The <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-democratic-representative-tulsi-gabbard-says-she-will-run-for-president-in-2020-189711">US&nbsp;Representative Tulsi&nbsp;Gabbard</a>, an Iraq War veteran who at times has had a spiky relationship with the Democratic Party, on Saturday will add another liberal voice to a burgeoning field of candidates seeking the party's&nbsp;2020&nbsp;presidential nomination.

Gabbard, 37, will&nbsp;officially&nbsp;launch her&nbsp;candidacy&nbsp;in Hawaii, where she has served as a&nbsp;congresswoman&nbsp;since 2013. A Samoan-American, she was <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/proud-to-be-first-hindu-american-to-run-for-president-tulsi-gabbard-193304">the first Hindu elected to Congress.</a>

She made headlines in 2016 by quitting a leadership post at the Democratic National Committee over the party’s decision to limit the number of debates between presidential candidates Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders, a move analysts said helped Clinton.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/tulsi-gabbard-may-run-for-us-presidency-in-2020-sources-176797">Gabbard&nbsp;</a>then endorsed Sanders for president, becoming one of the few members of Congress to do so. She remains popular with some progressives but will have serious competition on that front with candidates such as Senators Kamala Harris and Elizabeth Warren in the presidential field.

Gabbard&nbsp;has not been a factor in early&nbsp;2020&nbsp;opinion polls, and her nascent campaign already has shown signs of trouble.

Politico reported this week that her campaign manager was set to depart in the coming days after weeks of disarray.

Gabbard’s campaign on Friday confirmed the departure but said Rania Batrice would remain an adviser to&nbsp;Gabbard.&nbsp;

Gabbard&nbsp;also was forced to apologize for her past opposition to same-sex marriage, which she now supports, and has been engaged in a public feud with Hawaii's popular Democratic Senator Mazie Hirono over a federal judicial nominee.

Democratic nominating contests begin in February&nbsp;2020. The candidate who amasses the majority of delegates will be nominated at the party’s convention in the summer and will likely face Republican President Donald Trump in November's general election.

Gabbard&nbsp;served in Iraq and Kuwait in a Hawaii National Guard field medical unit, experiences she said helped inform her noninterventionist foreign policy views. She has made veterans issues&nbsp;a priority while in Congress.

Gabbard&nbsp;has consistently opposed&nbsp;US&nbsp;intervention in Syria, going as far as to secretly meet with Syria’s president, Bashar al-Assad, in January 2017, sparking fierce criticism from some in her own party. She opposes removing Assad from power.

Later that year, she expressed scepticism over the Trump administration's conclusion that Assad's regime was behind a chemical weapons attack that killed dozens in Syria. Former Democratic presidential candidate Howard Dean called&nbsp;Gabbard's views "a disgrace" and said she was unfit to be in Congress.

Last November, she blasted Trump for not taking a harder stance toward Saudi Arabia following the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi.

She also slammed the administration for supporting Saudi Arabia in its conflict with Yemen.

In 2015, she parted with many Democrats by criticizing then-President Barack Obama for refusing to use the term "Islamic extremism" to describe members of Islamic State and other militant groups.

The US Representative Tulsi Gabbard, an Iraq War veteran who at times has had a spiky relationship with the Democratic Party, on Saturday will add another liberal voice to a burgeoning field of candidates seeking the party's 2020 presidential nomination.

The US Representative Tulsi Gabbard, an Iraq War veteran who at times has had a spiky relationship with the Democratic Party, on Saturday will add another liberal voice to a burgeoning field of candidates seeking the party's 2020 presidential nomination. Gabbard, 37, will officially launch her candidacy in Hawaii, where she has served as a congresswoman since 2013. A Samoan-American, she was the first Hindu elected to Congress. She made headlines in 2016 by quitting a leadership post at the Democratic National Committee over the party’s decision to limit the number of debates between presidential candidates Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders, a move analysts said helped Clinton. Gabbard then endorsed Sanders for president, becoming one of the few members of Congress to do so. She remains popular with some progressives but will have serious competition on that front with candidates such as Senators Kamala Harris and Elizabeth Warren in the presidential field. Gabbard has not been a factor in early 2020 opinion polls, and her nascent campaign already has shown signs of trouble. Politico reported this week that her campaign manager was set to depart in the coming days after weeks of disarray. Gabbard’s campaign on Friday confirmed the departure but said Rania Batrice would remain an adviser to Gabbard. Gabbard also was forced to apologize for her past opposition to same-sex marriage, which she now supports, and has been engaged in a public feud with Hawaii's popular Democratic Senator Mazie Hirono over a federal judicial nominee. Democratic nominating contests begin in February 2020. The candidate who amasses the majority of delegates will be nominated at the party’s convention in the summer and will likely face Republican President Donald Trump in November's general election. Gabbard served in Iraq and Kuwait in a Hawaii National Guard field medical unit, experiences she said helped inform her noninterventionist foreign policy views. She has made veterans issues a priority while in Congress. Gabbard has consistently opposed US intervention in Syria, going as far as to secretly meet with Syria’s president, Bashar al-Assad, in January 2017, sparking fierce criticism from some in her own party. She opposes removing Assad from power. Later that year, she expressed scepticism over the Trump administration's conclusion that Assad's regime was behind a chemical weapons attack that killed dozens in Syria. Former Democratic presidential candidate Howard Dean called Gabbard's views "a disgrace" and said she was unfit to be in Congress. Last November, she blasted Trump for not taking a harder stance toward Saudi Arabia following the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. She also slammed the administration for supporting Saudi Arabia in its conflict with Yemen. In 2015, she parted with many Democrats by criticizing then-President Barack Obama for refusing to use the term "Islamic extremism" to describe members of Islamic State and other militant groups.

US Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard to officially declare 2020 presidential nomination

India Budget 2019: Rahul Gandhi tweets to mock high unemployment rate in India

Calling the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/business-economy/union-budget-2019-no-income-tax-for-annual-income-upto-rs-5-lakh-says-piyush-goyal-194324">interim Budget </a>presented by Centre on Friday as "yet another jumla", the Congress hit out at the BJP led government claiming that the Budget was an insult to the farmers.

The Congress post on its Twitter handle said, "After having failed to deliver on any of the promises to farmers, Modi govt insults them once again with yet another jumla !".

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After having failed to deliver on any of the promises to farmers, Modi govt insults them once again with yet another jumla!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Budget2019?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Budget2019</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AakhriJumlaBudget?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AakhriJumlaBudget</a> <a href="https://t.co/f6ocdzKByS">pic.twitter.com/f6ocdzKByS</a>
— Congress (@INCIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/INCIndia/status/1091267874138644480?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 1, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Party President Rahul Gandhi also targetted the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/budget-will-take-india-on-path-to-development-pm-modi-194378">Modi government</a> over the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/big-takeaways-from-union-budget-2019-194331">Budget</a>.

" Dear NoMo, 5 years of your incompetence and arrogance has destroyed the lives of our farmers. Giving them Rs. 17 a day is an insult to everything they stand and work for, " Gandhi's tweet read.

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Dear NoMo, 
 
5 years of your incompetence and arrogance has destroyed the lives of our farmers. 
 
Giving them Rs. 17 a day is an insult to everything they stand and work for. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AakhriJumlaBudget?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AakhriJumlaBudget</a>
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) <a href="https://twitter.com/RahulGandhi/status/1091267096938467328?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 1, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Former Union minister and Congress leader P Chidambaram termed the Budget as "an account for votes" adding that the 2019&nbsp;Budget was accompanied by an election campaign speech.

"The Interim Finance Minister tested our patience by the longest interim Budget speech in the recent memory. It was not an interim Budget, it was a full-fledged Budget accompanied by an election campaign speech.... My one line comment on the Budget is that it is not a vote on account but an account for votes."

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P Chidambaram, Congress on <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Budget2019?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Budget2019</a>: The Interim Finance Minister tested our patience by the longest interim budget speech in the recent memory. It was not an interim budget, it was a full fledged budget accompanied by an election campaign speech. <a href="https://t.co/AlY8uxmQpD">https://t.co/AlY8uxmQpD</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1091263193190522881?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 1, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Congress leader Shashi Tharoor questioned the credibility of the&nbsp;income support assured to the farmers under the Budget. He however praised the government's move of providing tax exemption to the middle class.

Tharoor said, " The whole exercise has turned out to be a damp squib. We have seen one good thing that is tax exemption for the middle class. Rs 6000 in income support for farmers boils down to Rs 500 per month. Is that supposed to enable them to live with the honour and dignity?"

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S Tharoor, Congress: The whole exercise has turned out to be a damp squib. We've seen one good thing that is tax exemption for the middle class. Rs 6000 in income support for farmers boils down to Rs 500 per month. Is that supposed to enable them to live with the honour&amp;dignity? <a href="https://t.co/kZDRhkKSWi">pic.twitter.com/kZDRhkKSWi</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1091250025655463938?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 1, 2019</a></blockquote>
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TMC chief Mamata Banerjee said, "This government has no moral authority or responsibility to place the budget for five years when they'll not be in power; the government will go for expiry. After expiry, if you give medicine, is there any value? What will be the value? This is absolutely valueless".

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WB CM Mamata Banerjee: This govt has no moral authority or responsibility to place the budget for 5 years when they'll not be in power; the govt will go for expiry. After expiry, if you give medicine, is there any value? What will be the value? This is absolutely valueless. <a href="https://t.co/rK4CBge5Sw">pic.twitter.com/rK4CBge5Sw</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1091283305909997570?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 1, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Speaking to reporters outside Parliament, leader of Congress in Lok Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge said the promises made by the BJP in this Budget are mere poll sops and "jumlas", which will not be fulfilled as the BJP has a mandate to rule only till May this year.

Further calling it as BJP's election manifesto, he charged the party of bribing to voters.

"This is all being done for elections. I directly charge them of paying bribe to voters.There is politics in everything they do and there is nothing for the poor in this budget...This budget is only an election manifesto that the BJP read in Parliament and it is only for getting votes," Kharge said.

"They are distributing money in elections to please farmers, but the reality is that in the first three months they would give only Rs 2,000 in first instalment," he said.

On the announcement of Income Tax exemption up to Rs 5 lakh to tax-payers, he alleged the BJP parliamentarians are creating a 'tamasha' in Parliament.

"You have a mandate up to May and instead they have presented a full year's Budget and are trying to befool the people of the country, keeping elections in mind.

"Who will fulfil these promises made. If they do not come to power, who will fulfil these promises. The next government will come and only it can deliver".

Karnataka chief minister Kumaraswamy said, "I want to ask if this Budget was prepared by officials of Finance department or RSS? In this Budget, Narendra Modi has given cotton candy for farmers. When I announced loan waiver scheme, PM mocked it as lollipop. Friends of BJP have prepared this budget".

(With inputs from agencies)

Calling the interim Budget presented by Centre on Friday as "yet another jumla", the Congress hit out at the BJP led government claiming that the Budget was an insult to the farmers.

Calling the interim Budget presented by Centre on Friday as "yet another jumla", the Congress hit out at the BJP led government claiming that the Budget was an insult to the farmers. The Congress post on its Twitter handle said, "After having failed to deliver on any of the promises to farmers, Modi govt insults them once again with yet another jumla !". After having failed to deliver on any of the promises to farmers, Modi govt insults them once again with yet another jumla!#Budget2019 #AakhriJumlaBudget pic.twitter.com/f6ocdzKByS — Congress (@INCIndia) February 1, 2019 × Party President Rahul Gandhi also targetted the Modi government over the Budget. " Dear NoMo, 5 years of your incompetence and arrogance has destroyed the lives of our farmers. Giving them Rs. 17 a day is an insult to everything they stand and work for, " Gandhi's tweet read. Dear NoMo, 5 years of your incompetence and arrogance has destroyed the lives of our farmers. Giving them Rs. 17 a day is an insult to everything they stand and work for. #AakhriJumlaBudget — Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) February 1, 2019 × Former Union minister and Congress leader P Chidambaram termed the Budget as "an account for votes" adding that the 2019 Budget was accompanied by an election campaign speech. "The Interim Finance Minister tested our patience by the longest interim Budget speech in the recent memory. It was not an interim Budget, it was a full-fledged Budget accompanied by an election campaign speech.... My one line comment on the Budget is that it is not a vote on account but an account for votes." P Chidambaram, Congress on #Budget2019: The Interim Finance Minister tested our patience by the longest interim budget speech in the recent memory. It was not an interim budget, it was a full fledged budget accompanied by an election campaign speech. https://t.co/AlY8uxmQpD — ANI (@ANI) February 1, 2019 × Congress leader Shashi Tharoor questioned the credibility of the income support assured to the farmers under the Budget. He however praised the government's move of providing tax exemption to the middle class. Tharoor said, " The whole exercise has turned out to be a damp squib. We have seen one good thing that is tax exemption for the middle class. Rs 6000 in income support for farmers boils down to Rs 500 per month. Is that supposed to enable them to live with the honour and dignity?" S Tharoor, Congress: The whole exercise has turned out to be a damp squib. We've seen one good thing that is tax exemption for the middle class. Rs 6000 in income support for farmers boils down to Rs 500 per month. Is that supposed to enable them to live with the honour&dignity? pic.twitter.com/kZDRhkKSWi — ANI (@ANI) February 1, 2019 × TMC chief Mamata Banerjee said, "This government has no moral authority or responsibility to place the budget for five years when they'll not be in power; the government will go for expiry. After expiry, if you give medicine, is there any value? What will be the value? This is absolutely valueless". WB CM Mamata Banerjee: This govt has no moral authority or responsibility to place the budget for 5 years when they'll not be in power; the govt will go for expiry. After expiry, if you give medicine, is there any value? What will be the value? This is absolutely valueless. pic.twitter.com/rK4CBge5Sw — ANI (@ANI) February 1, 2019 × Speaking to reporters outside Parliament, leader of Congress in Lok Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge said the promises made by the BJP in this Budget are mere poll sops and "jumlas", which will not be fulfilled as the BJP has a mandate to rule only till May this year. Further calling it as BJP's election manifesto, he charged the party of bribing to voters. "This is all being done for elections. I directly charge them of paying bribe to voters.There is politics in everything they do and there is nothing for the poor in this budget...This budget is only an election manifesto that the BJP read in Parliament and it is only for getting votes," Kharge said. "They are distributing money in elections to please farmers, but the reality is that in the first three months they would give only Rs 2,000 in first instalment," he said. On the announcement of Income Tax exemption up to Rs 5 lakh to tax-payers, he alleged the BJP parliamentarians are creating a 'tamasha' in Parliament. "You have a mandate up to May and instead they have presented a full year's Budget and are trying to befool the people of the country, keeping elections in mind. "Who will fulfil these promises made. If they do not come to power, who will fulfil these promises. The next government will come and only it can deliver". Karnataka chief minister Kumaraswamy said, "I want to ask if this Budget was prepared by officials of Finance department or RSS? In this Budget, Narendra Modi has given cotton candy for farmers. When I announced loan waiver scheme, PM mocked it as lollipop. Friends of BJP have prepared this budget". (With inputs from agencies)

It was not an interim Budget but a full fledged Budget: Chidambaram

JD(S) leader HD Deve Gowda on Thursday publicly voiced his unhappiness with ally Congress, saying he was in 'pain'&nbsp;and would not remain 'quiet anymore'.

Gowda, father of Karnataka Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy, made known that the six months of running the coalition government with the Congress was not a pleasant experience but he had "not opened mouth."

"Is this a way to run the coalition government, where we have to request our partner not to use foul language? Six months have passed that Kumaraswamy became the Chief Minister and all kinds of things have happened in six months. Till now I haven't opened my mouth but now I can't keep quiet," he said.

His comment comes days after several state Congress leaders demanded that former chief minister Siddaramaiah be made CM again.

Gowda also slammed former Siddaramaiah who a few days back misbehaved with a woman, where he snatched her mic.

"How can anyone touch anybody's clothes? He is a kind of person who does not even meet MLAs," Gowda said.

JD(S) leader HD Deve Gowda on Thursday publicly voiced his unhappiness with ally Congress, saying he was in 'pain' and would not remain 'quiet anymore'. Gowda, father of Karnataka Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy, made known that the six months of running the coalition government with the Congress was not a pleasant experience but he had "not opened mouth.

