Rebel BJP MP Shatrughan Sinha to join Congress today

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

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

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

Priyanka renews agrarian pitch for Congress in Lok Sabha elections

Actor Urmila Matondkar Wednesday joined the Congress after meeting party chief Rahul Gandhi at his residence.

Gandhi welcomed her in the party fold and wished her the best.

Later, at a press conference, Congress chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said the actor will contribute to spreading the Congress ideology and strengthening the party.

"I am here because I believe in the ideology of Congress and what the party stands for. I have not joined the party for the sake of elections," she told reporters.

"I am here to stay," she said, adding her entry in the Congress was not about elections.

The Bollywood actor is speculated to contest the Lok Sabha election from the Mumbai North Lok Sabha constituency.

Matondkar said she felt the need to join the Congress party as the freedom to express was under attack in the country and there are numerous examples in this regard in the last five years. She said the Congress party has participated in the freedom struggle and it stood for freedom.

"Today is a significant day for me as I have formally entered politics. My life has been inspired by Mahatma Gandhi from the days of my childhood," she also said.

Matondkar also lauded the leadership of Gandhi. She said he is the one who takes everyone along and such a leader is required in today's times.

Surjewala said the actor met Gandhi and expressed her solidarity in the Congress ideals and principles.

"She has been an inspiration for the youth on how with your hard work, commitment and talent, she has won the hearts of many and achieved a lot," Surjewala said.

Mumbai Regional Congress Committee chief Milind Deora and his predecessor Sanjay Nirupam were also present during her joining and both welcomed her into the party fold.

Actor Urmila Matondkar Wednesday joined the Congress after meeting party chief Rahul Gandhi at his residence. Gandhi welcomed her in the party fold and wished her the best.

Actor Urmila Matondkar Wednesday joined the Congress after meeting party chief Rahul Gandhi at his residence. Gandhi welcomed her in the party fold and wished her the best. Later, at a press conference, Congress chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said the actor will contribute to spreading the Congress ideology and strengthening the party. "I am here because I believe in the ideology of Congress and what the party stands for. I have not joined the party for the sake of elections," she told reporters. "I am here to stay," she said, adding her entry in the Congress was not about elections. The Bollywood actor is speculated to contest the Lok Sabha election from the Mumbai North Lok Sabha constituency. Matondkar said she felt the need to join the Congress party as the freedom to express was under attack in the country and there are numerous examples in this regard in the last five years. She said the Congress party has participated in the freedom struggle and it stood for freedom. "Today is a significant day for me as I have formally entered politics. My life has been inspired by Mahatma Gandhi from the days of my childhood," she also said. Matondkar also lauded the leadership of Gandhi. She said he is the one who takes everyone along and such a leader is required in today's times. Surjewala said the actor met Gandhi and expressed her solidarity in the Congress ideals and principles. "She has been an inspiration for the youth on how with your hard work, commitment and talent, she has won the hearts of many and achieved a lot," Surjewala said. Mumbai Regional Congress Committee chief Milind Deora and his predecessor Sanjay Nirupam were also present during her joining and both welcomed her into the party fold.

Believe in Congress ideology, not joining for elections, says Urmila Matondkar

Rahul Gandhi-led Congress party on Tuesday released its list of star campaigners ahead of the Lok Sabha polls. The list includes party president Rahul Gandhi, UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi, former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and party in-charge of eastern Uttar Pradesh Priyanka Gandhi Vadra.&nbsp;

Some of the other prominent leaders in the list are Ghulam Nabi Azad, Jyotiraditya Scindia, Ashok Chavan, Mallikarjun Kharge, Prithviraj Chavan, KC Venugopal, Sushil Kumar Shinde, Milind Deora and cricketer-turned-politician Mohammad Azharuddin, among others. &nbsp;

The Bharatiya Janata Party also released its list of star campaigners and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-polls-bjps-list-of-star-campaigners-skips-advani-murli-manohar-joshi-205654">skipped some of its veteran leaders</a>. The BJP, for this year's Lok Sabha polls, has decided not to field <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-2019-bjp-snubs-veteran-leaders-murli-manohar-joshi-asked-not-to-contest-205698">veteran leaders ageing above 75 years</a> in its move to promote younger candidates.&nbsp;

Akhilesh Yadav's Samajwadi Party, last week, in its 'star campaigners' list left out party patriarch and former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mulayam Singh Yadav who was hastily added back to the list a day later.&nbsp;

Rahul Gandhi-led Congress party on Tuesday released its list of star campaigners ahead of the Lok Sabha polls. The list includes party president Rahul Gandhi, UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi, former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and party in-charge of eastern Uttar Pradesh Priyanka Gandhi Vadra.

Rahul Gandhi-led Congress party on Tuesday released its list of star campaigners ahead of the Lok Sabha polls. The list includes party president Rahul Gandhi, UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi, former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and party in-charge of eastern Uttar Pradesh Priyanka Gandhi Vadra. Some of the other prominent leaders in the list are Ghulam Nabi Azad, Jyotiraditya Scindia, Ashok Chavan, Mallikarjun Kharge, Prithviraj Chavan, KC Venugopal, Sushil Kumar Shinde, Milind Deora and cricketer-turned-politician Mohammad Azharuddin, among others. The Bharatiya Janata Party also released its list of star campaigners and skipped some of its veteran leaders. The BJP, for this year's Lok Sabha polls, has decided not to field veteran leaders ageing above 75 years in its move to promote younger candidates. Akhilesh Yadav's Samajwadi Party, last week, in its 'star campaigners' list left out party patriarch and former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mulayam Singh Yadav who was hastily added back to the list a day later.

Lok Sabha polls: Congress' list of star campaigners includes Gandhi clan, former CM, party bigwigs and Mohammad Azharuddin

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - March 25, 2019

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

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

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

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

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Monday put out his counter to Congress president Rahul Gandhi's “final assault on poverty”.

Jaitley termed Rahul Gandhi's promise of a minimum income of 72,000 annually to 20 per cent families in poorest of the poor category as the biggest bluff.

Jaitley validated his statement by putting forward simple math that sought to negate the calculations put forward by Rahul Gandhi while justifying Congress' minimum income programme.

“If the Congress Party’s announcement is tested on simple arithmetic, Rs.72,000 for five crore families works out to be Rs.3.6 lakh crore, which is less than 2/3rd of what is being given,” Jaitley said.

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The latest announcement of the Congress Party if tested on simple arithmetic then ₹72,000 is less than 2/3rd of the existing DBT under Modi government, which averages ₹1.068 lakh annually. So what is being claimed by the Congress Party - A bluff announcement.
— Chowkidar Arun Jaitley (@arunjaitley) <a href="https://twitter.com/arunjaitley/status/1110172294679285760?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 25, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Earlier in the day, Congress President Rahul Gandhi announced that his party, if voted to power, would give a minimum income guarantee of Rs 6,000 per month to 20 crore household. He said that the move would bring the people out of poverty.

However, the Finance Minister said that the Congress always promised ‘Garibi Hatao’ but never actually worked on it.

“This announcement is an admission of the fact that neither Indiraji nor her son and certainly not the UPA Government controlled by her descendants, was able to remove poverty,” he added.

The minister further said that the Congress and the Gandhi family, in particular, has ruled India for over two-thirds of the period since the ‘Garibi Hatao’ slogan was given “If it has failed to even address poverty during this period, why should India believe it? Jaitley asked.

(With inputs from agencies)

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Monday put out his counter to Congress president Rahul Gandhi's “final assault on poverty”. Jaitley termed Rahul Gandhi's promise of a minimum income of 72,000 annually to 20 per cent families in poorest of the poor category as the biggest bluff.

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Monday put out his counter to Congress president Rahul Gandhi's “final assault on poverty”. Jaitley termed Rahul Gandhi's promise of a minimum income of 72,000 annually to 20 per cent families in poorest of the poor category as the biggest bluff. Jaitley validated his statement by putting forward simple math that sought to negate the calculations put forward by Rahul Gandhi while justifying Congress' minimum income programme. “If the Congress Party’s announcement is tested on simple arithmetic, Rs.72,000 for five crore families works out to be Rs.3.6 lakh crore, which is less than 2/3rd of what is being given,” Jaitley said. The latest announcement of the Congress Party if tested on simple arithmetic then ₹72,000 is less than 2/3rd of the existing DBT under Modi government, which averages ₹1.068 lakh annually. So what is being claimed by the Congress Party - A bluff announcement. — Chowkidar Arun Jaitley (@arunjaitley) March 25, 2019 × Earlier in the day, Congress President Rahul Gandhi announced that his party, if voted to power, would give a minimum income guarantee of Rs 6,000 per month to 20 crore household. He said that the move would bring the people out of poverty. However, the Finance Minister said that the Congress always promised ‘Garibi Hatao’ but never actually worked on it. “This announcement is an admission of the fact that neither Indiraji nor her son and certainly not the UPA Government controlled by her descendants, was able to remove poverty,” he added. The minister further said that the Congress and the Gandhi family, in particular, has ruled India for over two-thirds of the period since the ‘Garibi Hatao’ slogan was given “If it has failed to even address poverty during this period, why should India believe it? Jaitley asked. (With inputs from agencies)

Rahul Gandhi’s minimum income guarantee is a bluff announcement, says Arun Jaitley

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Political merchandise hit markets ahead of Lok Sabha polls

Haryanvi folk singer and dancer Sapna Choudhary has refuted all reports of joining Congress on Sunday.

"I have not joined the Congress party. The photograph with Priyanka Gandhi Vadra is old. I am not going to campaign for any political party", she said.

Earlier on March 23, there were reports that Choudhary, who wants to contest the Lok Sabha elections from Mathura against Hema Malini of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), met Congress General Secretary Jyotiraditya Scindia before joining the party.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> Haryanavi singer &amp; dancer Sapna Chaudhary says, "I have not joined the Congress party. The photograph with Priyanka Gandhi Vadra is old." <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LokSabhaElections2019?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LokSabhaElections2019</a> <a href="https://t.co/brcvaKOAIQ">pic.twitter.com/brcvaKOAIQ</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1109761702130827266?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 24, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Mathura has a dominant Jat presence and Choudhary hails from the same background.

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Picture of Congress Membership Form with Sapna Chaudhary's name and signature on it and fee receipt from yesterday. Today, Haryanavi singer and dancer Sapna Chaudhary has claimed that her pictures are old and she is not a part of any political party. <a href="https://t.co/6kCUGlWvE3">pic.twitter.com/6kCUGlWvE3</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1109770238739038208?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 24, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Her quality may be gauged from the actual fact that Choudhary beat Sonam Kapoor, Katrina Kaif, Deepika Padukone and Radhika Apte within the list of ‘most searched ladies online in 2018’.&nbsp;

With 1.7 million followers, the former 'Bigg Boss' contestant was all over the news for her smashing makeover and transformation.

(With inputs from agencies)

Haryanvi folk singer and dancer Sapna Choudhary has refuted all reports of joining Congress on Sunday. "I have not joined the Congress party. The photograph with Priyanka Gandhi Vadra is old.

