Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday took a veiled dig at Congress president Rahul Gandhi, saying people looking at a mirror 10 times a day and aspiring to become PM cannot even win assembly constituencies in their Lok Sabha seat.

He said the Congress-led opposition, which has been "hurling abuse" at him, was now talking ill of the EVMs after realising the "trend" of three rounds of voting in the general election, "just like a child who makes excuses to justify his underperformance in exams".

PM Modi also slammed Karnataka Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy for his remarks that those who cannot make both ends meet alone join the army, and wondered over the Congress' "silence" over it.

"People who look at a mirror ten times a day and then daydream about becoming the prime minister... It's ridiculous that they cannot even win the assembly constituencies in their Lok Sabha seat," PM Modi said in an apparent attack on Rahul Gandhi.

The Congress chief is in the fray from Amethi for the fourth time and is pitted against Union minister Smriti Irani, who had lost to him in 2014. Gandhi is also contesting Wayanad seat in Kerala.

In the 2017 Uttar Pradesh assembly polls, the BJP had won four of the five seats under Amethi Lok Sabha constituency, while the fifth had gone to the Samajwadi Party.

"After the trends of three phases of polling, the opposition has come to know which way the wind is blowing. They have been abusing me. Now they are abusing EVM and are angry with the machine. What can the EVM do?" PM Modi said addressing a rally here for BJP candidates for Chatra, Lohardaga and Palamau Lok Sabha seats.

He said the 'mahamilawatis' have realised they "stand no chance" after three phases of polling and are looking for excuses to defend their poor show.

At a press meet on Tuesday, leaders of several major opposition parties had questioned the credibility of the Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and renewed their demand that 50 per cent of the voter-verified paper audit trail (VVPAT) slips be matched with the EVM results.

"Just like a child who makes excuses to justify his underperformance in exams, opposition parties have started directing their anger at the EVMs and the voting process to cover their shortcomings. The response in the first three phases of polls have left the opposition with no option but to accept defeat," he said.

"A son of former prime minister H D Deve Gowda (Kumaraswamy) demoralises the army by saying only those who cannot make both ends meet to join the army... Arre doob maro (go, drown yourself). Our valiant soldiers are fighting to secure the country. They are fighting the enemy and taking bullets," he said.

PM Modi wondered why the Congress was "silent" over the remarks of Kumaraswamy, the Karnataka chief minister and its partner in the state's ruling coalition. He also wanted to know why the media was not discussing it.

Referring to the slain CRPF jawan Vijay Soreng, a Jharkhand native who was among the 40 personnel killed in a terror attack in Pulwama on February 14, PM Modi wanted to know whether his family sent him to join the force as it did not have food.

Claiming that Naxalites and terrorists got emboldened whenever the Congress was in power, PM Modi claimed ultra-Left extremism has been quelled to a great extent in the last five years, with the youth shunning the path of violence and joining the social mainstream.

PM Modi appealed to people to once again elect a government with a full majority as only such dispensations could control the menace of Naxalism and terrorism.

The prime minister asserted his government helps all people irrespective of their religious faith.

"We did not see what (religious) affiliations the 46 daughters of Kerala had. They were freed from terrorists in Iraq. They are your daughters, they are also the daughters of this chowkidar," he said referring to the rescue of nurses from the southern state, mostly Christians, from the captivity of ISIS terrorists.

With Balakot air strikes in mind, the prime minister said, "It is this chowkidar's government which knows how to respond to Pakistan and the terrorists promoted by it in their own language. Your government gave a befitting response to the terrorists by entering into their territory and destroying their headquarters."

He asserted terror groups were now afraid that his government will smoke them out even from the netherworld.

Referring to the terrorist attack in Sri Lanka on Easter Sunday, PM Modi said before 2014, even India faced such strikes but all that changed afterwards.

Before 2014, India responded in a "feeble voice" to Pakistan-sponsored terrorism. "The terrorists are now looking for new abodes," PM Modi asserted.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday took a veiled dig at Congress president Rahul Gandhi, saying people looking at a mirror 10 times a day and aspiring to become PM cannot even win assembly constituencies in their Lok Sabha seat.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday took a veiled dig at Congress president Rahul Gandhi, saying people looking at a mirror 10 times a day and aspiring to become PM cannot even win assembly constituencies in their Lok Sabha seat. He said the Congress-led opposition, which has been "hurling abuse" at him, was now talking ill of the EVMs after realising the "trend" of three rounds of voting in the general election, "just like a child who makes excuses to justify his underperformance in exams". PM Modi also slammed Karnataka Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy for his remarks that those who cannot make both ends meet alone join the army, and wondered over the Congress' "silence" over it. "People who look at a mirror ten times a day and then daydream about becoming the prime minister... It's ridiculous that they cannot even win the assembly constituencies in their Lok Sabha seat," PM Modi said in an apparent attack on Rahul Gandhi. The Congress chief is in the fray from Amethi for the fourth time and is pitted against Union minister Smriti Irani, who had lost to him in 2014. Gandhi is also contesting Wayanad seat in Kerala. In the 2017 Uttar Pradesh assembly polls, the BJP had won four of the five seats under Amethi Lok Sabha constituency, while the fifth had gone to the Samajwadi Party. "After the trends of three phases of polling, the opposition has come to know which way the wind is blowing. They have been abusing me. Now they are abusing EVM and are angry with the machine. What can the EVM do?" PM Modi said addressing a rally here for BJP candidates for Chatra, Lohardaga and Palamau Lok Sabha seats. He said the 'mahamilawatis' have realised they "stand no chance" after three phases of polling and are looking for excuses to defend their poor show. At a press meet on Tuesday, leaders of several major opposition parties had questioned the credibility of the Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and renewed their demand that 50 per cent of the voter-verified paper audit trail (VVPAT) slips be matched with the EVM results. "Just like a child who makes excuses to justify his underperformance in exams, opposition parties have started directing their anger at the EVMs and the voting process to cover their shortcomings. The response in the first three phases of polls have left the opposition with no option but to accept defeat," he said. "A son of former prime minister H D Deve Gowda (Kumaraswamy) demoralises the army by saying only those who cannot make both ends meet to join the army... Arre doob maro (go, drown yourself). Our valiant soldiers are fighting to secure the country. They are fighting the enemy and taking bullets," he said. PM Modi wondered why the Congress was "silent" over the remarks of Kumaraswamy, the Karnataka chief minister and its partner in the state's ruling coalition. He also wanted to know why the media was not discussing it. Referring to the slain CRPF jawan Vijay Soreng, a Jharkhand native who was among the 40 personnel killed in a terror attack in Pulwama on February 14, PM Modi wanted to know whether his family sent him to join the force as it did not have food. Claiming that Naxalites and terrorists got emboldened whenever the Congress was in power, PM Modi claimed ultra-Left extremism has been quelled to a great extent in the last five years, with the youth shunning the path of violence and joining the social mainstream. PM Modi appealed to people to once again elect a government with a full majority as only such dispensations could control the menace of Naxalism and terrorism. The prime minister asserted his government helps all people irrespective of their religious faith. "We did not see what (religious) affiliations the 46 daughters of Kerala had. They were freed from terrorists in Iraq. They are your daughters, they are also the daughters of this chowkidar," he said referring to the rescue of nurses from the southern state, mostly Christians, from the captivity of ISIS terrorists. With Balakot air strikes in mind, the prime minister said, "It is this chowkidar's government which knows how to respond to Pakistan and the terrorists promoted by it in their own language. Your government gave a befitting response to the terrorists by entering into their territory and destroying their headquarters." He asserted terror groups were now afraid that his government will smoke them out even from the netherworld. Referring to the terrorist attack in Sri Lanka on Easter Sunday, PM Modi said before 2014, even India faced such strikes but all that changed afterwards. Before 2014, India responded in a "feeble voice" to Pakistan-sponsored terrorism. "The terrorists are now looking for new abodes," PM Modi asserted.

Looking in mirror 10 times and aspiring to become prime minister: PM Modi's veiled attack on Rahul Gandhi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday slammed <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/corruption-and-crime-are-non-stop-in-trinamool-congress-rule-speed-breaker-didi-is-also-there-pm-modi-is-asansol-212968">West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee</a> stating that her party is now trying to survive with the help of "videshi kalakar" or artists from abroad in its last try.&nbsp;

The prime minister added that this time around the people of West Bengal have together with the BJP against them.

PM Modi was addressing a public rally in Ranaghat, West Bengal.&nbsp;

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PM Modi at a rally in Ranaghat,West Bengal:Ab videshi kalakaron aur kiraye ke gundon ke bal par hi Didi akhri koshish karne mein juti hai.Lekin iss baar bachna mushkil hi nahi namumkin hai, kyunki iss baar BJP ke saath hi WB ki janta bhi unke khilaaf maidan mein khadi ho gayi hai <a href="https://t.co/CRf7WEuugl">pic.twitter.com/CRf7WEuugl</a>
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday launched an attack on West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee stating that her party's state is such that people are not turning up for the rallies. He was addressing a rally in Asansol.

"Today TMC's condition has become such that people are not turning up for their rallies, they are forced to call actors from abroad. I feel pity for you didi, look what the brave people of Bengal have done to you," the PM noted.

