Accompanied by a galaxy of top NDA leaders, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday will file his nomination papers from the Varanasi Lok Sabha seat. Watch full video to know more.

Accompanied by top NDA leaders, PM Narendra Modi to file nomination from Varanasi

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pro-incumbency-wave-for-the-first-time-in-country-pm-modi-213600">Prime Minister Narendra Modi</a> has filed his nomination from Varanasi for Lok Sabha constituency on Friday.

Besides BJP chief Amit Shah, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh and External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, top NDA leaders such as Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, SAD leader Prakash Singh Badal and Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray were also present to mark the occasion.

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Before filing for his nomination, Modi addressed the party workers. He also&nbsp;visited the iconic Kashi Vishwanath Temple.

A day before filing his nomination, the&nbsp;Prime Minister held a grand roadshow in Varanasi along with Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Union Minister JP Nadda, UP and Delhi BJP chiefs, Mahendra Nath Pandey and Manoj Tiwari on Thursday.

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Congress' Ajay Rai and SP leader Shalini Yadav are the other key candidates from Varanasi.&nbsp;

In the 2014 Lok Sabha polls, Prime Minister Modi won from Varanasi by a margin of 3.37 lakh votes.&nbsp;

Varanasi will go to polls on May 19 in the last phase of the Lok Sabha elections.

The counting of votes will take place on May 23.

(With inputs from ANI)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has filed his nomination from Varanasi for Lok Sabha constituency on Friday. Besides BJP chief Amit Shah, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh and External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, top NDA leaders such as Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, SAD leader Prakash Singh Badal and Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray were also present to mark the occasion.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has filed his nomination from Varanasi for Lok Sabha constituency on Friday. Besides BJP chief Amit Shah, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh and External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, top NDA leaders such as Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, SAD leader Prakash Singh Badal and Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray were also present to mark the occasion. #LokSabhaElections2019 : PM Narendra Modi files nomination from Varanasi parliamentary constituency. pic.twitter.com/V0RX2otJUv — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) April 26, 2019 × Before filing for his nomination, Modi addressed the party workers. He also visited the iconic Kashi Vishwanath Temple. A day before filing his nomination, the Prime Minister held a grand roadshow in Varanasi along with Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Union Minister JP Nadda, UP and Delhi BJP chiefs, Mahendra Nath Pandey and Manoj Tiwari on Thursday. Congress' Ajay Rai and SP leader Shalini Yadav are the other key candidates from Varanasi. In the 2014 Lok Sabha polls, Prime Minister Modi won from Varanasi by a margin of 3.37 lakh votes. Varanasi will go to polls on May 19 in the last phase of the Lok Sabha elections. The counting of votes will take place on May 23. (With inputs from ANI)

Lok Sabha polls 2019: PM Modi files nomination from Varanasi

The Congress on Thursday fielded Ajay Rai to contest polls against Prime Minister Narendra Modi, ending speculation on Priyanka Gandhi Vadra fighting polls from the UP town.

Speculation on Priyanka Gandhi making her political debut from Varanasi was fuelled after Congress president Rahul Gandhi, to a question on whether he planned to field his sister against PM Modi, said last week, "I will leave you in suspense. Suspense is not always a bad thing."

In the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, PM Modi had won from Varanasi with 5,81,022 votes.

Aam Aadmi Party’s Arvind Kejriwal, Ajay Rai, BSP's Vijay Prakash Jaiswal and Samajwadi Party’s Kailash Chaurasia had polled 2,09,238, 75,614, 60,579 and 45,291 votes respectively.

The combined votes polled by these opposition candidates was 3,90,722, still 1,90,300 short of what Modi got.&nbsp;

The Congress also fielded Madhusudan Tiwari from Gorakhpur against BJP's actor-turned-politician Ravi Kishan.

(With inputs from PTI)

The Congress on Thursday fielded Ajay Rai to contest polls against Prime Minister Narendra Modi, ending speculation on Priyanka Gandhi Vadra fighting polls from the UP town.

The Congress on Thursday fielded Ajay Rai to contest polls against Prime Minister Narendra Modi, ending speculation on Priyanka Gandhi Vadra fighting polls from the UP town. Speculation on Priyanka Gandhi making her political debut from Varanasi was fuelled after Congress president Rahul Gandhi, to a question on whether he planned to field his sister against PM Modi, said last week, "I will leave you in suspense. Suspense is not always a bad thing." In the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, PM Modi had won from Varanasi with 5,81,022 votes. Aam Aadmi Party’s Arvind Kejriwal, Ajay Rai, BSP's Vijay Prakash Jaiswal and Samajwadi Party’s Kailash Chaurasia had polled 2,09,238, 75,614, 60,579 and 45,291 votes respectively. The combined votes polled by these opposition candidates was 3,90,722, still 1,90,300 short of what Modi got. The Congress also fielded Madhusudan Tiwari from Gorakhpur against BJP's actor-turned-politician Ravi Kishan. (With inputs from PTI)

Congress fields Ajay Rai, not Priyanka Gandhi from Varanasi against PM Narendra Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi took a swipe at opposition leaders saying people who are contesting only 40, 20 or even eight seats are standing in the queue waiting for their turn to become the prime minister.&nbsp;

Addressing a public rally at Darbhanga in Bihar, Modi asked the people to vote for him as he needs their vote to fight terror.

''Modi cannot fight terror on his own. The chowkidar needs your votes to win this fight,'' Modi said.&nbsp;

The opposition is jittery after three phases of General elections and hence they have given up demanding proof of air strikes and started finding faults with EVMs, Modi said taking a jibe at several party leaders including Andhra Pradesh chief minister Chandrababu Naidu who on Tuesday questioned the credibility of the EVMs and claimed that there are rumours that people from Russia are hacking EVMs for crores.&nbsp;

&nbsp;Modi also attacked the opposition for not giving national security its due importance.

''For the 'Mahamilavat' gang, national security may not be an issue. But this is new India. Those involved in or abetting terror would be chased to their homes and finished off, says PM Modi,'' he said.

Terrorism must be rooted out for the benefit of the poor so that the money now spent on security could be spent on their well-being, he said.

Some people have a problem with 'Bharat mata ki Jai' &amp; 'Vande mataram', should such people lose their deposits or not? Modi asked. These are same people who complain when I talk about Bharat, the PM said and added they also say 'why is Modi talking about terrorism, it is not an issue'

The prime minister also congratulated Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar and BJP leader Sushil Modi for having brought the days of lantern to an end in Bihar and bringing electricity. &nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi took a swipe at opposition leaders saying people who are contesting only 40, 20 or even eight seats are standing in the queue waiting for their turn to become the prime minister.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi took a swipe at opposition leaders saying people who are contesting only 40, 20 or even eight seats are standing in the queue waiting for their turn to become the prime minister. Addressing a public rally at Darbhanga in Bihar, Modi asked the people to vote for him as he needs their vote to fight terror. ''Modi cannot fight terror on his own. The chowkidar needs your votes to win this fight,'' Modi said. The opposition is jittery after three phases of General elections and hence they have given up demanding proof of air strikes and started finding faults with EVMs, Modi said taking a jibe at several party leaders including Andhra Pradesh chief minister Chandrababu Naidu who on Tuesday questioned the credibility of the EVMs and claimed that there are rumours that people from Russia are hacking EVMs for crores. Modi also attacked the opposition for not giving national security its due importance. ''For the 'Mahamilavat' gang, national security may not be an issue. But this is new India. Those involved in or abetting terror would be chased to their homes and finished off, says PM Modi,'' he said. Terrorism must be rooted out for the benefit of the poor so that the money now spent on security could be spent on their well-being, he said. Some people have a problem with 'Bharat mata ki Jai' & 'Vande mataram', should such people lose their deposits or not? Modi asked. These are same people who complain when I talk about Bharat, the PM said and added they also say 'why is Modi talking about terrorism, it is not an issue' The prime minister also congratulated Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar and BJP leader Sushil Modi for having brought the days of lantern to an end in Bihar and bringing electricity.

People contesting in 40, 20 or even eight seats standing in queue to be PM: Modi  

Under attack within the Congress for describing BSP supremo Mayawati and SP leader Akhilesh Yadav "Prime Minister material", actor-turned-politician <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/its-my-duty-as-head-of-family-and-a-husband-shatrughan-sinha-on-campaigning-for-wife-poonam-sinha-in-lucknow-211614&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwii5_iE0OrhAhX073MBHZ_uB-4QFjADegQIEBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1srWyAuvvj1MyOVG1LNvGc">Shatrughan Sinha</a> Wednesday said anyone having successfully ruled a state is competent for the top job in the country.

The Patna Sahib MP, who recently severed his ties with the BJP and joined the Congress which has fielded him from the same seat, also took a dig at Prime Minister Narendra Modi dubbing his interview with actor Akshay Kumar as one conducted after "rehearsals" and with the help of "scriptwriters".

"I hold that a prime minister does not need to have exceptional qualities. It is basically a number game. If you and I have the support of the requisite number of MPs, we too can become the prime minister," he told a news channel in Patna.

"Moreover, I think that anybody who has had a successful tenure as a chief minister does have the necessary experience for the top job," Mr Sinha said.

Bihar CM Nitish Kumar is also a prime minister material though the JD(U) president is now with the BJP, he said adding that Mayawati and Akhilesh Yadav also ruled Uttar Pradesh and therefore they too fit the bill.

"After all, what are the credentials of Narendra Modi except that he had served as the chief minister of Gujarat. It was ordinary BJP workers like me who created the buzz around him which resulted in the Modi-Modi-Modi chant heard across the country. I have seen it all. I know the tricks of the game," he said.

Mr Sinha had ruffled many feathers within the Congress when he recently campaigned for his wife Poonam who is contesting from Lucknow on a Samajwadi Party ticket through the Congress has also fielded its candidate from there.

His praise for Mayawati and Akhilesh Yadav has drawn censure from a section of Congress leaders who found it objectionable in the wake of the SP-BSP alliance giving a cold shoulder to the party in Uttar Pradesh.

About Modi's interview by Akshay Kumar telecast on Wednesday, Mr Sinha said, "As far as the prime minister is concerned, I have known him closely as a friend. He gives interviews after lots of rehearsals which are conducted with the help of scriptwriters. What to speak of it?"

He said he knows Akshay and his family well.

Of late he is supporting many a cause through his choice of movies though he has so far been apolitical, the former actor said.

To a query, Mr Sinha said, "I would love to interview Modi, which is not choreographed and rehearsed. But he would not agree to it."

He said PM Modi must be the only democratically elected prime minister in the world, who has not held a single press conference during the five years he has been in power.

About his wife contesting from Lucknow on SP ticket, Sinha claimed that Congress president Rahul Gandhi and general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra have knowledge of it and supported her candidature.

"We may be contesting from different parties, but we are working towards the common goal of defeating the one-man army and two-man army," he said referring to PM Modi and BJP president Amit Shah.

Mr Sinha claimed that Akhilesh and Mayawati wanted him to contest from Lucknow.

"But I told them that I am committed to fighting from Patna Sahib. Then they said my wife who is a social activist and an active participant in my election campaigns could be a good choice," he said.

So, Mr Sinha said, "Lucknow is witnessing a fight between Home Minister Rajnath Singh and the home minister of Ramayana. We will have a thrilling contest between two home ministers".

Ramayana is the name Mr Sinha's Mumbai residence.

Under attack within the Congress for describing BSP supremo Mayawati and SP leader Akhilesh Yadav "Prime Minister material", actor-turned-politician Shatrughan Sinha Wednesday said anyone having successfully ruled a state is competent for the top job in the country.

Under attack within the Congress for describing BSP supremo Mayawati and SP leader Akhilesh Yadav "Prime Minister material", actor-turned-politician Shatrughan Sinha Wednesday said anyone having successfully ruled a state is competent for the top job in the country. The Patna Sahib MP, who recently severed his ties with the BJP and joined the Congress which has fielded him from the same seat, also took a dig at Prime Minister Narendra Modi dubbing his interview with actor Akshay Kumar as one conducted after "rehearsals" and with the help of "scriptwriters". "I hold that a prime minister does not need to have exceptional qualities. It is basically a number game. If you and I have the support of the requisite number of MPs, we too can become the prime minister," he told a news channel in Patna. "Moreover, I think that anybody who has had a successful tenure as a chief minister does have the necessary experience for the top job," Mr Sinha said. Bihar CM Nitish Kumar is also a prime minister material though the JD(U) president is now with the BJP, he said adding that Mayawati and Akhilesh Yadav also ruled Uttar Pradesh and therefore they too fit the bill. "After all, what are the credentials of Narendra Modi except that he had served as the chief minister of Gujarat. It was ordinary BJP workers like me who created the buzz around him which resulted in the Modi-Modi-Modi chant heard across the country. I have seen it all. I know the tricks of the game," he said. Mr Sinha had ruffled many feathers within the Congress when he recently campaigned for his wife Poonam who is contesting from Lucknow on a Samajwadi Party ticket through the Congress has also fielded its candidate from there. His praise for Mayawati and Akhilesh Yadav has drawn censure from a section of Congress leaders who found it objectionable in the wake of the SP-BSP alliance giving a cold shoulder to the party in Uttar Pradesh. About Modi's interview by Akshay Kumar telecast on Wednesday, Mr Sinha said, "As far as the prime minister is concerned, I have known him closely as a friend. He gives interviews after lots of rehearsals which are conducted with the help of scriptwriters. What to speak of it?" He said he knows Akshay and his family well. Of late he is supporting many a cause through his choice of movies though he has so far been apolitical, the former actor said. To a query, Mr Sinha said, "I would love to interview Modi, which is not choreographed and rehearsed. But he would not agree to it." He said PM Modi must be the only democratically elected prime minister in the world, who has not held a single press conference during the five years he has been in power. About his wife contesting from Lucknow on SP ticket, Sinha claimed that Congress president Rahul Gandhi and general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra have knowledge of it and supported her candidature. "We may be contesting from different parties, but we are working towards the common goal of defeating the one-man army and two-man army," he said referring to PM Modi and BJP president Amit Shah. Mr Sinha claimed that Akhilesh and Mayawati wanted him to contest from Lucknow. "But I told them that I am committed to fighting from Patna Sahib. Then they said my wife who is a social activist and an active participant in my election campaigns could be a good choice," he said. So, Mr Sinha said, "Lucknow is witnessing a fight between Home Minister Rajnath Singh and the home minister of Ramayana. We will have a thrilling contest between two home ministers". Ramayana is the name Mr Sinha's Mumbai residence.

Lok Sabha polls 2019: Akhilesh Yadav and Mayawati are 'PM material', says Shatrughan Sinha

The Delhi CEO Office has received 365 applications till date on pre-certification of political advertisements by various political parties with the <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-to-file-nomination-on-april-26-security-beefed-up-in-wake-of-roadshow-today-213354&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjQm4LzzOrhAhUHMY8KHVN0B80QFjAAegQIAxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2sqTG-HQ6-0UIqHplmE_Kb">BJP</a> filing a maximum of 244 applications, according to data shared by the poll body here on Wednesday.

These advertisements to be played on TV or social media, among other platforms are to be pre-certified by the Media Certification and Monitoring Committee (MCMC) of the Election Commission constituted at state and district levels.

According to the data shared by the Delhi CEO office, the BJP has sent 244 applications, Congress 98 and the AAP 20, till date for MCMC certifications.

As many as 330 certificates have been issued and 11 are pending till date, while 24 were rejected, it said.

The CEO office also said that as many as 179 FIRs and daily diary (DD) entries were filed against political parties and others here for a violation of the model code of conduct, till date.

The statistics surveillance team of Delhi's Chief Electoral Office constituted to keep an eye on the expenses of political parties, has seized Rs 2.88 crore in cash and 1378 kg of narcotics and drugs.

"A total of 179 FIRs or DD entries have been lodged till date in connection with the violation of the model code of conduct," the office of the Delhi Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) said in a statement.

