Karnataka Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy today said the JD(S) along with Congress had succeeded in tying Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'Ashwamedha' horse (victory horse) in Karnataka, fulfilling his aim.

"I had said after the Uttar Pradesh election results came out that my aim is to tie the Ashwamwedha horse of Narendra Modi and Amit Shah (BJP President). Today both Congress and JD(S) together have tied their Ashwamedha horse in Karnataka," Kumaraswamy said.

Calling himself a "child of circumstances," Kumaraswamy said he decided to join hands with the Congress on the advice of several political leaders in the "national interest."

Speaking to reporters after being sworn-in as chief minister, he said "Probably, in the days to come, Amit Shah has to go to Narendra Modi with lifeless Ashwamedha horse, as we have tied their horse."

He said many people were having doubts about whether the coalition government would last and assured them that he would provide a stable government.

"There is doubt whether this government will last long. With my conduct and that of my government, I will ensure that this opinion will change.

I want to make it clear to the people of the state," he said.

Conceding that people had these doubts because the JDS broke away from the Congress in 2006 to form a government with BJP, Kumaraswamy said "...The nature of our (JDS, Congress) relationship thereafter has led to a doubt about our confidence in each other, and can we work together."

"I want to tell people of the state that this government will be a stable one. This coalition government will be more stable than one party government.

We will not give chance for any differences and we will work to solve the problems of the state," he added.

JD(S) that had fought bitterly against the Congress, especially in old Mysuru region, had to join hands to keep BJP out of power in Karnataka, where the May 12 assembly polls threw up a hung assembly.

Pointing out that he had said before the election that if no party gets the majority, he would sit in the opposition and would not reach understanding with any party, Kumaraswamy called himself a "child of circumstances."

"I'm a child of circumstances it was unavoidable for me to keep aside my personal wishes and decisions," he said.

The Chief Minister said, several national leaders after the assembly election results advised him to form the government withCongress, keeping the national interest in mind.

Citing the presence of several political leaders at the swearing-in ceremony, Kumaraswamy said "they all coming together makes me feel, it is a new development.

With their coming together for the ceremony, you may understand why I called myself a child of circumstances," he added.

Congress president Rahul Gandhi, his mother and UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, N Chandrababu Naidu, and Pinarayi Vijayan, her counterparts in Andhra Pradesh, and Kerala respectively, were present.

Tejashwi Yadav, the Leader of Opposition in the Bihar assembly, BSP chief Mayawati and SP leader Akhilesh Yadav, who has struck an alliance in Uttar Pradesh, NCP leader Sharad Pawar, CPI-M general secretary Sitaram Yechury, and socialist leader Sharad Yadav were also in attendance.

The show of strength by a galaxy of national leaders and regional satraps is being seen as a strong signal to the BJP about the possibility of formation of a broad-based front to take on the BJP-led NDA in the Lok Sabha polls next year.

Admitting that there were challenges ahead of him, Kumaraswamy said "it will not be easy for me to run this government easily. I will have to take every step with caution, that is the situation."

He said many leaders feel that under his leadership the new government would prove to be a "model government."

"I will try to keep up their trust and that of people in me and I will go ahead," Kumaraswamy said.

Calling himself a 'child of circumstances,' Kumaraswamy said he decided to join hands with the Congress on the advice of several political leaders in the 'national interest'

Karnataka Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy today said the JD(S) along with Congress had succeeded in tying Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'Ashwamedha' horse (victory horse) in Karnataka, fulfilling his aim. "I had said after the Uttar Pradesh election results came out that my aim is to tie the Ashwamwedha horse of Narendra Modi and Amit Shah (BJP President). Today both Congress and JD(S) together have tied their Ashwamedha horse in Karnataka," Kumaraswamy said. Calling himself a "child of circumstances," Kumaraswamy said he decided to join hands with the Congress on the advice of several political leaders in the "national interest." Speaking to reporters after being sworn-in as chief minister, he said "Probably, in the days to come, Amit Shah has to go to Narendra Modi with lifeless Ashwamedha horse, as we have tied their horse." He said many people were having doubts about whether the coalition government would last and assured them that he would provide a stable government. "There is doubt whether this government will last long. With my conduct and that of my government, I will ensure that this opinion will change. I want to make it clear to the people of the state," he said. Conceding that people had these doubts because the JDS broke away from the Congress in 2006 to form a government with BJP, Kumaraswamy said "...The nature of our (JDS, Congress) relationship thereafter has led to a doubt about our confidence in each other, and can we work together." "I want to tell people of the state that this government will be a stable one. This coalition government will be more stable than one party government. We will not give chance for any differences and we will work to solve the problems of the state," he added. JD(S) that had fought bitterly against the Congress, especially in old Mysuru region, had to join hands to keep BJP out of power in Karnataka, where the May 12 assembly polls threw up a hung assembly. Pointing out that he had said before the election that if no party gets the majority, he would sit in the opposition and would not reach understanding with any party, Kumaraswamy called himself a "child of circumstances." "I'm a child of circumstances it was unavoidable for me to keep aside my personal wishes and decisions," he said. The Chief Minister said, several national leaders after the assembly election results advised him to form the government withCongress, keeping the national interest in mind. Citing the presence of several political leaders at the swearing-in ceremony, Kumaraswamy said "they all coming together makes me feel, it is a new development. With their coming together for the ceremony, you may understand why I called myself a child of circumstances," he added. Congress president Rahul Gandhi, his mother and UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, N Chandrababu Naidu, and Pinarayi Vijayan, her counterparts in Andhra Pradesh, and Kerala respectively, were present. Tejashwi Yadav, the Leader of Opposition in the Bihar assembly, BSP chief Mayawati and SP leader Akhilesh Yadav, who has struck an alliance in Uttar Pradesh, NCP leader Sharad Pawar, CPI-M general secretary Sitaram Yechury, and socialist leader Sharad Yadav were also in attendance. The show of strength by a galaxy of national leaders and regional satraps is being seen as a strong signal to the BJP about the possibility of formation of a broad-based front to take on the BJP-led NDA in the Lok Sabha polls next year. Admitting that there were challenges ahead of him, Kumaraswamy said "it will not be easy for me to run this government easily. I will have to take every step with caution, that is the situation." He said many leaders feel that under his leadership the new government would prove to be a "model government." "I will try to keep up their trust and that of people in me and I will go ahead," Kumaraswamy said.

We have tied 'Ashwamedha' horse of Modi: Kumaraswamy

BJP leader and party in-charge of Jammu and Kashmir Ram Madhav on Monday attacked Congress, calling them "the most corrupt party" adding that the decision of alliance with JD(S) is an ünethical deal."

Madhav said:&nbsp;"Whole history of Congress is full of corruption. There's not been a single genuine charge against BJP Government in past 4 years. The most corrupt party is Congress and that corruption has reflected in the unethical deal that they have entered into with JD(S) in Karnataka."

In reply to the BJP's move to influence Congress MLA's during floor tests, he said:&nbsp;"It's a democratic practice where the single largest party is given the opportunity. We had the right to seek that opportunity which we sought."

"We have done no mistake. It's a democratic practice where the single largest party is given the opportunity. We had the right to seek that opportunity which we sought. It is a different matter that we weren't able to muster required numbers," he added.&nbsp;

He laid emphasis on the fact that the mandate was against Congress and thus they had hoped that parties "like JD(S) would keep that in mind and act appropriately. But that was not the case. There was a tacit deal between Congress and JD(S) that led to a situation where we had to relinquish."

Meanwhile, Congress MP (Member of Parliament) Mallikarjun Kharge said that "keeping everything in mind" in the Karnataka elections, there should be a "<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/ought-to-be-give-and-take-equation-with-jds-in-karnataka-congress-mallikarjun-kharge-138359">give and take equation</a>" with the JD(S) while forming the cabinet.&nbsp;

"High command will take a decision. We, being a national party, supported JD(S) - a regional party, to uphold Constitutional principles and democracy. Keeping everything in mind, there ought to be a 'give & take' equation," Mallikarjun Kharge said.

On May 27, Kumaraswamy was invited by Karnataka Governor Vajubhai Vala to form the government in the state, after Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) three-day old chief minister <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/democracy-has-won-against-unholy-politics-of-intimidation-corruption-lies-congress-on-yeddyurappas-resignation-138205">BS Yeddyurappa stepped down</a> ahead of the floor test in the state assembly.

On May 27, Kumaraswamy was invited by Karnataka Governor Vajubhai Vala to form the government in the state, after Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) three-day old chief minister BS Yeddyurappa stepped down ahead of the floor test in the state assembly

BJP leader and party in-charge of Jammu and Kashmir Ram Madhav on Monday attacked Congress, calling them "the most corrupt party" adding that the decision of alliance with JD(S) is an ünethical deal." Madhav said: "Whole history of Congress is full of corruption. There's not been a single genuine charge against BJP Government in past 4 years. The most corrupt party is Congress and that corruption has reflected in the unethical deal that they have entered into with JD(S) in Karnataka." In reply to the BJP's move to influence Congress MLA's during floor tests, he said: "It's a democratic practice where the single largest party is given the opportunity. We had the right to seek that opportunity which we sought." "We have done no mistake. It's a democratic practice where the single largest party is given the opportunity. We had the right to seek that opportunity which we sought. It is a different matter that we weren't able to muster required numbers," he added. He laid emphasis on the fact that the mandate was against Congress and thus they had hoped that parties "like JD(S) would keep that in mind and act appropriately. But that was not the case. There was a tacit deal between Congress and JD(S) that led to a situation where we had to relinquish." Meanwhile, Congress MP (Member of Parliament) Mallikarjun Kharge said that "keeping everything in mind" in the Karnataka elections, there should be a "give and take equation" with the JD(S) while forming the cabinet. "High command will take a decision. We, being a national party, supported JD(S) - a regional party, to uphold Constitutional principles and democracy. Keeping everything in mind, there ought to be a 'give & take' equation," Mallikarjun Kharge said. On May 27, Kumaraswamy was invited by Karnataka Governor Vajubhai Vala to form the government in the state, after Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) three-day old chief minister BS Yeddyurappa stepped down ahead of the floor test in the state assembly.

Congress' alliance with JD(S) unethical: BJP's Ram Madhav

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Monday recommended that the 2018 general elections be held between July 25 and July 27.

The commission outlined details of the proposed poll dates in a summary forwarded to President Mamnoon Hussain.

The ECP requested the president to settle on a date between July 25 and July 27 under Section 57(1) of the Elections Action Act 2017.

As the current government is expected to conclude its five-year term on May 31, a caretaker government will take over for the general elections.

On account of completion of the term of assemblies, as per law, the elections are to be held within 60 days, whereas otherwise, this exercise has to be held within 90 days.

The ECP proposes possible date(s) to the president, who finally decides on which the elections are to be conducted.

Election Commission of Pakistan says it has finalised security plan for 2018 elections.

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Monday recommended that the 2018 general elections be held between July 25 and July 27. The commission outlined details of the proposed poll dates in a summary forwarded to President Mamnoon Hussain. The ECP requested the president to settle on a date between July 25 and July 27 under Section 57(1) of the Elections Action Act 2017. As the current government is expected to conclude its five-year term on May 31, a caretaker government will take over for the general elections. On account of completion of the term of assemblies, as per law, the elections are to be held within 60 days, whereas otherwise, this exercise has to be held within 90 days. The ECP proposes possible date(s) to the president, who finally decides on which the elections are to be conducted.

Pakistan elections likely to be held July 25-27

HD Kumaraswamy, who will be sworn in as Chief Minister of Karnataka on Wednesday, will be in Delhi today to meet Sonia Gandhi and Congress President Rahul Gandhi.&nbsp;

Kumaraswamy and the Gandhis will discuss the nitty gritties of government formation in the southern state.&nbsp;

News reports said Monday that the Congress — which has 78 MLAs, the JD(S) now has 37 after Kumaraswamy gave up the second seat he contested from — is expected to end up with 20 ministers in the 33-member cabinet.&nbsp;

News reports added that Karnataka could get two deputy chief ministers. It had earlier been decided that the deputy chief ministership would go to a Dalit, with the Congress's G Parameshwara expected to fill the post.&nbsp;

There has now been a second demand for a Lingayat to be made deputy chief minister, which may lead to the state having two of them.&nbsp;

The reports added that the Congress would make no demands of the JD(S) in order to keep the coalition stable.&nbsp;

On Sunday, Kumaraswamy termed reports of a power-sharing formula of 30 months each between the two parties as "bogus".

"I'm visiting New Delhi tomorrow...I will meet Congress President Rahul Gandhi and the party's senior leader Sonia Gandhi," he told reporters in Bengaluru.

Based on the outcome of discussions with them, a decision will be taken on the number of Congress and JD(S) MLAs who will become ministers, Kumaraswamy added.

BS Yeddyurappa had on Saturday stepped down as the chief minister without facing the floor test in the state assembly as the BJP fell short of numbers, following which Kumaraswamy met Governor Vajubhai Vala, and said he had been invited to form the government.

The May 12 Karnataka assembly polls threw up a hung assembly, with the BJP emerging as the single largest party with 104 seats.

While making it clear that there have been no discussions yet on the portfolio allocation, Kumaraswamy requested the media not to create confusion among the public and MLAs with such "speculative" reports.

He also asserted that within 24 hours of taking oath, he would prove his majority on the floor of the House.

"Mostly on Wednesday there will be oath-taking ceremony after that on Thursday we will complete the process of Speaker's election and trust vote," he added.

After meeting the governor, Kumaraswamy had said the swearing-in ceremony would take place tentatively between 12 noon and 1.50 pm at Kanteerava stadium on May 21.

But, later he announced that the event would be held on May 23 as May 21 happens to be the death anniversary of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi.

The venue of the swearing-in is also likely to be changed, with party sources now saying it is likely to take place at Vidhana Soudha (the seat of the state legislature).

However, Kumaraswamy said he had spoken to the Chief Secretary and other senior officials about it and they would take a call on the venue.

Kumaraswamy met his father and former Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda at his residence on Sunday and later visited the hotel where JD(S) MLAs are camping and held a meeting with them.

Asked about reports on power-sharing formula of 30 months each that is being worked out with the Congress, Kumaraswamy said, "No such talks have taken place."

On reports about parleys with Congress leaders regarding elections in Rajarajeshwari Nagar and Jayanagar assembly constituencies, Kumarasamy described it as "bogus".

"It is a bogus news...No such discussions have taken place. Winning Rajarajeshwari Nagar and Jayanagara is a necessity. Till now, no such discussions have happened," he said.

While polling was deferred in Rajarajeshwari Nagar constituency over allegations of electoral malpractice, election to Jayanagar seat was countermanded following the death of the BJP candidate.

(With inputs from PTI)

Kumaraswamy will be sworn in as Chief Minister of Karnataka on Wednesday. He is expected to take his floor test on Thursday

HD Kumaraswamy, who will be sworn in as Chief Minister of Karnataka on Wednesday, will be in Delhi today to meet Sonia Gandhi and Congress President Rahul Gandhi. Kumaraswamy and the Gandhis will discuss the nitty gritties of government formation in the southern state. News reports said Monday that the Congress — which has 78 MLAs, the JD(S) now has 37 after Kumaraswamy gave up the second seat he contested from — is expected to end up with 20 ministers in the 33-member cabinet. News reports added that Karnataka could get two deputy chief ministers. It had earlier been decided that the deputy chief ministership would go to a Dalit, with the Congress's G Parameshwara expected to fill the post. There has now been a second demand for a Lingayat to be made deputy chief minister, which may lead to the state having two of them. The reports added that the Congress would make no demands of the JD(S) in order to keep the coalition stable. On Sunday, Kumaraswamy termed reports of a power-sharing formula of 30 months each between the two parties as "bogus". "I'm visiting New Delhi tomorrow...I will meet Congress President Rahul Gandhi and the party's senior leader Sonia Gandhi," he told reporters in Bengaluru. Based on the outcome of discussions with them, a decision will be taken on the number of Congress and JD(S) MLAs who will become ministers, Kumaraswamy added. BS Yeddyurappa had on Saturday stepped down as the chief minister without facing the floor test in the state assembly as the BJP fell short of numbers, following which Kumaraswamy met Governor Vajubhai Vala, and said he had been invited to form the government. The May 12 Karnataka assembly polls threw up a hung assembly, with the BJP emerging as the single largest party with 104 seats. While making it clear that there have been no discussions yet on the portfolio allocation, Kumaraswamy requested the media not to create confusion among the public and MLAs with such "speculative" reports. He also asserted that within 24 hours of taking oath, he would prove his majority on the floor of the House. "Mostly on Wednesday there will be oath-taking ceremony after that on Thursday we will complete the process of Speaker's election and trust vote," he added. After meeting the governor, Kumaraswamy had said the swearing-in ceremony would take place tentatively between 12 noon and 1.50 pm at Kanteerava stadium on May 21. But, later he announced that the event would be held on May 23 as May 21 happens to be the death anniversary of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi. The venue of the swearing-in is also likely to be changed, with party sources now saying it is likely to take place at Vidhana Soudha (the seat of the state legislature). However, Kumaraswamy said he had spoken to the Chief Secretary and other senior officials about it and they would take a call on the venue. Kumaraswamy met his father and former Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda at his residence on Sunday and later visited the hotel where JD(S) MLAs are camping and held a meeting with them. Asked about reports on power-sharing formula of 30 months each that is being worked out with the Congress, Kumaraswamy said, "No such talks have taken place." On reports about parleys with Congress leaders regarding elections in Rajarajeshwari Nagar and Jayanagar assembly constituencies, Kumarasamy described it as "bogus". "It is a bogus news...No such discussions have taken place. Winning Rajarajeshwari Nagar and Jayanagara is a necessity. Till now, no such discussions have happened," he said. While polling was deferred in Rajarajeshwari Nagar constituency over allegations of electoral malpractice, election to Jayanagar seat was countermanded following the death of the BJP candidate. (With inputs from PTI)

Kumaraswamy to meet Sonia, Rahul Gandhi today in Delhi

In an emotional speech before stepping down as Chief Minister, B S Yeddyurappa today accused the Congress-JDS combine of forming an "opportunistic" alliance and said the popular mandate had been subverted due to their "conspiracy".

