The Phase 3 of the 2019 General Election will take place on 23 April, 2019 where 115 Lok Sabha constituencies go to polls across 14 states and Union Territories (UTs). Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Jammu and Kashmir, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Odisha, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal will witness voting in some Lok Sabha seats. All parliamentary constituencies in Gujarat, Kerala, Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Goa and Daman and Diu will vote on 23 April in a single phase. The counting of votes will take place on 23 May for the same.

Lok Sabha Election 2019: Largest phase of polling underway

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/response-in-first-2-phases-giving-sleepless-nights-to-opposition-parties-pm-modi-212841">Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday</a> 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. The Prime Minister 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&nbsp;the prime minister of the nation&nbsp;by fighting on just a handful of seats.

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PM Narendra Modi in Asansol, West Bengal: Before 2014, Congress govt had made a record of corruption. Today TMC government is giving tough competition to the Congress. Corruption &amp; crime are non-stop in TMC rule. And 'Speed-breaker Didi' is also there <a href="https://t.co/lowpJPd3kY">pic.twitter.com/lowpJPd3kY</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1120641309994377217?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 23, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"Didi, the seat of the prime minister is not available at any auction," he added.&nbsp;

He further said that the Congress government had made a record of corruption before 2014 and that the Trinamool Congress is giving a tough competition to the Congress.&nbsp;

"Corruption and crime are non-stop in TMC rule. And 'Speed-breaker Didi' is also there," the PM noted.&nbsp;

Earlier in the day, PM Modi said that the response in the first two phases of polling is giving sleepless nights to opposition parties.&nbsp;

Addressing an election rally at Kendrapara in Odisha, Modi further said that 'Lahar' (wave) for BJP has become 'Lalkar' (challenge) for the Opposition after two phases of polls.&nbsp;

Prime minister accused the Naveen Patnaik government of resorting to violence and added in Odisha, BJD will go and BJP will come to power after polls.&nbsp;

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.

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. The Prime Minister 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. PM Narendra Modi in Asansol, West Bengal: Before 2014, Congress govt had made a record of corruption. Today TMC government is giving tough competition to the Congress. Corruption & crime are non-stop in TMC rule. And 'Speed-breaker Didi' is also there pic.twitter.com/lowpJPd3kY — ANI (@ANI) April 23, 2019 × "Didi, the seat of the prime minister is not available at any auction," he added. He further said that the Congress government had made a record of corruption before 2014 and that the Trinamool Congress is giving a tough competition to the Congress. "Corruption and crime are non-stop in TMC rule. And 'Speed-breaker Didi' is also there," the PM noted. Earlier in the day, PM Modi said that the response in the first two phases of polling is giving sleepless nights to opposition parties. Addressing an election rally at Kendrapara in Odisha, Modi further said that 'Lahar' (wave) for BJP has become 'Lalkar' (challenge) for the Opposition after two phases of polls. Prime minister accused the Naveen Patnaik government of resorting to violence and added in Odisha, BJD will go and BJP will come to power after polls.

Corruption and crime are non-stop in Trinamool Congress' rule: PM Modi is Asansol

The National Green Tribunal has directed the UP chief secretary to take urgent steps to dispose of the solid waste that has accumulated in Allahabad post-Kumbh Mela and fix accountability of officers in this regard.

Taking note of a report filed by a committee headed by Justice Arun Tandon, the NGT said the situation in the area was alarming and it needed to be dealt with on an urgent basis to avoid the spread of epidemics.

A bench headed by NGT Chairperson Justice Adarsh Kumar Goel said accountability must be fixed at the ground level and personal supervision by senior-level officers ensured.

"We accordingly direct that an appropriate monitoring mechanism of fixing accountability of ground-level officers and the level of the officers required to monitor may be determined by the chief secretary at the earliest, preferably before April 26 on which date, the chief secretary, state of Uttar Pradesh, is expected to appear before this tribunal," the bench said.

The tribunal said that on perusal of photographs, it was found that there was an urgent need for restoration work for the treatment of sewage water, remediation work for drains and solid waste processing.

The direction came after examining the report of Justice Tandon which said that a large number of toilets have been constructed at various camps on the 'Arail' side very close to the river.

"Sewage received at the Rajapur STP was in excess of the installed capacity. Only 50 per cent of Rajapur drain was being treated through Geo tube and the remaining 50 per cent was being permitted to enter river Ganga without treatment. At Jodhwal Nala Rasoolabad, the capacity of bioremediation technology was 6 million litres per day," the report said.

"At Salori STP, the 29 MLD plant was not working satisfactorily. Sewage was in excess of capacity. BOD level was 47 mg per litre. The Geo tube was not working satisfactorily. 50 per cent of the sewage from the Salori drain was being trapped. Remaining was being permitted to enter river Ganga without treatment," it added.

The tribunal had earlier asked the Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board (UPPCB) to monitor the environment during the Kumbh Mela at Allahabad.

The NGT had said that since the religious festival was being conducted on a large scale, segregation of waste should be done at source by educating the people.

It had directed that the Ministry of Urban Development and Housing and other authorities to display posters and banners and distribute handbills to educate people with regard to waste management.&nbsp;

The National Green Tribunal has directed the UP chief secretary to take urgent steps to dispose of the solid waste that has accumulated in Allahabad post-Kumbh Mela and fix accountability of officers in this regard.

The National Green Tribunal has directed the UP chief secretary to take urgent steps to dispose of the solid waste that has accumulated in Allahabad post-Kumbh Mela and fix accountability of officers in this regard. Taking note of a report filed by a committee headed by Justice Arun Tandon, the NGT said the situation in the area was alarming and it needed to be dealt with on an urgent basis to avoid the spread of epidemics. A bench headed by NGT Chairperson Justice Adarsh Kumar Goel said accountability must be fixed at the ground level and personal supervision by senior-level officers ensured. "We accordingly direct that an appropriate monitoring mechanism of fixing accountability of ground-level officers and the level of the officers required to monitor may be determined by the chief secretary at the earliest, preferably before April 26 on which date, the chief secretary, state of Uttar Pradesh, is expected to appear before this tribunal," the bench said. The tribunal said that on perusal of photographs, it was found that there was an urgent need for restoration work for the treatment of sewage water, remediation work for drains and solid waste processing. The direction came after examining the report of Justice Tandon which said that a large number of toilets have been constructed at various camps on the 'Arail' side very close to the river. "Sewage received at the Rajapur STP was in excess of the installed capacity. Only 50 per cent of Rajapur drain was being treated through Geo tube and the remaining 50 per cent was being permitted to enter river Ganga without treatment. At Jodhwal Nala Rasoolabad, the capacity of bioremediation technology was 6 million litres per day," the report said. "At Salori STP, the 29 MLD plant was not working satisfactorily. Sewage was in excess of capacity. BOD level was 47 mg per litre. The Geo tube was not working satisfactorily. 50 per cent of the sewage from the Salori drain was being trapped. Remaining was being permitted to enter river Ganga without treatment," it added. The tribunal had earlier asked the Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board (UPPCB) to monitor the environment during the Kumbh Mela at Allahabad. The NGT had said that since the religious festival was being conducted on a large scale, segregation of waste should be done at source by educating the people. It had directed that the Ministry of Urban Development and Housing and other authorities to display posters and banners and distribute handbills to educate people with regard to waste management.

National Green Tribunal directs UP chief secretary to take urgent steps to deal with waste post Kumbh Mela

BJP cadres thrashed an NCP worker at the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) office here after he allegedly showed black flags to Pragya Singh Thakur, the BJP Lok Sabha candidate from Bhopal, during her roadshow.

Visuals show the BJP workers raising slogans and slapping the NCP worker, following which he was taken away by the police from the SDM office.

Earlier today, Thakur, who is contesting against senior Congress leader Digvijaya Singh, held a roadshow in Bhopal. She had filed her nomination papers from the seat yesterday.

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Madhya Pradesh: BJP workers thrashed an NCP worker at SDM office in Bhopal after he allegedly showed black flags to Pragya Singh Thakur, BJP LS candidate from Bhopal, during her roadshow. <a href="https://t.co/WsbgIiThWD">pic.twitter.com/WsbgIiThWD</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1120620758483341313?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 23, 2019</a></blockquote>
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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.

On April 17, Thakur had formally joined the BJP. The move invited criticism from several opposition leaders who have slammed the BJP for fielding a terror accused in the Lok Sabha elections.

Thakur courted controversy when she made remarks in reference to Babri Masjid demolition and late Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) chief Hemant Karkare.

Subsequently, the Election Commission (EC) took cognisance and issued notices to Thakur for violating the Model Code of Conduct (MCC).

Polling in Bhopal Lok Sabha constituency will be held on May 12 and counting of votes will take place on May 23.&nbsp;

BJP cadres thrashed an NCP worker at the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) office here after he allegedly showed black flags to Pragya Singh Thakur, the BJP Lok Sabha candidate from Bhopal, during her roadshow.

BJP cadres thrashed an NCP worker at the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) office here after he allegedly showed black flags to Pragya Singh Thakur, the BJP Lok Sabha candidate from Bhopal, during her roadshow. Visuals show the BJP workers raising slogans and slapping the NCP worker, following which he was taken away by the police from the SDM office. Earlier today, Thakur, who is contesting against senior Congress leader Digvijaya Singh, held a roadshow in Bhopal. She had filed her nomination papers from the seat yesterday. Madhya Pradesh: BJP workers thrashed an NCP worker at SDM office in Bhopal after he allegedly showed black flags to Pragya Singh Thakur, BJP LS candidate from Bhopal, during her roadshow. pic.twitter.com/WsbgIiThWD — ANI (@ANI) April 23, 2019 × 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. On April 17, Thakur had formally joined the BJP. The move invited criticism from several opposition leaders who have slammed the BJP for fielding a terror accused in the Lok Sabha elections. Thakur courted controversy when she made remarks in reference to Babri Masjid demolition and late Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) chief Hemant Karkare. Subsequently, the Election Commission (EC) took cognisance and issued notices to Thakur for violating the Model Code of Conduct (MCC). Polling in Bhopal Lok Sabha constituency will be held on May 12 and counting of votes will take place on May 23.

BJP cadres thrash NCP worker for showing black flags to Pragya Thakur

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh Tuesday said naxals will be rooted out in the country by 2023.

Rebels and terrorists coming in the way of the country's security, which is an essential part of development, will be crushed, Singh told a poll rally here.

Naxals have been almost eliminated in Jharkhand and their remaining pockets in the state will end soon, he told a poll rally here.

Singh, who was campaigning in support of Palamau (SC) constituency sitting BJP MP V D Ram, said that Jharkhand Mukti Morcha and Congress have joined hands in the state due to their lust for power but they will not be successful in achieving their aim.

There is no leader in the opposition to match the stature of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the other leaders are "dwarfs" compared to him.

Detailing developmental schemes like Ujjwala, Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana and Jan Dhan Yojana, Singh said BJP is committed to ushering in the development of the country by 2022 and its manifesto reflected it.

Ridiculing opposition parties seeking proof of bodies in the aftermath of Balakot air strikes, Singh said the air force's job was to hit the terror camps and not count the bodies and the objective was completed.

After Pulwama attack, all the countries stood with India, whose "policy is not to fire the first bullet but respond strongly to any bullet fired at it".

Palamau goes to the polls along with Chatra and Lohardaga(ST) seats in the fourth phase of polling on April 29, which will be the first phase for Jharkhand.&nbsp;

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh Tuesday said naxals will be rooted out in the country by 2023. Rebels and terrorists coming in the way of the country's security, which is an essential part of development, will be crushed, Singh told a poll rally here.

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh Tuesday said naxals will be rooted out in the country by 2023. Rebels and terrorists coming in the way of the country's security, which is an essential part of development, will be crushed, Singh told a poll rally here. Naxals have been almost eliminated in Jharkhand and their remaining pockets in the state will end soon, he told a poll rally here. Singh, who was campaigning in support of Palamau (SC) constituency sitting BJP MP V D Ram, said that Jharkhand Mukti Morcha and Congress have joined hands in the state due to their lust for power but they will not be successful in achieving their aim. There is no leader in the opposition to match the stature of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the other leaders are "dwarfs" compared to him. Detailing developmental schemes like Ujjwala, Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana and Jan Dhan Yojana, Singh said BJP is committed to ushering in the development of the country by 2022 and its manifesto reflected it. Ridiculing opposition parties seeking proof of bodies in the aftermath of Balakot air strikes, Singh said the air force's job was to hit the terror camps and not count the bodies and the objective was completed. After Pulwama attack, all the countries stood with India, whose "policy is not to fire the first bullet but respond strongly to any bullet fired at it". Palamau goes to the polls along with Chatra and Lohardaga(ST) seats in the fourth phase of polling on April 29, which will be the first phase for Jharkhand.

Naxalites will be rooted out by 2023: Rajnath Singh

Aam Aadmi Party chief Arvind Kejriwal on Tuesday alleged that there have been several instances of faulty electronic voting machines in Goa during polling for the third phase of Lok Sabha elections.

In a series of tweets, Kejriwal tagged reports of alleged faulty electronic voting machines.

Tagging a news report which claimed that "faulty EVM in a booth at Kizhakke Nalpathu near Cherthala was replaced after it was found that all votes were getting registered to BJP", Kejriwal said, "Absolutely shocking. All faulty EVMs deliver votes to BJP".

