Senior NCP leader Chhagan Bhujbal’s arrest in a money laundering case and subsequent incarceration was “fate’s revenge” against him for his bid, when he was minister, to put Shiv Sena founder Bal Thackeray behind bars, the Sena said on May 8. Law and power are used many a times to settle political scores, the Uddhav Thackeray-led party added.

Bhujbal, 70, in jail since March 2016, was granted bail on May 4 by the Bombay High Court after it took into consideration his old age and deteriorating health. Mocking him, the Sena claimed that he desperately wanted to arrest Bal Thackeray around two decades ago when he was Maharashtra’s home minister.

Cases were filed against the late Sena supremo for giving speeches and writing editorials in the name of Hindutva, it said in an editorial in the party mouthpiece Saamana.

“Bhujbal’s imprisonment was the revenge taken against him by fate. He wanted to arrest Balasaheb by any means. Our ally (BJP) was in power at the Centre then and it had sent additional police forces from other states to prevent any law and order problem,” the BJP’s bickering ally said. This proved that there has been a hidden alliance between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) since then, claimed the Sena.

It said Bhujbal was in jail for two years on money laundering charges, while former Union finance minister P Chidambaram’s son Karti Chidambaram, facing similar charges, came out on bail within eight days of his arrest (in March this year). “Laws and power are often used to take political revenge,” the Marathi daily said.

Bhujbal, who handled the Public Works Department in the Congress-NCP government, was arrested in March 2016 after the Enforcement Directorate (ED) found in an inquiry that he allegedly misused his office in awarding contracts for PWD projects, causing a loss to the exchequer.

According to the ED, Bhujbal awarded contracts, including the one for the construction of a new Maharashtra Sadan — the state guest house — in Delhi to a private firm, allegedly in return for kickbacks for himself and his family. The former state deputy chief minister and his nephew Sameer Bhujbal channelled the ill-gotten money into shell companies, the agency alleged.

Bhujbal started his political career with the Shiv Sena and was in the party for over two decades. He left the Sena in 1991 and joined the Congress. Later, after Sharad Pawar decided to split from the Congress and form the NCP, the former PWD minister went along with him.

Bhujbal started his political career with the Shiv Sena and was in the party for over two decades. He left the Sena in 1991 and joined the Congress.

Senior NCP leader Chhagan Bhujbal’s arrest in a money laundering case and subsequent incarceration was “fate’s revenge” against him for his bid, when he was minister, to put Shiv Sena founder Bal Thackeray behind bars, the Sena said on May 8. Law and power are used many a times to settle political scores, the Uddhav Thackeray-led party added. Bhujbal, 70, in jail since March 2016, was granted bail on May 4 by the Bombay High Court after it took into consideration his old age and deteriorating health. Mocking him, the Sena claimed that he desperately wanted to arrest Bal Thackeray around two decades ago when he was Maharashtra’s home minister. Cases were filed against the late Sena supremo for giving speeches and writing editorials in the name of Hindutva, it said in an editorial in the party mouthpiece Saamana. “Bhujbal’s imprisonment was the revenge taken against him by fate. He wanted to arrest Balasaheb by any means. Our ally (BJP) was in power at the Centre then and it had sent additional police forces from other states to prevent any law and order problem,” the BJP’s bickering ally said. This proved that there has been a hidden alliance between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) since then, claimed the Sena. It said Bhujbal was in jail for two years on money laundering charges, while former Union finance minister P Chidambaram’s son Karti Chidambaram, facing similar charges, came out on bail within eight days of his arrest (in March this year). “Laws and power are often used to take political revenge,” the Marathi daily said. Bhujbal, who handled the Public Works Department in the Congress-NCP government, was arrested in March 2016 after the Enforcement Directorate (ED) found in an inquiry that he allegedly misused his office in awarding contracts for PWD projects, causing a loss to the exchequer. According to the ED, Bhujbal awarded contracts, including the one for the construction of a new Maharashtra Sadan — the state guest house — in Delhi to a private firm, allegedly in return for kickbacks for himself and his family. The former state deputy chief minister and his nephew Sameer Bhujbal channelled the ill-gotten money into shell companies, the agency alleged. Bhujbal started his political career with the Shiv Sena and was in the party for over two decades. He left the Sena in 1991 and joined the Congress. Later, after Sharad Pawar decided to split from the Congress and form the NCP, the former PWD minister went along with him.

Fate avenged Chhagan Bhujbal’s attempt to jail Bal Thackeray: Shiv Sena

&nbspPrime Minister Narendra Modi will on Monday interact with the Karnataka's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Yuva Morcha Karyakartas (workers) via the Narendra Modi (NaMo) App.

Prime Minister Modi took to Twitter and said, "On Monday, 7th May, at 9 AM I look forward to an interaction with @BJP4Karnataka Yuva Morcha Karyakartas via the NaMo App. Our young and energetic Karyakartas are doing commendable work at the grassroots level and popularising the good work of the Central Government among people."

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On Monday, 7th May, at 9 AM I look forward to an interaction with <a href="https://twitter.com/BJP4Karnataka?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BJP4Karnataka</a> Yuva Morcha Karyakartas via the NaMo App. Our young and energetic Karyakartas are doing commendable work at the grassroots level and popularising the good work of the Central Government among people.
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On Sunday,&nbspFiring a barrage of barbs at the Congress, Prime Minister Narendra Modi&nbsplabelled it as a "deal party" that was being uprooted from all over the country and said no one can save it now.

Taking BJP's campaign in poll-bound Karnataka to full throttle, he also accused Congress of "distorting history" as part of a conspiracy to divide society, as he addressed four back-to-back rallies at Chitradurga, Raichur, Jamkhandi and Hubbali in north Karnataka.

Hitting back at Congress for levelling "baseless" charges against BJP's chief ministerial candidate B S Yeddyurappa,Modi reminded it about the National Herald case in which "the mother and son (Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi) are facing allegations of a scam" and are on bail.

Earlier on May 1, Prime Minister Modi had interacted with Kisan Morcha Karyakartas of BJP's state unit, via the NaMo App, and boosted their morale.

On a related note, Prime Minister Modi kick started a series of election rallies in the poll-bound state on May 1 and held three rallies on the first day alone.

Karnataka will go to polls on May 12 to elect its representatives for the 225-member assembly. The results will be out on May 15.

Karnataka will go to polls on May 12 to elect its representatives for the 225-member assembly. The results will be out on May 15

&nbspPrime Minister Narendra Modi will on Monday interact with the Karnataka's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Yuva Morcha Karyakartas (workers) via the Narendra Modi (NaMo) App. Prime Minister Modi took to Twitter and said, "On Monday, 7th May, at 9 AM I look forward to an interaction with @BJP4Karnataka Yuva Morcha Karyakartas via the NaMo App. Our young and energetic Karyakartas are doing commendable work at the grassroots level and popularising the good work of the Central Government among people." On Monday, 7th May, at 9 AM I look forward to an interaction with @BJP4Karnataka Yuva Morcha Karyakartas via the NaMo App. Our young and energetic Karyakartas are doing commendable work at the grassroots level and popularising the good work of the Central Government among people. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 5, 2018 × On Sunday,&nbspFiring a barrage of barbs at the Congress, Prime Minister Narendra Modi&nbsplabelled it as a "deal party" that was being uprooted from all over the country and said no one can save it now. Taking BJP's campaign in poll-bound Karnataka to full throttle, he also accused Congress of "distorting history" as part of a conspiracy to divide society, as he addressed four back-to-back rallies at Chitradurga, Raichur, Jamkhandi and Hubbali in north Karnataka. Hitting back at Congress for levelling "baseless" charges against BJP's chief ministerial candidate B S Yeddyurappa,Modi reminded it about the National Herald case in which "the mother and son (Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi) are facing allegations of a scam" and are on bail. Earlier on May 1, Prime Minister Modi had interacted with Kisan Morcha Karyakartas of BJP's state unit, via the NaMo App, and boosted their morale. On a related note, Prime Minister Modi kick started a series of election rallies in the poll-bound state on May 1 and held three rallies on the first day alone. Karnataka will go to polls on May 12 to elect its representatives for the 225-member assembly. The results will be out on May 15.

PM Modi to address Karnataka BJP workers through NaMo app today

"Congress had an eco-system of looting. Jan Dhan-Aadhaar & Mobile number (JAM) trinity of our government has stopped leakages. No wonder Congress is angry at me and abusing me. Congress is worried that if we come to power in Karnataka, they will face difficulty in looting the poor," said Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Modi was addressing a rally in Karnataka's Raichur ahead of upcoming assembly elections.

Praising his government's Jan Dhan-Aadhaar & Mobile number (JAM) initiative, he said&nbsp;Congress is worried about facing difficulties in looting the poor after BJP wins the elections

"When Sonia Gandhi's government was in power, LED bulb used to be sold at Rs 350. Now in our government, the bulb are being sold at Rs 50. Where were the extra Rs 300 spent", he added.

He also targetted the Congress over the series of disruptions that the Parliament underwent in the last session and blamed the Congress for having an Anti-Dalit and OBC mindset.

He said, "Congress owes an explanation to the nation on why it is not letting Parliament function. Anti-Dalit and anti-OBC mindset of the Congress is the reason why the party is stalling Parliament and not allowing the creation of the OBC commission".

The Karnataka Government must give an account of the work they have done for the people of the state. Instead, all they do is- Modi, Modi, Modi. They just keep abusing me".

There are many people who are sitting in AC rooms and saying there will be a hung assembly. I want to tell them to come to Raichur and see the mood on the ground.

While addressing another rally in Jamakhandi, PM Modi attacked the Congress for supporting the JNU sloganeering in 2016.

He said, "Some people feel uncomfortable when patriotism, nationalism, national song are discussed. Congress faced such downfall that its leaders started giving blessings to people who raised slogans of 'Bharat tere tukde honge' and demanded proofs of surgical strikes from Army."

"Congress' forgot even Bhagwan Basaveshwara, but started recalling his name when Karnataka Elections 2018 came near. It was during Atal Ji's leadership, that a statue of Bhagwaan Basaveshwara was put up in the Parliament".

