Congress President Rahul Gandhi will launch a nationwide campaign "Save the Constitution" on April 23 at Talkatora stadium in Delhi to highlight the alleged attacks on the Constitution and the Dalit community.

The campaign will be attended by Congress' present and former Dalit lawmakers, those holding offices in zilla parishad, civic bodies and panchayat samitis, party youth, women and Seva Dal.

The meeting aims to sensitise the participants&nbsp;on the current state of the Dalit community.

The Congress party workers present in the campaign are expected to carry forward the message to different states by holding similar campaigns.&nbsp;

The&nbsp;party will also deliver in the meeting about the steps that they have taken in favour of the community.

The SC community in India occupies about 84 Parliamentary seats of the country.

The Congress party workers present in the campaign are expected to carry forward the message to different states by holding similar campaigns

Congress President Rahul Gandhi will launch a nationwide campaign "Save the Constitution" on April 23 at Talkatora stadium in Delhi to highlight the alleged attacks on the Constitution and the Dalit community. The campaign will be attended by Congress' present and former Dalit lawmakers, those holding offices in zilla parishad, civic bodies and panchayat samitis, party youth, women and Seva Dal. The meeting aims to sensitise the participants on the current state of the Dalit community. The Congress party workers present in the campaign are expected to carry forward the message to different states by holding similar campaigns. The party will also deliver in the meeting about the steps that they have taken in favour of the community. The SC community in India occupies about 84 Parliamentary seats of the country.

Rahul to launch 'Save the Constitution' campaign to highlight Dalit plight

Karnataka heads to polls on May 12. Counting of votes and announcement of results will take place on May 15. In the run-up to the elections, here are five issues that dominate politics in the state. 
&nbsp; 
Both parties are taking no chances with the state, considered by the BJP as the gateway to the South. Karnataka is under Congress rule and stands in the way of BJP’s agenda of Congress-free India. 
&nbsp; 
Here are five issues that will dominate the political landscape in the state. 
&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
Law and order: The issue is one where the Siddaramaiah government finds itself on the backfoot. Rationalist and leading scholar MM Kalburgi was shot dead at his home in 2015. His wife has written to the Supreme Court stating that she is not satisfied with the probe being conducted by the state police and wants a Special Investigation Team to investigate her husband's death. Journalist Gauri Lankesh, a critic of right-wing ideology, was killed outside her home in Bengaluru in 2017 but the case has not been solved yet despite the arrest of a suspect Naveen Kumar. Investigators have said that there is a similarity in the killings of Gauri Lankesh and of Govind Pansare and Narendra Dabholkar, rationalists and vocal critics of the Hindutva agenda. Forensic reports confirm similar weapons were used and shootings were carried out by assassins on motorcycles but the cases remain unsolved. Several lynchings of BJP and RSS workers have been reported in the state recently. Incidents of sexual harassment and molestation during New Year celebrations in Bengaluru were reported for last two consecutive years. “In Karnataka, there is ease of doing murder,” Modi said in Bengaluru, in an apparent reference to the spate of murders that have taken place in recent months in coastal Karnataka and Bengaluru. 
&nbsp; 
Farmers' suicides: As many as 3,515 farmers have committed suicide between April 2013 and November 2017 in Karnataka. From April 2015 to April 2017, as many as 2,514 suicide cases were reported. The highest number of suicides (1,483) were reported during 2015-16. A majority of these suicides have been because of drought and farm failure as per the statistics provided by the State Agriculture Department. The government has taken steps that include asking banks not to force farmers to repay their dues and turn their short and medium-term crop loans into long-term loans with the waiver of interest. It has also registered cases against moneylenders who lend loans at exorbitant interest rates. However, the government has been accused of failing to solve the agrarian crisis. 
&nbsp; 
Kannada pride: The issue of the primacy of Kannada or Kannada Swabhimana has developed into a strong movement and is also expected to take centrestage in the elections. The Railways had to incorporate Kannada in tickets of trains plying within the state, the Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru had to introduce Kannada in flight information display boards, Lufthansa, British Airways and Dragon Air started announcements in Kannada in Bengaluru-bound flights. This constituency of youngsters, led by mostly software professionals, under the banner of Banavasi Balaga and Kannada Grahakara Koota cannot be ignored. The Siddaramaiah government has caught on to the popular sentiment and is trying to introduce Kannada to be incorporated in passports used in Karnataka. Even more surprising was his decision to moot a separate Kannada flag, justifying it as the comeback of federalism. The flag has already been approved by the cabinet and will now be sent to the Union home ministry for its approval.The BJP, on the other hand, is an advocate of "one nation" and believes it will lead to divisive tendencies. The JD(U) has stayed away from this discussion. 
&nbsp; 
Corruption: Both the Congress and the BJP have dubbed each other as "the most corrupt". PM Modi has called the Siddaramaiah government the "10% government" where no work or project could take off without paying a commission to the Congress. Modi accused the Congress of being involved in multiple scams including buildings, transfers and sand. The Congress has accused former Chief Minister BS Yeddyurappa-led BJP government of presiding over the mining scam when it was in power in the state. Siddaramaiah has also been accused of nepotism. His son Yathindra Siddaramaiah's company Matrix Imaging Solutions was allegedly awarded a tender to set up a pathology laboratory inside the premises of the government-owned super-speciality Bangalore Medical College and Research Institute. Siddaramaiah's rivals have stated that the deal violated the code of conduct for ministers. 
&nbsp; 
Politics of religion and caste: The BJP and the JDS have traditionally relied on religion and caste dynamics. However, in a major surprise political move ahead of the assembly elections, the state cabinet in March decided to recommend to the Centre according separate religion status to the numerically strong Lingayat and Veerashaiva Lingayat community. The move was seen as an attempt by the Siddaramaiah government to cut into the vote bank of BJP, as Lingayats/ Veerashaivas are considered the party's traditional supporters. Lingayats, a middle caste, comprise around 15 per cent of Karnataka's population, and dominate politics in the state. A section of the community has been seeking the status of a separate religion as distinct from the Hindu religion. 
&nbsp; 
The BJP has reached out to the Vokkaligas, who are believed to be the second largest caste group in the state after the Lingayats and who form the support base of the Janata Dal (Secular), a regional party run by Vokkaliga strongmen like former Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda and former Karnataka chief minister HD Kumaraswamy. The Congress party, with leaders like DK Shivakumar, has also got the support of the Vokkaligas. 
&nbsp; 
The Dalits are the third most important caste group which is why Siddaramaiah has tried to woo them through the AHINDA (acronym for minorities, backward classes and Dalits) movement.

Both BJP and Congress are taking no chances, considered by the BJP as the gateway to the South. Karnataka is under Congress rule and stands in the way of BJP’s agenda of Congress-free India.

Karnataka heads to polls on May 12. Counting of votes and announcement of results will take place on May 15. In the run-up to the elections, here are five issues that dominate politics in the state. Both parties are taking no chances with the state, considered by the BJP as the gateway to the South. Karnataka is under Congress rule and stands in the way of BJP’s agenda of Congress-free India. Here are five issues that will dominate the political landscape in the state. Law and order: The issue is one where the Siddaramaiah government finds itself on the backfoot. Rationalist and leading scholar MM Kalburgi was shot dead at his home in 2015. His wife has written to the Supreme Court stating that she is not satisfied with the probe being conducted by the state police and wants a Special Investigation Team to investigate her husband's death. Journalist Gauri Lankesh, a critic of right-wing ideology, was killed outside her home in Bengaluru in 2017 but the case has not been solved yet despite the arrest of a suspect Naveen Kumar. Investigators have said that there is a similarity in the killings of Gauri Lankesh and of Govind Pansare and Narendra Dabholkar, rationalists and vocal critics of the Hindutva agenda. Forensic reports confirm similar weapons were used and shootings were carried out by assassins on motorcycles but the cases remain unsolved. Several lynchings of BJP and RSS workers have been reported in the state recently. Incidents of sexual harassment and molestation during New Year celebrations in Bengaluru were reported for last two consecutive years. “In Karnataka, there is ease of doing murder,” Modi said in Bengaluru, in an apparent reference to the spate of murders that have taken place in recent months in coastal Karnataka and Bengaluru. Farmers' suicides: As many as 3,515 farmers have committed suicide between April 2013 and November 2017 in Karnataka. From April 2015 to April 2017, as many as 2,514 suicide cases were reported. The highest number of suicides (1,483) were reported during 2015-16. A majority of these suicides have been because of drought and farm failure as per the statistics provided by the State Agriculture Department. The government has taken steps that include asking banks not to force farmers to repay their dues and turn their short and medium-term crop loans into long-term loans with the waiver of interest. It has also registered cases against moneylenders who lend loans at exorbitant interest rates. However, the government has been accused of failing to solve the agrarian crisis. Kannada pride: The issue of the primacy of Kannada or Kannada Swabhimana has developed into a strong movement and is also expected to take centrestage in the elections. The Railways had to incorporate Kannada in tickets of trains plying within the state, the Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru had to introduce Kannada in flight information display boards, Lufthansa, British Airways and Dragon Air started announcements in Kannada in Bengaluru-bound flights. This constituency of youngsters, led by mostly software professionals, under the banner of Banavasi Balaga and Kannada Grahakara Koota cannot be ignored. The Siddaramaiah government has caught on to the popular sentiment and is trying to introduce Kannada to be incorporated in passports used in Karnataka. Even more surprising was his decision to moot a separate Kannada flag, justifying it as the comeback of federalism. The flag has already been approved by the cabinet and will now be sent to the Union home ministry for its approval.The BJP, on the other hand, is an advocate of "one nation" and believes it will lead to divisive tendencies. The JD(U) has stayed away from this discussion. Corruption: Both the Congress and the BJP have dubbed each other as "the most corrupt". PM Modi has called the Siddaramaiah government the "10% government" where no work or project could take off without paying a commission to the Congress. Modi accused the Congress of being involved in multiple scams including buildings, transfers and sand. The Congress has accused former Chief Minister BS Yeddyurappa-led BJP government of presiding over the mining scam when it was in power in the state. Siddaramaiah has also been accused of nepotism. His son Yathindra Siddaramaiah's company Matrix Imaging Solutions was allegedly awarded a tender to set up a pathology laboratory inside the premises of the government-owned super-speciality Bangalore Medical College and Research Institute. Siddaramaiah's rivals have stated that the deal violated the code of conduct for ministers. Politics of religion and caste: The BJP and the JDS have traditionally relied on religion and caste dynamics. However, in a major surprise political move ahead of the assembly elections, the state cabinet in March decided to recommend to the Centre according separate religion status to the numerically strong Lingayat and Veerashaiva Lingayat community. The move was seen as an attempt by the Siddaramaiah government to cut into the vote bank of BJP, as Lingayats/ Veerashaivas are considered the party's traditional supporters. Lingayats, a middle caste, comprise around 15 per cent of Karnataka's population, and dominate politics in the state. A section of the community has been seeking the status of a separate religion as distinct from the Hindu religion. The BJP has reached out to the Vokkaligas, who are believed to be the second largest caste group in the state after the Lingayats and who form the support base of the Janata Dal (Secular), a regional party run by Vokkaliga strongmen like former Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda and former Karnataka chief minister HD Kumaraswamy. The Congress party, with leaders like DK Shivakumar, has also got the support of the Vokkaligas. The Dalits are the third most important caste group which is why Siddaramaiah has tried to woo them through the AHINDA (acronym for minorities, backward classes and Dalits) movement.

Five issues that will dominate Karnataka Assembly elections

Facing flak over Kathua and Unnao rape cases, the BJP on Friday said those accused should be given a stringent punishment and claimed that the police acted quickly in both the matters.

BJP spokesperson Meenakshi Lekhi defended the two party's ministers, who had joined a rally against the police probe in the Kathua rape and murder case, claiming that they were "misled" into attending the protest.

In a press conference, Lekhi also accused the opposition parties of doing dangerous politics over these incidents.

She said Bar Association of Jammu president B S Slathia, who spearheaded the protest in Kathua, was Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad's polling agent in the 2014 Lok Sabha polls.

Lekhi also claimed that these two incidents were selectively highlighted to target the BJP and said that a similar case of rape and murder of a minor girl in Assam had happened, but it never got the prominence that the Kathua and Unnao cases have got.

An eight-year-old girl from the nomadic Bakerwal Muslim community disappeared near her house on January 10 in Jammu and Kashmir's Kathua district.

A week later, her body was found in the same area.

In the Unnao case, the victim has alleged she was raped by BJP MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar at his residence on June 4, 2017.

In February, the girl's family moved the court seeking to include the MLA's name in the rape case. After filing of the case, the victim's father was booked by the police under the Arms Act on April 3 this year and put in jail, where he died on April 8.

BJP spokesperson Meenakshi Lekhi defended the two party's ministers, who had joined a rally against the police probe in the Kathua rape and murder case, claiming that they were "misled" into attending the protest

Facing flak over Kathua and Unnao rape cases, the BJP on Friday said those accused should be given a stringent punishment and claimed that the police acted quickly in both the matters. BJP spokesperson Meenakshi Lekhi defended the two party's ministers, who had joined a rally against the police probe in the Kathua rape and murder case, claiming that they were "misled" into attending the protest. In a press conference, Lekhi also accused the opposition parties of doing dangerous politics over these incidents. She said Bar Association of Jammu president B S Slathia, who spearheaded the protest in Kathua, was Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad's polling agent in the 2014 Lok Sabha polls. Lekhi also claimed that these two incidents were selectively highlighted to target the BJP and said that a similar case of rape and murder of a minor girl in Assam had happened, but it never got the prominence that the Kathua and Unnao cases have got. An eight-year-old girl from the nomadic Bakerwal Muslim community disappeared near her house on January 10 in Jammu and Kashmir's Kathua district. A week later, her body was found in the same area. In the Unnao case, the victim has alleged she was raped by BJP MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar at his residence on June 4, 2017. In February, the girl's family moved the court seeking to include the MLA's name in the rape case. After filing of the case, the victim's father was booked by the police under the Arms Act on April 3 this year and put in jail, where he died on April 8.

Give stringent punishment to perpetrators of Kathua, Unnao cases: BJP

Facebook Inc Chief Executive Mark Zuckerberg on Wednesday told lawmakers that his own personal data was included in that of 87 million or so Facebook users that was improperly shared with political consultancy Cambridge Analytica.

But he pushed back on congress members' suggestions that users do not have enough control of their data on Facebook in the wake of the privacy scandal at the world's largest social media network.

"Every time that someone chooses to share something on Facebook ... there is a control. Right there. Not buried in the settings somewhere but right there," the 33-year-old internet magnate told the U.S. House of Representatives Energy and Commerce Committee.

Also watch: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/watch-us-senator-has-zuckerberg-have-a-taste-of-his-own-medicine-asks-for-personal-details--129860">US senator asks for personal details, Facebook's Zuckerberg won't give them</a>

Once again wearing a dark suit instead of his usual gray T-shirt, the hearing was Zuckerberg's second in two days. On Tuesday, he took questions for nearly five hours in a U.S. Senate hearing without making any further promises to support new legislation or change how the social network does business, foiling attempts by senators to pin him down.

Investors were impressed with his initial performance. Shares in Facebook posted their biggest daily gain in nearly two years on Tuesday, closing up 4.5 percent. They were down 0.7 percent in early trading on Wednesday.

Facebook has been consumed by turmoil for nearly a month, since it came to light that millions of users' personal information was wrongly harvested from the website by Cambridge Analytica, a political consultancy that has counted U.S. President Donald Trump's election campaign among its clients.

Zuckerberg faced broad concerns from members of Congress about how Facebook shares user data.

"How can consumers have control over their data when Facebook does not have control over the data?" asked Representative Frank Pallone of New Jersey, the ranking Democrat on the Energy and Commerce committee.

The latest estimate of affected users is up to 87 million.

Patience with the social network had already worn thin among users, advertisers and investors after the company said last year that Russia used Facebook for years to try to sway U.S. politics, an allegation Moscow denies.

Lawmakers have sought assurances that Facebook can effectively police itself, and few came away from Tuesday's hearing expressing confidence in the social network.

"I don't want to vote to have to regulate Facebook, but by God, I will," Republican Senator John Kennedy told Zuckerberg on Tuesday. "A lot of that depends on you."

Zuckerberg deflected requests to support specific legislation. Pressed repeatedly by Democratic Senator Ed Markey to endorse a proposed law that would require companies to get people's permission before sharing personal information, Zuckerberg agreed to further talks.

"In principle, I think that makes sense, and the details matter, and I look forward to having our team work with you on fleshing that out," Zuckerberg said.

