There is a tough competition in UP in left phases of Election. Watch this video to know.

India Election Watch: Can BJP beat Mahagathbandan?

BJP is aiming to make a mark in West Bengal. PM Modi to address 6 rallies in West Bengal. Watch this video to know more.

India Election Watch: BJP bets big on West Bengal

Priyanka challenged opposition or BJP in Delhi Roadshow. She campaigns in Delhi with all 7 Cong Delhi candidates. Watch this video to know more.

India Election Watch: Priyanka's roadshow in East-Delhi

PM Modi holds rallies in Haryana & Delhi today. He targeted Congress by mentioning the abuses by opposition. Watch this video to know more.

India Election Watch: Listing Abuses, PM Modi targets Congress

Rally roster of top leaders for May 08th, 2019. Watch more to know.

India Election Watch: Rally roster of top leaders for May 08, 2019

Launching a scathing attack on former Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/narendra-modi-emerges-from-rafale-in-better-shape-than-rajiv-gandhi-from-bofors-197586">Rajiv Gandhi</a>, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday alleged that the Rajiv Gandhi had used INS Virat for personal holidays.

Addressing a huge gathering at New Delhi's Ramlila Maidan&nbsp;in support of the candidates of the BJP for the seven Lok Sabha seats in Delhi, PM Modi , hitting back at Congress President Rahul Gandhi over saying Army was not anyone's personal property, said, ''I want to tell the people of our country about those who actually treated our Armed Forces as their personal property. Former PM Rajiv Gandhi took his in-laws and their family members from Italy to a personal holiday on Naval warship INS Viraat.''

"At the time when INS Virat was positioned for protection of maritime boundaries, it was sent to take Rajiv Gandhi and his family to an island for their holiday. &nbsp;Even his in-laws were onboard INS Virat. Was it not a compromise of national security?" he asked.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> PM Modi in Delhi: At the time when, INS Virat was positioned for protection of maritime boundaries, it was sent to take Rajiv Gandhi and his family to an island for their holiday. Even his in-laws were onboard INS Virat. Was it not a compromise of national security? <a href="https://t.co/3RXdtJHF2m">pic.twitter.com/3RXdtJHF2m</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1126141155673088001?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 8, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The Navy was made to host the Gandhi family and Rajiv Gandhi's in-laws, and a helicopter was also deployed in their service, Modi claimed, adding that when a family becomes supreme, the country's security is at stake.

After the Ramlila Maidan speech, PM Narendra Modi also tweeted about it and accused Congress of compromising on the issue of national security.

<img alt="Narendra Modi" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="acd01625-1b5f-4a02-bf99-f3a075cae90b" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Narendra%20Modi1.JPG" />

"Even Navy personnel were put on service of Rajiv Gandhi and his family while they were vacationing at the island. INS Virat was also stationed at the island for 10 days during that time," he added.

Aircraft carrier INS Viraat was commissioned into the Indian Navy in 1987. After nearly 30 years of service, it was decommissioned in 2016.

(With inputs from ANI)

Launching a scathing attack on former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday alleged that the Rajiv Gandhi had used INS Virat for personal holidays.

Launching a scathing attack on former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday alleged that the Rajiv Gandhi had used INS Virat for personal holidays. Addressing a huge gathering at New Delhi's Ramlila Maidan in support of the candidates of the BJP for the seven Lok Sabha seats in Delhi, PM Modi , hitting back at Congress President Rahul Gandhi over saying Army was not anyone's personal property, said, ''I want to tell the people of our country about those who actually treated our Armed Forces as their personal property. Former PM Rajiv Gandhi took his in-laws and their family members from Italy to a personal holiday on Naval warship INS Viraat.'' "At the time when INS Virat was positioned for protection of maritime boundaries, it was sent to take Rajiv Gandhi and his family to an island for their holiday. Even his in-laws were onboard INS Virat. Was it not a compromise of national security?" he asked. #WATCH PM Modi in Delhi: At the time when, INS Virat was positioned for protection of maritime boundaries, it was sent to take Rajiv Gandhi and his family to an island for their holiday. Even his in-laws were onboard INS Virat. Was it not a compromise of national security? pic.twitter.com/3RXdtJHF2m — ANI (@ANI) May 8, 2019 × The Navy was made to host the Gandhi family and Rajiv Gandhi's in-laws, and a helicopter was also deployed in their service, Modi claimed, adding that when a family becomes supreme, the country's security is at stake. After the Ramlila Maidan speech, PM Narendra Modi also tweeted about it and accused Congress of compromising on the issue of national security. "Even Navy personnel were put on service of Rajiv Gandhi and his family while they were vacationing at the island. INS Virat was also stationed at the island for 10 days during that time," he added. Aircraft carrier INS Viraat was commissioned into the Indian Navy in 1987. After nearly 30 years of service, it was decommissioned in 2016. (With inputs from ANI)

Rajiv Gandhi used INS Virat for personal holidays: PM Narendra Modi

PM Narendra Modi today addressed a rally at Ramleela Maidan in Delhi. He slams opposition listing the abuses. He also pointed out AAP. Watch this video to know more.

PM Modi at Delhi rally: AAP changed after being in power

The prestigious twin<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/lok-sabha-pollstwo-poll-staffers-die-in-madhya-pradesh-216427&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiN8vbq8oviAhWcknAKHTLeClAQFjACegQIDxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0LhupCBFEF9ncHUN3lkSld"> Lok Sabha constituencies</a> of Phulpur and Allahabad in the district, represented in the past by three prime ministers, are seeing a battle of political turncoats this election as the majority of the main candidates are fighting polls after having switched party allegiance.

In Phulpur, wherefrom Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru won the first three Lok Sabha elections, the BJP has fielded former Zila panchayat chief Keshri Devi Patel while Pankaj Niranjan is fighting from the Congress with Pandhari Yadav forming the third corner of this triangular contest.

The Patel community is an important electoral base and the<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/bjps-five-year-rule-was-just-a-trailer-real-picture-is-yet-to-begin-nitin-gadkari-215995&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwj5scXG84viAhWMinAKHcVyAW0QFjAIegQIARAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw3-oS0o5hxKdeW1VJrDuzr6"> Congress</a> and the SP-BSP alliance is also seeking to corner an important vote share from it. Senior Congress leader from Allahabad, Abhay Awasthi, says, the 2019 general elections in Allahabad this year is essentially a "battle of political turncoats".

"The twin Lok Sabha seats of Phulpur and Allahabad have seen titans fighting the poll in the past. From Nehru winning three times from Phulpur to Lal Bahadur Shastri and V P Singh from Allahabad, and then senior BJP leader M M Joshi, winning three times from Allahabad, these two have been very prestigious seats, but big players are not in the fray this time," he said in the interview.

Aswathi said Keshri Devi Patel is a strong leader of Patel's, and has served multiple time as Zila panchayat president in Allahabad, has a strong hold over voters at the grass-roots level.

"She is fighting for BJP, but she was earlier with the BSP. Patel fought the Lok Sabha elections in 2004 on a BSP ticket but had lost to SP candidate Atiq Ahmed (by over 64,000 votes)," he said.

Pankaj Niranjan, a Patel leader from Apna Dal, is fighting on a Congress ticket. He is a son-in-law of Apna Dal founder late Sonelal Patel, and the grand old party is seeking to woo Patel voters with him as the candidate.

But, parties are betting on turncoats not just in Phulpur but also in Allahabad constituency, where former Congress leader Rita Bahuguna Joshi is trying her luck, pitted against Congress' Yogesh Shukla, who earlier belonged to the BJP.

While Joshi had unsuccessfully fought Lok Sabha elections in 1999, losing to BJP stalwart M M Joshi and finished third, Shukla was fielded by the BJP in 2009 but faced defeat at the hands of SP's Kunwar Rewati Raman Singh and managed to get only the third position.

Shukla had joined the Congress late April just ahead of filing his nomination, Awasthi said.

"More so, SP's Rajendra Singh Patel fielded from Allahabad this time, was earlier with the JD(U) and had served as its vice-president. So, it is indeed a battle of turncoats of sorts this time for the two seats," he said.

Lok Sabha seats of Phulpur and Allahabad fall in the Allahabad district. As many as 14 candidates each are testing their fortunes from the two constituencies in the election here due on May 12.

Phulpur Lok Sabha seat, which Nehru had won in 1952, 1957 and 1962 consists of five assembly segments -- Phaphamau, Soraon, Phulpur, Allahabad West and Allahabad North. Allahabad Lok Sabha seat also consists of five assembly segments -- Meja, Karachhana, Bara, Koraon and Allahabad South.

Lal Bahadur Shashtri, who served as the second prime minister from 1964-66, had won Allahabad seat in 1957 and 1962, while VP Singh had won it in 1988. Akshat Lal, a resident of old Allahabad, which falls in Allahabad constituency, said, "From childhood days, we have heard stories of Nehru, Shastri and how the two seats have been considered bellwether constituencies. But, now caste and community equations are major factors in politics."

Lal, a graduate of Allahabad University, says, Allahabad is a city of Sangam, and, with many turncoats in the fray, it seems "politics are getting mixed up here in unusual ways".

The prestigious twin Lok Sabha constituencies of Phulpur and Allahabad in the district, represented in the past by three prime ministers, are seeing a battle of political turncoats this election as the majority of the main candidates are fighting polls after having switched party allegiance.

The prestigious twin Lok Sabha constituencies of Phulpur and Allahabad in the district, represented in the past by three prime ministers, are seeing a battle of political turncoats this election as the majority of the main candidates are fighting polls after having switched party allegiance. In Phulpur, wherefrom Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru won the first three Lok Sabha elections, the BJP has fielded former Zila panchayat chief Keshri Devi Patel while Pankaj Niranjan is fighting from the Congress with Pandhari Yadav forming the third corner of this triangular contest. The Patel community is an important electoral base and the Congress and the SP-BSP alliance is also seeking to corner an important vote share from it. Senior Congress leader from Allahabad, Abhay Awasthi, says, the 2019 general elections in Allahabad this year is essentially a "battle of political turncoats". "The twin Lok Sabha seats of Phulpur and Allahabad have seen titans fighting the poll in the past. From Nehru winning three times from Phulpur to Lal Bahadur Shastri and V P Singh from Allahabad, and then senior BJP leader M M Joshi, winning three times from Allahabad, these two have been very prestigious seats, but big players are not in the fray this time," he said in the interview. Aswathi said Keshri Devi Patel is a strong leader of Patel's, and has served multiple time as Zila panchayat president in Allahabad, has a strong hold over voters at the grass-roots level. "She is fighting for BJP, but she was earlier with the BSP. Patel fought the Lok Sabha elections in 2004 on a BSP ticket but had lost to SP candidate Atiq Ahmed (by over 64,000 votes)," he said. Pankaj Niranjan, a Patel leader from Apna Dal, is fighting on a Congress ticket. He is a son-in-law of Apna Dal founder late Sonelal Patel, and the grand old party is seeking to woo Patel voters with him as the candidate. But, parties are betting on turncoats not just in Phulpur but also in Allahabad constituency, where former Congress leader Rita Bahuguna Joshi is trying her luck, pitted against Congress' Yogesh Shukla, who earlier belonged to the BJP. While Joshi had unsuccessfully fought Lok Sabha elections in 1999, losing to BJP stalwart M M Joshi and finished third, Shukla was fielded by the BJP in 2009 but faced defeat at the hands of SP's Kunwar Rewati Raman Singh and managed to get only the third position. Shukla had joined the Congress late April just ahead of filing his nomination, Awasthi said. "More so, SP's Rajendra Singh Patel fielded from Allahabad this time, was earlier with the JD(U) and had served as its vice-president. So, it is indeed a battle of turncoats of sorts this time for the two seats," he said. Lok Sabha seats of Phulpur and Allahabad fall in the Allahabad district. As many as 14 candidates each are testing their fortunes from the two constituencies in the election here due on May 12. Phulpur Lok Sabha seat, which Nehru had won in 1952, 1957 and 1962 consists of five assembly segments -- Phaphamau, Soraon, Phulpur, Allahabad West and Allahabad North. Allahabad Lok Sabha seat also consists of five assembly segments -- Meja, Karachhana, Bara, Koraon and Allahabad South. Lal Bahadur Shashtri, who served as the second prime minister from 1964-66, had won Allahabad seat in 1957 and 1962, while VP Singh had won it in 1988. Akshat Lal, a resident of old Allahabad, which falls in Allahabad constituency, said, "From childhood days, we have heard stories of Nehru, Shastri and how the two seats have been considered bellwether constituencies. But, now caste and community equations are major factors in politics." Lal, a graduate of Allahabad University, says, Allahabad is a city of Sangam, and, with many turncoats in the fray, it seems "politics are getting mixed up here in unusual ways".

Lok Sabha polls 2019: A battle of turncoats for Phulpur, Allahabad Lok Sabha seats in phase 6

The <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-high-court-issues-notice-to-jet-airways-215111&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjIxIHtgoziAhUJK48KHfGiAM8QFjACegQIDhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw3zrNakfd_98p51v0qpt0M-">Delhi High Court</a> Wednesday dismissed a PIL seeking to restrain Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) from making "false" electoral promise of full statehood for Delhi in the ongoing Lok Sabha elections.

The plea came up before a bench of Chief Justice Rajendra Menon and Justice A J Bhambhani which rejected it.

The plea also sought direction to the <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/election-commission-issues-notice-to-pragya-singh-thakur-over-campaigning-despite-72-hour-ban-216032&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwi5m9j_goziAhXLMY8KHfTVAisQFjACegQIDxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw15paoMjd9kEDgRyRo9rBV7">Election Commission</a> to take appropriate action against Kejriwal and AAP for breach of a provision of the Representation of the People Act.

The petition filed by Anil Dutt Sharma said that AAP and Kejriwal have been advertising the promise to get full statehood for Delhi despite knowing that even if they will, they cannot grant it.

"The respondents no. 1 (Kejriwal) and 2 (AAP) do not have powers to make Delhi a complete statehood as they represent and seek to represent on Delhi government while that required to be the ruling party with the majority in both the houses of Parliament to grant Delhi full statehood. Admittedly, they are not contesting on sufficient seats to get them desired majority to amend the Constitution," it said.

On April 25, Kejriwal had said "We will fulfil a 70-year-old demand of the people of Delhi by granting full statehood. Both parties, BJP and Congress, have not fulfilled their promise of giving full statehood to Delhi. If Delhi becomes full statehood, we will not require the Centre's permission. The Anti-Corruption branch will be handled by the Delhi government again."

