As voters in Cooch Behar&nbsp;prepare to go to the polls on April 11th, the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-election-2019-in-west-bengal-bjp-tmc-bank-on-turncoats-to-win-poll-battle-205078">BJP has already declared</a> its intentions to open a front with PM Modi leading from the front in the reserved schedule caste category seat.

On Sunday, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/didi-maligned-bengal-with-scams-denied-people-of-central-scheme-benefits-pm-modi-208492">PM Narendra Modi addressed a poll</a> rally in the former princely state where he targeted corruption and Mamata Banerjee's regime.&nbsp;

Cooch Behar is one of the key seats of West Bengal among the 48 constituencies which will be keenly watched by political pundits.&nbsp;

The more the "lotus" will bloom in West Bengal, the stronger your voice will be. The fight for your rights will get stronger," the prime minister said at the poll rally which is close to the Indo-Bangla border.

The Trinamool Congress and the BJP will face-off against each other in this important eastern outpost which the BJP hopes it can wrestle from the TMC. However, there are others in the fray as well namely the All India Forward Bloc (AIFB) and Congress.

The key West Bengal constituency has an almost equal division of men and women voters comprising of 9,40,948 and 8,68,632 respectively. TMC has filed Paresh Chandra Adhikary while the BJP has picked Nisith Pramanik, a former Trinamool Youth Congress leader.

In 2014, the BJP had finished third behind the Forward Bloc and TMC which clinched the seat with a huge margin. Renuka Sinha who had won the seat, however, passed away in 2016 due to a heart attack.

The BJP came back strongly in the by-poll in 2016 finishing second behind the TMC's Partha Pratim Ray. The constituency which was once the bastion on the AIFB fell away drastically polling just six per cent votes.

BJP candidate Hem Chandra Barman polled 38, 1134 votes against Ray's 79,4375 votes as the AIFB faded away. This time however the TMC has given the ticket to Adhikary and the BJP has expressed confidence in &nbsp;Nisith Pramanik to grab TMC's seat.

Congress candidate Priya Roy Chowdhury will be hoping to seize the seat by cutting into the vote bank of all three - BJP, TMC and AIFB, however, it will be an uphill task for her.

The constituency has exactly 1,329,086 electorates, according to the Election Commission with the administrative division belonging to Jalpaiguri. Significantly, the average literacy rate of Cooch Behar is 75 per cent, with male literacy rate of 81 per cent and female literacy rate of 69 per cent.

Development, cross-border infiltration and employment dominate the poll issues in this agricultural area which has witnessed a political slugfest over the years, especially since 2014.

During his poll rally, PM Narendra Modi had said the NDA government had approved projects worth crores, focussing on the development plank.

"Didi has put a break on free treatment for the poor under Ayushman Yojana and on financial assistance to farmers," the prime minister said at Cooch Behar in a bid to win over the farmers who constitute a major chunk of voters.

The Lok Sabha poll results which will be declared on May 23rd may open a new front for the BJP as it seeks to grab the eastern front from the ruling TMC. 
&nbsp;

As voters in Cooch Behar prepare to go to the polls on April 11th, the BJP has already declared its intentions to open a front with PM Modi leading from the front in the reserved schedule caste category seat.

As voters in Cooch Behar prepare to go to the polls on April 11th, the BJP has already declared its intentions to open a front with PM Modi leading from the front in the reserved schedule caste category seat. On Sunday, PM Narendra Modi addressed a poll rally in the former princely state where he targeted corruption and Mamata Banerjee's regime. Cooch Behar is one of the key seats of West Bengal among the 48 constituencies which will be keenly watched by political pundits. The more the "lotus" will bloom in West Bengal, the stronger your voice will be. The fight for your rights will get stronger," the prime minister said at the poll rally which is close to the Indo-Bangla border. The Trinamool Congress and the BJP will face-off against each other in this important eastern outpost which the BJP hopes it can wrestle from the TMC. However, there are others in the fray as well namely the All India Forward Bloc (AIFB) and Congress. The key West Bengal constituency has an almost equal division of men and women voters comprising of 9,40,948 and 8,68,632 respectively. TMC has filed Paresh Chandra Adhikary while the BJP has picked Nisith Pramanik, a former Trinamool Youth Congress leader. In 2014, the BJP had finished third behind the Forward Bloc and TMC which clinched the seat with a huge margin. Renuka Sinha who had won the seat, however, passed away in 2016 due to a heart attack. The BJP came back strongly in the by-poll in 2016 finishing second behind the TMC's Partha Pratim Ray. The constituency which was once the bastion on the AIFB fell away drastically polling just six per cent votes. BJP candidate Hem Chandra Barman polled 38, 1134 votes against Ray's 79,4375 votes as the AIFB faded away. This time however the TMC has given the ticket to Adhikary and the BJP has expressed confidence in Nisith Pramanik to grab TMC's seat. Congress candidate Priya Roy Chowdhury will be hoping to seize the seat by cutting into the vote bank of all three - BJP, TMC and AIFB, however, it will be an uphill task for her. The constituency has exactly 1,329,086 electorates, according to the Election Commission with the administrative division belonging to Jalpaiguri. Significantly, the average literacy rate of Cooch Behar is 75 per cent, with male literacy rate of 81 per cent and female literacy rate of 69 per cent. Development, cross-border infiltration and employment dominate the poll issues in this agricultural area which has witnessed a political slugfest over the years, especially since 2014. During his poll rally, PM Narendra Modi had said the NDA government had approved projects worth crores, focussing on the development plank. "Didi has put a break on free treatment for the poor under Ayushman Yojana and on financial assistance to farmers," the prime minister said at Cooch Behar in a bid to win over the farmers who constitute a major chunk of voters. The Lok Sabha poll results which will be declared on May 23rd may open a new front for the BJP as it seeks to grab the eastern front from the ruling TMC.

First phase Lok Sabha polls: After PM Modi's rally, BJP eyes Cooch Behar in West Bengal

Indian Elections 2019: Jyotiraditya Scindia, Leader, Congress speaks to WION

Lok Sabha polls 2019: Muslims want to rise above religious identity

India Election Watch: Latest election news

Rahul Gandhi's brother-in-law to campaign for Congress across India

The middle class has always suffered under Congress rule, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in Tripura on Sunday. Modi is on another one of his campaign blitzkriegs, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/didi-supporting-those-who-want-two-prime-ministers-pm-modi-208494">having </a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/didi-supporting-those-who-want-two-prime-ministers-pm-modi-208494">spoke</a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/didi-supporting-those-who-want-two-prime-ministers-pm-modi-208494">n in Bengal earlier in the day</a>, and being scheduled to speak later in Manipur.&nbsp;

"The middle-class has always suffered under the Congress government, the party has said that more taxes should be levied on the middle class," Modi said on Sunday.&nbsp;

He also referred to the Congress's recently-released election manifesto which contains a large dose of what is referred to as "welfarism". Modi called it a "dhakosla patra" (hypocricy document).&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Congress has, among other things, said in its manifesto that it will invest 6% of GDP in health and education, and that it will strengthen government hospitals and provide high-quality healthcare access to the poor if voted to power.

The party has also promised to enact the Right to Healthcare Act and guarantee every citizen free diagnostics, out-patient care, free medicines and hospitalisation, through a network of public hospitals and enlisted private hospitals.&nbsp;

Then of course there is its NYAY (Nyuntam Aay Yojana) scheme which envisages the giving of Rs 72,000 a year to 20% or 5 crore of India's poorest families.&nbsp;

"Congress released their manifesto, their 'dhakosla patra' three days ago, not even once 'dhakosla patra' mentions middle class, such hatred towards middle class," Modi said.&nbsp;

"They think middle class has made Modi win and that's why they're adamant on punishing middle class," he added.&nbsp;

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Modi also added Sunday that "the Congress and the Left are working to oust Modi, even if that means they have to support the interests of Pakistan".&nbsp;

"The Congress and the Left are working together to oust Modi. They have stooped too low, singing paeans to Pakistan even when the NDA government was taking on the terrorists on the soil of the neighbouring country," Modi said.&nbsp;

"Am I not doing the right thing by giving a befitting reply to the enemies of the country?" he asked.

Modi meanwhile heaped praise on Chief Minister Biplab Deb, saying the state government had improved the law and order situation and developed infrastructure in only one year.

Election to two Lok Sabha seats in Tripura will be held on April 11 and 18.&nbsp;

(With inputs from PTI)

The middle class has always suffered under Congress rule, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in Tripura on Sunday. Modi is on another one of his campaign blitzkriegs, having spoken in Bengal earlier in the day, and being scheduled to speak later in Manipur.

