Congress president Rahul Gandhi will release the party’s manifesto for the upcoming Karnataka Assembly polls on April 27 in Mangalore, sources said on April 25.&nbsp

During his two-day seventh leg of campaigning in the southern state, which starts tomorrow, Gandhi would also visit parts of Uttara Kannada like Ankola city, Mastikatte Circle (Kumta), Saraswati Circle (Honnavar) and hold a corner meeting at Bhatkal, the party said in a statement on April 25.

“Rahulji will release the manifesto in Mangalore the day after tomorrow. It will be an all-encompassing document,” a Congress leader said, requesting anonymity. He refused to divulge more details but added that the manifesto would have “something” for all sections of the society.

In the run-up to the high-stakes Karnataka polls, Gandhi had asked the Congress leaders to prepare a “people’s manifesto”, after taking the feedback of all the stakeholders.

On Gandhi’s campaigning, the Congress leader said the party workers wanted him to focus on the areas he was yet to visit. So far, the Congress chief has held six rounds of campaigning in the southern state. The sixth phase of campaigning was on April 7-8.

The election to the 224-member Karnataka Assembly will be held on May 12. The southern state is slated to witness a three-corner contest involving the ruling Congress, the BJP and the H D Deve Gowda-led JD(S). The result of the polls will be announced on May 15.

The election to the 224-member Karnataka Assembly will be held on May 12. Karnataka is slated to witness a three-corner contest involving the ruling Congress, the BJP and the H D Deve Gowda-led JD(S).

Congress president Rahul Gandhi will release the party’s manifesto for the upcoming Karnataka Assembly polls on April 27 in Mangalore, sources said on April 25. During his two-day seventh leg of campaigning in the southern state, which starts tomorrow, Gandhi would also visit parts of Uttara Kannada like Ankola city, Mastikatte Circle (Kumta), Saraswati Circle (Honnavar) and hold a corner meeting at Bhatkal, the party said in a statement on April 25. “Rahulji will release the manifesto in Mangalore the day after tomorrow. It will be an all-encompassing document,” a Congress leader said, requesting anonymity. He refused to divulge more details but added that the manifesto would have “something” for all sections of the society. In the run-up to the high-stakes Karnataka polls, Gandhi had asked the Congress leaders to prepare a “people’s manifesto”, after taking the feedback of all the stakeholders. On Gandhi’s campaigning, the Congress leader said the party workers wanted him to focus on the areas he was yet to visit. So far, the Congress chief has held six rounds of campaigning in the southern state. The sixth phase of campaigning was on April 7-8. The election to the 224-member Karnataka Assembly will be held on May 12. The southern state is slated to witness a three-corner contest involving the ruling Congress, the BJP and the H D Deve Gowda-led JD(S). The result of the polls will be announced on May 15.

Karnataka Elections 2018: Rahul Gandhi to release Congress manifesto on April 27

A survey conducted by the Times Now-VMR has indicated a "photo-finish" in the Karnataka Assembly elections, with the BJP and the Congress neck-and-neck.

In the 224 member House, the Congress is likely to get 91 seats, and the BJP just two seats fewer. The JD(S) could emerge as the kingmaker with 40 seats, the survey, conducted between April 4 and April 16, stated.

"If polls were held now neither Chief Minister Siddaramaiah nor B S Yeddyurappa (of the BJP) is in a position to form the government as they are both well short of the 112 mark," it said.

As far as the choice for the chief ministerial post is concerned, Siddaramaiah leads the race with more than 46 per cent respondents voting for him. Yeddyurappa was the choice for the top post in the state for 32 per cent respondents, the survey stated.

The survey conducted by VMR for Times Now channel was had more than 4,000 respondents surveyed through stratified random sampling spread across all regions of the state.

The Karnataka Assembly election will be held on May 12 and the counting of votes will be done on May 15.

In the 224 member House, the Congress is likely to get 91 seats, and the BJP just two seats fewer

A survey conducted by the Times Now-VMR has indicated a "photo-finish" in the Karnataka Assembly elections, with the BJP and the Congress neck-and-neck. In the 224 member House, the Congress is likely to get 91 seats, and the BJP just two seats fewer. The JD(S) could emerge as the kingmaker with 40 seats, the survey, conducted between April 4 and April 16, stated. "If polls were held now neither Chief Minister Siddaramaiah nor B S Yeddyurappa (of the BJP) is in a position to form the government as they are both well short of the 112 mark," it said. As far as the choice for the chief ministerial post is concerned, Siddaramaiah leads the race with more than 46 per cent respondents voting for him. Yeddyurappa was the choice for the top post in the state for 32 per cent respondents, the survey stated. The survey conducted by VMR for Times Now channel was had more than 4,000 respondents surveyed through stratified random sampling spread across all regions of the state. The Karnataka Assembly election will be held on May 12 and the counting of votes will be done on May 15.

Karnataka elections: Survey indicates 'photo-finish' by Congress, BJP

Rajya Sabha Chairman Venkaiah Naidu today said his decision to reject the impeachment motion against Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra was "timely and not a hasty one" and came after over a month of due diligence, according to sources.

"Freedom of expression allows that but ultimately truth prevails. I have done the just thing in the best possible manner expected of me," sources quoted Naidu as saying, a day after he rejected the impeachment motion.

He said his decision was in strict conformity with the provisions of the Constitution and the Judges Inquiry Act of 1968.

"I have done my job and am satisfied with it," Naidu was quoted as telling a group of 10 Supreme Court lawyers who met him to compliment him over the decision.&nbsp

The Rajya Sabha chairman's office is not a mere post office but a constitutional functionary, Naidu, who is also the Vice-President, told the group.

According to sources, Naidu said the Chief Justice of India is the highest judicial functionary of the country and "any issue in public domain concerning him requires to be resolved at the earliest following prescribed procedures so as to prevent the atmosphere from being further vitiated".

Naidu yesterday rejected the notice by seven opposition parties, led by the Congress, to impeach the chief justice of India on five grounds of "misbehaviour", saying the allegations were neither "tenable nor admissible".

His order was slammed as "hasty, illegal and ill-informed" by the Congress.

Naidu said that he took the decision after over a month of due diligence.

Rajya Sabha Chairman Venkaiah Naidu today said his decision to reject the impeachment motion against Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra was "timely and not a hasty one" and came after over a month of due diligence, according to sources. "Freedom of expression allows that but ultimately truth prevails. I have done the just thing in the best possible manner expected of me," sources quoted Naidu as saying, a day after he rejected the impeachment motion. He said his decision was in strict conformity with the provisions of the Constitution and the Judges Inquiry Act of 1968. "I have done my job and am satisfied with it," Naidu was quoted as telling a group of 10 Supreme Court lawyers who met him to compliment him over the decision. The Rajya Sabha chairman's office is not a mere post office but a constitutional functionary, Naidu, who is also the Vice-President, told the group. According to sources, Naidu said the Chief Justice of India is the highest judicial functionary of the country and "any issue in public domain concerning him requires to be resolved at the earliest following prescribed procedures so as to prevent the atmosphere from being further vitiated". Naidu yesterday rejected the notice by seven opposition parties, led by the Congress, to impeach the chief justice of India on five grounds of "misbehaviour", saying the allegations were neither "tenable nor admissible". His order was slammed as "hasty, illegal and ill-informed" by the Congress.

Decision to reject impeachment motion against CJI was not hasty: Venkaiah Naidu

Senior Congress leader Salman Khurshid sparked off a controversy on Tuesday by admitting that "Congress has the stain of&nbsp;Muslim&nbsp;blood&nbsp;on its hands".

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While addressing students of Aligarh Muslim University, Khurshid said that having been associated with the Congress, he too had the blots on his hand.

Khurshid was responding to a question asked by an AMU student.

He said " I won’t hesitate to say that Congress has the stain of Muslim blood on its hands. As leader of the party, I feel the blots are on my hand".

The AMU student had raised questions relating to anti-Muslim riots in Hashimpura, Malyana, Meerut, Muzaffarnagar, Bhagalpur, Moradabad and Aligarh and the demolition of the Babri Masjid that happened during the Congress regime.&nbsp;

While addressing the students of Aligarh Muslim University, Khurshid said, 'I won’t hesitate to say that Congress has the stain of Muslim blood on its hand. As leader of the party, I feel the blots are on my hand'

Senior Congress leader Salman Khurshid sparked off a controversy on Tuesday by admitting that "Congress has the stain of Muslim blood on its hands". × While addressing students of Aligarh Muslim University, Khurshid said that having been associated with the Congress, he too had the blots on his hand. Khurshid was responding to a question asked by an AMU student. He said " I won’t hesitate to say that Congress has the stain of Muslim blood on its hands. As leader of the party, I feel the blots are on my hand". The AMU student had raised questions relating to anti-Muslim riots in Hashimpura, Malyana, Meerut, Muzaffarnagar, Bhagalpur, Moradabad and Aligarh and the demolition of the Babri Masjid that happened during the Congress regime.

'Congress has the stain of Muslim blood on its hands,' says Salman Khurshid

The Congress on Sunday released its second and final list of candidates for the&nbsp;Karnataka assembly polls.

The party in its final list gave tickets to five candidates while replacing six contenders.&nbsp;

The list also includes <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/siddaramaiah-to-file-nomination-from-second-constituency-badami-on-april-24-132180">Chief Minister Siddaramaiah</a> who was already given a ticket from Chamundeshwari constituency in the first&nbsp;list.&nbsp;

Siddaramaiah will now contest from two constituencies&nbsp;

He will replace Dr Devraj Patil in Badami constituency in North Karnataka.

Besides Devraj Patil, Congress&nbsp;has also replaced its candidates in Jagalur (reserved for Scheduled Tribes candidate), Tiptur, Malleshwaram, Padmanaba Nagar and Madikeri.&nbsp;

In Madikeri, K P Chandrakala will contest the election in the place of H S Chandra Mouli.&nbsp;

The Congress has fielded Dr B Inamdar, Vithal Dhondiba Katakdhond, Mallanna Niganna Sali, Syed Yasin and NA Harris from Kittur, Nagthan (reserved for scheduled castes), Sindgi, Raichur and Shanti Nagar respectively.&nbsp;

The party has not declared candidate for the Melkote segment, where it is likely to support Darshan Puttanaiah, who will fight the election on ticket from Swaraj India.&nbsp;

The Congress had released its<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-releases-list-of-218-candidates-for-karnataka-polls-130629"> first list of candidates on&nbsp;</a>April 15 announcing 218 candidates.&nbsp;

The election is scheduled to be held on May 12 and the poll results will be announced on May 15.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

(With inputs from PTI)

Congress has replaced its candidates in Badami, Jagalur (reserved for Scheduled Tribes candidate), Tiptur, Malleshwaram, Padmanaba Nagar and Madikeri

The Congress on Sunday released its second and final list of candidates for the Karnataka assembly polls. The party in its final list gave tickets to five candidates while replacing six contenders. The list also includes Chief Minister Siddaramaiah who was already given a ticket from Chamundeshwari constituency in the first list. Siddaramaiah will now contest from two constituencies He will replace Dr Devraj Patil in Badami constituency in North Karnataka. Besides Devraj Patil, Congress has also replaced its candidates in Jagalur (reserved for Scheduled Tribes candidate), Tiptur, Malleshwaram, Padmanaba Nagar and Madikeri. In Madikeri, K P Chandrakala will contest the election in the place of H S Chandra Mouli. The Congress has fielded Dr B Inamdar, Vithal Dhondiba Katakdhond, Mallanna Niganna Sali, Syed Yasin and NA Harris from Kittur, Nagthan (reserved for scheduled castes), Sindgi, Raichur and Shanti Nagar respectively. The party has not declared candidate for the Melkote segment, where it is likely to support Darshan Puttanaiah, who will fight the election on ticket from Swaraj India. The Congress had released its first list of candidates on April 15 announcing 218 candidates. The election is scheduled to be held on May 12 and the poll results will be announced on May 15. (With inputs from PTI)

Karnataka assembly elections: Congress replaces 6 contenders in final list of candidates

Congress president Rahul Gandhi will launch his party's nationwide 'Save the Constitution' campaign on Monday. The campaign is aimed at highlighting alleged attacks on the Constitution and Dalits under the BJP-led regime.

Seen as the party's effort to reach out to the community ahead of the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, the campaign launch is expected to be attended by former prime minister Manmohan Singh, party general secretary Ghulam Nabi Azad, its senior leaders Mallikarjun Kharge, Sushil Kumar Shinde among others, news agency PTI reported.&nbsp;

Congress's present and former Dalit lawmakers, those holding offices in zilla parishad, civic bodies and panchayat samitis, the party's office-bearers attached to its regional units will also attend the event, aimed at sensitising the attendees on the current state of affairs with regard to the community.

The attendees are expected to take the message forward, holding similar campaigns in states to reach out to the community members, PTI said quoting sources.

"The Constitution is under threat in the BJP regime. The community is being denied opportunities in spheres of education and jobs. The programme aims to highlight these issues nationwide," a party leader said.

Dalits form roughly 17 per cent of the country's electorate. There are 84 parliamentary seats reserved for candidates belonging to the scheduled castes. The BJP had bagged nearly half of the seats in the 2014 Lok Sabha polls, reflecting in its success in politically key states such as Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.

The leader noted that the Congress could win only three-fourth of the seats.&nbsp;

(With PTI inputs)&nbsp;

The attendees are expected to take the message forward, holding similar campaigns in states to reach out to the community members

Congress president Rahul Gandhi will launch his party's nationwide 'Save the Constitution' campaign on Monday. The campaign is aimed at highlighting alleged attacks on the Constitution and Dalits under the BJP-led regime. Seen as the party's effort to reach out to the community ahead of the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, the campaign launch is expected to be attended by former prime minister Manmohan Singh, party general secretary Ghulam Nabi Azad, its senior leaders Mallikarjun Kharge, Sushil Kumar Shinde among others, news agency PTI reported. Congress's present and former Dalit lawmakers, those holding offices in zilla parishad, civic bodies and panchayat samitis, the party's office-bearers attached to its regional units will also attend the event, aimed at sensitising the attendees on the current state of affairs with regard to the community. The attendees are expected to take the message forward, holding similar campaigns in states to reach out to the community members, PTI said quoting sources. "The Constitution is under threat in the BJP regime. The community is being denied opportunities in spheres of education and jobs. The programme aims to highlight these issues nationwide," a party leader said. Dalits form roughly 17 per cent of the country's electorate. There are 84 parliamentary seats reserved for candidates belonging to the scheduled castes. The BJP had bagged nearly half of the seats in the 2014 Lok Sabha polls, reflecting in its success in politically key states such as Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. The leader noted that the Congress could win only three-fourth of the seats. (With PTI inputs)

Rahul to launch nationwide 'Save the Constitution' campaign today

Vice-President M Venkaiah Naidu has rejected the impeachment motion against Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra.

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"I have applied my mind to all five charges made out in impeachment motion and examined all annexed documents. All facts as stated in motion don't make out a case which can lead any reasonable mind to conclude that CJI on these facts can be ever held guilty of misbehavior,"&nbsp;ANI reported Naidu as saying.&nbsp;

Seven opposition parties led by the Congress had on Friday initiated an unprecedented step for the impeachment of the CJI, moving a notice accusing him of "misbehaviour" and "misuse" of authority.&nbsp;

Apart from the Congress, the group consisted of the CPI(M), CPI, NCP, SP, BSP and the Muslim League.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Naidu said the motion lacked substantial merit and that the allegations were neither "tenable nor admissible".&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

The vice president in his order held that that the allegations emerging from the present case have a serious tendency of "undermining" the independence of the judiciary.

Naidu based his decision on the opinion of top legal and constitutional experts, including former secretary generals of Lok Sabha and other legal luminaries with whom he held extensive consultations.&nbsp;

He also held the views of top legal and constitutional experts, including former chief justices and judges, before taking the decision, sources said.

"This is a really important matter. We don't know what was the reason for the rejection. Congress and other opposition parties will talk to some legal experts and take <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-may-move-court-if-impeachment-notice-rejected-132066">the next step</a>," ANI&nbsp;reported the Congress' PL Punia as saying on Monday.