In another instance, he shared the party's Goa convenor Elvis Gomes' tweet, "Election of shame? Mock poll with 9 votes for each of 6 candidates in booth no 31 in 34 AC in Goa. Total count BJP gets 17, Cong 9, Aap 8. Ind 1. Robbery."

Replying to Gomes' tweet, he said, "Faulty EVM in Goa also transfers other votes to BJP. Are these really faulty or programmed in this fashion?"

He shared another tweet of a citizen who alleged that "in Kerala if you press 'Hand' symbol, light shows as 'Lotus'. How is that all 'faulty EVMs' select only BJP?" to which Kejriwal said "another faulty EVM voting for BJP".

In the third phase of elections, about 18.56 crore voters are eligible for voting, for which 2.10 lakh polling booths/stations have been set up.

Besides all seats in Gujarat (26) and Kerala (20), voting will be held in four seats in Assam, five in Bihar, seven in Chhattisgarh, 14 each in Karnataka and Maharashtra, six in Odisha, 10 in Uttar Pradesh, five in West Bengal, two in Goa, and one each in Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Daman and Diu and Tripura.&nbsp;

Aam Aadmi Party chief Arvind Kejriwal on Tuesday alleged that there have been several instances of faulty electronic voting machines in Goa during polling for the third phase of Lok Sabha elections.

Aam Aadmi Party chief Arvind Kejriwal on Tuesday alleged that there have been several instances of faulty electronic voting machines in Goa during polling for the third phase of Lok Sabha elections. In a series of tweets, Kejriwal tagged reports of alleged faulty electronic voting machines. Tagging a news report which claimed that "faulty EVM in a booth at Kizhakke Nalpathu near Cherthala was replaced after it was found that all votes were getting registered to BJP", Kejriwal said, "Absolutely shocking. All faulty EVMs deliver votes to BJP". In another instance, he shared the party's Goa convenor Elvis Gomes' tweet, "Election of shame? Mock poll with 9 votes for each of 6 candidates in booth no 31 in 34 AC in Goa. Total count BJP gets 17, Cong 9, Aap 8. Ind 1. Robbery." Replying to Gomes' tweet, he said, "Faulty EVM in Goa also transfers other votes to BJP. Are these really faulty or programmed in this fashion?" He shared another tweet of a citizen who alleged that "in Kerala if you press 'Hand' symbol, light shows as 'Lotus'. How is that all 'faulty EVMs' select only BJP?" to which Kejriwal said "another faulty EVM voting for BJP". In the third phase of elections, about 18.56 crore voters are eligible for voting, for which 2.10 lakh polling booths/stations have been set up. Besides all seats in Gujarat (26) and Kerala (20), voting will be held in four seats in Assam, five in Bihar, seven in Chhattisgarh, 14 each in Karnataka and Maharashtra, six in Odisha, 10 in Uttar Pradesh, five in West Bengal, two in Goa, and one each in Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Daman and Diu and Tripura.

Kejriwal alleges several instances of faulty EVMs in polls in Goa

Prominent political leaders like former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Union Ministers Arun Jaitley and Dharmendra Pradhan on Tuesday cast votes at their respective polling booths for the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-polls-2019-phase-3-voting-on-april-23-212719">third phase of Lok Sabha elections</a>.

Manmohan Singh cast his vote at a polling booth in Assam's Dispur. Union Finance Minister and BJP leader Arun Jaitley cast his vote at Gujarat's Ahmedabad while Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan cast his vote in Odisha's Talcher.

The third phase of Lok Sabha elections is underway at 116 parliamentary constituencies across 13 states and two Union Territories.

The seven-phase Lok Sabha election started on April 11.

The first phase witnessed 69.45 voter turnout across the country while the election for the second phase was held on April 18 and witnessed 69.43 per cent voter turnout.

Counting of votes will take place on May 23.&nbsp;

Prominent political leaders like former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Union Ministers Arun Jaitley and Dharmendra Pradhan on Tuesday cast votes at their respective polling booths for the third phase of Lok Sabha elections.

Prominent political leaders like former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Union Ministers Arun Jaitley and Dharmendra Pradhan on Tuesday cast votes at their respective polling booths for the third phase of Lok Sabha elections. Manmohan Singh cast his vote at a polling booth in Assam's Dispur. Union Finance Minister and BJP leader Arun Jaitley cast his vote at Gujarat's Ahmedabad while Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan cast his vote in Odisha's Talcher. The third phase of Lok Sabha elections is underway at 116 parliamentary constituencies across 13 states and two Union Territories. The seven-phase Lok Sabha election started on April 11. The first phase witnessed 69.45 voter turnout across the country while the election for the second phase was held on April 18 and witnessed 69.43 per cent voter turnout. Counting of votes will take place on May 23.

Lok Sabha polls: Manmohan Singh, Arun Jaitley, Dharmendra Pradhan cast votes

A man standing in a queue to cast his vote was killed in clashes that broke out between Congress and Trinamool Congress workers in West Bengal's Baligram in Murshidabad.&nbsp;

The state has had witnessed spurts of violence amid polling in the previous phases.

Isolated incidents of violence, road blockades, bombings and police firing marred the second phase of polling at a few places in the three Lok Sabha constituencies in West Bengal during the second phase polls last week.

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West Bengal: Man standing in a queue to vote killed in clashes between Congress and TMC workers in Baligram, Murshidabad. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LokSabhaElections2019?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LokSabhaElections2019</a> <a href="https://t.co/hkTc56cT7i">pic.twitter.com/hkTc56cT7i</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1120623839875088384?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 23, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Despite tensions, the state recorded one of the highest voter turnouts during the last phase.&nbsp;

Five Lok Sabha seats from the state are up for polls today in the third and the largest phase of Lok Sabha polls.

Balurghat, Jangipur, Maldaha Dakshin, Maldaha Uttar and Murshidabad have gone to polls today. Till 3pm, the state topped the voter turnout with 52 per cent polling.&nbsp;

A man standing in a queue to cast his vote was killed in clashes that broke out between Congress and Trinamool Congress workers in West Bengal's Baligram in Murshidabad.

A man standing in a queue to cast his vote was killed in clashes that broke out between Congress and Trinamool Congress workers in West Bengal's Baligram in Murshidabad. The state has had witnessed spurts of violence amid polling in the previous phases. Isolated incidents of violence, road blockades, bombings and police firing marred the second phase of polling at a few places in the three Lok Sabha constituencies in West Bengal during the second phase polls last week. West Bengal: Man standing in a queue to vote killed in clashes between Congress and TMC workers in Baligram, Murshidabad. #LokSabhaElections2019 pic.twitter.com/hkTc56cT7i — ANI (@ANI) April 23, 2019 × Despite tensions, the state recorded one of the highest voter turnouts during the last phase. Five Lok Sabha seats from the state are up for polls today in the third and the largest phase of Lok Sabha polls. Balurghat, Jangipur, Maldaha Dakshin, Maldaha Uttar and Murshidabad have gone to polls today. Till 3pm, the state topped the voter turnout with 52 per cent polling.

Lok Sabha polls: Man gets killed in clashes between Congress, TMC workers in West Bengal's Murshidabad

Veteran BJP leader LK Advani cast his vote at a polling booth in Shahpur Hindi School here on Tuesday.

Advani, who is sitting MP from Gandhinagar, has been replaced by BJP president Amit Shah. The veteran BJP leader has won from the seat six times.

Advani and senior BJP leader Murli Manohar Joshi are among those who have not been fielded by the party for the ongoing Lok Sabha elections.

Advani on April 4 wrote a blog in which he said, "Right from its inception, the BJP has never regarded those who disagree with us politically as our 'enemies', but only as our adversaries. Similarly, in our conception of Indian nationalism, we have never regarded those who disagree with us politically as 'anti-national'."

"The party has been committed to freedom of choice of every citizen at personal as well as political level," the BJP stalwart had said in his recent blog titled 'Nation First, Party Next, Self Last'.

The statements were seen as a veiled dig at the current leadership of the BJP.

The third phase of Lok Sabha elections is underway at 116 parliamentary constituencies across 13 states and two Union Territories.

In Gujarat, 371 candidates are in the fray for 26 Lok Sabha seats, while 45 candidates are in the fray for by-poll in four Assembly seats.

The counting of votes will take place on May 23.

Veteran BJP leader LK Advani cast his vote at a polling booth in Shahpur Hindi School here on Tuesday. Advani, who is sitting MP from Gandhinagar, has been replaced by BJP president Amit Shah.

Veteran BJP leader LK Advani cast his vote at a polling booth in Shahpur Hindi School here on Tuesday. Advani, who is sitting MP from Gandhinagar, has been replaced by BJP president Amit Shah. The veteran BJP leader has won from the seat six times. Advani and senior BJP leader Murli Manohar Joshi are among those who have not been fielded by the party for the ongoing Lok Sabha elections. Advani on April 4 wrote a blog in which he said, "Right from its inception, the BJP has never regarded those who disagree with us politically as our 'enemies', but only as our adversaries. Similarly, in our conception of Indian nationalism, we have never regarded those who disagree with us politically as 'anti-national'." "The party has been committed to freedom of choice of every citizen at personal as well as political level," the BJP stalwart had said in his recent blog titled 'Nation First, Party Next, Self Last'. The statements were seen as a veiled dig at the current leadership of the BJP. The third phase of Lok Sabha elections is underway at 116 parliamentary constituencies across 13 states and two Union Territories. In Gujarat, 371 candidates are in the fray for 26 Lok Sabha seats, while 45 candidates are in the fray for by-poll in four Assembly seats. The counting of votes will take place on May 23.

Lok Sabha polls: LK Advani casts vote in Ahmedabad

In Phase 3 of Lok Sabha Election 2019, Voting is underway on 14 out of 28 seats of Karnataka. BS Yeddyurappa talked WION and said he is confident of son's victory.

Lok Sabha Election 2019: BS Yeddyurappa confident of son's victory in Karnataka

Response in the first two phases of polling is giving sleepless nights to&nbsp;Opposition parties, said Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday. &nbsp;

Addressing an election rally at Kendrapara in Odisha, Modi further said that 'Lahar' (wave) for BJP has become 'Lalkar' (challenge) for the Opposition after two phases of polls.&nbsp;

Prime minister accused the Naveen Patnaik government of resorting to violence and added in Odisha, BJD will go and BJP will come to power after polls.&nbsp;

How will Odisha's car move forward if it has three tyres of BJP and one of some other party? he asked the crowd.&nbsp;

Modi also spoke about his clean image as prime minister and said ''You have seen many governments in the past, ours is the only One which hasn't been mired in any scams: Modi in Odisha.''

Those levelling false allegations against BJP are found Standing in the dock, he said.&nbsp;

Response in the first two phases of polling is giving sleepless nights to Opposition parties, said Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday. Addressing an election rally at Kendrapara in Odisha, Modi further said that 'Lahar' (wave) for BJP has become 'Lalkar' (challenge) for the Opposition after two phases of polls.

Response in the first two phases of polling is giving sleepless nights to Opposition parties, said Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday. Addressing an election rally at Kendrapara in Odisha, Modi further said that 'Lahar' (wave) for BJP has become 'Lalkar' (challenge) for the Opposition after two phases of polls. Prime minister accused the Naveen Patnaik government of resorting to violence and added in Odisha, BJD will go and BJP will come to power after polls. How will Odisha's car move forward if it has three tyres of BJP and one of some other party? he asked the crowd. Modi also spoke about his clean image as prime minister and said ''You have seen many governments in the past, ours is the only One which hasn't been mired in any scams: Modi in Odisha.'' Those levelling false allegations against BJP are found Standing in the dock, he said.

Response in first 2 phases giving sleepless nights to Opposition parties: PM Modi  

Voting for 302 seats out of 543 seats is about to end. 23.65% polling has been done as of 11 AM IST. Watch complete video to know more.