Zuckerberg pushed back against congress members' suggestions that users do not have enough control of their data on Facebook

Facebook Inc Chief Executive Mark Zuckerberg on Wednesday told lawmakers that his own personal data was included in that of 87 million or so Facebook users that was improperly shared with political consultancy Cambridge Analytica. But he pushed back on congress members' suggestions that users do not have enough control of their data on Facebook in the wake of the privacy scandal at the world's largest social media network. "Every time that someone chooses to share something on Facebook ... there is a control. Right there. Not buried in the settings somewhere but right there," the 33-year-old internet magnate told the U.S. House of Representatives Energy and Commerce Committee. Also watch: US senator asks for personal details, Facebook's Zuckerberg won't give them Once again wearing a dark suit instead of his usual gray T-shirt, the hearing was Zuckerberg's second in two days. On Tuesday, he took questions for nearly five hours in a U.S. Senate hearing without making any further promises to support new legislation or change how the social network does business, foiling attempts by senators to pin him down. Investors were impressed with his initial performance. Shares in Facebook posted their biggest daily gain in nearly two years on Tuesday, closing up 4.5 percent. They were down 0.7 percent in early trading on Wednesday. Facebook has been consumed by turmoil for nearly a month, since it came to light that millions of users' personal information was wrongly harvested from the website by Cambridge Analytica, a political consultancy that has counted U.S. President Donald Trump's election campaign among its clients. Zuckerberg faced broad concerns from members of Congress about how Facebook shares user data. "How can consumers have control over their data when Facebook does not have control over the data?" asked Representative Frank Pallone of New Jersey, the ranking Democrat on the Energy and Commerce committee. The latest estimate of affected users is up to 87 million. Patience with the social network had already worn thin among users, advertisers and investors after the company said last year that Russia used Facebook for years to try to sway U.S. politics, an allegation Moscow denies. Lawmakers have sought assurances that Facebook can effectively police itself, and few came away from Tuesday's hearing expressing confidence in the social network. "I don't want to vote to have to regulate Facebook, but by God, I will," Republican Senator John Kennedy told Zuckerberg on Tuesday. "A lot of that depends on you." Zuckerberg deflected requests to support specific legislation. Pressed repeatedly by Democratic Senator Ed Markey to endorse a proposed law that would require companies to get people's permission before sharing personal information, Zuckerberg agreed to further talks. "In principle, I think that makes sense, and the details matter, and I look forward to having our team work with you on fleshing that out," Zuckerberg said.

Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg says his own data was shared by Cambridge Analytica

The Congress today dismissed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's proposed hunger strike over the non-functioning of parliament as a "photo-op", even as the party demanded sacking of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath over the Unnao rape case.

Congress communications in-charge Randeep Surjewala said the proposed fast by the BJP MPs led by the prime minister tomorrow was a "drama", adding that time has come for the PM to take 'sanyas' (retirement).

"It is only a photo opportunity. The BJP did not allow the parliament, the country's temple of democracy, to function when they were in the opposition and neither are they allowing it to function now when they are in power.

"Prime Minister ji, it is not the time to observe fast, in view of your failures... It is time to take retirement instead. If you do not wake up now, you should understand that the time of your retirement will come in 2019 when people will vote you out," he said.

Congress president Rahul Gandhi earlier today hit out at the Centre over the alleged rape of an 18-year-old woman by a BJP MLA and the custodial death of her father in Uttar Pradesh's Unnao district.

"The brutality unleashed on a father seeking justice for his daughter in Uttar Pradesh has shamed humanity. I hope the prime minister will soon observe a fast over the atrocities committed on women, failure of law and order and rising anarchy under the BJP rule," he tweeted in Hindi.

Gandhi also posted a purported video in which the victim's father is seen speaking against the BJP MLA.

The video, in which the victim's father alleged that he was mercilessly beaten up by the MLA's brother and others, went viral and was shown by several TV channels.

Surjewala said justice for women in BJP-ruled states had become a "mirage" as the "BJP's eco-system is influencing the legal process by building a false narrative".

"Exploiting the religion/caste of the rape victim, threatening her family, even killing her father is the new modus operandi of the vigilante groups mushrooming under the patronage of the BJP!

"Rampant abuse of political power to influence and subvert legal process and shield is the chief characteristic of the BJP which politically exploited the Nirbhaya rape case, and is now doing the same with rape cases in Kathua (J&K) and Unnao (UP)," he said.

Taking a dig at the BJP's popular slogans on saving the girl child, the Congress communications in-charge said, "'Beti Bachao' has now become 'Beti Ke Pita Ko Bhi Marwao' and the slogan of 'Bahut Hua Naari Par Vaar..' is now a cruel joke on the women of India".

He also hit out at the BJP-led Uttar Pradesh government for withdrawing a 7-year-old rape case against former MoS Chinamayanand in the Vajpayee government.

"If 'goondas' (hooligans) are going to be protected in this fashion by UP chief minister and the BJP government, he has no right to continue as the chief minister," Surjewala alleged.

"Ever since he (Adityanath) has taken over, number of rape cases have gone up by 36 per cent in the northern state. Incidents of rape between April 1, 2017 and January 31, 2018 stand at 15,000," he said.

The Congress leader also cited the data of National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) stating that Uttar Pradesh topped the country in 2016 with 4,816 cases of rape. The other two states with the highest rates of crime against women were Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh, both ruled by the BJP, he said.

Surjewala added that 803 incidents of rape and 729 murders were reported in the first two months of Adityanath's tenure.

Congress president Rahul Gandhi earlier today hit out at the Centre over the alleged rape of an 18-year-old woman by a BJP MLA and the custodial death of her father in Uttar Pradesh's Unnao district.

The Congress today dismissed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's proposed hunger strike over the non-functioning of parliament as a "photo-op", even as the party demanded sacking of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath over the Unnao rape case. Congress communications in-charge Randeep Surjewala said the proposed fast by the BJP MPs led by the prime minister tomorrow was a "drama", adding that time has come for the PM to take 'sanyas' (retirement). "It is only a photo opportunity. The BJP did not allow the parliament, the country's temple of democracy, to function when they were in the opposition and neither are they allowing it to function now when they are in power. "Prime Minister ji, it is not the time to observe fast, in view of your failures... It is time to take retirement instead. If you do not wake up now, you should understand that the time of your retirement will come in 2019 when people will vote you out," he said. Congress president Rahul Gandhi earlier today hit out at the Centre over the alleged rape of an 18-year-old woman by a BJP MLA and the custodial death of her father in Uttar Pradesh's Unnao district. "The brutality unleashed on a father seeking justice for his daughter in Uttar Pradesh has shamed humanity. I hope the prime minister will soon observe a fast over the atrocities committed on women, failure of law and order and rising anarchy under the BJP rule," he tweeted in Hindi. Gandhi also posted a purported video in which the victim's father is seen speaking against the BJP MLA. The video, in which the victim's father alleged that he was mercilessly beaten up by the MLA's brother and others, went viral and was shown by several TV channels. Surjewala said justice for women in BJP-ruled states had become a "mirage" as the "BJP's eco-system is influencing the legal process by building a false narrative". "Exploiting the religion/caste of the rape victim, threatening her family, even killing her father is the new modus operandi of the vigilante groups mushrooming under the patronage of the BJP! "Rampant abuse of political power to influence and subvert legal process and shield is the chief characteristic of the BJP which politically exploited the Nirbhaya rape case, and is now doing the same with rape cases in Kathua (J&K) and Unnao (UP)," he said. Taking a dig at the BJP's popular slogans on saving the girl child, the Congress communications in-charge said, "'Beti Bachao' has now become 'Beti Ke Pita Ko Bhi Marwao' and the slogan of 'Bahut Hua Naari Par Vaar..' is now a cruel joke on the women of India". He also hit out at the BJP-led Uttar Pradesh government for withdrawing a 7-year-old rape case against former MoS Chinamayanand in the Vajpayee government. "If 'goondas' (hooligans) are going to be protected in this fashion by UP chief minister and the BJP government, he has no right to continue as the chief minister," Surjewala alleged. "Ever since he (Adityanath) has taken over, number of rape cases have gone up by 36 per cent in the northern state. Incidents of rape between April 1, 2017 and January 31, 2018 stand at 15,000," he said. The Congress leader also cited the data of National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) stating that Uttar Pradesh topped the country in 2016 with 4,816 cases of rape. The other two states with the highest rates of crime against women were Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh, both ruled by the BJP, he said. Surjewala added that 803 incidents of rape and 729 murders were reported in the first two months of Adityanath's tenure.

Congress terms PM's fast 'photo-op'; seeks UP CM's resignation

US House Speaker Paul Ryan, the top Republican in Congress, has told confidants he will announce soon that he will not seek re-election&nbsp;in November, Axios news site reported on Wednesday, citing unidentified sources with knowledge of the matter.

Ryan's office did not immediately respond to a request for comment, news agency Reuters reported.

According to Reuters, Ryan's departure have circulated for months.

Politico reported in December that Ryan told confidants he would like to retire after the 2018 congressional elections.

The Axios report cites unidentified friends as saying Ryan, a longtime champion of tax reform, was ready to step down after passing a tax reform bill.

The legislation was President Donald Trump's first major legislative victory since he took office in January 2017 despite being helped by Republican control of Congress.

Meanwhile, President Trump lauded the achievement of the House Speaker and said that&nbsp; Ryan leaves a ''legacy of achievement'' that nobody can question.&nbsp;

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Speaker Paul Ryan is a truly good man, and while he will not be seeking re-election, he will leave a legacy of achievement that nobody can question. We are with you Paul!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/984066131303583746?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 11, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Politico reported in December that Ryan told confidants he would like to retire after the 2018 congressional elections.

US House Speaker Paul Ryan, the top Republican in Congress, has told confidants he will announce soon that he will not seek re-election in November, Axios news site reported on Wednesday, citing unidentified sources with knowledge of the matter. Ryan's office did not immediately respond to a request for comment, news agency Reuters reported. According to Reuters, Ryan's departure have circulated for months. Politico reported in December that Ryan told confidants he would like to retire after the 2018 congressional elections. The Axios report cites unidentified friends as saying Ryan, a longtime champion of tax reform, was ready to step down after passing a tax reform bill. The legislation was President Donald Trump's first major legislative victory since he took office in January 2017 despite being helped by Republican control of Congress. Meanwhile, President Trump lauded the achievement of the House Speaker and said that Ryan leaves a ''legacy of achievement'' that nobody can question. Speaker Paul Ryan is a truly good man, and while he will not be seeking re-election, he will leave a legacy of achievement that nobody can question. We are with you Paul! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 11, 2018 ×

US House Speaker Paul Ryan to retire, not seek re-election

Prime Minister Narendra Modi along with BJP lawmakers will be observing a day-long fast on Thursday in Delhi&nbsp;against the recent Parliment washout by the opposition parties.&nbsp;

The decision was announced by the BJP on the last day of the Budget session last week after accusing the opposition, mainly Congress, of practicing divisive politics.&nbsp;

While Modi will go about his day and fast from his residence in Lok Kalyan Marg, BJP president Amit Shah, on the other hand, will be sitting on a dharna (silent protest) in Hubli-Dharwad against the Siddaramaiah government in poll-bound Karnataka.&nbsp;

BJP spokesperson GVL Narasimha Rao said that the idea of the fast was mooted by Modi to communicate to the nation that BJP is aware of the suffering imposed on them by the logjam in Parliament. "This is why all NDA MPs decided to forego their salaries for 23 days of the Budget session," Rao added.

This year’s Budget session has been the most unproductive in the last eight years and the BJP has tried to put the blame on Congress for stopping deliberation in both Houses.&nbsp;

The Congress had stopped important bills from being passed, which led to a "criminal wastage" of the taxpayer's money, parliamentary affairs minister Ananth Kumar had told reporters.

The BJP's announcement of a fast comes just a day after Congress chief Rahul Gandhi led his party on a nationwide fast targeting the Modi government over the washout of the Parliament session and a host of other issues, including the alleged caste and communal violence.&nbsp;

Modi will address all BJP MLAs (nearly 1,600) through video conferencing on Wednesday and interact with some of them&nbsp;when the MPs will be holding "Samata Diwas" in their respective constituencies on the occasion of Jyotiba Phule birth anniversary. All BJP MPs will go on a fast in their respective constituencies.

Meanwhile, Congress spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala said the "farce of a fast by the Modi government and BJP" on the April 12 should really be a fast to seek an apology over a range of issues including the banking frauds, leak of CBSE paper and dilution of SC/ST Act.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The decision was announced by the BJP on the last day of the Budget session last week after accusing the opposition, mainly Congress, of practicing divisive politics

Prime Minister Narendra Modi along with BJP lawmakers will be observing a day-long fast on Thursday in Delhi against the recent Parliment washout by the opposition parties. The decision was announced by the BJP on the last day of the Budget session last week after accusing the opposition, mainly Congress, of practicing divisive politics. While Modi will go about his day and fast from his residence in Lok Kalyan Marg, BJP president Amit Shah, on the other hand, will be sitting on a dharna (silent protest) in Hubli-Dharwad against the Siddaramaiah government in poll-bound Karnataka. BJP spokesperson GVL Narasimha Rao said that the idea of the fast was mooted by Modi to communicate to the nation that BJP is aware of the suffering imposed on them by the logjam in Parliament. "This is why all NDA MPs decided to forego their salaries for 23 days of the Budget session," Rao added. This year’s Budget session has been the most unproductive in the last eight years and the BJP has tried to put the blame on Congress for stopping deliberation in both Houses. The Congress had stopped important bills from being passed, which led to a "criminal wastage" of the taxpayer's money, parliamentary affairs minister Ananth Kumar had told reporters. The BJP's announcement of a fast comes just a day after Congress chief Rahul Gandhi led his party on a nationwide fast targeting the Modi government over the washout of the Parliament session and a host of other issues, including the alleged caste and communal violence. Modi will address all BJP MLAs (nearly 1,600) through video conferencing on Wednesday and interact with some of them when the MPs will be holding "Samata Diwas" in their respective constituencies on the occasion of Jyotiba Phule birth anniversary. All BJP MPs will go on a fast in their respective constituencies. Meanwhile, Congress spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala said the "farce of a fast by the Modi government and BJP" on the April 12 should really be a fast to seek an apology over a range of issues including the banking frauds, leak of CBSE paper and dilution of SC/ST Act.

PM Modi, BJP lawmakers to fast tomorrow over Parliament 'washout'

Seven national parties declared a total income of Rs 1,559.17 crore in 2016-17, with BJP having the highest -- Rs 1,034.27 crore, says a report.

"This forms 66.34 percent of the total income of national parties added together during 2016-17," Delhi-based think-tank Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) said in a report released today.

Indian National Congress (INC) followed with Rs 225.36 crore -- 14.45 percent of the total income, it said, adding that CPI has declared the lowest income of Rs 2.08 crore which forms a mere 0.13 percent.

The data has been compiled from Income Tax returns filed by the parties across the country.

The seven national parties declared a total expenditure of Rs 1,228.26 crore, the report added.

BJP declared the maximum expenditure of Rs 710.05 crore in 2016-17, while Congress incurred a total expenses of Rs 321.66 crore (Rs 96.30 crore more than its total income).

The report further said that 70 percent of the total income of BSP, 31 percent of the total income of BJP and CPI and 6 percent of the total income of CPM during 2016-17 was declared unspent.

BSP's total income was Rs 173.58 crore during 2016-17, while its total expenditure was Rs 51.83 crore. Between 2015-16 and 2016-17, the income of BJP increased by 81.18 percent from Rs 570.86 crore to Rs 1,034.27 crore, while that of INC decreased by 14 percent from Rs 261.56 crore to Rs 225.36 crore.

Income of BSP increased by 266.32 percent from Rs 47.38 crore during 2015-16 to Rs 173.58 crore in 2016-17, while that of NCP increased by 88.63 percent from Rs 9.137 crore during 2015-16 to Rs 17.235 crore in 2016-17.

The report further noted that between 2015-16 and 2016-17, the income of AITC decreased by 81.52 percent and that of CPM fell by 6.72 percent.

BJP and Congress have declared donations/ contributions as one of their three main sources of income.

"Grants/donations/contributions of Rs 997.12 crore declared by BJP formed 96.41 percent of the total income of the party during 2016-17. Declaration of Rs 115.64 crore under revenue from issuance of coupons by INC forms the top most income of the party, contributing 51.32 percent of the total income of the party during 2016-17," ADR said.

The maximum expenditure for BJP during 2016-17 was towards election/general propaganda, which amounted to Rs 606.64 crore followed by expenses towards administrative cost, Rs 69.78 crore.

INC spent the maximum Rs 149.65 crore on election expenditure followed by expenditure of Rs 115.65 crore on administrative and general expenses, the report said.

Seven national parties have collected maximum 74.98 percent (Rs 1,169.07 crore) income from voluntary contributions for 2016-17.

During 2016-17, national parties received Rs 128.60 crore income from interest from banks and FD.

The report added that 7.98 percent or Rs 124.46 crore was the income generated through revenue from issuance of coupons by national parties during 2016-17.

ADR had earlier released the “Analysis of Income & Expenditure of National Political Parties for FY2016-2017” on February 7, 2018 without the details of BJP and INC as the audit reports of these parties were not available in the public domain.

The due date for submission of annual audited accounts for the parties was October 30, 2017. BJP submitted its audited report on February 8, 2018 (delayed by 99 days) and Congress on March 19, 2018 (delayed by 138 days).&nbsp

Congress is second richest with ₹225.36 crore income in in 2016-17; CPI declares the lowest income of ₹2.08 crore.