Haryanvi folk singer and dancer Sapna Choudhary has refuted all reports of joining Congress on Sunday. "I have not joined the Congress party. The photograph with Priyanka Gandhi Vadra is old. I am not going to campaign for any political party", she said. Earlier on March 23, there were reports that Choudhary, who wants to contest the Lok Sabha elections from Mathura against Hema Malini of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), met Congress General Secretary Jyotiraditya Scindia before joining the party. #WATCH Haryanavi singer & dancer Sapna Chaudhary says, "I have not joined the Congress party. The photograph with Priyanka Gandhi Vadra is old." #LokSabhaElections2019 pic.twitter.com/brcvaKOAIQ — ANI (@ANI) March 24, 2019 × Mathura has a dominant Jat presence and Choudhary hails from the same background. Picture of Congress Membership Form with Sapna Chaudhary's name and signature on it and fee receipt from yesterday. Today, Haryanavi singer and dancer Sapna Chaudhary has claimed that her pictures are old and she is not a part of any political party. pic.twitter.com/6kCUGlWvE3 — ANI (@ANI) March 24, 2019 × Her quality may be gauged from the actual fact that Choudhary beat Sonam Kapoor, Katrina Kaif, Deepika Padukone and Radhika Apte within the list of ‘most searched ladies online in 2018’. With 1.7 million followers, the former 'Bigg Boss' contestant was all over the news for her smashing makeover and transformation. (With inputs from agencies)

Lok Sabha polls 2019: Haryanvi artist Sapna Choudhary rubbishes reports of joining Congress

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Friday released a list of 36 <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bjp-releases-first-list-of-182-candidates-for-lok-sabha-polls-modi-to-contest-from-varanasi-again-204704">candidates for Lok Sabha polls</a>&nbsp;in Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Maharashtra and Odisha ahead of the general elections.

The party has fielded Girish Bapat from Pune (Maharashtra), its national spokesperson Sambit Patra from Puri (Odisha), Dilip Kumar Kilaru from Vijayawada (Andhra Pradesh), Bharati Pawar from Dindori (Maharashtra) and Sanbor Shullai from Shillong (Meghalaya).

The decision was taken after a meeting of the Central Election Committee of the BJP in New Delhi. The meeting was attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh, Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley and External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj among others.

Speaking to ANI after the CEC meeting, Union Minister JP Nadda said, "We have come out with a list of 36 new candidates which includes Odisha BJP President Basant Panda, senior leader Suresh Pujari and our spokesperson Sambit Patra. We would like to clear the first and second phase candidates as soon as possible and we`re working on it."

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BJP releases list of 36 candidates from Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Maharashtra, Odisha. Girish Bapat to contest from Pune (Maharashtra), Sambit Patra to contest from Puri (Odisha). <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LokSabhaElections2019?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LokSabhaElections2019</a> <a href="https://t.co/Ft3C3cl1cX">pic.twitter.com/Ft3C3cl1cX</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1109182572419051520?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 22, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The first phase of the 2019 Lok Sabha elections will be held on April 11, and results will be announced on May 23.

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

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

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

Prime Minister Narendra Modi writes in a blog on Saturday that Dr Lohia would be "proud" of the NDA government led by the BJP for following his ideas.

"Today those parties that falsely claim to be Dr Lohia's followers are desperate to form an opportunistic 'maha-milawat' or adulteration alliances with the same Congress (which Lohia opposed). It is both ironical and reprehensible," wrote PM Modi in a blog to mark the 109th birth anniversary of Lohia.

The Samajwadi Party, Janata Dal-Secular, Rashtriya Janata Dal and Sharad Yadav's Loktantrik Janata Dal, which will merge with the RJD after the Lok Sabha polls, were some of the parties formed on socialist ideology.

"Dr Lohia's thoughts inspire us. He wrote about modernising agriculture and empowering farmers, which the NDA government is effectively doing through efforts such as PM Kisan Samman Nidhi, Krishi Sinchai Yojana, e-Nam, Soil Health Cards and more," he said in the blog shared on Twitter.

Referring to gender inequality, the prime minister said nothing pained Lohia more than the caste hierarchy and inequality between women and men.

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Today they are betraying the principles of Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia, tomorrow they will also betray the people of India. 
 
My thoughts on why those who claim to follow Dr. Lohia have let him down. Do read. <a href="https://t.co/gq1srcXwkx">https://t.co/gq1srcXwkx</a>
— Chowkidar Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1109306402395377665?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 23, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"But neck deep in vote bank politics, it was parties that dishonestly claim to be Dr Lohia's followers that opposed the NDA government's move to abolish the inhuman practice of triple talaq," he alleged.

Hitting out at the Congress, Modi said whenever Lohia spoke, the Congress "trembled with fear".

He said Lohia had once claimed that during the Congress regime neither agriculture and industry nor the Army improved.

"These words can accurately describe even subsequent Congress regimes, where farmers were harassed, the industry was discouraged (except if they belonged to friends and relatives of Congress leaders) and national security was ignored," the PM wrote.

(With inputs from PTI)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi writes in a blog on Saturday that Dr Lohia would be "proud" of the NDA government led by the BJP for following his ideas. "Today those parties that falsely claim to be Dr Lohia's followers are desperate to form an opportunistic 'maha-milawat' or adulteration alliances with the same Congress (which Lohia opposed).

Prime Minister Narendra Modi writes in a blog on Saturday that Dr Lohia would be "proud" of the NDA government led by the BJP for following his ideas. "Today those parties that falsely claim to be Dr Lohia's followers are desperate to form an opportunistic 'maha-milawat' or adulteration alliances with the same Congress (which Lohia opposed). It is both ironical and reprehensible," wrote PM Modi in a blog to mark the 109th birth anniversary of Lohia. The Samajwadi Party, Janata Dal-Secular, Rashtriya Janata Dal and Sharad Yadav's Loktantrik Janata Dal, which will merge with the RJD after the Lok Sabha polls, were some of the parties formed on socialist ideology. "Dr Lohia's thoughts inspire us. He wrote about modernising agriculture and empowering farmers, which the NDA government is effectively doing through efforts such as PM Kisan Samman Nidhi, Krishi Sinchai Yojana, e-Nam, Soil Health Cards and more," he said in the blog shared on Twitter. Referring to gender inequality, the prime minister said nothing pained Lohia more than the caste hierarchy and inequality between women and men. Today they are betraying the principles of Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia, tomorrow they will also betray the people of India. My thoughts on why those who claim to follow Dr. Lohia have let him down. Do read. https://t.co/gq1srcXwkx — Chowkidar Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 23, 2019 × "But neck deep in vote bank politics, it was parties that dishonestly claim to be Dr Lohia's followers that opposed the NDA government's move to abolish the inhuman practice of triple talaq," he alleged. Hitting out at the Congress, Modi said whenever Lohia spoke, the Congress "trembled with fear". He said Lohia had once claimed that during the Congress regime neither agriculture and industry nor the Army improved. "These words can accurately describe even subsequent Congress regimes, where farmers were harassed, the industry was discouraged (except if they belonged to friends and relatives of Congress leaders) and national security was ignored," the PM wrote. (With inputs from PTI)

Ram Manohar Lohia would have been proud of NDA government: PM Modi

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

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

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

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

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday lashed out at Sam Pitroda, the chairman of the Overseas Indian National Congress, for his comments on the Balakot airstrikes. "Opposition insults our forces time and again," PM Modi tweeted out quoting Pitroda's comment tweeted out by news agency ANI.&nbsp;

"I appeal to my fellow Indians - question Opposition leaders on their statements. Tell them- 130 crore Indians will not forgive or forget the Opposition for their antics," the Prime Minister's tweet read.

"India stands firmly with our forces. #JantaMaafNahiKaregi," he added.&nbsp;

"The most trusted advisor and guide of the Congress President has kick-started the Pakistan National Day celebrations on behalf of the Congress, ironically by demeaning India’s armed forces," PM Modi wrote in a separate tweet.&nbsp;

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Opposition insults our forces time and again. 
 
I appeal to my fellow Indians- question Opposition leaders on their statements. 
 
Tell them- 130 crore Indians will not forgive or forget the Opposition for their antics. 
 
India stands firmly with our forces. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/JantaMaafNahiKaregi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#JantaMaafNahiKaregi</a> <a href="https://t.co/rwpFKMMeHY">https://t.co/rwpFKMMeHY</a>
— Chowkidar Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1108965519082684416?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 22, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Pitroda, who is also known as a close aide of Congress president Rahul Gandhi, questioned the airstrikes carried out by the Indian Air Force at JeM camps in Balakot, Pakistan in an interview with news agency ANI.

“If they (IAF) killed 300, it's ok. All I am saying is can you give me more facts and prove it,” said Pitroda.

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The most trusted advisor and guide of the Congress President has kick-started the Pakistan National Day celebrations on behalf of the Congress, ironically by demeaning India’s armed forces. 
 
Shame! <a href="https://t.co/puSjTK8Y4x">https://t.co/puSjTK8Y4x</a>
— Chowkidar Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1108964730729689088?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 22, 2019</a></blockquote>
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“I would like to know a little more because I read reports in the New York Times and other newspapers. Did we really attack? We really killed 300 people? I don’t know that. As a citizen, I am entitled to know and if I ask it is my duty to ask, that doesn’t mean I’m not a nationalist, That doesn’t mean I am on this side or that side. We need to know the facts. If you say 300 people were killed,&nbsp;&nbsp;I need to know that. We all need to know that, people of India need to know that and then comes global media which says nobody was killed. I look bad as an Indian citizen,” Pitroda told ANI.

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Loyal courtier of Congress’ royal dynasty admits what the nation already knew- Congress was unwilling to respond to forces of terror. 
 
This is a New India- we will answer terrorists in a language they understand and with interest! <a href="https://t.co/Mul4LIbKb5">https://t.co/Mul4LIbKb5</a>
— Chowkidar Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1108964963190628352?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 22, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Pressed further to clarify if talks with Pakistan was an option post the Pulwama terror attack which killed 40 CRPF jawans, Pitroda said that it would be naïve to assume that if some people came here and attacked, every citizen of that nation is to be blamed. “I don’t know much about (Pulwama) attack, it happens all the time, attack happen in Mumbai Taj hotel and Oberoi hotel. We could have reacted then and sent our planes but that is not the right approach according to me that’s not how you deal with the World. Eight people come (referring to Mumbai 26/11 attacks) and do something, you don’t jump on the entire nation,” said Sam Pitroda in the interview.

When asked if he questioned the Indian Air Force’s version of the Balakot air strikes, Pitroda clarified that an attack is different from making a claim of 300 dead. “We cannot be emotional. Data has to be neutral. So you come in today and say ‘I killed 300 people’ and I say wait a minute, the World is saying we didn’t kill anybody or kill less&nbsp;or kill more... I don’t know,” added Pitroda.

Pitroda, who is part of the Congress’ manifesto committee for the 2019 Lok Sabha elections and is considered a senior ideologue of the party, sought a dialogue with Pakistan. “I am a Gandhian, I believe in more compassion and respect. I believe in more dialogues personally. I think we should have a dialogue with everybody. Why just Pakistan? We are having a dialogue with the whole world,” Pitroda said.

