Union Minister Piyush Goyal on Saturday hit out at BSP supremo <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-manifesto-for-2019-polls-an-illusion-says-mayawati-reminds-party-of-past-record-207690&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwjP-Ibx3d7hAhXYh3AKHcw0Ay4QFggFMAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw2TciNVJ3JuJwoXQ7-3EDvE">Mayawati</a> for her comments on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying she is "frustrated".

"Mayawati has become frustrated. She is desperate and is ready to do or say anything. The people of Uttar Pradesh have rejected caste-based politics. This is an unethical alliance (between SP and BSP) and the truth is that the two parties are working against each other`s interests," Goyal told reporters.

In reference to Mayawati yesterday calling Mulayam the only "real" backward community leader in the country and not a "fake OBC" leader like Modi, Goyal recalled that it was the same SP founder who had said in the Lok Sabha that he wanted to see Modi get a second term.

While addressing a joint rally in Mainpuri on Friday, Mayawati had said, "There is no doubt that he (Mulayam) has joined people from all groups of the society under the SP banner. He does not come from a fake backward community like PM Modi, he is real OBC leader".

She also urged the electorates to vote in large numbers for Mulayam who is contesting from Mainpuri seat and ensure his victory.

"Mulayam Singh Ji is not a fake servant of the people like Prime Minister Modi, he is a politician who has sworn that he will continue working for the people till his last breath and that is why he is willing to fight again from Mainpuri constituency," Mayawati said.

"Nothing can save the incumbent central government from being thrown out of power, the government has come to be known for its capitalistic, narrow-minded policymaking, as well as communal and casteist policies," she added.

The remaining 64 Lok Sabha seats in Uttar Pradesh will go to polls in the next five phases of elections, and counting of votes will take place on May 23.

Union Minister Piyush Goyal on Saturday hit out at BSP supremo Mayawati for her comments on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying she is "frustrated". "Mayawati has become frustrated.

Union Minister Piyush Goyal on Saturday hit out at BSP supremo Mayawati for her comments on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying she is "frustrated". "Mayawati has become frustrated. She is desperate and is ready to do or say anything. The people of Uttar Pradesh have rejected caste-based politics. This is an unethical alliance (between SP and BSP) and the truth is that the two parties are working against each other`s interests," Goyal told reporters. In reference to Mayawati yesterday calling Mulayam the only "real" backward community leader in the country and not a "fake OBC" leader like Modi, Goyal recalled that it was the same SP founder who had said in the Lok Sabha that he wanted to see Modi get a second term. While addressing a joint rally in Mainpuri on Friday, Mayawati had said, "There is no doubt that he (Mulayam) has joined people from all groups of the society under the SP banner. He does not come from a fake backward community like PM Modi, he is real OBC leader". She also urged the electorates to vote in large numbers for Mulayam who is contesting from Mainpuri seat and ensure his victory. "Mulayam Singh Ji is not a fake servant of the people like Prime Minister Modi, he is a politician who has sworn that he will continue working for the people till his last breath and that is why he is willing to fight again from Mainpuri constituency," Mayawati said. "Nothing can save the incumbent central government from being thrown out of power, the government has come to be known for its capitalistic, narrow-minded policymaking, as well as communal and casteist policies," she added. The remaining 64 Lok Sabha seats in Uttar Pradesh will go to polls in the next five phases of elections, and counting of votes will take place on May 23.

Mayawati is frustrated, desperate to do or say anything: Piyush Goyal

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday launched an attack on the SP-BSP-RLD alliance in Uttar Pradesh stating that it will collapse right after the Lok Sabha results are announced on May 23.

The Prime Minister alluded to the alliance between the Congress and the Samajwadi Party during the last Uttar Pradesh assembly elections and said that the alliance failed and now the two parties have turned to become foes again. &nbsp;

"A friendship was forged during Uttar Pradesh assembly polls last time, polls ended and so did the friendship which turned into animosity. Now, a friendship has been formed again, but I will tell you the date when this will come to an end too - May 23. This fake friendship will come to an end then," the Prime Minister said while addressing a rally in Etah, Uttar Pradesh.&nbsp;

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PM Modi in Etah: Ek dosti UP Vidhan Sabha ke chunaav ke samay bhi hui thi, chunav khatm hua, dosti bhi khatm hogai,dushmani mein badal gai. Ab ek dosti phir hui hai, lekin iske tootne ki tarikh bhi tay hai.Aapko tootne ki tarikh bataun? 23 May ko ye farzi dosti Phir se toot jaegi <a href="https://t.co/R0BjAcRfTD">pic.twitter.com/R0BjAcRfTD</a>
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<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-placed-vote-bank-politics-above-national-interest-pm-modi-212009">Earlier in the day, PM Modi slammed the Congress party</a> for preaching vote bank politics over the national interest of the country.

Claiming that the UPA government was following the "vote bhakti" politics, PM Modi said, "The country has witnessed two types of politics of 'vote bhakti' and of "desh bhakti".

The former was on display after the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, when the then government did not go after Pakistan for abetting terror".

Attacking further, he said that the then government chose to derail the investigations in many terror cases and came up with the theory of "Hindu terror".

PM Modi said his government responded to the Uri terror attack with surgical strikes and Pulwama by air strikes, demonstrating "desh bhakti" politics.

PM Modi who was addressing an election rally in Araria, Bihar, further said that the opposition party and its allies were rattled by the trends that have emerged from the first two phases of the Lok Sabha polls.

The Prime Minister also <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/mamata-has-only-fooled-people-in-name-of-maa-mati-and-manush-pm-modi-in-west-bengal-211984">targetted West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee</a> and said she has fooled people in the name of 'Maa, Mati and Manush'.

Modi, who was addressing a rally in Buniadpur, South Dinajpur district attacked the TMC leader over the campaigning of Bangladeshi film star Ferdous Ahmed.

"It is shameful that people from neighbouring country are campaigning for the TMC, which was done to appease the minority community," he said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday launched an attack on the SP-BSP-RLD alliance in Uttar Pradesh stating that it will collapse right after the Lok Sabha results are announced on May 23.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday launched an attack on the SP-BSP-RLD alliance in Uttar Pradesh stating that it will collapse right after the Lok Sabha results are announced on May 23. The Prime Minister alluded to the alliance between the Congress and the Samajwadi Party during the last Uttar Pradesh assembly elections and said that the alliance failed and now the two parties have turned to become foes again. "A friendship was forged during Uttar Pradesh assembly polls last time, polls ended and so did the friendship which turned into animosity. Now, a friendship has been formed again, but I will tell you the date when this will come to an end too - May 23. This fake friendship will come to an end then," the Prime Minister said while addressing a rally in Etah, Uttar Pradesh. PM Modi in Etah: Ek dosti UP Vidhan Sabha ke chunaav ke samay bhi hui thi, chunav khatm hua, dosti bhi khatm hogai,dushmani mein badal gai. Ab ek dosti phir hui hai, lekin iske tootne ki tarikh bhi tay hai.Aapko tootne ki tarikh bataun? 23 May ko ye farzi dosti Phir se toot jaegi pic.twitter.com/R0BjAcRfTD — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) April 20, 2019 × Earlier in the day, PM Modi slammed the Congress party for preaching vote bank politics over the national interest of the country. Claiming that the UPA government was following the "vote bhakti" politics, PM Modi said, "The country has witnessed two types of politics of 'vote bhakti' and of "desh bhakti". The former was on display after the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, when the then government did not go after Pakistan for abetting terror". Attacking further, he said that the then government chose to derail the investigations in many terror cases and came up with the theory of "Hindu terror". PM Modi said his government responded to the Uri terror attack with surgical strikes and Pulwama by air strikes, demonstrating "desh bhakti" politics. PM Modi who was addressing an election rally in Araria, Bihar, further said that the opposition party and its allies were rattled by the trends that have emerged from the first two phases of the Lok Sabha polls. The Prime Minister also targetted West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and said she has fooled people in the name of 'Maa, Mati and Manush'. Modi, who was addressing a rally in Buniadpur, South Dinajpur district attacked the TMC leader over the campaigning of Bangladeshi film star Ferdous Ahmed. "It is shameful that people from neighbouring country are campaigning for the TMC, which was done to appease the minority community," he said.

May 23 is when this fake friendship will collapse: PM Modi on SP-BSP alliance in Uttar Pradesh 

The present generation of dynast&nbsp;has become a liability for the Congress party, said Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley in a blog on Saturday.

"The socio-economic profile of India is moving up the growth ladder. It may be difficult for a country with this socio-economic profile to accept dynasties," he said in the blog titled 'Will 2019 Witness the Dynasty as a Liability on the Congress Party.'

"A relevant question with this changing socio-economic profile of India is - Are dynasties an asset for a party or are they a liability? Unquestionably, the present generation of dynast has become a liability rather than an asset for the Congress party," said Jaitley.

Virtually questioning the political acumen of Congress president Rahul Gandhi, Jaitley said, "If the Congress's dynast has only an ability to deliver 44 seats or 60 seats in Parliament. What then is the incentive for conventional Congressmen to bear the humiliation of subjecting themselves to a dynast? Ultimately, in dynastic parties, one has to accept political slavery."

Jaitley also alleged that a lot of "traditional bright faces" are deserting the Congress party.

"These Congressmen today look at a party like the BJP where men and women of talent have a huge opportunity to move up, both in the party, legislatures and governments," he said, asserting that two Prime Ministers given by the BJP to this country - Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Narendra Modi - were the tallest leaders of their generation.

The Finance Minister said that a similar situation arises with regard to caste-based parties as well.

Referring to the poor results fared by the regional parties like RJD and BSP in 2014, Jaitley said,&nbsp;"The sun will slowly but surely come down on that era."

Jaitley also claimed that his party has already consumed some of the space occupied by the regional parties in states like Bengal, Odisha, and other North-Eastern states.

He also predicted that this election will witness BJP as co-equal in Kerala.

"The BJP has the ability to fight and occupy more political space from the regional parties is already visible. The Congress inherently lacks that instinct," he said.

Insisting that the centre space in the ongoing election is occupied by the BJP, Jaitley said, "The momentum is clearly with the BJP and Prime Minister Narendra Modi."

"In terms of national leadership contest for a Prime Ministerial election, it is almost becoming a one-horse race. There is nobody else measuring up to PM Modi's level of capacity and acceptability."

"Is history going to witness something wholly unprecedented? Are we going to witness the rejection of caste-based and dynastic parties? And will aspirational India make a harsh judgement on electing a merit-based leadership," he questioned.

The Union Minister said the Congress'&nbsp;key thrust based on 'fake issues'&nbsp;has cracked up. He also claimed that the Congress promise of 'NYAY'&nbsp;was not cutting ice with the people.

"Based on fake issues, the key thrust of what the Congress was building up in the last one year has cracked up. They are now concentrating on a new scheme declared in their manifesto which is cutting no ice with the people. The entire reliance on the members of the first family to deliver a sustainable campaign is proving to be a non-starter," he stated in the blog.

The Lok Sabha elections are scheduled to be conducted in seven phases from April 11 to May 19. Two phases of polling have already taken place on April 11 and April 18. The counting of votes will take place on May 23.&nbsp;

The present generation of dynast has become a liability for the Congress party, said Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley in a blog on Saturday. "The socio-economic profile of India is moving up the growth ladder.