Seven national parties declared a total income of Rs 1,559.17 crore in 2016-17, with BJP having the highest -- Rs 1,034.27 crore, says a report. "This forms 66.34 percent of the total income of national parties added together during 2016-17," Delhi-based think-tank Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) said in a report released today. Indian National Congress (INC) followed with Rs 225.36 crore -- 14.45 percent of the total income, it said, adding that CPI has declared the lowest income of Rs 2.08 crore which forms a mere 0.13 percent. The data has been compiled from Income Tax returns filed by the parties across the country. The seven national parties declared a total expenditure of Rs 1,228.26 crore, the report added. BJP declared the maximum expenditure of Rs 710.05 crore in 2016-17, while Congress incurred a total expenses of Rs 321.66 crore (Rs 96.30 crore more than its total income). The report further said that 70 percent of the total income of BSP, 31 percent of the total income of BJP and CPI and 6 percent of the total income of CPM during 2016-17 was declared unspent. BSP's total income was Rs 173.58 crore during 2016-17, while its total expenditure was Rs 51.83 crore. Between 2015-16 and 2016-17, the income of BJP increased by 81.18 percent from Rs 570.86 crore to Rs 1,034.27 crore, while that of INC decreased by 14 percent from Rs 261.56 crore to Rs 225.36 crore. Income of BSP increased by 266.32 percent from Rs 47.38 crore during 2015-16 to Rs 173.58 crore in 2016-17, while that of NCP increased by 88.63 percent from Rs 9.137 crore during 2015-16 to Rs 17.235 crore in 2016-17. The report further noted that between 2015-16 and 2016-17, the income of AITC decreased by 81.52 percent and that of CPM fell by 6.72 percent. BJP and Congress have declared donations/ contributions as one of their three main sources of income. "Grants/donations/contributions of Rs 997.12 crore declared by BJP formed 96.41 percent of the total income of the party during 2016-17. Declaration of Rs 115.64 crore under revenue from issuance of coupons by INC forms the top most income of the party, contributing 51.32 percent of the total income of the party during 2016-17," ADR said. The maximum expenditure for BJP during 2016-17 was towards election/general propaganda, which amounted to Rs 606.64 crore followed by expenses towards administrative cost, Rs 69.78 crore. INC spent the maximum Rs 149.65 crore on election expenditure followed by expenditure of Rs 115.65 crore on administrative and general expenses, the report said. Seven national parties have collected maximum 74.98 percent (Rs 1,169.07 crore) income from voluntary contributions for 2016-17. During 2016-17, national parties received Rs 128.60 crore income from interest from banks and FD. The report added that 7.98 percent or Rs 124.46 crore was the income generated through revenue from issuance of coupons by national parties during 2016-17. ADR had earlier released the “Analysis of Income & Expenditure of National Political Parties for FY2016-2017” on February 7, 2018 without the details of BJP and INC as the audit reports of these parties were not available in the public domain. The due date for submission of annual audited accounts for the parties was October 30, 2017. BJP submitted its audited report on February 8, 2018 (delayed by 99 days) and Congress on March 19, 2018 (delayed by 138 days).

BJP richest national party, total income Rs 1,034 cr in FY17: ADR

Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg will be testifying before US lawmakers on Tuesday over data breach of user information. Zuckerberg is scheduled to appear before a joint hearing of the US Senate Judiciary and Commerce committees on Tuesday and the US House Energy and Commerce Committee on Wednesday.

In his testimony before the Congress, Zuckerberg will attempt to blunt any possible regulatory fallout from the privacy scandal engulfing his social network.&nbsp

Besides everything, one thing that is certain is that Zuckerberg will need a considerable bracing-up for a gruelling attack from the Congressmen.

As we have our eyes set on the imminent event, here's a look at some of the probable questions Zuckerberg could be asked by the lawmakers.&nbsp

1. Should Facebook be trusted anymore?

This could be one of the most significant queries directed at the Facebook CEO. The social media giant recently surfaced as an unsafe social media platform by compromising and putting to risk the safety of personal information of millions of its users.

2. Share the extent to which user data has been compromised

The expanse of the data breach is unimaginable. According to reports, around 87 million accounts were hit with very little details on data misuse available in the public domain. Zuckerberg, most probably, would be asked to give out extensive report on the same.&nbsp

There is also little clarity on who all have access to the leaked data.&nbsp

3. What took so long for the company to act?

Reports of data breach first emerged in the year 2015, the Zuckerberg-led company took years to act on the same. Facebook CEO may have to elaborate on the same clarifying why did his company take so long to take stock of the situation.&nbsp

4. How can facebook ensure data privacy in future?

It’s not the first time when the social media giant came under fire for failing to maintain user privacy. &nbspThe recent controversy around the breach of user data has caused unimaginable damage to its users’ privacy and company's reputation. &nbsp

Zuckerberg might have to share his company's overhauled policy directed toward ensuring&nbspuser data privacy.

5. Why did Facebook not notify users more aggressively?

US lawmakers may demand Zuckerberg to clarify why exactly were the users not notified when their personal information was shared with third-party applications. The Congressmen may call for stringent, stricter regulations on Facebook asking Zuckerberg why should tougher regulations not be imposed on the company.&nbsp

Facebook recently announced that it will notify the 87 million people whose data it estimates could have been accessed by Cambridge Analytica. According to reports, Facebook could end up facing more regulations than ever before.

Zuckerberg, in his testimony, is expected to recognize a need to take responsibility and acknowledge an initial failure to understand how many people were affected.

The 33-year-old internet mogul will appear at 2:15 pm&nbsp(1815 GMT) before a joint hearing of the US Senate's Commerce and Judiciary committees on Tuesday.

Facebook came under fire in recent weeks after it said that the personal information of up to 87 million users, mostly in the United States, may have been improperly shared with political consultancy Cambridge Analytica.

Besides everything, one thing that is certain is that Zuckerberg will need considerable bracing-up to face a gruelling attack from the Congressmen

Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg will be testifying before US lawmakers on Tuesday over data breach of user information. Zuckerberg is scheduled to appear before a joint hearing of the US Senate Judiciary and Commerce committees on Tuesday and the US House Energy and Commerce Committee on Wednesday. In his testimony before the Congress, Zuckerberg will attempt to blunt any possible regulatory fallout from the privacy scandal engulfing his social network. Besides everything, one thing that is certain is that Zuckerberg will need a considerable bracing-up for a gruelling attack from the Congressmen. As we have our eyes set on the imminent event, here's a look at some of the probable questions Zuckerberg could be asked by the lawmakers. 1. Should Facebook be trusted anymore? This could be one of the most significant queries directed at the Facebook CEO. The social media giant recently surfaced as an unsafe social media platform by compromising and putting to risk the safety of personal information of millions of its users. 2. Share the extent to which user data has been compromised The expanse of the data breach is unimaginable. According to reports, around 87 million accounts were hit with very little details on data misuse available in the public domain. Zuckerberg, most probably, would be asked to give out extensive report on the same. There is also little clarity on who all have access to the leaked data. 3. What took so long for the company to act? Reports of data breach first emerged in the year 2015, the Zuckerberg-led company took years to act on the same. Facebook CEO may have to elaborate on the same clarifying why did his company take so long to take stock of the situation. 4. How can facebook ensure data privacy in future? It’s not the first time when the social media giant came under fire for failing to maintain user privacy. &nbspThe recent controversy around the breach of user data has caused unimaginable damage to its users’ privacy and company's reputation. Zuckerberg might have to share his company's overhauled policy directed toward ensuring&nbspuser data privacy. 5. Why did Facebook not notify users more aggressively? US lawmakers may demand Zuckerberg to clarify why exactly were the users not notified when their personal information was shared with third-party applications. The Congressmen may call for stringent, stricter regulations on Facebook asking Zuckerberg why should tougher regulations not be imposed on the company. Facebook recently announced that it will notify the 87 million people whose data it estimates could have been accessed by Cambridge Analytica. According to reports, Facebook could end up facing more regulations than ever before. Zuckerberg, in his testimony, is expected to recognize a need to take responsibility and acknowledge an initial failure to understand how many people were affected. The 33-year-old internet mogul will appear at 2:15 pm (1815 GMT) before a joint hearing of the US Senate's Commerce and Judiciary committees on Tuesday. Facebook came under fire in recent weeks after it said that the personal information of up to 87 million users, mostly in the United States, may have been improperly shared with political consultancy Cambridge Analytica.

Zuckerberg's testimony before Congress: 5 questions Facebook Chief may face

2019 Lok Sabha elections is less likely to be fought on economic promise or earned laurels but on the issue of social justice on caste lines. This pattern was broken during 2014 Lok Sabha elections. The prominent theme was Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas (collective efforts, inclusive growth) and PM Modi's viral slogan Na Khaunga Na Khane Dunga (will not engage in corruption myself, nor allow others). It also witnessed split in Dalit vote in North India leading to BJP sweeping all the reserved seats in Uttar Pradesh.

This trend continued well into the Uttar Pradesh assembly elections leading to a tsunami in BJP's favour. Despite such good showing, the backward caste realignment has found a firm footing in the opposition's politics. There is one main factor for its re-emergence. 
&nbsp 
First and foremost reason is the internal contradiction within Hinduism. At the level of practice, the limit of tolerance fails both socially and culturally at the door of a Dalit family. This contradiction was surmounted only because of Narendra Modi's massive appeal in 2014 but subsequent cultural positions of upper caste and sanskritised OBC reopened the schism. 
&nbsp 
Upper caste and OBC led political Hindutva met its match with backward caste mobilisation in Bihar. Though the point in case is that in absence of gathbandhan (tie-up) between OBC and backward castes, BJP swept UP and did exceptionally well in reserved constituencies as well. 
&nbsp 
It is this realisation that Congress in past two years has altered it politics from Congress Ka Haath Aam Aadmi Ki Saath (Congress' hand is with the common man) to strong backward caste, Dalit oriented politics. It peppers its Dalit campaign with strong Hindu symbols to counter the 'foreign' character of Rahul Gandhi's leadership. The regional parties too have come together out of an existential crisis. 
&nbsp 
Apart from minorities, Dalits too were at the receiving end of the cow protection campaign. It created schism within the concept of the larger Hindu family. Multiple cases across North India were reported where Dalits became target of the lynch mobs because there work involved cattle skinning and trading which stood opposed to the upper caste and OBC led moral eco-system of the new Hindutva brigade. 
&nbsp 
Lastly, it is the only issue the BJP government has been politically defensive about. Whether it was Rohit Vemula controversy, or violence against Dalit community in Gujarat or anti-reservation agitation - it reinforces old identity politics which BJP has been trying to subsume under the rubric of cultural nationalism. The attempt of BJP has been to consume caste identities under one monolithic identity of a Hindu but inadvertently, old identities persist as caste remains integral to practiced Hinduism which manifests itself in forms of marriage, death, rituals and feasting. It for this reason that BJP has paid special focus on contribution of BR Ambedkar and common dining with Dalit communities. But original ideology has its limitation. It is for this reason that post-Tripura victory saw desecration of statues of Ambedkar. 
&nbsp 
The same consolidation seem to be working in Karnataka which has not allowed BJP campaign to take off. 
&nbsp 
Uttar Pradesh was an example in case where undivided Hindu vote created a BJP tsunami. Phoolpur and Gorakhpur results on the other hand show that backward caste alignment amongst OBCs and Dalits have the potential to create a counter narrative. What is debatable is as to which identity politics is better - India divided on backward-forward politics, or between one majority and various minorities? The whole idea is debatable but what it does is that it takes Indian politics back to Mandal vs Kamandal polarisation. 
&nbsp 
The only difference is that it took couple of years for BSP and SP to sink differences to defeat BJP. The political compulsion and strength of BJP was the reason behind it. The result is there for everyone to see. Only thing is whether history will repeat itself. Such political configuration have defeated Congress and BJP in past but none could complete a term which includes alliance between then Mulayam Singh Yadav and Mayawati. So, whoever wins Lok Sabha elections on 2019, old identity politics is back in the game.

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the authors and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

2019 Lok Sabha elections is less likely to be fought on economic promise or earned laurels but on the issue of social justice on caste lines.

2019 Lok Sabha elections is less likely to be fought on economic promise or earned laurels but on the issue of social justice on caste lines. This pattern was broken during 2014 Lok Sabha elections. The prominent theme was Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas (collective efforts, inclusive growth) and PM Modi's viral slogan Na Khaunga Na Khane Dunga (will not engage in corruption myself, nor allow others). It also witnessed split in Dalit vote in North India leading to BJP sweeping all the reserved seats in Uttar Pradesh. This trend continued well into the Uttar Pradesh assembly elections leading to a tsunami in BJP's favour. Despite such good showing, the backward caste realignment has found a firm footing in the opposition's politics. There is one main factor for its re-emergence. First and foremost reason is the internal contradiction within Hinduism. At the level of practice, the limit of tolerance fails both socially and culturally at the door of a Dalit family. This contradiction was surmounted only because of Narendra Modi's massive appeal in 2014 but subsequent cultural positions of upper caste and sanskritised OBC reopened the schism. Upper caste and OBC led political Hindutva met its match with backward caste mobilisation in Bihar. Though the point in case is that in absence of gathbandhan (tie-up) between OBC and backward castes, BJP swept UP and did exceptionally well in reserved constituencies as well. It is this realisation that Congress in past two years has altered it politics from Congress Ka Haath Aam Aadmi Ki Saath (Congress' hand is with the common man) to strong backward caste, Dalit oriented politics. It peppers its Dalit campaign with strong Hindu symbols to counter the 'foreign' character of Rahul Gandhi's leadership. The regional parties too have come together out of an existential crisis. Apart from minorities, Dalits too were at the receiving end of the cow protection campaign. It created schism within the concept of the larger Hindu family. Multiple cases across North India were reported where Dalits became target of the lynch mobs because there work involved cattle skinning and trading which stood opposed to the upper caste and OBC led moral eco-system of the new Hindutva brigade. Lastly, it is the only issue the BJP government has been politically defensive about. Whether it was Rohit Vemula controversy, or violence against Dalit community in Gujarat or anti-reservation agitation - it reinforces old identity politics which BJP has been trying to subsume under the rubric of cultural nationalism. The attempt of BJP has been to consume caste identities under one monolithic identity of a Hindu but inadvertently, old identities persist as caste remains integral to practiced Hinduism which manifests itself in forms of marriage, death, rituals and feasting. It for this reason that BJP has paid special focus on contribution of BR Ambedkar and common dining with Dalit communities. But original ideology has its limitation. It is for this reason that post-Tripura victory saw desecration of statues of Ambedkar. The same consolidation seem to be working in Karnataka which has not allowed BJP campaign to take off. Uttar Pradesh was an example in case where undivided Hindu vote created a BJP tsunami. Phoolpur and Gorakhpur results on the other hand show that backward caste alignment amongst OBCs and Dalits have the potential to create a counter narrative. What is debatable is as to which identity politics is better - India divided on backward-forward politics, or between one majority and various minorities? The whole idea is debatable but what it does is that it takes Indian politics back to Mandal vs Kamandal polarisation. The only difference is that it took couple of years for BSP and SP to sink differences to defeat BJP. The political compulsion and strength of BJP was the reason behind it. The result is there for everyone to see. Only thing is whether history will repeat itself. Such political configuration have defeated Congress and BJP in past but none could complete a term which includes alliance between then Mulayam Singh Yadav and Mayawati. So, whoever wins Lok Sabha elections on 2019, old identity politics is back in the game. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the authors and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Opinion: Mandal vs Kamandal version 2.0 likely in 2019 polls

Congress president Rahul Gandhi today asserted that the mood in Karnataka was in favour of his party and it would win the May 12 polls, as he concluded his six rounds of "Yatra" in the run-up to the elections.

Addressing a public rally here to mark the culmination of his "Janarshivad Yatra" covering all regions of the state, Rahul accused the Narendra Modi government of discriminating against the Congress government in Karnataka.

"Karnataka's mood is in favour of the Congress party and we will the election," Gandhi said, winding up the last lap of his "yatra", which he devoted to mainly attack the Modi government.

The visit also saw Gandhi visit temples and other religious places and interact with Hindu seers, besides holding roadshows and mingling with crowds.

"Wherever PM Modi goes he speaks his maan ki baat. I would like to tell you that the Congress party will listen to maan ki baat and on the basis of what is in your mind we will run the government."

"We will work towards progress by taking everyone together. It will be the government of everyone, of every religion, caste and language," he told the gathering at the sprawling Palace Grounds.

Gandhi said the Karnataka elections was a "fight between two ideologies."

"On one side Congress that like Bengaluru works for joining everyone, spreads brotherhood and love. On the other side BJP, RSS and Nagpur's ideology. It's the ideology of spreading anger, hate and dividing."

He also attacked BJP president Amit Shah for his remarks equating opposition parties with animals.

"I want to tell you from this stage that no Congress leader can ever make such statement."

At a rally in Mumbai to mark BJP's foundation day on Thursday, Shah had equated opposition parties to 'snakes' and mongoose' and 'dogs' and 'cats', who are seeking to unite despite their inherent differences to take on BJP in next year's Lok Sabha polls.

Shah later said what he meant was political parties having no ideological similarities were coming together out of fear of Modi.

Gandhi said "when Modi speaks, he should from the stage speak about Nirav Modi, Rafale aircraft, Amit Shah's son, Gujarat petroleum scam and Yeddyurappa."