In Delhi, polling will take place on May 12 in the sixth phase of the Lok Sabha elections and the results will be announced on May 23.&nbsp;

The Delhi High Court Wednesday dismissed a PIL seeking to restrain Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) from making "false" electoral promise of full statehood for Delhi in the ongoing Lok Sabha elections.

The Delhi High Court Wednesday dismissed a PIL seeking to restrain Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) from making "false" electoral promise of full statehood for Delhi in the ongoing Lok Sabha elections. The plea came up before a bench of Chief Justice Rajendra Menon and Justice A J Bhambhani which rejected it. The plea also sought direction to the Election Commission to take appropriate action against Kejriwal and AAP for breach of a provision of the Representation of the People Act. The petition filed by Anil Dutt Sharma said that AAP and Kejriwal have been advertising the promise to get full statehood for Delhi despite knowing that even if they will, they cannot grant it. "The respondents no. 1 (Kejriwal) and 2 (AAP) do not have powers to make Delhi a complete statehood as they represent and seek to represent on Delhi government while that required to be the ruling party with the majority in both the houses of Parliament to grant Delhi full statehood. Admittedly, they are not contesting on sufficient seats to get them desired majority to amend the Constitution," it said. On April 25, Kejriwal had said "We will fulfil a 70-year-old demand of the people of Delhi by granting full statehood. Both parties, BJP and Congress, have not fulfilled their promise of giving full statehood to Delhi. If Delhi becomes full statehood, we will not require the Centre's permission. The Anti-Corruption branch will be handled by the Delhi government again." In Delhi, polling will take place on May 12 in the sixth phase of the Lok Sabha elections and the results will be announced on May 23.

Delhi High Court dismisses plea to restrain Kejriwal, AAP from making full statehood promise for Delhi

Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/terrorist-attacks-had-become-daily-affair-during-congress-pm-modi-in-rajasthan-215640">Narendra Modi </a>is the second most followed politician in the world on social media after former US President Barack Obama, according to a report.

Modi has a total audience of 110.9 million on Facebook, Twitter and<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/2019-lok-sabha-elections-instagram-a-new-game-changer-to-woo-young-voters-186133"> Instagram</a>. Obama's total following stood at 182.7 million, the report released by digital marketing platform SEMrush said on Tuesday.

"With his approximately 110 million followers worldwide, Narendra Modi has overtaken the present US President Donald Trump who has 96 million followers globally. However, Trump still enjoys the second most followed politician position globally on Twitter (with 59.8 million followers)," it said.

According to the report, Modi had over 43 million followers on Facebook, about 47 million followers on Twitter and more than 20 million followers on Instagram.

However, these numbers do not represent unique users, which means that the same person or entity could be following the same politician across various social media platforms.

Congress party President Rahul Gandhi has accumulated 12 million followers on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, the report said.

The report said of all the social media platforms, Twitter served as "the nest of the maximum number of active political audiences, both domestic and global".

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is the second most followed politician in the world on social media after former US President Barack Obama, according to a report. Modi has a total audience of 110.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is the second most followed politician in the world on social media after former US President Barack Obama, according to a report. Modi has a total audience of 110.9 million on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Obama's total following stood at 182.7 million, the report released by digital marketing platform SEMrush said on Tuesday. "With his approximately 110 million followers worldwide, Narendra Modi has overtaken the present US President Donald Trump who has 96 million followers globally. However, Trump still enjoys the second most followed politician position globally on Twitter (with 59.8 million followers)," it said. According to the report, Modi had over 43 million followers on Facebook, about 47 million followers on Twitter and more than 20 million followers on Instagram. However, these numbers do not represent unique users, which means that the same person or entity could be following the same politician across various social media platforms. Congress party President Rahul Gandhi has accumulated 12 million followers on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, the report said. The report said of all the social media platforms, Twitter served as "the nest of the maximum number of active political audiences, both domestic and global".

PM Narendra Modi overtakes Trump, becomes second most followed politician on social media in world

The fate of thousands of candidates in Odisha has been sealed in EVM machines. The state witnessed simultaneous elections for both Lok Sabha and Vidhan Sabha in four phases from April 11 to April 29. &nbsp;

The triangular contest, including the Congress, has left political pundits scratching their heads in what is being termed a different election this time.

Nabina, as chief minister Naveen Patnaik is fondly called, is facing an uphill election in 2019, battling 19 years of anti-incumbency and a resurgent BJP.

There is a frenzy about Modi in the state; the Balakot air strike 2.0 has made him a hero among the youth. The state, which has exhibited similar voting patterns in the last three polls, is openly saying that we want Modi at the Centre and Nabina in the state.

Odisha is ranked 25th on the country’s human development index (HDI). It’s BPL families account for 1.5 times the national average. Roughly, 82 per cent of the population avails of the Rs 1 per kg rice scheme. &nbsp;

Corruption exists in all departments, while the condition of hospitals is poor - the image of a man carrying his dead wife on his shoulders is still fresh in people’s minds.

Despite all this, Naveen Patnaik has been voted for continuously by the people. Intelligentsia in urban centres like Bhubaneswar criticise him, but don’t go out to vote. His health is a big issue, but voters don’t seem to mind.

People are not asking questions about who his successor will be. Nor is the opposition raising this issue, lest it creates a sympathy wave in his favour.

The Chief Minister is a case study. He was parachuted, doesn’t know Odiya, prefers working through bureaucrats and is considered a God who has been sent to take people out of distress. He has crushed dissent — Pyari Babu, Bijoy Mohapatra, Dilip Ray, Baijayant Panda and Damodar Rout are shining examples.

He feels people vote for Naveen and not the candidate. He changed 17 out of 21 Lok Sabha candidates this time, a record in itself. He is considered revengeful by opponents. In a bid to deny Bijoy Mohapatra entry into the Assembly, it is alleged that he gave ticket to a 82-year-old, who was already in the hospital.

The BJP tasted blood in the panchayat elections in 2017, when its vote share almost doubled. Nabina didn’t campaign in those elections, leading to doubts about his health.

That is why this time, BJD strategists ensured that he campaigns in a bus so that people see him hale and hearty. A video of his fitness regime was also released, which backfired.

BJP lost the momentum gained during panchayat polls, mainly due to the unpopularity of Union minister Dharmendra Pradhan among the party rank and file. He is considered arrogant. To negate his unpopularity and push BJP’s chances, Jay Panda, who is popular among the young and educated, was inducted and made vice-president.

BJP poached leaders from the BJD left right and centre. Around 85 senior BJD leaders have joined BJP, many of them awarded with tickets to both Assembly and parliamentary elections.

BJP has successfully projected itself as an alternative to BJD. The contest is now between the two parties. The saffron party, as per opinion polls, is expected to win 12-14 Lok Sabha seats in the state. This translates to 48-56 seats in the Vidhan Sabha, going up to 72. The historical Lok Sabha to Vidhan Sabha multiple for BJP is 6.

Odisha has never witnessed split voting. The party which wins in the Lok Sabha usually goes on to win the Vidhan Sabha elections as well. People mostly press for the same symbol button twice, except in some urban areas like Puri and Cuttack.

Congress and BJP usually score well in the Lok Sabha, as compared to the Assembly, because of the national character of parties. The rural population may find it difficult to differentiate between the two separate EVMs for Parliament and the assembly. In some booths, the Lok Sabha EVM is kept first and the Assembly second, and vice versa. This presents a unique situation.

The state is similar to Chhattisgarh, at least in the western part. Farm loan waiver and high MSP for paddy were a hit with the public. But the Congress failed to capitalise. Internal fighting and delay in announcement of tickets could cost the party heavily.

BJD has benefited from split of votes in the last three elections. The anti-BJD votes is captured by both the BJP and Congress. This time, Naveen was seen as struggling under pressure for the first time. BJD candidates who threatened to quit if denied tickets were accommodated, some of whom were accused of involvement in the chit fund scam.

To negate anti-incumbency, Navin introduced the Kalia scheme, which disbursed funds to farmers. Many have got the first instalment, but several others have not, leading to resentment. There were allegations that money was given only to BJD workers. The Election Commission stopped the second instalment, adding fuel to the fire.

BJP is banking on the Modi magic. In 2014, while most of the country was gripped by the Modi wave, Odisha remained untouched.

Modi did address just one rally in the state but people did not quite know him. This time, it’s different. He is considered a strong PM who gave a befitting reply to Pakistan. His images splash through all State-owned petrol pumps, which has helped his cause. The party hopes to break into BJD’s citadel and compensate partly for losses expected in the Hindi heartland.&nbsp;

Odisha has also witnessed unique alliances on a seat by seat basis. There were reports of Congress and BJP candidates making a deal to swap votes on many seats.&nbsp;

In the end, it may well boil down to rebels, party men sabotaging prospects and influencers. If BJP wins maximum seats in the Lok Sabha, there could be surprises in the Assembly as well. It is safe to discount the possibility of different winners in the two elections. 
&nbsp;

(This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the<a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-bjp-may-do-a-tripura-in-odisha-2746978"> original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.) 
&nbsp;

&nbsp;

The fate of thousands of candidates in Odisha has been sealed in EVM machines. The state witnessed simultaneous elections for both Lok Sabha and Vidhan Sabha in four phases from April 11 to April 29.

The fate of thousands of candidates in Odisha has been sealed in EVM machines. The state witnessed simultaneous elections for both Lok Sabha and Vidhan Sabha in four phases from April 11 to April 29. The triangular contest, including the Congress, has left political pundits scratching their heads in what is being termed a different election this time. Nabina, as chief minister Naveen Patnaik is fondly called, is facing an uphill election in 2019, battling 19 years of anti-incumbency and a resurgent BJP. There is a frenzy about Modi in the state; the Balakot air strike 2.0 has made him a hero among the youth. The state, which has exhibited similar voting patterns in the last three polls, is openly saying that we want Modi at the Centre and Nabina in the state. Odisha is ranked 25th on the country’s human development index (HDI). It’s BPL families account for 1.5 times the national average. Roughly, 82 per cent of the population avails of the Rs 1 per kg rice scheme. Corruption exists in all departments, while the condition of hospitals is poor - the image of a man carrying his dead wife on his shoulders is still fresh in people’s minds. Despite all this, Naveen Patnaik has been voted for continuously by the people. Intelligentsia in urban centres like Bhubaneswar criticise him, but don’t go out to vote. His health is a big issue, but voters don’t seem to mind. People are not asking questions about who his successor will be. Nor is the opposition raising this issue, lest it creates a sympathy wave in his favour. The Chief Minister is a case study. He was parachuted, doesn’t know Odiya, prefers working through bureaucrats and is considered a God who has been sent to take people out of distress. He has crushed dissent — Pyari Babu, Bijoy Mohapatra, Dilip Ray, Baijayant Panda and Damodar Rout are shining examples. He feels people vote for Naveen and not the candidate. He changed 17 out of 21 Lok Sabha candidates this time, a record in itself. He is considered revengeful by opponents. In a bid to deny Bijoy Mohapatra entry into the Assembly, it is alleged that he gave ticket to a 82-year-old, who was already in the hospital. The BJP tasted blood in the panchayat elections in 2017, when its vote share almost doubled. Nabina didn’t campaign in those elections, leading to doubts about his health. That is why this time, BJD strategists ensured that he campaigns in a bus so that people see him hale and hearty. A video of his fitness regime was also released, which backfired. BJP lost the momentum gained during panchayat polls, mainly due to the unpopularity of Union minister Dharmendra Pradhan among the party rank and file. He is considered arrogant. To negate his unpopularity and push BJP’s chances, Jay Panda, who is popular among the young and educated, was inducted and made vice-president. BJP poached leaders from the BJD left right and centre. Around 85 senior BJD leaders have joined BJP, many of them awarded with tickets to both Assembly and parliamentary elections. BJP has successfully projected itself as an alternative to BJD. The contest is now between the two parties. The saffron party, as per opinion polls, is expected to win 12-14 Lok Sabha seats in the state. This translates to 48-56 seats in the Vidhan Sabha, going up to 72. The historical Lok Sabha to Vidhan Sabha multiple for BJP is 6. Odisha has never witnessed split voting. The party which wins in the Lok Sabha usually goes on to win the Vidhan Sabha elections as well. People mostly press for the same symbol button twice, except in some urban areas like Puri and Cuttack. Congress and BJP usually score well in the Lok Sabha, as compared to the Assembly, because of the national character of parties. The rural population may find it difficult to differentiate between the two separate EVMs for Parliament and the assembly. In some booths, the Lok Sabha EVM is kept first and the Assembly second, and vice versa. This presents a unique situation. The state is similar to Chhattisgarh, at least in the western part. Farm loan waiver and high MSP for paddy were a hit with the public. But the Congress failed to capitalise. Internal fighting and delay in announcement of tickets could cost the party heavily. BJD has benefited from split of votes in the last three elections. The anti-BJD votes is captured by both the BJP and Congress. This time, Naveen was seen as struggling under pressure for the first time. BJD candidates who threatened to quit if denied tickets were accommodated, some of whom were accused of involvement in the chit fund scam. To negate anti-incumbency, Navin introduced the Kalia scheme, which disbursed funds to farmers. Many have got the first instalment, but several others have not, leading to resentment. There were allegations that money was given only to BJD workers. The Election Commission stopped the second instalment, adding fuel to the fire. BJP is banking on the Modi magic. In 2014, while most of the country was gripped by the Modi wave, Odisha remained untouched. Modi did address just one rally in the state but people did not quite know him. This time, it’s different. He is considered a strong PM who gave a befitting reply to Pakistan. His images splash through all State-owned petrol pumps, which has helped his cause. The party hopes to break into BJD’s citadel and compensate partly for losses expected in the Hindi heartland. Odisha has also witnessed unique alliances on a seat by seat basis. There were reports of Congress and BJP candidates making a deal to swap votes on many seats. In the end, it may well boil down to rebels, party men sabotaging prospects and influencers. If BJP wins maximum seats in the Lok Sabha, there could be surprises in the Assembly as well. It is safe to discount the possibility of different winners in the two elections. (This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

In Odisha, Narendra Modi is considered a strong PM who gave a befitting reply to Pakistan

An election watchdog has pointed out discrepancies in the income tax details submitted by the <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/prakash-raj-to-campaign-for-aap-in-delhi-says-people-should-come-together-to-reclaim-the-republic-215873&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjfzp-84oviAhVKqY8KHfTcDrc4ChAWMAF6BAgPEAI&amp;usg=AOvVaw0RJiYolyGJDgyFUATA7Tqw">Aam Aadmi Party</a> (AAP) and Congress candidates in their nominations for the Panaji Assembly bypoll in Goa.