The present generation of dynast has become a liability for the Congress party, said Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley in a blog on Saturday. "The socio-economic profile of India is moving up the growth ladder. It may be difficult for a country with this socio-economic profile to accept dynasties," he said in the blog titled 'Will 2019 Witness the Dynasty as a Liability on the Congress Party.' "A relevant question with this changing socio-economic profile of India is - Are dynasties an asset for a party or are they a liability? Unquestionably, the present generation of dynast has become a liability rather than an asset for the Congress party," said Jaitley. Virtually questioning the political acumen of Congress president Rahul Gandhi, Jaitley said, "If the Congress's dynast has only an ability to deliver 44 seats or 60 seats in Parliament. What then is the incentive for conventional Congressmen to bear the humiliation of subjecting themselves to a dynast? Ultimately, in dynastic parties, one has to accept political slavery." Jaitley also alleged that a lot of "traditional bright faces" are deserting the Congress party. "These Congressmen today look at a party like the BJP where men and women of talent have a huge opportunity to move up, both in the party, legislatures and governments," he said, asserting that two Prime Ministers given by the BJP to this country - Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Narendra Modi - were the tallest leaders of their generation. The Finance Minister said that a similar situation arises with regard to caste-based parties as well. Referring to the poor results fared by the regional parties like RJD and BSP in 2014, Jaitley said, "The sun will slowly but surely come down on that era." Jaitley also claimed that his party has already consumed some of the space occupied by the regional parties in states like Bengal, Odisha, and other North-Eastern states. He also predicted that this election will witness BJP as co-equal in Kerala. "The BJP has the ability to fight and occupy more political space from the regional parties is already visible. The Congress inherently lacks that instinct," he said. Insisting that the centre space in the ongoing election is occupied by the BJP, Jaitley said, "The momentum is clearly with the BJP and Prime Minister Narendra Modi." "In terms of national leadership contest for a Prime Ministerial election, it is almost becoming a one-horse race. There is nobody else measuring up to PM Modi's level of capacity and acceptability." "Is history going to witness something wholly unprecedented? Are we going to witness the rejection of caste-based and dynastic parties? And will aspirational India make a harsh judgement on electing a merit-based leadership," he questioned. The Union Minister said the Congress' key thrust based on 'fake issues' has cracked up. He also claimed that the Congress promise of 'NYAY' was not cutting ice with the people. "Based on fake issues, the key thrust of what the Congress was building up in the last one year has cracked up. They are now concentrating on a new scheme declared in their manifesto which is cutting no ice with the people. The entire reliance on the members of the first family to deliver a sustainable campaign is proving to be a non-starter," he stated in the blog. The Lok Sabha elections are scheduled to be conducted in seven phases from April 11 to May 19. Two phases of polling have already taken place on April 11 and April 18. The counting of votes will take place on May 23.

Present generation of dynast has become liability for Congress party: Arun Jaitley

Refuting claims of Congress leader Ahmed Patel that its party will cross 'double digits'&nbsp;in the state, Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani on Saturday said the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) will bag all the 26 Parliamentary seats while the Congress will not get even a single seat.

"We will get all the 26 seats. Gujaratis believe Modi ji will do well for the country. Congress will not get even a single seat," the Chief Minister told ANI.

Earlier in the day, Patel had said, "We are not only hopeful but also very confident that BJP will lose. We will get good results in Gujarat too, we will cross double digit. On May 23, when the election results come, the BJP will no longer be in the government."

When asked to comment on Congress'&nbsp;claim that the BJP is raising nationalism to deflect from the main issues, Rupani said, "For ten years, Manmohan Singh was the Prime Minister. Congress should tell people about the steps they have taken against terrorism. They have not taken any single step, they did not have the courage. After Pulwama and Uri, Modi ji did surgical strikes."

"In the past five years, there has been no incident of bomb attack inside the country. In their rule, there have been many attacks in many parts of the country," he added.

In the 2014 General elections, BJP had registered a landslide victory and bagged all the 26 Lok Sabha seats.

All parliamentary seats of Gujarat will go to polls in the third phase of ongoing Lok Sabha elections on April 23.&nbsp;

Refuting claims of Congress leader Ahmed Patel that its party will cross 'double digits' in the state, Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani on Saturday said the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) will bag all the 26 Parliamentary seats while the Congress will not get even a single seat.

Refuting claims of Congress leader Ahmed Patel that its party will cross 'double digits' in the state, Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani on Saturday said the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) will bag all the 26 Parliamentary seats while the Congress will not get even a single seat. "We will get all the 26 seats. Gujaratis believe Modi ji will do well for the country. Congress will not get even a single seat," the Chief Minister told ANI. Earlier in the day, Patel had said, "We are not only hopeful but also very confident that BJP will lose. We will get good results in Gujarat too, we will cross double digit. On May 23, when the election results come, the BJP will no longer be in the government." When asked to comment on Congress' claim that the BJP is raising nationalism to deflect from the main issues, Rupani said, "For ten years, Manmohan Singh was the Prime Minister. Congress should tell people about the steps they have taken against terrorism. They have not taken any single step, they did not have the courage. After Pulwama and Uri, Modi ji did surgical strikes." "In the past five years, there has been no incident of bomb attack inside the country. In their rule, there have been many attacks in many parts of the country," he added. In the 2014 General elections, BJP had registered a landslide victory and bagged all the 26 Lok Sabha seats. All parliamentary seats of Gujarat will go to polls in the third phase of ongoing Lok Sabha elections on April 23.

Lok Sabha polls: BJP will make clean sweep in Gujarat, claims Vijay Rupani

Prime Minister Modi on Saturday targetted the Congress party of preaching vote bank politics more than the national interest of the country.

Claiming that the UPA government was following the "vote bhakti" politics, PM Modi said, "The country has witnessed two types of politics of 'vote bhakti' and of "desh bhakti".

The former was on display after the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, when the then government did not go after Pakistan for abetting terror".

Attacking further he said that the then government chose to derail the investigations in many terror cases and came up with the theory of "Hindu terror".

PM Modi said his government responded to the Uri terror attack with surgical strikes and Pulwama by air strikes, demonstrating "desh bhakti" politics.

PM Modi who was addressing an election rally in Araria, Bihar, further said that the opposition party and its allies were rattled by the trends that have emerged from the first two phases of the Lok Sabha polls.

"... The trends of the first two phases of elections have left them rattled. They no more have the audacity to demand proofs of the valiant cross-border operations conducted by our armed forces," the prime minister said.

He said that "lies" were being spread about his government that its introduction of five per cent quota for the unreserved categories was a step in the direction of doing away with reservations.

"Beware of such lies," he said.

(With inputs from agencies)

Prime Minister Modi on Saturday targetted the Congress party of preaching vote bank politics more than the national interest of the country. Claiming that the UPA government was following the "vote bhakti" politics, PM Modi said, "The country has witnessed two types of politics of 'vote bhakti' and of "desh bhakti".

Prime Minister Modi on Saturday targetted the Congress party of preaching vote bank politics more than the national interest of the country. Claiming that the UPA government was following the "vote bhakti" politics, PM Modi said, "The country has witnessed two types of politics of 'vote bhakti' and of "desh bhakti". The former was on display after the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, when the then government did not go after Pakistan for abetting terror". Attacking further he said that the then government chose to derail the investigations in many terror cases and came up with the theory of "Hindu terror". PM Modi said his government responded to the Uri terror attack with surgical strikes and Pulwama by air strikes, demonstrating "desh bhakti" politics. PM Modi who was addressing an election rally in Araria, Bihar, further said that the opposition party and its allies were rattled by the trends that have emerged from the first two phases of the Lok Sabha polls. "... The trends of the first two phases of elections have left them rattled. They no more have the audacity to demand proofs of the valiant cross-border operations conducted by our armed forces," the prime minister said. He said that "lies" were being spread about his government that its introduction of five per cent quota for the unreserved categories was a step in the direction of doing away with reservations. "Beware of such lies," he said. (With inputs from agencies)

Congress placed vote bank politics above national interest: PM Modi

Ending days of speculation over the alliance with Congress, the Aam Aadmi Party clarified on Saturday that an alliance with the former was not possible in the national capital as the party&nbsp;refused to have tie-up anywhere else.

Accusing the Congress of playing "spoilsport" in alliance talks and "being unfair" by not giving them any seat in Punjab and asking for too many seats in Delhi, Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia said their party has closed all the negotiations now.

"We are strong in Delhi, while Congress is nowhere close. In Haryana, they denied, even when we offered them seven seats. There is no hope left for a coalition with Congress. We have also closed all the negotiations now. There is no question of seat-sharing with Congress in Delhi," he said.

"The Congress doesn`t have a single seat in Delhi, but they are demanding three seats from us. In Punjab, we have 4 MPs and 20 MLAs, yet they are not giving us any seats to contest from the state," said Manish Sisodia.

He further added that the Congress first proposed 6:3:1 seat sharing formula to the AAP in Haryana where six seats would be for Congress, three for Janayak Janata Party and one seat for AAP. "Our decision to form an alliance with the Congress was to stop the Modi-Shah duo," he said.

Senior party leader Sanjay Singh said they have agreed to all the seat-sharing arrangements that the Congress proposed but even then the grand old party backtracked.

"After discussions with our alliance partner in Haryana JJP we agreed to it but the Congress refused and said they can't give more than two seats to the JJP and proposed 7:2:1 formula," said Singh, who was negotiating with the Congress.

JJP chief Dushyant Chautala even agreed to that but then the Congress backtracked again on Friday night, saying there is no possibility of formation of any alliance anywhere except Delhi, he said.

Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia further targetted the Congress by saying&nbsp;that giving three seats to the party in the national capital would mean "giving three seats to the BJP".

Elections in Delhi will be held on May 12 in the sixth phase for all the seven seats.&nbsp;

The counting of votes will begin on May 23.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Ending days of speculation over the alliance with Congress, the Aam Aadmi Party clarified on Saturday that an alliance with the former was not possible in the national capital as the party refused to have tie-up anywhere else.

Ending days of speculation over the alliance with Congress, the Aam Aadmi Party clarified on Saturday that an alliance with the former was not possible in the national capital as the party refused to have tie-up anywhere else. Accusing the Congress of playing "spoilsport" in alliance talks and "being unfair" by not giving them any seat in Punjab and asking for too many seats in Delhi, Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia said their party has closed all the negotiations now. "We are strong in Delhi, while Congress is nowhere close. In Haryana, they denied, even when we offered them seven seats. There is no hope left for a coalition with Congress. We have also closed all the negotiations now. There is no question of seat-sharing with Congress in Delhi," he said. "The Congress doesn`t have a single seat in Delhi, but they are demanding three seats from us. In Punjab, we have 4 MPs and 20 MLAs, yet they are not giving us any seats to contest from the state," said Manish Sisodia. He further added that the Congress first proposed 6:3:1 seat sharing formula to the AAP in Haryana where six seats would be for Congress, three for Janayak Janata Party and one seat for AAP. "Our decision to form an alliance with the Congress was to stop the Modi-Shah duo," he said. Senior party leader Sanjay Singh said they have agreed to all the seat-sharing arrangements that the Congress proposed but even then the grand old party backtracked. "After discussions with our alliance partner in Haryana JJP we agreed to it but the Congress refused and said they can't give more than two seats to the JJP and proposed 7:2:1 formula," said Singh, who was negotiating with the Congress. JJP chief Dushyant Chautala even agreed to that but then the Congress backtracked again on Friday night, saying there is no possibility of formation of any alliance anywhere except Delhi, he said. Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia further targetted the Congress by saying that giving three seats to the party in the national capital would mean "giving three seats to the BJP". Elections in Delhi will be held on May 12 in the sixth phase for all the seven seats. The counting of votes will begin on May 23. (With inputs from agencies)

No hope left for alliance with Congress now: Manish Sisodia

Sadhvi Pragya said that former Mumbai Anti-Terrorist Squad chief Hemant Karkare, who died in action during the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, had falsely implicated her in the Malegaon blast and hence, died because of his karma. Watch full video to know more.

ATS chief Hemant Karkare treated me badly, died of his karma: Sadhvi Pragya on 26/11 hero

Priyanka Chaturvedi had removed the designation "AICC Spokesperson" from her official Twitter bio after Congress reinstated the people who misbehaved with her in September 2018. Watch full video to know more.

Priyanka Chaturvedi removes 'INC Spokesperson' designation from her official Twitter account

Congress president Rahul Gandhi will land in Raichur today, to address a rally in support of B V Nayak. 300 workers, from Hindutva organisations will reach the venue and join the Congress.

LS Polls 2019: 300 Hindutva workers to join Congress

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address a convention organised by traders supporting the BJP at Talkatora stadium in New Delhi today.

PM Modi to address traders in Delhi's Talkatora stadium today

Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati will share the stage with Mulayam Singh Yadav at a historic rally in UP’s Mainpuri on Friday and campaign for the Samajwadi Party (SP) patriarch after 25 years. Watch full video to know more.