"Out of these, 21 are against the Aam Aadmi Party (13 FIRs and eight DD entries), 28 against the Bhartiya Janata Party (14 FIRs and 14 DD entries), nine against the Congress (three FIRs and six DD entries), one against the Bahujan Samaj Party (an FIR), Samajwadi Party (one DD entry), four against CPI (M) (two FIRs and two DD entries) and 115 (111 FIRs and four DD entries) are against others or non-political (entities)," it said.

The office of the Delhi CEO said over 3.25 lakh posters, banners and hoardings have been removed since March 10, when the poll code came into force.&nbsp;

The Delhi CEO Office has received 365 applications till date on pre-certification of political advertisements by various political parties with the BJP filing a maximum of 244 applications, according to data shared by the poll body here on Wednesday.

The Delhi CEO Office has received 365 applications till date on pre-certification of political advertisements by various political parties with the BJP filing a maximum of 244 applications, according to data shared by the poll body here on Wednesday. These advertisements to be played on TV or social media, among other platforms are to be pre-certified by the Media Certification and Monitoring Committee (MCMC) of the Election Commission constituted at state and district levels. According to the data shared by the Delhi CEO office, the BJP has sent 244 applications, Congress 98 and the AAP 20, till date for MCMC certifications. As many as 330 certificates have been issued and 11 are pending till date, while 24 were rejected, it said. The CEO office also said that as many as 179 FIRs and daily diary (DD) entries were filed against political parties and others here for a violation of the model code of conduct, till date. The statistics surveillance team of Delhi's Chief Electoral Office constituted to keep an eye on the expenses of political parties, has seized Rs 2.88 crore in cash and 1378 kg of narcotics and drugs. "A total of 179 FIRs or DD entries have been lodged till date in connection with the violation of the model code of conduct," the office of the Delhi Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) said in a statement. "Out of these, 21 are against the Aam Aadmi Party (13 FIRs and eight DD entries), 28 against the Bhartiya Janata Party (14 FIRs and 14 DD entries), nine against the Congress (three FIRs and six DD entries), one against the Bahujan Samaj Party (an FIR), Samajwadi Party (one DD entry), four against CPI (M) (two FIRs and two DD entries) and 115 (111 FIRs and four DD entries) are against others or non-political (entities)," it said. The office of the Delhi CEO said over 3.25 lakh posters, banners and hoardings have been removed since March 10, when the poll code came into force.

Lok Sabha polls 2019: BJP filed nearly 67% of total applications sent to MCMC

Union Home Minister and senior BJP leader <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-polls-2019-by-2030-india-will-replace-one-of-the-top-3-superpowers-says-rajnath-singh-213156&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjw1sbAyerhAhWIro8KHX0jDV8QFjAAegQIAhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw3bCmGfhf65yagMtWyAMViK">Rajnath Singh</a> Wednesday said the number of terrorists killed in the Balakot air strikes was "high", and accused the Congress of politicising the anti-terror operation by the IAF.

He hit out at Congress president Rahul Gandhi for using "foul language" against Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Claiming the BJP would get a clear mandate in the Lok Sabha elections, Singh said he has no doubt in his mind that NDA allies will retain power with a three-fourths majority.

He said the Congress is politicising the Balakot air strikes and dismissed its demand of proof of casualties in the operation as "uncalled for".

The IAF had struck a Jaish-e-Mohammad terror training camp in Pakistan on February 26 in response to the February 14 Pulwama attack in which 40 CRPF personnel were killed.

"Should our forces have stopped there to count the dead bodies? Brave jawans do not count the dead bodies, they keep marching ahead... Eagles count bodies," he said.

"Had there been 1, 2, 3 or 4 casualties, then we could have given a figure, but how can we tell (the exact casualties) when this figure was so high. I head the intelligence agencies. I would like to say we carried out the air strikes on the basis of credible and actionable inputs, and without violating Pakistan's sovereignty," the home minister said.

Singh said if the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi was hailed for splitting Pakistan in 1971, then why can't Modi be lauded for the Balakot air strikes.

He addressed two election rallies in neighbouring Palghar district in support of Shiv Sena candidates from Thane and Palghar Lok Sabha constituencies.

Lashing out at the opposition for pointing fingers at electronic voting machines, he said, "The (voting) trend in the first phase of elections suggested the NDA would get a two-thirds majority. Soon the opposition launched an attack on EMVs.''

"When these people (Congress) won (assembly polls) in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh last year, then EVMs were right, but when they saw we are inching towards victory, they again started crying foul on EVMs", he said.

Singh strongly defended the alliance between the BJP and the Shiv Sena, saying it is based on their shared ideology of nationalism.

''No one can break the BJP-Shiv Sena alliance in the state'', Singh asserted.

He said NCP chief Sharad Pawar had sensed his defeat in the Lok Sabha elections and hence decided to stay away from the poll fray.

Singh, contesting from the Lucknow Lok Sabha seat, lauded the government of Prime Minister Modi and said under his watch India saw a quantum jump in its economic ranking.

"We were languishing at the 9th position among the top 10 countries (before 2014). But since the Modi-led government took charge, our country witnessed a quantum jump and we secured the 6th position among the top 10 countries," the former Uttar Pradesh chief minister said.

"And I would like to say...In the coming years, we are going to attain the 5th position," Singh said.

The home minister said India is no more a country of the poor people and "we are now one of the fastest-growing economies in the world".

It is unfortunate that Congress president Rahul Gandhi is "using foul" language against the prime minister of the country, Singh said.

''To say `chowkidar chor hai' (Rahul's jibe at the PM over the Rafale deal) is stooping too low. I was shocked when I first heard such a language for our prime minister'', he said.

"The Congress government did not buy a single next-generation fighter plane in the last 30 years. Had we got Rafale jets, we could have destroyed Pakistan-based (terror) camps while sitting in India," Singh said.

Instead of attacking the PM, the Congress should introspect why it is losing base, he said.

The BJP veteran said the Congress governments under Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi made "failed" efforts to eliminate poverty and Rahul Gandhi is now going on the same path (with his Nyay scheme).

He said the Congress-led UPA government built 25 lakh housing units from 2008 to 2014, while the BJP-headed NDA government constructed 1.30 crore houses between 2014-2018.

Nowhere in the world you will see the "karishma" (miracle) of 34 crore bank accounts being opened in such a short time (under Jan Dhan Yojana), he said, adding this could happen only due to Modi's leadership.

Singh said only five crore people are left in the extremely poor category and added "we will abolish this poverty in the coming five to seven years".

Thane and Palghar are among the 17 Lok Sabha seats that will vote in the fourth and final phase in Maharashtra on April 29

Union Home Minister and senior BJP leader Rajnath Singh Wednesday said the number of terrorists killed in the Balakot air strikes was "high", and accused the Congress of politicising the anti-terror operation by the IAF.

Union Home Minister and senior BJP leader Rajnath Singh Wednesday said the number of terrorists killed in the Balakot air strikes was "high", and accused the Congress of politicising the anti-terror operation by the IAF. He hit out at Congress president Rahul Gandhi for using "foul language" against Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Claiming the BJP would get a clear mandate in the Lok Sabha elections, Singh said he has no doubt in his mind that NDA allies will retain power with a three-fourths majority. He said the Congress is politicising the Balakot air strikes and dismissed its demand of proof of casualties in the operation as "uncalled for". The IAF had struck a Jaish-e-Mohammad terror training camp in Pakistan on February 26 in response to the February 14 Pulwama attack in which 40 CRPF personnel were killed. "Should our forces have stopped there to count the dead bodies? Brave jawans do not count the dead bodies, they keep marching ahead... Eagles count bodies," he said. "Had there been 1, 2, 3 or 4 casualties, then we could have given a figure, but how can we tell (the exact casualties) when this figure was so high. I head the intelligence agencies. I would like to say we carried out the air strikes on the basis of credible and actionable inputs, and without violating Pakistan's sovereignty," the home minister said. Singh said if the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi was hailed for splitting Pakistan in 1971, then why can't Modi be lauded for the Balakot air strikes. He addressed two election rallies in neighbouring Palghar district in support of Shiv Sena candidates from Thane and Palghar Lok Sabha constituencies. Lashing out at the opposition for pointing fingers at electronic voting machines, he said, "The (voting) trend in the first phase of elections suggested the NDA would get a two-thirds majority. Soon the opposition launched an attack on EMVs.'' "When these people (Congress) won (assembly polls) in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh last year, then EVMs were right, but when they saw we are inching towards victory, they again started crying foul on EVMs", he said. Singh strongly defended the alliance between the BJP and the Shiv Sena, saying it is based on their shared ideology of nationalism. ''No one can break the BJP-Shiv Sena alliance in the state'', Singh asserted. He said NCP chief Sharad Pawar had sensed his defeat in the Lok Sabha elections and hence decided to stay away from the poll fray. Singh, contesting from the Lucknow Lok Sabha seat, lauded the government of Prime Minister Modi and said under his watch India saw a quantum jump in its economic ranking. "We were languishing at the 9th position among the top 10 countries (before 2014). But since the Modi-led government took charge, our country witnessed a quantum jump and we secured the 6th position among the top 10 countries," the former Uttar Pradesh chief minister said. "And I would like to say...In the coming years, we are going to attain the 5th position," Singh said. The home minister said India is no more a country of the poor people and "we are now one of the fastest-growing economies in the world". It is unfortunate that Congress president Rahul Gandhi is "using foul" language against the prime minister of the country, Singh said. ''To say `chowkidar chor hai' (Rahul's jibe at the PM over the Rafale deal) is stooping too low. I was shocked when I first heard such a language for our prime minister'', he said. "The Congress government did not buy a single next-generation fighter plane in the last 30 years. Had we got Rafale jets, we could have destroyed Pakistan-based (terror) camps while sitting in India," Singh said. Instead of attacking the PM, the Congress should introspect why it is losing base, he said. The BJP veteran said the Congress governments under Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi made "failed" efforts to eliminate poverty and Rahul Gandhi is now going on the same path (with his Nyay scheme). He said the Congress-led UPA government built 25 lakh housing units from 2008 to 2014, while the BJP-headed NDA government constructed 1.30 crore houses between 2014-2018. Nowhere in the world you will see the "karishma" (miracle) of 34 crore bank accounts being opened in such a short time (under Jan Dhan Yojana), he said, adding this could happen only due to Modi's leadership. Singh said only five crore people are left in the extremely poor category and added "we will abolish this poverty in the coming five to seven years". Thane and Palghar are among the 17 Lok Sabha seats that will vote in the fourth and final phase in Maharashtra on April 29

Lok Sabha polls 2019: Rajnath Singh slams Congress over Balakot air strikes, 'chowkidar' jibe

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will hold a major road show in his Lok Sabha constituency Varanasi on Thursday before he sets out to file his nomination paper on Friday, April 26.

The PM's roadshow will pass through the main areas of the temple town before culminating at Dashashwamedh Ghat where he will participate in "Ganga Aarti", the BJP said.

Top BJP leaders including party president Amit Shah and other leaders of NDA including many Chief Ministers are expected to attend the roadshow going from Lanka near Banaras Hindu University to the Dashashwamedh Ghat via Godoliya.

PM Modi is expected to be accompanied by seniormost leaders of the Bharatiya Janata Party including Union ministers Nitin Gadkari, Sushma Swaraj, Piyush Goyal and others.

Chief Ministers of BJP-ruled states are expected to be in Varanasi. NDA leaders including Shiromani Akali Dal chief Parkash Singh Badal, Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, Lok Jan Shakti Party chief Ram Vilas Paswan will also be present on this occasion, the party said.

The prime minister will land at Varanasi's Babatpur airport around 2 pm in the afternoon, before heading to the helipad at Banaras Hindu University and taking the car from there to Lanka, from where the roadshow will begin. PM Modi will first garland the statue of Madan Mohan Malviya at the location, before embarking on the roadshow, BJP said in a statement.

Before filing his nomination PM Modi will visit Kashi Vishwanath Temple to offer prayers.

"Now, the people of Varanasi do not spit 'paan' here and there after chewing it. I mean to say that the Varanasi has changed and has developed a lot but without compromising its values," said Kaushal Kishore Sharma, a professor at BHU.

"Earlier there were wires all over but now the lines have been made underground. Ganga is much cleaner now," he said.

Ashok Dwivedi, the chief trustee of Kashi Vishwanath Temple said that not only in Varanasi but people all over India want that Prime Minister Narendra Modi should avail a second term.

"I visited many states and cities like Cuttack, Bengaluru, Chennai, Haryana etc and believe me the public is seeing hope in PM Modi for they think that he will resolve their small regional issues and will revoke Article 35A and 370 related to Jammu and Kashmir. People are quite confident that he will lead India ahead under his strong leadership," said Ashok Dwivedi.

Seers are also rallying in favour of Prime Minister Narendra Modi asserting that he has done unprecedented developmental works and has clean the Ganga as never before.

"You can take Ganga water and drink it. You will not get ill. PM Modi has worked for cleaning Ganga. 80 per cent of saints are in favour of Narendra Modi," said seer Neelkanth.

Meanwhile, security is heightened in the city ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit with adequate troops and security personnel deployed strategically. Small drones have also been deployed to keep an eye on activities.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will hold a major road show in his Lok Sabha constituency Varanasi on Thursday before he sets out to file his nomination paper on Friday, April 26.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will hold a major road show in his Lok Sabha constituency Varanasi on Thursday before he sets out to file his nomination paper on Friday, April 26. The PM's roadshow will pass through the main areas of the temple town before culminating at Dashashwamedh Ghat where he will participate in "Ganga Aarti", the BJP said. Top BJP leaders including party president Amit Shah and other leaders of NDA including many Chief Ministers are expected to attend the roadshow going from Lanka near Banaras Hindu University to the Dashashwamedh Ghat via Godoliya. PM Modi is expected to be accompanied by seniormost leaders of the Bharatiya Janata Party including Union ministers Nitin Gadkari, Sushma Swaraj, Piyush Goyal and others. Chief Ministers of BJP-ruled states are expected to be in Varanasi. NDA leaders including Shiromani Akali Dal chief Parkash Singh Badal, Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, Lok Jan Shakti Party chief Ram Vilas Paswan will also be present on this occasion, the party said. The prime minister will land at Varanasi's Babatpur airport around 2 pm in the afternoon, before heading to the helipad at Banaras Hindu University and taking the car from there to Lanka, from where the roadshow will begin. PM Modi will first garland the statue of Madan Mohan Malviya at the location, before embarking on the roadshow, BJP said in a statement. Before filing his nomination PM Modi will visit Kashi Vishwanath Temple to offer prayers. "Now, the people of Varanasi do not spit 'paan' here and there after chewing it. I mean to say that the Varanasi has changed and has developed a lot but without compromising its values," said Kaushal Kishore Sharma, a professor at BHU. "Earlier there were wires all over but now the lines have been made underground. Ganga is much cleaner now," he said. Ashok Dwivedi, the chief trustee of Kashi Vishwanath Temple said that not only in Varanasi but people all over India want that Prime Minister Narendra Modi should avail a second term. "I visited many states and cities like Cuttack, Bengaluru, Chennai, Haryana etc and believe me the public is seeing hope in PM Modi for they think that he will resolve their small regional issues and will revoke Article 35A and 370 related to Jammu and Kashmir. People are quite confident that he will lead India ahead under his strong leadership," said Ashok Dwivedi. Seers are also rallying in favour of Prime Minister Narendra Modi asserting that he has done unprecedented developmental works and has clean the Ganga as never before. "You can take Ganga water and drink it. You will not get ill. PM Modi has worked for cleaning Ganga. 80 per cent of saints are in favour of Narendra Modi," said seer Neelkanth. Meanwhile, security is heightened in the city ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit with adequate troops and security personnel deployed strategically. Small drones have also been deployed to keep an eye on activities.

PM Modi to file nomination on April 26, security beefed up in wake of roadshow today

Kerala recorded the highest polling in the last 30 years with 77.68 per cent voter turnout on Tuesday.