At a rally in Mumbai to mark BJP's foundation day on Thursday, Shah had equated opposition parties to 'snakes' and mongoose' and 'dogs' and 'cats'

Congress president Rahul Gandhi today asserted that the mood in Karnataka was in favour of his party and it would win the May 12 polls, as he concluded his six rounds of "Yatra" in the run-up to the elections. Addressing a public rally here to mark the culmination of his "Janarshivad Yatra" covering all regions of the state, Rahul accused the Narendra Modi government of discriminating against the Congress government in Karnataka. "Karnataka's mood is in favour of the Congress party and we will the election," Gandhi said, winding up the last lap of his "yatra", which he devoted to mainly attack the Modi government. The visit also saw Gandhi visit temples and other religious places and interact with Hindu seers, besides holding roadshows and mingling with crowds. "Wherever PM Modi goes he speaks his maan ki baat. I would like to tell you that the Congress party will listen to maan ki baat and on the basis of what is in your mind we will run the government." "We will work towards progress by taking everyone together. It will be the government of everyone, of every religion, caste and language," he told the gathering at the sprawling Palace Grounds. Gandhi said the Karnataka elections was a "fight between two ideologies." "On one side Congress that like Bengaluru works for joining everyone, spreads brotherhood and love. On the other side BJP, RSS and Nagpur's ideology. It's the ideology of spreading anger, hate and dividing." He also attacked BJP president Amit Shah for his remarks equating opposition parties with animals. "I want to tell you from this stage that no Congress leader can ever make such statement." At a rally in Mumbai to mark BJP's foundation day on Thursday, Shah had equated opposition parties to 'snakes' and mongoose' and 'dogs' and 'cats', who are seeking to unite despite their inherent differences to take on BJP in next year's Lok Sabha polls. Shah later said what he meant was political parties having no ideological similarities were coming together out of fear of Modi. Gandhi said "when Modi speaks, he should from the stage speak about Nirav Modi, Rafale aircraft, Amit Shah's son, Gujarat petroleum scam and Yeddyurappa."

Karnataka elections fight between two ideologies: Rahul Gandhi

The BJP on Monday accused the Congress of playing a “joke” on Dalits with its “farce of a fast” and mocked the opposition party, saying its leaders claim of bringing a change but cannot abstain from one meal and their president Rahul Gandhi cannot wake up in morning even for a day as they are used to “politics of luxury”.

After a picture of Delhi Congress leaders having a meal at a restaurant before they were to sit on a fast at Rajghat “against the alleged caste violence and communalism” went viral, the BJP latched onto it to claim that the opposition party’s “double standards” were exposed and that it had ridiculed Mahatma Gandhi’s principles of ‘satyagrah’.

BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra also took a dig at Rahul Gandhi for turning up at Rajghat at 1 pm while the fast had started at 10.30 am, saying it shows that the Congress chief cannot wake up in the morning as he and his colleagues were used to “politics of luxury”.&nbspHe contrasted it with the “politics of performance” of Prime Minister Narendra Modi who, he noted, comes from a common family belonging to a backward caste and has worked to bring Dalits in mainstream socially and economically.

“This is politics of performance versus politics of luxury. You cannot wake up in morning, cannot escape even one meal but you claim of bringing a big change…. You have played a joke on the poor and Dalits while sitting in Rajghat,” he said.

Patra also attacked Rahul Gandhi for calling Modi anti-Dalit, saying the Congress denied Dalits financial inclusion during its long rule and its leaders cannot escape one meal for them.&nbsp“It is the Congress which is anti-Dalit not Modi who economically and socially empowered them with schemes like Jan Dhan and Mudra,” he said.

Referring to the presence of Sajjan Kumar and Jagdish Tytler, accused of involvement in anti-Sikh riots, at Rajghat, Patra said that the Congress leaders’ decision to keep them away from dais was an admission of guilt.&nbspHe ridiculed the Congress’ nation-wide fast, saying its leaders had come to the Mahatma Gandhi’s memorial to talk about non-violence but the presence of Kumar and Tytler exposed the party’s “real violent” face.

“The Congress has fallen into its own trap. What we have seen from Rahul Gandhi today is not a fast but the farce of a fast. (It was) an attempt by his party to fast-track his politics to burnish his credentials despite people rejecting him time and again,” Patra told reporters.&nbsp“It was not ‘upwaas’ (fast) but ‘uphaas’ (mockery),” he said.&nbsp“The Congress had today lost in the eye of the people,” he claimed, adding “the masses will answer to its misleading politics in 2019 with truth and the NDA will return with a bigger mandate”.

The “hunger of power” of the Congress and the Gandhi family were exposed, he said, claiming that the opposition party practices one kind of politics before cameras and another behind it.&nbspThe Congress was now doing politics to divide the country for its interests, he claimed.

After the BJP’s allegations, Delhi Congress’ Arvinder Singh Lovely said his party leaders had breakfast well before the protest began and added there was nothing wrong in it.&nbsp“The fast was scheduled to begin at 10:30 AM and we were busy with preparation till late night yesterday. We went for breakfast at around 8 AM. So, there is nothing wrong in it,” Lovely told reporters.

After the BJP's allegations, Delhi Congress' Arvinder Singh Lovely said his party leaders had breakfast well before the protest began and added there was nothing wrong in it.

The BJP on Monday accused the Congress of playing a “joke” on Dalits with its “farce of a fast” and mocked the opposition party, saying its leaders claim of bringing a change but cannot abstain from one meal and their president Rahul Gandhi cannot wake up in morning even for a day as they are used to “politics of luxury”. After a picture of Delhi Congress leaders having a meal at a restaurant before they were to sit on a fast at Rajghat “against the alleged caste violence and communalism” went viral, the BJP latched onto it to claim that the opposition party’s “double standards” were exposed and that it had ridiculed Mahatma Gandhi’s principles of ‘satyagrah’. BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra also took a dig at Rahul Gandhi for turning up at Rajghat at 1 pm while the fast had started at 10.30 am, saying it shows that the Congress chief cannot wake up in the morning as he and his colleagues were used to “politics of luxury”.&nbspHe contrasted it with the “politics of performance” of Prime Minister Narendra Modi who, he noted, comes from a common family belonging to a backward caste and has worked to bring Dalits in mainstream socially and economically. “This is politics of performance versus politics of luxury. You cannot wake up in morning, cannot escape even one meal but you claim of bringing a big change…. You have played a joke on the poor and Dalits while sitting in Rajghat,” he said. Patra also attacked Rahul Gandhi for calling Modi anti-Dalit, saying the Congress denied Dalits financial inclusion during its long rule and its leaders cannot escape one meal for them. “It is the Congress which is anti-Dalit not Modi who economically and socially empowered them with schemes like Jan Dhan and Mudra,” he said. Referring to the presence of Sajjan Kumar and Jagdish Tytler, accused of involvement in anti-Sikh riots, at Rajghat, Patra said that the Congress leaders’ decision to keep them away from dais was an admission of guilt.&nbspHe ridiculed the Congress’ nation-wide fast, saying its leaders had come to the Mahatma Gandhi’s memorial to talk about non-violence but the presence of Kumar and Tytler exposed the party’s “real violent” face. “The Congress has fallen into its own trap. What we have seen from Rahul Gandhi today is not a fast but the farce of a fast. (It was) an attempt by his party to fast-track his politics to burnish his credentials despite people rejecting him time and again,” Patra told reporters. “It was not ‘upwaas’ (fast) but ‘uphaas’ (mockery),” he said. “The Congress had today lost in the eye of the people,” he claimed, adding “the masses will answer to its misleading politics in 2019 with truth and the NDA will return with a bigger mandate”. The “hunger of power” of the Congress and the Gandhi family were exposed, he said, claiming that the opposition party practices one kind of politics before cameras and another behind it.&nbspThe Congress was now doing politics to divide the country for its interests, he claimed. After the BJP’s allegations, Delhi Congress’ Arvinder Singh Lovely said his party leaders had breakfast well before the protest began and added there was nothing wrong in it. “The fast was scheduled to begin at 10:30 AM and we were busy with preparation till late night yesterday. We went for breakfast at around 8 AM. So, there is nothing wrong in it,” Lovely told reporters.

Congress played joke on Dalits with  BJP of fast, says BJP

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China today said that Hong Kong can accede to India's request to arrest fugitive Indian diamond merchant Nirav Modi based on local laws and mutual judicial assistance agreements.

<a href="http://cmsuat.wionews.com/sports/cwg-2018-gold-coast-gold-rush-continues-for-india-as-shuttlers-clinch-maiden-cwg-team-title-129388">CWG 2018: India gold rush continues as shuttlers clinch maiden CWG team title</a>

India clinched gold medal after defeating team Malaysia 3-1 in mixed-team badminton final at 21st Commonwealth Games on Day 5 in Gold Coast. Saina Nehwal won the women singles clash against Soniia Cheah on the final day.

<a href="http://cmsuat.wionews.com/india-news/congress-goes-on-nationwide-fast-against-communalism-bjp-calls-it-a-farce-129355">Congress goes on nationwide fast against communalism, BJP calls it a farce</a>

The BJP today mocked Congress president Rahul Gandhi's fast at Rajghat as a "farce" and described the party's decision to keep the 1984 anti-Sikh riots accused Sajjan Kumar and Jagdish Tytler away from the main dais as its "admission of guilt".

<a href="http://cmsuat.wionews.com/india-news/indrani-mukerjea-overdosed-on-anti-depressant-hospital-129393">Indrani Mukerjea overdosed on anti-depressants: Hospital</a>

Indrani Mukerjea's hospital report states that she overdosed on the anti-depressant Benzodiazepine, the dean of the state-run JJ Hospital where Indrani is admitted said.

<a href="http://cmsuat.wionews.com/india-news/many-schoolchildren-dead-as-bus-plunges-into-gorge-in-himachal-pradesh-129395">Himachal: 20 schoolchildren dead after bus plunges into gorge</a>

At least 20 schoolchildren are dead after their school bus plunged into a gorge in Himachal Pradesh. There were some 60 children in the bus. The accident took place in Kangra's Nurpur.&nbsp

&nbsp

Hong Kong can take a decision on Nirav Modi's arrest, says China China today said that Hong Kong can accede to India's request to arrest fugitive Indian diamond merchant Nirav Modi based on local laws and mutual judicial assistance agreements. CWG 2018: India gold rush continues as shuttlers clinch maiden CWG team title India clinched gold medal after defeating team Malaysia 3-1 in mixed-team badminton final at 21st Commonwealth Games on Day 5 in Gold Coast. Saina Nehwal won the women singles clash against Soniia Cheah on the final day. Congress goes on nationwide fast against communalism, BJP calls it a farce The BJP today mocked Congress president Rahul Gandhi's fast at Rajghat as a "farce" and described the party's decision to keep the 1984 anti-Sikh riots accused Sajjan Kumar and Jagdish Tytler away from the main dais as its "admission of guilt". Indrani Mukerjea overdosed on anti-depressants: Hospital Indrani Mukerjea's hospital report states that she overdosed on the anti-depressant Benzodiazepine, the dean of the state-run JJ Hospital where Indrani is admitted said. Himachal: 20 schoolchildren dead after bus plunges into gorge At least 20 schoolchildren are dead after their school bus plunged into a gorge in Himachal Pradesh. There were some 60 children in the bus. The accident took place in Kangra's Nurpur.

News brief: Big stories of the day

The Bharatiya Janata Party on Monday claimed that several Delhi Congress leaders were seen eating at a restaurant before sitting on the protest and observing the fast at Rajghat.

To back its claim, BJP leader Harish Khurana shared an image on Twitter in which the Congress leaders are seen eating 'chhole bhature'.

He claimed in his tweet that while the Congress party has called others for holding fast at Rajghat, leaders of the party are enjoying Chhole Bhature sitting in a restaurant.

The Congress, meanwhile, said that the photo was taken before 8am.

"Photograph is of before 8 am, this is symbolic fast from 10.30 am to 4.30pm, it is not an indefinite hunger strike. This is what is wrong with these (BJP) people, instead of properly running the country, they concentrate on what we eat," Congress leader Arvinder Singh Lovely said.

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वहाँ रे हमारे कांग्रिस के नेता,लोगों को राज घाट पर अनशन के लिए बुलाया है और ख़ुद एक रेस्तराँ में बैठ कर छोले भटूरे के मज़े ले रहे हो । 
सही बेफ़क़ूफ बनाते हो । <a href="https://t.co/gp2pIYsdOb">pic.twitter.com/gp2pIYsdOb</a>
— Harish Khurana (@HarishKhuranna) <a href="https://twitter.com/HarishKhuranna/status/983249794436157440?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 9, 2018</a></blockquote>
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This came shortly after a controversy erupted as Congress leader Jagdish Tytler, who has been named in connection with 1984 anti-Sikh riots, was asked to leave the stage where Rahul Gandhi would be holding the fast.

The party, however, ruled out any controversy, saying the leaders were asked to leave the stage as they did not meet the “criteria”. Congress Delhi unit chief Ajay Maken told reporters that only party office bearers and former ministers were supposed to join the Congress president on the stage for the fast, adding that “some leaders who did not meet the criteria were asked to leave”.

The day-long fast today was called by Delhi Congress against atrocities on the Dalit community.

(With inputs from ANI)

An image was also shared, in which the Congress leaders can be seen eating 'chole bhature'.

The Bharatiya Janata Party on Monday claimed that several Delhi Congress leaders were seen eating at a restaurant before sitting on the protest and observing the fast at Rajghat. To back its claim, BJP leader Harish Khurana shared an image on Twitter in which the Congress leaders are seen eating 'chhole bhature'. He claimed in his tweet that while the Congress party has called others for holding fast at Rajghat, leaders of the party are enjoying Chhole Bhature sitting in a restaurant. The Congress, meanwhile, said that the photo was taken before 8am. "Photograph is of before 8 am, this is symbolic fast from 10.30 am to 4.30pm, it is not an indefinite hunger strike. This is what is wrong with these (BJP) people, instead of properly running the country, they concentrate on what we eat," Congress leader Arvinder Singh Lovely said. वहाँ रे हमारे कांग्रिस के नेता,लोगों को राज घाट पर अनशन के लिए बुलाया है और ख़ुद एक रेस्तराँ में बैठ कर छोले भटूरे के मज़े ले रहे हो । सही बेफ़क़ूफ बनाते हो । pic.twitter.com/gp2pIYsdOb — Harish Khurana (@HarishKhuranna) April 9, 2018 × This came shortly after a controversy erupted as Congress leader Jagdish Tytler, who has been named in connection with 1984 anti-Sikh riots, was asked to leave the stage where Rahul Gandhi would be holding the fast. The party, however, ruled out any controversy, saying the leaders were asked to leave the stage as they did not meet the “criteria”. Congress Delhi unit chief Ajay Maken told reporters that only party office bearers and former ministers were supposed to join the Congress president on the stage for the fast, adding that “some leaders who did not meet the criteria were asked to leave”. The day-long fast today was called by Delhi Congress against atrocities on the Dalit community. (With inputs from ANI)

Congress leaders seen feasting before their 5-hour Rajghat fast

Delhi MLA Arvinder Singh Lovely today lashed out at BJP leaders for claiming that Congress leaders, before observing a fast at Rajghat in Delhi, ate a restaurant.&nbsp;

Delhi BJP leader Harish Khurana noted earlier that Congress leaders were seen eating at a restaurant in Delhi before sitting on a protest and observing fast at Rajghat over atrocities on Dalits.&nbsp;

Lovely retorted saying that the photograph was taken earlier in the day before 8 am. He further added that the fast is symbolic in nature and will be observed from 10.30 am to 4.30 pm today. It is not an indefinite hunger strike.&nbsp;

He further added that the BJP should focus on running the country rather than looking into what others are eating.&nbsp;

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Delhi BJP leader Harish Khurana claims Congress leaders were earlier today seen eating at restaurant in Delhi before sitting on a protest and observing fast at Rajghat over atrocities on Dalits. (In pic, Congress leader AS Lovely) <a href="https://t.co/OWsIWmwPKP">pic.twitter.com/OWsIWmwPKP</a>
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"This is what is wrong with these people. Instead of properly running the country, they concentrate on what we eat," Lovely added.&nbsp;

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Photograph is of before 8 am, this is symbolic fast from 10.30 am to 4.30pm,it is not indefinite hunger strike.This is what is wrong with these(BJP) ppl,instead of properly running the country,they concentrate on what we eat:AS Lovely,Congress on picture of him eating before fast <a href="https://t.co/9if3ohigAA">pic.twitter.com/9if3ohigAA</a>
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Congress leaders in Delhi have called for a fast to protest clashes during Dalit protests on April 2. Congress Chief Rahul Gandhi will also join the leaders later in the today at Rajghat.&nbsp;

Dalit groups called for a nationwide shutdown, bandh, to protest Supreme Court's recent ruling on the SC/ST Act.&nbsp;

Lovely retorted saying that the photograph was taken earlier in the day before 8 am

Delhi MLA Arvinder Singh Lovely today lashed out at BJP leaders for claiming that Congress leaders, before observing a fast at Rajghat in Delhi, ate a restaurant. Delhi BJP leader Harish Khurana noted earlier that Congress leaders were seen eating at a restaurant in Delhi before sitting on a protest and observing fast at Rajghat over atrocities on Dalits. Lovely retorted saying that the photograph was taken earlier in the day before 8 am. He further added that the fast is symbolic in nature and will be observed from 10.30 am to 4.30 pm today. It is not an indefinite hunger strike. He further added that the BJP should focus on running the country rather than looking into what others are eating. Delhi BJP leader Harish Khurana claims Congress leaders were earlier today seen eating at restaurant in Delhi before sitting on a protest and observing fast at Rajghat over atrocities on Dalits. (In pic, Congress leader AS Lovely) pic.twitter.com/OWsIWmwPKP — ANI (@ANI) April 9, 2018 × "This is what is wrong with these people. Instead of properly running the country, they concentrate on what we eat," Lovely added. Photograph is of before 8 am, this is symbolic fast from 10.30 am to 4.30pm,it is not indefinite hunger strike.This is what is wrong with these(BJP) ppl,instead of properly running the country,they concentrate on what we eat:AS Lovely,Congress on picture of him eating before fast pic.twitter.com/9if3ohigAA — ANI (@ANI) April 9, 2018 × Congress leaders in Delhi have called for a fast to protest clashes during Dalit protests on April 2. Congress Chief Rahul Gandhi will also join the leaders later in the today at Rajghat. Dalit groups called for a nationwide shutdown, bandh, to protest Supreme Court's recent ruling on the SC/ST Act.