(With inputs from ANI)&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday lashed out at Sam Pitroda, the chairman of the Overseas Indian National Congress, for his comments on the Balakot airstrikes.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday lashed out at Sam Pitroda, the chairman of the Overseas Indian National Congress, for his comments on the Balakot airstrikes. "Opposition insults our forces time and again," PM Modi tweeted out quoting Pitroda's comment tweeted out by news agency ANI. "I appeal to my fellow Indians - question Opposition leaders on their statements. Tell them- 130 crore Indians will not forgive or forget the Opposition for their antics," the Prime Minister's tweet read. "India stands firmly with our forces. #JantaMaafNahiKaregi," he added. "The most trusted advisor and guide of the Congress President has kick-started the Pakistan National Day celebrations on behalf of the Congress, ironically by demeaning India’s armed forces," PM Modi wrote in a separate tweet. Opposition insults our forces time and again. I appeal to my fellow Indians- question Opposition leaders on their statements. Tell them- 130 crore Indians will not forgive or forget the Opposition for their antics. India stands firmly with our forces. #JantaMaafNahiKaregi https://t.co/rwpFKMMeHY — Chowkidar Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 22, 2019 × Pitroda, who is also known as a close aide of Congress president Rahul Gandhi, questioned the airstrikes carried out by the Indian Air Force at JeM camps in Balakot, Pakistan in an interview with news agency ANI. “If they (IAF) killed 300, it's ok. All I am saying is can you give me more facts and prove it,” said Pitroda. The most trusted advisor and guide of the Congress President has kick-started the Pakistan National Day celebrations on behalf of the Congress, ironically by demeaning India’s armed forces. Shame! https://t.co/puSjTK8Y4x — Chowkidar Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 22, 2019 × “I would like to know a little more because I read reports in the New York Times and other newspapers. Did we really attack? We really killed 300 people? I don’t know that. As a citizen, I am entitled to know and if I ask it is my duty to ask, that doesn’t mean I’m not a nationalist, That doesn’t mean I am on this side or that side. We need to know the facts. If you say 300 people were killed, I need to know that. We all need to know that, people of India need to know that and then comes global media which says nobody was killed. I look bad as an Indian citizen,” Pitroda told ANI. Loyal courtier of Congress’ royal dynasty admits what the nation already knew- Congress was unwilling to respond to forces of terror. This is a New India- we will answer terrorists in a language they understand and with interest! https://t.co/Mul4LIbKb5 — Chowkidar Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 22, 2019 × Pressed further to clarify if talks with Pakistan was an option post the Pulwama terror attack which killed 40 CRPF jawans, Pitroda said that it would be naïve to assume that if some people came here and attacked, every citizen of that nation is to be blamed. “I don’t know much about (Pulwama) attack, it happens all the time, attack happen in Mumbai Taj hotel and Oberoi hotel. We could have reacted then and sent our planes but that is not the right approach according to me that’s not how you deal with the World. Eight people come (referring to Mumbai 26/11 attacks) and do something, you don’t jump on the entire nation,” said Sam Pitroda in the interview. When asked if he questioned the Indian Air Force’s version of the Balakot air strikes, Pitroda clarified that an attack is different from making a claim of 300 dead. “We cannot be emotional. Data has to be neutral. So you come in today and say ‘I killed 300 people’ and I say wait a minute, the World is saying we didn’t kill anybody or kill less or kill more... I don’t know,” added Pitroda. Pitroda, who is part of the Congress’ manifesto committee for the 2019 Lok Sabha elections and is considered a senior ideologue of the party, sought a dialogue with Pakistan. “I am a Gandhian, I believe in more compassion and respect. I believe in more dialogues personally. I think we should have a dialogue with everybody. Why just Pakistan? We are having a dialogue with the whole world,” Pitroda said. (With inputs from ANI)

Congress' 'most trusted advisor' celebrates Pak national day by demeaning IAF: PM Modi slams Sam Pitroda 

The opposition 'Mahagathbandhan' in Bihar on Friday announced its seat-sharing formula for the 40 Lok Sabha seats in the state, half of which will be fought by Lalu Prasad's RJD and nine by the Congress.

Former JD(U) president and NDA convener Sharad Yadav will contest on the RJD symbol and merge his party Loktantrik Janata Dal (LJD) with it after the Lok Sabha polls, RJD national spokesman Manoj Jha and RJD state president Ram Chandra Purve told newsmen.

Recent entrants to the 'Grand Alliance' - Upendra Kushwaha's Rashtriya Lok Samta Party (RLSP) and Mukesh Sahni's Vikassheel Insan Party (VIP) will field their candidates in five and three seats, respectively, they said.

Former chief minister Jitan Ram Manjhi's Hindustan Awam Morcha (HAM) has been given three seats.

The RJD leaders made the announcement in the presence of representatives from all alliance partners, including Bihar Pradesh Congress Committee president Madan Mohan Jha.

Top leaders like Tejashwi Yadav (RJD), Kushwaha (RLSP), Sharad Yadav and Manjhi were conspicuous by their absence though.

As per the analysis of the seat-sharing formula, the RJD, which wanted to contest 20, had to part with one seat from its quota to the CPI(ML) Liberation, while the Congress, which had reportedly bargained hard for 11 seats, had to settle for nine with the assurance of a Rajya Sabha berth.

Among other constituents, the HAM, which claimed to have a "stronger support base than even of the Congress" and had insisted on more seats than at least the RLSP, had to settle for only three. The RLSP, which had walked out of the NDA following an offer of only two seats, was allotted five.

The biggest gainer was, surprisingly, the fledgling Vikassheel Insaan Party (VIP), which was floated by former Bollywood set designer Mukesh Sahni less than six months ago. It got three seats to contest from which is equal to that of the HAM.

Candidates were also announced for the four Lok Sabha seats that will go to polls in the first phase. Filing of nominations for these seats will end on March 25 and votes will be cast on April 11.

These candidates include Manjhi himself, who will be contesting from Gaya, and RLSP state president Bhudeo Chaudhary from Jamui which is currently held by LJP's Chirag Paswan.

The other prominent candidates in the list are HAM's Upendra Prasad from Aurangabad and RJD's Vibha Devi, whose husband Raj Vallabh Yadav was recently disqualified from the assembly following conviction in a rape case, from Nawada.

The RJD leaders also announced that the Nawada assembly seat will be contested by Dhirendra Singh Munna of the HAM.

The Dehri assembly seat, where by-election has been necessitated by RJD's Mohd Iliyas Hussain losing the seat on account of conviction in the bitumen scam, has gone to his son Mohd Firoz Husain.

By-polls to the two assembly seats will be held simultaneously with the Lok Sabha elections in Bihar where it will be held in seven phases.

When reporters approached Sharad Yadav outside Rabri Devi's residence, where parleys had taken place for several hours before the announcements, he affirmed that he will be fighting on an RJD ticket and merge the LJD, which he had founded after falling out with Nitish Kumar, with the RJD.

The RJD leaders also announced that the party would give one seat to CPI(ML) Liberation from its quota but did not specify the constituency.

The Congress, they said, will get the first Rajya Sabha seat from the Mahagathbandhan whenever elections are held for the upper house.

The seat-sharing announcement evoked angry outbursts at Sadaqat Ashram, the Congress headquarters in Bihar, as supporters of former Aurangabad MP, Nikhil Kumar, raised angry slogans in protest against the seat going to the HAM.

The agitators alleged that the seat was "sold" by Jha and AICC in-charge for the state, Shaktisinh Gohil.

The Aurangabad seat, known as 'mini Chittorgarh' by virtue of the strong presence of the Rajput caste in the area, has been a bastion for Nikhil Kumar's family.

His father Satyendra Narayan Singh had represented the seat many times before becoming the state chief minister for a brief period.

Shyama Singh, the late wife of Nikhil Kumar, who is a former Delhi Police chief, had also represented the seat.

The NDA has been winning the seat since the 2009 Lok Sabha elections.&nbsp;

The opposition 'Mahagathbandhan' in Bihar on Friday announced its seat-sharing formula for the 40 Lok Sabha seats in the state, half of which will be fought by Lalu Prasad's RJD and nine by the Congress.

The opposition 'Mahagathbandhan' in Bihar on Friday announced its seat-sharing formula for the 40 Lok Sabha seats in the state, half of which will be fought by Lalu Prasad's RJD and nine by the Congress. Former JD(U) president and NDA convener Sharad Yadav will contest on the RJD symbol and merge his party Loktantrik Janata Dal (LJD) with it after the Lok Sabha polls, RJD national spokesman Manoj Jha and RJD state president Ram Chandra Purve told newsmen. Recent entrants to the 'Grand Alliance' - Upendra Kushwaha's Rashtriya Lok Samta Party (RLSP) and Mukesh Sahni's Vikassheel Insan Party (VIP) will field their candidates in five and three seats, respectively, they said. Former chief minister Jitan Ram Manjhi's Hindustan Awam Morcha (HAM) has been given three seats. The RJD leaders made the announcement in the presence of representatives from all alliance partners, including Bihar Pradesh Congress Committee president Madan Mohan Jha. Top leaders like Tejashwi Yadav (RJD), Kushwaha (RLSP), Sharad Yadav and Manjhi were conspicuous by their absence though. As per the analysis of the seat-sharing formula, the RJD, which wanted to contest 20, had to part with one seat from its quota to the CPI(ML) Liberation, while the Congress, which had reportedly bargained hard for 11 seats, had to settle for nine with the assurance of a Rajya Sabha berth. Among other constituents, the HAM, which claimed to have a "stronger support base than even of the Congress" and had insisted on more seats than at least the RLSP, had to settle for only three. The RLSP, which had walked out of the NDA following an offer of only two seats, was allotted five. The biggest gainer was, surprisingly, the fledgling Vikassheel Insaan Party (VIP), which was floated by former Bollywood set designer Mukesh Sahni less than six months ago. It got three seats to contest from which is equal to that of the HAM. Candidates were also announced for the four Lok Sabha seats that will go to polls in the first phase. Filing of nominations for these seats will end on March 25 and votes will be cast on April 11. These candidates include Manjhi himself, who will be contesting from Gaya, and RLSP state president Bhudeo Chaudhary from Jamui which is currently held by LJP's Chirag Paswan. The other prominent candidates in the list are HAM's Upendra Prasad from Aurangabad and RJD's Vibha Devi, whose husband Raj Vallabh Yadav was recently disqualified from the assembly following conviction in a rape case, from Nawada. The RJD leaders also announced that the Nawada assembly seat will be contested by Dhirendra Singh Munna of the HAM. The Dehri assembly seat, where by-election has been necessitated by RJD's Mohd Iliyas Hussain losing the seat on account of conviction in the bitumen scam, has gone to his son Mohd Firoz Husain. By-polls to the two assembly seats will be held simultaneously with the Lok Sabha elections in Bihar where it will be held in seven phases. When reporters approached Sharad Yadav outside Rabri Devi's residence, where parleys had taken place for several hours before the announcements, he affirmed that he will be fighting on an RJD ticket and merge the LJD, which he had founded after falling out with Nitish Kumar, with the RJD. The RJD leaders also announced that the party would give one seat to CPI(ML) Liberation from its quota but did not specify the constituency. The Congress, they said, will get the first Rajya Sabha seat from the Mahagathbandhan whenever elections are held for the upper house. The seat-sharing announcement evoked angry outbursts at Sadaqat Ashram, the Congress headquarters in Bihar, as supporters of former Aurangabad MP, Nikhil Kumar, raised angry slogans in protest against the seat going to the HAM. The agitators alleged that the seat was "sold" by Jha and AICC in-charge for the state, Shaktisinh Gohil. The Aurangabad seat, known as 'mini Chittorgarh' by virtue of the strong presence of the Rajput caste in the area, has been a bastion for Nikhil Kumar's family. His father Satyendra Narayan Singh had represented the seat many times before becoming the state chief minister for a brief period. Shyama Singh, the late wife of Nikhil Kumar, who is a former Delhi Police chief, had also represented the seat. The NDA has been winning the seat since the 2009 Lok Sabha elections.

'Mahagathbandhan' announces seat-sharing formula in Bihar, Sharad Yadav to fight on RJD symbol 

Karnataka Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy said Thursday he will not plead for support with those Congress leaders who are against his son Nikhil Kumaraswamy's candidature as coalition candidate from Mandya in the Lok Sabha polls.

Taking a dig at those opposing Nikhil, the Chief Minister said "those who are originally from the Congress have already extended their support and JD(S) workers are efficient to ensure his victory.

He also said his father and former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda was yet to decide on contesting the Lok Sabha polls.

"Some leaders in Mandya have gone ahead from the backdoor. It is not necessary for me to talk to them now.

My workers are efficient, instead of trusting those backstabbing, trust those who work honestly. I'm not blaming everyone,"Kumaraswamy said in response to a question about him personally seeking support from Mandya Congress leaders.