JD(S) leader HD Deve Gowda on Thursday publicly voiced his unhappiness with ally Congress, saying he was in 'pain' and would not remain 'quiet anymore'. Gowda, father of Karnataka Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy, made known that the six months of running the coalition government with the Congress was not a pleasant experience but he had "not opened mouth." "Is this a way to run the coalition government, where we have to request our partner not to use foul language? Six months have passed that Kumaraswamy became the Chief Minister and all kinds of things have happened in six months. Till now I haven't opened my mouth but now I can't keep quiet," he said. His comment comes days after several state Congress leaders demanded that former chief minister Siddaramaiah be made CM again. Gowda also slammed former Siddaramaiah who a few days back misbehaved with a woman, where he snatched her mic. "How can anyone touch anybody's clothes? He is a kind of person who does not even meet MLAs," Gowda said.

I am in pain, won't keep quiet anymore, former Prime Minister Deve Gowda warns Congress

The BJP as well as the ruling TMC in West Bengal Wednesday organised protests in Kolkata and in other parts of the state against the violence that took place in East Midnapore district's Kanthi area following a rally by <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/shah-heaps-praises-on-pm-modi-says-he-makes-india-proud-by-speaking-in-hindi-at-un-193699">BJP president Amit Shah</a>.

The saffron party's state leadership has decided to inform the Election Commission (EC) about the clashes.

The full bench of the EC led by Chief Election Commissioner Sunil Arora is scheduled to arrive in Kolkata in the night on a three-day visit to review the preparedness for the Lok Sabha polls in West Bengal.&nbsp;

They will also hold a series of meetings with officials of the state's chief electoral office and political parties on Thursday.

Following the clashes in Kanthi on Tuesday Home Minister Rajnath Singh had called up Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and expressed serious concern.

The Trinamool Congress took out a protest march in Kanthi during the day against the clashes.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Senior BJP leaders Mukul Roy and Sayantan Basu took out a protest march from the party's state headquaters to Esplande in the city.

Shouting slogans against the state government, BJP workers carried placards and posters against the TMC government.

Incidently, senior TMC minister and party leader Partha Chatterjee, who was passing through Central Avenue also faced protests and was shown black flags by the BJP workers.

"We have called for the protest against yesterday's violence. The way our party workers were attacked was undemocratic," BJP state president Dilip Ghosh said.

The saffron party organised agitations in various parts of the state in protest against Tuesday's violence in which several persons were injured.

Later on the BJP activists staged a sit in at Esplanade in Kolkata following which the police removed them and detained some of them, party sources said. 
The Bengal unit of the BJP has decided to inform the EC about the Tuesday violence.

"We will inform the Election Commission about the clashes that took place yesterday at Kanthi. We will portray the real picture of the ground situation that prevails in Bengal," Ghosh said here.

TMC leader and senior minister Suvendu Adhikari said "We have taken out a protest march in Kanthi town against the violence that BJP had let loose on us yesterday. The people have also come out in our support and joined the march."

As the general election is approaching, the hostility between the BJP and the ruling TMC has heightened in Bengal.

Saffron party is making concerted efforts to gain politically in Bengal, the stronghold of the TMC.

The BJP as well as the ruling TMC in West Bengal Wednesday organised protests in Kolkata and in other parts of the state against the violence that took place in East Midnapore district's Kanthi area following a rally by BJP president Amit Shah.

The BJP as well as the ruling TMC in West Bengal Wednesday organised protests in Kolkata and in other parts of the state against the violence that took place in East Midnapore district's Kanthi area following a rally by BJP president Amit Shah. The saffron party's state leadership has decided to inform the Election Commission (EC) about the clashes. The full bench of the EC led by Chief Election Commissioner Sunil Arora is scheduled to arrive in Kolkata in the night on a three-day visit to review the preparedness for the Lok Sabha polls in West Bengal. They will also hold a series of meetings with officials of the state's chief electoral office and political parties on Thursday. Following the clashes in Kanthi on Tuesday Home Minister Rajnath Singh had called up Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and expressed serious concern. The Trinamool Congress took out a protest march in Kanthi during the day against the clashes. Senior BJP leaders Mukul Roy and Sayantan Basu took out a protest march from the party's state headquaters to Esplande in the city. Shouting slogans against the state government, BJP workers carried placards and posters against the TMC government. Incidently, senior TMC minister and party leader Partha Chatterjee, who was passing through Central Avenue also faced protests and was shown black flags by the BJP workers. "We have called for the protest against yesterday's violence. The way our party workers were attacked was undemocratic," BJP state president Dilip Ghosh said. The saffron party organised agitations in various parts of the state in protest against Tuesday's violence in which several persons were injured. Later on the BJP activists staged a sit in at Esplanade in Kolkata following which the police removed them and detained some of them, party sources said. The Bengal unit of the BJP has decided to inform the EC about the Tuesday violence. "We will inform the Election Commission about the clashes that took place yesterday at Kanthi. We will portray the real picture of the ground situation that prevails in Bengal," Ghosh said here. TMC leader and senior minister Suvendu Adhikari said "We have taken out a protest march in Kanthi town against the violence that BJP had let loose on us yesterday. The people have also come out in our support and joined the march." As the general election is approaching, the hostility between the BJP and the ruling TMC has heightened in Bengal. Saffron party is making concerted efforts to gain politically in Bengal, the stronghold of the TMC.

BJP, TMC hold protest against violence after Amit Shah's rally

Taking a dig at the Congress party in a public gathering at Surat on Wednesday, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/opinion-will-modi-government-repeat-2014-victory-2019-167368">Prime Minister Modi</a> said that if the previous governments had to do the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/four-years-of-modi-government-5-schemes-and-how-they-performed-139632">work that he has done so far</a>, they would have needed "25 more years".

He also credited his government's demonetisation decision for bringing down prices of houses and making them affordable for the aspiring youth.

"I was asked what has been the benefit of note ban decision. You should ask it to the youth, who could buy residential homes at affordable rates after the decision. Black money used to be parked in real estate sector, but with decisions like note ban and RERA, we put a check to it," Modi said.

He also lauded the Civil Aviation Ministry's 'Udaan' (Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagrik) scheme - a regional connectivity scheme that makes flying affordable for masses, saying it will boost development of the country's aviation sector.

Targetting the Congress party he said, "In four years of our rule, we constructed 1.30 crore houses while in UPA rule they built 25 lakh houses.

He also stated that for the last 30 years, the country had a "hung Parliament" due to which progress was affected. "But four years ago, people voted to give full majority after which the country is progressing rapidly," he said.

Citing the former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi, PM Modi also blamed the Congress for leaking the fund sent for public welfare.

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PM Modi in Surat:Mujhe mat poochna ki Rs 40-50 ka bulb Rs 350 mein bikta tha toh beech wale paise kahan jate the, mujhe mat poochna,uska jawab Rajiv Gandhi dekar gaye the, Re 1 jata tha toh 25 paisa pahunch'ta tha, baaki ka 85 paisa konsa panja khata tha,vo saari duniya janti hai <a href="https://t.co/SWd8y28GYz">pic.twitter.com/SWd8y28GYz</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1090535903229931526?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 30, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The prime minister was addressing a gathering after laying the foundation stone for extension of the new terminal at Surat airport in Gujarat.

(With inputs from agencies)

Taking a dig at the Congress party in a public gathering at Surat on Wednesday, Prime Minister Modi said that if the previous governments had to do the work that he has done so far, they would have needed "25 more years".

Taking a dig at the Congress party in a public gathering at Surat on Wednesday, Prime Minister Modi said that if the previous governments had to do the work that he has done so far, they would have needed "25 more years". He also credited his government's demonetisation decision for bringing down prices of houses and making them affordable for the aspiring youth. "I was asked what has been the benefit of note ban decision. You should ask it to the youth, who could buy residential homes at affordable rates after the decision. Black money used to be parked in real estate sector, but with decisions like note ban and RERA, we put a check to it," Modi said. He also lauded the Civil Aviation Ministry's 'Udaan' (Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagrik) scheme - a regional connectivity scheme that makes flying affordable for masses, saying it will boost development of the country's aviation sector. Targetting the Congress party he said, "In four years of our rule, we constructed 1.30 crore houses while in UPA rule they built 25 lakh houses. He also stated that for the last 30 years, the country had a "hung Parliament" due to which progress was affected. "But four years ago, people voted to give full majority after which the country is progressing rapidly," he said. Citing the former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi, PM Modi also blamed the Congress for leaking the fund sent for public welfare. PM Modi in Surat:Mujhe mat poochna ki Rs 40-50 ka bulb Rs 350 mein bikta tha toh beech wale paise kahan jate the, mujhe mat poochna,uska jawab Rajiv Gandhi dekar gaye the, Re 1 jata tha toh 25 paisa pahunch'ta tha, baaki ka 85 paisa konsa panja khata tha,vo saari duniya janti hai pic.twitter.com/SWd8y28GYz — ANI (@ANI) January 30, 2019 × The prime minister was addressing a gathering after laying the foundation stone for extension of the new terminal at Surat airport in Gujarat. (With inputs from agencies)

Previous govt would have taken '25 more years' to do the work we have done so far: PM Modi in Surat

Minimum income guaranteed for all, if voted to power: Rahul Gandhi

Union minister Nitin Gadkari Sunday said political leaders who sell dreams to people, but fail to make them a reality get "beaten up" by the public.

The minister, who handles a host of infrastructure-related portfolios in the Modi government, asserted he is a doer and delivers on his promises.

"People like (political) leaders who sell them dreams. But if these dreams are not realised, then they beat them up (politically) as well," Gadkari said, speaking at a function in Mumbai.

"I am not the one who only sells dreams, but I deliver 100 per cent what I talk about," he said.

Gadkari, a former BJP president, also spoke about his stint as Maharashtra's PWD minister when the Shiv Sena-BJP government was in power (1995-99) in the state.

"The media persons in Mumbai know what kind of a person I am as they have seen how I complete projects. They do trust me," said the 61-year-old politician from Nagpur.

"People used to laugh at me when I, as PWD minister, used to claim that I was going to build over 50 flyovers in Mumbai, and bring down the travel time between Mumbai and Pune to merely two hours (via 91-km expressway).

"I was ridiculed but I proved them wrong and completed every project I had promised," Gadkari said.

At the function, Bollywood actor Isha Koppikar joined the BJP and was made working president of the party's women transport wing.

In December, Gadkari said at an event in Pune that leadership should have the tendency to own up defeat and failures.

The remarks had come days after the BJP's dismal show in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh assembly elections.

As the comments created a controversy, Gadkari said his statements had been twisted and alleged "there was a sinister campaign by some opposition parties and a section of the media to twist" his comments and "draw politically motivated inferences to malign" him and his party.

At the valedictory function of the annual Marathi literary meet at Yavatmal on January 13, Gadkari said politicians should not interfere in other fields.

The meet was embroiled in a controversy after an invitation to writer Nayantara Sahgal was withdrawn apparently under pressure from a political party.

Without making a direct reference to the row, Gadkari had said, "Politicians should learn not to interfere in other fields. The people who are in universities, educational institutions, literature and poetry, they should be dealing with their (respective) areas."

Union minister Nitin Gadkari Sunday said political leaders who sell dreams to people, but fail to make them a reality get "beaten up" by the public. The minister, who handles a host of infrastructure-related portfolios in the Modi government, asserted he is a doer and delivers on his promises.

Union minister Nitin Gadkari Sunday said political leaders who sell dreams to people, but fail to make them a reality get "beaten up" by the public. The minister, who handles a host of infrastructure-related portfolios in the Modi government, asserted he is a doer and delivers on his promises. "People like (political) leaders who sell them dreams. But if these dreams are not realised, then they beat them up (politically) as well," Gadkari said, speaking at a function in Mumbai. "I am not the one who only sells dreams, but I deliver 100 per cent what I talk about," he said. Gadkari, a former BJP president, also spoke about his stint as Maharashtra's PWD minister when the Shiv Sena-BJP government was in power (1995-99) in the state. "The media persons in Mumbai know what kind of a person I am as they have seen how I complete projects. They do trust me," said the 61-year-old politician from Nagpur. "People used to laugh at me when I, as PWD minister, used to claim that I was going to build over 50 flyovers in Mumbai, and bring down the travel time between Mumbai and Pune to merely two hours (via 91-km expressway). "I was ridiculed but I proved them wrong and completed every project I had promised," Gadkari said. At the function, Bollywood actor Isha Koppikar joined the BJP and was made working president of the party's women transport wing. In December, Gadkari said at an event in Pune that leadership should have the tendency to own up defeat and failures. The remarks had come days after the BJP's dismal show in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh assembly elections. As the comments created a controversy, Gadkari said his statements had been twisted and alleged "there was a sinister campaign by some opposition parties and a section of the media to twist" his comments and "draw politically motivated inferences to malign" him and his party. At the valedictory function of the annual Marathi literary meet at Yavatmal on January 13, Gadkari said politicians should not interfere in other fields. The meet was embroiled in a controversy after an invitation to writer Nayantara Sahgal was withdrawn apparently under pressure from a political party. Without making a direct reference to the row, Gadkari had said, "Politicians should learn not to interfere in other fields. The people who are in universities, educational institutions, literature and poetry, they should be dealing with their (respective) areas."

Leaders who don't keep promise get 'beaten up' by people: Nitin Gadkari

Days after Priyanka Gandhi Vadra's formal entry into politics, BJP general secretary Kailash Vijayvargiya took a dig at the Congress party and criticised them for using "chocolaty faces" to fight the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.

Mr Vijayvargiya held a press conference in Indore where he was asked about reports of Bollywood stars Salman Khan and Kareena Kapoor Khan being named by Congress for contesting from Indore and Bhopal constituencies.

"This shows the dearth of self-confidence in them. They don't have any leader, that's why they want to contest the upcoming elections while banking on chocolaty faces.

Somebody takes Kareena Kapoor's name while others ask for Salman Khan. Now they have brought in Priyanka Gandhi (Isse unke aatmavishwas ki kami jhalakti h. Unke paas leader nahi hain, isliye wo chocolatey chehre ke madhyam se chunav mein jaana chahte hain. Ye unke andar ke atmavishwas ki kami ko darshata hai... Koi Kareena Kapoor ka naam chalata hai, koi Salman Khan ka, kabhi Priyanka Gandhi ko le aate hain)," Mr Vijayvargiya said.

"They don't have confidence on Rahul Gandhi's guidance," he added.

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, earlier this week was made the general secretary of the Congress and in-charge of the party affairs for the eastern Uttar Pradesh for the Lok Sabha elections.

Days after Priyanka Gandhi Vadra's formal entry into politics, BJP general secretary Kailash Vijayvargiya took a dig at the Congress party and criticised them for using "chocolaty faces" to fight the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.

Days after Priyanka Gandhi Vadra's formal entry into politics, BJP general secretary Kailash Vijayvargiya took a dig at the Congress party and criticised them for using "chocolaty faces" to fight the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. Mr Vijayvargiya held a press conference in Indore where he was asked about reports of Bollywood stars Salman Khan and Kareena Kapoor Khan being named by Congress for contesting from Indore and Bhopal constituencies. "This shows the dearth of self-confidence in them. They don't have any leader, that's why they want to contest the upcoming elections while banking on chocolaty faces. Somebody takes Kareena Kapoor's name while others ask for Salman Khan. Now they have brought in Priyanka Gandhi (Isse unke aatmavishwas ki kami jhalakti h. Unke paas leader nahi hain, isliye wo chocolatey chehre ke madhyam se chunav mein jaana chahte hain. Ye unke andar ke atmavishwas ki kami ko darshata hai... Koi Kareena Kapoor ka naam chalata hai, koi Salman Khan ka, kabhi Priyanka Gandhi ko le aate hain)," Mr Vijayvargiya said. "They don't have confidence on Rahul Gandhi's guidance," he added. Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, earlier this week was made the general secretary of the Congress and in-charge of the party affairs for the eastern Uttar Pradesh for the Lok Sabha elections.

Congress banking on 'chocolatey' faces for Lok Sabha poll: Kailash Vijayvargiya

President Donald Trump said Friday he will temporarily end the longest <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/will-do-the-address-when-shutdown-is-over-trump-192426">government shutdown in US</a> history, while dropping his previous insistence on immediate funding for wall construction along the Mexican border.

The announcement in the White House Rose Garden on the bipartisan deal marked a retreat by Trump, suspending a political row that has paralyzed Washington, disrupted air travel and left more than 800,000 federal employees without pay for five weeks.

The top Democratic senator, Chuck Schumer, said he hoped Trump had "learned his lesson."

The Senate and House of Representatives both passed the deal by unanimous consent Friday, sending it to the president for his signature.

Trump's reversal came as the full weight of the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/how-us-shutdown-over-border-wall-fight-might-play-out-192604">shutdown</a>, including the financial cost on struggling employees and the national economy, became ever more apparent to the administration and power brokers in Washington, and as the president appeared outfoxed by his political nemesis Nancy Pelosi, the Democratic speaker of the House.