Lok Sabha Election 2019: Voting for 302 out of 543 seats to end, 23.65% polling as of 11 AM IST

A trailblazer inside the boxing ring, Olympic bronze-medallist <a href="https://www.wionews.com/search?q=Vijender+Singh">Vijender Singh</a> says he will draw inspiration from Filipino legend Manny Pacquiao in his political innings which start with the Congress in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/elections">ongoing general elections</a>.&nbsp;

The 33-year-old from the cradle of Indian boxing -- Bhiwani in Haryana -- was on Monday nominated from the South Delhi constituency by the Grand Old Party locking him in a three-way fight with BJP's sitting MP Ramesh Bidhuri and Aam Aadmi Party's Raghav Chadha.&nbsp;

Speaking to PTI on Tuesday, India's only male boxer with an Olympic medal and the first to claim a world championship medal sounded upbeat as he spoke about a decision which not many saw coming.&nbsp;

"I want to be India's Manny Pacquaio. It would be great if I can be as good as him because I am not giving up boxing. That's my first love, will always be. That's my identity and I am not going to give it up," said Vijender as he headed to file his nomination.&nbsp;

The last active sportsperson to fight an election in India was legendary cricketer Mansur Ali Khan Pataudi, who lost from Gurgaon back in 1971 while competing for a regional party.&nbsp;

The man Vijender is looking up to is, however, another story. &nbsp;

Pacquiao is the only eight-division world champion in the history of boxing. He is also the first to win major world titles in four out of eight weight classes -- flyweight, featherweight, lightweight and welterweight. &nbsp;

The 40-year-old was elected to Philippines' House of Representatives, from the province of Sarangani, in 2010. He was re-elected in 2013 before winning the election to his country's Senate in June 2016. His term is till 2022. &nbsp;

All this while he remains an active boxer and defended his WBA welterweight title in January this year against American Adrien Broner. 
Vijender said his path is not going to be too different if he goes on to win on debut. &nbsp;

"Even if I make it to Parliament, I will identify myself as boxer Vijender Singh and will continue to juggle my responsibilities," he said. &nbsp;

Vijender's boxing career has been a stellar one, comprising a gold medal in the Asian Games, three medals at the Commonwealth Games, and multiple Asian Championship medals. He turned professional in 2015 and has been unbeaten so far. &nbsp;

He recently signed up with the legendary Bob Arum's Top Rank Promotions and is expected to make his debut on the American soil in the next few months.&nbsp;

Does he have a plan to manage two diverse careers in different continents on top of it?&nbsp;

"What plan? Rab aape hi karda hai sab kuch (God takes care of everything). He wants me to be a leader, he will make me one. I follow his wish," was his rather philosophical take. &nbsp;

Discussing politics, Vijender said the issues he will focus on are youth and, of course, sports.&nbsp;

"I am genuinely concerned about employment, which I think is a prominent issue for the youth. And being a sportsperson, I am also keen on working towards developing sports infrastructure. It's about time we had good infrastructure so that budding athletes can actually flourish," he said.&nbsp;

Asked why he opted for the Congress, a party which did not win a single seat in Delhi in the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, Vijender said, "I relate to the ideology and the leadership."&nbsp;

"As is propagated by our leadership, I want to be a friend of the electorate. I don't wish to be the neta that visits once in five years. I am not going to do rallies or road shows. I am going to connect with the voters spontaneously." &nbsp;

Elaborating on his campaign strategy, Vijender said he will be relying heavily on social media. &nbsp;

"I am just going to post where I will be and at what time, on my social media pages. I leave it to people whether they want to join me or not. It is not going to be coordinated because I believe, they should see me as their friend or brother not an imposing neta," said the boxer whose Twitter following stands at 3.79 million.&nbsp;

Being embroiled in a drug scandal in 2013, when he was accused of buying heroin by Punjab Police, remains the only low point of his public life. He was eventually cleared of that as well after a dope test by the National Anti Doping Agency (NADA). &nbsp;

In the rough and tumble of the election campaign, where personal attacks are not unchartered territory, he could become a target but Vijender said it doesn't bother him. &nbsp;

"When have I not been attacked? It's routine for me. And as they say, dogs bark, let them. It didnt affect me earlier, it's not going to affect me now," he said.&nbsp;

"I just want to be someone who touches lives and it is not dependent on whether I win or lose," he added.&nbsp;

A trailblazer inside the boxing ring, Olympic bronze-medallist Vijender Singh says he will draw inspiration from Filipino legend Manny Pacquiao in his political innings which start with the Congress in the ongoing general elections.

A trailblazer inside the boxing ring, Olympic bronze-medallist Vijender Singh says he will draw inspiration from Filipino legend Manny Pacquiao in his political innings which start with the Congress in the ongoing general elections. The 33-year-old from the cradle of Indian boxing -- Bhiwani in Haryana -- was on Monday nominated from the South Delhi constituency by the Grand Old Party locking him in a three-way fight with BJP's sitting MP Ramesh Bidhuri and Aam Aadmi Party's Raghav Chadha. Speaking to PTI on Tuesday, India's only male boxer with an Olympic medal and the first to claim a world championship medal sounded upbeat as he spoke about a decision which not many saw coming. "I want to be India's Manny Pacquaio. It would be great if I can be as good as him because I am not giving up boxing. That's my first love, will always be. That's my identity and I am not going to give it up," said Vijender as he headed to file his nomination. The last active sportsperson to fight an election in India was legendary cricketer Mansur Ali Khan Pataudi, who lost from Gurgaon back in 1971 while competing for a regional party. The man Vijender is looking up to is, however, another story. Pacquiao is the only eight-division world champion in the history of boxing. He is also the first to win major world titles in four out of eight weight classes -- flyweight, featherweight, lightweight and welterweight. The 40-year-old was elected to Philippines' House of Representatives, from the province of Sarangani, in 2010. He was re-elected in 2013 before winning the election to his country's Senate in June 2016. His term is till 2022. All this while he remains an active boxer and defended his WBA welterweight title in January this year against American Adrien Broner. Vijender said his path is not going to be too different if he goes on to win on debut. "Even if I make it to Parliament, I will identify myself as boxer Vijender Singh and will continue to juggle my responsibilities," he said. Vijender's boxing career has been a stellar one, comprising a gold medal in the Asian Games, three medals at the Commonwealth Games, and multiple Asian Championship medals. He turned professional in 2015 and has been unbeaten so far. He recently signed up with the legendary Bob Arum's Top Rank Promotions and is expected to make his debut on the American soil in the next few months. Does he have a plan to manage two diverse careers in different continents on top of it? "What plan? Rab aape hi karda hai sab kuch (God takes care of everything). He wants me to be a leader, he will make me one. I follow his wish," was his rather philosophical take. Discussing politics, Vijender said the issues he will focus on are youth and, of course, sports. "I am genuinely concerned about employment, which I think is a prominent issue for the youth. And being a sportsperson, I am also keen on working towards developing sports infrastructure. It's about time we had good infrastructure so that budding athletes can actually flourish," he said. Asked why he opted for the Congress, a party which did not win a single seat in Delhi in the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, Vijender said, "I relate to the ideology and the leadership." "As is propagated by our leadership, I want to be a friend of the electorate. I don't wish to be the neta that visits once in five years. I am not going to do rallies or road shows. I am going to connect with the voters spontaneously." Elaborating on his campaign strategy, Vijender said he will be relying heavily on social media. "I am just going to post where I will be and at what time, on my social media pages. I leave it to people whether they want to join me or not. It is not going to be coordinated because I believe, they should see me as their friend or brother not an imposing neta," said the boxer whose Twitter following stands at 3.79 million. Being embroiled in a drug scandal in 2013, when he was accused of buying heroin by Punjab Police, remains the only low point of his public life. He was eventually cleared of that as well after a dope test by the National Anti Doping Agency (NADA). In the rough and tumble of the election campaign, where personal attacks are not unchartered territory, he could become a target but Vijender said it doesn't bother him. "When have I not been attacked? It's routine for me. And as they say, dogs bark, let them. It didnt affect me earlier, it's not going to affect me now," he said. "I just want to be someone who touches lives and it is not dependent on whether I win or lose," he added.

I am aspiring to be India's Manny Pacquaio: Vijender Singh

The Supreme Court Monday issued a notice to Union minister Smriti Irani in a case pertaining to two cross defamation complaints filed by Congress leader Sanjay Nirupam and the BJP leader against each other.

In one case, the Delhi High Court had quashed the summons issued against Irani in a defamation complaint filed against her by Nirupam.

The high court, however, had dismissed a similar plea of Nirupam seeking to set aside the summons issued against him in a cross defamation complaint filed by Irani.

The high court, on December 19 last year, had said the case against Nirupam will continue.

On Monday, a bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi issued the notice to Irani on two appeals filed by the Congress leader.

The Supreme Court Monday issued a notice to Union minister Smriti Irani in a case pertaining to two cross defamation complaints filed by Congress leader Sanjay Nirupam and the BJP leader against each other.

The Supreme Court Monday issued a notice to Union minister Smriti Irani in a case pertaining to two cross defamation complaints filed by Congress leader Sanjay Nirupam and the BJP leader against each other. In one case, the Delhi High Court had quashed the summons issued against Irani in a defamation complaint filed against her by Nirupam. The high court, however, had dismissed a similar plea of Nirupam seeking to set aside the summons issued against him in a cross defamation complaint filed by Irani. The high court, on December 19 last year, had said the case against Nirupam will continue. On Monday, a bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi issued the notice to Irani on two appeals filed by the Congress leader.

Supreme Court issues notice to Smriti Irani on Nirupam's plea seeking quashing of defamation complaint against him

Ahead of the Lok Sabha polls to be held in West Bengal, BJP president Amit Shah on Monday assured the people of the state that his party will help in restoring Saraswati puja and Durga puja again with respect.

Speaking at a press conference in Kolkata Shah said, "If someone can restore Saraswati pooja and Durga pooja again with respect, it is only the BJP".

On being asked if Prime Minister Modi will also contest from West Bengal, Shah said, "No, there is no such plan at the moment".

He also reiterated the party's stance on the Citizenship Amendment Bill and said, "The refugees who have come from Bangladesh, be it Hindus, Buddhists, Sikhs, Jains, or Christians, BJP has clearly signalled in its 'Sankalp Patra' that we will give them citizenship".

Adding that the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/assams-national-register-of-citizens-an-explainer-155549">National Register of Citizens</a> will not be just for Bengal but also for the whole country, Shah said, "Citizenship Amendment Bill will come first, all refugees will be given citizenship after that NRC will be made. Refugees shouldn't worry, only infiltrators should. First, the Citizenship Amendment Bill&nbsp;will come then NRC, NRC will not be for just Bengal but for the whole country".

"I request the&nbsp;people of Bengal to vote without fear; BJP workers are guarding them as protectors of democracy in the Lok Sabha Polls," he said.

Hitting out at <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/opinion-mamata-banerjee-takes-a-u-turn-on-national-register-of-citizens-156891">West Bengal chief minister</a>, Shah said, "Mamata Banerjee is under pressure after the end of second phase polls. There is politics of appeasement in Bengal."

"Mamata Banerjee did not allow my rallies in Bengal, now the people here are not coming out in to attend her rallies," he added.

Commenting on BJP candidate from Bhopal, Pragya Singh Thakur, he said, "As far as Sadhvi Pragya is considered, I want to say that a false case was registered as to allege that there is Hindu terror. The court proceedings found the case to be false."

Praising the Prime Minister led-NDA government Shah said, "Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government at Centre, we have provided 10,000 poor with household in this district. Also, 3,000 urban poor got households. BJP gave gas connections to 7 crore houses, 8 crore houses got toilets and 50 crore poor will get Rs 5 lakh Insurance under Ayushman Bharat scheme."&nbsp;

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Amit Shah in Kolkata, West Bengal: Batla House ka jab encounter hua, Sonia Ji ko rona aa gaya Batla House ke aatankwadiyon ke marne par, jabki apna ek bahadur Police Inspector waha shaheed ho gaya, uske mrityu par rona nahi aaya, is par Congress ko jawab dena chahiye <a href="https://t.co/fFMtLXeJqS">pic.twitter.com/fFMtLXeJqS</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1120189079105224704?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 22, 2019</a></blockquote>
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To a question on alleged discrepancies over citizenship and educational qualifications in Congress president Rahul Gandhi's poll affidavit filed at Amethi, Shah said the returning officer concerned should look into it.

(With inputs from agencies)

Ahead of the Lok Sabha polls to be held in West Bengal, BJP president Amit Shah on Monday assured the people of the state that his party will help in restoring Saraswati puja and Durga puja again with respect.

Ahead of the Lok Sabha polls to be held in West Bengal, BJP president Amit Shah on Monday assured the people of the state that his party will help in restoring Saraswati puja and Durga puja again with respect. Speaking at a press conference in Kolkata Shah said, "If someone can restore Saraswati pooja and Durga pooja again with respect, it is only the BJP". On being asked if Prime Minister Modi will also contest from West Bengal, Shah said, "No, there is no such plan at the moment". He also reiterated the party's stance on the Citizenship Amendment Bill and said, "The refugees who have come from Bangladesh, be it Hindus, Buddhists, Sikhs, Jains, or Christians, BJP has clearly signalled in its 'Sankalp Patra' that we will give them citizenship". Adding that the National Register of Citizens will not be just for Bengal but also for the whole country, Shah said, "Citizenship Amendment Bill will come first, all refugees will be given citizenship after that NRC will be made. Refugees shouldn't worry, only infiltrators should. First, the Citizenship Amendment Bill will come then NRC, NRC will not be for just Bengal but for the whole country". "I request the people of Bengal to vote without fear; BJP workers are guarding them as protectors of democracy in the Lok Sabha Polls," he said. Hitting out at West Bengal chief minister, Shah said, "Mamata Banerjee is under pressure after the end of second phase polls. There is politics of appeasement in Bengal." "Mamata Banerjee did not allow my rallies in Bengal, now the people here are not coming out in to attend her rallies," he added. Commenting on BJP candidate from Bhopal, Pragya Singh Thakur, he said, "As far as Sadhvi Pragya is considered, I want to say that a false case was registered as to allege that there is Hindu terror. The court proceedings found the case to be false." Praising the Prime Minister led-NDA government Shah said, "Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government at Centre, we have provided 10,000 poor with household in this district. Also, 3,000 urban poor got households. BJP gave gas connections to 7 crore houses, 8 crore houses got toilets and 50 crore poor will get Rs 5 lakh Insurance under Ayushman Bharat scheme." Amit Shah in Kolkata, West Bengal: Batla House ka jab encounter hua, Sonia Ji ko rona aa gaya Batla House ke aatankwadiyon ke marne par, jabki apna ek bahadur Police Inspector waha shaheed ho gaya, uske mrityu par rona nahi aaya, is par Congress ko jawab dena chahiye pic.twitter.com/fFMtLXeJqS — ANI (@ANI) April 22, 2019 × To a question on alleged discrepancies over citizenship and educational qualifications in Congress president Rahul Gandhi's poll affidavit filed at Amethi, Shah said the returning officer concerned should look into it. (With inputs from agencies)

NRC will not be just for Bengal but for the whole country: Amit Shah in Kolkata

Days after his mother Maneka Gandhi was embroiled in a controversy for allegedly making communal remarks against a particular community, Varun Gandhi on Sunday said that it won't be a problem if Muslims will not vote for him.