Instead of running country, BJP concentrates on what we eat: Cong's Lovely

The BJP today mocked Congress president Rahul Gandhi's fast at Rajghat as a "farce" and described the party's decision to keep the 1984 anti-Sikh riots accused Sajjan Kumar and Jagdish Tytler away from the main dais as its "<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/was-jagdish-tytler-asked-to-leave-congress-protest-at-rajghat-129339">admission of guilt</a>".

BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra ridiculed the opposition party's nation-wide fast against the alleged caste violence and communalism, saying its leaders had come to the Mahatma Gandhi's memorial to talk about non-violence but the presence of Kumar and Tytler exposed the party's "real violent" face.

"The Congress has fallen into its own trap. What we have seen from Rahul Gandhi today is not a fast but the farce of a fast. (It was) an attempt by his party to fast track his politics to burnish his credentials despite people rejecting him time and again," he told reporters.

The Congress was forced to asked them to leave and it was its admission of guilt, he said.

Also read:&nbsp<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/instead-of-running-country-bjp-concentrates-on-what-we-eat-arvinder-singh-lovely--129342">Instead of running country, BJP concentrates on what we eat, says Arvinder Singh Lovely</a>

Taking a dig at Gandhi over his attack on the Modi government over Dalit issues, Patra asked if he had abstained even from one meal when anti-Dalit violence had happened in places like Mirchpur, Gohana and Jhajjar when the Congress was in power.

Citing figures of anti-Dalit violence in five years of the Congress rule in the poll-bound Karnataka, he said the state had reported 9,080 cases crimes against the community and over 358 Dalits were killed.

Gandhi should tell them when he plans to sit on a fast against crimes against Dalits in Karnataka, he asked.

Another BJP spokesperson Bizay Sonkar Shastri raked up the Congress' alleged ill-treatment of Dalit icon Bhimrao Ambedkar and said it was Prime Minister Narendra Modi who had been working overtime to fulfil Ambedkar's dreams.

Erstwhile Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru had worked to ensure that Ambedkar lost his deposit in the first Lok Sabha elections, he claimed.

While Dalits believed in peaceful protests, it is the opposition which had fanned violence, he alleged.

The Congress has been "jolted" by the Dalits' growing association of with the BJP, he said.

Patra and Shastri also quoted from Ambedkar's resignation letter to quit the Nehru Cabinet in which the Dalit icon had accused the erstwhile PM of devoting his time only for protection of Muslims. While Ambedkar was equally committed to protect

Muslims, the Nehru government did not do much to protect Dalits and tribals, they said quoting from the letter.&nbsp

The BJP added that the Congress' decision to keep the 1984 anti-Sikh riots accused Jagdish Tytler and Sajjan Kumar away from the main dais at Delhi's Raj Ghat was an 'admission of guilt'

The BJP today mocked Congress president Rahul Gandhi's fast at Rajghat as a "farce" and described the party's decision to keep the 1984 anti-Sikh riots accused Sajjan Kumar and Jagdish Tytler away from the main dais as its "admission of guilt". BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra ridiculed the opposition party's nation-wide fast against the alleged caste violence and communalism, saying its leaders had come to the Mahatma Gandhi's memorial to talk about non-violence but the presence of Kumar and Tytler exposed the party's "real violent" face. "The Congress has fallen into its own trap. What we have seen from Rahul Gandhi today is not a fast but the farce of a fast. (It was) an attempt by his party to fast track his politics to burnish his credentials despite people rejecting him time and again," he told reporters. The Congress was forced to asked them to leave and it was its admission of guilt, he said. Also read: Instead of running country, BJP concentrates on what we eat, says Arvinder Singh Lovely Taking a dig at Gandhi over his attack on the Modi government over Dalit issues, Patra asked if he had abstained even from one meal when anti-Dalit violence had happened in places like Mirchpur, Gohana and Jhajjar when the Congress was in power. Citing figures of anti-Dalit violence in five years of the Congress rule in the poll-bound Karnataka, he said the state had reported 9,080 cases crimes against the community and over 358 Dalits were killed. Gandhi should tell them when he plans to sit on a fast against crimes against Dalits in Karnataka, he asked. Another BJP spokesperson Bizay Sonkar Shastri raked up the Congress' alleged ill-treatment of Dalit icon Bhimrao Ambedkar and said it was Prime Minister Narendra Modi who had been working overtime to fulfil Ambedkar's dreams. Erstwhile Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru had worked to ensure that Ambedkar lost his deposit in the first Lok Sabha elections, he claimed. While Dalits believed in peaceful protests, it is the opposition which had fanned violence, he alleged. The Congress has been "jolted" by the Dalits' growing association of with the BJP, he said. Patra and Shastri also quoted from Ambedkar's resignation letter to quit the Nehru Cabinet in which the Dalit icon had accused the erstwhile PM of devoting his time only for protection of Muslims. While Ambedkar was equally committed to protect Muslims, the Nehru government did not do much to protect Dalits and tribals, they said quoting from the letter.

Congress goes on nationwide fast against communalism, BJP calls it a farce

The 1984 anti-Sikh riots cast its shadow over the Delhi Congress’ daylong fast against caste violence and communalism with Sajjan Kumar and Jagdish Tytler, listed as accused for their alleged role in the riots, being made to stay away from the main dais, party leaders said.

While a Congress leader said on anonymity that Tytler and Kumar were asked not to sit on the stage, the party’s chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said the BJP was seeking to create a controversy where none existed.

The dais was reserved for AICC members, former ministers of the Congress government in Delhi and sitting MPs, a leader said.

Other leaders sat on mats close to the main stage at Rajghat, the venue of the symbolic fast being led by Congress president Rahul Gandhi.

The party’s units across the country are holding similar fasts on Monday.

A senior Congress leader, requesting anonymity, added that Tytler and Kumar were asked to stay away. Kumar left the venue after that.

Delhi Congress chief Ajay Maken was seen talking to Tytler, who sat on the floor.

Tytler, however, told reporters later that he was not asked to leave the stage or the venue.

“Some conspirators in BJP see meaning in everything,” Surjewala said.

Tytler and Kumar are charged with having a role in the riots in the aftermath of prime minister Indira Gandhi’s assassination by her Sikh bodyguards on October 31, 1984.

A Congress leader said on anonymity that Tytler and Kumar were asked not to sit on the stage

The 1984 anti-Sikh riots cast its shadow over the Delhi Congress’ daylong fast against caste violence and communalism with Sajjan Kumar and Jagdish Tytler, listed as accused for their alleged role in the riots, being made to stay away from the main dais, party leaders said. While a Congress leader said on anonymity that Tytler and Kumar were asked not to sit on the stage, the party’s chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said the BJP was seeking to create a controversy where none existed. The dais was reserved for AICC members, former ministers of the Congress government in Delhi and sitting MPs, a leader said. Other leaders sat on mats close to the main stage at Rajghat, the venue of the symbolic fast being led by Congress president Rahul Gandhi. The party’s units across the country are holding similar fasts on Monday. A senior Congress leader, requesting anonymity, added that Tytler and Kumar were asked to stay away. Kumar left the venue after that. Delhi Congress chief Ajay Maken was seen talking to Tytler, who sat on the floor. Tytler, however, told reporters later that he was not asked to leave the stage or the venue. “Some conspirators in BJP see meaning in everything,” Surjewala said. Tytler and Kumar are charged with having a role in the riots in the aftermath of prime minister Indira Gandhi’s assassination by her Sikh bodyguards on October 31, 1984.

Jagdish Tytler, Sajjan Kumar asked to stay away from Congress protest: Source

Dalits, who are "angry" with the NDA government, will play a key role in deciding the country's next prime minister a year down the line and back Congress president Rahul Gandhi for the coveted slot, party leader Nitin Raut has said.

Newly-appointed chairman of the Congress' SC department Raut said Dalit youth will get attracted to Gandhi's leadership for a positive future than other non-BJP/NDA leaders, including those representing the community.

This is mainly because the Congress chief stands a chance to become the prime minister unlike those leaders, he added.

The former Maharashtra minister also dismissed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent claim that his government has honoured Dalit icon B R Ambedkar like no other previous dispensation. Raut charged Modi and the BJP with issuing such statements only eyeing the community's votes.

Dalits, especially the community youth, are feeling angry under the NDA's regime. They are being denied educational, employment opportunities which never happened when the Congress was in power. This anger will make Dalits play a key role in deciding the next prime minister, Raut said.

He said in the run up to the next Lok Sabha polls, his department will focus hard on uniting as many Dalits as possible under the Congress' umbrella to see Gandhi is propelled to the post of the prime minister.

There are 84 parliamentary seats which are reserved for the scheduled castes across the country. The BJP had won more of these seats than any other party in the 2014 general elections. The Congress could win only 3-4 of these reserved seats, Raut said.

We will try to win maximum seats possible in 2019 based on the works governments led by our party had done for the Dalits. We have records to show that. We will try to unite Dalits, he said.

At a time when Dalit voters are divided and follow several leaders like Jignesh Mevani, Raut said the community members will be attracted to Gandhi nationally as he is more likely to become the prime minister than the former.

He also said Dalits have no option but to look at the Congress, if they don't want BJP at the Centre again given no other party than either of these two will be able to form the next government.

Dalits have accepted, honoured leaders like Mevani or the others. But these leaders are yet to establish their parties nationally. So, they can't be prime minister," Raut said.

Dalits, therefore, will get attracted towards whoever is likely to become a prime minister. It will be our endeavour to see Rahul Ji in that position, he said.

Raut also said his party will work to see that the promises made to Dalits are kept after it comes to power.

Criticising Modi over his comment that his government has honoured Ambedkar more than any other government, Raut said the Dalit icon himself was not supportive of the RSS or Hindu Mahasabha.

What have they (the BJP) given to the members of the community in actual terms? Merely constructing memorials or monuments does not suffice, but you have to deliver for people. So, what they are saying is basically eyeing votes, he said.

Dalits, who are 'angry' with the NDA government, will play a key role in deciding the country's next prime minister a year down the line and back Congress president Rahul Gandhi for the coveted slot, party leader Nitin Raut has said

Dalits, who are "angry" with the NDA government, will play a key role in deciding the country's next prime minister a year down the line and back Congress president Rahul Gandhi for the coveted slot, party leader Nitin Raut has said. Newly-appointed chairman of the Congress' SC department Raut said Dalit youth will get attracted to Gandhi's leadership for a positive future than other non-BJP/NDA leaders, including those representing the community. This is mainly because the Congress chief stands a chance to become the prime minister unlike those leaders, he added. The former Maharashtra minister also dismissed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent claim that his government has honoured Dalit icon B R Ambedkar like no other previous dispensation. Raut charged Modi and the BJP with issuing such statements only eyeing the community's votes. Dalits, especially the community youth, are feeling angry under the NDA's regime. They are being denied educational, employment opportunities which never happened when the Congress was in power. This anger will make Dalits play a key role in deciding the next prime minister, Raut said. He said in the run up to the next Lok Sabha polls, his department will focus hard on uniting as many Dalits as possible under the Congress' umbrella to see Gandhi is propelled to the post of the prime minister. There are 84 parliamentary seats which are reserved for the scheduled castes across the country. The BJP had won more of these seats than any other party in the 2014 general elections. The Congress could win only 3-4 of these reserved seats, Raut said. We will try to win maximum seats possible in 2019 based on the works governments led by our party had done for the Dalits. We have records to show that. We will try to unite Dalits, he said. At a time when Dalit voters are divided and follow several leaders like Jignesh Mevani, Raut said the community members will be attracted to Gandhi nationally as he is more likely to become the prime minister than the former. He also said Dalits have no option but to look at the Congress, if they don't want BJP at the Centre again given no other party than either of these two will be able to form the next government. Dalits have accepted, honoured leaders like Mevani or the others. But these leaders are yet to establish their parties nationally. So, they can't be prime minister," Raut said. Dalits, therefore, will get attracted towards whoever is likely to become a prime minister. It will be our endeavour to see Rahul Ji in that position, he said. Raut also said his party will work to see that the promises made to Dalits are kept after it comes to power. Criticising Modi over his comment that his government has honoured Ambedkar more than any other government, Raut said the Dalit icon himself was not supportive of the RSS or Hindu Mahasabha. What have they (the BJP) given to the members of the community in actual terms? Merely constructing memorials or monuments does not suffice, but you have to deliver for people. So, what they are saying is basically eyeing votes, he said.

Dalits will play key role in deciding country's next PM: Congress

BJP party member&nbsp;in the poll-bound state Karnataka has lodged a complaint&nbsp;with Election Commission against Jignesh Mewani.

The complaint has been filed over Mevani's speech in Chitradurga, where&nbsp;he urged youth to disrupt PM Modi's campaign program by hurling chairs in his campaign program.&nbsp;

While addressing in Karnataka's Chitradurga, Mewani said "Biggest role of Karnataka's youth should be to enter PM's campaign program in Bengaluru on 15th, hurl chairs in the air and disrupt it, then ask him what happened to 2 crore jobs? If he can't answer ask him to go to Himalayas".

&nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a>: Jignesh Mevani says, 'Biggest role of Karnataka's youth should be to enter PM's campaign program in Bengaluru on 15th, hurl chairs in the air & disrupt it, then ask him what happened to 2 cr jobs? If he can't answer ask him to go to Himalayas' <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Chitradurga?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Chitradurga</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Karnataka?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Karnataka</a> <a href="https://t.co/3rykIfOFsp">pic.twitter.com/3rykIfOFsp</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/982290981348413441?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 6, 2018</a></blockquote>
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While addressing in Karnataka's Chitradurga, Mewani said 'Biggest role of Karnataka's youth should be to enter PM's campaign program in Bengaluru on 15th, hurl chairs in the air and disrupt it, then ask him what happened to 2 crore jobs? If he can't answer ask him to go to Himalayas'

BJP party member in the poll-bound state Karnataka has lodged a complaint with Election Commission against Jignesh Mewani. The complaint has been filed over Mevani's speech in Chitradurga, where he urged youth to disrupt PM Modi's campaign program by hurling chairs in his campaign program. While addressing in Karnataka's Chitradurga, Mewani said "Biggest role of Karnataka's youth should be to enter PM's campaign program in Bengaluru on 15th, hurl chairs in the air and disrupt it, then ask him what happened to 2 crore jobs? If he can't answer ask him to go to Himalayas". #WATCH: Jignesh Mevani says, 'Biggest role of Karnataka's youth should be to enter PM's campaign program in Bengaluru on 15th, hurl chairs in the air & disrupt it, then ask him what happened to 2 cr jobs? If he can't answer ask him to go to Himalayas' #Chitradurga #Karnataka pic.twitter.com/3rykIfOFsp — ANI (@ANI) April 6, 2018 ×

Jignesh Mewani asks Karnataka youth to hurl chair in PM's election campaign, BJP files complaint

After a washout of the budget session of Parliament that ended Friday, the BJP and the Congress blamed each other for the impasse and announced countrywide fasts as protest even as Prime Minister Narendra Modi accused the opposition party of taking parliamentary proceedings "to a new low".

While Modi announced that NDA MPs would hold a fast on April 12 to protest the opposition's behaviour in Parliament, Congress chief Rahul Gandhi told party workers to hold a fast on April 9 to "expose" the BJP's "lies" on the issue.

Addressing BJP MPs on the party's foundation day, Modi kept the Congress in his line of fire and spelt out an exercise by party lawmakers and ministers for reaching out to villages with substantial Dalit and tribal population through implementation of his government's seven key welfare schemes.

Modi at the BJP parliamentary party meeting accused the Congress of paralysing Parliament proceedings during the Budget Session that ended Friday, and said it was "throttling" democracy and "abusing" people's mandate.

Briefing reporters on the meeting, Union minister Ananth Kumar quoted the prime minister as saying that while the BJP's strength has been rising, the opposition, especially the Congress, has resorted to "divisive and negative" politics. 
Parliamentary proceedings stooped to a new low due to the conduct of the Congress, Modi said.

All BJP MPs will observe a day long fast on April 12 to protest the opposition's conduct in Parliament, he said.

