Repolling will be held in two booths in Arunachal Pradesh on May 21, following complaints of electoral malpractices, officials said Saturday.

The re-polling will be held in one booth in Koloriang constituency of Kurung Kumey district and one booth in Tali seat of Kra Daadi district, Deputy Chief Electoral Officer Liken Koyu said in a notification.

The decision of repolling was taken following recommendation of a team of the poll panel, who met representatives of different political parties here on May 14.

The polling stations are 28-Nampe in Koloriang constituency and 6-Gimba in Tali constituency.

Polling will be held from 6 am to 2 pm, the notification said.

Repolling has already been held in 18 booths in Arunachal Pradesh on April 20 and 27, including this two polling stations. However, several allegations of electoral malpractices were raised in the repolling as well.

Following the complaints, the Election Commission had deputed a four-member team who met the candidates of violence-hit Tali and Palin assembly constituencies in Kra Daadi district and Koloriang assembly constituency in Kurung Kumey district.

Tali, Palin and Koloriang assembly constituencies witnessed sporadic violence, including assault of polling officials, snapping of bridges and planting of explosives at a helipad during the re-polling held on April 20 and 27.

A supporter of the NPP in Koloriang was also shot dead on April 26.&nbsp;

Repolling will be held in two booths in Arunachal Pradesh on May 21, following complaints of electoral malpractices, officials said Saturday. The re-polling will be held in one booth in Koloriang constituency of Kurung Kumey district and one booth in Tali seat of Kra Daadi district, Deputy Chief Electoral Officer Liken Koyu said in a notification.

Repolling will be held in two booths in Arunachal Pradesh on May 21, following complaints of electoral malpractices, officials said Saturday. The re-polling will be held in one booth in Koloriang constituency of Kurung Kumey district and one booth in Tali seat of Kra Daadi district, Deputy Chief Electoral Officer Liken Koyu said in a notification. The decision of repolling was taken following recommendation of a team of the poll panel, who met representatives of different political parties here on May 14. The polling stations are 28-Nampe in Koloriang constituency and 6-Gimba in Tali constituency. Polling will be held from 6 am to 2 pm, the notification said. Repolling has already been held in 18 booths in Arunachal Pradesh on April 20 and 27, including this two polling stations. However, several allegations of electoral malpractices were raised in the repolling as well. Following the complaints, the Election Commission had deputed a four-member team who met the candidates of violence-hit Tali and Palin assembly constituencies in Kra Daadi district and Koloriang assembly constituency in Kurung Kumey district. Tali, Palin and Koloriang assembly constituencies witnessed sporadic violence, including assault of polling officials, snapping of bridges and planting of explosives at a helipad during the re-polling held on April 20 and 27. A supporter of the NPP in Koloriang was also shot dead on April 26.

Election Commission orders re-polling in two booths in Arunachal Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh chief minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/tdp-chief-naidu-meets-rahul-discusses-firming-up-anti-bjp-front-219558">N Chandrababu Naidu</a> urged the Election Commission to count votes through Voter-verified paper audit trail (VVPAT) instead of EVMs during counting for the Lok Sabha polls.

At an event held for discussing measures to increase transparency in elections, Naidu said, "The Election Commission has allowed for five per cent random matching of EVMs in an assembly segment with VVPAT. The poll watch body has argued that the matching cannot be exceeded to 50 per cent because it will take six additional days to declare the result of the polls. I am asking why can`t the Election Commission counts VVPAT directly instead of counting EVMs, which I feel is a more complicated process."

"The officials will count EVMs first then they will check 5 per cent of EVMs with VVPAT. After this, if there is any discrepancy is found then they will take VVPAT count as final. If such is the case then why can`t the officials directly count VVPAT trails," he added.

Earlier on Friday Naidu hit out at the Election Commission, calling it a 'biased body'&nbsp;which gave "controversial and pro-government decisions". Naidu made the remarks after a meeting with Chief Election Commission Sunil Arora regarding repolling in five polling stations under the Chittoor parliamentary constituency in Andhra Pradesh on May 19.

The counting of votes for the Lok Sabha polls will take place on May 23.&nbsp;

Andhra Pradesh chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu urged the Election Commission to count votes through Voter-verified paper audit trail (VVPAT) instead of EVMs during counting for the Lok Sabha polls.

Andhra Pradesh chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu urged the Election Commission to count votes through Voter-verified paper audit trail (VVPAT) instead of EVMs during counting for the Lok Sabha polls. At an event held for discussing measures to increase transparency in elections, Naidu said, "The Election Commission has allowed for five per cent random matching of EVMs in an assembly segment with VVPAT. The poll watch body has argued that the matching cannot be exceeded to 50 per cent because it will take six additional days to declare the result of the polls. I am asking why can`t the Election Commission counts VVPAT directly instead of counting EVMs, which I feel is a more complicated process." "The officials will count EVMs first then they will check 5 per cent of EVMs with VVPAT. After this, if there is any discrepancy is found then they will take VVPAT count as final. If such is the case then why can`t the officials directly count VVPAT trails," he added. Earlier on Friday Naidu hit out at the Election Commission, calling it a 'biased body' which gave "controversial and pro-government decisions". Naidu made the remarks after a meeting with Chief Election Commission Sunil Arora regarding repolling in five polling stations under the Chittoor parliamentary constituency in Andhra Pradesh on May 19. The counting of votes for the Lok Sabha polls will take place on May 23.

Naidu suggests Election Commission to count votes through VVPATs

Commenting on Arvind Kejriwal's analysis of AAP's performance in the national capital, Congress leader Sheila Dikshit said votes shifted towards Congress because of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/dont-vote-for-those-who-stopped-works-of-delhi-kejriwal-to-people-217949">Delhi Chief Minister's bad record</a>.

This comes after Kejriwal in an interview to a news daily while commenting on the outcome of the Lok Sabha polls, said, "13% of the Muslim votes got shifted to Congress in the state at last moment."

Dikshit told ANI, "Nobody asked people to just vote for me. They vote for us because our record is such. So, if people are supporting Congress, then it is a reflection on Kejriwal's record."

"I don't know what he is trying to say. Everyone has a right to vote whichever party he/she wants to vote for and the people of Delhi did not understand nor liked his governance model," she added.

The Delhi Congress chief also expressed confidence that her party would come back to power in the state with a thumping majority.

"We will win and there is no doubt about it. Be it Muslim, Sikh, or anyone for that matter, every voter is important for us. We don't discriminate anyone based on their religion. Everyone including Muslims, Dalits, backward classes, women and all other sections of the society strongly supported us," she added.

The polling for 7 Lok Sabha seats in Delhi was held during the sixth phase of the Lok Sabha elections on May 12. The counting of votes will take place on May 23.

The outcome of the ongoing Lok Sabha polls is also expected to influence the assembly polls scheduled to take place in the national capital next year.

Commenting on Arvind Kejriwal's analysis of AAP's performance in the national capital, Congress leader Sheila Dikshit said votes shifted towards Congress because of Delhi Chief Minister's bad record.

Commenting on Arvind Kejriwal's analysis of AAP's performance in the national capital, Congress leader Sheila Dikshit said votes shifted towards Congress because of Delhi Chief Minister's bad record. This comes after Kejriwal in an interview to a news daily while commenting on the outcome of the Lok Sabha polls, said, "13% of the Muslim votes got shifted to Congress in the state at last moment." Dikshit told ANI, "Nobody asked people to just vote for me. They vote for us because our record is such. So, if people are supporting Congress, then it is a reflection on Kejriwal's record." "I don't know what he is trying to say. Everyone has a right to vote whichever party he/she wants to vote for and the people of Delhi did not understand nor liked his governance model," she added. The Delhi Congress chief also expressed confidence that her party would come back to power in the state with a thumping majority. "We will win and there is no doubt about it. Be it Muslim, Sikh, or anyone for that matter, every voter is important for us. We don't discriminate anyone based on their religion. Everyone including Muslims, Dalits, backward classes, women and all other sections of the society strongly supported us," she added. The polling for 7 Lok Sabha seats in Delhi was held during the sixth phase of the Lok Sabha elections on May 12. The counting of votes will take place on May 23. The outcome of the ongoing Lok Sabha polls is also expected to influence the assembly polls scheduled to take place in the national capital next year.

Votes shifted towards Congress because of Kejriwal's bad record: Sheila Dikshit

Voting will be held on Sunday for 13 Lok Sabha constituencies in Uttar Pradesh, which will see <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-on-two-day-visit-to-kedarnath-badrinath-219534">Prime Minister Narendra Modi</a> seeking re-election from Varanasi.

Polling will be held in Maharajganj, Gorakhpur, Kushinagar, Deoria, Bansgaon (SC), Ghosi, Salempur, Ballia, Ghazipur, Chandauli, Varanasi, Mirzapur and Robertsganj (SC).

Union minister Manoj Sinha, Uttar Pradesh BJP chief Mahendra Nath Pandey are seeking re-election from Ghazipur and Chandauli, respectively.

The BJP is contesting 11 Lok Sabha seats in this phase, while its ally Apna Dal (Sonelal) is contesting Mirzapur, currently held by Union minister Anupriya Patel, and Robertsganj.

The saffron party has pitted Bhojpuri actor Ravi Kishan from Gorakhpur against Congress's Madhusudan Tripathi and Rambhual Nishad of the Samajwadi Party.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-election-watch-key-battles-in-phase-7-219480/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Gorakhpur MP Pravin Nishad, who had won the seat on a SP ticket in bypolls last year, has joined the BJP. The party has fielded him from Sant Kabir Nagar seat.

Gorakhpur was represented by Yogi Adityanath in the Lok Sabha from 1998 to 2017, before he became the chief minister of Uttar Pradesh.

The electioneering saw Priyanka holding two back-to-back roadshows in Kushinagar and Mirzapur during the day and Union minister Smriti Irani riding a scooty in Gorakhpur.

The final phase of the Lok Sabha polls in the state will also decide the fate of eight SP and five BSP candidates.

In all, there are 167 candidates in the fray for the 13 seats.&nbsp;

The highest number of 26 candidates in the fray are from Varanasi, while Bansgaon has the least number of four candidates fighting the polls.

Over 2.32 crore voters are expected to exercise their franchise in this phase in UP. As many as 25,874 polling booths have been set up in 13,979 polling centres in the final phase, the Election Commission said.

In the 2014 Lok Sabha poll, the BJP had won 71 out of 80 seats in the state, securing 42.63 per cent of the votes. BJP ally Apna Dal bagged two.

The Samajwadi Party had won five seats with a vote share of 22.35 per cent. The BSP did not win any seat while securing 19.77 per cent votes.&nbsp;

The Congress registered wins on two UP seats, bagging 7.53 per cent of the votes.&nbsp;

Voting will be held on Sunday for 13 Lok Sabha constituencies in Uttar Pradesh, which will see Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeking re-election from Varanasi. Polling will be held in Maharajganj, Gorakhpur, Kushinagar, Deoria, Bansgaon (SC), Ghosi, Salempur, Ballia, Ghazipur, Chandauli, Varanasi, Mirzapur and Robertsganj (SC).