But while the president climbed down in agreeing to reopen government without first getting $5.7 billion in border wall funds, he still threatened to renew hostilities with a new shutdown, or a state of emergency, if there is no breakthrough on his pet project in the next three weeks.

"In a short while, I will sign a bill to open our government," he said. "Over the next 21 days, I expect that both Democrats and Republicans will operate in good faith."

"If we don't get a fair deal from Congress, the government either shuts down on February 15th again, or I will use the powers afforded to me under the laws and Constitution of the United States to address this emergency," he warned.

"We really have no choice but to build a powerful wall or steel barrier."

Shutdown pain&nbsp;

Trump triggered the shutdown in December as a way of putting pressure on congressional Democrats after they refused his wall funding demand.

But Democrats, led by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, didn't blink, calculating that Trump would be blamed by voters for the ensuing chaos -- and polls showed that they were correct.

Federal workers as varied as museum attendants and US Coast Guard sailors were left without salaries. Even Secret Service agents guarding the White House have been working without pay.

By Friday the impact of the shutdown was focused on airports, where enough federally employed security staff have called in sick to slow down overall operations.

Air traffic controllers were working without pay and in New Jersey's busy Newark Liberty International Airport staffing issues led to delays, raising the specter of a wider degradation of US air travel.

This raised pressure on Trump and his congressional opponents to reach a deal. However, in the end Trump appears to have made the only compromise, even at the risk of angering his right-wing voter base.

Conservative commentator Ann Coulter wasted no time in lashing out at Trump's retreat.

"Good news for George Herbert Walker Bush: As of today, he is no longer the biggest wimp ever to serve as President of the United States," she tweeted, referring to the late president, a Republican moderate.

No way out

Trump says more border walls are needed to stop what he says are crisis levels of criminals and illegal immigration. Democrats say his focus on the wall distracts from more complex immigration problems and is used to whip up his base for political gain.

On Thursday, two competing bills to end the partial shutdown failed in the Senate, underscoring the inability of Democrats and Trump's Republicans to agree on a compromise that would reopen government while committing to wall construction.

Trump has spoken for weeks about using his presidential authority to declare a border emergency and bypass Congress, allowing himself to take funds from other sources for the wall.

However, this would almost certainly be blocked in court challenges.

So while Trump had previously stated he would not "cave" in the standoff, he was left with little alternative.

At his White House announcement, Trump sought to thank the many federal workers who suffered as collateral damage in the political battle, saying they showed "extraordinary devotion in the face of this recent hardship."

But Tiffany Cruz, who works at LaGuardia Airport in New York, which was also badly hit by delays, said she had little faith in Trump.

"He's just reopening (government) at his convenience," she said. "I don't believe he cares about anything but himself."

With the shutdown ending, the question arises whether Trump will be re-invited to deliver his State of the Union address in Congress next Tuesday.

Pelosi, who outfoxed him in the five-week showdown, had insisted he not deliver his speech until government reopened. On Friday she said the schedule remained undecided.

President Donald Trump said Friday he will temporarily end the longest government shutdown in US history, while dropping his previous insistence on immediate funding for wall construction along the Mexican border.

President Donald Trump said Friday he will temporarily end the longest government shutdown in US history, while dropping his previous insistence on immediate funding for wall construction along the Mexican border. The announcement in the White House Rose Garden on the bipartisan deal marked a retreat by Trump, suspending a political row that has paralyzed Washington, disrupted air travel and left more than 800,000 federal employees without pay for five weeks. The top Democratic senator, Chuck Schumer, said he hoped Trump had "learned his lesson." The Senate and House of Representatives both passed the deal by unanimous consent Friday, sending it to the president for his signature. Trump's reversal came as the full weight of the shutdown, including the financial cost on struggling employees and the national economy, became ever more apparent to the administration and power brokers in Washington, and as the president appeared outfoxed by his political nemesis Nancy Pelosi, the Democratic speaker of the House. But while the president climbed down in agreeing to reopen government without first getting $5.7 billion in border wall funds, he still threatened to renew hostilities with a new shutdown, or a state of emergency, if there is no breakthrough on his pet project in the next three weeks. "In a short while, I will sign a bill to open our government," he said. "Over the next 21 days, I expect that both Democrats and Republicans will operate in good faith." "If we don't get a fair deal from Congress, the government either shuts down on February 15th again, or I will use the powers afforded to me under the laws and Constitution of the United States to address this emergency," he warned. "We really have no choice but to build a powerful wall or steel barrier." Shutdown pain Trump triggered the shutdown in December as a way of putting pressure on congressional Democrats after they refused his wall funding demand. But Democrats, led by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, didn't blink, calculating that Trump would be blamed by voters for the ensuing chaos -- and polls showed that they were correct. Federal workers as varied as museum attendants and US Coast Guard sailors were left without salaries. Even Secret Service agents guarding the White House have been working without pay. By Friday the impact of the shutdown was focused on airports, where enough federally employed security staff have called in sick to slow down overall operations. Air traffic controllers were working without pay and in New Jersey's busy Newark Liberty International Airport staffing issues led to delays, raising the specter of a wider degradation of US air travel. This raised pressure on Trump and his congressional opponents to reach a deal. However, in the end Trump appears to have made the only compromise, even at the risk of angering his right-wing voter base. Conservative commentator Ann Coulter wasted no time in lashing out at Trump's retreat. "Good news for George Herbert Walker Bush: As of today, he is no longer the biggest wimp ever to serve as President of the United States," she tweeted, referring to the late president, a Republican moderate. No way out Trump says more border walls are needed to stop what he says are crisis levels of criminals and illegal immigration. Democrats say his focus on the wall distracts from more complex immigration problems and is used to whip up his base for political gain. On Thursday, two competing bills to end the partial shutdown failed in the Senate, underscoring the inability of Democrats and Trump's Republicans to agree on a compromise that would reopen government while committing to wall construction. Trump has spoken for weeks about using his presidential authority to declare a border emergency and bypass Congress, allowing himself to take funds from other sources for the wall. However, this would almost certainly be blocked in court challenges. So while Trump had previously stated he would not "cave" in the standoff, he was left with little alternative. At his White House announcement, Trump sought to thank the many federal workers who suffered as collateral damage in the political battle, saying they showed "extraordinary devotion in the face of this recent hardship." But Tiffany Cruz, who works at LaGuardia Airport in New York, which was also badly hit by delays, said she had little faith in Trump. "He's just reopening (government) at his convenience," she said. "I don't believe he cares about anything but himself." With the shutdown ending, the question arises whether Trump will be re-invited to deliver his State of the Union address in Congress next Tuesday. Pelosi, who outfoxed him in the five-week showdown, had insisted he not deliver his speech until government reopened. On Friday she said the schedule remained undecided.

Trump climbs down in wall row, Congress passes bill ending shutdown

President Donald Trump's former personal <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/muellers-office-disputes-report-that-trump-told-cohen-to-lie-to-congress-191342">lawyer Michael Cohen</a> is postponing his February 7 testimony to the US Congress because of threats against his family from Trump, his adviser said on Wednesday.

Cohen, who has pleaded guilty to crimes including campaign finance violations during Trump's 2016 election campaign and is cooperating with investigators, had received "ongoing threats against his family from Trump" and Trump's lawyer Rudy Giuliani, the adviser, attorney Lanny Davis, said in a statement.

Trump called Cohen a "rat" in a tweet last month for cooperating with prosecutors. Cohen had been Trump's self-described longtime "fixer" and once said he would take a bullet for the New York real estate developer.

In a Fox News interview this month, and other forums, Trump also suggested he had damaging information on Cohen's father-in-law. "That's the one that people want to look at," Trump said in the interview. Giuliani also referred to possible issues with him.

Cohen's father-in-law, Fima Shusterman, could not immediately be reached for comment. He has been involved in the taxicab business like Cohen himself.

Cohen was expected to appear before the US House of Representatives Oversight Committee. A new date has not been scheduled and he will go to a federal prison in March.

During an event at the White House, Trump was asked about Cohen saying he had been threatened by him and Giuliani.

"I would say he's been threatened by the truth. He's only been threatened by the truth," Trump said.

Giuliani told Reuters that the "president's response covers it."

Representative Elijah Cummings, chair of the Committee on Oversight and Reform, and Representative Adam Schiff, chairman of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, both Democrats, said in a statement they understood the concerns for the safety of Cohen and his family in light of the attacks by Trump and Giuliani.

But the lawmakers said they would not "let the President’s tactics prevent Congress" from getting to the truth.

"I promise you that we will hear from Mr Cohen. ... Whatever we have to do to get him here, we're going to do it," Cummings told reporters in a Capitol hallway. He declined to say if that meant a subpoena.

Chicago attorney Andrew Boutros said he was not sure what to make of it all. "Mr Cohen's statement is long on conclusions and short on facts and details," said Boutros, a former federal prosecutor.

Cohen was sentenced in December to three years in prison for crimes including orchestrating hush payments to women in violation of campaign laws before the 2016 election. He said in the guilty plea that he was directed to make the payments by Trump. The president and his lawyers have argued the payments were a personal matter unrelated to the election.

Cohen had volunteered to testify before the congressional panel. Davis said Cohen looked forward to testifying at a later date.

President Donald Trump's former personal lawyer Michael Cohen is postponing his February 7 testimony to the US Congress because of threats against his family from Trump, his adviser said on Wednesday.

President Donald Trump's former personal lawyer Michael Cohen is postponing his February 7 testimony to the US Congress because of threats against his family from Trump, his adviser said on Wednesday. Cohen, who has pleaded guilty to crimes including campaign finance violations during Trump's 2016 election campaign and is cooperating with investigators, had received "ongoing threats against his family from Trump" and Trump's lawyer Rudy Giuliani, the adviser, attorney Lanny Davis, said in a statement. Trump called Cohen a "rat" in a tweet last month for cooperating with prosecutors. Cohen had been Trump's self-described longtime "fixer" and once said he would take a bullet for the New York real estate developer. In a Fox News interview this month, and other forums, Trump also suggested he had damaging information on Cohen's father-in-law. "That's the one that people want to look at," Trump said in the interview. Giuliani also referred to possible issues with him. Cohen's father-in-law, Fima Shusterman, could not immediately be reached for comment. He has been involved in the taxicab business like Cohen himself. Cohen was expected to appear before the US House of Representatives Oversight Committee. A new date has not been scheduled and he will go to a federal prison in March. During an event at the White House, Trump was asked about Cohen saying he had been threatened by him and Giuliani. "I would say he's been threatened by the truth. He's only been threatened by the truth," Trump said. Giuliani told Reuters that the "president's response covers it." Representative Elijah Cummings, chair of the Committee on Oversight and Reform, and Representative Adam Schiff, chairman of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, both Democrats, said in a statement they understood the concerns for the safety of Cohen and his family in light of the attacks by Trump and Giuliani. But the lawmakers said they would not "let the President’s tactics prevent Congress" from getting to the truth. "I promise you that we will hear from Mr Cohen. ... Whatever we have to do to get him here, we're going to do it," Cummings told reporters in a Capitol hallway. He declined to say if that meant a subpoena. Chicago attorney Andrew Boutros said he was not sure what to make of it all. "Mr Cohen's statement is long on conclusions and short on facts and details," said Boutros, a former federal prosecutor. Cohen was sentenced in December to three years in prison for crimes including orchestrating hush payments to women in violation of campaign laws before the 2016 election. He said in the guilty plea that he was directed to make the payments by Trump. The president and his lawyers have argued the payments were a personal matter unrelated to the election. Cohen had volunteered to testify before the congressional panel. Davis said Cohen looked forward to testifying at a later date.

Ex-Trump lawyer Cohen postpones testimony to Congress, citing 'threats'

Congress president Rahul Gandhi attacks NDA govt

The White House is preparing an emergency declaration that <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/ready-to-meet-trump-anytime-over-government-shutdown-nancy-pelosi-192580">President Donald Trump</a> could issue as a way to circumvent Congress if lawmakers do not provide funding for a wall along the US southern border, CNN reported on Thursday, citing internal documents.

The draft proclamation was updated as early as last week, a US government official told CNN. CNN said <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/will-do-the-address-when-shutdown-is-over-trump-192426">Trump's advisers</a> remain divided on the issue.

The report comes as a bipartisan group of lawmakers introduced an amendment in the Senate that would temporarily open the US government, which has been partially shut for a record 34 days over Trump's demand for wall funding.

One senator said, however, he did not think the measure contained any wall funding.

Trump has insisted on $5.7 billion for a wall, an idea that was central to his electoral bid and a core part of his hardline policies on illegal immigration.&nbsp;

Democrats have rejected his request, and have instead sought to provide funds for other border security measures.

The official told CNN that among options being considered to pay for a wall were pulling $681 million from a Treasury Department asset forfeiture fund, $3.6 billion from military construction funding, $3 billion in Pentagon civil works funds and $200 million in Department of Homeland Security funds.

"We’re looking at all our options" but nothing is imminent, a senior Trump administration official said when asked about the report. The Pentagon did not immediately respond to a separate request from Reuters for comment.

If an emergency is declared, the US Army Corps of Engineers would construct the wall, CNN reported.

The documents say that environmental reviews could be skipped and that DHS could use waivers to bypass contracting laws, which could help speed construction.

The White House is preparing an emergency declaration that President Donald Trump could issue as a way to circumvent Congress if lawmakers do not provide funding for a wall along the US southern border, CNN reported on Thursday, citing internal documents.

The White House is preparing an emergency declaration that President Donald Trump could issue as a way to circumvent Congress if lawmakers do not provide funding for a wall along the US southern border, CNN reported on Thursday, citing internal documents. The draft proclamation was updated as early as last week, a US government official told CNN. CNN said Trump's advisers remain divided on the issue. The report comes as a bipartisan group of lawmakers introduced an amendment in the Senate that would temporarily open the US government, which has been partially shut for a record 34 days over Trump's demand for wall funding. One senator said, however, he did not think the measure contained any wall funding. Trump has insisted on $5.7 billion for a wall, an idea that was central to his electoral bid and a core part of his hardline policies on illegal immigration. Democrats have rejected his request, and have instead sought to provide funds for other border security measures. The official told CNN that among options being considered to pay for a wall were pulling $681 million from a Treasury Department asset forfeiture fund, $3.6 billion from military construction funding, $3 billion in Pentagon civil works funds and $200 million in Department of Homeland Security funds. "We’re looking at all our options" but nothing is imminent, a senior Trump administration official said when asked about the report. The Pentagon did not immediately respond to a separate request from Reuters for comment. If an emergency is declared, the US Army Corps of Engineers would construct the wall, CNN reported. The documents say that environmental reviews could be skipped and that DHS could use waivers to bypass contracting laws, which could help speed construction.

White House drafts emergency order that Trump could issue over wall funds: Report

Janata Dal (United) vice-president Prashant Kishor on Thursday said it will be a fight between the BJP and the 'mahagathbandhan'&nbsp;(grand alliance) in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections as the Congress is still not strong opposition.

In an exclusive interview with ANI, Kishor, who is also an election strategist, said: "The fight is between the BJP and the 'mahagathbandhan'&nbsp;as the Congress is still not strong opposition."

Kishor, who had worked as an election strategist for both Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2014 and Nitish Kumar in 2015, joined the JD(U) in September last year. He was made JD(U) national vice-president after a month of joining the party. &nbsp; &nbsp;

On being asked to respond on allegations on him being recommended by BJP president Amit Shah to become JD (U) vice president, Kishor said that media has distorted Nitish Kumar's statement."

In an interview by a channel, Nitish Kumar was asked that why Prashant Kishor has been given such a big post and named JD(U) vice president then Kumar clarified that it is not monarchy and not only us but the president of our alliance partner (BJP) Amit Shah has called up and said to induct me to the party. It is because Nitish Kumar and I thought we need approval from the BJP, who is our alliance partner. Nitish Kumar has said it was not just JD(U)`s decision but also approval from our alliance to include me to his party," Kishor said.

This clarification came after a few media reports started doing rounds that Amit Shah dialled Bihar Chief Minister and JD (U) supremo Nitish Kumar twice as the recommendation to appoint Prashant Kishor as JD(U) vice president.

"Nitish Kumar has said that I have been working with his party for a long time and we share good terms and it`s not only him but Amit Shah has also called to induct me in JD(U)," Kishor told ANI.

"It clearly shows that both BJP and JD(U) have an understanding between each other and whatever decision we take we take in unison," he added.