In a release issued on Tuesday, the Association of Democratic Reforms (ADR)said the affidavits filed by AAP nominee Valmiki Naik for the 2017 state Assembly elections and the upcoming bypoll show a difference of over Rs 1 lakh in his I-T returns for the financial year 2015-16.

In his affidavit for the Panaji bypoll, Naik has shown his I-T returns as Rs 3,91,341 for 2015-16, while in his 2017 submission, he mentioned a figure of Rs 2,89,810 for the same period, the ADR said.

It also pointed out that Congress candidate Atanasio Monserratte in his affidavit for the upcoming bypoll has mentioned his I-T returns for 2015-16 as Rs 24,50,076, which is Rs 34,746 less than the Rs 24,84,822 figure submitted by him in his 2017 Assembly election affidavit.

While comparing his 2017 and 2019 affidavits, though Monserratte's net worth went down by about Rs 9 crore in last two years, he declared Rs 1,69,84,756 as his I-T returns for 2017-18 and Rs 33,33,822 cash in hand each (self and spouse) on the date of filing nomination on April 29, the ADR said.

When contacted, North Goa's district election officer R Menaka said she will look into the matter. Naik and Monserratte could not be contacted for their response to ADR's findings.

In the 2017 Assembly polls, BJP leader Siddharth Kunkolienkar won the Panaji seat located in North Goa district, while Monserratte, who then contested as an Independent, stood second, and Naik came third.

Kunkolienkar vacated the seat later that year to allow then chief minister Manohar Parrikar to contest and enter the 40-member Goa Assembly. The Panaji Assembly bypoll was necessitated due to the death of sitting MLA Parrikar on March 17.

The BJP has nominated Kunkolienkar to take on Monserrate, who is now contesting on Congress' ticket, and Naik in the bypoll to be held May 19.&nbsp;

An election watchdog has pointed out discrepancies in the income tax details submitted by the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and Congress candidates in their nominations for the Panaji Assembly bypoll in Goa.

An election watchdog has pointed out discrepancies in the income tax details submitted by the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and Congress candidates in their nominations for the Panaji Assembly bypoll in Goa. In a release issued on Tuesday, the Association of Democratic Reforms (ADR)said the affidavits filed by AAP nominee Valmiki Naik for the 2017 state Assembly elections and the upcoming bypoll show a difference of over Rs 1 lakh in his I-T returns for the financial year 2015-16. In his affidavit for the Panaji bypoll, Naik has shown his I-T returns as Rs 3,91,341 for 2015-16, while in his 2017 submission, he mentioned a figure of Rs 2,89,810 for the same period, the ADR said. It also pointed out that Congress candidate Atanasio Monserratte in his affidavit for the upcoming bypoll has mentioned his I-T returns for 2015-16 as Rs 24,50,076, which is Rs 34,746 less than the Rs 24,84,822 figure submitted by him in his 2017 Assembly election affidavit. While comparing his 2017 and 2019 affidavits, though Monserratte's net worth went down by about Rs 9 crore in last two years, he declared Rs 1,69,84,756 as his I-T returns for 2017-18 and Rs 33,33,822 cash in hand each (self and spouse) on the date of filing nomination on April 29, the ADR said. When contacted, North Goa's district election officer R Menaka said she will look into the matter. Naik and Monserratte could not be contacted for their response to ADR's findings. In the 2017 Assembly polls, BJP leader Siddharth Kunkolienkar won the Panaji seat located in North Goa district, while Monserratte, who then contested as an Independent, stood second, and Naik came third. Kunkolienkar vacated the seat later that year to allow then chief minister Manohar Parrikar to contest and enter the 40-member Goa Assembly. The Panaji Assembly bypoll was necessitated due to the death of sitting MLA Parrikar on March 17. The BJP has nominated Kunkolienkar to take on Monserrate, who is now contesting on Congress' ticket, and Naik in the bypoll to be held May 19.

Association of Democratic Reform finds discrepancies in affidavits of AAP, Congress candidates

BJP <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/india-will-become-superpower-if-modi-becomes-pm-again-amit-shah-216183&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwj3pYPX-oviAhUxguYKHY-KAEcQFjADegQICxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1xRMOlhKWs_6DaPKMfHS4S">President Amit Shah</a> asserted on Wednesday that the only relevant issue in this election is national security and there is only one man who has delivered results on this count and that is Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

"Don`t give a vote for development works to BJP candidate Bidyut Baran Mahto in Jamshedpur,&nbsp;vote for him because Narendra Modi made the country's border security.&nbsp; The Prime Minister has taken effective steps to secure the borders of the country. In the regime of UPA-I and II, enemy forces used to run havoc in the country but no action was taken on that front," he said addressing an election rally.

"In the recent past, our 40 security personnel lost their lives in the attack by Pakistan-aided terrorism in<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/lok-sabha-polls-phase-5-grenade-attack-on-polling-station-in-pulwama-216256&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjdu9e3-oviAhXy63MBHegsDsYQFjADegQIDxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw02VZSsEQlOYC149LgosQTE"> Pulwama</a>. Due to the decisive nature of PM Modi, our brave Indian Air Force (IAF) troops retaliated and entered enemy territory to debase their terror camps. India is only the third country after Israel and the United States of America (USA) to have retaliated to terrorism in this brave manner," Shah asserted.

He attacked the opposition saying, "After our surgical strike, everywhere there was a celebratory atmosphere but there was widespread hopelessness in Pakistan and in the Congress camp."On Jammu and Kashmir, Shah made BJP`s stand clear that they would surely remove article 370 from the state. "Omar Abdullah said that Jammu and Kashmir should have a separate Prime Minister. We will never let that happen and we will surely remove article 370 from Jammu and Kashmir," Shah said.

"I have been to 296 Lok Sabha constituencies around the country and everywhere in the country there is only one wave - `Modi, Modi`. The people of India were looking for a person for 70 years who will not work for his own family but for every person in the country. That man is Narendra Modi," he contended.

Shah spoke about Jamshedpur as being India`s pride. "Jamshedpur is India`s pride. Inspired by Swami Vivekananda, Jamshedji Tata founded India`s first steel factory in Jamshedpur," he said."I want to talk about Jamshedpur. Bidyut Baran Mahto is the MP from Jamshedpur who works day and night for his constituency`s welfare. At the cost of Rs 447 crores, roads have been built in Jamshedpur. At the cost of Rs 1215 crores, 121 km of national highways have been built in Jharkhand. MGM medical college`s graduation work has started," he said about Jamshedpur.

"Under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY), 16,500 people in Jamshedpur have got houses. Duronto express has been flagged off from Jamshedpur. A Regional Passport Office has been opened in Jamshedpur. 3,05,000 children have got scholarships in Jamshedpur. 1.5 lakh houses have got piped water connection in Jamshedpur," he added.

"Along with the central government, the Raghuvar Das government in Jharkhand has also done good work. The state government took the agricultural growth rate from 4.5% to 14% in the state in the last 5 years. More than 35 lakh employment opportunities were created and around one lakh government jobs were created for the people of Jharkhand. 13 Polytechnics and 6 medical colleges were opened. Earlier, there were 300 medical seats,&nbsp;now the figure stands at 900. Naxalism has more or less been wiped off from Jharkhand," he stated.

He finally appealed for votes from the people for BJP in large numbers. Jharkhand has polled in four phases out of which two phases are over and two remain on May 12 and 19. The counting of votes shall take place on May 23.&nbsp;

BJP President Amit Shah asserted on Wednesday that the only relevant issue in this election is national security and there is only one man who has delivered results on this count and that is Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

BJP President Amit Shah asserted on Wednesday that the only relevant issue in this election is national security and there is only one man who has delivered results on this count and that is Prime Minister Narendra Modi. "Don`t give a vote for development works to BJP candidate Bidyut Baran Mahto in Jamshedpur, vote for him because Narendra Modi made the country's border security. The Prime Minister has taken effective steps to secure the borders of the country. In the regime of UPA-I and II, enemy forces used to run havoc in the country but no action was taken on that front," he said addressing an election rally. "In the recent past, our 40 security personnel lost their lives in the attack by Pakistan-aided terrorism in Pulwama. Due to the decisive nature of PM Modi, our brave Indian Air Force (IAF) troops retaliated and entered enemy territory to debase their terror camps. India is only the third country after Israel and the United States of America (USA) to have retaliated to terrorism in this brave manner," Shah asserted. He attacked the opposition saying, "After our surgical strike, everywhere there was a celebratory atmosphere but there was widespread hopelessness in Pakistan and in the Congress camp."On Jammu and Kashmir, Shah made BJP`s stand clear that they would surely remove article 370 from the state. "Omar Abdullah said that Jammu and Kashmir should have a separate Prime Minister. We will never let that happen and we will surely remove article 370 from Jammu and Kashmir," Shah said. "I have been to 296 Lok Sabha constituencies around the country and everywhere in the country there is only one wave - `Modi, Modi`. The people of India were looking for a person for 70 years who will not work for his own family but for every person in the country. That man is Narendra Modi," he contended. Shah spoke about Jamshedpur as being India`s pride. "Jamshedpur is India`s pride. Inspired by Swami Vivekananda, Jamshedji Tata founded India`s first steel factory in Jamshedpur," he said."I want to talk about Jamshedpur. Bidyut Baran Mahto is the MP from Jamshedpur who works day and night for his constituency`s welfare. At the cost of Rs 447 crores, roads have been built in Jamshedpur. At the cost of Rs 1215 crores, 121 km of national highways have been built in Jharkhand. MGM medical college`s graduation work has started," he said about Jamshedpur. "Under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY), 16,500 people in Jamshedpur have got houses. Duronto express has been flagged off from Jamshedpur. A Regional Passport Office has been opened in Jamshedpur. 3,05,000 children have got scholarships in Jamshedpur. 1.5 lakh houses have got piped water connection in Jamshedpur," he added. "Along with the central government, the Raghuvar Das government in Jharkhand has also done good work. The state government took the agricultural growth rate from 4.5% to 14% in the state in the last 5 years. More than 35 lakh employment opportunities were created and around one lakh government jobs were created for the people of Jharkhand. 13 Polytechnics and 6 medical colleges were opened. Earlier, there were 300 medical seats, now the figure stands at 900. Naxalism has more or less been wiped off from Jharkhand," he stated. He finally appealed for votes from the people for BJP in large numbers. Jharkhand has polled in four phases out of which two phases are over and two remain on May 12 and 19. The counting of votes shall take place on May 23.

Vote for National Security, says Amit Shah in a rally in Jamshedpur

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday accused the Congress of hurling abuses at him from its "love dictionary" and said the party did not even spare his mother. "I stopped their corruption and challenged their dynasty because of which they wear masks of love and abuse me," he said in a rally at Kurukshetra.

PM Modi promises not to share India river water with Pakistan at Kurukshetra rally

The run-up to Lok Sabha election 2019 will be remembered not just for the fierce campaigning battle between the opposition parties and the BJP, but also for leaders resorting to offensive statements against one another.

To begin with, BSP leader Azam Khan stirred a row with a below the belt personal remark&nbsp;on Jaya Prada&nbsp;saying, "She wears 'Khaki Underpants'."

This did not stop here. As an add-on, Azam Khan's son called Jaya Prada 'Anarkali'.&nbsp;

Even then, the party leaders did not issue any apology or clarification. In fact, Samajwadi Party President Akhilesh Yadav's wife, Dimple Yadav, asked media persons to ignore such 'trivial issues'.&nbsp;

Furthermore, the Supreme Court had to intervene and ask for Congress president Rahul Gandhi's apology for attributing the slogan 'Chowkidaar Chor Hai' (referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a corrupt security guard) to the top court.

After displaying initial reluctance, Rahul Gandhi finally apologised to the court.

BJP leader Maneka Gandhi gave another shocker by threatening Muslims to vote for her or she will not help them when she comes to power again. Mayawati and Yogi Adityanath too appealed to voters on the lines of religion.

The Election Commission of India (ECI) had imposed a short ban on UP CM Yogi Adityanath, BSP chief Mayawati, Union Minister Maneka Gandhi and SP leader Azam Khan from election campaigning.

However, this did not serve as a deterrent and leaders continued to make divisive and hate speech.

CPI(M) leader Sita Ram Yechury made a bizarre statement asserting that Hindu mythological books like Ramayana and Mahabharata prove that Hindus are violent.&nbsp;

The statement was an attempt by Yechury to enhance his image as a secular leader by attacking a specific religion.

When so much was happening around, there is no way West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee could stay behind. After Modi revealed in an interview that Didi sends him sweets, Banerjee said she will now make sweets with soil and put pebbles in it.

Thereafter, responding to PM's remarks that she refused to take his calls before cyclone Fani hit, said she does not want to share the dais with 'expiry PM', claiming Modi is unlikely to get a second term. She also said she wanted to give the Prime Minister 'a&nbsp;tight slap of democracy'.

Mamata Banerjee, here, clearly ignored a sensitive issue affecting thousands of people. Keeping their differences aside, she should have come together on a single platform with the Prime Minister to discuss the policies and actions. Playing politics over cyclone Fani should have been avoided.

This election, leaders cut across party lines have shown utter disregard for the Model Code of Conduct (MCC). Even after the Supreme Court's intervention and EC action against the errant leaders, they refused to keep a check on their words and conduct.&nbsp;

MCC is a set of guidelines issued by the Election Commission to ensure a free and fair election. However, the norms are not legally enforceable.

The MCC structure has to be reworked to make it legally binding. Parliament needs to grant more powers to the Election watchdog. It should also be empowered to disqualify a candidate from the poll race in severe cases of violations.

However, it's not simply a duty of the Election Commission to ensure the sanctity of elections. Political parties and&nbsp;their&nbsp;leaders too need to come forward and follow the MCC guidelines. 
&nbsp;

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

&nbsp;

The run-up to Lok Sabha election 2019 will be remembered not just for the fierce campaigning battle between the opposition parties and the BJP, but also for leaders resorting to offensive statements against one another.