The middle class has always suffered under Congress rule, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in Tripura on Sunday. Modi is on another one of his campaign blitzkriegs, having spoken in Bengal earlier in the day, and being scheduled to speak later in Manipur. "The middle-class has always suffered under the Congress government, the party has said that more taxes should be levied on the middle class," Modi said on Sunday. He also referred to the Congress's recently-released election manifesto which contains a large dose of what is referred to as "welfarism". Modi called it a "dhakosla patra" (hypocricy document). The Congress has, among other things, said in its manifesto that it will invest 6% of GDP in health and education, and that it will strengthen government hospitals and provide high-quality healthcare access to the poor if voted to power. The party has also promised to enact the Right to Healthcare Act and guarantee every citizen free diagnostics, out-patient care, free medicines and hospitalisation, through a network of public hospitals and enlisted private hospitals. Then of course there is its NYAY (Nyuntam Aay Yojana) scheme which envisages the giving of Rs 72,000 a year to 20% or 5 crore of India's poorest families. "Congress released their manifesto, their 'dhakosla patra' three days ago, not even once 'dhakosla patra' mentions middle class, such hatred towards middle class," Modi said. "They think middle class has made Modi win and that's why they're adamant on punishing middle class," he added. PM Modi in Udaipur, Tripura: Congress released their manifesto, their 'dhakosla patra' 3 days ago,not even once 'dhakosla patra' mentions middle class,such hatred towards middle class.They think middle class has made Modi win & that's why they're adamant on punishing middle class pic.twitter.com/TnqVg7DIp3 — ANI (@ANI) April 7, 2019 × Modi also added Sunday that "the Congress and the Left are working to oust Modi, even if that means they have to support the interests of Pakistan". "The Congress and the Left are working together to oust Modi. They have stooped too low, singing paeans to Pakistan even when the NDA government was taking on the terrorists on the soil of the neighbouring country," Modi said. "Am I not doing the right thing by giving a befitting reply to the enemies of the country?" he asked. Modi meanwhile heaped praise on Chief Minister Biplab Deb, saying the state government had improved the law and order situation and developed infrastructure in only one year. Election to two Lok Sabha seats in Tripura will be held on April 11 and 18. (With inputs from PTI)

Middle class has always suffered under Congress rule: PM Modi in Tripura

Congress candidate Milind Deora will be fighting against Shiv Sena's Arvind Sawant in the prestigious Mumbai South Lok Sabha constituency. Mumbai South will be going to the polls on April 29th which will witness a high profile clash between the Congress and Shiv Sena.

Milind is no stranger to the voters in this area since his father, former oil minister Murli Deora won three successive Lok Sabha polls in 1984, 1996 and 1998 from this constituency.

However, it won't be easy for Milind Deora to beat Sawant, 67, since the sitting Shiv Sena MP had beaten the Congress leader by over 1.2 lakh votes in 2014 as the BJP and its ally Shiv Sena swept Mumbai during the all-encompassing Modi wave.

Despite the anti-incumbency factor, Sawant won't be an easy candidate to beat for Congress ex-MP Deora. The Shiva Sena MP has risen to the top through the ranks in the party. He was born in Kumbhavade in Sindhudurg district in Maharashtra and completed his school and college education in Mumbai.

The Shiv Sena MP has been in active politics since the late 1960s for the Shiv Sena.

Arvind, a keen orator, started his political carrier as a social worker and trade union leader winning the Maharashtra legislative council seat for the first time in 1996, then again in 2004.

He has worked in various positions for the Shiv Sena at the grassroots in Maharashtra. He is credited with working for employees of MTNL in Maharashtra helping to fulfil wage agreements.

He was the spokesman and deputy leader of the Shiv Sena before the 2014 elections, after which he began climbing the political ladder. Sawant's victory in the Lok Sabha polls in 2014 was the pivotal moment of his decades' long political career.

After he became an MP, Sawant became a member of the estimates committee and Standing Committee on petroleum and natural gas. He is also a member of consultative committee of ministry and communications and Information Technology.

The sauve guitarist Milind Deora, 42, a Boston University graduate in business, is the president of Mumbai Congress. Deora married Pooja Shetty in 2008, daughter of famous film producer Manmohan Shetty.&nbsp;

He became an MP at the age of 27 after winning the 2004 Lok Sabha polls beating Congress candidate Jaywantiben Mehta with a sizable 10,000 votes from Mumbai South. He was re-elected in 2009 with an even bigger margin of over 1.12 lakh votes.

Deora was given the post in the Manmohan cabinet as MoS Communications and Information Technology during his second term as an MP in 2011 and was given additional charge as MoS Shipping in 2012.

He was also a member of several committees during his tenure as MP including Standing Committee Ministry of Defence and Consultative Committees Urban Development, Ministry of Civil Aviation.

The prestigious Mumbai constituency which is one of the 48 Lok Sabha constituency is now bracing for a war of opposites as the Congress seeks to wrest the seat from Shiv Sena which has made major strides in the state ably helped by its ally BJP.

The results to be declared on May 23rd will be keenly followed since nobody can point towards a clear winner. &nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

Congress candidate Milind Deora will be fighting against Shiv Sena's Arvind Sawant in the prestigious Mumbai South Lok Sabha constituency. Mumbai South will be going to the polls on April 29th which will witness a high profile clash between the Congress and Shiv Sena.

Congress candidate Milind Deora will be fighting against Shiv Sena's Arvind Sawant in the prestigious Mumbai South Lok Sabha constituency. Mumbai South will be going to the polls on April 29th which will witness a high profile clash between the Congress and Shiv Sena. Milind is no stranger to the voters in this area since his father, former oil minister Murli Deora won three successive Lok Sabha polls in 1984, 1996 and 1998 from this constituency. However, it won't be easy for Milind Deora to beat Sawant, 67, since the sitting Shiv Sena MP had beaten the Congress leader by over 1.2 lakh votes in 2014 as the BJP and its ally Shiv Sena swept Mumbai during the all-encompassing Modi wave. Despite the anti-incumbency factor, Sawant won't be an easy candidate to beat for Congress ex-MP Deora. The Shiva Sena MP has risen to the top through the ranks in the party. He was born in Kumbhavade in Sindhudurg district in Maharashtra and completed his school and college education in Mumbai. The Shiv Sena MP has been in active politics since the late 1960s for the Shiv Sena. Arvind, a keen orator, started his political carrier as a social worker and trade union leader winning the Maharashtra legislative council seat for the first time in 1996, then again in 2004. He has worked in various positions for the Shiv Sena at the grassroots in Maharashtra. He is credited with working for employees of MTNL in Maharashtra helping to fulfil wage agreements. He was the spokesman and deputy leader of the Shiv Sena before the 2014 elections, after which he began climbing the political ladder. Sawant's victory in the Lok Sabha polls in 2014 was the pivotal moment of his decades' long political career. After he became an MP, Sawant became a member of the estimates committee and Standing Committee on petroleum and natural gas. He is also a member of consultative committee of ministry and communications and Information Technology. The sauve guitarist Milind Deora, 42, a Boston University graduate in business, is the president of Mumbai Congress. Deora married Pooja Shetty in 2008, daughter of famous film producer Manmohan Shetty. He became an MP at the age of 27 after winning the 2004 Lok Sabha polls beating Congress candidate Jaywantiben Mehta with a sizable 10,000 votes from Mumbai South. He was re-elected in 2009 with an even bigger margin of over 1.12 lakh votes. Deora was given the post in the Manmohan cabinet as MoS Communications and Information Technology during his second term as an MP in 2011 and was given additional charge as MoS Shipping in 2012. He was also a member of several committees during his tenure as MP including Standing Committee Ministry of Defence and Consultative Committees Urban Development, Ministry of Civil Aviation. The prestigious Mumbai constituency which is one of the 48 Lok Sabha constituency is now bracing for a war of opposites as the Congress seeks to wrest the seat from Shiv Sena which has made major strides in the state ably helped by its ally BJP. The results to be declared on May 23rd will be keenly followed since nobody can point towards a clear winner.

Mumbai South: Milind Deora vs Arvind Sawant in war of opposites

Sonia Gandhi hits out at Modi government

Congress president Rahul Gandhi will file his nomination from the Amethi Lok Sabha seat on April 10 and UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi will do the same from the Rae Bareli parliamentary constituency on April 11, party sources said on Thursday.

Newly-appointed Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra will be present with her brother and mother when they file their nomination papers.&nbsp;

The family will be together on both days with Rahul Gandhi accompanying his mother in Rae Bareli and Sonia Gandhi present while he files his papers in Amethi, the sources said.&nbsp;

They said the filing of nomination papers will be a big show of strength and the top Congress leadership will be present.&nbsp;

A road show is also likely to be taken out after the filing of papers, the sources added.