Talking about the upcoming polls, Kishor stated that he has been tasked with the job of connecting the party with the youth ahead of the Lok Sabha elections.

"I have been assigned the task of attracting young talent, from all social segments to politics which was becoming inaccessible and I am doing that," Kishor told ANI.

Kishor said that he is confident that the NDA alliance will be victorious in Bihar in the coming elections.&nbsp;

Janata Dal (United) vice-president Prashant Kishor on Thursday said it will be a fight between the BJP and the 'mahagathbandhan' (grand alliance) in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections as the Congress is still not strong opposition.

Janata Dal (United) vice-president Prashant Kishor on Thursday said it will be a fight between the BJP and the 'mahagathbandhan' (grand alliance) in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections as the Congress is still not strong opposition. In an exclusive interview with ANI, Kishor, who is also an election strategist, said: "The fight is between the BJP and the 'mahagathbandhan' as the Congress is still not strong opposition." Kishor, who had worked as an election strategist for both Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2014 and Nitish Kumar in 2015, joined the JD(U) in September last year. He was made JD(U) national vice-president after a month of joining the party. On being asked to respond on allegations on him being recommended by BJP president Amit Shah to become JD (U) vice president, Kishor said that media has distorted Nitish Kumar's statement." In an interview by a channel, Nitish Kumar was asked that why Prashant Kishor has been given such a big post and named JD(U) vice president then Kumar clarified that it is not monarchy and not only us but the president of our alliance partner (BJP) Amit Shah has called up and said to induct me to the party. It is because Nitish Kumar and I thought we need approval from the BJP, who is our alliance partner. Nitish Kumar has said it was not just JD(U)`s decision but also approval from our alliance to include me to his party," Kishor said. This clarification came after a few media reports started doing rounds that Amit Shah dialled Bihar Chief Minister and JD (U) supremo Nitish Kumar twice as the recommendation to appoint Prashant Kishor as JD(U) vice president. "Nitish Kumar has said that I have been working with his party for a long time and we share good terms and it`s not only him but Amit Shah has also called to induct me in JD(U)," Kishor told ANI. "It clearly shows that both BJP and JD(U) have an understanding between each other and whatever decision we take we take in unison," he added. Talking about the upcoming polls, Kishor stated that he has been tasked with the job of connecting the party with the youth ahead of the Lok Sabha elections. "I have been assigned the task of attracting young talent, from all social segments to politics which was becoming inaccessible and I am doing that," Kishor told ANI. Kishor said that he is confident that the NDA alliance will be victorious in Bihar in the coming elections.

Congress not a strong opposition to fight Lok Sabha polls, says Prashant Kishor

Asserting that <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.wionews.com/opinions/priyanka-gandhi-enters-active-politics-congress-plays-its-last-trump-card-192277&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwjoyNqZtobgAhXLh3AKHTHUDYEQFggFMAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw2uVTNxpy-57Oj4EohFlkMh">Priyanka Gandhi Vadra</a>'s formal entry in active politics will have no impact on<a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-appoints-priyanka-gandhi-vadra-general-secretary-for-uttar-pradesh-east-192219&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwj6kbSptobgAhUbinAKHYXnBfsQFggFMAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw1zkpQ7lkm2T0zluDuSmcsr"> Lok Sabha polls</a>, the BJP on Thursday said her appointment as Congress general secretary of Uttar Pradesh-East may have generated a buzz in Delhi but it has drawn no response from the region of which she has been made in-charge by her party.

Union Minister Manoj Sinha, who is Lok Sabha MP from Ghazipur in eastern UP, said Priyanka's appointment is an attempt by the Congress to gain some importance in the state as it was left in a "bad shape" after being left out of the SP-BSP alliance.

At a BJP press conference, he also played down ally Shiv Sena's praise for Priyanka, saying it is the party's "personal opinion".

"Priyanka Gandhi Vadra was made a general secretary in Delhi and you people have been discussing it here. But it seems that people of the region of which she has been made in-charge are not noticing it," Sinha said, adding her presence would have no impact on the general election.

He said that Lok Sabha election will be fought on a "different plane", stressing that the Modi government has "changed the lives of 22 crore families with its development policies".

He also lashed out at Congress president Rahul Gandhi over his use of "impolite" words against Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit to Amethi, saying such language is "not used even in panchayat politics".

Sinha said Rahul Gandhi's remarks were condemnable.

Asserting that Priyanka Gandhi Vadra's formal entry in active politics will have no impact on Lok Sabha polls, the BJP on Thursday said her appointment as Congress general secretary of Uttar Pradesh-East may have generated a buzz in Delhi but it has drawn no response from the region of which she has been made in-charge by her party.

Asserting that Priyanka Gandhi Vadra's formal entry in active politics will have no impact on Lok Sabha polls, the BJP on Thursday said her appointment as Congress general secretary of Uttar Pradesh-East may have generated a buzz in Delhi but it has drawn no response from the region of which she has been made in-charge by her party. Union Minister Manoj Sinha, who is Lok Sabha MP from Ghazipur in eastern UP, said Priyanka's appointment is an attempt by the Congress to gain some importance in the state as it was left in a "bad shape" after being left out of the SP-BSP alliance. At a BJP press conference, he also played down ally Shiv Sena's praise for Priyanka, saying it is the party's "personal opinion". "Priyanka Gandhi Vadra was made a general secretary in Delhi and you people have been discussing it here. But it seems that people of the region of which she has been made in-charge are not noticing it," Sinha said, adding her presence would have no impact on the general election. He said that Lok Sabha election will be fought on a "different plane", stressing that the Modi government has "changed the lives of 22 crore families with its development policies". He also lashed out at Congress president Rahul Gandhi over his use of "impolite" words against Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit to Amethi, saying such language is "not used even in panchayat politics". Sinha said Rahul Gandhi's remarks were condemnable.

No impact of Priyanka Gandhi on Lok Sabha polls, says BJP

Priyanka Gandhi: Post-Rajiv & Sonia era, the daughter rises

More than 50 per cent of the funds national parties received during the financial year 2017-18 came from “unknown” sources that included donations through electoral bonds and voluntary contributions, according to election watchdog Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR).

The ADR Wednesday released the findings of an analysis of six national parties’ IT returns and donation statements filed with the Election Commission.

According to it, the total income of BJP, Congress, CPI, BSP, TMC, and NCP in 2017-18 was Rs 1293.05 crore.

The income of these parties from “unknown” sources was Rs 689.44 crore, which is 53 per cent of their total income.

The BJP alone declared Rs 553.38 crore as its income from unknown sources, which is 80 per cent of the total income of the national parties from such sources.

Out of the Rs 689.44 crore, the share from electoral bonds was Rs 215 crore or 31 per cent, the report said.

The parties received Rs 354.22 crore or more than 51 per cent of the fund from unknown sources through voluntary contributions (below Rs 20,000), it said, adding the total income from other miscellaneous unknown sources was Rs 4.5 crore.

Thirty-six per cent of their income or Rs 467.13 crore from “known” donors, whose details were available from contribution reports submitted to the Election Commission.

They got Rs 136.48 crore from other known sources, such as from the sale of assets and publications, membership fees, bank interest, and party levy, the report said.

According to donation reports (containing details of donations above Rs 20,000), only Rs 16.80 lakh was given in cash to the national parties.

The CPI(M), which is also a national party, was not included in the analysis as its “schedules or annexures were unavailable for the financial year 2017-18”.

At present, political parties are not required to declare the names of individuals and organisations giving less than Rs. 20,000 nor of those who donate via electoral bonds.

While the national parties were brought under the Right to Information Act by the CIC ruling in June 2013, they have still not complied with the decision.

More than 50 per cent of the funds national parties received during the financial year 2017-18 came from “unknown” sources that included donations through electoral bonds and voluntary contributions, according to election watchdog Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR).

More than 50 per cent of the funds national parties received during the financial year 2017-18 came from “unknown” sources that included donations through electoral bonds and voluntary contributions, according to election watchdog Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR). The ADR Wednesday released the findings of an analysis of six national parties’ IT returns and donation statements filed with the Election Commission. According to it, the total income of BJP, Congress, CPI, BSP, TMC, and NCP in 2017-18 was Rs 1293.05 crore. The income of these parties from “unknown” sources was Rs 689.44 crore, which is 53 per cent of their total income. The BJP alone declared Rs 553.38 crore as its income from unknown sources, which is 80 per cent of the total income of the national parties from such sources. Out of the Rs 689.44 crore, the share from electoral bonds was Rs 215 crore or 31 per cent, the report said. The parties received Rs 354.22 crore or more than 51 per cent of the fund from unknown sources through voluntary contributions (below Rs 20,000), it said, adding the total income from other miscellaneous unknown sources was Rs 4.5 crore. Thirty-six per cent of their income or Rs 467.13 crore from “known” donors, whose details were available from contribution reports submitted to the Election Commission. They got Rs 136.48 crore from other known sources, such as from the sale of assets and publications, membership fees, bank interest, and party levy, the report said. According to donation reports (containing details of donations above Rs 20,000), only Rs 16.80 lakh was given in cash to the national parties. The CPI(M), which is also a national party, was not included in the analysis as its “schedules or annexures were unavailable for the financial year 2017-18”. At present, political parties are not required to declare the names of individuals and organisations giving less than Rs. 20,000 nor of those who donate via electoral bonds. While the national parties were brought under the Right to Information Act by the CIC ruling in June 2013, they have still not complied with the decision.

Over 50% funds national parties received in 2017-18 came from ‘unknown’ sources: ADR

In an ugly turn in the ongoing power game in Karnataka, a Congress MLA was injured in an alleged brawl with a colleague lawmaker at a resort even as the party issued notices to its four legislators who skipped a crucial CLP meeting amid BJP's alleged poaching attempt.

Anand Singh was hospitalised after he and JN Ganesh, both from Ballari district, had a heated argument and came to blows late last night at the resort where the party MLAs are herded together, Congress sources said Sunday.

In its notices to four MLAs on Sunday, the party sought to know why action should not be taken against them under the anti-defection law for not attending the Friday's Congress Legislature Party Meeting that was a show of strength against BJP's alleged bid to dislodge the ruling coalition.

Singh has "a black eye and suffered blunt injuries," according to sources at the private hospital where he is undergoing treatment. He had also complained of uneasiness in the chest but was now in the ward and "fine", they added.

Ganesh is among the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/four-congress-mlas-skip-clp-meeting-govt-faces-no-imminent-threat-191291">disgruntled Congress MLAs</a> who was reportedly in touch with other dissidents in the party and on the BJP's radar in its alleged toppling game.

State BJP president B S Yeddyurappa urged Governor Vajubhai Vala and Assembly Speaker K R Ramesh Kumar to seek a report on the incident involving the two <a href="http://www.wionews.com/videos/karnataka-two-independent-mlas-withdraw-support-from-congress-jds-govt-190475">MLAs</a>.

Congress spokesperson and former Nizamabad MP Madhu Goud Yakshi said the scuffle was related to some business issue had nothing to do with politics.

"It was personal district related. They are all together in business. The scuffle has nothing to do with politics. They come from the same district and have business relations. It (the fight) is something related to that. It has nothing to do with politics," he said.

The two MLAs had the dinner together in his presence and everything was cordial but after he left the fight broke out, Yakshi told PTI.

Bidadi police under whose jurisdiction the Eagleton resort is located, said they have not received any complaint so far.

A posse of policemen have been deployed in front of the hospital with no visitor being allowed.

"We have not been allowed inside the hospital," Raghunath, a Congress MLA, said.

In a dig at the Congress, BJP tweeted, "It's unfortunate that @KPCCPresident was unable to stop the fight in Eagleton resort. We hope Anand Singh is being treated &amp; we pray for his speedy recovery. Unfortunately @dineshgrao can't even blame BJP now, MLA's were locked up under his watch at Eagleton. Whats ur excuse now?"

Yeddyurappa said Siddaramaiah was answerable for the incident and demanded that police record Singh's statement.

"The brawl between Congress MLAs in a resort and resultant hospitalisation of Anand Singh, has made all 224 legislators hang their heads in shame.

Both the Governor and Speaker must intervene and seek a report on the incident for taking suitable action," he told reporters here.

Senior BJP leader and former Deputy chief minister R Ashok asked the Congress to produce Singh before the media and said police should initiate legal action in the case.

Senior minister D K Shivakumar, however, brushed aside reports that Singh had been assaulted and claimed all the Congress MLAs were united.

"Someone has misled. There was no fracas. There was no incident of smashing of bottle (on Singh's head). It is all fake news. Everyone is together. The entire Congress is united," he said.

As it struggled to keep its MLAs on leash, the Congress Sunday issued notices to Ramesh Jarkiholi, who was dropped as minister in the recent cabinet rejig and is said to be miffed over it, B Nagendra, Umesh Jadhav and Mahesh Kumatahalli, Congress sources said.

Exposing fissures in the party, the four lawmakers had skipped the CLP meet, held amid the political turmoil that broke out on Monday last with BJP MLAs ensconced in a luxury hotel in Gurugram.

The BJP MLAs flew back home last night after Yeddyurappa asked them to return and said the party would not destabilise the Kumaraswamy government.

The absence of four at the CLP meet posed no imminent threat to the seven-month-old Congress-JDS government in the numbers game but suggested the crisis for it was far from over.

In the notice to Jarkiholi, CLP leader Siddaramaiah besides seeking response from him for not attending the MLAs' meeting also asked him to provide an explanation about media reports that he was joining BJP and about his visit to Delhi and Mumbai to meet saffron party leaders.

Asking as to why he has not issued any statement so far rejecting the media reports, Siddaramaiah said "your conduct suggests that you will voluntarily quit from the membership of the Indian National Congress. You have got elected as a legislator on Congress symbol and cannot quit as party member under the Constitution."

Seventy-six of the 80 Congress MLAs had attended the CLP meet.

Ahead of the meet, Siddaramaiah had issued notices to all the party MLAs warning that their absence would be viewed "seriously" and action initiated uner the anti-defection law.

Top Congress sources had said Friday that at least eight party MLAs have "committed" themselves to BJP, an apprehension that caused jitters in the party and made it to shift the legislators to the resort.

As for the BJP camp, party MLC Lehar Singh said all 104 MLAs flew back to the state late Saturday night after Yeddyurappa asked them to return.

Former deputy chief minister K S Eshwarappa said the Congress-JD(S) coalition government in the state would fall due to internal bickering and his party would form the government.

In an ugly turn in the ongoing power game in Karnataka, a Congress MLA was injured in an alleged brawl with a colleague lawmaker at a resort even as the party issued notices to its four legislators who skipped a crucial CLP meeting amid BJP's alleged poaching attempt.