Yeddyurappa admitted he had expected opposition MLAs to cross-vote. To realise the public mandate and with development in mind, he said he asked members for a vote of conscience.

"It is true that I had spoken to a few of them (in the opposition)," Yeddyurappa said.

Stating that BJP believes in the democratic system, he said he had expected MLAs "on the other side" would understand that in today's political situation, things would change if his government came to power, when the Narendra&nbsp;Modi government is at the Centre. "Some people had agreed to cooperate," he said.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/hd-kumaraswamy-to-take-oath-as-karnataka-chief-minister-on-monday-138283">HD Kumaraswamy to take oath as Karnataka Chief Minister on May 23</a>&nbsp;

He however added, "Who am I to question in politics? Expectation is different, there may be differences." Assuring people that "till his last breath", he will travel across Karnataka, he said he would explain the developments and ensure that the party wins all 28 seats of the state in the Lok Sabha elections next year and "give it as a gift to Prime Minister Narendra Modi".

Yeddyurappa, who announced his decision without facing the trust vote after not being able to rustle up the numbers, charged that the JDS-combine had kept the MLAs in captivity.

"You kept MLAs in captivity. The situation of those MLAs was so pitiable that they could not speak to their families on phone," he said in his speech after moving the motion of confidence to face the trial of strength.Taunting Congress and JDS, a glum-looking Yeddyurappa said, "Today the family members may be a bit happy as they are seeing them (MLAs)."

Governor Vajubhai Vala had given a 15-day window to Yeddyurappa, but it was truncated by the Supreme Court, which ordered that the floor test be held within a day itself. Yeddyurappa said the Congress did not get people's mandate, nor did the JDS.

He said those who traded charges and counter-charges, after being defeated at the hustings, were indulging in "opportunistic politics"&nbsp;against the people's mandate and had come to an understanding.

The Governor had invited the BJP as it had emerged as the single largest party, Yeddyurappa said.

"I feel today it is like agni pareekshe (trial by fire).

It is not the first time. All my life it has been agni pareekshe," he said, tracing the journey of the BJP when it had only two members and the present state it had reached.

"If people of the state had thought for a second and had given us 113 seats, the picture of this state would have changed, and the picture of development would have changed.But God's will was different" he said on a philosophical note.

To Kumaraswamy, he said "I have come through struggle. Someone said if you don't give me power I will end my life...I won't say that. Whether I get power or not, I will give my life for the people."

Yeddyurappa said he is indebted to people who have shown him love. "Due to our Congress' friends conspiracy, the public mandate and democratic system has been subverted," he said.

"In the wake of this, I'm not pressing this motion of confidence, and I will resign. I will go to people against this politics of anti democracy and seek justice. I will directly go to the Governor and submit my resignation as Chief Minister," he said.&nbsp;

To realise the public mandate and with development in mind, Yeddyurappa said he asked opposition MLAs for a vote of conscience

In an emotional speech before stepping down as Chief Minister, B S Yeddyurappa today accused the Congress-JDS combine of forming an "opportunistic" alliance and said the popular mandate had been subverted due to their "conspiracy". Yeddyurappa admitted he had expected opposition MLAs to cross-vote. To realise the public mandate and with development in mind, he said he asked members for a vote of conscience. "It is true that I had spoken to a few of them (in the opposition)," Yeddyurappa said. Stating that BJP believes in the democratic system, he said he had expected MLAs "on the other side" would understand that in today's political situation, things would change if his government came to power, when the Narendra Modi government is at the Centre. "Some people had agreed to cooperate," he said. Also read: HD Kumaraswamy to take oath as Karnataka Chief Minister on May 23 He however added, "Who am I to question in politics? Expectation is different, there may be differences." Assuring people that "till his last breath", he will travel across Karnataka, he said he would explain the developments and ensure that the party wins all 28 seats of the state in the Lok Sabha elections next year and "give it as a gift to Prime Minister Narendra Modi". Yeddyurappa, who announced his decision without facing the trust vote after not being able to rustle up the numbers, charged that the JDS-combine had kept the MLAs in captivity. "You kept MLAs in captivity. The situation of those MLAs was so pitiable that they could not speak to their families on phone," he said in his speech after moving the motion of confidence to face the trial of strength.Taunting Congress and JDS, a glum-looking Yeddyurappa said, "Today the family members may be a bit happy as they are seeing them (MLAs)." Governor Vajubhai Vala had given a 15-day window to Yeddyurappa, but it was truncated by the Supreme Court, which ordered that the floor test be held within a day itself. Yeddyurappa said the Congress did not get people's mandate, nor did the JDS. He said those who traded charges and counter-charges, after being defeated at the hustings, were indulging in "opportunistic politics" against the people's mandate and had come to an understanding. The Governor had invited the BJP as it had emerged as the single largest party, Yeddyurappa said. "I feel today it is like agni pareekshe (trial by fire). It is not the first time. All my life it has been agni pareekshe," he said, tracing the journey of the BJP when it had only two members and the present state it had reached. "If people of the state had thought for a second and had given us 113 seats, the picture of this state would have changed, and the picture of development would have changed.But God's will was different" he said on a philosophical note. To Kumaraswamy, he said "I have come through struggle. Someone said if you don't give me power I will end my life...I won't say that. Whether I get power or not, I will give my life for the people." Yeddyurappa said he is indebted to people who have shown him love. "Due to our Congress' friends conspiracy, the public mandate and democratic system has been subverted," he said. "In the wake of this, I'm not pressing this motion of confidence, and I will resign. I will go to people against this politics of anti democracy and seek justice. I will directly go to the Governor and submit my resignation as Chief Minister," he said.

Yeddyurappa admits he asked opposition MLAs to cross-vote

At least 215 of the 222 newly-elected MLAs in Karnataka are crorepatis, says a report by Karnataka Election Watch and the Association for Democratic Reforms.&nbsp

The report was filed on the basis of self-sworn affidavits submitted by 221 of the MLAs.&nbsp

The report says the assets owned by the Karnataka MLAs work out to an average of Rs 35 crore. And that half the MLAs own assets worth over Rs 10 crore.&nbsp

The report adds that the Congress tops the list of richie-rich MLAs — 99% of its MLAs are crorepatis.&nbsp

The BJP is a notch lower, but just a notch. 98% of its MLAs are crorepatis.&nbsp

The JD(S) comes third at 95%.&nbsp

The report adds that the assets of re-elected MLAs grew by an average of 90 per cent.

And that the average Karnataka MLA has become 3 times wealthier in the last 10 years.&nbsp

The report adds that the number of MLAs with criminal cases against them has also gone up.

Of the 221 MLAs analysed, 77 or 35% said they had criminal cases pending against them. In 2013, of 218 MLAs analysed 74 or 34% said they had criminal cases pending against them.&nbsp

The report, by Karnataka Election Watch and the Association for Democratic Reforms, was filed on the basis of self-sworn affidavits submitted by 221 of the 222 MLAs

At least 215 of the 222 newly-elected MLAs in Karnataka are crorepatis, says a report by Karnataka Election Watch and the Association for Democratic Reforms. The report was filed on the basis of self-sworn affidavits submitted by 221 of the MLAs. The report says the assets owned by the Karnataka MLAs work out to an average of Rs 35 crore. And that half the MLAs own assets worth over Rs 10 crore. The report adds that the Congress tops the list of richie-rich MLAs — 99% of its MLAs are crorepatis. The BJP is a notch lower, but just a notch. 98% of its MLAs are crorepatis. The JD(S) comes third at 95%. The report adds that the assets of re-elected MLAs grew by an average of 90 per cent. And that the average Karnataka MLA has become 3 times wealthier in the last 10 years. The report adds that the number of MLAs with criminal cases against them has also gone up. Of the 221 MLAs analysed, 77 or 35% said they had criminal cases pending against them. In 2013, of 218 MLAs analysed 74 or 34% said they had criminal cases pending against them.

In Karnataka, 97% newly-elected MLAs are crorepatis: Report

The drama in Karnataka will continue on Wednesday with both the JD(S)-Congress combine and the BJP meeting Governor Vajubhai Vala today to stake their claims to forming a government.&nbsp;

The JD(S)'s HD Kumaraswamy had met Governor Vala Tuesday evening, and staked his claim to forming a government in the state.&nbsp;

Kumaraswamy was accompanied by the Congress' Ghulam Nabi Azad, Mallikarjun Kharge, and former Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah.&nbsp;

The Congress told Vala that it was giving the JD(S) its "unconditional support".&nbsp;

But the BJP's chief ministerial candidate got to Vala before Kumaraswamy, and he too staked his claim to forming the government.&nbsp;

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-does-a-goa-in-karnataka-137130">Congress does to BJP in Karnataka what latter did to it in Goa</a>

The Karnataka vote, which was counted yesterday, ended with the BJP emerging as the single largest party.&nbsp;

The party won 104 seats, the Congress won 78, the JD(S) won 37, its pre-poll ally the BSP won 1, and Others 2.&nbsp;

Karnataka has 224 assembly seats but voting was held for 222. The halfway mark then is 111, with a party needing 112 seats for a simple majority.&nbsp;

The BJP is short by 8 seats, while the JD(S)-Congress combine (including the BSP) has 116 seats.&nbsp;

But Yeddyurappa told Governor Vala yesterday that he should be the one invited to try and form a government since the BJP has emerged as the single-largest party in Karnataka.&nbsp;

Former Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah meanwhile quoted the Supreme Court as saying after the Goa election that "group having more seats than required are invited".&nbsp;

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Have called for a meeting tomorrow. Newly elected Congress & JD(S) MLAs will be there. We are supporting JD(S) to form govt & have sent this resolution to the Governor. SC said after Goa election that group having more seats than reqd. are invited, we have 117 seats: Siddarmaiah <a href="https://t.co/YT5IEaHO9H">pic.twitter.com/YT5IEaHO9H</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/996468249381429248?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 15, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Remember, in Goa and Manipur, which went to the polls last year, the Congress had emerged as the single-largest party. But the BJP ended up forming coalition governments in both states because the Congress was not able to muster up the needed numbers.&nbsp;

All eyes, in Karnataka and the country, then are on Governor Vala and <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/jdss-kumaraswamy-bjps-yeddyurappa-stake-claim-to-form-karnataka-govt-all-eyes-now-on-governor-137164">what he does next</a>.&nbsp;

Constitutional experts have said the decision is his but that he will have to be guided by the principle of inviting the combine/ party that he thinks will provide the state with a stable government. &nbsp;

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HD Deve Gowda reaches Ashoka Hotel for meeting with senior Congress leaders in Bengaluru. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KarnatakaElections2018?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KarnatakaElections2018</a> <a href="https://t.co/GIDbPgSPpZ">pic.twitter.com/GIDbPgSPpZ</a>
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JD(S)' HD Deve Gowda & HD Kumaraswamy are in meeting with Congress leaders including Siddaramaiah, Ghulam Nabi Azad, DK Shivakumar and Mallikarjun Kharge in Bengaluru. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KarnatakaElections2018?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KarnatakaElections2018</a> <a href="https://t.co/rJxE5mXrrM">https://t.co/rJxE5mXrrM</a>
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Tomorrow at 10:30 am in BJP legislative party meeting, I am going to be elected as party leader. After that all MLAs are going to meet the Governor to request him to allow BJP to form govt. Now the ball is in the court of the Governor. We will do as he decides: BS Yeddyurappa <a href="https://t.co/6QbhizTr6z">pic.twitter.com/6QbhizTr6z</a>
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The JD(S) meanwhile has said they will be sticking with the Congress, but that the BJP has been trying to get in touch with them.&nbsp;

"We have already decided to go with Congress. That's the reason we called Janta Dal (Secular) Legislature Party meeting. There is no question of taking any other decision," the JD(S)'s HD Kumaraswamy told ANI.&nbsp;&nbsp;

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I don't know what they (BJP) are offering but they are trying to call our people, but they are not responding. We are all together, no one can touch our party. Our party MLAs are loyal to the party: Saravana, JD(S) <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KarnatakaElections2018?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KarnatakaElections2018</a> <a href="https://t.co/3q0OAehwWq">pic.twitter.com/3q0OAehwWq</a>
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I got a call from the BJP leaders. They said come to us & we'll give a ministry to you. We'll make you a minister. But, I'm going to stay here. HD Kumaraswamy is our Chief Minister: Amaregouda Linganagouda Patil Bayyapur, Congress. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KarnatakaElections2018?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KarnatakaElections2018</a> <a href="https://t.co/BIJYZHV7P7">pic.twitter.com/BIJYZHV7P7</a>
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JD(S) & Congress have the numbers. I hope, the governor will discharge his constitutional duties & invite HD Kumaraswamy to talk. If BJP puts pressure on the governor, it will be the death of Democracy: Danish Ali, JD(S). <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KarnatakaElections2018?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KarnatakaElections2018</a> <a href="https://t.co/vNV3EBRAME">pic.twitter.com/vNV3EBRAME</a>
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&nbsp;

The JD(S)'s Kumaraswamy and the BJP's Yeddyurappa had both met Governor Vajubhai Vala on Tuesday. Both staked their claims to forming a government in Karnataka

The drama in Karnataka will continue on Wednesday with both the JD(S)-Congress combine and the BJP meeting Governor Vajubhai Vala today to stake their claims to forming a government. The JD(S)'s HD Kumaraswamy had met Governor Vala Tuesday evening, and staked his claim to forming a government in the state. Kumaraswamy was accompanied by the Congress' Ghulam Nabi Azad, Mallikarjun Kharge, and former Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah. The Congress told Vala that it was giving the JD(S) its "unconditional support". But the BJP's chief ministerial candidate got to Vala before Kumaraswamy, and he too staked his claim to forming the government. Also read: Congress does to BJP in Karnataka what latter did to it in Goa The Karnataka vote, which was counted yesterday, ended with the BJP emerging as the single largest party. The party won 104 seats, the Congress won 78, the JD(S) won 37, its pre-poll ally the BSP won 1, and Others 2. Karnataka has 224 assembly seats but voting was held for 222. The halfway mark then is 111, with a party needing 112 seats for a simple majority. The BJP is short by 8 seats, while the JD(S)-Congress combine (including the BSP) has 116 seats. But Yeddyurappa told Governor Vala yesterday that he should be the one invited to try and form a government since the BJP has emerged as the single-largest party in Karnataka. Former Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah meanwhile quoted the Supreme Court as saying after the Goa election that "group having more seats than required are invited". Have called for a meeting tomorrow. Newly elected Congress & JD(S) MLAs will be there. We are supporting JD(S) to form govt & have sent this resolution to the Governor. SC said after Goa election that group having more seats than reqd. are invited, we have 117 seats: Siddarmaiah pic.twitter.com/YT5IEaHO9H — ANI (@ANI) May 15, 2018 × Remember, in Goa and Manipur, which went to the polls last year, the Congress had emerged as the single-largest party. But the BJP ended up forming coalition governments in both states because the Congress was not able to muster up the needed numbers. All eyes, in Karnataka and the country, then are on Governor Vala and what he does next. Constitutional experts have said the decision is his but that he will have to be guided by the principle of inviting the combine/ party that he thinks will provide the state with a stable government. HD Deve Gowda reaches Ashoka Hotel for meeting with senior Congress leaders in Bengaluru. #KarnatakaElections2018 pic.twitter.com/GIDbPgSPpZ — ANI (@ANI) May 15, 2018 × JD(S)' HD Deve Gowda & HD Kumaraswamy are in meeting with Congress leaders including Siddaramaiah, Ghulam Nabi Azad, DK Shivakumar and Mallikarjun Kharge in Bengaluru. #KarnatakaElections2018 https://t.co/rJxE5mXrrM — ANI (@ANI) May 15, 2018 × Tomorrow at 10:30 am in BJP legislative party meeting, I am going to be elected as party leader. After that all MLAs are going to meet the Governor to request him to allow BJP to form govt. Now the ball is in the court of the Governor. We will do as he decides: BS Yeddyurappa pic.twitter.com/6QbhizTr6z — ANI (@ANI) May 15, 2018 × The JD(S) meanwhile has said they will be sticking with the Congress, but that the BJP has been trying to get in touch with them. "We have already decided to go with Congress. That's the reason we called Janta Dal (Secular) Legislature Party meeting. There is no question of taking any other decision," the JD(S)'s HD Kumaraswamy told ANI. I don't know what they (BJP) are offering but they are trying to call our people, but they are not responding. We are all together, no one can touch our party. Our party MLAs are loyal to the party: Saravana, JD(S) #KarnatakaElections2018 pic.twitter.com/3q0OAehwWq — ANI (@ANI) May 16, 2018 × I got a call from the BJP leaders. They said come to us & we'll give a ministry to you. We'll make you a minister. But, I'm going to stay here. HD Kumaraswamy is our Chief Minister: Amaregouda Linganagouda Patil Bayyapur, Congress. #KarnatakaElections2018 pic.twitter.com/BIJYZHV7P7 — ANI (@ANI) May 16, 2018 × JD(S) & Congress have the numbers. I hope, the governor will discharge his constitutional duties & invite HD Kumaraswamy to talk. If BJP puts pressure on the governor, it will be the death of Democracy: Danish Ali, JD(S). #KarnatakaElections2018 pic.twitter.com/vNV3EBRAME — ANI (@ANI) May 16, 2018 ×