The Congress had on Sunday said Misra should consider recusing himself from performing judicial and administrative work till he was cleared of allegations of misconduct.

The Congress also attacked the BJP for coming out in "defence" of the CJI and said the ruling party was compromising the position and office of the chief justice as the neutral arbitrator and head of the judiciary.

The party was doing great a disservice to the independence of the judicial system, it said.

"The CJI must come out and tell the BJP not to politicise his office," Congress leader Randeep Surjewala told reporters here.

He further said the CJI did not belong to any political party and questioned why he had to be defended by members and ministers of the ruling BJP.

The Chief Justice of India should be above suspicion, Surjewala said, adding that if CJI Misra's conduct had come under a cloud, he should consider recusing himself from performing his judicial and administrative duties.

"Caesar's wife must be above suspicion. And that's why we left it to his (CJI) conscience. If his own conduct is under a cloud, should he not consider recusing himself from performing judicial and administrative duties and submit himself to the inquiry so that the high office and his individual integrity are cleared?" Surjewala asked.

This will ensure that the process of law is followed in an appropriate manner, the Congress leader added.&nbsp;

Further attacking the BJP over the issue, another Congress leader and Rajya Sabha member Vivek Tankha wondered how the BJP could relate the CJI to Odisha.

He is the chief justice of the entire nation and belongs to the entire country, Tankha said. 
Tankha, who is also an advocate, said as an MP, he was confident that the Rajya Sabha chairman would take an appropriate decision on the matter under the provisions of the Constitution.

"The country and citizens are looking for answers. And until then I feel the CJI should voluntarily submit himself for the inquiry," he said.

Speaking at the same press conference, senior advocate and nominated Rajya Sabha member K T S Tulsi said people took great pride in the integrity of judges.

But if there was even the slightest suspicion, it became the duty of Parliament to take note of that, he said.

"As MPs we are performing our duty with a very heavy heart but it is in the interest of the nation and interest of democracy that the inquiry should be held. And if no inquiry is held it would do much greater damage to the Supreme Court of the country," he added.&nbsp;

(With inputs from PTI)

The motion had been moved by seven opposition parties led by the Congress. The parties had accused the CJI of 'misbehaviour' and 'misuse' of authority

Vice-President M Venkaiah Naidu has rejected the impeachment motion against Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra. × "I have applied my mind to all five charges made out in impeachment motion and examined all annexed documents. All facts as stated in motion don't make out a case which can lead any reasonable mind to conclude that CJI on these facts can be ever held guilty of misbehavior," ANI reported Naidu as saying. Seven opposition parties led by the Congress had on Friday initiated an unprecedented step for the impeachment of the CJI, moving a notice accusing him of "misbehaviour" and "misuse" of authority. Apart from the Congress, the group consisted of the CPI(M), CPI, NCP, SP, BSP and the Muslim League. Naidu said the motion lacked substantial merit and that the allegations were neither "tenable nor admissible". The vice president in his order held that that the allegations emerging from the present case have a serious tendency of "undermining" the independence of the judiciary. Naidu based his decision on the opinion of top legal and constitutional experts, including former secretary generals of Lok Sabha and other legal luminaries with whom he held extensive consultations. He also held the views of top legal and constitutional experts, including former chief justices and judges, before taking the decision, sources said. "This is a really important matter. We don't know what was the reason for the rejection. Congress and other opposition parties will talk to some legal experts and take the next step," ANI reported the Congress' PL Punia as saying on Monday. The Congress had on Sunday said Misra should consider recusing himself from performing judicial and administrative work till he was cleared of allegations of misconduct. The Congress also attacked the BJP for coming out in "defence" of the CJI and said the ruling party was compromising the position and office of the chief justice as the neutral arbitrator and head of the judiciary. The party was doing great a disservice to the independence of the judicial system, it said. "The CJI must come out and tell the BJP not to politicise his office," Congress leader Randeep Surjewala told reporters here. He further said the CJI did not belong to any political party and questioned why he had to be defended by members and ministers of the ruling BJP. The Chief Justice of India should be above suspicion, Surjewala said, adding that if CJI Misra's conduct had come under a cloud, he should consider recusing himself from performing his judicial and administrative duties. "Caesar's wife must be above suspicion. And that's why we left it to his (CJI) conscience. If his own conduct is under a cloud, should he not consider recusing himself from performing judicial and administrative duties and submit himself to the inquiry so that the high office and his individual integrity are cleared?" Surjewala asked. This will ensure that the process of law is followed in an appropriate manner, the Congress leader added. Further attacking the BJP over the issue, another Congress leader and Rajya Sabha member Vivek Tankha wondered how the BJP could relate the CJI to Odisha. He is the chief justice of the entire nation and belongs to the entire country, Tankha said. Tankha, who is also an advocate, said as an MP, he was confident that the Rajya Sabha chairman would take an appropriate decision on the matter under the provisions of the Constitution. "The country and citizens are looking for answers. And until then I feel the CJI should voluntarily submit himself for the inquiry," he said. Speaking at the same press conference, senior advocate and nominated Rajya Sabha member K T S Tulsi said people took great pride in the integrity of judges. But if there was even the slightest suspicion, it became the duty of Parliament to take note of that, he said. "As MPs we are performing our duty with a very heavy heart but it is in the interest of the nation and interest of democracy that the inquiry should be held. And if no inquiry is held it would do much greater damage to the Supreme Court of the country," he added. (With inputs from PTI)

Vice-President Venkaiah Naidu rejects impeachment motion against CJI Dipak Misra

Congress President Rahul Gandhi launched his "Save the Constitution" campaign on Monday.&nbsp;

The campaign, launched from Delhi's Talkatora stadium, is meant to highlight the plight of the Dalits in the country.&nbsp;

As expected, Rahul launched a broadside against PM Modi and his government at Talkatora.&nbsp;

"Just give me 15 minutess with Modiji. I will talk about Rafale and Nirav Modi and Modiii won't be able to stand. Everyone knows that Rafale is a corrupt deal and how Nirav Modi took away 30,000 crore and ran away, and how his friend is keeping silent."&nbsp;

"The Constitution saves our rights. The institutions in our country, whether it is EC, Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha, Vidhan Sabha, IIT, IIM have been given to us by our constitution. Without the Constitution, nothing was possible," Rahul added.&nbsp;

"Modiji doesn't want anyone from his party to speak. He just want to do his Mann ki Baat," Rahul said. Adding, "An eight-year-old girl gets raped, a girl is raped in Unnao, but Modiji keeps silent about his MLA."&nbsp;

"India knows PM Modi has interest in just one thing, and it is PM Modiji," Rahul said.&nbsp;

He continued his attack, saying, "PM Modiji will come up with a new slogan. New slogan will be just 'Beti Bachao', beti padhao bhool jao. &nbsp;And who do the girls needs to be saved from... from BJP MLAs."

"India's reputation around the world has been destroyed by Modiji. &nbsp;Rapes, attrocities against Dalits, attacks on minorities is why India is now being talked about. The Congress built India's reputation in 70 years and Modiji has destroyed that reputation in four years."

"We defend the press. Even if you attack us, we defend you and this is the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/dont-give-the-media-too-much-masala-pm-modi-advices-party-members--132079">difference between them and us</a>. Congress belongs to the weaker section, women, shopkeepers," Rahul continued.&nbsp;

"The Congress party gave India its constitution and protected it. BJP and RSS people won't be able to touch the contitution ever. We won't let it happen and in the upcoming elections, people will tell Narendra Modji their Mann ki Baat."&nbsp;

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In his book 'Karmayog', PM Modi justifies manual scavenging by calling it a 'spiritual experience' for the Valmiki community. This speaks volumes about his anti-Dalit mindset: Rahul Gandhi, Congress President in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Delhi?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Delhi</a> <a href="https://t.co/yvmNvRY4x5">pic.twitter.com/yvmNvRY4x5</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/988320179804393472?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 23, 2018</a></blockquote>
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BJP President Amit Shah responded to Rahul's attack.&nbsp;

"If there is one party that has destroyed the spirit of our Constitution, it is the Congress. They do not want rule of democracy but they want rule of dynasty. Hence this is a farce of a movement by their President," he tweeted.&nbsp; 
​​

"Our institutions which are an outcome of our Constitution today need to be saved from the onslaught of the Congress Party. The Congress Party has spared no institution and is attacking the EC, Supreme Court, Army for petty political gains," Shah added.&nbsp;

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By repeatedly saying the Congress made the Constitution, <a href="https://twitter.com/RahulGandhi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RahulGandhi</a> is carrying forward his family tradition of insulting Dr. Ambedkar. The Nehru-Gandhi family insulted him when he was alive and his humiliating him even more now. Shameful and petty.
— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) <a href="https://twitter.com/AmitShah/status/988331663255064576?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 23, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

Congress President Rahul Gandhi launched yet another diatribe against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his government on Monday while launching his 'Save the Constitution' campaign to highlight the plight of Dalits in the country

Congress President Rahul Gandhi launched his "Save the Constitution" campaign on Monday. The campaign, launched from Delhi's Talkatora stadium, is meant to highlight the plight of the Dalits in the country. As expected, Rahul launched a broadside against PM Modi and his government at Talkatora. "Just give me 15 minutess with Modiji. I will talk about Rafale and Nirav Modi and Modiii won't be able to stand. Everyone knows that Rafale is a corrupt deal and how Nirav Modi took away 30,000 crore and ran away, and how his friend is keeping silent." "The Constitution saves our rights. The institutions in our country, whether it is EC, Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha, Vidhan Sabha, IIT, IIM have been given to us by our constitution. Without the Constitution, nothing was possible," Rahul added. "Modiji doesn't want anyone from his party to speak. He just want to do his Mann ki Baat," Rahul said. Adding, "An eight-year-old girl gets raped, a girl is raped in Unnao, but Modiji keeps silent about his MLA." "India knows PM Modi has interest in just one thing, and it is PM Modiji," Rahul said. He continued his attack, saying, "PM Modiji will come up with a new slogan. New slogan will be just 'Beti Bachao', beti padhao bhool jao. And who do the girls needs to be saved from... from BJP MLAs." "India's reputation around the world has been destroyed by Modiji. Rapes, attrocities against Dalits, attacks on minorities is why India is now being talked about. The Congress built India's reputation in 70 years and Modiji has destroyed that reputation in four years." "We defend the press. Even if you attack us, we defend you and this is the difference between them and us. Congress belongs to the weaker section, women, shopkeepers," Rahul continued. "The Congress party gave India its constitution and protected it. BJP and RSS people won't be able to touch the contitution ever. We won't let it happen and in the upcoming elections, people will tell Narendra Modji their Mann ki Baat." In his book 'Karmayog', PM Modi justifies manual scavenging by calling it a 'spiritual experience' for the Valmiki community. This speaks volumes about his anti-Dalit mindset: Rahul Gandhi, Congress President in #Delhi pic.twitter.com/yvmNvRY4x5 — ANI (@ANI) April 23, 2018 × BJP President Amit Shah responded to Rahul's attack. "If there is one party that has destroyed the spirit of our Constitution, it is the Congress. They do not want rule of democracy but they want rule of dynasty. Hence this is a farce of a movement by their President," he tweeted. "Our institutions which are an outcome of our Constitution today need to be saved from the onslaught of the Congress Party. The Congress Party has spared no institution and is attacking the EC, Supreme Court, Army for petty political gains," Shah added. By repeatedly saying the Congress made the Constitution, @RahulGandhi is carrying forward his family tradition of insulting Dr. Ambedkar. The Nehru-Gandhi family insulted him when he was alive and his humiliating him even more now. Shameful and petty. — Amit Shah (@AmitShah) April 23, 2018 ×

Congress built India's reputation over 70 years, Modi destroyed it in 4: Rahul

As the Congress awaits the decision of Rajya Sabha Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu on an impeachment notice moved by it and other parties against Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra, it is considering moving the Supreme Court if the petition is rejected, party leaders said.

They said if the Upper House chairman did not find merit in the notice for the impeachment, the decision could call for a judicial review.

"The chairman's decision is open to being challenged. It is bound to go for a judicial review," said a Congress leader.

The Congress was also trying to build up "moral pressure" on the Chief Justice of India in the hope that he would step aside from judicial duty if an impeachment motion was moved against him.

Judges who faced impeachment had earlier stepped aside from judicial work and the Chief Justice should do the same, a party leader said.

"It is only a convention, though there is no legal or constitutional bar (on this)," the leader said.

The Congress also hoped that the decision on the motion would be taken soon.&nbsp;

"He (the RS Chairman) cannot sit on it indefinitely, though there is no deadline laid out in the Constitution," a legal expert said, citing the case of an anti-defection law where the court had said it should be decided within a "reasonable" time-frame.

Meanwhile, an official in Parliament stressed that making public the contents of a notice before it was admitted violated Parliamentary rules.

This assumes significance in the wake of the seven opposition parties, led by the Congress, initiating an unprecedented step last week for the impeachment of CJI Misra by moving a notice levelling several charges against him.

According to the provisions in the handbook for Rajya Sabha members, no advance publicity should be given to any notice to be taken up in the House till it is admitted by the chairman.

"A notice for raising a matter in the House should not be given publicity by any member or other people until it has been admitted by the Chairman and circulated by members. A member should not raise the issue of a notice given by him and pending consideration of the Chairman," according to Rule 2.2 of Parliamentary Customs and Conventions in the handbook.

A retired Lok Sabha official said the same rule also applied to the Lower House as it was listed under rule 334A of the procedure and conduct of its business.

The notice has been referred by Naidu to Rajya Sabha Secretariat officials, who are preparing the file and identified this violation, the official said.

According to the senior official in Parliament, a bulletin issued by the Rajya Sabha on December 8, 2017, reiterates the rule under parliamentary customs and conventions.

Leaders of the opposition parties had met Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu, who is also the chairman of the Rajya Sabha, and handed over the notice of impeachment bearing the signatures of 64 MPs and seven former members, who had recently retired.&nbsp;

The Congress was also trying to build up "moral pressure" on the Chief Justice of India in the hope that he would step aside from judicial duty if an impeachment motion was moved against him.

As the Congress awaits the decision of Rajya Sabha Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu on an impeachment notice moved by it and other parties against Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra, it is considering moving the Supreme Court if the petition is rejected, party leaders said. They said if the Upper House chairman did not find merit in the notice for the impeachment, the decision could call for a judicial review. "The chairman's decision is open to being challenged. It is bound to go for a judicial review," said a Congress leader. The Congress was also trying to build up "moral pressure" on the Chief Justice of India in the hope that he would step aside from judicial duty if an impeachment motion was moved against him. Judges who faced impeachment had earlier stepped aside from judicial work and the Chief Justice should do the same, a party leader said. "It is only a convention, though there is no legal or constitutional bar (on this)," the leader said. The Congress also hoped that the decision on the motion would be taken soon. "He (the RS Chairman) cannot sit on it indefinitely, though there is no deadline laid out in the Constitution," a legal expert said, citing the case of an anti-defection law where the court had said it should be decided within a "reasonable" time-frame. Meanwhile, an official in Parliament stressed that making public the contents of a notice before it was admitted violated Parliamentary rules. This assumes significance in the wake of the seven opposition parties, led by the Congress, initiating an unprecedented step last week for the impeachment of CJI Misra by moving a notice levelling several charges against him. According to the provisions in the handbook for Rajya Sabha members, no advance publicity should be given to any notice to be taken up in the House till it is admitted by the chairman. "A notice for raising a matter in the House should not be given publicity by any member or other people until it has been admitted by the Chairman and circulated by members. A member should not raise the issue of a notice given by him and pending consideration of the Chairman," according to Rule 2.2 of Parliamentary Customs and Conventions in the handbook. A retired Lok Sabha official said the same rule also applied to the Lower House as it was listed under rule 334A of the procedure and conduct of its business. The notice has been referred by Naidu to Rajya Sabha Secretariat officials, who are preparing the file and identified this violation, the official said. According to the senior official in Parliament, a bulletin issued by the Rajya Sabha on December 8, 2017, reiterates the rule under parliamentary customs and conventions. Leaders of the opposition parties had met Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu, who is also the chairman of the Rajya Sabha, and handed over the notice of impeachment bearing the signatures of 64 MPs and seven former members, who had recently retired.