"Among the original Congressmen, many of them are with us... But there are a few, I know...Situation will not come for me to go before them and plead, there is no need of it also," he said.

Kumaraswamy said even now he wanted to tell those leaders that there were no permanent enemies or friends in politics and the Congress had decided to give the seat to the JD(S) in the coalition set up.

"With their own adamant behaviour, if they still want to go away with an intention to take revenge, good, they can work anywhere they want," he added.

The Chief Minister's sharp reaction came a day after several Congress leaders in Mandya extended their support to independent candidate Sumalatha Ambareesh despite their party denying her a ticket.

The Congress and JD(S), who have been traditional rivals in Mandya, have decided to fight the election together in an alliance this time, and according to the coalition arrangement the seat had gone to the regional party as it had a sitting MP there.

The Congress' move to cede the seat to JD(S) is being vehemently opposed by leaders in Mandya, with a few even expressing openly their support to Sumalatha, widow of actor-politician Ambareesh.

Ambareesh had early won on Congress' ticket from the constituency.

It is a high stake battle for Kumaraswamy and JD(S) as Mandya had remained the party bastion for long. The party also won the entire eight assembly segments in the Vokkaliga stronghold during the May 2018 assembly polls.

For the coalition to emerge as a formidable opposition to the BJP and win more number of seats, it is crucial for theCongress to transfer its votes to JD(S), and vice versa, including Mandya.

According to sources, BJP is unlikely to field its candidate from Mandya and may extend support to Sumalatha.

Karnataka Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy said Thursday he will not plead for support with those Congress leaders who are against his son Nikhil Kumaraswamy's candidature as coalition candidate from Mandya in the Lok Sabha polls.

Karnataka Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy said Thursday he will not plead for support with those Congress leaders who are against his son Nikhil Kumaraswamy's candidature as coalition candidate from Mandya in the Lok Sabha polls. Taking a dig at those opposing Nikhil, the Chief Minister said "those who are originally from the Congress have already extended their support and JD(S) workers are efficient to ensure his victory. He also said his father and former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda was yet to decide on contesting the Lok Sabha polls. "Some leaders in Mandya have gone ahead from the backdoor. It is not necessary for me to talk to them now. My workers are efficient, instead of trusting those backstabbing, trust those who work honestly. I'm not blaming everyone,"Kumaraswamy said in response to a question about him personally seeking support from Mandya Congress leaders. "Among the original Congressmen, many of them are with us... But there are a few, I know...Situation will not come for me to go before them and plead, there is no need of it also," he said. Kumaraswamy said even now he wanted to tell those leaders that there were no permanent enemies or friends in politics and the Congress had decided to give the seat to the JD(S) in the coalition set up. "With their own adamant behaviour, if they still want to go away with an intention to take revenge, good, they can work anywhere they want," he added. The Chief Minister's sharp reaction came a day after several Congress leaders in Mandya extended their support to independent candidate Sumalatha Ambareesh despite their party denying her a ticket. The Congress and JD(S), who have been traditional rivals in Mandya, have decided to fight the election together in an alliance this time, and according to the coalition arrangement the seat had gone to the regional party as it had a sitting MP there. The Congress' move to cede the seat to JD(S) is being vehemently opposed by leaders in Mandya, with a few even expressing openly their support to Sumalatha, widow of actor-politician Ambareesh. Ambareesh had early won on Congress' ticket from the constituency. It is a high stake battle for Kumaraswamy and JD(S) as Mandya had remained the party bastion for long. The party also won the entire eight assembly segments in the Vokkaliga stronghold during the May 2018 assembly polls. For the coalition to emerge as a formidable opposition to the BJP and win more number of seats, it is crucial for theCongress to transfer its votes to JD(S), and vice versa, including Mandya. According to sources, BJP is unlikely to field its candidate from Mandya and may extend support to Sumalatha.

Will not plead for support with Congress leaders opposed to son's candidature: Kumaraswamy 

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-polls-congress-releases-5th-list-fields-pranab-mukherjees-son-from-jangipur-204216">Congress </a>has released its sixth list of nine candidates, seven from Maharashtra and two from Kerala, for the Lok Sabha election.

With this, it has released names of 146 candidates for the election starting on April 11.

In Kerala, the Congress announced that Shanimol Usman will be the candidate from Alappuzha seat and Adoor Prakash from Attingal seat.

The Alappuzha seat is currently represented by AICC general secretary (organisation) K C Venugopal, who has decided to opt out of the contest citing organisational work.

In Maharashtra, the party has fielded K C Padavi from Nandurbar, Kunal Rohidas Patil from Dhule, Charulata Khajasingh Tokas from Vardha, Manikrao G Thakarey from Yavatmal-Washim, Eknath Gaikwad from Mumbai-South Central, Bhausahib Kamble from Shirdi and Navinchandra Bandivadekar from Ratnagiri-Sindhudurg.

The list was cleared late Tuesday night after a meeting of the party's Central Election Committee chaired by Congress president Rahul Gandhi. 
&nbsp;

The Congress has released its sixth list of nine candidates, seven from Maharashtra and two from Kerala, for the Lok Sabha election. With this, it has released names of 146 candidates for the election starting on April 11.

The Congress has released its sixth list of nine candidates, seven from Maharashtra and two from Kerala, for the Lok Sabha election. With this, it has released names of 146 candidates for the election starting on April 11. In Kerala, the Congress announced that Shanimol Usman will be the candidate from Alappuzha seat and Adoor Prakash from Attingal seat. The Alappuzha seat is currently represented by AICC general secretary (organisation) K C Venugopal, who has decided to opt out of the contest citing organisational work. In Maharashtra, the party has fielded K C Padavi from Nandurbar, Kunal Rohidas Patil from Dhule, Charulata Khajasingh Tokas from Vardha, Manikrao G Thakarey from Yavatmal-Washim, Eknath Gaikwad from Mumbai-South Central, Bhausahib Kamble from Shirdi and Navinchandra Bandivadekar from Ratnagiri-Sindhudurg. The list was cleared late Tuesday night after a meeting of the party's Central Election Committee chaired by Congress president Rahul Gandhi.

Lok Sabha polls: Congress releases sixth list of candidates

The Congress Party on Monday released its fifth list of 56 candidates including former President Pranab Mukherjee's son and sitting MP Abhijeet Mukherjee from West Bengal's Jangipur Lok Sabha seat, and former Union Minister MM Pallam Raju from Andhra Pradesh's Kakinada seat.

Out of 56 candidates, 22 are from Andhra Pradesh, five from Assam, six from Odisha, eight from Telangana, two from Uttar Pradesh, 11 from West Bengal and 1 from Lakshadweep.

So far, the Congress has declared 137 candidates for the ensuing Lok Sabha polls, which will be held in seven phases beginning April 11.

The last phase of polling is scheduled for May 19 and the counting of votes will take place on May 23.

Other than Raju, the 21 other candidates who will contest from Andhra Pradesh include, Shruti V. Devi (Araku), Dola Jaganmohan Rao (Srikakulam), Yedla Adiraju (Vizianagaram), Sreeram Murthy (Anakapalle), Janga Gowtham (Amalapuram), Nalluri Vijaya Srinivasa Rao (Rajahmundry), Kanumuri Bapurajau (Narsapuram), Jetti Gurunadho Rao (Eluru), Gollu Krishna (Machilipatnam), Shaik Mastan Valu (Guntur), Pakkala Suribabu (Narasdaraopet), Jesudasu Seelam (Bapatla), SDJM Prasad (Ongole), Ahmed Ali Khan (Kurnool), Kuncham Rajeev Reddy (Anantapur), KT Sreedhar (Hindpur), Gundlakunta Sreeramulu (Kadapa), Chevuru Devakumar Reddy (Nellore), Chinta Mohan (Tirupati) and Mohd Shahjahan Basha (Rajampet).

Voting for all 25 Lok Sabha seats in Andhra Pradesh shall take place on April 11 in a single phase along with the Assembly polls.

Among those contesting from Telangana include Madhu Yashki Goud from Telangana's Nizamabad, M. Anjan Kumar Yadav from Secunderabad, Firoz Khan from Hyderabad, Dr CH Vamshichand Reddy from Mahbubnagar, Dr Mallu Ravi from Nagarkurnool, N Uttam Kumar Reddy from Nalgonda, Komatireddy Venkat Reddy from Bhongir, and Dommati Sambaiah from Warangal.

All 17 Lok Sabha seats in Telangana will go to polls in a single phase on April 11, which is also the first phase of Lok Sabha elections.

In Assam, the Congress has fielded Dr Cheemala Rangappa (Autonomous), Bhubaneswar Kalita (Mangaldoi), MGVK Bhanu (Tezpur), Pradyut Bordoloi (Nowgong) and Anil Borgohain (Lakhimpur).

Pradeep Kumar Devta (Bargarh), George Tirkey (Sundargarh), Bhakta Charan Das (Kalahandi), Pradeep Majhi (Nabarangpur), Manoj Kumar Acharya (Kandhamal) and V Chandrasekhar Naidu (Berhampur) are the six candidates who will contest on Parliamentary constituency from Odisha.

The Lok Sabha and Assembly polls will be held simultaneously in Odisha in four phases, beginning from April 11.

The last phase of polling in Odisha, which has 21 Lok Sabha seats and 147 Assembly seats at stake, will take place on April 29.

Congress'&nbsp;Harendra Agarwal, Dolly Sharma and Bansi Lal Pahadia will contest from the three major seats Meerut, Ghaziabad and Bulandshahr, respectively, in Uttar Pradesh where 80 Lok Sabha are seats are at stake.

Voting will take place in this state during all seven phases - from April 11 to May 19.

The 10 candidates for West Bengal, other than Abhijit Mukherjee, include Priya Roy Chowdhury from Coochbehar, Mohan Lal Basumata from Alipurduars, Mani Kumar Sarnal from Jalpaiguri, Shankar Malakar from Darjeeling, Deepa Dashmunshi from Raiganj, Sadik Sarkar from Balurghat, Isha Khan Chowdhary from Maldaha Uttar, Abu Hasem Khan Chowdhury from Maldaha Dakshin, Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury from Baharampur and Abhu Neha from Murshidabad.

M. Hamdullah Sayeed will contest from Lakshadweep which has only one Lok Sabha constituency. Voters in Lakshadweep will cast their vote on April 11.

The fifth list was declared after a meeting of the Congress Central Election Committee (CCE) chaired by party chief Rahul Gandhi on Monday.

The Congress party released its first list on March 7, declaring the candidature of UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi from Rae Bareli and Congress president Rahul Gandhi from Amethi. The list of 15 candidates included 11 from Uttar Pradesh and four from Gujarat.&nbsp;

The Congress Party on Monday released its fifth list of 56 candidates including former President Pranab Mukherjee's son and sitting MP Abhijeet Mukherjee from West Bengal's Jangipur Lok Sabha seat, and former Union Minister MM Pallam Raju from Andhra Pradesh's Kakinada seat.

