Senior Aam Aadmi Party leader Gopal Rai on Thursday reacted over the collapse of an alliance with Congress in Delhi for the Lok Sabha polls.&nbsp;

Rai stated that AAP had made one last effort but can't understand why Congress stepped back.

"We had made one last effort, Sanjay Singh ji held talks, but can't understand that after almost finalizing the matter and seat sharing why the Congress stepped back last evening," Rai told media today.&nbsp;

The Lok Sabha alliance between Aam Aadmi Party and Congress party in Delhi <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/alliance-with-congress-in-delhi-has-been-called-off-aap-leader-sanjay-singh-211214">was called off on Wednesday</a>, AAP leader Sanjay Singh told media.&nbsp;

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Senior AAP leader Gopal Rai on alliance with Congress: We had made one last effort, Sanjay Singh ji held talks, but can't understand that after almost finalizing the matter and seat sharing why the Congress stepped back last evening <a href="https://t.co/Q2crRUW0Wo">pic.twitter.com/Q2crRUW0Wo</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1118826114246422529?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 18, 2019</a></blockquote>
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As per reports, the alliance was called-off following a disagreement over tie-up in Haryana and Delhi, news agency PTI reported quoting Singh.&nbsp;

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Congress chief Rahul Gandhi have lately been in a flip-flop over the much-anticipated alliance in Delhi for Lok Sabha polls.&nbsp;

The Congress Tuesday asserted that it has shown a "big heart" by agreeing to form an alliance with the AAP in Delhi and said the ball is now in the court of the Arvind Kejriwal-led party to take a decision.

A day after Congress president Rahul Gandhi and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal indulged in a public spat over the issue, the grand old party said it has already offered AAP four seats in the national capital and now the decision has to be taken by it.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Monday reacted over Congress chief Rahul Gandhi's remark wherein he accuses Kejriwal of taking a U-turns on an alliance in Delhi.

"What U-turn?" tweets Kejriwal adding that talks are still going on.&nbsp;

"Your tweet exhibits that you are not interested in an alliance, I am sad that you are indulging in just giving out statements," Kejriwal's tweet read.&nbsp;

Senior Aam Aadmi Party leader Gopal Rai on Thursday reacted over the collapse of an alliance with Congress in Delhi for the Lok Sabha polls. Rai stated that AAP had made one last effort but can't understand why Congress stepped back.

Senior Aam Aadmi Party leader Gopal Rai on Thursday reacted over the collapse of an alliance with Congress in Delhi for the Lok Sabha polls. Rai stated that AAP had made one last effort but can't understand why Congress stepped back. "We had made one last effort, Sanjay Singh ji held talks, but can't understand that after almost finalizing the matter and seat sharing why the Congress stepped back last evening," Rai told media today. The Lok Sabha alliance between Aam Aadmi Party and Congress party in Delhi was called off on Wednesday, AAP leader Sanjay Singh told media. Senior AAP leader Gopal Rai on alliance with Congress: We had made one last effort, Sanjay Singh ji held talks, but can't understand that after almost finalizing the matter and seat sharing why the Congress stepped back last evening pic.twitter.com/Q2crRUW0Wo — ANI (@ANI) April 18, 2019 × As per reports, the alliance was called-off following a disagreement over tie-up in Haryana and Delhi, news agency PTI reported quoting Singh. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Congress chief Rahul Gandhi have lately been in a flip-flop over the much-anticipated alliance in Delhi for Lok Sabha polls. The Congress Tuesday asserted that it has shown a "big heart" by agreeing to form an alliance with the AAP in Delhi and said the ball is now in the court of the Arvind Kejriwal-led party to take a decision. A day after Congress president Rahul Gandhi and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal indulged in a public spat over the issue, the grand old party said it has already offered AAP four seats in the national capital and now the decision has to be taken by it. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Monday reacted over Congress chief Rahul Gandhi's remark wherein he accuses Kejriwal of taking a U-turns on an alliance in Delhi. "What U-turn?" tweets Kejriwal adding that talks are still going on. "Your tweet exhibits that you are not interested in an alliance, I am sad that you are indulging in just giving out statements," Kejriwal's tweet read.

Don't understand why did Congress step back: AAP on alliance in Delhi

The Ministry of Home Affairs has asked another Bangladeshi actor Ghazi Abdul Noor to leave India immediately for taking part in a political rally in West Bengal, news agencies reported on Thursday.&nbsp;

As per reports, Noor attended a political rally in Dumdum, West Bengal. His visa had also expired.&nbsp;

"Appropriate action is also being taken regarding his overstay in contravention of visa validity".&nbsp;

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After ferdous Ahmed, another Bangladeshi actor Ghazi Abdul Noor who campaigned for TMC asked to leave; Action being taken regarding his overstay in "contravention of visa validity"
— Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) <a href="https://twitter.com/sidhant/status/1118819370136944645?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 18, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The development comes just a couple of days after the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Tuesday cancelled <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ministry-of-home-affairs-blacklists-bangladeshi-actor-ferdous-ahmed-for-his-tmc-campaign-in-west-bengal-cancels-his-business-visa-210963">Bangladeshi actor Ferdous Ahmed</a>'s business visa and issued him a 'leave India' notice. Ahmed has also been blacklisted.