In an ugly turn in the ongoing power game in Karnataka, a Congress MLA was injured in an alleged brawl with a colleague lawmaker at a resort even as the party issued notices to its four legislators who skipped a crucial CLP meeting amid BJP's alleged poaching attempt. Anand Singh was hospitalised after he and JN Ganesh, both from Ballari district, had a heated argument and came to blows late last night at the resort where the party MLAs are herded together, Congress sources said Sunday. In its notices to four MLAs on Sunday, the party sought to know why action should not be taken against them under the anti-defection law for not attending the Friday's Congress Legislature Party Meeting that was a show of strength against BJP's alleged bid to dislodge the ruling coalition. Singh has "a black eye and suffered blunt injuries," according to sources at the private hospital where he is undergoing treatment. He had also complained of uneasiness in the chest but was now in the ward and "fine", they added. Ganesh is among the disgruntled Congress MLAs who was reportedly in touch with other dissidents in the party and on the BJP's radar in its alleged toppling game. State BJP president B S Yeddyurappa urged Governor Vajubhai Vala and Assembly Speaker K R Ramesh Kumar to seek a report on the incident involving the two MLAs. Congress spokesperson and former Nizamabad MP Madhu Goud Yakshi said the scuffle was related to some business issue had nothing to do with politics. "It was personal district related. They are all together in business. The scuffle has nothing to do with politics. They come from the same district and have business relations. It (the fight) is something related to that. It has nothing to do with politics," he said. The two MLAs had the dinner together in his presence and everything was cordial but after he left the fight broke out, Yakshi told PTI. Bidadi police under whose jurisdiction the Eagleton resort is located, said they have not received any complaint so far. A posse of policemen have been deployed in front of the hospital with no visitor being allowed. "We have not been allowed inside the hospital," Raghunath, a Congress MLA, said. In a dig at the Congress, BJP tweeted, "It's unfortunate that @KPCCPresident was unable to stop the fight in Eagleton resort. We hope Anand Singh is being treated & we pray for his speedy recovery. Unfortunately @dineshgrao can't even blame BJP now, MLA's were locked up under his watch at Eagleton. Whats ur excuse now?" Yeddyurappa said Siddaramaiah was answerable for the incident and demanded that police record Singh's statement. "The brawl between Congress MLAs in a resort and resultant hospitalisation of Anand Singh, has made all 224 legislators hang their heads in shame. Both the Governor and Speaker must intervene and seek a report on the incident for taking suitable action," he told reporters here. Senior BJP leader and former Deputy chief minister R Ashok asked the Congress to produce Singh before the media and said police should initiate legal action in the case. Senior minister D K Shivakumar, however, brushed aside reports that Singh had been assaulted and claimed all the Congress MLAs were united. "Someone has misled. There was no fracas. There was no incident of smashing of bottle (on Singh's head). It is all fake news. Everyone is together. The entire Congress is united," he said. As it struggled to keep its MLAs on leash, the Congress Sunday issued notices to Ramesh Jarkiholi, who was dropped as minister in the recent cabinet rejig and is said to be miffed over it, B Nagendra, Umesh Jadhav and Mahesh Kumatahalli, Congress sources said. Exposing fissures in the party, the four lawmakers had skipped the CLP meet, held amid the political turmoil that broke out on Monday last with BJP MLAs ensconced in a luxury hotel in Gurugram. The BJP MLAs flew back home last night after Yeddyurappa asked them to return and said the party would not destabilise the Kumaraswamy government. The absence of four at the CLP meet posed no imminent threat to the seven-month-old Congress-JDS government in the numbers game but suggested the crisis for it was far from over. In the notice to Jarkiholi, CLP leader Siddaramaiah besides seeking response from him for not attending the MLAs' meeting also asked him to provide an explanation about media reports that he was joining BJP and about his visit to Delhi and Mumbai to meet saffron party leaders. Asking as to why he has not issued any statement so far rejecting the media reports, Siddaramaiah said "your conduct suggests that you will voluntarily quit from the membership of the Indian National Congress. You have got elected as a legislator on Congress symbol and cannot quit as party member under the Constitution." Seventy-six of the 80 Congress MLAs had attended the CLP meet. Ahead of the meet, Siddaramaiah had issued notices to all the party MLAs warning that their absence would be viewed "seriously" and action initiated uner the anti-defection law. Top Congress sources had said Friday that at least eight party MLAs have "committed" themselves to BJP, an apprehension that caused jitters in the party and made it to shift the legislators to the resort. As for the BJP camp, party MLC Lehar Singh said all 104 MLAs flew back to the state late Saturday night after Yeddyurappa asked them to return. Former deputy chief minister K S Eshwarappa said the Congress-JD(S) coalition government in the state would fall due to internal bickering and his party would form the government.

Karnataka turmoil: MLA hurt in alleged brawl with fellow Congress lawmaker

The Congress is "best equipped" to lead the opposition's charge against the BJP in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls, RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav said Sunday, asserting that the grand old party will have to handle its leadership role with "large-heartedness" and accommodate regional parties.

Yadav also hailed the Samajwadi Party-Bahujan Samaj Party alliance in Uttar Pradesh and emphasised that his "courtesy call" meetings with Akhilesh Yadav and Mayawati post the tie-up should not be construed as a "pressure tactic" aimed at the Congress.

In an exclusive interview to PTI, the Rashtriya Janata Dal leader said since Congress is India's oldest and and currently the second-biggest political party having a pan-India presence, it is in a very strong position to win maximum number of seats among the opposition parties.

In 2014 Lok Sabha polls, among the prospective opposition grand alliance parties, the Congress had won 44 seats, the Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress won 34, the Samajwadi Party won five, while the RJD had bagged four seats.

"I don't find anything wrong if Congress plays a pivotal role in forming the alliance or taking the leadership role of the alliance into the elections.&nbsp;

But having said that, they have to accept that each state has different ground realities," Yadav said when asked if for a strong opposition coalition, the Congress has to be the pivot of the alliance.

The Congress, being the party with national acceptance and maximum footprint in the opposition, is "undoubtedly best equipped" to lead the opposition's charge against the Bharatiya Janata Party or the National Democratic Alliance, the former Bihar deputy chief minister asserted.

"However, the Congress will have to handle their leadership role with large-heartedness and play a proactive role by accommodating regional parties with their agenda.

"In states where Congress don't have a robust base, it must allow regional outfits to occupy the frontal-attack position against the BJP," Yadav said, emphasising that regional parties have a greater ability to transfer votes.

The concentration is on winnability, hence the coalition must be decided state-wise and seat wise, said the 29-year-old son of former Bihar chief minister Lalu Prasad.

Every party will have to compromise or lend space to other parties depending on the situation in a particular state for forming a winning alliance, Yadav said while replying to a question on whether the Congress has to be more giving to regional parties to strengthen the opposition coalition.

Asked if leaving out the Congress from the SP-BSP tie-up will impact the opposition's national level coalition, he said the people of India feel they have been "duped badly" and have made up their mind to get rid of propagandists for their own well-being.

The people are wise enough to understand which fighting block can be their best bet to defeat the BJP, he said.

On whether the SP and BSP will be a part of the mahagathbandhan' in Bihar, the RJD leader said principally all opposition parties are together against the BJP-led alliance.

"You don't always need seats to contest to prove that you are part of an alliance. Sometimes lending unconditional support works wonders for sending the message across to the electorate.

"It is true that the SP and the BSP aren't main political parties of Bihar, but we have high regard for them and their politics. We have seen that SP-BSP alliance has decided not to field their candidates in Amethi and Raebareli," Yadav said.

Once arch-rivals, the SP and the BSP announced this month their tie-up in UP for the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, sharing 38 seats each and keeping the Congress out of the alliance.

Tejashwi Yadav's remarks come amid hectic efforts by the opposition to forge a strong alliance to take on the BJP in the general election.

Leaders from several opposition parties, including Yadav, came together Saturday, vowing at a mega rally in Kolkata to put up a united fight in the coming polls and oust Prime Minister Narendra Modi from power.

Prime Minister Modi had earlier hit out at the Mahagatbandhan for the polls, saying it was an "unholy alliance" of various political parties for "personal survival". The BJP has also slammed the SP-BSP tie-up in UP.

Yadav also hit out at those dubbing his meeting with SP chief Akhilesh Yadav and BSP supremo Mayawati in Lucknow as a pressure tactic aimed at the Congress, saying his family always had close ties with the two leaders and the meetings were courtesy calls.

Akhilesh ji is part of our extended family and 'behen' Mayawati ji always had cordial relations with us. When she resigned from Rajya Sabha, my father publicly said RJD would always be ready to send her to Rajya Sabha if she agrees, Tejashwi Yadav said.

Even last year during RS elections in Bihar, I called her to request her again to enter Rajya Sabha with RJD backing. So my courtesy calls to them shouldn't be construed as a pressure tactic, he said.

As far as Bihar is concerned, irrespective of the number of MLAs in the assembly or being part of the government or opposition, everyone knows RJD is the biggest party, he said. It is RJD's fear that has kept the BJP and Janata Dal (United) together, he claimed.

On BJP terming the SP-BSP tie-up an opportunistic alliance, Yadav hit out at the saffron party saying when it has tie-ups, it calls it "smart politicking", and asked what should its coalition of about 40 parties be called.

"Criticism by the BJP shows their uneasiness due to this alliance," he said.

The Congress is "best equipped" to lead the opposition's charge against the BJP in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls, RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav said Sunday, asserting that the grand old party will have to handle its leadership role with "large-heartedness" and accommodate regional parties.

The Congress is "best equipped" to lead the opposition's charge against the BJP in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls, RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav said Sunday, asserting that the grand old party will have to handle its leadership role with "large-heartedness" and accommodate regional parties. Yadav also hailed the Samajwadi Party-Bahujan Samaj Party alliance in Uttar Pradesh and emphasised that his "courtesy call" meetings with Akhilesh Yadav and Mayawati post the tie-up should not be construed as a "pressure tactic" aimed at the Congress. In an exclusive interview to PTI, the Rashtriya Janata Dal leader said since Congress is India's oldest and and currently the second-biggest political party having a pan-India presence, it is in a very strong position to win maximum number of seats among the opposition parties. In 2014 Lok Sabha polls, among the prospective opposition grand alliance parties, the Congress had won 44 seats, the Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress won 34, the Samajwadi Party won five, while the RJD had bagged four seats. "I don't find anything wrong if Congress plays a pivotal role in forming the alliance or taking the leadership role of the alliance into the elections. But having said that, they have to accept that each state has different ground realities," Yadav said when asked if for a strong opposition coalition, the Congress has to be the pivot of the alliance. The Congress, being the party with national acceptance and maximum footprint in the opposition, is "undoubtedly best equipped" to lead the opposition's charge against the Bharatiya Janata Party or the National Democratic Alliance, the former Bihar deputy chief minister asserted. "However, the Congress will have to handle their leadership role with large-heartedness and play a proactive role by accommodating regional parties with their agenda. "In states where Congress don't have a robust base, it must allow regional outfits to occupy the frontal-attack position against the BJP," Yadav said, emphasising that regional parties have a greater ability to transfer votes. The concentration is on winnability, hence the coalition must be decided state-wise and seat wise, said the 29-year-old son of former Bihar chief minister Lalu Prasad. Every party will have to compromise or lend space to other parties depending on the situation in a particular state for forming a winning alliance, Yadav said while replying to a question on whether the Congress has to be more giving to regional parties to strengthen the opposition coalition. Asked if leaving out the Congress from the SP-BSP tie-up will impact the opposition's national level coalition, he said the people of India feel they have been "duped badly" and have made up their mind to get rid of propagandists for their own well-being. The people are wise enough to understand which fighting block can be their best bet to defeat the BJP, he said. On whether the SP and BSP will be a part of the mahagathbandhan' in Bihar, the RJD leader said principally all opposition parties are together against the BJP-led alliance. "You don't always need seats to contest to prove that you are part of an alliance. Sometimes lending unconditional support works wonders for sending the message across to the electorate. "It is true that the SP and the BSP aren't main political parties of Bihar, but we have high regard for them and their politics. We have seen that SP-BSP alliance has decided not to field their candidates in Amethi and Raebareli," Yadav said. Once arch-rivals, the SP and the BSP announced this month their tie-up in UP for the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, sharing 38 seats each and keeping the Congress out of the alliance. Tejashwi Yadav's remarks come amid hectic efforts by the opposition to forge a strong alliance to take on the BJP in the general election. Leaders from several opposition parties, including Yadav, came together Saturday, vowing at a mega rally in Kolkata to put up a united fight in the coming polls and oust Prime Minister Narendra Modi from power. Prime Minister Modi had earlier hit out at the Mahagatbandhan for the polls, saying it was an "unholy alliance" of various political parties for "personal survival". The BJP has also slammed the SP-BSP tie-up in UP. Yadav also hit out at those dubbing his meeting with SP chief Akhilesh Yadav and BSP supremo Mayawati in Lucknow as a pressure tactic aimed at the Congress, saying his family always had close ties with the two leaders and the meetings were courtesy calls. Akhilesh ji is part of our extended family and 'behen' Mayawati ji always had cordial relations with us. When she resigned from Rajya Sabha, my father publicly said RJD would always be ready to send her to Rajya Sabha if she agrees, Tejashwi Yadav said. Even last year during RS elections in Bihar, I called her to request her again to enter Rajya Sabha with RJD backing. So my courtesy calls to them shouldn't be construed as a pressure tactic, he said. As far as Bihar is concerned, irrespective of the number of MLAs in the assembly or being part of the government or opposition, everyone knows RJD is the biggest party, he said. It is RJD's fear that has kept the BJP and Janata Dal (United) together, he claimed. On BJP terming the SP-BSP tie-up an opportunistic alliance, Yadav hit out at the saffron party saying when it has tie-ups, it calls it "smart politicking", and asked what should its coalition of about 40 parties be called. "Criticism by the BJP shows their uneasiness due to this alliance," he said.

Congress best equipped to lead alliance against BJP: Tejashwi Yadav

After witnessing unprecedented protests over the entry of women of menstruating age, the Lord Ayyappa temple in Sabarimala was closed Sunday marking the culmination of the over two-month-long stormy annual pilgrimage season.

As the temple closed, the opposition BJP ended its 49-day-long relay hunger strike staged in front of the Secretariat, the administrative hub in Thiruvananthapuram, demanding the lifting of prohibitory orders and restrictions at Sabarimala, which the LDF government rejected.

While Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan Sunday lashed out at the Sangh Parivar and said their Sabarimala stir was a "complete failure", BJP state president P S Sreedharan Pillai claimed the agitations were aimed at protecting the traditional faith of devotees and it had won in garnering mass support.

The Sabarimala Karma Samithi, the rightwing forum which spearheaded the agitations against the entry of young women into the shrine, is all set to organise a mass gathering of devotees, spiritual and cultural leaders in the state capital this evening.

The sanctum sanctorum of the hill temple was closed at 6.15 am after darshan by P Raghava Varma Raja, representative of the erstwhile Pandalam royal family, attached to the centuries-old shrine.

After the customary 'bhasmabhishekam', the portals of the shrine were closed with the singing of 'Harivarasanam'.

With this, the tumultuous 67-day long annual pilgrimage season at Sabarimala concluded and the Lord Ayyappa temple would be reopened on February 13 for the monthly poojas in the Malayalam month, Kumbham, sources said.

The annual pilgrimage season this time witnessed widespread protests from frenzied devotees and rightwing groups over the CPI(M)-led LDF government's decision to implement the September 28 Supreme Court verdict allowing women of all ages to enter the hilltop shrine.

The decision of the state government was described as a "shameful act" by Prime Minister Narendra Modi when he attended a BJP convention at Kollam in southern Kerala.

Traditionally, women of menstruating age or in the age group of 10 to 50 years were not allowed to enter the temple as the deity, Lord Ayyappa, was in the form of "Naishtika brahmachari" (perennial celibate).

The temple witnessed the first round of protests during the monthly 'Thulamasa' pooja when it was opened for five days in October.

Several mediapersons and women devotees of traditionally accepted age were injured in the protests which were spearheaded by the BJP-RSS led groups.

Later, when the temple was opened for the annual pilgrimage season on November 17, the situation at Sannidhanam (temple complex), which is around 3.5 kilometres uphill from Pamba, was calm but the state witnessed frenzied protests from the right-wing groups under the aegis of "Sabarimala Karma Samiti."

During the melee, BJP leaders K Surendran, K P Sasikala attempted to visit the shrine defying the prohibitory orders but were arrested.

The Sabarimala Karma Samiti held an event 'Ayyappa Jyothi' (lighting of sacred lamp) on December 26, to protest against the government's decision, which the LDF government countered by organising a 620-km-long "women's wall" across the state.

During the season, over two dozen women devotees, of whom some were branded as activists, unsuccessfully attempted to trek the hill.

However, on January 2, two women of the traditionally barred age group--Kanakadurga (44) and Bindhu (42)-- trekked the hill and offered prayers at the shrine without facing any troubles from the devotees.

This led to widespread violence across the state and the Samiti, with the support of BJP, called for a hartal on January 3.

The state witnessed unprecedented violence during the hartal with houses of both CPI(M) and BJP leaders being attacked.

The hartal, which was the seventh one declared in the state in two months time, also led to some serious decisions being taken by the business community.

The Kerala Vyapari Vyavasayi Ekopana Samiti, the apex body of traders in the state, and various other organisations including travel and tourism industry, attempted to thwart the January 3 hartal call unsuccessfully.

A Samiti activist died in stone-pelting during the protest march at Pandalam, a place associated with Sabarimala, and a couple of CPI(M) activists were arrested in this regard.

Later, a Sri Lankan woman also visited the shrine, which was confirmed by the chief minister.

The BJP protest in front of the Secretariat in the state capital lost steam after the party failed to field known leaders for the 'fast'. &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

The government filed an affidavit in the apex court saying 51 young women had entered the temple during the season. However, it came to light that most of the names in the list were either above the traditionally barred age group or were not women.

All the major political parties in the state including the CPI(M), Congress and the BJP have indicated that they will try to cash in on the Sabarimala related developments in the upcoming Parliamentary elections.

Addressing a workshop in the state capital Sunday, the CM said the Sabarimala stir was led by the "advocates of casteism".

"Devotees are well aware of the developments. Some had tried to make the devotees believe that the state government was against them. But this government is not against devotees," he said.

