The BJP Friday attacked the Congress over unaccounted money being traced from "close associates" of Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath, saying the state has become a "new ATM" for the grand old party.

Addressing a press conference at the party office, BJP spokesperson GVL Narasimha Rao alleged that the Congress dispensation in the state is "minting money and diverting government funds. Rs 281 crore unaccounted cash was traced from his close associates".

Describing Madhya Pradesh as a new ATM of Congress, Rao alleged that as per entries in a diary traced by Income Tax Department, senior Congress leaders Digvijay Singh and Randeep Surjewala also got a cut from this unaccounted cash.&nbsp;

The Congress dismissed the charge, saying it was a sign of desperation of the ruling party. Senior party leader Anand Sharma said that raising these issues at this stage shows the mindset of the BJP and the ruling government which were panicking.

The BJP Friday attacked the Congress over unaccounted money being traced from "close associates" of Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath, saying the state has become a "new ATM" for the grand old party.

The BJP Friday attacked the Congress over unaccounted money being traced from "close associates" of Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath, saying the state has become a "new ATM" for the grand old party. Addressing a press conference at the party office, BJP spokesperson GVL Narasimha Rao alleged that the Congress dispensation in the state is "minting money and diverting government funds. Rs 281 crore unaccounted cash was traced from his close associates". Describing Madhya Pradesh as a new ATM of Congress, Rao alleged that as per entries in a diary traced by Income Tax Department, senior Congress leaders Digvijay Singh and Randeep Surjewala also got a cut from this unaccounted cash. The Congress dismissed the charge, saying it was a sign of desperation of the ruling party. Senior party leader Anand Sharma said that raising these issues at this stage shows the mindset of the BJP and the ruling government which were panicking.

Madhya Pradesh is new ATM for Congress: BJP

The CVoter Tracker, an opinion survey of voters, found that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s popularity dipped after his first year in office. A significant 63 per cent of those surveyed found his government to be anti-poor and anti-farmer. As Modi completes five years in office, his popularity is touching an all-time high despite repeated stories about India’s economic woes.

In April 2014, when the coalition led by the Indian National Congress was in power, the top two issues people cared about were corruption and inflation. Six months after Modi won the 2014 elections, unemployment emerged as the most important issue for Indian voters. Till January 2019, this remained the case. Yet voters seem to be less concerned about it right now. What happened?

The explanation is best delivered through an analogy. Imagine you are suffering from many ailments and many parts of your body are aching terribly. You go to a doctor and list down all the problems: headache, stomachache, backache, knee pain, twisted ankle, spondylitis, tennis elbow and a few more aches. But before the doctor begins treating you for all symptoms, you ask him to do something about your backache because you claim it’s killing you. When you go to meet the doctor next, you request relief for knee pain, and the next time you beg relief from spondylitis. All this time, you are suffering from a chronic migraine that refuses to go away, but other pains push it into the background. That is precisely what has happened to the Indian voter’s chronic unemployment problem.

The answer may lie in public perception. Almost 42 per cent of the people who mentioned unemployment as a problem felt that Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) would solve the problem. In contrast, only 13 per cent believed that the Congress party would be able to do so. Also, 53 per cent&nbsp;of the people surveyed believe that their quality of life would improve in the next 12 months. Only 17 per cent were pessimistic and believed otherwise. This high index of optimism is working in favour of Modi and the BJP. 
 
The Pulwama effect and populist sops

The most important factor in the ongoing election might turn out to be the attack on Indian troops in Pulwama. It is an emotive issue that resulted in a national outpouring of grief. Modi’s bold airstrikes won popular acclaim and boosted his popularity. Mainstream media oxygenated the entire episode. As a result, people seem to be willing to forgive Modi’s policy failures as honest mistakes of a risk-taking, dynamic prime minister.

In the past, security has not played much of a role in Indian elections. Manmohan Singh was re-elected as prime minister despite the 2008 Mumbai attacks. Terror strikes and security issues have, for the most part, remained a non-issue in CVoter Tracker data. Before the Pulwama attacks, the recall rate of these issues was a mere 3 per cent. This has risen to a high of 26 per cent. It seems India might be changing. For the first time, security issues are competing with bread and butter ones in India’s post-independence history.

At the start of 2019, 37 per cent of the people surveyed believed their living standards had improved over 12 months, while 31 per cent felt they had declined. The BJP had lost elections in three states in the Hindi heartland: Madya Pradesh, Chattisgarh and Rajasthan. There was real fear that Modi would lose like Atal Bihari Vajpayee, the BJP prime minister from 1999 to 2004. The specter of 2004 was haunting the party 15 years after it unexpectedly lost the election. 
 
Modi is an arch pragmatist and decided to go on a populist spree. He gave reservation to economically backward upper-caste families, a measure designed to retain the traditional vote base of his party. Money for farmers, targeted cash transfers to the poor and a budget full of goodies for different sections of society soothed frayed nerves of voters.

By March 7, 2019, 45 per cent people reported improved living standards and only 22 per cent said these standards had declined. On the same date, 51 per cent respondents said they were very satisfied with the working of the Modi government in contrast to 36 per cent on January 1. The combination of sops to voter and patriotism post-Pulwama boosted the fortunes of Modi.

In fact, his personal popularity ratings doubled between January 1 and March 7. People repeatedly contrasted Modi’s bold action to Singh’s lukewarm response to the Mumbai attacks more than 10 years ago. The fact that Modi is the first Indian prime minister to attack Pakistan in its own territory, on its own sovereign soil, since Indira Gandhi has worked strongly in his favour.

Rahul Gandhi - Modi's best friend

At the start of 2019, Rahul Gandhi’s stock seemed to be rising. This fifth-generation heir of the Nehru family had gone around the world to elite universities such as Berkeley and the London School of Economics. His party, the Indian National Congress, had won three state elections in the Hindi heartland. Hearteningly, his approval rating was 23 per cent on January 1. Recently, his approval rating has plummeted to 8 per cent

Just as Pulwama worked in Modi’s favour, it has worked against Gandhi. Indians no longer trust the Congress party on national security. Most Indians believe that the party has been soft on Pakistan since 2004. Its inability to guarantee security during its time in power and its perceived softness on terror has come back to haunt Congress in 2019.

The BJP has been very clever in its electoral strategy. It has portrayed the 2019 election as a binary choice between Modi and Gandhi. This bipolar choice has resulted in people favouring the 56-inch chested Modi to the weak, inarticulate and ineffectual Gandhi. It has led many pundits to remark that Gandhi is Modi’s best friend. And there is more than an element of truth in that comment.

Banana peels still remain

In India, the anti-incumbency factor has been running strong in elections for the last two decades. Politicians are rarely able to meet people’s expectations. So, people vote in opposition to punish the government. The Modi government is not exempt to this powerful phenomenon. On January 1, 27 per cent wanted to vote it out. By March 7, this number had dropped to 20 per cent, a still significant figure.

Even as the anti-incumbency number has dropped for the government, the number of undecided voters has risen from 42 per cent to 47 per cent. This is evidence of a polity in flux. These voters could swing either way by the time they enter the polls. This is the most worrisome fact for the BJP. If these voters started blaming Modi for their economic woes, then he too could end up with the same fate as Vajpayee.

In 2014, people voted for non-Nehruvian management of the economy. They wanted less control by the Indian state, which had spectacularly mismanaged the economy. However, demonetisation, as well as, the imposition of the goods and sales tax increased the heavy hand of the state. In fact, many have come to believe that Modi is obsessed with increasing tax revenue to exclusion of everything else. This has strengthened the inspector-raj infamously created by Congress.

In fact, the BJP has made no structural or institutional break from the past. It is just seen as a cleaner and more efficient version of the Indian National Congress. Prime Minister Modi offered no new ideas about governance or the economy. For the last five years, the government has launched one scheme after another and initiated many welfare measures, but the sentiment on the street is negative. Consumption has fallen, investment remains low and controversy rages around unemployment figures. Economic woes might still cause the undecided voter to flip into an anti-incumbent one.

In 2014, the BJP ran as an opposition party enjoying the anti-incumbency factor. Today, it faces an opposition that has come together to unseat it from power. Furthermore, India’s democracy follow the first-past-the-post Westminster model. Victory in 543 distinct seats decides who forms the government, not the winner of a pan-national election. It is well within the realms of possibility that Modi’s BJP might fall short of the magic figure of 272 seats in the Lok Sabha, India’s lower house of parliament.

A final factor weakening the BJP is not unemployment of the masses, but the unemployability of a large number of its members of parliaments. Many of its MPs are “good-for-nothing” and have relied on the goodwill for Modi to get elected. More than external injury, the BJP faces the clear and present danger of severe “internal bleeding” that might damage its chances. Like the Communist Party of India (Marxist), the BJP is a cadre-based party. The communists lost power and relevance once their cadres rotted and lost touch with the people. The BJP faces a similar risk as its cadre and elected representatives seem to be following the communist path.

(This article was originally published on The Fair Observer. Read the <a href="https://www.fairobserver.com/region/central_south_asia/narendra-modi-bjp-win-indian-election-news-south-asia-world-news-today-39084/">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)&nbsp;

The CVoter Tracker, an opinion survey of voters, found that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s popularity dipped after his first year in office. A significant 63 per cent of those surveyed found his government to be anti-poor and anti-farmer.

The CVoter Tracker, an opinion survey of voters, found that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s popularity dipped after his first year in office. A significant 63 per cent of those surveyed found his government to be anti-poor and anti-farmer. As Modi completes five years in office, his popularity is touching an all-time high despite repeated stories about India’s economic woes. In April 2014, when the coalition led by the Indian National Congress was in power, the top two issues people cared about were corruption and inflation. Six months after Modi won the 2014 elections, unemployment emerged as the most important issue for Indian voters. Till January 2019, this remained the case. Yet voters seem to be less concerned about it right now. What happened? The explanation is best delivered through an analogy. Imagine you are suffering from many ailments and many parts of your body are aching terribly. You go to a doctor and list down all the problems: headache, stomachache, backache, knee pain, twisted ankle, spondylitis, tennis elbow and a few more aches. But before the doctor begins treating you for all symptoms, you ask him to do something about your backache because you claim it’s killing you. When you go to meet the doctor next, you request relief for knee pain, and the next time you beg relief from spondylitis. All this time, you are suffering from a chronic migraine that refuses to go away, but other pains push it into the background. That is precisely what has happened to the Indian voter’s chronic unemployment problem. The answer may lie in public perception. Almost 42 per cent of the people who mentioned unemployment as a problem felt that Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) would solve the problem. In contrast, only 13 per cent believed that the Congress party would be able to do so. Also, 53 per cent of the people surveyed believe that their quality of life would improve in the next 12 months. Only 17 per cent were pessimistic and believed otherwise. This high index of optimism is working in favour of Modi and the BJP. The Pulwama effect and populist sops The most important factor in the ongoing election might turn out to be the attack on Indian troops in Pulwama. It is an emotive issue that resulted in a national outpouring of grief. Modi’s bold airstrikes won popular acclaim and boosted his popularity. Mainstream media oxygenated the entire episode. As a result, people seem to be willing to forgive Modi’s policy failures as honest mistakes of a risk-taking, dynamic prime minister. In the past, security has not played much of a role in Indian elections. Manmohan Singh was re-elected as prime minister despite the 2008 Mumbai attacks. Terror strikes and security issues have, for the most part, remained a non-issue in CVoter Tracker data. Before the Pulwama attacks, the recall rate of these issues was a mere 3 per cent. This has risen to a high of 26 per cent. It seems India might be changing. For the first time, security issues are competing with bread and butter ones in India’s post-independence history. At the start of 2019, 37 per cent of the people surveyed believed their living standards had improved over 12 months, while 31 per cent felt they had declined. The BJP had lost elections in three states in the Hindi heartland: Madya Pradesh, Chattisgarh and Rajasthan. There was real fear that Modi would lose like Atal Bihari Vajpayee, the BJP prime minister from 1999 to 2004. The specter of 2004 was haunting the party 15 years after it unexpectedly lost the election. Modi is an arch pragmatist and decided to go on a populist spree. He gave reservation to economically backward upper-caste families, a measure designed to retain the traditional vote base of his party. Money for farmers, targeted cash transfers to the poor and a budget full of goodies for different sections of society soothed frayed nerves of voters. By March 7, 2019, 45 per cent people reported improved living standards and only 22 per cent said these standards had declined. On the same date, 51 per cent respondents said they were very satisfied with the working of the Modi government in contrast to 36 per cent on January 1. The combination of sops to voter and patriotism post-Pulwama boosted the fortunes of Modi. In fact, his personal popularity ratings doubled between January 1 and March 7. People repeatedly contrasted Modi’s bold action to Singh’s lukewarm response to the Mumbai attacks more than 10 years ago. The fact that Modi is the first Indian prime minister to attack Pakistan in its own territory, on its own sovereign soil, since Indira Gandhi has worked strongly in his favour. Rahul Gandhi - Modi's best friend At the start of 2019, Rahul Gandhi’s stock seemed to be rising. This fifth-generation heir of the Nehru family had gone around the world to elite universities such as Berkeley and the London School of Economics. His party, the Indian National Congress, had won three state elections in the Hindi heartland. Hearteningly, his approval rating was 23 per cent on January 1. Recently, his approval rating has plummeted to 8 per cent Just as Pulwama worked in Modi’s favour, it has worked against Gandhi. Indians no longer trust the Congress party on national security. Most Indians believe that the party has been soft on Pakistan since 2004. Its inability to guarantee security during its time in power and its perceived softness on terror has come back to haunt Congress in 2019. The BJP has been very clever in its electoral strategy. It has portrayed the 2019 election as a binary choice between Modi and Gandhi. This bipolar choice has resulted in people favouring the 56-inch chested Modi to the weak, inarticulate and ineffectual Gandhi. It has led many pundits to remark that Gandhi is Modi’s best friend. And there is more than an element of truth in that comment. Banana peels still remain In India, the anti-incumbency factor has been running strong in elections for the last two decades. Politicians are rarely able to meet people’s expectations. So, people vote in opposition to punish the government. The Modi government is not exempt to this powerful phenomenon. On January 1, 27 per cent wanted to vote it out. By March 7, this number had dropped to 20 per cent, a still significant figure. Even as the anti-incumbency number has dropped for the government, the number of undecided voters has risen from 42 per cent to 47 per cent. This is evidence of a polity in flux. These voters could swing either way by the time they enter the polls. This is the most worrisome fact for the BJP. If these voters started blaming Modi for their economic woes, then he too could end up with the same fate as Vajpayee. In 2014, people voted for non-Nehruvian management of the economy. They wanted less control by the Indian state, which had spectacularly mismanaged the economy. However, demonetisation, as well as, the imposition of the goods and sales tax increased the heavy hand of the state. In fact, many have come to believe that Modi is obsessed with increasing tax revenue to exclusion of everything else. This has strengthened the inspector-raj infamously created by Congress. In fact, the BJP has made no structural or institutional break from the past. It is just seen as a cleaner and more efficient version of the Indian National Congress. Prime Minister Modi offered no new ideas about governance or the economy. For the last five years, the government has launched one scheme after another and initiated many welfare measures, but the sentiment on the street is negative. Consumption has fallen, investment remains low and controversy rages around unemployment figures. Economic woes might still cause the undecided voter to flip into an anti-incumbent one. In 2014, the BJP ran as an opposition party enjoying the anti-incumbency factor. Today, it faces an opposition that has come together to unseat it from power. Furthermore, India’s democracy follow the first-past-the-post Westminster model. Victory in 543 distinct seats decides who forms the government, not the winner of a pan-national election. It is well within the realms of possibility that Modi’s BJP might fall short of the magic figure of 272 seats in the Lok Sabha, India’s lower house of parliament. A final factor weakening the BJP is not unemployment of the masses, but the unemployability of a large number of its members of parliaments. Many of its MPs are “good-for-nothing” and have relied on the goodwill for Modi to get elected. More than external injury, the BJP faces the clear and present danger of severe “internal bleeding” that might damage its chances. Like the Communist Party of India (Marxist), the BJP is a cadre-based party. The communists lost power and relevance once their cadres rotted and lost touch with the people. The BJP faces a similar risk as its cadre and elected representatives seem to be following the communist path. (This article was originally published on The Fair Observer. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Understanding the 2019 Indian elections

The Election Commission concluded on Friday that Prime Minister Narendra Modi did not violate the model code or its advisory on armed forces in his speech in Varanasi.

It also found nothing wrong in his comments made in Nanded, Maharashtra where he reportedly dubbed the Congress as a 'sinking Titanic'.

With this, the EC has decided on five complaints against Modi and gave him a clean chit in all matters.

"In a matter related to a complaint concerning alleged violations of advisories of the Commission and Model Code of Conduct, in a speech delivered by Narendra Modi at Nanded, Maharashtra on April 6, a detailed report of the Chief Electoral Officer, Maharashtra was obtained. The matter has been examined in detail ... (the) Commission is of the considered view that in this matter no such violation of the extant advisories/provisions is attracted," the EC said.