"I want to say just one thing to my Muslim brothers. I will be very happy if you vote for me. But even if you don't, no problem at all. You can still come to me for your work (Aap fir bhi mujhse kam le lena)," he said while addressing an election rally here. "But if your sugar gets mixed with my tea, then my tea will become sweeter," he added.

His comments are in complete contrast to what her mother Maneka Gandhi had said. Union Minister Maneka Gandhi on April 12 had said in a public address in Sultanpur that her win from the Sultanpur Lok Sabha constituency was certain "with or without" the support of the Muslims and the community should realise it since they will need to get their work done once BJP is in power. "You have to recognise that this victory is sure without you and even with you, and you will have to spread the word," she said while addressing a rally in Sultanpur.

Emphasising that she had distributed Rs 1000 crore for Muslim institutions to flourish, she said: "You came to seek our help at the time of your need. But, if you say during election time that we will not vote for the BJP and instead vote for any other party which can defeat BJP, then it breaks our heart".

"I have already passed this election. But now if you have to lay the foundation for getting help then this is the right time to do so," Maneka Gandhi added while indirectly calling upon the Muslim community to vote for her. Varun Gandhi has been fielded by BJP from Pilibhit- a seat which he had won in 2009 and 2014.

Days after his mother Maneka Gandhi was embroiled in a controversy for allegedly making communal remarks against a particular community, Varun Gandhi on Sunday said that it won't be a problem if Muslims will not vote for him.

Days after his mother Maneka Gandhi was embroiled in a controversy for allegedly making communal remarks against a particular community, Varun Gandhi on Sunday said that it won't be a problem if Muslims will not vote for him. "I want to say just one thing to my Muslim brothers. I will be very happy if you vote for me. But even if you don't, no problem at all. You can still come to me for your work (Aap fir bhi mujhse kam le lena)," he said while addressing an election rally here. "But if your sugar gets mixed with my tea, then my tea will become sweeter," he added. His comments are in complete contrast to what her mother Maneka Gandhi had said. Union Minister Maneka Gandhi on April 12 had said in a public address in Sultanpur that her win from the Sultanpur Lok Sabha constituency was certain "with or without" the support of the Muslims and the community should realise it since they will need to get their work done once BJP is in power. "You have to recognise that this victory is sure without you and even with you, and you will have to spread the word," she said while addressing a rally in Sultanpur. Emphasising that she had distributed Rs 1000 crore for Muslim institutions to flourish, she said: "You came to seek our help at the time of your need. But, if you say during election time that we will not vote for the BJP and instead vote for any other party which can defeat BJP, then it breaks our heart". "I have already passed this election. But now if you have to lay the foundation for getting help then this is the right time to do so," Maneka Gandhi added while indirectly calling upon the Muslim community to vote for her. Varun Gandhi has been fielded by BJP from Pilibhit- a seat which he had won in 2009 and 2014.

No problem if you don't vote for me, can still come to me for your work: Varun Gandhi tells Muslims

The Congress on Monday declared candidates on six of the seven Lok Sabha seats in the national capital.&nbsp;

JP Agarwal to contest from Chandni Chowk, Sheila Dixit from North East Delhi, Arvinder Singh Lovely from East Delhi, Ajay Maken from New Delhi, Rajesh Lilothia from North West Delhi (SC) and Mahabal Mishra from West Delhi.

From North East Delhi seat where Sheila Dikshit will contest, AAP has fielded Dilip Pandey.

At present, this seat is represented by Manoj Tiwari, who is also the president of BJP’s Delhi unit. In the last Lok Sabha poll, Tiwari had defeated Professor Anand Kumar of AAP by 1,44,084 votes.

Delhi' s seven parliamentary constituencies, which go to the polls on May 12 in the sixth phase, voted for the BJP in 2014, leaving the AAP in the second spot. However, the vote share of AAP and Congress in that election, together, was more than that of the BJP in six of the seven seats -- despite the Modi wave.

On Sunday, BJP released a list of five candidates, renominating four of its sitting MPs, including Union minister Harsh Vardhan.

Names for the three remaining seats are expected to be announced today.

With little time left to woo voters, parties have increased their activities, with prominent leaders holding several rallies every day. From public rallies to workers' meetings, big leaders of the national, as well as state parties, are leaving no stone unturned to ensure victory in the polls.

(With inputs from agencies)

The Congress on Monday declared candidates on six of the seven Lok Sabha seats in the national capital. JP Agarwal to contest from Chandni Chowk, Sheila Dixit from North East Delhi, Arvinder Singh Lovely from East Delhi, Ajay Maken from New Delhi, Rajesh Lilothia from North West Delhi (SC) and Mahabal Mishra from West Delhi.

The Congress on Monday declared candidates on six of the seven Lok Sabha seats in the national capital. JP Agarwal to contest from Chandni Chowk, Sheila Dixit from North East Delhi, Arvinder Singh Lovely from East Delhi, Ajay Maken from New Delhi, Rajesh Lilothia from North West Delhi (SC) and Mahabal Mishra from West Delhi. From North East Delhi seat where Sheila Dikshit will contest, AAP has fielded Dilip Pandey. At present, this seat is represented by Manoj Tiwari, who is also the president of BJP’s Delhi unit. In the last Lok Sabha poll, Tiwari had defeated Professor Anand Kumar of AAP by 1,44,084 votes. Delhi' s seven parliamentary constituencies, which go to the polls on May 12 in the sixth phase, voted for the BJP in 2014, leaving the AAP in the second spot. However, the vote share of AAP and Congress in that election, together, was more than that of the BJP in six of the seven seats -- despite the Modi wave. On Sunday, BJP released a list of five candidates, renominating four of its sitting MPs, including Union minister Harsh Vardhan. Names for the three remaining seats are expected to be announced today. With little time left to woo voters, parties have increased their activities, with prominent leaders holding several rallies every day. From public rallies to workers' meetings, big leaders of the national, as well as state parties, are leaving no stone unturned to ensure victory in the polls. (With inputs from agencies)

Congress releases list of Delhi candidates, Sheila Dixit to contest from North East Delhi

The Indian politico-diplomatic policy contour, in relation to two major events slated for end April in the Chinese calendar, is indicative of a carefully nuanced posture that Delhi is adopting towards Beijing, even as the world’s largest democracy is in the middle of a major national election.

The Modi led NDA government is in caretaker mode and a new Prime Minister will assume office after May 23 but some import-laden Indian policies that are unfolding this week warrant scrutiny.

On April 23 (Tuesday), two Indian naval ships – the INS Kolkata, a guided-missile destroyer and INS Shakti the fleet tanker will be part of the International Fleet Review (IFR) that China is conducting off Qingdao as part of the 70th-anniversary celebrations of the PLA Navy. Chinese President Xi Jinping will review the 50 naval ships assembled from 13 nations (excluding the host) on Tuesday. Major foreign navies represented at the PLA(N) IFR &nbsp;include Russia, Japan and India and some ASEAN nations. It may be recalled that India had conducted an IFR in February 2016 that saw 100 ships from 50 navies anchored off Visakhapatnam and the assemblage included two PLA(N) frigates.

International fleet reviews are a demonstration of a nation’s politico-diplomatic and military credibility as also acceptability and China is engaged in a similar pursuit against the backdrop of regional anxiety and unease over the kind of military assertiveness that Beijing has demonstrated in recent years in relation to its territorial claims in the East Asia-western Pacific continuum.

But in contrast to this friendly overture apropos the Qingdao IFR, Delhi has decided that India will not be part of the second OBOR (one belt-one road) summit being held in Beijing later in the week (April 26). This summit meeting has been billed as the biggest diplomatic event for China in 2019 and is acknowledged as a hugely ambitious personal project of President Xi Jinping that has complex strategic implications linked to the ‘rise of China’.

Delhi had stayed away from the inaugural summit in 2017 due to the manner in which India’s sovereignty claims over POK (Pakistan occupied Kashmir) were ignored among other concerns. Yet given the manner in which the post-Doklam tension was sought to be assuaged at the informal Xi-Modi summit Wuhan, it was expected that India would review its non-participation at the second OBOR (aka Belt and Road Initiative) &nbsp;summit. &nbsp;&nbsp;

However, in what was seen as a major disappointment for Beijing, earlier in March, the Indian ambassador to China Vikram Misri explained the rationale for the Indian refusal to be part of the 2019 summit. Misri noted: &nbsp;"Above all, connectivity initiatives must be pursued in a manner that respects the sovereignty, equality and territorial integrity of nations".

He further added: "No country can participate in an initiative that ignores its core concerns on sovereignty and territorial integrity. To be honest, we have made no secret of our views and our position on the BRI is clear and consistent and one that we have conveyed to the authorities concerned.”&nbsp; 
 
It is understood that most of the global community would be present at the second BRI &nbsp;summit, including nations with whom China currently has an uneasy or tense relationship including the USA and Japan and India’s determined ‘absence’ would be visible.

The inference that could be made is that by adopting two very different policy &nbsp;options in relation to the PLA (Navy) IFR on April 23 and the BRI summit on April 26, Delhi &nbsp;is signalling both malleability and resolve in what may be described as an ‘issue-based’ and carefully calibrated approach in its overall China policy.

In yet another development, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has set up a new division designated the Indo-Pacific and it is understood that this division will integrate policies pertaining to the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) and deliberations related to the Quad. The latter refers to maritime/naval consultations between the USA, Japan, India and Australia.

The Indo-Pacific is both a geographic entity that links the two oceans – the Indian and the Pacific; and a nascent strategic construct mooted by the USA in some detail in October 2017. The Indian formulation in relation to the Indo-Pacific was outlined by PM Modi at the Shangri-La dialogue in mid-2018 which dwelt on the centrality of ASEAN in this maritime framework. China has its own reservations about this yoking of the two oceans and the strategic sub-text advanced by the USA and the Indian decision to formally create a new division dedicated to the Indo-Pacific will not go unnoticed.

Managing the bilateral with China will be a major challenge for the next Indian government and the policy contours of end April, as manifest in the IFR and the BRI summit, will remain important punctuation in this uneasy relationship between the two Asian giants.

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The Indian politico-diplomatic policy contour, in relation to two major events slated for end April in the Chinese calendar, is indicative of a carefully nuanced posture that Delhi is adopting towards Beijing, even as the world’s largest democracy is in the middle of a major national election.

The Indian politico-diplomatic policy contour, in relation to two major events slated for end April in the Chinese calendar, is indicative of a carefully nuanced posture that Delhi is adopting towards Beijing, even as the world’s largest democracy is in the middle of a major national election. The Modi led NDA government is in caretaker mode and a new Prime Minister will assume office after May 23 but some import-laden Indian policies that are unfolding this week warrant scrutiny. On April 23 (Tuesday), two Indian naval ships – the INS Kolkata, a guided-missile destroyer and INS Shakti the fleet tanker will be part of the International Fleet Review (IFR) that China is conducting off Qingdao as part of the 70th-anniversary celebrations of the PLA Navy. Chinese President Xi Jinping will review the 50 naval ships assembled from 13 nations (excluding the host) on Tuesday. Major foreign navies represented at the PLA(N) IFR include Russia, Japan and India and some ASEAN nations. It may be recalled that India had conducted an IFR in February 2016 that saw 100 ships from 50 navies anchored off Visakhapatnam and the assemblage included two PLA(N) frigates. International fleet reviews are a demonstration of a nation’s politico-diplomatic and military credibility as also acceptability and China is engaged in a similar pursuit against the backdrop of regional anxiety and unease over the kind of military assertiveness that Beijing has demonstrated in recent years in relation to its territorial claims in the East Asia-western Pacific continuum. But in contrast to this friendly overture apropos the Qingdao IFR, Delhi has decided that India will not be part of the second OBOR (one belt-one road) summit being held in Beijing later in the week (April 26). This summit meeting has been billed as the biggest diplomatic event for China in 2019 and is acknowledged as a hugely ambitious personal project of President Xi Jinping that has complex strategic implications linked to the ‘rise of China’. Delhi had stayed away from the inaugural summit in 2017 due to the manner in which India’s sovereignty claims over POK (Pakistan occupied Kashmir) were ignored among other concerns. Yet given the manner in which the post-Doklam tension was sought to be assuaged at the informal Xi-Modi summit Wuhan, it was expected that India would review its non-participation at the second OBOR (aka Belt and Road Initiative) summit. However, in what was seen as a major disappointment for Beijing, earlier in March, the Indian ambassador to China Vikram Misri explained the rationale for the Indian refusal to be part of the 2019 summit. Misri noted: "Above all, connectivity initiatives must be pursued in a manner that respects the sovereignty, equality and territorial integrity of nations". He further added: "No country can participate in an initiative that ignores its core concerns on sovereignty and territorial integrity. To be honest, we have made no secret of our views and our position on the BRI is clear and consistent and one that we have conveyed to the authorities concerned.” It is understood that most of the global community would be present at the second BRI summit, including nations with whom China currently has an uneasy or tense relationship including the USA and Japan and India’s determined ‘absence’ would be visible. The inference that could be made is that by adopting two very different policy options in relation to the PLA (Navy) IFR on April 23 and the BRI summit on April 26, Delhi is signalling both malleability and resolve in what may be described as an ‘issue-based’ and carefully calibrated approach in its overall China policy. In yet another development, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has set up a new division designated the Indo-Pacific and it is understood that this division will integrate policies pertaining to the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) and deliberations related to the Quad. The latter refers to maritime/naval consultations between the USA, Japan, India and Australia. The Indo-Pacific is both a geographic entity that links the two oceans – the Indian and the Pacific; and a nascent strategic construct mooted by the USA in some detail in October 2017. The Indian formulation in relation to the Indo-Pacific was outlined by PM Modi at the Shangri-La dialogue in mid-2018 which dwelt on the centrality of ASEAN in this maritime framework. China has its own reservations about this yoking of the two oceans and the strategic sub-text advanced by the USA and the Indian decision to formally create a new division dedicated to the Indo-Pacific will not go unnoticed. Managing the bilateral with China will be a major challenge for the next Indian government and the policy contours of end April, as manifest in the IFR and the BRI summit, will remain important punctuation in this uneasy relationship between the two Asian giants. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Managing bilateral relations with China will be a major challenge for the next Indian government

Election Commission of India barred Congress leaders <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/fir-against-navjot-singh-sidhu-over-communal-remarks-210997">Navjot Singh Sidhu</a> from holding any public meeting, road show, public rally in connection with ongoing Lok Sabha elections for 72 hours over his communal remark he made earlier.