Mulayam and Mayawati to Share Stage After 25 Years at Mainpuri Rally Today

BJP’s <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-polls-2019-karnataka-to-witness-neck-to-neck-contests-211263&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwjsqKqsv9vhAhUZVH0KHf0iA78QFggFMAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw1OVn8A8aWb-KyAOP3SHHtS">Karnataka</a> unit on Thursday wrote to the Election Commission over alleged “mass indiscriminate deletion of voters’ names from the voters list” in the state. The party alleged that some officials are working as agents of ruling coalition government of JD(S) and <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/karnataka-elections-an-existential-battle-for-congress-134207&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwjsqKqsv9vhAhUZVH0KHf0iA78QFggIMAE&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw0VsShbFYn1aJRF3wYC9arf">Congress</a>.

In a letter to the Chief Electoral Officer, the <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.wionews.com/videos/karnataka-election-results-if-bjp-wins-congs-alternate-front-pitch-for-2019-falls-flat-136994&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwjsqKqsv9vhAhUZVH0KHf0iA78QFggKMAI&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw1T-WH9K-J7UKbUxuvXL7mU">BJP</a> said: “The officials have purposefully and deliberately deleted names without any reason, just to render undue official favour to the ruling coalition party.” Claiming that names have been deleted despite people residing on the same address, the Bharatiya Janata Party in its letter demanded strict action against erring officials: “This is nothing but dereliction of duty by the concerned officials. If strict action is not taken against such biased officials, we can’t expect fair and free election from the Election Commission.”

The letter further stated that such deletions were reported to the Election Commission during the Vidhan Sabha elections too but no action was taken. “Even though during the last Vidhan Sabha election also such deletion has taken place and the same was reported to the Commission, the Election Commission has not taken any stringent action against such officials. This is the only reason which has boosted the concerned biased officials to further work as agents of ruling coalition party to further delete the names of voters,” the letter read.

BJP stated that the party will go to court to redress the issue: “We are definitely going to the court to redress the illegality committed by the erring officials. In the places where mass deletion has taken place, repolling by giving an opportunity to the voters whose names have been illegally deleted is inevitable. Therefore, this Commission’s interference is warranted.”

BJP’s Karnataka unit on Thursday wrote to the Election Commission over alleged “mass indiscriminate deletion of voters’ names from the voters list” in the state.

BJP’s Karnataka unit on Thursday wrote to the Election Commission over alleged “mass indiscriminate deletion of voters’ names from the voters list” in the state. The party alleged that some officials are working as agents of ruling coalition government of JD(S) and Congress. In a letter to the Chief Electoral Officer, the BJP said: “The officials have purposefully and deliberately deleted names without any reason, just to render undue official favour to the ruling coalition party.” Claiming that names have been deleted despite people residing on the same address, the Bharatiya Janata Party in its letter demanded strict action against erring officials: “This is nothing but dereliction of duty by the concerned officials. If strict action is not taken against such biased officials, we can’t expect fair and free election from the Election Commission.” The letter further stated that such deletions were reported to the Election Commission during the Vidhan Sabha elections too but no action was taken. “Even though during the last Vidhan Sabha election also such deletion has taken place and the same was reported to the Commission, the Election Commission has not taken any stringent action against such officials. This is the only reason which has boosted the concerned biased officials to further work as agents of ruling coalition party to further delete the names of voters,” the letter read. BJP stated that the party will go to court to redress the issue: “We are definitely going to the court to redress the illegality committed by the erring officials. In the places where mass deletion has taken place, repolling by giving an opportunity to the voters whose names have been illegally deleted is inevitable. Therefore, this Commission’s interference is warranted.”

Lok Sabha elections 2019: BJP alleges mass deletion of voters’ names from list in Karnataka, writes to EC

Congress leader Hardik Patel was slapped by a man Friday when he was addressing a poll rally in a village in Surendranagar district of Gujarat, said police.

An angry Patel blamed the BJP for the incident and said this was an attempt to kill him.

However, ruling party leaders said they have nothing to do with the incident, which they termed as a staged drama by the Congress to gain sympathy ahead of the Lok Sabha polls.

The man, identified as Tarun Gajjar, a resident of Kadi town of Mehsana district, suffered injuries after he was thrashed by Congress workers, Patel supporters and others at the rally venue, around 130km from here.

He is currently undergoing treatment as he was badly thrashed by people at the rally, said police inspector of Wadhwan, H R Jethi.

Gajjar said he is not associated with any political party and slapped the Patidar quota leader due to personal reasons.

As soon as Hardik Patel started his speech at Baldana village under Wadhwan taluka, Gajjar suddenly came on the stage and slapped him.

The incident was captured in cameras of news channels covering the event in the district, around 130km from here.

Congress candidate for the Surendranagar Lok Sabha seat, Soma Patel, was present on the dais when Patel was slapped.

Gajjar appeared angry and was seen saying something to Patel after slapping him.

Gajjar was overpowered by Congress workers, Hardik Patel supporters and others present at the rally, who also beat him up.

The police intervened and freed Gajjar and took him to a safer place in their vehicle, said Jethi.

In a video of the incident, Gajjar can be seen being mercilessly thrashed by both women and men, who also tore his clothes, before policemen intervened and took him away.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;

Following the incident, Patel lodged a complaint with the police.

"Since Gajjar was brutally thrashed by people, he was referred to a hospital in Limbdi town. It is still unclear why he slapped Hardik.

"The Congress leader claimed he does not know Gajjar. We have taken Hardik's written complaint and started our investigation, but not yet filed an FIR," said Jethi, adding the police were yet to question the attacker.

Talking to the media, Patel claimed the BJP had sent Gajjar to attack him.

"The BJP is trying to harm me. Many people were hired by the BJP to attack me. I do not know why that person did this.

"Even I requested the locals, who were beating him, to let him go and forgive him. I am sure that he was BJP's man. This was an attempt to kill me. I could have been killed if he was carrying a gun today," said Patel.

He said Congress president Rahul Gandhi had called him to inquire about his well-being.

BJP leader from the Saurashtra region, Raju Dhruv, refuted Patel's claim that Gajjar was sent by the ruling party to attack him.

"The BJP has nothing to do with this incident. We do not believe in such low-level politics. The truth is that people have now realised that Hardik had only used the Patidar community to satisfy his political ambitions.

"This is a staged drama by the Congress to gain sympathy," said Dhruv.

Talking to the media from his hospital bed, Gajjar said he has been planning to attack Patel since the last three-and-a-half years due to personal reasons.

"I am not associated with any political party. I am angry with Hardik since the last three-and-a-half years because my wife and my child had suffered because of him (during the quota agitation of August 2015).

"I was planning to attack him since then," said Gajjar, who is in his mid-30s.

Gajjar said he had tried to attack the 25-year-old politician, who joined the Congress last month, in the past too.

"I first planned to attack Hardik during his rally in Kalol on April 13, but he did not come there. Then, I had planned to attack him at a rally in Balisana on April 17.

"But, I failed at that time. Finally, I got a success today. I am not against the Patidar community. I am against Hardik," said Gajjar.

Congress leader Hardik Patel was slapped by a man Friday when he was addressing a poll rally in a village in Surendranagar district of Gujarat, said police. An angry Patel blamed the BJP for the incident and said this was an attempt to kill him.

Congress leader Hardik Patel was slapped by a man Friday when he was addressing a poll rally in a village in Surendranagar district of Gujarat, said police. An angry Patel blamed the BJP for the incident and said this was an attempt to kill him. However, ruling party leaders said they have nothing to do with the incident, which they termed as a staged drama by the Congress to gain sympathy ahead of the Lok Sabha polls. The man, identified as Tarun Gajjar, a resident of Kadi town of Mehsana district, suffered injuries after he was thrashed by Congress workers, Patel supporters and others at the rally venue, around 130km from here. He is currently undergoing treatment as he was badly thrashed by people at the rally, said police inspector of Wadhwan, H R Jethi. Gajjar said he is not associated with any political party and slapped the Patidar quota leader due to personal reasons. As soon as Hardik Patel started his speech at Baldana village under Wadhwan taluka, Gajjar suddenly came on the stage and slapped him. The incident was captured in cameras of news channels covering the event in the district, around 130km from here. Congress candidate for the Surendranagar Lok Sabha seat, Soma Patel, was present on the dais when Patel was slapped. Gajjar appeared angry and was seen saying something to Patel after slapping him. Gajjar was overpowered by Congress workers, Hardik Patel supporters and others present at the rally, who also beat him up. The police intervened and freed Gajjar and took him to a safer place in their vehicle, said Jethi. In a video of the incident, Gajjar can be seen being mercilessly thrashed by both women and men, who also tore his clothes, before policemen intervened and took him away. Following the incident, Patel lodged a complaint with the police. "Since Gajjar was brutally thrashed by people, he was referred to a hospital in Limbdi town. It is still unclear why he slapped Hardik. "The Congress leader claimed he does not know Gajjar. We have taken Hardik's written complaint and started our investigation, but not yet filed an FIR," said Jethi, adding the police were yet to question the attacker. Talking to the media, Patel claimed the BJP had sent Gajjar to attack him. "The BJP is trying to harm me. Many people were hired by the BJP to attack me. I do not know why that person did this. "Even I requested the locals, who were beating him, to let him go and forgive him. I am sure that he was BJP's man. This was an attempt to kill me. I could have been killed if he was carrying a gun today," said Patel. He said Congress president Rahul Gandhi had called him to inquire about his well-being. BJP leader from the Saurashtra region, Raju Dhruv, refuted Patel's claim that Gajjar was sent by the ruling party to attack him. "The BJP has nothing to do with this incident. We do not believe in such low-level politics. The truth is that people have now realised that Hardik had only used the Patidar community to satisfy his political ambitions. "This is a staged drama by the Congress to gain sympathy," said Dhruv. Talking to the media from his hospital bed, Gajjar said he has been planning to attack Patel since the last three-and-a-half years due to personal reasons. "I am not associated with any political party. I am angry with Hardik since the last three-and-a-half years because my wife and my child had suffered because of him (during the quota agitation of August 2015). "I was planning to attack him since then," said Gajjar, who is in his mid-30s. Gajjar said he had tried to attack the 25-year-old politician, who joined the Congress last month, in the past too. "I first planned to attack Hardik during his rally in Kalol on April 13, but he did not come there. Then, I had planned to attack him at a rally in Balisana on April 17. "But, I failed at that time. Finally, I got a success today. I am not against the Patidar community. I am against Hardik," said Gajjar.

Hardik Patel slapped by man at poll rally in Gujarat

The Lok Sabha election of 2019 has become presidential. The campaign theme of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and the opposition are both Modi-centric. &nbsp;

The BJP’s election slogan is “phir ek bar Modi sarkar (Modi once again) ”.The opposition has reinforced this thrust by launching a unifocal attack on the Prime Minister’s persona, and by trying to posit the Mahagathbandhan (grand alliance) as an anti-Modi front. The grand alliance has so far come a cropper, damaging the opposition plank and derailing its credibility.&nbsp;

The election has been turned into a referendum on Modi; The absence of any towering pan-Indian personality in the opposition ranks has added to the sheen and glamour of the Teflon Modi imagery.&nbsp;

The NDA has come up as a cohesive election machinery. The opposition, conversely, is at each other’s throat in most states. Their antipathy for Modi has not helped them sink their differences.&nbsp;

The much-touted idea of Mahagathbandhan has fallen flat and Prime Minister Narendra Modi appears invincible as the second phase of polling comes to an end.&nbsp;

Some disgruntled party leaders like Yashwant Sinha and Arun Shourie, who have been strategising with the Congress chief Rahul Gandhi, wanted one joint opposition candidate against the NDA in all the 543 constituencies.

The so-called grand alliance is solely focused on stopping Modi at all costs. The template for this is nearly like the 1971 Grand Alliance pitched against Indira Gandhi. The then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi’s famous campaign lines were, “I want to remove poverty; they want to remove me”.