The run-up to Lok Sabha election 2019 will be remembered not just for the fierce campaigning battle between the opposition parties and the BJP, but also for leaders resorting to offensive statements against one another. To begin with, BSP leader Azam Khan stirred a row with a below the belt personal remark on Jaya Prada saying, "She wears 'Khaki Underpants'." This did not stop here. As an add-on, Azam Khan's son called Jaya Prada 'Anarkali'. Even then, the party leaders did not issue any apology or clarification. In fact, Samajwadi Party President Akhilesh Yadav's wife, Dimple Yadav, asked media persons to ignore such 'trivial issues'. Furthermore, the Supreme Court had to intervene and ask for Congress president Rahul Gandhi's apology for attributing the slogan 'Chowkidaar Chor Hai' (referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a corrupt security guard) to the top court. After displaying initial reluctance, Rahul Gandhi finally apologised to the court. BJP leader Maneka Gandhi gave another shocker by threatening Muslims to vote for her or she will not help them when she comes to power again. Mayawati and Yogi Adityanath too appealed to voters on the lines of religion. The Election Commission of India (ECI) had imposed a short ban on UP CM Yogi Adityanath, BSP chief Mayawati, Union Minister Maneka Gandhi and SP leader Azam Khan from election campaigning. However, this did not serve as a deterrent and leaders continued to make divisive and hate speech. CPI(M) leader Sita Ram Yechury made a bizarre statement asserting that Hindu mythological books like Ramayana and Mahabharata prove that Hindus are violent. The statement was an attempt by Yechury to enhance his image as a secular leader by attacking a specific religion. When so much was happening around, there is no way West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee could stay behind. After Modi revealed in an interview that Didi sends him sweets, Banerjee said she will now make sweets with soil and put pebbles in it. Thereafter, responding to PM's remarks that she refused to take his calls before cyclone Fani hit, said she does not want to share the dais with 'expiry PM', claiming Modi is unlikely to get a second term. She also said she wanted to give the Prime Minister 'a tight slap of democracy'. Mamata Banerjee, here, clearly ignored a sensitive issue affecting thousands of people. Keeping their differences aside, she should have come together on a single platform with the Prime Minister to discuss the policies and actions. Playing politics over cyclone Fani should have been avoided. This election, leaders cut across party lines have shown utter disregard for the Model Code of Conduct (MCC). Even after the Supreme Court's intervention and EC action against the errant leaders, they refused to keep a check on their words and conduct. MCC is a set of guidelines issued by the Election Commission to ensure a free and fair election. However, the norms are not legally enforceable. The MCC structure has to be reworked to make it legally binding. Parliament needs to grant more powers to the Election watchdog. It should also be empowered to disqualify a candidate from the poll race in severe cases of violations. However, it's not simply a duty of the Election Commission to ensure the sanctity of elections. Political parties and their leaders too need to come forward and follow the MCC guidelines. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

2019 Lok Sabha election campaign will be remembered for divisive speeches and bitter war of words

India has decided to fully utilise its share of unused water from rivers that have been flowing into Pakistan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Wednesday during a poll rally in Kurukshetra.

While addressing the farmers and his supporters in his first rally in the state of Haryana during general elections this year, Prime minister Narendra Modi has said that in his governance India will no longer share even a single drop of water with Pakistan.

"Many rivers go to Pakistan from India but sadly this water belongs to our farmers. Congress failed to do anything on this but your chowkidar will ensure that every Indian farmer gets every drop of water. The water from Indian rivers will not go to Pakistan," the Prime Minister said.

PM Narendra Modi slammed the main opposition party Congress for its softer stance against Pakistan in the past and promised with his return to power, India’s share of river water won’t go to Pakistan.

PM Modi said that the previous governments of Congress were never considerate to preserve the water of Indian rivers for the advantage of Indian farmers.&nbsp;

There are more than a few Indian rivers which reach Pakistan and instead of Indians, the Pakistani farmers are yielding profits. PM blamed Congress for failing to take any decisive step to stop water sharing with Pakistan.

India is not a water-poor country, however, the demand for water among the farmers of Haryana, Punjab and Rajasthan is increasing every day due to the growing population and inefficient use of water resources.

Under the Indus Waters Treaty, India shares the waters of the Beas and Sutlej rivers with Pakistan. There have been several occasions that the current Indian government spoke of regulations and not sharing water with Pakistan.

After the Uri incident, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said: “Blood and water cannot flow together.” &nbsp;

After Pulwama attack, Indian minister Nitin Gadkari had said that the government was planning to build three projects on three rivers, water of which was flowing to Pakistan.

India has decided to fully utilise its share of unused water from rivers that have been flowing into Pakistan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Wednesday during a poll rally in Kurukshetra.

India has decided to fully utilise its share of unused water from rivers that have been flowing into Pakistan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Wednesday during a poll rally in Kurukshetra. While addressing the farmers and his supporters in his first rally in the state of Haryana during general elections this year, Prime minister Narendra Modi has said that in his governance India will no longer share even a single drop of water with Pakistan. "Many rivers go to Pakistan from India but sadly this water belongs to our farmers. Congress failed to do anything on this but your chowkidar will ensure that every Indian farmer gets every drop of water. The water from Indian rivers will not go to Pakistan," the Prime Minister said. PM Narendra Modi slammed the main opposition party Congress for its softer stance against Pakistan in the past and promised with his return to power, India’s share of river water won’t go to Pakistan. PM Modi said that the previous governments of Congress were never considerate to preserve the water of Indian rivers for the advantage of Indian farmers. There are more than a few Indian rivers which reach Pakistan and instead of Indians, the Pakistani farmers are yielding profits. PM blamed Congress for failing to take any decisive step to stop water sharing with Pakistan. India is not a water-poor country, however, the demand for water among the farmers of Haryana, Punjab and Rajasthan is increasing every day due to the growing population and inefficient use of water resources. Under the Indus Waters Treaty, India shares the waters of the Beas and Sutlej rivers with Pakistan. There have been several occasions that the current Indian government spoke of regulations and not sharing water with Pakistan. After the Uri incident, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said: “Blood and water cannot flow together.” After Pulwama attack, Indian minister Nitin Gadkari had said that the government was planning to build three projects on three rivers, water of which was flowing to Pakistan.

India will 'stop' flow of our share of water to Pakistan: PM Modi at Kurukshetra poll rally

Delhi chief minister and APP chief Arvind Kejriwal on Wednesday accused Congress president Rahul Gandhi and his sister Priyanka Gandhi Vadra of not campaigning in places where Congress is in a direct fight with the BJP. &nbsp;

Rahul Gandhi and his sister Priyanka Gandhi Vadra are not going to places like Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh where their party is in a direct fight with the BJP, news agency PTI reported quoting Kejriwal.&nbsp;

He also said Priyanka Gandhi, the Congress general secretary for Uttar Pradesh (East), will be "wasting" her time campaigning in the national capital.&nbsp;

Priyanka Gandhi will kickstart her campaign for Congress candidates in the national Capital from Wednesday by holding roadshows in North East and South Delhi constituencies.

"She (Priyanka) is wasting her time in the national capital, why doesn't she campaign in Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh? he reportedly asked.&nbsp;

"She's doing rallies in Uttar Pradesh against SP-BSP, she's doing rallies in Delhi against the AAP. Both the brother and sister aren't going to those places where there's direct fight with the BJP," he said.

Delhi goes to polls on Sunday. The results would be announced on May 23.

(With inputs from PTI)

Delhi chief minister and APP chief Arvind Kejriwal on Wednesday accused Congress president Rahul Gandhi and his sister Priyanka Gandhi Vadra of not campaigning in places where Congress is in a direct fight with the BJP.

Delhi chief minister and APP chief Arvind Kejriwal on Wednesday accused Congress president Rahul Gandhi and his sister Priyanka Gandhi Vadra of not campaigning in places where Congress is in a direct fight with the BJP. Rahul Gandhi and his sister Priyanka Gandhi Vadra are not going to places like Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh where their party is in a direct fight with the BJP, news agency PTI reported quoting Kejriwal. He also said Priyanka Gandhi, the Congress general secretary for Uttar Pradesh (East), will be "wasting" her time campaigning in the national capital. Priyanka Gandhi will kickstart her campaign for Congress candidates in the national Capital from Wednesday by holding roadshows in North East and South Delhi constituencies. "She (Priyanka) is wasting her time in the national capital, why doesn't she campaign in Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh? he reportedly asked. "She's doing rallies in Uttar Pradesh against SP-BSP, she's doing rallies in Delhi against the AAP. Both the brother and sister aren't going to those places where there's direct fight with the BJP," he said. Delhi goes to polls on Sunday. The results would be announced on May 23. (With inputs from PTI)

Priyanka Gandhi will be 'wasting' her time campaigning in Delhi: Kejriwal

The BJP lodged its protest with the <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/635-per-cent-voter-turnout-in-phase-5-election-commission-216589&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjo9u6M3IviAhWD7XMBHXw4DO0QFjAHegQIBRAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0CGd9ZdYMh_gAZ9RTwacps">Election Commission</a> on Wednesday over "delay" in action against the AAP leaders including its chief Arvind Kejriwal, on complaints of model code of conduct violations.

The Leader of Opposition in Delhi Assembly <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/kejriwal-yet-to-respond-to-election-commission-notice-for-asking-voters-to-take-money-from-bjp-congress-215159&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiIu8Kg3IviAhXe7XMBHf9bCAwQFjAAegQIEhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw3CGgeTtTGcPotOvOJDvL9b">Vijender Gupta</a> met the EC officials and demanded strict action against the AAP leaders including "gagging" them for the alleged violations.

"We have lodged complaints with the EC and the Chief Electoral Officer (Delhi) against the AAP leaders with evidence. But no action has been taken which hints unexpected favour to the AAP by the EC," Gupta said after the meeting.

Unless urgent and immediate action is taken, the complaints will become futile. Delay in deciding the complaints or representation will only result in denial of our right to remedies, he said.&nbsp;

"The Honourable Election Commission of India has a Constitutional obligation to ensure free and fair elections. It has a duty to take action against violators of poll rules and regulations for conducting the elections in a free and fair manner", it said.

The BJP leaders have lodged several complaints of violations of model code of conduct (MCC) against the AAP, relating to alleged misuse of public funds for appeasement politics, paid news, spreading lies against BJP candidate Hans Raj Hans, asking voters to take money from BJP and Congress but vote for the AAP.&nbsp;

The fresh complaint filed by Gupta charged that despite various complaints and multiple representations, no concrete, tangible and substantial actions have been taken by the EC.&nbsp;

In a democratic set up like India, the Election Commission is entrusted with the obligation not only to sustain the democratic consciousness amongst the voters but also to strengthen it further by taking necessary actions on MCC violations, Gupta added.

The BJP lodged its protest with the Election Commission on Wednesday over "delay" in action against the AAP leaders including its chief Arvind Kejriwal, on complaints of model code of conduct violations.

The BJP lodged its protest with the Election Commission on Wednesday over "delay" in action against the AAP leaders including its chief Arvind Kejriwal, on complaints of model code of conduct violations. The Leader of Opposition in Delhi Assembly Vijender Gupta met the EC officials and demanded strict action against the AAP leaders including "gagging" them for the alleged violations. "We have lodged complaints with the EC and the Chief Electoral Officer (Delhi) against the AAP leaders with evidence. But no action has been taken which hints unexpected favour to the AAP by the EC," Gupta said after the meeting. Unless urgent and immediate action is taken, the complaints will become futile. Delay in deciding the complaints or representation will only result in denial of our right to remedies, he said. "The Honourable Election Commission of India has a Constitutional obligation to ensure free and fair elections. It has a duty to take action against violators of poll rules and regulations for conducting the elections in a free and fair manner", it said. The BJP leaders have lodged several complaints of violations of model code of conduct (MCC) against the AAP, relating to alleged misuse of public funds for appeasement politics, paid news, spreading lies against BJP candidate Hans Raj Hans, asking voters to take money from BJP and Congress but vote for the AAP. The fresh complaint filed by Gupta charged that despite various complaints and multiple representations, no concrete, tangible and substantial actions have been taken by the EC. In a democratic set up like India, the Election Commission is entrusted with the obligation not only to sustain the democratic consciousness amongst the voters but also to strengthen it further by taking necessary actions on MCC violations, Gupta added.

Model Code of Conduct violations: BJP lodges protest with Election Commission over 'delay' in action against AAP leaders

Predicting that no single party will get a majority in Election 2019, Congress leader<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/lok-sabha-polls-2019-priyankas-roadshows-rahuls-rallies-to-heat-up-campaigning-in-delhi-215439&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwju2q7u14viAhVHgI8KHYfPB904ChAWMAR6BAgSEAI&amp;usg=AOvVaw0PSfORO0ToOzb3spmgcxqI"> Jyotiraditya Scindia</a> says his party will forge a strong alliance of like-minded entities to create a "UPA plus plus" government at the Centre and end five years of "injustice".

The days of coalition governments are here to stay, the Congress general secretary, who is seeking a fresh mandate from the electorate of Madhya Pradesh's Guna-Shivpuri seat for a fifth term, said in an interview.&nbsp;

Asked about the <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/robert-mueller-should-not-testify-before-us-congress-trump-216223&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwja3Zr514viAhWMLI8KHQ3ADGQQFjABegQIAhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw38bQ8rklnW815WQBl03O7R">Congress' </a>chances after five rounds of the seven-phase elections, Scindia said he never quantifies the number of seats but can see that the mood of the people is against the present BJP dispensation.

"My assessment is the Congress party, the UPA government will form the government at the Centre and I am very confident of our performance as a coalition," he said.&nbsp; 
"I think the people of India are waiting for the moment to respond to the injustice that has been meted out to them by the Narendra Modi government over the last five years," Scindia said during his election campaign in the region.

It goes without saying that no single party, be it the BJP or the Congress or any other party, is going to get an absolute majority, he said. "It will be a coalition government at the Centre as it is now or has been for the past 25-30 years in the country," the 48-year-old said.&nbsp;"That being said, I firmly believe the UPA will be able to stitch together a very strong coalition government," he added.&nbsp;

Asserting that he is not an astrologer, he said he predicted that the Congress and its allies will put together a "very strong performance". "We look forward to putting together a strong coalition government with like-minded parties which will be the UPA or UPA plus plus," he said.&nbsp;The United Progressive Alliance, formed after the 2004 polls and led by the Congress, ruled the country for 10 years with Manmohan Singh as the prime minister and Sonia Gandhi as its chairperson.&nbsp;

BJP'S NATIONALISM CAMPAIGN

The son of the late Congress stalwart Madhavrao Scindia said the Bharatiya Janata Party was harping on subjects related to nationalism as it had nothing to say on development issues.

"That's very understandable. Because we have always come on the plank of economic growth, development and progress. We have come on the plank of alleviation of poverty. "The BJP has nothing to talk about in its last five years of governance. The last time they were in government, they talked about India Shining. And India was shining only for the BJP but not for the rest of the country," he said.

This time, Scindia added, they came up with the slogan 'ache din' which applied only to a sub-section of a limited coterie of the BJP.&nbsp;"If you ask the common worker of the BJP or even its MPs, not even their 'ache din' have arrived," the former Union minister said. He recalled the mathematical concept of LCM (least common multiple) to say, "The LCM for the BJP is Hindutva and phoney rashtravad (nationalism)," he said.