Voting will be held on Sunday for 13 Lok Sabha constituencies in Uttar Pradesh, which will see Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeking re-election from Varanasi. Polling will be held in Maharajganj, Gorakhpur, Kushinagar, Deoria, Bansgaon (SC), Ghosi, Salempur, Ballia, Ghazipur, Chandauli, Varanasi, Mirzapur and Robertsganj (SC). Union minister Manoj Sinha, Uttar Pradesh BJP chief Mahendra Nath Pandey are seeking re-election from Ghazipur and Chandauli, respectively. The BJP is contesting 11 Lok Sabha seats in this phase, while its ally Apna Dal (Sonelal) is contesting Mirzapur, currently held by Union minister Anupriya Patel, and Robertsganj. The saffron party has pitted Bhojpuri actor Ravi Kishan from Gorakhpur against Congress's Madhusudan Tripathi and Rambhual Nishad of the Samajwadi Party. Gorakhpur MP Pravin Nishad, who had won the seat on a SP ticket in bypolls last year, has joined the BJP. The party has fielded him from Sant Kabir Nagar seat. Gorakhpur was represented by Yogi Adityanath in the Lok Sabha from 1998 to 2017, before he became the chief minister of Uttar Pradesh. The electioneering saw Priyanka holding two back-to-back roadshows in Kushinagar and Mirzapur during the day and Union minister Smriti Irani riding a scooty in Gorakhpur. The final phase of the Lok Sabha polls in the state will also decide the fate of eight SP and five BSP candidates. In all, there are 167 candidates in the fray for the 13 seats. The highest number of 26 candidates in the fray are from Varanasi, while Bansgaon has the least number of four candidates fighting the polls. Over 2.32 crore voters are expected to exercise their franchise in this phase in UP. As many as 25,874 polling booths have been set up in 13,979 polling centres in the final phase, the Election Commission said. In the 2014 Lok Sabha poll, the BJP had won 71 out of 80 seats in the state, securing 42.63 per cent of the votes. BJP ally Apna Dal bagged two. The Samajwadi Party had won five seats with a vote share of 22.35 per cent. The BSP did not win any seat while securing 19.77 per cent votes. The Congress registered wins on two UP seats, bagging 7.53 per cent of the votes.

Lok Sabha polls 2019: PM Modi to seek re-election in final phase of polling from Varanasi

The electoral fortunes of 42 candidates including that of former Chief Minister and Union Minister Shibu Soren will be decided on Sunday in the final phase of the general elections in Jharkhand.

Elections will be held in three seats - Dumka, Rajmahal and Godda on Sunday.

Soren, the chief of Jharkhand Mukti Morcha and an 8th term sitting MP is in the fray from Dumka seat once again. He is crossing swords with BJP's Sunil Soren. The JMM leader had defeated his BJP challenger twice in 2009 and 2014.

Altogether 45,64,681 electors, including 22,00,119 female and 21 third gender voters are eligible to exercise their franchise, an <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/election-commission-issues-notice-to-sunny-deol-for-violating-poll-code-219547">Election Commission </a>release said.

While 15 candidates are in the fray in Dumka, 14 are trying their luck from Rajmahal and 13 in Godda.

The JMM, the Congress and the JVM of former chief minister Babulal Marandi have formed 'Mahagathbandhan' (grand alliance), putting up candidates against the BJP nominees in the 14 seats of the state.

JMM's sitting MP, Vijay Kumar Hansda, is facing a tough challenge from BJP's Hemlal Murmu from Rajmahal seat. Hansda had defeated Murmu in 2014.

Murmu, who was a four-time MLA and had won the Rajmahal Lok Sabha seat in 2004 as JMM candidate, joined the BJP in 2014.

Sitting BJP MP Nishikant Dubey is also facing a fight from JVM MLA Pradip Yadav from Godda seat.

Chief Minister Raghubar Das and Ajsu party president Sudesh Mahto camped in the Santhal Pargana region for several days, campaigning for the BJP candidates.

This is the first time that Ajsu party has an alliance with the BJP in any Lok Sabha elections with the party getting the lone Giridih seat as per the seat sharing arrangement.

Chief Electorate Officer L Khiangte said that 6,258 control units, as many ballot units and 6,258 VVPATs have been set up in the three constituencies, besides keeping 1,260 control units, as many ballot units and 1,884 VVPATs in reserve.

There are 6,258 polling stations with 27,536 polling personnel manning them.

A total of 589 polling stations will have webcasting facility while 137 polling stations will be manned by only women polling personnel.

Inspector General of Police (Operation) Ashish Batra said that 37,398 security personnel have been deployed across the three constituencies as part of security arrangements.

An Air ambulance will be available for emergency services, he said, adding locations of sensitive booths will be under helicopter surveillance.

Polling personnel of seven polling stations will be dropped by helicopter, he said.&nbsp;

The electoral fortunes of 42 candidates including that of former Chief Minister and Union Minister Shibu Soren will be decided on Sunday in the final phase of the general elections in Jharkhand.

The electoral fortunes of 42 candidates including that of former Chief Minister and Union Minister Shibu Soren will be decided on Sunday in the final phase of the general elections in Jharkhand. Elections will be held in three seats - Dumka, Rajmahal and Godda on Sunday. Soren, the chief of Jharkhand Mukti Morcha and an 8th term sitting MP is in the fray from Dumka seat once again. He is crossing swords with BJP's Sunil Soren. The JMM leader had defeated his BJP challenger twice in 2009 and 2014. Altogether 45,64,681 electors, including 22,00,119 female and 21 third gender voters are eligible to exercise their franchise, an Election Commission release said. While 15 candidates are in the fray in Dumka, 14 are trying their luck from Rajmahal and 13 in Godda. The JMM, the Congress and the JVM of former chief minister Babulal Marandi have formed 'Mahagathbandhan' (grand alliance), putting up candidates against the BJP nominees in the 14 seats of the state. JMM's sitting MP, Vijay Kumar Hansda, is facing a tough challenge from BJP's Hemlal Murmu from Rajmahal seat. Hansda had defeated Murmu in 2014. Murmu, who was a four-time MLA and had won the Rajmahal Lok Sabha seat in 2004 as JMM candidate, joined the BJP in 2014. Sitting BJP MP Nishikant Dubey is also facing a fight from JVM MLA Pradip Yadav from Godda seat. Chief Minister Raghubar Das and Ajsu party president Sudesh Mahto camped in the Santhal Pargana region for several days, campaigning for the BJP candidates. This is the first time that Ajsu party has an alliance with the BJP in any Lok Sabha elections with the party getting the lone Giridih seat as per the seat sharing arrangement. Chief Electorate Officer L Khiangte said that 6,258 control units, as many ballot units and 6,258 VVPATs have been set up in the three constituencies, besides keeping 1,260 control units, as many ballot units and 1,884 VVPATs in reserve. There are 6,258 polling stations with 27,536 polling personnel manning them. A total of 589 polling stations will have webcasting facility while 137 polling stations will be manned by only women polling personnel. Inspector General of Police (Operation) Ashish Batra said that 37,398 security personnel have been deployed across the three constituencies as part of security arrangements. An Air ambulance will be available for emergency services, he said, adding locations of sensitive booths will be under helicopter surveillance. Polling personnel of seven polling stations will be dropped by helicopter, he said.

Jharkhand: 42 candidates in fray in three Lok Sabha seats

Congress leader Shatrughan Sinha is confident of his victory from Patna Sahib Lok Sabha constituency where polling will be held on May 19. Sinha, who recently quit the BJP, is locked in a straight contest against Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad whom the BJP has fielded this time.

Sinha ended his nearly three decades long association with BJP in April after remaining at loggerheads with the current party leadership for quite some time.

Sinha, who snapped ties with the BJP earlier this month, had generous words of praise for his rival Prasad, saying his refusal to engage in personal attacks during poll campaign showed he was a "bhadralok" (well-educated).

Prasad is a resident of the Bihar capital Patna and his father was a state minister and leader of the Jan Sangh, the parent of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

Sinha had recently dismissed the claims made by the BJP that the seat is its stronghold. "Let them (BJP) live in fool's paradise... voters of Patna Sahib will teach them a lesson," Sinha had said.

He cited the victories of Congress and RJD nominees in the past from the prestigious Bihar seat, from where he is seeking re-election for the third straight time, to deride BJP's claim.

The Patna Sahib Lok Sabha seat has six assembly constituencies under it out of which five are held by BJP at present and a lone one by RJD. It has traditionally been a kayastha seat where the caste has around 25 per cent voter base.

Altogether 37 candidates have filed their nomination papers for Patna Sahib, which goes to polls in the seventh and final phase of general elections on May 19.

Other constituencies in Bihar that go to polls in the final phase are Pataliputra, Nalanda, Jehanabad, Arrah, Buxar, Karakat and Sasaram.

Congress leader Shatrughan Sinha is confident of his victory from Patna Sahib Lok Sabha constituency where polling will be held on May 19. Sinha, who recently quit the BJP, is locked in a straight contest against Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad whom the BJP has fielded this time.

Congress leader Shatrughan Sinha is confident of his victory from Patna Sahib Lok Sabha constituency where polling will be held on May 19. Sinha, who recently quit the BJP, is locked in a straight contest against Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad whom the BJP has fielded this time. Sinha ended his nearly three decades long association with BJP in April after remaining at loggerheads with the current party leadership for quite some time. Sinha, who snapped ties with the BJP earlier this month, had generous words of praise for his rival Prasad, saying his refusal to engage in personal attacks during poll campaign showed he was a "bhadralok" (well-educated). Prasad is a resident of the Bihar capital Patna and his father was a state minister and leader of the Jan Sangh, the parent of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Sinha had recently dismissed the claims made by the BJP that the seat is its stronghold. "Let them (BJP) live in fool's paradise... voters of Patna Sahib will teach them a lesson," Sinha had said. He cited the victories of Congress and RJD nominees in the past from the prestigious Bihar seat, from where he is seeking re-election for the third straight time, to deride BJP's claim. The Patna Sahib Lok Sabha seat has six assembly constituencies under it out of which five are held by BJP at present and a lone one by RJD. It has traditionally been a kayastha seat where the caste has around 25 per cent voter base. Altogether 37 candidates have filed their nomination papers for Patna Sahib, which goes to polls in the seventh and final phase of general elections on May 19. Other constituencies in Bihar that go to polls in the final phase are Pataliputra, Nalanda, Jehanabad, Arrah, Buxar, Karakat and Sasaram.

Patna Sahib's big face-off: Shatrughan Sinha vs Ravi Shankar Prasad

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/will-make-sedition-law-more-stringent-rajnath-singh-219016">Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh </a>on Thursday said that inflation is not an issue in the ongoing elections as it has been well controlled by Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government at the Centre.

"If you go through Indian elections` history, you will see inflation was an issue in all of them. People used to sing `Congress sarkar aayi hai, kamartod mehengai layi hai` (Congress government has come and brought high inflation along with it). But 2004 and 2019 are two elections where there were issues but inflation was not one of them," Singh said while addressing an election rally in Himachal Pradesh.

"There was Atal Bihari Vajpayee`s government before 2004 and Narendra Modi`s before 2019. Both of them handled economic management well and attacked corruption. Pakistan`s inflation rate is 10-12 per cent and India`s is 2-3 per cent. We did not let inflation cross Indo-Pak border and enter here," he said.

The Home Minister was addressing the rally in support of sitting BJP MP Ram Swaroop Sharma from Mandi Lok Sabha seat.

The four Lok Sabha seats in Himachal Pradesh, including Mandi, would go for polling on May 19.

The counting of votes will take place on May 23.

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday said that inflation is not an issue in the ongoing elections as it has been well controlled by Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government at the Centre.

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday said that inflation is not an issue in the ongoing elections as it has been well controlled by Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government at the Centre. "If you go through Indian elections` history, you will see inflation was an issue in all of them. People used to sing `Congress sarkar aayi hai, kamartod mehengai layi hai` (Congress government has come and brought high inflation along with it). But 2004 and 2019 are two elections where there were issues but inflation was not one of them," Singh said while addressing an election rally in Himachal Pradesh. "There was Atal Bihari Vajpayee`s government before 2004 and Narendra Modi`s before 2019. Both of them handled economic management well and attacked corruption. Pakistan`s inflation rate is 10-12 per cent and India`s is 2-3 per cent. We did not let inflation cross Indo-Pak border and enter here," he said. The Home Minister was addressing the rally in support of sitting BJP MP Ram Swaroop Sharma from Mandi Lok Sabha seat. The four Lok Sabha seats in Himachal Pradesh, including Mandi, would go for polling on May 19. The counting of votes will take place on May 23.

Inflation not issue in 2019, Modi handled economy well: Rajnath Singh

Watch 'India Election Watch.' This is the show that brings you the latest on world's biggest electoral exercise, Verified updates & Unbiased analysis.