"To win or to lose is a part of elections. One must accept their defeat. But Congress leaders are 'Naamdaars'. They didn't congratulate us 'Kaamdaars'. Such is their arrogance that they didn't even pay a courtesy call to President upon his win". 
&nbsp;

PM Modi said, 'Congress had an eco-system of looting. Jan Dhan-Aadhaar and Mobile number (JAM) trinity of our government has stopped leakages. No wonder Congress is angry at me and abusing me. Congress is worried that if we come to power in Karnataka, they will face difficulty in looting the poor'

"Congress had an eco-system of looting. Jan Dhan-Aadhaar & Mobile number (JAM) trinity of our government has stopped leakages. No wonder Congress is angry at me and abusing me. Congress is worried that if we come to power in Karnataka, they will face difficulty in looting the poor," said Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Modi was addressing a rally in Karnataka's Raichur ahead of upcoming assembly elections. Praising his government's Jan Dhan-Aadhaar & Mobile number (JAM) initiative, he said Congress is worried about facing difficulties in looting the poor after BJP wins the elections "When Sonia Gandhi's government was in power, LED bulb used to be sold at Rs 350. Now in our government, the bulb are being sold at Rs 50. Where were the extra Rs 300 spent", he added. He also targetted the Congress over the series of disruptions that the Parliament underwent in the last session and blamed the Congress for having an Anti-Dalit and OBC mindset. He said, "Congress owes an explanation to the nation on why it is not letting Parliament function. Anti-Dalit and anti-OBC mindset of the Congress is the reason why the party is stalling Parliament and not allowing the creation of the OBC commission". The Karnataka Government must give an account of the work they have done for the people of the state. Instead, all they do is- Modi, Modi, Modi. They just keep abusing me". There are many people who are sitting in AC rooms and saying there will be a hung assembly. I want to tell them to come to Raichur and see the mood on the ground. While addressing another rally in Jamakhandi, PM Modi attacked the Congress for supporting the JNU sloganeering in 2016. He said, "Some people feel uncomfortable when patriotism, nationalism, national song are discussed. Congress faced such downfall that its leaders started giving blessings to people who raised slogans of 'Bharat tere tukde honge' and demanded proofs of surgical strikes from Army." "Congress' forgot even Bhagwan Basaveshwara, but started recalling his name when Karnataka Elections 2018 came near. It was during Atal Ji's leadership, that a statue of Bhagwaan Basaveshwara was put up in the Parliament". "To win or to lose is a part of elections. One must accept their defeat. But Congress leaders are 'Naamdaars'. They didn't congratulate us 'Kaamdaars'. Such is their arrogance that they didn't even pay a courtesy call to President upon his win".

Karnataka polls: Modi says Congress worried about facing difficulties in looting poor after defeat

Firing a barrage of barbs at the Congress, Prime Minister Narendra Modi today labelled it as a "deal party" that was being uprooted from all over the country and said no one can save it now.

Taking the BJP's campaign in poll-bound Karnataka to full throttle, he also accused the Congress of "distorting history" as part of a conspiracy to divide the society.

At poll rallies in Chitradurga and Raichur, he flayed the Congress government led by Siddaramaiah for celebrating the "jayantis of sultans" (birth anniversaries of Muslim rulers) for the sake of "vote bank politics".

He was apparently referring to the Siddaramaiah government's controversial decision of celebrating "Tipu Jayanti" every year on November 10, commemorating Tipu Sultan, the legendary 18th-century ruler of Mysore.

Modi accused the Congress of protecting the corrupt, adopting a divide-and-rule policy, making false promises and having no agenda other than "abusing Modi."

Listing out a string of electoral defeats of the Congress, including those in Maharashtra and Tripura, he said, "From every corner of the country, the Congress has gone".

"...And in Karnataka?" he asked the crowd, which said the Congress will be ousted from power in the southern state as well.

"Now they cannot survive. No one can save the Congress now. For 70 years they have misled and befooled the people," Modi said, as he continued his campaign blitz across Karnataka where the party is heavily banking on him.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;

The state goes to polls on May 12. The counting of votes will take place on May 15.

At his rally in Chitradurga, Modi, while referring to corruption charges against a minister without naming him, said, "The Congress is a party that neither has dil (heart) nor is it pro-Dalit. It is a deal party."

Targeting Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, the prime minister said he always keeps character certificates ready in his suitcase. "Whenever an allegation of corruption against a minister is made, he immediately takes out a character certificate, writes the name and tells the people he is honest.

"The time has come to bid farewell to the Congress party that is not interested in your welfare. Make it a clean sweep for the BJP and send this chief minister home as he only goes around giving clean chits," Modi told the crowd.

Accusing the Congress of sidelining stalwarts like B R Ambedkar and undivided Congress president and former Karnataka chief minister S Nijalingappa, he said the party was interested in promoting only one family and naming "thousands of schemes" after them.

At Raichur, he said the Congress' "new mantra is spreading lies".

The Congress has realised its "vote bank politics is shaken" and, therefore, it has started a campaign for "misleading and spreading lies" among Dalits, and asked them to be aware, Modi said.

The prime minister accused the Congress of not allowing parliament to function because it feared he was "gaining the trust of the people by completing his works successfully one after the other".

He said the Karnataka elections were a contest between the Congress' "misdeeds and people's aspirations".

"On one side is the BJP with the mantra of 'sab ka saath sab ka vikaas (together with all development for all). On the other side is the Congress party that believes in doing everything for one family," he said.

While the BJP was fighting against the corrupt system, the Congress protects the corrupt, he alleged. The BJP was progressing in politics with the"blessings of people", while the Congress was dividing people, creating rift between brothers and following a divide-and-rule policy, Modi said.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;

The prime minister asked the Congress to give an account of its work in Karnataka in the last five years.

"From morning till evening they just say Modi, Modi, Modi. Other than abusing Modi in this election is there any agenda for the Congress? The time has come to see off such a Congress party," he said.

Taking the BJP's campaign in poll-bound Karnataka to full throttle, he also accused the Congress of "distorting history" as part of a conspiracy to divide the society.

Firing a barrage of barbs at the Congress, Prime Minister Narendra Modi today labelled it as a "deal party" that was being uprooted from all over the country and said no one can save it now. Taking the BJP's campaign in poll-bound Karnataka to full throttle, he also accused the Congress of "distorting history" as part of a conspiracy to divide the society. At poll rallies in Chitradurga and Raichur, he flayed the Congress government led by Siddaramaiah for celebrating the "jayantis of sultans" (birth anniversaries of Muslim rulers) for the sake of "vote bank politics". He was apparently referring to the Siddaramaiah government's controversial decision of celebrating "Tipu Jayanti" every year on November 10, commemorating Tipu Sultan, the legendary 18th-century ruler of Mysore. Modi accused the Congress of protecting the corrupt, adopting a divide-and-rule policy, making false promises and having no agenda other than "abusing Modi." Listing out a string of electoral defeats of the Congress, including those in Maharashtra and Tripura, he said, "From every corner of the country, the Congress has gone". "...And in Karnataka?" he asked the crowd, which said the Congress will be ousted from power in the southern state as well. "Now they cannot survive. No one can save the Congress now. For 70 years they have misled and befooled the people," Modi said, as he continued his campaign blitz across Karnataka where the party is heavily banking on him. The state goes to polls on May 12. The counting of votes will take place on May 15. At his rally in Chitradurga, Modi, while referring to corruption charges against a minister without naming him, said, "The Congress is a party that neither has dil (heart) nor is it pro-Dalit. It is a deal party." Targeting Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, the prime minister said he always keeps character certificates ready in his suitcase. "Whenever an allegation of corruption against a minister is made, he immediately takes out a character certificate, writes the name and tells the people he is honest. "The time has come to bid farewell to the Congress party that is not interested in your welfare. Make it a clean sweep for the BJP and send this chief minister home as he only goes around giving clean chits," Modi told the crowd. Accusing the Congress of sidelining stalwarts like B R Ambedkar and undivided Congress president and former Karnataka chief minister S Nijalingappa, he said the party was interested in promoting only one family and naming "thousands of schemes" after them. At Raichur, he said the Congress' "new mantra is spreading lies". The Congress has realised its "vote bank politics is shaken" and, therefore, it has started a campaign for "misleading and spreading lies" among Dalits, and asked them to be aware, Modi said. The prime minister accused the Congress of not allowing parliament to function because it feared he was "gaining the trust of the people by completing his works successfully one after the other". He said the Karnataka elections were a contest between the Congress' "misdeeds and people's aspirations". "On one side is the BJP with the mantra of 'sab ka saath sab ka vikaas (together with all development for all). On the other side is the Congress party that believes in doing everything for one family," he said. While the BJP was fighting against the corrupt system, the Congress protects the corrupt, he alleged. The BJP was progressing in politics with the"blessings of people", while the Congress was dividing people, creating rift between brothers and following a divide-and-rule policy, Modi said. The prime minister asked the Congress to give an account of its work in Karnataka in the last five years. "From morning till evening they just say Modi, Modi, Modi. Other than abusing Modi in this election is there any agenda for the Congress? The time has come to see off such a Congress party," he said.

Karnataka polls: Modi dubs Congress a 'deal party', says no one can save it

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

BJP President Amit Shah on Saturday said Congress and Pakistan have amazing telepathy.

In a tweet, Shah said, "Congress and Pakistan have amazing telepathy. Yesterday Pakistan Government remembered Tipu Sultan, whose Jayanti Congress marks with fanfare and today Mr. Mani Shankar Aiyar admires Jinnah. Be it Gujarat or Karnataka polls, I fail to understand why Congress involves Pakistan!"

Pakistan on Friday remembered 18th-century ruler Tipu Sultan on his 218th death anniversary.

"Revisiting an important & influential historical figure, Tiger of Mysore - Tipu Sultan on his death anniversary. Right from his early years, he was trained in the art of warfare & had a fascination for learning," tweeted the Pakistani Government.

Though the Pakistan government tweeted about the Mysore ruler on his death anniversary, it has also come at a time when Karnataka is set to witness elections in a week.

Popularly known as Tiger of Mysore, he has become a controversial figure in India, especially since 2015, when the BJP and the Congress engaged in a war of words over the birth anniversary celebrations of Tipu on November 10.

BJP considers the historical figure a `Muslim tyrant` and describes him as `anti-Hindu`, `anti-Karnataka` and `mass murderer`, while the Congress consider him as the first freedom fighter who fought against the British.

Pakistan`s founder Muhammad Ali Jinnah is also in the news in India.

In Aligarh, some groups have protested against the portrait of Pakistan`s founder at the office of Aligarh Muslim University student union`s office.

The matter hit the headlines after Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)`s Aligarh MP Satish Gautam questioned the portrait`s presence in the AMU student union office.

On Thursday, 28 students and 13 cops were injured in a clash which broke out between AMU students and the police.&nbsp

Pakistan on Friday remembered 18th-century ruler Tipu Sultan on his 218th death anniversary.