NYAY&nbsp;

The Congress leader, who holds sway in the Gwalior-Chambal belt of Madhya Pradesh, said he didn't agree that the party's minimum income scheme (NYAY) promise to provide Rs 72,000 per annum to about five crore poor households has not clicked with the masses.

"The judgement will come on (counting day) May 23. So, let's wait. I am very confident the people of India have understood the concept of NYAY. It is not a very difficult concept," he said.

RAHUL GANDHI AS PM&nbsp;

An important member of<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/rahul-gandhis-act-of-trashing-ordinance-was-height-of-arrogance-sushma-swaraj-216965&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjMm_2M2IviAhXMQo8KHYuzDtIQFjAHegQIBhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw3-opH-JPQXb5gf2AY2GWpl"> Rahul Gandhi's</a> core committee, Scindia said the Congress president is the obvious PM choice for them but a final decision will be taken by the UPA's constituents. "We are not like the BJP which believes one man, one way or the highway. We believe in working together and taking everyone along," he said. 
"The Congress party is one constituent of the UPA and as far as Congress party is concerned, our voice is very clear that it should be Rahul Gandhi but it will be a collective decision," he said.

Why are these elections important for the Congress?

"It is because of two reasons. One is that we want to save the country from this dictatorial and authoritarian rule that is smashing our Constitution and two, to be able to give a vision for India, for the farmers, for our youth in terms of employment to take our country forward.

"The Congress took the country forward in 10 years of the UPA by delivering a 7.8 per cent compounded annual growth rate of over a decade which is a stupendous achievement that lifted about 25 million people out of poverty. This government has just taken us 20 years back," he said.

So, it's a twin purpose -- it is to salvage our democracy and Constitution and freedom of liberty and rights and to take the country forward, he added.

PM'S COMMENTS ON RAJIV GANDHI&nbsp;

Modi's recent comment on the late prime minister Rajiv Gandhi, calling him "corrupt no 1", was distasteful and sad, Scindia said.&nbsp;"It is very hurtful to see that the person occupying the highest chair of this country talking about another person who occupied that same very chair and who is no longer in this world and cast slurs on that person. It does not behove someone who occupies that chair and sad to see that this is the level of politics that Mr Modi has come down to," he said.&nbsp;

Predicting that no single party will get a majority in Election 2019, Congress leader Jyotiraditya Scindia says his party will forge a strong alliance of like-minded entities to create a "UPA plus plus" government at the Centre and end five years of "injustice".

Predicting that no single party will get a majority in Election 2019, Congress leader Jyotiraditya Scindia says his party will forge a strong alliance of like-minded entities to create a "UPA plus plus" government at the Centre and end five years of "injustice". The days of coalition governments are here to stay, the Congress general secretary, who is seeking a fresh mandate from the electorate of Madhya Pradesh's Guna-Shivpuri seat for a fifth term, said in an interview. Asked about the Congress' chances after five rounds of the seven-phase elections, Scindia said he never quantifies the number of seats but can see that the mood of the people is against the present BJP dispensation. "My assessment is the Congress party, the UPA government will form the government at the Centre and I am very confident of our performance as a coalition," he said. "I think the people of India are waiting for the moment to respond to the injustice that has been meted out to them by the Narendra Modi government over the last five years," Scindia said during his election campaign in the region. It goes without saying that no single party, be it the BJP or the Congress or any other party, is going to get an absolute majority, he said. "It will be a coalition government at the Centre as it is now or has been for the past 25-30 years in the country," the 48-year-old said. "That being said, I firmly believe the UPA will be able to stitch together a very strong coalition government," he added. Asserting that he is not an astrologer, he said he predicted that the Congress and its allies will put together a "very strong performance". "We look forward to putting together a strong coalition government with like-minded parties which will be the UPA or UPA plus plus," he said. The United Progressive Alliance, formed after the 2004 polls and led by the Congress, ruled the country for 10 years with Manmohan Singh as the prime minister and Sonia Gandhi as its chairperson. BJP'S NATIONALISM CAMPAIGN The son of the late Congress stalwart Madhavrao Scindia said the Bharatiya Janata Party was harping on subjects related to nationalism as it had nothing to say on development issues. "That's very understandable. Because we have always come on the plank of economic growth, development and progress. We have come on the plank of alleviation of poverty. "The BJP has nothing to talk about in its last five years of governance. The last time they were in government, they talked about India Shining. And India was shining only for the BJP but not for the rest of the country," he said. This time, Scindia added, they came up with the slogan 'ache din' which applied only to a sub-section of a limited coterie of the BJP. "If you ask the common worker of the BJP or even its MPs, not even their 'ache din' have arrived," the former Union minister said. He recalled the mathematical concept of LCM (least common multiple) to say, "The LCM for the BJP is Hindutva and phoney rashtravad (nationalism)," he said. NYAY The Congress leader, who holds sway in the Gwalior-Chambal belt of Madhya Pradesh, said he didn't agree that the party's minimum income scheme (NYAY) promise to provide Rs 72,000 per annum to about five crore poor households has not clicked with the masses. "The judgement will come on (counting day) May 23. So, let's wait. I am very confident the people of India have understood the concept of NYAY. It is not a very difficult concept," he said. RAHUL GANDHI AS PM An important member of Rahul Gandhi's core committee, Scindia said the Congress president is the obvious PM choice for them but a final decision will be taken by the UPA's constituents. "We are not like the BJP which believes one man, one way or the highway. We believe in working together and taking everyone along," he said. "The Congress party is one constituent of the UPA and as far as Congress party is concerned, our voice is very clear that it should be Rahul Gandhi but it will be a collective decision," he said. Why are these elections important for the Congress? "It is because of two reasons. One is that we want to save the country from this dictatorial and authoritarian rule that is smashing our Constitution and two, to be able to give a vision for India, for the farmers, for our youth in terms of employment to take our country forward. "The Congress took the country forward in 10 years of the UPA by delivering a 7.8 per cent compounded annual growth rate of over a decade which is a stupendous achievement that lifted about 25 million people out of poverty. This government has just taken us 20 years back," he said. So, it's a twin purpose -- it is to salvage our democracy and Constitution and freedom of liberty and rights and to take the country forward, he added. PM'S COMMENTS ON RAJIV GANDHI Modi's recent comment on the late prime minister Rajiv Gandhi, calling him "corrupt no 1", was distasteful and sad, Scindia said. "It is very hurtful to see that the person occupying the highest chair of this country talking about another person who occupied that same very chair and who is no longer in this world and cast slurs on that person. It does not behove someone who occupies that chair and sad to see that this is the level of politics that Mr Modi has come down to," he said.

No party will get majority, Congress will forge alliance for 'UPA plus plus' govt: Jyotiraditya Scindia

Congress Chief Rahul Gandhi has extended an unconditional apology to the Supreme Court for wrongfully attributing the chowkidar chor hai jibe to the court.

Rahul Gandhi tenders "Unconditional Apology" to Top Court for chowkidar chor hai attribution

Senior Congress leader M Veerappa Moily Wednesday said there was nothing wrong in TRS President and Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao's efforts to forge a federal front of regional parties.

Claiming that the&nbsp;Congress would get around 200 seats in the Lok Sabha elections, emerging as the leading party among the opposition he further said that the&nbsp;federal front of regional parties was a move against the&nbsp;BJP-led NDA.

"Make state-by-state (poll) analysis and you will definitely come to conclusion that the NDA government will fall", the former Union Minister said, adding a conglomeration of opposition parties would form the government.

On some parties speculating about the possibility of a United Front-type of Government of 1996-1998 with outside support from the Congress, Moily said, "There is no such thing now. It's too early and premature to say that".

"Among all members of the opposition, the Congress figure (tally of seats) would be the highest", the former Karnataka chief minister said.

"Common enemy is (Narendra) Modi and NDA. That is why, they (regional parties) can't join NDA; there shall be a combination of opposition parties who will definitely form the coalition (government)," Moily said.

He defended the Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra's decision not to stand against Modi in Varanasi, saying it was not necessary as contesting there would have confined her to that constituency.

"But now her services are available, she is going everywhere (for campaigning), that has given us more advantage", Moily told PTI.

On whether the Congress would position its President Rahul Gandhi as the prime ministerial candidate, he said ultimately there should be unanimity among the opposition put together.

"Congress as a largest party in Parliament, particularly more so among the opposition, we definitely have the advantage of leading the opposition front," Moily said.

On Rao's push to forge a non-Congress, non-BJP federal front of regional parties, he said there was nothing wrong about that.

"That means he (Rao) is also against NDA. That is more than enough for us. That means to say there are no takers for the NDA, except Shiv Sena and some fringe parties like Ram Vilas Paswan's party", Moily said.

The TRS had been pitching the idea of a non-Congress, non-BJP federal front of regional parties for several months now.

Asked if some of the regional parties who are not on board with UPA would be "friends" post-poll, he said, "Correct. It's always like that. There may be combination prior to elections, and combination, permutations after elections".

"This has happened even in 2004. For example, UDF is fighting against LDF in Kerala. So, there cannot be prior (pre-poll) understanding between these two parties. Even then, we joined together in 2004 in forming government," he said.

Moily claimed that majority of regional parties would join the opposition combination to defeat the NDA. "Opposition will join together and form government", he said.

Senior Congress leader M Veerappa Moily Wednesday said there was nothing wrong in TRS President and Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao's efforts to forge a federal front of regional parties.

Senior Congress leader M Veerappa Moily Wednesday said there was nothing wrong in TRS President and Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao's efforts to forge a federal front of regional parties. Claiming that the Congress would get around 200 seats in the Lok Sabha elections, emerging as the leading party among the opposition he further said that the federal front of regional parties was a move against the BJP-led NDA. "Make state-by-state (poll) analysis and you will definitely come to conclusion that the NDA government will fall", the former Union Minister said, adding a conglomeration of opposition parties would form the government. On some parties speculating about the possibility of a United Front-type of Government of 1996-1998 with outside support from the Congress, Moily said, "There is no such thing now. It's too early and premature to say that". "Among all members of the opposition, the Congress figure (tally of seats) would be the highest", the former Karnataka chief minister said. "Common enemy is (Narendra) Modi and NDA. That is why, they (regional parties) can't join NDA; there shall be a combination of opposition parties who will definitely form the coalition (government)," Moily said. He defended the Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra's decision not to stand against Modi in Varanasi, saying it was not necessary as contesting there would have confined her to that constituency. "But now her services are available, she is going everywhere (for campaigning), that has given us more advantage", Moily told PTI. On whether the Congress would position its President Rahul Gandhi as the prime ministerial candidate, he said ultimately there should be unanimity among the opposition put together. "Congress as a largest party in Parliament, particularly more so among the opposition, we definitely have the advantage of leading the opposition front," Moily said. On Rao's push to forge a non-Congress, non-BJP federal front of regional parties, he said there was nothing wrong about that. "That means he (Rao) is also against NDA. That is more than enough for us. That means to say there are no takers for the NDA, except Shiv Sena and some fringe parties like Ram Vilas Paswan's party", Moily said. The TRS had been pitching the idea of a non-Congress, non-BJP federal front of regional parties for several months now. Asked if some of the regional parties who are not on board with UPA would be "friends" post-poll, he said, "Correct. It's always like that. There may be combination prior to elections, and combination, permutations after elections". "This has happened even in 2004. For example, UDF is fighting against LDF in Kerala. So, there cannot be prior (pre-poll) understanding between these two parties. Even then, we joined together in 2004 in forming government," he said. Moily claimed that majority of regional parties would join the opposition combination to defeat the NDA. "Opposition will join together and form government", he said.

Federal front push of TRS is against NDA: Veerappa Moily

The Supreme Court Wednesday refused to hear Congress MP Sushmita Dev's plea seeking action against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP President Amit Shah for alleged poll code violations.

A bench comprising Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi and Justice Deepak Gupta, however, gave Dev the liberty to file a fresh plea against various Election Commission (EC) orders rejecting complaints of Model Code of Conduct (MCC) violations by Modi and Shah during campaigning.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

The apex court had on Monday asked the MP from Silchar to bring on record the EC's orders giving clean chit to the BJP leaders on several complaints of MCC violations over alleged hate speeches and references to armed forces for "political propaganda".&nbsp;

"Rightly or wrongly", the poll panel has decided the complaints of MCC violations and these orders warrant filing of a fresh petition, the bench said.

Senior advocate Rakesh Dwivedi, appearing for the EC, said the persons who had given representations of MCC violations to the poll panel have not come forward to assail them.

Senior advocate A M Singhvi, appearing for Dev, said the poll panel had given unreasoned orders in dismissing the complaints against Modi and Shah.

The EC has given clean chit to Modi for two of his speeches -- one in Latur last month urging first time voters to dedicate their votes in the name of Balakot air strike heroes and soldiers killed in the Pulwama attack, and the other in Wardha on April 1, slamming Congress chief Rahul Gandhi where he had also indicated that Kerala constituency had more voters from the minority community.&nbsp;

Dev had on Tuesday claimed before the apex court that the EC has failed to appreciate that the alleged "hate speeches" by PM Modi and Shah are "corrupt practices" and promote the feeling of enmity on religious grounds.

In an affidavit, Dev has said that the poll panel has passed orders in a "cryptic manner without mentioning any reason whatsoever, in stark violation of the law laid down by this court" while disposing of some complaints.

The Congress party has on May 6 lodged a fresh complaint before the poll panel against Modi for his remarks which "maligned and tarnished the image" of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, Dev said in the affidavit filed in the court.

The apex court had on Monday asked the Congress MP to bring on record EC's orders giving clean chit to Modi and Shah, after she accused the poll panel of inaction on complaints against the two BJP leaders for allegedly violating the MCC with "hate speeches" and using armed forces for "political propaganda".

Alleging discrimination and arbitrariness on part of the EC, Dev had said that the poll panel has initiated action for violation of model code of conduct against Union minister Maneka Gandhi, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, BSP Supremo Mayawati and BJP leader Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur for statements which were similar in "tone, tenor, meaning, purport and intention" to Modi and Shah's statements.

Dev said that the dissent reported and given by one of the Election Commissioners is not provided along with the order.&nbsp;

"This demonstrates a complete lack of transparency and arbitrariness of the Respondent's (EC) decision-making process on complaints against Shri Modi and Shri Amit Shah," the affidavit said.

Dev, in her plea, has alleged inaction by EC in deciding complaints against Modi and Shah and has said that it was "a sign of invidious discrimination" and also "arbitrary, capricious and impermissible" as it was destructive of the integrity of electoral process.