Natak in Karnataka continues: JD(S)-Congress combine, and BJP to meet Governor again today

The JD(S)'s HD Kumaraswamy alleged Wednesday that his MLAs are being offered Rs 100 crore each to switch sides.&nbsp

He added that he was not making his claim "loosely".&nbsp

"JD(S) MLAs are being offered Rs 100 crore each. Where is this black money coming from? They are supposedly the servers of poor people and they are offering money today. Where are the income tax officials?" Kumaraswamy said.&nbsp

Also read: BJP trying to poach MLAs, claim Karnataka Congress frontrunners

Karnataka, and the rest of the country, is at the moment in the grip of fevered speculation over who will form the next government there.&nbsp

The Karnataka vote, which was counted yesterday, ended with the BJP emerging as the single largest party.&nbsp

The party won 104 seats, the Congress won 78, the JD(S) won 37, its pre-poll ally the BSP won 1, while 2 seats were won by Others.&nbsp

Karnataka has 224 assembly seats but voting was held for 222. (Polling was postponed in two seats.) The halfway mark then is 111, with a party needing 112 seats for a simple majority.&nbsp

The BJP is short by 8 seats, while the JD(S)-Congress combine (including the BSP) has 116 seats.&nbsp

Right after Kumaraswamy made his allegation, he added: "If you try to poach one from ours, we'll do the same and take double from you."&nbsp

"Forget 'Operation Kamal' being successful, there are people who are ready to leave BJP and come with us. If you try to poach one from ours, we'll do the same and take double from you. I'm also telling the Governor to not take any decision which encourages horse-trading," he added.&nbsp

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I have been offered from both sides. I am not saying this loosely. There's a black spot on my father's career because of my decision to go with the BJP in 2004 & 2005. So God has given me opportunity to remove this black spot. So I am going with Congress: HD Kuamaraswamy, JD(S) <a href="https://t.co/4yFGlNEioZ">pic.twitter.com/4yFGlNEioZ</a>
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The BJP's Yeddyurappa met Governor Vajubhai Vala Wednesday morning, and urged Vala to invite him to form a government.&nbsp

Kumaraswamy meanwhile said Wednesday that he too will be meeting the governor soon.&nbsp

Both of them had met the governor yesterday as well.&nbsp

Everybody of course is now watching and waiting to see what the governor does next, and whom he invites to form the government.&nbsp

&nbsp

&nbsp

He added that he was not making his claim 'loosely'. A JD(S)-Congress combine is hoping to form the next government in Karanataka, as is the BJP

The JD(S)'s HD Kumaraswamy alleged Wednesday that his MLAs are being offered Rs 100 crore each to switch sides. He added that he was not making his claim "loosely". "JD(S) MLAs are being offered Rs 100 crore each. Where is this black money coming from? They are supposedly the servers of poor people and they are offering money today. Where are the income tax officials?" Kumaraswamy said. Also read: BJP trying to poach MLAs, claim Karnataka Congress frontrunners Karnataka, and the rest of the country, is at the moment in the grip of fevered speculation over who will form the next government there. The Karnataka vote, which was counted yesterday, ended with the BJP emerging as the single largest party. The party won 104 seats, the Congress won 78, the JD(S) won 37, its pre-poll ally the BSP won 1, while 2 seats were won by Others. Karnataka has 224 assembly seats but voting was held for 222. (Polling was postponed in two seats.) The halfway mark then is 111, with a party needing 112 seats for a simple majority. The BJP is short by 8 seats, while the JD(S)-Congress combine (including the BSP) has 116 seats. Right after Kumaraswamy made his allegation, he added: "If you try to poach one from ours, we'll do the same and take double from you." "Forget 'Operation Kamal' being successful, there are people who are ready to leave BJP and come with us. If you try to poach one from ours, we'll do the same and take double from you. I'm also telling the Governor to not take any decision which encourages horse-trading," he added. I have been offered from both sides. I am not saying this loosely. There's a black spot on my father's career because of my decision to go with the BJP in 2004 & 2005. So God has given me opportunity to remove this black spot. So I am going with Congress: HD Kuamaraswamy, JD(S) pic.twitter.com/4yFGlNEioZ — ANI (@ANI) May 16, 2018 × The BJP's Yeddyurappa met Governor Vajubhai Vala Wednesday morning, and urged Vala to invite him to form a government. Kumaraswamy meanwhile said Wednesday that he too will be meeting the governor soon. Both of them had met the governor yesterday as well. Everybody of course is now watching and waiting to see what the governor does next, and whom he invites to form the government.

'JD(S) MLAs being offered Rs 100 crore each,' alleges Kumaraswamy

The JD(S)'s HD Kumaraswamy met Karnataka Governor Vajubhai Vala Tuesday evening, and staked his claim to forming a government in the state.&nbsp;

Kumaraswamy was accompanied by the Congress' Ghulam Nabi Azad, Mallikarjun Kharge, and former Karnataka chief minister <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/siddaramaiah-offers-crown-to-foe-kumaraswamy-years-after-expulsion-from-jds-137139">Siddaramaiah</a>.&nbsp;

The Congress told Vala that it was offering the JD(S) unconditional support.&nbsp;

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-does-a-goa-in-karnataka-137130">Congress does to BJP in Karnataka what latter did to it in Goa</a>

The JD(S) has won fewer seats than both the Congress and BJP but the Congress offered it its support earlier in the day, telling the JD(S) that it could pick a chief minister of its choice.&nbsp;

Kumaraswamy decided to opt for the post himself.&nbsp;

Baiju Narajan of the JD(S) meanwhile said the Congress's G Parameshwara would be the deputy chief minister.&nbsp;

The two parties, should they be invited by Governor Vala to do so, will now form a coalition government in the state.&nbsp;

Karnataka has a total of 224 assembly seats, but only 222 seats went to the polls this election. (Voting was postponed in two seats.)

The halfway mark then is 111 seats, with a party needing 112 seats for a simple majority.&nbsp;

Official EC trends at the moment say the BJP has won or is leading in 104 seats, the Congress in 78, the JD(S)+ in 37, and Others 3.&nbsp;

That would give the JD(S)-Congress combine a total of 115 seats.&nbsp;

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-offers-outside-support-to-jds-to-form-government-in-karnataka-reports-137018">'Doing everything to keep BJP out of power,' says JD(S)</a>

The BJP by itself on the other hand is short of 9 seats.&nbsp;

But the race for Karnataka is far from over.&nbsp;

The BJP's chief ministerial candidate Yeddyurappa got to the Raj Bhavan just before Kumaraswamy.&nbsp;

"Just now we met governor because we are single largest party, and that he allows us to prove majority in the Assembly," Yeddyurappa said after meeting Vala.&nbsp;

On his way to meeting the governor, &nbsp;Yeddyurappa said "100 per cent we will form the government."&nbsp;

All eyes then are now on Governor Vala.&nbsp;

Vala can now call either the JD(S)-Congress combine to form a government, or the BJP, which has emerged as the single-largest party — whichever combine/ party he thinks will provide the state with a stable government.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Remember that in both Goa and Manipur, where elections were held in 2017, the Congress had emerged as the single-largest party. But the BJP ended up forming coalition governments in both states because the Congress was not able to muster up the needed numbers.&nbsp;

A Zee News report quoting sources though said Tuesday evening that the governor may first invite BJP's Yeddyurappa to form a&nbsp;government in Karnataka and that the oath-taking ceremony is likely to take place on May 17.

&nbsp;

Vala can now call either the JD(S)-Congress combine to form a government, or the BJP, which has emerged as the single-largest party — whichever combine/ party he thinks will provide the state with a stable government.

The JD(S)'s HD Kumaraswamy met Karnataka Governor Vajubhai Vala Tuesday evening, and staked his claim to forming a government in the state. Kumaraswamy was accompanied by the Congress' Ghulam Nabi Azad, Mallikarjun Kharge, and former Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah. The Congress told Vala that it was offering the JD(S) unconditional support. Also read: Congress does to BJP in Karnataka what latter did to it in Goa The JD(S) has won fewer seats than both the Congress and BJP but the Congress offered it its support earlier in the day, telling the JD(S) that it could pick a chief minister of its choice. Kumaraswamy decided to opt for the post himself. Baiju Narajan of the JD(S) meanwhile said the Congress's G Parameshwara would be the deputy chief minister. The two parties, should they be invited by Governor Vala to do so, will now form a coalition government in the state. Karnataka has a total of 224 assembly seats, but only 222 seats went to the polls this election. (Voting was postponed in two seats.) The halfway mark then is 111 seats, with a party needing 112 seats for a simple majority. Official EC trends at the moment say the BJP has won or is leading in 104 seats, the Congress in 78, the JD(S)+ in 37, and Others 3. That would give the JD(S)-Congress combine a total of 115 seats. Also read: 'Doing everything to keep BJP out of power,' says JD(S) The BJP by itself on the other hand is short of 9 seats. But the race for Karnataka is far from over. The BJP's chief ministerial candidate Yeddyurappa got to the Raj Bhavan just before Kumaraswamy. "Just now we met governor because we are single largest party, and that he allows us to prove majority in the Assembly," Yeddyurappa said after meeting Vala. On his way to meeting the governor, Yeddyurappa said "100 per cent we will form the government." All eyes then are now on Governor Vala. Vala can now call either the JD(S)-Congress combine to form a government, or the BJP, which has emerged as the single-largest party — whichever combine/ party he thinks will provide the state with a stable government. Remember that in both Goa and Manipur, where elections were held in 2017, the Congress had emerged as the single-largest party. But the BJP ended up forming coalition governments in both states because the Congress was not able to muster up the needed numbers. A Zee News report quoting sources though said Tuesday evening that the governor may first invite BJP's Yeddyurappa to form a government in Karnataka and that the oath-taking ceremony is likely to take place on May 17.

JD(S)'s Kumaraswamy, BJP's Yeddyurappa stake claim to form Karnataka govt; all eyes now on Governor

The JD(S) said Tuesday that it was doing "doing everything to keep BJP out of power" in Karnataka after the Congress offered it support to form a government in the state.&nbsp;

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"Congress has extended its support, we have accepted it. We will jointly go to meet governor after 5.30 pm today," ANI quoted JD(S) spokesman Danish Ali as saying.&nbsp;

The Congress' Ghulam Nabi Azad had announced earlier on Tuesday that his party had offered&nbsp;support to the JD(S).&nbsp;

"We had a telephonic conversation with Deve Gowda ji&nbsp;and Kumaraswamy. They have accepted our offer. Hopefully, we will be together," Azad said.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Karnataka has a total of 224 assembly seats, but only 222 seats went to the polls this election. (Voting was postponed in two seats.)

The halfway mark then is 112 seats.&nbsp;

Official EC trends at the moment say the BJP has won or is leading in 104 seats, the Congress in 78, the JD(S)+ in 37, and Others 3.&nbsp;

That would give the JD(S)-Congress a total of 115 seats.&nbsp;

News reports had said earlier that former Congress President Sonia Gandhi had spoken&nbsp;with Ghulam Nabi Azad, who then spoke with JD(S) leader HD Deve Gowda and his son HD Kumaraswamy.&nbsp;

Azad said he had told Gowda and Kumaraswamy that the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/in-case-of-hung-verdict-both-siddaramaiah--yeddyurappa-may-have-to-give-up-karnataka-cm-ambitions-136655">picking of a chief minister</a> would be left to them.&nbsp;

Should the JD(S) accept the Congress' offer, it is expected that Kumaraswamy will take the CM's post.&nbsp;

The Congress' KC Venugopal meanwhile said the JD(S) and Congress would together meet the governor in the evening today to stake their claim to forming a government in the state.&nbsp;

&nbsp;What happens next will depend&nbsp;on the governor, Vajubhai Vala. Vala was appointed by the Modi government four years ago.&nbsp;&nbsp;

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We had a telephonic conversation with Deve Gowda ji & Kumaraswamy. They have accepted our offer. Hopefully, we will be together: Ghulam Nabi Azad, Congress. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KarnatakaElections2018?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KarnatakaElections2018</a> <a href="https://t.co/OemBerpX7r">pic.twitter.com/OemBerpX7r</a>
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We (Congress & JDS) are jointly meeting the Governor in the evening today: KC Venugopal, Congress. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KarnatakaElections2018?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KarnatakaElections2018</a> <a href="https://t.co/jUd5cVaSNu">pic.twitter.com/jUd5cVaSNu</a>
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News reports Tuesday meanwhile said the BJP too had reached out to Deve Gowda.&nbsp;

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JP Nadda, Dharmendra Pradhan & Prakash Javadekar are going to Bengaluru today. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KarnatakaElections2018?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KarnatakaElections2018</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/996329945793155072?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 15, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

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JD(S) had always maintained that HD Kumaraswamy will be CM. As per results, we're doing everything to keep BJP out of power. Congress has extended its support, we have accepted it. We will jointly go to meet Governor after 5.30 pm today: Danish Ali, JD(S) <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KarnatakaElections2018?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KarnatakaElections2018</a> <a href="https://t.co/qCfgOhGM9t">pic.twitter.com/qCfgOhGM9t</a>
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The Congress' Ghulam Nabi Azad said the picking of a chief minister would be left to the JD(S)

The JD(S) said Tuesday that it was doing "doing everything to keep BJP out of power" in Karnataka after the Congress offered it support to form a government in the state. × "Congress has extended its support, we have accepted it. We will jointly go to meet governor after 5.30 pm today," ANI quoted JD(S) spokesman Danish Ali as saying. The Congress' Ghulam Nabi Azad had announced earlier on Tuesday that his party had offered support to the JD(S). "We had a telephonic conversation with Deve Gowda ji and Kumaraswamy. They have accepted our offer. Hopefully, we will be together," Azad said. Karnataka has a total of 224 assembly seats, but only 222 seats went to the polls this election. (Voting was postponed in two seats.) The halfway mark then is 112 seats. Official EC trends at the moment say the BJP has won or is leading in 104 seats, the Congress in 78, the JD(S)+ in 37, and Others 3. That would give the JD(S)-Congress a total of 115 seats. News reports had said earlier that former Congress President Sonia Gandhi had spoken with Ghulam Nabi Azad, who then spoke with JD(S) leader HD Deve Gowda and his son HD Kumaraswamy. Azad said he had told Gowda and Kumaraswamy that the picking of a chief minister would be left to them. Should the JD(S) accept the Congress' offer, it is expected that Kumaraswamy will take the CM's post. The Congress' KC Venugopal meanwhile said the JD(S) and Congress would together meet the governor in the evening today to stake their claim to forming a government in the state. What happens next will depend on the governor, Vajubhai Vala. Vala was appointed by the Modi government four years ago. We had a telephonic conversation with Deve Gowda ji & Kumaraswamy. They have accepted our offer. Hopefully, we will be together: Ghulam Nabi Azad, Congress. #KarnatakaElections2018 pic.twitter.com/OemBerpX7r — ANI (@ANI) May 15, 2018 × We (Congress & JDS) are jointly meeting the Governor in the evening today: KC Venugopal, Congress. #KarnatakaElections2018 pic.twitter.com/jUd5cVaSNu — ANI (@ANI) May 15, 2018 × News reports Tuesday meanwhile said the BJP too had reached out to Deve Gowda. JP Nadda, Dharmendra Pradhan & Prakash Javadekar are going to Bengaluru today. #KarnatakaElections2018 — ANI (@ANI) May 15, 2018 × JD(S) had always maintained that HD Kumaraswamy will be CM. As per results, we're doing everything to keep BJP out of power. Congress has extended its support, we have accepted it. We will jointly go to meet Governor after 5.30 pm today: Danish Ali, JD(S) #KarnatakaElections2018 pic.twitter.com/qCfgOhGM9t — ANI (@ANI) May 15, 2018 ×

'Doing everything to keep BJP out of power,' says JD(S)

The JD(S)'s HD Kumaraswamy met Karnataka Governor Vajubhai Vala Tuesday evening, and staked his claim to forming a government in the state.&nbsp;

Kumaraswamy was accompanied by the Congress' Ghulam Nabi Azad, Mallikarjun Kharge, and former chief minister Siddaramaiah.&nbsp;

The Congress told Vala that it was offering the JD(S) unconditional support.&nbsp;

The JD(S) has won fewer seats than both the BJP and the Congress but the Congress offered it outside support earlier in the day, telling the JD(S) that it could pick a chief minister of its choice.&nbsp;

Kumaraswamy decided to opt for the post himself.&nbsp;

Baiju Narajan of the JD(S) meanwhile said G Parameshwara of Congress would be the deputy chief minister.

Karnataka has a total of 224 assembly seats, but only 222 seats went to the polls this election. (Voting was postponed in two seats.)