PM Modi went on to say that the TMC chief is dreaming of becoming the prime minister of the nation by fighting on just a handful of seats.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday slammed West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee stating that her party is now trying to survive with the help of "videshi kalakar" or artists from abroad in its last try.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday slammed West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee stating that her party is now trying to survive with the help of "videshi kalakar" or artists from abroad in its last try. The prime minister added that this time around the people of West Bengal have together with the BJP against them. PM Modi was addressing a public rally in Ranaghat, West Bengal. PM Modi at a rally in Ranaghat,West Bengal:Ab videshi kalakaron aur kiraye ke gundon ke bal par hi Didi akhri koshish karne mein juti hai.Lekin iss baar bachna mushkil hi nahi namumkin hai, kyunki iss baar BJP ke saath hi WB ki janta bhi unke khilaaf maidan mein khadi ho gayi hai pic.twitter.com/CRf7WEuugl — ANI (@ANI) April 24, 2019 × Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday launched an attack on West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee stating that her party's state is such that people are not turning up for the rallies. He was addressing a rally in Asansol. "Today TMC's condition has become such that people are not turning up for their rallies, they are forced to call actors from abroad. I feel pity for you didi, look what the brave people of Bengal have done to you," the PM noted. PM Modi went on to say that the TMC chief is dreaming of becoming the prime minister of the nation by fighting on just a handful of seats.

In her final attempt, 'Didi' has resorted to help from 'videshi' artists: PM Modi

Sitaram Yechury, the general secretary of Communist Party of India (Marxist) has said that it is regrettable that the left party has not found a place in the Bihar grand alliance of opposition parties.

"It is very regrettable that we have not found a place in ''<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/second-phase-polls-bjp-mahagathbandhan-set-to-lock-horns-in-uttar-pradeshs-amroha-210709">mahagathbandhan'</a>'. The left and the RJD have very old relationship, both have fought together for secularism," said Sitaram Yechury.

"At Begusarai we are contesting on our own while at rest of places we are supporting ''mahagathbandhan'' because we have to defeat the BJP," said Mr Yechury.

Mr Yechury is campaigning for former JNU Students Union president Kanhaiya Kumar who is contesting on a CPI ticket from Begusarai where he is pitted against Union Minister Giriraj Singh of BJP and RJD's Tanveer Hassan.

He said that only issue in this election for the opposition is to defeat Narendra Modi government.

"In the last five years, a very grim situation has reached for everybody, the condition of life is pathetic. We have to defeat BJP," he said.

There are 40 Lok Sabha constituencies in Bihar and polling for first, the second and third phase is already over. Voting for the remain in seats will be held on April 29, May 6, May 12 and May 19; votes will be counted on May 23.

Sitaram Yechury, the general secretary of Communist Party of India (Marxist) has said that it is regrettable that the left party has not found a place in the Bihar grand alliance of opposition parties.

Sitaram Yechury, the general secretary of Communist Party of India (Marxist) has said that it is regrettable that the left party has not found a place in the Bihar grand alliance of opposition parties. "It is very regrettable that we have not found a place in ''mahagathbandhan''. The left and the RJD have very old relationship, both have fought together for secularism," said Sitaram Yechury. "At Begusarai we are contesting on our own while at rest of places we are supporting ''mahagathbandhan'' because we have to defeat the BJP," said Mr Yechury. Mr Yechury is campaigning for former JNU Students Union president Kanhaiya Kumar who is contesting on a CPI ticket from Begusarai where he is pitted against Union Minister Giriraj Singh of BJP and RJD's Tanveer Hassan. He said that only issue in this election for the opposition is to defeat Narendra Modi government. "In the last five years, a very grim situation has reached for everybody, the condition of life is pathetic. We have to defeat BJP," he said. There are 40 Lok Sabha constituencies in Bihar and polling for first, the second and third phase is already over. Voting for the remain in seats will be held on April 29, May 6, May 12 and May 19; votes will be counted on May 23.

Lok Sabha polls 2019: Regrettable that CPI (M) has not found a place in Bihar 'mahagathbandhan', says Sitaram Yechury

Returning Officer K. Mahesh on Wednesday accepted Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate Gautam Gambhir's nomination from East Delhi parliamentary constituency after the party clarified that his affidavit was not antedated.

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and Congress had raised objections on the affidavit filed by the cricketer-turned-politician.

Speaking to reporters, Gambhir's lawyer Anil Soni clarified that all of it was a plan to create a ruckus by AAP and it was the opposition's fear of BJP winning the elections which forced them to object to his client's affidavit.

"Aam Aadmi Party using some miscreants had tried to create a ruckus by falsely stating that our affidavit was antedated. The rejected candidates too asked how the date of 19/04 was mentioned when the affidavit was filed on April 23. We clarified that we had filed two affidavits, one on April 18 and the other had the serial number 1904, it was not the date but the serial number, we also showed the notary registry and called up the notary too," said Anil.

Mahesh clarified that the objections to Gambhir's candidature had come from AAP and Congress which were resolved after an explanation came from BJP, following which his nomination was approved.

"We started the scrutiny on April 24 at 11 am, when BJP candidate Gautam Gambhir's paper came up the AAP candidate Atishi with her lawyer and Congress candidate Arvind Lovely and one more independent candidate raised objections. They said that the date mentioned on the nomination paper was not similar to the day when the affidavit was filed (April 23), we organised a proper hearing and called both parties at 3 pm, both the parties appeared before us, clarifications were given and the issue was resolved," said Mahesh.

Delhi, where seven Lok Sabha seats are at stake will go to poll on May 12. The counting of votes will take place on May 23.

A total of 173 nominations have been filed till date, and the last date of withdrawal is April 26.&nbsp;

Returning Officer K. Mahesh on Wednesday accepted Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate Gautam Gambhir's nomination from East Delhi parliamentary constituency after the party clarified that his affidavit was not antedated.

Returning Officer K. Mahesh on Wednesday accepted Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate Gautam Gambhir's nomination from East Delhi parliamentary constituency after the party clarified that his affidavit was not antedated. Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and Congress had raised objections on the affidavit filed by the cricketer-turned-politician. Speaking to reporters, Gambhir's lawyer Anil Soni clarified that all of it was a plan to create a ruckus by AAP and it was the opposition's fear of BJP winning the elections which forced them to object to his client's affidavit. "Aam Aadmi Party using some miscreants had tried to create a ruckus by falsely stating that our affidavit was antedated. The rejected candidates too asked how the date of 19/04 was mentioned when the affidavit was filed on April 23. We clarified that we had filed two affidavits, one on April 18 and the other had the serial number 1904, it was not the date but the serial number, we also showed the notary registry and called up the notary too," said Anil. Mahesh clarified that the objections to Gambhir's candidature had come from AAP and Congress which were resolved after an explanation came from BJP, following which his nomination was approved. "We started the scrutiny on April 24 at 11 am, when BJP candidate Gautam Gambhir's paper came up the AAP candidate Atishi with her lawyer and Congress candidate Arvind Lovely and one more independent candidate raised objections. They said that the date mentioned on the nomination paper was not similar to the day when the affidavit was filed (April 23), we organised a proper hearing and called both parties at 3 pm, both the parties appeared before us, clarifications were given and the issue was resolved," said Mahesh. Delhi, where seven Lok Sabha seats are at stake will go to poll on May 12. The counting of votes will take place on May 23. A total of 173 nominations have been filed till date, and the last date of withdrawal is April 26.

Gautam Gambhir's nomination from East Delhi accepted by returning officer

The 66th National Film Awards will be announced after the 17th General Elections 2019 comes to an end, the Information and Broadcasting Ministry said on Wednesday. 
 
The National Film Awards winners are usually announced in the month of April every year. But due to Lok Sabha polls this year, it has been delayed. 
 
Established in 1954, the National Film Awards is the most prominent awards ceremony in India.&nbsp; 
 
The awards are administered along with the International Film Festival of India and Indian Panorama, by the Indian government`s Directorate of Film Festivals since 1972. 
 
For the national award, the winners are selected by an unbiased jury comprising of significant filmmakers and personalities. 
 
The official ceremony of the 65th National Awards took place on May 3, where President Ram Nath Kovind handed over the awards to the respective winners.&nbsp;

The 66th National Film Awards will be announced after the 17th General Elections 2019 comes to an end, the Information and Broadcasting Ministry said on Wednesday.

The 66th National Film Awards will be announced after the 17th General Elections 2019 comes to an end, the Information and Broadcasting Ministry said on Wednesday. The National Film Awards winners are usually announced in the month of April every year. But due to Lok Sabha polls this year, it has been delayed. Established in 1954, the National Film Awards is the most prominent awards ceremony in India. The awards are administered along with the International Film Festival of India and Indian Panorama, by the Indian government`s Directorate of Film Festivals since 1972. For the national award, the winners are selected by an unbiased jury comprising of significant filmmakers and personalities. The official ceremony of the 65th National Awards took place on May 3, where President Ram Nath Kovind handed over the awards to the respective winners.

National Film Awards winners to be declared after Lok Sabha polls

Lashing out at opposition parties that claimed the EVMs were being manipulated, Prime Minister Narendra Modi Wednesday said the ‘mahamilawatis’ have realized they stand no chance after three phases of elections and are looking for excuses to defend their poor show. Addressing a rally in Lohardaga, Modi said the opposition parties have no option left but to accept defeat. At a press meet Tuesday, leaders of several major opposition parties raised doubt over the credibility of the Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), renewing their demand for verification of the machines.

“Just like a child who makes excuses to justify his underperformance in exams, opposition parties have started directing their anger on the EVMs and the voting process for their shortfalls. “The response in first three phases of polls have left opposition with no option but to accept defeat,” he said. Hitting out at the Congress, the prime minister said the “party that ended up shedding tears when Pakistan threatened India is eyeing the seat in Delhi”.

In a scathing attack on Karnataka Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy for his alleged remark on the armed forces, Modi said those who believe that the poor join the army to make ends meet should drown to death. “It takes a lot of courage to fight on the border. Those that say that only the poor join the army to make ends meet should drown to death,” he asserted. Insisting that Indians everywhere were the responsibility of the ‘chowkidaar’ (watchman), the PM said he never discriminated people on the lines of religion or caste.