Congress may move court if CJI impeachment notice rejected

<a href="http://cmsuat.wionews.com/india-news/modi-xi-to-chart-a-new-course-for-india-china-ties-at-wuhan-summit--132075">Modi-Xi to chart a new course for India-China ties at Wuhan summit</a>

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping will hold a summit in China's Wuhan city from April 27 to 28 for a "heart-to-heart" chat to explore a new paradigm for India-China ties and find ways to address the contentious issues like the border dispute.

<a href="http://cmsuat.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-election-2018-many-killed-in-a-blast-at-voter-registration-centre-in-kabul-131999">Kabul suicide blast: Death toll reaches 48</a>

The death toll from Sunday's blast in the Afghan capital Kabul rose to 48, with 112 others wounded, a public health officer said. The attack follows several weeks of relative calm in Kabul.&nbsp;

<a href="http://cmsuat.wionews.com/india-news/congress-may-move-court-if-impeachment-notice-rejected-132066">Congress may move court if impeachment notice rejected</a>

As the Congress awaits the decision of Rajya Sabha Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu on an impeachment notice moved by it and other parties against Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra, it is considering moving the Supreme Court if the petition is rejected, party leaders said.

<a href="http://cmsuat.wionews.com/world/israel-hints-it-could-hit-irans-air-force-in-syria-132058">Israel hints it could hit Iran's 'air force' in Syria</a>

Israel released details on Tuesday about what it described as an Iranian "air force" deployed in neighbouring Syria, including civilian planes suspected of transferring arms, a signal that these could be attacked should tensions with Tehran escalate.

<a href="http://cmsuat.wionews.com/india-news/i-am-also-ignored-amit-shah-doesnt-allow-any-of-my-programme-to-happen-subramanian-swamy-on-yashwant-sinha-132030">Subramanian Swamy accuses Amit Shah of ignoring him, but won't quit BJP</a>

Subramanian Swamy on Sunday claimed that he has often been ignored by party chief Amit Shah who, he said, has often did not allow his programmes to take place.

.

Modi-Xi to chart a new course for India-China ties at Wuhan summit Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping will hold a summit in China's Wuhan city from April 27 to 28 for a "heart-to-heart" chat to explore a new paradigm for India-China ties and find ways to address the contentious issues like the border dispute. Kabul suicide blast: Death toll reaches 48 The death toll from Sunday's blast in the Afghan capital Kabul rose to 48, with 112 others wounded, a public health officer said. The attack follows several weeks of relative calm in Kabul. Congress may move court if impeachment notice rejected As the Congress awaits the decision of Rajya Sabha Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu on an impeachment notice moved by it and other parties against Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra, it is considering moving the Supreme Court if the petition is rejected, party leaders said. Israel hints it could hit Iran's 'air force' in Syria Israel released details on Tuesday about what it described as an Iranian "air force" deployed in neighbouring Syria, including civilian planes suspected of transferring arms, a signal that these could be attacked should tensions with Tehran escalate. Subramanian Swamy accuses Amit Shah of ignoring him, but won't quit BJP Subramanian Swamy on Sunday claimed that he has often been ignored by party chief Amit Shah who, he said, has often did not allow his programmes to take place. .

News brief: Big stories of the day

Senior Congress leader M Veerappa Moily has dismissed talk of infighting within the party over the selection of candidates in Karnataka saying the state leadership is "totally united" in the battle against the BJP in the upcoming Assembly polls.

Moily, a former Union minister and an MP from the state, also hailed Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and said he had brought political, social and economic stability to the state.

In an interview to PTI here, the former Karnataka chief minister brushed aside protests across parts of Karnataka by supporters of ticket seekers who had failed to make it to the list.

"They (ticket-seekers) have strong aspirations that is why for the time being they will do it (protest), but ultimately they will realise...," Moily, 78, said.

The demonstrations indicated that the Congress was going to retain power in the state, Moily asserted.

"This (the protest) is more because people know very well that Congress is going to come back to power," he said.

Asked if infighting could hamper Congress's chances in the Assembly polls, he said Siddaramaiah was the only Karnataka chief minister in recent times to have provided a stable government for five years.

"There was no internal fight during these five years and there will not be an internal fight in the future also," he said.

The two-time MP from Chikballapur also asserted that the party's state leadership was "totally united".

Media reports had earlier suggested party veterans from the state such as Moily, Mallikarjun Kharge and KPCC chief G Parameshwara were in favour of giving tickets to long-time party workers instead of those who had switched sides.

However, the chief minister seems to have had his way in the selection of candidates, with many party hoppers being given tickets.

The ruling Congress in Karnataka has announced a list of 218 candidates and is in the process of finalising the names for the remaining six constituencies.

In an angry backlash after the Congress announced its candidates, sections of workers staged protests at several places.

Moily dismissed the protests as "very selective cases".

"In every constituency, there are three or four very good aspirants, excellent workers, excellent leaders. This is a good trend for the Congress party. We don't consider it to be a liability," he said.

Moily had stated last month that his son Harsha Moily would not contest the Assembly elections for the "sake of the unity" of the ruling party.

His announcement had come after he was embroiled in a controversy when he tweeted about "money in politics" in the selection of candidates for the Assembly polls in Karnataka, landing the party in a spot. He later deleted the tweet.

"We have disowned the tweet," he had said.

Moily, who heads a 15-member panel formed to draft the party's manifesto for the Karnataka polls, said he has presented the draft to the chief minister, the KPCC president and also K C Venugopal, general secretary in-charge of Karnataka.

He said after the draft goes through the process of final approvals, it would be released soon.

The senior leader also stressed the Congress would get a comfortable majority in the polls and its victory would signal the fall of the Narendra Modi government in 2019.

Moily said there was no anti-incumbency factor in Karnataka as the Siddaramaiah government had fulfilled all its promises, but the sentiment would run against Modi at the Centre.

"Finance has been collapsing because of the half-baked GST law, demonetisation and also the handling of banks. All these factors will go against them not only in the 2019 election but wherever elections are going to be held in the states," said Moily, who is also the chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Finance.

Asked if there was a need for a grand alliance to take the BJP on in the 2019 general election, Moily said in order to beat "communal elements such as the BJP" there was a need for nationalist and secular forces to come together.&nbsp

He, however, added that there was no substitute for the Congress party as the leader of a grand alliance.&nbsp

Praising Rahul Gandhi, Moily said the Congress president had now "definitely proved that he is more than a match for Narendra Modi".

"This is a fact which I think the rest of the political parties will also realise," he said.

Elections to the 224-member Karnataka Assembly are to be held on May 12.&nbsp

The former Karnataka chief minister brushed aside protests across parts of Karnataka by supporters of ticket seekers who had failed to make it to the list.

Senior Congress leader M Veerappa Moily has dismissed talk of infighting within the party over the selection of candidates in Karnataka saying the state leadership is "totally united" in the battle against the BJP in the upcoming Assembly polls. Moily, a former Union minister and an MP from the state, also hailed Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and said he had brought political, social and economic stability to the state. In an interview to PTI here, the former Karnataka chief minister brushed aside protests across parts of Karnataka by supporters of ticket seekers who had failed to make it to the list. "They (ticket-seekers) have strong aspirations that is why for the time being they will do it (protest), but ultimately they will realise...," Moily, 78, said. The demonstrations indicated that the Congress was going to retain power in the state, Moily asserted. "This (the protest) is more because people know very well that Congress is going to come back to power," he said. Asked if infighting could hamper Congress's chances in the Assembly polls, he said Siddaramaiah was the only Karnataka chief minister in recent times to have provided a stable government for five years. "There was no internal fight during these five years and there will not be an internal fight in the future also," he said. The two-time MP from Chikballapur also asserted that the party's state leadership was "totally united". Media reports had earlier suggested party veterans from the state such as Moily, Mallikarjun Kharge and KPCC chief G Parameshwara were in favour of giving tickets to long-time party workers instead of those who had switched sides. However, the chief minister seems to have had his way in the selection of candidates, with many party hoppers being given tickets. The ruling Congress in Karnataka has announced a list of 218 candidates and is in the process of finalising the names for the remaining six constituencies. In an angry backlash after the Congress announced its candidates, sections of workers staged protests at several places. Moily dismissed the protests as "very selective cases". "In every constituency, there are three or four very good aspirants, excellent workers, excellent leaders. This is a good trend for the Congress party. We don't consider it to be a liability," he said. Moily had stated last month that his son Harsha Moily would not contest the Assembly elections for the "sake of the unity" of the ruling party. His announcement had come after he was embroiled in a controversy when he tweeted about "money in politics" in the selection of candidates for the Assembly polls in Karnataka, landing the party in a spot. He later deleted the tweet. "We have disowned the tweet," he had said. Moily, who heads a 15-member panel formed to draft the party's manifesto for the Karnataka polls, said he has presented the draft to the chief minister, the KPCC president and also K C Venugopal, general secretary in-charge of Karnataka. He said after the draft goes through the process of final approvals, it would be released soon. The senior leader also stressed the Congress would get a comfortable majority in the polls and its victory would signal the fall of the Narendra Modi government in 2019. Moily said there was no anti-incumbency factor in Karnataka as the Siddaramaiah government had fulfilled all its promises, but the sentiment would run against Modi at the Centre. "Finance has been collapsing because of the half-baked GST law, demonetisation and also the handling of banks. All these factors will go against them not only in the 2019 election but wherever elections are going to be held in the states," said Moily, who is also the chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Finance. Asked if there was a need for a grand alliance to take the BJP on in the 2019 general election, Moily said in order to beat "communal elements such as the BJP" there was a need for nationalist and secular forces to come together. He, however, added that there was no substitute for the Congress party as the leader of a grand alliance. Praising Rahul Gandhi, Moily said the Congress president had now "definitely proved that he is more than a match for Narendra Modi". "This is a fact which I think the rest of the political parties will also realise," he said. Elections to the 224-member Karnataka Assembly are to be held on May 12.

No infighting; protests indicate Congress victory in Karnataka: Veerappa Moily

Congress leader and former Union Minister Ashwani Kumar opposed his party's decision of moving an impeachment motion against the Chief Justice of India (CJI) Dipak Misra and said that the move could have been avoided.

He added that if he would have been a Member of Parliament and had been given the paper to sign, he would not have done it.

Kumar's expressed his objection to the impeachment motion while refusing to pass any comment on the circumstances that led to it, namely the dismissal of the PIL seeking a special investigation into the death of judge of Judge BH Loya.

"I would not like to get into the merits of the controversy, I am on a larger principle and the larger principle is that impeachment is the extreme remedy and that to against the chief justice, which is an unprecedented move," Kumar said.

On Friday, the opposition parties led by Congress moved the impeachment motion in the Rajya Sabha seeking the removal of CJI Misra under Article 217 read with article 124 (4) of the Constitution of India. The motion was signed by 64 sitting members of the House.

As per Article 124 (4), "A Judge of the Supreme Court shall not be removed from his office except by an order of the President passed after an address by each House of Parliament supported by a majority of the total membership of that House and by a majority of not less than two-thirds of the members of that House present and voting has been presented to the President in the same session for such removal on the ground of proved misbehaviour or incapacity."

(With inputs from Agencies)

There are other senior Congressmen, like former PM Manmohan Singh, P Chidambaram and Salman Khurshid who have not signed the petition.

Congress leader and former Union Minister Ashwani Kumar opposed his party's decision of moving an impeachment motion against the Chief Justice of India (CJI) Dipak Misra and said that the move could have been avoided. He added that if he would have been a Member of Parliament and had been given the paper to sign, he would not have done it. Kumar's expressed his objection to the impeachment motion while refusing to pass any comment on the circumstances that led to it, namely the dismissal of the PIL seeking a special investigation into the death of judge of Judge BH Loya. "I would not like to get into the merits of the controversy, I am on a larger principle and the larger principle is that impeachment is the extreme remedy and that to against the chief justice, which is an unprecedented move," Kumar said. On Friday, the opposition parties led by Congress moved the impeachment motion in the Rajya Sabha seeking the removal of CJI Misra under Article 217 read with article 124 (4) of the Constitution of India. The motion was signed by 64 sitting members of the House. As per Article 124 (4), "A Judge of the Supreme Court shall not be removed from his office except by an order of the President passed after an address by each House of Parliament supported by a majority of the total membership of that House and by a majority of not less than two-thirds of the members of that House present and voting has been presented to the President in the same session for such removal on the ground of proved misbehaviour or incapacity." (With inputs from Agencies)

Congress leader Ashwani Kumar opposes his own party for moving impeachment motion against CJI

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Friday hit out at the Congress party and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) over their lack of support for the Special Category Status (SCS) to the state - an assurance that was given in the Rajya Sabha at the time of bifurcation in 2014.

Speaking to the media after ending his 12-hour fast over `Centre`s non-cooperation with the state` in Vijayawada, Naidu said, "Andhra Pradesh was bifurcated by Congress and the BJP with an understanding. Congress did not give any assurances to the state. Then, in Rajya Sabha, the special status was announced. That was not asked by us," he added.

The Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister maintained that he would have the responsibility of developing the state and demanded equal justice to both Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.

Asserting that he had joined the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) for state`s interests, Naidu added, "We are never power greedy. During (Atal Bihari) Vajpayee`s rule, we did not take any ministerial berths. National politics are not new to Telugu Desam Party (TDP). I went along with BJP with the only thought of state interests."Sensing conspiracy by the BJP on not giving special status, he continued, "What Modi ji told in Tirupati and what he fulfilled? I am asking today the central government on behalf of five crores people of Andhra, to fulfill the promises given in parliament. Nothing more than that."

"What you have told on the special status? Each year you spoke of some election or some other reason. Centre said special status will not be given to anybody. But after giving special status to 11 states, even now, then why not for Andhra?" he questioned.

Naidu further said that the Centre was trying to take Andhra into their hold, similar to what they did with Tamil Nadu.

Slamming the BJP for not supporting the special status to the southern state, he said, "Prakash Javadekar said that we cooperated to Andhra Pradesh as we thought the TDP will continue with us. Had we known earlier that TDP quit NDA, we would not have cooperated. Even now we have never compromised on the development of the state."

"The opposition parties had questioned us many things. I have never compromised. I played soft with the Centre for state interests. But when the right time came, we took stubborn decisions. You asked us to get our ministers resigned and put no-confidence motion. I did all those things at a correct and appropriate time. Then why you are not coming together with us. After all these, I took up this hunger strike. Why did not you turn up?", Naidu added, continuing his tirade against the BJP and the Congress party.

The Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister threatened to "take action" and not "spare" anyone if the Centre continued to think beyond the state`s interests.

Many parties like the Samara Party, Nava Samaj Party, Lok Satta, Aam Aadmi Party, Revolutionary Socialist Party, and All India Forward Bloc extended their support to Naidu over the special status.

Pratyeka Hoda Sadhana Samiti (Association for Special Status) convenor Chalasani Srinivas appealed to Naidu to take up indefinite hunger strike in the national capital. He also suggested all the parties in Andhra Pradesh to unite to fight for special status and other promises made by the Centre.Naidu has been calling for the SCS to Andhra Pradesh.

Asserting his demand, the TDP had quit the BJP-led NDA alliance last month.