The plea listed out several alleged instances of MCC violations by Modi and Shah in their meetings and referred to as the first violation the speech of Modi at a rally at Wardha, Maharashtra, on April 1 where he had allegedly raised the issue of 'bhagva aatankwad' (saffron terror).

Earlier, the apex court had directed the poll panel to decide by May 6, the nine complaints of the Congress party alleging violations of MCC by the Prime Minister and Shah.

The poll panel had said that by May 8, it was likely to consider all the representations of the Congress party and its leader.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The Supreme Court Wednesday refused to hear Congress MP Sushmita Dev's plea seeking action against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP President Amit Shah for alleged poll code violations.

The Supreme Court Wednesday refused to hear Congress MP Sushmita Dev's plea seeking action against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP President Amit Shah for alleged poll code violations. A bench comprising Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi and Justice Deepak Gupta, however, gave Dev the liberty to file a fresh plea against various Election Commission (EC) orders rejecting complaints of Model Code of Conduct (MCC) violations by Modi and Shah during campaigning. The apex court had on Monday asked the MP from Silchar to bring on record the EC's orders giving clean chit to the BJP leaders on several complaints of MCC violations over alleged hate speeches and references to armed forces for "political propaganda". "Rightly or wrongly", the poll panel has decided the complaints of MCC violations and these orders warrant filing of a fresh petition, the bench said. Senior advocate Rakesh Dwivedi, appearing for the EC, said the persons who had given representations of MCC violations to the poll panel have not come forward to assail them. Senior advocate A M Singhvi, appearing for Dev, said the poll panel had given unreasoned orders in dismissing the complaints against Modi and Shah. The EC has given clean chit to Modi for two of his speeches -- one in Latur last month urging first time voters to dedicate their votes in the name of Balakot air strike heroes and soldiers killed in the Pulwama attack, and the other in Wardha on April 1, slamming Congress chief Rahul Gandhi where he had also indicated that Kerala constituency had more voters from the minority community. Dev had on Tuesday claimed before the apex court that the EC has failed to appreciate that the alleged "hate speeches" by PM Modi and Shah are "corrupt practices" and promote the feeling of enmity on religious grounds. In an affidavit, Dev has said that the poll panel has passed orders in a "cryptic manner without mentioning any reason whatsoever, in stark violation of the law laid down by this court" while disposing of some complaints. The Congress party has on May 6 lodged a fresh complaint before the poll panel against Modi for his remarks which "maligned and tarnished the image" of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, Dev said in the affidavit filed in the court. The apex court had on Monday asked the Congress MP to bring on record EC's orders giving clean chit to Modi and Shah, after she accused the poll panel of inaction on complaints against the two BJP leaders for allegedly violating the MCC with "hate speeches" and using armed forces for "political propaganda". Alleging discrimination and arbitrariness on part of the EC, Dev had said that the poll panel has initiated action for violation of model code of conduct against Union minister Maneka Gandhi, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, BSP Supremo Mayawati and BJP leader Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur for statements which were similar in "tone, tenor, meaning, purport and intention" to Modi and Shah's statements. Dev said that the dissent reported and given by one of the Election Commissioners is not provided along with the order. "This demonstrates a complete lack of transparency and arbitrariness of the Respondent's (EC) decision-making process on complaints against Shri Modi and Shri Amit Shah," the affidavit said. Dev, in her plea, has alleged inaction by EC in deciding complaints against Modi and Shah and has said that it was "a sign of invidious discrimination" and also "arbitrary, capricious and impermissible" as it was destructive of the integrity of electoral process. The plea listed out several alleged instances of MCC violations by Modi and Shah in their meetings and referred to as the first violation the speech of Modi at a rally at Wardha, Maharashtra, on April 1 where he had allegedly raised the issue of 'bhagva aatankwad' (saffron terror). Earlier, the apex court had directed the poll panel to decide by May 6, the nine complaints of the Congress party alleging violations of MCC by the Prime Minister and Shah. The poll panel had said that by May 8, it was likely to consider all the representations of the Congress party and its leader.

Supreme Court refuses to hear Congress MP's plea seeking action against Modi, Shah for poll code violations

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said if the NDA government comes back to power, he will put the `shahenshah` who looted farmers behind bars within the next five years.

"Whenever there was Congress government in Centre and Haryana, they took away the land of farmers at low rates. With your blessings, this Chowkidar has taken those who looted farmers to the court. They are going around seeking bail. They are going to ED offices. They used to think that they are `shahenshahs` (emperor) and nobody can touch them. Now they are nervous. I have already taken them to the door of the jail, give me your blessings and I`ll put them in jail within next five years," Modi said in an apparent reference to UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi`s son-in-law Robert Vadra, who is currently facing trial in a land deal case.

Modi, while addressing the gathering here, also said those who have looted the country "will have to pay back."

The Prime Minister went on to criticise the Congress over the 1984 anti-Sikh riots.

"In 1984, in different parts of the country including Delhi, Punjab and Haryana thousands of our Sikh brothers and sisters were killed at the behest of the Congress family," he said.&nbsp;

"For 34 years, a dozen of commissions were made, but justice was not given to the Sikh community. Your `Chowkidar` had promised to punish those involved in the 1984 riots. I am happy that the process to punish them has begun."

Modi went on to say, "This shameless Congress is still providing benefits to these tainted people who were involved in committing that sin. They even made one of those involved in the riots as the Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh. From this, it is clear that Congress is not bothered about your feelings."&nbsp;

He also accused the Congress of not making enough efforts at the time of Independence to ensure that Kartarpur Sahib is a part of India."

Congress` history is about ignoring your emotions. Otherwise, there was no reason why Kartarpur Sahib is in Pakistan. At the time of partition, if they would have made a little effort then Kartarpur Sahib would have been in India... But our government is making efforts to ensure that people who go to seek blessing from Kartarpur Sahib don`t face any problem. For this, the Kartarpur Sahib corridor is being made," he added.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said if the NDA government comes back to power, he will put the `shahenshah` who looted farmers behind bars within the next five years.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said if the NDA government comes back to power, he will put the `shahenshah` who looted farmers behind bars within the next five years. "Whenever there was Congress government in Centre and Haryana, they took away the land of farmers at low rates. With your blessings, this Chowkidar has taken those who looted farmers to the court. They are going around seeking bail. They are going to ED offices. They used to think that they are `shahenshahs` (emperor) and nobody can touch them. Now they are nervous. I have already taken them to the door of the jail, give me your blessings and I`ll put them in jail within next five years," Modi said in an apparent reference to UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi`s son-in-law Robert Vadra, who is currently facing trial in a land deal case. Modi, while addressing the gathering here, also said those who have looted the country "will have to pay back." The Prime Minister went on to criticise the Congress over the 1984 anti-Sikh riots. "In 1984, in different parts of the country including Delhi, Punjab and Haryana thousands of our Sikh brothers and sisters were killed at the behest of the Congress family," he said. "For 34 years, a dozen of commissions were made, but justice was not given to the Sikh community. Your `Chowkidar` had promised to punish those involved in the 1984 riots. I am happy that the process to punish them has begun." Modi went on to say, "This shameless Congress is still providing benefits to these tainted people who were involved in committing that sin. They even made one of those involved in the riots as the Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh. From this, it is clear that Congress is not bothered about your feelings." He also accused the Congress of not making enough efforts at the time of Independence to ensure that Kartarpur Sahib is a part of India." Congress` history is about ignoring your emotions. Otherwise, there was no reason why Kartarpur Sahib is in Pakistan. At the time of partition, if they would have made a little effort then Kartarpur Sahib would have been in India... But our government is making efforts to ensure that people who go to seek blessing from Kartarpur Sahib don`t face any problem. For this, the Kartarpur Sahib corridor is being made," he added.

Will put 'shahenshah' who looted farmers behind bars within next 5 years: PM Modi

The BJP is making its presence felt in this once Maoist hotbed despite a dominant presence of the Mamata Banerjee-led TMC, which routed the Left Front promising 'poriborton' (change).

Several locals, who were among the thousands that joined a movement in 2008 to express their angst with the then CPI(M) government led by Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee, say they sense another change in this part of West Bengal.

Trinamool Congress (TMC) flags dot 'haats' (local markets) and villages, and its signature blue can be seen on walls of several establishments, even schools and security outposts here.

But at Lalgarh's bustling tea stalls and markets, the discussion is about the challenge the TMC faces from the BJP in this erstwhile CPI(M) stronghold.

The BJP making inroads into Lalgarh and its surrounding areas has not gone unnoticed by the TMC chief, who completely overhauled the grassroot-level leadership before the 2019 Lok Sabha polls in an attempt to earn the goodwill of the people.

"It came as a shock to us to see the BJP gain so much traction in the (Jhargram) district after the panchayat polls last year. It had not done any work in the area...We banked on the development that the TMC has brought in since 2011," Jyoti Prasad Mahato, a local TMC leader, said.

In Jhargram district, the TMC lost 28-gram panchayats out of 79.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;

Part of the Jhargram Lok Sabha constituency and district, it was in 2008 that this dusty corner of Bengal, around 170 km from Kolkata, became the hotbed for the ultras and later, a centre point of left-wing extremism, which after continuous crackdown by security forces met a natural death in 2011 --the year the TMC came to power.

"Schemes announced by the Centre haven't reached us and those announced by the state are only benefitting people who hobnob with the TMC. Why shouldn't we demand change, now that there is an alternative," said Sushma Mahato, as she rolled tendu leaves into bidis in front of her mud hut.

Echoing Sushma's view, a villager said,"When the TMC won the Jhargram seat we had no other party to protect our interests. Now, we do. We don't want them to feel that they are entitled to our votes. They have to deliver on their promises."&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

In 2014, TMC's Uma Soren had wrested the Jhargram from Pulin Bihari Baske of the CPI(M), ending the Left party's 42-year domination in the constituency. This time the TMC has pitted Birbha Soren against CPI(M)'s Deblina Hembram and BJP's Kunar Hembram.&nbsp;

While Deblina is known for her fiery speeches, Kunar, his party people, say will win the polls as there is an anti-Mamata wave and people want change.&nbsp;

However, some changes cannot go unnoticed.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;

&nbsp;Dirt and mud roads, which security forces treaded cautiously fearing buried IEDs, have now been paved with asphalt and infrastructure development in Binpur-1 block, under which Lalgarh falls, is on at full pace.

The Banerjee-led government has also delivered around 25,000 cycles under the Sabuj Sathi scheme, built about 30 healthcare centres and about 1,300 self-help groups have come up in block.

"The facelift that you see around here is&nbsp;just that an outer shell. What will we do with them if we don't have jobs and food to eat?&nbsp;asked Sushma.

It was Banerjee's promise of change that brought her to power in Lalgarh that yearned for things like jobs, food, water, electricity and connectivity.

But, two assembly and one Lok Sabha elections since Banerjee swept into power, another resident said there seems to be a "strong feeling of mistrust between the TMC and the people here".

"Nothing has reached us. People have been made civic volunteers, but only those connected with the ruling party have got benefits. The local TMC leaders are so corrupt that they take money from us to even deliver basic benefits," the resident said.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;

People said they are more concerned about their basic needs, rather than the politics or the violence associated with it, as election day comes closer. Jhargram goes to polls on May 12.

This time, there is a straight contest between the BJP and the TMC, but the ruling party in Bengal is the dominant force, a member of a local group said.

The saffron party has worked quietly and made its mark here, he said.

Even TMC's Jyoti Prasad said, "BJP worked so silently, pumped in money that we didn't even realise what was happening."

Each police station in the area - Lalghar, Binpur, Belpahari and Goaltorh has more than 200 "civic volunteers".

"These men are not to help us, but to spy on us. Who we are speaking with, what are we telling them. Who is coming to campaign here, what are they promising us. It's like living under constant watch. They look out for everything even for Maoist resurgence,"&nbsp;said a villager, claiming that three civic volunteers are in his area.

Rani Mahato rued water comes here for an hour in the morning and in the evening, people have to wait for it.&nbsp;

"It depends on the whims and fancies of the man who releases the water. We are not unhappy with Didi (as Banerjee is popularly known), but her man here needs to be taught a lesson," she said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other senior BJP leaders have held several rallies Bengal, including in Jhargram, to counter the heavy presence of the ruling TMC.

The BJP is making its presence felt in this once Maoist hotbed despite a dominant presence of the Mamata Banerjee-led TMC, which routed the Left Front promising 'poriborton' (change).