Lashing out at the Sangh Parivar, he alleged the right wing forces were trying to 'sabotage' the progressive achievements of the state.

Pandalam royal family member, Sashikumar Varma said they were ready for any talks with the government to settle the issue amicably.

After witnessing unprecedented protests over the entry of women of menstruating age, the Lord Ayyappa temple in Sabarimala was closed Sunday marking the culmination of the over two-month-long stormy annual pilgrimage season.

After witnessing unprecedented protests over the entry of women of menstruating age, the Lord Ayyappa temple in Sabarimala was closed Sunday marking the culmination of the over two-month-long stormy annual pilgrimage season. As the temple closed, the opposition BJP ended its 49-day-long relay hunger strike staged in front of the Secretariat, the administrative hub in Thiruvananthapuram, demanding the lifting of prohibitory orders and restrictions at Sabarimala, which the LDF government rejected. While Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan Sunday lashed out at the Sangh Parivar and said their Sabarimala stir was a "complete failure", BJP state president P S Sreedharan Pillai claimed the agitations were aimed at protecting the traditional faith of devotees and it had won in garnering mass support. The Sabarimala Karma Samithi, the rightwing forum which spearheaded the agitations against the entry of young women into the shrine, is all set to organise a mass gathering of devotees, spiritual and cultural leaders in the state capital this evening. The sanctum sanctorum of the hill temple was closed at 6.15 am after darshan by P Raghava Varma Raja, representative of the erstwhile Pandalam royal family, attached to the centuries-old shrine. After the customary 'bhasmabhishekam', the portals of the shrine were closed with the singing of 'Harivarasanam'. With this, the tumultuous 67-day long annual pilgrimage season at Sabarimala concluded and the Lord Ayyappa temple would be reopened on February 13 for the monthly poojas in the Malayalam month, Kumbham, sources said. The annual pilgrimage season this time witnessed widespread protests from frenzied devotees and rightwing groups over the CPI(M)-led LDF government's decision to implement the September 28 Supreme Court verdict allowing women of all ages to enter the hilltop shrine. The decision of the state government was described as a "shameful act" by Prime Minister Narendra Modi when he attended a BJP convention at Kollam in southern Kerala. Traditionally, women of menstruating age or in the age group of 10 to 50 years were not allowed to enter the temple as the deity, Lord Ayyappa, was in the form of "Naishtika brahmachari" (perennial celibate). The temple witnessed the first round of protests during the monthly 'Thulamasa' pooja when it was opened for five days in October. Several mediapersons and women devotees of traditionally accepted age were injured in the protests which were spearheaded by the BJP-RSS led groups. Later, when the temple was opened for the annual pilgrimage season on November 17, the situation at Sannidhanam (temple complex), which is around 3.5 kilometres uphill from Pamba, was calm but the state witnessed frenzied protests from the right-wing groups under the aegis of "Sabarimala Karma Samiti." During the melee, BJP leaders K Surendran, K P Sasikala attempted to visit the shrine defying the prohibitory orders but were arrested. The Sabarimala Karma Samiti held an event 'Ayyappa Jyothi' (lighting of sacred lamp) on December 26, to protest against the government's decision, which the LDF government countered by organising a 620-km-long "women's wall" across the state. During the season, over two dozen women devotees, of whom some were branded as activists, unsuccessfully attempted to trek the hill. However, on January 2, two women of the traditionally barred age group--Kanakadurga (44) and Bindhu (42)-- trekked the hill and offered prayers at the shrine without facing any troubles from the devotees. This led to widespread violence across the state and the Samiti, with the support of BJP, called for a hartal on January 3. The state witnessed unprecedented violence during the hartal with houses of both CPI(M) and BJP leaders being attacked. The hartal, which was the seventh one declared in the state in two months time, also led to some serious decisions being taken by the business community. The Kerala Vyapari Vyavasayi Ekopana Samiti, the apex body of traders in the state, and various other organisations including travel and tourism industry, attempted to thwart the January 3 hartal call unsuccessfully. A Samiti activist died in stone-pelting during the protest march at Pandalam, a place associated with Sabarimala, and a couple of CPI(M) activists were arrested in this regard. Later, a Sri Lankan woman also visited the shrine, which was confirmed by the chief minister. The BJP protest in front of the Secretariat in the state capital lost steam after the party failed to field known leaders for the 'fast'. The government filed an affidavit in the apex court saying 51 young women had entered the temple during the season. However, it came to light that most of the names in the list were either above the traditionally barred age group or were not women. All the major political parties in the state including the CPI(M), Congress and the BJP have indicated that they will try to cash in on the Sabarimala related developments in the upcoming Parliamentary elections. Addressing a workshop in the state capital Sunday, the CM said the Sabarimala stir was led by the "advocates of casteism". "Devotees are well aware of the developments. Some had tried to make the devotees believe that the state government was against them. But this government is not against devotees," he said. Lashing out at the Sangh Parivar, he alleged the right wing forces were trying to 'sabotage' the progressive achievements of the state. Pandalam royal family member, Sashikumar Varma said they were ready for any talks with the government to settle the issue amicably.

Sabarimala temple closes after annual pilgrimage season; political war continues

Faced with internal rebellion, Karnataka Congress on Friday shifted all its MLAs to to Eagleton resort following crucial Congress Legislature Party (CLP) meet&nbsp;which was skipped by four 'dissidents'.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The CLP meeting was&nbsp;called as a show of strength in a counter to an alleged bid by the BJP to topple the coalition government in Karnataka.

The absence of four lawmakers posed no imminent threat to the seven-month-old Congress-JDS government headed by H D Kumaraswamy but suggested that all was not well within the Congress which has been hit by dissidence.

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In a notice issued to Congress MLAs ahead of the meeting, CLP leader and former chief minister Siddaramaiah had warned that absence of MLAs would be viewed "seriously" and action taken against them under the Anti-Defection Law.

As the meeting got underway, Congress sources said the absentee MLAs were: Ramesh Jarkiholi, who was dropped as minister in the recent cabinet rejig and is said to be extremely unhappy over it, B Nagendra, Umesh Jadhav and Mahesh Kumatahalli.

Jadhav has written to Siddaramaiah noting that a letter about the meeting has been affixed outside his room at the Legislators Home and that since he is unwell and not able to travel, he would not attend the meet.

He requested that his absence may be "excused."&nbsp;

Nagendra had said Thursday he may not be able to be present in the CLP meet because of a court case.

Congress leader in the Lok Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge, Siddaramaiah, AICC general secretary K C Venugopal and state leaders were present at the meet.

Earlier, as the CLP was underway, Yeddyurappa said several legislators appeared to be attending the meet out of compulsion.

"Let them indulge in squabbles... We have nothing to do with it."&nbsp;

He said the ruling coalition was claiming the support of some BJP MLAs and it was because of this that the party had decided they should stay together in a hotel in Gurugram.

In the 224-member Assembly, BJP has 104 members, Congress-79, JDS 37, BSP, KPJP and Independent one each, besides Speaker. BSP is supporting the government.

Two Independents have announced the withdrawal of their support to the government. Yeddyurappa claimed they are backing the BJP.

Faced with internal rebellion, Karnataka Congress on Friday shifted all its MLAs to to Eagleton resort following crucial Congress Legislature Party (CLP) meet which was skipped by four 'dissidents'.

Faced with internal rebellion, Karnataka Congress on Friday shifted all its MLAs to to Eagleton resort following crucial Congress Legislature Party (CLP) meet which was skipped by four 'dissidents'. The CLP meeting was called as a show of strength in a counter to an alleged bid by the BJP to topple the coalition government in Karnataka. The absence of four lawmakers posed no imminent threat to the seven-month-old Congress-JDS government headed by H D Kumaraswamy but suggested that all was not well within the Congress which has been hit by dissidence. Bengaluru: Congress MLAs move to Eagleton resort after CLP meeting pic.twitter.com/Y2W9t0ZGEK — ANI (@ANI) January 18, 2019 × In a notice issued to Congress MLAs ahead of the meeting, CLP leader and former chief minister Siddaramaiah had warned that absence of MLAs would be viewed "seriously" and action taken against them under the Anti-Defection Law. As the meeting got underway, Congress sources said the absentee MLAs were: Ramesh Jarkiholi, who was dropped as minister in the recent cabinet rejig and is said to be extremely unhappy over it, B Nagendra, Umesh Jadhav and Mahesh Kumatahalli. Jadhav has written to Siddaramaiah noting that a letter about the meeting has been affixed outside his room at the Legislators Home and that since he is unwell and not able to travel, he would not attend the meet. He requested that his absence may be "excused." Nagendra had said Thursday he may not be able to be present in the CLP meet because of a court case. Congress leader in the Lok Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge, Siddaramaiah, AICC general secretary K C Venugopal and state leaders were present at the meet. Earlier, as the CLP was underway, Yeddyurappa said several legislators appeared to be attending the meet out of compulsion. "Let them indulge in squabbles... We have nothing to do with it." He said the ruling coalition was claiming the support of some BJP MLAs and it was because of this that the party had decided they should stay together in a hotel in Gurugram. In the 224-member Assembly, BJP has 104 members, Congress-79, JDS 37, BSP, KPJP and Independent one each, besides Speaker. BSP is supporting the government. Two Independents have announced the withdrawal of their support to the government. Yeddyurappa claimed they are backing the BJP.

Karnataka Congress moves MLAs to resort after 4 dissidents give party meet a miss

Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot said Friday the state cabinet has in principle decided to pass a resolution seeking 33 per cent reservation for women in legislative assembly.

"In principle, it was decided yesterday to pass a resolution in legislative assembly for 33 per cent reservation for women. Congress president wants that resolution is passed in five Congress-ruled states," Gehlot told reporters outside the assembly.

However, he did not say whether the resolution will be passed in this assembly session.

Gehlot said former Congress president Sonia Gandhi had been fighting for reservation for women in Parliament and legislative assemblies. After a long struggle, the bill was passed in Lok Sabha but it was pending in Rajya Sabha.

Deputy Chief Minister Sachin Pilot said the bill granting reservation to women was introduced in parliament and Congress has been committed to the matter.

He said it is the party's intention to pass a resolution in state assemblies where Congress has formed government.

Though the matter is pending at the Centre, it was discussed yesterday in the state cabinet to form a consensus on it as it was one of the promises in the Congress election manifesto, he added.&nbsp;

Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot said Friday the state cabinet has in principle decided to pass a resolution seeking 33 per cent reservation for women in legislative assembly.

Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot said Friday the state cabinet has in principle decided to pass a resolution seeking 33 per cent reservation for women in legislative assembly. "In principle, it was decided yesterday to pass a resolution in legislative assembly for 33 per cent reservation for women. Congress president wants that resolution is passed in five Congress-ruled states," Gehlot told reporters outside the assembly. However, he did not say whether the resolution will be passed in this assembly session. Gehlot said former Congress president Sonia Gandhi had been fighting for reservation for women in Parliament and legislative assemblies. After a long struggle, the bill was passed in Lok Sabha but it was pending in Rajya Sabha. Deputy Chief Minister Sachin Pilot said the bill granting reservation to women was introduced in parliament and Congress has been committed to the matter. He said it is the party's intention to pass a resolution in state assemblies where Congress has formed government. Though the matter is pending at the Centre, it was discussed yesterday in the state cabinet to form a consensus on it as it was one of the promises in the Congress election manifesto, he added.

Rajasthan Cabinet decides to pass resolution for 33% reservation for women in assembly

Senior Congress leader&nbsp;BK Hariprasad on Friday claimed that he has a report which states that <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/bjp-president-amit-shah-will-be-discharged-in-a-day-or-two-191185">BJP president Amit Shah</a> doesn't have any flu.

''We have a report that he (Amit Shah) doesn't have any flu. We also know people in All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) and they said he is not admitted because of the flu,'' Hariprasad said.

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BK&nbsp;Hariprasad on Thursday mocked Amit Shah over his health&nbsp;saying he contracted swine flu after his party failed in its attempt to topple the Congress-JDS government in Karnataka.

''As a few legislators have already come back, Amit Shah is shaken and has got fever. It is not a normal fever. It is swine flu,'' Hariprasad said in remarks made in Kannada in Bengaluru on Thursday.

''You should know that if you try to destabilise the Karnataka government, not just swine flu, you will get vomiting and dysentery also,'' he added.&nbsp;

Shah will be discharged from hospital in a day or two after a bout of swine flu, a party spokesman said on Thursday.

Shah was admitted to AIIMS due to swine flu on Wednesday. BJP leader was admitted following complaints of chest congestion and breathing issues.

Senior Congress leader BK Hariprasad on Friday claimed that he has a report which states that BJP president Amit Shah doesn't have any flu. ''We have a report that he (Amit Shah) doesn't have any flu.

Senior Congress leader BK Hariprasad on Friday claimed that he has a report which states that BJP president Amit Shah doesn't have any flu. ''We have a report that he (Amit Shah) doesn't have any flu. We also know people in All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) and they said he is not admitted because of the flu,'' Hariprasad said. BK Hariprasad, Congress: We have a report that he (Amit Shah) doesn't have any flu, we also know people in All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), they said he is not admitted because of the flu. Let me get the facts then I will get back to you. pic.twitter.com/sqg3ZbjYTJ — ANI (@ANI) January 18, 2019 × BK Hariprasad on Thursday mocked Amit Shah over his health saying he contracted swine flu after his party failed in its attempt to topple the Congress-JDS government in Karnataka. ''As a few legislators have already come back, Amit Shah is shaken and has got fever. It is not a normal fever. It is swine flu,'' Hariprasad said in remarks made in Kannada in Bengaluru on Thursday. ''You should know that if you try to destabilise the Karnataka government, not just swine flu, you will get vomiting and dysentery also,'' he added. Shah will be discharged from hospital in a day or two after a bout of swine flu, a party spokesman said on Thursday. Shah was admitted to AIIMS due to swine flu on Wednesday. BJP leader was admitted following complaints of chest congestion and breathing issues.

Amit Shah doesn't have any flu, says Congress leader BK Hariprasad

Karnataka BJP MLAs who are cooped up in a resort in Haryana will take a call on returning to the state after the Congress legislature party (CLP) meeting on Friday, according to sources.

State BJP President BS Yeddyurappa and former chief minister Jagadish Shettar are among a dozen legislators who have gone back to Bengaluru to see a prominent Lingayat seer, Sri Shivakumara Swamiji of Siddaganga Mutt in Tumkur, who has taken ill, they said.

The sources said that at present, about 75 BJP MLAs including Shobha Karandlaje are in the Gurgaon resort and will stay put till top party leaders give their nod to return to Karnataka.

Also read: 2 MLAs withdraw support to Congress-JDS govt in Karnataka

The BJP will "wait and watch" for the outcome of the Congress legislature party meeting scheduled Friday to demonstrate unity among the party MLAs, they added.

"Congress Legislature Party meeting presided by CLP leader Siddaramaiah is scheduled for 3:30 pm on January 18 at the Conference Hall of Vidhana Soudha (state secretariat)," Siddaramaiah's office had said in a statement on Wednesday.

The meeting assumes significance following attempts by the Congress to reach out to its disgruntled MLAs, who are allegedly ready to jump ship to the BJP side.

According to Congress sources, few ministers from the party have even offered to step down in the larger interest and to keep the coalition intact. The party leadership is also looking into the option, they added.

There are reports that a few of the MLAs have gone incommunicado, with at least three to five of them camped in Mumbai along with a couple of BJP leaders

A political crisis is brewing in Karnataka, where two Independent MLAs Tuesday withdrew support to the seven-month-old ministry amid trading of poaching charges by the ruling coalition and BJP.

Union minister DV Sadananda Gowda had said on Tuesday that the BJP would stake claim to power in Karnataka if the Congress-JDS coalition government falls.

Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy, however, reiterated he enjoyed the support of 120 MLAs and alleged that Yeddyurappa was making "futile attempts" to destabilise his government.

In the 224-member Assembly, BJP has 104 members, Congress-79, JDS 37, BSP, KPJP and Independent one each, besides Speaker.&nbsp;

Karnataka BJP MLAs who are cooped up in a resort in Haryana will take a call on returning to the state after the Congress legislature party (CLP) meeting on Friday, according to sources.