The SCS was first accorded in 1969 to Jammu and Kashmir, Assam and Nagaland. Over the years, eight more states were added to the list - Arunachal Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Sikkim, Tripura and, finally, in 2010, Uttarakhand.&nbsp

Speaking to the media after ending his 12-hour fast over `Centre`s non-cooperation with the state` in Vijayawada, Naidu said, 'Andhra Pradesh was bifurcated by Congress and the BJP with an understanding. Congress did not give any assurances to the state. Then, in Rajya Sabha, the special status was announced. That was not asked by us,' he added.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Friday hit out at the Congress party and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) over their lack of support for the Special Category Status (SCS) to the state - an assurance that was given in the Rajya Sabha at the time of bifurcation in 2014. Speaking to the media after ending his 12-hour fast over `Centre`s non-cooperation with the state` in Vijayawada, Naidu said, "Andhra Pradesh was bifurcated by Congress and the BJP with an understanding. Congress did not give any assurances to the state. Then, in Rajya Sabha, the special status was announced. That was not asked by us," he added. The Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister maintained that he would have the responsibility of developing the state and demanded equal justice to both Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. Asserting that he had joined the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) for state`s interests, Naidu added, "We are never power greedy. During (Atal Bihari) Vajpayee`s rule, we did not take any ministerial berths. National politics are not new to Telugu Desam Party (TDP). I went along with BJP with the only thought of state interests."Sensing conspiracy by the BJP on not giving special status, he continued, "What Modi ji told in Tirupati and what he fulfilled? I am asking today the central government on behalf of five crores people of Andhra, to fulfill the promises given in parliament. Nothing more than that." "What you have told on the special status? Each year you spoke of some election or some other reason. Centre said special status will not be given to anybody. But after giving special status to 11 states, even now, then why not for Andhra?" he questioned. Naidu further said that the Centre was trying to take Andhra into their hold, similar to what they did with Tamil Nadu. Slamming the BJP for not supporting the special status to the southern state, he said, "Prakash Javadekar said that we cooperated to Andhra Pradesh as we thought the TDP will continue with us. Had we known earlier that TDP quit NDA, we would not have cooperated. Even now we have never compromised on the development of the state." "The opposition parties had questioned us many things. I have never compromised. I played soft with the Centre for state interests. But when the right time came, we took stubborn decisions. You asked us to get our ministers resigned and put no-confidence motion. I did all those things at a correct and appropriate time. Then why you are not coming together with us. After all these, I took up this hunger strike. Why did not you turn up?", Naidu added, continuing his tirade against the BJP and the Congress party. The Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister threatened to "take action" and not "spare" anyone if the Centre continued to think beyond the state`s interests. Many parties like the Samara Party, Nava Samaj Party, Lok Satta, Aam Aadmi Party, Revolutionary Socialist Party, and All India Forward Bloc extended their support to Naidu over the special status. Pratyeka Hoda Sadhana Samiti (Association for Special Status) convenor Chalasani Srinivas appealed to Naidu to take up indefinite hunger strike in the national capital. He also suggested all the parties in Andhra Pradesh to unite to fight for special status and other promises made by the Centre.Naidu has been calling for the SCS to Andhra Pradesh. Asserting his demand, the TDP had quit the BJP-led NDA alliance last month. The SCS was first accorded in 1969 to Jammu and Kashmir, Assam and Nagaland. Over the years, eight more states were added to the list - Arunachal Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Sikkim, Tripura and, finally, in 2010, Uttarakhand.

No support from Congress, BJP on special status to Andhra: CM Naidu

The BJP said today that it was not surprised by former Union minister Yashwant Sinha's announcement of quitting the party, saying his comments and writings made it clear that he was no longer in the organisation and was acting at the Congress' behest.

"It was clear from his comments and writing that he was no longer in the BJP. The party gave him a lot of respect and important positions but his conduct has been improper. "His comments sounded more like that of a

Congress leader or somebody working at the behest of the opposition party," BJP spokesperson and national media head Anil Baluni said.

The party is not surprised by Sinha's announcement, he said.

80-year-old Sinha today said in Patna that he was quitting the BJP and would no longer be a part of party politics.

Sinha held finance and external affairs portfolios in the Atal Bihari Vajpayee government but was sidelined after Narendra Modi and Amit Shah came at the helm.

He has been publicly opposing the Modi government's economic policies and style of functioning.

In a newspaper article, Sinha had criticised Arun Jaitley over what he called the "mess the finance minister has made of the economy" after which Jaitley hit back calling him "a job applicant at 80 years" who has forgotten his record as finance minister.

In a no-holds-barred attack, Sinha had also said that demonetisation had proved to be an "unmitigated economic disaster" and that the Goods and Services Tax (GST) was "badly conceived and poorly implemented." He had also deprecated the Centre's handling of Kashmir.

"Everybody in the BJP is living in fear. We are not," Sinha had said while "Rashtriya Manch" (National Forum) on January 30 as an "apolitical forum" to highlight the alleged"anti-people" policies of the Centre. 
Sinha today alleged that democracy was "under threat" under the present government and that he would launch a strong movement to "save democracy" in the country.

80-year-old Sinha today said in Patna that he was quitting the BJP and would no longer be a part of party politics

The BJP said today that it was not surprised by former Union minister Yashwant Sinha's announcement of quitting the party, saying his comments and writings made it clear that he was no longer in the organisation and was acting at the Congress' behest. "It was clear from his comments and writing that he was no longer in the BJP. The party gave him a lot of respect and important positions but his conduct has been improper. "His comments sounded more like that of a Congress leader or somebody working at the behest of the opposition party," BJP spokesperson and national media head Anil Baluni said. The party is not surprised by Sinha's announcement, he said. 80-year-old Sinha today said in Patna that he was quitting the BJP and would no longer be a part of party politics. Sinha held finance and external affairs portfolios in the Atal Bihari Vajpayee government but was sidelined after Narendra Modi and Amit Shah came at the helm. He has been publicly opposing the Modi government's economic policies and style of functioning. In a newspaper article, Sinha had criticised Arun Jaitley over what he called the "mess the finance minister has made of the economy" after which Jaitley hit back calling him "a job applicant at 80 years" who has forgotten his record as finance minister. In a no-holds-barred attack, Sinha had also said that demonetisation had proved to be an "unmitigated economic disaster" and that the Goods and Services Tax (GST) was "badly conceived and poorly implemented." He had also deprecated the Centre's handling of Kashmir. "Everybody in the BJP is living in fear. We are not," Sinha had said while "Rashtriya Manch" (National Forum) on January 30 as an "apolitical forum" to highlight the alleged"anti-people" policies of the Centre. Sinha today alleged that democracy was "under threat" under the present government and that he would launch a strong movement to "save democracy" in the country.

Party gave Yashwant Sinha a lot but he acted like a Congress leader: BJP

The BJP said on Saturday that it was not surprised by former Union minister Yashwant Sinha's announcement of quitting the party, saying his comments and writings made it clear that he was no longer in the organisation and was acting at the Congress' behest.

"It was clear from his comments and writing that he was no longer in the BJP. The party gave him a lot of respect and important positions but his conduct has been improper. "His comments sounded more like that of a Congress leader or somebody working at the behest of the opposition party," BJP spokesperson and national media head Anil Baluni said.

The party is not surprised by Sinha's announcement, he said.

80-year-old Sinha today said in Patna that he was quitting the BJP and would no longer be a part of party politics.

Sinha held finance finance and external affairs portfolios in the Atal Bihari Vajpayee government but was sidelined after Narendra Modi and Amit Shah came at the helm.

He has been publicly opposing the Modi government's economic policies and style of functioning.

In a newspaper article, Sinha had criticised Arun Jaitley over what he called the mess the finance minister has made of the economy&nbsp;after which Jaitley hit back calling him "a job applicant at 80 years" who has forgotten his record as finance minister.

In a no-holds-barred attack, Sinha had also said that demonetisation had proved to be an unmitigated economic disaster and that the Goods and Services Tax (GST) was badly conceived and poorly implemented. He had also deprecated the Centre's handling of Kashmir.

Everybody in the BJP is living in fear. We are not,&nbsp;Sinha had said while "Rashtriya Manch" (National Forum) on January 30 as an "apolitical forum" to highlight the alleged"anti-people" policies of the Centre.

Sinha today alleged that democracy was "under threat" under the present government and that he would launch a strong movement to "save democracy" in the country.&nbsp;

80-year-old Sinha today said in Patna that he was quitting the BJP and would no longer be a part of party politics.

The BJP said on Saturday that it was not surprised by former Union minister Yashwant Sinha's announcement of quitting the party, saying his comments and writings made it clear that he was no longer in the organisation and was acting at the Congress' behest. "It was clear from his comments and writing that he was no longer in the BJP. The party gave him a lot of respect and important positions but his conduct has been improper. "His comments sounded more like that of a Congress leader or somebody working at the behest of the opposition party," BJP spokesperson and national media head Anil Baluni said. The party is not surprised by Sinha's announcement, he said. 80-year-old Sinha today said in Patna that he was quitting the BJP and would no longer be a part of party politics. Sinha held finance finance and external affairs portfolios in the Atal Bihari Vajpayee government but was sidelined after Narendra Modi and Amit Shah came at the helm. He has been publicly opposing the Modi government's economic policies and style of functioning. In a newspaper article, Sinha had criticised Arun Jaitley over what he called the mess the finance minister has made of the economy after which Jaitley hit back calling him "a job applicant at 80 years" who has forgotten his record as finance minister. In a no-holds-barred attack, Sinha had also said that demonetisation had proved to be an unmitigated economic disaster and that the Goods and Services Tax (GST) was badly conceived and poorly implemented. He had also deprecated the Centre's handling of Kashmir. Everybody in the BJP is living in fear. We are not, Sinha had said while "Rashtriya Manch" (National Forum) on January 30 as an "apolitical forum" to highlight the alleged"anti-people" policies of the Centre. Sinha today alleged that democracy was "under threat" under the present government and that he would launch a strong movement to "save democracy" in the country.

Party gave  Yashwant Sinha a lot but he acted like a Congress leader: BJP

Hours after former Union minister Yashwant Sinha quit Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), his ex-party colleague Shatrughan Sinha has clarified that he will stay in the BJP only and will not join Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD).

"There were rumours that I would quit the party because I had not been given the ticket. But, I am clarifying it today that I am here to stay and I am not going to go anywhere," said actor-turned-politician Sinha, who has criticised top BJP leadership and its decisions on multiple occasions, on Saturday.

The actor-turned-politician has previously hinted that he may contest the next Lok Sabha election on a different party ticket, saying leaders like him were "unfairly treated" from the day the Modi government was formed.

The speculations triggered after Sinha on Friday described jailed RJD supremo Lalu Prasad as his "best friend".

Sinha recently met Lalu Prasad's wife and former Bihar chief minister Rabri Devi and his younger son Tejashwi Yadav.

Severing ties with the BJP, former Union minister Yashwant Sinha, who has been critical of the current party leadership, today announced that he is quitting party politics, and will now work for "saving democracy in the country".

"I have had a long association with the BJP. Today I am severing my ties with the BJP," the 80-year-old leader announced at a meeting here attended by opposition leaders from the Congress and the RJD besides dissident BJP leader and Patna Sahib MP Shatrughan Sinha. &nbsp;

Severing ties with the BJP, former Union minister Yashwant Sinha, who has been critical of the current party leadership, today announced that he is quitting party politics

Hours after former Union minister Yashwant Sinha quit Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), his ex-party colleague Shatrughan Sinha has clarified that he will stay in the BJP only and will not join Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD). "There were rumours that I would quit the party because I had not been given the ticket. But, I am clarifying it today that I am here to stay and I am not going to go anywhere," said actor-turned-politician Sinha, who has criticised top BJP leadership and its decisions on multiple occasions, on Saturday. The actor-turned-politician has previously hinted that he may contest the next Lok Sabha election on a different party ticket, saying leaders like him were "unfairly treated" from the day the Modi government was formed. The speculations triggered after Sinha on Friday described jailed RJD supremo Lalu Prasad as his "best friend". Sinha recently met Lalu Prasad's wife and former Bihar chief minister Rabri Devi and his younger son Tejashwi Yadav. Severing ties with the BJP, former Union minister Yashwant Sinha, who has been critical of the current party leadership, today announced that he is quitting party politics, and will now work for "saving democracy in the country". "I have had a long association with the BJP. Today I am severing my ties with the BJP," the 80-year-old leader announced at a meeting here attended by opposition leaders from the Congress and the RJD besides dissident BJP leader and Patna Sahib MP Shatrughan Sinha.

Won't quit BJP,  I am here to stay: Shatrughan Sinha

BJP and Congress are locked in a bitter battle in the southern state of Karnataka. For Congress, it is a battle of survival and retaining the state is crucial as it is the only big state under its kitty. On the other hand, Karnataka is where BJP wants to prove a point. Its southern foray till date has only been successful in this state. BJP was able to form the government in 2008. Losing the state would be akin to losing the battle of the South. HRD Minister Prakash Javadekar is the election in-charge for the state. He spoke at length about BJP’s strategy and issues plaguing the state. He said that BJP will wrest the state away from Congress. Lingayat issue and language politics will not sway the voters as people will vote on the basis of work done by the Congress, he said and added that BJP is under no tacit alliance with JD (S) and will not require anyone’s support to form the government.

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Q: How confident is BJP of winning the election? 
A: We will win this election by a huge margin. We will form the government with a full majority. There will be no hung assembly. 
&nbsp; 
Q: What are the primary issues for the BJP in the state assembly election? 
A: Our issues are about people. 2500 farmers have committed suicide in the state. Farmers suicide has increased in the last five years. The government of the state has failed miserably. Centre had to intervene and help the farmers. Rural distress is a reality here. 85 percent of the area in Karnataka is rural. There is a law and order problem in the state. Corruption too is an issue. &nbsp;It is a corrupt government and people want change. 
&nbsp; 
Q: Congress has alleged on the other hand that despite a strong drought Maharashtra received more money than Karnataka? 
A: Karnataka CM has seen both UPA and NDA function. The state during UPA received only Rs. 88,000 crores while under us they have been receiving 2 lakh 19 thousand crore rupees. On top of it many schemes like highways, Centre has invested money in great volume. &nbsp;We have not discriminated against Karnataka. State government did not utilize the funds properly.

Q: Is corruption an issue in Karnataka? 
A: Yes. It is one of the major issues. Sand mafia is ruling the state. Sand which cost Rs. 3000 per truck today costs Rs.30,000. Today sand is being imported from Malaysia. The same sand is cheaper in Chennai if compared to rates in Bengaluru. It is a commission Sarkar. It is a 10 percent government. It is a Siddha-rupaiya Sarkar. 
&nbsp; 
Q: In most of the assembly elections, BJP dictated the narrative but it seems in Karnataka, Congress is driving the political narrative? 
A: I disagree. The situation on the ground has changed. It may have been true for 2017 but 2018 is different. Congress is in a defensive mode. In last 4 years, Congress lost 10 states. This is going to be their 11. Karnataka will be our 21st state and it will reduce Congress to Congress P, which means Congress (Punjab-Pondicherry). 
&nbsp; 
Q: What is your party’s position on Lingayat issue? 
A: The policy of the Congress is that of divide and rule. I was in charge of Manipur, they divided Kukis, Metis and Nagas. Our policy is to unite and prosper. This issue will impact the Congress. Many people advised CM not to do it but the Congress went ahead thinking that it will stop BS Yeddyurappa from becoming the Chief Minister. 
&nbsp; 
Q: But Yeddyurappa himself as a Chief Minister, petitioned the UPA government which was rejected by them?