While Kannur constituency recorded the highest percentage of 83.05, Thiruvananthapuram observed the lowest polling with 73 per cent of the electorate coming out to vote. All 20 Lok Sabha seats in Kerala went to polls in the third phase of the general elections on 23 April.

Elections in the country are scheduled to be held in seven phases starting from 11 April and ending on 19 May. Counting of votes will take place on 23 May.

Kerala recorded the highest polling in the last 30 years with 77.68 per cent voter turnout on Tuesday. While Kannur constituency recorded the highest percentage of 83.

Kerala recorded the highest polling in the last 30 years with 77.68 per cent voter turnout on Tuesday. While Kannur constituency recorded the highest percentage of 83.05, Thiruvananthapuram observed the lowest polling with 73 per cent of the electorate coming out to vote. All 20 Lok Sabha seats in Kerala went to polls in the third phase of the general elections on 23 April. Elections in the country are scheduled to be held in seven phases starting from 11 April and ending on 19 May. Counting of votes will take place on 23 May.

Lok Sabha polls 2019: Kerala records highest voter turnout in 30 years with 77.68% polling

India’s grand opposition Congress party seems to be inflicted with conspicuous confusion with very little clarity on the direction it wants to move. Amidst its bid to arrest the sagging fortunes and improve its presence, the party is simultaneously conspiring for the defeat of the National Democratic Alliance government led by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). There is an old proverb: “One foot cannot stand on two boats.” And that is precisely what the Congress is doing. Can the Congress take on the ruling party when it itself is struggling to regain the space it ceded to the BJP and other regional parties in the last few years?

If the Congress has failed to stitch together an effective counter-alliance to the NDA, it is because of its refusal to give room to smaller but growing parties fearing further erosion in its shrinking base. As a result, not only did it miss the opportunity to be part of the ‘Mahagathbandhan’ in Uttar Pradesh, it is facing alliance blues in other states as well. The classic case is of Sharad Pawar-led National Congress party (NCP), which has been steadfastly associated with the Congress, has chosen to go it alone in Gujarat even though the two parties have pledged to contest together in Maharashtra. There is no doubt that with NCP choosing to contest all the 26 parliamentary seats in Gujarat, there will be a division of votes, which will ultimately benefit the BJP.

In fact, it was Sharad Pawar who had first taken the initiative to form a “Mahagathbandhan” of opposition parties to take on the ruling alliance. But his idea could not materialise as the Congress was not ready to play second fiddle to some parties which had grown in stature. The Congress, which was wiped out from Delhi in both the assembly and parliamentary elections, lacked maturity in entering into any understanding with the Aam Aadmi Party which also wanted the alliance in both Punjab and Haryana besides Delhi. But the Congress, which snatched power from the BJP-SAD alliance in Punjab and lost ground to the BJP in Haryana, did not want to share space with AAP which was spreading its wings there. As a result, what we see is a loosely-knit alliance led by Congress party with smaller parties in some states.&nbsp;

It reflects very poorly on the leadership of the Congress, which is not sagacious enough to come out of its shadow. Congress president Rahul Gandhi should realise that his party is not in a position to command a premium on its value. Had he been sensible and could see the writing on the wall; he would have gone ahead to accommodate as many parties which still wanted a solid and credible opposition alliance? The problem with the Congress leadership is that it wants to have the cake and eat it too. That’s not only practical but impossible also.

If the NDA alliance has been largely successful, it is due to the open-heartedness of the principal party, the BJP, which has been careful in creating a non-disturbing environment for smaller and regional parties. While continuing to pursue its agenda of maximising its reach in states where it does not have much influence, the BJP has been wise enough to enter into an alliance with regional parties.&nbsp;

With the Congress not having the stomach to accommodate the interests of other parties, it would have been better had it gone alone with an aim to improve its reach and tally. The Congress, which recorded its worst performance in the last general elections bagging just 44 seats, could corner only 19.5 per cent of votes then. Before it recovered some ground by winning state elections in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh last year, the Congress was only ruling Punjab and sharing power in Karnataka. The party showed some signs of recovery last year when elections to nine states – Tripura, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Mizoram, Rajasthan and Telangana – were held in 2018. Of the 1082 seats in these states, the Congress won 414 seats whereas the BJP won 355 seats.

The ideal strategy for Congress would have been to recoup and revitalise its organisation before going overboard with the aggressive approach of dislodging the Modi government. It has scored a self-goal by compromising with its prime objective of reviving the almost moribund party and simultaneously working to remove the present government. It is this confusion which has prevented it from allying with potential parties leading to three-cornered contests in several constituencies which is only going to help the BJP. In a nutshell, the present is tense and the future uncertain for the oldest political party.&nbsp; 
 
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

India’s grand opposition Congress party seems to be inflicted with conspicuous confusion with very little clarity on the direction it wants to move. Amidst its bid to arrest the sagging fortunes and improve its presence, the party is simultaneously conspiring for the defeat of the National Democratic Alliance government led by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

India’s grand opposition Congress party seems to be inflicted with conspicuous confusion with very little clarity on the direction it wants to move. Amidst its bid to arrest the sagging fortunes and improve its presence, the party is simultaneously conspiring for the defeat of the National Democratic Alliance government led by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). There is an old proverb: “One foot cannot stand on two boats.” And that is precisely what the Congress is doing. Can the Congress take on the ruling party when it itself is struggling to regain the space it ceded to the BJP and other regional parties in the last few years? If the Congress has failed to stitch together an effective counter-alliance to the NDA, it is because of its refusal to give room to smaller but growing parties fearing further erosion in its shrinking base. As a result, not only did it miss the opportunity to be part of the ‘Mahagathbandhan’ in Uttar Pradesh, it is facing alliance blues in other states as well. The classic case is of Sharad Pawar-led National Congress party (NCP), which has been steadfastly associated with the Congress, has chosen to go it alone in Gujarat even though the two parties have pledged to contest together in Maharashtra. There is no doubt that with NCP choosing to contest all the 26 parliamentary seats in Gujarat, there will be a division of votes, which will ultimately benefit the BJP. In fact, it was Sharad Pawar who had first taken the initiative to form a “Mahagathbandhan” of opposition parties to take on the ruling alliance. But his idea could not materialise as the Congress was not ready to play second fiddle to some parties which had grown in stature. The Congress, which was wiped out from Delhi in both the assembly and parliamentary elections, lacked maturity in entering into any understanding with the Aam Aadmi Party which also wanted the alliance in both Punjab and Haryana besides Delhi. But the Congress, which snatched power from the BJP-SAD alliance in Punjab and lost ground to the BJP in Haryana, did not want to share space with AAP which was spreading its wings there. As a result, what we see is a loosely-knit alliance led by Congress party with smaller parties in some states. It reflects very poorly on the leadership of the Congress, which is not sagacious enough to come out of its shadow. Congress president Rahul Gandhi should realise that his party is not in a position to command a premium on its value. Had he been sensible and could see the writing on the wall; he would have gone ahead to accommodate as many parties which still wanted a solid and credible opposition alliance? The problem with the Congress leadership is that it wants to have the cake and eat it too. That’s not only practical but impossible also. If the NDA alliance has been largely successful, it is due to the open-heartedness of the principal party, the BJP, which has been careful in creating a non-disturbing environment for smaller and regional parties. While continuing to pursue its agenda of maximising its reach in states where it does not have much influence, the BJP has been wise enough to enter into an alliance with regional parties. With the Congress not having the stomach to accommodate the interests of other parties, it would have been better had it gone alone with an aim to improve its reach and tally. The Congress, which recorded its worst performance in the last general elections bagging just 44 seats, could corner only 19.5 per cent of votes then. Before it recovered some ground by winning state elections in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh last year, the Congress was only ruling Punjab and sharing power in Karnataka. The party showed some signs of recovery last year when elections to nine states – Tripura, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Mizoram, Rajasthan and Telangana – were held in 2018. Of the 1082 seats in these states, the Congress won 414 seats whereas the BJP won 355 seats. The ideal strategy for Congress would have been to recoup and revitalise its organisation before going overboard with the aggressive approach of dislodging the Modi government. It has scored a self-goal by compromising with its prime objective of reviving the almost moribund party and simultaneously working to remove the present government. It is this confusion which has prevented it from allying with potential parties leading to three-cornered contests in several constituencies which is only going to help the BJP. In a nutshell, the present is tense and the future uncertain for the oldest political party. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Congress's woes: Present tense and future uncertain

In a show of mahagathbandhan unity, Samajwadi Party (SP) leader and wife of Akhilesh Yadav, Dimple Yadav, touched Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati`s feet and sought blessings before addressing a public gathering at a rally here.

In a video from the rally, Dimple is seen bending to touch Mayawati`s feet, after which the BSP chief pats her on the back. Dimple`s husband and SP chief Akhilesh Yadav was also present.&nbsp;

During the rally, Mayawati said Dimple was like a member of her family.

Terming Dimple as a "mature" woman, Mayawati said, "SP president Akhilesh Yadav respects me as an elder of the family and after this Gathbandhan I also have accepted Dimple as a part of my family."&nbsp;

She also appealed to public present at the event to vote for Dimple.

"Make her (Dimple) win by record margin," she said.She then went to say that the "theatrics of chowkidari" will not help BJP win elections.&nbsp;

Terming the BJP`s campaign on national security "unfortunate", Mayawati said, "Every now and then our country witnesses terrorist attacks and many soldiers of our country have got martyred but despite all this, the government is trying to use this issue for political gains."

Attacking the BJP government for using investigative agencies against its opponents, Mayawati said, "Alike the Congress party, the BJP government is using CBI, ED and Income Tax to retain its rule. You have to ensure that neither the Congress nor the BJP comes to power at the Centre."

"BJP promised to transfer Rs 15 lakh into your bank account, the promise has turned into a cruel joke for the poor. Congress is also promising Rs 6000 every month to every poor family but this is also not going to end poverty. If we (the Gathbandhan) form the government at the centre we will provide employment to everybody in government and non-government sectors," she assured.

In Kannauj, polling will be held on April 29, and counting of votes will take place on May 23.As per the seat-sharing pact in Uttar Pradesh, SP will contest on 37 seats, BSP on 38 and RLD on three.In a show of mahagathbandhan unity, Samajwadi Party (SP) leader and wife of Akhilesh Yadav, Dimple Yadav, touched Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati`s feet and sought blessings before addressing a public gathering at a rally here.

In a video from the rally, Dimple is seen bending to touch Mayawati`s feet, after which the BSP chief pats her on the back. Dimple`s husband and SP chief Akhilesh Yadav was also present.&nbsp;

During the rally, Mayawati said Dimple was like a member of her family.

Terming Dimple as a "mature" woman, Mayawati said, "SP president Akhilesh Yadav respects me as an elder of the family and after this Gathbandhan I also have accepted Dimple as a part of my family."&nbsp;

She also appealed to public present at the event to vote for Dimple.

"Make her (Dimple) win by record margin," she said.She then went to say that the "theatrics of chowkidari" will not help BJP win elections.&nbsp;

Terming the BJP`s campaign on national security "unfortunate", Mayawati said, "Every now and then our country witnesses terrorist attacks and many soldiers of our country have got martyred but despite all this, the government is trying to use this issue for political gains."

Attacking the BJP government for using investigative agencies against its opponents, Mayawati said, "Alike the Congress party, the BJP government is using CBI, ED and Income Tax to retain its rule. You have to ensure that neither the Congress nor the BJP comes to power at the Centre."

"BJP promised to transfer Rs 15 lakh into your bank account, the promise has turned into a cruel joke for the poor. Congress is also promising Rs 6000 every month to every poor family but this is also not going to end poverty. If we (the Gathbandhan) form the government at the centre we will provide employment to everybody in government and non-government sectors," she assured.

In Kannauj, polling will be held on April 29, and counting of votes will take place on May 23. As per the seat-sharing pact in Uttar Pradesh, SP will contest on 37 seats, BSP on 38 and RLD on three.

In a show of mahagathbandhan unity, Samajwadi Party (SP) leader and wife of Akhilesh Yadav, Dimple Yadav, touched Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati`s feet and sought blessings before addressing a public gathering at a rally here.

In a show of mahagathbandhan unity, Samajwadi Party (SP) leader and wife of Akhilesh Yadav, Dimple Yadav, touched Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati`s feet and sought blessings before addressing a public gathering at a rally here. In a video from the rally, Dimple is seen bending to touch Mayawati`s feet, after which the BSP chief pats her on the back. Dimple`s husband and SP chief Akhilesh Yadav was also present. During the rally, Mayawati said Dimple was like a member of her family. Terming Dimple as a "mature" woman, Mayawati said, "SP president Akhilesh Yadav respects me as an elder of the family and after this Gathbandhan I also have accepted Dimple as a part of my family." She also appealed to public present at the event to vote for Dimple. "Make her (Dimple) win by record margin," she said.She then went to say that the "theatrics of chowkidari" will not help BJP win elections. Terming the BJP`s campaign on national security "unfortunate", Mayawati said, "Every now and then our country witnesses terrorist attacks and many soldiers of our country have got martyred but despite all this, the government is trying to use this issue for political gains." Attacking the BJP government for using investigative agencies against its opponents, Mayawati said, "Alike the Congress party, the BJP government is using CBI, ED and Income Tax to retain its rule. You have to ensure that neither the Congress nor the BJP comes to power at the Centre." "BJP promised to transfer Rs 15 lakh into your bank account, the promise has turned into a cruel joke for the poor. Congress is also promising Rs 6000 every month to every poor family but this is also not going to end poverty. If we (the Gathbandhan) form the government at the centre we will provide employment to everybody in government and non-government sectors," she assured. In Kannauj, polling will be held on April 29, and counting of votes will take place on May 23.As per the seat-sharing pact in Uttar Pradesh, SP will contest on 37 seats, BSP on 38 and RLD on three.In a show of mahagathbandhan unity, Samajwadi Party (SP) leader and wife of Akhilesh Yadav, Dimple Yadav, touched Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati`s feet and sought blessings before addressing a public gathering at a rally here. In a video from the rally, Dimple is seen bending to touch Mayawati`s feet, after which the BSP chief pats her on the back. Dimple`s husband and SP chief Akhilesh Yadav was also present. During the rally, Mayawati said Dimple was like a member of her family. Terming Dimple as a "mature" woman, Mayawati said, "SP president Akhilesh Yadav respects me as an elder of the family and after this Gathbandhan I also have accepted Dimple as a part of my family." She also appealed to public present at the event to vote for Dimple. "Make her (Dimple) win by record margin," she said.She then went to say that the "theatrics of chowkidari" will not help BJP win elections. Terming the BJP`s campaign on national security "unfortunate", Mayawati said, "Every now and then our country witnesses terrorist attacks and many soldiers of our country have got martyred but despite all this, the government is trying to use this issue for political gains." Attacking the BJP government for using investigative agencies against its opponents, Mayawati said, "Alike the Congress party, the BJP government is using CBI, ED and Income Tax to retain its rule. You have to ensure that neither the Congress nor the BJP comes to power at the Centre." "BJP promised to transfer Rs 15 lakh into your bank account, the promise has turned into a cruel joke for the poor. Congress is also promising Rs 6000 every month to every poor family but this is also not going to end poverty. If we (the Gathbandhan) form the government at the centre we will provide employment to everybody in government and non-government sectors," she assured. In Kannauj, polling will be held on April 29, and counting of votes will take place on May 23. As per the seat-sharing pact in Uttar Pradesh, SP will contest on 37 seats, BSP on 38 and RLD on three.

Kannauj: Dimple Yadav touches Mayawati's feet, seeks blessings

Lok Sabha polls 2019: Quick guide to third phase of elections due on April 23

'Modi wave' sweeps Varanasi as huge crowd gathers at roadshow

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Thursday stressed on national security, saying a New India gives a befitting reply to terrorism.

Addressing a 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 para-military 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 prime minister will file his nomination papers Friday, seeking a second term in the Lok Sabha from the constituency.