On the other hand, Gandhi directed party workers to organise nationwide fast to protect and promote harmony among various sections on April 9.

In a letter to all PCC chiefs, party general secretary Ashok Gehlot said "peace and harmony have been embodied in the soul of this country and the responsibility to uphold it lies with the Congress".

He said what has happened on April 2 during Bharat bandh was very unfortunate and it was very dangerous for the social fabric of this country and blamed BJP-ruled Centre and state governments for not initiating steps to curb violence neither to protect the fraternity.

"Therefore, it becomes even more important for the Congress to lead the nation in tough time," he said.

At the AICC briefing, senior party leaders Mallikarjun Kharge and Anand Sharma hit back at the BJP and held it responsible for not letting Parliament function and termed as a "gimmick" and "drama" the move by NDA MPs to forgo their salary for 23 days when Parliament did not function.

The Congress leaders said their party MPs had met Rajya Sabha chairman requesting him that the house should not be prorogued so that it can be reconvened for two more weeks to discuss issues of national importance as they could not be taken up due to disruptions.

Sharma alleged that the BJP and RSS were spreading hatred in society through their "divisive" agenda. The Congress "will expose it" and their chief Rahul Gandhi has appealed to the public to maintain peace and harmony in society, he said.

Kharge also alleged that it was the government and its allies which were disrupting the Lok Sabha and questioned why members causing disturbance were not suspended and the no-confidence motions taken up for discussion.

The government and its allies were "orchestrating" disruptions and blaming the Congress for it, he alleged.

"Government encouraged its allies to disrupt proceedings which resulted in the Houses being adjourned day after day in the session, within seconds of the ruckus created at government's behest."

"We gave prior notice under the rules of Parliament. The Government is sole responsible for disruption of parliament and now 'the thief is blaming the cop'", Kharge said.

Sharma said, "one thing we want to make absolutely clear with truth and force of facts at our command that Congress is not responsible for the disruption. We wanted debate, we wanted accountability and we shall continue to demand that."

"Today we have told the Chairman of Rajya Sabha to inform the Government that we are willing, do not prorogue the Houses they have been adjourned only sine die. Reconvene the Parliament for two weeks or ten days to debate these five issues and to legislate, bring the important Laws.

"We have said the ball is in their court. This is what we have conveyed today and we are informing you," he said.&nbsp

While Modi announced that NDA MPs would hold a fast on April 12 to protest the opposition's behaviour in Parliament, Congress chief Rahul Gandhi told party workers to hold a fast on April 9 to 'expose' the BJP's 'lies' on the issue

After a washout of the budget session of Parliament that ended Friday, the BJP and the Congress blamed each other for the impasse and announced countrywide fasts as protest even as Prime Minister Narendra Modi accused the opposition party of taking parliamentary proceedings "to a new low". While Modi announced that NDA MPs would hold a fast on April 12 to protest the opposition's behaviour in Parliament, Congress chief Rahul Gandhi told party workers to hold a fast on April 9 to "expose" the BJP's "lies" on the issue. Addressing BJP MPs on the party's foundation day, Modi kept the Congress in his line of fire and spelt out an exercise by party lawmakers and ministers for reaching out to villages with substantial Dalit and tribal population through implementation of his government's seven key welfare schemes. Modi at the BJP parliamentary party meeting accused the Congress of paralysing Parliament proceedings during the Budget Session that ended Friday, and said it was "throttling" democracy and "abusing" people's mandate. Briefing reporters on the meeting, Union minister Ananth Kumar quoted the prime minister as saying that while the BJP's strength has been rising, the opposition, especially the Congress, has resorted to "divisive and negative" politics. Parliamentary proceedings stooped to a new low due to the conduct of the Congress, Modi said. All BJP MPs will observe a day long fast on April 12 to protest the opposition's conduct in Parliament, he said. On the other hand, Gandhi directed party workers to organise nationwide fast to protect and promote harmony among various sections on April 9. In a letter to all PCC chiefs, party general secretary Ashok Gehlot said "peace and harmony have been embodied in the soul of this country and the responsibility to uphold it lies with the Congress". He said what has happened on April 2 during Bharat bandh was very unfortunate and it was very dangerous for the social fabric of this country and blamed BJP-ruled Centre and state governments for not initiating steps to curb violence neither to protect the fraternity. "Therefore, it becomes even more important for the Congress to lead the nation in tough time," he said. At the AICC briefing, senior party leaders Mallikarjun Kharge and Anand Sharma hit back at the BJP and held it responsible for not letting Parliament function and termed as a "gimmick" and "drama" the move by NDA MPs to forgo their salary for 23 days when Parliament did not function. The Congress leaders said their party MPs had met Rajya Sabha chairman requesting him that the house should not be prorogued so that it can be reconvened for two more weeks to discuss issues of national importance as they could not be taken up due to disruptions. Sharma alleged that the BJP and RSS were spreading hatred in society through their "divisive" agenda. The Congress "will expose it" and their chief Rahul Gandhi has appealed to the public to maintain peace and harmony in society, he said. Kharge also alleged that it was the government and its allies which were disrupting the Lok Sabha and questioned why members causing disturbance were not suspended and the no-confidence motions taken up for discussion. The government and its allies were "orchestrating" disruptions and blaming the Congress for it, he alleged. "Government encouraged its allies to disrupt proceedings which resulted in the Houses being adjourned day after day in the session, within seconds of the ruckus created at government's behest." "We gave prior notice under the rules of Parliament. The Government is sole responsible for disruption of parliament and now 'the thief is blaming the cop'", Kharge said. Sharma said, "one thing we want to make absolutely clear with truth and force of facts at our command that Congress is not responsible for the disruption. We wanted debate, we wanted accountability and we shall continue to demand that." "Today we have told the Chairman of Rajya Sabha to inform the Government that we are willing, do not prorogue the Houses they have been adjourned only sine die. Reconvene the Parliament for two weeks or ten days to debate these five issues and to legislate, bring the important Laws. "We have said the ball is in their court. This is what we have conveyed today and we are informing you," he said.

Congress, BJP blame each other for Parliament logjam, announce fasts in protest

The washed out second leg of Parliament's Budget Session ended Friday as both Houses were adjourned sine die, capping a month of relentless disruptions and stated to be the least productive since 2000 with nearly 250 working hours being wasted.

As a blame game erupted between the BJP and the Congress over the opposition protests that paralysed both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha, the rival parties announced protest fasts by their MPs and workers next week. An anguished Rajya Sabha Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu said the budget session was "eminently forgettable".

The Cabinet Committee on Parliamentary Affairs (CCPA) recommended prorogation of the Budget Session of Parliament to President Ram Nath Kovind.

The Lok Sabha was also unable to take up multiple opposition notices for no-confidence motion against the Modi government with Speaker Sumitra Mahajan saying there is no order in the House which witnessed protests by various parties. 
Mahajan said the members should keep in mind the larger interests of the nation. Prime Minister Narendra Modi was present in the House.

The last day of the session was also marred by protests by AIADMK and Congress members over setting up of the Cauvery river management board as well as by TDP members demanding special status for Andhra Pradesh.

Mahajan also said she wanted to take up the notices for no-confidence motion. "I am sorry... If you don't want to take up (notices for no-confidence motion)," she said and proceeded to read out a brief summary of the Budget session and its second leg before adjourning sine die.

In the Rajya Sabha, Naidu even wondered if the fears of those who doubted the need for a Second Chamber during the debates in the Constituent Assembly were coming true. "Let us not be a party to this House becoming a 'clog(impediment) in the wheel of progress''.

"I am pained to note that it(the session) turned out to be an eminently forgettable one on account of utter disregard of the mandate of this important parliamentary institution and its responsibilities and missed opportunities," he said.

The disruptions and adjournments were caused by protests over issues like special status to Andhra Pradesh, bank scams, demand for Cauvery water management board, vandalising of statues, review of the recent Supreme Court order on SC/ST Act and law and order situation in Kasganj in Uttar Pradesh.

The second leg of the Budget session, that started on March 5, had 22 sittings that were mostly disrupted.

Speaker Mahajan said a total of 127 hours and 45 minutes were affected by "interruptions and forced adjournments" while Naidu said the Rajya Sabha lost over 121 hours.

Just five bills, including the crucial Finance Bill 2018 for which the Budget Session is convened, were passed and five were introduced during the Budget session in the Lok Sabha.

Besides, The Payment of Gratuity (Amendment) Bill, 2017 and The Specific Relief (Amendment) Bill, 2017 were among those passed.

There was lot of drama outside the Parliament too on the concluding day of the Budget session with several ministers and ruling alliance MPs protesting near the iconic statue of the meditating Mahatma inside the complex, often a site of protest by opposition lawmakers.

According to PRS Legislative Research, "this was the least productive Budget session for both Houses since 2000".

During the session on an average, Lok Sabha worked for 21 per cent of its scheduled time, while Rajya Sabha worked for 27 per cent, it said.

According to data provided by Parliamentary Affairs minister Ananth Kumar, the productivity of the Lok Sabha(LS) was 134 per cent, and that of the Rajya Sabha(RS) around 96 per cent during the brief first part of the session. The first part had seven LS and eight RS sittings.

But the second part of the session saw productivity taking a nose dive due to daily disruptions and adjournments. The productivity of the LS was four per cent and that of the RS eight per cent, the minister said.

"The productivity of the complete Budget session was 23 per cent for the LS and 28 per cent for the RS," he said.

Accusing the Congress of taking parliamentary proceedings "to a new low" with its conduct, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced a fast by BJP MPs on April 12 to protest the impasse "caused" by the opposition party in Parliament.

In a counter-offensive, the Congress said its workers would hold a day-long fast at all state and district headquarters on April 9 to expose the BJP's "lies" on various issues.

As a blame game erupted between the BJP and the Congress over the opposition protests that paralysed both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha, the rival parties announced protest fasts by their MPs and workers next week. An anguished Rajya Sabha Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu said the budget session was 'eminently forgettable'

The washed out second leg of Parliament's Budget Session ended Friday as both Houses were adjourned sine die, capping a month of relentless disruptions and stated to be the least productive since 2000 with nearly 250 working hours being wasted. As a blame game erupted between the BJP and the Congress over the opposition protests that paralysed both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha, the rival parties announced protest fasts by their MPs and workers next week. An anguished Rajya Sabha Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu said the budget session was "eminently forgettable". The Cabinet Committee on Parliamentary Affairs (CCPA) recommended prorogation of the Budget Session of Parliament to President Ram Nath Kovind. The Lok Sabha was also unable to take up multiple opposition notices for no-confidence motion against the Modi government with Speaker Sumitra Mahajan saying there is no order in the House which witnessed protests by various parties. Mahajan said the members should keep in mind the larger interests of the nation. Prime Minister Narendra Modi was present in the House. The last day of the session was also marred by protests by AIADMK and Congress members over setting up of the Cauvery river management board as well as by TDP members demanding special status for Andhra Pradesh. Mahajan also said she wanted to take up the notices for no-confidence motion. "I am sorry... If you don't want to take up (notices for no-confidence motion)," she said and proceeded to read out a brief summary of the Budget session and its second leg before adjourning sine die. In the Rajya Sabha, Naidu even wondered if the fears of those who doubted the need for a Second Chamber during the debates in the Constituent Assembly were coming true. "Let us not be a party to this House becoming a 'clog(impediment) in the wheel of progress''. "I am pained to note that it(the session) turned out to be an eminently forgettable one on account of utter disregard of the mandate of this important parliamentary institution and its responsibilities and missed opportunities," he said. The disruptions and adjournments were caused by protests over issues like special status to Andhra Pradesh, bank scams, demand for Cauvery water management board, vandalising of statues, review of the recent Supreme Court order on SC/ST Act and law and order situation in Kasganj in Uttar Pradesh. The second leg of the Budget session, that started on March 5, had 22 sittings that were mostly disrupted. Speaker Mahajan said a total of 127 hours and 45 minutes were affected by "interruptions and forced adjournments" while Naidu said the Rajya Sabha lost over 121 hours. Just five bills, including the crucial Finance Bill 2018 for which the Budget Session is convened, were passed and five were introduced during the Budget session in the Lok Sabha. Besides, The Payment of Gratuity (Amendment) Bill, 2017 and The Specific Relief (Amendment) Bill, 2017 were among those passed. There was lot of drama outside the Parliament too on the concluding day of the Budget session with several ministers and ruling alliance MPs protesting near the iconic statue of the meditating Mahatma inside the complex, often a site of protest by opposition lawmakers. According to PRS Legislative Research, "this was the least productive Budget session for both Houses since 2000". During the session on an average, Lok Sabha worked for 21 per cent of its scheduled time, while Rajya Sabha worked for 27 per cent, it said. According to data provided by Parliamentary Affairs minister Ananth Kumar, the productivity of the Lok Sabha(LS) was 134 per cent, and that of the Rajya Sabha(RS) around 96 per cent during the brief first part of the session. The first part had seven LS and eight RS sittings. But the second part of the session saw productivity taking a nose dive due to daily disruptions and adjournments. The productivity of the LS was four per cent and that of the RS eight per cent, the minister said. "The productivity of the complete Budget session was 23 per cent for the LS and 28 per cent for the RS," he said. Accusing the Congress of taking parliamentary proceedings "to a new low" with its conduct, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced a fast by BJP MPs on April 12 to protest the impasse "caused" by the opposition party in Parliament. In a counter-offensive, the Congress said its workers would hold a day-long fast at all state and district headquarters on April 9 to expose the BJP's "lies" on various issues.

Parliament adjourned sine die after least productive budget session since 2000

While addressing in Mumbai at a rally on BJP's Foundation Day, party President Amit Shah took a jibe at the Congress and other opposition parties for uniting against the BJP for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls in 2019.

Referring to the opposition parties, he said, all the snakes, mongooses, cats, dogs, cheetahs, lions etc climb up a huge tree when they fear rising water levels.

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There is a campaign that all opposition should unite. Whenever there is a massive flood, all snakes, mongooses, cats,dogs, cheetahs,lions etc climb up a huge tree,they fear rising water levels: Amit Shah <a href="https://t.co/lMMd1Q2nAK">pic.twitter.com/lMMd1Q2nAK</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/982203196050309120?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 6, 2018</a></blockquote>
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He added that this was not the golden age of the BJP, the golden era of the party would come once it forms a government in West Bengal and Odisha.

He further said that the BJP started with a group of ten people and now the party had over 11 crore members.

He questioned Rahul Gandhi saying that the Congress President was asking for an account of the last four years while the country was seeking a reply from him for 'last four generations'.

His comments have come after&nbspSonia Gandhi called for opposition unity and said parties should set aside their minor differences to get together in the larger interest of keeping the BJP out of power in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections.&nbsp

She had also<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/sonia-gandhi-dinner-for-opposition-not-for-politics-but-friendship-says-congress-35700">&nbsplast month hosted a dinner</a> for the members of the opposition leaders which was attended by Janata Dal (United) leader Sharad Yadav, Nationalist Congress Party chief Sharad Pawar, Samajwadi Party's Ramgopal Yadav, Bahujan Samaj Party's Satish Mishra, Rashtriya Janata Dal's Tejashwi Yadav, Hindustani Awam Morcha's Jitan Ram Manjhi and National Conference's Omar Abdullah.

Bengal Chief Minister and TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee&nbspvisited Delhi recently&nbspand met NCPs Sharad Pawar.

Referring to the opposition parties, he said, all the snakes, mongooses, cats, dogs, cheetahs, lions etc climb up a huge tree when they fear rising water levels

While addressing in Mumbai at a rally on BJP's Foundation Day, party President Amit Shah took a jibe at the Congress and other opposition parties for uniting against the BJP for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls in 2019. Referring to the opposition parties, he said, all the snakes, mongooses, cats, dogs, cheetahs, lions etc climb up a huge tree when they fear rising water levels. There is a campaign that all opposition should unite. Whenever there is a massive flood, all snakes, mongooses, cats,dogs, cheetahs,lions etc climb up a huge tree,they fear rising water levels: Amit Shah pic.twitter.com/lMMd1Q2nAK — ANI (@ANI) April 6, 2018 × He added that this was not the golden age of the BJP, the golden era of the party would come once it forms a government in West Bengal and Odisha. He further said that the BJP started with a group of ten people and now the party had over 11 crore members. He questioned Rahul Gandhi saying that the Congress President was asking for an account of the last four years while the country was seeking a reply from him for 'last four generations'. His comments have come after&nbspSonia Gandhi called for opposition unity and said parties should set aside their minor differences to get together in the larger interest of keeping the BJP out of power in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. She had also&nbsplast month hosted a dinner for the members of the opposition leaders which was attended by Janata Dal (United) leader Sharad Yadav, Nationalist Congress Party chief Sharad Pawar, Samajwadi Party's Ramgopal Yadav, Bahujan Samaj Party's Satish Mishra, Rashtriya Janata Dal's Tejashwi Yadav, Hindustani Awam Morcha's Jitan Ram Manjhi and National Conference's Omar Abdullah. Bengal Chief Minister and TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee&nbspvisited Delhi recently&nbspand met NCPs Sharad Pawar.