The halfway mark then is 111 seats, with a party needing 112 seats for a simple majority.&nbsp;

Official EC trends at the moment say the BJP has won or is leading in 104 seats, the Congress in 78, the JD(S)+ in 37, and Others 3.&nbsp;

That would give the JD(S)-Congress combine a total of 115 seats.&nbsp;

Intriguingly, the BJP's chief ministerial candidate Yeddyurappa got to the Raj Bhavan just before Kumaraswamy.&nbsp;

"Just now we met governor because we are single largest party, and that he allows us to prove majority in the Assembly," Yeddyurappa said after meeting Vala.&nbsp;

On his way to the governor,&nbsp; Yeddyurappa said "100 per cent we will form the government."&nbsp;&nbsp;

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HD Kumaraswamy, Siddaramaiah, Ghulam Nabi Azad, and Mallikarjun Kharge at Raj Bhawan in Bengaluru. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KarnatakaElections2018?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KarnatakaElections2018</a> <a href="https://t.co/swRZKUbpsT">pic.twitter.com/swRZKUbpsT</a>
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Just now we met Governor because we are single largest party, and that he allows us to prove majority in the Assembly: BS Yeddyurappa <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KarnatakaElections2018?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KarnatakaElections2018</a> <a href="https://t.co/D9RLMU9zVY">pic.twitter.com/D9RLMU9zVY</a>
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100 percent we will form the government: BS Yeddyurappa <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KarnatakaElections?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KarnatakaElections</a> <a href="https://t.co/06633TqFBv">pic.twitter.com/06633TqFBv</a>
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What happens next depends on Governor Vala. He can invite whichever combine or single party he thinks commands majority support in the house.&nbsp;

A Zee News report quoting sources though said Tuesday evening that the governor may first invite BJP's Yeddyurappa to form a&nbsp;government in Karnataka and that the oath-taking ceremony is likely to take place on May 17.

The BJP's chief ministerial candidate BS Yeddyurappa met Governor Vajubhai Vala shortly before Kumaraswamy

The JD(S)'s HD Kumaraswamy met Karnataka Governor Vajubhai Vala Tuesday evening, and staked his claim to forming a government in the state. Kumaraswamy was accompanied by the Congress' Ghulam Nabi Azad, Mallikarjun Kharge, and former chief minister Siddaramaiah. The Congress told Vala that it was offering the JD(S) unconditional support. The JD(S) has won fewer seats than both the BJP and the Congress but the Congress offered it outside support earlier in the day, telling the JD(S) that it could pick a chief minister of its choice. Kumaraswamy decided to opt for the post himself. Baiju Narajan of the JD(S) meanwhile said G Parameshwara of Congress would be the deputy chief minister. Karnataka has a total of 224 assembly seats, but only 222 seats went to the polls this election. (Voting was postponed in two seats.) The halfway mark then is 111 seats, with a party needing 112 seats for a simple majority. Official EC trends at the moment say the BJP has won or is leading in 104 seats, the Congress in 78, the JD(S)+ in 37, and Others 3. That would give the JD(S)-Congress combine a total of 115 seats. Intriguingly, the BJP's chief ministerial candidate Yeddyurappa got to the Raj Bhavan just before Kumaraswamy. "Just now we met governor because we are single largest party, and that he allows us to prove majority in the Assembly," Yeddyurappa said after meeting Vala. On his way to the governor, Yeddyurappa said "100 per cent we will form the government." HD Kumaraswamy, Siddaramaiah, Ghulam Nabi Azad, and Mallikarjun Kharge at Raj Bhawan in Bengaluru. #KarnatakaElections2018 pic.twitter.com/swRZKUbpsT — ANI (@ANI) May 15, 2018 × Just now we met Governor because we are single largest party, and that he allows us to prove majority in the Assembly: BS Yeddyurappa #KarnatakaElections2018 pic.twitter.com/D9RLMU9zVY — ANI (@ANI) May 15, 2018 × 100 percent we will form the government: BS Yeddyurappa #KarnatakaElections pic.twitter.com/06633TqFBv — ANI (@ANI) May 15, 2018 × What happens next depends on Governor Vala. He can invite whichever combine or single party he thinks commands majority support in the house. A Zee News report quoting sources though said Tuesday evening that the governor may first invite BJP's Yeddyurappa to form a government in Karnataka and that the oath-taking ceremony is likely to take place on May 17.

JD(S)'s Kumaraswamy meets Karnataka Governor, stakes claim to form government

Moqtada al-Sadr, a firebrand Shi'ite cleric who led uprisings against U.S. troops, appeared to make a remarkable comeback in Iraq's parliamentary election after being sidelined for years by Iranian-backed rivals.

Although Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi's list of candidates were leading the field after Saturday's vote, Sadr's alliance was in second place, an election commission source and a security official told Reuters, citing unofficial results.

Sadr made his name leading two uprisings against U.S. forces in Iraq, drawing support from poor neighbourhoods of Baghdad and other cities. Washington called the Mehdi Army, the Shi'ite militia loyal to Sadr, the biggest threat to Iraq's security.

As top politicians in suits voted at a fancy Baghdad hotel on Saturday in the first election since Islamic State militants were defeated, Sadr in trademark turban and robe was shown walking to a polling station in poor district to cast his ballot.

The television footage of Sadr voting reinforced his image as a maverick who appeals to Iraq's dispossessed.

If initial results are confirmed, British-educated Abadi, a Shi'ite who as prime minister nurtured ties with Washington and Tehran, may have to form a coalition with Sadr, who fought the Americans and is one of the few Shi'ite leaders to keep a distance with Iran, which has powerful influence in Iraq.

Sadr has sought to broaden his regional support. Last year, he met Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman of Saudi Arabia, a major U.S. regional ally that is staunchly opposed to Iran.

Sadr, who was shown sipping juice in a palace in the Saudi city of Jeddah on the Red Sea coast, shares an interest in countering Iranian influence in Iraq.

Sadr rose to prominence in the unrest and chaos that erupted in Iraq after U.S. troops toppled Saddam Hussein's rule in 2003. Armed mostly with AK-47 assault rifles and rocket-propelled grenades, Sadr's militia challenged the world's most powerful military as it tried to stabilise Iraq.

Sadr derives much of his authority from his family. His father, highly respected Grand Ayatollah Mohammed Sadeq al-Sadr, was murdered in 1999 for defying Saddam Hussein. His father's cousin, Mohammed Baqir, was killed by Saddam in 1980.

U.S. officials and Sunni Arab leaders accused the Mehdi Army of being behind many sectarian killings that ravaged Iraq. The U.S. occupation authority issued an arrest warrant for him for his alleged role in the murder of a rival cleric.

Sadr has disavowed violence against fellow Iraqis and in 2008 ordered his militia to become a humanitarian group.

He can still mobilise thousands of supporters to press his agenda, and he formed an unlikely alliance with communists and other independent secular supporters to demand the formation of a government of independent technocrats to end corruption.

"We call on the Iraqi people to stage a white revolution, everybody must cast his ballot, nobody should abstain from voting, it is the last chance for change," Sadr said in a televised speech in April.

His list is known as "Sairoon" in Arabic, or On The Move.

"Our program is about building effective corruption-free state institutions, rehabilitating and expanding infrastructures, providing essential services to the poor, like health and education," said Jumah Bahadily, a lawmaker who belongs to the Sadrist movement.

Sadr's support extends to Iraq's crumbling second city of Basra, in the Shi'ite heartland in the south of the country and near the OPEC producer's main oilfields.

"We defeated the corrupt people which have ruled Iraq since 2003," said Mohanad Sahib, a 38-year-old engineer in Basra, who voted for Sairoon. "They are from the people."

Some voters said a call by the influential Shi'ite cleric, Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, for voters to reject corrupt candidates was a tacit signal to back Sairoon.

"It's correct he didn't mention them directly but he meant this," said Mohamed Matar, who also supported Sadr's list.

But more mainstream politicians have sought to undermine support for Sadr in the past. Former Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki, a close ally of Iran, ordered a crack down on the Mehdi Army in Basra in 2008, calling its members ''outlaws''. Dozens were killed.

Maliki's Dawa party has also been fielding candidates in this election.

Although Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi's list of candidates were leading the field after Saturday's vote, Sadr's alliance was in second place

Moqtada al-Sadr, a firebrand Shi'ite cleric who led uprisings against U.S. troops, appeared to make a remarkable comeback in Iraq's parliamentary election after being sidelined for years by Iranian-backed rivals. Although Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi's list of candidates were leading the field after Saturday's vote, Sadr's alliance was in second place, an election commission source and a security official told Reuters, citing unofficial results. Sadr made his name leading two uprisings against U.S. forces in Iraq, drawing support from poor neighbourhoods of Baghdad and other cities. Washington called the Mehdi Army, the Shi'ite militia loyal to Sadr, the biggest threat to Iraq's security. As top politicians in suits voted at a fancy Baghdad hotel on Saturday in the first election since Islamic State militants were defeated, Sadr in trademark turban and robe was shown walking to a polling station in poor district to cast his ballot. The television footage of Sadr voting reinforced his image as a maverick who appeals to Iraq's dispossessed. If initial results are confirmed, British-educated Abadi, a Shi'ite who as prime minister nurtured ties with Washington and Tehran, may have to form a coalition with Sadr, who fought the Americans and is one of the few Shi'ite leaders to keep a distance with Iran, which has powerful influence in Iraq. Sadr has sought to broaden his regional support. Last year, he met Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman of Saudi Arabia, a major U.S. regional ally that is staunchly opposed to Iran. Sadr, who was shown sipping juice in a palace in the Saudi city of Jeddah on the Red Sea coast, shares an interest in countering Iranian influence in Iraq. Sadr rose to prominence in the unrest and chaos that erupted in Iraq after U.S. troops toppled Saddam Hussein's rule in 2003. Armed mostly with AK-47 assault rifles and rocket-propelled grenades, Sadr's militia challenged the world's most powerful military as it tried to stabilise Iraq. Sadr derives much of his authority from his family. His father, highly respected Grand Ayatollah Mohammed Sadeq al-Sadr, was murdered in 1999 for defying Saddam Hussein. His father's cousin, Mohammed Baqir, was killed by Saddam in 1980. U.S. officials and Sunni Arab leaders accused the Mehdi Army of being behind many sectarian killings that ravaged Iraq. The U.S. occupation authority issued an arrest warrant for him for his alleged role in the murder of a rival cleric. Sadr has disavowed violence against fellow Iraqis and in 2008 ordered his militia to become a humanitarian group. He can still mobilise thousands of supporters to press his agenda, and he formed an unlikely alliance with communists and other independent secular supporters to demand the formation of a government of independent technocrats to end corruption. "We call on the Iraqi people to stage a white revolution, everybody must cast his ballot, nobody should abstain from voting, it is the last chance for change," Sadr said in a televised speech in April. His list is known as "Sairoon" in Arabic, or On The Move. "Our program is about building effective corruption-free state institutions, rehabilitating and expanding infrastructures, providing essential services to the poor, like health and education," said Jumah Bahadily, a lawmaker who belongs to the Sadrist movement. Sadr's support extends to Iraq's crumbling second city of Basra, in the Shi'ite heartland in the south of the country and near the OPEC producer's main oilfields. "We defeated the corrupt people which have ruled Iraq since 2003," said Mohanad Sahib, a 38-year-old engineer in Basra, who voted for Sairoon. "They are from the people." Some voters said a call by the influential Shi'ite cleric, Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, for voters to reject corrupt candidates was a tacit signal to back Sairoon. "It's correct he didn't mention them directly but he meant this," said Mohamed Matar, who also supported Sadr's list. But more mainstream politicians have sought to undermine support for Sadr in the past. Former Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki, a close ally of Iran, ordered a crack down on the Mehdi Army in Basra in 2008, calling its members ''outlaws''. Dozens were killed. Maliki's Dawa party has also been fielding candidates in this election.

Iraq's firebrand cleric Sadr makes comeback in vote, initial results suggest

A deadline for Afghans to register to vote in the October 20 legislative elections has been extended, officials said Friday, as figures show hundreds of civilians have already been killed or wounded in poll-related violence.

Enrolment for the long-delayed parliamentary and district council elections began on April 14 and was originally scheduled to finish in mid-June.

By Thursday, just over 1.5 million adults had signed up to vote, a spokesman for the Independent Election Commission (IEC) told AFP -- a fraction of the 14 million it had hoped to register during the two-month process.

"The election commission of Afghanistan has extended the voting registration process for one month," the IEC said in a statement, without explaining the reason for the decision.

There are fears that a low turnout could erode the credibility of the elections, which are seen as a test run for next year's presidential poll.

The vote was supposed to be held in 2015 but has been repeatedly pushed back due to security fears and logistical issues within the fragile unity government.

The decision came as UN figures released Thursday showed 86 civilians had been killed and 185 wounded in 23 election-related security incidents since registration began.

Most of the casualties happened on April 22 when a suicide bomber blew himself up outside a voter registration centre in Kabul, killing 60 and wounding 138, the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan said.

The majority of the casualties were women and children, the report said. It added that 26 civilians also had been abducted.

"I am outraged by these attacks deliberately targeting civilians seeking to exercise their constitutional right to vote," Tadamichi Yamamoto, the UN secretary general's special representative for Afghanistan, said.

Yamamoto urged the Taliban to take up Afghan President Ashraf Ghani's February offer of peace talks "to put an end to the suffering of the Afghan people".

The Taliban and Islamic State groups have made clear their intentions to disrupt the elections.

Meanwhile, the IEC said it would allow voters to use a copy of their national identification certificate, or tazkira, to register.

There had been concerns that a sticker placed on people's tazkira when they signed up could put those in restive districts at risk of being targeted by militants.

Stickers will now be placed on the copy, but voters will be required to bring their original tazkira when they cast their ballot, the IEC said.

The Taliban and Islamic State groups have made clear their intentions to disrupt the elections

A deadline for Afghans to register to vote in the October 20 legislative elections has been extended, officials said Friday, as figures show hundreds of civilians have already been killed or wounded in poll-related violence. Enrolment for the long-delayed parliamentary and district council elections began on April 14 and was originally scheduled to finish in mid-June. By Thursday, just over 1.5 million adults had signed up to vote, a spokesman for the Independent Election Commission (IEC) told AFP -- a fraction of the 14 million it had hoped to register during the two-month process. "The election commission of Afghanistan has extended the voting registration process for one month," the IEC said in a statement, without explaining the reason for the decision. There are fears that a low turnout could erode the credibility of the elections, which are seen as a test run for next year's presidential poll. The vote was supposed to be held in 2015 but has been repeatedly pushed back due to security fears and logistical issues within the fragile unity government. The decision came as UN figures released Thursday showed 86 civilians had been killed and 185 wounded in 23 election-related security incidents since registration began. Most of the casualties happened on April 22 when a suicide bomber blew himself up outside a voter registration centre in Kabul, killing 60 and wounding 138, the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan said. The majority of the casualties were women and children, the report said. It added that 26 civilians also had been abducted. "I am outraged by these attacks deliberately targeting civilians seeking to exercise their constitutional right to vote," Tadamichi Yamamoto, the UN secretary general's special representative for Afghanistan, said. Yamamoto urged the Taliban to take up Afghan President Ashraf Ghani's February offer of peace talks "to put an end to the suffering of the Afghan people". The Taliban and Islamic State groups have made clear their intentions to disrupt the elections. Meanwhile, the IEC said it would allow voters to use a copy of their national identification certificate, or tazkira, to register. There had been concerns that a sticker placed on people's tazkira when they signed up could put those in restive districts at risk of being targeted by militants. Stickers will now be placed on the copy, but voters will be required to bring their original tazkira when they cast their ballot, the IEC said.

Afghanistan extends deadline for voter registration amid violence

Malaysian politicians from both government and opposition camps complained of "dirty tricks" after voting in a general election began on Wednesday, as non-stop spam calls to their mobile phones disrupted communications with party organisers.

Malaysian civil rights group Suaram said the spam calls, which have also affected civil society group leaders, was a "clear attempt to impede the work of human rights defenders and politicians at the critical juncture of voting day".

The elections is arguably the toughest faced by Prime Minister Najib Razak's ruling Barisan Nasional coalition, as it contends with a resurgent opposition pact led by former strongman Mahathir Mohamad.

While the complaints came from all sides, none of the political figures whose phones had been targeted specified who they suspected was behind the attack.

Najib condemned the "spam calls" received by BN leaders, and said that many of the coalition's websites could not be accessed.

"I have ordered for immediate action to be taken," the prime minister said on Twitter.

Some leaders from the opposition Pakatan Harapan (PH) coalition said they had switched off their phones after receiving automated calls nearly every minute from mostly unknown overseas numbers, since before polling stations opened.

"This is a dirty tech attack on us, we have been paralysed. We cannot talk to anyone... they are trying to sabotage the electoral system to deny a PH win," said Lim Guan Eng, a senior opposition leader.

"The telcos must do something. We can complain to the authorities, but what can they do now?" Lim said.

A minister in Najib's government said his phone had also received multiple calls from unknown numbers from the United States, the U.K. and&nbspMalaysia, while another ruling coalition leader posted a video on twitter showing a phone receiving call after call.

The&nbspMalaysian Communication and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), the country's communications regulator, did not respond immediately to requests for comment.

Azmin Ali, the chief minister of the opposition-held state of Selangor, said he left his mobile phone in his car when he went out to vote as he was getting continuous calls and junk emails.

"They are desperate, so they are using all sorts of tactics to jam us. But at the end of the day, it's people's power," he told reporters after casting his vote.

Khairy Jamaluddin, the sports minister and youth wing leader of the United Malay National Organisation (UMNO), which leads the ruling coalition, was among the leaders from the government side that said they had been targeted too.

"My phone seems to be under some sort of spam attack this morning," said Khairy, displaying on his Twitter account a screenshot of a list of calls received. "Strange."

Abdul Rahman Dahlan, a ruling coalition leader, posted a video showing a phone receiving endless calls.

"Calls from overseas keep coming in every few seconds! To prevent us from communicating with our machinery. This is dirty trick!" he said in a Twitter post.

Reuters reported in April that automated accounts known as bots were flooding Twitter with tens of thousands of pro-government and anti-opposition messages, just weeks before the general election.

A survey by independent pollster Merdeka Center showed BN has seen a drop in its share of the popular vote, but was still expected to win enough parliamentary seats to retain power.