Little under five decades later, a similar situation has emerged in the run-up to the 2019 Lok Sabha election — the only difference being that the protagonist of the new grand alliance now is Indira Gandhi’s grandson.&nbsp;

But it has failed to take off mainly because of the decline of the Congress as a central force and the reluctance of other opposition parties to accept Rahul Gandhi as their leader.&nbsp;

In the past one year, Rahul had approached nearly all regional leaders mooting this idea. After the big show of opposition unity in Bengaluru in June 2018, the impression had gained ground that the Congress was stooping to conquer.&nbsp;

The euphoria, however, was shortlived. Ego clashes in the opposition ranks came to the surface in West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Andhra and three Congress-ruled states in the north.&nbsp;

For the Mahagathbandhan, each state presented a conflicting picture, as each party wanted to maximise their gain and expand at the expense of the Congress.&nbsp;

Senior opposition leaders like N Chandrababu Naidu in Andhra, Mamata Banerjee in West Bengal, Mayawati and Akhilesh Yadav in UP were unwilling to play second fiddle to the Congress president.&nbsp;

In Andhra, the attempt failed because of the humiliating defeat of the Congress-TDP alliance in Telangana in the December Assembly elections.

Leaders like Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao in Telangana, Naveen Patnaik in Orissa and Jagmohan Reddy of YSR Congress in Andhra, were keener on a federal front, which is yet to take shape.&nbsp;

In Uttar Pradesh, which sends the largest contingent of MPs to the Lok Sabha, Mayawati and Akhilesh formed a tie-up without so much as accommodating the Congress. &nbsp;

This irritated the Congress and the party decided to stage a counteroffensive by projecting Priyanka Vadra and launching a desperate campaign in at least two dozen constituencies, putting up formidable candidates.

The Congress was able to work out respectable partnerships only in Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu and Bihar.&nbsp;

In Tamil Nadu and Bihar, it is the junior partner while in Maharashtra, it is at the mercy of Sharad Pawar’s NCP, which has a history of hobnobbing with the BJP.&nbsp;

The Congress and the CPM attempted a tie-up in West Bengal but failed. The same seems to be the case in Haryana, Punjab and Delhi, where its talks with the AAP are still hazy.&nbsp;

Rahul Gandhi’s decision to also contest from Wayanad in Kerala, a minority- dominated, backward constituency in Kerala, has spoiled his chemistry with the Left. Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has accused him of fighting the Left, “after trying to stop Modi all these years”.&nbsp;

BSP supremo Mayawati is piqued with Rahul Gandhi for failing to accommodate BSP in MP and Chhattisgarh in the December 2018 Assembly election. &nbsp;

The break down of negotiations with BSP on seat sharing in these states, sealed any chance of adjustment in UP in the Lok Sabha poll.&nbsp;

In the end, there are at least a dozen contestants against Narendra Modi’s candidates in almost all the 543 Lok Sabha constituencies. Talk about post-poll adjustments are unconvincing. Voters want to know the alternative to Modi.&nbsp;

The Congress strategy from the beginning was flawed. In their personal attacks, they only helped to project a larger than life image for the prime minister. Every time the opposition spoke of stopping Modi without offering a convincing governance agenda, it has looked power hungry. &nbsp;

This has helped invest Modi with the “underdog image”, gaining voters’ sympathy. &nbsp;

National security and the Balakot air strikes proved the defining moments. Modi stood for taking India forward, protecting it from Pak-sponsored terror and forces hostile to India. &nbsp;

As against this, the Congress manifesto, which offered repeal of AFSPA, the sedition law and expressed a pro-separatist stand on Jammu and Kashmir, has convinced the voter that Modi stood for a strong and united India.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

(This article was originally published on DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-there-is-no-alternative-to-narendra-modi-2741055">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

The Lok Sabha election of 2019 has become presidential. The campaign theme of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and the opposition are both Modi-centric. The BJP’s election slogan is “phir ek bar Modi sarkar (Modi once again) ”.

The Lok Sabha election of 2019 has become presidential. The campaign theme of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and the opposition are both Modi-centric. The BJP’s election slogan is “phir ek bar Modi sarkar (Modi once again) ”.The opposition has reinforced this thrust by launching a unifocal attack on the Prime Minister’s persona, and by trying to posit the Mahagathbandhan (grand alliance) as an anti-Modi front. The grand alliance has so far come a cropper, damaging the opposition plank and derailing its credibility. The election has been turned into a referendum on Modi; The absence of any towering pan-Indian personality in the opposition ranks has added to the sheen and glamour of the Teflon Modi imagery. The NDA has come up as a cohesive election machinery. The opposition, conversely, is at each other’s throat in most states. Their antipathy for Modi has not helped them sink their differences. The much-touted idea of Mahagathbandhan has fallen flat and Prime Minister Narendra Modi appears invincible as the second phase of polling comes to an end. Some disgruntled party leaders like Yashwant Sinha and Arun Shourie, who have been strategising with the Congress chief Rahul Gandhi, wanted one joint opposition candidate against the NDA in all the 543 constituencies. The so-called grand alliance is solely focused on stopping Modi at all costs. The template for this is nearly like the 1971 Grand Alliance pitched against Indira Gandhi. The then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi’s famous campaign lines were, “I want to remove poverty; they want to remove me”. Little under five decades later, a similar situation has emerged in the run-up to the 2019 Lok Sabha election — the only difference being that the protagonist of the new grand alliance now is Indira Gandhi’s grandson. But it has failed to take off mainly because of the decline of the Congress as a central force and the reluctance of other opposition parties to accept Rahul Gandhi as their leader. In the past one year, Rahul had approached nearly all regional leaders mooting this idea. After the big show of opposition unity in Bengaluru in June 2018, the impression had gained ground that the Congress was stooping to conquer. The euphoria, however, was shortlived. Ego clashes in the opposition ranks came to the surface in West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Andhra and three Congress-ruled states in the north. For the Mahagathbandhan, each state presented a conflicting picture, as each party wanted to maximise their gain and expand at the expense of the Congress. Senior opposition leaders like N Chandrababu Naidu in Andhra, Mamata Banerjee in West Bengal, Mayawati and Akhilesh Yadav in UP were unwilling to play second fiddle to the Congress president. In Andhra, the attempt failed because of the humiliating defeat of the Congress-TDP alliance in Telangana in the December Assembly elections. Leaders like Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao in Telangana, Naveen Patnaik in Orissa and Jagmohan Reddy of YSR Congress in Andhra, were keener on a federal front, which is yet to take shape. In Uttar Pradesh, which sends the largest contingent of MPs to the Lok Sabha, Mayawati and Akhilesh formed a tie-up without so much as accommodating the Congress. This irritated the Congress and the party decided to stage a counteroffensive by projecting Priyanka Vadra and launching a desperate campaign in at least two dozen constituencies, putting up formidable candidates. The Congress was able to work out respectable partnerships only in Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu and Bihar. In Tamil Nadu and Bihar, it is the junior partner while in Maharashtra, it is at the mercy of Sharad Pawar’s NCP, which has a history of hobnobbing with the BJP. The Congress and the CPM attempted a tie-up in West Bengal but failed. The same seems to be the case in Haryana, Punjab and Delhi, where its talks with the AAP are still hazy. Rahul Gandhi’s decision to also contest from Wayanad in Kerala, a minority- dominated, backward constituency in Kerala, has spoiled his chemistry with the Left. Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has accused him of fighting the Left, “after trying to stop Modi all these years”. BSP supremo Mayawati is piqued with Rahul Gandhi for failing to accommodate BSP in MP and Chhattisgarh in the December 2018 Assembly election. The break down of negotiations with BSP on seat sharing in these states, sealed any chance of adjustment in UP in the Lok Sabha poll. In the end, there are at least a dozen contestants against Narendra Modi’s candidates in almost all the 543 Lok Sabha constituencies. Talk about post-poll adjustments are unconvincing. Voters want to know the alternative to Modi. The Congress strategy from the beginning was flawed. In their personal attacks, they only helped to project a larger than life image for the prime minister. Every time the opposition spoke of stopping Modi without offering a convincing governance agenda, it has looked power hungry. This has helped invest Modi with the “underdog image”, gaining voters’ sympathy. National security and the Balakot air strikes proved the defining moments. Modi stood for taking India forward, protecting it from Pak-sponsored terror and forces hostile to India. As against this, the Congress manifesto, which offered repeal of AFSPA, the sedition law and expressed a pro-separatist stand on Jammu and Kashmir, has convinced the voter that Modi stood for a strong and united India. (This article was originally published on DNA. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Lok Sabha polls 2019: Narendra Modi stands tall and imposing during polls

BJP president Amit Shah said Friday that his party would abrogate Article 370 of the Constitution which gives a special status to Jammu and Kashmir after getting a majority in both houses of Parliament.

Speaking at a poll rally at Dharampur in Gujarat's Valsad district, he also said the main issue in the ongoing Lok Sabha elections was national security.

"We have already said in our manifesto that we will repeal Article 370 once we get majority in both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha so that Kashmir becomes integral part of India permanently," said Shah.

At present, the BJP does not enjoy a majority in the Upper House of Parliament.

Shah was here to campaign for Dr K C Patel, BJP MP and candidate from Valsad. All 26 Lok Sabha seats in Gujarat will go to the polls on April 23.

"This fight is not just about development. There is no doubt development took place under Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The issue this time is national security and only Modi and the BJP can provide that," he said.

"Only Modi can make India a superpower," he added.

Referring to the air strike carried out by the Air Force on a terrorist training camp inside Pakistan after the Pulwama attack, Shah alleged that when the entire country was celebrating, the Congress was mourning.

"We can understand why Pakistan was upset. But why Rahul Gandhi's party was grieving when terrorists were killed?" he asked.

BJP president Amit Shah said Friday that his party would abrogate Article 370 of the Constitution which gives a special status to Jammu and Kashmir after getting a majority in both houses of Parliament.

BJP president Amit Shah said Friday that his party would abrogate Article 370 of the Constitution which gives a special status to Jammu and Kashmir after getting a majority in both houses of Parliament. Speaking at a poll rally at Dharampur in Gujarat's Valsad district, he also said the main issue in the ongoing Lok Sabha elections was national security. "We have already said in our manifesto that we will repeal Article 370 once we get majority in both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha so that Kashmir becomes integral part of India permanently," said Shah. At present, the BJP does not enjoy a majority in the Upper House of Parliament. Shah was here to campaign for Dr K C Patel, BJP MP and candidate from Valsad. All 26 Lok Sabha seats in Gujarat will go to the polls on April 23. "This fight is not just about development. There is no doubt development took place under Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The issue this time is national security and only Modi and the BJP can provide that," he said. "Only Modi can make India a superpower," he added. Referring to the air strike carried out by the Air Force on a terrorist training camp inside Pakistan after the Pulwama attack, Shah alleged that when the entire country was celebrating, the Congress was mourning. "We can understand why Pakistan was upset. But why Rahul Gandhi's party was grieving when terrorists were killed?" he asked.

Will scrap Article 370 once BJP gets majority in Parliament: Amit Shah

Former prime minister and JD(S) leader HD Deve Gowda on Thursday said that unlike BJP veteran LK Advani, he is not going to retire from active politics.

If Rahul Gandhi becomes the Prime Minister of the country, he will be by his side, he was quoted as saying.

"I announced three years back that I will not contest elections. There are circumstances now in which I have been forced to contest. There is nothing to hide. I have no ambition of anything but what I always said is that I am not going to retire from active politics," Gowda was quoted as saying on his decision to contest the Lok Sabha polls.

Deve Gowda is contesting from Karnataka`s Tumkur parliamentary constituency against GS Basvaraj of BJP.

When asked if he wants to retire like Advani, he replied with an emphatic `no`, adding, "I want to save my party and the office building."&nbsp;

Commenting on his commitment towards the Congress, he said: "Madam Sonia Gandhi has taken the decision to support Deve Gowda even though we are a small party. Now it is my responsibility to move forward with Congress, though I do agree in some states there is no question of any coalition. But in Tamil Nadu, there is a coalition between Congress and DMK and with Sharad Pawar`s party in Maharashtra."