“When 46 nurses were held captive in Iraq, we did our best to get our daughters back. When Kolkata’s Judith D’Souza was kidnapped in Afghanistan, we rescued her. This chowkidaar is always concerned about the safety of the country’s daughters,” he claimed. Expressing gratitude to the people of Jharkhand, who turned up in large numbers for Tuesday’s roadshow in the state capital, Modi said, “The response that I received in Ranchi was overwhelming. I was touched. It wasn’t a planned programme. The state unit of BJP requested me for the show only two days ago and I am glad that agreed to the proposal.”

Lashing out at opposition parties that claimed the EVMs were being manipulated, Prime Minister Narendra Modi Wednesday said the ‘mahamilawatis’ have realized they stand no chance after three phases of elections and are looking for excuses to defend their poor show.

Lashing out at opposition parties that claimed the EVMs were being manipulated, Prime Minister Narendra Modi Wednesday said the ‘mahamilawatis’ have realized they stand no chance after three phases of elections and are looking for excuses to defend their poor show. Addressing a rally in Lohardaga, Modi said the opposition parties have no option left but to accept defeat. At a press meet Tuesday, leaders of several major opposition parties raised doubt over the credibility of the Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), renewing their demand for verification of the machines. “Just like a child who makes excuses to justify his underperformance in exams, opposition parties have started directing their anger on the EVMs and the voting process for their shortfalls. “The response in first three phases of polls have left opposition with no option but to accept defeat,” he said. Hitting out at the Congress, the prime minister said the “party that ended up shedding tears when Pakistan threatened India is eyeing the seat in Delhi”. In a scathing attack on Karnataka Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy for his alleged remark on the armed forces, Modi said those who believe that the poor join the army to make ends meet should drown to death. “It takes a lot of courage to fight on the border. Those that say that only the poor join the army to make ends meet should drown to death,” he asserted. Insisting that Indians everywhere were the responsibility of the ‘chowkidaar’ (watchman), the PM said he never discriminated people on the lines of religion or caste. “When 46 nurses were held captive in Iraq, we did our best to get our daughters back. When Kolkata’s Judith D’Souza was kidnapped in Afghanistan, we rescued her. This chowkidaar is always concerned about the safety of the country’s daughters,” he claimed. Expressing gratitude to the people of Jharkhand, who turned up in large numbers for Tuesday’s roadshow in the state capital, Modi said, “The response that I received in Ranchi was overwhelming. I was touched. It wasn’t a planned programme. The state unit of BJP requested me for the show only two days ago and I am glad that agreed to the proposal.”

Lok Sabha polls 2019: PM Modi lashes out at opposition; says they have no option but to accept defeat

Upset over the refusal of ticket for the Lok Sabha polls, BJP sitting MP from North West Delhi Udit Raj Tuesday said the party might have decided to drop him for protesting against the apex court's order that nullified the stringent provisions of the Dalit protection law.

The <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-polls-2019-gautam-gambhir-richest-among-lok-sabha-candidates-in-delhi-213169&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwjAso6Jn-jhAhVLqI8KHblqDXQQFggFMAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw32x_HeZbVEMD9LKhv7JBud">BJP</a> has replaced Raj from the North West Lok Sabha constituency with Punjabi Sufi singer Hans Raj Hans.

Raj, who had earlier said he would contest as an independent candidate if the party did not announce his candidature, said he will decide his future course of action after consulting his supporters.

"I will not contest as an independent candidate. They (BJP) are forcing me to leave the party but I have not taken a decision on quitting. I will consult my supporters from across the country," he said.

Talking about the possible reasons why he was denied a ticket, Raj said, "When there was bandh in 2018 on SC-ST amendment, I protested, that's why the party leadership seemed to be unhappy with me.

When there was no government recruitment happening, was I not supposed to raise the issue? I will continue to raise the issues of Dalits", he said.

In 2018, the Supreme Court had issued a slew of guidelines to protect public servants and private employees from arbitrary arrests under the Atrocities Act.

The court directed that public servants can only be arrested with the written permission of their appointing authority.

This was seen as a dilution of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, which led to protests across the country.

The government later brought in an amendment to nullify the apex court's order.&nbsp;

Raj claimed that Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, three to four months ago, had told him that he would not be given a ticket.

"I am the best performer in the BJP's internal survey. Nobody talked to me on denial of ticket", he said.

''If I have faith in Modi and Shah, they should have told me that I would not be given the ticket. I have not resigned yet. Showing faith in Modi, we had merged our party with the BJP. Why am I being punished?" he asked.

On the intervening night of Monday and Tuesday, supporters of Raj and Hans had raised slogans at the Delhi BJP office on Pandit Pant Marg.

Raj, along with supporters, had reached the office after hearing about Hans being considered by the party for the North West Delhi seat.

The former Indian Revenue Service officer had merged his Indian Justice Party (IJP) with the BJP and contested the Lok Sabha election from North West Delhi in 2014.

Raj claimed Delhi BJP chief Manoj Tiwari had assured him of a ticket from North West Delhi.

He said he is in contact with senior party leaders Nirmala Sitharaman and Arun Jaitley in this regard.

The BJP MP has often held views contrary to the party's stand, especially during the Sabarimala issue and 'Bharat Bandh' called by Dalit organisations last year.

Earlier this month, he was at the centre of controversy after being caught in a sting done on several MPs, including Raj, which purportedly showed lawmakers accepting the use of black money for contesting polls.

Upset over the refusal of ticket for the Lok Sabha polls, BJP sitting MP from North West Delhi Udit Raj Tuesday said the party might have decided to drop him for protesting against the apex court's order that nullified the stringent provisions of the Dalit protection law.

Upset over the refusal of ticket for the Lok Sabha polls, BJP sitting MP from North West Delhi Udit Raj Tuesday said the party might have decided to drop him for protesting against the apex court's order that nullified the stringent provisions of the Dalit protection law. The BJP has replaced Raj from the North West Lok Sabha constituency with Punjabi Sufi singer Hans Raj Hans. Raj, who had earlier said he would contest as an independent candidate if the party did not announce his candidature, said he will decide his future course of action after consulting his supporters. "I will not contest as an independent candidate. They (BJP) are forcing me to leave the party but I have not taken a decision on quitting. I will consult my supporters from across the country," he said. Talking about the possible reasons why he was denied a ticket, Raj said, "When there was bandh in 2018 on SC-ST amendment, I protested, that's why the party leadership seemed to be unhappy with me. When there was no government recruitment happening, was I not supposed to raise the issue? I will continue to raise the issues of Dalits", he said. In 2018, the Supreme Court had issued a slew of guidelines to protect public servants and private employees from arbitrary arrests under the Atrocities Act. The court directed that public servants can only be arrested with the written permission of their appointing authority. This was seen as a dilution of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, which led to protests across the country. The government later brought in an amendment to nullify the apex court's order. Raj claimed that Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, three to four months ago, had told him that he would not be given a ticket. "I am the best performer in the BJP's internal survey. Nobody talked to me on denial of ticket", he said. ''If I have faith in Modi and Shah, they should have told me that I would not be given the ticket. I have not resigned yet. Showing faith in Modi, we had merged our party with the BJP. Why am I being punished?" he asked. On the intervening night of Monday and Tuesday, supporters of Raj and Hans had raised slogans at the Delhi BJP office on Pandit Pant Marg. Raj, along with supporters, had reached the office after hearing about Hans being considered by the party for the North West Delhi seat. The former Indian Revenue Service officer had merged his Indian Justice Party (IJP) with the BJP and contested the Lok Sabha election from North West Delhi in 2014. Raj claimed Delhi BJP chief Manoj Tiwari had assured him of a ticket from North West Delhi. He said he is in contact with senior party leaders Nirmala Sitharaman and Arun Jaitley in this regard. The BJP MP has often held views contrary to the party's stand, especially during the Sabarimala issue and 'Bharat Bandh' called by Dalit organisations last year. Earlier this month, he was at the centre of controversy after being caught in a sting done on several MPs, including Raj, which purportedly showed lawmakers accepting the use of black money for contesting polls.

Lok Sabha polls 2019: Might have been denied ticket as I protested against Supreme Court order on Dalit law says Udit Raj

Former Indian opener <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/gautam-gambhir-the-new-bjp-lok-sabha-candidate-holds-roadshow-in-delhi-212847&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwj1t-PhmejhAhWj6nMBHV3DC-YQFggFMAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw06HklgbCthk5Ck8wFg01eC">Gautam Gambhir</a> is the richest among all the <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-sheila-dikshit-gautam-gambhir-vijender-singh-file-nominations-212991&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwj1t-PhmejhAhWj6nMBHV3DC-YQFggLMAI&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw1egO5VJX1iiXEuFRKapdiT">candidates in fray for the Lok Sabha elections in Delhi</a> with total assets worth Rs 147 crores.

The cricketer-turned-politician, who will be making his electoral debut from East Delhi, has shown an income of nearly Rs 12.40 crores in the income tax returns filed for 2017-18.

His wife Natasha Gambhir declared an income of Rs 6.15 lakhs&nbsp;in the IT returns filed during the same period.

Delhi BJP chief Manoj Tiwari has a total of movable and immovable assets worth over Rs 24 crores, an increase of over Rs 4.33 crores from 2014, according to his poll affidavit.

He has shown an income of Rs 48.03 lakhs in the income tax return for 2017-18 while in the affidavit filed in 2014, he had declared an income of over Rs 85 lakhs.

BJP MP from South Delhi Ramesh Bidhuri has movable and immovable assets worth Rs 18 crore, an increase of close to Rs 3.5 crore in the last five years, according to his affidavit.

Bidhuri, his wife and dependent Himanshu have shown an income of over Rs 16.72 lakhs, Rs 3.09 lakhs and Rs 3.18 lakhs respectively in the IT returns filed in 2017-18.

The 57-year-old leader, who is pitted against debutants Vijender Singh from Congress and Aam Aadmi Party's Raghav Chadha for the South Delhi seat, declared movable assets worth over Rs 1.37 crores while his wife has cash and jewellery worth over Rs 13.21 lakhs.&nbsp;

He has declared immovable assets worth Rs 11.80 crores while his wife has properties worth 4.57 crores.