India Election Watch; 17th May, 2019

Varanasi in eastern Uttar Pradesh is gearing up for the battle royale in the seventh and final phase of Lok Sabha polls on May 19. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the sitting Member of Parliament, is seeking re-election from Varanasi.

Modi held a massive roadshow in Varanasi before filling his nomination on April 26 in which he said that he will come to the people again to thank them once the results are out.

In 2014, Modi won the Varanasi Lok Sabha seat, defeating Aam Aadmi Party chief Arvind Kejriwal by a huge margin of 3.37 lakh votes. Modi had polled 5,16,593 votes, about half the total votes, while Congress's Ajay Rai finished third.

Rai is the Congress candidate again this time from the constituency that goes to the polls on May 19, while the 'gathbandhan' has fielded a Samajwadi Party candidate Shalini Yadav as its joint nominee.

Ajay Rai had previously been a member of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Samajwadi Party (SP) before joining the Congress. He has also contested the assembly elections as an Independent candidate from Varanasi. In 2017 Shalini Yadav contested the mayoral election on the Congress ticket and placed second, with 1.14 lakh votes - the highest tally of a Congress candidate in any recent electoral contest in the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) bastion.

Apart from Rai and Yadav, there are 23 other candidates contesting against Modi this year.

The other constituencies that will go to the polls on May 19 in UP are Gorakhpur, Maharajganj, Kushi Nagar, Deoria, Bansgaon, Ghosi, Salempur, Ballia, Ghazipur, Chandauli, Mirzapur and Robertsganj.

Varanasi in eastern Uttar Pradesh is gearing up for the battle royale in the seventh and final phase of Lok Sabha polls on May 19. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the sitting Member of Parliament, is seeking re-election from Varanasi.

Varanasi in eastern Uttar Pradesh is gearing up for the battle royale in the seventh and final phase of Lok Sabha polls on May 19. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the sitting Member of Parliament, is seeking re-election from Varanasi. Modi held a massive roadshow in Varanasi before filling his nomination on April 26 in which he said that he will come to the people again to thank them once the results are out. In 2014, Modi won the Varanasi Lok Sabha seat, defeating Aam Aadmi Party chief Arvind Kejriwal by a huge margin of 3.37 lakh votes. Modi had polled 5,16,593 votes, about half the total votes, while Congress's Ajay Rai finished third. Rai is the Congress candidate again this time from the constituency that goes to the polls on May 19, while the 'gathbandhan' has fielded a Samajwadi Party candidate Shalini Yadav as its joint nominee. Ajay Rai had previously been a member of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Samajwadi Party (SP) before joining the Congress. He has also contested the assembly elections as an Independent candidate from Varanasi. In 2017 Shalini Yadav contested the mayoral election on the Congress ticket and placed second, with 1.14 lakh votes - the highest tally of a Congress candidate in any recent electoral contest in the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) bastion. Apart from Rai and Yadav, there are 23 other candidates contesting against Modi this year. The other constituencies that will go to the polls on May 19 in UP are Gorakhpur, Maharajganj, Kushi Nagar, Deoria, Bansgaon, Ghosi, Salempur, Ballia, Ghazipur, Chandauli, Mirzapur and Robertsganj.

All eyes on Varanasi in final phase of Lok Sabha polls

As the Lok Sabha election reaches its last leg, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu is slated to meet Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Saturday&nbsp;in Delhi and will fly to Lucknow later in the day to meet Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav and Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) supremo Mayawati.

The Telugu Desam Party (TDP) chief is also likely to meet NCP leader Sharad Pawar, CPI secretary general Suravaram Sudhakar Reddy, and Loktantrik Janata Dal (LJD) leader Sharad Yadav.

On Friday, Naidu met Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Sunil Arora regarding re-elections at five polling stations that fall under Chittoor parliamentary constituency in Andhra Pradesh on May 19.

Accusing the Election Commission of being a "biased body" that takes "pro-government decisions," Naidu, while speaking to reporters here, had said, "It is unfortunate that we are fighting against the EC. In Andhra Pradesh, they ordered re-polling in five polling stations."

"I do not want re-polling. I want the EC to be transparent. The way the EC is working, I am questioning that as a senior politician of the country. I have never seen such an attitude of the EC in the last 25 years of my political career," he said.

Naidu had also written a letter to the poll body, saying, "The EC has already conducted re-polling in five other polling stations in three districts of Andhra Pradesh on May 6, based on certain complaints. If there were any issues in the polling stations in Chandragiri assembly constituency, why didn't the Commission enquire into the same and conduct the re-polling on May 6?"

He even criticised the EC for taking cognisance of the complaints filed by the YSRCP and ordering re-polling. "We have seen polling being conducted in different phases, but have never come across re-polling also being held in phases," he said.

Hours after his meeting with Arora, Naidu visited Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal at the latter's residence. Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia was also present in the meeting.

The TDP chief also met CPI (M) leader Sitaram Yechury.

The Seven-phased Lok Sabha elections, which began on April 11, will conclude on May 19.

The 25 Lok Sabha and 175 assembly seats at stake in Andhra Pradesh went for polls simultaneously on April 11. The counting of votes will take place on May 23.&nbsp;

As the Lok Sabha election reaches its last leg, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu is slated to meet Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Saturday in Delhi and will fly to Lucknow later in the day to meet Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav and Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) supremo Mayawati.

As the Lok Sabha election reaches its last leg, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu is slated to meet Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Saturday in Delhi and will fly to Lucknow later in the day to meet Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav and Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) supremo Mayawati. The Telugu Desam Party (TDP) chief is also likely to meet NCP leader Sharad Pawar, CPI secretary general Suravaram Sudhakar Reddy, and Loktantrik Janata Dal (LJD) leader Sharad Yadav. On Friday, Naidu met Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Sunil Arora regarding re-elections at five polling stations that fall under Chittoor parliamentary constituency in Andhra Pradesh on May 19. Accusing the Election Commission of being a "biased body" that takes "pro-government decisions," Naidu, while speaking to reporters here, had said, "It is unfortunate that we are fighting against the EC. In Andhra Pradesh, they ordered re-polling in five polling stations." "I do not want re-polling. I want the EC to be transparent. The way the EC is working, I am questioning that as a senior politician of the country. I have never seen such an attitude of the EC in the last 25 years of my political career," he said. Naidu had also written a letter to the poll body, saying, "The EC has already conducted re-polling in five other polling stations in three districts of Andhra Pradesh on May 6, based on certain complaints. If there were any issues in the polling stations in Chandragiri assembly constituency, why didn't the Commission enquire into the same and conduct the re-polling on May 6?" He even criticised the EC for taking cognisance of the complaints filed by the YSRCP and ordering re-polling. "We have seen polling being conducted in different phases, but have never come across re-polling also being held in phases," he said. Hours after his meeting with Arora, Naidu visited Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal at the latter's residence. Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia was also present in the meeting. The TDP chief also met CPI (M) leader Sitaram Yechury. The Seven-phased Lok Sabha elections, which began on April 11, will conclude on May 19. The 25 Lok Sabha and 175 assembly seats at stake in Andhra Pradesh went for polls simultaneously on April 11. The counting of votes will take place on May 23.

Chandrababu Naidu to meet Rahul Gandhi, Akhilesh and Mayawati on Saturday

Campaigning for the seventh and final phase of the 2019 Lok Sabha polls will come to end on Friday evening.

The last phase of the 2019 general elections is scheduled for May 19.

Around 59&nbsp;constituencies spread over seven states and one union territory will go to polls on the day.

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/campaigning-ends-for-seventh-phase-of-lok-sabha-polls-in-bengal-219236">election campaigning for the West Bengal </a>state was ended a day before, on Thursday night at around 10 pm.

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The Election Commission had barred the political parties in West Bengal from campaigning in the nine constituencies of the state on a day ahead of the scheduled closing.&nbsp;

The EC took the decision by invoking the Constitution's Article 324 for the first time&nbsp;in the wake of violence between the BJP and the TMC in the city during Amit Shah's roadshow.

(With inputs from agencies)

Campaigning for the seventh and final phase of the 2019 Lok Sabha polls will come to end on Friday evening. The last phase of the 2019 general elections is scheduled for May 19.

Campaigning for the seventh and final phase of the 2019 Lok Sabha polls will come to end on Friday evening. The last phase of the 2019 general elections is scheduled for May 19. Around 59 constituencies spread over seven states and one union territory will go to polls on the day. The election campaigning for the West Bengal state was ended a day before, on Thursday night at around 10 pm. × The Election Commission had barred the political parties in West Bengal from campaigning in the nine constituencies of the state on a day ahead of the scheduled closing. The EC took the decision by invoking the Constitution's Article 324 for the first time in the wake of violence between the BJP and the TMC in the city during Amit Shah's roadshow. (With inputs from agencies)

Election campaigning for 2019 Lok Sabha polls to end today

Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh on Thursday said that he will "accept responsibility and resign" if the Congress party does not perform well in the Lok Sabha elections in Punjab.

"I would take responsibility and would quit if the Congress was wiped out in the state in these Lok Sabha elections. All ministers and MLAs have been made responsible for the Congress party`s performance in the state," the Chief Minister said in a statement.

"The party high command had decided to hold the ministers and legislators accountable for the victory/defeat of the Congress candidates. I am ready to take the same responsibility for the state but I am confident that Congress will sweep all Lok Sabha seats in Punjab," Amarinder said.

Amarinder Singh returned as chief minister of Punjab in 2017 after a decade rule of Akali Dal (SAD) and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

Congress had won 77 out of the 117 seats in assembly elections with a vote share 38.5 per cent. Singh`s first term as the chief minister of the state from 2002 to 2007.

Punjab will witness polling for its Lok Sabha seats on May 19. The counting of votes will take place on May 23.

Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh on Thursday said that he will "accept responsibility and resign" if the Congress party does not perform well in the Lok Sabha elections in Punjab.

Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh on Thursday said that he will "accept responsibility and resign" if the Congress party does not perform well in the Lok Sabha elections in Punjab. "I would take responsibility and would quit if the Congress was wiped out in the state in these Lok Sabha elections. All ministers and MLAs have been made responsible for the Congress party`s performance in the state," the Chief Minister said in a statement. "The party high command had decided to hold the ministers and legislators accountable for the victory/defeat of the Congress candidates. I am ready to take the same responsibility for the state but I am confident that Congress will sweep all Lok Sabha seats in Punjab," Amarinder said. Amarinder Singh returned as chief minister of Punjab in 2017 after a decade rule of Akali Dal (SAD) and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Congress had won 77 out of the 117 seats in assembly elections with a vote share 38.5 per cent. Singh`s first term as the chief minister of the state from 2002 to 2007. Punjab will witness polling for its Lok Sabha seats on May 19. The counting of votes will take place on May 23.

Will resign if Congress gets wiped out from Punjab: Amarinder Singh

As campaigning ended&nbsp;in the Lok Sabha polls, Zee Bangla caught up with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/i-got-a-sense-that-a-majority-government-will-come-to-power-again-pm-modi-in-joint-press-conference-with-amit-shah-219416">PM Modi for a quick chat</a> on the last leg of the campaign trail in West Bengal to understand his mission in the state, the poll violence which has hit the headlines in the past month and BJP's vision in the 2021 assembly elections.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/cctv-footage-of-vandalisation-of-ishwar-chandra-vidyasagars-statute-should-be-released-pm-modi-219213">Also Watch:&nbsp;CCTV footage of vandalisation of Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar's statue should be released, says&nbsp;PM Modi</a>

Q: You have undertaken seventeen rallies in West Bengal which has been unprecedented for an Indian prime minister. What was your aim?

A:&nbsp;When the people of this country gives us a task, they don't&nbsp;give us to sit in Delhi and enjoy ourselves. As the country's prime minister&nbsp;it is my responsibility to visit all parts of the country and meet the people, it is part of my job. You would have seen since 2014, not a single Friday, Saturday or Sunday has gone by when I haven't visited some part of the country.