On April 16, Sidhu had warned Muslims not to split their votes and instead defeat the BJP by voting against it unitedly. Following his speech, Elections Commission registered a case against him for violating the model code of conduct for elections.

"I am here to warn my Muslim brothers. They (BJP) are dividing you. By bringing people like (Asadudding) Owaisi here, they want to divide your vote for winning. If you people unite and vote unitedly, then everything will overturn and Modi will be finished," cricketer-turned-politician said in a rally in Bihar.

He is also barred from giving an interview in media &nbsp;&nbsp;

The temporary ban will come into effect from 10 am on 23 April and will stay till 72 hours.

Lok Sabha elections in Bihar are being held in all seven phases. The counting of votes will take place on May 23.&nbsp;

(With inputs from news agencies)

Election Commission of India barred Congress leaders Navjot Singh Sidhu from holding any public meeting, road show, public rally in connection with ongoing Lok Sabha elections for 72 hours over his communal remark he made earlier.

Election Commission of India barred Congress leaders Navjot Singh Sidhu from holding any public meeting, road show, public rally in connection with ongoing Lok Sabha elections for 72 hours over his communal remark he made earlier. On April 16, Sidhu had warned Muslims not to split their votes and instead defeat the BJP by voting against it unitedly. Following his speech, Elections Commission registered a case against him for violating the model code of conduct for elections. "I am here to warn my Muslim brothers. They (BJP) are dividing you. By bringing people like (Asadudding) Owaisi here, they want to divide your vote for winning. If you people unite and vote unitedly, then everything will overturn and Modi will be finished," cricketer-turned-politician said in a rally in Bihar. He is also barred from giving an interview in media The temporary ban will come into effect from 10 am on 23 April and will stay till 72 hours. Lok Sabha elections in Bihar are being held in all seven phases. The counting of votes will take place on May 23. (With inputs from news agencies)

Election Commission bars Navjot Singh Sidhu from campaigning for 3 days

The BJP Monday fielded former cricketer Gautam Gambhir from the East Delhi constituency and renominated Meenakshi Lekhi from New Delhi.

The party has so far announced its candidates for six of the seven seats in the national capital.

Gambhir has replaced Maheish Girri as the party's candidate and will take on Arvinder Singh Lovely of the Congress and Atishi of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP).

Lekhi is pitted against AAP's Brajesh Goel and Ajay Maken of the Congress.

The BJP had on Sunday fielded its four sitting MPs from Delhi -- Harsh Vardhan from Chandni Chowk, Manoj Tiwari from North-east Delhi, Pravesh Verma from West Delhi and Ramesh Bidhuri from South Delhi.

The party is yet to name its candidate for the North-west Delhi constituency.

The BJP had won all seven seats in the national capital in the last election.&nbsp;

The BJP Monday fielded former cricketer Gautam Gambhir from the East Delhi constituency and renominated Meenakshi Lekhi from New Delhi. The party has so far announced its candidates for six of the seven seats in the national capital.

The BJP Monday fielded former cricketer Gautam Gambhir from the East Delhi constituency and renominated Meenakshi Lekhi from New Delhi. The party has so far announced its candidates for six of the seven seats in the national capital. Gambhir has replaced Maheish Girri as the party's candidate and will take on Arvinder Singh Lovely of the Congress and Atishi of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). Lekhi is pitted against AAP's Brajesh Goel and Ajay Maken of the Congress. The BJP had on Sunday fielded its four sitting MPs from Delhi -- Harsh Vardhan from Chandni Chowk, Manoj Tiwari from North-east Delhi, Pravesh Verma from West Delhi and Ramesh Bidhuri from South Delhi. The party is yet to name its candidate for the North-west Delhi constituency. The BJP had won all seven seats in the national capital in the last election.

Lok Sabha polls 2019: BJP fields Gautam Gambhir from East Delhi, Meenakshi Lekhi from New Delhi

Polling will be held on Tuesday for the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/lok-sabha-polls-2019-quick-guide-to-third-phase-elections-due-on-april-23-212095">third and largest phase of Lok Sabha election</a> 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.

The stakes are high for the ruling BJP and its allies as they bagged 66 seats out of these 116 spread across 14 states and Union Territories in 2014 general election, while the Congress and its alliance partners won 27, and the rest went to other opposition parties and Independents.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Besides all seats in Gujarat (26) and Kerala (20), voting will be held in four seats in Assam, five in Bihar, seven in Chhattisgarh, 14 each in Karnataka and Maharashtra, six in Odisha, 10 in Uttar Pradesh, five in West Bengal, two in Goa, and one each in Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Daman and Diu and Tripura.

The polling in Tripura East constituency, which was earlier scheduled for April 18, will be held in this phase, as also in a part of the Anantnag Lok Sabha seat in Jammu and Kashmir, where the election is being held in three phases.&nbsp;

About 18.56 crore voters are eligible for voting in this phase and the Election Commission has set up 2.10 lakh polling booths/stations and has made elaborate security arrangements.&nbsp;

<img alt="Lok Sabha polls phase 3" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a8ec2cf2-ff2a-4e14-85ad-980f5df290d7" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Phase%203.jpg" />

In the first two phases, the election was held to 91 and 96 seats on April 11 and April 18 respectively. Elections are being held in seven phases and with the completion of third phase, the election process will be completed in southern states.&nbsp;

BJP chief Amit Shah, who replaced LK Advani as the party nominee from Gandhinagar, and 370 other candidates are in the fray in the 26 Lok Sabha seats all of which were won by the party in the last election. Union Minister of State for Tribal Affairs Jaswantsinh Bhabhor is the BJP nominee from Dahod seat.

In Kerala, Rahul Gandhi's decision to contest from Wayanad besides his traditional Amethi seat has added new interest to the fight between rivals UDF and LDF for the 20 seats.

The BJP has also aggressively campaigned in the hope of opening its account in the southern state by capitalising on the Sabarimala shrine women entry issue.

Union minister Alphons Kannamthanam is seeking to make his Lok Sabha debut from Ernakulam. Sitting Congress MP Shashi Tharoor is facing a triangular contest in Thiruvananthapuram, where the BJP has fielded former Governor Kummanam Rajasekharan and the CPI C Divakaran.

It is a do-or-die battle for both the ruling CPI(M)-led LDF and the opposition Congress-headed UDF in most of the 20 Lok Sabha seats. The BJP-led NDA is posing a formidable challenge to the two traditional fronts in at least three constituencies -- Thiruvananthapuram, Pathanamthitta and Thrissur.

In Karnakata, the battle lines clearly delineated for a bipolar contest between the ruling Congress-JD(S) combine and the BJP.&nbsp;

The BJP that has considerable presence in these constituencies aims to improve its tally banking on what it calls the "Modi wave" and the support of dominant Lingayat community, considered as its vote base.

It is also a test for Congress-JD(S) coalition government headed by H D Kumaraswamy in the state.

The third phase of polling for 10 Lok Sabha seats in Uttar Pradesh will decide the electoral fate of four members of the SP patron Mulayam Singh Yadav's clan, besides those of senior party leader Azam Khan and film actor and BJP candidate Jaya Prada.

The BJP had won seven out of the 10 seats in 2014, while the SP bagged three. Samajwadi Party founder Mulayam Singh Yadav and his two nephews Dharmendra Yadav and Akshay Yadav are seeking re-election from Mainpuri, Badaun and Firozabad seats respectively. Mulayam has said this will be his last contest.

Voting will be held in seven Lok Sabha seats in Chhattisgarh, of which the BJP had won six in 2014. The Congress, buoyed by its victory in the Assembly elections last year, is hoping to improve its tally in the state.

In Goa, there are 12 candidates in the fray for the two Lok Sabha constituencies, including Union AYUSH Minister Shripad Naik from North Goa where he is pitted against state Congress chief Girish Chodankar.&nbsp;

In Bihar, close to nine million voters will be deciding the fates of 82 candidates in five Lok Sabha seats of Bihar. Four sitting MPs Ranjeet Ranjan (Supaul), her husband Pappu Yadav (Madhepura), Sarfaraz Alam (Araria) and Mehboob Ali Kaiser (Khagaria) would seek to retain their respective seats.

In the six seats in Odisha, the main contest in between the state's ruling BJD and the BJP. The BJD had won all the six seats in 2014.

The ruling Trinamool Congress in West Bengal, BJP and Congress are the main contenders in the five seats -- Balurghat, Maldaha North, Maldaha South, Jangipur and Murshidabad.

Four seats will see four-cornered contests between the three parties and the Left Front. It will be a three-cornered contest in Maldaha South as no Left party is in the fray in the seat.

In Assam, prominent candidates in the fray are two sitting MPs AIUDF chief Badruddin Ajmal in Dhubri and Independent Naba Sarania in Kokrajhar, state social welfare minister Pramila Rani Brahma of BPF from Kokrajhar and Congress MLA Abdul Khaleque.

In the Union Territories of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu, the BJP had bagged both seats in the last election.

The Lok Sabha polls are being held in seven-phases for 543 seats and the counting of votes will be on May 23.

Polling will be held on Tuesday 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.

Polling will be held on Tuesday 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. The stakes are high for the ruling BJP and its allies as they bagged 66 seats out of these 116 spread across 14 states and Union Territories in 2014 general election, while the Congress and its alliance partners won 27, and the rest went to other opposition parties and Independents. Besides all seats in Gujarat (26) and Kerala (20), voting will be held in four seats in Assam, five in Bihar, seven in Chhattisgarh, 14 each in Karnataka and Maharashtra, six in Odisha, 10 in Uttar Pradesh, five in West Bengal, two in Goa, and one each in Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Daman and Diu and Tripura. The polling in Tripura East constituency, which was earlier scheduled for April 18, will be held in this phase, as also in a part of the Anantnag Lok Sabha seat in Jammu and Kashmir, where the election is being held in three phases. About 18.56 crore voters are eligible for voting in this phase and the Election Commission has set up 2.10 lakh polling booths/stations and has made elaborate security arrangements. In the first two phases, the election was held to 91 and 96 seats on April 11 and April 18 respectively. Elections are being held in seven phases and with the completion of third phase, the election process will be completed in southern states. BJP chief Amit Shah, who replaced LK Advani as the party nominee from Gandhinagar, and 370 other candidates are in the fray in the 26 Lok Sabha seats all of which were won by the party in the last election. Union Minister of State for Tribal Affairs Jaswantsinh Bhabhor is the BJP nominee from Dahod seat. In Kerala, Rahul Gandhi's decision to contest from Wayanad besides his traditional Amethi seat has added new interest to the fight between rivals UDF and LDF for the 20 seats. The BJP has also aggressively campaigned in the hope of opening its account in the southern state by capitalising on the Sabarimala shrine women entry issue. Union minister Alphons Kannamthanam is seeking to make his Lok Sabha debut from Ernakulam. Sitting Congress MP Shashi Tharoor is facing a triangular contest in Thiruvananthapuram, where the BJP has fielded former Governor Kummanam Rajasekharan and the CPI C Divakaran. It is a do-or-die battle for both the ruling CPI(M)-led LDF and the opposition Congress-headed UDF in most of the 20 Lok Sabha seats. The BJP-led NDA is posing a formidable challenge to the two traditional fronts in at least three constituencies -- Thiruvananthapuram, Pathanamthitta and Thrissur. In Karnakata, the battle lines clearly delineated for a bipolar contest between the ruling Congress-JD(S) combine and the BJP. The BJP that has considerable presence in these constituencies aims to improve its tally banking on what it calls the "Modi wave" and the support of dominant Lingayat community, considered as its vote base. It is also a test for Congress-JD(S) coalition government headed by H D Kumaraswamy in the state. The third phase of polling for 10 Lok Sabha seats in Uttar Pradesh will decide the electoral fate of four members of the SP patron Mulayam Singh Yadav's clan, besides those of senior party leader Azam Khan and film actor and BJP candidate Jaya Prada. The BJP had won seven out of the 10 seats in 2014, while the SP bagged three. Samajwadi Party founder Mulayam Singh Yadav and his two nephews Dharmendra Yadav and Akshay Yadav are seeking re-election from Mainpuri, Badaun and Firozabad seats respectively. Mulayam has said this will be his last contest. Voting will be held in seven Lok Sabha seats in Chhattisgarh, of which the BJP had won six in 2014. The Congress, buoyed by its victory in the Assembly elections last year, is hoping to improve its tally in the state. In Goa, there are 12 candidates in the fray for the two Lok Sabha constituencies, including Union AYUSH Minister Shripad Naik from North Goa where he is pitted against state Congress chief Girish Chodankar. In Bihar, close to nine million voters will be deciding the fates of 82 candidates in five Lok Sabha seats of Bihar. Four sitting MPs Ranjeet Ranjan (Supaul), her husband Pappu Yadav (Madhepura), Sarfaraz Alam (Araria) and Mehboob Ali Kaiser (Khagaria) would seek to retain their respective seats. In the six seats in Odisha, the main contest in between the state's ruling BJD and the BJP. The BJD had won all the six seats in 2014. The ruling Trinamool Congress in West Bengal, BJP and Congress are the main contenders in the five seats -- Balurghat, Maldaha North, Maldaha South, Jangipur and Murshidabad. Four seats will see four-cornered contests between the three parties and the Left Front. It will be a three-cornered contest in Maldaha South as no Left party is in the fray in the seat. In Assam, prominent candidates in the fray are two sitting MPs AIUDF chief Badruddin Ajmal in Dhubri and Independent Naba Sarania in Kokrajhar, state social welfare minister Pramila Rani Brahma of BPF from Kokrajhar and Congress MLA Abdul Khaleque. In the Union Territories of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu, the BJP had bagged both seats in the last election. The Lok Sabha polls are being held in seven-phases for 543 seats and the counting of votes will be on May 23.