In his Nanded speech, Modi had reportedly said that the Congress today is like Titanic ship which is sinking. All those who are in the ship like the Nationalist Congress Party are either sinking or jumping off to escape, he had reportedly said.

Targeting Rahul Gandhi, he had said that the Congress chief has traced a seat using microscope from which he can take on the BJP.

Modi was apparently referring to the Wayanad seat in Kerala from where Rahul is contesting, besides Amethi in Uttar Pradesh.

He had reportedly said that in Wayanad, the country's majority is in minority.

Referring to Modi's Varanasi speech on April 25, where he had gone to file his nomination for Lok Sabha elections, the EC said a detailed report of the Chief Electoral Officer, Uttar Pradesh was obtained.

"The matter has been examined in detail in accordance with the extant advisories, provisions of the Model Code of Conduct and after examination of complete transcript, Commission is of the considered view that in this matter no such violation of the extant advisories/provisions is attracted," it said.

The Congress had also referred to an interview given by the PM to Aaj Tak and said it found nothing wrong.

Addressing a rally in Varanasi, Modi had stressed on national security, saying a new India gives a befitting reply to terrorism.

At the meeting after a massive show of strength in his Lok Sabha constituency, Modi said his government had dealt effectively against terrorism.

In an apparent reference to the Balakot air strike after Pakistan-based militants killed 40 paramilitary men in Pulwama, he said the world now backed India in its fight against terror.

Modi also referred to the recent bomb blasts in Sri Lanka, saying innocent people observing Easter lost their lives.

The Election Commission had on Thursday given a clean chit to Modi, saying he did not violate the model code of conduct during his election speech in Rajasthan's border town of Barmer where he invoked the armed forces and said that India's nuclear button was not kept to be used for Diwali.

Earlier, the EC had found nothing wrong in the prime minister's speech at Wardha on April 1 where he attacked Congress chief Rahul Gandhi for contesting from minority-dominated Wayanad seat. It has also cleared the PM for his appeal to first-time voters by invoking the Balakot air strikes and the Pulwama martyrs in Latur on April 9.&nbsp;

The Election Commission concluded on Friday that Prime Minister Narendra Modi did not violate the model code or its advisory on armed forces in his speech in Varanasi.

The Election Commission concluded on Friday that Prime Minister Narendra Modi did not violate the model code or its advisory on armed forces in his speech in Varanasi. It also found nothing wrong in his comments made in Nanded, Maharashtra where he reportedly dubbed the Congress as a 'sinking Titanic'. With this, the EC has decided on five complaints against Modi and gave him a clean chit in all matters. "In a matter related to a complaint concerning alleged violations of advisories of the Commission and Model Code of Conduct, in a speech delivered by Narendra Modi at Nanded, Maharashtra on April 6, a detailed report of the Chief Electoral Officer, Maharashtra was obtained. The matter has been examined in detail ... (the) Commission is of the considered view that in this matter no such violation of the extant advisories/provisions is attracted," the EC said. In his Nanded speech, Modi had reportedly said that the Congress today is like Titanic ship which is sinking. All those who are in the ship like the Nationalist Congress Party are either sinking or jumping off to escape, he had reportedly said. Targeting Rahul Gandhi, he had said that the Congress chief has traced a seat using microscope from which he can take on the BJP. Modi was apparently referring to the Wayanad seat in Kerala from where Rahul is contesting, besides Amethi in Uttar Pradesh. He had reportedly said that in Wayanad, the country's majority is in minority. Referring to Modi's Varanasi speech on April 25, where he had gone to file his nomination for Lok Sabha elections, the EC said a detailed report of the Chief Electoral Officer, Uttar Pradesh was obtained. "The matter has been examined in detail in accordance with the extant advisories, provisions of the Model Code of Conduct and after examination of complete transcript, Commission is of the considered view that in this matter no such violation of the extant advisories/provisions is attracted," it said. The Congress had also referred to an interview given by the PM to Aaj Tak and said it found nothing wrong. Addressing a rally in Varanasi, Modi had stressed on national security, saying a new India gives a befitting reply to terrorism. At the meeting after a massive show of strength in his Lok Sabha constituency, Modi said his government had dealt effectively against terrorism. In an apparent reference to the Balakot air strike after Pakistan-based militants killed 40 paramilitary men in Pulwama, he said the world now backed India in its fight against terror. Modi also referred to the recent bomb blasts in Sri Lanka, saying innocent people observing Easter lost their lives. The Election Commission had on Thursday given a clean chit to Modi, saying he did not violate the model code of conduct during his election speech in Rajasthan's border town of Barmer where he invoked the armed forces and said that India's nuclear button was not kept to be used for Diwali. Earlier, the EC had found nothing wrong in the prime minister's speech at Wardha on April 1 where he attacked Congress chief Rahul Gandhi for contesting from minority-dominated Wayanad seat. It has also cleared the PM for his appeal to first-time voters by invoking the Balakot air strikes and the Pulwama martyrs in Latur on April 9.

Election Commission clean chit to PM Modi in two more speeches

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/congress-earlier-mocked-surgical-strikes-now-saying-me-too-me-too-pm-modi-215682">Prime Minister Narendra Modi </a>held 200 programmes, most of them electoral in nature, across 27 states and Union Territories, over the last 125 days beginning December 25, according to information provided by his official website.

"The Prime Minister joined 30 programmes in Delhi itself. 14 Cabinet meetings have been held since the start of the year. These numbers speak for themselves. They also offer a unique glimpse into the working style and multi-tasking abilities of PM Modi," read a statement on his website www.narendramodi.in.&nbsp;

One example of PM Modi`s hectic schedule was his visit to Jammu and Kashmir.

In February, PM Modi embarked on a visit to Jammu and Kashmir where in one day he covered all three regions of the state- Ladakh, Jammu and the Kashmir Valley. Since January 2019, PM Modi has made multiple visits to Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, and Tripura.

These visits were scheduled before the Model Code of Conduct was enforced by the Election Commission, therefore a great emphasis on infra projects and sectors like energy and agriculture was laid in these trips.

On February 1, the NDA Government announced two marquee schemes- the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi and the Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Man Dhan Yojana.&nbsp;

The former provides monetary support to farmers while the latter assures a monthly pension to the unorganised sector. Both these schemes were launched soon after the announcements were made.

PM Modi went to Gorakhpur on February 24 to launch the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi while he went to Ahmedabad to launch the Shram Yogi Man Dhan Yojana on March 5.

On the same day, PM Modi was at the holy Sangam in Prayagraj, where he took a dip and participated in a Puja ceremony.

"He became the first Prime Minister in years to visit a Kumbh Mela," according to his website.

At the end of December 2018, PM Modi was on the shores of Port Blair to pay tribute to freedom fighter Veer Savarkar.

A month later, on the death anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, PM Modi was in Gujarat`s Dandi to inaugurate a state-of-the-art Salt Satyagraha Memorial and Museum.

In January, he visited the Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram and in March he was at the Tripura Sundari Temple in Udaipur, Tripura.

During the last 150 days, the 'MP Modi' visited his parliamentary constituency of Varanasi five times.

Even while in Delhi, the prime minister had a hectic schedule.&nbsp;

On a February winter evening in the capital, thousands of veterans gathered at Delhi`s Dhyan Chand Stadium.&nbsp;

The occasion was a rally of ex-servicemen, which was addressed by PM Modi, followed by the dedication of Rashtriya Samar Smarak or the National War Memorial to the nation.

"It has been 70 long years but nobody thought of a grand National War Memorial as a tribute to our brave hearts martyred in the line of duty. It was PM Modi who took this decision and in quick time, a grand memorial was ready," the statement on his website said.

PM Modi also visited Amethi in UP on March 4 to inaugurate rifle unit which will manufacture AK-203 guns.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi held 200 programmes, most of them electoral in nature, across 27 states and Union Territories, over the last 125 days beginning December 25, according to information provided by his official website.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi held 200 programmes, most of them electoral in nature, across 27 states and Union Territories, over the last 125 days beginning December 25, according to information provided by his official website. "The Prime Minister joined 30 programmes in Delhi itself. 14 Cabinet meetings have been held since the start of the year. These numbers speak for themselves. They also offer a unique glimpse into the working style and multi-tasking abilities of PM Modi," read a statement on his website www.narendramodi.in. One example of PM Modi`s hectic schedule was his visit to Jammu and Kashmir. In February, PM Modi embarked on a visit to Jammu and Kashmir where in one day he covered all three regions of the state- Ladakh, Jammu and the Kashmir Valley. Since January 2019, PM Modi has made multiple visits to Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, and Tripura. These visits were scheduled before the Model Code of Conduct was enforced by the Election Commission, therefore a great emphasis on infra projects and sectors like energy and agriculture was laid in these trips. On February 1, the NDA Government announced two marquee schemes- the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi and the Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Man Dhan Yojana. The former provides monetary support to farmers while the latter assures a monthly pension to the unorganised sector. Both these schemes were launched soon after the announcements were made. PM Modi went to Gorakhpur on February 24 to launch the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi while he went to Ahmedabad to launch the Shram Yogi Man Dhan Yojana on March 5. On the same day, PM Modi was at the holy Sangam in Prayagraj, where he took a dip and participated in a Puja ceremony. "He became the first Prime Minister in years to visit a Kumbh Mela," according to his website. At the end of December 2018, PM Modi was on the shores of Port Blair to pay tribute to freedom fighter Veer Savarkar. A month later, on the death anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, PM Modi was in Gujarat`s Dandi to inaugurate a state-of-the-art Salt Satyagraha Memorial and Museum. In January, he visited the Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram and in March he was at the Tripura Sundari Temple in Udaipur, Tripura. During the last 150 days, the 'MP Modi' visited his parliamentary constituency of Varanasi five times. Even while in Delhi, the prime minister had a hectic schedule. On a February winter evening in the capital, thousands of veterans gathered at Delhi`s Dhyan Chand Stadium. The occasion was a rally of ex-servicemen, which was addressed by PM Modi, followed by the dedication of Rashtriya Samar Smarak or the National War Memorial to the nation. "It has been 70 long years but nobody thought of a grand National War Memorial as a tribute to our brave hearts martyred in the line of duty. It was PM Modi who took this decision and in quick time, a grand memorial was ready," the statement on his website said. PM Modi also visited Amethi in UP on March 4 to inaugurate rifle unit which will manufacture AK-203 guns.

PM Modi's travel itinerary in last 125 days: 200 programmes across 27 states and Union Territories

Railway Minister Piyush Goyal on Friday said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi`s diplomacy and friendly relations with world leaders helped in the designation of<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/masood-azhar-named-global-terrorist-how-it-will-affect-the-jem-chief-215077&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwia_cG2vP_hAhUJq48KHWXBDP8QFjAEegQIAxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0sBSU1xJ9Dy_7hHCEmAilB"> Masood Azhar </a>by the United Nations as an international terrorist.

"PM Modi used diplomacy to deal with terrorism and his friendly relations with popular leaders of the globe have helped India in getting the<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/all-members-should-abide-by-un-sanctions-committees-decision-on-masood-azhar-un-chief-antonio-guterres-215365&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiQ36XkvP_hAhXLuo8KHW1xCZ04ChAWMAF6BAgQEAI&amp;usg=AOvVaw2VK9jYaH09xJCRkAP8ITnY"> United Nations (UN)</a> designate Masood Azhar as an international terrorist," he said addressing a press conference.&nbsp;

Praising Modi, Goyal said, "India`s emerging power in economy, diplomacy and the fight against terrorism should be credited to PM Modi and his leadership. The process of designating Masood Azhar as a global terrorist started in 2009 but Congress` leadership was weak. Today every citizen is proud that India has emerged as a powerful nation under PM Modi-led NDA government."

"Those who doubt and raise questions on surgical strikes and Balakot airstrike find themselves standing for the terrorists, unfortunately," he added.

Goyal said, "BJP always supported the fight against terrorism no matter whose government it was. We hope that opposition never let down India`s pride and defeat the intentions of terrorists...Even while in opposition, former Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee went to UN (for India`s campaign) against terrorism. But now the opposition leaders are questioning our army and government, which is very unfortunate."

Commenting on <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/videos/the-moment-when-cyclone-fani-made-landfall-215559&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiflNL0vP_hAhXBvI8KHUicBn8QFjAFegQIAxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0jFujC6aus5gFO5GpITN2t">Cyclone Fani</a>, the Railway minister said, "Cyclone Fani is considered the most dangerous in the past four decades. We pray for safety for all in Odisha and West Bengal."

The Centre has discussed with state governments and will provide all possible help.&nbsp;

On being asked who will win in the Lok Sabha elections from Amethi, Goyal said, "BJP candidate from Amethi Smriti Irani will win and Congress president Rahul Gandhi has become a challenger instead."

He said, "Congress party is for the rich while BJP works for every section of society including the middle class...Under the Congress party, there were massive scams that made the country weak."

He questioned, "Why a businessman gives Rs 4 to 5 lakh as rent for Rahul Gandhi`s Rs 1 crore farmhouse. The company paying rent was scam-tainted and was under investigation in 2012-13. Rahul Gandhi should tell this to the people of Amethi and Wayanad."

Railway Minister Piyush Goyal on Friday said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi`s diplomacy and friendly relations with world leaders helped in the designation of Masood Azhar by the United Nations as an international terrorist.

Railway Minister Piyush Goyal on Friday said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi`s diplomacy and friendly relations with world leaders helped in the designation of Masood Azhar by the United Nations as an international terrorist. "PM Modi used diplomacy to deal with terrorism and his friendly relations with popular leaders of the globe have helped India in getting the United Nations (UN) designate Masood Azhar as an international terrorist," he said addressing a press conference. Praising Modi, Goyal said, "India`s emerging power in economy, diplomacy and the fight against terrorism should be credited to PM Modi and his leadership. The process of designating Masood Azhar as a global terrorist started in 2009 but Congress` leadership was weak. Today every citizen is proud that India has emerged as a powerful nation under PM Modi-led NDA government." "Those who doubt and raise questions on surgical strikes and Balakot airstrike find themselves standing for the terrorists, unfortunately," he added. Goyal said, "BJP always supported the fight against terrorism no matter whose government it was. We hope that opposition never let down India`s pride and defeat the intentions of terrorists...Even while in opposition, former Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee went to UN (for India`s campaign) against terrorism. But now the opposition leaders are questioning our army and government, which is very unfortunate." Commenting on Cyclone Fani, the Railway minister said, "Cyclone Fani is considered the most dangerous in the past four decades. We pray for safety for all in Odisha and West Bengal." The Centre has discussed with state governments and will provide all possible help. On being asked who will win in the Lok Sabha elections from Amethi, Goyal said, "BJP candidate from Amethi Smriti Irani will win and Congress president Rahul Gandhi has become a challenger instead." He said, "Congress party is for the rich while BJP works for every section of society including the middle class...Under the Congress party, there were massive scams that made the country weak." He questioned, "Why a businessman gives Rs 4 to 5 lakh as rent for Rahul Gandhi`s Rs 1 crore farmhouse. The company paying rent was scam-tainted and was under investigation in 2012-13. Rahul Gandhi should tell this to the people of Amethi and Wayanad."

PM Modi's diplomacy helped in Azhar's designation as global terrorist: Piyush Goyal

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/terrorist-attacks-had-become-daily-affair-during-congress-pm-modi-in-rajasthan-215640">Prime Minister Narendra Modi</a> on Friday mocked the Congress over its claim of having conducted surgical strikes during the UPA regime telling the party that it is not a video game.

A day after the Congress claimed that six surgical strikes were carried out by the Manmohan Singh-led government, he said the Congress, which earlier used to mock the surgical strikes, is now saying 'me too, me too'.

"After losing in the first four phases of the Lok Sabha elections, now Congress is doing a new drama. A senior Congress leader last night said that during their time surgical strikes were done many times. Now Congress is trying everything to prove that it too had carried out surgical strikes. Congress claims that they carried out six surgical strikes," Prime Minister Modi said while addressing a rally in Sikar, Rajasthan.

"What type of strikes were these about which the terrorists did not get to know, Pakistan didn't know and even Indians didn't know. First, they mocked it. When they saw that the people are standing with Modi, then they started protesting. And now they say 'me too me too'," he added.

"I think there are people in the Congress who play video games at any age and maybe they even consider surgical strike as a video game," Modi said.

"Jab kagaz par hi karni ho, jab video game mein hi strike karni ho to 6 ho ya 3 ho, 20 hon ya 25 hon, ye jhoote logon ko kya fark padta hai," he added.

The Prime Minister later took another jibe at the Congress and said "When the results for Lok Sabha elections will come out on May 23, then the Congress will say that we did 600 surgical strikes."