I am a man of the people and I like interacting with the people, this is the reason I came here. Secondly, my other idea was to thank the people of this country because for five years this country cooperated with me, they gave me their love and confidence, so it was obvious lakhs of people would meet me.

I have enjoyed a special relationship with West Bengal. In the beginning of my life, the Ram Krishna mission played a big role, so obviously, I like coming here and taking inspiration from the great people of the state. The people of the state give me strength.

Q: A lot of BJP workers have complained about pre-poll and post-poll violence, although they have complained to the Election Commission but for you and the BJP how difficult has it been for you to campaign here?

A: The question is not the BJP or no BJP, it is the fear of defeat which is driving the TMC.&nbsp;The TMC, chief minister Mamata Banerjee and those close to her are so fearful that they have lost their balance and made the people of West Bengal their enemy. Now they have started attacking the people of the state. Whatever is happening in Bengal is the battle between the people of the state and the government. The people who are being killed are the kids of Bengal and who is killing them? They belong to the government.&nbsp;

Secondly, this did not just happen during the Lok Sabha elections. During the panchayat polls, the people had to go to the court just to get their nomination. In the panchayat polls,&nbsp;there was widespread violence, those who won the polls their houses were burnt. This undemocratic attitude is a matter of concern for the country.

Q: In all the rallies you have confidently said that BJP is coming back to power. In West Bengal, there will be&nbsp;assembly polls in 2021. Do you have a strategy for West Bengal and also do you have a vision for the state?

A: The entire country needs to be developed, in the western part of India whether it is Maharashtra, Punjab or Goa, the economic activity can be seen. Then you see Assam, Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, the north-east, this region has no dearth of natural resources. There are talented people in this region but there is a great deal of poverty. My thinking is that if India needs to be developed than every region needs to be looked at in a balanced way.&nbsp;

The way the western region has developed, we need to bring the eastern region in sync with the western part of the country. This is the only way in which India will become a $5 trillion economy, then we can jump from No-6 position in the world to No-3 in the world. So I have a vision for the entire eastern region.

Kolkata can become the growth hub of the entire country, there is so much strength. However, in the last 40 years, we have destroyed everything. We need to bring back development.&nbsp;

As campaigning ended in the Lok Sabha polls, Zee Bangla caught up with PM Modi for a quick chat on the last leg of the campaign trail in West Bengal to understand his mission in the state, the poll violence which has hit the headlines in the past month and BJP's vision in the 2021 assembly elections.

As campaigning ended in the Lok Sabha polls, Zee Bangla caught up with PM Modi for a quick chat on the last leg of the campaign trail in West Bengal to understand his mission in the state, the poll violence which has hit the headlines in the past month and BJP's vision in the 2021 assembly elections. Also Watch: CCTV footage of vandalisation of Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar's statue should be released, says PM Modi Q: You have undertaken seventeen rallies in West Bengal which has been unprecedented for an Indian prime minister. What was your aim? A: When the people of this country gives us a task, they don't give us to sit in Delhi and enjoy ourselves. As the country's prime minister it is my responsibility to visit all parts of the country and meet the people, it is part of my job. You would have seen since 2014, not a single Friday, Saturday or Sunday has gone by when I haven't visited some part of the country. I am a man of the people and I like interacting with the people, this is the reason I came here. Secondly, my other idea was to thank the people of this country because for five years this country cooperated with me, they gave me their love and confidence, so it was obvious lakhs of people would meet me. I have enjoyed a special relationship with West Bengal. In the beginning of my life, the Ram Krishna mission played a big role, so obviously, I like coming here and taking inspiration from the great people of the state. The people of the state give me strength. Q: A lot of BJP workers have complained about pre-poll and post-poll violence, although they have complained to the Election Commission but for you and the BJP how difficult has it been for you to campaign here? A: The question is not the BJP or no BJP, it is the fear of defeat which is driving the TMC. The TMC, chief minister Mamata Banerjee and those close to her are so fearful that they have lost their balance and made the people of West Bengal their enemy. Now they have started attacking the people of the state. Whatever is happening in Bengal is the battle between the people of the state and the government. The people who are being killed are the kids of Bengal and who is killing them? They belong to the government. Secondly, this did not just happen during the Lok Sabha elections. During the panchayat polls, the people had to go to the court just to get their nomination. In the panchayat polls, there was widespread violence, those who won the polls their houses were burnt. This undemocratic attitude is a matter of concern for the country. Q: In all the rallies you have confidently said that BJP is coming back to power. In West Bengal, there will be assembly polls in 2021. Do you have a strategy for West Bengal and also do you have a vision for the state? A: The entire country needs to be developed, in the western part of India whether it is Maharashtra, Punjab or Goa, the economic activity can be seen. Then you see Assam, Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, the north-east, this region has no dearth of natural resources. There are talented people in this region but there is a great deal of poverty. My thinking is that if India needs to be developed than every region needs to be looked at in a balanced way. The way the western region has developed, we need to bring the eastern region in sync with the western part of the country. This is the only way in which India will become a $5 trillion economy, then we can jump from No-6 position in the world to No-3 in the world. So I have a vision for the entire eastern region. Kolkata can become the growth hub of the entire country, there is so much strength. However, in the last 40 years, we have destroyed everything. We need to bring back development.

TMC, West Bengal CM and those close to her have lost their balance: PM Modi

Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Friday said that a decision on the prime ministerial post of a non-BJP government at the Centre would be taken after the Lok Sabha poll results are out on May 23.

"People will deliver their mandate on May 23. I will not comment on it before their decision is out. I do not want to prejudge the judgment of Indian people. We will take the decision on the basis of what people decide," Gandhi said during a press conference when ANI asked if the Congress would compromise on the PM's post.

Gandhi's comment comes a day after senior Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad said that his party does not have any problem if it did not get the Prime Minister's post as it wants to dislodge the NDA government at the Centre.

"We have already made our stand clear. If a consensus is made in favour of the Congress, then the party will take the leadership but our aim has always been that the NDA should not come to power again. We will go with the unanimous decision," Azad had told the media persons in Patna on Wednesday.

Azad said, "We are not going to make an issue that we (Congress) will not let anyone else become the Prime Minister if it is not offered to us (Congress)."&nbsp;

Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Friday said that a decision on the prime ministerial post of a non-BJP government at the Centre would be taken after the Lok Sabha poll results are out on May 23.

Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Friday said that a decision on the prime ministerial post of a non-BJP government at the Centre would be taken after the Lok Sabha poll results are out on May 23. "People will deliver their mandate on May 23. I will not comment on it before their decision is out. I do not want to prejudge the judgment of Indian people. We will take the decision on the basis of what people decide," Gandhi said during a press conference when ANI asked if the Congress would compromise on the PM's post. Gandhi's comment comes a day after senior Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad said that his party does not have any problem if it did not get the Prime Minister's post as it wants to dislodge the NDA government at the Centre. "We have already made our stand clear. If a consensus is made in favour of the Congress, then the party will take the leadership but our aim has always been that the NDA should not come to power again. We will go with the unanimous decision," Azad had told the media persons in Patna on Wednesday. Azad said, "We are not going to make an issue that we (Congress) will not let anyone else become the Prime Minister if it is not offered to us (Congress)."

Will decide on PM's post after results are out on May 23: Rahul Gandhi

The Election Commission (EC) asked star campaigners and other political leaders to refrain from addressing the media by way of press conferences and giving interviews on election matters during the silence period beginning Friday evening ahead of the last phase of Lok Sabha polls on May 19.

"In a multi-phased election, the silence period of the last 48 hours may be on in certain constituencies while the campaign is ongoing in other constituencies. In such an event, there should not be any direct or indirect reference amounting to soliciting support for parties or candidates in the constituencies observing the silence period," an EC statement said.

"During the silence period, star campaigners and other political leaders should refrain from addressing the media by way of press conferences and giving interviews on election matters," it said.

The statement came in reference to queries received by the poll body on telecasting interviews of star campaigners during the silence period. The campaigning for the seventh and the final phase of the Lok Sabha election ended at 5.00 pm today.

Counting of votes will be held on May 23.&nbsp;

The Election Commission (EC) asked star campaigners and other political leaders to refrain from addressing the media by way of press conferences and giving interviews on election matters during the silence period beginning Friday evening ahead of the last phase of Lok Sabha polls on May 19.

The Election Commission (EC) asked star campaigners and other political leaders to refrain from addressing the media by way of press conferences and giving interviews on election matters during the silence period beginning Friday evening ahead of the last phase of Lok Sabha polls on May 19. "In a multi-phased election, the silence period of the last 48 hours may be on in certain constituencies while the campaign is ongoing in other constituencies. In such an event, there should not be any direct or indirect reference amounting to soliciting support for parties or candidates in the constituencies observing the silence period," an EC statement said. "During the silence period, star campaigners and other political leaders should refrain from addressing the media by way of press conferences and giving interviews on election matters," it said. The statement came in reference to queries received by the poll body on telecasting interviews of star campaigners during the silence period. The campaigning for the seventh and the final phase of the Lok Sabha election ended at 5.00 pm today. Counting of votes will be held on May 23.

Election Commission asks star campaigners, leaders to refrain from addressing media during silence period

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/i-got-a-sense-that-a-majority-government-will-come-to-power-again-pm-modi-in-joint-press-conference-with-amit-shah-219416">Prime Minister Narendra Modi</a> and BJP chief Amit Shah on Friday addressed a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/the-modi-experiment-has-been-accepted-amit-shah-in-joint-press-conference-with-pm-modi-219410">joint press conference</a> shortly after the campaigning for the final leg of the seven-phased Lok Sabha polls came to an end.&nbsp;

While both the leaders spoke on BJP's poll campaign and the party's prospects this Lok Sabha election, Shah answered a host of queries including one on <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/bjp-has-taken-the-statements-seriously-sent-them-to-disciplinary-committee-amit-shah-over-comments-on-nathuram-godse-219338">Pragya Thakur's remark on Mahatma Gandhi's assassin Nathuram Godse</a>.&nbsp;

Shah said that the party has served Thakur a show cause notice and has asked her to reply within 10 days.&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/party-disciplinary-committee-will-take-appropriate-actions-amit-shah-on-pragya-thakurs-godse-remark-219429/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"After she files a reply, party's disciplinary committee will take appropriate actions," he added.&nbsp;

Earlier in the day, Shah had said, "Statements of, Pragya Thakur and Nalin Kateel are their personal opinion, BJP has nothing to do with it. They have withdrawn their statements and apologised. BJP has taken their statements seriously and sent these statements to disciplinary committee".

PM Modi, while addressing his last poll rally in Madhya Pradesh's Khargone today, said that he "<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/would-never-be-able-to-forgive-pragya-for-godse-remark-pm-modi-219397">would never be able to forgive Thakur fully</a>" for her Godse remark.&nbsp;

During a roadshow in Madhya Pradesh's Agar town, Thakur had said, "Nathuram Godseji deshbhakt the, hai, aur rahenge unko aatankwadi kahne wale log swayam ki gireban me jhaank kar dekhe chunav mein aise logon ko jawab de diya jayega (Nathuram Godse was a patriot and will remain a patriot, those who call him a terrorist should look within they will get a reply in this election)".

She was responding to a comment made by actor-turned-politician Kamal Haasan, who had said Godse was the first Hindu terrorist in independent India.