He has shown liabilities of over Rs 20.38 lakhs.

Bidhuri completed his graduation from the Delhi University's Shaheed Bhagat Singh College and LLB from Chaudhary Charan Singh University from Meerut.

Congress candidate for South Delhi Vijender Singh has declared movable and immovable assets worth Rs 3.57 crores and Rs 5.05 crores respectively.

The former chief minister and Congress candidate Sheila Dikshit, who filed her nomination from the North-East Delhi Lok Sabha constituency on Tuesday, declared personal assets worth over Rs 4.92 crores.

According to an affidavit filed by Dikshit, the 81-year-old Congress veteran has an apartment in Nizamuddin area which has a market value of around Rs 1.88 crore.

Former Indian opener Gambhir (37) has declared immovable and movable assets worth over Rs 147 crores.

He has a criminal case of cheating pending against him.

He declared movable assets estimated to be worth over Rs 116 crores and immovable assets worth Rs 28 crores and liabilities nearly Rs 34.20 crores in his poll affidavit.

He completed his schooling from Modern School, Barakhamba Road and did his graduation from Delhi University's Hindu College.

Punjabi singer Hans Raj Hans, who will be contesting from the North West Delhi, showed an income of nearly Rs 9.28 lakhs in the income tax returns filed in 2017-18.

In the 2013-14 financial year, he had declared an income of nearly Rs 22.64 lakhs.

He and his wife have declared movable assets worth Rs 1.44 crores and Rs 18.50 lakhs respectively. His immovable assets are worth Rs 11.48 crore.

He owns a Toyota Innova, Ford Endeavour and Maruti Gypsy. He has declared liabilities of over Rs 23.89 lakhs.

Former Indian opener Gautam Gambhir is the richest among all the candidates in fray for the Lok Sabha elections in Delhi with total assets worth Rs 147 crores. The cricketer-turned-politician, who will be making his electoral debut from East Delhi, has shown an income of nearly Rs 12.

Former Indian opener Gautam Gambhir is the richest among all the candidates in fray for the Lok Sabha elections in Delhi with total assets worth Rs 147 crores. The cricketer-turned-politician, who will be making his electoral debut from East Delhi, has shown an income of nearly Rs 12.40 crores in the income tax returns filed for 2017-18. His wife Natasha Gambhir declared an income of Rs 6.15 lakhs in the IT returns filed during the same period. Delhi BJP chief Manoj Tiwari has a total of movable and immovable assets worth over Rs 24 crores, an increase of over Rs 4.33 crores from 2014, according to his poll affidavit. He has shown an income of Rs 48.03 lakhs in the income tax return for 2017-18 while in the affidavit filed in 2014, he had declared an income of over Rs 85 lakhs. BJP MP from South Delhi Ramesh Bidhuri has movable and immovable assets worth Rs 18 crore, an increase of close to Rs 3.5 crore in the last five years, according to his affidavit. Bidhuri, his wife and dependent Himanshu have shown an income of over Rs 16.72 lakhs, Rs 3.09 lakhs and Rs 3.18 lakhs respectively in the IT returns filed in 2017-18. The 57-year-old leader, who is pitted against debutants Vijender Singh from Congress and Aam Aadmi Party's Raghav Chadha for the South Delhi seat, declared movable assets worth over Rs 1.37 crores while his wife has cash and jewellery worth over Rs 13.21 lakhs. He has declared immovable assets worth Rs 11.80 crores while his wife has properties worth 4.57 crores. He has shown liabilities of over Rs 20.38 lakhs. Bidhuri completed his graduation from the Delhi University's Shaheed Bhagat Singh College and LLB from Chaudhary Charan Singh University from Meerut. Congress candidate for South Delhi Vijender Singh has declared movable and immovable assets worth Rs 3.57 crores and Rs 5.05 crores respectively. The former chief minister and Congress candidate Sheila Dikshit, who filed her nomination from the North-East Delhi Lok Sabha constituency on Tuesday, declared personal assets worth over Rs 4.92 crores. According to an affidavit filed by Dikshit, the 81-year-old Congress veteran has an apartment in Nizamuddin area which has a market value of around Rs 1.88 crore. Former Indian opener Gambhir (37) has declared immovable and movable assets worth over Rs 147 crores. He has a criminal case of cheating pending against him. He declared movable assets estimated to be worth over Rs 116 crores and immovable assets worth Rs 28 crores and liabilities nearly Rs 34.20 crores in his poll affidavit. He completed his schooling from Modern School, Barakhamba Road and did his graduation from Delhi University's Hindu College. Punjabi singer Hans Raj Hans, who will be contesting from the North West Delhi, showed an income of nearly Rs 9.28 lakhs in the income tax returns filed in 2017-18. In the 2013-14 financial year, he had declared an income of nearly Rs 22.64 lakhs. He and his wife have declared movable assets worth Rs 1.44 crores and Rs 18.50 lakhs respectively. His immovable assets are worth Rs 11.48 crore. He owns a Toyota Innova, Ford Endeavour and Maruti Gypsy. He has declared liabilities of over Rs 23.89 lakhs.

Lok Sabha polls 2019: Gautam Gambhir richest among Lok Sabha candidates in Delhi

Actor Sunny Deol is the latest celebrity to have entered politics. On Tuesday the actor joined Bharatiya Janata Party. On Friday, as Deol's photo with BJP chief Amit Shah started doing the rounds of social media, rumours were abuzz that the actor would be joining the party and contesting from one of the key constituencies of Punjab.&nbsp;

Deol was inducted into the party by Union Ministers Piyush Goyal and Nirmala Sitharaman on Tuesday at an event.&nbsp;

According to media reports, Deol is likely to contest from either Gurdaspur or Chandigarh.&nbsp;The BJP, that has formed an alliance with Shiromani Akali Dal, is fighting three of the 13 parliamentary seats in Punjab: Amritsar, Gurdaspur and Hoshiarpur.

Deol, 62, is best known for his action films like 'Ghatak', 'Gadar', 'Himmat' and 'Border'.

Deol's father, veteran actor Dharmendra had also had a brief stint in politics some ten years back when he contested the 2004 general elections from Rajasthan's Bikaner on BJP ticket and had won. This year, Dharmendra has been campaigning for his wife, actor and BJP MP Hema Malini in Uttar Pradesh's Mathura.&nbsp;

While addressing the press, Deol said, "I will work for this (BJP) family. I won't say much. I will let my work speak for me."

Actor Sunny Deol is the latest celebrity to have entered politics. On Tuesday the actor joined Bharatiya Janata Party. On Friday, as Deol's photo with BJP chief Amit Shah started doing the rounds of social media, rumours were abuzz that the actor would be joining the party and contesting from one of the key constituencies of Punjab.

Actor Sunny Deol is the latest celebrity to have entered politics. On Tuesday the actor joined Bharatiya Janata Party. On Friday, as Deol's photo with BJP chief Amit Shah started doing the rounds of social media, rumours were abuzz that the actor would be joining the party and contesting from one of the key constituencies of Punjab. Deol was inducted into the party by Union Ministers Piyush Goyal and Nirmala Sitharaman on Tuesday at an event. According to media reports, Deol is likely to contest from either Gurdaspur or Chandigarh. The BJP, that has formed an alliance with Shiromani Akali Dal, is fighting three of the 13 parliamentary seats in Punjab: Amritsar, Gurdaspur and Hoshiarpur. Deol, 62, is best known for his action films like 'Ghatak', 'Gadar', 'Himmat' and 'Border'. Deol's father, veteran actor Dharmendra had also had a brief stint in politics some ten years back when he contested the 2004 general elections from Rajasthan's Bikaner on BJP ticket and had won. This year, Dharmendra has been campaigning for his wife, actor and BJP MP Hema Malini in Uttar Pradesh's Mathura. While addressing the press, Deol said, "I will work for this (BJP) family. I won't say much. I will let my work speak for me."

Actor Sunny Deol joins BJP, likely to contest election from Gurdaspur

The Shiromani Akali Dal has announced its decision to field party chief Sukhbir Singh Badal from the Ferozepur seat while his wife and Union minister Harsimrat Kaur Badal has been again nominated from the Bathinda seat.

The announcement was made by party patron and Akali stalwart Parkash Singh Badal today.

"It has been decided that SAD president Sukhbir Singh Badal will contest from the Ferozepur seat and Harsimrat will contest from the Bathinda seat," Mr Badal said.

The SAD has announced its candidates from eight seats. As per an arrangement with its ally BJP, the Akali Dal contests on 10 seats while saffron party fields candidates from three out of 13 seats.

Sukhbir Badal, who is party chief, will be facing Akali rebel and Congress nominee Sher Singh Ghubaya from Ferozepur seat.

Sukhbir is currently a lawmaker from Jalalabad seat. He had last contested the Lok Sabha polls in 1999 from the Faridkot seat.

Harsimrat, who is a two-time MP, will be facing Congress nominee and lawmaker Amrinder Singh Raja Warring from the Bathinda seat.

Punjabi Ekta Party candidate and Bholath MLA Sukhpal Singh Khaira is also contesting from the Bathinda seat.

The Shiromani Akali Dal has announced its decision to field party chief Sukhbir Singh Badal from the Ferozepur seat while his wife and Union minister Harsimrat Kaur Badal has been again nominated from the Bathinda seat.