BJP President Amit Shah on Saturday said Congress and Pakistan have amazing telepathy. In a tweet, Shah said, "Congress and Pakistan have amazing telepathy. Yesterday Pakistan Government remembered Tipu Sultan, whose Jayanti Congress marks with fanfare and today Mr. Mani Shankar Aiyar admires Jinnah. Be it Gujarat or Karnataka polls, I fail to understand why Congress involves Pakistan!" Pakistan on Friday remembered 18th-century ruler Tipu Sultan on his 218th death anniversary. "Revisiting an important & influential historical figure, Tiger of Mysore - Tipu Sultan on his death anniversary. Right from his early years, he was trained in the art of warfare & had a fascination for learning," tweeted the Pakistani Government. Though the Pakistan government tweeted about the Mysore ruler on his death anniversary, it has also come at a time when Karnataka is set to witness elections in a week. Popularly known as Tiger of Mysore, he has become a controversial figure in India, especially since 2015, when the BJP and the Congress engaged in a war of words over the birth anniversary celebrations of Tipu on November 10. BJP considers the historical figure a `Muslim tyrant` and describes him as `anti-Hindu`, `anti-Karnataka` and `mass murderer`, while the Congress consider him as the first freedom fighter who fought against the British. Pakistan`s founder Muhammad Ali Jinnah is also in the news in India. In Aligarh, some groups have protested against the portrait of Pakistan`s founder at the office of Aligarh Muslim University student union`s office. The matter hit the headlines after Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)`s Aligarh MP Satish Gautam questioned the portrait`s presence in the AMU student union office. On Thursday, 28 students and 13 cops were injured in a clash which broke out between AMU students and the police.

Congress and Pakistan have amazing telepathy: Amit Shah

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

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

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

Karnataka elections: Caste arithmetic explained

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

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

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

Congress slams Yeddyurappa for 'threatening' voters

Taking a jibe at the Congress' losing streak in the state assembly elections, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said post-Karnataka polls the grand-old national party will become a regional one called PPP Congress - Punjab, Puducherry and Parivar Congress.

"After the Karnataka results, Congress will become PPP Congress- Punjab, Puducherry and Parivar Congress," the prime minister said at the rally here.

He also added that it is the people of Karnataka, who will make the Congress into a regional party called PPP Congress.

Congress, which was in power in13 states in 2014, now governs only three states and one union territory.

And, if it loses Karnataka too, the party would have presence only in Punjab, Mizoram and Puducherry.

"Congress has lost in Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Goa, Gujarat, Chhattisgarh, UP, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Tripura...people across India have rejected the Congress," Prime Minister Modi.

Intensifying his attack on the ruling party in the state, the prime minister said the Congress government in Karnataka is working only for 'Naamdaars' and not for 'Kaamgaars'.

He even held the ruling party responsible for the "sufferings" of the Khadi and handloom sector and depletion of natural resources in the state.

He branded the Congress as corrupt and asserted that "Corruption is key to the existence of the party."

"Congress is scared of losing Karnataka, the reason is leaders and ministers here have made a huge tank. This tank stores money and a pipeline takes money straight to Delhi. If Karnataka goes, what will happen to the leaders in Delhi," said the Prime Minister.

He even accused the Rahul Gandhi-led party of following "tender system in ticket distribution for the polls."

"Whoever promises to send most money to Delhi, all get the CM-ship in Congress," the Prime Minister alleged.

Invoking the Mahadayi river water dispute, Prime Minister Modi accused the Congress of "misleading the people" in regard to the issue.

The Mahadayi river water dispute is a three-decade-old water-sharing issue among the states of Karnataka, Goa and Maharashtra. The river originates from Karnataka and then flows into Goa and Maharashtra.&nbsp;

Congress, which was in power in13 states in 2014, now governs only three states and one union territory.

Taking a jibe at the Congress' losing streak in the state assembly elections, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said post-Karnataka polls the grand-old national party will become a regional one called PPP Congress - Punjab, Puducherry and Parivar Congress. "After the Karnataka results, Congress will become PPP Congress- Punjab, Puducherry and Parivar Congress," the prime minister said at the rally here. He also added that it is the people of Karnataka, who will make the Congress into a regional party called PPP Congress. Congress, which was in power in13 states in 2014, now governs only three states and one union territory. And, if it loses Karnataka too, the party would have presence only in Punjab, Mizoram and Puducherry. "Congress has lost in Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Goa, Gujarat, Chhattisgarh, UP, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Tripura...people across India have rejected the Congress," Prime Minister Modi. Intensifying his attack on the ruling party in the state, the prime minister said the Congress government in Karnataka is working only for 'Naamdaars' and not for 'Kaamgaars'. He even held the ruling party responsible for the "sufferings" of the Khadi and handloom sector and depletion of natural resources in the state. He branded the Congress as corrupt and asserted that "Corruption is key to the existence of the party." "Congress is scared of losing Karnataka, the reason is leaders and ministers here have made a huge tank. This tank stores money and a pipeline takes money straight to Delhi. If Karnataka goes, what will happen to the leaders in Delhi," said the Prime Minister. He even accused the Rahul Gandhi-led party of following "tender system in ticket distribution for the polls." "Whoever promises to send most money to Delhi, all get the CM-ship in Congress," the Prime Minister alleged. Invoking the Mahadayi river water dispute, Prime Minister Modi accused the Congress of "misleading the people" in regard to the issue. The Mahadayi river water dispute is a three-decade-old water-sharing issue among the states of Karnataka, Goa and Maharashtra. The river originates from Karnataka and then flows into Goa and Maharashtra.

Post Karnataka polls, Congress will become PPP Congress: PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Saturday that the Congress and Janata Dal (Secular) pretend to fight each other but are actually in "tacit alliance".

Addressing his first of the four rallies of the day here, Prime Minister Modi said the H.D. Deve Gowda-led party is working towards saving the Congress in Karnataka.

"People of Karnataka need to know the tacit alliance between Congress and JD(S)...they pretend to fight as opponents in Karnataka, but, in Bengaluru, the JD(S) supported a Congress mayor, who is sitting in the office. What is the deal between these two parties," the Prime Minister said here.

Further intensifying his attack on the ruling party in the state, the prime minister said for years the Congress kept on reiterating "Gareeb, Gareeb, Gareeb" but nothing came out of their 'rhetoric'.

He said the Congress has only made empty promises to the farmers, however, in reality, their "negligence towards the agriculture sector is very well known".

"I wish they were serious about the welfare of the farmers," he added.

Questioning the Rahul Gandhi-led party, Prime Minister said the former never did anything to solve the problem of water in Tumakuru.

"Why are the people of Tumakuru not getting water from the Hemavati River? The Congress government lacks concern for the farmers," Prime Minister said.

Prime Minister Modi said his government has worked on irrigation projects on which no work had happened for 30 years.

He said the Centre is also mulling on ways to increase coconut exports, which was never thought about by the Congress.

"Resources have been allocated for Tumakuru's development under Smart Cities project. These resources are aimed at transforming Tumakuru but the state government prefers to loot money rather than work for people's welfare," Prime Minister Modi.

Prime Minister Modi added that he has initiated a full-fledged battle against corruption and black money and will not tolerate any corrupt practices.

Questioning the Rahul Gandhi-led party, Prime Minister said the former never did anything to solve the problem of water in Tumakuru

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Saturday that the Congress and Janata Dal (Secular) pretend to fight each other but are actually in "tacit alliance". Addressing his first of the four rallies of the day here, Prime Minister Modi said the H.D. Deve Gowda-led party is working towards saving the Congress in Karnataka. "People of Karnataka need to know the tacit alliance between Congress and JD(S)...they pretend to fight as opponents in Karnataka, but, in Bengaluru, the JD(S) supported a Congress mayor, who is sitting in the office. What is the deal between these two parties," the Prime Minister said here. Further intensifying his attack on the ruling party in the state, the prime minister said for years the Congress kept on reiterating "Gareeb, Gareeb, Gareeb" but nothing came out of their 'rhetoric'. He said the Congress has only made empty promises to the farmers, however, in reality, their "negligence towards the agriculture sector is very well known". "I wish they were serious about the welfare of the farmers," he added. Questioning the Rahul Gandhi-led party, Prime Minister said the former never did anything to solve the problem of water in Tumakuru. "Why are the people of Tumakuru not getting water from the Hemavati River? The Congress government lacks concern for the farmers," Prime Minister said. Prime Minister Modi said his government has worked on irrigation projects on which no work had happened for 30 years. He said the Centre is also mulling on ways to increase coconut exports, which was never thought about by the Congress. "Resources have been allocated for Tumakuru's development under Smart Cities project. These resources are aimed at transforming Tumakuru but the state government prefers to loot money rather than work for people's welfare," Prime Minister Modi. Prime Minister Modi added that he has initiated a full-fledged battle against corruption and black money and will not tolerate any corrupt practices.

Congress, JD(S) pretend to fight each other but are in 'tacit alliance': PM Modi

The BJP released its<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/bjp-gives-women-equal-opportunity-highlights-from-pm-modis-address-to-karnataka-bjps-women-workers-134522"> manifesto for the Karnataka </a>elections today targetting farmers and women.

The manifesto promised 1 per cent loans upto 1 lakh for women entrepreneurs. The BJP vision statement said 1,000 farmers to be taken to Isreal for Agricultural scholarships.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/karnataka-elections-strengths-and-weaknesses-of-key-parties-134561">Karnataka elections: Strengths and weaknesses of key parties</a>

Announcing the manifesto release, former Karnataka CM BS Yeddyurappa said: "Welfare of farmers has always been our priority," adding,"we will allocate Rs 1,50,000 crore for various irrigation projects in Karnataka and ensure water reaches to every field in the state."

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Bengaluru: BJP's CM candidate BS Yeddyurappa, Union Minister Prakash Javadekar & other leaders launch the party's manifesto for <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KarnatakaElections2018?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KarnatakaElections2018</a> <a href="https://t.co/LLCxlB3CTm">pic.twitter.com/LLCxlB3CTm</a>
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The party has also decided to waive off loans&nbsp;upto 1 lakh for farmers if it comes to power in the state.

The manifesto promised "free smartphones" for women in below poverty line(BPL) families including Rs 25,000 gold and mangalasutra.

The party said it will set up 10,000 crore Stree Unnati&nbsp;(Women Development) Fund, one of the largest women run cooperatives, and will also establish Stree Unnati stores to market products.

The BJP also said it would open Annapurna canteens across the state where subsidized food will be served.

The manifesto said the BJP will develop 6 incubators and co-working spaces for startups in Hubballi, Bengaluru, Raichur, Mysuru, Mangaluru and Kalaburgi

Raitha Bandhu Department to be set up under the CMO to monitor implementation of schemes, the BJP announced.