The Malegaon blast accused later apologised for her statement.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP chief Amit Shah on Friday addressed a joint press conference shortly after the campaigning for the final leg of the seven-phased Lok Sabha polls came to an end.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP chief Amit Shah on Friday addressed a joint press conference shortly after the campaigning for the final leg of the seven-phased Lok Sabha polls came to an end. While both the leaders spoke on BJP's poll campaign and the party's prospects this Lok Sabha election, Shah answered a host of queries including one on Pragya Thakur's remark on Mahatma Gandhi's assassin Nathuram Godse. Shah said that the party has served Thakur a show cause notice and has asked her to reply within 10 days. "After she files a reply, party's disciplinary committee will take appropriate actions," he added. Earlier in the day, Shah had said, "Statements of, Pragya Thakur and Nalin Kateel are their personal opinion, BJP has nothing to do with it. They have withdrawn their statements and apologised. BJP has taken their statements seriously and sent these statements to disciplinary committee". PM Modi, while addressing his last poll rally in Madhya Pradesh's Khargone today, said that he "would never be able to forgive Thakur fully" for her Godse remark. During a roadshow in Madhya Pradesh's Agar town, Thakur had said, "Nathuram Godseji deshbhakt the, hai, aur rahenge unko aatankwadi kahne wale log swayam ki gireban me jhaank kar dekhe chunav mein aise logon ko jawab de diya jayega (Nathuram Godse was a patriot and will remain a patriot, those who call him a terrorist should look within they will get a reply in this election)". She was responding to a comment made by actor-turned-politician Kamal Haasan, who had said Godse was the first Hindu terrorist in independent India. The Malegaon blast accused later apologised for her statement.

BJP's disciplinary committee will take appropriate actions: Amit Shah on Pragya Thakur's Godse remark 

BSP chief Mayawati on Friday downplayed the Congress'&nbsp;'Nyay'&nbsp;scheme and promised to introduce a better one to eradicate poverty from the country if 'Mahagathbandhan'&nbsp;comes to power at the Centre.

"Like the BJP, the Congress is also making big promises. Its promise to give Rs 6,000 per month to the poor will not help in eradicating poverty. If we get a chance to form government at the Centre, we will make provisions to permanently employ poor people in government and private sectors," Mayawati said at an election rally.

The former Uttar Pradesh chief minister appealed to the people to vote for the SP-BSP-RLD alliance so that it can form the government at the Centre.

Attacking the ruling BJP for what she called 'communal, casteist, and RSS-influenced policies," she said the Congress is responsible for the saffron party's rise and its "dictatorial and egoistic rule" rule in most of the states and at the Centre.

She said,&nbsp;"Actually the Congress is responsible for the BJP's dictatorial and egoistic rule in most of the states and at the Centre today. Had the Congress party worked with honesty and dedication for the people, we would not have seen the BJP in power in major parts of the country."

The BSP leader claimed that BJP would be ousted from power in the Lok Sabha elections because the ruling party failed to fulfil its "tall and false" promises made in the last Lok Sabha elections. Mayawati defended SP chief Akhilesh, son of her long-time arch rival Mulayam Singh, over his comment on the BJP which she alleged was twisted by Prime Minister Modi at a rally.

She said, "Yesterday PM Narendra Modi, at a rally here, indicated to Akhilesh Yadav saying that BJP starts and ends its discourse on the toilet. Akhilesh said the BJP constructed toilets but they do not have even basic amenities like water and door."

"I urge the BJP workers to go and tell the Prime Minister that we cared about daughters more than anyone would have cared," she said."I have got developed many villages under Dr Ambedkar Gram Vikas Yojana during my four terms as the chief minister of the state. We constructed toilets with door and water, schools, concrete roads in these villages. My government constructed much more toilets that the BJP has done so far," she said.

Stepping up her attack on the BJP, she said,&nbsp;"Since they know they are going to lose power, they are misleading people. Bad days will start from May 23 for Narendra Modi and his followers. And the preparation will also start to send Yogi to his 'Math'&nbsp;(in Gorakhpur)."

The voting for 13 Lok Sabha seats including Mirzapur and Robertsganj seats will go to polls in the last phase of General Elections on May 23. The counting of votes will take place on May 23.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

BSP chief Mayawati on Friday downplayed the Congress' 'Nyay' scheme and promised to introduce a better one to eradicate poverty from the country if 'Mahagathbandhan' comes to power at the Centre.

BSP chief Mayawati on Friday downplayed the Congress' 'Nyay' scheme and promised to introduce a better one to eradicate poverty from the country if 'Mahagathbandhan' comes to power at the Centre. "Like the BJP, the Congress is also making big promises. Its promise to give Rs 6,000 per month to the poor will not help in eradicating poverty. If we get a chance to form government at the Centre, we will make provisions to permanently employ poor people in government and private sectors," Mayawati said at an election rally. The former Uttar Pradesh chief minister appealed to the people to vote for the SP-BSP-RLD alliance so that it can form the government at the Centre. Attacking the ruling BJP for what she called 'communal, casteist, and RSS-influenced policies," she said the Congress is responsible for the saffron party's rise and its "dictatorial and egoistic rule" rule in most of the states and at the Centre. She said, "Actually the Congress is responsible for the BJP's dictatorial and egoistic rule in most of the states and at the Centre today. Had the Congress party worked with honesty and dedication for the people, we would not have seen the BJP in power in major parts of the country." The BSP leader claimed that BJP would be ousted from power in the Lok Sabha elections because the ruling party failed to fulfil its "tall and false" promises made in the last Lok Sabha elections. Mayawati defended SP chief Akhilesh, son of her long-time arch rival Mulayam Singh, over his comment on the BJP which she alleged was twisted by Prime Minister Modi at a rally. She said, "Yesterday PM Narendra Modi, at a rally here, indicated to Akhilesh Yadav saying that BJP starts and ends its discourse on the toilet. Akhilesh said the BJP constructed toilets but they do not have even basic amenities like water and door." "I urge the BJP workers to go and tell the Prime Minister that we cared about daughters more than anyone would have cared," she said."I have got developed many villages under Dr Ambedkar Gram Vikas Yojana during my four terms as the chief minister of the state. We constructed toilets with door and water, schools, concrete roads in these villages. My government constructed much more toilets that the BJP has done so far," she said. Stepping up her attack on the BJP, she said, "Since they know they are going to lose power, they are misleading people. Bad days will start from May 23 for Narendra Modi and his followers. And the preparation will also start to send Yogi to his 'Math' (in Gorakhpur)." The voting for 13 Lok Sabha seats including Mirzapur and Robertsganj seats will go to polls in the last phase of General Elections on May 23. The counting of votes will take place on May 23.

Will bring better scheme than Congress' 'Nyay' if voted to power: Mayawati

Kamal Haasan, whom I see as a Bollywoodian as much as any other influential actor in India, has again put his foot in his mouth by opining that the first terrorist in independent India was a Hindu.

He can safely be declared the first motormouth of Indian politics from Indian cinema. Kamal Haasan has often held radical, agnostic views on life and politics, which he has shared with me over several lengthy stretches of conversation. Kamal Haasan is a man of ideas. But those radical ideas don't make him a mouldable politician. They just make him sound like a fish out of water.&nbsp;

Stars in politics are like chocolate cream in biryani. The combination doesn't jell. And still, the exodus of stars into politics continues. Each year the volume of actors in politics gets larger. Now, with PM Modi welcoming Bollywood into his fraternity, the floodgates are open for glamour (read: entertainment industry) to march into politics (read: corruption).

Of course, they all enter the murky world of politics with the best of intentions.&nbsp;

I remember Hema Malini telling me, "I've seen it all. I am no stranger to money and fame. So, I am not in this for wealth or a name. I am getting into politics to work among the grassroots section of the people."

True to her word, the Dream Girl has transformed her constituency - Mathura - into a bit of a dream. Good roads, solid civic amenities, new malls and cleaner, more serviceable temple facilities. I would rate Hema ji among the more accomplished actors-turned-politicians.

But the best actor-politician has to be Vinod Khanna. He transformed his constituency into a Garden of Eden. Gurdaspur, during Vinod's tenure, was a dream come true. Now it has passed on to Sunny Deol. It remains to be seen whether 'Sunny' days are ahead for the people of Gurdaspur. But I can tell you this. Sunny means well. He is honest and decent. But is he a right fit for politics? Decency and honesty are more disqualifications than recommendations for politics.

The latest to join the political bandwagon is my friend Urmila Matondkar. Her decision to dirty her pretty feet in what a legendary actor described as the cesspool of politics, took me by surprise. But then I thought, why not? If Rahul Gandhi can be thought of as a potential prime minister why can't Urmila be at least a Lok Sabha member?

For all the migration from movies to rajniti that we see these days, I still feel uneasy about the alliance between the two mutually exclusive worlds. I feel actors are good orators in front of the camera. But the lines that they deliver with such (rehearsed) passion at election campaigns must mean more than just a rousing histrionic performance.

In the North, actors have largely failed to deliver as politicians. I feel even in the South the days of iconic star-politicians like MGR, NTR and Jayalalitha are over. Kamal Haasan and Rajinikanth, who announced their entry into politics so grandiosely, are today stuck in their own contradictory statements on life and politics.

Kamal Haasan doesn't believe in God. Fortunately or unfortunately, the janata does. They even make gods out of actors and politicians. And never mind if the gods turn out to have feet of clay. 
&nbsp;

(This article was originally published on The Zee News. Read the <a href="https://zeenews.india.com/blogs/more-actors-are-now-in-politics-but-can-they-succeed-2203963.html">original article)</a>

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)&nbsp;

Kamal Haasan, whom I see as a Bollywoodian as much as any other influential actor in India, has again put his foot in his mouth by opining that the first terrorist in independent India was a Hindu.

Kamal Haasan, whom I see as a Bollywoodian as much as any other influential actor in India, has again put his foot in his mouth by opining that the first terrorist in independent India was a Hindu. He can safely be declared the first motormouth of Indian politics from Indian cinema. Kamal Haasan has often held radical, agnostic views on life and politics, which he has shared with me over several lengthy stretches of conversation. Kamal Haasan is a man of ideas. But those radical ideas don't make him a mouldable politician. They just make him sound like a fish out of water. Stars in politics are like chocolate cream in biryani. The combination doesn't jell. And still, the exodus of stars into politics continues. Each year the volume of actors in politics gets larger. Now, with PM Modi welcoming Bollywood into his fraternity, the floodgates are open for glamour (read: entertainment industry) to march into politics (read: corruption). Of course, they all enter the murky world of politics with the best of intentions. I remember Hema Malini telling me, "I've seen it all. I am no stranger to money and fame. So, I am not in this for wealth or a name. I am getting into politics to work among the grassroots section of the people." True to her word, the Dream Girl has transformed her constituency - Mathura - into a bit of a dream. Good roads, solid civic amenities, new malls and cleaner, more serviceable temple facilities. I would rate Hema ji among the more accomplished actors-turned-politicians. But the best actor-politician has to be Vinod Khanna. He transformed his constituency into a Garden of Eden. Gurdaspur, during Vinod's tenure, was a dream come true. Now it has passed on to Sunny Deol. It remains to be seen whether 'Sunny' days are ahead for the people of Gurdaspur. But I can tell you this. Sunny means well. He is honest and decent. But is he a right fit for politics? Decency and honesty are more disqualifications than recommendations for politics. The latest to join the political bandwagon is my friend Urmila Matondkar. Her decision to dirty her pretty feet in what a legendary actor described as the cesspool of politics, took me by surprise. But then I thought, why not? If Rahul Gandhi can be thought of as a potential prime minister why can't Urmila be at least a Lok Sabha member? For all the migration from movies to rajniti that we see these days, I still feel uneasy about the alliance between the two mutually exclusive worlds. I feel actors are good orators in front of the camera. But the lines that they deliver with such (rehearsed) passion at election campaigns must mean more than just a rousing histrionic performance. In the North, actors have largely failed to deliver as politicians. I feel even in the South the days of iconic star-politicians like MGR, NTR and Jayalalitha are over. Kamal Haasan and Rajinikanth, who announced their entry into politics so grandiosely, are today stuck in their own contradictory statements on life and politics. Kamal Haasan doesn't believe in God. Fortunately or unfortunately, the janata does. They even make gods out of actors and politicians. And never mind if the gods turn out to have feet of clay. (This article was originally published on The Zee News. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Blog: More actors are now in politics, but can they succeed?