Responding to accusations of saving the family rather than the party, the JD(S) chief said: "Several leaders who worked with me collectively, have left. Some people are in Congress, some in BJP. I was able to keep the party intact but suffered. I have not allowed my family members to become president of the party."&nbsp;

Former prime minister and JD(S) leader HD Deve Gowda on Thursday said that unlike BJP veteran LK Advani, he is not going to retire from active politics. If Rahul Gandhi becomes the Prime Minister of the country, he will be by his side, he was quoted as saying.

Former prime minister and JD(S) leader HD Deve Gowda on Thursday said that unlike BJP veteran LK Advani, he is not going to retire from active politics. If Rahul Gandhi becomes the Prime Minister of the country, he will be by his side, he was quoted as saying. "I announced three years back that I will not contest elections. There are circumstances now in which I have been forced to contest. There is nothing to hide. I have no ambition of anything but what I always said is that I am not going to retire from active politics," Gowda was quoted as saying on his decision to contest the Lok Sabha polls. Deve Gowda is contesting from Karnataka`s Tumkur parliamentary constituency against GS Basvaraj of BJP. When asked if he wants to retire like Advani, he replied with an emphatic `no`, adding, "I want to save my party and the office building." Commenting on his commitment towards the Congress, he said: "Madam Sonia Gandhi has taken the decision to support Deve Gowda even though we are a small party. Now it is my responsibility to move forward with Congress, though I do agree in some states there is no question of any coalition. But in Tamil Nadu, there is a coalition between Congress and DMK and with Sharad Pawar`s party in Maharashtra." Responding to accusations of saving the family rather than the party, the JD(S) chief said: "Several leaders who worked with me collectively, have left. Some people are in Congress, some in BJP. I was able to keep the party intact but suffered. I have not allowed my family members to become president of the party."

Not going to retire from active politics, says Deve Gowda 

Congress leader Hardik Patel had to cancel his helicopter ride to Lunawada in Mahisagar district of Gujarat Thursday at the last moment after the farmer on whose field the chopper was to land did not give his nod for its use as a helipad, an official said.

Hardik Patel had to later travel by road to Lunawada, around 100km from Ahmedabad, to address an election rally.

The 25-year-old, who led the Patidar reservation stir in Gujarat since 2015 and joined the Congress last month, has emerged as a star campaigner for the opposition party, criss- crossing the state in a helicopter to address poll rallies.

His helicopter ride to Lunawada to address an election rally for Congress’s Panchmahal Lok Sabha candidate Vechatbhai Khant got into trouble after a farmer, Vinay Patel, went back on his permission to allow the chopper to land on his private field, the official said.

Vinay Patel sounded upset with Hardik Patel, saying he is “playing politics on the bodies of those who died” during the Patidar reservation agitation.

“Hardik was to attend an election rally at 5 pm Thursday at Lunawada and two days ago permission was granted for his helicopter to land at a private land.

“But the owner of the private land on which the temporary helipad was to be constructed for the chopper to land declined (permission) at the last moment,” said resident additional collector R R Thakkar.

Since the permission to land his helicopter was cancelled, Hardik Patel travelled to the town by road to address the rally, Thakkar said.

Vinay Patel claimed permission for the helicopter’s landing was sought from district authorities here by a local Congress leader without his knowledge.

“On April 16, local Congress leader Suresh Patel had sought permission (from authorities) for a helipad without my knowledge. When I learnt that he was given permission, I raised objection after which action was taken,” he said.

“I know Hardik, the Patidar leader from our community, and I know who he is. I object to him putting foot on my land because he is doing politics on the dead bodies of 14 Patidar youths (killed during the quota agitation),” he said.&nbsp;

Congress leader Hardik Patel had to cancel his helicopter ride to Lunawada in Mahisagar district of Gujarat Thursday at the last moment after the farmer on whose field the chopper was to land did not give his nod for its use as a helipad, an official said.

Congress leader Hardik Patel had to cancel his helicopter ride to Lunawada in Mahisagar district of Gujarat Thursday at the last moment after the farmer on whose field the chopper was to land did not give his nod for its use as a helipad, an official said. Hardik Patel had to later travel by road to Lunawada, around 100km from Ahmedabad, to address an election rally. The 25-year-old, who led the Patidar reservation stir in Gujarat since 2015 and joined the Congress last month, has emerged as a star campaigner for the opposition party, criss- crossing the state in a helicopter to address poll rallies. His helicopter ride to Lunawada to address an election rally for Congress’s Panchmahal Lok Sabha candidate Vechatbhai Khant got into trouble after a farmer, Vinay Patel, went back on his permission to allow the chopper to land on his private field, the official said. Vinay Patel sounded upset with Hardik Patel, saying he is “playing politics on the bodies of those who died” during the Patidar reservation agitation. “Hardik was to attend an election rally at 5 pm Thursday at Lunawada and two days ago permission was granted for his helicopter to land at a private land. “But the owner of the private land on which the temporary helipad was to be constructed for the chopper to land declined (permission) at the last moment,” said resident additional collector R R Thakkar. Since the permission to land his helicopter was cancelled, Hardik Patel travelled to the town by road to address the rally, Thakkar said. Vinay Patel claimed permission for the helicopter’s landing was sought from district authorities here by a local Congress leader without his knowledge. “On April 16, local Congress leader Suresh Patel had sought permission (from authorities) for a helipad without my knowledge. When I learnt that he was given permission, I raised objection after which action was taken,” he said. “I know Hardik, the Patidar leader from our community, and I know who he is. I object to him putting foot on my land because he is doing politics on the dead bodies of 14 Patidar youths (killed during the quota agitation),” he said.

‘Playing politics on bodies’: Farmer refuses to let Hardik Patel’s chopper land on his farm

Palki discusses and analyses the Phase 2 of Lok Sabha polls with Lord Meghnad Desai, Author & Professor Emeritus at London School of Economics & Political Science and Walter Andersen, Noted Author & Academician

WION Gravitas: A Pointed Discussion On The Second Phase Of India's General Election

Will 'lotus' bloom in the south? How to interpret the second phase of Lok Sabha polls? What are the indicators and issues? Palki sums up the significance of this phase of India's general election

WION Gravitas: What Is So Unique About Second Phase Of Lok Sabha Polls?

Once bitter rivals&nbsp;SP founder Mulayam Singh Yadav and BSP chief Mayawati are scheduled to share the stage at a joint rally of the SP-BSP-RLD alliance in the Samajwadi Party citadel of Mainpuri on Friday.

Preparations are underway for the rally at Christian Field to send out a message to our political opponents that the alliance against the BJP in Uttar Pradesh shares a strong bond, an SP party leader was quoted as saying.

Mulayam Singh Yadav and Mayawati have been bitter rivals since 1995 when SP cadres allegedly attacked the state guest house where the BSP chief had been camping with her supporters.

The SP patriarch, who is contesting the Lok Sabha elections from the party bastion of Mainpuri was conspicuous by his absence at the three joint rallies held earlier in Deoband, Badaun and Agra due to his antipathy to his party's alliance with the BSP.

Reports suggest that Mulayam Singh Yadav was not too keen on attending Friday's rally as well but was persuaded&nbsp;by his son and SP chief Akhilesh Yadav who has confirmed the SP founder's presence at the Mainpuri rally, the report added.

SP's Sadar MLA, Raj Kumar alias Raju Yadav, who is looking after the preparations, said Mulayam Singh Yadav will reach the venue by noon.

Mayawati has already asked workers of both the BSP and the SP to shun their differences and work for the victory of the alliance in the state.

Once bitter rivals SP founder Mulayam Singh Yadav and BSP chief Mayawati are scheduled to share the stage at a joint rally of the SP-BSP-RLD alliance in the Samajwadi Party citadel of Mainpuri on Friday.

Once bitter rivals SP founder Mulayam Singh Yadav and BSP chief Mayawati are scheduled to share the stage at a joint rally of the SP-BSP-RLD alliance in the Samajwadi Party citadel of Mainpuri on Friday. Preparations are underway for the rally at Christian Field to send out a message to our political opponents that the alliance against the BJP in Uttar Pradesh shares a strong bond, an SP party leader was quoted as saying. Mulayam Singh Yadav and Mayawati have been bitter rivals since 1995 when SP cadres allegedly attacked the state guest house where the BSP chief had been camping with her supporters. The SP patriarch, who is contesting the Lok Sabha elections from the party bastion of Mainpuri was conspicuous by his absence at the three joint rallies held earlier in Deoband, Badaun and Agra due to his antipathy to his party's alliance with the BSP. Reports suggest that Mulayam Singh Yadav was not too keen on attending Friday's rally as well but was persuaded by his son and SP chief Akhilesh Yadav who has confirmed the SP founder's presence at the Mainpuri rally, the report added. SP's Sadar MLA, Raj Kumar alias Raju Yadav, who is looking after the preparations, said Mulayam Singh Yadav will reach the venue by noon. Mayawati has already asked workers of both the BSP and the SP to shun their differences and work for the victory of the alliance in the state.

Once arch-rivals, Mulayam, Mayawati to share stage in Uttar Pradesh rally

Here's Palki summarising all the key numbers of second phase of Lok Sabha polls. Watch full video to know more.

WION Gravitas: Biggest Phase Of India's Lok Sabha Polls. Here's All You Need To Know

Total Voter Turnout In Second Phase of Lok Sabha Polls Stands Above 61 Percent. The Phase Saw Sporadic Instances Of Violence. Palki sums up all the action on the day of second phase of Lok Sabha polls. Instances of violence have been reported in West Bengal, Assam, Manipur and Chhattisgarh

WION Gravitas: Phase 2 of Lok Sabha Polls: Incidents of stray violence reported

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Friday promised traders Rs 50-lakh loan without any collateral, credit card facility and a pension scheme for small shopkeepers as he made a strong re-election pitch to the business community.

Modi said while his government has stood by traders in thick and thin, the opposition Congress has abused businessmen by calling all of them 'chor'&nbsp;(thieves).

Addressing a traders' convention in Delhi, he said the BJP-led NDA government in the last five years at the Centre worked to simplify lives and businesses of traders by scraping 1,500 archaic laws, simplifying processes and providing easy credit.

Traders are "backbone" of the Indian economy but had in past never got the respect they deserved, Modi said, adding that doubling the size of the economy to $5 trillion is not possible without their contribution.

"I am impressed by the hard work of traders... Their business has helped the economy bloom," he said. "I have tried to make your life and business easy in last five years."

"The country is also seeing how we have stood by you in thick and thin," Modi said.

With a household audience, the prime minister said the trading community is like weather forecaster who can anticipate future tidings.

Hitting out at the opposition Congress, the prime minister said the party has in its 70-year rule only "insulted" businessmen. "They called all businessmen chor (thieves)" without realising the contribution of the business community in the economy.

Stating that Mahatma Gandhi too came from businessmen community of banias, he said the country has seen the "insults" meted out by the Congress to traders.

After being re-elected, he said, his government will set up a National Traders' Welfare Board, bring trader credit cards and a pension scheme for small shopkeepers.

Also, the provision will be made to provide loans of up to Rs 50 lakh without collateral, the prime minister promised to traders.

Congress-led governments blamed traders for ills like price rise when it was the party's own hoarders who were black marketing commodities, he alleged.

Listing his government's achievements, he said the NDA regime has ended 1,500 archaic laws at the rate of one per day in the last five years to make doing business easier in the country.

Processes have been simplified, inspector raj largely checked and personal interference in income tax assessment removed.

"I consider you (traders) as the biggest stakeholder of the economy. Opposition parties remember you only on a special occasion," he said.

Modi said the Goods and Services Tax, which was brought in July 2017 by amalgamating 17 different central and state taxes, has made doing business transparent, ended state check-posts and resulted in doubling of registered traders.

"I do not say there may have not been mistakes (in implementing GST) but we have quickly addressed any anomalies based on suggestions from traders," he said.

Based on suggestions of traders, most daily use items are taxed at zero rates while 98 per cent of the commodities are taxed at less than 18 per cent, he said adding the process of filing tax returns under GST has also been simplified and exemption limit for small businesses doubled.

"We are continuously making this process simple," he said.