A: This government did nothing in last 4 years except to take up this issue in last two months. In 2013, UPA government rejected. This is an electoral gimmick. It is pure politics. 
&nbsp; 
Q: Why do leaders of all political parties keep on visiting Mathas? 
A: Mathas are not only about Lingayats. Mathas in Karnataka have played an important role in social reforms. They have done a good job in the field of education. They took education to all corners of the state and to all sections of the society. Kannadiga philosophy is to live and let live. Like temples, people also go to mathas. 
&nbsp; 
Q: There is an assertion of language in the state and then the issue of the flag. Where does BJP stand in all of this? 
A: Diversity is the strength of this country and culture. We respect diversity and all languages and we are committed to developing all Indian languages. Karnataka state also has a song. It is a good thing. But all of this will not create a separate electorate for the Congress. People cannot be divided on these issues.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
Q: What about the flag? 
A: It is a technical issue and it is not an issue in this election. Concerned departments are looking into the issue. 
&nbsp; 
Q: How do you look at incidents of violence which have taken place in coastal Karnataka? 
A: It is organised violence. 25 BJP workers have been killed. PFI goons are behind it. They come here kill and go back. This government hobnobs with them. They have support from SDPI. They are in alliance with Congress in Bengaluru corporation. There is no serious effort to control these goons. Being a patriot is not a sin in this country. 
&nbsp; 
Q: Why is BJP being targeted? 
A: There are many reasons. Terror organisations are behind and the government has failed to protect the citizens. 
&nbsp; 
Q. Siddaramaiah says that 15th Finance Commission is not fair to us? 
A: Let me clarify. The whole discussion is about terms of reference. Those who have ensured population control should be encouraged and given funds but a state which is poor and have large population should also be able to receive grants. It is not a one point formula. It takes diversity and regional imbalances into account. There will be no injustice to Karnataka. Unfortunately, this government has failed to utilize the funds and 15th Commission will be fair and accommodate everyone. 
&nbsp; 
Q: Karnataka CM also said that this election about communalism Vs secularism? 
A: It is not. It is nationalism vs pseudo-secularism. We are fighting elections on the issue of development. Congress has lost touch with poor people. Once upon a time, they had this plank now it has gone to BJP. 
&nbsp; 
Q: Congress says that its national revival will start from Karnataka? 
A: Daydreaming is not banned. The fact remains we will win this state. 
&nbsp; 
Q: Your party has expanded a lot after 2014 elections. You have done well in urban seats in past what have you done to push yourself in rural areas and southern Karnataka? 
A: Our base is in rural areas. We will sweep Bengaluru. We do have a problem with a couple of seats but that’s about it. There will be no hung assembly. We will get an absolute majority. 
&nbsp; 
Q: What about the narrative that JD (S) may become a kingmaker eventually? 
A: If someone wants to take relief from such scenarios, let them. Fact remains that hung assembly will not happen. People love Modi. There will be a decisive change in Karnataka. Yeddyurappa is the rural face of the state. 
&nbsp; 
Q: What about pending projects like Mahadayi river issue? It remains unresolved? 
A: Congress created the mess. Goa Congress was opposed to it when Goa CM very graciously had said that 7.5 TMC water will be provided to Karnataka. There is a problem of water scarcity in the country. We will have to save and generate water at the same time. 
&nbsp; 
Q: It is being said that BJP has a tacit understanding with JD (S). Your comments? 
A: Absolutely not. It is a triangular contest. JD (S) is in a pocket. Congress is spread through the state and barring few districts. We are also spread through the state. We are fighting this election on our own. 
&nbsp; 
Q: Regional parties are tying up with each other. It is happening in Karnataka as well. How do you see this development? 
A: Everyone is free to do what they want in the country. We have our ideology and commitment. We will be voted in for good governance. Let people experiment. 
&nbsp; 
Q: Has BJP become the new Congress? 
A: When we opposed Congress, it was based on ideology. The opportunistic alliance has no future because they are not based on ideology. I don’t think it will succeed. We are the largest party in the world. We have 11 crore members. Page pramukhs are our strength. 
&nbsp; 
Q: What is your party’s position on the controversies caused by Ananth Kumar Hegde? 
A: He has clarified in Parliament and apologized. On certain issues, he has his own learning curve and on certain issues, we have made it clear that if someone speaks out of party line, we will not endorse it. 
&nbsp; 
Q: What is going to be the schedule of the PM? 
A: He will start campaigning from 1st May. His campaign will create a good momentum for us. 
&nbsp; 
Q: Lastly, why is Karnataka important to you? 
A: Karnataka is important in our scheme of things as it deserves much better. We will bring transparency to the government and ensure people’s participation. Centre and state will work closely. 
&nbsp; 
Q Any message for the Bangaloreans? 
A: We have launched a special campaign for the city. A garden city has been converted into a garbage city. A city of lakes has been converted into a city of lakes on fire. A beautiful city has been turned into a city of potholes where 16 people have died because of accidents. IT city has become a crime city. We will work on all these fronts. New Bengaluru for New India is our signature campaign. 
&nbsp;

Lingayat issue and language politics will not sway the voters as people will vote on the basis of work done by the Congress, says Prakash Javadekar

BJP and Congress are locked in a bitter battle in the southern state of Karnataka. For Congress, it is a battle of survival and retaining the state is crucial as it is the only big state under its kitty. On the other hand, Karnataka is where BJP wants to prove a point. Its southern foray till date has only been successful in this state. BJP was able to form the government in 2008. Losing the state would be akin to losing the battle of the South. HRD Minister Prakash Javadekar is the election in-charge for the state. He spoke at length about BJP’s strategy and issues plaguing the state. He said that BJP will wrest the state away from Congress. Lingayat issue and language politics will not sway the voters as people will vote on the basis of work done by the Congress, he said and added that BJP is under no tacit alliance with JD (S) and will not require anyone’s support to form the government. × Q: How confident is BJP of winning the election? A: We will win this election by a huge margin. We will form the government with a full majority. There will be no hung assembly. Q: What are the primary issues for the BJP in the state assembly election? A: Our issues are about people. 2500 farmers have committed suicide in the state. Farmers suicide has increased in the last five years. The government of the state has failed miserably. Centre had to intervene and help the farmers. Rural distress is a reality here. 85 percent of the area in Karnataka is rural. There is a law and order problem in the state. Corruption too is an issue. It is a corrupt government and people want change. Q: Congress has alleged on the other hand that despite a strong drought Maharashtra received more money than Karnataka? A: Karnataka CM has seen both UPA and NDA function. The state during UPA received only Rs. 88,000 crores while under us they have been receiving 2 lakh 19 thousand crore rupees. On top of it many schemes like highways, Centre has invested money in great volume. We have not discriminated against Karnataka. State government did not utilize the funds properly. Q: Is corruption an issue in Karnataka? A: Yes. It is one of the major issues. Sand mafia is ruling the state. Sand which cost Rs. 3000 per truck today costs Rs.30,000. Today sand is being imported from Malaysia. The same sand is cheaper in Chennai if compared to rates in Bengaluru. It is a commission Sarkar. It is a 10 percent government. It is a Siddha-rupaiya Sarkar. Q: In most of the assembly elections, BJP dictated the narrative but it seems in Karnataka, Congress is driving the political narrative? A: I disagree. The situation on the ground has changed. It may have been true for 2017 but 2018 is different. Congress is in a defensive mode. In last 4 years, Congress lost 10 states. This is going to be their 11. Karnataka will be our 21st state and it will reduce Congress to Congress P, which means Congress (Punjab-Pondicherry). Q: What is your party’s position on Lingayat issue? A: The policy of the Congress is that of divide and rule. I was in charge of Manipur, they divided Kukis, Metis and Nagas. Our policy is to unite and prosper. This issue will impact the Congress. Many people advised CM not to do it but the Congress went ahead thinking that it will stop BS Yeddyurappa from becoming the Chief Minister. Q: But Yeddyurappa himself as a Chief Minister, petitioned the UPA government which was rejected by them? A: This government did nothing in last 4 years except to take up this issue in last two months. In 2013, UPA government rejected. This is an electoral gimmick. It is pure politics. Q: Why do leaders of all political parties keep on visiting Mathas? A: Mathas are not only about Lingayats. Mathas in Karnataka have played an important role in social reforms. They have done a good job in the field of education. They took education to all corners of the state and to all sections of the society. Kannadiga philosophy is to live and let live. Like temples, people also go to mathas. Q: There is an assertion of language in the state and then the issue of the flag. Where does BJP stand in all of this? A: Diversity is the strength of this country and culture. We respect diversity and all languages and we are committed to developing all Indian languages. Karnataka state also has a song. It is a good thing. But all of this will not create a separate electorate for the Congress. People cannot be divided on these issues. Q: What about the flag? A: It is a technical issue and it is not an issue in this election. Concerned departments are looking into the issue. Q: How do you look at incidents of violence which have taken place in coastal Karnataka? A: It is organised violence. 25 BJP workers have been killed. PFI goons are behind it. They come here kill and go back. This government hobnobs with them. They have support from SDPI. They are in alliance with Congress in Bengaluru corporation. There is no serious effort to control these goons. Being a patriot is not a sin in this country. Q: Why is BJP being targeted? A: There are many reasons. Terror organisations are behind and the government has failed to protect the citizens. Q. Siddaramaiah says that 15th Finance Commission is not fair to us? A: Let me clarify. The whole discussion is about terms of reference. Those who have ensured population control should be encouraged and given funds but a state which is poor and have large population should also be able to receive grants. It is not a one point formula. It takes diversity and regional imbalances into account. There will be no injustice to Karnataka. Unfortunately, this government has failed to utilize the funds and 15th Commission will be fair and accommodate everyone. Q: Karnataka CM also said that this election about communalism Vs secularism? A: It is not. It is nationalism vs pseudo-secularism. We are fighting elections on the issue of development. Congress has lost touch with poor people. Once upon a time, they had this plank now it has gone to BJP. Q: Congress says that its national revival will start from Karnataka? A: Daydreaming is not banned. The fact remains we will win this state. Q: Your party has expanded a lot after 2014 elections. You have done well in urban seats in past what have you done to push yourself in rural areas and southern Karnataka? A: Our base is in rural areas. We will sweep Bengaluru. We do have a problem with a couple of seats but that’s about it. There will be no hung assembly. We will get an absolute majority. Q: What about the narrative that JD (S) may become a kingmaker eventually? A: If someone wants to take relief from such scenarios, let them. Fact remains that hung assembly will not happen. People love Modi. There will be a decisive change in Karnataka. Yeddyurappa is the rural face of the state. Q: What about pending projects like Mahadayi river issue? It remains unresolved? A: Congress created the mess. Goa Congress was opposed to it when Goa CM very graciously had said that 7.5 TMC water will be provided to Karnataka. There is a problem of water scarcity in the country. We will have to save and generate water at the same time. Q: It is being said that BJP has a tacit understanding with JD (S). Your comments? A: Absolutely not. It is a triangular contest. JD (S) is in a pocket. Congress is spread through the state and barring few districts. We are also spread through the state. We are fighting this election on our own. Q: Regional parties are tying up with each other. It is happening in Karnataka as well. How do you see this development? A: Everyone is free to do what they want in the country. We have our ideology and commitment. We will be voted in for good governance. Let people experiment. Q: Has BJP become the new Congress? A: When we opposed Congress, it was based on ideology. The opportunistic alliance has no future because they are not based on ideology. I don’t think it will succeed. We are the largest party in the world. We have 11 crore members. Page pramukhs are our strength. Q: What is your party’s position on the controversies caused by Ananth Kumar Hegde? A: He has clarified in Parliament and apologized. On certain issues, he has his own learning curve and on certain issues, we have made it clear that if someone speaks out of party line, we will not endorse it. Q: What is going to be the schedule of the PM? A: He will start campaigning from 1st May. His campaign will create a good momentum for us. Q: Lastly, why is Karnataka important to you? A: Karnataka is important in our scheme of things as it deserves much better. We will bring transparency to the government and ensure people’s participation. Centre and state will work closely. Q Any message for the Bangaloreans? A: We have launched a special campaign for the city. A garden city has been converted into a garbage city. A city of lakes has been converted into a city of lakes on fire. A beautiful city has been turned into a city of potholes where 16 people have died because of accidents. IT city has become a crime city. We will work on all these fronts. New Bengaluru for New India is our signature campaign.

Karnataka results will reduce Congress to Congress P (Punjab-Pondicherry): Javadekar to WION

Actor Prakash Raj on Saturday continued his stand on Bhartiya Janta Party (BJP) and urged people to not vote for the "communal party" adding that such a party is dangerous for the country.&nbsp;

Raj claimed that "BJP is like cancer and Congress and JD(S) are like cold and cough." However, he said that his remarks over the part were with an exception to A B Vajapayee, reports said.&nbsp;

Raj also refuted rumours about entering politics, saying that he had to clarify some problems with the JD(S) members - about their support to BJP after elections - but had no plans to enter politics adding that the #JustAsking Foundation will remain a non-political citizen-centric platform that will help citizens ask questions.

“My campaign is only against the BJP let the people decide whom to vote, based on their track record," Raj said. &nbsp; &nbsp; 
&nbsp;

However, he said that his remarks over the part were with an exception to A B Vajapayee, reports said

Actor Prakash Raj on Saturday continued his stand on Bhartiya Janta Party (BJP) and urged people to not vote for the "communal party" adding that such a party is dangerous for the country. Raj claimed that "BJP is like cancer and Congress and JD(S) are like cold and cough." However, he said that his remarks over the part were with an exception to A B Vajapayee, reports said. Raj also refuted rumours about entering politics, saying that he had to clarify some problems with the JD(S) members - about their support to BJP after elections - but had no plans to enter politics adding that the #JustAsking Foundation will remain a non-political citizen-centric platform that will help citizens ask questions. “My campaign is only against the BJP let the people decide whom to vote, based on their track record," Raj said.

Actor Prakash Raj urges people to not vote for BJP, says it's like cancer

Taking his party's fight against the Congress to the Gandhi family's pocket borough, BJP president Amit Shah today said his party would rid Rae Bareli, the Lok Sabha constituency of former Congress president Sonia Gandhi, of 'parivarvad' and take it on the path of development.

Addressing a public meeting here, Shah said Rae Bareli voted for top Congress leaders, but had not witnessed development since Independence.

Also read:&nbsp<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/fire-breaks-out-during-amit-shahs-rally-in-raebareli--131858">Fire breaks out during Amit Shah's rally in Raebareli</a>

"Rae Bareli has seen 'parivarvad' (dynastic politics) ever since Independence till this day and no development...I have come here to make it clear that the BJP will free Rae Bareli of 'parivarvad' and will start the campaign from today itself for taking it on the path of 'vikasvad' (development)," he said.

"The Congress and its top leadership have ruled in Uttar Pradesh and Rae Bareli for years but the 'bhumi pujan' (ground breaking ceremony) of community health centre and primary health centre was carried out only lately and the Yogi Adityanath-led state government has done a lot for the constituency...Now with some Congress leaders here joining the BJP, it is our responsibility to develop it by leaps and bounds," he said.

"We will develop it as an ideal constituency and a model district," he said, virtually blowing the BJP's election bugle with the Lok Sabha polls barely some months away.

He said before the Yogi Adityanath dispensation assumed office, Uttar Pradesh was known for 'goonda raj' and bad law and order."...Yogi government has established rule of law," he said.

On acquittal of Swami Aseemanand in the Mecca Masjid blast case earlier this week, he sought to target the Congress over the party's attempts to "defame" Hindus in terror cases.

"I want to ask Rahul 'Baba', your leaders have talked about saffron terrorism...You need to apologise...Decide how low you can stoop," he said.

Shah said he wanted to tell Rae Bareli people that he had been touring all over the country and "I can say Narendra Modi government will come back with a bigger mandate in 2019".

Exuding confidence that the BJP will win the Karnataka assembly election, he said, "The BJP will have its 16th state government in the country after May 15."

Though the BJP swept Uttar Pradesh in the 2014 general election, the BJP lost both Rae Bareli and Amethi to the Congress.

Barring three exceptions -- 1977, 1996 and 1998 -- Rae Bareli has stood with the Congress since 1952.

This time the BJP is out to test Rae Bareli's love for the Nehru-Gandhi family currently represented by UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi, a four-term MP. Amethi is represented in Parliament by Congress president Rahul Gandhi.

Earlier, a minor fire broke out at the venue of the public meeting, triggering panic and commotion in the audience.

The fire, which was brought under control in short time, broke out due to an electrical short-circuit near the media enclosure, officials said.

Shah and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath were present on the dais at the time of the incident.

State BJP chief Mahendranath Pandey was addressing the gathering when smoke and sparks were noticed. Because of the fire, the programme was stopped for a while.