As the long and torrid <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/election-campaigning-for-the-2019-lok-sabha-polls-to-end-today-219293">election campaign came to an end on Friday</a>, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/vote-for-national-security-appeals-amit-shat-at-election-rally-in-deoria-219245">BJP president Amit Shah</a> and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/would-never-be-able-to-forgive-pragya-for-godse-remark-pm-modi-219397">PM Modi</a> addressed a press conference at the party&nbsp;headquarters in New Delhi.&nbsp;

Addressing the press conference, BJP president Amit Shah said the party ran the most extensive campaign in its history. Amit Shah declared that the party will form the government once again.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/i-got-a-sense-that-a-majority-government-will-come-to-power-again-pm-modi-in-joint-press-conference-with-amit-shah-219416">I got a sense that a majority government will come to power again: PM Modi in joint press conference with Amit Shah</a>

"The Modi experiment has been accepted," Amit Shah said, adding, "I guarantee that BJP, under Narendra Modi's leadership, is going to form the next government." "133 schemes were launched,"&nbsp;he said.

"In 2014 we had six state government, in 2016 the BJP had 16 state governments." "Everyone in the country has benefitted by the 133 schemes launched by the Narendra Modi-led government," he stated.&nbsp;

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BJP President Amit Shah: We started our election campaign from January 16...Our target was to win 120 Lok Sabha seats which we couldn't win the last time. We are confident that we'll receive good results <a href="https://t.co/P80DRk8Tqz">pic.twitter.com/P80DRk8Tqz</a>
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"People have understood that multi-party democratic system can take the country forward on the path of developments, the success of 133 schemes proves it," the BJP president asserted.

"It was the first election when inflation and corruption were&nbsp;not the election issues," he said.&nbsp;

"The 125 crore people of India are not worried about the country's security today because of PM Modi," Shah said.

"The government has successfully launched many schemes for farmers, Dalits and women." "Our economy made strides in all the 5 years, and this is laudable," he added.

"During the last five years, India's economy jumped to the 6th spot from 11th position," he said.

"We focussed on 120 seats which were not won by the BJP in 2014 and the results on May 23 will give us good news in these seats,"&nbsp;he added.

"Our focus was on strengthening the BJP as an organisation. Political maturity will help us make gains in 80 of the 120 seats," Amit Shah said.

"The government focussed on farmers and women," he said.&nbsp;

"Main Bhi Chowkidar" campaign was a success in the country, it actually came from the people," Shah stated.

"15,682 in 161 BJP call centres connected with the people and made our campaign a success," he said.

The press briefing came shortly after the campaigning for the Lok Sabha polls officially ended on Friday.&nbsp;

The last leg of the seven-phased Lok Sabha polls is scheduled for May 19.

Around 59 constituencies spread over seven states and one union territory will go to polls on Sunday.

The counting of votes&nbsp;will take place on May 23, results will be announced the same day.&nbsp;

As the long and torrid election campaign came to an end on Friday, BJP president Amit Shah and PM Modi addressed a press conference at the party headquarters in New Delhi.

As the long and torrid election campaign came to an end on Friday, BJP president Amit Shah and PM Modi addressed a press conference at the party headquarters in New Delhi. Addressing the press conference, BJP president Amit Shah said the party ran the most extensive campaign in its history. Amit Shah declared that the party will form the government once again. I got a sense that a majority government will come to power again: PM Modi in joint press conference with Amit Shah "The Modi experiment has been accepted," Amit Shah said, adding, "I guarantee that BJP, under Narendra Modi's leadership, is going to form the next government." "133 schemes were launched," he said. "In 2014 we had six state government, in 2016 the BJP had 16 state governments." "Everyone in the country has benefitted by the 133 schemes launched by the Narendra Modi-led government," he stated. BJP President Amit Shah: We started our election campaign from January 16...Our target was to win 120 Lok Sabha seats which we couldn't win the last time. We are confident that we'll receive good results pic.twitter.com/P80DRk8Tqz — ANI (@ANI) May 17, 2019 × "People have understood that multi-party democratic system can take the country forward on the path of developments, the success of 133 schemes proves it," the BJP president asserted. "It was the first election when inflation and corruption were not the election issues," he said. "The 125 crore people of India are not worried about the country's security today because of PM Modi," Shah said. "The government has successfully launched many schemes for farmers, Dalits and women." "Our economy made strides in all the 5 years, and this is laudable," he added. "During the last five years, India's economy jumped to the 6th spot from 11th position," he said. "We focussed on 120 seats which were not won by the BJP in 2014 and the results on May 23 will give us good news in these seats," he added. "Our focus was on strengthening the BJP as an organisation. Political maturity will help us make gains in 80 of the 120 seats," Amit Shah said. "The government focussed on farmers and women," he said. "Main Bhi Chowkidar" campaign was a success in the country, it actually came from the people," Shah stated. "15,682 in 161 BJP call centres connected with the people and made our campaign a success," he said. The press briefing came shortly after the campaigning for the Lok Sabha polls officially ended on Friday. The last leg of the seven-phased Lok Sabha polls is scheduled for May 19. Around 59 constituencies spread over seven states and one union territory will go to polls on Sunday. The counting of votes will take place on May 23, results will be announced the same day.

The Modi experiment has been accepted: Amit Shah in joint press conference with PM Modi

In his first major press conference as prime minister, Narendra Modi said he was confident of forming the next government as campaigning for the Lok Sabha elections came to an end on Friday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/the-modi-experiment-has-been-accepted-amit-shah-in-joint-press-conference-with-pm-modi-219410">Also Read: The Modi experiment has been accepted, says&nbsp;Amit Shah in joint press conference with PM Modi</a>

I have come straight from Madhya Pradesh to meet you, PM Modi told reporters in his first press conference.

"In 2009 and 2014, IPL had to be shifted out of the country due to the elections but when the government is functioning properly then everything runs together whether it is the children's exams, Easter, Ramnavami, Ramadan and others," the PM said.&nbsp;

"There are somethings we can say proudly, we inspire the world with the world's biggest democracy," the prime minister said, adding,"India has the potential to influence the world."&nbsp;

"I thank the the people of the country," he said after a long and gruelling campaign criss-crossing the country.

"Despite our diversity the fact that we are able to conduct a successful election should make India proud," the prime minister said. "The campaign was great and very positive."

"I got a sense that a majority government will come to power again after five years," PM Modi asserted. "It will happen after a long time in the country, our government will come to power with absolute majority for second consecutive time," he said.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

"Last time the results were declared on May 16th and on 17th the betting market got a shock because BJP had come to power. Earlier all the bets were placed in favour of the Congress but on 17th May everything changed."

"Last mile delivery has been our hallmark, which is unprecedented in India's governance," PM Modi said.

"Not a single rally in which I was involved was cancelled, this points to organizational power and discipline," he said. 
&nbsp;

In his first major press conference as prime minister, Narendra Modi said he was confident of forming the next government as campaigning for the Lok Sabha elections came to an end on Friday.

In his first major press conference as prime minister, Narendra Modi said he was confident of forming the next government as campaigning for the Lok Sabha elections came to an end on Friday. Also Read: The Modi experiment has been accepted, says Amit Shah in joint press conference with PM Modi I have come straight from Madhya Pradesh to meet you, PM Modi told reporters in his first press conference. "In 2009 and 2014, IPL had to be shifted out of the country due to the elections but when the government is functioning properly then everything runs together whether it is the children's exams, Easter, Ramnavami, Ramadan and others," the PM said. "There are somethings we can say proudly, we inspire the world with the world's biggest democracy," the prime minister said, adding,"India has the potential to influence the world." "I thank the the people of the country," he said after a long and gruelling campaign criss-crossing the country. "Despite our diversity the fact that we are able to conduct a successful election should make India proud," the prime minister said. "The campaign was great and very positive." "I got a sense that a majority government will come to power again after five years," PM Modi asserted. "It will happen after a long time in the country, our government will come to power with absolute majority for second consecutive time," he said. "Last time the results were declared on May 16th and on 17th the betting market got a shock because BJP had come to power. Earlier all the bets were placed in favour of the Congress but on 17th May everything changed." "Last mile delivery has been our hallmark, which is unprecedented in India's governance," PM Modi said. "Not a single rally in which I was involved was cancelled, this points to organizational power and discipline," he said.

I got a sense that a majority government will come to power again: PM Modi in joint press conference with Amit Shah

The Special NIA court in Mumbai has directed all accused of Malegaon 2008 blast case to remain present before the court at least once a week.

The court on Friday&nbsp;expressed displeasure over the&nbsp;absence of Sadhvi Pragya and&nbsp;Lt Col Prasad Purohit from the courtroom.

Bharatiya Janata Party's Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur is among the seven accused facing trial in the Malegaon blast case, wherein six people were killed and a dozen others were injured. The bomb that was placed on a motorcycle exploded in Maharashtra's Malegaon on September 29, 2008.

Next hearing in the matter has been scheduled for May 20.

Bharatiya Janata Party has been drawing flak from the opposition since they gave the ticket to Sadhvi Pragya for the 2019 Lok Sabha elections.

Sadhvi&nbsp;was fielded from Madhya Pradesh's Bhopal constituency against Congress veteran leader Digvijay Singh.

(With inputs from agencies)

The Special NIA court in Mumbai has directed all accused of Malegaon 2008 blast case to remain present before the court at least once a week. The court on Friday expressed displeasure over the absence of Sadhvi Pragya and Lt Col Prasad Purohit from the courtroom.

The Special NIA court in Mumbai has directed all accused of Malegaon 2008 blast case to remain present before the court at least once a week. The court on Friday expressed displeasure over the absence of Sadhvi Pragya and Lt Col Prasad Purohit from the courtroom. Bharatiya Janata Party's Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur is among the seven accused facing trial in the Malegaon blast case, wherein six people were killed and a dozen others were injured. The bomb that was placed on a motorcycle exploded in Maharashtra's Malegaon on September 29, 2008. Next hearing in the matter has been scheduled for May 20. Bharatiya Janata Party has been drawing flak from the opposition since they gave the ticket to Sadhvi Pragya for the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. Sadhvi was fielded from Madhya Pradesh's Bhopal constituency against Congress veteran leader Digvijay Singh. (With inputs from agencies)

NIA court expresses displeasure over absence of Sadhvi Pragya, Lt Col Purohit 

Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Friday held a roadshow in Uttar Pradesh's Kushinagar Lok Sabha constituency on the last day of poll campaigning.

Priyanka, sitting atop a black car along with Congress candidate from Kushinagar seat, RPN Singh, waved to the crowd and shook hands while urging people to vote on May 19.

Singh is contesting against BJP's Vijay Kumar Dubey from Kushinagar seat, where polling will be held in the seventh and the final phase of the Lok Sabha election on Sunday.

Earlier today, Priyanka also held a roadshow in Mirzapur while campaigning for Congress leader from the constituency, Lalitesh Pati Tripathi.

While addressing the crowd, Priyanka said that it would have been great if they had chosen legendary actor Amitabh Bachchan as the Prime Minister.

"You have chosen the greatest actor as Prime Minister. It would have been better if you had made Amitabh Bachchan as Prime Minister, anyhow they did not do anything for you," she said candidly.

The election campaigning will end at 5:00 pm today.

The result will be announced on May 23.&nbsp;

Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Friday held a roadshow in Uttar Pradesh's Kushinagar Lok Sabha constituency on the last day of poll campaigning. Priyanka, sitting atop a black car along with Congress candidate from Kushinagar seat, RPN Singh, waved to the crowd and shook hands while urging people to vote on May 19.

Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Friday held a roadshow in Uttar Pradesh's Kushinagar Lok Sabha constituency on the last day of poll campaigning. Priyanka, sitting atop a black car along with Congress candidate from Kushinagar seat, RPN Singh, waved to the crowd and shook hands while urging people to vote on May 19. Singh is contesting against BJP's Vijay Kumar Dubey from Kushinagar seat, where polling will be held in the seventh and the final phase of the Lok Sabha election on Sunday. Earlier today, Priyanka also held a roadshow in Mirzapur while campaigning for Congress leader from the constituency, Lalitesh Pati Tripathi. While addressing the crowd, Priyanka said that it would have been great if they had chosen legendary actor Amitabh Bachchan as the Prime Minister. "You have chosen the greatest actor as Prime Minister. It would have been better if you had made Amitabh Bachchan as Prime Minister, anyhow they did not do anything for you," she said candidly. The election campaigning will end at 5:00 pm today. The result will be announced on May 23.