The party also proposed Rs 5.000 crore Raitha Bandhu Market Intervention Fund to be set up to insulate farmers and will launch Mukhya Mantri Raitha Suraksha Vime Yojana to provide accidental insurance cover of upto&nbsp;Rs 2 lakh

<iframe allow="autoplay encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/pCpfcD2UOT0" width="560"></iframe>

The manifesto promised 1 per cent loans upto 1 lakh for women entrepreneurs.

The BJP released its manifesto for the Karnataka elections today targetting farmers and women. The manifesto promised 1 per cent loans upto 1 lakh for women entrepreneurs. The BJP vision statement said 1,000 farmers to be taken to Isreal for Agricultural scholarships. Karnataka elections: Strengths and weaknesses of key parties Announcing the manifesto release, former Karnataka CM BS Yeddyurappa said: "Welfare of farmers has always been our priority," adding,"we will allocate Rs 1,50,000 crore for various irrigation projects in Karnataka and ensure water reaches to every field in the state." Bengaluru: BJP's CM candidate BS Yeddyurappa, Union Minister Prakash Javadekar & other leaders launch the party's manifesto for #KarnatakaElections2018 pic.twitter.com/LLCxlB3CTm — ANI (@ANI) May 4, 2018 × The party has also decided to waive off loans upto 1 lakh for farmers if it comes to power in the state. The manifesto promised "free smartphones" for women in below poverty line(BPL) families including Rs 25,000 gold and mangalasutra. The party said it will set up 10,000 crore Stree Unnati (Women Development) Fund, one of the largest women run cooperatives, and will also establish Stree Unnati stores to market products. The BJP also said it would open Annapurna canteens across the state where subsidized food will be served. The manifesto said the BJP will develop 6 incubators and co-working spaces for startups in Hubballi, Bengaluru, Raichur, Mysuru, Mangaluru and Kalaburgi Raitha Bandhu Department to be set up under the CMO to monitor implementation of schemes, the BJP announced. The party also proposed Rs 5.000 crore Raitha Bandhu Market Intervention Fund to be set up to insulate farmers and will launch Mukhya Mantri Raitha Suraksha Vime Yojana to provide accidental insurance cover of upto Rs 2 lakh

BJP releases Karnataka election manifesto, targets women & farmers

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

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

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

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

Hitting out at the BJP`s Karnataka manifesto, Congress President Rahul Gandhi on Friday said that it had nothing unique to offer voters.

"New Book Review! The BJP Karnataka Manifesto, inspired by Narendra Modi, is a poorly crafted fantasy built around a weak plot, that has nothing unique to offer voters.

"If you`ve read the Congress Manifesto, don`t waste your time on this one," he tweeted.

With an eye on returning to power in Karnataka, the BJP on Friday released its manifesto for the Assembly elections, promising free smartphones to poor women, free laptops to students entering college and visits to China and Israel by farmers.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
New Book Review! 
 
The BJP Karnataka Manifesto, inspired by Narendra Modi, is a poorly crafted fantasy built around a weak plot, that has nothing unique to offer voters. If you've read the Congress Manifesto, don't waste your time on this one. 
 
Rating: 1/5 ⭐ 
Recommendation:Avoid
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) <a href="https://twitter.com/RahulGandhi/status/992354462017703936?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 4, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

"If you`ve read the Congress Manifesto, don`t waste your time on this one," he tweeted.

Hitting out at the BJP`s Karnataka manifesto, Congress President Rahul Gandhi on Friday said that it had nothing unique to offer voters. "New Book Review! The BJP Karnataka Manifesto, inspired by Narendra Modi, is a poorly crafted fantasy built around a weak plot, that has nothing unique to offer voters. "If you`ve read the Congress Manifesto, don`t waste your time on this one," he tweeted. With an eye on returning to power in Karnataka, the BJP on Friday released its manifesto for the Assembly elections, promising free smartphones to poor women, free laptops to students entering college and visits to China and Israel by farmers. New Book Review! The BJP Karnataka Manifesto, inspired by Narendra Modi, is a poorly crafted fantasy built around a weak plot, that has nothing unique to offer voters. If you've read the Congress Manifesto, don't waste your time on this one. Rating: 1/5 ⭐ Recommendation:Avoid — Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) May 4, 2018 ×

BJP's manifesto is poorly crafted fantasy: Rahul Gandhi

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Congress without power is like fish out of water: PM Narendra Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday held the Congress government in Karnataka responsible for "political violence that led to the death of several BJP cadres" in the state.

Prime Minister Modi assailed Congress party in his Belagavi speech.&nbsp;

He said that the Congress party, when out of power, is like a fish without water.&nbsp;

Recalling the period of Emergency, Modi said that Congress was the first to assault the Constitution, just to ensure that they remain in power.&nbsp;

Siddaramaiah:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/siddaramaiah-janata-parivar-veteran-and-congresss-best-bet-in-karnataka-polls-133957">Janata Parivar veteran and Congress's best bet in Karnataka polls</a>

B S Yeddyurappa:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/b-s-yeddyurappa-karnatakas-lingayat-strongman-bjp-is-pinning-its-hope-on-133936">Karnataka's Lingayat strongman BJP is pinning its hope on</a>

"Congress is jealous because it was our government that got the majority and a person for humble background became the prime minister," Modi said. And that is why "they are spreading lies, dividing people on the grounds of caste," he added. &nbsp;

"It is extremely shameful that the Congress government allowed violence in the state and several BJP workers were murdered. The Congress must provide an answer to the rising crime," Modi told a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) rally.

"I urge people of Karnataka to fulfil Mahatma Gandhi Ji's wish of disbanding the Congress party. Now, its Karnataka's turn and you should grab this opportunity," Modi said in his speech.&nbsp;

Speaking in Belagavi, Modi said that many take pride in calling themselves political pundits and they attempt to analyze elections every time.&nbsp;

"Earlier too attempts were made to analyse elections and these people said that it will be a hung House in 2014 Lok Sabha polls. Again, similar lies were repeated. But mark my words, every time you hear the poll pundits rambling about a hung house it means that the Congress is up for a massive defeat. This is just a way to defend Congress," Modi said.&nbsp;

PM Modi has ended his address with a mix of Kannada and Marathi. Remember, Belagavi district borders Maharashtra and has a significant Marathi language speaking population.

The BJP is contesting all 224 Assembly seats to return to power.&nbsp;

Recalling the period of Emergency, Modi said that Congress was the first to assault the Constitution, just to ensure that they remain in power.

Congress without power is like fish out of water: PM Narendra Modi Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday held the Congress government in Karnataka responsible for "political violence that led to the death of several BJP cadres" in the state. Prime Minister Modi assailed Congress party in his Belagavi speech. He said that the Congress party, when out of power, is like a fish without water. Recalling the period of Emergency, Modi said that Congress was the first to assault the Constitution, just to ensure that they remain in power. Siddaramaiah: Janata Parivar veteran and Congress's best bet in Karnataka polls B S Yeddyurappa: Karnataka's Lingayat strongman BJP is pinning its hope on "Congress is jealous because it was our government that got the majority and a person for humble background became the prime minister," Modi said. And that is why "they are spreading lies, dividing people on the grounds of caste," he added. "It is extremely shameful that the Congress government allowed violence in the state and several BJP workers were murdered. The Congress must provide an answer to the rising crime," Modi told a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) rally. "I urge people of Karnataka to fulfil Mahatma Gandhi Ji's wish of disbanding the Congress party. Now, its Karnataka's turn and you should grab this opportunity," Modi said in his speech. Speaking in Belagavi, Modi said that many take pride in calling themselves political pundits and they attempt to analyze elections every time. "Earlier too attempts were made to analyse elections and these people said that it will be a hung House in 2014 Lok Sabha polls. Again, similar lies were repeated. But mark my words, every time you hear the poll pundits rambling about a hung house it means that the Congress is up for a massive defeat. This is just a way to defend Congress," Modi said. PM Modi has ended his address with a mix of Kannada and Marathi. Remember, Belagavi district borders Maharashtra and has a significant Marathi language speaking population. The BJP is contesting all 224 Assembly seats to return to power.

Congress without power is like fish out of water: PM Narendra Modi

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

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

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

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

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing his second rally of the day in Karnataka, once again went on the offensive against the Congress.&nbsp;

"We are talking about enhancing 'ease of doing business' in the country, but Congress believes in 'ease of doing murder'," he said.&nbsp;

"This is the culture they have developed," he added.&nbsp;

"Violence cannot exist in a democracy. It is shameful how BJP karyakartas were murdered in Karnataka. The Congress must answer on increasing crimes," Modi said.&nbsp;

Modi was speaking at Udupi. He had earlier in the day addressed a rally at Mysuru. He will after his address another rally in Chikkodi.

Modi's campaign blitzkrieg will include 12 more rallies in Karnataka until May 8.

The state goes to the polls on May 12, with the results out on May 15.&nbsp;

In Udupi, Modi promised the people of Karnataka&nbsp;"development" in return for their "love".&nbsp;

"Your enthusiasm is proof that you've made up your mind to punish the Congress party," he said.&nbsp;

"Your love is such that language cannot act as a barrier between us. I will not let your hard work go in vain. I will return this love in the form of development," he added.&nbsp;

Siddaramaiah: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/siddaramaiah-janata-parivar-veteran-and-congresss-best-bet-in-karnataka-polls-133957">Janata Parivar veteran and Congress's best bet in Karnataka polls</a>

BS Yeddyurappa: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/b-s-yeddyurappa-karnatakas-lingayat-strongman-bjp-is-pinning-its-hope-on-133936">Karnataka's Lingayat strongman BJP is pinning its hope on</a>

The Congress, Modi said, promotes violence and intolerance. "There can be nothing worse than the&nbsp;attack on the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/karnataka-lokayukta-justice-vishwanath-shetty-stabbed-attacker-arrested-34982">Lokayukta</a>," he said.&nbsp;

Modi accused Karnataka's Congress government of shielding the sand mafia. "Those who loot cannot be allowed to remain in power. They must go," he said.&nbsp;

Adding that "atkana, latkana and bhatkana&nbsp;has become the habit of the Congress".&nbsp;

"Government opened bank accounts for the poor. Over 31 crores accounts have been opened under Jan Dhan Yojana. If Congress had ensured their bank accounts, the poor would have contributed so much to the economy," Modi said.&nbsp;

Hitting a softer note, he said: "There might be political differences between parties but civility and respect should be maintained. Whenever former PM Deve Gowda Ji visits me in Delhi I always welcome him with respect and always give him time."&nbsp;&nbsp;

Before going on the offensive again and saying, "The way Rahul Gandhi talked about him recently is shameful."&nbsp;&nbsp;

Modi had attacked Rahul in the morning too, in his address in Mysuru.&nbsp;