At the rally, Prime Minister Modi also said, "I promise you that the water which is currently flowing to Pakistan will be diverted to the farms in India."&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday mocked the Congress over its claim of having conducted surgical strikes during the UPA regime telling the party that it is not a video game.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday mocked the Congress over its claim of having conducted surgical strikes during the UPA regime telling the party that it is not a video game. A day after the Congress claimed that six surgical strikes were carried out by the Manmohan Singh-led government, he said the Congress, which earlier used to mock the surgical strikes, is now saying 'me too, me too'. "After losing in the first four phases of the Lok Sabha elections, now Congress is doing a new drama. A senior Congress leader last night said that during their time surgical strikes were done many times. Now Congress is trying everything to prove that it too had carried out surgical strikes. Congress claims that they carried out six surgical strikes," Prime Minister Modi said while addressing a rally in Sikar, Rajasthan. "What type of strikes were these about which the terrorists did not get to know, Pakistan didn't know and even Indians didn't know. First, they mocked it. When they saw that the people are standing with Modi, then they started protesting. And now they say 'me too me too'," he added. "I think there are people in the Congress who play video games at any age and maybe they even consider surgical strike as a video game," Modi said. "Jab kagaz par hi karni ho, jab video game mein hi strike karni ho to 6 ho ya 3 ho, 20 hon ya 25 hon, ye jhoote logon ko kya fark padta hai," he added. The Prime Minister later took another jibe at the Congress and said "When the results for Lok Sabha elections will come out on May 23, then the Congress will say that we did 600 surgical strikes." At the rally, Prime Minister Modi also said, "I promise you that the water which is currently flowing to Pakistan will be diverted to the farms in India."

Congress earlier mocked surgical strikes, now saying 'me too, me too': PM Modi

Aam Aadmi Party MLA from Gandhi Nagar Anil Bajpai Friday joined the BJP.

The move comes at a time when AAP leaders, including Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, have accused the BJP of indulging in horse-trading.

Bajpai joined the BJP in presence of the national vice president and Delhi BJP in-charge Shyam Jaju, and Union Minister Vijay Goel, at the Delhi unit office here.

"I worked for the AAP for 15 years. I was hurt by a lack of respect and the peculiar type of functioning in the party. It has detracted from its original path", he said.

On Wednesday, Sisodia alleged that the BJP offered Rs 10 crore each to seven AAP MLAs to switch sides.

However, Bajpai denied having taken money for joining the BJP and said Kejriwal is in the habit of making allegations and then tendering apologies.

Former Delhi BJP president and Union minister Goel Thursday claimed not seven but 14 AAP MLAs were in touch with his party and wanted to quit AAP due to "frustration and humiliation".&nbsp;

Three municipal councillors of AAP also joined the BJP.&nbsp;

Aam Aadmi Party MLA from Gandhi Nagar Anil Bajpai Friday joined the BJP. The move comes at a time when AAP leaders, including Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, have accused the BJP of indulging in horse-trading.

Aam Aadmi Party MLA from Gandhi Nagar Anil Bajpai Friday joined the BJP. The move comes at a time when AAP leaders, including Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, have accused the BJP of indulging in horse-trading. Bajpai joined the BJP in presence of the national vice president and Delhi BJP in-charge Shyam Jaju, and Union Minister Vijay Goel, at the Delhi unit office here. "I worked for the AAP for 15 years. I was hurt by a lack of respect and the peculiar type of functioning in the party. It has detracted from its original path", he said. On Wednesday, Sisodia alleged that the BJP offered Rs 10 crore each to seven AAP MLAs to switch sides. However, Bajpai denied having taken money for joining the BJP and said Kejriwal is in the habit of making allegations and then tendering apologies. Former Delhi BJP president and Union minister Goel Thursday claimed not seven but 14 AAP MLAs were in touch with his party and wanted to quit AAP due to "frustration and humiliation". Three municipal councillors of AAP also joined the BJP.

AAP Gandhi Nagar MLA Anil Bajpai joins BJP

Attacking the Congress ahead of the polls in Rajasthan,<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-shares-clip-of-last-poll-meeting-in-jaipur-says-it-is-clear-rajasthan-wants-bjp-215633"> Prime Minister Modi</a> said on Friday that the terrorist attacks had become a daily affair during the Congress regime.

"When there was Congress government at the centre, terrorist attacks had become a daily affair. No city was safe in their tenure. Everyone knows how terrorists attacked Mumbai in 2008. What happened in Mumbai at that time, was neither the first nor the last," PM Modi said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rs-1000-crore-released-in-advance-for-cyclone-affected-states-pm-modi-215630">Cyclone Fani: Rs 1,000 crore released in advance for affected states, says PM Modi</a>

While addressing an election rally in Karauli, Rajasthan, PM Modi further said, "In January 2008, there was an attack on CRPF camp in UP. In May, there was a bomb blast in Jaipur. In July, there were serial blasts in Bengaluru. Next day, bomb blasts in Ahmedabad. In September, there were two terror attacks in Delhi. In October, serial blasts in Guwahati, Agartala, Imphal".

PM Modi also said that the Congress was distraught when he got the award from UAE during elections and when <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/shiv-sena-slams-congress-for-questioning-timing-of-jem-chief-masood-azhars-listing-as-a-global-terrorist-215627">Azhar was declared international terrorist</a> while polls underway.

Further targetting the Congress PM Modi said that the government at the Centre during the 2009 "had no courage".&nbsp;

"The youth takes a lot of interest in IPL. But there were two occasions when it could not be played in India, it was played in South Africa. This happened in 2009 and 2014. The government at the centre was so scared of terrorists. That government had no courage".

"In 2009 &amp; 2014 they said, there's election. Police is&nbsp;busy so can't have IPL. There are elections now, there was Navratri, Ramnavmi and Hanuman Jayanti too. Ramzan will be here. But IPL is going on", he added.

(With inputs from agencies)

Attacking the Congress ahead of the polls in Rajasthan, Prime Minister Modi said on Friday that the terrorist attacks had become a daily affair during the Congress regime.

Attacking the Congress ahead of the polls in Rajasthan, Prime Minister Modi said on Friday that the terrorist attacks had become a daily affair during the Congress regime. "When there was Congress government at the centre, terrorist attacks had become a daily affair. No city was safe in their tenure. Everyone knows how terrorists attacked Mumbai in 2008. What happened in Mumbai at that time, was neither the first nor the last," PM Modi said. Also read: Cyclone Fani: Rs 1,000 crore released in advance for affected states, says PM Modi While addressing an election rally in Karauli, Rajasthan, PM Modi further said, "In January 2008, there was an attack on CRPF camp in UP. In May, there was a bomb blast in Jaipur. In July, there were serial blasts in Bengaluru. Next day, bomb blasts in Ahmedabad. In September, there were two terror attacks in Delhi. In October, serial blasts in Guwahati, Agartala, Imphal". PM Modi also said that the Congress was distraught when he got the award from UAE during elections and when Azhar was declared international terrorist while polls underway. Further targetting the Congress PM Modi said that the government at the Centre during the 2009 "had no courage". "The youth takes a lot of interest in IPL. But there were two occasions when it could not be played in India, it was played in South Africa. This happened in 2009 and 2014. The government at the centre was so scared of terrorists. That government had no courage". "In 2009 & 2014 they said, there's election. Police is busy so can't have IPL. There are elections now, there was Navratri, Ramnavmi and Hanuman Jayanti too. Ramzan will be here. But IPL is going on", he added. (With inputs from agencies)

Terrorist attacks had become daily affair during Congress: PM Modi in Rajasthan

Ahead of his visit to Rajasthan to address poll rallies on Friday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared a brief clip of his last meeting in Jaipur on Twitter and said, "it is clear the state wants BJP".

In the brief clip, people are seen waving at the prime minister with&nbsp;flashlight of their mobile phones on.&nbsp;

"Looking forward to visiting Rajasthan today. Will be campaigning in Hindaun, Sikar and Bikaner. In order to gauge the mood of the state, here's a short clip from my last rally in Jaipur. It is clear people of the sate want BJP,? Modi tweeted.

The prime minister's last meeting in the Congress-ruled state was on Wednesday evening.

12 seats in Rajasthan, including Ganganagar, Bikaner, Churu, Jhunjhuju, Sikar, Jaipur rural, Jaipur, Alwar, Bharatpur, Karauli-Dholpur, Dausa and Nagaur will go to poll on May 6.

PM Narendra Modi and Congress President Rahul Gandhi have been intensely campaigning in these seats.&nbsp;

The state has a total of 25 seats and 13 seats went to poll on April 29.

Ahead of his visit to Rajasthan to address poll rallies on Friday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared a brief clip of his last meeting in Jaipur on Twitter and said, "it is clear the state wants BJP".

Ahead of his visit to Rajasthan to address poll rallies on Friday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared a brief clip of his last meeting in Jaipur on Twitter and said, "it is clear the state wants BJP". In the brief clip, people are seen waving at the prime minister with flashlight of their mobile phones on. "Looking forward to visiting Rajasthan today. Will be campaigning in Hindaun, Sikar and Bikaner. In order to gauge the mood of the state, here's a short clip from my last rally in Jaipur. It is clear people of the sate want BJP,? Modi tweeted. The prime minister's last meeting in the Congress-ruled state was on Wednesday evening. 12 seats in Rajasthan, including Ganganagar, Bikaner, Churu, Jhunjhuju, Sikar, Jaipur rural, Jaipur, Alwar, Bharatpur, Karauli-Dholpur, Dausa and Nagaur will go to poll on May 6. PM Narendra Modi and Congress President Rahul Gandhi have been intensely campaigning in these seats. The state has a total of 25 seats and 13 seats went to poll on April 29.

PM Modi shares clip of last poll meeting in Jaipur, says it is clear Rajasthan wants BJP

The Supreme Court Friday agreed to hear next week a review plea filed by 21 Opposition leaders seeking a further increase in the random matching of VVPAT slips with EVMs in the ongoing general elections.

The apex court had on April 8 directed the Election Commission to increase random matching of Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) slips with Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) in five polling booths per assembly segment from one booth.&nbsp;

The top court, however, had not agreed to the demand of 21 Opposition leaders for counting of at least 50 per cent of VVPAT slips with EVMs in every assembly segment.

Opposition leaders led by Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu had sought the review of the apex court's order, saying the "increase from 1 to 5 is not a reasonable number and does not lead to satisfaction desired by this court".

The plea was mentioned for urgent hearing before a bench comprising Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi and Justice Deepak Gupta.&nbsp;

Senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, appearing for petitioners, told the bench that the review plea be listed for hearing next week.

The bench accepted Singhvi's submission and said the matter will be heard next week.

The plea said,&nbsp;"The petitioners submit that the aforesaid increase to a mere 2 per cent is not sufficient and will not make any substantial difference to the situation that existed prior to the passing of the impugned order.&nbsp;

"Therefore, even though the petitioners have succeeded on the merits of their contention, their success does not resolve their grievance or cause any meaningful change to the situation that they were originally aggrieved of."

Referring to earlier observations of the apex court, it had said that the 2 per cent increase in the random matching of VVPAT slips with EVMs would not achieve the purpose of raising "public confidence in the integrity of the electoral process".

The plea has opposed the Election Commission (EC) argument, which was accepted by the court, that as the elections were nearby and hence it would not be viable to increase the number of a random matching of VVPAT slips with EVMs.&nbsp;

"It is submitted that, once this court agrees that the number of EVMs that should be subjected to VVPAT verification should be increased to a 'reasonable number', not increasing the same to a number which is 'reasonable' because it may not be 'viable' to do so renders the entire exercise otiose and futile," the plea has said.

Consequently, the 'viable number' must also necessarily be reasonable, it had said, alleging that at many booths in Andhra Pradesh the VVPAT machines were not working properly.

The Supreme Court Friday agreed to hear next week a review plea filed by 21 Opposition leaders seeking a further increase in the random matching of VVPAT slips with EVMs in the ongoing general elections.

The Supreme Court Friday agreed to hear next week a review plea filed by 21 Opposition leaders seeking a further increase in the random matching of VVPAT slips with EVMs in the ongoing general elections. The apex court had on April 8 directed the Election Commission to increase random matching of Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) slips with Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) in five polling booths per assembly segment from one booth. The top court, however, had not agreed to the demand of 21 Opposition leaders for counting of at least 50 per cent of VVPAT slips with EVMs in every assembly segment. Opposition leaders led by Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu had sought the review of the apex court's order, saying the "increase from 1 to 5 is not a reasonable number and does not lead to satisfaction desired by this court". The plea was mentioned for urgent hearing before a bench comprising Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi and Justice Deepak Gupta. Senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, appearing for petitioners, told the bench that the review plea be listed for hearing next week. The bench accepted Singhvi's submission and said the matter will be heard next week. The plea said, "The petitioners submit that the aforesaid increase to a mere 2 per cent is not sufficient and will not make any substantial difference to the situation that existed prior to the passing of the impugned order. "Therefore, even though the petitioners have succeeded on the merits of their contention, their success does not resolve their grievance or cause any meaningful change to the situation that they were originally aggrieved of." Referring to earlier observations of the apex court, it had said that the 2 per cent increase in the random matching of VVPAT slips with EVMs would not achieve the purpose of raising "public confidence in the integrity of the electoral process". The plea has opposed the Election Commission (EC) argument, which was accepted by the court, that as the elections were nearby and hence it would not be viable to increase the number of a random matching of VVPAT slips with EVMs. "It is submitted that, once this court agrees that the number of EVMs that should be subjected to VVPAT verification should be increased to a 'reasonable number', not increasing the same to a number which is 'reasonable' because it may not be 'viable' to do so renders the entire exercise otiose and futile," the plea has said. Consequently, the 'viable number' must also necessarily be reasonable, it had said, alleging that at many booths in Andhra Pradesh the VVPAT machines were not working properly.

Matching of VVPAT slips with EVMs: Supreme Court agrees to hear review plea by 21 opposition leaders next week

<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-kejriwal-cried-like-their-cousins-were-killed-in-balakot-airstrike-amit-shah-in-delhi-rally-215274&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjsrqKm9v7hAhXj7XMBHcQJCEcQFjAAegQIAxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw3OTV4RR9SKzxl_GhuejlTZ">BJP president Amit Shahs </a>three election rallies in Jharkhand on Friday have been cancelled due to the cyclonic storm Fani which slammed the coast of neighbouring Odisha, a party leader said here.

Jharkhand Chief Minister Raghubar Das, Bihar Health Minister Mangal Pandey and Ajsu party president and former deputy chief minister Sudesh Mahto will address the rallies, BJP Jharkhand unit Spokesman Pradip Sinha said here.

"The election rallies by party president Amit Shah Ji in Koderma, Khunti and Ranchi have been cancelled,"&nbsp;Sinha said in Ranchi.

Shah was scheduled to address the rallies ahead of the May 6 polling for the three Lok Sabha seats.

While former Jharkhand chief minister Arjun Munda is BJPs candidate from Khunti Lok Sabha constituency and pitted against Kalicharan Munda of the Congress, Sanjay Seth of the saffron party is fighting against former Union minister and Congress candidate Subodh Kant Sahay in the Ranchi seat.

The BJP has fielded Annapurna Devi from Koderma against Jharkhand Vikas Morcha (Prajatantrik) candidate and former chief minister Babulal Marandi.

Jharkhand's bordering districts like Dumka, East and West Singhbhum are on alert following the cyclonic storm Fani hitting the Odisha coast.

The administration has issued orders for closure of schools in the districts bordering Odisha.

BJP president Amit Shahs three election rallies in Jharkhand on Friday have been cancelled due to the cyclonic storm Fani which slammed the coast of neighbouring Odisha, a party leader said here.

BJP president Amit Shahs three election rallies in Jharkhand on Friday have been cancelled due to the cyclonic storm Fani which slammed the coast of neighbouring Odisha, a party leader said here. Jharkhand Chief Minister Raghubar Das, Bihar Health Minister Mangal Pandey and Ajsu party president and former deputy chief minister Sudesh Mahto will address the rallies, BJP Jharkhand unit Spokesman Pradip Sinha said here. "The election rallies by party president Amit Shah Ji in Koderma, Khunti and Ranchi have been cancelled," Sinha said in Ranchi. Shah was scheduled to address the rallies ahead of the May 6 polling for the three Lok Sabha seats. While former Jharkhand chief minister Arjun Munda is BJPs candidate from Khunti Lok Sabha constituency and pitted against Kalicharan Munda of the Congress, Sanjay Seth of the saffron party is fighting against former Union minister and Congress candidate Subodh Kant Sahay in the Ranchi seat. The BJP has fielded Annapurna Devi from Koderma against Jharkhand Vikas Morcha (Prajatantrik) candidate and former chief minister Babulal Marandi. Jharkhand's bordering districts like Dumka, East and West Singhbhum are on alert following the cyclonic storm Fani hitting the Odisha coast. The administration has issued orders for closure of schools in the districts bordering Odisha.

Amit Shah's election rallies in Jharkhand cancelled due to cyclone Fani

Hitting out at Union Minister Vijay Goel after he claimed that 14 AAP MLAs were in touch with the BJP, willing to switch sides, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Friday said it is not easy to buy <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/alka-lamba-skips-kejriwals-roadshow-says-she-was-insulted-by-aap-215343&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiG7tqi-P7hAhUL_XMBHfAlD8UQFjAEegQIAhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0d0vud-oFNqwv7A9w_GCkd">AAP</a> leaders.