The Shiromani Akali Dal has announced its decision to field party chief Sukhbir Singh Badal from the Ferozepur seat while his wife and Union minister Harsimrat Kaur Badal has been again nominated from the Bathinda seat. The announcement was made by party patron and Akali stalwart Parkash Singh Badal today. "It has been decided that SAD president Sukhbir Singh Badal will contest from the Ferozepur seat and Harsimrat will contest from the Bathinda seat," Mr Badal said. The SAD has announced its candidates from eight seats. As per an arrangement with its ally BJP, the Akali Dal contests on 10 seats while saffron party fields candidates from three out of 13 seats. Sukhbir Badal, who is party chief, will be facing Akali rebel and Congress nominee Sher Singh Ghubaya from Ferozepur seat. Sukhbir is currently a lawmaker from Jalalabad seat. He had last contested the Lok Sabha polls in 1999 from the Faridkot seat. Harsimrat, who is a two-time MP, will be facing Congress nominee and lawmaker Amrinder Singh Raja Warring from the Bathinda seat. Punjabi Ekta Party candidate and Bholath MLA Sukhpal Singh Khaira is also contesting from the Bathinda seat.

Lok Sabha polls 2019: Sukhbir Singh Badal fielded from Ferozepur, Harsimrat Kaur from Bathinda

BJP president Amit Shah on Tuesday said that the Congress is confused with respect to its candidate from Varanasi.&nbsp;

Shah said that BJP is clear, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is going to contest from the constituency. He will hold a roadshow in Kashi on April 25 and file his nomination on April 26," Shah said.&nbsp;

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Amit Shah on reports Priyanka Gandhi Vadra may contest from Varanasi: There is democracy in the country, anyone can contest. Congress is in confusion, not us. Our candidate has been declared, Narendra Modi will contest election from here. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LokSabhaElections2019?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LokSabhaElections2019</a> <a href="https://t.co/7wEBTCwo2M">pic.twitter.com/7wEBTCwo2M</a>
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On Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Shah said that India is a democratic nation and anyone can contest.&nbsp;

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BJP President Amit Shah: Sukhbir Singh Badal, Nitish Kumar, Uddhav Thackeray and other NDA leaders will be present during nomination filing by PM Modi on April 26 <a href="https://t.co/05qXS3CWYV">https://t.co/05qXS3CWYV</a>
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"There is democracy in the country, anyone can contest. Congress is in confusion, not us. Our candidate has been declared, Narendra Modi will contest election from here," he added.&nbsp;

Earlier in the day, Shah said the party's Bhopal Lok Sabha candidate Pragya Singh Thakur was framed in false cases by those who had coined the term "Hindu terror" and indulged in vote bank politics.

He defended her candidature and called it an "absolutely right decision".

BJP president Amit Shah on Tuesday said that the Congress is confused with respect to its candidate from Varanasi. Shah said that BJP is clear, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is going to contest from the constituency.

BJP president Amit Shah on Tuesday said that the Congress is confused with respect to its candidate from Varanasi. Shah said that BJP is clear, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is going to contest from the constituency. He will hold a roadshow in Kashi on April 25 and file his nomination on April 26," Shah said. Amit Shah on reports Priyanka Gandhi Vadra may contest from Varanasi: There is democracy in the country, anyone can contest. Congress is in confusion, not us. Our candidate has been declared, Narendra Modi will contest election from here. #LokSabhaElections2019 pic.twitter.com/7wEBTCwo2M — ANI (@ANI) April 23, 2019 × On Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Shah said that India is a democratic nation and anyone can contest. BJP President Amit Shah: Sukhbir Singh Badal, Nitish Kumar, Uddhav Thackeray and other NDA leaders will be present during nomination filing by PM Modi on April 26 https://t.co/05qXS3CWYV — ANI (@ANI) April 23, 2019 × "There is democracy in the country, anyone can contest. Congress is in confusion, not us. Our candidate has been declared, Narendra Modi will contest election from here," he added. Earlier in the day, Shah said the party's Bhopal Lok Sabha candidate Pragya Singh Thakur was framed in false cases by those who had coined the term "Hindu terror" and indulged in vote bank politics. He defended her candidature and called it an "absolutely right decision".

Congress is in confusion, not us: Amit Shah on reports of Priyanka Gandhi Vadra contesting from Varanasi 

The voter turnout in south Kashmir's Anantnag Lok Sabha seat, where elections are being held in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/6466-voter-turnout-in-phase-3-of-lok-sabha-polls-election-commission-213009">three phases, Tuesday</a> recorded a massive dip as compared to the 2014 general election.

The six assembly segments which went to poll in phase one on Tuesday recorded a turnout of 12.86 per cent. It was 39.37 per cent in 2014 in the corresponding segments, senior Deputy Election Commissioner Umesh Sinha told reporters here.

While polling concluded in Anantnag district, voting in Kulgam district will be held on April 29. Pulwama and Shopian districts will go to polls on May 6.

The Election Commission has curtailed the polling duration for the Anantnag Lok Sabha constituency by two hours following a request from the state police to this effect.&nbsp;

The voting will be held in south Kashmir areas from 7 am to 4 pm.&nbsp;

The Anantnag district has 5,29,256 electors, including 2,69,603 males, 2,57,540 females, 2,102 service electors and 11 transgender voters.&nbsp;

The EC has established 1,842 polling stations to facilitate smooth polling, the official said.&nbsp;

The Anantnag constituency has 13,97,272 registered voters, including 7,20,337 males, 6,72,879 females and 35 transgender persons.&nbsp;

There are 18 candidates in the fray for the seat including PDP president and former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Mehbooba Mufti.&nbsp;

The voter turnout in south Kashmir's Anantnag Lok Sabha seat, where elections are being held in three phases, Tuesday recorded a massive dip as compared to the 2014 general election.

The voter turnout in south Kashmir's Anantnag Lok Sabha seat, where elections are being held in three phases, Tuesday recorded a massive dip as compared to the 2014 general election. The six assembly segments which went to poll in phase one on Tuesday recorded a turnout of 12.86 per cent. It was 39.37 per cent in 2014 in the corresponding segments, senior Deputy Election Commissioner Umesh Sinha told reporters here. While polling concluded in Anantnag district, voting in Kulgam district will be held on April 29. Pulwama and Shopian districts will go to polls on May 6. The Election Commission has curtailed the polling duration for the Anantnag Lok Sabha constituency by two hours following a request from the state police to this effect. The voting will be held in south Kashmir areas from 7 am to 4 pm. The Anantnag district has 5,29,256 electors, including 2,69,603 males, 2,57,540 females, 2,102 service electors and 11 transgender voters. The EC has established 1,842 polling stations to facilitate smooth polling, the official said. The Anantnag constituency has 13,97,272 registered voters, including 7,20,337 males, 6,72,879 females and 35 transgender persons. There are 18 candidates in the fray for the seat including PDP president and former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Mehbooba Mufti.

Major dip in voter turnout in J&K's Anantnag seat as compared to 2014 Lok Sabha polls

Heavy security forces have been deployed in Anantnag of Jammu & Kashmir for peaceful voting of Phase 3 of Lok Sabha Election 2019. There are total 18 candidates in fray for this Lok Sabha seat.

Lok Sabha Election 2019: Heavy security forces in Anantnag of J&K for peaceful voting

It’s now official, finally. There will be no alliance between the Congress and the Aam Aadmi Party in Delhi. This is a setback for both the parties since they now have to take on the Bharatiya Janata Party individually. The BJP had swept all the seven seats on offer in 2014 and is sitting pretty now, given the division of its anti-votes.&nbsp; 
 
The failure to strike an alliance is a reflection of the larger problems that the opposition faces in formulating a coalition to take on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his party at the national level. &nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
After various aborted attempts at a national-level alliance, there had been a realisation that the most pragmatic way to prevent the BJP from retaining power was to form state-level alliances.&nbsp;

Thus, the Congress and the Nationalist Congress Party came together in Maharashtra, the Congress and the National Conference structured a deal in Jammu &amp; Kashmir, the JD (S) and the Congress maintained their partnership in Karnataka despite problems, the Congress struck a coalition with the DMK in Tamil Nadu, and the Samajwadi Party and the BSP, otherwise bitterly opposed to each other, aligned in Uttar Pradesh. It was expected that, along the same lines, the AAP and the Congress would join hands in Delhi. The idea was to somehow short-circuit Modi and his party and work out an arrangement post-poll results. &nbsp;

The manner in which the situation unfolded over the weeks in Delhi does no credit to either the Congress or the AAP. All through this time, conflicting signals were sent out, giving the impression that neither of them was approaching the challenge with maturity. But the AAP came out worse because it was seen as the more desperate party to reach an understanding. 
 
It was repeatedly snubbed by the Congress and yet it continued to send feelers. Once Sheila Dikshit became Delhi’s Congress, it became near certain that no deal would be made. Dikshit was vehemently opposed to an understanding with the AAP, given the history of conflict between her and AAP supremo and Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. Her lobby made it known to the high command that the party would be better off fighting alone. There were two reasons for this stand. The first was that the Congress is expecting a surge in its popularity as compared to 2014 and wanted to cash in on it, without surrendering seats to an alliance partner. The second was that &nbsp;Dikshit and her people were worried about the adverse public reaction to an AAP-Congress partnership — after all, the AAP was born out of an anti-corruption movement directed against a Congress-led regime at the Centre. &nbsp;

Despite her stature, Dikshit’s opinion may well have been ignored, had the AAP not insisted on an understanding with the Congress for Haryana as part of the Delhi deal. The Congress was in no mood to accommodate Kejriwal’s party in the neighbouring state because it saw no political gain for itself since the AAP has only a scattered presence in Haryana.&nbsp;

The Congress also realised that Kejriwal was seeking to spread his wings by riding piggyback on the Congress and eventually weakening its presence in those regions. &nbsp;

It appears from media reports that Congress president Rahul Gandhi favoured an alliance with the AAP in Delhi, and his point man PC Chacko was burning the midnight oil to make this happen. But Chacko had come up against a resolute Dikshit — though, for the record, the former Chief Minister said she would abide by the high command’s final decision. &nbsp;

That said, the fact is that Congress has seen itself pushed out of coalition arrangements in a few key states. In Uttar Pradesh, which sends the highest number of MPs to the Lok Sabha, it was kept out of the SP-BSP-RLD combine. It has failed to stitch an alliance with regional players in Haryana. Its understanding with Chandrababu Naidu’s TDP in the Telangana state polls has collapsed, both in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.