Addressing a public meeting here, Shah said Rae Bareli voted for top Congress leaders, but had not witnessed development since Independence

Taking his party's fight against the Congress to the Gandhi family's pocket borough, BJP president Amit Shah today said his party would rid Rae Bareli, the Lok Sabha constituency of former Congress president Sonia Gandhi, of 'parivarvad' and take it on the path of development. Addressing a public meeting here, Shah said Rae Bareli voted for top Congress leaders, but had not witnessed development since Independence. Also read: Fire breaks out during Amit Shah's rally in Raebareli "Rae Bareli has seen 'parivarvad' (dynastic politics) ever since Independence till this day and no development...I have come here to make it clear that the BJP will free Rae Bareli of 'parivarvad' and will start the campaign from today itself for taking it on the path of 'vikasvad' (development)," he said. "The Congress and its top leadership have ruled in Uttar Pradesh and Rae Bareli for years but the 'bhumi pujan' (ground breaking ceremony) of community health centre and primary health centre was carried out only lately and the Yogi Adityanath-led state government has done a lot for the constituency...Now with some Congress leaders here joining the BJP, it is our responsibility to develop it by leaps and bounds," he said. "We will develop it as an ideal constituency and a model district," he said, virtually blowing the BJP's election bugle with the Lok Sabha polls barely some months away. He said before the Yogi Adityanath dispensation assumed office, Uttar Pradesh was known for 'goonda raj' and bad law and order."...Yogi government has established rule of law," he said. On acquittal of Swami Aseemanand in the Mecca Masjid blast case earlier this week, he sought to target the Congress over the party's attempts to "defame" Hindus in terror cases. "I want to ask Rahul 'Baba', your leaders have talked about saffron terrorism...You need to apologise...Decide how low you can stoop," he said. Shah said he wanted to tell Rae Bareli people that he had been touring all over the country and "I can say Narendra Modi government will come back with a bigger mandate in 2019". Exuding confidence that the BJP will win the Karnataka assembly election, he said, "The BJP will have its 16th state government in the country after May 15." Though the BJP swept Uttar Pradesh in the 2014 general election, the BJP lost both Rae Bareli and Amethi to the Congress. Barring three exceptions -- 1977, 1996 and 1998 -- Rae Bareli has stood with the Congress since 1952. This time the BJP is out to test Rae Bareli's love for the Nehru-Gandhi family currently represented by UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi, a four-term MP. Amethi is represented in Parliament by Congress president Rahul Gandhi. Earlier, a minor fire broke out at the venue of the public meeting, triggering panic and commotion in the audience. The fire, which was brought under control in short time, broke out due to an electrical short-circuit near the media enclosure, officials said. Shah and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath were present on the dais at the time of the incident. State BJP chief Mahendranath Pandey was addressing the gathering when smoke and sparks were noticed. Because of the fire, the programme was stopped for a while.

BJP will rid Raebareli of 'parivarvad': Amit Shah

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-releases-list-of-218-candidates-for-karnataka-polls-130629">Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah</a> has said that his party was not going to enter into an alliance with any party.&nbsp

Asserting that Congress was a secular party he said that they were not forming an alliance with Janata Dal(Secular).

Responding to question on if he will contest from Badami constituency, the chief minister said that he would abide by his party's decision.

He said, "Whatever the party leadership says I&nbspwill abide by it".

Siddaramaiah was keen on contesting the elections from two constituencies Chamundeshwari and&nbspBadami. The leader was, however, given the ticket for only Chamundeshwari constituency.

The chief minister also hit out at the BJP President claiming that Amit Shah was not a Hindu&nbsphimself.&nbsp

He said, " Amit Shah said I&nbspam not a Hindu, but Amit Shah himself is not a Hindu, he is a Jain. He might believe in Hindutva but let him come out and say he is Hindu and a Jain".

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CM Siddaramaiah: We are not going to enter into an alliance with any party. We are a secular party. 
Reporter: But Janata Dal(S) is also secular 
CM Siddaramaiah: Who told you JDS is a secular party? <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KarnatakaElections2018?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KarnatakaElections2018</a> <a href="https://t.co/AsDrc7JAvc">pic.twitter.com/AsDrc7JAvc</a>
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Asserting that Congress was a secular party he said that they were not forming an alliance with Janata Dal(Secular)

Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah has said that his party was not going to enter into an alliance with any party. Asserting that Congress was a secular party he said that they were not forming an alliance with Janata Dal(Secular). Responding to question on if he will contest from Badami constituency, the chief minister said that he would abide by his party's decision. He said, "Whatever the party leadership says I&nbspwill abide by it". Siddaramaiah was keen on contesting the elections from two constituencies Chamundeshwari and&nbspBadami. The leader was, however, given the ticket for only Chamundeshwari constituency. The chief minister also hit out at the BJP President claiming that Amit Shah was not a Hindu&nbsphimself. He said, " Amit Shah said I&nbspam not a Hindu, but Amit Shah himself is not a Hindu, he is a Jain. He might believe in Hindutva but let him come out and say he is Hindu and a Jain". CM Siddaramaiah: We are not going to enter into an alliance with any party. We are a secular party. Reporter: But Janata Dal(S) is also secular CM Siddaramaiah: Who told you JDS is a secular party? #KarnatakaElections2018 pic.twitter.com/AsDrc7JAvc — ANI (@ANI) April 20, 2018 ×

We will not enter into alliance with any party: Siddaramaiah

The Congress Thursday hit out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his "cavalier" conduct of foreign policy at the Commonwealth Summit and bilateral meeting with British counterpart Theresa May, saying it is "hurting" India's national interests.

Congress senior spokesperson Anand Sharma said the prime minister's "boastful" claims on surgical strike neutralising cross-border terror is "embarrassing" as India continues to be exposed to multiple terrorist strikes from across the border, losing brace officers and soldiers.

"Prime Minister Modi's cavalier conduct of foreign policy at the Commonwealth Summit in London and the bilateral meeting with the British prime minister is hurting India's national interests.

"He needs a firm reminder that India engages with its strategic partner countries with maturity and gravitas and does not take sides or make an uninformed statement on issues of disputes between two strategic partner countries," he said in a statement.

Hitting out at the government's policy towards Pakistan, Sharma said it has been a "disaster" and it was "unbecoming" of a prime minister to speak out the way he did.

"The BJP government's Pakistan policy is a disaster. It is both unfortunate and unbecoming of him to say that India's prime minister speaks to Pakistan in its own language," he said.&nbsp

Sharma said Pakistan is home to a terror syndicate that targets India and its people.&nbsp

India, therefore, has the moral high ground and every right to take firm action to confront and defeat terrorism, he said, adding that the entire nation stands united behind the armed forces in fighting terrorism.&nbsp

Modi told his British counterpart Wednesday that there would be no dilution in the importance of the UK to India after it leaves the EU, as the two leaders agreed to infuse new energy into bilateral ties post-Brexit.

Later at an interaction with the Indian diaspora, the prime minister talked about surgical strikes on Pakistan to demolish terror training camps and warned Pakistan that India will not tolerate those who like to export terror and will respond to them "in the language they understand".

The prime minister, during the 'Bharat Ki Baat, Sabke Saath' programme at the iconic Central Hall Westminster, said when "someone has put a terror export factory in place and makes attempts to attack us from the back, Modi knows how to answer in the same language".&nbsp

Congress senior spokesperson Anand Sharma said the prime minister's "boastful" claims on surgical strike neutralising cross-border terror is 'embarrassing' as India continues to be exposed to multiple terrorist strikes from across the border, losing brace officers and soldiers

The Congress Thursday hit out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his "cavalier" conduct of foreign policy at the Commonwealth Summit and bilateral meeting with British counterpart Theresa May, saying it is "hurting" India's national interests. Congress senior spokesperson Anand Sharma said the prime minister's "boastful" claims on surgical strike neutralising cross-border terror is "embarrassing" as India continues to be exposed to multiple terrorist strikes from across the border, losing brace officers and soldiers. "Prime Minister Modi's cavalier conduct of foreign policy at the Commonwealth Summit in London and the bilateral meeting with the British prime minister is hurting India's national interests. "He needs a firm reminder that India engages with its strategic partner countries with maturity and gravitas and does not take sides or make an uninformed statement on issues of disputes between two strategic partner countries," he said in a statement. Hitting out at the government's policy towards Pakistan, Sharma said it has been a "disaster" and it was "unbecoming" of a prime minister to speak out the way he did. "The BJP government's Pakistan policy is a disaster. It is both unfortunate and unbecoming of him to say that India's prime minister speaks to Pakistan in its own language," he said. Sharma said Pakistan is home to a terror syndicate that targets India and its people. India, therefore, has the moral high ground and every right to take firm action to confront and defeat terrorism, he said, adding that the entire nation stands united behind the armed forces in fighting terrorism. Modi told his British counterpart Wednesday that there would be no dilution in the importance of the UK to India after it leaves the EU, as the two leaders agreed to infuse new energy into bilateral ties post-Brexit. Later at an interaction with the Indian diaspora, the prime minister talked about surgical strikes on Pakistan to demolish terror training camps and warned Pakistan that India will not tolerate those who like to export terror and will respond to them "in the language they understand". The prime minister, during the 'Bharat Ki Baat, Sabke Saath' programme at the iconic Central Hall Westminster, said when "someone has put a terror export factory in place and makes attempts to attack us from the back, Modi knows how to answer in the same language".

PM's 'boastful' claim on surgical strike neutralising cross-border terror is 'embarrassing': Congress

The BJP on Friday lashed out at the Congress for its move to impeach the chief justice of India, saying it was trying to "demean, degrade and denigrate" the judiciary after its "conspiracies" in the case of judge B H Loya's death and riot charges against its Gujarat leader Maya Kodnani were exposed.

BJP spokesperson Meenakshi Lekhi told reporters that the impeachment move is an attempt to pressure the judiciary and send out the message that "either you do what we say and if you dare not do as we command", then it will impeach judges.

She said Kodnani, who was acquitted by the Gujarat High Court today, was victimised by the Congress and implicated in a "false case" when it was in power at the Centre as it wanted to implicate the saffron party's leaders in false cases.

"It also hatched a conspiracy in the judge Loya death case. Evidence in these cases could not stand the judicial scrutiny. The Congress and other opposition parties levelled false allegations against our leaders but they are getting exposed now," she said.

Whether it was petitioned for a probe into the Loya death case or the charges against Kadnani, they were all fabricated cases, she said.

The Constitution envisaged by B R Ambedkar views the judiciary independent of policies but the Congress is trying to politicise it.&nbsp

As the opposition party is losing political ground, it has resorted to such pressure tactics motivated by "malice", Lekhi said.

It is an attempt to demean, degrade and denigrate the judiciary, she said.

The Supreme Court had yesterday dismissed a batch of petitions seeking probe to judge Loya's death, saying he died of natural cases.

The Gujarat High Court acquitted Kodnani, a former minister in the state government, in the 2002 Naroda Patiya riots case in which 97 people were killed by a mob.&nbsp

Meenakshi Lekhi told reporters that the impeachment move is an attempt to pressure the judiciary and send out the message that "either you do what we say and if you dare not do as we command", then it will impeach judges.

The BJP on Friday lashed out at the Congress for its move to impeach the chief justice of India, saying it was trying to "demean, degrade and denigrate" the judiciary after its "conspiracies" in the case of judge B H Loya's death and riot charges against its Gujarat leader Maya Kodnani were exposed. BJP spokesperson Meenakshi Lekhi told reporters that the impeachment move is an attempt to pressure the judiciary and send out the message that "either you do what we say and if you dare not do as we command", then it will impeach judges. She said Kodnani, who was acquitted by the Gujarat High Court today, was victimised by the Congress and implicated in a "false case" when it was in power at the Centre as it wanted to implicate the saffron party's leaders in false cases. "It also hatched a conspiracy in the judge Loya death case. Evidence in these cases could not stand the judicial scrutiny. The Congress and other opposition parties levelled false allegations against our leaders but they are getting exposed now," she said. Whether it was petitioned for a probe into the Loya death case or the charges against Kadnani, they were all fabricated cases, she said. The Constitution envisaged by B R Ambedkar views the judiciary independent of policies but the Congress is trying to politicise it. As the opposition party is losing political ground, it has resorted to such pressure tactics motivated by "malice", Lekhi said. It is an attempt to demean, degrade and denigrate the judiciary, she said. The Supreme Court had yesterday dismissed a batch of petitions seeking probe to judge Loya's death, saying he died of natural cases. The Gujarat High Court acquitted Kodnani, a former minister in the state government, in the 2002 Naroda Patiya riots case in which 97 people were killed by a mob.

CJI impeachment move as Cong's conspiracies were exposed: BJP

Hours after Supreme Court ruled out an SIT probe into&nbsp;circumstances surrounding special CBI judge BH Loya's death in 2014, the Congress president Rahul Gandhi tweeted the truth has its own way of catching up with people like Amit Shah.

''Indians are deeply intelligent. Most Indians, including those in the BJP, instinctively understand the truth about Mr Amit Shah. The truth has its own way of catching up with people like him,'' Rahul Gandhi said in a tweet without referring&nbsp;to the case.

Rahul's statement was in reaction to the apex court's dismissal of a batch of PILs demanding a probe into the circumstances surrounding special CBI judge BH Loya's death in 2014.&nbsp;

A bench comprising Chief Justice Dipak Misra and justices A M Khanwilkar and D Y Chandrachud held that there was absolutely no merit in the petitions and said Loya died of natural causes.

Loya had been hearing the politically sensitive Sohrabuddin Sheikh fake encounter case, in which then Gujarat home minister Amit Shah was an accused. After Loya's death, Shah was discharged and the CBI refused to file an appeal against the verdict.

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Indians are deeply intelligent. Most Indians, including those in the BJP, instinctively understand the truth about Mr Amit Shah. The truth has its own way of catching up with people like him.
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Immediately after the verdict was pronounced both BJP and Congress indulged in a political mudslinging. The BJP alleged the "invisible hand" behind the pleas was of Rahul Gandhi as part of "a conspiracy to finish the political career" of the ruling party chief Amit Shah. The party also demanded an apology from the Congress president.&nbsp;

The Congress, on the other hand, described the verdict as a ''sad letter day'' in India's history.&nbsp;

Attacking the BJP for accusing Congress president Rahul Gandhi's as being the invisible hand behind the petitions seeking the probe, party spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala termed the allegations as a malicious attempt which showed the ruling party's jitteriness

''Indians are deeply intelligent. Most Indians, including those in the BJP, instinctively understand the truth about Mr Amit Shah. The truth has its own way of catching up with people like him,'' Rahul Gandhi said in a tweet.

Hours after Supreme Court ruled out an SIT probe into circumstances surrounding special CBI judge BH Loya's death in 2014, the Congress president Rahul Gandhi tweeted the truth has its own way of catching up with people like Amit Shah. ''Indians are deeply intelligent. Most Indians, including those in the BJP, instinctively understand the truth about Mr Amit Shah. The truth has its own way of catching up with people like him,'' Rahul Gandhi said in a tweet without referring to the case. Rahul's statement was in reaction to the apex court's dismissal of a batch of PILs demanding a probe into the circumstances surrounding special CBI judge BH Loya's death in 2014. A bench comprising Chief Justice Dipak Misra and justices A M Khanwilkar and D Y Chandrachud held that there was absolutely no merit in the petitions and said Loya died of natural causes. Loya had been hearing the politically sensitive Sohrabuddin Sheikh fake encounter case, in which then Gujarat home minister Amit Shah was an accused. After Loya's death, Shah was discharged and the CBI refused to file an appeal against the verdict. Indians are deeply intelligent. Most Indians, including those in the BJP, instinctively understand the truth about Mr Amit Shah. The truth has its own way of catching up with people like him. — Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) April 19, 2018 × Immediately after the verdict was pronounced both BJP and Congress indulged in a political mudslinging. The BJP alleged the "invisible hand" behind the pleas was of Rahul Gandhi as part of "a conspiracy to finish the political career" of the ruling party chief Amit Shah. The party also demanded an apology from the Congress president. The Congress, on the other hand, described the verdict as a ''sad letter day'' in India's history. Attacking the BJP for accusing Congress president Rahul Gandhi's as being the invisible hand behind the petitions seeking the probe, party spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala termed the allegations as a malicious attempt which showed the ruling party's jitteriness

Truth has its own way of catching up with people like Amit Shah: Tweets Rahul Gandhi

The Congress on Thursday raised questions over the Supreme Court verdict rejecting a batch of pleas seeking a probe into the alleged mysterious death of judge B H Loya, saying it was a sad letter day&nbspin the country's history and pitched for a fair probe into the matter.