While both Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi are contesting from the constituencies they have represented for many years, the Congress chief has this time also decided to contest from Wayanad in Kerala.&nbsp;

Rahul Gandhi filed his <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rahul-gandhi-files-nomination-from-wayanad-parliamentary-constituency-207840">nomination papers on Thursday in Wayanad</a>, where he was accompanied by his sister.&nbsp;

Elections in Amethi and Rae Bareli will be held in the fifth phase of elections on May 6. The process of filing of nomination starts on April 10 and continues till April 18.&nbsp;

The Congress has decided to go it alone in Uttar Pradesh after it was left out of the alliance between SP and BSP. They said they will not field any candidates for the two seats being contested by the top Congress leadership.&nbsp;

Congress president Rahul Gandhi will file his nomination from the Amethi Lok Sabha seat on April 10 and UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi will do the same from the Rae Bareli parliamentary constituency on April 11, party sources said on Thursday.

Congress president Rahul Gandhi will file his nomination from the Amethi Lok Sabha seat on April 10 and UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi will do the same from the Rae Bareli parliamentary constituency on April 11, party sources said on Thursday. Newly-appointed Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra will be present with her brother and mother when they file their nomination papers. The family will be together on both days with Rahul Gandhi accompanying his mother in Rae Bareli and Sonia Gandhi present while he files his papers in Amethi, the sources said. They said the filing of nomination papers will be a big show of strength and the top Congress leadership will be present. A road show is also likely to be taken out after the filing of papers, the sources added. While both Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi are contesting from the constituencies they have represented for many years, the Congress chief has this time also decided to contest from Wayanad in Kerala. Rahul Gandhi filed his nomination papers on Thursday in Wayanad, where he was accompanied by his sister. Elections in Amethi and Rae Bareli will be held in the fifth phase of elections on May 6. The process of filing of nomination starts on April 10 and continues till April 18. The Congress has decided to go it alone in Uttar Pradesh after it was left out of the alliance between SP and BSP. They said they will not field any candidates for the two seats being contested by the top Congress leadership.

Rahul to file nomination from Amethi on April 10, Sonia from Rae Bareli on April 11

Congress releases party manifesto for 2019 Lok Sabha polls

The US House voted Thursday to end military support for the Saudi-led war in Yemen, dealing a bipartisan rebuke to Donald Trump and taking the historic step of curtailing a president's war-making powers.

The House of Representatives voted 247 to 175, with one congressman voting present, to approve a resolution that directs the president "to remove United States Armed Forces from hostilities in or affecting the Republic of Yemen" within 30 days.

The text, which passed the Senate last month, now heads to Trump, who is expected to veto the legislation. The White House called the measure "flawed" and warned it would harm bilateral relations in the region, including with Saudi Arabia.

The US House voted Thursday to end military support for the Saudi-led war in Yemen, dealing a bipartisan rebuke to Donald Trump and taking the historic step of curtailing a president's war-making powers.

The US House voted Thursday to end military support for the Saudi-led war in Yemen, dealing a bipartisan rebuke to Donald Trump and taking the historic step of curtailing a president's war-making powers. The House of Representatives voted 247 to 175, with one congressman voting present, to approve a resolution that directs the president "to remove United States Armed Forces from hostilities in or affecting the Republic of Yemen" within 30 days. The text, which passed the Senate last month, now heads to Trump, who is expected to veto the legislation. The White House called the measure "flawed" and warned it would harm bilateral relations in the region, including with Saudi Arabia.

US Congress ends support for Yemen war, Trump likely to veto move

Ahead of the Lok Sabha polls, WION's political editor Kartikeya Sharma spoke with Praveen Chakravarty who heads the Data Analytics department of the Congress Party.&nbsp;

Chakravarty is a Wharton graduate and economist by profession. He also worked in the UIDAI project during the UPA regime and, in his current avatar, is working closely with Congress president Rahul Gandhi, engaged in mapping the party.

Kartikeya Sharma quizzes Chakravarty on a range of topics, from the need to establish the data department, his ability to map the Congress to what does the data depict about the 'grand old party's' electoral prospects this Lok Sabha polls.&nbsp;

WION: Why was the data department set up by Rahul Gandhi?

Praveen Chakravarty: Rahul Gandhi is a strong believer in measurement and objectivity. He felt strongly about the need for the objective assessment of everything. The second objective of data is to help bring the wisdom of the crowd in the decision-making process. It translates into surveys and feedback from party workers, voters and influencers on various decisions which a political party needs to make. Objectivity comes from how you measure things like comparing different people's performances.

WION: Like data is considered new oil of economy, can we say that it has become the new mantra for political parties?

Praveen Chakravarty: I disagree. Data is input into better decision making. In Congress, we use it as an input in decision-making which could be about the selection of candidates or alliances with political parties or even for organizational decision-making like for promoting people. Data is also used for electoral strategy or to determine which booths to focus on or what do voters want to hear. Data is also being used to decide a party’s campaign theme and its election campaign.

WION: What were the challenges when you took up this job?

Praveen Chakravarty: We are just one input and not the sole decision makers. I come from a background of science and research, so I understand data science. As an economist, I had worked with multiple data sets. Before I took this job, I had landed conversations with the Congress president. He had a clear vision about this department even before he brought me into the party, so the mandate was clear. This department has been built to help and not take over anything. I have a simple rule for all my data scientist - if a booth worker far away is unable to understand what we communicate, then it is a pointless exercise.

WION: What tools are used to harness data?

Praveen Chakravarty: We only work with public data and internal data which belongs to the party. The problem for us was that data was not in the form which was easy to use and analyse&nbsp;for decision-making. Upon my joining, Rahul Gandhi personally tweeted out and as a result, I got flooded with talent. It enabled me to quickly build a large team which, I can say with great pride, is one of the best in the country.

WION: How many workers have you connected through data apparatus?

Praveen Chakravarty: As of now, 66 lakh people; it continues to grow every minute. It keeps increasing every second. We have connected millions of booths and party workers. Sitting in Delhi, the Congress president can call a booth worker directly and ask what is going on. Data and technology have provided a face to the party workers.

WION: What are the applications?

Praveen Chakravarty: 'Shakti' is the most known application. The second application is 'Vidya' which is like a control room where every single booth and candidate has been mapped. It has been given to every single candidate. The third one is 'Awaaz' which is an internal communication application. It is used by verified Congress party workers. It is used for booth management, feedback, door to door campaigning et cetera. Congress president Rahul Gandhi used this platform to decide the chief ministers for Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh.

WION: Did these applications make a difference in the selection of candidates?

Praveen Chakravarty: It provides with input and now it is a condition to have this input amongst many other inputs to decide the candidate.

WION: How do you ensure that technology is not manipulated?

Praveen Chakravarty: I have a 'data first' approach and not 'tech first' approach. We ensure that a person’s multiple identities are grafted in the system. For example, if a person does not have a voter identity then he cannot enter my system.

WION: Have you been able to map the organization?

Praveen Chakravarty: We have done it. We can even point out the best-performing workers. A gamification aspect has been built into the 'Shakti' application. People are given points when they respond to activities. For example, when I say that assemble in front of the CBI to protest, I would know as to who showed up in the protest, I would give them points.

WION: Did you face any resistance while introducing these systems?

Praveen Chakravarty: People were curious when we first started but now people come to me and ask whether feedback has been taken or not. Even senior leaders ask me.

WION: Is your project making any difference to the 2019 elections?

Praveen Chakravarty: It is not about winning or losing an election. The inputs from the department are now being sought by everyone as they are perceived to be helpful.

WION: How do you maintain neutrality?

Praveen Chakravarty: I have come from a political background. I have no bones to pick. I have always looked for empirical validation. I always want to be clear about my model. For example, during the recent assembly elections, I found out through data that farmers distress was far higher in Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, but everybody was talking about Rajasthan. Actually, it turned out to be right.

WION: What is data saying about Lok Sabha elections?

Praveen Chakravarty: Trends are very clear. Most people are underestimating the anger against the government. I’m not saying just because I’m sitting inside AICC but because data is saying so. There is a lot of anger and also there is the existence of silent voter phenomena. Since people are fearful, they are not willing to share their true opinion. I have tested it. There is a lot of anger on broader economic issues like jobs and farmers distress. The pan-India issue today, as per the data, is of jobs.

WION: What about the prospects of the Congress Party?