And it could not reach an agreement with the Left Front in West Bengal to take on an entrenched Trinamool Congress and a resurgent BJP. To add to its woes, the Congress has been pushed down the pecking order in the past years by the BJP even in states where it had been an important opposition — such as in Odisha and West Bengal, and even the North-East where it has not been able to work out deals with powerful regional outfits to take on the BJP and its allies who are part of the North-East Democratic Alliance. &nbsp;

With a three-way contest now certain in Delhi, the major contenders have decided to play it safe, more or less banking on tested candidates. While the AAP has projected most of its senior faces, the BJP has made only slight changes, such as including cricketer Gautam Gambhir as a candidate. The Congress too has relied on the old faces. If the BJP wins resoundingly, the AAP and the Congress will blame each other for their rout. If the BJP is contained, both will seek to corner the credit to themselves. &nbsp;

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

It’s now official, finally. There will be no alliance between the Congress and the Aam Aadmi Party in Delhi. This is a setback for both the parties since they now have to take on the Bharatiya Janata Party individually.

It’s now official, finally. There will be no alliance between the Congress and the Aam Aadmi Party in Delhi. This is a setback for both the parties since they now have to take on the Bharatiya Janata Party individually. The BJP had swept all the seven seats on offer in 2014 and is sitting pretty now, given the division of its anti-votes. The failure to strike an alliance is a reflection of the larger problems that the opposition faces in formulating a coalition to take on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his party at the national level. After various aborted attempts at a national-level alliance, there had been a realisation that the most pragmatic way to prevent the BJP from retaining power was to form state-level alliances. Thus, the Congress and the Nationalist Congress Party came together in Maharashtra, the Congress and the National Conference structured a deal in Jammu & Kashmir, the JD (S) and the Congress maintained their partnership in Karnataka despite problems, the Congress struck a coalition with the DMK in Tamil Nadu, and the Samajwadi Party and the BSP, otherwise bitterly opposed to each other, aligned in Uttar Pradesh. It was expected that, along the same lines, the AAP and the Congress would join hands in Delhi. The idea was to somehow short-circuit Modi and his party and work out an arrangement post-poll results. The manner in which the situation unfolded over the weeks in Delhi does no credit to either the Congress or the AAP. All through this time, conflicting signals were sent out, giving the impression that neither of them was approaching the challenge with maturity. But the AAP came out worse because it was seen as the more desperate party to reach an understanding. It was repeatedly snubbed by the Congress and yet it continued to send feelers. Once Sheila Dikshit became Delhi’s Congress, it became near certain that no deal would be made. Dikshit was vehemently opposed to an understanding with the AAP, given the history of conflict between her and AAP supremo and Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. Her lobby made it known to the high command that the party would be better off fighting alone. There were two reasons for this stand. The first was that the Congress is expecting a surge in its popularity as compared to 2014 and wanted to cash in on it, without surrendering seats to an alliance partner. The second was that Dikshit and her people were worried about the adverse public reaction to an AAP-Congress partnership — after all, the AAP was born out of an anti-corruption movement directed against a Congress-led regime at the Centre. Despite her stature, Dikshit’s opinion may well have been ignored, had the AAP not insisted on an understanding with the Congress for Haryana as part of the Delhi deal. The Congress was in no mood to accommodate Kejriwal’s party in the neighbouring state because it saw no political gain for itself since the AAP has only a scattered presence in Haryana. The Congress also realised that Kejriwal was seeking to spread his wings by riding piggyback on the Congress and eventually weakening its presence in those regions. It appears from media reports that Congress president Rahul Gandhi favoured an alliance with the AAP in Delhi, and his point man PC Chacko was burning the midnight oil to make this happen. But Chacko had come up against a resolute Dikshit — though, for the record, the former Chief Minister said she would abide by the high command’s final decision. That said, the fact is that Congress has seen itself pushed out of coalition arrangements in a few key states. In Uttar Pradesh, which sends the highest number of MPs to the Lok Sabha, it was kept out of the SP-BSP-RLD combine. It has failed to stitch an alliance with regional players in Haryana. Its understanding with Chandrababu Naidu’s TDP in the Telangana state polls has collapsed, both in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. And it could not reach an agreement with the Left Front in West Bengal to take on an entrenched Trinamool Congress and a resurgent BJP. To add to its woes, the Congress has been pushed down the pecking order in the past years by the BJP even in states where it had been an important opposition — such as in Odisha and West Bengal, and even the North-East where it has not been able to work out deals with powerful regional outfits to take on the BJP and its allies who are part of the North-East Democratic Alliance. With a three-way contest now certain in Delhi, the major contenders have decided to play it safe, more or less banking on tested candidates. While the AAP has projected most of its senior faces, the BJP has made only slight changes, such as including cricketer Gautam Gambhir as a candidate. The Congress too has relied on the old faces. If the BJP wins resoundingly, the AAP and the Congress will blame each other for their rout. If the BJP is contained, both will seek to corner the credit to themselves. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Alliance fallout: If BJP wins in Delhi, AAP and Congress will blame each other for their rout

Vijay Rupani, Naveen Patnaik, Amit Shah, Dharmendra Pradhan among others cast their votes early as the third phase of polling got underway today morning.&nbsp;

Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani and wife Anjali cast their vote at a polling booth in Anil Gyan Mandir school in Rajkot while &nbsp;BJP President Amit Shah and his wife Sonal Shah cast their votes at a polling booth in Naranpura Sub-Zonal office in Ahmedabad.

Union Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan cast his vote at a polling booth in Talcher in Odisha and Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik exercised his franchise at a polling booth in Bhubaneswar.

Vijay Rupani, Naveen Patnaik, Amit Shah, Dharmendra Pradhan among others cast their votes early as the third phase of polling got underway today morning. Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani and wife Anjali cast their vote at a polling booth in Anil Gyan Mandir school in Rajkot while BJP President Amit Shah and his wife Sonal Shah cast their votes at a polling booth in Naranpura Sub-Zonal office in Ahmedabad.

Vijay Rupani, Naveen Patnaik, Amit Shah, Dharmendra Pradhan among others cast their votes early as the third phase of polling got underway today morning. Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani and wife Anjali cast their vote at a polling booth in Anil Gyan Mandir school in Rajkot while BJP President Amit Shah and his wife Sonal Shah cast their votes at a polling booth in Naranpura Sub-Zonal office in Ahmedabad. Union Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan cast his vote at a polling booth in Talcher in Odisha and Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik exercised his franchise at a polling booth in Bhubaneswar.

Lok Sabha polls 2019: Vijay Rupani, Naveen Patnaik, Amit Shah cast their votes in phase 3    

In an informal video interaction with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar asked if he eats mangoes.

The snippets of the "informal interview" for news agency ANI was shared online wherein the Bollywood actor engages in a&nbsp;"freewheeling" conversation with the Prime Minister. The whole interview will be aired by ANI on Wednesday.&nbsp;

In what can aptly be called the "teases" of the full interview, PM Modi and Akshay Kumar can be seen cracking jokes and engaging in a humour-filled conversation.&nbsp;

The prime minister could be seen bursting into laughter to one of Kumar's jokes.&nbsp;

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Do you ever wonder whether PM Modi manages to laugh during the heat of the election campaign? You’ll get the answer tomorrow at 9am <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ANI</a>, in an informal and non-political conversation that I got the chance to do with <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> ji. Do watch! <a href="https://t.co/pczNar7k3A">pic.twitter.com/pczNar7k3A</a>
— Akshay Kumar (@akshaykumar) <a href="https://twitter.com/akshaykumar/status/1120711801686110208?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 23, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"You sleep only for 3.30 hours, how do you manage?" Akshay Kumar asks PM Modi to which the prime minister replied saying that even former US President Barack Obama once asked him the same and often enquires "if I have increased my sleeping hours".&nbsp;

Akshay Kumar also shared parts of the interview on his Twitter handle stating that he is "privileged to have done this candid and COMPLETELY NON POLITICAL freewheeling conversation with our PM".

"Do you ever wonder whether PM Modi manages to laugh during the heat of the election campaign," read Kumar's another tweet.&nbsp;

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While the whole country is talking elections and politics, here’s a breather. Privileged to have done this candid and COMPLETELY NON POLITICAL freewheeling conversation with our PM <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> . Watch it at 9AM tomorrow via <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ANI</a> for some lesser known facts about him! <a href="https://t.co/Owji9xL9zn">pic.twitter.com/Owji9xL9zn</a>
— Akshay Kumar (@akshaykumar) <a href="https://twitter.com/akshaykumar/status/1120701537821630464?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 23, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Akshay Kumar. on Monday, had the world of news rife with speculations when he dropped hints of "getting into an unknown and uncharted territory".

"Doing something I have never done before. Excited and nervous both," he tweeted out yesterday.

He later clarified that his move has nothing to do with contesting the ongoing Lok Sabha polls.&nbsp;

&nbsp; &nbsp;

In an informal video interaction with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar asked if he eats mangoes. The snippets of the "informal interview" for news agency ANI was shared online wherein the Bollywood actor engages in a "freewheeling" conversation with the Prime Minister.