Taking a dig at Goyal, Kejriwal tweeted,&nbsp;"Goyal Sahib, baat kahan phasi hai? Aap kitna de rahe ho? Woh kitna mang rahe hain. (Where are you facing a deadlock? How much are you paying? How much are they demanding?)"

"Modi ji, will you topple every government run by an opposition party by buying MLAs in the respective states? Is this your definition of democracy? And from where do you bring so much money to buy MLAs? You have tried to buy our MLA many times. Buying AAP leaders is not easy at all," the Chief Minister asserted in another tweet.

On Thursday, Goel had said, "14 AAP MLAs want to leave the party because the party has gone astray from its objectives but the BJP does not need to buy these MLAs. Allegations of the BJP offering Rs 10 crores are false.''

All 7 Lok Sabha seats in Delhi will go to polls in a single phase on May 12.

General elections in the country have been scheduled to be held in seven phases starting from April 11 and ending on May 19.

Counting of votes will take place on May 23.

Hitting out at Union Minister Vijay Goel after he claimed that 14 AAP MLAs were in touch with the BJP, willing to switch sides, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Friday said it is not easy to buy AAP leaders.

Hitting out at Union Minister Vijay Goel after he claimed that 14 AAP MLAs were in touch with the BJP, willing to switch sides, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Friday said it is not easy to buy AAP leaders. Taking a dig at Goyal, Kejriwal tweeted, "Goyal Sahib, baat kahan phasi hai? Aap kitna de rahe ho? Woh kitna mang rahe hain. (Where are you facing a deadlock? How much are you paying? How much are they demanding?)" "Modi ji, will you topple every government run by an opposition party by buying MLAs in the respective states? Is this your definition of democracy? And from where do you bring so much money to buy MLAs? You have tried to buy our MLA many times. Buying AAP leaders is not easy at all," the Chief Minister asserted in another tweet. On Thursday, Goel had said, "14 AAP MLAs want to leave the party because the party has gone astray from its objectives but the BJP does not need to buy these MLAs. Allegations of the BJP offering Rs 10 crores are false.'' All 7 Lok Sabha seats in Delhi will go to polls in a single phase on May 12. General elections in the country have been scheduled to be held in seven phases starting from April 11 and ending on May 19. Counting of votes will take place on May 23.

It's not easy to buy AAP leaders, says Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal

The Election Commission Wednesday issued a show-cause notice to Congress president Rahul Gandhi for his alleged remarks that the Narendra Modi government has enacted a new law which allows tribal to be shot at.

Citing his speech made in Shahdol, Madhya Pradesh on April 23, the commission pointed at a provision of the model code which bars&nbsp;"unverified" allegations to be levelled against political opponents.

Gandhi has been given 48 hours to respond to the notice, failing which it will take action without further reference to him.

Two BJP workers had approached the EC with the complaint, following which a report was sought from MP poll authorities.

According to a broad translation of the Hindi speech available on the internet, Gandhi had alleged: "Narendra Modi government has made a new law for tribals in which there is a line that says tribals can be shot at...They snatch your land, take away your jungle and water and then say that tribals can be shot at."&nbsp;

The Election Commission Wednesday issued a show-cause notice to Congress president Rahul Gandhi for his alleged remarks that the Narendra Modi government has enacted a new law which allows tribal to be shot at.

The Election Commission Wednesday issued a show-cause notice to Congress president Rahul Gandhi for his alleged remarks that the Narendra Modi government has enacted a new law which allows tribal to be shot at. Citing his speech made in Shahdol, Madhya Pradesh on April 23, the commission pointed at a provision of the model code which bars "unverified" allegations to be levelled against political opponents. Gandhi has been given 48 hours to respond to the notice, failing which it will take action without further reference to him. Two BJP workers had approached the EC with the complaint, following which a report was sought from MP poll authorities. According to a broad translation of the Hindi speech available on the internet, Gandhi had alleged: "Narendra Modi government has made a new law for tribals in which there is a line that says tribals can be shot at...They snatch your land, take away your jungle and water and then say that tribals can be shot at."

Election Commission notice to Rahul Gandhi over alleged tribal remark

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has directed officials to conduct re-elections at five polling stations in Andhra Pradesh on May 6.

Voting will be held in polling booths located in Guntur, Prakasam and Nellore districts, the ECI said in a letter dated May 01.

"I am directed to state that having considered the reports submitted by the Returning Officers read with the reports of the Observers and after taking al facts and materials into account, the Commission hereby declares under sub-section (2) (a) of Section 58 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951 that the poll taken on April 11 at polling stations mentioned and appoints the May 6 as the date and fixes the hour as earlier fixed for poll on April 11 for taking a fresh poll at the said polling stations," the letter read.

This decision came after recommendations were made by collectors of the three districts for re-poll as on the day of voting, incidents of violence, malfunctioning of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and other circumstances prevented voters to cast their vote freely and in a fair manner.

Voting for all the 175 Assembly and 25 Lok Sabha constituencies across Andhra Pradesh were held in a single phase on April 11. Results will be announced on May 23.

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has directed officials to conduct re-elections at five polling stations in Andhra Pradesh on May 6. Voting will be held in polling booths located in Guntur, Prakasam and Nellore districts, the ECI said in a letter dated May 01.

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has directed officials to conduct re-elections at five polling stations in Andhra Pradesh on May 6. Voting will be held in polling booths located in Guntur, Prakasam and Nellore districts, the ECI said in a letter dated May 01. "I am directed to state that having considered the reports submitted by the Returning Officers read with the reports of the Observers and after taking al facts and materials into account, the Commission hereby declares under sub-section (2) (a) of Section 58 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951 that the poll taken on April 11 at polling stations mentioned and appoints the May 6 as the date and fixes the hour as earlier fixed for poll on April 11 for taking a fresh poll at the said polling stations," the letter read. This decision came after recommendations were made by collectors of the three districts for re-poll as on the day of voting, incidents of violence, malfunctioning of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and other circumstances prevented voters to cast their vote freely and in a fair manner. Voting for all the 175 Assembly and 25 Lok Sabha constituencies across Andhra Pradesh were held in a single phase on April 11. Results will be announced on May 23.

Andhra Pradesh: Election Commission orders re-polling in five booths

BJP chief Amit Shah Thursday claimed the Congress and National Conference wanted Kashmir's separation from India and vowed to scrap Article 370 if his party is voted back to power.

Shah addressed three rallies in Madhya Pradesh, where three phases of Lok Sabha polls are yet to be held.

Speaking at Ashta in Dewas Lok Sabha constituency, Shah said, "If elected to power again, Article 370 (which gives a special status to Jammu and Kashmir) will be wiped out from its roots."

On National Conference leader Omar Abdullah's demand for a separate PM for J&amp;K, Shah said the Congress also wanted a separate PM for Kashmir. 
"The Congress and the National Conference wanted to separate Kashmir from Hindustan. But the Modi government will never allow secession (of J&amp;K) from India," he said.

Even if Modi did not return to power, BJP workers will not allow Kashmir to secede, he said. "No BJP worker will let such a thing happen. We will scrap Article 370 if you make Modi the PM again," he added.

On Congress' promise to scrap the sedition law, he said, "The Congress is siding with those who shouted anti- national slogans. You talk about scrapping the sedition law. Tell me, if someone is caught spying for Pakistan, should action be taken under sedition law or not?"

"Anti-national slogans like 'Bharat Tere Tukde Honge' were shouted in JNU (Jawaharlal Nehru University) Shouldn't these people be sent to jail?" he said.

Shah slammed Congress leader Sam Pitroda's statement that India should hold talks with Pakistan.

"Rahul Baba's (Congress president Rahul Gandhi) guru Sam Pitroda made a statement...Tell me, should we talk to those who killed our 40 jawans or should we attack them? Congress says we should talk to them. Rahul Baba, you be happy with your policy. This is Narendra Modi government which will reply to gun fire with a bombshell," the BJP leader said.

Shah said people should not vote for the party for development if they so wish, but they must vote for Modi as he strengthened the country's security.

Speaking at Biora in Rajgarh district, Shah credited Modi for the UN Security Council designating JeM chief Masood Azhar as a global terrorist. 
"Masood Azhar carried out several bomb blasts for several years. Nobody could get him declared an international terrorist. But yesterday was a golden day as he was declared a global terrorist," he said.

"Narendra Modi has isolated Pakistan in the world with his diplomacy. The entire world now stands with India and is supporting our country on the issue of (actions are taken in) self-defence," Shah said.

"During the UPA rule, there would be no response to terror attacks. After the Pulwama terror attack, there was anger and despair...But prime minister Narendra Modi ordered the IAF (to respond), which went deep inside Pakistan and destroyed terror camps," the BJP chief said.

"When the country was rejoicing (over the air strikes), there was mourning in two places - in Pakistan and in Rahul Gandhi-led Congress. Should we not bomb the perpetrators of the Pulwama attack," he asked.

Listing achievements of the NDA government such as the Ayushman Bharat scheme, Shah said, "I have seen Modi not taking a single day's leave in the last 20 years...He works 18 out of 24 hours for 365 days...On the other hand, Rahul Gandhi takes a long leave as temperature soar. Even his mother keeps searching for him."

Taking potshots at the Congress government in Madhya Pradesh, Shah alleged that within three months of it coming to power, transactions worth Rs 281 crore were unearthed during income tax raids at the premises of those close to chief minister Kamal Nath, and asked what will happen in five years.

Addressing a rally at Neemuch, Shah said under the Narendra Modi regime, a bullet fired by Pakistan will be met with a shell from India's side.

The Manmohan Singh government did not say a word when terrorists from Pakistan "beheaded Indian jawans", he alleged.

He alleged that the entire country celebrated India's retaliation in Balakot after the Pulwama terror attack, but Congress leaders were sad because "their vote-bank was sad".

"This is a BJP government. Narendra Modi is prime minister. If a bullet is fired from Pakistan, India will respond with a (bomb) shell," he said.&nbsp;

BJP chief Amit Shah Thursday claimed the Congress and National Conference wanted Kashmir's separation from India and vowed to scrap Article 370 if his party is voted back to power.

BJP chief Amit Shah Thursday claimed the Congress and National Conference wanted Kashmir's separation from India and vowed to scrap Article 370 if his party is voted back to power. Shah addressed three rallies in Madhya Pradesh, where three phases of Lok Sabha polls are yet to be held. Speaking at Ashta in Dewas Lok Sabha constituency, Shah said, "If elected to power again, Article 370 (which gives a special status to Jammu and Kashmir) will be wiped out from its roots." On National Conference leader Omar Abdullah's demand for a separate PM for J&K, Shah said the Congress also wanted a separate PM for Kashmir. "The Congress and the National Conference wanted to separate Kashmir from Hindustan. But the Modi government will never allow secession (of J&K) from India," he said. Even if Modi did not return to power, BJP workers will not allow Kashmir to secede, he said. "No BJP worker will let such a thing happen. We will scrap Article 370 if you make Modi the PM again," he added. On Congress' promise to scrap the sedition law, he said, "The Congress is siding with those who shouted anti- national slogans. You talk about scrapping the sedition law. Tell me, if someone is caught spying for Pakistan, should action be taken under sedition law or not?" "Anti-national slogans like 'Bharat Tere Tukde Honge' were shouted in JNU (Jawaharlal Nehru University) Shouldn't these people be sent to jail?" he said. Shah slammed Congress leader Sam Pitroda's statement that India should hold talks with Pakistan. "Rahul Baba's (Congress president Rahul Gandhi) guru Sam Pitroda made a statement...Tell me, should we talk to those who killed our 40 jawans or should we attack them? Congress says we should talk to them. Rahul Baba, you be happy with your policy. This is Narendra Modi government which will reply to gun fire with a bombshell," the BJP leader said. Shah said people should not vote for the party for development if they so wish, but they must vote for Modi as he strengthened the country's security. Speaking at Biora in Rajgarh district, Shah credited Modi for the UN Security Council designating JeM chief Masood Azhar as a global terrorist. "Masood Azhar carried out several bomb blasts for several years. Nobody could get him declared an international terrorist. But yesterday was a golden day as he was declared a global terrorist," he said. "Narendra Modi has isolated Pakistan in the world with his diplomacy. The entire world now stands with India and is supporting our country on the issue of (actions are taken in) self-defence," Shah said. "During the UPA rule, there would be no response to terror attacks. After the Pulwama terror attack, there was anger and despair...But prime minister Narendra Modi ordered the IAF (to respond), which went deep inside Pakistan and destroyed terror camps," the BJP chief said. "When the country was rejoicing (over the air strikes), there was mourning in two places - in Pakistan and in Rahul Gandhi-led Congress. Should we not bomb the perpetrators of the Pulwama attack," he asked. Listing achievements of the NDA government such as the Ayushman Bharat scheme, Shah said, "I have seen Modi not taking a single day's leave in the last 20 years...He works 18 out of 24 hours for 365 days...On the other hand, Rahul Gandhi takes a long leave as temperature soar. Even his mother keeps searching for him." Taking potshots at the Congress government in Madhya Pradesh, Shah alleged that within three months of it coming to power, transactions worth Rs 281 crore were unearthed during income tax raids at the premises of those close to chief minister Kamal Nath, and asked what will happen in five years. Addressing a rally at Neemuch, Shah said under the Narendra Modi regime, a bullet fired by Pakistan will be met with a shell from India's side. The Manmohan Singh government did not say a word when terrorists from Pakistan "beheaded Indian jawans", he alleged. He alleged that the entire country celebrated India's retaliation in Balakot after the Pulwama terror attack, but Congress leaders were sad because "their vote-bank was sad". "This is a BJP government. Narendra Modi is prime minister. If a bullet is fired from Pakistan, India will respond with a (bomb) shell," he said.

Congress wants to separate Kashmir from India: Amit Shah

The Pulwama and Shopian districts of South Kashmir are slated to go to polls in the three-phase schedule for Anantnag Parliamentary constituency on May 06, 2019.

Over 5.22 lakh electors are going to exercise their franchise in the twin districts spread over six assembly segments comprising Tral, Pampore, Pulwama, Rajpora, Wachi and Shopian. As many as 695 polling stations have been established across the districts for smooth conduct of the elections.

“These Southern Kashmir Districts have 522,530 electors including 271,127 males, 250,735 females, 657 service electors (646 males and 11 females) and 11 transgender voters,” an official from the administration said.&nbsp;

For smooth polling, the ECI has set up 450 polling stations across the Pulwama district. The comprises four assembly segments of Tral, Pampore, Pulwama and Rajpora.

“Similarly, Shopian District has 171,216 electors including 89,868 males, 81,227 females, 116 service electors (113 male and 03 female) and five transgender voters. For smooth polling, the ECI has set up 245 polling stations across the district,” he said.&nbsp;

The candidates in the fray are Hasnain Masoodi of Jammu Kashmir National Conference, Sofi Yousuf of Bhartiya Janta Party, Ghulam Ahmad Mir of Indian National Congress, Mehbooba Mufti among others.

The Anantnag Parliamentary Constituency is spread over four districts comprising Anantnag, Kulgam, Shopian and Pulwama.

The Anantnag and Kulgam districts of Anantnag PC went to polls on April 23 and April 29 respectively. The voting timing has been fixed from 7 am to 4 pm.

The Pulwama and Shopian districts of South Kashmir are slated to go to polls in the three-phase schedule for Anantnag Parliamentary constituency on May 06, 2019.

The Pulwama and Shopian districts of South Kashmir are slated to go to polls in the three-phase schedule for Anantnag Parliamentary constituency on May 06, 2019. Over 5.22 lakh electors are going to exercise their franchise in the twin districts spread over six assembly segments comprising Tral, Pampore, Pulwama, Rajpora, Wachi and Shopian. As many as 695 polling stations have been established across the districts for smooth conduct of the elections. “These Southern Kashmir Districts have 522,530 electors including 271,127 males, 250,735 females, 657 service electors (646 males and 11 females) and 11 transgender voters,” an official from the administration said. For smooth polling, the ECI has set up 450 polling stations across the Pulwama district. The comprises four assembly segments of Tral, Pampore, Pulwama and Rajpora. “Similarly, Shopian District has 171,216 electors including 89,868 males, 81,227 females, 116 service electors (113 male and 03 female) and five transgender voters. For smooth polling, the ECI has set up 245 polling stations across the district,” he said. The candidates in the fray are Hasnain Masoodi of Jammu Kashmir National Conference, Sofi Yousuf of Bhartiya Janta Party, Ghulam Ahmad Mir of Indian National Congress, Mehbooba Mufti among others. The Anantnag Parliamentary Constituency is spread over four districts comprising Anantnag, Kulgam, Shopian and Pulwama. The Anantnag and Kulgam districts of Anantnag PC went to polls on April 23 and April 29 respectively. The voting timing has been fixed from 7 am to 4 pm.