Stating that he is a 'sevak' (servant) and not a 'malik' (owner), Modi gave an account of his government achievement in five years - release of 70,000 free LPG gas connections to poor women every day, providing electricity connection to 50,000 households per day, opening of lakhs of Jan Dhan bank accounts for poor every month and 1 lakh entrepreneurs being given loan under Mudra scheme on a daily basis.

Modi said India has jumped 65 places on World Bank's ease of doing business ranking to rank 77 in the world and the target is to break into top 50 in the next 5 years.

Traders, he said, should get the credit for what they have done for the economy and not government interference.

Procedural difficulties in getting credit are being ended and loans of up to Rs 1 crore are now available in 59 minutes, he said. "We have largely succeeded in checking inspector raj."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Friday promised traders Rs 50-lakh loan without any collateral, credit card facility and a pension scheme for small shopkeepers as he made a strong re-election pitch to the business community.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Friday promised traders Rs 50-lakh loan without any collateral, credit card facility and a pension scheme for small shopkeepers as he made a strong re-election pitch to the business community. Modi said while his government has stood by traders in thick and thin, the opposition Congress has abused businessmen by calling all of them 'chor' (thieves). Addressing a traders' convention in Delhi, he said the BJP-led NDA government in the last five years at the Centre worked to simplify lives and businesses of traders by scraping 1,500 archaic laws, simplifying processes and providing easy credit. Traders are "backbone" of the Indian economy but had in past never got the respect they deserved, Modi said, adding that doubling the size of the economy to $5 trillion is not possible without their contribution. "I am impressed by the hard work of traders... Their business has helped the economy bloom," he said. "I have tried to make your life and business easy in last five years." "The country is also seeing how we have stood by you in thick and thin," Modi said. With a household audience, the prime minister said the trading community is like weather forecaster who can anticipate future tidings. Hitting out at the opposition Congress, the prime minister said the party has in its 70-year rule only "insulted" businessmen. "They called all businessmen chor (thieves)" without realising the contribution of the business community in the economy. Stating that Mahatma Gandhi too came from businessmen community of banias, he said the country has seen the "insults" meted out by the Congress to traders. After being re-elected, he said, his government will set up a National Traders' Welfare Board, bring trader credit cards and a pension scheme for small shopkeepers. Also, the provision will be made to provide loans of up to Rs 50 lakh without collateral, the prime minister promised to traders. Congress-led governments blamed traders for ills like price rise when it was the party's own hoarders who were black marketing commodities, he alleged. Listing his government's achievements, he said the NDA regime has ended 1,500 archaic laws at the rate of one per day in the last five years to make doing business easier in the country. Processes have been simplified, inspector raj largely checked and personal interference in income tax assessment removed. "I consider you (traders) as the biggest stakeholder of the economy. Opposition parties remember you only on a special occasion," he said. Modi said the Goods and Services Tax, which was brought in July 2017 by amalgamating 17 different central and state taxes, has made doing business transparent, ended state check-posts and resulted in doubling of registered traders. "I do not say there may have not been mistakes (in implementing GST) but we have quickly addressed any anomalies based on suggestions from traders," he said. Based on suggestions of traders, most daily use items are taxed at zero rates while 98 per cent of the commodities are taxed at less than 18 per cent, he said adding the process of filing tax returns under GST has also been simplified and exemption limit for small businesses doubled. "We are continuously making this process simple," he said. Stating that he is a 'sevak' (servant) and not a 'malik' (owner), Modi gave an account of his government achievement in five years - release of 70,000 free LPG gas connections to poor women every day, providing electricity connection to 50,000 households per day, opening of lakhs of Jan Dhan bank accounts for poor every month and 1 lakh entrepreneurs being given loan under Mudra scheme on a daily basis. Modi said India has jumped 65 places on World Bank's ease of doing business ranking to rank 77 in the world and the target is to break into top 50 in the next 5 years. Traders, he said, should get the credit for what they have done for the economy and not government interference. Procedural difficulties in getting credit are being ended and loans of up to Rs 1 crore are now available in 59 minutes, he said. "We have largely succeeded in checking inspector raj."

Modi says traders to get 50-lakh loan without collateral, credit card, pension if NDA re-elected

Ex-Congress spokesperson <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-polls-2019-not-true-that-i-quit-congress-after-being-denied-lok-sabha-ticket-says-priyanka-chaturvedi-after-joining-shiv-sena-211788">Priyanka Chaturvedi who joined Shiv Sena </a>on Thursday told Zee News that it was not just one incident but a series of incidents which affected her family resulting in her ultimate decision to leave the party.

Priyanka Chaturvedi said the reinduction&nbsp;of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/priyanka-chaturvedi-joins-shiv-sena-hours-after-quitting-congress-211766">Congress workers into the party</a> who misbehaved with her&nbsp;deeply hurt her self-respect which led her to leave the party and "start again" from the place where she began her political journey in 2008.

"I started my political career in 2008 because the 26/11 attacks changed my outlook towards Mumbai. I quit my job to serve the people, but the focus got lost in all these years," Priyanka Chaturvedi said, adding,"I have quit a national-level political party and thought process to join a political party which has worked for Maharashtra, formed governments here and behaved responsibly."

When asked about Congress party president Rahul Gandhi's reaction after she decided to quit, the former Congress spokesperson said she felt alone in her fight.

"An organisation doesn't depend on one person, it moves forward with the coming together of people with similar ideologies. Whatever happened in Mathura, was condemnable and the culprits were suspended. But I was disappointed when their suspension was revoked."

"I also brought the issue to the notice of the party, but the expected decision was not taken. So I made up my mind that my fight for women should continue, and ensure that women are not silenced."

She said her fight will continue with clear goals aimed at women, youth and child welfare.

"I joined Congress without any expectation, and to serve people. I had a clear goal that I will work for women, youth and children. And I plan to continue my fight now as a Shiv Sena member," she said while laying out her plans for the new party.

"Together, we will work towards bringing change in Mumbai, Maharashtra and the entire country," she said.

Ex-Congress spokesperson Priyanka Chaturvedi who joined Shiv Sena on Thursday told Zee News that it was not just one incident but a series of incidents which affected her family resulting in her ultimate decision to leave the party.

Ex-Congress spokesperson Priyanka Chaturvedi who joined Shiv Sena on Thursday told Zee News that it was not just one incident but a series of incidents which affected her family resulting in her ultimate decision to leave the party. Priyanka Chaturvedi said the reinduction of Congress workers into the party who misbehaved with her deeply hurt her self-respect which led her to leave the party and "start again" from the place where she began her political journey in 2008. "I started my political career in 2008 because the 26/11 attacks changed my outlook towards Mumbai. I quit my job to serve the people, but the focus got lost in all these years," Priyanka Chaturvedi said, adding,"I have quit a national-level political party and thought process to join a political party which has worked for Maharashtra, formed governments here and behaved responsibly." When asked about Congress party president Rahul Gandhi's reaction after she decided to quit, the former Congress spokesperson said she felt alone in her fight. "An organisation doesn't depend on one person, it moves forward with the coming together of people with similar ideologies. Whatever happened in Mathura, was condemnable and the culprits were suspended. But I was disappointed when their suspension was revoked." "I also brought the issue to the notice of the party, but the expected decision was not taken. So I made up my mind that my fight for women should continue, and ensure that women are not silenced." She said her fight will continue with clear goals aimed at women, youth and child welfare. "I joined Congress without any expectation, and to serve people. I had a clear goal that I will work for women, youth and children. And I plan to continue my fight now as a Shiv Sena member," she said while laying out her plans for the new party. "Together, we will work towards bringing change in Mumbai, Maharashtra and the entire country," she said.

I plan to continue my fight as Shiv Sena member: Priyanka Chaturvedi

A turnout of 68.44 per cent was recorded in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/general-elections-2019-voters-politicians-celebrities-queue-up-to-vote-in-second-phase-211518">95 Lok Sabha constituencies </a>across 11 states and a Union Territory on Thursday in the second phase of polling which was marred by stray incidents of violence in West Bengal and Jammu and Kashmir and EVM glitches in seven states.

Barring sporadic incidents of violence, the polling went off peacefully, Senior Deputy Election Commissioner Umesh Sinha said.

Barring sporadic incidents of violence, the polling went off peacefully, Senior Deputy Election Commissioner Umesh Sinha said.

Polling was held for 95 Lok Sabha seats in 11 states, with Tamil Nadu voting in 38 of its 39 constituencies, and the union territory of Puducherry.

While elections were cancelled in Tamil Nadu's Vellore constituency over the fear of abuse of money power, the poll was postponed to April 23 in Tripura (East) seat as there were apprehensions that law and order could be disturbed by miscreants.

Overall voter turnout was recorded at 68.48%

Assam - 77.43% 
Bihar - 62.05% 
Jammu and Kashmir - 45.64% 
Karnataka - 68.52% 
Maharashtra - 62.27% 
Manipur - 81.09% 
Odisha - 65.75% 
Tamil Nadu - 71.87% 
Uttar Pradesh - 62.05% 
West Bengal - 77.28% 
Chhattisgarh - 73.57% 
Puducherry - 78.17%

Referring to the issue of 'glitches in EVMs, deputy election commissioner Sudip Jain said, a total of 1,000 ballot units, 769 control units 2,766 paper trail machines were replaced.

For 543 seats, Lok Sabha polls are being conducted in seven phases: April 11, April 18, April 23, April 29, May 6, May 12 and May 19. Counting will take place on May 23.

(With inputs from agencies)

A turnout of 68.44 per cent was recorded in 95 Lok Sabha constituencies across 11 states and a Union Territory on Thursday in the second phase of polling which was marred by stray incidents of violence in West Bengal and Jammu and Kashmir and EVM glitches in seven states.

A turnout of 68.44 per cent was recorded in 95 Lok Sabha constituencies across 11 states and a Union Territory on Thursday in the second phase of polling which was marred by stray incidents of violence in West Bengal and Jammu and Kashmir and EVM glitches in seven states. Barring sporadic incidents of violence, the polling went off peacefully, Senior Deputy Election Commissioner Umesh Sinha said. Barring sporadic incidents of violence, the polling went off peacefully, Senior Deputy Election Commissioner Umesh Sinha said. Polling was held for 95 Lok Sabha seats in 11 states, with Tamil Nadu voting in 38 of its 39 constituencies, and the union territory of Puducherry. While elections were cancelled in Tamil Nadu's Vellore constituency over the fear of abuse of money power, the poll was postponed to April 23 in Tripura (East) seat as there were apprehensions that law and order could be disturbed by miscreants. Overall voter turnout was recorded at 68.48% Assam - 77.43% Bihar - 62.05% Jammu and Kashmir - 45.64% Karnataka - 68.52% Maharashtra - 62.27% Manipur - 81.09% Odisha - 65.75% Tamil Nadu - 71.87% Uttar Pradesh - 62.05% West Bengal - 77.28% Chhattisgarh - 73.57% Puducherry - 78.17% Referring to the issue of 'glitches in EVMs, deputy election commissioner Sudip Jain said, a total of 1,000 ballot units, 769 control units 2,766 paper trail machines were replaced. For 543 seats, Lok Sabha polls are being conducted in seven phases: April 11, April 18, April 23, April 29, May 6, May 12 and May 19. Counting will take place on May 23. (With inputs from agencies)

Lok Sabha polls 2019: Jammu and Kashmir sees lowest turnout with 46%, Manipur tops with 81.09% in phase 2

Congress' Randeep Surjewala, in-charge of communications, wished well to party's former spokesperson <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-polls-2019-not-true-that-i-quit-congress-after-being-denied-lok-sabha-ticket-says-priyanka-chaturvedi-after-joining-shiv-sena-211788">Priyanka Chaturvedi</a> and said that her "exit was a reflection" on his leadership.

"Every time a party member leaves, it's a matter of pain for us. People look for career progression. We wish all of them well, including Priyanka Chaturvedi."

"I must frankly and on record concede, yes, it's a reflection on my leadership," Surjewala added.

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Hours after quitting Congress party as its national spokesperson, Priyanka Chaturvedi on Friday joined Shiv Sena in the presence of party chief Uddhav Thackeray at Matoshree in Mumbai.