In an informal video interaction with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar asked if he eats mangoes. The snippets of the "informal interview" for news agency ANI was shared online wherein the Bollywood actor engages in a "freewheeling" conversation with the Prime Minister. The whole interview will be aired by ANI on Wednesday. In what can aptly be called the "teases" of the full interview, PM Modi and Akshay Kumar can be seen cracking jokes and engaging in a humour-filled conversation. The prime minister could be seen bursting into laughter to one of Kumar's jokes. Do you ever wonder whether PM Modi manages to laugh during the heat of the election campaign? You’ll get the answer tomorrow at 9am @ANI, in an informal and non-political conversation that I got the chance to do with @narendramodi ji. Do watch! pic.twitter.com/pczNar7k3A — Akshay Kumar (@akshaykumar) April 23, 2019 × "You sleep only for 3.30 hours, how do you manage?" Akshay Kumar asks PM Modi to which the prime minister replied saying that even former US President Barack Obama once asked him the same and often enquires "if I have increased my sleeping hours". Akshay Kumar also shared parts of the interview on his Twitter handle stating that he is "privileged to have done this candid and COMPLETELY NON POLITICAL freewheeling conversation with our PM". "Do you ever wonder whether PM Modi manages to laugh during the heat of the election campaign," read Kumar's another tweet. While the whole country is talking elections and politics, here’s a breather. Privileged to have done this candid and COMPLETELY NON POLITICAL freewheeling conversation with our PM @narendramodi . Watch it at 9AM tomorrow via @ANI for some lesser known facts about him! pic.twitter.com/Owji9xL9zn — Akshay Kumar (@akshaykumar) April 23, 2019 × Akshay Kumar. on Monday, had the world of news rife with speculations when he dropped hints of "getting into an unknown and uncharted territory". "Doing something I have never done before. Excited and nervous both," he tweeted out yesterday. He later clarified that his move has nothing to do with contesting the ongoing Lok Sabha polls.

'Obama asks the same,' says PM Modi when Akshay Kumar asked 'how do you sleep for just 3 hours?'

Prime Minister Narendra Modi took a ride in an open SUV this morning as he made his way to Ahmedabad to cast his vote in the third phase of the national election. Surrounded by his bodyguards, PM Modi waved to a long line of people who waved back at him, in a roadshow-like display.

Lok Sabha Election 2019: PM Modi casts his vote in Ahmedabad, urges people to vote in huge as well

Gautam Gambhir will contest in Lok Sabha Election 2019 from East Delhi against Arvinder Singh Lovely of Congress.

Gautam Gambhir to contest in LS Polls 2019 from East Delhi against Arvinder Singh Lovely

Election Commission has banned Navjot Singh Sidhu from campaigning for 72 hours.

Election Commission bans Navjot Singh Sidhu from campaigning for 72 hours

The Bharatiya Janata Party on Tuesday released its 26th list of candidates for Lok Sabha polls in Chandigarh and Punjab.&nbsp;

Bollywood actor <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/will-sunny-deol-contest-election-from-gurdaspur-on-a-bjp-ticket-212822">Sunny Deol</a>, who officially joined the party earlier in the day, has been fielded from Gurdaspur. Actor-turned-politician Kirron Kher will be contesting from Chandigarh.&nbsp;

Som Prakash will be contesting from Hoshiarpur.&nbsp;

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BJP releases 26th list of candidates for 3 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LokSabhaElections2019?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LokSabhaElections2019</a> seats in Chandigarh &amp; Punjab. Sunny Deol to contest from Gurdaspur, Som Prakash from Hoshiarpur, and Kirron Kher from Chandigarh. <a href="https://t.co/ca0C239gwO">pic.twitter.com/ca0C239gwO</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1120696235596439552?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 23, 2019</a></blockquote>
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On Friday, as Deol's photo with BJP chief Amit Shah started doing the rounds on social media, rumours were abuzz that the actor would be joining the party and contesting from one of the key constituencies of Punjab.&nbsp;

Deol was inducted into the party by Union Ministers Piyush Goyal and Nirmala Sitharaman on Tuesday at an event.&nbsp;

The Bharatiya Janata Party on Tuesday released its 26th list of candidates for Lok Sabha polls in Chandigarh and Punjab. Bollywood actor Sunny Deol, who officially joined the party earlier in the day, has been fielded from Gurdaspur.

The Bharatiya Janata Party on Tuesday released its 26th list of candidates for Lok Sabha polls in Chandigarh and Punjab. Bollywood actor Sunny Deol, who officially joined the party earlier in the day, has been fielded from Gurdaspur. Actor-turned-politician Kirron Kher will be contesting from Chandigarh. Som Prakash will be contesting from Hoshiarpur. BJP releases 26th list of candidates for 3 #LokSabhaElections2019 seats in Chandigarh & Punjab. Sunny Deol to contest from Gurdaspur, Som Prakash from Hoshiarpur, and Kirron Kher from Chandigarh. pic.twitter.com/ca0C239gwO — ANI (@ANI) April 23, 2019 × On Friday, as Deol's photo with BJP chief Amit Shah started doing the rounds on social media, rumours were abuzz that the actor would be joining the party and contesting from one of the key constituencies of Punjab. Deol was inducted into the party by Union Ministers Piyush Goyal and Nirmala Sitharaman on Tuesday at an event.

Lok Sabha polls: BJP fields Sunny Deol from Gurdaspur; Kirron Kher from Chandigarh

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday cast his vote in the third phase of Lok Sabha elections and appealed to first-time voters to cast their votes.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met his mother Heeraben in Ahmedabad before casting his vote. Modi sought his mother's blessings and then reached the polling booth in an open-top jeep.&nbsp; 
 
"For the first time, people born in the 21st century are voting. I congratulate them and invite them to vote. This is their century. They should vote to secure this century for their future. I hope they come in numbers to cast their votes," PM Modi said after casting his vote in Ranip in Ahmedabad, which comes under the ​Gandhinagar Lok Sabha constituency where BJP president Amit Shah is the BJP candidate.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> PM Narendra Modi after casting his vote in Ahmedabad says, " The weapon of terrorism is IED, the strength of democracy is voter ID." <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LokSabhaElections2019?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LokSabhaElections2019</a> <a href="https://t.co/X0LBPI5qcu">pic.twitter.com/X0LBPI5qcu</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1120526870049644544?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 23, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Saying that he is fortunate to be part of democracy's biggest festival, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that the voters should cast their franchise and chose a strong government for the country.

"The weapon of terrorism is IED, the strength of democracy is voter ID. I can say with surety that the voter ID is much much more powerful than an IED, so we should understand the strength of our voter IDs," he said. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday cast his vote in the third phase of Lok Sabha elections and appealed to first-time voters to cast their votes. Prime Minister Narendra Modi met his mother Heeraben in Ahmedabad before casting his vote.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday cast his vote in the third phase of Lok Sabha elections and appealed to first-time voters to cast their votes. Prime Minister Narendra Modi met his mother Heeraben in Ahmedabad before casting his vote. Modi sought his mother's blessings and then reached the polling booth in an open-top jeep. "For the first time, people born in the 21st century are voting. I congratulate them and invite them to vote. This is their century. They should vote to secure this century for their future. I hope they come in numbers to cast their votes," PM Modi said after casting his vote in Ranip in Ahmedabad, which comes under the Gandhinagar Lok Sabha constituency where BJP president Amit Shah is the BJP candidate. #WATCH PM Narendra Modi after casting his vote in Ahmedabad says, " The weapon of terrorism is IED, the strength of democracy is voter ID." #LokSabhaElections2019 pic.twitter.com/X0LBPI5qcu — ANI (@ANI) April 23, 2019 × Saying that he is fortunate to be part of democracy's biggest festival, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that the voters should cast their franchise and chose a strong government for the country. "The weapon of terrorism is IED, the strength of democracy is voter ID. I can say with surety that the voter ID is much much more powerful than an IED, so we should understand the strength of our voter IDs," he said. (With inputs from agencies)

Weapon of terrorism is IED, strength of democracy is voter ID, says PM Modi after casting his vote

In phase 3 of Lok Sabha Election 2019, 20 Parliamentary seats up for grab in Kerala. watch complete video to know more.

Lok Sabha Election 2019: 20 Parliamentary seats up for grab in Kerala

In Lok Sabha Election 2019, Western Maharashtra to vote in Phase 3. Today, eyes on BJP-Sena alliance over NCP.

Lok Sabha Election 2019: West-Maharashtra to vote in Phase 3, eyes on BJP-Sena alliance over NCP

Prime Minister Narendra Modi cast his vote at a polling booth in Ranip, Ahmedabad on Tuesday morning.&nbsp;

Modi cast his vote at polling booth in Nishan Higher Secondary School in Ranip, Ahmedabad.

Drawing an analogy between voting and Kumbh, Modi said him exercising his franchise is like taking a holy dip in Kumbh.&nbsp;

''Today third phase of polling is underway, I am fortunate that I also got the opportunity to fulfil my duty in my home state of Gujarat. Like you feel pure after a holy dip in Kumbh, one feels pure after casting vote in this festival of democracy,'' Modi said after casting his vote.&nbsp;

PM was accompanied by party president Amit Shah.

Earlier, Modi met his mother Heeraben Modi at her residence in Gandhinagar and received her blessings.

Modi also met some people outside his mother's residence in Gandhinagar.&nbsp;

All 26 constituencies in Gujarat including Gandhinagar, where BJP president Amit Shah is contesting, go to polls in the third phase of polling today.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi cast his vote at a polling booth in Ranip, Ahmedabad on Tuesday morning. Modi cast his vote at polling booth in Nishan Higher Secondary School in Ranip, Ahmedabad.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi cast his vote at a polling booth in Ranip, Ahmedabad on Tuesday morning. Modi cast his vote at polling booth in Nishan Higher Secondary School in Ranip, Ahmedabad. Drawing an analogy between voting and Kumbh, Modi said him exercising his franchise is like taking a holy dip in Kumbh. ''Today third phase of polling is underway, I am fortunate that I also got the opportunity to fulfil my duty in my home state of Gujarat. Like you feel pure after a holy dip in Kumbh, one feels pure after casting vote in this festival of democracy,'' Modi said after casting his vote. PM was accompanied by party president Amit Shah. Earlier, Modi met his mother Heeraben Modi at her residence in Gandhinagar and received her blessings. Modi also met some people outside his mother's residence in Gandhinagar. All 26 constituencies in Gujarat including Gandhinagar, where BJP president Amit Shah is contesting, go to polls in the third phase of polling today.