"Can <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/can-rahul-gandhi-speak-for-15-minutes-pm-modi-at-karnataka-rally-133953">Rahul speak for 15 minutes</a> without the help of a paper?"&nbsp;Modi had asked then. The comment was a riposte to the Congress President challenging Modi to a 15-minute debate.&nbsp;&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

'Violence cannot exist in a democracy. It is shameful how BJP karyakartas were murdered in Karnataka. The Congress must answer on increasing crimes,' Modi said

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing his second rally of the day in Karnataka, once again went on the offensive against the Congress. "We are talking about enhancing 'ease of doing business' in the country, but Congress believes in 'ease of doing murder'," he said. "This is the culture they have developed," he added. "Violence cannot exist in a democracy. It is shameful how BJP karyakartas were murdered in Karnataka. The Congress must answer on increasing crimes," Modi said. Modi was speaking at Udupi. He had earlier in the day addressed a rally at Mysuru. He will after his address another rally in Chikkodi. Modi's campaign blitzkrieg will include 12 more rallies in Karnataka until May 8. The state goes to the polls on May 12, with the results out on May 15. In Udupi, Modi promised the people of Karnataka "development" in return for their "love". "Your enthusiasm is proof that you've made up your mind to punish the Congress party," he said. "Your love is such that language cannot act as a barrier between us. I will not let your hard work go in vain. I will return this love in the form of development," he added. Siddaramaiah: Janata Parivar veteran and Congress's best bet in Karnataka polls BS Yeddyurappa: Karnataka's Lingayat strongman BJP is pinning its hope on The Congress, Modi said, promotes violence and intolerance. "There can be nothing worse than the attack on the Lokayukta," he said. Modi accused Karnataka's Congress government of shielding the sand mafia. "Those who loot cannot be allowed to remain in power. They must go," he said. Adding that "atkana, latkana and bhatkana has become the habit of the Congress". "Government opened bank accounts for the poor. Over 31 crores accounts have been opened under Jan Dhan Yojana. If Congress had ensured their bank accounts, the poor would have contributed so much to the economy," Modi said. Hitting a softer note, he said: "There might be political differences between parties but civility and respect should be maintained. Whenever former PM Deve Gowda Ji visits me in Delhi I always welcome him with respect and always give him time." Before going on the offensive again and saying, "The way Rahul Gandhi talked about him recently is shameful." Modi had attacked Rahul in the morning too, in his address in Mysuru. "Can Rahul speak for 15 minutes without the help of a paper?" Modi had asked then. The comment was a riposte to the Congress President challenging Modi to a 15-minute debate.

Govt talks of 'ease of doing business', Congress believes in 'ease of doing murder': Modi in Karnataka's Udupi

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Congress President Rahul Gandhi will address a public rally at the Ramlila Ground here on Sunday to showcase 'Jan Aakrosh' (public outrage) over alleged failures and corruption of the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government.

This rally will be Gandhi's first in Delhi since assuming the post of Congress president.

The rally comes ahead of the Karnataka Assembly elections, which will take place on May 12.

Former Congress president Sonia Gandhi, former prime minister Manmohan Singh, prominent leaders like Ghulam Nabi Azad and others will also address the rally.

According to reports, key issues related to farmers, women, national security, CBSE paper leaks, etc. would be raised at the rally.

The rally comes ahead of the Karnataka Assembly elections, which will take place on May 12.

Congress President Rahul Gandhi will address a public rally at the Ramlila Ground here on Sunday to showcase 'Jan Aakrosh' (public outrage) over alleged failures and corruption of the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government. This rally will be Gandhi's first in Delhi since assuming the post of Congress president. The rally comes ahead of the Karnataka Assembly elections, which will take place on May 12. Former Congress president Sonia Gandhi, former prime minister Manmohan Singh, prominent leaders like Ghulam Nabi Azad and others will also address the rally. According to reports, key issues related to farmers, women, national security, CBSE paper leaks, etc. would be raised at the rally.

Rahul Gandhi to address 'Jan Aakrosh' rally in Delhi today

A journalist of a TV news channel, who was covering Congress president Rahul Gandhi's Jan Aakrosh Rally at Ramlila Maidan here on Sunday, was allegedly heckled by Congress supporters.

The journalist was reporting about the apparent shortfall in the crowd by showing empty seats at the rally.

Spokesperson and Co-Head of the Media Department for Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) Delhi unit, Praveen S. Kapoor, took to Twitter to highlight the incident.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/INCIndia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@INCIndia</a> Goons Misbehaving With A <a href="https://twitter.com/JK247News?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JK247News</a> Journalist <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TabishKalam?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TabishKalam</a> Who Was Focussing on <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NoCrowd?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NoCrowd</a> at <a href="https://twitter.com/RahulGandhi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RahulGandhi</a>'s Rally at <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RamlilaMaidanDelhi?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RamlilaMaidanDelhi</a> 
 
Congress Leaders including <a href="https://twitter.com/ajaymaken?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ajaymaken</a> Should <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Appologise?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Appologise</a> to Journalist<a href="https://twitter.com/TajinderBagga?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TajinderBagga</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/HarishKhuranna?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@HarishKhuranna</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/BJP4Delhi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BJP4Delhi</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/PTI_News?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PTI_News</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ANI</a> <a href="https://t.co/Tbj0q7HVmH">pic.twitter.com/Tbj0q7HVmH</a>
— Praveen S. Kapoor (@praveenskapoor) <a href="https://twitter.com/praveenskapoor/status/990554987393683456?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 29, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Rahul earlier today, addressed a public rally to portray the 'Jan Aakrosh' (public outrage) over the alleged failures and corruption of the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government.

The rally, which comes ahead of the Karnataka Assembly elections scheduled for May 12, was Rahul's first in Delhi since assuming the post of Congress chief.

Sonia Gandhi concluded her address by saying, “Janata humara saath dene ko taiyyar hai (People are ready to support us).”

This Jan Aakrosh rally, however, has handed an inbuilt caveat to Rahul Gandhi. His success in the forthcoming elections will depend on his ability to turn this anger into votes. If this doesn’t happen this ‘public anger rally’ will become just another futile road show like so many others in the past.

(With inputs from ANI)

The journalist was reporting about the apparent shortfall in the crowd by showing empty seats at the rally.

A journalist of a TV news channel, who was covering Congress president Rahul Gandhi's Jan Aakrosh Rally at Ramlila Maidan here on Sunday, was allegedly heckled by Congress supporters. The journalist was reporting about the apparent shortfall in the crowd by showing empty seats at the rally. Spokesperson and Co-Head of the Media Department for Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) Delhi unit, Praveen S. Kapoor, took to Twitter to highlight the incident. @INCIndia Goons Misbehaving With A @JK247News Journalist #TabishKalam Who Was Focussing on #NoCrowd at @RahulGandhi's Rally at #RamlilaMaidanDelhi Congress Leaders including @ajaymaken Should #Appologise to Journalist@TajinderBagga @HarishKhuranna @BJP4Delhi @PTI_News @ANI pic.twitter.com/Tbj0q7HVmH — Praveen S. Kapoor (@praveenskapoor) April 29, 2018 × Rahul earlier today, addressed a public rally to portray the 'Jan Aakrosh' (public outrage) over the alleged failures and corruption of the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government. The rally, which comes ahead of the Karnataka Assembly elections scheduled for May 12, was Rahul's first in Delhi since assuming the post of Congress chief. Sonia Gandhi concluded her address by saying, “Janata humara saath dene ko taiyyar hai (People are ready to support us).” This Jan Aakrosh rally, however, has handed an inbuilt caveat to Rahul Gandhi. His success in the forthcoming elections will depend on his ability to turn this anger into votes. If this doesn’t happen this ‘public anger rally’ will become just another futile road show like so many others in the past. (With inputs from ANI)

Journalist reporting crowd shortfall at Jan Aakrosh rally heckled

US President Donald on Saturday threatened to shut down the federal government in September if Congress did not provide more funding to build a wall on the border with Mexico.

"That wall has started, we have 1.6 billion (dollars)," Trump said at a campaign rally in Washington, Michigan.

"We come up again on September 28th and if we don't get border security we will have no choice, we will close down the country because we need border security."

Trump made a similar threat in March to push for changes in immigration law that he says would prevent criminals from entering the country. The government briefly shut down in January over immigration.

A $1.3 trillion spending bill, which Trump signed last month, will keep the government funded through the end of September. A government shutdown ahead of the November mid-elections is unlikely to be supported by his fellow Republicans who are keen to keep control of the US&nbsp;Congress.

Trump cited the hundreds of Central American migrants travelling in a "caravan" as one of the reasons for strong border security.

"Watch the caravan, watch how sad and terrible it is, including for those people and the crime that they inflict on themselves and that others inflict on them," said Trump.

"It's a horrible dangerous journey for them and they come up because they know once they can get here they can walk right into our country."

Migrants, who include women and children, have said they fled their homes in Guatemala, El Salvador and Honduras because of death threats from gangs, the murder of family members or political persecution.

"That wall has started, we have 1.6 billion (dollars)," Trump said at a campaign rally in Washington, Michigan.

US President Donald on Saturday threatened to shut down the federal government in September if Congress did not provide more funding to build a wall on the border with Mexico. "That wall has started, we have 1.6 billion (dollars)," Trump said at a campaign rally in Washington, Michigan. "We come up again on September 28th and if we don't get border security we will have no choice, we will close down the country because we need border security." Trump made a similar threat in March to push for changes in immigration law that he says would prevent criminals from entering the country. The government briefly shut down in January over immigration. A $1.3 trillion spending bill, which Trump signed last month, will keep the government funded through the end of September. A government shutdown ahead of the November mid-elections is unlikely to be supported by his fellow Republicans who are keen to keep control of the US Congress. Trump cited the hundreds of Central American migrants travelling in a "caravan" as one of the reasons for strong border security. "Watch the caravan, watch how sad and terrible it is, including for those people and the crime that they inflict on themselves and that others inflict on them," said Trump. "It's a horrible dangerous journey for them and they come up because they know once they can get here they can walk right into our country." Migrants, who include women and children, have said they fled their homes in Guatemala, El Salvador and Honduras because of death threats from gangs, the murder of family members or political persecution.

Trump threatens government shutdown in September if no funding for wall

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

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

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

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

The Congress today again demanded the removal of Union minister Piyush Goyal, alleging that financial deals of a company owned by him were a murky saga of gratification, gross impropriety and conflict of interest", charges dismissed as "baseless and malicious" by the BJP.