Over 5.22 lakh voters in J&K's Pulwama and Shopian districts to cast their votes on May 6

<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/sunny-deol-files-nomination-from-gurdaspur-seat-214357&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwj3lbjv9_zhAhWM7HMBHR8oD9IQFjAAegQIABAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1aKTeAPI063GbIs-Hqo8d-">&nbsp;Actor Sunny Deol</a>, the BJP candidate from the Gurdaspur Lok Sabha seat, Thursday offered prayers at the Gurdwara Dera Baba Nanak here before hitting the campaign trail.

The national film award winner for movies "Ghayal" and "Damini" is pitted against sitting MP and Congress candidate Sunil Jakhar, AAP's Peter Masih and PDA's Lal Chand in the electoral fight from Gurdaspur seat.

Accompanied by BJP leader Kamal Sharma, Deol offered prayers at the <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/500-year-old-well-discovered-near-gurdwara-on-kartarpur-corridor-in-pakistan-214166&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjI7uvh9_zhAhXN73MBHV3CCuAQFjAAegQIAhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw14gJ7NkuN3L7BgbKCBhfO0">Gurdwara Dera Baba Nanak</a> and had a glimpse of the Gurudwara Kartarpur Sahib in Narowal district of Pakistan through binoculars installed at 'darshan sthal' here.

Kartarpur Sahib is located in Pakistan's Narowal district across the river Ravi, about four kilometres from the Dera Baba Nanak shrine.

Both India and Pakistan had agreed to build the Kartarpur corridor to facilitate devotees to offer prayers at the historic Gurdwara Darbar Sahib- the final resting place of the founder of Sikhism Guru Nanak Dev- in the Pakistani town of Kartarpur with Dera Baba Nanak in Punjab's Gurdaspur district.

He also went to Prachin Shiv Temple in Kalanaur in Gurdaspur to offer prayers.

It was a tough time for security personnel to tackle the crowds who were keen to meet the Bollywood actor and get photos clicked with him at the Shiv temple.

For a brief period, Deol appeared through sunroof panel of his vehicle and accepted flowers bouquet and garlands from the people gathered to have a glimpse of him.

Deol will take out a road show from here later in the day.

It will pass through several areas including Pathankot, Bhoa and Sarna.

He returned to Gurdaspur from Mumbai on Wednesday and met families of martyrs at Shadipur village in Dinanagar here.

"I have already said that you stay in my heart.

I want to work towards meeting all your needs and requirements.

I am not saying just for the sake of making a statement.

I want everyone to be happy and have a smile on their face," Deol had said on Wednesday night.

"Hindustan Zindabad hai, Zindabad rahega," he said before ending his speech.

All the 13 seats of Punjab will go to polls on May 19.

Meanwhile, Congress nominee and sitting MP Sunil Jakhar Thursday dared Deol for holding a debate with him on issues concerning the Gurdaspur constituency.

"Welcome back to Gurdaspur, @iamsunnydeol.

Before you leave again for Mumbai, Would once again like to invite you to debate various issues concerning this border belt, whenever it is convenient for you," Jakhar tweeted.

Jakhar had won the seat in the 2017 bypoll which was necessitated after the death of Vinod Khanna in April that year.

Khanna had represented the seat four times in the Lok Sabha.

Actor Sunny Deol, the BJP candidate from the Gurdaspur Lok Sabha seat, Thursday offered prayers at the Gurdwara Dera Baba Nanak here before hitting the campaign trail.

Actor Sunny Deol, the BJP candidate from the Gurdaspur Lok Sabha seat, Thursday offered prayers at the Gurdwara Dera Baba Nanak here before hitting the campaign trail. The national film award winner for movies "Ghayal" and "Damini" is pitted against sitting MP and Congress candidate Sunil Jakhar, AAP's Peter Masih and PDA's Lal Chand in the electoral fight from Gurdaspur seat. Accompanied by BJP leader Kamal Sharma, Deol offered prayers at the Gurdwara Dera Baba Nanak and had a glimpse of the Gurudwara Kartarpur Sahib in Narowal district of Pakistan through binoculars installed at 'darshan sthal' here. Kartarpur Sahib is located in Pakistan's Narowal district across the river Ravi, about four kilometres from the Dera Baba Nanak shrine. Both India and Pakistan had agreed to build the Kartarpur corridor to facilitate devotees to offer prayers at the historic Gurdwara Darbar Sahib- the final resting place of the founder of Sikhism Guru Nanak Dev- in the Pakistani town of Kartarpur with Dera Baba Nanak in Punjab's Gurdaspur district. He also went to Prachin Shiv Temple in Kalanaur in Gurdaspur to offer prayers. It was a tough time for security personnel to tackle the crowds who were keen to meet the Bollywood actor and get photos clicked with him at the Shiv temple. For a brief period, Deol appeared through sunroof panel of his vehicle and accepted flowers bouquet and garlands from the people gathered to have a glimpse of him. Deol will take out a road show from here later in the day. It will pass through several areas including Pathankot, Bhoa and Sarna. He returned to Gurdaspur from Mumbai on Wednesday and met families of martyrs at Shadipur village in Dinanagar here. "I have already said that you stay in my heart. I want to work towards meeting all your needs and requirements. I am not saying just for the sake of making a statement. I want everyone to be happy and have a smile on their face," Deol had said on Wednesday night. "Hindustan Zindabad hai, Zindabad rahega," he said before ending his speech. All the 13 seats of Punjab will go to polls on May 19. Meanwhile, Congress nominee and sitting MP Sunil Jakhar Thursday dared Deol for holding a debate with him on issues concerning the Gurdaspur constituency. "Welcome back to Gurdaspur, @iamsunnydeol. Before you leave again for Mumbai, Would once again like to invite you to debate various issues concerning this border belt, whenever it is convenient for you," Jakhar tweeted. Jakhar had won the seat in the 2017 bypoll which was necessitated after the death of Vinod Khanna in April that year. Khanna had represented the seat four times in the Lok Sabha.

Sunny Deol offers prayers at Dera Baba Nanak Gurdwara

The NCP is considering taking the<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/poll-officials-grant-permission-to-thackeray-led-mns-mumbai-south-rally-212424&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjghaf4_fzhAhXM8HMBHexbDTAQFjABegQIDxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw13bRjxm-MOfy7nW-_tKQkd"> Maharashtra Navnirman Sena</a> (MNS) onboard for the Maharashtra Assembly elections, sources in the Sharad Pawar-led party have said.

Assembly polls are due in the state later this year.

The Raj Thackeray-led party was not part of the `grand alliance' stitched by the Congress and NCP with smaller parties for the ongoing Lok Sabha polls.

The NCP was keen on an alliance with the MNS, but the Congress reportedly had reservations, fearing a backlash in the Hindi heartland due to the MNS' anti-North Indian stand.

The MNS is not contesting the ongoing Lok Sabha polls.

Thackeray, however, addressed several rallies in the state during the first four phases, attacking Prime Minister Narendra Modi and appealing people not to vote for the BJP.

"The Congress was concerned about aligning with the MNS during general elections due to latter's anti-North Indian posturing. But that should not be a concern in the state polls," an NCP leader said.

The possibility of the NCP allotting MNS some seats from its quota (as part of the alliance with the Congress) could not be ruled out, he said.

The MNS, he said, can influence voters in around 30 Assembly segments.

"The MNS put up a good show in the 2009 polls.

That indicated the strength it had in certain Assembly segments in Mumbai, Thane, Pune and Nashik," the source said.

The MNS won 13 seats in the 2009 Assembly polls and is believed to have eaten into the Shiv Sena and BJP's vote share, helping the Congress-NCP combine to retain power.

The Congress, NCP and MNS secured 21.01 per cent, 16.37 per cent and 5.71 per cent votes, respectively, in 2009.

But the Raj Thackeray-led party's influence had waned when the 2014 Assembly elections came by, and it could win only one seat.&nbsp;

The NCP is considering taking the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) onboard for the Maharashtra Assembly elections, sources in the Sharad Pawar-led party have said.

The NCP is considering taking the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) onboard for the Maharashtra Assembly elections, sources in the Sharad Pawar-led party have said. Assembly polls are due in the state later this year. The Raj Thackeray-led party was not part of the `grand alliance' stitched by the Congress and NCP with smaller parties for the ongoing Lok Sabha polls. The NCP was keen on an alliance with the MNS, but the Congress reportedly had reservations, fearing a backlash in the Hindi heartland due to the MNS' anti-North Indian stand. The MNS is not contesting the ongoing Lok Sabha polls. Thackeray, however, addressed several rallies in the state during the first four phases, attacking Prime Minister Narendra Modi and appealing people not to vote for the BJP. "The Congress was concerned about aligning with the MNS during general elections due to latter's anti-North Indian posturing. But that should not be a concern in the state polls," an NCP leader said. The possibility of the NCP allotting MNS some seats from its quota (as part of the alliance with the Congress) could not be ruled out, he said. The MNS, he said, can influence voters in around 30 Assembly segments. "The MNS put up a good show in the 2009 polls. That indicated the strength it had in certain Assembly segments in Mumbai, Thane, Pune and Nashik," the source said. The MNS won 13 seats in the 2009 Assembly polls and is believed to have eaten into the Shiv Sena and BJP's vote share, helping the Congress-NCP combine to retain power. The Congress, NCP and MNS secured 21.01 per cent, 16.37 per cent and 5.71 per cent votes, respectively, in 2009. But the Raj Thackeray-led party's influence had waned when the 2014 Assembly elections came by, and it could win only one seat.

If not for Lok Sabha, NCP may have tie-up with MNS for state polls

The Congress's campaign for the ongoing Lok Sabha polls in Delhi will reach its climax in the coming days with party president Rahul Gandhi and general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra addressing rallies and taking part in roadshows.

<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/what-rubbish-entire-nation-knows-he-is-indian-priyanka-gandhi-vadra-on-rahuls-citizenship-row-214729&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwio7_2l-_zhAhWKrI8KHQdXBV4QFjABegQIDhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1dgIzLTBOtwETvLKPb-Bb8">Priyanka Gandhi </a>will participate in two roadshows on May 8 in the North East Delhi and South Delhi parliamentary seats, Delhi Congress's campaign committee chairman Subhash Chopra said on Thursday.

The grand old party has fielded Sheila Dikshit and Vijender Singh from North East Delhi and South Delhi respectively.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to attend a mega poll rally at the Ramleela Ground on the same day in support of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)candidates in the seven Lok Sabha seats of the national capital.

Rahul Gandhi will take part in two rallies on May 6 and 7.

The May 6 rally will be held at Baratooti in 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/how-can-full-statehood-be-given-to-kejriwal-with-dubious-character-says-harsh-vardhan-214051&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjErcq--_zhAhWFqI8KHUqJDnoQFjACegQIDxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0eOJTmPw9oIa7PRJNRpME3"> Chandni Chowk parliamentary constituency,</a> from where the Congress has fielded JP Agarwal, Chopra said.

The Congress president will attend another rally in the North West Delhi constituency on May 7 in support of party candidate Rajesh Lilothia, he added.

Priyanka Gandhi's roadshows will be held at Seelampur (North-West Delhi) and Ambedkar Nagar (South Delhi), Delhi Congress spokesperson Jitender Kochar said.

The Congress has lined up its top guns, including UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi and former prime minister Manmohan Singh, for campaigning in Delhi, he added.

Apart from actor-turned-politician Shatrughan Sinha, who recently quit the BJP to join the Congress, the list of campaign heavyweights also features former cricketer Navjot Singh Sidhu.

Both have emerged as bitter critics of the BJP since leaving the saffron camp.

The Congress has prepared a list of 40 senior leaders, including its Delhi unit chief Sheila Dikshit and senior party leaders Ahmed Patel, Ghulam Nabi Azad, Anand Sharma, Jyotiraditya Scindia among others, for campaigning in the national capital.

Polling for the seven Lok Sabha seats of Delhi will be held on May 12 and the results will be announced on May 23.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

The Congress's campaign for the ongoing Lok Sabha polls in Delhi will reach its climax in the coming days with party president Rahul Gandhi and general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra addressing rallies and taking part in roadshows.

The Congress's campaign for the ongoing Lok Sabha polls in Delhi will reach its climax in the coming days with party president Rahul Gandhi and general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra addressing rallies and taking part in roadshows. Priyanka Gandhi will participate in two roadshows on May 8 in the North East Delhi and South Delhi parliamentary seats, Delhi Congress's campaign committee chairman Subhash Chopra said on Thursday. The grand old party has fielded Sheila Dikshit and Vijender Singh from North East Delhi and South Delhi respectively. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to attend a mega poll rally at the Ramleela Ground on the same day in support of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)candidates in the seven Lok Sabha seats of the national capital. Rahul Gandhi will take part in two rallies on May 6 and 7. The May 6 rally will be held at Baratooti in the Chandni Chowk parliamentary constituency, from where the Congress has fielded JP Agarwal, Chopra said. The Congress president will attend another rally in the North West Delhi constituency on May 7 in support of party candidate Rajesh Lilothia, he added. Priyanka Gandhi's roadshows will be held at Seelampur (North-West Delhi) and Ambedkar Nagar (South Delhi), Delhi Congress spokesperson Jitender Kochar said. The Congress has lined up its top guns, including UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi and former prime minister Manmohan Singh, for campaigning in Delhi, he added. Apart from actor-turned-politician Shatrughan Sinha, who recently quit the BJP to join the Congress, the list of campaign heavyweights also features former cricketer Navjot Singh Sidhu. Both have emerged as bitter critics of the BJP since leaving the saffron camp. The Congress has prepared a list of 40 senior leaders, including its Delhi unit chief Sheila Dikshit and senior party leaders Ahmed Patel, Ghulam Nabi Azad, Anand Sharma, Jyotiraditya Scindia among others, for campaigning in the national capital. Polling for the seven Lok Sabha seats of Delhi will be held on May 12 and the results will be announced on May 23.

Lok Sabha polls 2019: Priyanka's roadshows, Rahul's rallies to heat up campaigning in Delhi

<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/trinamool-congress-wants-pm-modis-nomination-cancelled-writes-to-election-commission-214802&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjUlJah5PzhAhV-73MBHcDbBccQFjABegQIBhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw3MNOe1IUd7HAsyz2T46h5_">Trinamool Congress</a> supremo and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee Thursday invoked the Sepoy Mutiny of 1857 to draw a parallel with the efforts by her party to dislodge the Narendra Modi government in the ongoing parliamentary polls.

"Sepoy Mutiny was the first uprising against the British in India. Now the biggest threat and problem in the country is Narendra Modi," she said at a rally in support of TMC MP Dinesh Trivedi, who is pitted against BJP's Arjun Singh.

The Sepoy Mutiny was a violent and bloody uprising against British rule in India in 1857.

"Sepoy Mutiny started from Barrackpore. You keep this in mind and vote," she told the gathering at Bhatpara, which is under the Barrackpore parliamentary constituency.

Raising the slogan "Modi Hatao, Desh Bachao", she sought the support of the people for TMC in both Lok Sabha and assembly by-election at Bhatpara.

The by-election was necessitated as Singh, who was the Bhatpara TMC MLA had quit the party and switched to BJP just before the Lok Sabha elections.

Slamming the Modi government, she said democracy is at stake and BJP is involved in riots. "This cannot happen here (Bengal)".

"We have seen national leaders like Gandhiji, Netaji Ambedkar and Maulana Abul Kalam Azad. But we have never seen a leader like Modi. His very appearance is like Gabbar Singh".

Gabbar Singh is a fictional character, the antagonist of the 1975 Bollywood film 'Sholay'.

"What we want is a democratic government - a government for the people. We don't want Modi", she said.

Referring to the comment by Modi that 40 MLAs of TMC in Bengal are in touch with him, she said it is unbecoming of a prime minister to make such a statement during elections.

"I ask him to name one of such MLA," she challenged adding "TMC is now a full-grown tree and it is not easy to destabilise it. We do not fear any sort of threats".

The TMC supremo alleged that BJP is spending huge sums of money to influence the vote. "He (Modi) is travelling with big boxes," she said referring to the recent alleged incident in which a black box was reportedly offloaded from the prime minister's helicopter during his visit to Chitradurga in Karnataka for poll campaign.

Banerjee alleged that Modi had never looked at West Bengal and is now coming to the state begging for votes.

"Narendra Modi is shameless. He says that nothing has been done in the state and is now seeking votes to do something for Bengal.

"Just come and see the development which has taken place in Rajarhat-New Town area. If he compares the traffic system with this area and Delhi, he will be surprised to see the roads and lighting that has been done", she said.

The TMC supremo accused Modi that of doing nothing for the country in the last five years and instead of raising the fuel prices when it had softened in the international market.