The Congress Party on Monday released its fifth list of 56 candidates including former President Pranab Mukherjee's son and sitting MP Abhijeet Mukherjee from West Bengal's Jangipur Lok Sabha seat, and former Union Minister MM Pallam Raju from Andhra Pradesh's Kakinada seat. Out of 56 candidates, 22 are from Andhra Pradesh, five from Assam, six from Odisha, eight from Telangana, two from Uttar Pradesh, 11 from West Bengal and 1 from Lakshadweep. So far, the Congress has declared 137 candidates for the ensuing Lok Sabha polls, which will be held in seven phases beginning April 11. The last phase of polling is scheduled for May 19 and the counting of votes will take place on May 23. Other than Raju, the 21 other candidates who will contest from Andhra Pradesh include, Shruti V. Devi (Araku), Dola Jaganmohan Rao (Srikakulam), Yedla Adiraju (Vizianagaram), Sreeram Murthy (Anakapalle), Janga Gowtham (Amalapuram), Nalluri Vijaya Srinivasa Rao (Rajahmundry), Kanumuri Bapurajau (Narsapuram), Jetti Gurunadho Rao (Eluru), Gollu Krishna (Machilipatnam), Shaik Mastan Valu (Guntur), Pakkala Suribabu (Narasdaraopet), Jesudasu Seelam (Bapatla), SDJM Prasad (Ongole), Ahmed Ali Khan (Kurnool), Kuncham Rajeev Reddy (Anantapur), KT Sreedhar (Hindpur), Gundlakunta Sreeramulu (Kadapa), Chevuru Devakumar Reddy (Nellore), Chinta Mohan (Tirupati) and Mohd Shahjahan Basha (Rajampet). Voting for all 25 Lok Sabha seats in Andhra Pradesh shall take place on April 11 in a single phase along with the Assembly polls. Among those contesting from Telangana include Madhu Yashki Goud from Telangana's Nizamabad, M. Anjan Kumar Yadav from Secunderabad, Firoz Khan from Hyderabad, Dr CH Vamshichand Reddy from Mahbubnagar, Dr Mallu Ravi from Nagarkurnool, N Uttam Kumar Reddy from Nalgonda, Komatireddy Venkat Reddy from Bhongir, and Dommati Sambaiah from Warangal. All 17 Lok Sabha seats in Telangana will go to polls in a single phase on April 11, which is also the first phase of Lok Sabha elections. In Assam, the Congress has fielded Dr Cheemala Rangappa (Autonomous), Bhubaneswar Kalita (Mangaldoi), MGVK Bhanu (Tezpur), Pradyut Bordoloi (Nowgong) and Anil Borgohain (Lakhimpur). Pradeep Kumar Devta (Bargarh), George Tirkey (Sundargarh), Bhakta Charan Das (Kalahandi), Pradeep Majhi (Nabarangpur), Manoj Kumar Acharya (Kandhamal) and V Chandrasekhar Naidu (Berhampur) are the six candidates who will contest on Parliamentary constituency from Odisha. The Lok Sabha and Assembly polls will be held simultaneously in Odisha in four phases, beginning from April 11. The last phase of polling in Odisha, which has 21 Lok Sabha seats and 147 Assembly seats at stake, will take place on April 29. Congress' Harendra Agarwal, Dolly Sharma and Bansi Lal Pahadia will contest from the three major seats Meerut, Ghaziabad and Bulandshahr, respectively, in Uttar Pradesh where 80 Lok Sabha are seats are at stake. Voting will take place in this state during all seven phases - from April 11 to May 19. The 10 candidates for West Bengal, other than Abhijit Mukherjee, include Priya Roy Chowdhury from Coochbehar, Mohan Lal Basumata from Alipurduars, Mani Kumar Sarnal from Jalpaiguri, Shankar Malakar from Darjeeling, Deepa Dashmunshi from Raiganj, Sadik Sarkar from Balurghat, Isha Khan Chowdhary from Maldaha Uttar, Abu Hasem Khan Chowdhury from Maldaha Dakshin, Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury from Baharampur and Abhu Neha from Murshidabad. M. Hamdullah Sayeed will contest from Lakshadweep which has only one Lok Sabha constituency. Voters in Lakshadweep will cast their vote on April 11. The fifth list was declared after a meeting of the Congress Central Election Committee (CCE) chaired by party chief Rahul Gandhi on Monday. The Congress party released its first list on March 7, declaring the candidature of UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi from Rae Bareli and Congress president Rahul Gandhi from Amethi. The list of 15 candidates included 11 from Uttar Pradesh and four from Gujarat.

Lok Sabha polls: Congress releases 5th list; fields Pranab Mukherjee's son from Jangipur

In a clear message to the Congress party, BSP supremo Mayawati on Monday said that the BSP-SP alliance can alone defeat the BJP in the forthcoming general elections.&nbsp;

In a series of tweets, Mayawati asserted that the Congress should feel free to contest in all 80 seats in UP. The Congress party on Sunday announced to leave seven Lok Sabha seats for Samajwadi Party (SP), Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), and Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) in Uttar Pradesh, where 80 seats are at stake.&nbsp;

"Congress is fully free in Uttar Pradesh and should field its own candidate for contesting on all the 80 Lok Sabha seats. Our alliance (SP-BSP) alone is capable of defeating the BJP. Congress should not forcibly spread rumours by leaving 7 seats in UP for the SP-BSP alliance," tweeted Mayawati.

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कांग्रेस यूपी में भी पूरी तरह से स्वतंत्र है कि वह यहाँ की सभी 80 सीटों पर अपने उम्मीदवार खड़ा करके अकेले चुनाव लड़े आर्थात हमारा यहाँ बना गठबंधन अकेले बीजेपी को पराजित करने में पूरी तरह से सक्षम है। कांग्रेस जबर्दस्ती यूपी में गठबंधन हेतु 7 सीटें छोड़ने की भ्रान्ति ना फैलाये।
— Mayawati (@Mayawati) <a href="https://twitter.com/Mayawati/status/1107513718810832896?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 18, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The former chief minister also clarified that including Uttar Pradesh, the BSP is not in alliance with the Congress in any other state.&nbsp;

"BSP once again wants to make it very clear that in Uttar Pradesh and in the country as a whole we are not in any form of alliance or agreement with Congress. Our people should not pay heed to the rumours spread by the Congress".

It is worth mentioning that SP, BSP, and RLD have forged an alliance to take on the BJP in the ensuing Lok Sabha elections in the state. SP president Akhilesh Yadav had, however, claimed that the Congress party is with the SP-BSP alliance in UP. SP-BSP has left Rae Bareli and Amethi seats for the Congress.&nbsp;

As per the seat-sharing agreement, SP is contesting 37 seats and BSP 38. Three seats have been given to the RLD--Mathura, Muzaffarpur, and Baghpat.

In a clear message to the Congress party, BSP supremo Mayawati on Monday said that the BSP-SP alliance can alone defeat the BJP in the forthcoming general elections.

In a clear message to the Congress party, BSP supremo Mayawati on Monday said that the BSP-SP alliance can alone defeat the BJP in the forthcoming general elections. In a series of tweets, Mayawati asserted that the Congress should feel free to contest in all 80 seats in UP. The Congress party on Sunday announced to leave seven Lok Sabha seats for Samajwadi Party (SP), Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), and Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) in Uttar Pradesh, where 80 seats are at stake. "Congress is fully free in Uttar Pradesh and should field its own candidate for contesting on all the 80 Lok Sabha seats. Our alliance (SP-BSP) alone is capable of defeating the BJP. Congress should not forcibly spread rumours by leaving 7 seats in UP for the SP-BSP alliance," tweeted Mayawati. कांग्रेस यूपी में भी पूरी तरह से स्वतंत्र है कि वह यहाँ की सभी 80 सीटों पर अपने उम्मीदवार खड़ा करके अकेले चुनाव लड़े आर्थात हमारा यहाँ बना गठबंधन अकेले बीजेपी को पराजित करने में पूरी तरह से सक्षम है। कांग्रेस जबर्दस्ती यूपी में गठबंधन हेतु 7 सीटें छोड़ने की भ्रान्ति ना फैलाये। — Mayawati (@Mayawati) March 18, 2019 × The former chief minister also clarified that including Uttar Pradesh, the BSP is not in alliance with the Congress in any other state. "BSP once again wants to make it very clear that in Uttar Pradesh and in the country as a whole we are not in any form of alliance or agreement with Congress. Our people should not pay heed to the rumours spread by the Congress". It is worth mentioning that SP, BSP, and RLD have forged an alliance to take on the BJP in the ensuing Lok Sabha elections in the state. SP president Akhilesh Yadav had, however, claimed that the Congress party is with the SP-BSP alliance in UP. SP-BSP has left Rae Bareli and Amethi seats for the Congress. As per the seat-sharing agreement, SP is contesting 37 seats and BSP 38. Three seats have been given to the RLD--Mathura, Muzaffarpur, and Baghpat.

We don't need Congress, SP-BSP alliance can defeat BJP on its own: Mayawati

Returning the favour to SP-BSP coalition, Congress party on Sunday left seven seats vacant for &nbsp;SP, BSP and RLD in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, reported news agency ANI.&nbsp;

''We are leaving seven seats vacant for SP, BSP and RLD.These include Mainpuri, Kannauj, Firozabad and whatever seats Mayawati and RLD's Jayant and Ajit Singh contest from,'' Uttar Pradesh Congress chief Raj Babbar was quoted as saying.&nbsp;

Earlier, while announcing the seat-sharing agreement in Uttar Pradesh, SP-BSP combine&nbsp;said they will not be contesting from Amethi and Rae Bareli -- constituencies of Congress president Rahul Gandhi and former Congress president and UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi.&nbsp;

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UP Congress chief Raj Babbar: We are leaving 7 seats vacant for SP, BSP and RLD. These include Mainpuri, Kannauj, Firozabad and whatever seats Mayawati ji &amp; RLD's Jayant ji and Ajit Singh contest from. We will also give two seats to Apna Dal - Gonda &amp; Pilibhit. <a href="https://t.co/n37SFNa04L">pic.twitter.com/n37SFNa04L</a>
— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANINewsUP/status/1107214709093212160?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 17, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Congress also gave Gonda and Pilibhit seats to one of its allies Apna Dal.&nbsp;

The alliance between the Congress and Apna Dal was finalised at a meeting in Delhi, where Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and Jyotiraditya Scindia finalised the deal in the presence of Apna Dal president Krishna Patel and party general secretary Pankaj Niranjan Singh Chandel.

Babbar further said Congress party had reached an agreement on seven seats with Jan Adhikar party (JAP). Out of those seven, JAP will fight in five and while Congress will contest from two seats, he added.&nbsp;

''We had talked to Mahan Dal earlier. They had said they were fine with whatever seats we give them, all they wanted was to contest Vidhan Sabha election. For Lok Sabha elections they had said they'll contest on our symbol. We'll find out a way to work with them.

Returning the favour to SP-BSP coalition, Congress party on Sunday left seven seats vacant for SP, BSP and RLD in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, reported news agency ANI.

Returning the favour to SP-BSP coalition, Congress party on Sunday left seven seats vacant for SP, BSP and RLD in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, reported news agency ANI. ''We are leaving seven seats vacant for SP, BSP and RLD.These include Mainpuri, Kannauj, Firozabad and whatever seats Mayawati and RLD's Jayant and Ajit Singh contest from,'' Uttar Pradesh Congress chief Raj Babbar was quoted as saying. Earlier, while announcing the seat-sharing agreement in Uttar Pradesh, SP-BSP combine said they will not be contesting from Amethi and Rae Bareli -- constituencies of Congress president Rahul Gandhi and former Congress president and UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi. UP Congress chief Raj Babbar: We are leaving 7 seats vacant for SP, BSP and RLD. These include Mainpuri, Kannauj, Firozabad and whatever seats Mayawati ji & RLD's Jayant ji and Ajit Singh contest from. We will also give two seats to Apna Dal - Gonda & Pilibhit. pic.twitter.com/n37SFNa04L — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) March 17, 2019 × Congress also gave Gonda and Pilibhit seats to one of its allies Apna Dal. The alliance between the Congress and Apna Dal was finalised at a meeting in Delhi, where Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and Jyotiraditya Scindia finalised the deal in the presence of Apna Dal president Krishna Patel and party general secretary Pankaj Niranjan Singh Chandel. Babbar further said Congress party had reached an agreement on seven seats with Jan Adhikar party (JAP). Out of those seven, JAP will fight in five and while Congress will contest from two seats, he added. ''We had talked to Mahan Dal earlier. They had said they were fine with whatever seats we give them, all they wanted was to contest Vidhan Sabha election. For Lok Sabha elections they had said they'll contest on our symbol. We'll find out a way to work with them.