She quit the Congress party after nearly a decade.&nbsp;

During the conference, Chaturvedi expressed her slight disappointment for being overlooked for the Lok Sabha seat but insisted that her primary reason for quitting the party was inaction against some party workers who misbehaved with her in the past.

Chaturvedi had joined the Congress in 2010 and was made the party's spokesperson in 2013.

Earlier this week, Chaturvedi had lashed out at Congress in public for reinstating party workers who were accused of misbehaving with her in September 2018.

Congress' Randeep Surjewala, in-charge of communications, wished well to party's former spokesperson Priyanka Chaturvedi and said that her "exit was a reflection" on his leadership.

Congress' Randeep Surjewala, in-charge of communications, wished well to party's former spokesperson Priyanka Chaturvedi and said that her "exit was a reflection" on his leadership. "Every time a party member leaves, it's a matter of pain for us. People look for career progression. We wish all of them well, including Priyanka Chaturvedi." "I must frankly and on record concede, yes, it's a reflection on my leadership," Surjewala added. R Surjewala, In-charge of Communications, Congress: Every time a party member leaves, it's a matter of pain for us. Ppl look for career progression.We wish all of them well,including Priyanka Chaturvedi...I must frankly & on record concede, yes, it's a reflection on my leadership pic.twitter.com/K0Cia4wbns — ANI (@ANI) April 19, 2019 × Hours after quitting Congress party as its national spokesperson, Priyanka Chaturvedi on Friday joined Shiv Sena in the presence of party chief Uddhav Thackeray at Matoshree in Mumbai. She quit the Congress party after nearly a decade. During the conference, Chaturvedi expressed her slight disappointment for being overlooked for the Lok Sabha seat but insisted that her primary reason for quitting the party was inaction against some party workers who misbehaved with her in the past. Chaturvedi had joined the Congress in 2010 and was made the party's spokesperson in 2013. Earlier this week, Chaturvedi had lashed out at Congress in public for reinstating party workers who were accused of misbehaving with her in September 2018.

I must concede, Priyanka Chaturvedi's exit reflection on my leadership: Randeep Surjewala

Congress president <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/our-nyay-to-undo-the-anyay-of-narendra-modi-govt-rahul-gandhi-209114&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwiDiu20_9vhAhVMv48KHc-IDGcQFggFMAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw0OBhYm2S8hoQBMMlAFOdjc">Rahul Gandhi </a>Friday said his party's <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/who-will-do-nyay-to-governments-of-the-great-mgr-asks-pm-modi-in-tamil-nadu-210024&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwiDiu20_9vhAhVMv48KHc-IDGcQFggIMAE&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw35HDg1-OkF1few_h-N9NIO">'Nyay'</a> scheme will help in revival of the economy and create jobs in the country which has been badly affected by demonetisation and GST decisions of the Narendra Modi government.

Addressing a poll rally in Gujarat, Gandhi repeated his "chowkidar chor hai" (the watchman if thief) jibe to target Prime Minister Narendra Modi and alleged he has given Rs 30,000 crore to businessman Anil Ambani in the Rafale fighter jet deal.

"We have promised to give Rs 72,000 crore (a year) to poor people under the Nyay scheme which will change the economic condition of the poor in the country," he said.

Gandhi said the scheme, Nyuntam Aay Yojana (Nyay) - a key feature of the Congress manifesto for the Lok Sabha polls - was devised after consultations within the party.

"I had called all the economists of the Congress party and asked them what is the amount that we can give to the poor people of the country.

"They came up with the figure of Rs 72,000," he said, adding Modi had in 2014 made a false promise of giving Rs 15 lakh to people, but the Congress will definitely give Rs 3.60 lakh (estimated cost of `Nyay').

The Congress chief attacked the Modi government over its 2016 note-ban exercise.

"One fine day, Narendra Modi announced that notes of Rs 1,000 and Rs 500 have been scrapped as they do not help me create more black money. So I will introduce a new note of Rs 2,000 as through it we can make more black money," Gandhi said, mocking the demonetisation move.

"They&nbsp;introduced Gabbar Singh Tax. Both the steps were big blows to our economy," he said, criticising the BJP- led government over its implementation of the Good and Services Tax (GST).

"Common people had stopped purchasing goods after demonetisation due to cash crunch, so Indian companies producing goods were closed down. Hence, the unemployment rate is highest at 45 per cent in the country now," Gandhi said.

"However, our Nyay scheme will revive the economy and create more jobs. Money that will go to people under the Nyay scheme will help people purchase things, our companies will be revived and people will get a job," he said.

Gandhi said the Modi government is working for a few rich industrialists.

"This government works for rich industrialists only. Do common people require chowkidar? Chowkidar is not required in front of the house of farmers.&nbsp; 
This is Anil Ambani's chowkidar," Gandhi, said targeting Modi.

"The chowkidar gave Rs 30,000 crore to Ambani. Chowkidar chors hai," the Congress said, alleging corruption in the Rafale deal with France.

Anil Ambani has rejected Gandhi's allegations and emphasised that the government had no role in the Rafale- manufacturer French company Dassault picking up his company as a local partner.

"Under the new crop insurance scheme, the government has given districts and states to a few rich industrialists. Modi has given the entire Kashmir to Anil Ambani," he said.

Gandhi said if his party comes to power, it will bring a law to ensure farmers do not go to jail if they default on the payment of loans.

He said the Congress governments, after coming to power, waived loans of farmers in states like Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh.

"Narendra Modi does not have money to waive farmer loans, but they have money to waive loans taken by big industrialists," Gandhi said.

He was addressing the poll rally at Bajipura in Bardoli district from where Congress candidate Tushar Chaudhary is fighting polls.

The Congress chief had addressed two rallies Thursday in Gujarat - one in Vanthli in Junagadh district and the other at Bhuj in Kutch district.

Speaking to reporters Thursday night, Gandhi had said an undercurrent in favour of the Congress was evident in the entire country and Modi is losing the 2019 elections.

All the 26 Lok Sabha seats in Gujarat will vote in a single phase on

Congress president Rahul Gandhi Friday said his party's 'Nyay' scheme will help in revival of the economy and create jobs in the country which has been badly affected by demonetisation and GST decisions of the Narendra Modi government.

Congress president Rahul Gandhi Friday said his party's 'Nyay' scheme will help in revival of the economy and create jobs in the country which has been badly affected by demonetisation and GST decisions of the Narendra Modi government. Addressing a poll rally in Gujarat, Gandhi repeated his "chowkidar chor hai" (the watchman if thief) jibe to target Prime Minister Narendra Modi and alleged he has given Rs 30,000 crore to businessman Anil Ambani in the Rafale fighter jet deal. "We have promised to give Rs 72,000 crore (a year) to poor people under the Nyay scheme which will change the economic condition of the poor in the country," he said. Gandhi said the scheme, Nyuntam Aay Yojana (Nyay) - a key feature of the Congress manifesto for the Lok Sabha polls - was devised after consultations within the party. "I had called all the economists of the Congress party and asked them what is the amount that we can give to the poor people of the country. "They came up with the figure of Rs 72,000," he said, adding Modi had in 2014 made a false promise of giving Rs 15 lakh to people, but the Congress will definitely give Rs 3.60 lakh (estimated cost of `Nyay'). The Congress chief attacked the Modi government over its 2016 note-ban exercise. "One fine day, Narendra Modi announced that notes of Rs 1,000 and Rs 500 have been scrapped as they do not help me create more black money. So I will introduce a new note of Rs 2,000 as through it we can make more black money," Gandhi said, mocking the demonetisation move. "They introduced Gabbar Singh Tax. Both the steps were big blows to our economy," he said, criticising the BJP- led government over its implementation of the Good and Services Tax (GST). "Common people had stopped purchasing goods after demonetisation due to cash crunch, so Indian companies producing goods were closed down. Hence, the unemployment rate is highest at 45 per cent in the country now," Gandhi said. "However, our Nyay scheme will revive the economy and create more jobs. Money that will go to people under the Nyay scheme will help people purchase things, our companies will be revived and people will get a job," he said. Gandhi said the Modi government is working for a few rich industrialists. "This government works for rich industrialists only. Do common people require chowkidar? Chowkidar is not required in front of the house of farmers. This is Anil Ambani's chowkidar," Gandhi, said targeting Modi. "The chowkidar gave Rs 30,000 crore to Ambani. Chowkidar chors hai," the Congress said, alleging corruption in the Rafale deal with France. Anil Ambani has rejected Gandhi's allegations and emphasised that the government had no role in the Rafale- manufacturer French company Dassault picking up his company as a local partner. "Under the new crop insurance scheme, the government has given districts and states to a few rich industrialists. Modi has given the entire Kashmir to Anil Ambani," he said. Gandhi said if his party comes to power, it will bring a law to ensure farmers do not go to jail if they default on the payment of loans. He said the Congress governments, after coming to power, waived loans of farmers in states like Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh. "Narendra Modi does not have money to waive farmer loans, but they have money to waive loans taken by big industrialists," Gandhi said. He was addressing the poll rally at Bajipura in Bardoli district from where Congress candidate Tushar Chaudhary is fighting polls. The Congress chief had addressed two rallies Thursday in Gujarat - one in Vanthli in Junagadh district and the other at Bhuj in Kutch district. Speaking to reporters Thursday night, Gandhi had said an undercurrent in favour of the Congress was evident in the entire country and Modi is losing the 2019 elections. All the 26 Lok Sabha seats in Gujarat will vote in a single phase on

'Nyay' will revive economy, create jobs, says Rahul Gandhi in Gujarat rally

Samajwadi Party patriarch Mulayam Singh will be contesting his last election this year. The 79-year-old leader announced his intention at a rally with his <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/mayawati-hints-at-her-prime-ministerial-ambition-207845">arch-rival Mayawati</a>, who has allied with the SP&nbsp;as part of the Mahagathbandhan in the general elections.&nbsp;

Once bitter enemies, Mulayam Singh Yadav and Mayawati shared the stage today after 24 years at the historic Mainpuri rally. Both leaders who were at loggerheads for decades, held a joint rally today in India's biggest state Uttar Pradesh which sends 80 MPs to the Lok Sabha.&nbsp;

During the rally, Mulayam Singh announced his plan to retire saying he is contesting his last election. Mulayam Singh has been a leader who influenced millions in India's most populated state which has sent several top politicians to parliament including many prime ministers.

It took more than 25 years for both the SP and BSP to join hands once again to stop the BJP juggernaut. In 1995, the then party chiefs - Mulayam and Kanshi Ram - &nbsp;had contested the state assembly elections together and formed the government in the state.

However, Mulayam Singh Yadav and Mayawati were unable to see eye-to-eye ever since their alliance came to a sordid end. The SP-BSP alliance of 1993 broke up due to differences between the two leaders.

However, speaking at a historic rally with Mayawati at his side, Samajwadi Party founder Mulayam Singh Yadav said at Mainpuri that he is happy to share the stage with Mayawati. He said he is grateful for all the support offered by the BSP chief. He appealed to the people of Mainpuri to elect him with a historic mandate.

The bitterness between the two iconic leaders of Indian politics, however, was not so easy to set aside. Mulayam Singh Yadav, who is contesting the parliamentary elections from the party bastion of Mainpuri, had stayed away due to health issues from three joint rallies held earlier in Deoband, Badaun and Agra.

Mayawati bashed the BJP manifesto but also called Congress’s ‘Nyay’ scheme promised in their manifesto an illusion. Appealing to her backward caste voters, Mayawati said: “Mulayam Singh is the real backward leader, not a fake like Narendra Modi.”&nbsp;

Mulayam is known for his outreach among the backward voters of Uttar Pradesh.&nbsp;Even during the Modi wave in 2014, the BJP candidate had failed to have an impact in this parliamentary seat. For several elections, BJP didn’t even field their candidates from Mainpuri.&nbsp;

However, Mulayam Singh surprised everyone&nbsp;prior to the general elections this year when he controversially said in Parliament that Prime Minister Narendra Modi should emerge victorious in the 2019 general elections. While his comments were greeted with loud cheers by members of the governing BJP, it left those in his own party scrambling for explanation.