Attacking the BJP for accusing Congress president Rahul Gandhi's as being the invisible hand behind the petitions seeking the probe, party spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala termed the allegations as a malicious attempt which showed the ruling party's jitteriness.&nbsp

It is a sad letter day in India's history. The suspicious circumstances in which Loya died, was a matter of deep concern for those who have faith in the judiciary. The copy of the entire judgment is not yet available. But there are still questions before those who believe in the judiciary, Surjewala told reporters in Delhi.

He raised 10 questions relating to the case as he criticised the verdict and noted that issue of criminality can be decided only through a probe, contending that no investigation was done into the death of Loya, who was hearing the high-profile Sohrabuddin Sheikh fake encounter case.&nbsp

In this background, the BJP's attempt to make false capital out of the Supreme Court judgment must be condemned with strongest possible words, he added.

Surjewala also stressed that the Congress was not among the petitioners seeking a probe into the judge's death and recalled that the party had instead approached the people's court and approached President Ram Nath Kovind along with 14 other opposition parties.&nbsp

The BJP's attempt to misinterpret the Supreme Court judgement reflects their jitteriness and frustration. We reject and condemn the malicious attempts of the BJP to misinterpret the judgement for finger pointing, he said.

Earlier in the day, Congress leader Abhishek Manu Singhvi said that the apex court's verdict dismissing the pleas seeking an independent probe into Loya's death will raise more questions and leave many of them unanswered unless logical reasons were found in it.

A bench comprising Chief Justice Dipak Misra and justices A M Khanwilkar and D Y Chandrachud said there was no reason to doubt the statements of four judges on the circumstances leading to the judge's death and the documents placed on record and their scrutiny established that the death was due to natural cause.

Loya had died of cardiac arrest in Nagpur on December 1, 2014 when he had gone to attend the wedding of a colleague's daughter.&nbsp

Immediately after the court gave its verdict, the BJP mounted an attack on the Congress, alleging that the "invisible" hand behind the petitions was that of Gandhi who tried to use the judiciary for "character assassination" of its chief Amit Shah.

Attacking the BJP for accusing Congress president Rahul Gandhi's as being the invisible hand behind the petitions seeking the probe, party spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala termed the allegations as a malicious attempt

The Congress on Thursday raised questions over the Supreme Court verdict rejecting a batch of pleas seeking a probe into the alleged mysterious death of judge B H Loya, saying it was a sad letter day&nbspin the country's history and pitched for a fair probe into the matter. Attacking the BJP for accusing Congress president Rahul Gandhi's as being the invisible hand behind the petitions seeking the probe, party spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala termed the allegations as a malicious attempt which showed the ruling party's jitteriness. It is a sad letter day in India's history. The suspicious circumstances in which Loya died, was a matter of deep concern for those who have faith in the judiciary. The copy of the entire judgment is not yet available. But there are still questions before those who believe in the judiciary, Surjewala told reporters in Delhi. He raised 10 questions relating to the case as he criticised the verdict and noted that issue of criminality can be decided only through a probe, contending that no investigation was done into the death of Loya, who was hearing the high-profile Sohrabuddin Sheikh fake encounter case. In this background, the BJP's attempt to make false capital out of the Supreme Court judgment must be condemned with strongest possible words, he added. Surjewala also stressed that the Congress was not among the petitioners seeking a probe into the judge's death and recalled that the party had instead approached the people's court and approached President Ram Nath Kovind along with 14 other opposition parties. The BJP's attempt to misinterpret the Supreme Court judgement reflects their jitteriness and frustration. We reject and condemn the malicious attempts of the BJP to misinterpret the judgement for finger pointing, he said. Earlier in the day, Congress leader Abhishek Manu Singhvi said that the apex court's verdict dismissing the pleas seeking an independent probe into Loya's death will raise more questions and leave many of them unanswered unless logical reasons were found in it. A bench comprising Chief Justice Dipak Misra and justices A M Khanwilkar and D Y Chandrachud said there was no reason to doubt the statements of four judges on the circumstances leading to the judge's death and the documents placed on record and their scrutiny established that the death was due to natural cause. Loya had died of cardiac arrest in Nagpur on December 1, 2014 when he had gone to attend the wedding of a colleague's daughter. Immediately after the court gave its verdict, the BJP mounted an attack on the Congress, alleging that the "invisible" hand behind the petitions was that of Gandhi who tried to use the judiciary for "character assassination" of its chief Amit Shah.

Sad letter day in India's history, fair probe needed into judge Loya's death: Congress on SC verdict

The BJP on Thursday&nbsplaunched a fierce attack on the Congress after the Supreme Court rejected petitions seeking probe into Judge B H Loya's death, and alleged the "invisible hand" behind the pleas was of Rahul Gandhi as part of "a conspiracy to finish the political career" of the ruling party chief Amit Shah.

Soon after the Supreme Court passed its order rejecting a batch of petitions in the Loya case, a number of senior BJP leaders blasted the Congress and Gandhi and sought his apology for what they described as an attempt to use the judiciary for a political battle aimed at "character assassination" of Shah.

The apex court said the judge died of natural causes while rejecting petitions that cast a cloud over reasons of his demise and sought an independent probe. Before his death in December 2014, Loya was hearing the Sohrabuddin encounter case in which Shah was an accused. The BJP president was discharged later.

Addressing a press conference after the SC verdict, Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said the Congress and its chief Rahul Gandhi conspired to target BJP President Amit Shah as it believes that only one family had a right to rule the country"It was a conspiracy by the Congress and its chief Gandhi to finish the political career of BJP President Amit Shah, as part of which wrong accusations were made and an over 100-strong delegation was taken to the President," Prasad said.

Home Minister Rajnath Singh took to Twitter to say that the judiciary has sent a message that it cannot be misled by allegations based on political vendetta and claimed that several attempts have been made to target top BJP leaders through 'fake news'.

"The Supreme Court has also cautioned against the misuse of courts in political tug of war," Singh tweeted.

While Singh did not specifically name Congress or its chief, Prasad was unsparing in his attack on Gandhi and wondered if he wanted to enhance his party's political standing by seeking recourse to the corridors of courts by making them "a political battleground with politically-vested litigations".

Earlier in the day, BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra told reporters that the public interest litigations (PILs) seeking a probe into Loya's death were like "political interest litigations".

Alleging that the "invisible hand" behind these petitions was of Gandhi and the Congress, Patra said the Congress chief should be "ashamed" for what he described as a conspiracy to target Shah, the Indian judiciary and the country's democracy.

"The Congress engages in all sorts of conspiracies after its ruling family loses power," Patra alleged and added that the attempt to use judiciary for political purposes was a "new low" in Indian politics.

The BJP leader further alleged that the pleas were filed to settle political scores as Congress was incapable of taking on Shah and Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the electoral field.&nbsp

The Union Minister said Gandhi should apologise as he had led a delegation of opposition MPs to the President and his party had held press conferences seeking a probe into the special CBI judge's death.

Loya had died of cardiac arrest, according to police investigation reports, in Nagpur on December 1, 2014 when he had gone to attend the wedding of a colleague's daughter.

The issue of Loya's death came in spotlight in November last year after some media reports quoting his sister fuelled suspicion about circumstances surrounding it and its link to the Sohrabuddin case.

Quoting from the apex court's order, Prasad said the verdict answers all questions raised by the Congress as well as by the petitioners who acted as a "front" or were in close cooperation with the main opposition party.

He said the the plea was not in public interest but in the interest of the Congress and to damage the BJP and its chief.

Prasad said the party had kept quiet so far on the issue was it "wanted the law to take its own course".

"The Congress has been unmasked today," he said.

To a query about questions raised by the Congress following the order, he said some people accept the court's verdict only when it suits them but the decision of the Supreme Court is final.

Patra said it is a new low in the Indian politics as the Congress tried to politicise the judiciary.

Joining the attack on the Congress, Union Minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi said the party failed to ?destroy? the then Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi and Shah, when it was in power at the Centre.

"Now in opposition, Congress was conspiring to defame the BJP's top leadership," he said.

"Today's judgement has demolished the Congress' attempts of hatching criminal conspiracy to destroy and defame our top leadership. The Congress, its president Shri Rahul Gandhi and Smt Sonia Gandhi should apologise for this sin," Naqvi told reporters.

In its order, the Supreme Court said the petitions seeking a probe into Judge Loya's death were a serious attempt to scandalise and obstruct the course of justice.

The top court dubbed the PILs into the death of judge Loya as frivolous and motivated litigations to settle political scores and rivalry were behind the "facade of the PIL" to malign the dignity of judicial officers and Bombay High Court judges.

Home Minister Rajnath Singh took to Twitter to say that the judiciary has sent a message that it cannot be misled by allegations based on political vendetta and claimed that several attempts have been made to target top BJP leaders through 'fake news'.

The BJP on Thursday&nbsplaunched a fierce attack on the Congress after the Supreme Court rejected petitions seeking probe into Judge B H Loya's death, and alleged the "invisible hand" behind the pleas was of Rahul Gandhi as part of "a conspiracy to finish the political career" of the ruling party chief Amit Shah. Soon after the Supreme Court passed its order rejecting a batch of petitions in the Loya case, a number of senior BJP leaders blasted the Congress and Gandhi and sought his apology for what they described as an attempt to use the judiciary for a political battle aimed at "character assassination" of Shah. The apex court said the judge died of natural causes while rejecting petitions that cast a cloud over reasons of his demise and sought an independent probe. Before his death in December 2014, Loya was hearing the Sohrabuddin encounter case in which Shah was an accused. The BJP president was discharged later. Addressing a press conference after the SC verdict, Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said the Congress and its chief Rahul Gandhi conspired to target BJP President Amit Shah as it believes that only one family had a right to rule the country"It was a conspiracy by the Congress and its chief Gandhi to finish the political career of BJP President Amit Shah, as part of which wrong accusations were made and an over 100-strong delegation was taken to the President," Prasad said. Home Minister Rajnath Singh took to Twitter to say that the judiciary has sent a message that it cannot be misled by allegations based on political vendetta and claimed that several attempts have been made to target top BJP leaders through 'fake news'. "The Supreme Court has also cautioned against the misuse of courts in political tug of war," Singh tweeted. While Singh did not specifically name Congress or its chief, Prasad was unsparing in his attack on Gandhi and wondered if he wanted to enhance his party's political standing by seeking recourse to the corridors of courts by making them "a political battleground with politically-vested litigations". Earlier in the day, BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra told reporters that the public interest litigations (PILs) seeking a probe into Loya's death were like "political interest litigations". Alleging that the "invisible hand" behind these petitions was of Gandhi and the Congress, Patra said the Congress chief should be "ashamed" for what he described as a conspiracy to target Shah, the Indian judiciary and the country's democracy. "The Congress engages in all sorts of conspiracies after its ruling family loses power," Patra alleged and added that the attempt to use judiciary for political purposes was a "new low" in Indian politics. The BJP leader further alleged that the pleas were filed to settle political scores as Congress was incapable of taking on Shah and Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the electoral field. The Union Minister said Gandhi should apologise as he had led a delegation of opposition MPs to the President and his party had held press conferences seeking a probe into the special CBI judge's death. Loya had died of cardiac arrest, according to police investigation reports, in Nagpur on December 1, 2014 when he had gone to attend the wedding of a colleague's daughter. The issue of Loya's death came in spotlight in November last year after some media reports quoting his sister fuelled suspicion about circumstances surrounding it and its link to the Sohrabuddin case. Quoting from the apex court's order, Prasad said the verdict answers all questions raised by the Congress as well as by the petitioners who acted as a "front" or were in close cooperation with the main opposition party. He said the the plea was not in public interest but in the interest of the Congress and to damage the BJP and its chief. Prasad said the party had kept quiet so far on the issue was it "wanted the law to take its own course". "The Congress has been unmasked today," he said. To a query about questions raised by the Congress following the order, he said some people accept the court's verdict only when it suits them but the decision of the Supreme Court is final. Patra said it is a new low in the Indian politics as the Congress tried to politicise the judiciary. Joining the attack on the Congress, Union Minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi said the party failed to ?destroy? the then Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi and Shah, when it was in power at the Centre. "Now in opposition, Congress was conspiring to defame the BJP's top leadership," he said. "Today's judgement has demolished the Congress' attempts of hatching criminal conspiracy to destroy and defame our top leadership. The Congress, its president Shri Rahul Gandhi and Smt Sonia Gandhi should apologise for this sin," Naqvi told reporters. In its order, the Supreme Court said the petitions seeking a probe into Judge Loya's death were a serious attempt to scandalise and obstruct the course of justice. The top court dubbed the PILs into the death of judge Loya as frivolous and motivated litigations to settle political scores and rivalry were behind the "facade of the PIL" to malign the dignity of judicial officers and Bombay High Court judges.

BJP sees Rahul's 'invisible hand' behind Loya death probe pleas, demands apology for 'conspiracy'

Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday assured the people of Amethi that in 15 years the constituency will be as developed as Singapore and California.

Addressing a gathering after inaugurating a school here in his parliamentary constituency, the Congress chief also accused the Centre and state government for halting the progress of the state by taking away the big projects.

"After 10-15 years, when people would mention Singapore and California, they will also mention Amethi in the same breath," Rahul said.

He further said Amethi will become world famous education hub soon and nobody can stop this from happening.

The Gandhi scion is on a three-day visit to the family's pocket borough constituency of Amethi and Raebareli in Uttar Pradesh. His mother and former Congress president Sonia Gandhi are the Member of Parliament from Raebareli.

Taking a swipe at PM Modi on the cash crunch crisis, Gandhi said: “Desh ki puri Janta ko line mein lagaya… Apke job se 500 ka note cheena, Nirav Modi Ji ke Jeb mein dala. Pradhan Mantri ek shabda nahi kehte. Parliament mein khare hone se darte hain… (People were forced to stand in queues. Rs 500 notes were snatched from you and put in Nirav Modi’s pocket. Prime Minister does not say a word… He is afraid of facing Parliament).”

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(With inputs from ANI)

Congress president Rahul Gandhi is on a three-day visit to Amethi and his mother Sonia Gandhi's constituency Rae Bareli.

Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday assured the people of Amethi that in 15 years the constituency will be as developed as Singapore and California. Addressing a gathering after inaugurating a school here in his parliamentary constituency, the Congress chief also accused the Centre and state government for halting the progress of the state by taking away the big projects. "After 10-15 years, when people would mention Singapore and California, they will also mention Amethi in the same breath," Rahul said. He further said Amethi will become world famous education hub soon and nobody can stop this from happening. The Gandhi scion is on a three-day visit to the family's pocket borough constituency of Amethi and Raebareli in Uttar Pradesh. His mother and former Congress president Sonia Gandhi are the Member of Parliament from Raebareli. Taking a swipe at PM Modi on the cash crunch crisis, Gandhi said: “Desh ki puri Janta ko line mein lagaya… Apke job se 500 ka note cheena, Nirav Modi Ji ke Jeb mein dala. Pradhan Mantri ek shabda nahi kehte. Parliament mein khare hone se darte hain… (People were forced to stand in queues. Rs 500 notes were snatched from you and put in Nirav Modi’s pocket. Prime Minister does not say a word… He is afraid of facing Parliament).” #WATCH: Congress President Rahul Gandhi says 'After 10-15 years when people mention Singapore and California, they will also mention Amethi in the same breath' (17.4.18) pic.twitter.com/Y1lDhye8zC — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) April 18, 2018 × (With inputs from ANI)

Watch: In 15 years, Amethi will be like Singapore, California, says Rahul Gandhi

The preliminary analysis by the Association of Democratic Reforms (ADR) shows that parties cutting across Karnataka have fielded candidates with criminal or serious criminal records.

As per the data, 32 percent of candidates fielded by the Congress have&nbspcriminal antecedents&nbspwhile BJP the percentage stands at 27 percent. JD (S) stands between the two national parties with 29 per cent. All the&nbspparties have fielded candidates with serious criminal cases. The percentage for BJP stands at 17 percent, for Congress 16 and for JD (S)&nbsp16 percent.

The list also shows that crorepati candidates have been able to muscle into seat distribution. The list of crorepatis candidates who got re-nominated from Congress stands at 134, for BJP it is 97 and for JD-S it is 46 candidates. If we look it at from the percentage points then for BJP it stands at 87 percent, for Congress at 91 percent and for JD-S at 79 percent. As of now BJP has announced a list of 154, Congress 218 and JD-S 126 candidates. All political parties are expected to announce the remaining number of seats soon. The initial list of candidates had created internal problem both for BJP and Congress.