Praveen Chakravarty: Congress is on a rising trend. The question is how much of this anger can we convert into votes and then into seats. For that, we need to have a strong message on what are we going to do to solve the economic issues. We are tackling this issue through NYAY. A lot of things will need to be done, holding press conferences rallies is not enough. We must do it on the ground. Our campaign has to be intensive and door-to-door. I believe that the success of Congress to win seats rests entirely on converting the existing anger into votes and seats through our ground campaign. We need to have the campaign at the booth and district level. Just press conferences and rallies will not do.

Ahead of the Lok Sabha polls, WION's political editor Kartikeya Sharma spoke with Praveen Chakravarty who heads the Data Analytics department of the Congress Party.

Ahead of the Lok Sabha polls, WION's political editor Kartikeya Sharma spoke with Praveen Chakravarty who heads the Data Analytics department of the Congress Party. Chakravarty is a Wharton graduate and economist by profession. He also worked in the UIDAI project during the UPA regime and, in his current avatar, is working closely with Congress president Rahul Gandhi, engaged in mapping the party. Kartikeya Sharma quizzes Chakravarty on a range of topics, from the need to establish the data department, his ability to map the Congress to what does the data depict about the 'grand old party's' electoral prospects this Lok Sabha polls. WION: Why was the data department set up by Rahul Gandhi? Praveen Chakravarty: Rahul Gandhi is a strong believer in measurement and objectivity. He felt strongly about the need for the objective assessment of everything. The second objective of data is to help bring the wisdom of the crowd in the decision-making process. It translates into surveys and feedback from party workers, voters and influencers on various decisions which a political party needs to make. Objectivity comes from how you measure things like comparing different people's performances. WION: Like data is considered new oil of economy, can we say that it has become the new mantra for political parties? Praveen Chakravarty: I disagree. Data is input into better decision making. In Congress, we use it as an input in decision-making which could be about the selection of candidates or alliances with political parties or even for organizational decision-making like for promoting people. Data is also used for electoral strategy or to determine which booths to focus on or what do voters want to hear. Data is also being used to decide a party’s campaign theme and its election campaign. WION: What were the challenges when you took up this job? Praveen Chakravarty: We are just one input and not the sole decision makers. I come from a background of science and research, so I understand data science. As an economist, I had worked with multiple data sets. Before I took this job, I had landed conversations with the Congress president. He had a clear vision about this department even before he brought me into the party, so the mandate was clear. This department has been built to help and not take over anything. I have a simple rule for all my data scientist - if a booth worker far away is unable to understand what we communicate, then it is a pointless exercise. WION: What tools are used to harness data? Praveen Chakravarty: We only work with public data and internal data which belongs to the party. The problem for us was that data was not in the form which was easy to use and analyse for decision-making. Upon my joining, Rahul Gandhi personally tweeted out and as a result, I got flooded with talent. It enabled me to quickly build a large team which, I can say with great pride, is one of the best in the country. WION: How many workers have you connected through data apparatus? Praveen Chakravarty: As of now, 66 lakh people; it continues to grow every minute. It keeps increasing every second. We have connected millions of booths and party workers. Sitting in Delhi, the Congress president can call a booth worker directly and ask what is going on. Data and technology have provided a face to the party workers. WION: What are the applications? Praveen Chakravarty: 'Shakti' is the most known application. The second application is 'Vidya' which is like a control room where every single booth and candidate has been mapped. It has been given to every single candidate. The third one is 'Awaaz' which is an internal communication application. It is used by verified Congress party workers. It is used for booth management, feedback, door to door campaigning et cetera. Congress president Rahul Gandhi used this platform to decide the chief ministers for Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh. WION: Did these applications make a difference in the selection of candidates? Praveen Chakravarty: It provides with input and now it is a condition to have this input amongst many other inputs to decide the candidate. WION: How do you ensure that technology is not manipulated? Praveen Chakravarty: I have a 'data first' approach and not 'tech first' approach. We ensure that a person’s multiple identities are grafted in the system. For example, if a person does not have a voter identity then he cannot enter my system. WION: Have you been able to map the organization? Praveen Chakravarty: We have done it. We can even point out the best-performing workers. A gamification aspect has been built into the 'Shakti' application. People are given points when they respond to activities. For example, when I say that assemble in front of the CBI to protest, I would know as to who showed up in the protest, I would give them points. WION: Did you face any resistance while introducing these systems? Praveen Chakravarty: People were curious when we first started but now people come to me and ask whether feedback has been taken or not. Even senior leaders ask me. WION: Is your project making any difference to the 2019 elections? Praveen Chakravarty: It is not about winning or losing an election. The inputs from the department are now being sought by everyone as they are perceived to be helpful. WION: How do you maintain neutrality? Praveen Chakravarty: I have come from a political background. I have no bones to pick. I have always looked for empirical validation. I always want to be clear about my model. For example, during the recent assembly elections, I found out through data that farmers distress was far higher in Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, but everybody was talking about Rajasthan. Actually, it turned out to be right. WION: What is data saying about Lok Sabha elections? Praveen Chakravarty: Trends are very clear. Most people are underestimating the anger against the government. I’m not saying just because I’m sitting inside AICC but because data is saying so. There is a lot of anger and also there is the existence of silent voter phenomena. Since people are fearful, they are not willing to share their true opinion. I have tested it. There is a lot of anger on broader economic issues like jobs and farmers distress. The pan-India issue today, as per the data, is of jobs. WION: What about the prospects of the Congress Party? Praveen Chakravarty: Congress is on a rising trend. The question is how much of this anger can we convert into votes and then into seats. For that, we need to have a strong message on what are we going to do to solve the economic issues. We are tackling this issue through NYAY. A lot of things will need to be done, holding press conferences rallies is not enough. We must do it on the ground. Our campaign has to be intensive and door-to-door. I believe that the success of Congress to win seats rests entirely on converting the existing anger into votes and seats through our ground campaign. We need to have the campaign at the booth and district level. Just press conferences and rallies will not do.

People are angry...question is how much of it can be converted into votes: Congress data analytics chief to WION

Arunachal's CM convoy caught with Rs.1.8 Cr cash, Congress releases video

Vivek Oberoi who plays the lead role in 'PM Narendra Modi' says the film is not political in nature but an inspirational film. &nbsp;

"Film has got nothing to do with politics or elections. The story is that of a Desh-bhakt," said the actor while speaking to the media ahead of the film's release.&nbsp;

Ever since BJP kick-started its `main bhi chowkidar` campaign ahead of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, `chowkidar` has become a part of political discussions. While many are constantly criticising the programme, there are others who support it. The latest one to appreciate the campaign is Oberoi.

"Why is the opposition afraid, what are they afraid of I think they fear chowkidar ka danda (security guard`s wooden stick)," Oberoi asked.&nbsp; 
The film, which follows Prime Minister Modi from his humble beginnings to his years as the Chief Minister of Gujarat and finally his landmark victory catapulting him as the Prime Minister, recently came under the ECI scanner after Congress and Left parties complained to the poll body saying that it violates the Model Code of Conduct.

However, in a major relief to the makers of the biopic, the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/release-of-pm-narendra-modi-cleared-by-the-delhi-high-court-207179">Delhi and Bombay High Court on Monday disposed-off the PIL</a>.

"It is sad to see that legendary lawyers like Abhishek Manu Singhvi and Kapil Sibal are wasting their time behind a film. Why should they fear a small little film? Just because they are worried about political bickering and battle. Where is the proof? How can they mud sling on 18 years of my career? You are free to doubt. But the truth is it is an independent film. It is an inspirational film."

Besides Vivek, the film also stars Suresh Oberoi, Barkha Sengupta, Prashant Narayanan, Darshan Kumar, Boman Irani, Zarina Wahab, Manoj Joshi, Anjan Shrivastav, Karan Patel and Akshat R Saluja. 'PM Narendra Modi' is scheduled to release on 5th April.&nbsp;

Vivek Oberoi who plays the lead role in 'PM Narendra Modi' says the film is not political in nature but an inspirational film. "Film has got nothing to do with politics or elections.