The BJP is making its presence felt in this once Maoist hotbed despite a dominant presence of the Mamata Banerjee-led TMC, which routed the Left Front promising 'poriborton' (change). Several locals, who were among the thousands that joined a movement in 2008 to express their angst with the then CPI(M) government led by Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee, say they sense another change in this part of West Bengal. Trinamool Congress (TMC) flags dot 'haats' (local markets) and villages, and its signature blue can be seen on walls of several establishments, even schools and security outposts here. But at Lalgarh's bustling tea stalls and markets, the discussion is about the challenge the TMC faces from the BJP in this erstwhile CPI(M) stronghold. The BJP making inroads into Lalgarh and its surrounding areas has not gone unnoticed by the TMC chief, who completely overhauled the grassroot-level leadership before the 2019 Lok Sabha polls in an attempt to earn the goodwill of the people. "It came as a shock to us to see the BJP gain so much traction in the (Jhargram) district after the panchayat polls last year. It had not done any work in the area...We banked on the development that the TMC has brought in since 2011," Jyoti Prasad Mahato, a local TMC leader, said. In Jhargram district, the TMC lost 28-gram panchayats out of 79. Part of the Jhargram Lok Sabha constituency and district, it was in 2008 that this dusty corner of Bengal, around 170 km from Kolkata, became the hotbed for the ultras and later, a centre point of left-wing extremism, which after continuous crackdown by security forces met a natural death in 2011 --the year the TMC came to power. "Schemes announced by the Centre haven't reached us and those announced by the state are only benefitting people who hobnob with the TMC. Why shouldn't we demand change, now that there is an alternative," said Sushma Mahato, as she rolled tendu leaves into bidis in front of her mud hut. Echoing Sushma's view, a villager said,"When the TMC won the Jhargram seat we had no other party to protect our interests. Now, we do. We don't want them to feel that they are entitled to our votes. They have to deliver on their promises." In 2014, TMC's Uma Soren had wrested the Jhargram from Pulin Bihari Baske of the CPI(M), ending the Left party's 42-year domination in the constituency. This time the TMC has pitted Birbha Soren against CPI(M)'s Deblina Hembram and BJP's Kunar Hembram. While Deblina is known for her fiery speeches, Kunar, his party people, say will win the polls as there is an anti-Mamata wave and people want change. However, some changes cannot go unnoticed. Dirt and mud roads, which security forces treaded cautiously fearing buried IEDs, have now been paved with asphalt and infrastructure development in Binpur-1 block, under which Lalgarh falls, is on at full pace. The Banerjee-led government has also delivered around 25,000 cycles under the Sabuj Sathi scheme, built about 30 healthcare centres and about 1,300 self-help groups have come up in block. "The facelift that you see around here is just that an outer shell. What will we do with them if we don't have jobs and food to eat? asked Sushma. It was Banerjee's promise of change that brought her to power in Lalgarh that yearned for things like jobs, food, water, electricity and connectivity. But, two assembly and one Lok Sabha elections since Banerjee swept into power, another resident said there seems to be a "strong feeling of mistrust between the TMC and the people here". "Nothing has reached us. People have been made civic volunteers, but only those connected with the ruling party have got benefits. The local TMC leaders are so corrupt that they take money from us to even deliver basic benefits," the resident said. People said they are more concerned about their basic needs, rather than the politics or the violence associated with it, as election day comes closer. Jhargram goes to polls on May 12. This time, there is a straight contest between the BJP and the TMC, but the ruling party in Bengal is the dominant force, a member of a local group said. The saffron party has worked quietly and made its mark here, he said. Even TMC's Jyoti Prasad said, "BJP worked so silently, pumped in money that we didn't even realise what was happening." Each police station in the area - Lalghar, Binpur, Belpahari and Goaltorh has more than 200 "civic volunteers". "These men are not to help us, but to spy on us. Who we are speaking with, what are we telling them. Who is coming to campaign here, what are they promising us. It's like living under constant watch. They look out for everything even for Maoist resurgence," said a villager, claiming that three civic volunteers are in his area. Rani Mahato rued water comes here for an hour in the morning and in the evening, people have to wait for it. "It depends on the whims and fancies of the man who releases the water. We are not unhappy with Didi (as Banerjee is popularly known), but her man here needs to be taught a lesson," she said. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other senior BJP leaders have held several rallies Bengal, including in Jhargram, to counter the heavy presence of the ruling TMC.

Lalgarh: In this former Maoist hotbed, TMC's new challenge is BJP

Seeking to counter the BJP's Hindutva plank, hundreds of sadhus chanted "Jai Shree Ram" as they took part in a roadshow held on Wednesday by Congress veteran Digvijaya Singh, who is contesting the Lok Sabha poll from Bhopal seat in Madhya Pradesh.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/digvijaya-singh-performs-yagna-with-computer-baba-to-ensure-win-in-lok-sabha-elections-216658">Singh along with religious leader Namdev Tyagi</a> alias Computer Baba led the roadshow from Bhawani Chowk to Lal Parade ground, moving through main roads of the city, to seek votes.

Several saffron and white robes-clad saints holding the Congress' and saffron flags shouted "Jai Shree Ram" while campaigning in support of Singh, who is pitted against BJP candidate Pragya Thakur, a Hindutva activist.

Some seers participating in the roadshow said they want the Ram temple to be constructed in Ayodhya at the earliest.

Some police personnel, both men and women, in plain clothes were seen sporting saffron 'gamchha' (a cloth worn around shoulders and neck) during the roadshow.

On Tuesday, hundreds of sadhus trooped to the state capital to seek votes for Singh and campaign against Thakur.

Computer Baba, who was recently appointed chairman of a river trust by the Congress government, on Tuesday said the BJP remained in power for five years but it failed to construct the Ram temple.

"Ab Ram Mandir nahi toh Modi nahi (when there is no Ram Mandir then there should be no Narendra Modi too)," the self-styled godman said.

Meanwhile, Thakur, who is an accused in the 2008 Malegaon blast case, released BJP's vision document here on Wednesday, promising all round development of the state capital Bhopal.

BJP president Amit Shah will also hold a roadshow here in the evening.

The Bhopal seat, which has been a stronghold of the BJP, will go to polls on May 12. 
&nbsp;

Seeking to counter the BJP's Hindutva plank, hundreds of sadhus chanted "Jai Shree Ram" as they took part in a roadshow held on Wednesday by Congress veteran Digvijaya Singh, who is contesting the Lok Sabha poll from Bhopal seat in Madhya Pradesh.

Seeking to counter the BJP's Hindutva plank, hundreds of sadhus chanted "Jai Shree Ram" as they took part in a roadshow held on Wednesday by Congress veteran Digvijaya Singh, who is contesting the Lok Sabha poll from Bhopal seat in Madhya Pradesh. Singh along with religious leader Namdev Tyagi alias Computer Baba led the roadshow from Bhawani Chowk to Lal Parade ground, moving through main roads of the city, to seek votes. Several saffron and white robes-clad saints holding the Congress' and saffron flags shouted "Jai Shree Ram" while campaigning in support of Singh, who is pitted against BJP candidate Pragya Thakur, a Hindutva activist. Some seers participating in the roadshow said they want the Ram temple to be constructed in Ayodhya at the earliest. Some police personnel, both men and women, in plain clothes were seen sporting saffron 'gamchha' (a cloth worn around shoulders and neck) during the roadshow. On Tuesday, hundreds of sadhus trooped to the state capital to seek votes for Singh and campaign against Thakur. Computer Baba, who was recently appointed chairman of a river trust by the Congress government, on Tuesday said the BJP remained in power for five years but it failed to construct the Ram temple. "Ab Ram Mandir nahi toh Modi nahi (when there is no Ram Mandir then there should be no Narendra Modi too)," the self-styled godman said. Meanwhile, Thakur, who is an accused in the 2008 Malegaon blast case, released BJP's vision document here on Wednesday, promising all round development of the state capital Bhopal. BJP president Amit Shah will also hold a roadshow here in the evening. The Bhopal seat, which has been a stronghold of the BJP, will go to polls on May 12.

Saffron dominates Digvijaya's roadshow in Bhopal

BJP general secretary <a href="http://13.232.42.114/india-news/digvijaya-singh-needed-proper-challenger-bjps-ram-madhav-on-pragya-thakur-211565">Ram Madhav</a> on Tuesday mocked attempts by Telangana Chief Minister <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/kcr-and-kerala-cm-pinarayi-vijayan-to-meet-in-trivandrum-today-discuss-contemporary-politics-216232&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiN64nRwYniAhWS7nMBHbHGBxkQFjAHegQIABAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1dy2-_vRLDWLl2Y0aB4Qtd">K Chandrasekhara Rao</a> for a possible post-poll role of a kingmaker saying 'BJP has got the king and won't be requiring a kingmaker'.&nbsp;

"I know KCR has an ambition of becoming the kingmaker. This is what his party workers and his son tell the people of Telangana. I want to tell him we already have a king with us and we don`t need kingmakers," he told ANI in an interview.

His statement came hours after Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan asserted that his meeting with Rao on Monday was highly significant as regional parties will play a major role in the formation of a government after the Lok Sabha elections. Madhav claimed that BJP would get a comfortable majority in the elections.

"Based on ground reports that we get from our caders, we are confident BJP will be able to do as good as 2014 if not better. With the help of NDA, we will have good seats to run another a stable government."On our own, we are confident of securing the required numbers, maybe more than what we have in the ongoing parliament.

We already have a pre-poll alliance with more than two dozen parties. Together the NDA alliance will have absolute comfortable majorities," added Madhav.On the controversy over the remarks made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi against late Rajiv Gandhi, Madhav said, "Everybody should ask Congress whether they have moral right to ask questions to other leaders. The kind of language they use for the current Prime Minister, they have to answer the people. When we talk about Congress party then we have to talk from corruption scandals right from 1950s` jeep scandal to Bofors, which is a black spot on Congress`s history. We talk all this for Congress history."

Last week, the Prime Minister, while addressing a rally in Uttar Pradesh, had said, "Your (Rahul Gandhi) father (Rajiv Gandhi) was termed `Mr Clean` by his courtiers, but his life ended as `Bhrashtachari No 1." Madhav also asserted that talking about past leaders during election campaigns is not a new thing."We talk about leaders who are there and aren`t there anymore. When we talk about Emergency we talk about Indira Gandhi. So we talk about ex-leaders. It is natural we have to talk about leaders when we talk about the history of partisan governments," said Madhav.

He also criticised West Bengal Chief Minister Mamta Banerjee for making statements against Modi and said, "For Mamata Banerjee everything is politics. There is no civility in her. In her state, there is "jungle raaj" and dictatorship. There is extreme violence so much so that Election Commission has to deploy central forces in almost 100 per cent polling booths to ensure smooth elections. People of West Bengal will teach Mamata Banerjee a lesson in these elections."

On Monday, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had said that she doesn`t consider Narendra Modi as a prime minister, adding that she will speak to the "next prime minister" of the country. Madhav also lambasted Banerjee on her alleged refusal to speak to Prime Minister in the wake of severe cyclonic storm Fan. "The CM of West Bengal was so rude to PM that she didn`t take the call of Prime Minister or returned it. He is prime minister of 130 Crore people which includes Bengali people. Prime Minister wanted to help people of Bengal and wanted to go to the state but the chief minister had said that he is not welcome. This is very unfortunate."

Prime Minister Modi, who flew down to Bhubaneswar on Monday to visit the areas hit by Fani and take stock of the situation, wanted to do the same for West Bengal. The state government, however, refused to hold the review meeting stating that officials were busy with elections.On opposition`s apprehensions about the Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), Madhav said, "When they win, EVMs are fine. Chandra Babu Naidu has himself fought and won many elections using these same EVM`s. Supreme Court has taken the right decision by dismissing their petition."

The Supreme Court on Tuesday rejected a review plea filed by 21 Opposition parties seeking a direction to increase Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) verification from five to at least 50 per cent of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) during the counting of votes at the end of the ongoing elections. On Shashi Tharoor`s tweet about Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan, Madhav said, "Sashi Tharoor`s love for neighbours and hate for our own leaders is very well known. He uses choicest abuses for our leaders and he has a great love for people across the border. He has to think of what he is doing. People know what kind of politics theses congress leader practice."

On Tuesday, Tharoor had praised Imran Khan recalling Tipu Sultan on his death anniversary."One thing I personally know about Imran Khan is that his interest in the shared history of the Indian subcontinent is genuine and far-reaching. He reads; he cares. It is disappointing, though, that it took a Pakistani leader to remember a great Indian hero on his punyathithi", said Tharoor in a tweet.

BJP general secretary Ram Madhav on Tuesday mocked attempts by Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhara Rao for a possible post-poll role of a kingmaker saying 'BJP has got the king and won't be requiring a kingmaker'.

BJP general secretary Ram Madhav on Tuesday mocked attempts by Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhara Rao for a possible post-poll role of a kingmaker saying 'BJP has got the king and won't be requiring a kingmaker'. "I know KCR has an ambition of becoming the kingmaker. This is what his party workers and his son tell the people of Telangana. I want to tell him we already have a king with us and we don`t need kingmakers," he told ANI in an interview. His statement came hours after Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan asserted that his meeting with Rao on Monday was highly significant as regional parties will play a major role in the formation of a government after the Lok Sabha elections. Madhav claimed that BJP would get a comfortable majority in the elections. "Based on ground reports that we get from our caders, we are confident BJP will be able to do as good as 2014 if not better. With the help of NDA, we will have good seats to run another a stable government."On our own, we are confident of securing the required numbers, maybe more than what we have in the ongoing parliament. We already have a pre-poll alliance with more than two dozen parties. Together the NDA alliance will have absolute comfortable majorities," added Madhav.On the controversy over the remarks made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi against late Rajiv Gandhi, Madhav said, "Everybody should ask Congress whether they have moral right to ask questions to other leaders. The kind of language they use for the current Prime Minister, they have to answer the people. When we talk about Congress party then we have to talk from corruption scandals right from 1950s` jeep scandal to Bofors, which is a black spot on Congress`s history. We talk all this for Congress history." Last week, the Prime Minister, while addressing a rally in Uttar Pradesh, had said, "Your (Rahul Gandhi) father (Rajiv Gandhi) was termed `Mr Clean` by his courtiers, but his life ended as `Bhrashtachari No 1." Madhav also asserted that talking about past leaders during election campaigns is not a new thing."We talk about leaders who are there and aren`t there anymore. When we talk about Emergency we talk about Indira Gandhi. So we talk about ex-leaders. It is natural we have to talk about leaders when we talk about the history of partisan governments," said Madhav. He also criticised West Bengal Chief Minister Mamta Banerjee for making statements against Modi and said, "For Mamata Banerjee everything is politics. There is no civility in her. In her state, there is "jungle raaj" and dictatorship. There is extreme violence so much so that Election Commission has to deploy central forces in almost 100 per cent polling booths to ensure smooth elections. People of West Bengal will teach Mamata Banerjee a lesson in these elections." On Monday, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had said that she doesn`t consider Narendra Modi as a prime minister, adding that she will speak to the "next prime minister" of the country. Madhav also lambasted Banerjee on her alleged refusal to speak to Prime Minister in the wake of severe cyclonic storm Fan. "The CM of West Bengal was so rude to PM that she didn`t take the call of Prime Minister or returned it. He is prime minister of 130 Crore people which includes Bengali people. Prime Minister wanted to help people of Bengal and wanted to go to the state but the chief minister had said that he is not welcome. This is very unfortunate." Prime Minister Modi, who flew down to Bhubaneswar on Monday to visit the areas hit by Fani and take stock of the situation, wanted to do the same for West Bengal. The state government, however, refused to hold the review meeting stating that officials were busy with elections.On opposition`s apprehensions about the Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), Madhav said, "When they win, EVMs are fine. Chandra Babu Naidu has himself fought and won many elections using these same EVM`s. Supreme Court has taken the right decision by dismissing their petition." The Supreme Court on Tuesday rejected a review plea filed by 21 Opposition parties seeking a direction to increase Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) verification from five to at least 50 per cent of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) during the counting of votes at the end of the ongoing elections. On Shashi Tharoor`s tweet about Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan, Madhav said, "Sashi Tharoor`s love for neighbours and hate for our own leaders is very well known. He uses choicest abuses for our leaders and he has a great love for people across the border. He has to think of what he is doing. People know what kind of politics theses congress leader practice." On Tuesday, Tharoor had praised Imran Khan recalling Tipu Sultan on his death anniversary."One thing I personally know about Imran Khan is that his interest in the shared history of the Indian subcontinent is genuine and far-reaching. He reads; he cares. It is disappointing, though, that it took a Pakistani leader to remember a great Indian hero on his punyathithi", said Tharoor in a tweet.