Lok Sabha polls: Congress returns the favour, leaves seven seats for SP-BSP combine in Uttar Pradesh 

The ruling BJP has asked all its MLAs not to leave Goa against the backdrop of Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/goa-cm-manohar-parrikars-health-has-deteriorated-but-he-is-stable-vijai-sardesai-203759">deteriorating health</a> and Congress staking a claim to form a government in the state.&nbsp;

Goa BJP general secretary Sadanand Tanawade told ANI that all the party's legislators were asked not to leave Goa at a meeting held on Saturday.&nbsp;

After Congress dispatched a letter to Governor Mridula Sinha, BJP called for an "emergency meeting" at the party's headquarters in Panaji. A meeting of BJP MLAs is also scheduled for today at the party`s Panaji office, state Power Minister Nilesh Cabral on Saturday. A number of news reports said Sunday that the BJP is looking for alternatives to Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar.&nbsp;

The Goa Congress on Saturday urged the governor to dismiss the BJP-led coalition government and invite the party to form a government in the state. In a letter to the governor, Leader of the Opposition in the Goa Assembly, Chandrakant Kavlekar, claimed that the Congress party has the majority to form the government and that "the numbers of the BJP may further dwindle" in the Assembly.&nbsp;

"Consequent upon the sad demise of BJP MLA Francis D`Souza, the BJP government led by Manohar Parrikar, which has long lost the trust of people, has also lost the strength of the House," Chandrakant said in his letter to the Governor.&nbsp;

Former Deputy Chief Minister Francis D`Souza died last month after a prolonged battle with cancer.&nbsp;

Stating that Parrikar is "very ill", Deputy Speaker and Calangute BJP MLA Michael Lobo on Saturday said, "There are no chances of him getting well.&nbsp;

"Parrikar, who is suffering from a pancreatic ailment, has been in and out of hospitals in Goa, Mumbai, Delhi and New York since February last year.&nbsp;

Congress had staked to form the government in October last year too but then its claims were not accepted by the Governor.&nbsp;

The present strength of the Goa Assembly stands at 37 instead of 40.&nbsp;

Congress is currently the single-largest party in the state with 14 MLAs.BJP has 13 legislators, including Parrikar, and its government is supported by three MLAs each of the Goa Forward Party and Maharashtra Gomantak Party, and three Independents.&nbsp;

Two Congress MLAs have resigned after defecting to BJP.&nbsp;

The ruling BJP has asked all its MLAs not to leave Goa against the backdrop of Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar's deteriorating health and Congress staking a claim to form a government in the state.

The ruling BJP has asked all its MLAs not to leave Goa against the backdrop of Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar's deteriorating health and Congress staking a claim to form a government in the state. Goa BJP general secretary Sadanand Tanawade told ANI that all the party's legislators were asked not to leave Goa at a meeting held on Saturday. After Congress dispatched a letter to Governor Mridula Sinha, BJP called for an "emergency meeting" at the party's headquarters in Panaji. A meeting of BJP MLAs is also scheduled for today at the party`s Panaji office, state Power Minister Nilesh Cabral on Saturday. A number of news reports said Sunday that the BJP is looking for alternatives to Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar. The Goa Congress on Saturday urged the governor to dismiss the BJP-led coalition government and invite the party to form a government in the state. In a letter to the governor, Leader of the Opposition in the Goa Assembly, Chandrakant Kavlekar, claimed that the Congress party has the majority to form the government and that "the numbers of the BJP may further dwindle" in the Assembly. "Consequent upon the sad demise of BJP MLA Francis D`Souza, the BJP government led by Manohar Parrikar, which has long lost the trust of people, has also lost the strength of the House," Chandrakant said in his letter to the Governor. Former Deputy Chief Minister Francis D`Souza died last month after a prolonged battle with cancer. Stating that Parrikar is "very ill", Deputy Speaker and Calangute BJP MLA Michael Lobo on Saturday said, "There are no chances of him getting well. "Parrikar, who is suffering from a pancreatic ailment, has been in and out of hospitals in Goa, Mumbai, Delhi and New York since February last year. Congress had staked to form the government in October last year too but then its claims were not accepted by the Governor. The present strength of the Goa Assembly stands at 37 instead of 40. Congress is currently the single-largest party in the state with 14 MLAs.BJP has 13 legislators, including Parrikar, and its government is supported by three MLAs each of the Goa Forward Party and Maharashtra Gomantak Party, and three Independents. Two Congress MLAs have resigned after defecting to BJP.

After Congress stakes claim to form government, BJP MLAs asked not to leave Goa

The Congress late on Friday night released the third list of 18 candidates, for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls fielding former Chief Minister of Meghalaya Mukul M Sangma from Tura parliamentary constituency.

Out of 18 candidates declared, eight are from Telangana, five are from Assam, two from Meghalaya and one each from Nagaland, Sikkim and Uttar Pradesh.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/npp-to-field-agatha-k-sangma-from-meghalayas-tura-lok-sabha-constituency-203631">Sangma, presently the Leader of Opposition in the Meghalaya Assembly will take on former Union Minister Agatha Sangma</a>, who will be contesting the general elections from the ruling National People’s Party (NPP).

In Telangana around 17 Lok Sabha seats are at stake, 14 in Assam, 2 in Meghalaya, 80 in Uttar Pradesh and one each in Nagaland and Sikkim.

Sitting members Gaurav Gogoi, Sushmita Dev and Vincent Pala have been re-nominated from Kaliabor, Silchar and Shillong Lok Sabha seats respectively.

Swarup Das will be fielded from Assam's Karimganj seat, Sushanta Borgohain from Jorhat and Praban Singh Ghatowar from Dibrugarh in Assam.

Two-time sitting MP and former Union Minister Vincent C Pala will contest from Shillong, while KL Chilsi will contest from Nagaland and Tanuja Punia from Uttar Pradesh's Barabanki.

The eight candidates in the list who will contest from Telangana include, Ramesh Rathod (Adilabad), A Chandra Sekhar (Peddapalle), Ponnam Prabhakar (Karimanagar), K. Madan Mohan Rao (Zahirabad), Gali Anil Kumar (Medak), A Revanth Reddy (Malkajgiri), Konda Vishweshwar Reddy (Chevella), Porika Balram Naik (Mahabubabad) and Tanuj Punia (Barabanki).

So far, the Congress has declared 54 candidates for the ensuing Lok Sabha polls, which held in seven-phase beginning April 11.

The last phase of polling is scheduled for May 19.

The counting of votes will take place on May 23. The Congress party released its first list on March 7, declaring the candidature of UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi from Rae Bareli and Congress president Rahul Gandhi from Amethi.

The list of 15 candidates included 11 from Uttar Pradesh and four from Gujarat.

The second list of 21 candidates was released on Wednesday, which includes Priya Dutta from Mumbai North-Central Lok Sabha seat, and UP party unit chief Raj Babbar from Moradabad.

The Congress late on Friday night released the third list of 18 candidates, for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls fielding former Chief Minister of Meghalaya Mukul M Sangma from Tura parliamentary constituency.

The Congress late on Friday night released the third list of 18 candidates, for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls fielding former Chief Minister of Meghalaya Mukul M Sangma from Tura parliamentary constituency. Out of 18 candidates declared, eight are from Telangana, five are from Assam, two from Meghalaya and one each from Nagaland, Sikkim and Uttar Pradesh. Sangma, presently the Leader of Opposition in the Meghalaya Assembly will take on former Union Minister Agatha Sangma, who will be contesting the general elections from the ruling National People’s Party (NPP). In Telangana around 17 Lok Sabha seats are at stake, 14 in Assam, 2 in Meghalaya, 80 in Uttar Pradesh and one each in Nagaland and Sikkim. Sitting members Gaurav Gogoi, Sushmita Dev and Vincent Pala have been re-nominated from Kaliabor, Silchar and Shillong Lok Sabha seats respectively. Swarup Das will be fielded from Assam's Karimganj seat, Sushanta Borgohain from Jorhat and Praban Singh Ghatowar from Dibrugarh in Assam. Two-time sitting MP and former Union Minister Vincent C Pala will contest from Shillong, while KL Chilsi will contest from Nagaland and Tanuja Punia from Uttar Pradesh's Barabanki. The eight candidates in the list who will contest from Telangana include, Ramesh Rathod (Adilabad), A Chandra Sekhar (Peddapalle), Ponnam Prabhakar (Karimanagar), K. Madan Mohan Rao (Zahirabad), Gali Anil Kumar (Medak), A Revanth Reddy (Malkajgiri), Konda Vishweshwar Reddy (Chevella), Porika Balram Naik (Mahabubabad) and Tanuj Punia (Barabanki). So far, the Congress has declared 54 candidates for the ensuing Lok Sabha polls, which held in seven-phase beginning April 11. The last phase of polling is scheduled for May 19. The counting of votes will take place on May 23. The Congress party released its first list on March 7, declaring the candidature of UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi from Rae Bareli and Congress president Rahul Gandhi from Amethi. The list of 15 candidates included 11 from Uttar Pradesh and four from Gujarat. The second list of 21 candidates was released on Wednesday, which includes Priya Dutta from Mumbai North-Central Lok Sabha seat, and UP party unit chief Raj Babbar from Moradabad.

Congress releases 3rd list of 18 candidates, M Mukul Sangma to contest from Meghalaya's Tura

Deputy Election Commissioner Sudeep Jain on Saturday met the representatives of Trinamool Congress (TMC), Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Indian National Congress (INC) ahead of the Lok Sabha elections.

TMC's Partha Chatterjee, BJP's Mukul Roy and Congress' Pradeep Bhattacharya attended the meeting. "We have proposed to assign media observers ahead of the elections," said Bhattacharya.

"The proposal of allocating CCTV cameras at poll booths was also put forth." He said TMC leaders including ministers are trying to instil fear-psychosis among people.&nbsp;

"We have requested the Election Commission to check this." On Friday, the Election Commission held a meeting of the Multi-Departmental Committee on Election Intelligence.

Heads of tax boards, law enforcement agencies, central paramilitary forces and representatives of financial institutions attended the meeting.

Deputy Election Commissioner Sudeep Jain on Saturday met the representatives of Trinamool Congress (TMC), Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Indian National Congress (INC) ahead of the Lok Sabha elections.

Deputy Election Commissioner Sudeep Jain on Saturday met the representatives of Trinamool Congress (TMC), Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Indian National Congress (INC) ahead of the Lok Sabha elections. TMC's Partha Chatterjee, BJP's Mukul Roy and Congress' Pradeep Bhattacharya attended the meeting. "We have proposed to assign media observers ahead of the elections," said Bhattacharya. "The proposal of allocating CCTV cameras at poll booths was also put forth." He said TMC leaders including ministers are trying to instil fear-psychosis among people. "We have requested the Election Commission to check this." On Friday, the Election Commission held a meeting of the Multi-Departmental Committee on Election Intelligence. Heads of tax boards, law enforcement agencies, central paramilitary forces and representatives of financial institutions attended the meeting.

Election Commission holds meeting with representatives of three political parties

A month after declaring an alliance with Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), Congress on Friday said it will field 11 candidates in Bihar for the ensuing Lok Sabha elections, where 40 parliamentary seats are at stake.