Modi said he will not claim that whatever he had wished for the constituency had come true during the last five years. But the pace and the direction of its development are right, he said.

He said while the last five years of his government were about sincere effort, the next five years will be about results.

Earlier, Modi's roadshow drew a massive crowd.

Modi was joined by BJP president Amit Shah, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and other senior BJP leaders in the temple town, on a day the Congress ended speculation over its leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra contesting against him by announcing Ajay Rai's candidature. 
&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Thursday stressed on national security, saying a New India gives a befitting reply to terrorism. Addressing a meeting after a massive show of strength in his Lok Sabha constituency, Modi said his government had dealt effectively against terrorism.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Thursday stressed on national security, saying a New India gives a befitting reply to terrorism. Addressing a 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 para-military 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 prime minister will file his nomination papers Friday, seeking a second term in the Lok Sabha from the constituency. Modi said he will not claim that whatever he had wished for the constituency had come true during the last five years. But the pace and the direction of its development are right, he said. He said while the last five years of his government were about sincere effort, the next five years will be about results. Earlier, Modi's roadshow drew a massive crowd. Modi was joined by BJP president Amit Shah, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and other senior BJP leaders in the temple town, on a day the Congress ended speculation over its leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra contesting against him by announcing Ajay Rai's candidature.

New India gives befitting reply to terror: PM Modi

Trouble is brewing again for the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-jds-coalition-is-a-20-commission-government-pm-modi-209866">coalition government in the South Indian state of Karnataka</a> as another MLA has assured he will be resigning from the Congress party over differences.

Ramesh Jarkiholi, the MLA from Gokak constituency, and the leader who led the rebellion in January this year has&nbsp;said he will soon be quitting the Congress. Ramesh was also seen campaigning for the BJP in the run-up to the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-polls-2019-karnataka-to-witness-neck-to-neck-contests-211263">Lok Sabha elections</a>.

'I have not quit the Congress, but will be doing it soon. I will contest from Yemkanmardi seat in the next assembly elections. When Ramesh Katti had rebelled against the BJP, Yeddyurappa immediately reached out to pacify him. No one from the Congress has reached out to me' said Ramesh while speaking in Bengaluru.&nbsp;

The statement comes days after BJP State Chief BS Yeddyurappa had expressed confidence that the coalition government will crumble after the Lok Sabha elections.

While there is no clear figure on how many rebel MLAs are with Ramesh Jarkiholi, sources within the BJP claim that the figure is enough to topple the HD Kumaraswamy government.

Satish Jarkiholi, Ramesh's brother, who replaced him in the state cabinet, has thrown an open challenge to the dissenting MLA.

'He has been threatening to quit for a year. We do not know why he is disgruntled. He might ask the BJP to give him a ticket and make him a minister. We are waiting for the speaker to take the decision on the disqualification of dissenting MLAs' said Satish Jarkiholi.&nbsp;

The Congress currently has 78 MLAs after the demise of CH Shivalli and resignation of Umesh Jadhav. Along with the JD(S) and one independent the coalition government has 116 MLAs in a 225 member house. If Ramesh Jarkiholi exits with 4 other MLAs as claimed, then the house strength comes down along with the number of the coalition government.

However, the Kumaraswamy government can still function as a minority government if it can get more votes in its favour than against.&nbsp;

BJP is also banking on the two by-elections to be held on May 19 in Chincholi and Kundgol. Also, if sitting MLAs Eshwar Khandre and Krishna Byre Gowda manage to win Lok Sabha elections, two more constituencies will go for by-polls&nbsp;in the state. If the saffron party manages to win all four seats, then along with the support of one independent it will have 109 MLAs on its side.

Another fear for the coalition government will be the outcomes of elections in Mandya and Tumkur, where HD Kumaraswamy's son Nikhil and HD Deve Gowda are contesting elections amidst rebellion within the Congress cadres.

If the Congress fails to transfer votes to the JD(S) in these crucial constituencies, the rift within the coalition will only get deeper.

'The results of the elections will clearly be an indication on whether this government will continue or not. There could be a threat to the state government if the BJP succeeds in Karnataka and at the national level. Big question marks will then rise on the state government. If the Congress-JD(S) do not do well in Karnataka, there are serious questions going to be raised. If they do well in the state, but BJP does well in the national level, they might survive but there will be constant hiccups.' says Sandeep Shastri, Political Analyst.&nbsp;

All eyes are now on Lok Sabha election results on May 23 that could not only decide the fate of the nation, but also the Karnataka state coalition government. If the situation arrives and the government fails to prove majority on the floor of the house, BS Yeddyurappa might prefer to go for fresh elections in the South Indian state.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Trouble is brewing again for the coalition government in the South Indian state of Karnataka as another MLA has assured he will be resigning from the Congress party over differences.

Trouble is brewing again for the coalition government in the South Indian state of Karnataka as another MLA has assured he will be resigning from the Congress party over differences. Ramesh Jarkiholi, the MLA from Gokak constituency, and the leader who led the rebellion in January this year has said he will soon be quitting the Congress. Ramesh was also seen campaigning for the BJP in the run-up to the Lok Sabha elections. 'I have not quit the Congress, but will be doing it soon. I will contest from Yemkanmardi seat in the next assembly elections. When Ramesh Katti had rebelled against the BJP, Yeddyurappa immediately reached out to pacify him. No one from the Congress has reached out to me' said Ramesh while speaking in Bengaluru. The statement comes days after BJP State Chief BS Yeddyurappa had expressed confidence that the coalition government will crumble after the Lok Sabha elections. While there is no clear figure on how many rebel MLAs are with Ramesh Jarkiholi, sources within the BJP claim that the figure is enough to topple the HD Kumaraswamy government. Satish Jarkiholi, Ramesh's brother, who replaced him in the state cabinet, has thrown an open challenge to the dissenting MLA. 'He has been threatening to quit for a year. We do not know why he is disgruntled. He might ask the BJP to give him a ticket and make him a minister. We are waiting for the speaker to take the decision on the disqualification of dissenting MLAs' said Satish Jarkiholi. The Congress currently has 78 MLAs after the demise of CH Shivalli and resignation of Umesh Jadhav. Along with the JD(S) and one independent the coalition government has 116 MLAs in a 225 member house. If Ramesh Jarkiholi exits with 4 other MLAs as claimed, then the house strength comes down along with the number of the coalition government. However, the Kumaraswamy government can still function as a minority government if it can get more votes in its favour than against. BJP is also banking on the two by-elections to be held on May 19 in Chincholi and Kundgol. Also, if sitting MLAs Eshwar Khandre and Krishna Byre Gowda manage to win Lok Sabha elections, two more constituencies will go for by-polls in the state. If the saffron party manages to win all four seats, then along with the support of one independent it will have 109 MLAs on its side. Another fear for the coalition government will be the outcomes of elections in Mandya and Tumkur, where HD Kumaraswamy's son Nikhil and HD Deve Gowda are contesting elections amidst rebellion within the Congress cadres. If the Congress fails to transfer votes to the JD(S) in these crucial constituencies, the rift within the coalition will only get deeper. 'The results of the elections will clearly be an indication on whether this government will continue or not. There could be a threat to the state government if the BJP succeeds in Karnataka and at the national level. Big question marks will then rise on the state government. If the Congress-JD(S) do not do well in Karnataka, there are serious questions going to be raised. If they do well in the state, but BJP does well in the national level, they might survive but there will be constant hiccups.' says Sandeep Shastri, Political Analyst. All eyes are now on Lok Sabha election results on May 23 that could not only decide the fate of the nation, but also the Karnataka state coalition government. If the situation arrives and the government fails to prove majority on the floor of the house, BS Yeddyurappa might prefer to go for fresh elections in the South Indian state.

Lok Sabha results to decide fate of Karnataka's coalition

Highlighting the airstrike carried by the Indian Air Force on JeM camp in Pakistan’s Balakot, BJP president Amit Shah on Thursday slammed Congress president Rahul Gandhi, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/alliances-prove-our-strength-amit-shah-on-sp-bsp-coming-together-194602">BSP supremo Mayawati and SP leader Akhilesh Yadav</a> and asked them whether they were related to terrorists.

While addressing a rally in Ghazipur, Shah said when the airstrike was carried out, the whole country was celebrating it, however, there was mourning in two places – one in Pakistan and the other in offices of Rahul, Mayawati and Akhilesh.

“Mujhe maloom nahi padta, aatankwadi Pakistan ke mare, inke chehre ka nor kyo chala gaya? Kyo bhai ye chachere-mamere bhai lagte hai kya apke? Apke chehre ka nor chala gaya (I don’t underway why they got sad when Pakistan’s terrorists were killed),” Shah said.

“We belong to the BJP and Narendra Modi is our Prime Minister, we can’t do ‘ILU-ILU’ with terrorists. Nobody can play with the security of this nation,” he added.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/will-scrap-a-370-once-bjp-gets-majority-in-parliament-amit-shah-211926">Amit Shah</a> also criticised Rahul Gandhi for staying mum on National Conference leader Omar Abdullah’s demand for having a separate Prime Minister for Jammu and Kashmir.

“Today is the 14th day of me asking Rahul Gandhi on what he has to say regarding Omar Adullah’s statement on two Prime Ministers for the country. He is quiet. He is thinking of vote bank. Narendra Modi will become the Prime Minister again. If one day we won’t have the power, and BJP people will sit in Opposition, till there is even one BJP worker, nobody can separate Kashmir from India,” he said.

Later he added, “Till the time BJP is there, those who shout slogans for dividing India will find themselves behind the bars.”

Highlighting the airstrike carried by the Indian Air Force on JeM camp in Pakistan’s Balakot, BJP president Amit Shah on Thursday slammed Congress president Rahul Gandhi, BSP supremo Mayawati and SP leader Akhilesh Yadav and asked them whether they were related to terrorists.

Highlighting the airstrike carried by the Indian Air Force on JeM camp in Pakistan’s Balakot, BJP president Amit Shah on Thursday slammed Congress president Rahul Gandhi, BSP supremo Mayawati and SP leader Akhilesh Yadav and asked them whether they were related to terrorists. While addressing a rally in Ghazipur, Shah said when the airstrike was carried out, the whole country was celebrating it, however, there was mourning in two places – one in Pakistan and the other in offices of Rahul, Mayawati and Akhilesh. “Mujhe maloom nahi padta, aatankwadi Pakistan ke mare, inke chehre ka nor kyo chala gaya? Kyo bhai ye chachere-mamere bhai lagte hai kya apke? Apke chehre ka nor chala gaya (I don’t underway why they got sad when Pakistan’s terrorists were killed),” Shah said. “We belong to the BJP and Narendra Modi is our Prime Minister, we can’t do ‘ILU-ILU’ with terrorists. Nobody can play with the security of this nation,” he added. Amit Shah also criticised Rahul Gandhi for staying mum on National Conference leader Omar Abdullah’s demand for having a separate Prime Minister for Jammu and Kashmir. “Today is the 14th day of me asking Rahul Gandhi on what he has to say regarding Omar Adullah’s statement on two Prime Ministers for the country. He is quiet. He is thinking of vote bank. Narendra Modi will become the Prime Minister again. If one day we won’t have the power, and BJP people will sit in Opposition, till there is even one BJP worker, nobody can separate Kashmir from India,” he said. Later he added, “Till the time BJP is there, those who shout slogans for dividing India will find themselves behind the bars.”

Are terrorists your relatives? Amit Shah asks Rahul, Mayawati and Akhilesh

In politics, a strong challenge is never received lightly and if it comes across as a fake call, then the person is not taken seriously thereafter.

Priyanka Gandhi by maintaining the suspense on her candidature from Varanasi’s Lok Sabha seat has made a serious error which she must avoid in future or her image would coalesce into a politician who is all thunder sans rain.&nbsp;

In past, politicians like Arjun Singh and Sharad Pawar suffered the same fate. After a point in time, none of them was taken seriously as contenders in Delhi. Similarly, it may boomerang in the long run for Priyanka Gandhi too.&nbsp;

She allowed Congress to gain space in media but ended up giving a handle to BJP in the last 4 phases of elections.

Henceforth, the attack on Congress would be brutal and direct. Priyanka Gandhi will be attacked for not having a stomach for a strong political fight.&nbsp;

What prompted Priyanka to keep people guessing remains a mystery but even Congress party president Rahul Gandhi did nothing to clear the fog. He participated in it by stating that he would like to keep the suspense on. It did not work. It fuelled the expectations which were not met, eventually, disappointing many.

The issue is as to what was the thinking behind keeping the suspense on? Did Congress develop cold feet in the end? Did &nbsp;Rahul Gandhi overrule her on the ground that she cannot give a fight to Narendra Modi and her loss would affect both party and her career? &nbsp;Lastly, why did it take Congress a month to realise that Modi is unbeatable in Varanasi? Was it not visible right at the start of the election campaign? Did a real possibility exist on the ground to defeat Modi? My take is that no such circumstances ever existed but even then Priyanka Gandhi Vadra sought suggestions from her constituents during her meeting in Amethi and Raebareli on fighting from Varanasi. 
 
Whatever may be the real reason, it is not available to media. In its absence, BJP will make Priyanka’s exit an electoral issue. BJP now can go to town shouting that Priyanka Vadra shied away from the big battle of Uttar Pradesh.

The discourse will be shifted from her charismatic appeal and being natural to her inability to stand up to a strong challenge. This will invite a focus on the top leadership of the Congress and fuel discourse that ‘family’ &nbsp;cannot look beyond safe seats. It will also make Gandhi's look less serious in public discussion. Priyanka in 2012 had once said, "Main Aaun Kya." She did not. It has happened again.&nbsp;

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)&nbsp;

In politics, a strong challenge is never received lightly and if it comes across as a fake call, then the person is not taken seriously thereafter. Priyanka Gandhi by maintaining the suspense on her candidature from Varanasi’s Lok Sabha seat has made a serious error which she must avoid in future or her image would coalesce into a politician who is all thunder sans rain.

In politics, a strong challenge is never received lightly and if it comes across as a fake call, then the person is not taken seriously thereafter. Priyanka Gandhi by maintaining the suspense on her candidature from Varanasi’s Lok Sabha seat has made a serious error which she must avoid in future or her image would coalesce into a politician who is all thunder sans rain. In past, politicians like Arjun Singh and Sharad Pawar suffered the same fate. After a point in time, none of them was taken seriously as contenders in Delhi. Similarly, it may boomerang in the long run for Priyanka Gandhi too. She allowed Congress to gain space in media but ended up giving a handle to BJP in the last 4 phases of elections. Henceforth, the attack on Congress would be brutal and direct. Priyanka Gandhi will be attacked for not having a stomach for a strong political fight. What prompted Priyanka to keep people guessing remains a mystery but even Congress party president Rahul Gandhi did nothing to clear the fog. He participated in it by stating that he would like to keep the suspense on. It did not work. It fuelled the expectations which were not met, eventually, disappointing many. The issue is as to what was the thinking behind keeping the suspense on? Did Congress develop cold feet in the end? Did Rahul Gandhi overrule her on the ground that she cannot give a fight to Narendra Modi and her loss would affect both party and her career? Lastly, why did it take Congress a month to realise that Modi is unbeatable in Varanasi? Was it not visible right at the start of the election campaign? Did a real possibility exist on the ground to defeat Modi? My take is that no such circumstances ever existed but even then Priyanka Gandhi Vadra sought suggestions from her constituents during her meeting in Amethi and Raebareli on fighting from Varanasi. Whatever may be the real reason, it is not available to media. In its absence, BJP will make Priyanka’s exit an electoral issue. BJP now can go to town shouting that Priyanka Vadra shied away from the big battle of Uttar Pradesh. The discourse will be shifted from her charismatic appeal and being natural to her inability to stand up to a strong challenge. This will invite a focus on the top leadership of the Congress and fuel discourse that ‘family’ cannot look beyond safe seats. It will also make Gandhi's look less serious in public discussion. Priyanka in 2012 had once said, "Main Aaun Kya." She did not. It has happened again. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Disappointing many, Priyanka Gandhi's suspense game gives BJP a political handle

India's most populated city and commercial capital of the country is all set to elect its parliamentarians.