Snakes, mongooses, cats, dogs, all have united against us: Amit Shah

The Congress on Thursday termed the BJP’s proposed rally in Mumbai on April 6 to commemorate its 38th Foundation Day as “rubbing salt into the wounds of farmers”.&nbsp

Congress spokesperson Sachin Sawant, addressing reporters, said that the ruling BJP was spending “lavishly” on this rally despite the fact that 13,000 farmers had committed suicide, fiscal deficit had touched Rs 15,000 crore and unemployment had risen sharply during its regime. He criticised the Maharashtra government for excluding 50 lakh farmers from the ambit of the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Shetkari Sanman Yojana, popularly referred to as farm loan waiver scheme.

He said that the government did not want too many farmers covered under the waiver scheme as it had launched the programme “half-heartedly”.

“In the month of January 47.46 lakh, farmers were included in the green list as eligible for the waiver and Rs 23,102 crore was approved. However, in the list brought out on April 3, the number of eligible farmers came down to 46.52 lakh and the approved amount dipped to Rs 18,904 crore,” he claimed.

He said that the government should apply to farmers the same yardstick based on which state Labour and Skills Development Minister Sambhaji Nilangekar got a waiver of Rs 51 crore on a loan amount of Rs 76 crore under the One Time Settlement scheme.

Earlier, on March 28, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis had defended Nilangekar in the Legislative Assembly stating that he was just a guarantor for the loan and the OTS was done as per RBI guidelines.

The loan, amounting to Rs 49 crore with interest, was taken by a private firm in 2009 and 2011 and was later declared as a non-performing asset.

The ruling BJP was spending "lavishly" on this rally despite the fact that 13,000 farmers had committed suicide and fiscal deficit had touched Rs 15,000 crore, said Congress spokesperson Sachin Sawant.

The Congress on Thursday termed the BJP’s proposed rally in Mumbai on April 6 to commemorate its 38th Foundation Day as “rubbing salt into the wounds of farmers”. Congress spokesperson Sachin Sawant, addressing reporters, said that the ruling BJP was spending “lavishly” on this rally despite the fact that 13,000 farmers had committed suicide, fiscal deficit had touched Rs 15,000 crore and unemployment had risen sharply during its regime. He criticised the Maharashtra government for excluding 50 lakh farmers from the ambit of the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Shetkari Sanman Yojana, popularly referred to as farm loan waiver scheme. He said that the government did not want too many farmers covered under the waiver scheme as it had launched the programme “half-heartedly”. “In the month of January 47.46 lakh, farmers were included in the green list as eligible for the waiver and Rs 23,102 crore was approved. However, in the list brought out on April 3, the number of eligible farmers came down to 46.52 lakh and the approved amount dipped to Rs 18,904 crore,” he claimed. He said that the government should apply to farmers the same yardstick based on which state Labour and Skills Development Minister Sambhaji Nilangekar got a waiver of Rs 51 crore on a loan amount of Rs 76 crore under the One Time Settlement scheme. Earlier, on March 28, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis had defended Nilangekar in the Legislative Assembly stating that he was just a guarantor for the loan and the OTS was done as per RBI guidelines. The loan, amounting to Rs 49 crore with interest, was taken by a private firm in 2009 and 2011 and was later declared as a non-performing asset.

BJP rubbing salt into farmers’ wounds with April 6 rally: Congress

Anil Ambani-led Reliance Group on Wednesday said it has sent a Rs 1,000 crore defamation notice to Mumbai Congress president Sanjay Nirupam for making “false and baseless” allegations against the company. The company will also file a contempt petition against Nirupam in the Bombay High Court, it said.

Nirupam had on Tuesday alleged that the “takeover” of debt-ridden Mumbai power business of Reliance Infrastructure by Adani Transmission Ltd was a deal executed at the behest of the Prime Minister’s Office to “bail out” Anil Ambani.&nbsp

“Nirupam has made several false, frivolous and baseless allegations and defamatory statements in relation to the proposed sale of Reliance Infrastructure’s integrated Mumbai power business to Adani Transmission and linking it with the purchase of Rafale fighter aircraft by the government from France,” the company said in a statement here.

The Reliance wants Nirupam to immediately withdraw his allegations and apologise within 72 hours after the receipt of the notice, the statement said. The company also demanded that Nirupam “desist from making any such statements concerning the Reliance Group without first ascertaining the facts.”

RInfra had signed an agreement with Adani Transmission for 100 per cent sale of its Mumbai power business for a total consideration value of Rs 18,800 crore. With the execution of the deal, the company hopes to become debt-free and with up to Rs 3,000 crore cash surplus. “We fear that the liability of both the companies will be passed on to the 30 lakh power consumers in Mumbai suburbs, 10 lakh of whom are slum dwellers,” Nirupam had said yesterday while underlining the need for “transparency” in executing such mega deals.

When contacted on Wednesday, Nirupam said he was yet to receive any such notice. He, however, was unfazed, saying he would continue to raise such issues in future too to ensure that the people of the city are not subjected to hardships. “Does demanding transparency in the deal and seeking the proper investigation into it amount to defamation?. If this is defamation, so be it,” the Congress leader said Wednesday.

“Instead of threatening me with defamation, the company should address the issues raised by me and ensure 30 lakh electricity consumers in suburban Mumbai are not put to any hardships of power tariff hike,” he said. He added that he already has a Rs 100 crore defamation suit filed against him in Bombay High Court, which is still pending.

Nirupam had on Tuesday alleged that the "takeover" of debt-ridden Mumbai power business of Reliance Infrastructure by Adani Transmission Ltd was a deal executed at the behest of the Prime Minister's Office to "bail out" Anil Ambani.

Anil Ambani-led Reliance Group on Wednesday said it has sent a Rs 1,000 crore defamation notice to Mumbai Congress president Sanjay Nirupam for making “false and baseless” allegations against the company. The company will also file a contempt petition against Nirupam in the Bombay High Court, it said. Nirupam had on Tuesday alleged that the “takeover” of debt-ridden Mumbai power business of Reliance Infrastructure by Adani Transmission Ltd was a deal executed at the behest of the Prime Minister’s Office to “bail out” Anil Ambani. “Nirupam has made several false, frivolous and baseless allegations and defamatory statements in relation to the proposed sale of Reliance Infrastructure’s integrated Mumbai power business to Adani Transmission and linking it with the purchase of Rafale fighter aircraft by the government from France,” the company said in a statement here. The Reliance wants Nirupam to immediately withdraw his allegations and apologise within 72 hours after the receipt of the notice, the statement said. The company also demanded that Nirupam “desist from making any such statements concerning the Reliance Group without first ascertaining the facts.” RInfra had signed an agreement with Adani Transmission for 100 per cent sale of its Mumbai power business for a total consideration value of Rs 18,800 crore. With the execution of the deal, the company hopes to become debt-free and with up to Rs 3,000 crore cash surplus. “We fear that the liability of both the companies will be passed on to the 30 lakh power consumers in Mumbai suburbs, 10 lakh of whom are slum dwellers,” Nirupam had said yesterday while underlining the need for “transparency” in executing such mega deals. When contacted on Wednesday, Nirupam said he was yet to receive any such notice. He, however, was unfazed, saying he would continue to raise such issues in future too to ensure that the people of the city are not subjected to hardships. “Does demanding transparency in the deal and seeking the proper investigation into it amount to defamation?. If this is defamation, so be it,” the Congress leader said Wednesday. “Instead of threatening me with defamation, the company should address the issues raised by me and ensure 30 lakh electricity consumers in suburban Mumbai are not put to any hardships of power tariff hike,” he said. He added that he already has a Rs 100 crore defamation suit filed against him in Bombay High Court, which is still pending.

Anil Ambani’s Reliance sends Rs 1,000 crore defamation notice to Congress’s Sanjay Nirupam

With the soaring petrol and diesel prices, Congress president Rahul Gandhi is leaving no chance to criticise PM Modi, holding him accountable for being ignorant about higher fuel prices.&nbsp;

Gandhi took to Twitter and wrote: "The poor & the middle class bear the brunt of rising fuel prices. In this video, our PM is quite obviously talking about some other country," while also attaching a video.&nbsp;

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The poor & the middle class bear the brunt of rising fuel prices. In this video, our PM is quite obviously talking about some other country. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PeTrolled?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PeTrolled</a> <a href="https://t.co/J6PHC7UsJZ">pic.twitter.com/J6PHC7UsJZ</a>
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) <a href="https://twitter.com/RahulGandhi/status/981465487539400709?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 4, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

Petrol and diesel prices are on an uptrend amid firming global crude prices. The rates of the two fuels have been so far increased 14 times since March 18, 2018.

At current level, petrol prices are up Rs 3.98 per litre in Delhi, Rs 3.94 per litre in Kolkata, Rs 3.93 per litre in Mumbai and Rs 4.19 per litre in Chennai so far this year. Diesel rates are up Rs. 5.18 per litre, Rs 5.21 per litre, Rs 5.75 per litre and Rs 5.55 per litre respectively.

The OMCs while deciding the prices of fuel, take into consideration the performance of international crude oil, adding government’s excise duty and various state’s value added tax (VAT), however, currently the state-owned OMCs face a difficult time in regards to trimming down fuel prices as they have limited room for it, which results in consumers ending up paying higher petrol and diesel prices.&nbsp;

The reason for the hike in fuel prices are due to the surge in international crude oil prices and the reluctance of government in cutting excise duty and state’s VAT.&nbsp;

On Wednesday, Finance minister Dr TM Thomas Isaac refused to cut sales tax on petroleum saying that even the smallest change tax on petroleum products will decimate the states impoverished economy.&nbsp;

Presently, the state is facing a deficit in tax revenue. Hence the state cannot afford to lose this revenue and an appropriate decision will be taken ...

Gandhi previously attacked Modi saying that when UPA was in power, the oil price was $140 per barrel and today it is half in the international market.

"When in the international market petrol price was coming down, you are paying high. In whose pocket is the money going? Your money is being looted from you and is being given to 10/12 rich people," he said.

Petrol and diesel prices are on an uptrend amid firming global crude prices. The rates of the two fuels have been so far increased 14 times since March 18, 2018

With the soaring petrol and diesel prices, Congress president Rahul Gandhi is leaving no chance to criticise PM Modi, holding him accountable for being ignorant about higher fuel prices. Gandhi took to Twitter and wrote: "The poor & the middle class bear the brunt of rising fuel prices. In this video, our PM is quite obviously talking about some other country," while also attaching a video. The poor & the middle class bear the brunt of rising fuel prices. In this video, our PM is quite obviously talking about some other country. #PeTrolled pic.twitter.com/J6PHC7UsJZ — Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) April 4, 2018 × Petrol and diesel prices are on an uptrend amid firming global crude prices. The rates of the two fuels have been so far increased 14 times since March 18, 2018. At current level, petrol prices are up Rs 3.98 per litre in Delhi, Rs 3.94 per litre in Kolkata, Rs 3.93 per litre in Mumbai and Rs 4.19 per litre in Chennai so far this year. Diesel rates are up Rs. 5.18 per litre, Rs 5.21 per litre, Rs 5.75 per litre and Rs 5.55 per litre respectively. The OMCs while deciding the prices of fuel, take into consideration the performance of international crude oil, adding government’s excise duty and various state’s value added tax (VAT), however, currently the state-owned OMCs face a difficult time in regards to trimming down fuel prices as they have limited room for it, which results in consumers ending up paying higher petrol and diesel prices. The reason for the hike in fuel prices are due to the surge in international crude oil prices and the reluctance of government in cutting excise duty and state’s VAT. On Wednesday, Finance minister Dr TM Thomas Isaac refused to cut sales tax on petroleum saying that even the smallest change tax on petroleum products will decimate the states impoverished economy. Presently, the state is facing a deficit in tax revenue. Hence the state cannot afford to lose this revenue and an appropriate decision will be taken ... Gandhi previously attacked Modi saying that when UPA was in power, the oil price was $140 per barrel and today it is half in the international market. "When in the international market petrol price was coming down, you are paying high. In whose pocket is the money going? Your money is being looted from you and is being given to 10/12 rich people," he said.

Rising fuel prices: Rahul calls Modi 'king of misinformation'

In what appears to be a bid to shift the political onus on DMK on the Cauvery issue, senior AIADMK leader M Thambidurai on Sunday said his party would consider moving a no-trust motion in Parliament against the NDA government if Congress supported it.

"Stalin says AIADMK should bring a no-trust motion (on Cauvery issue). We are ready to bring it," he told reporters at the airport.

In the same breath, the Lok Sabha Deputy Speaker said Congress support was needed to facilitate such an initiative.

"Let Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi issue a statement (indicating support), they (DMK) are in alliance with them (Congress)... Only if they (Congress) support, we will get the (requisite) numbers," he said.

Seeking to make his party's position clear,Thambidruai, a senior AIADMK leader from Western Tamil Nadu, said such a no-trust move would, however, be only for the Cauvery issue.

"Only on the Cauvery issue... Not for any other general issue. To urge constitution of the Cauvery Management Board, and since the Centre has failed to do that, we will consider that if other parties like Congress support it."

Thambidurai's assertion comes against the backdrop of Congress ruled Karnataka going to the polls next month, where Cauvery is an emotive issue like in Tamil Nadu.

Days ago, Stalin had demanded that the ruling AIADMK support the no-trust move of the TDP to mount pressure on the Centre to set up the Cauvery Management Board.

DMK, the principal opposition party in Tamil Nadu, has been relentless in its attack on the ruling AIADMK over Cauvery.

The Stalin-led party said it would hold continuous protests like the one today at Valluvar Kottam here, till the CMB was constituted.

With the support of its ally the Congress, and friendly parties, including CPI, CPI(M), DMK has also announced a state-wide shutdown on April 5.

Farmers organisations and a traders body have given a bandh call on April 3 over the Cauvery issue and on the same day ruling AIADMK will hold hunger strike across Tamil Nadu.

Barring Chief Minister K Palaniswami and Deputy Chief Minister O Panneerselvam, all other party leaders would participate, the AIADMK had said.&nbsp;

"Stalin says AIADMK should bring a no-trust motion (on Cauvery issue). We are ready to bring it," Thambidurai told reporters at the airport.

In what appears to be a bid to shift the political onus on DMK on the Cauvery issue, senior AIADMK leader M Thambidurai on Sunday said his party would consider moving a no-trust motion in Parliament against the NDA government if Congress supported it. "Stalin says AIADMK should bring a no-trust motion (on Cauvery issue). We are ready to bring it," he told reporters at the airport. In the same breath, the Lok Sabha Deputy Speaker said Congress support was needed to facilitate such an initiative. "Let Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi issue a statement (indicating support), they (DMK) are in alliance with them (Congress)... Only if they (Congress) support, we will get the (requisite) numbers," he said. Seeking to make his party's position clear,Thambidruai, a senior AIADMK leader from Western Tamil Nadu, said such a no-trust move would, however, be only for the Cauvery issue. "Only on the Cauvery issue... Not for any other general issue. To urge constitution of the Cauvery Management Board, and since the Centre has failed to do that, we will consider that if other parties like Congress support it." Thambidurai's assertion comes against the backdrop of Congress ruled Karnataka going to the polls next month, where Cauvery is an emotive issue like in Tamil Nadu. Days ago, Stalin had demanded that the ruling AIADMK support the no-trust move of the TDP to mount pressure on the Centre to set up the Cauvery Management Board. DMK, the principal opposition party in Tamil Nadu, has been relentless in its attack on the ruling AIADMK over Cauvery. The Stalin-led party said it would hold continuous protests like the one today at Valluvar Kottam here, till the CMB was constituted. With the support of its ally the Congress, and friendly parties, including CPI, CPI(M), DMK has also announced a state-wide shutdown on April 5. Farmers organisations and a traders body have given a bandh call on April 3 over the Cauvery issue and on the same day ruling AIADMK will hold hunger strike across Tamil Nadu. Barring Chief Minister K Palaniswami and Deputy Chief Minister O Panneerselvam, all other party leaders would participate, the AIADMK had said.

AIADMK for no-trust move against Centre: Thambidurai

Union Minister for Food Processing Harsimrat Kaur Badal on Saturday attacked the Congress President Rahul Gandhi over his statement that his party's foundation was based on compassion and mutual brotherhood.

Taking aim at the Congress President, the Union Minister said that he was fooling people by talking about "love" as the country saw the "brotherhood" of the Congress party during the 1984 riots when thousands of innocent Sikhs were massacred.

According to official records, about 2,800 Sikhs were killed across India, including 2,100 in Delhi, during the pogrom that broke out after the then prime minister, Indira Gandhi, was assassinated by her Sikh bodyguards.

Badal took to Twitter to say, "The country saw the ‘love’ and ‘brotherhood’ of the Congress in October and November 1984 when thousands of innocent Sikhs were massacred. Congress talking about ‘compassion’ and ‘mutual brotherhood’…looks like someone is celebrating April Fools Day already!"

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The country saw the ‘love’ and ‘brotherhood’ of the Congress in October and November 1984 when thousands of innocent Sikhs were massacred. 
 
Congress talking about ‘करुणा’ and ‘आपसी भाईचारा’…looks like someone is celebrating April Fools Day already! <a href="https://t.co/tSYLcvb9nJ">https://t.co/tSYLcvb9nJ</a>
— Harsimrat Kaur Badal (@HarsimratBadal_) <a href="https://twitter.com/HarsimratBadal_/status/980057767171055618?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 31, 2018</a></blockquote>
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This comes just hours after Rahul Gandhi weighed in on the ongoing tension in Asansol.