"The decision was taken at a meeting of Congress Election Committee. There is no meaning of sending names of more than 11 candidates as we were offered only 11 seats. Rahul Gandhi will take a final call on the names of candidates and soon he will declare the names," Congress leader Akhilesh Singh told ANI after the meeting.

The grand alliance formed by the Opposition in Bihar includes the Rashtriya Janta Dal (RJD), Congress, Rashtriya Lok Samta Party (RLSP), Hindustani Awam Morcha (HAM), Lok Jantrantrik Dal (LJD) and Vikas Sheel Insaan Party (VIP).

Earlier, the Congress had put forward a demand of 12 seats, including a seat for senior leader and former Union Minister Tariq Anwar who recently returned to the party after leaving NCP.

The RJD is adamant in contesting at least 20 seats. On March 13, RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav had claimed that there is no confusion among the leaders of Bihar Mahagathbandhan regarding "seat-sharing".Congress leader Ranjeet Ranjan on Friday said that the &nbsp;Bihar 'Mahagathbandhan'&nbsp;(grand alliance) candidate list will be announced on March 17 and her husband Pappu Yadav is likely to be a part of it.

Addressing media persons, Ranjan said, "Mahagathbandhan in Bihar will announce its list of candidates on March 17. I think Pappu Yadav will become a part of the gathbandhan."

Pappu Yadav is currently the leader of Jan Adhikar Party-Loktantrik (JAP-L) and had defeated Sharad Yadav in 2014 Lok Sabha elections from Madhepura constituency.

There are 40 Lok Sabha seats in Bihar. Bihar will go to polls in all the seven phases on April 11, 18, 23, April 29, May 6, May 12 and May 19. The results would be announced on May 23.

A month after declaring an alliance with Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), Congress on Friday said it will field 11 candidates in Bihar for the ensuing Lok Sabha elections, where 40 parliamentary seats are at stake.

A month after declaring an alliance with Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), Congress on Friday said it will field 11 candidates in Bihar for the ensuing Lok Sabha elections, where 40 parliamentary seats are at stake. "The decision was taken at a meeting of Congress Election Committee. There is no meaning of sending names of more than 11 candidates as we were offered only 11 seats. Rahul Gandhi will take a final call on the names of candidates and soon he will declare the names," Congress leader Akhilesh Singh told ANI after the meeting. The grand alliance formed by the Opposition in Bihar includes the Rashtriya Janta Dal (RJD), Congress, Rashtriya Lok Samta Party (RLSP), Hindustani Awam Morcha (HAM), Lok Jantrantrik Dal (LJD) and Vikas Sheel Insaan Party (VIP). Earlier, the Congress had put forward a demand of 12 seats, including a seat for senior leader and former Union Minister Tariq Anwar who recently returned to the party after leaving NCP. The RJD is adamant in contesting at least 20 seats. On March 13, RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav had claimed that there is no confusion among the leaders of Bihar Mahagathbandhan regarding "seat-sharing".Congress leader Ranjeet Ranjan on Friday said that the Bihar 'Mahagathbandhan' (grand alliance) candidate list will be announced on March 17 and her husband Pappu Yadav is likely to be a part of it. Addressing media persons, Ranjan said, "Mahagathbandhan in Bihar will announce its list of candidates on March 17. I think Pappu Yadav will become a part of the gathbandhan." Pappu Yadav is currently the leader of Jan Adhikar Party-Loktantrik (JAP-L) and had defeated Sharad Yadav in 2014 Lok Sabha elections from Madhepura constituency. There are 40 Lok Sabha seats in Bihar. Bihar will go to polls in all the seven phases on April 11, 18, 23, April 29, May 6, May 12 and May 19. The results would be announced on May 23.

Lok Sabha polls: Congress to fight 11 seats in Bihar

Tom Vadakkan joins BJP, says "No Place For Self-Respecting People in the Congress"

In a huge embarrassment to the Congress ahead of the Lok Sabha polls, its spokesperson Tom Vadakkan, once a key aide of UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi, joined the BJP Thursday and attacked his former party for its stand on Balakot air strikes.

Vadakkan, who joined the saffron party in the presence of Union minister Ravi Shankar Prasad and later met its president Amit Shah, said, "I am deeply hurt and that is why I am here."

Asserting that the Congress questioned the integrity of armed forces, he said, "The attack by Pakistan on our land and the reaction from my party was sad indeed."

"I left the party with a heavy heart. If a party is working against national interest, there is no other option but to leave it," he told reporters.

In an apparent attack on party chief Rahul Gandhi's leadership of the Congress, he said he gave the party two decades of his life but it has now resorted to a practice of "use and throw".

Dynastic politics has reached its zenith in the Congress, he said, adding that he believed in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's development narrative.

The BJP may field Vadakkan in the Lok Sabha elections from a seat in Kerala.&nbsp;

In a huge embarrassment to the Congress ahead of the Lok Sabha polls, its spokesperson Tom Vadakkan, once a key aide of UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi, joined the BJP Thursday and attacked his former party for its stand on Balakot air strikes.

In a huge embarrassment to the Congress ahead of the Lok Sabha polls, its spokesperson Tom Vadakkan, once a key aide of UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi, joined the BJP Thursday and attacked his former party for its stand on Balakot air strikes. Vadakkan, who joined the saffron party in the presence of Union minister Ravi Shankar Prasad and later met its president Amit Shah, said, "I am deeply hurt and that is why I am here." Asserting that the Congress questioned the integrity of armed forces, he said, "The attack by Pakistan on our land and the reaction from my party was sad indeed." "I left the party with a heavy heart. If a party is working against national interest, there is no other option but to leave it," he told reporters. In an apparent attack on party chief Rahul Gandhi's leadership of the Congress, he said he gave the party two decades of his life but it has now resorted to a practice of "use and throw". Dynastic politics has reached its zenith in the Congress, he said, adding that he believed in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's development narrative. The BJP may field Vadakkan in the Lok Sabha elections from a seat in Kerala.

Congress leader Tom Vadakkan joins BJP

After days of hectic parleys, Congress and JD(S) have reached a seat-sharing agreement in Karnataka for the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections in the state.&nbsp;

News agency PTI quoting JD(S) sources said that Congress will contest 20 Lok Sabha seats while JD(S) eight under a deal finalised by the two ruling coalition partners Wednesday, the JDS said.

The seat sharing was hammered out at a meeting betweenCongress president Rahul Gandhi and JD(S) secretary general Danish Ali at Kochi in Kerala this evening, party sources said.

JD(S) will contest in Uttara Kannada, Chikkamagaluru, Shivamogga, Tumkur, Hassan, Mandya, Bengaluru North and Vijayapura, according to the sources.

During a recent meeting with Rahul Gandhi at Delhi, JD(S) supremo H D Deve Gowda had scaled down his party's demand and asked the national party to allot at least 10 out of the 28 Lok Sabha seats to his party.

JD(S) had earlier demanded that it be given 12 seats to contest.

JD(S) has already announced Gowda's grandsons Nikhil Kumaraswamy and Prajwal Revanna as candidates from the party bastions of Mandya and Hassan respectively.

While Nikhil is son of Chief Minister Kumaraswamy, Prajwal is the son of Gowda's elder son and PWD Minister H D Revanna.&nbsp;

(With inputs from PTI)

After days of hectic parleys, Congress and JD(S) have reached a seat-sharing agreement in Karnataka for the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections in the state. News agency PTI quoting JD(S) sources said that Congress will contest 20 Lok Sabha seats while JD(S) eight under a deal finalised by the two ruling coalition partners Wednesday, the JDS said.

After days of hectic parleys, Congress and JD(S) have reached a seat-sharing agreement in Karnataka for the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections in the state. News agency PTI quoting JD(S) sources said that Congress will contest 20 Lok Sabha seats while JD(S) eight under a deal finalised by the two ruling coalition partners Wednesday, the JDS said. The seat sharing was hammered out at a meeting betweenCongress president Rahul Gandhi and JD(S) secretary general Danish Ali at Kochi in Kerala this evening, party sources said. JD(S) will contest in Uttara Kannada, Chikkamagaluru, Shivamogga, Tumkur, Hassan, Mandya, Bengaluru North and Vijayapura, according to the sources. During a recent meeting with Rahul Gandhi at Delhi, JD(S) supremo H D Deve Gowda had scaled down his party's demand and asked the national party to allot at least 10 out of the 28 Lok Sabha seats to his party. JD(S) had earlier demanded that it be given 12 seats to contest. JD(S) has already announced Gowda's grandsons Nikhil Kumaraswamy and Prajwal Revanna as candidates from the party bastions of Mandya and Hassan respectively. While Nikhil is son of Chief Minister Kumaraswamy, Prajwal is the son of Gowda's elder son and PWD Minister H D Revanna. (With inputs from PTI)

Congress to contest 20 seats and JDS 8 in Lok Sabha polls

The Congress government in Madhya Pradesh has appointed self-styled godman Namdev Tyagi, also known as Computer Baba, as chairman of a river trust in the state, an official said on Tuesday.&nbsp;

The state spiritual department passed the order of appointing Tyagi as head of the ‘Ma Narmada, Ma Kshipra and Ma Mandakini Rivers Trust’ a few days back, just before the model code of conduct for Lok Sabha polls came into effect, he said.

Notably, Tyagi was accorded minister of state (MoS) status by the previous BJP-led government last year, but he later resigned, accusing the then chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan of “not fulfilling” the promise of stopping illegal sand mining in the river Narmada.&nbsp;

Tyagi told PTI on Tuesday that he would now work to conserve the rivers in the central state and check illegal sand mining.

“My priority would be to rejuvenate the three holy rivers, especially the river Narmada. I will ensure that no illegal sand mining takes place in the holy river,” he said. Tyagi, a friend-turned-critic of Chouhan, campaigned against the BJP ahead of the last year’s state Assembly polls in which the Congress dethroned the saffron party and came to power after over 15 years.

The Congress government in Madhya Pradesh has appointed self-styled godman Namdev Tyagi, also known as Computer Baba, as chairman of a river trust in the state, an official said on Tuesday.

The Congress government in Madhya Pradesh has appointed self-styled godman Namdev Tyagi, also known as Computer Baba, as chairman of a river trust in the state, an official said on Tuesday. The state spiritual department passed the order of appointing Tyagi as head of the ‘Ma Narmada, Ma Kshipra and Ma Mandakini Rivers Trust’ a few days back, just before the model code of conduct for Lok Sabha polls came into effect, he said. Notably, Tyagi was accorded minister of state (MoS) status by the previous BJP-led government last year, but he later resigned, accusing the then chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan of “not fulfilling” the promise of stopping illegal sand mining in the river Narmada. Tyagi told PTI on Tuesday that he would now work to conserve the rivers in the central state and check illegal sand mining. “My priority would be to rejuvenate the three holy rivers, especially the river Narmada. I will ensure that no illegal sand mining takes place in the holy river,” he said. Tyagi, a friend-turned-critic of Chouhan, campaigned against the BJP ahead of the last year’s state Assembly polls in which the Congress dethroned the saffron party and came to power after over 15 years.