All the six constituencies of the city are Mumbai South, Mumbai South Central, Mumbai North, Mumbai North Central, Mumbai North East and Mumbai North West.

In all the six Lok Sabha seats in Mumbai, the direct fight is between the candidates of BJP-Shiv Sena alliance and the Congress-NCP combine.

BJP and Shiv Sena are contesting three seats each—Mumbai North Central, North and North East for BJP, and Mumbai South, South Central and North West for the Shiv Sena.

The Congress is contesting five seats and the NCP has fielded its candidate in Mumbai North East.

NCP's Sanjay Dina Patil will face BJP's newcomer Manoj Kotak in Mumbai North East.

In South Mumbai, the principal contest will be between Arvind Sawant (Sena) and Milind Deora (Congress), though BJP's Poonam Mahajan is in an intense fight against Priya Dutt (Congress) in North Central Mumbai constituency. Gajanan Kirtikar (Shiv Sena) and Congress' Sanjay Nirupam are fighting it out in the North West Mumbai constituency, though the candidature of Urmila Matondkar from Congress has made it an intriguing fight with regards to North Mumbai constituency against BJP's Gopal Shetty.

Meanwhile, Raj Thackeray's MNS is not directly contesting the elections but he is indirectly helping the Congress-Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), candidates.

In fact, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena chief has emerged as the biggest star campaigner for Congress-NCP coalition.

Two strong women leaders are fighting it out in Mumbai North Central seat, the sitting Bharatiya Janata Party MP Poonam Mahajan is pitted against the Congress' two-time former member of Parliament Priya Dutt Roncon.

This is the only constituency in Mumbai where voters will choose between two main women contenders.

Poonam Mahajan and Priya Dutt both hail from influential political families.

Poonam is the daughter of the late Union minister Pramod Mahajan and niece of the late Union minister Gopinath Munde.

Priya is the daughter of the late Union minister Sunil Dutt and her mother, Nargis, was an actor and former Rajya Sabha member.

Mumbai rode the Modi wave in 2014 General Elections and went completely saffron. The city&nbsp;has a large concentration of film stars, personalities from the glamour world, celebrities and business tycoons.

However, Hindi film industry is playing a lead role in Modi’s campaign for a second term, endorsing him on-screen and off, in both subtle and obvious ways, in a marked shift from the more transactional relationship Indian film stars previously had with politicians.

The question ahead of April 29 is whether the city is ready to give PM Modi another shot or is it prepared for a change.

India's most populated city and commercial capital of the country is all set to elect its parliamentarians. All the six constituencies of the city are Mumbai South, Mumbai South Central, Mumbai North, Mumbai North Central, Mumbai North East and Mumbai North West.

India's most populated city and commercial capital of the country is all set to elect its parliamentarians. All the six constituencies of the city are Mumbai South, Mumbai South Central, Mumbai North, Mumbai North Central, Mumbai North East and Mumbai North West. In all the six Lok Sabha seats in Mumbai, the direct fight is between the candidates of BJP-Shiv Sena alliance and the Congress-NCP combine. BJP and Shiv Sena are contesting three seats each—Mumbai North Central, North and North East for BJP, and Mumbai South, South Central and North West for the Shiv Sena. The Congress is contesting five seats and the NCP has fielded its candidate in Mumbai North East. NCP's Sanjay Dina Patil will face BJP's newcomer Manoj Kotak in Mumbai North East. In South Mumbai, the principal contest will be between Arvind Sawant (Sena) and Milind Deora (Congress), though BJP's Poonam Mahajan is in an intense fight against Priya Dutt (Congress) in North Central Mumbai constituency. Gajanan Kirtikar (Shiv Sena) and Congress' Sanjay Nirupam are fighting it out in the North West Mumbai constituency, though the candidature of Urmila Matondkar from Congress has made it an intriguing fight with regards to North Mumbai constituency against BJP's Gopal Shetty. Meanwhile, Raj Thackeray's MNS is not directly contesting the elections but he is indirectly helping the Congress-Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), candidates. In fact, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena chief has emerged as the biggest star campaigner for Congress-NCP coalition. Two strong women leaders are fighting it out in Mumbai North Central seat, the sitting Bharatiya Janata Party MP Poonam Mahajan is pitted against the Congress' two-time former member of Parliament Priya Dutt Roncon. This is the only constituency in Mumbai where voters will choose between two main women contenders. Poonam Mahajan and Priya Dutt both hail from influential political families. Poonam is the daughter of the late Union minister Pramod Mahajan and niece of the late Union minister Gopinath Munde. Priya is the daughter of the late Union minister Sunil Dutt and her mother, Nargis, was an actor and former Rajya Sabha member. Mumbai rode the Modi wave in 2014 General Elections and went completely saffron. The city has a large concentration of film stars, personalities from the glamour world, celebrities and business tycoons. However, Hindi film industry is playing a lead role in Modi’s campaign for a second term, endorsing him on-screen and off, in both subtle and obvious ways, in a marked shift from the more transactional relationship Indian film stars previously had with politicians. The question ahead of April 29 is whether the city is ready to give PM Modi another shot or is it prepared for a change.

Mumbai: India's most populous city goes to vote on April 29

Bihar's Begusarai is set for an interesting electoral battle in the fourth phase of election scheduled for April 29. While the BJP has fielded Union minister Giriaj Singh, the Left Front has pitted Kanhaiya Kumar against him.

Begusarai is referred to as Leningrad of Bihar - Leftists equate the city with Leningrad as the cradle of revolution.

Begusarai, though with the BJP now, has seen a very long association with the Left - starting in the 1930s when the landless villagers revolted against the land owners and seized their land. The association continued for decades.

This is the same reason why the Left is backing Kanhaiya Kumar who, in 2016, spoke against the establishment (the Centre) vowing to free the society of various social evils as a Jawaharlal Nehru student. The Left is determined to oust the BJP government at the Centre and have found their 'Che' in the form of Kanhaiya. The Communist Party of India (CPI) has claimed that Kanhaiya was getting "excellent" support from all segments of the society.

An energetic campaign has propelled Kanhaiya Kumar into the centrestage of electoral contest in Begusarai but many see his rising graph posing a bigger threat to the opposition RJD than the ruling BJP.

Speculations have been rife that RJD founding president Lalu Prasad had initially thought of backing Kanhaiya whom he had applauded for having displayed fortitude while he was accused of sedition and put behind bars. But, he retracted at the instance of his younger son Tejashwi Yadav who said the CPI nominee belonged to the Bhumihar caste and hence supporting him may anger the party's own cadre which is dominated by Yadavs and Muslims.

Interestingly, Giriraj Singh also belongs to the Bhumihar caste. Known for his hardline views that have often triggered controversies, Singh said his fight from this parliamentary constituency is against a "gang" working for "breaking up" India, and asserted that he represents the agenda of cultural nationalism and development.

Singh had publicly expressed his anguish over the shift but was placated by the central leadership with party president Amit Shah himself reaching out to him.

Singh asserted the BJP-led NDA would improve its 2014 tally of 31 seats in Bihar (which has total 40 Lok Sabha seats) and it is Prime Minister Narendra Modi himself who is the alliance candidate on every seat and all contesting leaders "are his symbols".

The BJP supporters in Begusarai and other Lok Sabha seats in the region assert that the appeal of Prime Minister Narendra Modi remains a big draw for voters, while the opposition's alliance is hoping to counter it with its social arithmetic at several places.

If the Modi factor is powering the BJP's campaign, the alliance of the Lalu Prasad's RJD, Upendra Kushwaha's RLSP and the Congress is betting on a formidable social equation in these seats, including Ujiarpur, where Kushwaha is taking on Bihar BJP chief Nityanand Rai to make the going difficult for the saffron party.

Both Ujiarpur and Begusarai were won by the BJP in 2014.

In the 2014 polls, BJP's Bhola Singh, who died in October last year, had defeated Lalu Prasad-led RJD's Tanveer Hasan, who is again in the fray, with a margin of 5.4 per cent votes (more than 58,000). The JD(U)-backed CPI had finished a distant third with near 93,000 votes. Singh had got over 4.29 lakh votes.

Bihar's Begusarai is set for an interesting electoral battle in the fourth phase of election scheduled for April 29. While the BJP has fielded Union minister Giriaj Singh, the Left Front has pitted Kanhaiya Kumar against him.

Bihar's Begusarai is set for an interesting electoral battle in the fourth phase of election scheduled for April 29. While the BJP has fielded Union minister Giriaj Singh, the Left Front has pitted Kanhaiya Kumar against him. Begusarai is referred to as Leningrad of Bihar - Leftists equate the city with Leningrad as the cradle of revolution. Begusarai, though with the BJP now, has seen a very long association with the Left - starting in the 1930s when the landless villagers revolted against the land owners and seized their land. The association continued for decades. This is the same reason why the Left is backing Kanhaiya Kumar who, in 2016, spoke against the establishment (the Centre) vowing to free the society of various social evils as a Jawaharlal Nehru student. The Left is determined to oust the BJP government at the Centre and have found their 'Che' in the form of Kanhaiya. The Communist Party of India (CPI) has claimed that Kanhaiya was getting "excellent" support from all segments of the society. An energetic campaign has propelled Kanhaiya Kumar into the centrestage of electoral contest in Begusarai but many see his rising graph posing a bigger threat to the opposition RJD than the ruling BJP. Speculations have been rife that RJD founding president Lalu Prasad had initially thought of backing Kanhaiya whom he had applauded for having displayed fortitude while he was accused of sedition and put behind bars. But, he retracted at the instance of his younger son Tejashwi Yadav who said the CPI nominee belonged to the Bhumihar caste and hence supporting him may anger the party's own cadre which is dominated by Yadavs and Muslims. Interestingly, Giriraj Singh also belongs to the Bhumihar caste. Known for his hardline views that have often triggered controversies, Singh said his fight from this parliamentary constituency is against a "gang" working for "breaking up" India, and asserted that he represents the agenda of cultural nationalism and development. Singh had publicly expressed his anguish over the shift but was placated by the central leadership with party president Amit Shah himself reaching out to him. Singh asserted the BJP-led NDA would improve its 2014 tally of 31 seats in Bihar (which has total 40 Lok Sabha seats) and it is Prime Minister Narendra Modi himself who is the alliance candidate on every seat and all contesting leaders "are his symbols". The BJP supporters in Begusarai and other Lok Sabha seats in the region assert that the appeal of Prime Minister Narendra Modi remains a big draw for voters, while the opposition's alliance is hoping to counter it with its social arithmetic at several places. If the Modi factor is powering the BJP's campaign, the alliance of the Lalu Prasad's RJD, Upendra Kushwaha's RLSP and the Congress is betting on a formidable social equation in these seats, including Ujiarpur, where Kushwaha is taking on Bihar BJP chief Nityanand Rai to make the going difficult for the saffron party. Both Ujiarpur and Begusarai were won by the BJP in 2014. In the 2014 polls, BJP's Bhola Singh, who died in October last year, had defeated Lalu Prasad-led RJD's Tanveer Hasan, who is again in the fray, with a margin of 5.4 per cent votes (more than 58,000). The JD(U)-backed CPI had finished a distant third with near 93,000 votes. Singh had got over 4.29 lakh votes.

Lok Sabha polls phase 4: Kanhaiya Kumar vs Giriraj Singh in Bihar's Begusarai

With the Lok Sabha campaign gaining momentum in Mumbai, the Congress faces an uphill task of reviving itself in five constituencies in India's financial capital where it had drawn a blank in 2014.

What has made its job difficult is the BJP sealing a pre-poll alliance with the Shiv Sena despite the strained relations between the two saffron allies.

Of the six seats in Mumbai, the Congress is contesting five and its ally NCP is contesting one. From one of them - Mumbai North - the party has fielded actor Urmila Matondkar against sitting BJP MP Gopal Shetty. Shetty had defeated Congress's Sanjay Nirupam by a massive 4.46 lakh votes in 2014.

In the past, the Congress had fielded Bollywood actor Govinda from Mumbai North, which he won. According to sources in the Congress, the party was looking for a known face to take on Shetty, perceived as being a strong candidate and the search ended with Urmila Matondkar.

Matondkar has launched an impressive campaign, reaching out to voters as well as party workers. She is also being seen as articulate.

The BJP, meanwhile, is highlighting her marriage with a Kashmiri businessman and is demanding to know her views on Article 370 and 35-A, two laws specific to the restive northern state.

BJP leader Ram Naik, currently the Governor of Uttar Pradesh, had represented the Mumbai North constituency between 1989 and 1999.

Naik's winning streak came to an end in 2004, when actor Govinda defeated him.

Govinda didn't fight the 2009 election, which was successfully contested by Nirupam.

Mumbai has six Lok Sabha seats and all of them will go to polls on April 29.

With the Lok Sabha campaign gaining momentum in Mumbai, the Congress faces an uphill task of reviving itself in five constituencies in India's financial capital where it had drawn a blank in 2014.

With the Lok Sabha campaign gaining momentum in Mumbai, the Congress faces an uphill task of reviving itself in five constituencies in India's financial capital where it had drawn a blank in 2014. What has made its job difficult is the BJP sealing a pre-poll alliance with the Shiv Sena despite the strained relations between the two saffron allies. Of the six seats in Mumbai, the Congress is contesting five and its ally NCP is contesting one. From one of them - Mumbai North - the party has fielded actor Urmila Matondkar against sitting BJP MP Gopal Shetty. Shetty had defeated Congress's Sanjay Nirupam by a massive 4.46 lakh votes in 2014. In the past, the Congress had fielded Bollywood actor Govinda from Mumbai North, which he won. According to sources in the Congress, the party was looking for a known face to take on Shetty, perceived as being a strong candidate and the search ended with Urmila Matondkar. Matondkar has launched an impressive campaign, reaching out to voters as well as party workers. She is also being seen as articulate. The BJP, meanwhile, is highlighting her marriage with a Kashmiri businessman and is demanding to know her views on Article 370 and 35-A, two laws specific to the restive northern state. BJP leader Ram Naik, currently the Governor of Uttar Pradesh, had represented the Mumbai North constituency between 1989 and 1999. Naik's winning streak came to an end in 2004, when actor Govinda defeated him. Govinda didn't fight the 2009 election, which was successfully contested by Nirupam. Mumbai has six Lok Sabha seats and all of them will go to polls on April 29.

Mumbai North: Urmila Matondkar makes electoral debut against giant Gopal Shetty

Comparisons are inevitable perhaps but also unfair, says Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath's son Nakul Nath who makes his political debut as the Congress's Lok Sabha candidate from a seat that has long been identified with his father.

The MBA graduate from Boston and Doon School alumnus said he wants to take forward the Chhindwara model of development established by his father, a nine-time MP from the constituency, and asked for some time to prove himself.

His aim will be to push for the maximum number of jobs for the youth if he wins.

The 44-year-old son of the Congress stalwart said it will be unfair to make comparisons between him and his father who has been in electoral politics for 40 years.

"I have less experience than my father. This is the fifth election that I am campaigning in, the last being the 2018 assembly elections in the state. Give me sometime and I will prove myself," Nakul Nath said.

In his view, unemployment is the "biggest problem" in the area.

"My aim is to bring industries so youth and talented manpower does not leave the region. I want that the people of the area get jobs here itself," he said.

Nakul Nath is pitted against BJP's tribal leader and former MLA Nathan Shah Kavreti. Kavreti started his career with the RSS and is a well-known face in the area. He won the Assembly election in 2013 from Junnardeo in Chhindwara. Though he was not given a ticket in 2018 Assembly election, the BJP decided to try out the Scheduled Cast leader against Nakul Nath.

