indicate "desperation because the party is seeing not only its fortunes crumble all over India but also seeing its so-called bastions in Amethi and Rae Bareli crumbling". "Field reports clearly suggest that Rahul Gandhi is losing Amethi by a wide margin and the party, therefore according to the local reports is resorting to unleashing manpower, distribution of liquor and even sizeable number of weapons have been seized from both the constituencies. So certainly great desperation is visible in the Congress camp as they see even Amethi crumbling in this election," Rao said. "People of the country want Modiji back. Rahul Gandhi knows the reality and is scared of losing Amethi, and out of desperation is making such claims which are factually incorrect," he added. Congress president on Saturday said his party's internal assessment after four phases of polling shows that the BJP will lose in the Lok Sabha elections and he sees a "scared prime minister" unable to face the onslaught of the opposition. Rao further said the "vote-cutter" comment of Congress is a clear acceptance of its defeat and degeneration of the party. Earlier this week, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, the Congress general secretary and in-charge of eastern Uttar Pradesh, said wherever the party has strong candidates it will win while in other places it has fielded those candidates who will cut the votes of the BJP. Referring to various claims made by Rahul Gandhi as farcical, Rao said the Congress is not only losing polls in this election but also losing its relevance. "Congress is facing extinction in this election. Despite a series of lies uttered by Gandhi over the last several months, he simply has not been able to bring the party back to life and is literally on the death-bed in this election," Rao said. Responding to questions by the Congress leaders as to why national security was an issue, he said it is the top issue for the BJP and dominant issue for the country unlike the Congress, during whose regime there have been several terror attacks. Referring to the recent terror attacks in Sri Lanka which claimed 253 lives, Rao said it shows how terrorism and violence can act detrimental for the development of a country and bring it to a standstill. Nine suicide bombers, including a woman, carried out a series of devastating blasts in Lanka that tore through three churches and three luxury hotels on April 21, killing 253 people and injuring over 500 others. "No major terror strike in any main states have happened during the Modi government's rule and people today breathe easy and feel secure that they have a chowkidaar. Congress party's track record in this regards has been dismal and that is why it doesn't want any discussion on national security," he alleged. Rao said that Congress leaders are making frivolous claims of having conducted surgical strikes during their tenure but before September 29, 2016 there is no record of such strikes and it was also stated by the Army Director General Military Operations in an RTI reply. He termed the BJP MLA Sangeet Som's demand for a ban on burqa as his individual opinion, not the party's. "The key issues in this elections we comment on those from this platform. Various individual opinions of various leaders are strictly individual opinions," Rao said.

Lok Sabha polls 2019: Rahul Gandhi's attacks on PM Modi outcome of frustration, says BJP

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