Vivek Oberoi who plays the lead role in 'PM Narendra Modi' says the film is not political in nature but an inspirational film. "Film has got nothing to do with politics or elections. The story is that of a Desh-bhakt," said the actor while speaking to the media ahead of the film's release. Ever since BJP kick-started its `main bhi chowkidar` campaign ahead of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, `chowkidar` has become a part of political discussions. While many are constantly criticising the programme, there are others who support it. The latest one to appreciate the campaign is Oberoi. "Why is the opposition afraid, what are they afraid of I think they fear chowkidar ka danda (security guard`s wooden stick)," Oberoi asked. The film, which follows Prime Minister Modi from his humble beginnings to his years as the Chief Minister of Gujarat and finally his landmark victory catapulting him as the Prime Minister, recently came under the ECI scanner after Congress and Left parties complained to the poll body saying that it violates the Model Code of Conduct. However, in a major relief to the makers of the biopic, the Delhi and Bombay High Court on Monday disposed-off the PIL. "It is sad to see that legendary lawyers like Abhishek Manu Singhvi and Kapil Sibal are wasting their time behind a film. Why should they fear a small little film? Just because they are worried about political bickering and battle. Where is the proof? How can they mud sling on 18 years of my career? You are free to doubt. But the truth is it is an independent film. It is an inspirational film." Besides Vivek, the film also stars Suresh Oberoi, Barkha Sengupta, Prashant Narayanan, Darshan Kumar, Boman Irani, Zarina Wahab, Manoj Joshi, Anjan Shrivastav, Karan Patel and Akshat R Saluja. 'PM Narendra Modi' is scheduled to release on 5th April.

'PM Narendra Modi' is not a political film, it is an inspirational story: Vivek Oberoi

Congress to release manifesto today

Lok Sabha polls 2019: Decoding Congress's manifesto

5 main themes of Congress manifesto for 2019 Lok Sabha polls

India ka DNA 2019: "Congress trying to defame Hindus," says Amit Shah

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - April 1st, 2019

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bjp-president-amit-shah-files-nomination-for-gandhinagar-seat-206682">president Amit Shah </a>said on Monday that he is confident that his party will get the mandate again in this election and that Congress will remain out of power for at least 5 years.

Talking about "zero tolerance on terror", Amit Shah said Modi's government has shown that no terror attack will go unpunished and the country will give a befitting reply to all such attacks.&nbsp;

"Jab hamla hoga to goli ka jawab gole se diya jayega (When attacked, we will respond to bullets with bombs)," the BJP chief told Zee News Editor-in-Chief Sudhir Chaudhary at Zee News's 'India Ka DNA' conclave.&nbsp;

"BJP's aim is to change the country and not worry about Lutyens Delhi and its media. Congress coined Hindu terror for vote bank. Now even the court has ruled that the case was cooked up," he said.

He said that people should always think about the security of the country and it was a good thing that it had become an election issue.&nbsp;

"Citizens of the country should always think about the security of the country. Country's security should be an election agenda. Every country must think about security and it should become criteria for voting," Shah said.&nbsp;

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president Amit Shah said on Monday that he is confident that his party will get the mandate again in this election and that Congress will remain out of power for at least 5 years.

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president Amit Shah said on Monday that he is confident that his party will get the mandate again in this election and that Congress will remain out of power for at least 5 years. Talking about "zero tolerance on terror", Amit Shah said Modi's government has shown that no terror attack will go unpunished and the country will give a befitting reply to all such attacks. "Jab hamla hoga to goli ka jawab gole se diya jayega (When attacked, we will respond to bullets with bombs)," the BJP chief told Zee News Editor-in-Chief Sudhir Chaudhary at Zee News's 'India Ka DNA' conclave. "BJP's aim is to change the country and not worry about Lutyens Delhi and its media. Congress coined Hindu terror for vote bank. Now even the court has ruled that the case was cooked up," he said. He said that people should always think about the security of the country and it was a good thing that it had become an election issue. "Citizens of the country should always think about the security of the country. Country's security should be an election agenda. Every country must think about security and it should become criteria for voting," Shah said.

Congress will remain out of power for at least 5 years, says Amit Shah at 'India ka DNA' conclave

Telangana Congress leader Sudhakara Reddy joined Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Sunday.

Reddy joined BJP in the presence of party president Amit Shah. He had resigned from Congress party on Sunday.

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Delhi: P. Sudhakara Reddy joins Bharatiya Janata Party in the presence of BJP president Amit Shah. He had resigned from Congress party earlier today. <a href="https://t.co/Bgcr0rH1o5">pic.twitter.com/Bgcr0rH1o5</a>
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''I have officially joined the BJP today. Tomorrow, I will take part in PM Narendra Modi's rally in Hyderabad,'' said Reddy after joining BJP.

Commenting on the development, BJP national general secretary Ram Madhav said he (Sudhakara Reddy) has been a senior leader of the Congress party. Today, he has joined BJP and has decided to work under the leadership of Modiji, he added.&nbsp;

His joining BJP will strengthen the party in Telangana, Madhav noted.

Telangana Congress leader Sudhakara Reddy joined Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Sunday. Reddy joined BJP in the presence of party president Amit Shah. He had resigned from Congress party on Sunday.

Telangana Congress leader Sudhakara Reddy joined Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Sunday. Reddy joined BJP in the presence of party president Amit Shah. He had resigned from Congress party on Sunday. Delhi: P. Sudhakara Reddy joins Bharatiya Janata Party in the presence of BJP president Amit Shah. He had resigned from Congress party earlier today. pic.twitter.com/Bgcr0rH1o5 — ANI (@ANI) March 31, 2019 × ''I have officially joined the BJP today. Tomorrow, I will take part in PM Narendra Modi's rally in Hyderabad,'' said Reddy after joining BJP. Commenting on the development, BJP national general secretary Ram Madhav said he (Sudhakara Reddy) has been a senior leader of the Congress party. Today, he has joined BJP and has decided to work under the leadership of Modiji, he added. His joining BJP will strengthen the party in Telangana, Madhav noted.

Telangana Congress leader Sudhakara Reddy joins BJP

The Congress party has said that none of its official pages has been affected and it is awaiting a list of pages/accounts removed by the social media company.

"This is to clarify no official pages run by INC have been taken down. Additionally, all pages run by our verified volunteers are also unaffected. In the meantime, we are awaiting a response from Facebook to provide us with a list of all pages/accounts that they have taken down," Congress said in a tweet.

Congress spokesman Manish Tiwari had said that the "We don’t react to news reports which may just be coming in, we will have to check the veracity of the report whether there are any Facebook pages which are linked to us. Maybe the Pages are not linked to us and maybe the news report is not correct,".

Earlier, Facebook Inc said today that it was removing 687 pages and accounts linked to the Congress party, just days before voting begins in a general election, because of “coordinated inauthentic behaviour” on the social media platform.&nbsp;

Facebook said its investigation found that individuals used fake accounts and joined various groups to disseminate their content and increase engagement. Their posts included local news and criticism of political opponents such as Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

The Congress party has said that none of its official pages has been affected and it is awaiting a list of pages/accounts removed by the social media company. "This is to clarify no official pages run by INC have been taken down.

The Congress party has said that none of its official pages has been affected and it is awaiting a list of pages/accounts removed by the social media company. "This is to clarify no official pages run by INC have been taken down. Additionally, all pages run by our verified volunteers are also unaffected. In the meantime, we are awaiting a response from Facebook to provide us with a list of all pages/accounts that they have taken down," Congress said in a tweet. Congress spokesman Manish Tiwari had said that the "We don’t react to news reports which may just be coming in, we will have to check the veracity of the report whether there are any Facebook pages which are linked to us. Maybe the Pages are not linked to us and maybe the news report is not correct,". Earlier, Facebook Inc said today that it was removing 687 pages and accounts linked to the Congress party, just days before voting begins in a general election, because of “coordinated inauthentic behaviour” on the social media platform. Facebook said its investigation found that individuals used fake accounts and joined various groups to disseminate their content and increase engagement. Their posts included local news and criticism of political opponents such as Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

No official pages taken down, says Congress after Facebook removed 687 pages linked to party

Facebook Inc said on Monday it was removing 687 pages and accounts linked to the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-labelled-peace-loving-hindus-as-terrorists-pm-modi-207160">Congress party,</a>&nbsp;just days before voting begins in a general election, because of “coordinated inauthentic behaviour” on the social media platform.&nbsp;

The announcement marks a rare action from Facebook against a prominent political party in a country where it has more than 300 million users, the highest in the world.

Facebook said its investigation found that individuals used fake accounts and joined various groups to disseminate their content and increase engagement. Their posts included local news and criticism of political opponents such as Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Facebook said.

“While the people behind this activity attempted to conceal their identities, our review found that it was connected to individuals associated with an INC (Indian National Congress) IT Cell,” Nathaniel Gleicher, Head of Cybersecurity Policy at Facebook, said in a statement.

Gleicher added that Facebook was removing accounts based on their behaviour, not the content they posted.&nbsp;

Lok Sabha elections, scheduled to begin on April 11, will end on May 19.

Two of the samples shared by Facebook were of posts that criticized Modi’s initiatives and called for supporting the Congress party and its president, Rahul Gandhi.

The social media giant also said it was removing 103 pages, groups and accounts, also for inauthentic behaviour, as part of a network which originated in Pakistan and was linked to employees of the Inter-Service Public Relations department of the Pakistani military.