On last day of poll campaigning, Priyanka Gandhi holds roadshow in Uttar Pradesh's Kushinagar

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said he will never forgive <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/bjp-has-taken-the-statements-seriously-sent-them-to-disciplinary-committee-amit-shah-over-comments-on-nathuram-godse-219338">BJP candidate Pragya Singh Thakur</a> for insulting Mahatma Gandhi by calling his assassin Nathuram Godse a true patriot.

The prime minister told a TV channel during his last rally in Madhya Pradesh's Khargone ahead of the last phase of voting in the Lok Sabha polls, he also said her comments were detrimental to society.

"The remarks made about Gandhiji or Nathuram Godse are very bad and very wrong for society," he said. "She has sought an apology but I would never be able to forgive her fully," he added.

Earlier Friday, BJP president Amit Shah said remarks on Mahatma Gandhi's assassin by three BJP leaders Thakur, Union Minister Anantkumar Hegde and Karnataka MP Nalin Kumar Kateel were not in line with the party's ideology.

Shah had said the party's disciplinary committee has sought an explanation from them in 10 days.

During a roadshow in Madhya Pradesh's Agar town, Thakur had said, "Nathuram Godseji deshbhakt the, hai, aur rahenge unko aatankwadi kahne wale log swayam ki gireban me jhaank kar dekhe chunav mein aise logon ko jawab de diya jayega (Nathuram Godse was a patriot and will remain a patriot, those who call him a terrorist should look within they will get a reply in this election)".

She was responding to a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/my-speech-about-harmony-says-kamal-haasan-defending-godse-remark-219298">comment made by actor-turned-politician Kamal&nbsp;Haasan</a>, who had said Godse was the first Hindu terrorist in independent India.

The Malegaon blast accused later apologised for her statement.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said he will never forgive BJP candidate Pragya Singh Thakur for insulting Mahatma Gandhi by calling his assassin Nathuram Godse a true patriot.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said he will never forgive BJP candidate Pragya Singh Thakur for insulting Mahatma Gandhi by calling his assassin Nathuram Godse a true patriot. The prime minister told a TV channel during his last rally in Madhya Pradesh's Khargone ahead of the last phase of voting in the Lok Sabha polls, he also said her comments were detrimental to society. "The remarks made about Gandhiji or Nathuram Godse are very bad and very wrong for society," he said. "She has sought an apology but I would never be able to forgive her fully," he added. Earlier Friday, BJP president Amit Shah said remarks on Mahatma Gandhi's assassin by three BJP leaders Thakur, Union Minister Anantkumar Hegde and Karnataka MP Nalin Kumar Kateel were not in line with the party's ideology. Shah had said the party's disciplinary committee has sought an explanation from them in 10 days. During a roadshow in Madhya Pradesh's Agar town, Thakur had said, "Nathuram Godseji deshbhakt the, hai, aur rahenge unko aatankwadi kahne wale log swayam ki gireban me jhaank kar dekhe chunav mein aise logon ko jawab de diya jayega (Nathuram Godse was a patriot and will remain a patriot, those who call him a terrorist should look within they will get a reply in this election)". She was responding to a comment made by actor-turned-politician Kamal Haasan, who had said Godse was the first Hindu terrorist in independent India. The Malegaon blast accused later apologised for her statement.

Would never be able to forgive Pragya for Godse remark: PM Modi

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu will visit the officials of Election Commission (EC) on today.

Naidu's Telugu Desam Party (TDP) had on Thursday "strongly opposed" the Election Commission's decision to hold repolling at five booths under Chandragiri and Chittoor parliamentary constituencies and termed it as "partial one-sided and undemocratic".

"I am writing this letter to strongly oppose the partial one-sided and undemocratic motivated actions of the EC. The decision to conduct repolling in five polling stations under 166-Chandragiri and 25-Chittoor parliamentary constituencies," Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu said in the letter.

The EC had on Wednesday declared the poll held on April 11 in these five stations as void and ordered that a re-polling be conducted from 7 am to 6 pm on May 19.

Meanwhile, Naidu might also meet Congress president Rahul Gandhi, Farooq Abdullah and Sharad Yadav, today.&nbsp;

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu will visit the officials of Election Commission (EC) on today. Naidu's Telugu Desam Party (TDP) had on Thursday "strongly opposed" the Election Commission's decision to hold repolling at five booths under Chandragiri and Chittoor parliamentary constituencies and termed it as "partial one-sided and undemocratic".

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu will visit the officials of Election Commission (EC) on today. Naidu's Telugu Desam Party (TDP) had on Thursday "strongly opposed" the Election Commission's decision to hold repolling at five booths under Chandragiri and Chittoor parliamentary constituencies and termed it as "partial one-sided and undemocratic". "I am writing this letter to strongly oppose the partial one-sided and undemocratic motivated actions of the EC. The decision to conduct repolling in five polling stations under 166-Chandragiri and 25-Chittoor parliamentary constituencies," Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu said in the letter. The EC had on Wednesday declared the poll held on April 11 in these five stations as void and ordered that a re-polling be conducted from 7 am to 6 pm on May 19. Meanwhile, Naidu might also meet Congress president Rahul Gandhi, Farooq Abdullah and Sharad Yadav, today.

Andhra Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu to meet Election Commission today

Madhya Pradesh Chief Electoral Officer Friday submitted a report to the Election Commission (EC) over the statement of BJP candidate from <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/election-commission-issues-notice-to-pragya-singh-thakur-over-campaigning-despite-72-hour-ban-216032">Bhopal Pragya Singh Thakur,</a> who termed Mahatma Gandhi's assassin <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/iew-row-over-sadhvi-pragya-thakurs-comments-219226">Nathuram Godse a deshbhakt (patriot)</a>.

The state election officials have forwarded a report to the EC in this regard, MP CEO V L Kanthrao said.

Asked about details of the report, he said, We will share them after the EC takes a decision in this regard.

Earlier in the day, the District Election Officer of the Agar Malwa district submitted his report to the CEO in the matter of Pragya Singh Thakur's statement on Godse.

The poll panel had taken cognisance of Pragya's remarks describing Mahatma Gandhi's assassin as a "patriot" on Thursday after a host of political parties condemned her remark.

Pragya has apologised for her comment and retracted the statement.

"It was my personal opinion remark. My intention was not to hurt anyone's sentiments. If I've hurt anyone I do apologise. What Gandhi Ji has done for the country cannot be forgotten. My statement has been twisted by the media," Pragya, an accused in the Malegaon blast case, said. She also tweeted her apology.

On Thursday, in response to a question over actor- turned-politician Kamal Haasan's remark that "free India's first terrorist was a Hindu", Pragya had said, "Nathuram Godse was a deshbhakt (patriot), he is and will remain a deshbhakt. Those calling him a terrorist should look at themselves. They will be given a befitting reply in this election."

Earlier this month, the EC had barred Pragya from campaigning for three days for violating the Model Code of Conduct by stirring up communal feelings. The poll watchdog had said in its order that the decision came in light of her comments against slain IPS officer Hemant Karkare and on the demolition of the Babri Masjid.&nbsp;

Madhya Pradesh Chief Electoral Officer Friday submitted a report to the Election Commission (EC) over the statement of BJP candidate from Bhopal Pragya Singh Thakur, who termed Mahatma Gandhi's assassin Nathuram Godse a deshbhakt (patriot).

Madhya Pradesh Chief Electoral Officer Friday submitted a report to the Election Commission (EC) over the statement of BJP candidate from Bhopal Pragya Singh Thakur, who termed Mahatma Gandhi's assassin Nathuram Godse a deshbhakt (patriot). The state election officials have forwarded a report to the EC in this regard, MP CEO V L Kanthrao said. Asked about details of the report, he said, We will share them after the EC takes a decision in this regard. Earlier in the day, the District Election Officer of the Agar Malwa district submitted his report to the CEO in the matter of Pragya Singh Thakur's statement on Godse. The poll panel had taken cognisance of Pragya's remarks describing Mahatma Gandhi's assassin as a "patriot" on Thursday after a host of political parties condemned her remark. Pragya has apologised for her comment and retracted the statement. "It was my personal opinion remark. My intention was not to hurt anyone's sentiments. If I've hurt anyone I do apologise. What Gandhi Ji has done for the country cannot be forgotten. My statement has been twisted by the media," Pragya, an accused in the Malegaon blast case, said. She also tweeted her apology. On Thursday, in response to a question over actor- turned-politician Kamal Haasan's remark that "free India's first terrorist was a Hindu", Pragya had said, "Nathuram Godse was a deshbhakt (patriot), he is and will remain a deshbhakt. Those calling him a terrorist should look at themselves. They will be given a befitting reply in this election." Earlier this month, the EC had barred Pragya from campaigning for three days for violating the Model Code of Conduct by stirring up communal feelings. The poll watchdog had said in its order that the decision came in light of her comments against slain IPS officer Hemant Karkare and on the demolition of the Babri Masjid.

Madhya Pradesh Chief Election Officer submits report to Election Commission on Pragya Singh's Godse statement

Slamming West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee over the violence at BJP chief Amit Shah's Kolkata road-show, Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani Friday said she had lost her mental balance and was indulging in 'didigiri' (bullying).

Talking to media in Vadodara, he also said people of West Bengal would give a fitting reply to Mamata and her party, All India Trinamool Congress.

"It seems that Didi (Mamata) has completely lost her mental balance. She is losing her ground. She tarnished the democracy and indulged in 'didigiri' (similar to Hindi word 'dadagiri', meaning bullying)," Rupani told reporters.

"People of India and West Bengal will not tolerate such behaviour. People of West Bengal will give a befitting reply to her in the polls," he said.

During the last phase of campaigning, there was a pitched battle between BJP and TMC in West Bengal. Clashes broke our during Shah's roadshow on Wednesday.

A statue of social reformer Ishwarchandra Vidhyasagar was vandalised, for which both the parties are blaming each other.&nbsp;

Slamming West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee over the violence at BJP chief Amit Shah's Kolkata road-show, Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani Friday said she had lost her mental balance and was indulging in 'didigiri' (bullying).

Slamming West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee over the violence at BJP chief Amit Shah's Kolkata road-show, Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani Friday said she had lost her mental balance and was indulging in 'didigiri' (bullying). Talking to media in Vadodara, he also said people of West Bengal would give a fitting reply to Mamata and her party, All India Trinamool Congress. "It seems that Didi (Mamata) has completely lost her mental balance. She is losing her ground. She tarnished the democracy and indulged in 'didigiri' (similar to Hindi word 'dadagiri', meaning bullying)," Rupani told reporters. "People of India and West Bengal will not tolerate such behaviour. People of West Bengal will give a befitting reply to her in the polls," he said. During the last phase of campaigning, there was a pitched battle between BJP and TMC in West Bengal. Clashes broke our during Shah's roadshow on Wednesday. A statue of social reformer Ishwarchandra Vidhyasagar was vandalised, for which both the parties are blaming each other.

Mamata doing 'didigiri', lost her mental balance: Vijay Rupani

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/congress-has-no-problem-if-it-did-not-get-pms-post-ghulam-nabi-azad-219122/amp">Senior Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad </a>on Friday appeared to have made a U-turn saying his party must be given a chance if a stable government is needed at the Centre, in remarks that came a day after he had said that Congress was only keen on defeating NDA and the prime minister`s post was not its primary concern.

"No, it is not true that Congress will not claim the Prime Minister`s post. We are the biggest and oldest political party. If the government is to run for five years, the biggest political party should be given a chance. But what I have been saying is that while we are in the midst of elections we should not fight among ourselves. It (PM`s post) should be decided by consensus," Azad told ANI here.

On Thursday, Azad had asserted that his party was only interested in defeating NDA and getting the Prime Minister`s post was not its primary concerns.