The Chhindwara Lok Sabha constituency with seven assembly seats will vote on April 29, the first of the four-phase polls in Madhya Pradesh. Chief Minister Kamal Nath is also contesting bypoll in the Chhindwara assembly constituency as per the legal requirement of being a member of legislative assembly (MLA) for running the state government. To facilitate his entry into the MP Assembly, Chhindwara MLA Dipak Saxena had resigned from the seat.

The seat has been a Congress bastion since 1957. The only time the party lost it to the BJP was in the 1997 by-election when BJP candidate and former state chief minister Sunder Lal Patna won.

In the 2014 general elections, the BJP had won 26 and the Congress secured three of the state's 29 seats. Kamal Nath defeated BJP's Chandrabhan Kuber Singh by a margin of 116,537 votes from Chhindwara. The Lok Sabha seat has over 15,12,000 voters.

Comparisons are inevitable perhaps but also unfair, says Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath's son Nakul Nath who makes his political debut as the Congress's Lok Sabha candidate from a seat that has long been identified with his father.

Comparisons are inevitable perhaps but also unfair, says Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath's son Nakul Nath who makes his political debut as the Congress's Lok Sabha candidate from a seat that has long been identified with his father. The MBA graduate from Boston and Doon School alumnus said he wants to take forward the Chhindwara model of development established by his father, a nine-time MP from the constituency, and asked for some time to prove himself. His aim will be to push for the maximum number of jobs for the youth if he wins. The 44-year-old son of the Congress stalwart said it will be unfair to make comparisons between him and his father who has been in electoral politics for 40 years. "I have less experience than my father. This is the fifth election that I am campaigning in, the last being the 2018 assembly elections in the state. Give me sometime and I will prove myself," Nakul Nath said. In his view, unemployment is the "biggest problem" in the area. "My aim is to bring industries so youth and talented manpower does not leave the region. I want that the people of the area get jobs here itself," he said. Nakul Nath is pitted against BJP's tribal leader and former MLA Nathan Shah Kavreti. Kavreti started his career with the RSS and is a well-known face in the area. He won the Assembly election in 2013 from Junnardeo in Chhindwara. Though he was not given a ticket in 2018 Assembly election, the BJP decided to try out the Scheduled Cast leader against Nakul Nath. The Chhindwara Lok Sabha constituency with seven assembly seats will vote on April 29, the first of the four-phase polls in Madhya Pradesh. Chief Minister Kamal Nath is also contesting bypoll in the Chhindwara assembly constituency as per the legal requirement of being a member of legislative assembly (MLA) for running the state government. To facilitate his entry into the MP Assembly, Chhindwara MLA Dipak Saxena had resigned from the seat. The seat has been a Congress bastion since 1957. The only time the party lost it to the BJP was in the 1997 by-election when BJP candidate and former state chief minister Sunder Lal Patna won. In the 2014 general elections, the BJP had won 26 and the Congress secured three of the state's 29 seats. Kamal Nath defeated BJP's Chandrabhan Kuber Singh by a margin of 116,537 votes from Chhindwara. The Lok Sabha seat has over 15,12,000 voters.

Phase 4 of Lok Sabha polls: Kamal Nath's son seeks to prove himself in Chhindwara

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/there-is-no-hope-left-for-alliance-with-congress-now-manish-sisodia-212001">Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) </a>on Thursday released its election manifesto for the ongoing Lok Sabha elections, which is considered as the roadmap for how the party will take the agenda of full statehood to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/alliance-fallout-if-bjp-wins-in-delhi-aap-and-congress-will-blame-each-other-for-their-rout-212800">Delhi </a>forward if voted to power.

In its manifesto, the party has made several promises like education, health, women safety, jobs, police reforms, zero corruption, pollution, etc.

The manifesto titled 'Lekar Rahenge Poorn Rajya'&nbsp;(We Will Take Full Statehood) was released in the presence of AAP national convenor and Delhi Chief Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-court-stays-non-bailable-warrants-against-arvind-kejriwal-others-in-defamation-complaint-213168">Arvind Kejriwal </a>and other senior party leaders in Delhi.

Speaking at the manifesto launch, Kejriwal said the ongoing election in the country is about saving democracy.

"2019 polls is about saving the country. If India is safe, parties will be saved. Need to save India from divisive forces. Today India's unity is under threat. BJP has an only one-point manifesto. BJP is fulfiling Pakistan's agenda. BJP's agenda is to divide India on the basis of caste and religion," Kejriwal said.

Talking at length about the AAP's constant demand of full statehood to Delhi, Kejriwal said, "We will fulfil a 70-year-old demand of the people of Delhi by granting full statehood. Both parties, BJP and Congress, have not fulfilled their promise of giving full statehood to Delhi. If Delhi becomes full statehood, we will not require the Centre`s permission. The Anti-Corruption branch will be handled by the Delhi government again."

The AAP convenor talked about jobs, reserving college seats for students from Delhi and revamping the educational system during the launch of the party`s manifesto.

Making a poll promise, Kejriwal said if full statehood is granted to Delhi, 85 per cent reservation will be granted to students from the national capital for admission in colleges.

Seven candidates fielded by the AAP are Chandni Chowk candidate Pankaj Gupta, East Delhi candidate Atishi, North West Delhi candidate Gugan Singh, South Delhi candidate Raghav Chadha, North East Delhi candidate Dilip Pandey, West Delhi candidate Balbir Singh Jakhar and New Delhi candidate Brajesh Goel.

Single-phase polling in Delhi will take place on 12 May and the results will be announced on 23 May.&nbsp;

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Thursday released its election manifesto for the ongoing Lok Sabha elections, which is considered as the roadmap for how the party will take the agenda of full statehood to Delhi forward if voted to power.

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Thursday released its election manifesto for the ongoing Lok Sabha elections, which is considered as the roadmap for how the party will take the agenda of full statehood to Delhi forward if voted to power. In its manifesto, the party has made several promises like education, health, women safety, jobs, police reforms, zero corruption, pollution, etc. The manifesto titled 'Lekar Rahenge Poorn Rajya' (We Will Take Full Statehood) was released in the presence of AAP national convenor and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and other senior party leaders in Delhi. Speaking at the manifesto launch, Kejriwal said the ongoing election in the country is about saving democracy. "2019 polls is about saving the country. If India is safe, parties will be saved. Need to save India from divisive forces. Today India's unity is under threat. BJP has an only one-point manifesto. BJP is fulfiling Pakistan's agenda. BJP's agenda is to divide India on the basis of caste and religion," Kejriwal said. Talking at length about the AAP's constant demand of full statehood to Delhi, Kejriwal said, "We will fulfil a 70-year-old demand of the people of Delhi by granting full statehood. Both parties, BJP and Congress, have not fulfilled their promise of giving full statehood to Delhi. If Delhi becomes full statehood, we will not require the Centre`s permission. The Anti-Corruption branch will be handled by the Delhi government again." The AAP convenor talked about jobs, reserving college seats for students from Delhi and revamping the educational system during the launch of the party`s manifesto. Making a poll promise, Kejriwal said if full statehood is granted to Delhi, 85 per cent reservation will be granted to students from the national capital for admission in colleges. Seven candidates fielded by the AAP are Chandni Chowk candidate Pankaj Gupta, East Delhi candidate Atishi, North West Delhi candidate Gugan Singh, South Delhi candidate Raghav Chadha, North East Delhi candidate Dilip Pandey, West Delhi candidate Balbir Singh Jakhar and New Delhi candidate Brajesh Goel. Single-phase polling in Delhi will take place on 12 May and the results will be announced on 23 May.

AAP releases Lok Sabha poll manifesto, primarily focuses on full statehood for Delhi

India’s first Union cabinet under Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru embraced the idea of lateral talent. Among the 15 members of the cabinet in 1947 was John Mathai, an economist who served as Railways Minister and then Finance Minister before leaving the government in 1950. &nbsp;

Over the years, inducting such lateral professional talent into the Union cabinet from outside party politics has grown rarer.&nbsp;

In welcome contrast, none of the nine professionals recently selected under the aegis of the UPSC to serve the government as joint secretaries, belong to a political party. All have specialised domain knowledge.&nbsp;

Amber Dubey, for example, was head of aerospace and defence at KPMG. He has been selected to join the civil aviation ministry where his experience of over 26 years in the aviation and defence domain will be useful as India reforms its aviation, space and defence technology sectors.&nbsp;

The selection of Dubey, an IIT Bombay and IIM Ahmedabad alumni, who has spent his entire career in the private sector, reflects the winds of change blowing over a critical area of Indian governance: technocratic talent. &nbsp;

The country is run at four levels. One, the Prime Minister-led Union cabinet and the Chief Minister-led state cabinets where specialised domain talent is slender. Two, the central and state bureaucracies which are largely filled with generalists, not specialists.&nbsp;

Three, local civic municipalities where again political affiliations often carry more weight than competence. Four, village panchayats and local bodies where caste and religion cast a long shadow.&nbsp;

In the United States, the cabinet is small (16 members) and mostly technocratic, drawn from the private sector, the professions and academia. The Narendra Modi cabinet is large (over 70 ministers and ministers of state) and apart from some honourable exceptions, does not exactly overflow with talent.&nbsp;

That is why the lateral selection of nine professionals as joint secretaries is a welcome development.&nbsp;

Consider the core competencies of some of the new lateral recruits: Dinesh Jagdale, CEO of Panama Renewable Energy Group, will join the renewable energy ministry. Kakoli Ghosh, who has deep knowledge of the multilateral farm sector, will join the agriculture ministry. Most of the others have been placed in ministries where their professional experience and knowledge will be put to good use.&nbsp;

These infusions are just the beginning. Indian bureaucracies, central and state, must absorb UPSC-selected lateral appointments of technocrats with ever-greater urgency.&nbsp;

In a technology-enabled world, specialisation is mandatory. IAS officers, however competent and dedicated, have two handicaps, First, they are generalists with little specialised domain expertise. Second, they are transferred so often across the country – for example, from animal husbandry to defence acquisitions – that focus is lost.&nbsp; 
 
The certainty of tenure among civil servants also engenders a sense of complacency. Over the years, the ministries of finance and defence, in particular, have developed a reputation for cronyism and corruption.&nbsp;

Leaks to the media in the Rafale fighter jet case and examples of department officers surreptitiously encouraging arms dealers (though they were explicitly banned in 2014) have damaged the national interest.&nbsp;

The introduction of fresh professional blood should act as a deterrent when the minister in charge of a particular portfolio has not been able to impose his or her will with sufficient authority on department officers.&nbsp;

If Prime Minister Narendra Modi does win a second term, it’s possible the BJP’s majority in Parliament will be significantly reduced. That is not a bad thing. Modi was used to running a compact state like Gujarat with a group of loyal and competent bureaucrats who dared not defy his authority or miss deadlines on projects.&nbsp;

The same modus operandi has not worked in the Byzantine culture of Delhi. Days after he took office as prime minister, Modi called more than 70 senior bureaucrats to meet him. As they stood in a line before him, he told them to work without fear or favour. They could come to him with any problems they had, he said.&nbsp;

The senior IAS officers, still standing in a parabolic line, nodded silently. But every one of them must have thought cynically to himself or herself that fear and favour were the time-honoured way bureaucracy worked. How would Modi break that habit? He hasn’t.&nbsp;

The series of legal setbacks in the 2G, Rafale and other cases has exposed the government’s poor selection of its law officers.&nbsp;

Equally lacklustre has been its communications strategy. Instead of being proactive over a range of contentious issues – from Rafale to electoral bonds – the government has been slow and reactive when perception damage has already been done.&nbsp;

In a 24x7 news cycle, every major government holds briefings in near real-time. The Chinese and American administrations respond to any issue concerning their government promptly and clearly. 
 
Even Pakistan’s information ministry reacts rapidly to events though in its case it is to add a positive spin to negative stories about, for example, Islamabad’s likely blacklisting by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) for terror financing and money laundering.&nbsp;

The under-utilisation by the Indian government of an articulate and credible Information &amp; Broadcasting (I&amp;B) minister Rajyavardhan Rathore, an Olympian and a former soldier, in delivering daily media briefings underscores how unprofessionally the government has communicated its agenda to voters. They will now deliver their verdict. &nbsp; 
&nbsp;

(This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-lateral-hiring-in-govt-bridging-the-talent-deficit-2742935">original article)</a>

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)&nbsp;

India’s first Union cabinet under Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru embraced the idea of lateral talent. Among the 15 members of the cabinet in 1947 was John Mathai, an economist who served as Railways Minister and then Finance Minister before leaving the government in 1950.

India’s first Union cabinet under Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru embraced the idea of lateral talent. Among the 15 members of the cabinet in 1947 was John Mathai, an economist who served as Railways Minister and then Finance Minister before leaving the government in 1950. Over the years, inducting such lateral professional talent into the Union cabinet from outside party politics has grown rarer. In welcome contrast, none of the nine professionals recently selected under the aegis of the UPSC to serve the government as joint secretaries, belong to a political party. All have specialised domain knowledge. Amber Dubey, for example, was head of aerospace and defence at KPMG. He has been selected to join the civil aviation ministry where his experience of over 26 years in the aviation and defence domain will be useful as India reforms its aviation, space and defence technology sectors. The selection of Dubey, an IIT Bombay and IIM Ahmedabad alumni, who has spent his entire career in the private sector, reflects the winds of change blowing over a critical area of Indian governance: technocratic talent. The country is run at four levels. One, the Prime Minister-led Union cabinet and the Chief Minister-led state cabinets where specialised domain talent is slender. Two, the central and state bureaucracies which are largely filled with generalists, not specialists. Three, local civic municipalities where again political affiliations often carry more weight than competence. Four, village panchayats and local bodies where caste and religion cast a long shadow. In the United States, the cabinet is small (16 members) and mostly technocratic, drawn from the private sector, the professions and academia. The Narendra Modi cabinet is large (over 70 ministers and ministers of state) and apart from some honourable exceptions, does not exactly overflow with talent. That is why the lateral selection of nine professionals as joint secretaries is a welcome development. Consider the core competencies of some of the new lateral recruits: Dinesh Jagdale, CEO of Panama Renewable Energy Group, will join the renewable energy ministry. Kakoli Ghosh, who has deep knowledge of the multilateral farm sector, will join the agriculture ministry. Most of the others have been placed in ministries where their professional experience and knowledge will be put to good use. These infusions are just the beginning. Indian bureaucracies, central and state, must absorb UPSC-selected lateral appointments of technocrats with ever-greater urgency. In a technology-enabled world, specialisation is mandatory. IAS officers, however competent and dedicated, have two handicaps, First, they are generalists with little specialised domain expertise. Second, they are transferred so often across the country – for example, from animal husbandry to defence acquisitions – that focus is lost. The certainty of tenure among civil servants also engenders a sense of complacency. Over the years, the ministries of finance and defence, in particular, have developed a reputation for cronyism and corruption. Leaks to the media in the Rafale fighter jet case and examples of department officers surreptitiously encouraging arms dealers (though they were explicitly banned in 2014) have damaged the national interest. The introduction of fresh professional blood should act as a deterrent when the minister in charge of a particular portfolio has not been able to impose his or her will with sufficient authority on department officers. If Prime Minister Narendra Modi does win a second term, it’s possible the BJP’s majority in Parliament will be significantly reduced. That is not a bad thing. Modi was used to running a compact state like Gujarat with a group of loyal and competent bureaucrats who dared not defy his authority or miss deadlines on projects. The same modus operandi has not worked in the Byzantine culture of Delhi. Days after he took office as prime minister, Modi called more than 70 senior bureaucrats to meet him. As they stood in a line before him, he told them to work without fear or favour. They could come to him with any problems they had, he said. The senior IAS officers, still standing in a parabolic line, nodded silently. But every one of them must have thought cynically to himself or herself that fear and favour were the time-honoured way bureaucracy worked. How would Modi break that habit? He hasn’t. The series of legal setbacks in the 2G, Rafale and other cases has exposed the government’s poor selection of its law officers. Equally lacklustre has been its communications strategy. Instead of being proactive over a range of contentious issues – from Rafale to electoral bonds – the government has been slow and reactive when perception damage has already been done. In a 24x7 news cycle, every major government holds briefings in near real-time. The Chinese and American administrations respond to any issue concerning their government promptly and clearly. Even Pakistan’s information ministry reacts rapidly to events though in its case it is to add a positive spin to negative stories about, for example, Islamabad’s likely blacklisting by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) for terror financing and money laundering. The under-utilisation by the Indian government of an articulate and credible Information & Broadcasting (I&B) minister Rajyavardhan Rathore, an Olympian and a former soldier, in delivering daily media briefings underscores how unprofessionally the government has communicated its agenda to voters. They will now deliver their verdict. (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.)