Lok Sabha polls: Crucial third phase to test Amit Shah, Rahul Gandhi

Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra lost her usually collected demeanour and lashed out at "outsider" Smriti Irani stating that the Union Minister had insulted the people of Amethi by distributing shoes there.

"Elections are here and many outsiders have also come here to spread lies that Rahul Gandhi does not visit here. You people know the truth," Priyanka said during an election rally here. "The objectionable thing is that Smriti Irani ji came here and distributed shoes. She thought that she is insulting Rahul ji but she has insulted the people of Amethi. You should teach them that people of Amethi and Rae Bareli respect themselves and will not beg in front&nbsp;of anyone. They should come to you and beg for votes," Priyanka said.

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Union Minister Smriti Irani: Actor main reh chuki hoon toh natak Priyanka ji na hi karein to behtar hai, jahan tak baat un gharib nagrikon ki hai jinke paas pehne ko joota nahi tha,toh kripya karke agar unme thodi bhi sharm ho to khud ja ke dekh lein ki sach kya hai <a href="https://t.co/vwQraaqaVn">pic.twitter.com/vwQraaqaVn</a>
— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANINewsUP/status/1120296292318679041?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 22, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The Congress leader addressing people at a Nukkad Sabha here said "You should understand what is happening in this election, lying, attempting to divert the attention of people and a campaign that is removed from reality. I have been going around Uttar Pradesh East and seeing the suffering of people, small industries have been shut, youth are unemployed, they have stopped development works in Amethi."&nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> Union Min Smriti Irani: Call all the relatives you have,be it from India,from Italy or from any part of the world.People of India will do justice&amp;they have already decided to choose Pradhansevak again,but this time whole Gandhi family will also be given a strong message." <a href="https://t.co/ocp1H1CSHQ">pic.twitter.com/ocp1H1CSHQ</a>
— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANINewsUP/status/1120311060924370944?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 22, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Speaking in the same vein, Priyanka said, "People of Amethi and Rae Bareli have never begged in front of anyone. Whosoever has come in front of them, have come with respect. My family have realised that people made us. You have given power and love as well. You are the one who make us leaders."

Meanwhile, the actor-turned-politician Smriti Irani hit back at Priyanka Gandhi and said, "I have been an actor and it would be better if Priyanka ji stopped her acting. As far as the plight of those poor people who did not have shoes to wear, if she has even a bit of shame she should go and see for herself what the truth is."

BJP has fielded Smriti Irani against Congress president Rahul Gandhi in Amethi. In 2014, Rahul had defeated Irani by a margin of over one lakh votes.

Priyanka also hit out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi claiming that he has not visited a single village of his constituency.

"Rajiv Gandhi used to visit areas of his constituency. Rahul Gandhi also visits villages. I went to Varanasi, I asked people if the Prime Minister has come there. I learnt that he has not visited a single village in the last five years," she said.

Amethi and Rae Bareli in Uttar Pradesh are scheduled to go to polls in the fourth phase of the Lok Sabha elections on May 6, while Varanasi will witness polling in the last phase on May 19.&nbsp;

Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra lost her usually collected demeanour and lashed out at "outsider" Smriti Irani stating that the Union Minister had insulted the people of Amethi by distributing shoes there.

Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra lost her usually collected demeanour and lashed out at "outsider" Smriti Irani stating that the Union Minister had insulted the people of Amethi by distributing shoes there. "Elections are here and many outsiders have also come here to spread lies that Rahul Gandhi does not visit here. You people know the truth," Priyanka said during an election rally here. "The objectionable thing is that Smriti Irani ji came here and distributed shoes. She thought that she is insulting Rahul ji but she has insulted the people of Amethi. You should teach them that people of Amethi and Rae Bareli respect themselves and will not beg in front of anyone. They should come to you and beg for votes," Priyanka said. Union Minister Smriti Irani: Actor main reh chuki hoon toh natak Priyanka ji na hi karein to behtar hai, jahan tak baat un gharib nagrikon ki hai jinke paas pehne ko joota nahi tha,toh kripya karke agar unme thodi bhi sharm ho to khud ja ke dekh lein ki sach kya hai pic.twitter.com/vwQraaqaVn — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) April 22, 2019 × The Congress leader addressing people at a Nukkad Sabha here said "You should understand what is happening in this election, lying, attempting to divert the attention of people and a campaign that is removed from reality. I have been going around Uttar Pradesh East and seeing the suffering of people, small industries have been shut, youth are unemployed, they have stopped development works in Amethi." #WATCH Union Min Smriti Irani: Call all the relatives you have,be it from India,from Italy or from any part of the world.People of India will do justice&they have already decided to choose Pradhansevak again,but this time whole Gandhi family will also be given a strong message." pic.twitter.com/ocp1H1CSHQ — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) April 22, 2019 × Speaking in the same vein, Priyanka said, "People of Amethi and Rae Bareli have never begged in front of anyone. Whosoever has come in front of them, have come with respect. My family have realised that people made us. You have given power and love as well. You are the one who make us leaders." Meanwhile, the actor-turned-politician Smriti Irani hit back at Priyanka Gandhi and said, "I have been an actor and it would be better if Priyanka ji stopped her acting. As far as the plight of those poor people who did not have shoes to wear, if she has even a bit of shame she should go and see for herself what the truth is." BJP has fielded Smriti Irani against Congress president Rahul Gandhi in Amethi. In 2014, Rahul had defeated Irani by a margin of over one lakh votes. Priyanka also hit out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi claiming that he has not visited a single village of his constituency. "Rajiv Gandhi used to visit areas of his constituency. Rahul Gandhi also visits villages. I went to Varanasi, I asked people if the Prime Minister has come there. I learnt that he has not visited a single village in the last five years," she said. Amethi and Rae Bareli in Uttar Pradesh are scheduled to go to polls in the fourth phase of the Lok Sabha elections on May 6, while Varanasi will witness polling in the last phase on May 19.

Smriti Irani insulted people of Amethi by distributing shoes: Priyanka Gandhi Vadra

Remember Prime Minister Narendra Modi had urged prominent Bollywood celebrities to ask their fans to vote a few weeks back? While most of the actors had responded to the tweet almost immediately, Shah Rukh Khan took time. We now know the reason behind his delayed response.

On Monday, King Khan released a rap urging his fans to cast their votes in the ongoing Lok Sabha elections.In March, the Prime Minister had appealed to several Bollywood celebrities to increase awareness among voters. He urged them to creatively inspire more people to come out and vote during the elections.

Taking Modi`s advice of creatively inspiring his fans to vote, Khan turned rapper for the first time."PM sahib ne creativity ki liye bola tha. Main thoda late ho gaya video banane mein...aap mat hona Vote karne mein!!! (PM sir had spoken about creativity. I got late in making this video but please don`t be late in casting your vote) `Voting is not only our Right, it is our Power.` Please Use It" SRK wrote on Twitter.

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PM sahib <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> ne creativity ki liye bola tha. Main thoda late ho gaya video banane mein...aap mat hona Vote karne mein!!! ‘Voting is not only our Right, it is our Power.’ Please Use It. Thank u to <a href="https://twitter.com/tanishkbagchi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@tanishkbagchi</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/abbyviral?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@abbyviral</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/parakramsinghr?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@parakramsinghr</a> . <a href="https://t.co/9280i8BnK3">https://t.co/9280i8BnK3</a>
— Shah Rukh Khan (@iamsrk) <a href="https://twitter.com/iamsrk/status/1120250790508224512?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 22, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The lyrics of the song titled `Karo Matdan` go like "Hum desh ki awaaz, desh ke deewane. Janta taiyaar apna faisla sunane."

The 1.06-minute long video features SRK urging his audience to vote for a government that loves the country and its citizens.

In March, Modi had tweeted to actors Alia Bhatt, Deepika Padukone, Anushka Sharma, Ranveer Singh, Varun Dhawan, Vicky Kaushal, Karan Johar, Amitabh Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, Aamir Khan, Akshay Kumar, Bhumi Pednekar, and Ayushmann Khurrana, among others to help encourage youngsters to cast their votes.

Following this, many B-town celebrities instantly came forward to request their fans to vote in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections.The ongoing elections are being held in seven phases spanning between 11th April and 19th May. Votes will be counted on 23 May.&nbsp;

Remember Prime Minister Narendra Modi had urged prominent Bollywood celebrities to ask their fans to vote a few weeks back? While most of the actors had responded to the tweet almost immediately, Shah Rukh Khan took time.

Remember Prime Minister Narendra Modi had urged prominent Bollywood celebrities to ask their fans to vote a few weeks back? While most of the actors had responded to the tweet almost immediately, Shah Rukh Khan took time. We now know the reason behind his delayed response. On Monday, King Khan released a rap urging his fans to cast their votes in the ongoing Lok Sabha elections.In March, the Prime Minister had appealed to several Bollywood celebrities to increase awareness among voters. He urged them to creatively inspire more people to come out and vote during the elections. Taking Modi`s advice of creatively inspiring his fans to vote, Khan turned rapper for the first time."PM sahib ne creativity ki liye bola tha. Main thoda late ho gaya video banane mein...aap mat hona Vote karne mein!!! (PM sir had spoken about creativity. I got late in making this video but please don`t be late in casting your vote) `Voting is not only our Right, it is our Power.` Please Use It" SRK wrote on Twitter. PM sahib @narendramodi ne creativity ki liye bola tha. Main thoda late ho gaya video banane mein...aap mat hona Vote karne mein!!! ‘Voting is not only our Right, it is our Power.’ Please Use It. Thank u to @tanishkbagchi @abbyviral @parakramsinghr . https://t.co/9280i8BnK3 — Shah Rukh Khan (@iamsrk) April 22, 2019 × The lyrics of the song titled `Karo Matdan` go like "Hum desh ki awaaz, desh ke deewane. Janta taiyaar apna faisla sunane." The 1.06-minute long video features SRK urging his audience to vote for a government that loves the country and its citizens. In March, Modi had tweeted to actors Alia Bhatt, Deepika Padukone, Anushka Sharma, Ranveer Singh, Varun Dhawan, Vicky Kaushal, Karan Johar, Amitabh Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, Aamir Khan, Akshay Kumar, Bhumi Pednekar, and Ayushmann Khurrana, among others to help encourage youngsters to cast their votes. Following this, many B-town celebrities instantly came forward to request their fans to vote in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections.The ongoing elections are being held in seven phases spanning between 11th April and 19th May. Votes will be counted on 23 May.

Shah Rukh Khan turns rapper, urges fans to vote

Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Monday slammed Congress president Rahul Gandhi on his reply in the Supreme Court regretting the remarks made against Prime Minister Narendra Modi in connection with the Rafale deal.&nbsp;

Sitharaman said that the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/regret-chowkidar-chor-hai-remark-against-pm-modi-in-rafale-deal-rahul-gandhi-in-response-to-supreme-court-notice-212506">Congress chief</a>'s "credibility has taken a beating".

"People in public life generously go on saying untruth and to repeat it is a matter of grief," she said.&nbsp;

"I feel sorry that the president of a national party like Congress depends only on falsehood," she added.&nbsp;

Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Monday said he regrets the remarks made against Prime Minister Narendra Modi in connection with the Rafale deal. Gandhi made the submission in a response to a Supreme Court notice on a petition filed by BJP leader Meenakshi Lekhi.