"We have already made our stand clear. If a consensus is made in the favour of Congress, then the party will take the lead but our aim has always been that NDA government should not come."

"We will go with the unanimous decision. We are not going to make an issue that we (Congress) will not let anyone else become the Prime Minister if it is not offered to us (Congress)," Azad told reporters on Thursday.

On Friday, Azad said his party was going to become the largest party post-elections aiming for 273-plus seats on their own.

"Congress is going to have the maximum number of members in Parliament. We are looking to secure 273-plus seats this time, which is easily achievable for us. We have done it in the past, we will do it again," he said.

He also expressed hope that the Congress government under Rahul Gandhi would give the country a stable government for the next five years.

"Rahul Gandhi is competent enough to become the Prime Minister of the country. Manmohan Singhji, Atalji`s government lasted for the full term because they had the largest number of MPs, so if you want a stable government this time Congress is the only choice," he said.

Azad`s statements came after parties in the NDA alliance, especially BJP, urged the mahagathbandhan to declare its prime ministerial candidate. NDA claimed there was a lack of unanimity between the opposition in the Lok Sabha elections.&nbsp;

Senior Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad on Friday appeared to have made a U-turn saying his party must be given a chance if a stable government is needed at the Centre, in remarks that came a day after he had said that Congress was only keen on defeating NDA and the prime minister`s post was not its primary concern.

Senior Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad on Friday appeared to have made a U-turn saying his party must be given a chance if a stable government is needed at the Centre, in remarks that came a day after he had said that Congress was only keen on defeating NDA and the prime minister`s post was not its primary concern. "No, it is not true that Congress will not claim the Prime Minister`s post. We are the biggest and oldest political party. If the government is to run for five years, the biggest political party should be given a chance. But what I have been saying is that while we are in the midst of elections we should not fight among ourselves. It (PM`s post) should be decided by consensus," Azad told ANI here. On Thursday, Azad had asserted that his party was only interested in defeating NDA and getting the Prime Minister`s post was not its primary concerns. "We have already made our stand clear. If a consensus is made in the favour of Congress, then the party will take the lead but our aim has always been that NDA government should not come." "We will go with the unanimous decision. We are not going to make an issue that we (Congress) will not let anyone else become the Prime Minister if it is not offered to us (Congress)," Azad told reporters on Thursday. On Friday, Azad said his party was going to become the largest party post-elections aiming for 273-plus seats on their own. "Congress is going to have the maximum number of members in Parliament. We are looking to secure 273-plus seats this time, which is easily achievable for us. We have done it in the past, we will do it again," he said. He also expressed hope that the Congress government under Rahul Gandhi would give the country a stable government for the next five years. "Rahul Gandhi is competent enough to become the Prime Minister of the country. Manmohan Singhji, Atalji`s government lasted for the full term because they had the largest number of MPs, so if you want a stable government this time Congress is the only choice," he said. Azad`s statements came after parties in the NDA alliance, especially BJP, urged the mahagathbandhan to declare its prime ministerial candidate. NDA claimed there was a lack of unanimity between the opposition in the Lok Sabha elections.

Ghulam Nabi Azad takes U-turn after stating PM post was not Congress party's primary concern

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/repolling-in-chandragiri-naidu-says-election-commission-decision-unethical-unconstitutional-219249">Election Commission of India</a> ordered on Thursday re-poll at a polling booth in Chandni Chowk parliamentary constituency.

The poll body declared re-poll at polling station no. 32 of Chandni Chowk Assembly Segment after the presiding officer forget to delete the test votes before the actual polling on May 12.

The re-poll will be conducted on Sunday. In Chandni Chowk, sitting BJP MP and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/union-minister-harsh-vardhan-hits-out-at-congress-for-promising-to-repeal-sedition-law-214273">Union Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan</a> is contesting against four-time Lok Sabha MP and Congress leader Jai Prakash Agarwal and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Pankaj Gupta. The counting of votes will take place on May 23.

&nbsp;

The Election Commission of India ordered on Thursday re-poll at a polling booth in Chandni Chowk parliamentary constituency. The poll body declared re-poll at polling station no.

The Election Commission of India ordered on Thursday re-poll at a polling booth in Chandni Chowk parliamentary constituency. The poll body declared re-poll at polling station no. 32 of Chandni Chowk Assembly Segment after the presiding officer forget to delete the test votes before the actual polling on May 12. The re-poll will be conducted on Sunday. In Chandni Chowk, sitting BJP MP and Union Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan is contesting against four-time Lok Sabha MP and Congress leader Jai Prakash Agarwal and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Pankaj Gupta. The counting of votes will take place on May 23.

Re-polling in one Chandni Chowk booth on Sunday

Contending that the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/bjp-concerned-about-people-sonia-about-sons-pmship-nitin-gadkari-219108"> BJP </a>does not pay heed to its ideas and suggestions, the NPF, a partner in the saffron party-led alliance in the state, has convened a meeting of its leaders on Saturday to decide if it would continue to stay in the coalition or withdraw support.

Denying the allegation, the BJP said it has extended all possible facilities to its partners to ensure smooth functioning of the government.

Talking to PTI, Awangbou Newmai, the state unit chief of the Naga People's Front (NPF), claimed that the BJP "looks down" on its alliance partners.

"The BJP has never respected the spirit of the alliance since the formation of government in 2016. There have been instances when their leaders have refused to consider our members as alliance partners," he said, without elaborating.

The NPF has four MLAs in the 60-member Assembly.

Of the four MLAs, Loshii Dikho, who won from Mao Assembly constituency, is a cabinet minister.

Newmai also said that the saffron party did not live up to the promises it made to its coalition partners.

"The NPF has always considered the BJP as its big brother, but that did not stop the saffron party from bluffing to us. We haven't got our due respect," he claimed.

Rebutting Newmai's claims, Ch Bijoy, the spokesperson of the BJP, said the NPF had maintained that it did not want any ministerial berth while joining the alliance, but now it seems the party has several demands.

"The allegations made by the NPF are totally baseless and unfounded. All possible facilities have been provided to our coalition partners for smooth functioning of the government," he added.

Contending that the BJP does not pay heed to its ideas and suggestions, the NPF, a partner in the saffron party-led alliance in the state, has convened a meeting of its leaders on Saturday to decide if it would continue to stay in the coalition or withdraw support.

Contending that the BJP does not pay heed to its ideas and suggestions, the NPF, a partner in the saffron party-led alliance in the state, has convened a meeting of its leaders on Saturday to decide if it would continue to stay in the coalition or withdraw support. Denying the allegation, the BJP said it has extended all possible facilities to its partners to ensure smooth functioning of the government. Talking to PTI, Awangbou Newmai, the state unit chief of the Naga People's Front (NPF), claimed that the BJP "looks down" on its alliance partners. "The BJP has never respected the spirit of the alliance since the formation of government in 2016. There have been instances when their leaders have refused to consider our members as alliance partners," he said, without elaborating. The NPF has four MLAs in the 60-member Assembly. Of the four MLAs, Loshii Dikho, who won from Mao Assembly constituency, is a cabinet minister. Newmai also said that the saffron party did not live up to the promises it made to its coalition partners. "The NPF has always considered the BJP as its big brother, but that did not stop the saffron party from bluffing to us. We haven't got our due respect," he claimed. Rebutting Newmai's claims, Ch Bijoy, the spokesperson of the BJP, said the NPF had maintained that it did not want any ministerial berth while joining the alliance, but now it seems the party has several demands. "The allegations made by the NPF are totally baseless and unfounded. All possible facilities have been provided to our coalition partners for smooth functioning of the government," he added.

NPF to review its alliance with BJP in Manipur

Businessman Robert Vadra, husband of Congress General Secretary in-charge for Uttar Pradesh (East)<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/priyankas-himachal-visit-cancelled-due-to-bad-weather-218696"> Priyanka Gandhi,</a> on Friday accused Bharatiya Janata Party of making "false" and "hollow" promises.

Vadra took to Facebook to take a dig at the incumbent government and said, "Congress will give to the people what it has promised. Not make false, hollow promises like the BJP did, and never delivered even one promise. We will fulfil every need."Vadra also posted two pictures.

While in one photo he urged voters to vote for the Congress, in the other photo he could be seen giving food to the poor."We will stay true to our promises. Vote for new India," the photo stated.

Robert Vadra has three cases - Bikaner land deal money laundering case, 2009 petroleum deal case under the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) era and United Kingdom assets case, going on against him.

As many as 59 parliamentary constituencies spread across 7 states and 1 Union Territory will go to polls in the last and seventh phase of the Lok Sabha elections on May 19.

The results will be announced on May 23.

Businessman Robert Vadra, husband of Congress General Secretary in-charge for Uttar Pradesh (East) Priyanka Gandhi, on Friday accused Bharatiya Janata Party of making "false" and "hollow" promises.

Businessman Robert Vadra, husband of Congress General Secretary in-charge for Uttar Pradesh (East) Priyanka Gandhi, on Friday accused Bharatiya Janata Party of making "false" and "hollow" promises. Vadra took to Facebook to take a dig at the incumbent government and said, "Congress will give to the people what it has promised. Not make false, hollow promises like the BJP did, and never delivered even one promise. We will fulfil every need."Vadra also posted two pictures. While in one photo he urged voters to vote for the Congress, in the other photo he could be seen giving food to the poor."We will stay true to our promises. Vote for new India," the photo stated. Robert Vadra has three cases - Bikaner land deal money laundering case, 2009 petroleum deal case under the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) era and United Kingdom assets case, going on against him. As many as 59 parliamentary constituencies spread across 7 states and 1 Union Territory will go to polls in the last and seventh phase of the Lok Sabha elections on May 19. The results will be announced on May 23.

Congress will give people what it promises unlike BJP: Robert Vadra

At his last election rally, Prime Minister Narendra Modi told the voters that on Sunday when they go to cast their votes they will be electing a majority government for the second time in a row after decades.

''This Sunday when you go to cast your vote then you will be scripting history as you will elect a majority government for the second time in a row after decades,'' he said.&nbsp;

Modi said he is sure of the BJP-led ruling dispensation winning over 300 seats.

''From Kashmir to Kanyakumari, from Kutch to Kamrup, the whole nation is saying -- Ab ki baar, 300 paar, phir ek baar Modi Sarkar,'' Modi added.&nbsp;

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PM Narendra Modi in Khargone,Madhya Pradesh: From Kashmir to Kanyakumari, from Kutch to Kamrup, the whole nation is saying- Ab ki baar, 300 paar, phir ek baar Modi Sarkar <a href="https://t.co/aD6yvvUtUl">pic.twitter.com/aD6yvvUtUl</a>
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He also assured the tribals that their land will be safe&nbsp;as long as BJP is in power.&nbsp;

''Till Modi and BJP are there, nobody can touch land of those living in forests,'' noted Modi.&nbsp;

At his last election rally, Prime Minister Narendra Modi told the voters that on Sunday when they go to cast their votes they will be electing a majority government for the second time in a row after decades.

At his last election rally, Prime Minister Narendra Modi told the voters that on Sunday when they go to cast their votes they will be electing a majority government for the second time in a row after decades. ''This Sunday when you go to cast your vote then you will be scripting history as you will elect a majority government for the second time in a row after decades,'' he said. Modi said he is sure of the BJP-led ruling dispensation winning over 300 seats. ''From Kashmir to Kanyakumari, from Kutch to Kamrup, the whole nation is saying -- Ab ki baar, 300 paar, phir ek baar Modi Sarkar,'' Modi added. PM Narendra Modi in Khargone,Madhya Pradesh: From Kashmir to Kanyakumari, from Kutch to Kamrup, the whole nation is saying- Ab ki baar, 300 paar, phir ek baar Modi Sarkar pic.twitter.com/aD6yvvUtUl — ANI (@ANI) May 17, 2019 × He also assured the tribals that their land will be safe as long as BJP is in power. ''Till Modi and BJP are there, nobody can touch land of those living in forests,'' noted Modi.

After decades you will elect a majority government for second time in a row: PM Modi