Congress leader Pawan Khera claimed that four months after holding the portfolio of New and Renewable Energy, Goyal sold his entire holding in Flashnet Info Solutions (India) Limited, owned by him and his wife, at nearly 1000 per cent premium to a company of Piramal group which has interests in the renewable energy sector.

He alleged that Goyal did not disclose this in his assets made public on the PMO website soon after becoming a minister and this was a "clear case of conflict of interest".

Khera during a press briefing said this was a "murky saga of gratification, gross impropriety and conflict of interest involving one of the senior most Cabinet ministers of the Modi government .

"Prime Minister Narendra Modi gives sermons of 'na khaunga, na khane doonga'. Will the Prime Minister answer as to why are former BJP's treasurer and his favourite Cabinet minister as also Karnataka in-charge Piyush Goyal and his wife intertwined in a murky web of financial dealings. Will he answer that to the people of India" he asked.

Reacting to the allegations, the BJP in a statement said, "In the last month, the Congress party made Piyush Goyal a target by hurling malicious allegations against his bona fide business dealings to insinuate wrongdoings and irregularity. The modus operandi of the attack has been to gain cheap political mileage by indulging in a baseless campaign against him with no sound facts to back them but with the only intention of creating false controversies."

It also pointed out that the facts exposed the Congress for blatant misrepresentations using falsehoods and malicious propaganda against the minister who was carrying out his professional work through his companies, which were also holding his investments, prior to his becoming minister in May 2014.

"He stopped all professional/ business activities the day he became a minister, resigned from all directorships and started the process of selling all his investments," it said.

The Congress leader alleged that though the net worth of ?Flashnet Info Solutions (India) Limited' (even 6 months after the sale, according to statutory filings pertaining to the financial year ending March 2015) is only Rs. 10.9 crore, the company filings of

"Piramal Estates Private Limited' reflect that a whopping Rs.48 crore was provided to Goyal Family owned shares in ?Flashnet Info Solutions (India) Limited, which translates into a astronomical price of Rs.9,586 per share.

The BJP, however, said that the "sale of Flashnet shares took place in July 2014 before the declaration of assets and liabilities was submitted on July 25, 2014 and not on September 29, 2014 as falsely alleged by the Congress".

The BJP said that Goyal was being targetted to divert attention from the series of scandals of its leaders for which they have no answers.

"Congress has nothing to attack the Narendra Modi government and its leaders and is resorting to manufacturing controversies using malicious falsehoods which are completely baseless," it said.

Pawan Khera alleged that Goyal did not disclose this in his assets made public on the PMO website soon after becoming a minister and this was a 'clear case of conflict of interest'

The Congress today again demanded the removal of Union minister Piyush Goyal, alleging that financial deals of a company owned by him were a murky saga of gratification, gross impropriety and conflict of interest", charges dismissed as "baseless and malicious" by the BJP. Congress leader Pawan Khera claimed that four months after holding the portfolio of New and Renewable Energy, Goyal sold his entire holding in Flashnet Info Solutions (India) Limited, owned by him and his wife, at nearly 1000 per cent premium to a company of Piramal group which has interests in the renewable energy sector. He alleged that Goyal did not disclose this in his assets made public on the PMO website soon after becoming a minister and this was a "clear case of conflict of interest". Khera during a press briefing said this was a "murky saga of gratification, gross impropriety and conflict of interest involving one of the senior most Cabinet ministers of the Modi government . "Prime Minister Narendra Modi gives sermons of 'na khaunga, na khane doonga'. Will the Prime Minister answer as to why are former BJP's treasurer and his favourite Cabinet minister as also Karnataka in-charge Piyush Goyal and his wife intertwined in a murky web of financial dealings. Will he answer that to the people of India" he asked. Reacting to the allegations, the BJP in a statement said, "In the last month, the Congress party made Piyush Goyal a target by hurling malicious allegations against his bona fide business dealings to insinuate wrongdoings and irregularity. The modus operandi of the attack has been to gain cheap political mileage by indulging in a baseless campaign against him with no sound facts to back them but with the only intention of creating false controversies." It also pointed out that the facts exposed the Congress for blatant misrepresentations using falsehoods and malicious propaganda against the minister who was carrying out his professional work through his companies, which were also holding his investments, prior to his becoming minister in May 2014. "He stopped all professional/ business activities the day he became a minister, resigned from all directorships and started the process of selling all his investments," it said. The Congress leader alleged that though the net worth of ?Flashnet Info Solutions (India) Limited' (even 6 months after the sale, according to statutory filings pertaining to the financial year ending March 2015) is only Rs. 10.9 crore, the company filings of "Piramal Estates Private Limited' reflect that a whopping Rs.48 crore was provided to Goyal Family owned shares in ?Flashnet Info Solutions (India) Limited, which translates into a astronomical price of Rs.9,586 per share. The BJP, however, said that the "sale of Flashnet shares took place in July 2014 before the declaration of assets and liabilities was submitted on July 25, 2014 and not on September 29, 2014 as falsely alleged by the Congress". The BJP said that Goyal was being targetted to divert attention from the series of scandals of its leaders for which they have no answers. "Congress has nothing to attack the Narendra Modi government and its leaders and is resorting to manufacturing controversies using malicious falsehoods which are completely baseless," it said.

Congress targets Piyush Goyal again, demands his removal

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on Thursday clarified that the technical snag during Congress President <a href="http://cmsuat.wionews.com/india-news/after-rahul-gandhis-plane-develops-technical-snag-congress-demands-probe-citing-suspicion--133116">Rahul Gandhi's flight</a> to Hubli is common, reports said.

The DGA issued the clarification after the Congress hinted at intentional tampering with Rahul Gandhi's special flight from New Delhi to Hubli on Thursday morning and lodged a police complaint in this regard.

"It was snag of autopilot mode and pilot shifted to manual mode and landed safely. Such autopilot incidents are not uncommon," the DGCA said in a statement.

It added that for any VIP flight, the DGCA examines all the issues in details and will do the same in this case also.

Earlier, Rahul Gandhi's aide Kaushal Vidyarthee sent a complaint letter to Karnataka Director General of Police and Inspector General of Police Neelamani N. Raju and demanded to investigate the incident and ground the aircraft till the investigation is completed.

The complainant said that several "unexplained technical errors" happened during the course of the two-hour morning flight and demanded a thorough investigation.

"Serious questions related to intentional tampering with the aircraft cannot also be brushed aside and are required to be addressed and investigated," the complainant demanded.&nbsp;

The DGA issued the clarification after the Congress hinted at intentional tampering with Rahul Gandhi's special flight from New Delhi to Hubli on Thursday morning and lodged a police complaint in this regard.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on Thursday clarified that the technical snag during Congress President Rahul Gandhi's flight to Hubli is common, reports said. The DGA issued the clarification after the Congress hinted at intentional tampering with Rahul Gandhi's special flight from New Delhi to Hubli on Thursday morning and lodged a police complaint in this regard. "It was snag of autopilot mode and pilot shifted to manual mode and landed safely. Such autopilot incidents are not uncommon," the DGCA said in a statement. It added that for any VIP flight, the DGCA examines all the issues in details and will do the same in this case also. Earlier, Rahul Gandhi's aide Kaushal Vidyarthee sent a complaint letter to Karnataka Director General of Police and Inspector General of Police Neelamani N. Raju and demanded to investigate the incident and ground the aircraft till the investigation is completed. The complainant said that several "unexplained technical errors" happened during the course of the two-hour morning flight and demanded a thorough investigation. "Serious questions related to intentional tampering with the aircraft cannot also be brushed aside and are required to be addressed and investigated," the complainant demanded.

DGCA terms technical snag during Rahul Gandhi's flight as 'common'

The Congress on Thursday accused the government of seeking to appoint its "own people" in higher judiciary and claimed that the independence of the judiciary was in "danger" after the Centre turned down a Supreme Court collegium proposal to elevate Justice K M Joseph to the top court.

The government returned the recommendation of the Supreme Court collegium, saying Justice Joseph's promotion may not be "appropriate" and needs to be reconsidered. The government decision evoked sharp reactions from the legal fraternity and opposition parties.

The Congress urged the judiciary to speak in one voice to state "enough is enough".

The CPI(M) sought President Ram Nath Kovind's intervention in the matter to ensure that the laid-out procedure in the selection of judges is followed and the collegium's recommendation to elevate Justice Joseph to the Supreme Court is cleared.

"Indian judiciary is in danger. And if our judiciary is not united to protect its independence, then democracy is in danger," senior Congress leader Kapil Sibal told reporters.

"This is a huge loss for the litigant. We want to know as to who will stand up for judicial independence. Will the judiciary speak in one voice that enough is enough," he said.

Sibal said if the Supreme Court thinks no one is more competent than Justice Joseph, then how can the government raise a finger.

"They (the government) want to pack High Courts with their own people," he alleged, adding that it seems the government does not want to appoint Justice Joseph to the Supreme Court.

He said that there are 410 vacancies of judges across the country, out of the total approved strength of 1079 judges.

The Congress leader also read out the Supreme Court collegium decision of January 10 which said, "The collegium considers that at present Justice K M Joseph is more deserving and suitable than other judges of High courts to be appointed as SC judge."

Wondering what was holding up Justice Joseph's appointment, Senior Congress leader P Chidambaram asked whether it was his state, religion or the judgement that he delivered in the Uttarakhand case.

He also asked whether the Modi government was above the law as the recommendation of the Supreme Court collegium was binding on the appointment of judges.

Congress's communications in-charge Randeep Surjewala accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of indulging in "revenge politics" by "refusing" to clear Justice Joseph's elevation.

The judiciary is under the ?most vicious attack ever" and "totalitarianism will stump democracy" if the nation does not rise now, Surjewala alleged.

"PM Modi's 'revenge politics' qua judiciary and 'conspiratorial suffocation' of Supreme Court exposed again," he said on Twitter.

Asserting that Justice Joseph was the senior most chief justice in the country, Surjewala said, "Yet Modi Government refuses to clear his elevation to SC as retribution for quashing presidential rule in Uttarakhand".

Asked about Law minister Ravi Shankar Prasad citing problems in the past on appointment of SC/ST judges, Sibal said, "They are very concerned about SC/STs now, is it because Karnataka election is on. Why did they not think of SC/STs for the last four years? In last 4 years, which SC/ST Judge they have recommended."

"Even now, why are they worried. Why give spurious, illogical, ill-thought reasons. If you do not want to appoint somebody, have the courage to say I will not appoint him. Why sort of try to make a fool of the public," he said.

On the BJP charge that judges were superceded by former prime minister Indira Gandhi, Sibal said, "I want to ask Ravi Shankar Prasad, will you do the same. Are your intentions the same? If you have to move forward, then you must look forward."