"This vote is of a different nature. Either Modi will stay or go. If he stays, then everything will be destroyed and shattered. If not, then democracy will prevail and flourish in the country and everything will survive," she said at a poll rally in New Town in the northern suburbs of the city.&nbsp;

Trinamool Congress supremo and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee Thursday invoked the Sepoy Mutiny of 1857 to draw a parallel with the efforts by her party to dislodge the Narendra Modi government in the ongoing parliamentary polls.

Trinamool Congress supremo and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee Thursday invoked the Sepoy Mutiny of 1857 to draw a parallel with the efforts by her party to dislodge the Narendra Modi government in the ongoing parliamentary polls. "Sepoy Mutiny was the first uprising against the British in India. Now the biggest threat and problem in the country is Narendra Modi," she said at a rally in support of TMC MP Dinesh Trivedi, who is pitted against BJP's Arjun Singh. The Sepoy Mutiny was a violent and bloody uprising against British rule in India in 1857. "Sepoy Mutiny started from Barrackpore. You keep this in mind and vote," she told the gathering at Bhatpara, which is under the Barrackpore parliamentary constituency. Raising the slogan "Modi Hatao, Desh Bachao", she sought the support of the people for TMC in both Lok Sabha and assembly by-election at Bhatpara. The by-election was necessitated as Singh, who was the Bhatpara TMC MLA had quit the party and switched to BJP just before the Lok Sabha elections. Slamming the Modi government, she said democracy is at stake and BJP is involved in riots. "This cannot happen here (Bengal)". "We have seen national leaders like Gandhiji, Netaji Ambedkar and Maulana Abul Kalam Azad. But we have never seen a leader like Modi. His very appearance is like Gabbar Singh". Gabbar Singh is a fictional character, the antagonist of the 1975 Bollywood film 'Sholay'. "What we want is a democratic government - a government for the people. We don't want Modi", she said. Referring to the comment by Modi that 40 MLAs of TMC in Bengal are in touch with him, she said it is unbecoming of a prime minister to make such a statement during elections. "I ask him to name one of such MLA," she challenged adding "TMC is now a full-grown tree and it is not easy to destabilise it. We do not fear any sort of threats". The TMC supremo alleged that BJP is spending huge sums of money to influence the vote. "He (Modi) is travelling with big boxes," she said referring to the recent alleged incident in which a black box was reportedly offloaded from the prime minister's helicopter during his visit to Chitradurga in Karnataka for poll campaign. Banerjee alleged that Modi had never looked at West Bengal and is now coming to the state begging for votes. "Narendra Modi is shameless. He says that nothing has been done in the state and is now seeking votes to do something for Bengal. "Just come and see the development which has taken place in Rajarhat-New Town area. If he compares the traffic system with this area and Delhi, he will be surprised to see the roads and lighting that has been done", she said. The TMC supremo accused Modi that of doing nothing for the country in the last five years and instead of raising the fuel prices when it had softened in the international market. "This vote is of a different nature. Either Modi will stay or go. If he stays, then everything will be destroyed and shattered. If not, then democracy will prevail and flourish in the country and everything will survive," she said at a poll rally in New Town in the northern suburbs of the city.

Mamata invokes Sepoy Mutiny for her oust Modi campaign

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra's comment that the Congress will cut into the BJP's votes in Uttar Pradesh is a "confessional statement" about her party becoming a "fringe organisation", the BJP said Thursday.

Addressing a press conference, BJP leader and Finance Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/opposition-not-celebrating-moment-of-great-pride-arun-jaitley-on-masood-azhar-listing-215319">Arun Jaitley</a> also mocked top Congress leaders as "chunavi Hindus" (Hindus during elections) for their visits to temples during elections, saying they never did so during previous polls and have been compelled to do so now.

Jaitley seized on the Congress general secretary's remarks made on Wednesday in Amethi that her party will not adversely impact the prospects of the SP-BSP alliance in India's politically most crucial state as it has chosen its candidates in a way that they will either win or cut into the BJP's votes.

"This is her confessional statement about the Congress becoming a fringe organisation... A mainstream party, the grand old party of Indian politics is now a fringe organisation in India," he said.

The Congress used to be a party of 300-400 seats during the times of Jawaharlal Nehru and Indira Gandhi, then became a party of 125-150 seats during Rajiv Gandhi's era and is now a party of 40-70 seats, he said, adding that the 2009 election was an exception when it won more than 200 seats.

In a swipe at Congress president Rahul Gandhi, Jaitley said it was inconceivable at one time that Congress leaders will support those chanting slogans in favour of India's break-up.

The BJP leader was apparently referring to Rahul Gandhi's visit to JNU in 2016 to express solidarity with a group of students who were protesting police action against students accused of raising anti-national slogans.

To a question about Congress leader Digvijay Singh inviting a group of 'sadhus' to Bhopal, from where he is contesting the Lok Sabha election, Jaitley threw "chunavi Hindu" barb at the opposition party's leaders.

When the Vishwa Hindu Parishad would say that "garv se kaho hum Hindu hain" (say with pride we are Hindus), then the Congress used to call it "communal", he said, adding that its top leaders have now been forced to become "chunavi Hindus".

Noting that top Congress leaders have been frequenting temples, he said they did not do it in 2004, 2009 or 2014 elections but are doing it now.&nbsp;

Asked about AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal's reported comments that voters should take bribe if offered by rival candidates, but should vote for his party, Jaitley said some leaders are not worthy of a response.

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra's comment that the Congress will cut into the BJP's votes in Uttar Pradesh is a "confessional statement" about her party becoming a "fringe organisation", the BJP said Thursday.

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra's comment that the Congress will cut into the BJP's votes in Uttar Pradesh is a "confessional statement" about her party becoming a "fringe organisation", the BJP said Thursday. Addressing a press conference, BJP leader and Finance Minister Arun Jaitley also mocked top Congress leaders as "chunavi Hindus" (Hindus during elections) for their visits to temples during elections, saying they never did so during previous polls and have been compelled to do so now. Jaitley seized on the Congress general secretary's remarks made on Wednesday in Amethi that her party will not adversely impact the prospects of the SP-BSP alliance in India's politically most crucial state as it has chosen its candidates in a way that they will either win or cut into the BJP's votes. "This is her confessional statement about the Congress becoming a fringe organisation... A mainstream party, the grand old party of Indian politics is now a fringe organisation in India," he said. The Congress used to be a party of 300-400 seats during the times of Jawaharlal Nehru and Indira Gandhi, then became a party of 125-150 seats during Rajiv Gandhi's era and is now a party of 40-70 seats, he said, adding that the 2009 election was an exception when it won more than 200 seats. In a swipe at Congress president Rahul Gandhi, Jaitley said it was inconceivable at one time that Congress leaders will support those chanting slogans in favour of India's break-up. The BJP leader was apparently referring to Rahul Gandhi's visit to JNU in 2016 to express solidarity with a group of students who were protesting police action against students accused of raising anti-national slogans. To a question about Congress leader Digvijay Singh inviting a group of 'sadhus' to Bhopal, from where he is contesting the Lok Sabha election, Jaitley threw "chunavi Hindu" barb at the opposition party's leaders. When the Vishwa Hindu Parishad would say that "garv se kaho hum Hindu hain" (say with pride we are Hindus), then the Congress used to call it "communal", he said, adding that its top leaders have now been forced to become "chunavi Hindus". Noting that top Congress leaders have been frequenting temples, he said they did not do it in 2004, 2009 or 2014 elections but are doing it now. Asked about AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal's reported comments that voters should take bribe if offered by rival candidates, but should vote for his party, Jaitley said some leaders are not worthy of a response.

Priyanka made 'confessional' statement about Congress becoming 'fringe' organisation: Jaitley

The Congress party in Uttar Pradesh is fighting a battle to lose, says<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-smriti-irani-visits-amethi-more-than-rahul-gandhi-says-yogi-adityanath-214907&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjfjtzOvfzhAhXeknAKHXPzAEIQFjAAegQIAxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1uNmGqubfdtnamPXMxeCEL"> Union Minister Smriti Irani</a>, as the battle of ballots intensifies in India's politically most important state where 80 Lok Sabha seats are up for grab.

"The Congress party in Uttar Pradesh is fighting a battle to lose. I am sure of my win. This will be a victory for the people of Amethi," Union Minister Irani told Smita Prakash, ANI in an exclusive interview.

"I am a normal party worker, even though I have been working for the government under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. We gave a chase to the Congress president that he had to run even after the SP and the BSP pledged support on the seat," she said.

"It was the first time that party workers of a political outfit had to ask their chief to look out for another seat, as they felt Amethi was not a secure seat anymore. That tells you how good is the atmosphere for the BJP. This is not a fight against the BJP and the Congress. It is a genuine fight between the people and a 'lapata saansad(Sansad)' (missing parliamentarian). He was absent for five years and even during the campaign. He also did not speak about Amethi in the Parliament," she added.

Irani's statement comes close on the heels of Congress general secretary east UP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra's statement on Wednesday in Raebareli where she had said that her party had fielded some candidates in UP with an aim to cut into the BJP's vote share.

"Congress will win on the seats where our candidates are strong. Where our candidates are slightly lightweight, they will cut into the BJP`s vote share," she had told media persons.

Samajwadi Party (SP) president Akhilesh Yadav has also dismissed Priyanka`s statement as an "excuse" since the "people are not with them."&nbsp;

"I cannot believe in these types of statements. I do not believe that the Congress has fielded weak candidates anywhere. No party does it. People are not with them. That is why they are making excuses," Yadav told ANI in an exclusive interview.

In Uttar Pradesh, where 80 Lok Sabha seats are up for grab, SP is contesting 37 seats, BSP 38, and their ally - RLD - three seats. They have not fielded candidates from Amethi and Raebareli from where Congress president Rahul Gandhi and UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi are seeking their re-election.

So far 39 Lok Sabha seats have gone to polls in the state, while remaining 41 will go to polls during the remaining three phases of the polling, the last phase of voting on May 19. The counting of votes will take place on May 23.

The Congress party in Uttar Pradesh is fighting a battle to lose, says Union Minister Smriti Irani, as the battle of ballots intensifies in India's politically most important state where 80 Lok Sabha seats are up for grab.

The Congress party in Uttar Pradesh is fighting a battle to lose, says Union Minister Smriti Irani, as the battle of ballots intensifies in India's politically most important state where 80 Lok Sabha seats are up for grab. "The Congress party in Uttar Pradesh is fighting a battle to lose. I am sure of my win. This will be a victory for the people of Amethi," Union Minister Irani told Smita Prakash, ANI in an exclusive interview. "I am a normal party worker, even though I have been working for the government under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. We gave a chase to the Congress president that he had to run even after the SP and the BSP pledged support on the seat," she said. "It was the first time that party workers of a political outfit had to ask their chief to look out for another seat, as they felt Amethi was not a secure seat anymore. That tells you how good is the atmosphere for the BJP. This is not a fight against the BJP and the Congress. It is a genuine fight between the people and a 'lapata saansad(Sansad)' (missing parliamentarian). He was absent for five years and even during the campaign. He also did not speak about Amethi in the Parliament," she added. Irani's statement comes close on the heels of Congress general secretary east UP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra's statement on Wednesday in Raebareli where she had said that her party had fielded some candidates in UP with an aim to cut into the BJP's vote share. "Congress will win on the seats where our candidates are strong. Where our candidates are slightly lightweight, they will cut into the BJP`s vote share," she had told media persons. Samajwadi Party (SP) president Akhilesh Yadav has also dismissed Priyanka`s statement as an "excuse" since the "people are not with them." "I cannot believe in these types of statements. I do not believe that the Congress has fielded weak candidates anywhere. No party does it. People are not with them. That is why they are making excuses," Yadav told ANI in an exclusive interview. In Uttar Pradesh, where 80 Lok Sabha seats are up for grab, SP is contesting 37 seats, BSP 38, and their ally - RLD - three seats. They have not fielded candidates from Amethi and Raebareli from where Congress president Rahul Gandhi and UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi are seeking their re-election. So far 39 Lok Sabha seats have gone to polls in the state, while remaining 41 will go to polls during the remaining three phases of the polling, the last phase of voting on May 19. The counting of votes will take place on May 23.

Congress is fighting a battle to lose: Smriti Irani

The three biggies, BJP, Congress and AAP, might be occupying ad space and mind space as campaigning for Delhi's Lok Sabha elections gathers pace but a host of smaller parties have also put their hats in the poll ring -- not to win maybe but just to make people aware that alternatives can exist.

While hoardings of the mainstream parties are splashed across the city, about 45 lesser-known parties such as Anjaan Aadmi Party, Aapki Apni Party, Bhartiya Insan Party and Ambedkar National Congress are also in the list of parties vying for Delhi's seven Lok Sabha seats, raising issues as varied as Dalit empowerment and vegetarianism.

The similarities in some of the names are inescapable, and perhaps not just a coincidence.&nbsp;

But there is also the Sanatan Sanskriti Manch, which is focused on making sure that justice is for all, and has fielded three candidates.&nbsp;

These parties are aware they might not give the bigger political outfits any competition but their representatives said their mission is to ignite a spark and inform people there are other alternatives too.&nbsp;

Dilip Kumar, who runs a laptop repair centre in Nehru Place and is the Sanatan Sanskriti Manch candidate from South Delhi, said everyone should be assured of justice and no one should be above the law.&nbsp;

"The rape cases against (self-styled godmen) Asaram Bapu and Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh Insan were investigated thoroughly and they were put behind bars but there is no discussion about the sexual harassment case against the chief justice of India. Law should treat everyone equally," he said.&nbsp;

Kumar said he will also address local issues. The government, he added, has built toilets but there is no water.&nbsp;

"What is the point of building toilets when there is no water?" he asked.&nbsp; 
The Sanatan Sanskriti Manch is also contesting the New Delhi and Chandni Chowk seats.&nbsp;

Also from South Delhi is Navanit of the National Youth Party who believes everyone has the right to contest in a democratic set-up.&nbsp;

"Look at Arvind Kejriwal. He came from nowhere and brought the Congress down in Delhi. Everyone has a right to fight the elections in a democratic set-up and in today's time everyone wants their child to become doctor, an engineer but becoming a politician is a no-no," the independent journalist said.&nbsp;

Kumar claimed he was the one who investigated the Rafale fighter jet deal for the Congress and said the party has 3,000 workers and will be doing door-to-door campaigning.&nbsp;

The party is also contesting from the West Delhi Lok Sabha constituency.&nbsp;

D Durga Prasad of the Challengers Party dreams big. He aspires to first become the chief minister of Delhi and then the prime minister and said he is contesting from two seats - Northeast Delhi and East Delhi.&nbsp;

Prasad, who contested the by-election from Amritsar in 2017, said he chose the Northeast Delhi as it has BJP's "prospective CM candidate Manoj Tiwari" and three-time former chief minister Sheila Dikshit of the Congress in the fray.&nbsp;

He stays in East Delhi and that is the reason he is contesting from the seat against BJP's Gautam Gambhir, Congress' Arvinder Singh Lovely and AAP's Atishi.&nbsp;

"We want a complete transformation of Delhi and want to make it a full-fledged city, the national capital, metropolitan city and state which will control four states -- Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Rajasthan. Cities which form the NCR (National Capital Region) should be merged into Delhi," Prasad said.&nbsp;

Then there is the Pyramid Party Of India, which is based out of Andhra Pradesh and will be making its electoral debut in Delhi by contesting on five seats - East Delhi, West Delhi, Chandni Chowk, New Delhi and South Delhi.&nbsp;

The party recently held a silent rally at Jantar Mantar to promote the concepts of meditation and vegetarianism.&nbsp;

"We have four goals -- telling people about the power of meditation, vegetarianism and enlightening people about self-knowledge and spiritual knowledge," the party's West Delhi candidate Kulwinder Singh Mehta said.&nbsp;

"We wanted to launch the party in north India and it was felt the Lok Sabha elections in Delhi would be the right platform," Mehta added.&nbsp;

Quizzed about his poll prospects, the real estate agent said he has been meditating for nine years and someone has to take a step to become the change.&nbsp;

Also in the mix is the National Road Map Party of India.

Shakeel Ahmed, national general secretary of the party, said elections are fought in the name of casteism and not development. But his party wants to change all that by ending vote bank politics and ensuring the empowerment of Dalits and economically weaker sections of society.&nbsp;

Lal Ji Singh, a candidate from the Akhand Rashtrawadi Party in New Delhi, said the rules of the Chief Electoral Office in Delhi for gaining permission for rallies and public meetings are quite stringent.&nbsp;

He said the online permission portal faces technical glitches and the manual permission takes 48 hours to come by.&nbsp;

The agenda, he said, is to fix problems faced by cart-sellers, decreasing Metro fares and providing free accommodation for students from outside Delhi.&nbsp;

Other parties in the fray include the Anjaan Aadmi Party, Mazdoor Kirayedar Vikas Party, Parivartan Samaj Party, Voters Party International, Sanjhi Virasat Party and Bhartiya Kisan Party.&nbsp;

Delhi votes on May 12 in the fifth round of the seven-phase polling. The votes will be counted on May 23.