Karnataka BJP MLAs who are cooped up in a resort in Haryana will take a call on returning to the state after the Congress legislature party (CLP) meeting on Friday, according to sources. State BJP President BS Yeddyurappa and former chief minister Jagadish Shettar are among a dozen legislators who have gone back to Bengaluru to see a prominent Lingayat seer, Sri Shivakumara Swamiji of Siddaganga Mutt in Tumkur, who has taken ill, they said. The sources said that at present, about 75 BJP MLAs including Shobha Karandlaje are in the Gurgaon resort and will stay put till top party leaders give their nod to return to Karnataka. Also read: 2 MLAs withdraw support to Congress-JDS govt in Karnataka The BJP will "wait and watch" for the outcome of the Congress legislature party meeting scheduled Friday to demonstrate unity among the party MLAs, they added. "Congress Legislature Party meeting presided by CLP leader Siddaramaiah is scheduled for 3:30 pm on January 18 at the Conference Hall of Vidhana Soudha (state secretariat)," Siddaramaiah's office had said in a statement on Wednesday. The meeting assumes significance following attempts by the Congress to reach out to its disgruntled MLAs, who are allegedly ready to jump ship to the BJP side. According to Congress sources, few ministers from the party have even offered to step down in the larger interest and to keep the coalition intact. The party leadership is also looking into the option, they added. There are reports that a few of the MLAs have gone incommunicado, with at least three to five of them camped in Mumbai along with a couple of BJP leaders A political crisis is brewing in Karnataka, where two Independent MLAs Tuesday withdrew support to the seven-month-old ministry amid trading of poaching charges by the ruling coalition and BJP. Union minister DV Sadananda Gowda had said on Tuesday that the BJP would stake claim to power in Karnataka if the Congress-JDS coalition government falls. Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy, however, reiterated he enjoyed the support of 120 MLAs and alleged that Yeddyurappa was making "futile attempts" to destabilise his government. In the 224-member Assembly, BJP has 104 members, Congress-79, JDS 37, BSP, KPJP and Independent one each, besides Speaker.

Karnataka BJP MLAs to take call on returning to state after Congress legislature party meeting

Continuing his efforts to forge a non-BJP, non-Congress front ahead of the coming Lok Sabha polls, Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) Chief K Chandrasekhar Rao has decided to hold talks with YSR Congress to try and rope it into the proposed coalition.

Rao deputed the party's working president and his son K T Rama Rao and other senior leaders to hold parleys with the leader of the opposition in Andhra Pradesh, Y S Jaganmohan Reddy Wednesday, a release from the ruling TRS said.

"TRS president and the Chief Minister decided to hold talks with YSR Congress party on the issue of joining hands for the federal front.

"TRS party's working president KT Rama Rao, senior leader and MP Vinod Kumar and general secretaries Palla Rajeshwar Reddy and Sravan Kumar Reddy were asked to hold discussions with Jaganmohan Reddy.

Accordingly, KT Rama Rao and his team will hold talks with Jagan tomorrow (January 16)," it said Tuesday.

KCR, as he is popularly known, had met Trinamool Congress (TMC) supremo and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on January 10 as part of his efforts towards forging a 'non-Congress, non-BJP' federal front of regional parties.

Rao had also met Odisha Chief Minister and Biju Janata Dal (BJP) chief Naveen Patnaik, seeking to drum up support for the federal front.

The TRS returned to power in the December 7, 2018 assembly elections, winning 88 seats in the 119-member Telangana Assembly, pushing the Congress to a distant second position with 19 seats.

The BJP won in only one segment.&nbsp;

Continuing his efforts to forge a non-BJP, non-Congress front ahead of the coming Lok Sabha polls, Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) Chief K Chandrasekhar Rao has decided to hold talks with YSR Congress to try and rope it into the proposed coalition.

Continuing his efforts to forge a non-BJP, non-Congress front ahead of the coming Lok Sabha polls, Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) Chief K Chandrasekhar Rao has decided to hold talks with YSR Congress to try and rope it into the proposed coalition. Rao deputed the party's working president and his son K T Rama Rao and other senior leaders to hold parleys with the leader of the opposition in Andhra Pradesh, Y S Jaganmohan Reddy Wednesday, a release from the ruling TRS said. "TRS president and the Chief Minister decided to hold talks with YSR Congress party on the issue of joining hands for the federal front. "TRS party's working president KT Rama Rao, senior leader and MP Vinod Kumar and general secretaries Palla Rajeshwar Reddy and Sravan Kumar Reddy were asked to hold discussions with Jaganmohan Reddy. Accordingly, KT Rama Rao and his team will hold talks with Jagan tomorrow (January 16)," it said Tuesday. KCR, as he is popularly known, had met Trinamool Congress (TMC) supremo and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on January 10 as part of his efforts towards forging a 'non-Congress, non-BJP' federal front of regional parties. Rao had also met Odisha Chief Minister and Biju Janata Dal (BJP) chief Naveen Patnaik, seeking to drum up support for the federal front. The TRS returned to power in the December 7, 2018 assembly elections, winning 88 seats in the 119-member Telangana Assembly, pushing the Congress to a distant second position with 19 seats. The BJP won in only one segment.

TRS to hold talks with YSR Congress on federal front

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro on Tuesday signed a temporary decree making it easier for Brazilians to buy guns, delivering on a campaign promise to overturn strict regulations in a country suffering from a record wave of murders. 
&nbsp; 
Bolsonaro won the presidency by running on a far-right, law-and-order platform, and often delighted supporters at a campaign stop with his signature "guns up" hand gesture. His maverick presidential run energized a base of rural landowners, Christian conservatives and free-market hawks who yearned for a tougher response to years of rising violence and political graft.

The temporary decree, which will expire in 120 days unless ratified by Congress, is likely to thrill his supporters, but many others fear it will only worsen violence in Brazil. The country suffered a record 64,000 murders in 2017, the most in the world. Nearly 45,000 of those homicides involved firearms. 
&nbsp; 
A former paratrooper who took office on Jan. 1, Bolsonaro eventually wants to overturn a 2003 law that effectively banned the civilian purchase of guns.&nbsp;

"To guarantee citizens their legitimate right to defense, I, as president, will use this weapon," Bolsonaro said, holding up the pen he used to sign the decree. 
&nbsp; 
Onyx Lorenzoni, Bolsonaro`s chief of staff, said the government was considering lower taxes on guns and opening up Brazil`s small arms market to foreign firms. The thornier question of granting more permits for citizens to carry guns outside of their home or personal business is also under study.&nbsp;

Shares of domestic gunmaker Taurus Armas SA, which has a dominant share of the Brazilian market, dropped 16 per cent in late trading on Tuesday, as investors took profits.

&nbsp;The stock has more than tripled in the last 12 months as Bolsonaro was elected promising to loosen gun controls.

Gun laws toughened considerably under former leftist President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, who in 2003 signed sweeping measures that prevented ordinary citizens from carrying guns. The law mandated background checks for gun purchases and gave federal police the right to reject applications for gun ownership for any reason.&nbsp;

However, Lula`s attempts to deepen gun control foundered in a 2005 referendum, when about 65 per cent of Brazilians voted against a proposal to completely ban gun sales.&nbsp;

ENDING POLICE DISCRETION

Bolsonaro`s executive order will remove the "discretionary" role that police have in approving civilians` requests to buy guns. He has said decisions about who can carry weapons are subjective.

The measure will apply to people living in the countryside, those residing in urban areas where the homicide rate is above 10 deaths per 100,000 people, and to "collectors and hunters."

Brazilians will be allowed to keep up to four guns in their homes or offices, though that number could rise on a case-by-case basis. Any home with a child, or someone suffering from certain mental illnesses, must store the weapons in a safe.&nbsp;

Federal Police data shows that just over 646,000 legally-purchased arms are in circulation in Brazil. About half of those weapons are registered to private citizens. The rest is held by security personnel.

Accurate data on how many illegal firearms are in Brazil is hard to come by, but previous studies from the Justice Ministry suggest nearly 8 million guns are in the country illegally.

Brazil`s heavily armed drug gangs and paramilitary militias easily get weapons smuggled over the country`s porous borders. Gangs in Rio de Janeiro almost exclusively carry Glock weapons and have obtained an array of AR rifles that come from US and European manufacturers. 
&nbsp; 
Lorenzoni said the decree restored the right of citizens to have a weapon for their legitimate defense.

"Studies show that the better armed the population is the less violence there will be," Lorenzoni told the GloboNews cable channel. He said armed robberies of homes had increased because thieves knew residents could not defend themselves.

Robert Muggah, director of research at the Rio-based Igarape Institute, a security and development think tank, said that was not true.&nbsp;

"There is no hard evidence that loosening access to firearms improves public safety or security," he said. "By contrast, there is considerable evidence that responsible regulations are associated with reductions in a gun-related homicide of civilians and police officers alike." 
&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro on Tuesday signed a temporary decree making it easier for Brazilians to buy guns, delivering on a campaign promise to overturn strict regulations in a country suffering from a record wave of murders.

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro on Tuesday signed a temporary decree making it easier for Brazilians to buy guns, delivering on a campaign promise to overturn strict regulations in a country suffering from a record wave of murders. Bolsonaro won the presidency by running on a far-right, law-and-order platform, and often delighted supporters at a campaign stop with his signature "guns up" hand gesture. His maverick presidential run energized a base of rural landowners, Christian conservatives and free-market hawks who yearned for a tougher response to years of rising violence and political graft. The temporary decree, which will expire in 120 days unless ratified by Congress, is likely to thrill his supporters, but many others fear it will only worsen violence in Brazil. The country suffered a record 64,000 murders in 2017, the most in the world. Nearly 45,000 of those homicides involved firearms. A former paratrooper who took office on Jan. 1, Bolsonaro eventually wants to overturn a 2003 law that effectively banned the civilian purchase of guns. "To guarantee citizens their legitimate right to defense, I, as president, will use this weapon," Bolsonaro said, holding up the pen he used to sign the decree. Onyx Lorenzoni, Bolsonaro`s chief of staff, said the government was considering lower taxes on guns and opening up Brazil`s small arms market to foreign firms. The thornier question of granting more permits for citizens to carry guns outside of their home or personal business is also under study. Shares of domestic gunmaker Taurus Armas SA, which has a dominant share of the Brazilian market, dropped 16 per cent in late trading on Tuesday, as investors took profits. The stock has more than tripled in the last 12 months as Bolsonaro was elected promising to loosen gun controls. Gun laws toughened considerably under former leftist President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, who in 2003 signed sweeping measures that prevented ordinary citizens from carrying guns. The law mandated background checks for gun purchases and gave federal police the right to reject applications for gun ownership for any reason. However, Lula`s attempts to deepen gun control foundered in a 2005 referendum, when about 65 per cent of Brazilians voted against a proposal to completely ban gun sales. ENDING POLICE DISCRETION Bolsonaro`s executive order will remove the "discretionary" role that police have in approving civilians` requests to buy guns. He has said decisions about who can carry weapons are subjective. The measure will apply to people living in the countryside, those residing in urban areas where the homicide rate is above 10 deaths per 100,000 people, and to "collectors and hunters." Brazilians will be allowed to keep up to four guns in their homes or offices, though that number could rise on a case-by-case basis. Any home with a child, or someone suffering from certain mental illnesses, must store the weapons in a safe. Federal Police data shows that just over 646,000 legally-purchased arms are in circulation in Brazil. About half of those weapons are registered to private citizens. The rest is held by security personnel. Accurate data on how many illegal firearms are in Brazil is hard to come by, but previous studies from the Justice Ministry suggest nearly 8 million guns are in the country illegally. Brazil`s heavily armed drug gangs and paramilitary militias easily get weapons smuggled over the country`s porous borders. Gangs in Rio de Janeiro almost exclusively carry Glock weapons and have obtained an array of AR rifles that come from US and European manufacturers. Lorenzoni said the decree restored the right of citizens to have a weapon for their legitimate defense. "Studies show that the better armed the population is the less violence there will be," Lorenzoni told the GloboNews cable channel. He said armed robberies of homes had increased because thieves knew residents could not defend themselves. Robert Muggah, director of research at the Rio-based Igarape Institute, a security and development think tank, said that was not true. "There is no hard evidence that loosening access to firearms improves public safety or security," he said. "By contrast, there is considerable evidence that responsible regulations are associated with reductions in a gun-related homicide of civilians and police officers alike."

Bolsonaro loosens gun laws in murder-ridden Brazil

Amid allegations of the BJP trying to poach the MLAs of the ruling coalition in Karnataka, former<a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-obstructing-justice-in-ayodhya-case-pm-modi-189898&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwiKuqTr1-_fAhVMro8KHY5CBvcQFggFMAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw3pTRffKL1LYNhw0EIJG6Lj"> prime minister</a> and JD(S) supremo H D Deve Gowda on Tuesday asserted that there was no threat to the government headed by his son H D Kumaraswamy.

"It is not in anybody's hands, including the media. However much you cry hoarse, nothing will happen because it is in the hands of God. When a party (JDS) of 38 MLAs gets the blessings of a national party (Congress), it is all the wish of God," Gowda said.

His comments came just before two MLAs - H Nagesh (Independent) and R Shankar of the Karnataka Pragnyavantha Janatha Party - withdrew support to the Congress-JD(S) coalition.

Both the <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.wionews.com/india-news/jds-congress-trying-to-lure-bjp-mlas-will-camp-in-delhi-yeddyurappa-190284&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwiHisCv1-_fAhVYWX0KHY65B-MQFggFMAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw20VwXgZAaJzv-j99QZZecv">Congress</a> and the BJP have been accusing each other of trying to lure away each other's legislators.

The BJP has shifted its MLAs to a resort in Haryana's Nuh district near the national capital, a source said on Tuesday.

On Sunday, state Water Resource Minister D K Shivakumar had alleged that three Congress MLAs were camping in a hotel in Mumbai.

Gowda said it was an "illusion" to think that the Congress-JD(S) government was in trouble.

He said the media, as well as state BJP president B S Yeddyurappa, were in "confusion".

"You are under some confusion (about the stability of the government) as also is Yeddyurappa, but I have no such confusion. Nobody can destabilise the government because it is the wish of God," the JD(S) supremo said.

Gowda also criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi over allegations that Rs 60 crore and ministerial positions were offered to the MLAs of the ruling coalition by the BJP.

"Does it look good that a national party (BJP) is hoarding its 104 MLAs? I am not talking about Amit Shah but Modi, who talks a lot throughout the day," he said.

"All our MLAs are together at home. We are not worried about them," he added.

Gowda said the Congress was unnecessarily worried.

"(KC) Venugopal (AICC general secretary in-charge of Karnataka affairs) has arrived here because he must have been shaken after listening to some news, but there is no need for any confusion," he said.&nbsp;

Amid allegations of the BJP trying to poach the MLAs of the ruling coalition in Karnataka, former prime minister and JD(S) supremo H D Deve Gowda on Tuesday asserted that there was no threat to the government headed by his son H D Kumaraswamy.

Amid allegations of the BJP trying to poach the MLAs of the ruling coalition in Karnataka, former prime minister and JD(S) supremo H D Deve Gowda on Tuesday asserted that there was no threat to the government headed by his son H D Kumaraswamy. "It is not in anybody's hands, including the media. However much you cry hoarse, nothing will happen because it is in the hands of God. When a party (JDS) of 38 MLAs gets the blessings of a national party (Congress), it is all the wish of God," Gowda said. His comments came just before two MLAs - H Nagesh (Independent) and R Shankar of the Karnataka Pragnyavantha Janatha Party - withdrew support to the Congress-JD(S) coalition. Both the Congress and the BJP have been accusing each other of trying to lure away each other's legislators. The BJP has shifted its MLAs to a resort in Haryana's Nuh district near the national capital, a source said on Tuesday. On Sunday, state Water Resource Minister D K Shivakumar had alleged that three Congress MLAs were camping in a hotel in Mumbai. Gowda said it was an "illusion" to think that the Congress-JD(S) government was in trouble. He said the media, as well as state BJP president B S Yeddyurappa, were in "confusion". "You are under some confusion (about the stability of the government) as also is Yeddyurappa, but I have no such confusion. Nobody can destabilise the government because it is the wish of God," the JD(S) supremo said. Gowda also criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi over allegations that Rs 60 crore and ministerial positions were offered to the MLAs of the ruling coalition by the BJP. "Does it look good that a national party (BJP) is hoarding its 104 MLAs? I am not talking about Amit Shah but Modi, who talks a lot throughout the day," he said. "All our MLAs are together at home. We are not worried about them," he added. Gowda said the Congress was unnecessarily worried. "(KC) Venugopal (AICC general secretary in-charge of Karnataka affairs) has arrived here because he must have been shaken after listening to some news, but there is no need for any confusion," he said.

No threat to Congress-JD(S) government: Deve Gowda

Six protestors have been arrested on Saturday for holding a demonstration against the screening of 'The Accidental Prime Minister' inside a cineplex in Kolkata.