The elections is arguably the toughest faced by Prime Minister Najib Razak's ruling Barisan Nasional coalition, as it contends with a resurgent opposition pact led by former strongman Mahathir Mohamad

Malaysian politicians from both government and opposition camps complained of "dirty tricks" after voting in a general election began on Wednesday, as non-stop spam calls to their mobile phones disrupted communications with party organisers. Malaysian civil rights group Suaram said the spam calls, which have also affected civil society group leaders, was a "clear attempt to impede the work of human rights defenders and politicians at the critical juncture of voting day". The elections is arguably the toughest faced by Prime Minister Najib Razak's ruling Barisan Nasional coalition, as it contends with a resurgent opposition pact led by former strongman Mahathir Mohamad. While the complaints came from all sides, none of the political figures whose phones had been targeted specified who they suspected was behind the attack. Najib condemned the "spam calls" received by BN leaders, and said that many of the coalition's websites could not be accessed. "I have ordered for immediate action to be taken," the prime minister said on Twitter. Some leaders from the opposition Pakatan Harapan (PH) coalition said they had switched off their phones after receiving automated calls nearly every minute from mostly unknown overseas numbers, since before polling stations opened. "This is a dirty tech attack on us, we have been paralysed. We cannot talk to anyone... they are trying to sabotage the electoral system to deny a PH win," said Lim Guan Eng, a senior opposition leader. "The telcos must do something. We can complain to the authorities, but what can they do now?" Lim said. A minister in Najib's government said his phone had also received multiple calls from unknown numbers from the United States, the U.K. and&nbspMalaysia, while another ruling coalition leader posted a video on twitter showing a phone receiving call after call. The&nbspMalaysian Communication and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), the country's communications regulator, did not respond immediately to requests for comment. Azmin Ali, the chief minister of the opposition-held state of Selangor, said he left his mobile phone in his car when he went out to vote as he was getting continuous calls and junk emails. "They are desperate, so they are using all sorts of tactics to jam us. But at the end of the day, it's people's power," he told reporters after casting his vote. Khairy Jamaluddin, the sports minister and youth wing leader of the United Malay National Organisation (UMNO), which leads the ruling coalition, was among the leaders from the government side that said they had been targeted too. "My phone seems to be under some sort of spam attack this morning," said Khairy, displaying on his Twitter account a screenshot of a list of calls received. "Strange." Abdul Rahman Dahlan, a ruling coalition leader, posted a video showing a phone receiving endless calls. "Calls from overseas keep coming in every few seconds! To prevent us from communicating with our machinery. This is dirty trick!" he said in a Twitter post. Reuters reported in April that automated accounts known as bots were flooding Twitter with tens of thousands of pro-government and anti-opposition messages, just weeks before the general election. A survey by independent pollster Merdeka Center showed BN has seen a drop in its share of the popular vote, but was still expected to win enough parliamentary seats to retain power.

Malaysian politicians claim tech sabotage as polling begins

&nbspPrime Minister Narendra Modi will on Monday interact with the Karnataka's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Yuva Morcha Karyakartas (workers) via the Narendra Modi (NaMo) App.

Prime Minister Modi took to Twitter and said, "On Monday, 7th May, at 9 AM I look forward to an interaction with @BJP4Karnataka Yuva Morcha Karyakartas via the NaMo App. Our young and energetic Karyakartas are doing commendable work at the grassroots level and popularising the good work of the Central Government among people."

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On Monday, 7th May, at 9 AM I look forward to an interaction with <a href="https://twitter.com/BJP4Karnataka?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BJP4Karnataka</a> Yuva Morcha Karyakartas via the NaMo App. Our young and energetic Karyakartas are doing commendable work at the grassroots level and popularising the good work of the Central Government among people.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/992793991144984577?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 5, 2018</a></blockquote>
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On Sunday,&nbspFiring a barrage of barbs at the Congress, Prime Minister Narendra Modi&nbsplabelled it as a "deal party" that was being uprooted from all over the country and said no one can save it now.

Taking BJP's campaign in poll-bound Karnataka to full throttle, he also accused Congress of "distorting history" as part of a conspiracy to divide society, as he addressed four back-to-back rallies at Chitradurga, Raichur, Jamkhandi and Hubbali in north Karnataka.

Hitting back at Congress for levelling "baseless" charges against BJP's chief ministerial candidate B S Yeddyurappa,Modi reminded it about the National Herald case in which "the mother and son (Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi) are facing allegations of a scam" and are on bail.

Earlier on May 1, Prime Minister Modi had interacted with Kisan Morcha Karyakartas of BJP's state unit, via the NaMo App, and boosted their morale.

On a related note, Prime Minister Modi kick started a series of election rallies in the poll-bound state on May 1 and held three rallies on the first day alone.

Karnataka will go to polls on May 12 to elect its representatives for the 225-member assembly. The results will be out on May 15.

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

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

PM Modi to address Karnataka BJP workers through NaMo app today

Former prime minister Manmohan Singh today launched a scathing attack on the Modi government for its "disastrous policies" and "economic mismanagement", and said the country was facing crises that were avoidable.

Singh attacked the government over a series of banking sector frauds, saying the money swindled almost quadrupled from Rs 28,416 crore in September 2013 to Rs 1.11 lakh crore in September 2017.

"Perpetrators of these frauds meanwhile escape with impunity. The economic mismanagement of the Modi government, and I say this with great care and responsibility, is slowly eroding the trust of the general public in the banking sector," he said.

"Our nation today is experiencing difficult times. Our farmers are facing an acute crisis, our aspirational youth are not finding opportunities, and the economy is growing below its potential," Singh told reporters here.

He said the "unfortunate truth" was that each of these crises was "entirely avoidable".

"It pains me to see how rather than standing up to all these challenges, the governments response has been to stifle dissent when deficiencies are pointed out," he said.

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Noting that economic policy has a significant impact on the lives of people, he said it was essential that those tasked with decision making pay careful attention to policies and programmes and not act on mere whims and fancies.

"India is a complex and diverse country and no one person can be the repository of all wisdom," he said in an apparent dig at Modi.

He said every time an answer was sought for any of the "disastrous policies" of the BJP government, "all we hear is that the intentions are virtuous".

Singh said the intentions of the Modi government which it claimed were good, had resulted in "massive" losses for the country.

"Its lack of reasoning and analysis is costing India and our collective future."

The former prime minister said under the UPA governments the growth rate averaged 7 per cent. It was 8 per cent at one point of time despite turbulent global conditions, he said.

The NDA government, he said, clocked inferior growth rate despite a favourable international climate and low oil prices. In fact, growth rate under the NDA is lower in spite of the change in the methodology to determine it "which paints a rosier picture than reality", Singh said. 
According to Singh, two "major avoidable blunders" of the Modi government had been demonetisation and hasty implementation of GST.

He said the losses the economy suffered due to these blunders had severely hurt the micro, small and medium enterprises and resulted in the loss of tens of thousands of jobs. 
Besides, exports as a share of the GDP plunged to a 14 year low at a time when the global economy was reviving and exports of other Asian nations like Vietnam were growing substantially, he said.

Singh said petrol and diesel prices were at a "historic high" despite a fall in international crude oil prices because the Modi government had chosen to levy "excessive" excise duty.

"Instead of passing on the benefits of low prices to the people, the Modi government has punished the people," he said.&nbsp;

'Our farmers are facing an acute crisis, our aspirational youth are not finding opportunities, and the economy is growing below its potential,' Singh said

Former prime minister Manmohan Singh today launched a scathing attack on the Modi government for its "disastrous policies" and "economic mismanagement", and said the country was facing crises that were avoidable. Singh attacked the government over a series of banking sector frauds, saying the money swindled almost quadrupled from Rs 28,416 crore in September 2013 to Rs 1.11 lakh crore in September 2017. "Perpetrators of these frauds meanwhile escape with impunity. The economic mismanagement of the Modi government, and I say this with great care and responsibility, is slowly eroding the trust of the general public in the banking sector," he said. "Our nation today is experiencing difficult times. Our farmers are facing an acute crisis, our aspirational youth are not finding opportunities, and the economy is growing below its potential," Singh told reporters here. He said the "unfortunate truth" was that each of these crises was "entirely avoidable". "It pains me to see how rather than standing up to all these challenges, the governments response has been to stifle dissent when deficiencies are pointed out," he said. It pains me to see how rather than standing up to all these challenges, the governments response has been to stifle dissent when deficiencies are pointed out' × Noting that economic policy has a significant impact on the lives of people, he said it was essential that those tasked with decision making pay careful attention to policies and programmes and not act on mere whims and fancies. "India is a complex and diverse country and no one person can be the repository of all wisdom," he said in an apparent dig at Modi. He said every time an answer was sought for any of the "disastrous policies" of the BJP government, "all we hear is that the intentions are virtuous". Singh said the intentions of the Modi government which it claimed were good, had resulted in "massive" losses for the country. "Its lack of reasoning and analysis is costing India and our collective future." The former prime minister said under the UPA governments the growth rate averaged 7 per cent. It was 8 per cent at one point of time despite turbulent global conditions, he said. The NDA government, he said, clocked inferior growth rate despite a favourable international climate and low oil prices. In fact, growth rate under the NDA is lower in spite of the change in the methodology to determine it "which paints a rosier picture than reality", Singh said. According to Singh, two "major avoidable blunders" of the Modi government had been demonetisation and hasty implementation of GST. He said the losses the economy suffered due to these blunders had severely hurt the micro, small and medium enterprises and resulted in the loss of tens of thousands of jobs. Besides, exports as a share of the GDP plunged to a 14 year low at a time when the global economy was reviving and exports of other Asian nations like Vietnam were growing substantially, he said. Singh said petrol and diesel prices were at a "historic high" despite a fall in international crude oil prices because the Modi government had chosen to levy "excessive" excise duty. "Instead of passing on the benefits of low prices to the people, the Modi government has punished the people," he said.

Our nation today is experiencing difficult times: Manmohan Singh

Ahead of the general elections in Pakistan, former president Asif Ali Zardari said that the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) may forge an alliance with Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).

The PPP and PTI earlier joined hands in the Senate elections.

"Necessity is the mother of all inventions. There was a necessity in the Senate and if there is a necessity we will do it [form an alliance] and if not we are willing to sit in the opposition or form the government," Zardari said while addressing a gathering in Lahore, Geo TV reported.

Zardari who is the PPP co-chairman was addressing a gathering in Lahore on Friday, stating that his party had no qualms being a part of the opposition as well, adding that his party had been in rule earlier.

"They (PTI) haven't seen the Prime Minister House.They are in a hurry to get power," the PPP co-chairman added.

He also slammed former prime minister Nawaz Sharif for weakening the country's democracy, " Nawaz turned into Prince Saleem and became our undoing."

The general elections in Pakistan are due to be held in the last week of July or first week of August.

Asif Zardari said that Nawaz Sharif has weakened democracy and it is vulnerable in these times.&nbsp;On Thursday, Nawaz Sharif had also claimed that he is not contesting against the PPP or PTI but ‘outside beings’.

The PPP and PTI earlier joined hands in the Senate elections

Ahead of the general elections in Pakistan, former president Asif Ali Zardari said that the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) may forge an alliance with Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). The PPP and PTI earlier joined hands in the Senate elections. "Necessity is the mother of all inventions. There was a necessity in the Senate and if there is a necessity we will do it [form an alliance] and if not we are willing to sit in the opposition or form the government," Zardari said while addressing a gathering in Lahore, Geo TV reported. Zardari who is the PPP co-chairman was addressing a gathering in Lahore on Friday, stating that his party had no qualms being a part of the opposition as well, adding that his party had been in rule earlier. "They (PTI) haven't seen the Prime Minister House.They are in a hurry to get power," the PPP co-chairman added. He also slammed former prime minister Nawaz Sharif for weakening the country's democracy, " Nawaz turned into Prince Saleem and became our undoing." The general elections in Pakistan are due to be held in the last week of July or first week of August. Asif Zardari said that Nawaz Sharif has weakened democracy and it is vulnerable in these times. On Thursday, Nawaz Sharif had also claimed that he is not contesting against the PPP or PTI but ‘outside beings’.

Former president Asif Ali Zardari may ally with Imran Khan's PTI for Pakistan elections

The Election Commission-appointed surveillance teams have seized cash, jewellery and other inducements worth over Rs 120 crore in the poll-bound Karnataka, a senior official said today.

Cash amounting to over Rs 67.27 crore, over five lakh litres of liquor worth Rs 23.36 crore, gold valued at 43.17 crore and other items such as pressure cookers, sarees, sewing machines, gutkha, laptops and vehicles, among others, worth about Rs 18.57 crore, have been seized, he said.

The official said Rs 32.54 crore in cash, out of the total seizures of Rs 152.78 crore, has been released after verification.

The figure also includes seized narcotics worth more than Rs 39.80 lakh, according to official data since the declaration of the elections for the Karnataka Assembly.

The seizures have been made by various surveillance, police and Income Tax department teams that have been deployed in the state by the poll panel to check the use of black money and illegal inducements, the official said.

The state will go to polls on May 12. The counting of votes is scheduled for May 15.&nbsp;

The authorities also seized pressure cookers, sarees, sewing machines, gutkha, laptops and vehicles

The Election Commission-appointed surveillance teams have seized cash, jewellery and other inducements worth over Rs 120 crore in the poll-bound Karnataka, a senior official said today. Cash amounting to over Rs 67.27 crore, over five lakh litres of liquor worth Rs 23.36 crore, gold valued at 43.17 crore and other items such as pressure cookers, sarees, sewing machines, gutkha, laptops and vehicles, among others, worth about Rs 18.57 crore, have been seized, he said. The official said Rs 32.54 crore in cash, out of the total seizures of Rs 152.78 crore, has been released after verification. The figure also includes seized narcotics worth more than Rs 39.80 lakh, according to official data since the declaration of the elections for the Karnataka Assembly. The seizures have been made by various surveillance, police and Income Tax department teams that have been deployed in the state by the poll panel to check the use of black money and illegal inducements, the official said. The state will go to polls on May 12. The counting of votes is scheduled for May 15.

Ahead of Karnataka polls, authorities seize cash, articles worth Rs 120 crore

Prime Minister Theresa May's Conservative Party avoided a wipeout in London local elections and eked out gains in Brexit-supporting regions elsewhere, early results on Friday showed, although her Labour opponents did gain ground in the capital.

Below is a list of some facts about the elections and five council results that set the tone for the overall outcome.

- Councils are the local government authorities with responsibility for providing public services that affect residents' day-to-day lives. They are made up of varying numbers of seats, and run by any party that has an overall majority of those seats.

- More than 4,000 council seats will be contested, determining the make-up of 150 councils. More than 40 percent of the seats are in London.

- All 32 London boroughs are electing their whole councils. Some councils outside London are only electing one third of their councillors this time around.

- Unlike national elections that decide seats in parliament, or the 2016 EU referendum, Thursday's elections are open to EU nationals registered and resident in electing boroughs.

Results

Peterborough --&nbspConservative gain

The Conservatives won the single extra seat they needed to take overall control of this council which represents an eastern area that voted 61 percent to leave the EU. The anti-EU UK Independence Party lost its only seat on the council as part of a broader collapse in the party's vote.

Trafford -- Conservative gain

A council in the northern city of Manchester which had been the Conservatives' highly prized foothold in a region dominated by the opposition Labour Party. The Conservatives lost five seats, while Labour gained four, leaving the council without a single party in overall control.

Wandsworth --&nbspConservative hold

A hotly contested Conservative borough in southwest London with a tradition of low taxes dating back to former prime minister Margaret Thatcher. Labour gained seats on the council, but the Conservatives held enough to keep control.

Westminster --&nbspConservative hold

The Conservatives lost three seats on this symbolic council at the heart of London's political district but retained overall control by a wide margin. It has been run by the Conservatives since its creation in 1964.

Yet to be declared

Barnet -- A London borough which Labour has never won since its creation in 1974, Barnet is a big target this time around. The result here will illustrate the extent to which a row between Labour and the Jewish community over the handling of anti-Semitism in the party has affected the public mood. Barnet has the highest proportion of Jewish residents in England at 15.5 percent, according to the latest census data.

All 32 London boroughs are electing their whole councils

Prime Minister Theresa May's Conservative Party avoided a wipeout in London local elections and eked out gains in Brexit-supporting regions elsewhere, early results on Friday showed, although her Labour opponents did gain ground in the capital. Below is a list of some facts about the elections and five council results that set the tone for the overall outcome. - Councils are the local government authorities with responsibility for providing public services that affect residents' day-to-day lives. They are made up of varying numbers of seats, and run by any party that has an overall majority of those seats. - More than 4,000 council seats will be contested, determining the make-up of 150 councils. More than 40 percent of the seats are in London. - All 32 London boroughs are electing their whole councils. Some councils outside London are only electing one third of their councillors this time around. - Unlike national elections that decide seats in parliament, or the 2016 EU referendum, Thursday's elections are open to EU nationals registered and resident in electing boroughs. Results Peterborough --&nbspConservative gain The Conservatives won the single extra seat they needed to take overall control of this council which represents an eastern area that voted 61 percent to leave the EU. The anti-EU UK Independence Party lost its only seat on the council as part of a broader collapse in the party's vote. Trafford -- Conservative gain A council in the northern city of Manchester which had been the Conservatives' highly prized foothold in a region dominated by the opposition Labour Party. The Conservatives lost five seats, while Labour gained four, leaving the council without a single party in overall control. Wandsworth --&nbspConservative hold A hotly contested Conservative borough in southwest London with a tradition of low taxes dating back to former prime minister Margaret Thatcher. Labour gained seats on the council, but the Conservatives held enough to keep control. Westminster --&nbspConservative hold The Conservatives lost three seats on this symbolic council at the heart of London's political district but retained overall control by a wide margin. It has been run by the Conservatives since its creation in 1964. Yet to be declared Barnet -- A London borough which Labour has never won since its creation in 1974, Barnet is a big target this time around. The result here will illustrate the extent to which a row between Labour and the Jewish community over the handling of anti-Semitism in the party has affected the public mood. Barnet has the highest proportion of Jewish residents in England at 15.5 percent, according to the latest census data.