The three biggies, BJP, Congress and AAP, might be occupying ad space and mind space as campaigning for Delhi's Lok Sabha elections gathers pace but a host of smaller parties have also put their hats in the poll ring -- not to win maybe but just to make people aware that alternatives can exist.

The three biggies, BJP, Congress and AAP, might be occupying ad space and mind space as campaigning for Delhi's Lok Sabha elections gathers pace but a host of smaller parties have also put their hats in the poll ring -- not to win maybe but just to make people aware that alternatives can exist. While hoardings of the mainstream parties are splashed across the city, about 45 lesser-known parties such as Anjaan Aadmi Party, Aapki Apni Party, Bhartiya Insan Party and Ambedkar National Congress are also in the list of parties vying for Delhi's seven Lok Sabha seats, raising issues as varied as Dalit empowerment and vegetarianism. The similarities in some of the names are inescapable, and perhaps not just a coincidence. But there is also the Sanatan Sanskriti Manch, which is focused on making sure that justice is for all, and has fielded three candidates. These parties are aware they might not give the bigger political outfits any competition but their representatives said their mission is to ignite a spark and inform people there are other alternatives too. Dilip Kumar, who runs a laptop repair centre in Nehru Place and is the Sanatan Sanskriti Manch candidate from South Delhi, said everyone should be assured of justice and no one should be above the law. "The rape cases against (self-styled godmen) Asaram Bapu and Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh Insan were investigated thoroughly and they were put behind bars but there is no discussion about the sexual harassment case against the chief justice of India. Law should treat everyone equally," he said. Kumar said he will also address local issues. The government, he added, has built toilets but there is no water. "What is the point of building toilets when there is no water?" he asked. The Sanatan Sanskriti Manch is also contesting the New Delhi and Chandni Chowk seats. Also from South Delhi is Navanit of the National Youth Party who believes everyone has the right to contest in a democratic set-up. "Look at Arvind Kejriwal. He came from nowhere and brought the Congress down in Delhi. Everyone has a right to fight the elections in a democratic set-up and in today's time everyone wants their child to become doctor, an engineer but becoming a politician is a no-no," the independent journalist said. Kumar claimed he was the one who investigated the Rafale fighter jet deal for the Congress and said the party has 3,000 workers and will be doing door-to-door campaigning. The party is also contesting from the West Delhi Lok Sabha constituency. D Durga Prasad of the Challengers Party dreams big. He aspires to first become the chief minister of Delhi and then the prime minister and said he is contesting from two seats - Northeast Delhi and East Delhi. Prasad, who contested the by-election from Amritsar in 2017, said he chose the Northeast Delhi as it has BJP's "prospective CM candidate Manoj Tiwari" and three-time former chief minister Sheila Dikshit of the Congress in the fray. He stays in East Delhi and that is the reason he is contesting from the seat against BJP's Gautam Gambhir, Congress' Arvinder Singh Lovely and AAP's Atishi. "We want a complete transformation of Delhi and want to make it a full-fledged city, the national capital, metropolitan city and state which will control four states -- Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Rajasthan. Cities which form the NCR (National Capital Region) should be merged into Delhi," Prasad said. Then there is the Pyramid Party Of India, which is based out of Andhra Pradesh and will be making its electoral debut in Delhi by contesting on five seats - East Delhi, West Delhi, Chandni Chowk, New Delhi and South Delhi. The party recently held a silent rally at Jantar Mantar to promote the concepts of meditation and vegetarianism. "We have four goals -- telling people about the power of meditation, vegetarianism and enlightening people about self-knowledge and spiritual knowledge," the party's West Delhi candidate Kulwinder Singh Mehta said. "We wanted to launch the party in north India and it was felt the Lok Sabha elections in Delhi would be the right platform," Mehta added. Quizzed about his poll prospects, the real estate agent said he has been meditating for nine years and someone has to take a step to become the change. Also in the mix is the National Road Map Party of India. Shakeel Ahmed, national general secretary of the party, said elections are fought in the name of casteism and not development. But his party wants to change all that by ending vote bank politics and ensuring the empowerment of Dalits and economically weaker sections of society. Lal Ji Singh, a candidate from the Akhand Rashtrawadi Party in New Delhi, said the rules of the Chief Electoral Office in Delhi for gaining permission for rallies and public meetings are quite stringent. He said the online permission portal faces technical glitches and the manual permission takes 48 hours to come by. The agenda, he said, is to fix problems faced by cart-sellers, decreasing Metro fares and providing free accommodation for students from outside Delhi. Other parties in the fray include the Anjaan Aadmi Party, Mazdoor Kirayedar Vikas Party, Parivartan Samaj Party, Voters Party International, Sanjhi Virasat Party and Bhartiya Kisan Party. Delhi votes on May 12 in the fifth round of the seven-phase polling. The votes will be counted on May 23.

Smaller parties in Delhi's election ring, not for victory but to make their points

Disgruntled AAP MLA Alka Lamba said she skipped the road show of party chief and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in Chandni Chowk on Wednesday as she was "insulted" by her party.

In a tweet, the Chandni Chowk MLA vented her anger and claimed she was asked to walk behind Kejriwal's car while other MLAs were with him in the car.

AAP candidate Pankaj (Gupta) ji's phone came to me and he invited me for the CM's roadshow. I was ready, then another message was sent that I would not be present with Kejriwal in his car but have to walk behind his car while other MLAs would be present with him. I cannot stand this and I decided not to participate in the road show, she said in the tweet.

Kejriwal held the roadshow in Chandni Chowk on Tuesday with AAP Chandni Chowk candidate Pankaj Gupta. It saw the participation of a large number of supporters.

Lamba has been at odds with the AAP for quite some time now.

Earlier last month, Lamba engaged in a bitter Twitter spat with AAP's Greater Kailash MLA Saurabh Bharadwaj, who had taunted her to resign from the party.

Following the spat, Lamba addressed a large crowd outside Jama Masjid and said the party was repeatedly demanding her resignation.

Lamba hit a rough patch with the AAP over its decision to pass a resolution to revoke Rajiv Gandhi's Bharat Ratna. Lamba had raised objections to the party's resolution.

Lamba had alleged that the party leadership was "weakening" her and said she is being accused of attempting to switch over to the Congress.

In December, Lamba said in a tweet that AAP had asked her to support the resolution, which she refused. Lamba then added that now she is ready to face any punishment because of her actions.

Alka Lamba won the Chandni Chowk assembly seat in the 2013 Delhi elections. Before joining the AAP, Lamba was part of the Congress women's wing.&nbsp;

Disgruntled AAP MLA Alka Lamba said she skipped the road show of party chief and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in Chandni Chowk on Wednesday as she was "insulted" by her party.

Disgruntled AAP MLA Alka Lamba said she skipped the road show of party chief and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in Chandni Chowk on Wednesday as she was "insulted" by her party. In a tweet, the Chandni Chowk MLA vented her anger and claimed she was asked to walk behind Kejriwal's car while other MLAs were with him in the car. AAP candidate Pankaj (Gupta) ji's phone came to me and he invited me for the CM's roadshow. I was ready, then another message was sent that I would not be present with Kejriwal in his car but have to walk behind his car while other MLAs would be present with him. I cannot stand this and I decided not to participate in the road show, she said in the tweet. Kejriwal held the roadshow in Chandni Chowk on Tuesday with AAP Chandni Chowk candidate Pankaj Gupta. It saw the participation of a large number of supporters. Lamba has been at odds with the AAP for quite some time now. Earlier last month, Lamba engaged in a bitter Twitter spat with AAP's Greater Kailash MLA Saurabh Bharadwaj, who had taunted her to resign from the party. Following the spat, Lamba addressed a large crowd outside Jama Masjid and said the party was repeatedly demanding her resignation. Lamba hit a rough patch with the AAP over its decision to pass a resolution to revoke Rajiv Gandhi's Bharat Ratna. Lamba had raised objections to the party's resolution. Lamba had alleged that the party leadership was "weakening" her and said she is being accused of attempting to switch over to the Congress. In December, Lamba said in a tweet that AAP had asked her to support the resolution, which she refused. Lamba then added that now she is ready to face any punishment because of her actions. Alka Lamba won the Chandni Chowk assembly seat in the 2013 Delhi elections. Before joining the AAP, Lamba was part of the Congress women's wing.

Alka Lamba skips Kejriwal's roadshow, says she was insulted by AAP

<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-congress-more-keen-on-forming-govt-in-up-in-2022-rather-than-halting-bjp-says-akhilesh-yadav-213642&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwja3aKXqPzhAhVMSX0KHe5MCa8QFjACegQIBRAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2e1YlGiOEXprzp9S6XvHeo">Samajwadi Party (SP) president Akhilesh Yadav</a> feels that Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led BJP government at the Centre has failed on the national security front."BJP has failed so far as the national security is concerned. Our soldiers are dying on the border and in the Naxal affected areas," Yadav told ANI in an exclusive interview.

When asked whether national security will be one of the core agendas of the non-BJP government is formed at the Centre, Yadav said,&nbsp;"National security is the most important issue for any country."

"Regional parties are closer to the people. They have experience as well, given the fact that they have done a good job in the past. So they will deliver their best," said Yadav, also former Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh.

He went on to add, "I do not need to tell people about my life. I have spent seven years of my life in military school. My college mates were martyred on the border. My wife`s father has spent his life in the military. My wife`s sister and her husband are in the military."

"I ask the BJP people, who claim to be more patriotic - how many people from their families are in the Army. Like the BJP, we do not drumbeat our nationalism," he said."If anyone asks me to do the parade, I can. I know when there are open and close lines and how to salute," he added.

The former Chief Minister also hit out at the BJP, stating that one security person dies every day in the country. "BJP talks about soldiers. What type of national security is it when one soldier dies every day," he said.

Stating that his party believes in working and not in advertising, he said,&nbsp;"When the SP was in power in UP, aircraft like Sukhoi, Mirage, and Hercules had landed on Lucknow-Agra Expressway. We do not need to furnish certificates for our contribution to the country. Netaji (Mulayam Singh Yadav) has been the Defence Minister of the country. We never mentioned what we gave to the forces."

Yadav further said,&nbsp;"Union Minister Nitin Gadkari had said that he would get more roads constructed like the Expressway. I ask the BJP leaders if they have made a single road where aircraft can land when the need arises."

Slamming UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath for heading a Hindu 'math'&nbsp;and also holding a Constitutional post, Yadav said,&nbsp;"He says terrorists have the SP flag. Will he tell me how many flags he has. He has one flag of his 'math,'&nbsp;one of Hindu Yuva Vahini, and one of the RSS."

In Uttar Pradesh, where 80 Lok Sabha seats are up for grabs, SP is contesting 37 seats, BSP 38, and their ally - RLD - three seats. They have not fielded candidates from Amethi and Raebareli from where Congress president Rahul Gandhi and UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi are seeking their re-election.

Yadav is in the poll fray from Azamgarh Lok Sabha constituency, currently held by his father and SP patriarch Mulayam Singh Yadav. So far 39 Lok Sabha seats have gone to polls in the state, while remaining 41 will go to polls during the remaining three phases of the polling, the last phase of voting being on May 19. The counting of votes will take place on May 23.

Samajwadi Party (SP) president Akhilesh Yadav feels that Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led BJP government at the Centre has failed on the national security front.

Samajwadi Party (SP) president Akhilesh Yadav feels that Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led BJP government at the Centre has failed on the national security front."BJP has failed so far as the national security is concerned. Our soldiers are dying on the border and in the Naxal affected areas," Yadav told ANI in an exclusive interview. When asked whether national security will be one of the core agendas of the non-BJP government is formed at the Centre, Yadav said, "National security is the most important issue for any country." "Regional parties are closer to the people. They have experience as well, given the fact that they have done a good job in the past. So they will deliver their best," said Yadav, also former Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh. He went on to add, "I do not need to tell people about my life. I have spent seven years of my life in military school. My college mates were martyred on the border. My wife`s father has spent his life in the military. My wife`s sister and her husband are in the military." "I ask the BJP people, who claim to be more patriotic - how many people from their families are in the Army. Like the BJP, we do not drumbeat our nationalism," he said."If anyone asks me to do the parade, I can. I know when there are open and close lines and how to salute," he added. The former Chief Minister also hit out at the BJP, stating that one security person dies every day in the country. "BJP talks about soldiers. What type of national security is it when one soldier dies every day," he said. Stating that his party believes in working and not in advertising, he said, "When the SP was in power in UP, aircraft like Sukhoi, Mirage, and Hercules had landed on Lucknow-Agra Expressway. We do not need to furnish certificates for our contribution to the country. Netaji (Mulayam Singh Yadav) has been the Defence Minister of the country. We never mentioned what we gave to the forces." Yadav further said, "Union Minister Nitin Gadkari had said that he would get more roads constructed like the Expressway. I ask the BJP leaders if they have made a single road where aircraft can land when the need arises." Slamming UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath for heading a Hindu 'math' and also holding a Constitutional post, Yadav said, "He says terrorists have the SP flag. Will he tell me how many flags he has. He has one flag of his 'math,' one of Hindu Yuva Vahini, and one of the RSS." In Uttar Pradesh, where 80 Lok Sabha seats are up for grabs, SP is contesting 37 seats, BSP 38, and their ally - RLD - three seats. They have not fielded candidates from Amethi and Raebareli from where Congress president Rahul Gandhi and UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi are seeking their re-election. Yadav is in the poll fray from Azamgarh Lok Sabha constituency, currently held by his father and SP patriarch Mulayam Singh Yadav. So far 39 Lok Sabha seats have gone to polls in the state, while remaining 41 will go to polls during the remaining three phases of the polling, the last phase of voting being on May 19. The counting of votes will take place on May 23.

BJP has failed on national security front: Akhilesh Yadav

Targeting the Congress on corruption, Prime Minister Narendra Modi Friday said the party committed the "Tughlaq road election scam", whose money was being used for the poll campaign of its chief Rahul Gandhi.

Addressing a poll rally in Sidhi district, Modi said that in the Congress culture, corruption was the "only protocol".

The prime minister also stressed that the law was equal for all and that even his residence should be raided by the Income Tax department if he was involved in any wrongdoing.

"The food meant for children and pregnant women under a government scheme was snatched from them...The money was syphoned off to Tughlaq Road residence of a Congress leader in Delhi," Modi said.

"That money is being used for the poll campaign," he said, attacking Gandhi.

The Income Tax Department recently conducted raids on close aides of Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister and Congress leader Kamal Nath.

The Central Board of Direct Taxes had said the department has also detected a trail of Rs 20 crore suspect cash allegedly being moved to the "headquarters of a major political party in Delhi" from the house of an important person who lives on Tughlaq Road, home to many VIPs.

Modi also said money disbursed by the Central government for farmers in Madhya Pradesh under its schemes was yet to reach the beneficiaries.

He accused the Kamal Nath dispensation in the state of not sharing with the Centre the list of farmers requiring the help.

Taking a jibe at the MP chief minister, Modi said perhaps Kamal Nath was "too busy" to share the list with the Centre due to his Switzerland visit and political grooming of his son.

The prime minister also expounded pro-farmer and pro-women measures his government took.

Modi said Karnataka Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy had insulted soldiers with his reported remark that only those who cannot manage two square meals a day seek jobs in armed forces.

He also took potshots at "those from the opposition parties aspiring to become the next prime minister". They have already ordered their tailors for new attires, he added.

Modi asked the people from among the opposition wanting to become the PM can wipe out terrorism. When they replied chanting his name, he said it not him but their "one vote" that would combat terrorism.

Targeting the Congress on corruption, Prime Minister Narendra Modi Friday said the party committed the "Tughlaq road election scam", whose money was being used for the poll campaign of its chief Rahul Gandhi.

Targeting the Congress on corruption, Prime Minister Narendra Modi Friday said the party committed the "Tughlaq road election scam", whose money was being used for the poll campaign of its chief Rahul Gandhi. Addressing a poll rally in Sidhi district, Modi said that in the Congress culture, corruption was the "only protocol". The prime minister also stressed that the law was equal for all and that even his residence should be raided by the Income Tax department if he was involved in any wrongdoing. "The food meant for children and pregnant women under a government scheme was snatched from them...The money was syphoned off to Tughlaq Road residence of a Congress leader in Delhi," Modi said. "That money is being used for the poll campaign," he said, attacking Gandhi. The Income Tax Department recently conducted raids on close aides of Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister and Congress leader Kamal Nath. The Central Board of Direct Taxes had said the department has also detected a trail of Rs 20 crore suspect cash allegedly being moved to the "headquarters of a major political party in Delhi" from the house of an important person who lives on Tughlaq Road, home to many VIPs. Modi also said money disbursed by the Central government for farmers in Madhya Pradesh under its schemes was yet to reach the beneficiaries. He accused the Kamal Nath dispensation in the state of not sharing with the Centre the list of farmers requiring the help. Taking a jibe at the MP chief minister, Modi said perhaps Kamal Nath was "too busy" to share the list with the Centre due to his Switzerland visit and political grooming of his son. The prime minister also expounded pro-farmer and pro-women measures his government took. Modi said Karnataka Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy had insulted soldiers with his reported remark that only those who cannot manage two square meals a day seek jobs in armed forces. He also took potshots at "those from the opposition parties aspiring to become the next prime minister". They have already ordered their tailors for new attires, he added. Modi asked the people from among the opposition wanting to become the PM can wipe out terrorism. When they replied chanting his name, he said it not him but their "one vote" that would combat terrorism.