A video of the incident was recently made public by ANI.&nbsp;

In the clip, a group of protestors can be seen moving around the mall sloganeering against the screening of the movie.&nbsp;

The protestors can be heard shouting slogans against actor Anupam Kher, who played the lead role in the movie.

The Congress protest against the screening of the movie was organised on Thursday, during the evening show inside the Quest INOX Cineplex.

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="673" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/07cpqs8I3JE" width="1196"></iframe>

Earlier on Friday, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had asserted that the Anupam Kher starring&nbsp; 'The Accidental Prime Minister' was made with an intention to distort facts and keeping the upcoming Lok Sabha elections in mind.

Firing a fresh salvo at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, she had asserted that a movie titled 'Disastrous Prime Minister' should also be made.

The Manmohan Singh biopic drew a lot of flak from the Congress party, even before the movie hit the theatres.&nbsp;

Maharashtra Youth Congress, in December, had raised objections over the film and demanded its special screening to ensure that none of the scenes are factually incorrect.

The film is based on facts chronicled in a book by Sanjaya Baru - Manmohan Singh's media advisor between 2004 and 2008.&nbsp;

It revolves around Singh's life, the economist and politician who served as the Prime Minister of India from 2004 to 2014 under the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government.

Six protestors have been arrested on Saturday for holding a demonstration against the screening of 'The Accidental Prime Minister' inside a cineplex in Kolkata. A video of the incident was recently made public by ANI.

Six protestors have been arrested on Saturday for holding a demonstration against the screening of 'The Accidental Prime Minister' inside a cineplex in Kolkata. A video of the incident was recently made public by ANI. In the clip, a group of protestors can be seen moving around the mall sloganeering against the screening of the movie. The protestors can be heard shouting slogans against actor Anupam Kher, who played the lead role in the movie. The Congress protest against the screening of the movie was organised on Thursday, during the evening show inside the Quest INOX Cineplex. Earlier on Friday, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had asserted that the Anupam Kher starring 'The Accidental Prime Minister' was made with an intention to distort facts and keeping the upcoming Lok Sabha elections in mind. Firing a fresh salvo at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, she had asserted that a movie titled 'Disastrous Prime Minister' should also be made. The Manmohan Singh biopic drew a lot of flak from the Congress party, even before the movie hit the theatres. Maharashtra Youth Congress, in December, had raised objections over the film and demanded its special screening to ensure that none of the scenes are factually incorrect. The film is based on facts chronicled in a book by Sanjaya Baru - Manmohan Singh's media advisor between 2004 and 2008. It revolves around Singh's life, the economist and politician who served as the Prime Minister of India from 2004 to 2014 under the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government.

Six arrested for demonstration against 'The Accidental Prime Minister' in Kolkata

Samajwadi Party (SP) chief on Saturday gave a rather cryptic response when he was asked whether he would support BSP chief Mayawati for Prime Minister after&nbsp;2019 Lok Sabha polls.

While addressing a joint press conference Yadav was asked whether he will support Mayawati for PM:&nbsp;"You know who is my choice. Uttar Pradesh has given Prime Ministers in the past and trend will be repeated again," Yadav said.&nbsp;

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Akhilesh Yadav on if he will support Mayawati for PM: You know who is my choice. Uttar Pradesh has given Prime Ministers in the past and trend will be repeated again <a href="https://t.co/LzHs9Ijn6e">pic.twitter.com/LzHs9Ijn6e</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1083987072128552960?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 12, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Meanwhile, commenting on the alliance, Congress leader Kamal Nath said there was a need of alliance&nbsp;in the entire country.

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Madhya Pradesh CM Kamal Nath on <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SPBSPalliance?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SPBSPalliance</a>: Today there is a need of alliances in the entire country. BJP got only 31% vote in 2014 and claimed it was people's mandate, this happened due to split in votes. <a href="https://t.co/T97kvcZCzp">pic.twitter.com/T97kvcZCzp</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1083989257805549568?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 12, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Reacting to the BSP-SP alliance BJP spokesperson Sudhanshu Trivedi said that the two parties are contesting to save their&nbsp;"political ground".

He said, "Both parties are contesting together just to save their political ground. These parties have blamed each other of murder in the past. Even if all parties come together, we will still win".

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Sudhanshu Trivedi,BJP on <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SPBSPalliance?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SPBSPalliance</a>: Both parties are contesting together just to save their political ground. These parties have blamed each other of murder in the past. Anyway, its their choice.We are confident. Even if all parties come together, we will still win. <a href="https://t.co/Bc6blr4mjH">pic.twitter.com/Bc6blr4mjH</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1083990304401907712?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 12, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Both SP and BSP workers celebrated the announcement of alliance between the two parties.

Samajwadi Party (SP) chief on Saturday gave a rather cryptic response when he was asked whether he would support BSP chief Mayawati for Prime Minister after 2019 Lok Sabha polls.

Samajwadi Party (SP) chief on Saturday gave a rather cryptic response when he was asked whether he would support BSP chief Mayawati for Prime Minister after 2019 Lok Sabha polls. While addressing a joint press conference Yadav was asked whether he will support Mayawati for PM: "You know who is my choice. Uttar Pradesh has given Prime Ministers in the past and trend will be repeated again," Yadav said. Akhilesh Yadav on if he will support Mayawati for PM: You know who is my choice. Uttar Pradesh has given Prime Ministers in the past and trend will be repeated again pic.twitter.com/LzHs9Ijn6e — ANI (@ANI) January 12, 2019 × Meanwhile, commenting on the alliance, Congress leader Kamal Nath said there was a need of alliance in the entire country. Madhya Pradesh CM Kamal Nath on #SPBSPalliance: Today there is a need of alliances in the entire country. BJP got only 31% vote in 2014 and claimed it was people's mandate, this happened due to split in votes. pic.twitter.com/T97kvcZCzp — ANI (@ANI) January 12, 2019 × Reacting to the BSP-SP alliance BJP spokesperson Sudhanshu Trivedi said that the two parties are contesting to save their "political ground". He said, "Both parties are contesting together just to save their political ground. These parties have blamed each other of murder in the past. Even if all parties come together, we will still win". Sudhanshu Trivedi,BJP on #SPBSPalliance: Both parties are contesting together just to save their political ground. These parties have blamed each other of murder in the past. Anyway, its their choice.We are confident. Even if all parties come together, we will still win. pic.twitter.com/Bc6blr4mjH — ANI (@ANI) January 12, 2019 × Both SP and BSP workers celebrated the announcement of alliance between the two parties.

'You know who is my choice,' says Akhilesh on whether he will support Mayawati for PM

Anupam Kher's mother has praised Dr. Manmohan Singh after watching 'The Accidental Prime Minister', in which Kher has stepped into the shoes of the former PM.

The veteran actor shared a video on social media in which his mother, Dulari Kher, heaped praises on her son as well as the former Prime Minister.

When the 'A Wednesday' star asked if she liked Singh, his mother repiled, "Manmohan Singh shareef tha bechara. Lagta tha door se shareef hai, tabhi log shareef ko bewakoof mante hain. Ye nahi pata wo bohot tez hote hain."

Praising his acting skills, Anupam's mother also said she could not believe it's her son and exclaimed, "What do you eat, I don't understand!"

She further stated, "I really liked the film and I am sure everyone will like it too."

Anupam Kher posted the video on Instagram with the caption, "Mother of all Reviews: Dulari Watched #TheAccidentalPrimeMinister and has given her review in a one minute video.&nbsp;

Her first sentence was frightening. "Aise koi acting karta hai?" And she almost acted me out."

He added, "But what followed was a great endorsement for my performance. Her observation about #DrManmohanSingh is spot on. Her review is my ultimate reward. After all these years mom is relieved that I can act. Jai Mata di. #DulariRocks #DulariReviewsTAPM #FilmReleasesToday"

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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Bsen-iGhg9y/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_medium=loading" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">Mother of all Reviews: Dulari Watched #TheAccidentalPrimeMinister and has given her review in a One minute video. Her first sentence was frightening. “ऐसे कोई acting करता है?”😳. And she almost acted me out. But what followed was a great endorsement for my performance. Her observation about #DrManmohanSingh is spot on. Her review is my ultimate reward. After all these years Mom is relieved that I can act. Jai Mata di. 🙏😍 #DulariRocks #DulariReviewsTAPM #FilmReleasesToday</a>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/anupampkher/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_medium=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px;" target="_blank"> Anupam Kher</a> (@anupampkher) on <time datetime="2019-01-11T03:30:32+00:00" style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;">Jan 10, 2019 at 7:30pm PST</time>
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'The Accidental Prime Minister' is based on facts as chronicled in a book by Sanjaya Baru - Manmohan Singh's media advisor between 2004 and 2008.

It revolves around Singh`s life, the economist and politician who served as the Prime Minister of India from 2004 to 2014 under the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government.

The film hits the big screens today.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Anupam Kher's mother has praised Dr. Manmohan Singh after watching 'The Accidental Prime Minister', in which Kher has stepped into the shoes of the former PM. The veteran actor shared a video on social media in which his mother, Dulari Kher, heaped praises on her son as well as the former Prime Minister.

Anupam Kher's mother has praised Dr. Manmohan Singh after watching 'The Accidental Prime Minister', in which Kher has stepped into the shoes of the former PM. The veteran actor shared a video on social media in which his mother, Dulari Kher, heaped praises on her son as well as the former Prime Minister. When the 'A Wednesday' star asked if she liked Singh, his mother repiled, "Manmohan Singh shareef tha bechara. Lagta tha door se shareef hai, tabhi log shareef ko bewakoof mante hain. Ye nahi pata wo bohot tez hote hain." Praising his acting skills, Anupam's mother also said she could not believe it's her son and exclaimed, "What do you eat, I don't understand!" She further stated, "I really liked the film and I am sure everyone will like it too." Anupam Kher posted the video on Instagram with the caption, "Mother of all Reviews: Dulari Watched #TheAccidentalPrimeMinister and has given her review in a one minute video. Her first sentence was frightening. "Aise koi acting karta hai?" And she almost acted me out." He added, "But what followed was a great endorsement for my performance. Her observation about #DrManmohanSingh is spot on. Her review is my ultimate reward. After all these years mom is relieved that I can act. Jai Mata di. #DulariRocks #DulariReviewsTAPM #FilmReleasesToday" View this post on Instagram Mother of all Reviews: Dulari Watched #TheAccidentalPrimeMinister and has given her review in a One minute video. Her first sentence was frightening. “ऐसे कोई acting करता है?”😳. And she almost acted me out. But what followed was a great endorsement for my performance. Her observation about #DrManmohanSingh is spot on. Her review is my ultimate reward. After all these years Mom is relieved that I can act. Jai Mata di. 🙏😍 #DulariRocks #DulariReviewsTAPM #FilmReleasesToday A post shared by Anupam Kher (@anupampkher) on Jan 10, 2019 at 7:30pm PST × 'The Accidental Prime Minister' is based on facts as chronicled in a book by Sanjaya Baru - Manmohan Singh's media advisor between 2004 and 2008. It revolves around Singh`s life, the economist and politician who served as the Prime Minister of India from 2004 to 2014 under the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government. The film hits the big screens today.

Anupam Kher's mother praises 'The Accidental Prime Minister', calls former PM 'shareef'

It is a fight straight out of&nbsp;a Bollywood thriller. The head of the AICC communication department, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/randeep-surjewala-congress-candidate-for-haryanas-jind-assembly-bypoll-189305">Randeep Singh Surjewala, who defeated </a>the sitting chief minister of Haryana OP Chautala from Narwana in 2005 will be locked in a strong contest against his grandson Digvijay Chautala in 2019.

The difference is that Randeep defeated Chautala from Narwana and this time he has been asked to fight from Jind. Currently, he is a sitting MLA from Kaithal.

The story does not end here. The fact is Randeep was initially reticent but the party pushed him to fight from Jind as it had no candidates who could give both BJP and the newly launched JJP which is headed by MP Dushyant Chautala, who is another grandson of OP Chautala, a strong fight.

Jind has traditionally been dominated by Jai Prakash, Surjewalas and Chaudhary Birendra Singh. The only issue was that Randeep is&nbsp;a sitting MLA who is&nbsp;pretty comfortable in his current seat.

Sources say that initially a section of Congress under Randip, PCC chief Ashok Tanwar and Kiran Chaudhary wanted independent MLA Jai Prakash’s son Vikas to be fielded from the constituency.

However, sources added that the proposal was opposed by former chief minister Bhupendra Singh Hudda. In this political quagmire, the choice ultimately zeroed down to Randeep who subsequently accepted to fight.&nbsp;

With the decision to fight, Randeep emerged as a fresh face supported by many leaders opposed to Hudda within the organisation. The irony is that the Congress could not find one local candidate to put a fight in Jind constituency and had to push Randeep who had been requesting Congress president Rahul Gandhi to be sent back to Haryana for state politics.

Sources say that with him as a candidate, Congress has a chance to remain in either number-1 or number-2 position in Jind.&nbsp;

“Any other candidate if fielded from the constituency would have been relegated to number 4 position and that would have been suicidal for the party before the Lok Sabha elections,” said a source in the Haryana Congress. The decision was taken in the context of very poor performance of the Congress in the elections for mayors held in 2018. BJP registered a clean sweep in all five big cities.

BJP has fielded Dr Kishan Midda. Raj Kumar Saini who has been at the forefront of the anti-Jat politics is also deploying a candidate which would lead to intense fight within non-Jat segment.

Despite being a tough fight, Randeep is all set to gain a bigger foothold in Haryana Congress.

In case he wins the elections, it will mean good-bye to Bhupendra Singh Hudda as the tallest leader of Haryana, if&nbsp;he loses respectably, he would be in a position to consolidate his position as the CM face of Haryana for the 2019 assembly elections. However, this would not mean that battle outside the party would melt away.

&nbsp;

It is a fight straight out of a Bollywood thriller. The head of the AICC communication department, Randeep Singh Surjewala, who defeated the sitting chief minister of Haryana OP Chautala from Narwana in 2005 will be locked in a strong contest against his grandson Digvijay Chautala in 2019.

It is a fight straight out of a Bollywood thriller. The head of the AICC communication department, Randeep Singh Surjewala, who defeated the sitting chief minister of Haryana OP Chautala from Narwana in 2005 will be locked in a strong contest against his grandson Digvijay Chautala in 2019. The difference is that Randeep defeated Chautala from Narwana and this time he has been asked to fight from Jind. Currently, he is a sitting MLA from Kaithal. The story does not end here. The fact is Randeep was initially reticent but the party pushed him to fight from Jind as it had no candidates who could give both BJP and the newly launched JJP which is headed by MP Dushyant Chautala, who is another grandson of OP Chautala, a strong fight. Jind has traditionally been dominated by Jai Prakash, Surjewalas and Chaudhary Birendra Singh. The only issue was that Randeep is a sitting MLA who is pretty comfortable in his current seat. Sources say that initially a section of Congress under Randip, PCC chief Ashok Tanwar and Kiran Chaudhary wanted independent MLA Jai Prakash’s son Vikas to be fielded from the constituency. However, sources added that the proposal was opposed by former chief minister Bhupendra Singh Hudda. In this political quagmire, the choice ultimately zeroed down to Randeep who subsequently accepted to fight. With the decision to fight, Randeep emerged as a fresh face supported by many leaders opposed to Hudda within the organisation. The irony is that the Congress could not find one local candidate to put a fight in Jind constituency and had to push Randeep who had been requesting Congress president Rahul Gandhi to be sent back to Haryana for state politics. Sources say that with him as a candidate, Congress has a chance to remain in either number-1 or number-2 position in Jind. “Any other candidate if fielded from the constituency would have been relegated to number 4 position and that would have been suicidal for the party before the Lok Sabha elections,” said a source in the Haryana Congress. The decision was taken in the context of very poor performance of the Congress in the elections for mayors held in 2018. BJP registered a clean sweep in all five big cities. BJP has fielded Dr Kishan Midda. Raj Kumar Saini who has been at the forefront of the anti-Jat politics is also deploying a candidate which would lead to intense fight within non-Jat segment. Despite being a tough fight, Randeep is all set to gain a bigger foothold in Haryana Congress. In case he wins the elections, it will mean good-bye to Bhupendra Singh Hudda as the tallest leader of Haryana, if he loses respectably, he would be in a position to consolidate his position as the CM face of Haryana for the 2019 assembly elections. However, this would not mean that battle outside the party would melt away.

Fight for Jind: Rise of Randeep Surjewala and tough choices ahead for Congress in Haryana

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