Dealing a major blow to the Modi government, a bench headed by Uttarakhand High Court Chief Justice Joseph in 2016 had quashed the imposition of President's rule in the state and had revived the Congress government headed by Harish Rawat.

Modiji shredded Parliamentary privileges and supremacy. He road-rolled independent media. Democracy's last refuge ie Judiciary is now under most vicious attack ever. If the nation doesn't rise in unison now, totalitarianism will stump democracy"&nbsp;Surjewala tweeted.

He accused the government of being a "habitual offender" of trashing "judicial integrity" and the "constitutional supremacy" of institutions.

In June 2014, the government refused to clear noted jurist Gopal Subramaniam's name for elevation to the Supreme Court as he was a lawyer against Amit Shah and Co, the Congress leader alleged.

The Congress on Thursday accused the government of seeking to appoint its "own people" in higher judiciary and claimed that the independence of the judiciary was in "danger" after the Centre turned down a Supreme Court collegium proposal to elevate Justice K M Joseph to the top court

The Congress on Thursday accused the government of seeking to appoint its "own people" in higher judiciary and claimed that the independence of the judiciary was in "danger" after the Centre turned down a Supreme Court collegium proposal to elevate Justice K M Joseph to the top court. The government returned the recommendation of the Supreme Court collegium, saying Justice Joseph's promotion may not be "appropriate" and needs to be reconsidered. The government decision evoked sharp reactions from the legal fraternity and opposition parties. The Congress urged the judiciary to speak in one voice to state "enough is enough". The CPI(M) sought President Ram Nath Kovind's intervention in the matter to ensure that the laid-out procedure in the selection of judges is followed and the collegium's recommendation to elevate Justice Joseph to the Supreme Court is cleared. "Indian judiciary is in danger. And if our judiciary is not united to protect its independence, then democracy is in danger," senior Congress leader Kapil Sibal told reporters. "This is a huge loss for the litigant. We want to know as to who will stand up for judicial independence. Will the judiciary speak in one voice that enough is enough," he said. Sibal said if the Supreme Court thinks no one is more competent than Justice Joseph, then how can the government raise a finger. "They (the government) want to pack High Courts with their own people," he alleged, adding that it seems the government does not want to appoint Justice Joseph to the Supreme Court. He said that there are 410 vacancies of judges across the country, out of the total approved strength of 1079 judges. The Congress leader also read out the Supreme Court collegium decision of January 10 which said, "The collegium considers that at present Justice K M Joseph is more deserving and suitable than other judges of High courts to be appointed as SC judge." Wondering what was holding up Justice Joseph's appointment, Senior Congress leader P Chidambaram asked whether it was his state, religion or the judgement that he delivered in the Uttarakhand case. He also asked whether the Modi government was above the law as the recommendation of the Supreme Court collegium was binding on the appointment of judges. Congress's communications in-charge Randeep Surjewala accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of indulging in "revenge politics" by "refusing" to clear Justice Joseph's elevation. The judiciary is under the ?most vicious attack ever" and "totalitarianism will stump democracy" if the nation does not rise now, Surjewala alleged. "PM Modi's 'revenge politics' qua judiciary and 'conspiratorial suffocation' of Supreme Court exposed again," he said on Twitter. Asserting that Justice Joseph was the senior most chief justice in the country, Surjewala said, "Yet Modi Government refuses to clear his elevation to SC as retribution for quashing presidential rule in Uttarakhand". Asked about Law minister Ravi Shankar Prasad citing problems in the past on appointment of SC/ST judges, Sibal said, "They are very concerned about SC/STs now, is it because Karnataka election is on. Why did they not think of SC/STs for the last four years? In last 4 years, which SC/ST Judge they have recommended." "Even now, why are they worried. Why give spurious, illogical, ill-thought reasons. If you do not want to appoint somebody, have the courage to say I will not appoint him. Why sort of try to make a fool of the public," he said. On the BJP charge that judges were superceded by former prime minister Indira Gandhi, Sibal said, "I want to ask Ravi Shankar Prasad, will you do the same. Are your intentions the same? If you have to move forward, then you must look forward." Dealing a major blow to the Modi government, a bench headed by Uttarakhand High Court Chief Justice Joseph in 2016 had quashed the imposition of President's rule in the state and had revived the Congress government headed by Harish Rawat. Modiji shredded Parliamentary privileges and supremacy. He road-rolled independent media. Democracy's last refuge ie Judiciary is now under most vicious attack ever. If the nation doesn't rise in unison now, totalitarianism will stump democracy" Surjewala tweeted. He accused the government of being a "habitual offender" of trashing "judicial integrity" and the "constitutional supremacy" of institutions. In June 2014, the government refused to clear noted jurist Gopal Subramaniam's name for elevation to the Supreme Court as he was a lawyer against Amit Shah and Co, the Congress leader alleged.

Government wants to appoint 'own people' in higher judiciary: Congress

Prime Minister Narendra Modi seemed to make a reference to Cambridge Analytica on Thursday while <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/development-is-the-only-agenda-of-my-government-pm-modi--132901">speaking to the Karnataka BJP</a>.&nbsp;Modi was speaking to his party's workers and candidates before the upcoming Karnataka elections.&nbsp;

"So, you will have to fight against lies, false propaganda. As part of a conspiracy, efforts will be made to mislead you by hiring foreign agencies. Karyakartas (party workers) should not be shaken, their trust should not be shaken," he said.

There have been reports here that Cambridge Analytica — the UK firm accused of trying to swing the US presidential election Trump's way — may have been engaged by political parties here.&nbsp;

"The Congress, after repeated defeat in elections, is spreading lies. Earlier, out of 50 things they said there were 5-10 lies. Now, out of the 50 things they say, 40-45 are lies and the rest five would also lack clarity," Modi said.&nbsp;

The prime minister added there was a need to cleanse Indian politics of Congress culture.

"The mainstream of India's political culture is associated with Congress' misdeeds. Unless we liberate this mainstream from Congress culture, we cannot cleanse Indian politics," he said.

Modi also seemed to refer to pre-poll surveys indicating a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/karnataka-elections-survey-indicates-photo-finish-by-congress-bjp-132478">photo finish</a> by the Congress and BJP in the upcoming Karnataka elections.&nbsp;

The prime minister said "false propaganda" about a fractured mandate was being spread as part of a "conspiracy".

"A government with absolute majority is needed to change Karnataka's destiny. India is shining in the world today only because we have a government which has a complete majority at the Centre after 30 years," Modi said, asking BJP workers to endeavour to achieve that goal in the only big state the Congress still rules over apart from Punjab.&nbsp;

(With inputs from PTI)

'You will have to fight against lies, false propaganda. As part of a conspiracy, efforts will be made to mislead you by hiring foreign agencies,' Modi told BJP workers and candidates before the upcoming state elections

Prime Minister Narendra Modi seemed to make a reference to Cambridge Analytica on Thursday while speaking to the Karnataka BJP. Modi was speaking to his party's workers and candidates before the upcoming Karnataka elections. "So, you will have to fight against lies, false propaganda. As part of a conspiracy, efforts will be made to mislead you by hiring foreign agencies. Karyakartas (party workers) should not be shaken, their trust should not be shaken," he said. There have been reports here that Cambridge Analytica — the UK firm accused of trying to swing the US presidential election Trump's way — may have been engaged by political parties here. "The Congress, after repeated defeat in elections, is spreading lies. Earlier, out of 50 things they said there were 5-10 lies. Now, out of the 50 things they say, 40-45 are lies and the rest five would also lack clarity," Modi said. The prime minister added there was a need to cleanse Indian politics of Congress culture. "The mainstream of India's political culture is associated with Congress' misdeeds. Unless we liberate this mainstream from Congress culture, we cannot cleanse Indian politics," he said. Modi also seemed to refer to pre-poll surveys indicating a photo finish by the Congress and BJP in the upcoming Karnataka elections. The prime minister said "false propaganda" about a fractured mandate was being spread as part of a "conspiracy". "A government with absolute majority is needed to change Karnataka's destiny. India is shining in the world today only because we have a government which has a complete majority at the Centre after 30 years," Modi said, asking BJP workers to endeavour to achieve that goal in the only big state the Congress still rules over apart from Punjab. (With inputs from PTI)

'Foreign agencies' may mislead you, Modi tells Karnataka BJP in apparent reference to Cambridge Analytica

A sixty-year-old politician Ghulam Nabi Patel who was killed by militants in Pulwama district was disowned by both the parties whom he had provided his valuable services and time. His decades-old contribution was not acknowledged by any of the parties he worked for.

Patel was earlier associated with the Congress party in 2002. In the year 2004, he joined a lesser known new political party the SDA (social democratic alliance) headed by Darakshana Andrabi who later joined hands with the BJP. Patel's family says that he, in 2014, joined PDP (People’s Democratic Party) in front of late Mufti Mohammed Sayeed who was the party president and former chief minister. As the news of his killing broke, state CM Mehbooba Mufti condemned the incident but associated him with the Congress party. 
&nbsp 
“Heartfelt condolences to the family of senior Congress leader, GN&nbspPatel who was killed by militants today in Rajpora. Such cowardly acts achieve nothing but leave one more family devastated,” she tweeted.

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Heartfelt condolences to the family of senior Congress leader, G. N. Patel who was killed by militants today in Rajpora. Such cowardly acts achieve nothing but leave one more family devastated.
— Mehbooba Mufti (@MehboobaMufti) <a href="https://twitter.com/MehboobaMufti/status/989090073802170370?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 25, 2018</a></blockquote>
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It doesn’t stop at that! Replying to chief minister's tweet, the Congress quoted their state Vice President and condemned the killing. They mentioned Patel as a PDP leader, “Strongly condemning the gruesome killing of Senior PDP activist Gulam Nabi Patel, the J&K Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) Vice President Mohd Anwar Bhat while reacting to CMs tweet about the deceased Gulam Nabi Patel said that CM is disowning her own Party worker for the reasons known to her 
In a statement issued to Press today Congress Vice President expressed profound grief over the gruesome killing of PDP activist saying that the deceased (Patel) had joined PDP before 2014 and was actively working for PDP in Pulwama District,” the statement read.&nbsp 
&nbsp 
Patel's family says he was with the PDP for last four years and had worked for the area MLA Haseeb Drabu with all efforts to make him win. They said he motivated people of the region to vote for the PDP. The family says its very unfortunate that at this time of grief his own party had disowned him, that’s a double shock for them. 
&nbsp 
“He was with PDP, he went to people's homes, brought people from orchards and got them to vote for PDP. In this time of grief PDP didn’t offer a helping hand and disowned it's very unfortunate and shocking for us, everyone knows he was with Mehbooba Ji, he was with the PDP,” Said Ali Mohammad brother, Ghulam Nabi Patel brother noted. 
&nbsp 
Former Chief Minister and the leader of Opposition, Omar Abdullah said, "it’s tragic that a political worker is disowned after he is killed".