In his tweet, he claimed that the foundation of the Congress party was based on compassion and mutual brotherhood. He also accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Rashtriya Swayamsewak Sangh (RSS) of spreading hatred.

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अपने बेटों को नफरत और सम्प्रदायिकता के कारण खोने के बाद यशपाल सक्सेना और इमाम रशीदी के संदेश ये दिखाते हैं कि हिन्दुस्तान में हमेशा प्यार नफरत को हराएगा। 
 
कांग्रेस की नींव भी करुणा और आपसी भाईचारे पर टिकी है। हम नफरत फैलाने वाली BJP/RSS की विचारधारा को जीतने नहीं देंगे। <a href="https://t.co/5smEqBm8gK">pic.twitter.com/5smEqBm8gK</a>
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) <a href="https://twitter.com/RahulGandhi/status/980039094393810944?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 31, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The Ram Navami celebrations on March 25 had turned sour after clashes erupted in various parts of Bengal leaving three dead and several injured.

Following the continued violence, Section 144 was imposed in Asansol, on March 28.&nbsp;

According to official records, about 2,800 Sikhs were killed across India, including 2,100 in Delhi, during the pogrom that broke out after the then prime minister, Indira Gandhi, was assassinated by her Sikh bodyguards.

Union Minister for Food Processing Harsimrat Kaur Badal on Saturday attacked the Congress President Rahul Gandhi over his statement that his party's foundation was based on compassion and mutual brotherhood. Taking aim at the Congress President, the Union Minister said that he was fooling people by talking about "love" as the country saw the "brotherhood" of the Congress party during the 1984 riots when thousands of innocent Sikhs were massacred. According to official records, about 2,800 Sikhs were killed across India, including 2,100 in Delhi, during the pogrom that broke out after the then prime minister, Indira Gandhi, was assassinated by her Sikh bodyguards. Badal took to Twitter to say, "The country saw the ‘love’ and ‘brotherhood’ of the Congress in October and November 1984 when thousands of innocent Sikhs were massacred. Congress talking about ‘compassion’ and ‘mutual brotherhood’…looks like someone is celebrating April Fools Day already!" The country saw the ‘love’ and ‘brotherhood’ of the Congress in October and November 1984 when thousands of innocent Sikhs were massacred. Congress talking about ‘करुणा’ and ‘आपसी भाईचारा’…looks like someone is celebrating April Fools Day already! https://t.co/tSYLcvb9nJ — Harsimrat Kaur Badal (@HarsimratBadal_) March 31, 2018 × This comes just hours after Rahul Gandhi weighed in on the ongoing tension in Asansol. In his tweet, he claimed that the foundation of the Congress party was based on compassion and mutual brotherhood. He also accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Rashtriya Swayamsewak Sangh (RSS) of spreading hatred. अपने बेटों को नफरत और सम्प्रदायिकता के कारण खोने के बाद यशपाल सक्सेना और इमाम रशीदी के संदेश ये दिखाते हैं कि हिन्दुस्तान में हमेशा प्यार नफरत को हराएगा। कांग्रेस की नींव भी करुणा और आपसी भाईचारे पर टिकी है। हम नफरत फैलाने वाली BJP/RSS की विचारधारा को जीतने नहीं देंगे। pic.twitter.com/5smEqBm8gK — Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) March 31, 2018 × The Ram Navami celebrations on March 25 had turned sour after clashes erupted in various parts of Bengal leaving three dead and several injured. Following the continued violence, Section 144 was imposed in Asansol, on March 28.

Where was Cong's brotherhood during 1984 riots? asks Harsimrat Badal

Congress and BJP accused each other of violation of model code of conduct in the poll-bound Karnataka.&nbsp;

The Karnataka BJP filed a&nbsp;complaint against Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah citing the violation of model code of conduct. BJP says CM bribed two women who welcomed him at Chamundeshwari temple in Mysuru with Rs 2,000 each.

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BJP Karnataka files complaint against <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Karnataka?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Karnataka</a> Chief Minister Siddaramaiah citing violation of model code of conduct; BJP says CM bribed two women who welcomed him at Chamundeshwari temple in Mysuru with Rs 2,000 each <a href="https://t.co/qPtGXvJpUS">pic.twitter.com/qPtGXvJpUS</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/979734493056598016?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 30, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Meanwhile, Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee filed a complaint with Election Commission against BJP President Amit Shah citing the violation of model code of conduct. Congress claimed that Shah handed over a cheque of Rs 5 lakhs to the family of killed RSS worker Raju with an intention to polarise voters in Mysuru, the complaint stated.&nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Karnataka?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Karnataka</a> Pradesh Congress Committee files complaint with Election Commission against BJP President Amit Shah citing violation of model code of conduct;says Shah handed over a cheque of Rs 5 lakhs to family of killed RSS worker Raju with an intention to polarise voters in Mysuru <a href="https://t.co/1opS6GrI6E">pic.twitter.com/1opS6GrI6E</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/979710672832552960?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 30, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee filed a complaint with Election Commission against BJP President Amit Shah

Congress and BJP accused each other of violation of model code of conduct in the poll-bound Karnataka. The Karnataka BJP filed a complaint against Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah citing the violation of model code of conduct. BJP says CM bribed two women who welcomed him at Chamundeshwari temple in Mysuru with Rs 2,000 each. BJP Karnataka files complaint against #Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah citing violation of model code of conduct; BJP says CM bribed two women who welcomed him at Chamundeshwari temple in Mysuru with Rs 2,000 each pic.twitter.com/qPtGXvJpUS — ANI (@ANI) March 30, 2018 × Meanwhile, Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee filed a complaint with Election Commission against BJP President Amit Shah citing the violation of model code of conduct. Congress claimed that Shah handed over a cheque of Rs 5 lakhs to the family of killed RSS worker Raju with an intention to polarise voters in Mysuru, the complaint stated. #Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee files complaint with Election Commission against BJP President Amit Shah citing violation of model code of conduct;says Shah handed over a cheque of Rs 5 lakhs to family of killed RSS worker Raju with an intention to polarise voters in Mysuru pic.twitter.com/1opS6GrI6E — ANI (@ANI) March 30, 2018 ×

Karnataka polls: Cong, BJP accuse each other of violation of model code of conduct

Congress president Rahul Gandhi today appointed Ashok Gehlot as AICC general secretary in-charge of organisation and training, replacing Janardan Dwivedi who will be stepping down.

Gehlot was earlier general secretary in-charge of party affairs in Gujarat and has been replaced by Rajeev Satav.

"Congress President Rahul Gandhi has designated Ashok Gehlot as general secretary in-charge, organisation and training, in place of Janardan Dwivedi, general secretary AICC," Dwivedi said in a statement.

The statement further states that a note from the Congress president which said, "The party appreciates the hard work and contribution of Janardan Dwivedi, who will be stepping down from his responsibility as AICC general secretary."

Dwivedi has held the post for a few decades now.

Gehlot was earlier general secretary in-charge of party affairs in Gujarat

Congress president Rahul Gandhi today appointed Ashok Gehlot as AICC general secretary in-charge of organisation and training, replacing Janardan Dwivedi who will be stepping down. Gehlot was earlier general secretary in-charge of party affairs in Gujarat and has been replaced by Rajeev Satav. "Congress President Rahul Gandhi has designated Ashok Gehlot as general secretary in-charge, organisation and training, in place of Janardan Dwivedi, general secretary AICC," Dwivedi said in a statement. The statement further states that a note from the Congress president which said, "The party appreciates the hard work and contribution of Janardan Dwivedi, who will be stepping down from his responsibility as AICC general secretary." Dwivedi has held the post for a few decades now.

Ashok Gehlot appointed AICC general secretary

Christopher Wylie, ex-employee of Cambridge Analytica(CA) who on Monday had said the London-based firm had links with India's Congress party, in a tweet revealed SCL India, the parent company of CA managed the campaigns of a number of Lok Sabha candidates.

"SCL India carried out a full political survey on behalf of a major party in the 2007 Uttar Pradesh elections," Wylie said on his Twitter page, adding that research included a "party audit and a statewide census of "politically active individuals" using in-depth interviews to assess the satisfaction levels of party workers at booth level.

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I've been getting a lot of requests from Indian journalists, so here are some of SCL's past projects in India. To the most frequently asked question - yes SCL/CA works in India and has offices there. This is what modern colonialism looks like. <a href="https://t.co/v8tOmcmy3z">pic.twitter.com/v8tOmcmy3z</a>
— Christopher Wylie (@chrisinsilico) <a href="https://twitter.com/chrisinsilico/status/978921850448371715?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 28, 2018</a></blockquote>
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In 2012, SCL India carried out a caste census in Uttar Pradesh on behalf of a national party, he said.

He further stated that in 2011, SCL India undertook a statewide research campaign of 200 million people to identify voter caste by households, which formed the "basis of further research into swing voter motivation and supporter mobilisation strategies".

The data was presented to individual candidates and tailored to their constituencies, Wylie revealed.

The Cambridge Analytica whistleblower said the firm was involved in similar work in the 2010 Bihar state elections and in Kerala, West Bengal, Assam, Jharkhand and Uttar Pradesh in 2007.

In the 2003 Rajasthan election, a major state party contacted SCL India to carry out internal party audit and look at the nature of the "voting population, particularly the behaviour of politically active individuals in the state."

SCL India has a database of over 600 districts and 7 Lakh villages, which are constantly updated, Wylie said on Twitter.

SCL India provided clients with the research to develop and disseminate the right messages, from the right sources using the right communication channel, Wylie said.

<iframe allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_H2ekVavpgM" width="560"></iframe>

SCL India has a database of over 600 districts and 7 Lakh villages, which are constantly updated, Wylie said on Twitter.

Christopher Wylie, ex-employee of Cambridge Analytica(CA) who on Monday had said the London-based firm had links with India's Congress party, in a tweet revealed SCL India, the parent company of CA managed the campaigns of a number of Lok Sabha candidates. "SCL India carried out a full political survey on behalf of a major party in the 2007 Uttar Pradesh elections," Wylie said on his Twitter page, adding that research included a "party audit and a statewide census of "politically active individuals" using in-depth interviews to assess the satisfaction levels of party workers at booth level. I've been getting a lot of requests from Indian journalists, so here are some of SCL's past projects in India. To the most frequently asked question - yes SCL/CA works in India and has offices there. This is what modern colonialism looks like. pic.twitter.com/v8tOmcmy3z — Christopher Wylie (@chrisinsilico) March 28, 2018 × In 2012, SCL India carried out a caste census in Uttar Pradesh on behalf of a national party, he said. He further stated that in 2011, SCL India undertook a statewide research campaign of 200 million people to identify voter caste by households, which formed the "basis of further research into swing voter motivation and supporter mobilisation strategies". The data was presented to individual candidates and tailored to their constituencies, Wylie revealed. The Cambridge Analytica whistleblower said the firm was involved in similar work in the 2010 Bihar state elections and in Kerala, West Bengal, Assam, Jharkhand and Uttar Pradesh in 2007. In the 2003 Rajasthan election, a major state party contacted SCL India to carry out internal party audit and look at the nature of the "voting population, particularly the behaviour of politically active individuals in the state." SCL India has a database of over 600 districts and 7 Lakh villages, which are constantly updated, Wylie said on Twitter. SCL India provided clients with the research to develop and disseminate the right messages, from the right sources using the right communication channel, Wylie said.

'SCL carried out survey for a major party in 2007 UP polls,' says Christopher Wylie

Facebook Inc Chief Executive Mark Zuckerberg plans to testify before US Congress, a source briefed on the matter said on Tuesday, as he bows to pressure from lawmakers insisting he explains how 50 million users’ data ended up in the hands of a political consultancy.&nbsp

Lawmakers in the United States and Europe are demanding to know more about the company’s privacy practices after a whistleblower said consultancy Cambridge Analytica improperly accessed data to target US and British voters in close-run elections.

Facebook said the company had received invitations to testify before Congress and that they were talking to legislators.

Facebook shares closed down 4.9 percent on Tuesday and have fallen almost 18 percent since March 16, when Facebook first acknowledged that user data had been improperly channelled to Cambridge Analytica, which was hired by Donald Trump’s 2016 presidential campaign.

The tech sector is down 5.2 percent for March and on track for its worst month since April 2016. The data breach has raised investor concerns that any failure by big tech companies to protect privacy could deter advertisers and lead to tougher regulation.

House Energy and Commerce Committee spokeswoman Elena Hernandez said: “The committee is continuing to work with Facebook to determine a day and time for Mr Zuckerberg to testify”.

On the same day, Zuckerberg turned down British lawmakers’ invitations to explain to a British parliamentary committee what went wrong.&nbsp

The company said it would instead send one of his deputies, suggesting that Chief Technology Officer Mike Schroepfer or Chief Product Officer Chris Cox had the expertise to answer questions on the complex subject.&nbsp

The head of the committee called Zuckerberg’s decision “astonishing” and urged him to think again.

Christopher Wylie, the whistleblower who once worked at Cambridge Analytica, said on Monday that Canadian company AggregateIQ had developed the software that used the algorithms from the Facebook data to target Republican voters in the 2016 U.S. election.

AggregateIQ did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Wylie’s remarks. Cambridge Analytica said it had not shared any of the Facebook profile data with AggregateIQ.&nbsp

Cambridge Analytica has said it did not use Facebook data in Trump’s campaign, and that it had deleted all Facebook data it obtained from a third-party app in 2014 after learning the information did not adhere to data protection rules.

In full-page advertisements in British and U.S. newspapers this week Zuckerberg said the app built by a university researcher “leaked Facebook data of millions of people in 2014”.

He apologized last week for the mistakes the company had made and promised to restrict developers’ access to user information as part of a plan to protect privacy.

The US&nbspSenate Judiciary Committee said on Monday it had invited Zuckerberg, as well as the CEOs of Alphabet Inc and Twitter Inc to testify at an April 10 hearing on data privacy.

The US&nbspHouse Energy and Commerce Committee and U.S. Senate Commerce Committee had already formally asked Zuckerberg to appear at a congressional hearing.

The U.S. Federal Trade Commission took the unusual step of announcing on Monday that it had opened an investigation into the company - which it generally only does in cases of great public interest - citing media reports that raise what it called “substantial concerns about the privacy practices of Facebook.”&nbsp

Facebook said the company had received invitations to testify before Congress and that they were talking to legislators.

Facebook Inc Chief Executive Mark Zuckerberg plans to testify before US Congress, a source briefed on the matter said on Tuesday, as he bows to pressure from lawmakers insisting he explains how 50 million users’ data ended up in the hands of a political consultancy. Lawmakers in the United States and Europe are demanding to know more about the company’s privacy practices after a whistleblower said consultancy Cambridge Analytica improperly accessed data to target US and British voters in close-run elections. Facebook said the company had received invitations to testify before Congress and that they were talking to legislators. Facebook shares closed down 4.9 percent on Tuesday and have fallen almost 18 percent since March 16, when Facebook first acknowledged that user data had been improperly channelled to Cambridge Analytica, which was hired by Donald Trump’s 2016 presidential campaign. The tech sector is down 5.2 percent for March and on track for its worst month since April 2016. The data breach has raised investor concerns that any failure by big tech companies to protect privacy could deter advertisers and lead to tougher regulation. House Energy and Commerce Committee spokeswoman Elena Hernandez said: “The committee is continuing to work with Facebook to determine a day and time for Mr Zuckerberg to testify”. On the same day, Zuckerberg turned down British lawmakers’ invitations to explain to a British parliamentary committee what went wrong. The company said it would instead send one of his deputies, suggesting that Chief Technology Officer Mike Schroepfer or Chief Product Officer Chris Cox had the expertise to answer questions on the complex subject. The head of the committee called Zuckerberg’s decision “astonishing” and urged him to think again. Christopher Wylie, the whistleblower who once worked at Cambridge Analytica, said on Monday that Canadian company AggregateIQ had developed the software that used the algorithms from the Facebook data to target Republican voters in the 2016 U.S. election. AggregateIQ did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Wylie’s remarks. Cambridge Analytica said it had not shared any of the Facebook profile data with AggregateIQ. Cambridge Analytica has said it did not use Facebook data in Trump’s campaign, and that it had deleted all Facebook data it obtained from a third-party app in 2014 after learning the information did not adhere to data protection rules. In full-page advertisements in British and U.S. newspapers this week Zuckerberg said the app built by a university researcher “leaked Facebook data of millions of people in 2014”. He apologized last week for the mistakes the company had made and promised to restrict developers’ access to user information as part of a plan to protect privacy. The US&nbspSenate Judiciary Committee said on Monday it had invited Zuckerberg, as well as the CEOs of Alphabet Inc and Twitter Inc to testify at an April 10 hearing on data privacy. The US&nbspHouse Energy and Commerce Committee and U.S. Senate Commerce Committee had already formally asked Zuckerberg to appear at a congressional hearing. The U.S. Federal Trade Commission took the unusual step of announcing on Monday that it had opened an investigation into the company - which it generally only does in cases of great public interest - citing media reports that raise what it called “substantial concerns about the privacy practices of Facebook.”

Facebook's Mark Zuckerberg to testify before US Congress: Source

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