Congress govt appoints Computer Baba as head of Madhya Pradesh river trust

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/country-built-on-love-harmony-brotherhood-priyanka-gandhi-at-her-first-rally-202902">Country</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/country-built-on-love-harmony-brotherhood-priyanka-gandhi-at-her-first-rally-202902"> built on love, harmony &amp; brotherhood: Priyanka Gandhi at her first rally&nbsp;</a>

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, who was recently made Congress general secretary of eastern Uttar Pradesh, addressed her first rally today in Gujarat's Gandhinagar where she said "this country is made on the foundations of love, harmony and brotherhood." She added that "today, whatever is happening in the country is very sad."&nbsp;

The rally is being seen as the Congress kicking off its campaign for the general elections which will be held from April 11 to May 19. The results will be declared on May 23.&nbsp;

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-polls-i-reiterate-bsp-will-not-have-any-alliance-with-congress-says-mayawati-202862">Lok Sabha polls: No 'grand alliance' in Uttar Pradesh as Mayawati rules out </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-polls-i-reiterate-bsp-will-not-have-any-alliance-with-congress-says-mayawati-202862">tie-up</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-polls-i-reiterate-bsp-will-not-have-any-alliance-with-congress-says-mayawati-202862"> with Congress in any state</a>

Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati on Tuesday reiterated that her party will "not have any alliance with Congress party in any state". Her remarks came just a couple of days after the Election Commission of India announced dates for the Lok Sabha polls next month.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;&nbsp; 
"It has been reiterated once again that Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) will not have any alliance with Congress party in any state, to contest the upcoming elections," Mayawati said.&nbsp;

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-should-not-be-impeached-unless-reasons-are-overwhelming-house-speaker-nancy-pelosi-202904">Trump should not be impeached unless reasons are 'overwhelming': Nancy Pelosi</a>

US President Donald Trump should not be impeached unless the reasons are overwhelming and bipartisan, given how divisive it would be for the country, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said in a Washington Post interview published on Monday.

"I’m not for impeachment," Pelosi, the top US Democrat, said in the interview, which was conducted last week.

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/business-economy/consumer-inflation-rises-to-257-in-february-government-data-202903">Retail inflation up to 2.57% in February: Government data</a>

Consumer inflation in the month of February rose to 2.57 per cent, government data revealed on Tuesday. Consumer inflation was revised to 1.97 per cent in January this year from 2.05 per cent.&nbsp;

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/the-new-york-times-faces-backlash-for-missplelling-pm-modis-name-calling-pulwama-terror-attack-an-explosion-202885">New York Times faces backlash for calling Pulwama terror attack an 'explosion', misspelling PM Modi's name</a>

The New York Times, a leading American daily, raked controversy on Monday after it referred to Pulwama terror attack as an "explosion". Twitterati didn't spare a second to troll the US media giant with some even asking if the 9/11 terror attack was an airplane crash if Pulwama bombing was an "explosion".&nbsp;

The "explosion" bit wasn't the only folly exhibited in the NYT tweet. Its post on a story on the upcoming Lok Sabha polls had the Prime Minister's name spelt wrongly as "Narandra Modi".&nbsp;

Country built on love, harmony & brotherhood: Priyanka Gandhi at her first rally Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, who was recently made Congress general secretary of eastern Uttar Pradesh, addressed her first rally today in Gujarat's Gandhinagar where she said "this country is made on the foundations of love, harmony and brotherhood.

Country built on love, harmony & brotherhood: Priyanka Gandhi at her first rally Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, who was recently made Congress general secretary of eastern Uttar Pradesh, addressed her first rally today in Gujarat's Gandhinagar where she said "this country is made on the foundations of love, harmony and brotherhood." She added that "today, whatever is happening in the country is very sad." The rally is being seen as the Congress kicking off its campaign for the general elections which will be held from April 11 to May 19. The results will be declared on May 23. Lok Sabha polls: No 'grand alliance' in Uttar Pradesh as Mayawati rules out tie-up with Congress in any state Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati on Tuesday reiterated that her party will "not have any alliance with Congress party in any state". Her remarks came just a couple of days after the Election Commission of India announced dates for the Lok Sabha polls next month. "It has been reiterated once again that Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) will not have any alliance with Congress party in any state, to contest the upcoming elections," Mayawati said. Trump should not be impeached unless reasons are 'overwhelming': Nancy Pelosi US President Donald Trump should not be impeached unless the reasons are overwhelming and bipartisan, given how divisive it would be for the country, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said in a Washington Post interview published on Monday. "I’m not for impeachment," Pelosi, the top US Democrat, said in the interview, which was conducted last week. Retail inflation up to 2.57% in February: Government data Consumer inflation in the month of February rose to 2.57 per cent, government data revealed on Tuesday. Consumer inflation was revised to 1.97 per cent in January this year from 2.05 per cent. New York Times faces backlash for calling Pulwama terror attack an 'explosion', misspelling PM Modi's name The New York Times, a leading American daily, raked controversy on Monday after it referred to Pulwama terror attack as an "explosion". Twitterati didn't spare a second to troll the US media giant with some even asking if the 9/11 terror attack was an airplane crash if Pulwama bombing was an "explosion". The "explosion" bit wasn't the only folly exhibited in the NYT tweet. Its post on a story on the upcoming Lok Sabha polls had the Prime Minister's name spelt wrongly as "Narandra Modi".

News brief: Big stories of the day

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/opinions/with-congress-in-a-shambles-in-up-a-long-and-hard-road-for-priyanka-gandhi-vadra-196746">Priyanka Gandhi Vadra</a>, who was recently made Congress general secretary of eastern Uttar Pradesh, addressed her first rally today in Gujarat's Gandhinagar where she said "this country is made on the foundations of love, harmony and brotherhood." She added that "today, whatever is happening in the country is very sad."&nbsp;

The rally is being seen as the Congress kicking off its campaign for <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-polls-i-reiterate-bsp-will-not-have-any-alliance-with-congress-says-mayawati-202862">the general elections</a> which will be held from April 11 to May 19. The results will be declared on May 23.&nbsp;

"Our institutions are being destroyed," said Priyanka. "Wherever you see, hatred is being spread."&nbsp;

Priyanka, in her address, tried to keep the focus on what might be called pre-February 26 (the date of the Indian Air Force's air strike&nbsp; on&nbsp;the Jaish-e-Mohammed training camp in Pakistan's Balakote) issues.&nbsp;

"Issues which should be raised must comprise as to what is most important for you and how can you move forward. How will youth get jobs? How will women feel safe? What will be done for farmers?&nbsp;

"These are the issues for elections," said Priyanka.&nbsp;

A number of polls and pollsters of course have said support for Prime Minister Narendra Modi has risen since the air strike.&nbsp;

"Nothing matters more to us that you and I protect this nation, work for it and move forward together," Priyanka said on Tuesday.&nbsp;

Congress president Rahul Gandhi was also present at the rally but WION's political editor Kartikeya Sharma said it was Priyanka who "stole the show".&nbsp;

"Her speech, in which she attacked Prime Minister Modi, was well received by the people," he added.&nbsp;

"Her choice of words was good... she'll be the one to get the headlines."&nbsp;

Also present at the Congress rally was Patidar leader Hardik Patel who joined the party on Wednesday.&nbsp;

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Congress President Rahul Gandhi in Gandhinagar, Gujarat: First time in history, 4 Supreme Court judges went to press &amp; said they are not allowed to work. Generally, people go to SC for justice but in today’s Hindustan, SC judges are going to public &amp; asking for justice. <a href="https://t.co/8sLPUFQJmS">pic.twitter.com/8sLPUFQJmS</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1105425205889982464?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 12, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Gujarat: Visuals from the public rally of Congress party in Gandhinagar. <a href="https://t.co/rmA6iNh244">pic.twitter.com/rmA6iNh244</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1105426450734182408?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 12, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The upcoming general election will pit the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance against (mostly) different opposition groupings in various states, including of the Congress, Left and regional forces who are continuing to work out a grand alliance (mahagatbandhan) to minimise a division of votes between them which would work in favour of the Modi government.

The BJP has worked out a seat-sharing formula with some new allies and several old partners by making concessions in states like Bihar. The opposition parties however are yet to do so in several states.

The 2019 Lok Sabha elections are to be held over seven phases.&nbsp;The polling dates over the seven phases are April 11, April 18, April 23, May 6, May 12, and May 19. All votes will be counted on May 23.&nbsp;

Assembly elections will also be held in Andhra Pradesh, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh and Odisha simultaneously with the Lok Sabha polls, Chief Election Commissioner Sunil Arora said on Sunday while announcing the dates for the elections.&nbsp;

He added that 90 crore voters would be eligible to vote, that 10 lakh&nbsp;polling stations would be set up, and that VVPAT (voter verifiable paper audit trail) machines would be used in all the stations. The VVPAT machines are used to detect election fraud.&nbsp;

Arora added that the Election Commission's code of conduct would apply to social media, that all political advertisements on social media will need pre-certification and that all candidates for the elections will have to give the details of their social media accounts to the commission.

(With inputs from PTI)

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, who was recently made Congress general secretary of eastern Uttar Pradesh, addressed her first rally today in Gujarat's Gandhinagar where she said "this country is made on the foundations of love, harmony and brotherhood.

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, who was recently made Congress general secretary of eastern Uttar Pradesh, addressed her first rally today in Gujarat's Gandhinagar where she said "this country is made on the foundations of love, harmony and brotherhood." She added that "today, whatever is happening in the country is very sad." The rally is being seen as the Congress kicking off its campaign for the general elections which will be held from April 11 to May 19. The results will be declared on May 23. "Our institutions are being destroyed," said Priyanka. "Wherever you see, hatred is being spread." Priyanka, in her address, tried to keep the focus on what might be called pre-February 26 (the date of the Indian Air Force's air strike on the Jaish-e-Mohammed training camp in Pakistan's Balakote) issues. "Issues which should be raised must comprise as to what is most important for you and how can you move forward. How will youth get jobs? How will women feel safe? What will be done for farmers? "These are the issues for elections," said Priyanka. A number of polls and pollsters of course have said support for Prime Minister Narendra Modi has risen since the air strike. "Nothing matters more to us that you and I protect this nation, work for it and move forward together," Priyanka said on Tuesday. Congress president Rahul Gandhi was also present at the rally but WION's political editor Kartikeya Sharma said it was Priyanka who "stole the show". "Her speech, in which she attacked Prime Minister Modi, was well received by the people," he added. "Her choice of words was good... she'll be the one to get the headlines." Also present at the Congress rally was Patidar leader Hardik Patel who joined the party on Wednesday. Congress President Rahul Gandhi in Gandhinagar, Gujarat: First time in history, 4 Supreme Court judges went to press & said they are not allowed to work. Generally, people go to SC for justice but in today’s Hindustan, SC judges are going to public & asking for justice. pic.twitter.com/8sLPUFQJmS — ANI (@ANI) March 12, 2019 × Gujarat: Visuals from the public rally of Congress party in Gandhinagar. pic.twitter.com/rmA6iNh244 — ANI (@ANI) March 12, 2019 × The upcoming general election will pit the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance against (mostly) different opposition groupings in various states, including of the Congress, Left and regional forces who are continuing to work out a grand alliance (mahagatbandhan) to minimise a division of votes between them which would work in favour of the Modi government. The BJP has worked out a seat-sharing formula with some new allies and several old partners by making concessions in states like Bihar. The opposition parties however are yet to do so in several states. The 2019 Lok Sabha elections are to be held over seven phases. The polling dates over the seven phases are April 11, April 18, April 23, May 6, May 12, and May 19. All votes will be counted on May 23. Assembly elections will also be held in Andhra Pradesh, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh and Odisha simultaneously with the Lok Sabha polls, Chief Election Commissioner Sunil Arora said on Sunday while announcing the dates for the elections. He added that 90 crore voters would be eligible to vote, that 10 lakh polling stations would be set up, and that VVPAT (voter verifiable paper audit trail) machines would be used in all the stations. The VVPAT machines are used to detect election fraud. Arora added that the Election Commission's code of conduct would apply to social media, that all political advertisements on social media will need pre-certification and that all candidates for the elections will have to give the details of their social media accounts to the commission. (With inputs from PTI)

Country built on love, harmony & brotherhood: Priyanka Gandhi at her first rally 

Indian Election Watch: Congress kicks off 2019 campaign

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