Facebook has faced increasing pressure from authorities around the world, including the Indian government, to ensure its platform is not abused for political gains or to spread misinformation, especially ahead of elections.

Facebook has toughened up its rules governing political advertisements in India and many other countries to increase transparency.&nbsp;

Last week, Facebook removed a social media network in the Philippines and took the unusual step of linking it to a businessman who said he had managed the president’s online election campaign in 2016. It has taken similar actions recently against accounts in Russia and Iran.

Separately, Facebook said it had also removed another 227 pages and 94 accounts in India for violating its policies against spam and misrepresentation.

Facebook Inc said on Monday it was removing 687 pages and accounts linked to the Congress party, just days before voting begins in a general election, because of “coordinated inauthentic behaviour” on the social media platform.

Facebook Inc said on Monday it was removing 687 pages and accounts linked to the Congress party, just days before voting begins in a general election, because of “coordinated inauthentic behaviour” on the social media platform. The announcement marks a rare action from Facebook against a prominent political party in a country where it has more than 300 million users, the highest in the world. Facebook said its investigation found that individuals used fake accounts and joined various groups to disseminate their content and increase engagement. Their posts included local news and criticism of political opponents such as Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Facebook said. “While the people behind this activity attempted to conceal their identities, our review found that it was connected to individuals associated with an INC (Indian National Congress) IT Cell,” Nathaniel Gleicher, Head of Cybersecurity Policy at Facebook, said in a statement. Gleicher added that Facebook was removing accounts based on their behaviour, not the content they posted. Lok Sabha elections, scheduled to begin on April 11, will end on May 19. Two of the samples shared by Facebook were of posts that criticized Modi’s initiatives and called for supporting the Congress party and its president, Rahul Gandhi. The social media giant also said it was removing 103 pages, groups and accounts, also for inauthentic behaviour, as part of a network which originated in Pakistan and was linked to employees of the Inter-Service Public Relations department of the Pakistani military. Facebook has faced increasing pressure from authorities around the world, including the Indian government, to ensure its platform is not abused for political gains or to spread misinformation, especially ahead of elections. Facebook has toughened up its rules governing political advertisements in India and many other countries to increase transparency. Last week, Facebook removed a social media network in the Philippines and took the unusual step of linking it to a businessman who said he had managed the president’s online election campaign in 2016. It has taken similar actions recently against accounts in Russia and Iran. Separately, Facebook said it had also removed another 227 pages and 94 accounts in India for violating its policies against spam and misrepresentation.

Lok Sabha polls 2019: Facebook removes 687 pages, accounts linked to Congress IT cell ahead of elections

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said Sunday that Congress president <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rahul-gandhi-to-contest-from-wayanad-in-kerala-besides-amethi-206891">Rahul Gandhi contesting the Lok Sabha elections from Wayanad</a> in the state — apart from Amethi in UP — could only be seen as a move to fight the Left parties and not the BJP, and asserted that the LDF would defeat him in the April 23 Lok Sabha elections.

There was no need to attach any special importance to the Congress president contesting from the state and Gandhi was just one among the 20 candidates of the opposition UDF, who are trying their luck from Kerala, he said.

"If Gandhi's fight is against the BJP, he should have contested against the saffron party. In Kerala, the fight is between LDF and UDF in the elections," Vijayan told a meet-the-press programme at the Press Club here.

He was reacting to the announcement by Congress that Gandhi would contest from the hilly Wayanad, considered a fortress of the party, in addition to the Gandhi family's pocket burrow Amethi seat in Uttar Pradesh in the polls.

"The present move can only be seen as a fight against the Left. But, we have no anxiety...We are fully confident and will strive to defeat him in Wayanad," the CPI-M veteran said.

Gandhi had announced earlier he would retain Amethi in Uttar Pradesh as his constituency after elections, he said.

"So, it is like...Gandhi will continue as the MP from Amethi and in Wayand he is examining if he can defeat the Left", the Chief Minister said asking what message the Congress was conveying to the people through the move.

When asked about the proposed post-poll alliance with the Congress at the national level, Vijayan said it was a matter to be thought off after the elections.

BJP state chief P S Sreedharan Pillai said the Congress decision to field Gandhi from Wayanad showed the "decay" in the grand old party.

"After realising that he will lose from Amethi, Gandhi has decided to contest from wayand", he told reporters here.

The BJP would give a "tough fight" to the Congress candidate, he said adding Gandhi's Wayanad contest was being viewed by the party as "acceptance of defeat".

The state Congress leaders were all in a jubilant mood over the AICC chief's decision.

Leader of the Opposition in the state assembly Ramesh Chennithala said the party'saim was to ensure Gandhi's victory with a massive margin.

"I challenge Pinarayi Vijayan, if he can defeat Rahul Gandhi in Wayanad and we accept the challenge," he told reporters at Alapuzha.

It would be a "historical win" for Gandhi in Wayanad and there would be a "Rahul wave" in the entire state, he claimed.

"A prime ministerial candidate is contesting from Kerala for the first time and this will have an impact in the entire state," he said adding the UDF would win all 20 seats.

Party's state unit President Mulapally Ramachandran said the decision to field Gandhi from Wayand would be "a happy news for secular-democratic forces" in the state.

He also remembered how former Congress presidents Indira Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi had scripted impressive victories from South India.

Congress leader M I Shanavas, who died in November last year, had won Wayanad, known for its picturesque locales and spices, in the 2009 and 2014 elections.

The LDF has decided to field CPIs P P Suneer in the constituency this time while BJP-NDA yet to announce its candidate.&nbsp;

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said Sunday that Congress president Rahul Gandhi contesting the Lok Sabha elections from Wayanad in the state — apart from Amethi in UP — could only be seen as a move to fight the Left parties and not the BJP, and asserted that the LDF would defeat him in the April 23 Lok Sabha elections.

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said Sunday that Congress president Rahul Gandhi contesting the Lok Sabha elections from Wayanad in the state — apart from Amethi in UP — could only be seen as a move to fight the Left parties and not the BJP, and asserted that the LDF would defeat him in the April 23 Lok Sabha elections. There was no need to attach any special importance to the Congress president contesting from the state and Gandhi was just one among the 20 candidates of the opposition UDF, who are trying their luck from Kerala, he said. "If Gandhi's fight is against the BJP, he should have contested against the saffron party. In Kerala, the fight is between LDF and UDF in the elections," Vijayan told a meet-the-press programme at the Press Club here. He was reacting to the announcement by Congress that Gandhi would contest from the hilly Wayanad, considered a fortress of the party, in addition to the Gandhi family's pocket burrow Amethi seat in Uttar Pradesh in the polls. "The present move can only be seen as a fight against the Left. But, we have no anxiety...We are fully confident and will strive to defeat him in Wayanad," the CPI-M veteran said. Gandhi had announced earlier he would retain Amethi in Uttar Pradesh as his constituency after elections, he said. "So, it is like...Gandhi will continue as the MP from Amethi and in Wayand he is examining if he can defeat the Left", the Chief Minister said asking what message the Congress was conveying to the people through the move. When asked about the proposed post-poll alliance with the Congress at the national level, Vijayan said it was a matter to be thought off after the elections. BJP state chief P S Sreedharan Pillai said the Congress decision to field Gandhi from Wayanad showed the "decay" in the grand old party. "After realising that he will lose from Amethi, Gandhi has decided to contest from wayand", he told reporters here. The BJP would give a "tough fight" to the Congress candidate, he said adding Gandhi's Wayanad contest was being viewed by the party as "acceptance of defeat". The state Congress leaders were all in a jubilant mood over the AICC chief's decision. Leader of the Opposition in the state assembly Ramesh Chennithala said the party'saim was to ensure Gandhi's victory with a massive margin. "I challenge Pinarayi Vijayan, if he can defeat Rahul Gandhi in Wayanad and we accept the challenge," he told reporters at Alapuzha. It would be a "historical win" for Gandhi in Wayanad and there would be a "Rahul wave" in the entire state, he claimed. "A prime ministerial candidate is contesting from Kerala for the first time and this will have an impact in the entire state," he said adding the UDF would win all 20 seats. Party's state unit President Mulapally Ramachandran said the decision to field Gandhi from Wayand would be "a happy news for secular-democratic forces" in the state. He also remembered how former Congress presidents Indira Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi had scripted impressive victories from South India. Congress leader M I Shanavas, who died in November last year, had won Wayanad, known for its picturesque locales and spices, in the 2009 and 2014 elections. The LDF has decided to field CPIs P P Suneer in the constituency this time while BJP-NDA yet to announce its candidate.