Inducting lateral professional skills into the cabinet by Narendra Modi government is a welcome step

The Election Commission has stated that 'PM Narendra Modi' - a biopic made on the Indian Prime Minister- should be released after May 19th which is when the general elections get over.&nbsp; 
 
The biopic on Prime Minister Narendra Modi is a "hagiography", which treats the subject with undue reverence, and its public screening during poll campaign will "tilt the electoral balance", the Election Commission (EC) has told the Supreme Court while opposing the release of the movie starring Vivek Oberoi.&nbsp; 
 
In its 20-page report submitted to the apex court bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi on the film titled 'PM Narendra Modi', the poll panel said that the biopic "produces a political environment where an individual acquired cult status" and its public screening during the period when model code of conduct is in operation would favour a particular political party. 
 
The EC said "there are several scenes depicting a major opposition party as corrupt and showing them in poor light. Their leaders have been depicted in such a manner that their identification is clear and obvious to the viewers." 
 
It said that the biopic was more than a biography and was a "hagiography" (which treats the subject as saints and gives undue reverence) and the construct of the movie was "unabashedly uni-dimensional", which puts an individual on a higher pedestal through use of specific symbols, slogans and scenes. 
 
The report was submitted after the apex court had on April 15 directed the EC to re-examine its earlier order and take an informed decision on banning pan-India the release of the biopic after watching the full movie.&nbsp; 
 
The court had asked the poll panel to provide its report to the producer of the movie. 
 
"The committee is of the considered view that the public screening of the movie 'PM Narendra Modi' during the period of model code of conduct will tilt the electoral balance of the particular political party, therefore, the public screening of the movie 'PM Narendra Modi' should not be allowed till last date of poll on May 19 in the ongoing elections.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 
 
The report further said, "Eulogising of the character Narendra Modi is very clear right through the movie. More than biography, it is hagiography." 
It also said that the biopic "produces a political environment where an individual acquired cult status. The construct of this 135-minute movie is unabashedly uni-dimensional, which puts an individual on a higher pedestal through use of specific symbols, slogans and scenes. It ends up eulogising an individual, giving him a saintly status". 
 
Senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi, appearing for film producers who have challenged the EC's ban on the biopic's release till the current general elections are over, had earlier told the top court that the poll panel has taken the decision after watching a two-minute promo, and not the entire movie. 
 
EC's counsel Amit Sharma had said that the entire movie was not available and a decision to ban the release was taken after watching the trailer. 
The bench had then asked the poll panel to watch the full movie and then take an informed decision on whether its release should be banned or not. 
The EC had on April 10 stalled the release of the film until the polls end, asserting that any biopic material with the potential to disturb the level-playing field during elections should not be displayed. 
 
The commission, in a separate order, had also directed the producers "not to exhibit the film titled 'PM Narendra Modi' till further orders". The film was earlier set to release on April 11. 
 
Acting on the complaints of political parties, including the Congress, the poll panel had also said that any poster or publicity material concerning any such certified content, which either depicts a candidate (including prospective) for the furtherance (or purported to further) of electoral prospects, directly or indirectly, shall not be put on display in electronic media in the area where MCC is in force. 
 
The Left had also opposed the release of the film, saying it would disturb the level-playing field for other parties in the election and was in violation of the Model Code of Conduct. 
 
The Modi biopic, starring Vivek Oberoi, has been the most-talked about movie this election season. Directed by Omung Kumar, it tells the story of Modi's rise to power from his humble beginnings. 
 
The apex court had on April 9 dismissed a petition filed by Congress leader Aman Panwar for a stay on the release of the biopic, saying the Election Commission would be an "appropriate" place to seek the redressal. 
 
The apex court had said it was not entertaining the petition for the stay on the release of the film which would be "premature" in view of the fact that the movie is yet to be certified by the Censor Board. 
 
It said even if the film is released on April 11, as claimed by the Congress leader, it will be appropriate for him to seek a redressal from the Election Commission.&nbsp;

The Election Commission has stated that 'PM Narendra Modi' - a biopic made on the Indian Prime Minister- should be released after May 19th which is when the general elections get over.

The Election Commission has stated that 'PM Narendra Modi' - a biopic made on the Indian Prime Minister- should be released after May 19th which is when the general elections get over. The biopic on Prime Minister Narendra Modi is a "hagiography", which treats the subject with undue reverence, and its public screening during poll campaign will "tilt the electoral balance", the Election Commission (EC) has told the Supreme Court while opposing the release of the movie starring Vivek Oberoi. In its 20-page report submitted to the apex court bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi on the film titled 'PM Narendra Modi', the poll panel said that the biopic "produces a political environment where an individual acquired cult status" and its public screening during the period when model code of conduct is in operation would favour a particular political party. The EC said "there are several scenes depicting a major opposition party as corrupt and showing them in poor light. Their leaders have been depicted in such a manner that their identification is clear and obvious to the viewers." It said that the biopic was more than a biography and was a "hagiography" (which treats the subject as saints and gives undue reverence) and the construct of the movie was "unabashedly uni-dimensional", which puts an individual on a higher pedestal through use of specific symbols, slogans and scenes. The report was submitted after the apex court had on April 15 directed the EC to re-examine its earlier order and take an informed decision on banning pan-India the release of the biopic after watching the full movie. The court had asked the poll panel to provide its report to the producer of the movie. "The committee is of the considered view that the public screening of the movie 'PM Narendra Modi' during the period of model code of conduct will tilt the electoral balance of the particular political party, therefore, the public screening of the movie 'PM Narendra Modi' should not be allowed till last date of poll on May 19 in the ongoing elections. The report further said, "Eulogising of the character Narendra Modi is very clear right through the movie. More than biography, it is hagiography." It also said that the biopic "produces a political environment where an individual acquired cult status. The construct of this 135-minute movie is unabashedly uni-dimensional, which puts an individual on a higher pedestal through use of specific symbols, slogans and scenes. It ends up eulogising an individual, giving him a saintly status". Senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi, appearing for film producers who have challenged the EC's ban on the biopic's release till the current general elections are over, had earlier told the top court that the poll panel has taken the decision after watching a two-minute promo, and not the entire movie. EC's counsel Amit Sharma had said that the entire movie was not available and a decision to ban the release was taken after watching the trailer. The bench had then asked the poll panel to watch the full movie and then take an informed decision on whether its release should be banned or not. The EC had on April 10 stalled the release of the film until the polls end, asserting that any biopic material with the potential to disturb the level-playing field during elections should not be displayed. The commission, in a separate order, had also directed the producers "not to exhibit the film titled 'PM Narendra Modi' till further orders". The film was earlier set to release on April 11. Acting on the complaints of political parties, including the Congress, the poll panel had also said that any poster or publicity material concerning any such certified content, which either depicts a candidate (including prospective) for the furtherance (or purported to further) of electoral prospects, directly or indirectly, shall not be put on display in electronic media in the area where MCC is in force. The Left had also opposed the release of the film, saying it would disturb the level-playing field for other parties in the election and was in violation of the Model Code of Conduct. The Modi biopic, starring Vivek Oberoi, has been the most-talked about movie this election season. Directed by Omung Kumar, it tells the story of Modi's rise to power from his humble beginnings. The apex court had on April 9 dismissed a petition filed by Congress leader Aman Panwar for a stay on the release of the biopic, saying the Election Commission would be an "appropriate" place to seek the redressal. The apex court had said it was not entertaining the petition for the stay on the release of the film which would be "premature" in view of the fact that the movie is yet to be certified by the Censor Board. It said even if the film is released on April 11, as claimed by the Congress leader, it will be appropriate for him to seek a redressal from the Election Commission.

Modi biopic is a hagiography which gives him cult status, will tilt electoral balance: Election Commission to Supreme Court

BJP chief<a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-is-in-confusion-not-us-amit-shah-on-reports-of-priyanka-gandhi-vadra-contesting-from-varanasi-213070&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwjk7tXBkujhAhXX63MBHdyGDPcQFggOMAM&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw2XT3XNbghOU6QzFF3SDOBh"> Amit Shah</a> Tuesday said that after three phases of voting in the Lok Sabha polls he is confident that his party will win the elections with a huge margin and form a government with full majority.

Shah visited Varanasi, the parliamentary constituency represented by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and inaugurated a media centre of the party. He also opened the election office of PM Modi at Mehmoorganj.

&nbsp;"Looking at the voting in the first three phases, I believe that the BJP is going to form the next government with full majority," Shah told reporters at the launch of the media centre.

In Uttar Pradesh, the BJP and its ally will perform far better than the SP-BSP alliance and would win most of the seats of the state, he said.

He said the BJP's tally would be even better than the 2014 Lok Sabha election's.

On the question of the possibility of <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-is-in-confusion-not-us-amit-shah-on-reports-of-priyanka-gandhi-vadra-contesting-from-varanasi-213070&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwjk7tXBkujhAhXX63MBHdyGDPcQFggOMAM&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw2XT3XNbghOU6QzFF3SDOBh">Congress Priyanka Gandhi Vadra</a> contesting the Lok Sabha elections against Modi from Varanasi, Shah said that in a democracy, anyone can contest polls from anywhere in the country.

"We have declared our candidate and PM Modi is contesting elections again from Varanasi," he said.

He said Modi will hold a grand roadshow in the city on April 25 and file his nomination papers the next day.

He said senior BJP leaders, parliamentary board members and NDA allies, including Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, Shiromani Akali Dal leaders, LJP president Ram Vilas Paswan, Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray will be present, among others, during the filing of the nomination papers.

On the question of giving Lok Sabha ticket to 2008 Malegaon blast accused Pragya Thakur, Shah said she was jailed on "false" charges "fabricated" by the Congress party.

Shah said Congress president Rahul Gandhi should apologise for "Hindu terror" and "Bhagwa terror" phrases.

Shah said the Congress released LeT terrorists from jail for vote bank politics and alleged that it jailed innocent people on false terror cases. It accused the party of sidestepping national security for vote bank politics.

He also said those who carried out corruption to the tune of Rs "12 lakh crore", would not be spared and their place is in jail.

"When did you meet Rahul Gandhi, why are you speaking his language?" Shah said when he was asked about the PM's 'nuclear-button' statement, and also a question on alleged "harassment" of political opponents by the BJP.

"In 2014, PM Modi had said that those who carried out corruption and scams to the tune of Rs 12 lakh crore, they will not be spared and their place is in jails," Shah told the press conference.

"Will they be spared and not be sent in jail? It's the public money and the public wants to know about each penny", he said.

He said the BJP never indulged in "politically motivated" harassment of its political opponents.

BJP chief Amit Shah Tuesday said that after three phases of voting in the Lok Sabha polls he is confident that his party will win the elections with a huge margin and form a government with full majority.

BJP chief Amit Shah Tuesday said that after three phases of voting in the Lok Sabha polls he is confident that his party will win the elections with a huge margin and form a government with full majority. Shah visited Varanasi, the parliamentary constituency represented by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and inaugurated a media centre of the party. He also opened the election office of PM Modi at Mehmoorganj. "Looking at the voting in the first three phases, I believe that the BJP is going to form the next government with full majority," Shah told reporters at the launch of the media centre. In Uttar Pradesh, the BJP and its ally will perform far better than the SP-BSP alliance and would win most of the seats of the state, he said. He said the BJP's tally would be even better than the 2014 Lok Sabha election's. On the question of the possibility of Congress Priyanka Gandhi Vadra contesting the Lok Sabha elections against Modi from Varanasi, Shah said that in a democracy, anyone can contest polls from anywhere in the country. "We have declared our candidate and PM Modi is contesting elections again from Varanasi," he said. He said Modi will hold a grand roadshow in the city on April 25 and file his nomination papers the next day. He said senior BJP leaders, parliamentary board members and NDA allies, including Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, Shiromani Akali Dal leaders, LJP president Ram Vilas Paswan, Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray will be present, among others, during the filing of the nomination papers. On the question of giving Lok Sabha ticket to 2008 Malegaon blast accused Pragya Thakur, Shah said she was jailed on "false" charges "fabricated" by the Congress party. Shah said Congress president Rahul Gandhi should apologise for "Hindu terror" and "Bhagwa terror" phrases. Shah said the Congress released LeT terrorists from jail for vote bank politics and alleged that it jailed innocent people on false terror cases. It accused the party of sidestepping national security for vote bank politics. He also said those who carried out corruption to the tune of Rs "12 lakh crore", would not be spared and their place is in jail. "When did you meet Rahul Gandhi, why are you speaking his language?" Shah said when he was asked about the PM's 'nuclear-button' statement, and also a question on alleged "harassment" of political opponents by the BJP. "In 2014, PM Modi had said that those who carried out corruption and scams to the tune of Rs 12 lakh crore, they will not be spared and their place is in jails," Shah told the press conference. "Will they be spared and not be sent in jail? It's the public money and the public wants to know about each penny", he said. He said the BJP never indulged in "politically motivated" harassment of its political opponents.

Lok Sabha polls 2019: Looking at voting in first three phases, I'm confident BJP will win, says Amit Shah

Union Home Minister <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-polls-2019-rajnath-singh-files-nomination-from-lucknow-210886&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwiYyOLXjOjhAhVr6nMBHR_MCLEQFggOMAM&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw1D8RizZQlIkCEDFGqb-e7C">Rajnath Singh</a> on Tuesday said that by the year 2030 India could replace any one of the three world superpowers (Russia, China and America).

"By 2030 or 2031 Bharat will replace any one of the three superpowers, either Russia, China or America from the list of top three countries of the world in terms of economy and strength," said Rajnath Singh while addressing an election rally at Chatra.

He said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi led government has provided an immense boost to the economy of India.

"In 2014 we were at ninth place among the top 10 countries in terms of the size of the economy. After four years of governance led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in 2018 we jumped to the sixth position," he said.

"And I say it with confidence that not in few years but in few months we will be at the fifth place," said Rajnath.

The Home Minister also said that the Prime Minister had assured that every paise earmarked for the welfare of the people reaches the common man.

"Rajiv Gandhi helplessly said that out of 100 Paise given by him only 16 Paise manages to reach the people but Prime Minister Narendra Modi has overcome this and now when 100 paise is sent, 100 paise reaches your pocket," said Singh.

Rajnath Singh also gave an assurance of completely wiping out Naxalism.

"Naxalism which was spread across 126 districts of the country is now restricted to only seven to eight districts. I assure you it will be entirely uprooted from India in the next three to four years," he said.

Jharkhand has 14 Lok Sabha constituencies which will go for polls on 29 April, 6 May, 12 May and 19 May for its 3, 4, 4 and 3 seats respectively.

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday said that by the year 2030 India could replace any one of the three world superpowers (Russia, China and America). "By 2030 or 2031 Bharat will replace any one of the three superpowers, either Russia, China or America from the list of top three countries of the world in terms of economy and strength," said Rajnath Singh while addressing an election rally at Chatra.