UK local government elections: Key results and ones to watch

Villagers in Afghanistan say the Taliban have been telling them not to vote in elections planned later this year, threatening to burn down the house of anyone who does, in a bid to derail a vote seen as a major test of government credibility.

Parliament and district council elections scheduled for October represent an enormous challenge for a government which is under heavy pressure from its international backers to ensure a fair and credible vote.

But the Taliban, who launched their annual spring offensive this week, have already made it clear that they will not allow the process, seen as a dry run for next year's presidential election, to go ahead unhindered.

"They gathered us in the mosque and warned us that if we went to the registration centres and voted, they would burn down the village," said Kamal Uddin, a resident of Rahmat Abad village in the northern province of Balkh, after a visit to his area by Taliban fighters last week.

The complex process of registering voters at more than 7,000 centres around Afghanistan began this month in 34 provincial capitals, with district centres and villages due to begin next month.

With no room for hitches if some 14 million voters are to be registered by October, officials acknowledge that the process began slowly, with some 568,000 people signed up by Thursday, although they are hopeful it will gather pace.

There was a bloody reminder of the threats facing the process when a suicide attack claimed by the Islamic State group killed 60 people at a voter centre in Kabul this week. However, it is in the provinces that the difficulties may be greatest.

According to U.S. estimates, the government has firm control over no more than around 56 percent of the country and vulnerability will increase as the process continues into district centres and rural areas.

A small punishment

Balkh, one of Afghanistan's more stable provinces with valuable trade crossings into Central Asia, is a long way from the Taliban heartlands in the south and is considered far more secure than neighbouring Kunduz province, where the Taliban dominate many areas. But even here, the militants appear determined to lay down a marker.

Shams, a resident of Dowlat Abad district in the north of the province, said the most recent visit by Taliban tax collectors levying ushr (land tax) and zakat (an Islamic tax) included an explicit warning to stay away from the elections.

"They came with a great show of force because the elections are coming up and they wanted the people to see," he said.

Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid denied the movement was issuing warnings about burning houses but said they were telling people to stay away from the election. However, other Taliban officials were more open.

"Burning a house is a small punishment if they are caught in supporting this U.S. operation to prolong their stay in Afghanistan," said one Taliban commander, who asked not to be identified.

Afghan security forces have launched operations to drive the Taliban back and promise people will be able to vote in safety.

"We will not allow anyone to stop elections taking place in this province," said Balkh's provincial governor, Mohammad Isaaq Rahgozar. "If the Taliban has issued warnings, that's one of their techniques to intimidate people, but we are trying to make sure that nobody suffers any harm through this."

However, many Afghans in the area, who over the years have seen repeated military clearance operations followed by the return of the Taliban, are sceptical.

"The Taliban have had a presence in this area for a very long time," said Fazel Ahmad, a resident of Chemtal district in Balkh. "The government and the security forces don't have the capacity to provide security. If we vote, we'll be killed."

Afghan security forces have launched operations to drive the Taliban back and promise people will be able to vote in safety

Villagers in Afghanistan say the Taliban have been telling them not to vote in elections planned later this year, threatening to burn down the house of anyone who does, in a bid to derail a vote seen as a major test of government credibility. Parliament and district council elections scheduled for October represent an enormous challenge for a government which is under heavy pressure from its international backers to ensure a fair and credible vote. But the Taliban, who launched their annual spring offensive this week, have already made it clear that they will not allow the process, seen as a dry run for next year's presidential election, to go ahead unhindered. "They gathered us in the mosque and warned us that if we went to the registration centres and voted, they would burn down the village," said Kamal Uddin, a resident of Rahmat Abad village in the northern province of Balkh, after a visit to his area by Taliban fighters last week. The complex process of registering voters at more than 7,000 centres around Afghanistan began this month in 34 provincial capitals, with district centres and villages due to begin next month. With no room for hitches if some 14 million voters are to be registered by October, officials acknowledge that the process began slowly, with some 568,000 people signed up by Thursday, although they are hopeful it will gather pace. There was a bloody reminder of the threats facing the process when a suicide attack claimed by the Islamic State group killed 60 people at a voter centre in Kabul this week. However, it is in the provinces that the difficulties may be greatest. According to U.S. estimates, the government has firm control over no more than around 56 percent of the country and vulnerability will increase as the process continues into district centres and rural areas. A small punishment Balkh, one of Afghanistan's more stable provinces with valuable trade crossings into Central Asia, is a long way from the Taliban heartlands in the south and is considered far more secure than neighbouring Kunduz province, where the Taliban dominate many areas. But even here, the militants appear determined to lay down a marker. Shams, a resident of Dowlat Abad district in the north of the province, said the most recent visit by Taliban tax collectors levying ushr (land tax) and zakat (an Islamic tax) included an explicit warning to stay away from the elections. "They came with a great show of force because the elections are coming up and they wanted the people to see," he said. Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid denied the movement was issuing warnings about burning houses but said they were telling people to stay away from the election. However, other Taliban officials were more open. "Burning a house is a small punishment if they are caught in supporting this U.S. operation to prolong their stay in Afghanistan," said one Taliban commander, who asked not to be identified. Afghan security forces have launched operations to drive the Taliban back and promise people will be able to vote in safety. "We will not allow anyone to stop elections taking place in this province," said Balkh's provincial governor, Mohammad Isaaq Rahgozar. "If the Taliban has issued warnings, that's one of their techniques to intimidate people, but we are trying to make sure that nobody suffers any harm through this." However, many Afghans in the area, who over the years have seen repeated military clearance operations followed by the return of the Taliban, are sceptical. "The Taliban have had a presence in this area for a very long time," said Fazel Ahmad, a resident of Chemtal district in Balkh. "The government and the security forces don't have the capacity to provide security. If we vote, we'll be killed."

'If we vote, we'll be killed': Afghan villages face election threat

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

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

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

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

Social networking giant Facebook is introducing a third-party fact-checking programme in India to combat the spread of "false news" on its platform, starting with a pilot in Karnataka, which goes to polls next month.

Facebook said it has partnered with BOOM, an independent digital journalism initiative certified through the International Fact-Checking Network, for a pilot in Karnataka.

Assembly elections in Karnataka will be held on May 12.

In a blogpost today, the US social networking giant said the programme in India aims "to fight the spread of false news on our platform".

BOOM will review English language news stories flagged on Facebook, check facts, and rate their accuracy, it said.

Facebook is running similar initiatives in France, Italy, the Netherlands, Germany, Mexico, Indonesia, the Philippines and the US.

Over the last few weeks, Facebook has drawn intense criticism from users and governments globally over a number of issues, ranging from false news on the platform to information of over 80 million users being mined by data analytics and political consulting firm, Cambridge Analytica.

The Indian government had also questioned both the companies on the impact of the data breach. Facebook had admitted that nearly 5.62 lakh people in India were "potentially affected" by the incident. 
Testifying before the US Congress, Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg had said his organisation was committed to ensure integrity of elections across the world, including India.

In its blogpost, the company said it believes that "once a story is rated as false, we have been able to reduce its distribution by 80 per cent, and thereby, improve accuracy of information on Facebook and reduce misinformation".

Facebook has already stated that it will use reports from community along with other signals to send stories to fact-checking organisations.

"We are beginning small and know it is important to learn from this test and listen to our community as we continue to update ways for people to understand what might be false news in their News Feed," it said.

Detailing out the process, Facebook said after a story is rated as false by the fact-checker, it will figure lower in News Feed, "significantly reducing its distribution".

"This in turn stops the hoax from spreading and reduces the number of people who see it. Pages and domains that repeatedly share false news will also see their distribution reduced and their ability to monetise and advertise removed," it said.

This, Facebook said, will help curb the spread of "financially motivated false news".

"We also want to empower people to decide for themselves what to read, trust, and share by providing the community with more information and control... If third-party fact-checkers write articles debunking a false news story, we'll show it in Related Articles immediately below the story in News Feed," Facebook said.

Facebook will also send people and Page administrators notifications if they try to share a story or have shared one in the past that has been determined to be false.

"While third party fact checking is part of our ongoing efforts to combat spread of false news, we are working hard to improve the accuracy of information on Facebook in various ways," it added.&nbsp

Karnataka goes to the polls on May 12. The fact-checking services will be provided by a third party

Social networking giant Facebook is introducing a third-party fact-checking programme in India to combat the spread of "false news" on its platform, starting with a pilot in Karnataka, which goes to polls next month. Facebook said it has partnered with BOOM, an independent digital journalism initiative certified through the International Fact-Checking Network, for a pilot in Karnataka. Assembly elections in Karnataka will be held on May 12. In a blogpost today, the US social networking giant said the programme in India aims "to fight the spread of false news on our platform". BOOM will review English language news stories flagged on Facebook, check facts, and rate their accuracy, it said. Facebook is running similar initiatives in France, Italy, the Netherlands, Germany, Mexico, Indonesia, the Philippines and the US. Over the last few weeks, Facebook has drawn intense criticism from users and governments globally over a number of issues, ranging from false news on the platform to information of over 80 million users being mined by data analytics and political consulting firm, Cambridge Analytica. The Indian government had also questioned both the companies on the impact of the data breach. Facebook had admitted that nearly 5.62 lakh people in India were "potentially affected" by the incident. Testifying before the US Congress, Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg had said his organisation was committed to ensure integrity of elections across the world, including India. In its blogpost, the company said it believes that "once a story is rated as false, we have been able to reduce its distribution by 80 per cent, and thereby, improve accuracy of information on Facebook and reduce misinformation". Facebook has already stated that it will use reports from community along with other signals to send stories to fact-checking organisations. "We are beginning small and know it is important to learn from this test and listen to our community as we continue to update ways for people to understand what might be false news in their News Feed," it said. Detailing out the process, Facebook said after a story is rated as false by the fact-checker, it will figure lower in News Feed, "significantly reducing its distribution". "This in turn stops the hoax from spreading and reduces the number of people who see it. Pages and domains that repeatedly share false news will also see their distribution reduced and their ability to monetise and advertise removed," it said. This, Facebook said, will help curb the spread of "financially motivated false news". "We also want to empower people to decide for themselves what to read, trust, and share by providing the community with more information and control... If third-party fact-checkers write articles debunking a false news story, we'll show it in Related Articles immediately below the story in News Feed," Facebook said. Facebook will also send people and Page administrators notifications if they try to share a story or have shared one in the past that has been determined to be false. "While third party fact checking is part of our ongoing efforts to combat spread of false news, we are working hard to improve the accuracy of information on Facebook in various ways," it added.

Facebook introduces fact-checking programme to fight fake news; starts pilot in Karnataka

Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg during his congressional hearing today said he wants to ensure protection of integrity of elections, mentioning that he knows the importance of the upcoming polls in countries, including India, Hungary and Brazil.

Zuckerberg faced a joint hearing of the Senate Judiciary and Commerce committees.

He noted that there are several important elections in 2018 in countries like India, Hungary and Brazil and his company wants to ensure protection of integrity in these elections.

Zuckerberg, 33, testified before the senators and a House panel amid a firestorm over the alleged hijacking of data of millions of Facebook users by British firm Cambridge Analytica.

Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg has disclosed his company is "working with" special counsel Robert Mueller in the federal probe of Russian interference in the 2016 presidential campaign and working hard to change its own operations after the harvesting of users' private information by a Trump campaign-affiliated data-mining company.

The founder of the social media giant publicly apologized for his company's errors in failing to better protect the personal information of its millions of users, a controversy that has brought a flood of bad publicity and sent the company's stock value plunging. He seemed to achieve a measure of success: Facebook shares surged 4.5 per cent for the day, the biggest gain in two years.

Zuckerberg told the Senate Judiciary and Commerce committees that he has not been personally interviewed by Mueller's team, but "I know we're working with them." He offered no details, citing a concern about confidentiality rules of the investigation.

Earlier this year Mueller charged 13 Russian individuals and three Russian companies in a plot to interfere in the 2016 presidential election through a social media propaganda effort that included online ad purchases using US aliases and politicking on U.S. soil. A number of the Russian ads were on Facebook.

During yesterday's at-times-contentious hearing, Zuckerberg said it had been "clearly a mistake" to believe the data-mining company Cambridge Analytica had deleted user data that it had harvested in an attempt to sway elections. He said Facebook had considered the data collection "a closed case" because it thought the information had been discarded.

Facebook also didn't alert the Federal Trade Commission, Zuckerberg said, and he assured senators the company would handle the situation differently today.

He began a two-day congressional inquisition with a public apology for the way Facebook handled the data-mining of its users' data. He took responsibility for failing to prevent Cambridge Analytica, which was affiliated with Donald Trump's presidential campaign, from gathering personal information from 87 million users.

Separately, the company began alerting some of its users that their data was gathered by Cambridge Analytica. A notification that appeared on Facebook for some users Tuesday told them that "one of your friends" used Facebook to log into a now-banned personality quiz app called "This Is Your Digital Life." The notice says the app misused the information, including public profiles, page likes, birthdays and current cities, by sharing it with Cambridge Analytica.

Zuckerberg had apologized many times already, to users and the public, but this was the first time before Congress. He also is to testify Wednesday before the House Energy and Commerce Committee.

Sen. John Thune, R-S.D., the Commerce Committee chairman, told Zuckerberg his company had a 14-year history of apologizing for "ill-advised decisions" related to user privacy. "How is today's apology different?" Thune asked.

"We have made a lot of mistakes in running the company," Zuckerberg responded. "I think it's pretty much impossible, I believe, to start a company in your dorm room and then grow it to be at the scale that we're at now without making some mistakes." Zuckerberg said Facebook is going through "a broader philosophical shift in how we approach our responsibility as a company." He said the company needs to take a "more proactive role" that includes ensuring the tools it creates are used in "good and healthy" ways.

Sen. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, said Zuckerberg's appearance marked the most intense hearing for a tech company since entrepreneur and businessman Bill Gates testified before Congress in March 1998.

Many of the senators' questions seemed to focus on Facebook's basic functions, such as its privacy settings and what it does and doesn't do with user data. Because each of the 44 senators had just 5 minutes to ask questions, there was little time for tough follow-ups. On some subjects, that allowed Zuckerberg to tell the lawmakers that his people would get back to them with more information.

In the hearings, Zuckerberg is trying to both restore public trust in his company and stave off federal regulations that some lawmakers have floated. In his opening statement, he also apologized for his company's involvement in facilitating fake news and Russian interference in the elections.

Zuckerberg said at a congressional hearing that he knows the importance of upcoming polls in India, Hungary and Brazil

Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg during his congressional hearing today said he wants to ensure protection of integrity of elections, mentioning that he knows the importance of the upcoming polls in countries, including India, Hungary and Brazil. Zuckerberg faced a joint hearing of the Senate Judiciary and Commerce committees. He noted that there are several important elections in 2018 in countries like India, Hungary and Brazil and his company wants to ensure protection of integrity in these elections. Zuckerberg, 33, testified before the senators and a House panel amid a firestorm over the alleged hijacking of data of millions of Facebook users by British firm Cambridge Analytica. Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg has disclosed his company is "working with" special counsel Robert Mueller in the federal probe of Russian interference in the 2016 presidential campaign and working hard to change its own operations after the harvesting of users' private information by a Trump campaign-affiliated data-mining company. The founder of the social media giant publicly apologized for his company's errors in failing to better protect the personal information of its millions of users, a controversy that has brought a flood of bad publicity and sent the company's stock value plunging. He seemed to achieve a measure of success: Facebook shares surged 4.5 per cent for the day, the biggest gain in two years. Zuckerberg told the Senate Judiciary and Commerce committees that he has not been personally interviewed by Mueller's team, but "I know we're working with them." He offered no details, citing a concern about confidentiality rules of the investigation. Earlier this year Mueller charged 13 Russian individuals and three Russian companies in a plot to interfere in the 2016 presidential election through a social media propaganda effort that included online ad purchases using US aliases and politicking on U.S. soil. A number of the Russian ads were on Facebook. During yesterday's at-times-contentious hearing, Zuckerberg said it had been "clearly a mistake" to believe the data-mining company Cambridge Analytica had deleted user data that it had harvested in an attempt to sway elections. He said Facebook had considered the data collection "a closed case" because it thought the information had been discarded. Facebook also didn't alert the Federal Trade Commission, Zuckerberg said, and he assured senators the company would handle the situation differently today. He began a two-day congressional inquisition with a public apology for the way Facebook handled the data-mining of its users' data. He took responsibility for failing to prevent Cambridge Analytica, which was affiliated with Donald Trump's presidential campaign, from gathering personal information from 87 million users. Separately, the company began alerting some of its users that their data was gathered by Cambridge Analytica. A notification that appeared on Facebook for some users Tuesday told them that "one of your friends" used Facebook to log into a now-banned personality quiz app called "This Is Your Digital Life." The notice says the app misused the information, including public profiles, page likes, birthdays and current cities, by sharing it with Cambridge Analytica. Zuckerberg had apologized many times already, to users and the public, but this was the first time before Congress. He also is to testify Wednesday before the House Energy and Commerce Committee. Sen. John Thune, R-S.D., the Commerce Committee chairman, told Zuckerberg his company had a 14-year history of apologizing for "ill-advised decisions" related to user privacy. "How is today's apology different?" Thune asked. "We have made a lot of mistakes in running the company," Zuckerberg responded. "I think it's pretty much impossible, I believe, to start a company in your dorm room and then grow it to be at the scale that we're at now without making some mistakes." Zuckerberg said Facebook is going through "a broader philosophical shift in how we approach our responsibility as a company." He said the company needs to take a "more proactive role" that includes ensuring the tools it creates are used in "good and healthy" ways. Sen. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, said Zuckerberg's appearance marked the most intense hearing for a tech company since entrepreneur and businessman Bill Gates testified before Congress in March 1998. Many of the senators' questions seemed to focus on Facebook's basic functions, such as its privacy settings and what it does and doesn't do with user data. Because each of the 44 senators had just 5 minutes to ask questions, there was little time for tough follow-ups. On some subjects, that allowed Zuckerberg to tell the lawmakers that his people would get back to them with more information. In the hearings, Zuckerberg is trying to both restore public trust in his company and stave off federal regulations that some lawmakers have floated. In his opening statement, he also apologized for his company's involvement in facilitating fake news and Russian interference in the elections.