Rahul Gandhi fighting from Wayanad means he is fighting Left, not BJP: Kerala CM Pinari Vijayan

CPI(M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury has blamed what he termed the “rigidity” of the Rahul Gandhi-led Congress for the breakdown in the alliance talks between the two parties in West Bengal, claiming his party would be at an advantage as in 1977 when Jayaprakash Narayan’s Janata Party had spurned its tie-up offer in the fight against Indira Gandhi.

In an interview to PTI, Yechury said the breakdown of talks with the Janata Party in 1977 in Bengal had benefitted the CPI(M), which emerged as the only anti-Congress force in the state. He hoped this time too the party would be at an advantage, as the only front fighting the Trinamool Congress and the BJP.

“In Bengal, we said that there will be no mutual contest in the sitting seats. The Congress was unfortunately rigid…we have been sincere in our no-contest offer, it is the Congress which reneged. So the perception which has gone to the people of the state is that the only consistent force which can take on the TMC and the BJP in Bengal is the Left,” he said.

With the BJP emerging as the main contender to the ruling Trinamool Congress, the CPI(M), which won two of the state’s 42 parliamentary seats in 2014, faces an uphill task to retain its strength in a state it had ruled 35 years till 2011.

Asked what led to the failure of the Left and the Congress to stitch together an alliance in the state, Yechury referred to his party’s talks for a tie-up with the then Janata Party in 1977 and said the CPI(M) had offered it around 52 per cent seats while it wanted two-thirds.

“This is precisely what happened with the Janata Party in Bengal. They were not ready to budge from their demand. Then Jyoti Basu went to the people of Bengal and told them that we were giving the Janata Party a majority but they didn’t want it.

“We eventually emerged as the party which was consistently anti-Congress and then we continued to win there,” the CPI(M) chief said on the fight against the Indira Gandhi-led Congress government in the post-Emergency period.

The Left leader also said that while there was no scope of negotiations left in Bengal, the Congress going separately would help create a “momentum” for the Left Front.

The failure in talks of the two parties has now paved the way for a four-cornered contest in Bengal among the Trinamool Congress, the BJP, the Left Front and the Congress.

“We declared the seats minus their sitting seats, we waited for more than 48 hours, we didn’t declare, but their candidates were declared including the two of our seats. So, it’s clear who broke the chain here.

“The fact that Congress has not taken initiative (the seat-sharing talks) well is clear. But why that is, is for the Congress to answer. We have fixed our priority which is to maximise anti-BJP votes. Now, Congress has to fix its priority. The Congress has to answer this,” he said when asked if the Congress and its president Rahul Gandhi had failed to take initiative and play the expected role for the Opposition alliance.

In the 2014 parliamentary election, the Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress won 34 seats in Bengal, the Congress four and the Left and the BJP two each.

CPI(M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury has blamed what he termed the “rigidity” of the Rahul Gandhi-led Congress for the breakdown in the alliance talks between the two parties in West Bengal, claiming his party would be at an advantage as in 1977 when Jayaprakash Narayan’s Janata Party had spurned its tie-up offer in the fight against Indira Gandhi.

CPI(M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury has blamed what he termed the “rigidity” of the Rahul Gandhi-led Congress for the breakdown in the alliance talks between the two parties in West Bengal, claiming his party would be at an advantage as in 1977 when Jayaprakash Narayan’s Janata Party had spurned its tie-up offer in the fight against Indira Gandhi. In an interview to PTI, Yechury said the breakdown of talks with the Janata Party in 1977 in Bengal had benefitted the CPI(M), which emerged as the only anti-Congress force in the state. He hoped this time too the party would be at an advantage, as the only front fighting the Trinamool Congress and the BJP. “In Bengal, we said that there will be no mutual contest in the sitting seats. The Congress was unfortunately rigid…we have been sincere in our no-contest offer, it is the Congress which reneged. So the perception which has gone to the people of the state is that the only consistent force which can take on the TMC and the BJP in Bengal is the Left,” he said. With the BJP emerging as the main contender to the ruling Trinamool Congress, the CPI(M), which won two of the state’s 42 parliamentary seats in 2014, faces an uphill task to retain its strength in a state it had ruled 35 years till 2011. Asked what led to the failure of the Left and the Congress to stitch together an alliance in the state, Yechury referred to his party’s talks for a tie-up with the then Janata Party in 1977 and said the CPI(M) had offered it around 52 per cent seats while it wanted two-thirds. “This is precisely what happened with the Janata Party in Bengal. They were not ready to budge from their demand. Then Jyoti Basu went to the people of Bengal and told them that we were giving the Janata Party a majority but they didn’t want it. “We eventually emerged as the party which was consistently anti-Congress and then we continued to win there,” the CPI(M) chief said on the fight against the Indira Gandhi-led Congress government in the post-Emergency period. The Left leader also said that while there was no scope of negotiations left in Bengal, the Congress going separately would help create a “momentum” for the Left Front. The failure in talks of the two parties has now paved the way for a four-cornered contest in Bengal among the Trinamool Congress, the BJP, the Left Front and the Congress. “We declared the seats minus their sitting seats, we waited for more than 48 hours, we didn’t declare, but their candidates were declared including the two of our seats. So, it’s clear who broke the chain here. “The fact that Congress has not taken initiative (the seat-sharing talks) well is clear. But why that is, is for the Congress to answer. We have fixed our priority which is to maximise anti-BJP votes. Now, Congress has to fix its priority. The Congress has to answer this,” he said when asked if the Congress and its president Rahul Gandhi had failed to take initiative and play the expected role for the Opposition alliance. In the 2014 parliamentary election, the Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress won 34 seats in Bengal, the Congress four and the Left and the BJP two each.

Congress now as ‘rigid’ as Jayaprakash Narayan’s Janata Party in 1977: Sitaram Yechury on failed alliance talks in Bengal

In a one-to-one conversation with students in Ayodhya, Congress general <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/will-priyanka-fight-elections-from-varanasi-206337">secretary Priyanka Gandhi </a>revealed a lot about her personal life which continues to be hidden from the media and public.&nbsp;

The convention allowed students to ask random question to Priyanka. On being asked whether she knows how to cook, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/priyanka-renews-agrarian-pitch-for-congress-in-lok-sabha-elections-206080">Priyanka replied </a>that she is a good cook and that she has been cooking from the age of 15. She told the students that she had&nbsp;learned Italian cooking from her grandmother and that she is good at cooking both Indian and Thai food.

Priyanka also answered questions on gender and reforms. She said: "I often tell my daughter to dress properly keeping in mind the law and order of the city, my daughter often shoots back says that tell me what to wear.”&nbsp;

She said that what makes her happy was that her daughter’s response accrues from feminist values she has inculcated in her. Priyanka Gandhi also spoke on the issue of Romeo squads which have become a tool to harass young couples in the state.&nbsp;

She said, "I’m totally against Romeo squads and it cannot be allowed.” Priyanka Gandhi also spoke on the failed experiment of Congress president Rahul Gandhi to introduce internal elections in the frontal organization.&nbsp;

“Rahul’s idea was transformative. The intention was to open doors to young people who come from different backgrounds, but many people opposed this transformative process and did not allow the new process to function. They were afraid of change,” said Priyanka.&nbsp;

This is the first time Priyanka Gandhi has spoken on the issue of internal elections in the frontal organisations of the Congress. The fact that she accepted a section of leadership derailed the process&nbsp;shows that she was on the same page as&nbsp;Rahul Gandhi on the&nbsp;idea.

Priyanka Gandhi also spoke on the issue of Congress manifesto and said that people do not take manifestos very seriously whereas it is the most important document of the electoral process.&nbsp;

Priyanka Gandhi also attacked Union Minister Nitin Gadkari for his comment on NYAY and its financial viability.&nbsp;

She said, "Nitin Gadkari should answer as to where the government got the money to wave off debt of the business community. She was equally aggressive on the question of equating Gandhi’s with royalty.&nbsp;

She retorted saying that it was her family which did away with Privy Purse in 1970s. Privy Purse was money provided to states till 1971 for maintenance of their respective estates. It was part of the amalgamation process after India gained independence. Indira Gandhi had abolished the purse as the money was being paid from the Indian exchequer.&nbsp;

The Congress general secretary from eastern Uttar Pradesh attacked Prime Minister Modi's statement that Pakistan will celebrate if Congress wins. She said, "Biryani khane to PM gaye the."(PM had gone to eat&nbsp;biryani in Pakistan).&nbsp;

Priyanka Gandhi’s tour concluded on Friday evening with a visit to Hanumangarhi.

In a one-to-one conversation with students in Ayodhya, Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi revealed a lot about her personal life which continues to be hidden from the media and public.