ADR also gives the average asset of a, re contesting corepati candidate. The average asset for such a millionaire in BJP is 8 crore, for Congress it is 28 crore and for JD-S it stands at 14 crore. Elections in Karnataka are being keenly watched as its results like Gujarat will have national repercussion for both BJP and Congress.

As per the data, 32 percent of candidates fielded by the Congress have criminal antecedents while BJP the percentage stands at 27 percent. JD (S) stands between the two national parties with 29 per cent.

The preliminary analysis by the Association of Democratic Reforms (ADR) shows that parties cutting across Karnataka have fielded candidates with criminal or serious criminal records. As per the data, 32 percent of candidates fielded by the Congress have&nbspcriminal antecedents&nbspwhile BJP the percentage stands at 27 percent. JD (S) stands between the two national parties with 29 per cent. All the&nbspparties have fielded candidates with serious criminal cases. The percentage for BJP stands at 17 percent, for Congress 16 and for JD (S)&nbsp16 percent. The list also shows that crorepati candidates have been able to muscle into seat distribution. The list of crorepatis candidates who got re-nominated from Congress stands at 134, for BJP it is 97 and for JD-S it is 46 candidates. If we look it at from the percentage points then for BJP it stands at 87 percent, for Congress at 91 percent and for JD-S at 79 percent. As of now BJP has announced a list of 154, Congress 218 and JD-S 126 candidates. All political parties are expected to announce the remaining number of seats soon. The initial list of candidates had created internal problem both for BJP and Congress. ADR also gives the average asset of a, re contesting corepati candidate. The average asset for such a millionaire in BJP is 8 crore, for Congress it is 28 crore and for JD-S it stands at 14 crore. Elections in Karnataka are being keenly watched as its results like Gujarat will have national repercussion for both BJP and Congress.

Crorepati candidates galore in poll-bound Karnataka

Divya Spandana, actor-turned-politician and former MP from Mandya in Karnataka from Congress spoke at length about the challenges facing the Congress Party in her home state Karnataka. The state will go to polls on May 12 and Congress is pitched in a triangular fight with JD-S and resurgent BJP. Divya Spandana is the reason behind the turn-around of Congress fortune on the social media. She said that fake news is a problem but people in-charge of big social media platforms are themselves politically aligned which makes it difficult to contain rough edges of social media.

Q: How serious is the issue of fake news in Karnataka?

A: Fake news is a serious issue and we know how it can elect politicians like Donald Trump and Narendra Modi. We are trying to counter it in Karnataka. BJP does it in every elections. We saw it in Gujarat elections where Prime Minister Narendra Modi made a statement against the former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. Even as a whisper campaign was launched against Ahmed Patel that he would be made Chief Minister of the state. So, we know how much damage a fake news campaign can do and lot of that is being done in Karnataka also.

Q: Are you aware of the campaign which the Facebook has launched in Karnataka to curb fake news on its site?

A:&nbspIt is a commendable effort but I’m also bit wary as I know that people who head Facebook have political leanings and they are part of the RSS and also worked for the 2014 campaign for the Narendra Modi. I’m not sure as to how credible is this but I followed BOOM in the past and I’m sure that they are doing a quite a good job so it is in right direction but how much credibility Facebook can lend to this is questionable.

Q: What are the challenges before the Congress Party in this election?

A:&nbspWe are talking about development and achievement of the Congress Party in the state but BJP has nothing to talk about as they have nothing to talk about their contribution as a party ruling at the Centre.&nbsp There are no jobs and economy is in the crisis. But what they do in every election is to drag us into fake propaganda, controversies and Hindutva conversation as much as we try to keep away from it. They want to keep us on our feet on these issues and it is a big challenge. They don’t want us to talk about issues as they have no contributions to talk about.

Q: What are your campaign highlights?

A: We will talk about development but you have to see the way people consume news today. Fake news and gossip travels much faster. If I’m talking about development and achievements of the Congress Party and how it has benefitted the people, the traction is much less so we have to find innovative ways to communicate with people as this is the way people consume news today.

Q: How are you tailoring your social media campaign in Karnataka?

A: Karnataka is number one in so many areas ranging from technology to development to women empowerment. So, those will be our talking points. For example schemes like Ksheera Bhagya and Anna Bhagya which have immensely benefited the people.

Q: Ticket distribution has been much of a spoiler as senior leaders of party have revolted and spoken against the Congress High Command?

A: This is how it is going to be in politics. People have their chances in politics and now other people need to be given the chance. So, there will be some kind of discontent and it would especially happen when you are trying to make some sort of a change. It will create friction. I’m not going to make a big deal out of it.

Q: What is your plan to tackle BJP on social media? Like BJP used WhatsApp as a platform tool to campaign and mobilise.

A: What do you do when PM himself spreads fake news.

Q: This is a big charge to make Divya.

A: What do you mean? Didn’t PM make that statement against Prime Minister Manmohan Singh that he has ties with Pakistan? They don’t need WhatsApp and Twitter when they have PM to spread fake news. He made allegations which had no basis at all.

Q: Despite political parties talking about social development, both BJP and Congress are seen to be making rounds of religious institutions?

A: It is because it is an important part of our culture and community so it is important to reach out to them.

&nbsp

Divya Spandana, actor turned politician and former MP from Mandya in Karnataka from Congress spoke at length about the challenges facing the Congress Party in her home state Karnataka

Divya Spandana, actor-turned-politician and former MP from Mandya in Karnataka from Congress spoke at length about the challenges facing the Congress Party in her home state Karnataka. The state will go to polls on May 12 and Congress is pitched in a triangular fight with JD-S and resurgent BJP. Divya Spandana is the reason behind the turn-around of Congress fortune on the social media. She said that fake news is a problem but people in-charge of big social media platforms are themselves politically aligned which makes it difficult to contain rough edges of social media. Q: How serious is the issue of fake news in Karnataka? A: Fake news is a serious issue and we know how it can elect politicians like Donald Trump and Narendra Modi. We are trying to counter it in Karnataka. BJP does it in every elections. We saw it in Gujarat elections where Prime Minister Narendra Modi made a statement against the former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. Even as a whisper campaign was launched against Ahmed Patel that he would be made Chief Minister of the state. So, we know how much damage a fake news campaign can do and lot of that is being done in Karnataka also. Q: Are you aware of the campaign which the Facebook has launched in Karnataka to curb fake news on its site? A: It is a commendable effort but I’m also bit wary as I know that people who head Facebook have political leanings and they are part of the RSS and also worked for the 2014 campaign for the Narendra Modi. I’m not sure as to how credible is this but I followed BOOM in the past and I’m sure that they are doing a quite a good job so it is in right direction but how much credibility Facebook can lend to this is questionable. Q: What are the challenges before the Congress Party in this election? A: We are talking about development and achievement of the Congress Party in the state but BJP has nothing to talk about as they have nothing to talk about their contribution as a party ruling at the Centre. There are no jobs and economy is in the crisis. But what they do in every election is to drag us into fake propaganda, controversies and Hindutva conversation as much as we try to keep away from it. They want to keep us on our feet on these issues and it is a big challenge. They don’t want us to talk about issues as they have no contributions to talk about. Q: What are your campaign highlights? A: We will talk about development but you have to see the way people consume news today. Fake news and gossip travels much faster. If I’m talking about development and achievements of the Congress Party and how it has benefitted the people, the traction is much less so we have to find innovative ways to communicate with people as this is the way people consume news today. Q: How are you tailoring your social media campaign in Karnataka? A: Karnataka is number one in so many areas ranging from technology to development to women empowerment. So, those will be our talking points. For example schemes like Ksheera Bhagya and Anna Bhagya which have immensely benefited the people. Q: Ticket distribution has been much of a spoiler as senior leaders of party have revolted and spoken against the Congress High Command? A: This is how it is going to be in politics. People have their chances in politics and now other people need to be given the chance. So, there will be some kind of discontent and it would especially happen when you are trying to make some sort of a change. It will create friction. I’m not going to make a big deal out of it. Q: What is your plan to tackle BJP on social media? Like BJP used WhatsApp as a platform tool to campaign and mobilise. A: What do you do when PM himself spreads fake news. Q: This is a big charge to make Divya. A: What do you mean? Didn’t PM make that statement against Prime Minister Manmohan Singh that he has ties with Pakistan? They don’t need WhatsApp and Twitter when they have PM to spread fake news. He made allegations which had no basis at all. Q: Despite political parties talking about social development, both BJP and Congress are seen to be making rounds of religious institutions? A: It is because it is an important part of our culture and community so it is important to reach out to them.

Fake news is a serious issue, can elect politicians like Trump, Modi: Former Congress MP Divya Spandana

Following BJP's release of the second list of its candidates for the upcoming Karnataka polls, supporters of a party member, Shashil Namoshi, protested against the BJP&nbsp;for not giving party&nbsp;ticket&nbsp;to their leader.

The former member of the Karnataka Legislative council, Shashil Namoshi, has been denied the party ticket for the upcoming election in the state to be held on May 12.

Disappointed on not finding his name in the list of candidates, Namoshi said that&nbsp;he had been working for the party for a long time and therefore expected a ticket for contesting polls.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/watch-congress-workers-vandalise-partys-office-in-karnataka-over-distribution-of-tickets--130776">Watch: Congress workers </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/watch-congress-workers-vandalise-partys-office-in-karnataka-over-distribution-of-tickets--130776">vandalise</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/watch-congress-workers-vandalise-partys-office-in-karnataka-over-distribution-of-tickets--130776"> party's office in Karnataka over </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/watch-congress-workers-vandalise-partys-office-in-karnataka-over-distribution-of-tickets--130776">distribution</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/watch-congress-workers-vandalise-partys-office-in-karnataka-over-distribution-of-tickets--130776"> of tickets</a>

He said, " I've been working for the party for a long time, was shocked to hear my name is not there, I don't know what happened but it has hurt me".

The Bharatiya Janata Party on Monday released the second list of its candidates for the upcoming Karnataka elections.

The second list for the Karnataka assembly polls&nbsp;includes 82 candidates.&nbsp;

On April 8, the party had released its<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/bjp-announces-first-list-of-candidates-for-karnataka-elections-129221">&nbsp;first list including 72 candidates</a>.

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Gulbarga: Supporters of BJP's Shashil Namoshi staged protest after he was not given a ticket. Shashil Namoshi says, 'I've been working for the party for a long time, was shocked to hear my name is not there, I don't know what happened but it has hurt me.' <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KarnatakaElection2018?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KarnatakaElection2018</a> <a href="https://t.co/1oOlXNc0Zo">pic.twitter.com/1oOlXNc0Zo</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/985905535198392326?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 16, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a>: BJP's Shashil Namoshi breaks down, while addressing the media in Kalaburgi, over not being given an election ticket. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KarnatakaElection2018?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KarnatakaElection2018</a> <a href="https://t.co/tXWYctR46S">pic.twitter.com/tXWYctR46S</a>
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&nbsp;

The former member of the Karnataka Legislative council, Shashil Namoshi, has been denied the party ticket for the upcoming state elections to be held on May 12

Following BJP's release of the second list of its candidates for the upcoming Karnataka polls, supporters of a party member, Shashil Namoshi, protested against the BJP for not giving party ticket to their leader. The former member of the Karnataka Legislative council, Shashil Namoshi, has been denied the party ticket for the upcoming election in the state to be held on May 12. Disappointed on not finding his name in the list of candidates, Namoshi said that he had been working for the party for a long time and therefore expected a ticket for contesting polls. Watch: Congress workers vandalise party's office in Karnataka over distribution of tickets He said, " I've been working for the party for a long time, was shocked to hear my name is not there, I don't know what happened but it has hurt me". The Bharatiya Janata Party on Monday released the second list of its candidates for the upcoming Karnataka elections. The second list for the Karnataka assembly polls includes 82 candidates. On April 8, the party had released its first list including 72 candidates. Gulbarga: Supporters of BJP's Shashil Namoshi staged protest after he was not given a ticket. Shashil Namoshi says, 'I've been working for the party for a long time, was shocked to hear my name is not there, I don't know what happened but it has hurt me.' #KarnatakaElection2018 pic.twitter.com/1oOlXNc0Zo — ANI (@ANI) April 16, 2018 × #WATCH: BJP's Shashil Namoshi breaks down, while addressing the media in Kalaburgi, over not being given an election ticket. #KarnatakaElection2018 pic.twitter.com/tXWYctR46S — ANI (@ANI) April 16, 2018 ×

Karnataka assembly elections: Supporters of party member protest over ticket distribution

The Bharatiya Janata Party on Monday released the second list of its candidates for the upcoming Karnataka elections.

The second list for the Karnataka assembly polls&nbsp;includes 82 candidates.&nbsp;

On April 8, the party had released its<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/bjp-announces-first-list-of-candidates-for-karnataka-elections-129221">&nbsp;first list including 72 candidates</a>.

BJP's chief ministerial candidate BS Yeddyurappa will contest the elections from the Shikaripura constituency.

Rival party&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-releases-list-of-218-candidates-for-karnataka-polls-130629">Congress had released a list of 218 candidates for the Karnataka polls </a>on Sunday.&nbsp;

Elections in Karnataka will be held on May 12 in&nbsp;a single phase.

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On April 8, the party had released its first list including 72 candidates

The Bharatiya Janata Party on Monday released the second list of its candidates for the upcoming Karnataka elections. The second list for the Karnataka assembly polls includes 82 candidates. On April 8, the party had released its first list including 72 candidates. BJP's chief ministerial candidate BS Yeddyurappa will contest the elections from the Shikaripura constituency. Rival party Congress had released a list of 218 candidates for the Karnataka polls on Sunday. Elections in Karnataka will be held on May 12 in a single phase.

Karnataka assembly elections: BJP releases second list of 82 candidates

&nbsp;A day after&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-releases-list-of-218-candidates-for-karnataka-polls-130629">Congress released a list of 218 candidates for the upcoming Karnataka polls</a>, disgruntled Congress workers vandalised party's office in the state's Mandya district.

A video surfaced showing Congress workers trashing party assets including furniture, papers, and banners.&nbsp;

The workers are reportedly protesting over the distribution of tickets.&nbsp;

The party on Sunday released a list of 218 candidates for the upcoming assembly elections in the state.&nbsp;

The list announced the constituency of over 200 candidates including current state chief minister and party's chief ministerial candidate Siddaramaiah who will contest from Chamundeshwari constituency. Siddaramaiah's son&nbsp;Yathindra Siddaramaiah will contest from Varuna constituency.&nbsp;

The assembly&nbsp;elections in Karnataka are scheduled to be&nbsp;held on May 12 in&nbsp;a single phase.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> Congress workers vandalised party's office in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Mandya?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Mandya</a> protesting over the distribution of tickets of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KarnatakaAssemblyElections?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KarnatakaAssemblyElections</a> <a href="https://t.co/Bj4qdJW6m4">pic.twitter.com/Bj4qdJW6m4</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/985804232791154688?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 16, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

A video surfaced showing Congress workers trashing party assets including furniture, papers, and banners

A day after Congress released a list of 218 candidates for the upcoming Karnataka polls, disgruntled Congress workers vandalised party's office in the state's Mandya district. A video surfaced showing Congress workers trashing party assets including furniture, papers, and banners. The workers are reportedly protesting over the distribution of tickets. The party on Sunday released a list of 218 candidates for the upcoming assembly elections in the state. The list announced the constituency of over 200 candidates including current state chief minister and party's chief ministerial candidate Siddaramaiah who will contest from Chamundeshwari constituency. Siddaramaiah's son Yathindra Siddaramaiah will contest from Varuna constituency. The assembly elections in Karnataka are scheduled to be held on May 12 in a single phase. #WATCH Congress workers vandalised party's office in #Mandya protesting over the distribution of tickets of #KarnatakaAssemblyElections pic.twitter.com/Bj4qdJW6m4 — ANI (@ANI) April 16, 2018 ×

Watch: Congress workers vandalise party's office in Karnataka over distribution of tickets

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