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Nirmala Sitharaman on Rahul Gandhi's reply in SC: His credibility has taken a beating. People in public life to generously go on saying untruth &amp; to repeat it is a matter of grief. I feel sorry that President of a national party like Congress depends only on falsehood. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Rafale?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Rafale</a> <a href="https://t.co/WAnuG5sX3b">pic.twitter.com/WAnuG5sX3b</a>
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In his affidavit, the Congress president said the remark that the Supreme Court has agreed that PM Modi indulged in corruption in Rafale deal was "incorrectly attributed" to the court. Gandhi further said in the affidavit that he had made the statements in the heat of political campaigning which have been misused by his opponents.

"At the outset, there was not the slightest intention to insinuate anything regarding the Supreme Court proceedings in any manner. On April 10, the issues relating to court proceedings, unfortunately, got juxtaposed and mingled with a political slogan being used extensively," the Congress president said in his reply.

The court, in a notice last week, had asked Gandhi to explain his alleged contemptuous remarks on recent the April 10 Rafale verdict. The court had asked the Congress president to reply to the notice by April 22.

Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Monday slammed Congress president Rahul Gandhi on his reply in the Supreme Court regretting the remarks made against Prime Minister Narendra Modi in connection with the Rafale deal.

Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Monday slammed Congress president Rahul Gandhi on his reply in the Supreme Court regretting the remarks made against Prime Minister Narendra Modi in connection with the Rafale deal. Sitharaman said that the Congress chief's "credibility has taken a beating". "People in public life generously go on saying untruth and to repeat it is a matter of grief," she said. "I feel sorry that the president of a national party like Congress depends only on falsehood," she added. Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Monday said he regrets the remarks made against Prime Minister Narendra Modi in connection with the Rafale deal. Gandhi made the submission in a response to a Supreme Court notice on a petition filed by BJP leader Meenakshi Lekhi. Nirmala Sitharaman on Rahul Gandhi's reply in SC: His credibility has taken a beating. People in public life to generously go on saying untruth & to repeat it is a matter of grief. I feel sorry that President of a national party like Congress depends only on falsehood. #Rafale pic.twitter.com/WAnuG5sX3b — ANI (@ANI) April 22, 2019 × In his affidavit, the Congress president said the remark that the Supreme Court has agreed that PM Modi indulged in corruption in Rafale deal was "incorrectly attributed" to the court. Gandhi further said in the affidavit that he had made the statements in the heat of political campaigning which have been misused by his opponents. "At the outset, there was not the slightest intention to insinuate anything regarding the Supreme Court proceedings in any manner. On April 10, the issues relating to court proceedings, unfortunately, got juxtaposed and mingled with a political slogan being used extensively," the Congress president said in his reply. The court, in a notice last week, had asked Gandhi to explain his alleged contemptuous remarks on recent the April 10 Rafale verdict. The court had asked the Congress president to reply to the notice by April 22.

I feel sorry that president of national party like Congress depends only on falsehood: Sitharaman slams Rahul

The Congress party on Monday released a list of candidates for 3 Lok Sabha constituencies in Uttar Pradesh. Yogesh Shukla has been fielded from Prayagraj, Chandresh Upadhyay will fight from Domariyaganj and Bhal Chand Yadav has replaced Parvez Khan from Sant Kabir Nagar.

This comes just hours after the party declared candidates on <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-releases-list-of-delhi-candidates-sheila-dixit-to-contest-from-north-east-delhi-212497">six of the seven Lok Sabha seats in the national capital</a>.

JP Agarwal to contest from Chandni Chowk, Sheila Dixit from North East Delhi, Arvinder Singh Lovely from East Delhi, Ajay Maken from New Delhi, Rajesh Lilothia from North West Delhi (SC) and Mahabal Mishra from West Delhi.

From North East Delhi seat where Sheila Dikshit will contest, AAP has fielded Dilip Pandey.

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Congress releases list of candidates for 3 Parliamentary constituencies in Uttar Pradesh. Yogesh Shukla from Prayagraj, Chandresh Upadhyay from Domariyaganj &amp; Bhal Chand Yadav (in place of Parvez Khan) from Sant Kabir Nagar. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LokSabhaElections2019?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LokSabhaElections2019</a> <a href="https://t.co/b5VHACPlPr">pic.twitter.com/b5VHACPlPr</a>
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At present, this seat is represented by Manoj Tiwari, who is also the president of BJP’s Delhi unit. In the last Lok Sabha poll, Tiwari had defeated Professor Anand Kumar of AAP by 1,44,084 votes.&nbsp;

Bharatiya Janata Party on Sunday released a list of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bharatiya-janata-party-releases-list-of-candidates-for-delhi-punjab-mp-212380">candidates for four out of seven parliamentary seats in Delhi</a> for the ongoing Lok Sabha elections.

Union Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan will be contesting from Delhi's Chandni Chowk, singer and actor Manoj Tiwari from North East Delhi. Pravesh Verma will be contesting from West Delhi and Ramesh Bidhuri from South Delhi.

The Congress party on Monday released a list of candidates for 3 Lok Sabha constituencies in Uttar Pradesh. Yogesh Shukla has been fielded from Prayagraj, Chandresh Upadhyay will fight from Domariyaganj and Bhal Chand Yadav has replaced Parvez Khan from Sant Kabir Nagar.

The Congress party on Monday released a list of candidates for 3 Lok Sabha constituencies in Uttar Pradesh. Yogesh Shukla has been fielded from Prayagraj, Chandresh Upadhyay will fight from Domariyaganj and Bhal Chand Yadav has replaced Parvez Khan from Sant Kabir Nagar. This comes just hours after the party declared candidates on six of the seven Lok Sabha seats in the national capital. JP Agarwal to contest from Chandni Chowk, Sheila Dixit from North East Delhi, Arvinder Singh Lovely from East Delhi, Ajay Maken from New Delhi, Rajesh Lilothia from North West Delhi (SC) and Mahabal Mishra from West Delhi. From North East Delhi seat where Sheila Dikshit will contest, AAP has fielded Dilip Pandey. Congress releases list of candidates for 3 Parliamentary constituencies in Uttar Pradesh. Yogesh Shukla from Prayagraj, Chandresh Upadhyay from Domariyaganj & Bhal Chand Yadav (in place of Parvez Khan) from Sant Kabir Nagar. #LokSabhaElections2019 pic.twitter.com/b5VHACPlPr — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) April 22, 2019 × At present, this seat is represented by Manoj Tiwari, who is also the president of BJP’s Delhi unit. In the last Lok Sabha poll, Tiwari had defeated Professor Anand Kumar of AAP by 1,44,084 votes. Bharatiya Janata Party on Sunday released a list of candidates for four out of seven parliamentary seats in Delhi for the ongoing Lok Sabha elections. Union Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan will be contesting from Delhi's Chandni Chowk, singer and actor Manoj Tiwari from North East Delhi. Pravesh Verma will be contesting from West Delhi and Ramesh Bidhuri from South Delhi.

Congress releases list of candidates for Uttar Pradesh, fields Yogesh Shukla from Prayagraj

Malegaon blast accused and BJP candidate Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur on Monday filed her nomination papers from Bhopal Lok Sabha constituency.

Thakur, who is contesting against Congress leader Digvijay Singh, was accompanied by three supporters and her advocate.

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.

Earlier in the day, Bahujan Samaj Party supremo Mayawati hit out at the Election Commission of India (ECI) for not cancelling Thakur's nomination over her remarks on Babri Masjid.

Mayawati's response comes after Thakur on Sunday said that she is "proud" to accept that she was involved in the demolition of the Babri Masjid in Ayodhya.

"I have said it yesterday and I am not denying it that I had gone there. I have demolished Babri structure. He is my Ram ji and no one can stop me from making a grand Ram temple. The nation is Ram, Ram is a nation," she said.

"BJP candidate from Bhopal and Malegaon blast accused Sadhvi Pradnya claims that she is fighting a 'crusade'&nbsp;(dharmayudh). This is the real face of BJP and RSS which is constantly being exposed. But why is the Election Commission only issuing notices and not cancelling Thakur's candidature?" Mayawati wrote on her Twitter handle.

Mayawati further tweeted and accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of the downfall of the EC. "Regardless media's criticism, if the Election Commission is not acting fairly then it is a matter of great concern for the country's democracy and PM Modi is responsible for this downfall."

Bhopal District Election Officer on Sunday had issued a notice to Thakur and sought explanation within a day for her remark on the demolition of Babri Masjid in Ayodhya.

The Babri Masjid, built by Mughal emperor Babur in 1578 in Ayodhya, was on December 6, 1992, pulled down allegedly by a group of Hindu activists, claiming that the mosque was constructed after demolishing a Ram temple that stood there.

Polls in Bhopal will be held on May 12, and counting of votes will take place on May 23.&nbsp;

Malegaon blast accused and BJP candidate Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur on Monday filed her nomination papers from Bhopal Lok Sabha constituency. Thakur, who is contesting against Congress leader Digvijay Singh, was accompanied by three supporters and her advocate.

Malegaon blast accused and BJP candidate Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur on Monday filed her nomination papers from Bhopal Lok Sabha constituency. Thakur, who is contesting against Congress leader Digvijay Singh, was accompanied by three supporters and her advocate. 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. Earlier in the day, Bahujan Samaj Party supremo Mayawati hit out at the Election Commission of India (ECI) for not cancelling Thakur's nomination over her remarks on Babri Masjid. Mayawati's response comes after Thakur on Sunday said that she is "proud" to accept that she was involved in the demolition of the Babri Masjid in Ayodhya. "I have said it yesterday and I am not denying it that I had gone there. I have demolished Babri structure. He is my Ram ji and no one can stop me from making a grand Ram temple. The nation is Ram, Ram is a nation," she said. "BJP candidate from Bhopal and Malegaon blast accused Sadhvi Pradnya claims that she is fighting a 'crusade' (dharmayudh). This is the real face of BJP and RSS which is constantly being exposed. But why is the Election Commission only issuing notices and not cancelling Thakur's candidature?" Mayawati wrote on her Twitter handle. Mayawati further tweeted and accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of the downfall of the EC. "Regardless media's criticism, if the Election Commission is not acting fairly then it is a matter of great concern for the country's democracy and PM Modi is responsible for this downfall." Bhopal District Election Officer on Sunday had issued a notice to Thakur and sought explanation within a day for her remark on the demolition of Babri Masjid in Ayodhya. The Babri Masjid, built by Mughal emperor Babur in 1578 in Ayodhya, was on December 6, 1992, pulled down allegedly by a group of Hindu activists, claiming that the mosque was constructed after demolishing a Ram temple that stood there. Polls in Bhopal will be held on May 12, and counting of votes will take place on May 23.

Pragya Singh Thakur files nomination from Bhopal Lok Sabha constituency

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bharatiya-janata-party-releases-list-of-candidates-for-delhi-punjab-mp-212380">Union Minister Harsh Vardhan</a>, Delhi BJP chief Manoj Tiwari and sitting party MP Parvesh Verma filed their nomination on Monday for the Chandni Chowk, Northeast Delhi and West Delhi constituencies respectively.

They also organised road shows which saw the participation of Union ministers Nitin Gadkari, Nirmala Sitharaman, Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi and Vijay Goel.&nbsp;

The BJP had announced candidates for four seats in the national capital late on Sunday evening and had retained sitting MPs including Ramesh Bidhuri from South Delhi.

During the road show, Vardhan who filed his nomination for the Chandni Chowk constituency was accompanied by Gadkari and Naqvi while Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman joined the road show organised by Parvesh Verma who is the sitting BJP MP from West Delhi.&nbsp;

During his road show, which culminated at the office of Returning Officer, Northeast, Tiwari was accompanied by Goel.&nbsp;

Haryanvi singer-dancer Sapna Choudhary and rebel AAP MLA Kapil Mishra also accompanied Tiwari.&nbsp;

Union Minister Harsh Vardhan, Delhi BJP chief Manoj Tiwari and sitting party MP Parvesh Verma filed their nomination on Monday for the Chandni Chowk, Northeast Delhi and West Delhi constituencies respectively.

Union Minister Harsh Vardhan, Delhi BJP chief Manoj Tiwari and sitting party MP Parvesh Verma filed their nomination on Monday for the Chandni Chowk, Northeast Delhi and West Delhi constituencies respectively. They also organised road shows which saw the participation of Union ministers Nitin Gadkari, Nirmala Sitharaman, Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi and Vijay Goel. The BJP had announced candidates for four seats in the national capital late on Sunday evening and had retained sitting MPs including Ramesh Bidhuri from South Delhi. During the road show, Vardhan who filed his nomination for the Chandni Chowk constituency was accompanied by Gadkari and Naqvi while Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman joined the road show organised by Parvesh Verma who is the sitting BJP MP from West Delhi. During his road show, which culminated at the office of Returning Officer, Northeast, Tiwari was accompanied by Goel. Haryanvi singer-dancer Sapna Choudhary and rebel AAP MLA Kapil Mishra also accompanied Tiwari.

Lok Sabha polls: Harsh Vardhan, Manoj Tiwari and Parvesh Verma file nominations

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday said India's stand against terrorism has been weakened on several occasions by the Congress party.

Addressing a press conference, Singh said, "They (Congress) have given a new theory of Hindu terrorism. There is no religion or caste of terrorism. Their new theory weakened India's stand against terrorism."

He said repealing the Prevention of Terrorism Act (POTA) was another such case which undermined India's stand.

"In 2004, India had an agreement with Pakistan in which its former army chief had assured that the country will not provide shelter and allow terrorism to flourish on its soil, but Congress tried weakening India's stand, saying Pakistan was also a victim of terrorism," he said.