‘We don’t need any kingmaker, have the king,’ says Ram Madhav

CPI(M) general secretary <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/fir-registered-against-cpm-general-secretary-sitaram-yechury-215984&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjFkNWzu4niAhWz8XMBHWhXAP0QFjAAegQIABAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1flZBxL08aZh5n1xWWH9yC">Sitaram Yechury </a>Tuesday attacked the BJP government, alleging that the country's economy and security have been run into the ground in the last five years.&nbsp;

In a series of tweets, he listed the "failures" of the government since 2014 and said <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/modi-dares-mamata-to-arrest-him-for-chanting-jai-shri-ram-216402&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjsy7yXvIniAhUE63MBHak3Br8QFjABegQIEBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0Q-2LNlSWcBnFlMDYPDtPr">Prime Minister Narendra Modi</a> cannot escape the pitfalls. "The plot and more has been lost under the Modi govt. Jobs and Spending down, benefitting no one, except the cronies who have been taken care of. At least Rs 5.5 lakh crore of public loans waived off for them since 2014."

"A litany of failures, which Modi can't escape: Modi govt has run the Economy into the ground. Terror attacks in J&amp;K were up 176% even though the harebrained Notebandi was to cut off terror funding. Truce violations by Pakistan increased 100% since 2014," Yechury tweeted.

On Monday, a war of words broke out between Modi and Yechury after the prime minister hit out at the Left leader for his alleged "derogatory" remarks against two great Hindu epics.&nbsp;Yechury had retaliated by alleging that Modi had "distorted" what he had said.

CPI(M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury Tuesday attacked the BJP government, alleging that the country's economy and security have been run into the ground in the last five years.

CPI(M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury Tuesday attacked the BJP government, alleging that the country's economy and security have been run into the ground in the last five years. In a series of tweets, he listed the "failures" of the government since 2014 and said Prime Minister Narendra Modi cannot escape the pitfalls. "The plot and more has been lost under the Modi govt. Jobs and Spending down, benefitting no one, except the cronies who have been taken care of. At least Rs 5.5 lakh crore of public loans waived off for them since 2014." "A litany of failures, which Modi can't escape: Modi govt has run the Economy into the ground. Terror attacks in J&K were up 176% even though the harebrained Notebandi was to cut off terror funding. Truce violations by Pakistan increased 100% since 2014," Yechury tweeted. On Monday, a war of words broke out between Modi and Yechury after the prime minister hit out at the Left leader for his alleged "derogatory" remarks against two great Hindu epics. Yechury had retaliated by alleging that Modi had "distorted" what he had said.

Narendra Modi government has run economy, security into the ground: Sitaram Yechury

A<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/special-vote-underway-in-south-africa-ahead-of-general-election-216626&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiz9OifsYniAhUC5o8KHQOXBY0QFjABegQIDhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0UUgbXsQIUIB2qe9h2r2-C"> polling officer </a>died while 24 others, including security personnel, were injured when their vehicle overturned in the district, officials said Tuesday.

The accident took place when they were on way to deposit EVM machines after polling on Monday.

The deceased has been identified as Om Prakash (40) assistant district information officer SD Yadav said.

A polling officer died while 24 others, including security personnel, were injured when their vehicle overturned in the district, officials said Tuesday. The accident took place when they were on way to deposit EVM machines after polling on Monday.

A polling officer died while 24 others, including security personnel, were injured when their vehicle overturned in the district, officials said Tuesday. The accident took place when they were on way to deposit EVM machines after polling on Monday. The deceased has been identified as Om Prakash (40) assistant district information officer SD Yadav said.

Polling officer dies, 24 injured as vehicle overturns in Amethi

BJP president Amit Shah Tuesday alleged that West Bengal <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/pm-modi-could-not-talk-to-mamata-over-cyclone-as-his-calls-were-not-returned-official-216063&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjwuvfrs4niAhUR148KHdBmDIEQFjACegQIEBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw12ROzDIs4EIgRlnxFChs_6">Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee</a> is not allowing people to chant 'Jai Shri Ram' in the state, and wondered if the Lord's name cannot be taken in India, will it be uttered in Pakistan.

Speaking at an election rally here, he said that polls in<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/alert-in-west-bengal-as-cyclone-fani-advances-215108&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjOoq3-s4niAhWA8HMBHRtJBHoQFjABegQIDxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1q2Vsp51QCBF_GpHmOugm4"> West Bengal</a> are for restoring democracy in the state, where the BJP will win "more than 23 seats" out of the total 42 Lok Sabha seats.

"Lord Ram is a part of the culture of India... Can anybody stop people from taking his name? I want to ask Mamata didi, if Shri Ram's name is not taken in India, will it be chanted in Pakistan?" Shah said.

A video had appeared in the social media that showed Banerjee stopping her car at a place in West Midnapore district on Saturday, and chasing some persons who chanted 'Jai Shri Ram' as her carcade was crossing the area.

"The Narendra Modi government has given Rs 4,24,800 crore to West Bengal in its five-year tenure, but it has not reached the people, and, instead, gone to the syndicates," Shah claimed.

He said the UPA-II government under the then prime minister Manmohan Singh had granted only around Rs 1,32,000 crore to the state. At another election meeting at Keshiari in Paschim Medinipur district, Shah said, "What wrong has PM Narendra Modi done by saying that the Bofors scam happened during Rajiv Gandhi's tenure."

The BJP president was referring to Modi's recent remarks at a rally in Uttar Pradesh, where he said that Rajiv Gandhi's life ended as "bhrashtachari no. 1" (corrupt no. 1 ). 
"Rahul baba says his father has been insulted. Is it an insult to be reminded of what had happened?" he said.

Shah also asked Rahul Gandhi whether or not the Bofors scandal, the Bhopal gas tragedy, the blunder of sending a peacekeeping force to Sri Lanka or the massacre of Kashmiri pandits happen during his father's tenure as prime minister from 1984 to 1989.

He claimed that the Congress and its partners in the 'Mahagathbandhan' have abused Modi on "51 different occasions". The BJP chief reiterated his party's resolve to implement the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in West Bengal to flush out illegal migrants from Bangladesh.

BJP president Amit Shah Tuesday alleged that West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is not allowing people to chant 'Jai Shri Ram' in the state, and wondered if the Lord's name cannot be taken in India, will it be uttered in Pakistan.

BJP president Amit Shah Tuesday alleged that West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is not allowing people to chant 'Jai Shri Ram' in the state, and wondered if the Lord's name cannot be taken in India, will it be uttered in Pakistan. Speaking at an election rally here, he said that polls in West Bengal are for restoring democracy in the state, where the BJP will win "more than 23 seats" out of the total 42 Lok Sabha seats. "Lord Ram is a part of the culture of India... Can anybody stop people from taking his name? I want to ask Mamata didi, if Shri Ram's name is not taken in India, will it be chanted in Pakistan?" Shah said. A video had appeared in the social media that showed Banerjee stopping her car at a place in West Midnapore district on Saturday, and chasing some persons who chanted 'Jai Shri Ram' as her carcade was crossing the area. "The Narendra Modi government has given Rs 4,24,800 crore to West Bengal in its five-year tenure, but it has not reached the people, and, instead, gone to the syndicates," Shah claimed. He said the UPA-II government under the then prime minister Manmohan Singh had granted only around Rs 1,32,000 crore to the state. At another election meeting at Keshiari in Paschim Medinipur district, Shah said, "What wrong has PM Narendra Modi done by saying that the Bofors scam happened during Rajiv Gandhi's tenure." The BJP president was referring to Modi's recent remarks at a rally in Uttar Pradesh, where he said that Rajiv Gandhi's life ended as "bhrashtachari no. 1" (corrupt no. 1 ). "Rahul baba says his father has been insulted. Is it an insult to be reminded of what had happened?" he said. Shah also asked Rahul Gandhi whether or not the Bofors scandal, the Bhopal gas tragedy, the blunder of sending a peacekeeping force to Sri Lanka or the massacre of Kashmiri pandits happen during his father's tenure as prime minister from 1984 to 1989. He claimed that the Congress and its partners in the 'Mahagathbandhan' have abused Modi on "51 different occasions". The BJP chief reiterated his party's resolve to implement the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in West Bengal to flush out illegal migrants from Bangladesh.

Will Lord Ram's name be taken in Pakistan, if not in India: Amit Shah

&nbsp;A <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/burqa-ban-not-demand-of-shiv-sena-or-uddhav-says-raut-216131&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiAgN3dt4niAhUjmeYKHdALCeAQFjAAegQIARAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw320ezS-vXPDkNYpGvuCW0s">Shiv Sena leader</a> has echoed BJP general secretary Ram Madhav's statement that the latter's party may fall short of an absolute majority in the Lok Sabha, prompting it to depend on allies to form the next government.

Senior Sena leader Sanjay Raut said that it looks a "bit difficult" for the BJP to reach the 280-seat mark as it did in the 2014 polls. "What Ram Madhav says is right. The NDA will form the next government. The BJP will be the single largest party. As of now, it looks a bit difficult for the BJP to reach the 280- 282 figure on its own but our NDA "parivar" (family) will cross the majority mark," Raut told a TV channel.

Raut told PTI Tuesday that the Sena would be happy if Narendra Modi becomes the prime minister again. Raut said, "I welcome Ram Madhav's statement and the Shiv Sena would be a part of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA). We would be happy if Modi becomes the prime minister again."

The Uddhav Thackeray-led party has 18 members in the outgoing Lok Sabha and is a major ally of the BJP. It is also a part of the BJP-led government in Maharashtra.

Ram Madhav said in a media interview last week that the BJP will require the support of allies to form the next government after the Lok Sabha polls. "If we get 271 seats on our own, we will be very happy," Madhav had said. "With NDA we will have a comfortable majority," he added.

A Shiv Sena leader has echoed BJP general secretary Ram Madhav's statement that the latter's party may fall short of an absolute majority in the Lok Sabha, prompting it to depend on allies to form the next government.

A Shiv Sena leader has echoed BJP general secretary Ram Madhav's statement that the latter's party may fall short of an absolute majority in the Lok Sabha, prompting it to depend on allies to form the next government. Senior Sena leader Sanjay Raut said that it looks a "bit difficult" for the BJP to reach the 280-seat mark as it did in the 2014 polls. "What Ram Madhav says is right. The NDA will form the next government. The BJP will be the single largest party. As of now, it looks a bit difficult for the BJP to reach the 280- 282 figure on its own but our NDA "parivar" (family) will cross the majority mark," Raut told a TV channel. Raut told PTI Tuesday that the Sena would be happy if Narendra Modi becomes the prime minister again. Raut said, "I welcome Ram Madhav's statement and the Shiv Sena would be a part of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA). We would be happy if Modi becomes the prime minister again." The Uddhav Thackeray-led party has 18 members in the outgoing Lok Sabha and is a major ally of the BJP. It is also a part of the BJP-led government in Maharashtra. Ram Madhav said in a media interview last week that the BJP will require the support of allies to form the next government after the Lok Sabha polls. "If we get 271 seats on our own, we will be very happy," Madhav had said. "With NDA we will have a comfortable majority," he added.

Looks difficult for Bharatiya Janata Party to reach 280-mark: Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut

Replying to a notice sent by the Delhi poll panel, <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/delhi-police-man-who-attacked-cm-was-aap-supporter-215994&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwj1tZWDroniAhUKv48KHYRPCpwQFjADegQIEBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw29cbuLXYBrL1QFL677SR4U">Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia</a> Tuesday said he had no hesitation in accepting that he was trying to convince people to vote for education and health instead of Mandir-Masjid (politics of religion).

Sisodia was issued a notice by the Delhi chief electoral officer following a complaint by the BJP which alleged that the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) used public funds for issuing letters seeking votes by highlighting achievements of the government.

"However, as far as the complaint of <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/mahagatbandhan-isnt-a-challenge-for-bharatiya-janata-party-rajnath-singh-216271&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjh9YidroniAhVYiHAKHUQCBroQFjAAegQIABAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2oyzYhtb8wlIKl0MWhvqeu">Bharatiya Janata Party</a>&nbsp;leader is concerned, I would like to say that this is nothing but the expression of their frustration. The letters have been written by me to individuals in my personal capacity. No public fund has been used in sending the letters," he said in his reply.

The minister also urged the BJP not to indulge in "petty politics" and try to seek votes on the basis of work "if they have done any". 
He said the Election Commission should "also encourage political parties to seek votes on the issues like education, health, water, electricity, jobs, etc, and discourage parties who are seeking votes in the name of hate".

Citing that the pass percentage of Delhi government schools in class 12 has increased and crossed 94 per cent, which is a record in the history of national capital, Sisodia said not only education but the infrastructure of schools and several other things have undergone a drastic change.

"It's a matter of pride for me to be the Education Minister of Delhi and I have no hesitation to accept that I am trying to convince people of Delhi to vote on the issues of education, health, etc. Instead of issues of Mandir-Masjid and other fictitious issues being raised by BJP and its leader Sh. Narender Modiji," he said in the reply.

Replying to a notice sent by the Delhi poll panel, Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia Tuesday said he had no hesitation in accepting that he was trying to convince people to vote for education and health instead of Mandir-Masjid (politics of religion).

Replying to a notice sent by the Delhi poll panel, Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia Tuesday said he had no hesitation in accepting that he was trying to convince people to vote for education and health instead of Mandir-Masjid (politics of religion). Sisodia was issued a notice by the Delhi chief electoral officer following a complaint by the BJP which alleged that the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) used public funds for issuing letters seeking votes by highlighting achievements of the government. "However, as far as the complaint of Bharatiya Janata Party leader is concerned, I would like to say that this is nothing but the expression of their frustration. The letters have been written by me to individuals in my personal capacity. No public fund has been used in sending the letters," he said in his reply. The minister also urged the BJP not to indulge in "petty politics" and try to seek votes on the basis of work "if they have done any". He said the Election Commission should "also encourage political parties to seek votes on the issues like education, health, water, electricity, jobs, etc, and discourage parties who are seeking votes in the name of hate". Citing that the pass percentage of Delhi government schools in class 12 has increased and crossed 94 per cent, which is a record in the history of national capital, Sisodia said not only education but the infrastructure of schools and several other things have undergone a drastic change. "It's a matter of pride for me to be the Education Minister of Delhi and I have no hesitation to accept that I am trying to convince people of Delhi to vote on the issues of education, health, etc. Instead of issues of Mandir-Masjid and other fictitious issues being raised by BJP and its leader Sh. Narender Modiji," he said in the reply.

Trying to convince people to vote for education, health instead of religion: Sisodia