Want to ensure integrity of elections in India: Facebook's Zuckerberg

As Bangladesh gears up for the general elections to be held in December this year experts are fearing that hardline forces in the country have started gaining ground in a bid to remove the current moderate Government in Dhaka.

The Khalida Zia-led Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), in alliance with Jamaat-e-Islami and other Islamic fundamentalist groups, are making attempts to vote out the Sheikh Hasina-led Awami League.

Experts believe that the Jamaat-e-Islami has committed war crimes during the 1971 Liberation War and killed three million people in the name of Islam.

Around 500,000 women were reportedly violated by the Pakistan Army and their collaborators Shahriar Kabir, a Dhaka-based journalist and human rights activist, said, "The rise of Islamic militancy, terrorism in the name of Islam that is being perpetrated by the Jamaat-e-Islami and the Hifazat-e-Islam, and backed by the BNP, one of the largest political parties of Bangladesh.&nbsp;

Because of the BNP, the Jamaat-e-Islami and the Hifazat-e-Islam, as well as other fundamentalist and extremist groups, have become so violent and we have seen their violence starting from February 2013.

Experts sitting offshore are also concerned over the growing alliance of the BNP and Islamic fundamentalists as they believe the perpetrators of 1971 are still stronger than pro-liberation forces.

Rohan Gunaratna, an international terrorism expert based in Singapore said, "The Jamaat-e-Islami ideology has formed the seabed, the foundation for the emergence of extremist and terrorist groups in Bangladesh.&nbsp;

If not for the Jamaat-e-Islami, so many people would not have been radicalised and we have seen the emergence of JMB (Jamaatul Mujahideen Bangladesh), HuJI-B, the Harkat-ul-Jihad-al Islami Bangladesh and a number of other groups.

"The rise of Islamic forces in Bangladesh not only affects the common people in the country but also raises concerns for the fragile neighbourhood BNP-Jamaat-led coalition governments in the past had provided shelter, funds and training to secessionist insurgent groups of northeastern India.

A BNP return to power would mean New Delhi facing a difficult government in Dhaka which in the past has permitted terror groups to operate freely from its soil&nbsp;

Bangladesh's general elections to be held in December this year

As Bangladesh gears up for the general elections to be held in December this year experts are fearing that hardline forces in the country have started gaining ground in a bid to remove the current moderate Government in Dhaka. The Khalida Zia-led Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), in alliance with Jamaat-e-Islami and other Islamic fundamentalist groups, are making attempts to vote out the Sheikh Hasina-led Awami League. Experts believe that the Jamaat-e-Islami has committed war crimes during the 1971 Liberation War and killed three million people in the name of Islam. Around 500,000 women were reportedly violated by the Pakistan Army and their collaborators Shahriar Kabir, a Dhaka-based journalist and human rights activist, said, "The rise of Islamic militancy, terrorism in the name of Islam that is being perpetrated by the Jamaat-e-Islami and the Hifazat-e-Islam, and backed by the BNP, one of the largest political parties of Bangladesh. Because of the BNP, the Jamaat-e-Islami and the Hifazat-e-Islam, as well as other fundamentalist and extremist groups, have become so violent and we have seen their violence starting from February 2013. Experts sitting offshore are also concerned over the growing alliance of the BNP and Islamic fundamentalists as they believe the perpetrators of 1971 are still stronger than pro-liberation forces. Rohan Gunaratna, an international terrorism expert based in Singapore said, "The Jamaat-e-Islami ideology has formed the seabed, the foundation for the emergence of extremist and terrorist groups in Bangladesh. If not for the Jamaat-e-Islami, so many people would not have been radicalised and we have seen the emergence of JMB (Jamaatul Mujahideen Bangladesh), HuJI-B, the Harkat-ul-Jihad-al Islami Bangladesh and a number of other groups. "The rise of Islamic forces in Bangladesh not only affects the common people in the country but also raises concerns for the fragile neighbourhood BNP-Jamaat-led coalition governments in the past had provided shelter, funds and training to secessionist insurgent groups of northeastern India. A BNP return to power would mean New Delhi facing a difficult government in Dhaka which in the past has permitted terror groups to operate freely from its soil

As Bangladesh gears up for elections experts fear rise in hardline groups

Afghanistan's legislative elections will be held on October 20, officials said Sunday, following three years of delays as the war-torn country grapples with a resurgent Taliban and political instability.

The polls were originally set to be held in 2015 following presidential elections the previous year but were repeatedly pushed back due to security fears and logistical issues within the fragile unity government.

If held, candidates will contest the 249 seats in the National Assembly for five-year terms. The country will also hold regional elections in tandem in some 400 districts across Afghanistan - several of which are outside of Kabul's control.

"Holding elections is not an easy job in Afghanistan," said Abdul Badi Sayad, Afghanistan's election commission chief, adding that voters will be able to apply for registration cards in mid-April before candidates formally declare.

The polls come just months ahead of the presidential elections scheduled for April 2019.

However, western diplomats continue to express doubt over the government's ability to oversee the project amid heightened security threats countrywide.&nbsp;

Following the announcement, the United Nations lauded the commission's move but called for the inclusion of all Afghans in the process.

"The participation of all Afghans in the electoral process, not merely the elections themselves, is critical," said Tadamichi Yamamoto, the UN secretary-general's special representative for Afghanistan.

Questions continue to linger over how polling will be held in contested areas and if Afghans lacking identity cards and those displaced by conflict will be eligible to vote.

Taliban and Islamic State militants have been ramping up attacks in Kabul in recent months, piling pressure on the Afghan government, which is frequently scolded for its inability to protect civilians.

The Taliban has been resurgent since the withdrawal of US-led NATO combat troops in late 2014, seizing chunks of territory and blistering Afghanistan`s beleaguered security forces.

Last month, Afghan President Ashraf Ghani extended an olive branch to the Taliban, suggesting that if they are prepared to negotiate they could be recognised as a political party with a legitimate role in Afghanistan's future.

The group replied with a muted response and has continued to launch attacks across the country.

In October, insurgents controlled or influenced nearly half of Afghanistan's districts - double the percentage in 2015, the US government's office of the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction said in January.

Over the same period, the watchdog said, the number of districts under Afghan government control or influence fell to its lowest level since December 2015.

Afghanistan's legislative elections will be held on October 20, officials said Sunday

Afghanistan's legislative elections will be held on October 20, officials said Sunday, following three years of delays as the war-torn country grapples with a resurgent Taliban and political instability. The polls were originally set to be held in 2015 following presidential elections the previous year but were repeatedly pushed back due to security fears and logistical issues within the fragile unity government. If held, candidates will contest the 249 seats in the National Assembly for five-year terms. The country will also hold regional elections in tandem in some 400 districts across Afghanistan - several of which are outside of Kabul's control. "Holding elections is not an easy job in Afghanistan," said Abdul Badi Sayad, Afghanistan's election commission chief, adding that voters will be able to apply for registration cards in mid-April before candidates formally declare. The polls come just months ahead of the presidential elections scheduled for April 2019. However, western diplomats continue to express doubt over the government's ability to oversee the project amid heightened security threats countrywide. Following the announcement, the United Nations lauded the commission's move but called for the inclusion of all Afghans in the process. "The participation of all Afghans in the electoral process, not merely the elections themselves, is critical," said Tadamichi Yamamoto, the UN secretary-general's special representative for Afghanistan. Questions continue to linger over how polling will be held in contested areas and if Afghans lacking identity cards and those displaced by conflict will be eligible to vote. Taliban and Islamic State militants have been ramping up attacks in Kabul in recent months, piling pressure on the Afghan government, which is frequently scolded for its inability to protect civilians. The Taliban has been resurgent since the withdrawal of US-led NATO combat troops in late 2014, seizing chunks of territory and blistering Afghanistan`s beleaguered security forces. Last month, Afghan President Ashraf Ghani extended an olive branch to the Taliban, suggesting that if they are prepared to negotiate they could be recognised as a political party with a legitimate role in Afghanistan's future. The group replied with a muted response and has continued to launch attacks across the country. In October, insurgents controlled or influenced nearly half of Afghanistan's districts - double the percentage in 2015, the US government's office of the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction said in January. Over the same period, the watchdog said, the number of districts under Afghan government control or influence fell to its lowest level since December 2015.

Afghanistan to hold legislative elections after years of delays

Following the seizure of lumpsum amounts of money, liquor, and gold, the Election Commission of India (ECI) announced that 1,156 flying squads and 1,255 static surveillance teams have been activated in poll-bound Karnataka.

In a detailed notice regarding the Model Code of Conduct violation and law and order enforcement in the state, Chief Electoral Officer Sanjiv Kumar stated that flying squads and teams constituted for enforcing the Model Code of Conduct have cumulatively removed 12,537 wall writings, 17,690 posters and 7.711 banners from public property, and have lodged four cases under the Karnataka Open Places (provisions of disfigurement) Act, 1981.

On the other hand, 6,866 wall inscriptions, 7,949 posters, and 2.543 banners were removed from private places, the notice stated.

Furthermore, one FIR has been lodged for misusing government vehicles, one for violation of loudspeaker, two for an illegal meeting without permission, five for inducement and gratification to electors in the last 24 hours, the ECI said.

The notice comes after the election-governing body seized two vehicles carrying unauthorised cash from Ilkal to Bagalkot without any proper documents here.

The EC also seized Rs 50 lakh from a car, and later in the day, seized Rs 4 lakh from another car.

In the last 24 hours, the flying squads have seized Rs 9.91,700 in cash, 18.90 litres of liquor, eight silk sarees, and 2.46 kg of gold worth Rs 49, 17,000, while the excise department has seized 1.2 litres of liquor and booked 60 heinous cases, 42 cases for breach of license conditions and 148 cases under Section 15 (a) of the Karnataka Excise Act, 1965, in the same time span.Meanwhile, 8,633 arms were deposited, one armed license was cancelled, 178 persons were bounded over and 253 non-bailable warrants were executed in the last 24 hours.

On a related note, the 224-member Karnataka Assembly will go to polls on May 12, and results will be out on May 15.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

The EC seized Rs 50 lakh from a car and later in the day, Rs 4 lakh from another car

Following the seizure of lumpsum amounts of money, liquor, and gold, the Election Commission of India (ECI) announced that 1,156 flying squads and 1,255 static surveillance teams have been activated in poll-bound Karnataka. In a detailed notice regarding the Model Code of Conduct violation and law and order enforcement in the state, Chief Electoral Officer Sanjiv Kumar stated that flying squads and teams constituted for enforcing the Model Code of Conduct have cumulatively removed 12,537 wall writings, 17,690 posters and 7.711 banners from public property, and have lodged four cases under the Karnataka Open Places (provisions of disfigurement) Act, 1981. On the other hand, 6,866 wall inscriptions, 7,949 posters, and 2.543 banners were removed from private places, the notice stated. Furthermore, one FIR has been lodged for misusing government vehicles, one for violation of loudspeaker, two for an illegal meeting without permission, five for inducement and gratification to electors in the last 24 hours, the ECI said. The notice comes after the election-governing body seized two vehicles carrying unauthorised cash from Ilkal to Bagalkot without any proper documents here. The EC also seized Rs 50 lakh from a car, and later in the day, seized Rs 4 lakh from another car. In the last 24 hours, the flying squads have seized Rs 9.91,700 in cash, 18.90 litres of liquor, eight silk sarees, and 2.46 kg of gold worth Rs 49, 17,000, while the excise department has seized 1.2 litres of liquor and booked 60 heinous cases, 42 cases for breach of license conditions and 148 cases under Section 15 (a) of the Karnataka Excise Act, 1965, in the same time span.Meanwhile, 8,633 arms were deposited, one armed license was cancelled, 178 persons were bounded over and 253 non-bailable warrants were executed in the last 24 hours. On a related note, the 224-member Karnataka Assembly will go to polls on May 12, and results will be out on May 15.

Karnataka elections: Election Commission activates flying squads, static surveillance teams

India has set a March 31 deadline for London-based political consultancy Cambridge Analytica to respond to a query on whether it was engaged to improperly harvest Facebook data on Indian citizens, the information technology ministry said.

India&#39;s information technology minister last week warned against any abuse of social media in elections, following reports that the analytics firm improperly accessed information on millions of Facebook users to target US&nbsp;voters.

Friday&#39;s notice to the firm followed local media reports that Indian political parties had used the data analytics firm during elections.

In a notice that went out on Friday, the entity was asked to send in its response on six specific queries by March 31, failing which it may face legal action from the Ministry of Information and Technology.&nbsp;The questions in the notice are as follows:&nbsp; 
 
1. Whether they have been engaged in any assignment to utilize data of Indians from the above-cited breach?&nbsp; 
 
2. Who are the entities that have engaged them for the above?&nbsp; 
 
3. How did they come to be in possession of such data?&nbsp;

4. Was consent taken from the individuals?&nbsp; 
 
5. How was such data collected used?&nbsp; 
 
6. Was there any profiling done on the basis of such data?

Earlier in the day, CERT issued an advisory asking Facebook users not to share their voting preferences on social media networking site besides following other general safeguards.&nbsp;

India is preparing for a general election in 2019 and several states will elect new assemblies this year and the next.

&quot;The fairness of Indian democracy and electoral process is a matter of pride and any attempt to influence the sanctity of the electoral franchise through dubious and questionable means is unacceptable,&quot; the ministry said in a statement.

Attempts by Reuters to seek comment from the firm, via social media, went unanswered.

The government was deeply concerned with allegations that data could have been used to influence people&#39;s behaviour, the ministry said.

The ministry has threatened to take legal action against companies and individuals engaging in any unauthorized use of such data.

(With inputs from Reuters)

India's information technology minister last week warned against any abuse of social media in elections, following reports that the analytics firm improperly accessed information on millions of Facebook users to target US voters

India has set a March 31 deadline for London-based political consultancy Cambridge Analytica to respond to a query on whether it was engaged to improperly harvest Facebook data on Indian citizens, the information technology ministry said. India's information technology minister last week warned against any abuse of social media in elections, following reports that the analytics firm improperly accessed information on millions of Facebook users to target US voters. Friday's notice to the firm followed local media reports that Indian political parties had used the data analytics firm during elections. In a notice that went out on Friday, the entity was asked to send in its response on six specific queries by March 31, failing which it may face legal action from the Ministry of Information and Technology. The questions in the notice are as follows: 1. Whether they have been engaged in any assignment to utilize data of Indians from the above-cited breach? 2. Who are the entities that have engaged them for the above? 3. How did they come to be in possession of such data? 4. Was consent taken from the individuals? 5. How was such data collected used? 6. Was there any profiling done on the basis of such data? Earlier in the day, CERT issued an advisory asking Facebook users not to share their voting preferences on social media networking site besides following other general safeguards. India is preparing for a general election in 2019 and several states will elect new assemblies this year and the next. "The fairness of Indian democracy and electoral process is a matter of pride and any attempt to influence the sanctity of the electoral franchise through dubious and questionable means is unacceptable," the ministry said in a statement. Attempts by Reuters to seek comment from the firm, via social media, went unanswered. The government was deeply concerned with allegations that data could have been used to influence people's behaviour, the ministry said. The ministry has threatened to take legal action against companies and individuals engaging in any unauthorized use of such data. (With inputs from Reuters)

India queries Cambridge Analytica over alleged Facebook data breach

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) chief Amit Shah on Saturday expressed confidence of winning 21 seats out of 25 parliamentary constituencies from the North East in the Lok Sabha polls in 2019.

&quot;In the upcoming elections of 2019, the BJP will win more than 21 seats out of the 25 seats (of North East),&quot; Amit Shah said while addressing a rally in Guwahati.

BJP won 12 of the remaining 26 seats that were at stake in crucial <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/bjp-makes-gains-in-rajya-sabha-elections-2018-36925">Rajya Sabha</a> biennial polls in seven states on Saturday amid high drama in Uttar Pradesh where it clinched an extra ninth seat overcoming the newfound bonhomie between former arch rivals SP and BSP.

Shah even attacked the Congress party and raised a question on the initiatives taken by them for the development of the Assam.

&quot;The BJP wants to ensure Assam`s progress through development. Congress leaders including their party president had visited North East for rallies and had put baseless allegations on us. I want to ask Rahul Gandhi, what did he do for Assam&#39;s development in last 10 years?&quot; Shah asked.