In a one-to-one conversation with students in Ayodhya, Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi revealed a lot about her personal life which continues to be hidden from the media and public. The convention allowed students to ask random question to Priyanka. On being asked whether she knows how to cook, Priyanka replied that she is a good cook and that she has been cooking from the age of 15. She told the students that she had learned Italian cooking from her grandmother and that she is good at cooking both Indian and Thai food. Priyanka also answered questions on gender and reforms. She said: "I often tell my daughter to dress properly keeping in mind the law and order of the city, my daughter often shoots back says that tell me what to wear.” She said that what makes her happy was that her daughter’s response accrues from feminist values she has inculcated in her. Priyanka Gandhi also spoke on the issue of Romeo squads which have become a tool to harass young couples in the state. She said, "I’m totally against Romeo squads and it cannot be allowed.” Priyanka Gandhi also spoke on the failed experiment of Congress president Rahul Gandhi to introduce internal elections in the frontal organization. “Rahul’s idea was transformative. The intention was to open doors to young people who come from different backgrounds, but many people opposed this transformative process and did not allow the new process to function. They were afraid of change,” said Priyanka. This is the first time Priyanka Gandhi has spoken on the issue of internal elections in the frontal organisations of the Congress. The fact that she accepted a section of leadership derailed the process shows that she was on the same page as Rahul Gandhi on the idea. Priyanka Gandhi also spoke on the issue of Congress manifesto and said that people do not take manifestos very seriously whereas it is the most important document of the electoral process. Priyanka Gandhi also attacked Union Minister Nitin Gadkari for his comment on NYAY and its financial viability. She said, "Nitin Gadkari should answer as to where the government got the money to wave off debt of the business community. She was equally aggressive on the question of equating Gandhi’s with royalty. She retorted saying that it was her family which did away with Privy Purse in 1970s. Privy Purse was money provided to states till 1971 for maintenance of their respective estates. It was part of the amalgamation process after India gained independence. Indira Gandhi had abolished the purse as the money was being paid from the Indian exchequer. The Congress general secretary from eastern Uttar Pradesh attacked Prime Minister Modi's statement that Pakistan will celebrate if Congress wins. She said, "Biryani khane to PM gaye the."(PM had gone to eat biryani in Pakistan). Priyanka Gandhi’s tour concluded on Friday evening with a visit to Hanumangarhi.

Rahul's idea to hold internal elections in frontal organisation was opposed from within: Priyanka

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During&nbsp;a Congress workers meeting, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra expressed her desire to contest the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/blog-cattle-problem-in-up-can-impact-bjps-prospects-in-2019-lok-sabha-elections-206289">Lok Sabha elections</a>. Priyanka at present is holding workers meeting in Amethi and Rae Bareli, the Gandhi family bastion.&nbsp;

In one such meeting, a worker asked Priyanka Gandhi to contest the Lok Sabha elections, she shot back, smiling and retorted, "Why not Varanasi?”&nbsp;

This statement has set the cat among&nbsp;the pigeons. Priyanka Gandhi had expressed the same sentiment on Wednesday and answered in response to a question that she would definitely like to contest the Lok Sabha&nbsp;elections if the party fields her. She also added that&nbsp;she is a full-time politician now and there is no looking back. Priyanka Gandhi Vadra is in charge of eastern Uttar Pradesh and handles the party's campaign in the state.

It also raises expectations of Congress workers who want to see her in a larger and taller role. Though Priyanka maintains a low profile lest she overshadows her brother Rahul Gandhi, there is a growing clamour in the ranks to give her a bigger role within the organization.

Sources also informed to WION that Congress would also be organizing 15 to 17 joint rallies of Priyanka Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi in Uttar Pradesh. Some of the places identified are Prayag, Varanasi, Unnav, Saharanpur, Ghaziabad, Kanpur, Lucknow and Kushinagar.&nbsp;

Priyanka Gandhi is on a three-day tour of Uttar Pradesh and would be visiting Ayodhya on Friday. She is also expected to visit the famous HanumanGarhi temple. On Wednesday and Thursday, she will meet booth workers in Amethi and Rae Bareli.

During a Congress workers meeting, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra expressed her desire to contest the Lok Sabha elections. Priyanka at present is holding workers meeting in Amethi and Rae Bareli, the Gandhi family bastion.

During a Congress workers meeting, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra expressed her desire to contest the Lok Sabha elections. Priyanka at present is holding workers meeting in Amethi and Rae Bareli, the Gandhi family bastion. In one such meeting, a worker asked Priyanka Gandhi to contest the Lok Sabha elections, she shot back, smiling and retorted, "Why not Varanasi?” This statement has set the cat among the pigeons. Priyanka Gandhi had expressed the same sentiment on Wednesday and answered in response to a question that she would definitely like to contest the Lok Sabha elections if the party fields her. She also added that she is a full-time politician now and there is no looking back. Priyanka Gandhi Vadra is in charge of eastern Uttar Pradesh and handles the party's campaign in the state. It also raises expectations of Congress workers who want to see her in a larger and taller role. Though Priyanka maintains a low profile lest she overshadows her brother Rahul Gandhi, there is a growing clamour in the ranks to give her a bigger role within the organization. Sources also informed to WION that Congress would also be organizing 15 to 17 joint rallies of Priyanka Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi in Uttar Pradesh. Some of the places identified are Prayag, Varanasi, Unnav, Saharanpur, Ghaziabad, Kanpur, Lucknow and Kushinagar. Priyanka Gandhi is on a three-day tour of Uttar Pradesh and would be visiting Ayodhya on Friday. She is also expected to visit the famous HanumanGarhi temple. On Wednesday and Thursday, she will meet booth workers in Amethi and Rae Bareli.

'Why not Varanasi?' Priyanka Gandhi hints at contesting Lok Sabha polls

Former vice chairman of Niti Aayog Arvind Panagariya has asserted that Congress President Rahul Gandhi`s proposed minimum income guarantee initiative NYAY scheme (Nyuntam Aay Yojana) will not be able to provide Rs 12,000 per month to all needy families.

Taking to Twitter, Panagariya said, "Going by 2011-12 expenditure survey, even assuming that incomes of poorest households rose as fast as national average, 40% rural and 10% urban families remained below Rs. 12,000 per month in 2018-19. So NYAY will not bring all families above 12000."

However, Congress President Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday said that the party had consulted eminent economists including former RBI governor Raghuram Rajan before it came up with the minimum guaranteed income scheme, which ensures that nobody in the country remains below the benchmark of Rs 12,000 per month.

The Congress clarified that its minimum income guarantee initiative, NYAY (Nyuntam Aay Yojana), is not a "top-up scheme" but assures Rs 72,000 to 20 per cent of India`s poorest families.

This came after Rahul Gandhi had announced that if his party comes to power, it will implement a "ground-breaking" NYAY under which 20 per cent of the poorest families of the country will be entitled to up to Rs 72,000 per year.

Describing the scheme as unique in the entire world, he told media here that the minimum income guarantee scheme will be implemented in a phased manner as part of the "final assault on poverty".&nbsp;

Former vice chairman of Niti Aayog Arvind Panagariya has asserted that Congress President Rahul Gandhi`s proposed minimum income guarantee initiative NYAY scheme (Nyuntam Aay Yojana) will not be able to provide Rs 12,000 per month to all needy families.

Former vice chairman of Niti Aayog Arvind Panagariya has asserted that Congress President Rahul Gandhi`s proposed minimum income guarantee initiative NYAY scheme (Nyuntam Aay Yojana) will not be able to provide Rs 12,000 per month to all needy families. Taking to Twitter, Panagariya said, "Going by 2011-12 expenditure survey, even assuming that incomes of poorest households rose as fast as national average, 40% rural and 10% urban families remained below Rs. 12,000 per month in 2018-19. So NYAY will not bring all families above 12000." However, Congress President Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday said that the party had consulted eminent economists including former RBI governor Raghuram Rajan before it came up with the minimum guaranteed income scheme, which ensures that nobody in the country remains below the benchmark of Rs 12,000 per month. The Congress clarified that its minimum income guarantee initiative, NYAY (Nyuntam Aay Yojana), is not a "top-up scheme" but assures Rs 72,000 to 20 per cent of India`s poorest families. This came after Rahul Gandhi had announced that if his party comes to power, it will implement a "ground-breaking" NYAY under which 20 per cent of the poorest families of the country will be entitled to up to Rs 72,000 per year. Describing the scheme as unique in the entire world, he told media here that the minimum income guarantee scheme will be implemented in a phased manner as part of the "final assault on poverty".

NYAY scheme will not be able to cater to all needy families: Ex-Niti Ayog VC

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