Lok Sabha polls 2019: PM Modi casts his vote in Ahmedabad

In this phase of Lok Sabha Election 2019, PM Modi will also cast his vote in Ahmedabad today. Watch complete video to know more.

Lok Sabha Election 2019: PM Modi to cast his vote in Ahmedabad today

Today, Polling is also getting at the two important and crucial constituencies, i.e., Amit Shah's Gandhi Nagar & Rahul's Wayanad. Watch complete video to know more.

Lok Sabha Election 2019: Amit Shah's Gandhi Nagar & Rahul's Wayanad in the fray today

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-polls-2019-phase-3-voting-on-april-23-212719">The third phase of the ongoing Lok Sabha polls</a> came to an end on Tuesday evening with 64.66 per cent of total overall voter turnout, the Election Commission stated.&nbsp;

Voting was held in 116 Lok Sabha seats. As many as 13&nbsp;states and 2 union territories went to polls today. Kerala, Gujarat and Goa were the three states where all constituencies were up for voting.&nbsp;

BJP president Amit Shah, Congress chief Rahul Gandhi and several union ministers were among the prominent candidates in the fray in the largest polling phase of the general elections.&nbsp;

Assam, Tripura and West Bengal were in a neck to neck competition for the top spot in voter turnout today.

Reports of EVM glitches and technical snags surfaced in isolated places across states like Odisha and Goa.&nbsp;

West Bengal, where polling was marred by violence in the previous phase, saw incidents of unrest. A man, standing in a queue to cast his vote, was killed in clashes that broke out between Trinamool Congress and Congress workers in state's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/third-phase-lok-sabha-polling-man-gets-killed-in-clashes-between-congress-tmc-workers-in-west-bengals-murshidabad-212880">Murshidabad</a>.&nbsp;

The overall polling percentage in the first two phases was recorded at 69.45 per cent and 69.43 per cent respectively.

&nbsp;<img alt="phase 3 lok sabha polls" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0bc0ee86-446d-4cc2-a967-4638c1f7c930" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Phase%203_1.jpg" />

In the first two phases, the election was held on 91 and 95 seats on April 11 and April 18 respectively.&nbsp;

Election to 543 seats is being held in seven phases. The counting of votes will be on May 23.&nbsp;

The third phase of the ongoing Lok Sabha polls came to an end on Tuesday evening with 64.66 per cent of total overall voter turnout, the Election Commission stated.

The third phase of the ongoing Lok Sabha polls came to an end on Tuesday evening with 64.66 per cent of total overall voter turnout, the Election Commission stated. Voting was held in 116 Lok Sabha seats. As many as 13 states and 2 union territories went to polls today. Kerala, Gujarat and Goa were the three states where all constituencies were up for voting. BJP president Amit Shah, Congress chief Rahul Gandhi and several union ministers were among the prominent candidates in the fray in the largest polling phase of the general elections. Assam, Tripura and West Bengal were in a neck to neck competition for the top spot in voter turnout today. Reports of EVM glitches and technical snags surfaced in isolated places across states like Odisha and Goa. West Bengal, where polling was marred by violence in the previous phase, saw incidents of unrest. A man, standing in a queue to cast his vote, was killed in clashes that broke out between Trinamool Congress and Congress workers in state's Murshidabad. The overall polling percentage in the first two phases was recorded at 69.45 per cent and 69.43 per cent respectively. In the first two phases, the election was held on 91 and 95 seats on April 11 and April 18 respectively. Election to 543 seats is being held in seven phases. The counting of votes will be on May 23.

64.66% voter turnout in phase 3 of Lok Sabha polls: Election Commission

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday met his mother Heeraben Modi at her residence in Gandhinagar and received her blessings.

''Prime Minister Narendra Modi met his mother at her residence in Gandhinagar today. He will cast his vote in Ahmedabad, shortly,'' tweeted ANI.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> PM Narendra Modi meets his mother Heeraben Modi at her residence in Gandhinagar and takes her blessings. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Gujarat?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Gujarat</a> <a href="https://t.co/uRGsGX0fcw">pic.twitter.com/uRGsGX0fcw</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1120515925965512704?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 23, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The prime minister will cast his vote in Ahmedabad shortly.

Earlier, Modi met people outside his mother's residence in Gandhinagar.&nbsp;

All 26 constituencies in Gujarat including Gandhinagar, where BJP president Amit Shah is contesting, go to polls in the third phase of polling today.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday met his mother Heeraben Modi at her residence in Gandhinagar and received her blessings. ''Prime Minister Narendra Modi met his mother at her residence in Gandhinagar today.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday met his mother Heeraben Modi at her residence in Gandhinagar and received her blessings. ''Prime Minister Narendra Modi met his mother at her residence in Gandhinagar today. He will cast his vote in Ahmedabad, shortly,'' tweeted ANI. #WATCH PM Narendra Modi meets his mother Heeraben Modi at her residence in Gandhinagar and takes her blessings. #Gujarat pic.twitter.com/uRGsGX0fcw — ANI (@ANI) April 23, 2019 × The prime minister will cast his vote in Ahmedabad shortly. Earlier, Modi met people outside his mother's residence in Gandhinagar. All 26 constituencies in Gujarat including Gandhinagar, where BJP president Amit Shah is contesting, go to polls in the third phase of polling today.

PM Modi meets his mother ahead of casting vote in Ahmedabad 

The Phase 3 of the 2019 General Election will take place on 23 April, 2019 where 116 Lok Sabha constituencies go to polls across 13 states.

Lok Sabha Election 2019: 13 states, 116 seats & 1600 contenders

Polling is underway for the third and largest phase of Lok Sabha election in 116 seats, including all constituencies in Gujarat and Kerala, with BJP president Amit Shah, Congress chief Rahul Gandhi and several Union ministers among prominent candidates in the fray.

High-Octane 'Phase 3' of Lok Sabha election 2019 battle underway

Three heavyweights including former Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit, cricketer-turned-politician Gautam Gambhir and boxer Vijender Singh on Tuesday filed their nominations from their respective Lok Sabha seats.BJP has named Gambhir against three-time Gandhi Nagar MLA Arvind Singh Lovely of Congress and AAP's Atishi in East Delhi.

"Many people tweet on every issue but they do not come on the ground. BJP has given me the opportunity to implement my vision and thought," Gambhir told reporters after filing nomination.

"If AAP had worked in the last four-and-half years then they would not have been so desperate about the alliance (with the Congress)," he said.

Congress has fielded Dikshit to take on sitting MP Manoj Tiwari from North East Delhi parliamentary seat.

When asked about the alliance with AAP, she said,&nbsp;"If any situation like this comes, then we will let you know."

Professional boxer Vijender Singh also filed nomination from the South Delhi seat.

"People love me because of boxing but I will also fulfil my responsibility of serving people as given by the Congress party," he said.

"I am looking at many problems in South Delhi and I hope we will fix this. Where is Modi wave? I am not seeing anything like this. People now know the real face (of Modi)," he added.

Singh is pitted against incumbent BJP's Ramesh Bidhuri and AAP's Raghav Chadha.BJP's Hans Raj Hans and Congress's Rajesh Lilothia also filed nomination in North West constituency.

Hans has replaced BJP's sitting MP Udit Raj.

"I have been a warrior since my childhood, I have to win. I am the son of a farm labourer, it is in my genes to work hard. I consider PM Modi as my hero," Hans said.

Earlier in the day, Congress'&nbsp;candidate Lovely also filed his nomination. Delhi, where seven Lok Sabha seats are at stake will go to poll on May 12. The counting of votes will take place on May 23.&nbsp; 
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Three heavyweights including former Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit, cricketer-turned-politician Gautam Gambhir and boxer Vijender Singh on Tuesday filed their nominations from their respective Lok Sabha seats.

Three heavyweights including former Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit, cricketer-turned-politician Gautam Gambhir and boxer Vijender Singh on Tuesday filed their nominations from their respective Lok Sabha seats.BJP has named Gambhir against three-time Gandhi Nagar MLA Arvind Singh Lovely of Congress and AAP's Atishi in East Delhi. "Many people tweet on every issue but they do not come on the ground. BJP has given me the opportunity to implement my vision and thought," Gambhir told reporters after filing nomination. "If AAP had worked in the last four-and-half years then they would not have been so desperate about the alliance (with the Congress)," he said. Congress has fielded Dikshit to take on sitting MP Manoj Tiwari from North East Delhi parliamentary seat. When asked about the alliance with AAP, she said, "If any situation like this comes, then we will let you know." Professional boxer Vijender Singh also filed nomination from the South Delhi seat. "People love me because of boxing but I will also fulfil my responsibility of serving people as given by the Congress party," he said. "I am looking at many problems in South Delhi and I hope we will fix this. Where is Modi wave? I am not seeing anything like this. People now know the real face (of Modi)," he added. Singh is pitted against incumbent BJP's Ramesh Bidhuri and AAP's Raghav Chadha.BJP's Hans Raj Hans and Congress's Rajesh Lilothia also filed nomination in North West constituency. Hans has replaced BJP's sitting MP Udit Raj. "I have been a warrior since my childhood, I have to win. I am the son of a farm labourer, it is in my genes to work hard. I consider PM Modi as my hero," Hans said. Earlier in the day, Congress' candidate Lovely also filed his nomination. Delhi, where seven Lok Sabha seats are at stake will go to poll on May 12. The counting of votes will take place on May 23.

Delhi: Sheila Dikshit, Gautam Gambhir, Vijender Singh file nominations