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday said that by the year 2030 India could replace any one of the three world superpowers (Russia, China and America). "By 2030 or 2031 Bharat will replace any one of the three superpowers, either Russia, China or America from the list of top three countries of the world in terms of economy and strength," said Rajnath Singh while addressing an election rally at Chatra. He said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi led government has provided an immense boost to the economy of India. "In 2014 we were at ninth place among the top 10 countries in terms of the size of the economy. After four years of governance led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in 2018 we jumped to the sixth position," he said. "And I say it with confidence that not in few years but in few months we will be at the fifth place," said Rajnath. The Home Minister also said that the Prime Minister had assured that every paise earmarked for the welfare of the people reaches the common man. "Rajiv Gandhi helplessly said that out of 100 Paise given by him only 16 Paise manages to reach the people but Prime Minister Narendra Modi has overcome this and now when 100 paise is sent, 100 paise reaches your pocket," said Singh. Rajnath Singh also gave an assurance of completely wiping out Naxalism. "Naxalism which was spread across 126 districts of the country is now restricted to only seven to eight districts. I assure you it will be entirely uprooted from India in the next three to four years," he said. Jharkhand has 14 Lok Sabha constituencies which will go for polls on 29 April, 6 May, 12 May and 19 May for its 3, 4, 4 and 3 seats respectively.

Lok Sabha polls 2019: By 2030 India will replace one of the top 3 superpowers, says Rajnath Singh

Attacking Congress president Rahul Gandhi, BJP president Amit Shah on Wednesday said that the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) will not be repealed even if another Gandhi comes after him.

Congress has promised in its manifesto that it will not allow any change in Article 370 and will review the AFSPA if voted to power.

"Congress in its manifesto said that they will scrap AFSPA so that cases can be filed against the Army men. Should AFSPA be repealed? I have come to tell Rahul baba it will not be repealed in your whole life and after you, even if another Gandhi comes he will also not be able to repeal it," Shah said while addressing an election rally .

The AFSPA grants special powers to the Indian Armed Forces in 'disturbed areas'.

According to The Disturbed Areas (Special Courts) Act, 1976, once declared 'disturbed', the area has to maintain the status quo for a minimum of three months. Shah alleged that Congress and its allies want to separate Kashmir from India.

"Congress is in alliance with the National Conference. Omar says that there should be separate Prime Minister for Kashmir...&nbsp;These gathbandhan people - Lalu, Rabri and Rahul - want that Kashmir should be separated from the country," he said.

"Kashmir is the crown of Mother India. Kashmir is an integral part of Hindustan. The leaders of Mahamalavat want to separate Kashmir from India. For this, they have to go over our lives," Shah said.

The BJP president claimed that the Mahagathbandhan does not have any leader who can lead it and each of them aspire to assume the Prime Minister's office on a rotational basis.

"Who is the leader of gathbandhan? They have no leader. If they come to power on Monday, Mayawati will become the Prime Minister. On Tuesday, Akhilesh Yadav will become the Prime Minister. On Wednesday, Lalu Yadav will become the Prime Minister," said Shah.

Emphasising that all seven days in a week will see a different face in the prime minister's chair except on a Sunday, Shah added, "On Thursday, Deve Gowda will become the Prime Minister. On Friday, Chandrababu Naidu will become the Prime Minister. On Saturday, Stalin will become the Prime Minister. And, a holiday on Sunday."&nbsp;

Attacking Congress president Rahul Gandhi, BJP president Amit Shah on Wednesday said that the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) will not be repealed even if another Gandhi comes after him.

Attacking Congress president Rahul Gandhi, BJP president Amit Shah on Wednesday said that the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) will not be repealed even if another Gandhi comes after him. Congress has promised in its manifesto that it will not allow any change in Article 370 and will review the AFSPA if voted to power. "Congress in its manifesto said that they will scrap AFSPA so that cases can be filed against the Army men. Should AFSPA be repealed? I have come to tell Rahul baba it will not be repealed in your whole life and after you, even if another Gandhi comes he will also not be able to repeal it," Shah said while addressing an election rally . The AFSPA grants special powers to the Indian Armed Forces in 'disturbed areas'. According to The Disturbed Areas (Special Courts) Act, 1976, once declared 'disturbed', the area has to maintain the status quo for a minimum of three months. Shah alleged that Congress and its allies want to separate Kashmir from India. "Congress is in alliance with the National Conference. Omar says that there should be separate Prime Minister for Kashmir... These gathbandhan people - Lalu, Rabri and Rahul - want that Kashmir should be separated from the country," he said. "Kashmir is the crown of Mother India. Kashmir is an integral part of Hindustan. The leaders of Mahamalavat want to separate Kashmir from India. For this, they have to go over our lives," Shah said. The BJP president claimed that the Mahagathbandhan does not have any leader who can lead it and each of them aspire to assume the Prime Minister's office on a rotational basis. "Who is the leader of gathbandhan? They have no leader. If they come to power on Monday, Mayawati will become the Prime Minister. On Tuesday, Akhilesh Yadav will become the Prime Minister. On Wednesday, Lalu Yadav will become the Prime Minister," said Shah. Emphasising that all seven days in a week will see a different face in the prime minister's chair except on a Sunday, Shah added, "On Thursday, Deve Gowda will become the Prime Minister. On Friday, Chandrababu Naidu will become the Prime Minister. On Saturday, Stalin will become the Prime Minister. And, a holiday on Sunday."

AFSPA will not be repealed even if another Gandhi comes after Rahul: Amit Shah

Bhopal BJP candidate and Malegaon blast accused Pragya Singh Thakur on Wednesday termed NIA court's decision to turn down a plea seeking to bar her from contesting poll as the victory of "truth and virtues".

"This is our victory. Truth and dharma (virtue) always win. I already knew it (about the court's decision). I have done no wrong," Pragya told reporters here.

She said that the case against her was a result of a conspiracy by the Congress.

Earlier in the day, a special NIA court turned down the application filed by Nisar Ahmed Sayyed Bilal, the father of a victim of the 2008 Malegaon terror blast, seeking to bar Thakur from contesting the ongoing Lok Sabha elections.

Special NIA Judge Vinod Padalkar while negating the plea, said, "In present ongoing elections, this court does not have any legal powers to prohibit anyone from contesting elections. It is the job of the electoral officers to decide. This court can't stop the accused from contesting elections. This application is negated by this court."

Special Judge Padalkar stated that the agency cannot mention that there is no prima facie case against Thakur.

The applicant's lawyer argued before the court that Pragya was not attending the court proceedings on grounds of ill health but undertook election campaign where she is not looking ill.

On Tuesday, Thakur filed her response to the plea and dubbed the petition as "frivolous" adding that the plea was filed with a "political agenda" and was "publicity stunt".

In her reply filed before the NIA court, Pragya said, "There is no provision in the Representation of Peoples Act 1951, which disqualifies the candidate from contesting elections if a criminal case is pending against him/her."

Thakur is among the seven accused facing trial in the Malegaon blast case, wherein six people were killed and a dozen others were injured when a bomb placed on a motorcycle exploded in Maharashtra`s Malegaon on September 29, 2008.

Bhopal BJP candidate and Malegaon blast accused Pragya Singh Thakur on Wednesday termed NIA court's decision to turn down a plea seeking to bar her from contesting poll as the victory of "truth and virtues".

Bhopal BJP candidate and Malegaon blast accused Pragya Singh Thakur on Wednesday termed NIA court's decision to turn down a plea seeking to bar her from contesting poll as the victory of "truth and virtues". "This is our victory. Truth and dharma (virtue) always win. I already knew it (about the court's decision). I have done no wrong," Pragya told reporters here. She said that the case against her was a result of a conspiracy by the Congress. Earlier in the day, a special NIA court turned down the application filed by Nisar Ahmed Sayyed Bilal, the father of a victim of the 2008 Malegaon terror blast, seeking to bar Thakur from contesting the ongoing Lok Sabha elections. Special NIA Judge Vinod Padalkar while negating the plea, said, "In present ongoing elections, this court does not have any legal powers to prohibit anyone from contesting elections. It is the job of the electoral officers to decide. This court can't stop the accused from contesting elections. This application is negated by this court." Special Judge Padalkar stated that the agency cannot mention that there is no prima facie case against Thakur. The applicant's lawyer argued before the court that Pragya was not attending the court proceedings on grounds of ill health but undertook election campaign where she is not looking ill. On Tuesday, Thakur filed her response to the plea and dubbed the petition as "frivolous" adding that the plea was filed with a "political agenda" and was "publicity stunt". In her reply filed before the NIA court, Pragya said, "There is no provision in the Representation of Peoples Act 1951, which disqualifies the candidate from contesting elections if a criminal case is pending against him/her." Thakur is among the seven accused facing trial in the Malegaon blast case, wherein six people were killed and a dozen others were injured when a bomb placed on a motorcycle exploded in Maharashtra`s Malegaon on September 29, 2008.

Pragya says NIA order on her candidature 'victory of truth'

BJP Lok Sabha candidate from Bhopal Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur has declared assets worth more than Rs 4.44 lakh that includes a 150-gram silver-coated brick which has Lord Rama inscribed on it, according to her affidavit.

Thakur, an accused in the 2008 Malegaon blast case currently on bail, has mentioned in her affidavit that she depends on alms and the society for her livelihood.

The total value of her possessions, including cash in hand, a silver 'kamandal'&nbsp;(water pot) weighing 2 kg, gold and silver jewellery and the silver-coated brick, stood at Rs 4,44,224, according to the affidavit submitted along with her nomination papers to election authorities here Tuesday.

The silver-coated brick, weighing 150 grams, is worth Rs 7,000 and has Lord Rama engraved on it, the document said.

The right-wing activist belongs to Lahar town in Bhind district of Madhya Pradesh and is a post-graduate from the Jiwaji University, Gwalior and also holds BP Ed (Bachelor of Physical Education) degree from the Barkatullah University, Bhopal, according to the affidavit.

The 49-year-old sadhvi has declared that a criminal case related to the 2008 blast case is registered against her at the Azad Nagar police station in Malegaon town of Nashik district in North Maharashtra.

The Bhopal police, on orders of the Election Commission (EC), has filed an FIR against Thakur for her remarks over the demolition of the Babri Masjid at Ayodhya in 1992. 
Thakur is contesting against Congress veteran Digvijaya Singh.

Voting in the Bhopal Lok Sabha constituency, which the BJP has been winning since 1989, will take place on May 12.&nbsp;

BJP Lok Sabha candidate from Bhopal Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur has declared assets worth more than Rs 4.44 lakh that includes a 150-gram silver-coated brick which has Lord Rama inscribed on it, according to her affidavit.

BJP Lok Sabha candidate from Bhopal Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur has declared assets worth more than Rs 4.44 lakh that includes a 150-gram silver-coated brick which has Lord Rama inscribed on it, according to her affidavit. Thakur, an accused in the 2008 Malegaon blast case currently on bail, has mentioned in her affidavit that she depends on alms and the society for her livelihood. The total value of her possessions, including cash in hand, a silver 'kamandal' (water pot) weighing 2 kg, gold and silver jewellery and the silver-coated brick, stood at Rs 4,44,224, according to the affidavit submitted along with her nomination papers to election authorities here Tuesday. The silver-coated brick, weighing 150 grams, is worth Rs 7,000 and has Lord Rama engraved on it, the document said. The right-wing activist belongs to Lahar town in Bhind district of Madhya Pradesh and is a post-graduate from the Jiwaji University, Gwalior and also holds BP Ed (Bachelor of Physical Education) degree from the Barkatullah University, Bhopal, according to the affidavit. The 49-year-old sadhvi has declared that a criminal case related to the 2008 blast case is registered against her at the Azad Nagar police station in Malegaon town of Nashik district in North Maharashtra. The Bhopal police, on orders of the Election Commission (EC), has filed an FIR against Thakur for her remarks over the demolition of the Babri Masjid at Ayodhya in 1992. Thakur is contesting against Congress veteran Digvijaya Singh. Voting in the Bhopal Lok Sabha constituency, which the BJP has been winning since 1989, will take place on May 12.

Silver-coated brick among Rs 4.44 lakh assets owned by Pragya Singh Thakur

Just days after the BJP approached the Election Commission seeking a ban on the release of the alleged biopic on Mamata Banerjee till the election is over, the West Bengal Chief Minister said in a tweet that she has "nothing at all to do with any biopic" and "will file defamation suit if compelled."

"What is all this nonsense being spread! I have nothing at all to do with any biopic. If some young people have collected stories and expressed themselves, that's up to them. Not related to us. I am not Narendra Modi. Please do not compel me to file for defamation by spreading lies," she wrote on Twitter, on Wednesday.

On April 17, the BJP had penned down a letter to the poll body asking them to review the purported biopic on the TMC supremo and put a ban on it till the time the Lok Sabha elections are over.

"This is to draw your attention to the news in the media that a biopic allegedly of Smt Mamata Banerjee will be released on 3 May 2019. Bharatiya Janata Party requests the Hon'ble Election Commission of India and its representative in West Bengal, the CEO, to review the said biopic before release, on similar lines done in the case of another biopic depicting Shri Narendra Modi," a letter signed by BJP West Bengal Vice-President Joy Prakash Majumdar and BJP leader Shishir Bajoria read.

Just days after the BJP approached the Election Commission seeking a ban on the release of the alleged biopic on Mamata Banerjee till the election is over, the West Bengal Chief Minister said in a tweet that she has "nothing at all to do with any biopic" and "will file defamation suit if compelled.

Just days after the BJP approached the Election Commission seeking a ban on the release of the alleged biopic on Mamata Banerjee till the election is over, the West Bengal Chief Minister said in a tweet that she has "nothing at all to do with any biopic" and "will file defamation suit if compelled." "What is all this nonsense being spread! I have nothing at all to do with any biopic. If some young people have collected stories and expressed themselves, that's up to them. Not related to us. I am not Narendra Modi. Please do not compel me to file for defamation by spreading lies," she wrote on Twitter, on Wednesday. On April 17, the BJP had penned down a letter to the poll body asking them to review the purported biopic on the TMC supremo and put a ban on it till the time the Lok Sabha elections are over. "This is to draw your attention to the news in the media that a biopic allegedly of Smt Mamata Banerjee will be released on 3 May 2019. Bharatiya Janata Party requests the Hon'ble Election Commission of India and its representative in West Bengal, the CEO, to review the said biopic before release, on similar lines done in the case of another biopic depicting Shri Narendra Modi," a letter signed by BJP West Bengal Vice-President Joy Prakash Majumdar and BJP leader Shishir Bajoria read.

What is all this nonsense being spread!: Mamata Banerjee on her bipoic

In a veiled reference to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's remark that West Bengal Chief Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/i-have-many-friends-in-opposition-mamata-banerjee-sends-kurtas-sweets-to-me-pm-narendra-modi-to-akshay-kumar-213161">Mamata Banerjee sends him sweets and kurtas every year</a>, the TMC leader said Wednesday it is Bengal's culture to welcome guests with sweets and gifts but not a single vote will be given to his party.

Banerjee made the comments at a rally in Serampore in Hooghly district against the backdrop of Modi's interview to actor Akshay Kumar aired by TV channels in which the prime minister mentioned her gifts to him.

"It is Bengal's culture to welcome guests with sweets and tea. We also greet them on special occasions. This is our tradition. We welcome guests with sweets and gifts but not a single vote will be given (to BJP)," the Trinamool Congress (TMC) supremo said without naming Modi.

&nbsp;

In a veiled reference to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's remark that West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee sends him sweets and kurtas every year, the TMC leader said Wednesday it is Bengal's culture to welcome guests with sweets and gifts but not a single vote will be given to his party.

In a veiled reference to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's remark that West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee sends him sweets and kurtas every year, the TMC leader said Wednesday it is Bengal's culture to welcome guests with sweets and gifts but not a single vote will be given to his party. Banerjee made the comments at a rally in Serampore in Hooghly district against the backdrop of Modi's interview to actor Akshay Kumar aired by TV channels in which the prime minister mentioned her gifts to him. "It is Bengal's culture to welcome guests with sweets and tea. We also greet them on special occasions. This is our tradition. We welcome guests with sweets and gifts but not a single vote will be given (to BJP)," the Trinamool Congress (TMC) supremo said without naming Modi.

It's Bengal's culture, says Mamata in veiled response to PM's remark on receiving sweets from her