The home minister said the opposition was doing politics over issues which should not be politicised.&nbsp;

Instead of praising the defence forces after the airstrike in Balakot of Pakistan, the opposition parties questioned it with queries on the number of terrorists killed, he said.

"When such types of questions are asked, it weakens India's stand against terrorism," he said.

Speaking on the Congress' election manifesto promising to scrap the sedition law, Singh said the law should be further strengthened but it should not be misused.

Talking about Articles 370 and 35A for Jammu and Kashmir, he said it was a temporary arrangement and it was time to review it.

"How much the entitlement benefitted Jammu and Kashmir? When a few people are raising questions there should be two prime ministers in the country then what is the significance of Article 370 and 35A," Singh asked.

He exuded confidence that the first two phases of Lok Sabha elections reflected a wave in favour of the BJP, and there was no doubt the party will get a clear majority and possibly the NDA will achieve 3/4th majority.&nbsp;

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday said India's stand against terrorism has been weakened on several occasions by the Congress party. Addressing a press conference, Singh said, "They (Congress) have given a new theory of Hindu terrorism.

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday said India's stand against terrorism has been weakened on several occasions by the Congress party. Addressing a press conference, Singh said, "They (Congress) have given a new theory of Hindu terrorism. There is no religion or caste of terrorism. Their new theory weakened India's stand against terrorism." He said repealing the Prevention of Terrorism Act (POTA) was another such case which undermined India's stand. "In 2004, India had an agreement with Pakistan in which its former army chief had assured that the country will not provide shelter and allow terrorism to flourish on its soil, but Congress tried weakening India's stand, saying Pakistan was also a victim of terrorism," he said. The home minister said the opposition was doing politics over issues which should not be politicised. Instead of praising the defence forces after the airstrike in Balakot of Pakistan, the opposition parties questioned it with queries on the number of terrorists killed, he said. "When such types of questions are asked, it weakens India's stand against terrorism," he said. Speaking on the Congress' election manifesto promising to scrap the sedition law, Singh said the law should be further strengthened but it should not be misused. Talking about Articles 370 and 35A for Jammu and Kashmir, he said it was a temporary arrangement and it was time to review it. "How much the entitlement benefitted Jammu and Kashmir? When a few people are raising questions there should be two prime ministers in the country then what is the significance of Article 370 and 35A," Singh asked. He exuded confidence that the first two phases of Lok Sabha elections reflected a wave in favour of the BJP, and there was no doubt the party will get a clear majority and possibly the NDA will achieve 3/4th majority.

Congress has weakened India's stand on terrorism on several occasions: Rajnath Singh

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-was-quenching-pakistans-thirst-will-create-separate-ministry-for-water-pm-modi-212326">Prime Minister Narendra Modi</a>, on Monday, said that the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) after coming to power did not follow the cowardly ways of dealing with terrorism which Congress walked on and is erasing terrorism from India like never before.

"Before 2014, anytime there was a terror attack in India, we simply offered our condolences and kept on getting hit. That policy is now redundant, we have wiped out terrorism from the country and today it exists in just some border areas of Kashmir. There too, it is being wiped out slowly," PM Modi said at a public rally in Dindori.

He also accused the Congress of almost destroying Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and said that it was the BJP which had revived the institution under the Make in India initiative and was aiming to make it a profit-making enterprise in the years to come.&nbsp;

"You (Congress) almost destroyed HAL, we (BJP) revived it under Make in India, built new defence corridors and are also are planning to increase its capacity by two to three times within 10 years," he said.

PM Modi is set to address more rallies in Maharashtra and Rajasthan today.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Monday, said that the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) after coming to power did not follow the cowardly ways of dealing with terrorism which Congress walked on and is erasing terrorism from India like never before.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Monday, said that the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) after coming to power did not follow the cowardly ways of dealing with terrorism which Congress walked on and is erasing terrorism from India like never before. "Before 2014, anytime there was a terror attack in India, we simply offered our condolences and kept on getting hit. That policy is now redundant, we have wiped out terrorism from the country and today it exists in just some border areas of Kashmir. There too, it is being wiped out slowly," PM Modi said at a public rally in Dindori. He also accused the Congress of almost destroying Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and said that it was the BJP which had revived the institution under the Make in India initiative and was aiming to make it a profit-making enterprise in the years to come. "You (Congress) almost destroyed HAL, we (BJP) revived it under Make in India, built new defence corridors and are also are planning to increase its capacity by two to three times within 10 years," he said. PM Modi is set to address more rallies in Maharashtra and Rajasthan today.

Unlike Congress, BJP aggressively fought against terrorism: PM Modi

Though every party professes to inject young blood in organization dynasties prevail and flourish very well in the Indian political eco-system.

The best case in example is the state of Haryana where dynasties dominate parties cutting across the state.&nbsp;

It is safe to say that if one does not have a relative in politics, it is impossible to find feet in Haryana.

From Congress, father and son duo, Bhupinder Singh Hooda and Deepender Singh Hooda are contesting elections.&nbsp;

Bhupinder Singh Hooda, a former CM who served for 10 years is contesting from Sonipat and Deependar Hudda from Rohtak Lok Sabha constituency.&nbsp;

Bhupinder's father Ranbir Singh too was in politics and member of Lok Sabha.

Another Congress dynasty is also in the fray. Shruti Chaudhary, former MP, is again contesting from Bhiwani Mahendragarh seat. Her mother is the MLA from Tosham Vidhan Sabha constituency and leader of the Congress Legislative Party in the Haryana Vidhan Sabha.

Shruti is the granddaughter of former chief minister Bansi Lal. Her father late Chaudhary Surender Singh was a former member of Parliament and served as a minister in Haryana government.

Kumari Shailja, former Union Minister also represents political dynasty. Her father Dalbir Singh was a former Union Minister.

Another dynast in the fray is Bhavya Bishnoi. He is contesting from Haryana. His father is a sitting MLA in the state and he is the grandson of former Chief Minister Bhajan Lal. Bhavya is the Congress candidate from Hissar. Bhavya’s mother is MLA from Hansi and father Kuldeep Bishnoi&nbsp;is MLA from Adampur constituency.

Kuldeep Sharma, Congress candidate from Karnal is also the son of former Lok Sabha MP, CL Sharma.

&nbsp;Another Congress candidate Captain Ajay Yadav, who is contesting from Gurugram is the son of former MLA, Abhay Yadav. Ajay Yadav’s son is married to former CM of Bihar and Union Minister Lalu Prasad’s daughter.

The dynasties do not begin and end with Congress. Most of the regional parties are a family run empire. Dushyant Chautala, who recently floated JJP, is the son of Ajay Chautala, grandson of OP Chautala and great-grandson of Tau Devi Lal, India’s former deputy Prime Minister is contesting from Hissar.

His brother Digvijay is contesting from Sonipat against former CM Bhupinder Hudda. Karan Chautala who is the son of Abhay Singh Chautala and grandson of OP Chautala is INLD’s candidate from Kurukshetra.

Dynasties even thrive in BJP. Union Minister Chaudhary Birender Singh’s son Brijendra Singh is contesting from Hissar on BJP’s ticket. Chaudhary Birender Singh’s wife and Brijendra’s mother is also a sitting MLA from Uchhana assembly in the state. His grandfather Neki Ram was also a Cabinet minister in the Haryana government. Chaudhary Birender Singh himself is the grandson of Sir Chotu Ram who was knighted in 1937.

Similarly, Rao Inderjit Singh, Union Minister from Gurugram is the son of former CM of Haryana, Rao Birendra Singh.&nbsp;

Though every party professes to inject young blood in organization dynasties prevail and flourish very well in the Indian political eco-system. The best case in example is the state of Haryana where dynasties dominate parties cutting across the state.

Though every party professes to inject young blood in organization dynasties prevail and flourish very well in the Indian political eco-system. The best case in example is the state of Haryana where dynasties dominate parties cutting across the state. It is safe to say that if one does not have a relative in politics, it is impossible to find feet in Haryana. From Congress, father and son duo, Bhupinder Singh Hooda and Deepender Singh Hooda are contesting elections. Bhupinder Singh Hooda, a former CM who served for 10 years is contesting from Sonipat and Deependar Hudda from Rohtak Lok Sabha constituency. Bhupinder's father Ranbir Singh too was in politics and member of Lok Sabha. Another Congress dynasty is also in the fray. Shruti Chaudhary, former MP, is again contesting from Bhiwani Mahendragarh seat. Her mother is the MLA from Tosham Vidhan Sabha constituency and leader of the Congress Legislative Party in the Haryana Vidhan Sabha. Shruti is the granddaughter of former chief minister Bansi Lal. Her father late Chaudhary Surender Singh was a former member of Parliament and served as a minister in Haryana government. Kumari Shailja, former Union Minister also represents political dynasty. Her father Dalbir Singh was a former Union Minister. Another dynast in the fray is Bhavya Bishnoi. He is contesting from Haryana. His father is a sitting MLA in the state and he is the grandson of former Chief Minister Bhajan Lal. Bhavya is the Congress candidate from Hissar. Bhavya’s mother is MLA from Hansi and father Kuldeep Bishnoi is MLA from Adampur constituency. Kuldeep Sharma, Congress candidate from Karnal is also the son of former Lok Sabha MP, CL Sharma. Another Congress candidate Captain Ajay Yadav, who is contesting from Gurugram is the son of former MLA, Abhay Yadav. Ajay Yadav’s son is married to former CM of Bihar and Union Minister Lalu Prasad’s daughter. The dynasties do not begin and end with Congress. Most of the regional parties are a family run empire. Dushyant Chautala, who recently floated JJP, is the son of Ajay Chautala, grandson of OP Chautala and great-grandson of Tau Devi Lal, India’s former deputy Prime Minister is contesting from Hissar. His brother Digvijay is contesting from Sonipat against former CM Bhupinder Hudda. Karan Chautala who is the son of Abhay Singh Chautala and grandson of OP Chautala is INLD’s candidate from Kurukshetra. Dynasties even thrive in BJP. Union Minister Chaudhary Birender Singh’s son Brijendra Singh is contesting from Hissar on BJP’s ticket. Chaudhary Birender Singh’s wife and Brijendra’s mother is also a sitting MLA from Uchhana assembly in the state. His grandfather Neki Ram was also a Cabinet minister in the Haryana government. Chaudhary Birender Singh himself is the grandson of Sir Chotu Ram who was knighted in 1937. Similarly, Rao Inderjit Singh, Union Minister from Gurugram is the son of former CM of Haryana, Rao Birendra Singh.

Sons and daughters: Political dynasties galore in Haryana

The Election Commission of India on Monday submitted its report in a sealed cover before the Supreme Court on Vivek Oberoi-starrer biopic `PM Narendra Modi`. 
 
A Bench headed by Chief Justice of India, Ranjan Gogoi, posted the matter for hearing on Friday and directed that report be served to the petitioner (producers of the movie). 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/vivek-oberoi-meets-election-commission-officials-over-the-release-of-modi-biopic-says-happy-but-cant-reveal-their-response-211680">Last week, Vivek Oberoi had expressed happiness </a>at the response of the officials of the Election Commission who watched the biopic on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and said he hoped the film will be screened soon. 
 
On April 17, officials of the Election Commission watched the film in a special screening on the directions of the Supreme Court. A total of seven officials of a committee set up for the purpose were present for the screening of the biopic titled `PM Narendra Modi`. 
 
The top court had asked the EC to watch the Narendra Modi biopic and submit its view to the court by April 22 in a sealed cover. 
 
On April 12, makers of the Oberoi-starrer had moved the apex court, challenging the stay on the film`s release. The producer of the film, Sandip Ssingh, had said that the poll panel banned the movie without watching it. 
 
The film was scheduled to release on April 11, coinciding with the commencement of the Lok Sabha elections in the country. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/pm-narendra-modi-election-commission-stalls-release-of-modi-biopic-209258">However, on April 10, the EC stayed the release of the biopic</a> till national elections culminate, stating that the film disturbs the level-playing field.&nbsp;

The Election Commission of India on Monday submitted its report in a sealed cover before the Supreme Court on Vivek Oberoi-starrer biopic `PM Narendra Modi`. A Bench headed by Chief Justice of India, Ranjan Gogoi, posted the matter for hearing on Friday and directed that report be served to the petitioner (producers of the movie).

The Election Commission of India on Monday submitted its report in a sealed cover before the Supreme Court on Vivek Oberoi-starrer biopic `PM Narendra Modi`. A Bench headed by Chief Justice of India, Ranjan Gogoi, posted the matter for hearing on Friday and directed that report be served to the petitioner (producers of the movie). Last week, Vivek Oberoi had expressed happiness at the response of the officials of the Election Commission who watched the biopic on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and said he hoped the film will be screened soon. On April 17, officials of the Election Commission watched the film in a special screening on the directions of the Supreme Court. A total of seven officials of a committee set up for the purpose were present for the screening of the biopic titled `PM Narendra Modi`. The top court had asked the EC to watch the Narendra Modi biopic and submit its view to the court by April 22 in a sealed cover. On April 12, makers of the Oberoi-starrer had moved the apex court, challenging the stay on the film`s release. The producer of the film, Sandip Ssingh, had said that the poll panel banned the movie without watching it. The film was scheduled to release on April 11, coinciding with the commencement of the Lok Sabha elections in the country. However, on April 10, the EC stayed the release of the biopic till national elections culminate, stating that the film disturbs the level-playing field.

Narendra Modi biopic: Election Commission submits its report before the Supreme Court