Samajwadi Party patriarch Mulayam Singh will be contesting his last election this year. The 79-year-old leader announced his intention at a rally with his arch-rival Mayawati, who has allied with the SP as part of the Mahagathbandhan in the general elections.

Samajwadi Party patriarch Mulayam Singh will be contesting his last election this year. The 79-year-old leader announced his intention at a rally with his arch-rival Mayawati, who has allied with the SP as part of the Mahagathbandhan in the general elections. Once bitter enemies, Mulayam Singh Yadav and Mayawati shared the stage today after 24 years at the historic Mainpuri rally. Both leaders who were at loggerheads for decades, held a joint rally today in India's biggest state Uttar Pradesh which sends 80 MPs to the Lok Sabha. During the rally, Mulayam Singh announced his plan to retire saying he is contesting his last election. Mulayam Singh has been a leader who influenced millions in India's most populated state which has sent several top politicians to parliament including many prime ministers. It took more than 25 years for both the SP and BSP to join hands once again to stop the BJP juggernaut. In 1995, the then party chiefs - Mulayam and Kanshi Ram - had contested the state assembly elections together and formed the government in the state. However, Mulayam Singh Yadav and Mayawati were unable to see eye-to-eye ever since their alliance came to a sordid end. The SP-BSP alliance of 1993 broke up due to differences between the two leaders. However, speaking at a historic rally with Mayawati at his side, Samajwadi Party founder Mulayam Singh Yadav said at Mainpuri that he is happy to share the stage with Mayawati. He said he is grateful for all the support offered by the BSP chief. He appealed to the people of Mainpuri to elect him with a historic mandate. The bitterness between the two iconic leaders of Indian politics, however, was not so easy to set aside. Mulayam Singh Yadav, who is contesting the parliamentary elections from the party bastion of Mainpuri, had stayed away due to health issues from three joint rallies held earlier in Deoband, Badaun and Agra. Mayawati bashed the BJP manifesto but also called Congress’s ‘Nyay’ scheme promised in their manifesto an illusion. Appealing to her backward caste voters, Mayawati said: “Mulayam Singh is the real backward leader, not a fake like Narendra Modi.” Mulayam is known for his outreach among the backward voters of Uttar Pradesh. Even during the Modi wave in 2014, the BJP candidate had failed to have an impact in this parliamentary seat. For several elections, BJP didn’t even field their candidates from Mainpuri. However, Mulayam Singh surprised everyone prior to the general elections this year when he controversially said in Parliament that Prime Minister Narendra Modi should emerge victorious in the 2019 general elections. While his comments were greeted with loud cheers by members of the governing BJP, it left those in his own party scrambling for explanation.

India’s iconic leader Mulayam Singh to contest his last election at Mainpuri

The BJP on Friday took a dig at the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/mayawati-has-always-supported-our-party-in-times-of-need-mulayam-singh-yadav-211764">SP-BSP grand alliance in the UP</a>, saying a "storm" in support of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the general election has forced opposition leaders to come together.

The jibe from BJP spokesperson Shahnawaz Hussain came as BSP supremo Mayawati and SP patriarch Mulayam Singh Yadav shared stage after many years of bitter rivalry.

Though the SP and the BSP had come together last year and the former's president Akhilesh Yadav has often been seen together with Mayawati, this is the first time that Mulayam Singh Yadav joined them.

"This is a proof of storm in Modi's support. Both SP and BSP have been rendered powerless by it and have come together to survive. People in Uttar Pradesh and country are with Modi," Hussain told reporters.

In a swipe at Mayawati, he said she came to respect those whom she blamed for her life's biggest insult.

At the press conference, Hussain also took aim at the Congress after its spokesperson <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/priyanka-chaturvedi-joins-shiv-sena-hours-after-quitting-congress-211766">Priyanka Chaturvedi joined Shiv Sena</a>, saying the opposition party has become a "sinking ship".

Opposition parties are in such a poor shape than nobody knows which leader is supporting whom, said the BJP leader after Congress leader Shatrughan Sinha, who is its candidate in Patna Sahib seat, campaigned for his wife and Samajwadi Party nominee in Lucknow Poonam Sinha.

The BJP on Friday took a dig at the SP-BSP grand alliance in the UP, saying a "storm" in support of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the general election has forced opposition leaders to come together.

The BJP on Friday took a dig at the SP-BSP grand alliance in the UP, saying a "storm" in support of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the general election has forced opposition leaders to come together. The jibe from BJP spokesperson Shahnawaz Hussain came as BSP supremo Mayawati and SP patriarch Mulayam Singh Yadav shared stage after many years of bitter rivalry. Though the SP and the BSP had come together last year and the former's president Akhilesh Yadav has often been seen together with Mayawati, this is the first time that Mulayam Singh Yadav joined them. "This is a proof of storm in Modi's support. Both SP and BSP have been rendered powerless by it and have come together to survive. People in Uttar Pradesh and country are with Modi," Hussain told reporters. In a swipe at Mayawati, he said she came to respect those whom she blamed for her life's biggest insult. At the press conference, Hussain also took aim at the Congress after its spokesperson Priyanka Chaturvedi joined Shiv Sena, saying the opposition party has become a "sinking ship". Opposition parties are in such a poor shape than nobody knows which leader is supporting whom, said the BJP leader after Congress leader Shatrughan Sinha, who is its candidate in Patna Sahib seat, campaigned for his wife and Samajwadi Party nominee in Lucknow Poonam Sinha.

SP-BSP joint rally proof of storm in Modi's support in Lok Sabha polls: BJP

Former Congress spokesperson<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/priyanka-chaturvedi-joins-shiv-sena-hours-after-quitting-congress-211766"> Priyanka Chaturvedi&nbsp;joined Shiv Sena</a> on Friday in presence of party&nbsp;president Uddhav Thackeray and other senior leaders on Friday.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/priyanka-chaturvedi-resigns-from-congress-after-lashing-out-at-party-over-goons-211701">Priyanka Chaturvedi</a> formerly joined Shiv Sena in a press conference held in Mumbai. During the conference, she expressed her slight disappointment for being overlooked for&nbsp;the Lok Sabha seat but insisted that it is not why she quit the party.

"Not true that I quit Congress after being denied Lok Sabha ticket," Priyanka Chaturvedi said.

She said that the primary reason behind her resignation is inaction against some party workers who misbehaved with her in the past.

Earlier, after quitting all posts in the party, Chaturvedi sent her resignation to Congress President Rahul Gandhi and other senior leaders.

"In the last few weeks, certain things have convinced me that my services are not valued in the organisation and that I have reached the end of the road. At the same time I also feel that more time that I spend in the organisation will be at the cost of my own self-respect and dignity," Chaturvedi said in her resignation letter.

Uddhav Thackeray welcomed Chaturvedi in Shiv Sena saying that the party workers have got a "good sister" in her.

Chaturvedi had joined the Congress in 2010 and was made the party's spokesperson in 2013.

She quit the party's official WhatsApp media group on Friday morning. Sources said that she was upset for not being nominated from Mumbai for the Lok Sabha elections.&nbsp;

Earlier this week, Chaturvedi had lashed out at Congress in public for reinstating party workers who were accused of misbehaving with her in September 2018.

In a tweet on Wednesday, she accused the Congress of giving preference to "lumpen goons" over those who had given their "sweat and blood" to the party.

Former Congress spokesperson Priyanka Chaturvedi joined Shiv Sena on Friday in presence of party president Uddhav Thackeray and other senior leaders on Friday. Priyanka Chaturvedi formerly joined Shiv Sena in a press conference held in Mumbai.

Former Congress spokesperson Priyanka Chaturvedi joined Shiv Sena on Friday in presence of party president Uddhav Thackeray and other senior leaders on Friday. Priyanka Chaturvedi formerly joined Shiv Sena in a press conference held in Mumbai. During the conference, she expressed her slight disappointment for being overlooked for the Lok Sabha seat but insisted that it is not why she quit the party. "Not true that I quit Congress after being denied Lok Sabha ticket," Priyanka Chaturvedi said. She said that the primary reason behind her resignation is inaction against some party workers who misbehaved with her in the past. Earlier, after quitting all posts in the party, Chaturvedi sent her resignation to Congress President Rahul Gandhi and other senior leaders. "In the last few weeks, certain things have convinced me that my services are not valued in the organisation and that I have reached the end of the road. At the same time I also feel that more time that I spend in the organisation will be at the cost of my own self-respect and dignity," Chaturvedi said in her resignation letter. Uddhav Thackeray welcomed Chaturvedi in Shiv Sena saying that the party workers have got a "good sister" in her. Chaturvedi had joined the Congress in 2010 and was made the party's spokesperson in 2013. She quit the party's official WhatsApp media group on Friday morning. Sources said that she was upset for not being nominated from Mumbai for the Lok Sabha elections. Earlier this week, Chaturvedi had lashed out at Congress in public for reinstating party workers who were accused of misbehaving with her in September 2018. In a tweet on Wednesday, she accused the Congress of giving preference to "lumpen goons" over those who had given their "sweat and blood" to the party.

Lok Sabha polls 2019: Not true that I quit Congress after being denied Lok Sabha ticket, says Priyanka Chaturvedi after joining Shiv Sena

Karnataka unit of BJP Thursday wrote to Election Commission over alleged "mass indiscriminate deletion of voters` names from the voters' list" in the state, reported news agency ANI.

The party accused some election officials of working as agents of the ruling coalition government of JD(S) and Congress, the report added.

In a letter to the Chief Electoral Officer, the BJP said: "The officials have purposefully and deliberately deleted names without any reason, just to render undue official favour to the ruling coalition party."

Claiming that names have been deleted despite people residing on the same address, the Bharatiya Janata Party in its letter demanded strict action against erring officials: "This is nothing but a dereliction of duty by the concerned officials. If strict action is not taken against such biased officials, we can`t expect fair and free election from the Election Commission."

The letter further stated that such deletions were reported to the Election Commission during the Vidhan Sabha elections too but no action was taken.

''Even though during the last Vidhan Sabha election also such deletion has taken place and the same was reported to the Commission, the Election Commission has not taken any stringent action against such officials. This is the only reason which has boosted the concerned biased officials to further work as agents of ruling coalition party to further delete the names of voters," the letter read.

BJP stated that the party will go to court to redress the issue: "We are definitely going to the court to redress the illegality committed by the erring officials. In the places where mass deletion has taken place, repolling by giving an opportunity to the voters whose names have been illegally deleted is inevitable. Therefore, this Commission`s interference is warranted."&nbsp;

Karnataka unit of BJP Thursday wrote to Election Commission over alleged "mass indiscriminate deletion of voters` names from the voters' list" in the state, reported news agency ANI.

Karnataka unit of BJP Thursday wrote to Election Commission over alleged "mass indiscriminate deletion of voters` names from the voters' list" in the state, reported news agency ANI. The party accused some election officials of working as agents of the ruling coalition government of JD(S) and Congress, the report added. In a letter to the Chief Electoral Officer, the BJP said: "The officials have purposefully and deliberately deleted names without any reason, just to render undue official favour to the ruling coalition party." Claiming that names have been deleted despite people residing on the same address, the Bharatiya Janata Party in its letter demanded strict action against erring officials: "This is nothing but a dereliction of duty by the concerned officials. If strict action is not taken against such biased officials, we can`t expect fair and free election from the Election Commission." The letter further stated that such deletions were reported to the Election Commission during the Vidhan Sabha elections too but no action was taken. ''Even though during the last Vidhan Sabha election also such deletion has taken place and the same was reported to the Commission, the Election Commission has not taken any stringent action against such officials. This is the only reason which has boosted the concerned biased officials to further work as agents of ruling coalition party to further delete the names of voters," the letter read. BJP stated that the party will go to court to redress the issue: "We are definitely going to the court to redress the illegality committed by the erring officials. In the places where mass deletion has taken place, repolling by giving an opportunity to the voters whose names have been illegally deleted is inevitable. Therefore, this Commission`s interference is warranted."

Karnataka: BJP alleges mass deletion of voters' names, writes to Election Commission