Poll scam money used for naamdar's campaign: PM Modi targets Rahul Gandhi

Though the 2019 Lok Sabha election may go down in history as a different kind of electoral battle, there is no denying the fact that the Communist movement is facing a crisis of existence, almost a century after its birth in India.

Be it in Kerala or Bengal, and to a certain extent, Tripura and Begusarai, it may lose at the hands of secular parties and not the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). It is certainly time for introspection for the mainstream Communist movement in India.

Interestingly, the Left has bounced back in Nepal, where they came to power 16 months ago, or in Mexico, where they won an election last summer. These developments took place more than a quarter century after the collapse of the Reds in Russia. In the same way, China is mostly Communist in name, while post-Castro Cuba is a different country now.

The Indian Communists may have their own political compulsions in Kerala where they are in power and the only force strong enough to take on the Congress. The saffron party has a relatively small base in that state. But in Bengal, there was some possibility of an alliance between the Left and Congress as they had contested the last Assembly election together, yet no such seat-sharing arrangement could be worked out this time. 
 
Notwithstanding the failure of an alliance with secular parties, people, in general, recognise contributions of the Left in fighting political opponents — be it Congress in the past, or the BJP now.

Perhaps they are missing personalities like Harkishen Singh Surjeet, Indrajit Gupta, Jyoti Basu and Somnath Chatterjee. Today there is a general feeling among the non-Communist secular parties that the Left is not following the line of Sitaram Yechury, but of Prakash Karat, the present general secretary of the CPM.

It was in Kerala that the first ever elected Communist government in the world came to power in 1957, when EMS Namboodiripad became the chief minister of the state. If things continue to go the way they are, Pinarayi Vijayan may end up becoming the last elected Chief Minister from the Left!

They have not only lost power in Bengal and Tripura, but have also become more or less politically irrelevant in these two states.

Incidentally, Kanhaiya Kumar the former president of the Jawaharlal Nehru University Students’ Union — perhaps by default — has brought a glimmer of hope for the Communist movement. But he is too young and too new to the electoral battle of such a complex constituency as Begusarai, from where he has been fielded. That is why several Left-leaning activists have questioned the wisdom of the CPI to expose him to the rough and tumble of polls so early in his career. They are now asking as to why the Communists failed to build an alliance in Bengal and Begusarai — even if there was no scope for it in Kerala.

The Communists cannot put all the blame on the Congress in Bengal or the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) in Bihar. From the very beginning, they started making unrealistic demands regarding sharing of seats in Bihar and Bengal. For example, the CPI demanded six Lok Sabha seats from the ‘Grand Alliance’ without any presence in the Bihar Assembly. 
 
The big question is even if Kanhaiya wins from Begusarai, how many seats will the Communists win in the rest of the country?

If the Communists end up winning just a handful of seats, Kanhaiya would not be in a position to wage the so-called war against communalism alone. It seems that the hard-line ideological position is taking its toll on the Communist movement in India.

Strangely, even the bitterest rivals of Communists have never questioned their political commitment and honesty of their leaders. Even in Bengal, where they ruled for 34 years, nobody charged them with corruption, though they have repeatedly been blamed for violence and political arm-twisting.

If the Indian Left is really in the lurch, they themselves are to blame. They perhaps failed to read the writing on the wall. 
 
(This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-left-s-unrealistic-poll-demands-scuttled-alliances-2744403">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)&nbsp;

Though the 2019 Lok Sabha election may go down in history as a different kind of electoral battle, there is no denying the fact that the Communist movement is facing a crisis of existence, almost a century after its birth in India.

Though the 2019 Lok Sabha election may go down in history as a different kind of electoral battle, there is no denying the fact that the Communist movement is facing a crisis of existence, almost a century after its birth in India. Be it in Kerala or Bengal, and to a certain extent, Tripura and Begusarai, it may lose at the hands of secular parties and not the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). It is certainly time for introspection for the mainstream Communist movement in India. Interestingly, the Left has bounced back in Nepal, where they came to power 16 months ago, or in Mexico, where they won an election last summer. These developments took place more than a quarter century after the collapse of the Reds in Russia. In the same way, China is mostly Communist in name, while post-Castro Cuba is a different country now. The Indian Communists may have their own political compulsions in Kerala where they are in power and the only force strong enough to take on the Congress. The saffron party has a relatively small base in that state. But in Bengal, there was some possibility of an alliance between the Left and Congress as they had contested the last Assembly election together, yet no such seat-sharing arrangement could be worked out this time. Notwithstanding the failure of an alliance with secular parties, people, in general, recognise contributions of the Left in fighting political opponents — be it Congress in the past, or the BJP now. Perhaps they are missing personalities like Harkishen Singh Surjeet, Indrajit Gupta, Jyoti Basu and Somnath Chatterjee. Today there is a general feeling among the non-Communist secular parties that the Left is not following the line of Sitaram Yechury, but of Prakash Karat, the present general secretary of the CPM. It was in Kerala that the first ever elected Communist government in the world came to power in 1957, when EMS Namboodiripad became the chief minister of the state. If things continue to go the way they are, Pinarayi Vijayan may end up becoming the last elected Chief Minister from the Left! They have not only lost power in Bengal and Tripura, but have also become more or less politically irrelevant in these two states. Incidentally, Kanhaiya Kumar the former president of the Jawaharlal Nehru University Students’ Union — perhaps by default — has brought a glimmer of hope for the Communist movement. But he is too young and too new to the electoral battle of such a complex constituency as Begusarai, from where he has been fielded. That is why several Left-leaning activists have questioned the wisdom of the CPI to expose him to the rough and tumble of polls so early in his career. They are now asking as to why the Communists failed to build an alliance in Bengal and Begusarai — even if there was no scope for it in Kerala. The Communists cannot put all the blame on the Congress in Bengal or the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) in Bihar. From the very beginning, they started making unrealistic demands regarding sharing of seats in Bihar and Bengal. For example, the CPI demanded six Lok Sabha seats from the ‘Grand Alliance’ without any presence in the Bihar Assembly. The big question is even if Kanhaiya wins from Begusarai, how many seats will the Communists win in the rest of the country? If the Communists end up winning just a handful of seats, Kanhaiya would not be in a position to wage the so-called war against communalism alone. It seems that the hard-line ideological position is taking its toll on the Communist movement in India. Strangely, even the bitterest rivals of Communists have never questioned their political commitment and honesty of their leaders. Even in Bengal, where they ruled for 34 years, nobody charged them with corruption, though they have repeatedly been blamed for violence and political arm-twisting. If the Indian Left is really in the lurch, they themselves are to blame. They perhaps failed to read the writing on the wall. (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.)

2019 Lok Sabha polls: Left’s unrealistic poll demands scuttled alliances

Ladakh Parliamentary Constituency is going to polls in the fifth phase of Lok Sabha on May 6 for which 559 polling stations have been set up across the frontier region for the smooth conduct of the electoral exercise.

The Parliamentary Constituency comprises two districts of Leh and Kargil.

The Kargil district consists of two assembly segments Kargil and Zanskar while as Leh district includes Nubra and Leh assembly segments.

The Ladakh Parliamentary Constituency has an electoral strength of 174,618 voters. Out of total voters, 86752 are males, 85064 females, 2799 are service voters and 3 transgender voters.

Kargil assembly segment has a total number of 65,294 voters including 32,895 males, 31,354 females, 1044 service voters (1041 male and 3 females) and 1 transgender. As many as 181 polling stations have been established in this segment.

Zanskar assembly segment constitutes 22,487 voters including 11,162 males, 11051 females and 274 male service voters. The Election Commission of India (ECI) has set up 84 polling stations in Zanskar.

Leh assembly segment has an electoral strength of 72,689 voters including 35728 males, 35746 females, 1214 service voters (1192 males and 22 females) and 1 transgender voter. Around 225 polling stations have been set up in Leh assembly segment for the conduct of polls.

Nubra assembly segment constitutes 14,148 voters including 6,967 male, 6,913 female, 1 transgender voter and 267 service voters (248 males and 19 females). In Nubra assembly segment 69 polling stations have been set up. 
The candidates in fray are Rigzin Spalbar of Indian National Congress (INC), Jamyang Tsering Namgyal of Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) and Asgar Ali Karbalai and Sajjad Hussain, both independents.

The ECI has established two polling stations in Leh (Gaik) and Nubra (Washi) segments having seven voters each while as polling station with the highest number of voters (1301) has been set up at Leh (Shynam).&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
The highest polling station, Anlay Pho (Changthang), has been set up in Leh district at an altitude of 15,000 feet. The booth is barely 50 metres from the Line of Actual Control (LAC).&nbsp;

The voting timing has been fixed from 7 am to 6 pm.

Ladakh Parliamentary Constituency is going to polls in the fifth phase of Lok Sabha on May 6 for which 559 polling stations have been set up across the frontier region for the smooth conduct of the electoral exercise.

Ladakh Parliamentary Constituency is going to polls in the fifth phase of Lok Sabha on May 6 for which 559 polling stations have been set up across the frontier region for the smooth conduct of the electoral exercise. The Parliamentary Constituency comprises two districts of Leh and Kargil. The Kargil district consists of two assembly segments Kargil and Zanskar while as Leh district includes Nubra and Leh assembly segments. The Ladakh Parliamentary Constituency has an electoral strength of 174,618 voters. Out of total voters, 86752 are males, 85064 females, 2799 are service voters and 3 transgender voters. Kargil assembly segment has a total number of 65,294 voters including 32,895 males, 31,354 females, 1044 service voters (1041 male and 3 females) and 1 transgender. As many as 181 polling stations have been established in this segment. Zanskar assembly segment constitutes 22,487 voters including 11,162 males, 11051 females and 274 male service voters. The Election Commission of India (ECI) has set up 84 polling stations in Zanskar. Leh assembly segment has an electoral strength of 72,689 voters including 35728 males, 35746 females, 1214 service voters (1192 males and 22 females) and 1 transgender voter. Around 225 polling stations have been set up in Leh assembly segment for the conduct of polls. Nubra assembly segment constitutes 14,148 voters including 6,967 male, 6,913 female, 1 transgender voter and 267 service voters (248 males and 19 females). In Nubra assembly segment 69 polling stations have been set up. The candidates in fray are Rigzin Spalbar of Indian National Congress (INC), Jamyang Tsering Namgyal of Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) and Asgar Ali Karbalai and Sajjad Hussain, both independents. The ECI has established two polling stations in Leh (Gaik) and Nubra (Washi) segments having seven voters each while as polling station with the highest number of voters (1301) has been set up at Leh (Shynam). The highest polling station, Anlay Pho (Changthang), has been set up in Leh district at an altitude of 15,000 feet. The booth is barely 50 metres from the Line of Actual Control (LAC). The voting timing has been fixed from 7 am to 6 pm.

Lok Sabha polls 2019: Around 559 booths set up in Ladakh for fifth phase

The Chief Electoral Officer of Delhi has issued a notice to Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal over allegations that the AAP was distributing pamphlets in slum areas asking people to take money from the BJP and the Congress but vote for his party, officials said.

Kejriwal was supposed to reply by 5 pm on Wednesday but is yet to respond to it, they said.

A complaint was filed with the Delhi poll body by BJP leader Vijender Gupta on April 29.

He alleged that pamphlets were being distributed in jhuggi colonies of Delhi asking people to take money from the BJP and the Congress but vote only for 'jhadu' (AAP's poll symbol).

Gupta alleged Kejriwal was misleading people and polluting their mind by stating that if they vote for BJP their jhuggis (slum dwellings) will no longer be safe.

"This is a clear case where CM Kejriwal is openly supporting bribes to influence the voters to vote which is a clear case of violation of Model Code of Conduct for election," Gupta said.

In cases where the reply is not received in time, a reminder is served and the party is given one more day's time to tender their reply, officials said.

The Chief Electoral Officer of Delhi has issued a notice to Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal over allegations that the AAP was distributing pamphlets in slum areas asking people to take money from the BJP and the Congress but vote for his party, officials said.

The Chief Electoral Officer of Delhi has issued a notice to Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal over allegations that the AAP was distributing pamphlets in slum areas asking people to take money from the BJP and the Congress but vote for his party, officials said. Kejriwal was supposed to reply by 5 pm on Wednesday but is yet to respond to it, they said. A complaint was filed with the Delhi poll body by BJP leader Vijender Gupta on April 29. He alleged that pamphlets were being distributed in jhuggi colonies of Delhi asking people to take money from the BJP and the Congress but vote only for 'jhadu' (AAP's poll symbol). Gupta alleged Kejriwal was misleading people and polluting their mind by stating that if they vote for BJP their jhuggis (slum dwellings) will no longer be safe. "This is a clear case where CM Kejriwal is openly supporting bribes to influence the voters to vote which is a clear case of violation of Model Code of Conduct for election," Gupta said. In cases where the reply is not received in time, a reminder is served and the party is given one more day's time to tender their reply, officials said.

Kejriwal yet to respond to Election Commission notice for asking voters to take money from BJP, Congress

Senior BJP leader and Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Wednesday said the sedition law will be reviewed for any weaknesses and made more stringent after his party returns to power at the Centre.

Singh, addressing a gathering at Delhi's Shastri Park area in support of party candidates for Lok Sabha elections Manoj Tiwari and Gautam Gambhir, also paid tribute to the Maharashtra policemen who were killed in an IED blast in the state's Naxal-affected Gadchiroli district.

"We will see if there are any weaknesses in the sedition law after coming back to power. We will make it so stringent that it will quiver the souls of traitors," the home minister said.

He also took shots at the opposition for raising questions over the number of terrorists killed in the Balakot air strike.

"Should our soldiers stop to count the bodies after strikes? Only vultures count bodies, not the warriors," he said.

Singh asserted that the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) will secure two-third majority in the Lok Sabha polls.

Senior BJP leader and Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Wednesday said the sedition law will be reviewed for any weaknesses and made more stringent after his party returns to power at the Centre.

Senior BJP leader and Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Wednesday said the sedition law will be reviewed for any weaknesses and made more stringent after his party returns to power at the Centre. Singh, addressing a gathering at Delhi's Shastri Park area in support of party candidates for Lok Sabha elections Manoj Tiwari and Gautam Gambhir, also paid tribute to the Maharashtra policemen who were killed in an IED blast in the state's Naxal-affected Gadchiroli district. "We will see if there are any weaknesses in the sedition law after coming back to power. We will make it so stringent that it will quiver the souls of traitors," the home minister said. He also took shots at the opposition for raising questions over the number of terrorists killed in the Balakot air strike. "Should our soldiers stop to count the bodies after strikes? Only vultures count bodies, not the warriors," he said. Singh asserted that the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) will secure two-third majority in the Lok Sabha polls.

Will review sedition law, make it more stringent after coming back to power: Rajnath Singh

The Election Commission has barred Gujarat BJP president Jitubhai Vaghani from campaigning for 72 hours starting tomorrow evening for violating the Model Code of Conduct (MCC).

The ban will come in effect from 4 pm on May 2, an EC order said.

Vaghani has been barred from campaigning for violating the MCC at Amroli in Surat on April 7.

The model code is a set of instructions and guidelines to be followed by political parties and candidates for the conduct free and fair elections.

The MCC came into force on March 10, when the EC announced the schedule of seven-phase Lok Sabha polls.

The poll watchdog had yesterday barred Samajwadi Party leader Azam Khan from campaigning for 48 hours starting from 6 am on Wednesday for violating the MCC with his "highly provocative" speeches in which he "appealed to secure votes on religious lines".

The Election Commission has barred Gujarat BJP president Jitubhai Vaghani from campaigning for 72 hours starting tomorrow evening for violating the Model Code of Conduct (MCC).

The Election Commission has barred Gujarat BJP president Jitubhai Vaghani from campaigning for 72 hours starting tomorrow evening for violating the Model Code of Conduct (MCC). The ban will come in effect from 4 pm on May 2, an EC order said. Vaghani has been barred from campaigning for violating the MCC at Amroli in Surat on April 7. The model code is a set of instructions and guidelines to be followed by political parties and candidates for the conduct free and fair elections. The MCC came into force on March 10, when the EC announced the schedule of seven-phase Lok Sabha polls. The poll watchdog had yesterday barred Samajwadi Party leader Azam Khan from campaigning for 48 hours starting from 6 am on Wednesday for violating the MCC with his "highly provocative" speeches in which he "appealed to secure votes on religious lines".

Election Commission bars Gujarat BJP chief Jitubhai Vaghani from campaigning for 72 hours