BJP president Amit Shah on Saturday challenged the opposition to bring the no-confidence motion in the parliament.&quot;I challenge the opposition to bring the no-confidence motion. The BJP govt is all prepared to face the Motion, we have the absolute majority with us.&#39;&#39;&nbsp;

Accusing the opposition of stalling the house, Shah said that the ruling party was ready to discuss all issues.

Meanwhile, days after <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/tdps-decision-to-quit-nda-unfortunate-unilateral-amit-shah-writes-to-cm-naidu-36911">Chandrababu Naidu</a>&#39;s Telugu Desam Party (TDP) exited the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) at the centre, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) President Amit Shah has written an open letter to the state chief minister, saying his party&#39;s decision to break alliance is unfortunate and unilateral.

Shah, in the letter, explained BJP&#39;s position and has blamed TDP of quitting NDA due to political considerations.

&ldquo;(TDP) decision is both unfortunate as well as unilateral. It is a decision; I am afraid, will be construed as being guided wholly and solely by political considerations instead of development concerns,&quot; Shah wrote.

Shah even attacked the Congress party and raised a question on the initiatives taken by them for the development of the Assam

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) chief Amit Shah on Saturday expressed confidence of winning 21 seats out of 25 parliamentary constituencies from the North East in the Lok Sabha polls in 2019. "In the upcoming elections of 2019, the BJP will win more than 21 seats out of the 25 seats (of North East)," Amit Shah said while addressing a rally in Guwahati. BJP won 12 of the remaining 26 seats that were at stake in crucial Rajya Sabha biennial polls in seven states on Saturday amid high drama in Uttar Pradesh where it clinched an extra ninth seat overcoming the newfound bonhomie between former arch rivals SP and BSP. Shah even attacked the Congress party and raised a question on the initiatives taken by them for the development of the Assam. "The BJP wants to ensure Assam`s progress through development. Congress leaders including their party president had visited North East for rallies and had put baseless allegations on us. I want to ask Rahul Gandhi, what did he do for Assam's development in last 10 years?" Shah asked. BJP president Amit Shah on Saturday challenged the opposition to bring the no-confidence motion in the parliament."I challenge the opposition to bring the no-confidence motion. The BJP govt is all prepared to face the Motion, we have the absolute majority with us.'' Accusing the opposition of stalling the house, Shah said that the ruling party was ready to discuss all issues. Meanwhile, days after Chandrababu Naidu's Telugu Desam Party (TDP) exited the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) at the centre, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) President Amit Shah has written an open letter to the state chief minister, saying his party's decision to break alliance is unfortunate and unilateral. Shah, in the letter, explained BJP's position and has blamed TDP of quitting NDA due to political considerations. “(TDP) decision is both unfortunate as well as unilateral. It is a decision; I am afraid, will be construed as being guided wholly and solely by political considerations instead of development concerns," Shah wrote.

BJP will win majority of North East seats in 2019 elections: Amit Shah

Mohammad Ashraf Sehrai was today elected chairman of the Tehreek-e-Hurriyat, replacing Syed Ali Shah Geelani.

Geelani held the post for 15 years since the party was formed following a split in the Hurriyat Conference in 2003.

Sehrai was elected chairman of the Tehreek-e-Hurriyat unanimously at a meeting of its executive committee after Geelani decided to step down.

Addressing the meeting, Geelani said due to his continuous house arrest for the past eight years, he had not been able to practically contribute to the cause, which was an &quot;injustice&quot; not only with the post but his conscience as well.

&quot;So, I wilfully step-down from the chairmanship and advise the &#39;shoora&#39; (council) to arrange an alternative at the earliest,&quot; the hardliner said.

Geelani will, however, continue to head the hardline faction of the Hurriyat Conference of which Tehreek-e-Hurriyat is a constituent, sources said.

Political observers here believe that Sehrai will ultimately succeed 88-year-old Geelani as the head of the Hurriyat Conference as well.

A spokesman of the Tehreek-e-Hurriyat said Sehrai has been appointed as interim chairman of the party till organisational elections were held later this year.

Geelani held the post for 15 years since the party was formed

Mohammad Ashraf Sehrai was today elected chairman of the Tehreek-e-Hurriyat, replacing Syed Ali Shah Geelani. Geelani held the post for 15 years since the party was formed following a split in the Hurriyat Conference in 2003. Sehrai was elected chairman of the Tehreek-e-Hurriyat unanimously at a meeting of its executive committee after Geelani decided to step down. Addressing the meeting, Geelani said due to his continuous house arrest for the past eight years, he had not been able to practically contribute to the cause, which was an "injustice" not only with the post but his conscience as well. "So, I wilfully step-down from the chairmanship and advise the 'shoora' (council) to arrange an alternative at the earliest," the hardliner said. Geelani will, however, continue to head the hardline faction of the Hurriyat Conference of which Tehreek-e-Hurriyat is a constituent, sources said. Political observers here believe that Sehrai will ultimately succeed 88-year-old Geelani as the head of the Hurriyat Conference as well. A spokesman of the Tehreek-e-Hurriyat said Sehrai has been appointed as interim chairman of the party till organisational elections were held later this year.

Ashraf Sehrai replaces Geelani as Tehreek-e-Hurriyat chairman

Russians were voting Sunday in an election set to hand President Vladimir Putin a fourth Kremlin term but slammed by the opposition as a sham as tensions with Britain escalated over the poisoning of a former Russian double agent.&nbsp;

With the vast country stretching across 11 time zones, polls opened in the Russian far east at 2000 GMT on Saturday and will close in Kaliningrad, the country&#39;s exclave on the EU border, at 1800 GMT on Sunday.&nbsp;

Putin&#39;s main challenger Alexei Navalny has been barred from taking part in the poll for legal reasons, and the result of the election is in little doubt, with overall turnout likely to provide the only element of surprise.

A total of 107 million Russians are eligible to cast their votes in Sunday&#39;s election in the world&#39;s biggest country, but some analysts say that after 18 years of leadership -- both as president and prime minister -- Putin fatigue may be spreading, with many Russians are expected to skip the polls.

The Kremlin needs a high turnout to give greater legitimacy to a new mandate for Putin, who is already Russia&#39;s longest-serving leader since Joseph Stalin.

By 0700 GMT, turnout stood at 16.55 percent, compared with 6.53 percent at the same hour during the 2012 vote, said Central Electoral Commission head Ella Pamfilova.

Many of those who cast their ballots voted for Putin, praising him for lifting the country out of the post-Soviet quagmire.

&quot;Of course I&#39;m for Putin, he&#39;s a leader,&quot; said Olga Matyunina, a 65-year-old retired economist.

&quot;After he brought Crimea back, he became a hero to me. Last election I didn&#39;t vote for Putin, I don&#39;t even remember who I voted for.&quot;

At many polling stations the atmosphere was festive, with patriotic songs blasting out of speakers outside and cheap food available to voters.

Casting his ballot in Moscow, Putin said he would be pleased with &quot;any&quot; result that gave him the right to continue serving as president.

&quot;I am sure the programme I am offering is the right one,&quot; he said.

Navalny, 41, has denounced the election as a sham and urged Russians to boycott the vote.&nbsp;

He has deployed more than 30,000 observers to monitor the polls and on Sunday, his team -- which calls the vote &quot;a staged procedure to re-appoint Putin&quot; -- began publishing a rolling list of violations from polling stations.

&quot;Those who said that &#39;there would be fewer falsifications during these elections because Putin has already won over everyone&#39; have made a mistake,&quot; he said.

Navalny, who faces a 30-day jail sentence, had been expected to spend election day behind bars but remained free Sunday.

&quot;I will not go to vote. What for?&quot; said Boris Limarev, a 39-year-old manager, as he walked his dog near a polling station in southwest Saint Petersburg.&nbsp;

&quot;It&#39;s clear to everyone who will be elected.&quot;

&quot;And the rest of the candidates are clowns,&quot; interjected his wife Anna, 35.

&quot;Another six years of slavery,&quot; said a piece of paper made up to look like a ballot which was attached to a porch on a central Moscow street -- in an apparent reference to Putin&#39;s next term in office.&nbsp;

Ahead of the poll, a new crisis broke out with the West as Britain implicated Putin in the poisoning of former double agent Sergei Skripal with a Soviet-designed nerve agent.

In response, London expelled 23 Russian diplomats, prompting Moscow to respond in kind. Also this week, Washington hit Russia with sanctions for trying to influence the 2016 US election.&nbsp;

Since first being elected president in 2000, Putin has stamped his total authority on Russia muzzling opposition, putting television under state control and reasserting Moscow&#39;s posture abroad.&nbsp;

He has sought to use the campaign to emphasise Russia&#39;s role as a major world power, boasting of its &quot;invincible&quot; new nuclear weapons in a key pre-election speech.

His previous Kremlin term has been marked by a crackdown on the opposition after huge protests, the annexation of Crimea, support for an insurgency in east Ukraine, a military intervention in Syria and the introduction of Western sanctions that contributed to a fall in living standards.

But the 65-year-old former KGB officer is certain to extend his term to 2024 despite a litany of domestic problems such as widespread poverty and poor healthcare following a lacklustre campaign.

In Saint Petersburg Antonina Kurchatova said she voted for Putin but was just hoping things would not get worse.

&quot;I very much like his foreign policy. He&#39;s doing everything right. But as far as the economy is concerned, everything is terrible,&quot; the 40-year-old told AFP.

State-run pollsters predict Putin will take just under 70 percent of the vote, with the independent Levada Centre -- branded a &quot;foreign agent&quot; -- barred from releasing any research related to the election.

Sunday marks four years since Putin signed a treaty declaring Crimea to be a part of Russia in a move that triggered the outbreak of a pro-Kremlin insurgency in east Ukraine, in a conflict that has claimed more than 10,000 lives.

Kiev has said Russians living in Ukraine would not be able to vote as access to Moscow&#39;s diplomatic missions would be blocked.

Putin is standing against a motley crew of seven Kremlin-approved challengers, including millionaire communist Pavel Grudinin and former reality TV host Ksenia Sobchak, but none are polling more than eight percent.&nbsp;

Overall turnout is expected to be between 63 and 67 percent, according to state-controlled pollsters.

Authorities have pulled out all the stops to ensure a huge turnout, offering food discount vouchers and prizes for the best selfies taken at polling stations after a sexually-charged online campaign.

While the result of the vote was a foregone conclusion, the next six years would be anything but predictable, said Tatyana Stanovaya, an analyst with Moscow&#39;s Center for Political Technologies.&nbsp;

&quot;No one can tell now just how emotional and radical Putin&#39;s actions will be under increasing geopolitical pressure,&quot; she told AFP, adding the role of the military and the security service would increase.&nbsp;

&quot;The regime is inclined to become more closed and tough.&quot;

With the vast country stretching across 11 time zones, polls opened in the Russian far east at 2000 GMT on Saturday and will close in Kaliningrad, the country's exclave on the EU border, at 1800 GMT on Sunday

Russians were voting Sunday in an election set to hand President Vladimir Putin a fourth Kremlin term but slammed by the opposition as a sham as tensions with Britain escalated over the poisoning of a former Russian double agent. With the vast country stretching across 11 time zones, polls opened in the Russian far east at 2000 GMT on Saturday and will close in Kaliningrad, the country's exclave on the EU border, at 1800 GMT on Sunday. Putin's main challenger Alexei Navalny has been barred from taking part in the poll for legal reasons, and the result of the election is in little doubt, with overall turnout likely to provide the only element of surprise. A total of 107 million Russians are eligible to cast their votes in Sunday's election in the world's biggest country, but some analysts say that after 18 years of leadership -- both as president and prime minister -- Putin fatigue may be spreading, with many Russians are expected to skip the polls. The Kremlin needs a high turnout to give greater legitimacy to a new mandate for Putin, who is already Russia's longest-serving leader since Joseph Stalin. By 0700 GMT, turnout stood at 16.55 percent, compared with 6.53 percent at the same hour during the 2012 vote, said Central Electoral Commission head Ella Pamfilova. Many of those who cast their ballots voted for Putin, praising him for lifting the country out of the post-Soviet quagmire. "Of course I'm for Putin, he's a leader," said Olga Matyunina, a 65-year-old retired economist. "After he brought Crimea back, he became a hero to me. Last election I didn't vote for Putin, I don't even remember who I voted for." At many polling stations the atmosphere was festive, with patriotic songs blasting out of speakers outside and cheap food available to voters. Casting his ballot in Moscow, Putin said he would be pleased with "any" result that gave him the right to continue serving as president. "I am sure the programme I am offering is the right one," he said. Navalny, 41, has denounced the election as a sham and urged Russians to boycott the vote. He has deployed more than 30,000 observers to monitor the polls and on Sunday, his team -- which calls the vote "a staged procedure to re-appoint Putin" -- began publishing a rolling list of violations from polling stations. "Those who said that 'there would be fewer falsifications during these elections because Putin has already won over everyone' have made a mistake," he said. Navalny, who faces a 30-day jail sentence, had been expected to spend election day behind bars but remained free Sunday. "I will not go to vote. What for?" said Boris Limarev, a 39-year-old manager, as he walked his dog near a polling station in southwest Saint Petersburg. "It's clear to everyone who will be elected." "And the rest of the candidates are clowns," interjected his wife Anna, 35. "Another six years of slavery," said a piece of paper made up to look like a ballot which was attached to a porch on a central Moscow street -- in an apparent reference to Putin's next term in office. Ahead of the poll, a new crisis broke out with the West as Britain implicated Putin in the poisoning of former double agent Sergei Skripal with a Soviet-designed nerve agent. In response, London expelled 23 Russian diplomats, prompting Moscow to respond in kind. Also this week, Washington hit Russia with sanctions for trying to influence the 2016 US election. Since first being elected president in 2000, Putin has stamped his total authority on Russia muzzling opposition, putting television under state control and reasserting Moscow's posture abroad. He has sought to use the campaign to emphasise Russia's role as a major world power, boasting of its "invincible" new nuclear weapons in a key pre-election speech. His previous Kremlin term has been marked by a crackdown on the opposition after huge protests, the annexation of Crimea, support for an insurgency in east Ukraine, a military intervention in Syria and the introduction of Western sanctions that contributed to a fall in living standards. But the 65-year-old former KGB officer is certain to extend his term to 2024 despite a litany of domestic problems such as widespread poverty and poor healthcare following a lacklustre campaign. In Saint Petersburg Antonina Kurchatova said she voted for Putin but was just hoping things would not get worse. "I very much like his foreign policy. He's doing everything right. But as far as the economy is concerned, everything is terrible," the 40-year-old told AFP. State-run pollsters predict Putin will take just under 70 percent of the vote, with the independent Levada Centre -- branded a "foreign agent" -- barred from releasing any research related to the election. Sunday marks four years since Putin signed a treaty declaring Crimea to be a part of Russia in a move that triggered the outbreak of a pro-Kremlin insurgency in east Ukraine, in a conflict that has claimed more than 10,000 lives. Kiev has said Russians living in Ukraine would not be able to vote as access to Moscow's diplomatic missions would be blocked. Putin is standing against a motley crew of seven Kremlin-approved challengers, including millionaire communist Pavel Grudinin and former reality TV host Ksenia Sobchak, but none are polling more than eight percent. Overall turnout is expected to be between 63 and 67 percent, according to state-controlled pollsters. Authorities have pulled out all the stops to ensure a huge turnout, offering food discount vouchers and prizes for the best selfies taken at polling stations after a sexually-charged online campaign. While the result of the vote was a foregone conclusion, the next six years would be anything but predictable, said Tatyana Stanovaya, an analyst with Moscow's Center for Political Technologies. "No one can tell now just how emotional and radical Putin's actions will be under increasing geopolitical pressure," she told AFP, adding the role of the military and the security service would increase. "The regime is inclined to become more closed and tough."

Putin eyes fourth term in polls as opposition cries foul

Russia seems to have gone too far in its efforts to encourage Russians to vote in the upcoming Presidential elections. A picture of Russia regional deputy wife is doing the rounds on the internet. Yulia Dyatlova poses with a &quot;We&#39;re going to the polls&quot; banner along with eight other &#39;suggestively&#39;&nbsp;nude women.&nbsp;

The image has sparked media attention as well as condemnation from all across. In the picture, Yulia Dyatlova, the wife of Aleksandr Dyatlov -- who is a deputy with the United Russia party in a local assembly -- is seen surrounded by eight long-legged young women, apparently nude.&nbsp;

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The image was posted online by an image-making agency owned by Dyatlova.

In a press release, Dyatlova shared that her husband is neither embarrassed nor jealous of her photoshoot. According to Dyatlova, the image represents Russian women and their diversity. The motto was to suggest that women from all walks of life will go out to poll this Sunday, others should follow in large numbers. &nbsp;

The image was posted online by an image-making agency owned by Dyatlova.

Russia seems to have gone too far in its efforts to encourage Russians to vote in the upcoming Presidential elections. A picture of Russia regional deputy wife is doing the rounds on the internet. Yulia Dyatlova poses with a "We're going to the polls" banner along with eight other 'suggestively' nude women. The image has sparked media attention as well as condemnation from all across. In the picture, Yulia Dyatlova, the wife of Aleksandr Dyatlov -- who is a deputy with the United Russia party in a local assembly -- is seen surrounded by eight long-legged young women, apparently nude. × The image was posted online by an image-making agency owned by Dyatlova. In a press release, Dyatlova shared that her husband is neither embarrassed nor jealous of her photoshoot. According to Dyatlova, the image represents Russian women and their diversity. The motto was to suggest that women from all walks of life will go out to poll this Sunday, others should follow in large numbers.

Presidential polls: Russian deputy's wife 'suggestively' poses naked on banner

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