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Ghulam Nabi Patel is being denied the dignity of having been assassinated for belonging to a political party just so the PDP & Congress can lie to their workers to claim they aren’t at risk from militant bullets.
— Omar Abdullah (@OmarAbdullah) <a href="https://twitter.com/OmarAbdullah/status/989108468048060416?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 25, 2018</a></blockquote>
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“How tragic is that Patel Sahib, a political worker assassinated by militants in Kashmir, disowned by both the PDP and the&nbspCongress. If neither party is willing to own him as one of their own, let's just call him an NC worker,” Omar posted on Twitter. 
&nbsp 
Senior political worker Ghulam Nabi Patel was critically injured in a terrorist attack in Rajpora Chowk of Pulwama yesterday. He was coming back from his home village Yader Shadimarg. Patel later succumbed to his injuries in the hospital. He was travelling in a Scorpio SUV along with a&nbspdriver and his two personal security officials. All of them also got injured in the attack and were being treated at a hospital in Srinagar one of them is said to be critical in condition.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Visuals?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Visuals</a> from Pulwama: Two injured security personnel of former PDP leader Ghulam Nabi Patel admitted to hospital after terrorists fired upon the leader & them in Rajpora. Ghulam Nabi Patel succumbed to his injuries. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/JammuAndKashmir?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#JammuAndKashmir</a> <a href="https://t.co/9RiPwkh0WY">pic.twitter.com/9RiPwkh0WY</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/989101562499825664?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 25, 2018</a></blockquote>
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It’s said that Patel was not in the practice of visiting his home often because of security threats, this time around he had gone to see the preparation of a marriage at his home due next month. 
&nbsp 
Eyewitnesses say&nbspthat his car was stopped just a&nbspfew kilometres away from his residence by three armed men&nbspwho opened fire&nbspat him indiscriminately. Patel was hit on his mouth and neck he was sitting in the front.

The police later said that the attack was carried out by local militants of Hizbul Mujahideen and its mastermind commander Samir tiger. The attack has again sent a signal of fear among mainstream politicians of Kashmir, but this time another question has been raised among political workers -- whether or not political parties they work with should be trusted?.

“When we see what they have done with Patel Sahab after he was killed, we have no choice but to think again that for who should we put over lives at stake? Do they really care for us? It’s very shocking, tomorrow it could happen with us too,” said a political worker from the region. 
&nbsp 
This is what is happening while the political leaders and political activists are being attacked and killed in the valley, especially in southern Kashmir. The space for mainstream politicians is shrinking. Those who have kept mainstream parties alive despite life threats are smelling suspicion from where they always expected protection.&nbsp

The police later said that the attack on Patel was carried out by local militants of Hizbul Mujahideen and its mastermind commander Samir tiger

A sixty-year-old politician Ghulam Nabi Patel who was killed by militants in Pulwama district was disowned by both the parties whom he had provided his valuable services and time. His decades-old contribution was not acknowledged by any of the parties he worked for. Patel was earlier associated with the Congress party in 2002. In the year 2004, he joined a lesser known new political party the SDA (social democratic alliance) headed by Darakshana Andrabi who later joined hands with the BJP. Patel's family says that he, in 2014, joined PDP (People’s Democratic Party) in front of late Mufti Mohammed Sayeed who was the party president and former chief minister. As the news of his killing broke, state CM Mehbooba Mufti condemned the incident but associated him with the Congress party. “Heartfelt condolences to the family of senior Congress leader, GN&nbspPatel who was killed by militants today in Rajpora. Such cowardly acts achieve nothing but leave one more family devastated,” she tweeted. Heartfelt condolences to the family of senior Congress leader, G. N. Patel who was killed by militants today in Rajpora. Such cowardly acts achieve nothing but leave one more family devastated. — Mehbooba Mufti (@MehboobaMufti) April 25, 2018 × It doesn’t stop at that! Replying to chief minister's tweet, the Congress quoted their state Vice President and condemned the killing. They mentioned Patel as a PDP leader, “Strongly condemning the gruesome killing of Senior PDP activist Gulam Nabi Patel, the J&K Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) Vice President Mohd Anwar Bhat while reacting to CMs tweet about the deceased Gulam Nabi Patel said that CM is disowning her own Party worker for the reasons known to her In a statement issued to Press today Congress Vice President expressed profound grief over the gruesome killing of PDP activist saying that the deceased (Patel) had joined PDP before 2014 and was actively working for PDP in Pulwama District,” the statement read. Patel's family says he was with the PDP for last four years and had worked for the area MLA Haseeb Drabu with all efforts to make him win. They said he motivated people of the region to vote for the PDP. The family says its very unfortunate that at this time of grief his own party had disowned him, that’s a double shock for them. “He was with PDP, he went to people's homes, brought people from orchards and got them to vote for PDP. In this time of grief PDP didn’t offer a helping hand and disowned it's very unfortunate and shocking for us, everyone knows he was with Mehbooba Ji, he was with the PDP,” Said Ali Mohammad brother, Ghulam Nabi Patel brother noted. Former Chief Minister and the leader of Opposition, Omar Abdullah said, "it’s tragic that a political worker is disowned after he is killed". Ghulam Nabi Patel is being denied the dignity of having been assassinated for belonging to a political party just so the PDP & Congress can lie to their workers to claim they aren’t at risk from militant bullets. — Omar Abdullah (@OmarAbdullah) April 25, 2018 × “How tragic is that Patel Sahib, a political worker assassinated by militants in Kashmir, disowned by both the PDP and the&nbspCongress. If neither party is willing to own him as one of their own, let's just call him an NC worker,” Omar posted on Twitter. Senior political worker Ghulam Nabi Patel was critically injured in a terrorist attack in Rajpora Chowk of Pulwama yesterday. He was coming back from his home village Yader Shadimarg. Patel later succumbed to his injuries in the hospital. He was travelling in a Scorpio SUV along with a&nbspdriver and his two personal security officials. All of them also got injured in the attack and were being treated at a hospital in Srinagar one of them is said to be critical in condition. #Visuals from Pulwama: Two injured security personnel of former PDP leader Ghulam Nabi Patel admitted to hospital after terrorists fired upon the leader & them in Rajpora. Ghulam Nabi Patel succumbed to his injuries. #JammuAndKashmir pic.twitter.com/9RiPwkh0WY — ANI (@ANI) April 25, 2018 × It’s said that Patel was not in the practice of visiting his home often because of security threats, this time around he had gone to see the preparation of a marriage at his home due next month. Eyewitnesses say&nbspthat his car was stopped just a&nbspfew kilometres away from his residence by three armed men&nbspwho opened fire&nbspat him indiscriminately. Patel was hit on his mouth and neck he was sitting in the front. The police later said that the attack was carried out by local militants of Hizbul Mujahideen and its mastermind commander Samir tiger. The attack has again sent a signal of fear among mainstream politicians of Kashmir, but this time another question has been raised among political workers -- whether or not political parties they work with should be trusted?. “When we see what they have done with Patel Sahab after he was killed, we have no choice but to think again that for who should we put over lives at stake? Do they really care for us? It’s very shocking, tomorrow it could happen with us too,” said a political worker from the region. This is what is happening while the political leaders and political activists are being attacked and killed in the valley, especially in southern Kashmir. The space for mainstream politicians is shrinking. Those who have kept mainstream parties alive despite life threats are smelling suspicion from where they always expected protection.

Kashmir: Killed by militants, political worker now disowned by both PDP and Congress

Senior Congress Party leader Mallikarjun Kharge said on Tuesday that the party high command would decide on its chief ministerial candidate for Karnataka.&nbsp

Kharge added that he was "hopeful" the party high command would choose Siddaramaiah as its candidate.&nbsp

Siddaramaiah is the current chief minister of Karnataka.&nbsp

The state goes to the polls on May 12, and all eyes are on it. The elections are being thought of as a harbinger of what might happen in the 2019 general elections.&nbsp

"Ahead of the elections in Karnataka, all preparations are being done under the supervision of Siddaramaiah itself. He is the current chief minister, and therefore, there is no question of another candidate being chosen. He is serving his duties well, and I am hopeful that he will be elected at the chief ministerial candidate by the high command, including party president Rahul Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi," ANI quoted Kharge as saying.&nbsp

The speculation that Siddaramaiah might not be the automatic choice for chief minister was set off by Kharge himself.&nbsp

PTI had reported Kharge as saying the Congress high command would choose a new chief minister in consultation with the newly elected MLAs, if the party is voted back to power for a second term.

Kharge later appeared to backtrack, saying such rumours were being deliberately constructed to create a rift in the party.&nbsp

"I have heard from media outlets that some people highlighting certain reservations I have about Siddaramaiah being the chief ministerial candidate. However, such reports are not to be believed. There is a group of people trying to create a rift in the party, but this is not in good taste," ANI quoted him as saying.&nbsp

(With inputs from agencies)

Siddaramaiah is the current chief minister of Karnataka. The state goes to the polls on May 12, and all eyes are on it.

Senior Congress Party leader Mallikarjun Kharge said on Tuesday that the party high command would decide on its chief ministerial candidate for Karnataka. Kharge added that he was "hopeful" the party high command would choose Siddaramaiah as its candidate. Siddaramaiah is the current chief minister of Karnataka. The state goes to the polls on May 12, and all eyes are on it. The elections are being thought of as a harbinger of what might happen in the 2019 general elections. "Ahead of the elections in Karnataka, all preparations are being done under the supervision of Siddaramaiah itself. He is the current chief minister, and therefore, there is no question of another candidate being chosen. He is serving his duties well, and I am hopeful that he will be elected at the chief ministerial candidate by the high command, including party president Rahul Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi," ANI quoted Kharge as saying. The speculation that Siddaramaiah might not be the automatic choice for chief minister was set off by Kharge himself. PTI had reported Kharge as saying the Congress high command would choose a new chief minister in consultation with the newly elected MLAs, if the party is voted back to power for a second term. Kharge later appeared to backtrack, saying such rumours were being deliberately constructed to create a rift in the party. "I have heard from media outlets that some people highlighting certain reservations I have about Siddaramaiah being the chief ministerial candidate. However, such reports are not to be believed. There is a group of people trying to create a rift in the party, but this is not in good taste," ANI quoted him as saying. (With inputs from agencies)

Siddaramaiah for Karnataka CM? Cong's Kharge says high command will decide

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