"After receiving a report from the Bureau of Immigration regarding visa violations committed by a Bangladesh National Mr Ferdous Ahmed," the MHA statement noted.&nbsp;

The ministry had asked for a report from Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) on Bangladeshi actor Ferdous Ahmed's campaign for Trinamool Congress in West Bengal.&nbsp;

The 45-year-old Bangladeshi film star was reportedly seen seeking votes for Agarwal at campaign rallies across Hemtabad and Karandighi near the Indo-Bangladesh border.

The Ministry of Home Affairs has asked another Bangladeshi actor Ghazi Abdul Noor to leave India immediately for taking part in a political rally in West Bengal, news agencies reported on Thursday.

The Ministry of Home Affairs has asked another Bangladeshi actor Ghazi Abdul Noor to leave India immediately for taking part in a political rally in West Bengal, news agencies reported on Thursday. As per reports, Noor attended a political rally in Dumdum, West Bengal. His visa had also expired. "Appropriate action is also being taken regarding his overstay in contravention of visa validity". After ferdous Ahmed, another Bangladeshi actor Ghazi Abdul Noor who campaigned for TMC asked to leave; Action being taken regarding his overstay in "contravention of visa validity" — Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) April 18, 2019 × The development comes just a couple of days after the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Tuesday cancelled Bangladeshi actor Ferdous Ahmed's business visa and issued him a 'leave India' notice. Ahmed has also been blacklisted. "After receiving a report from the Bureau of Immigration regarding visa violations committed by a Bangladesh National Mr Ferdous Ahmed," the MHA statement noted. The ministry had asked for a report from Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) on Bangladeshi actor Ferdous Ahmed's campaign for Trinamool Congress in West Bengal. The 45-year-old Bangladeshi film star was reportedly seen seeking votes for Agarwal at campaign rallies across Hemtabad and Karandighi near the Indo-Bangladesh border.

Another Bangladeshi actor asked to leave India for participating in political rally in West Bengal: MHA  

Voters, politicians & celebrities queue up to vote in second phase

Poonam Sinha, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/will-fight-with-full-dignity-rajnath-singh-welcomes-samajwadi-partys-poonam-sinha-as-opponent-from-lucknow-210968">the SP-BSP-RLD candidate from Lucknow</a> parliamentary constituency, filed her nomination on Thursday. Congress leader and veteran actor Shatrughan Sinha, SP MP from Kannauj Dimple Yadav were also present on the occasion.&nbsp;

Poonam Sinha is set to take on Bharatiya Janata Party leader and Union Minister Rajnath Singh from Lucknow. Congress was urged by the Samajwadi Party not to field a candidate from the seat but the party went ahead and named Acharya Pramod as its candidate from Lucknow.&nbsp;

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SP-BSP-RLD candidate from Lucknow parliamentary constituency, Poonam Sinha, files nomination. Shatrughan Sinha &amp; Dimple Yadav also present. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LokSabhaElections2019?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LokSabhaElections2019</a> <a href="https://t.co/vp0i2GO0nn">pic.twitter.com/vp0i2GO0nn</a>
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Union Home Minister and BJP leader Rajnath Singh on Tuesday reacted over Shatrughan Sinha's wife Poonam Sinha contesting from Uttar Pradesh's Lucknow Lok Sabha seat.

Singh said that someone must contest. Calling Lucknow the land of "tehzeeb (etiquette)" he said the battle will be fought with full dignity.

"Yes somebody must contest, that is the beauty of democracy. We will fight elections with full dignity, tehzeeb jo Lucknow ki bohot badi dharohar hai usko bhi hum kayam rakhenge," Singh told media.&nbsp;

Poonam Sinha, the SP-BSP-RLD candidate from Lucknow parliamentary constituency, filed her nomination on Thursday. Congress leader and veteran actor Shatrughan Sinha, SP MP from Kannauj Dimple Yadav were also present on the occasion.

Poonam Sinha, the SP-BSP-RLD candidate from Lucknow parliamentary constituency, filed her nomination on Thursday. Congress leader and veteran actor Shatrughan Sinha, SP MP from Kannauj Dimple Yadav were also present on the occasion. Poonam Sinha is set to take on Bharatiya Janata Party leader and Union Minister Rajnath Singh from Lucknow. Congress was urged by the Samajwadi Party not to field a candidate from the seat but the party went ahead and named Acharya Pramod as its candidate from Lucknow. SP-BSP-RLD candidate from Lucknow parliamentary constituency, Poonam Sinha, files nomination. Shatrughan Sinha & Dimple Yadav also present. #LokSabhaElections2019 pic.twitter.com/vp0i2GO0nn — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) April 18, 2019 × Union Home Minister and BJP leader Rajnath Singh on Tuesday reacted over Shatrughan Sinha's wife Poonam Sinha contesting from Uttar Pradesh's Lucknow Lok Sabha seat. Singh said that someone must contest. Calling Lucknow the land of "tehzeeb (etiquette)" he said the battle will be fought with full dignity. "Yes somebody must contest, that is the beauty of democracy. We will fight elections with full dignity, tehzeeb jo Lucknow ki bohot badi dharohar hai usko bhi hum kayam rakhenge," Singh told media.

Lok Sabha polls: Poonam Sinha files nomination from Lucknow in presence of Shatrughan, Dimple Yadav

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav filed his nomination from Azamgarh Lok Sabha constituency on Thursday in the presence of BSP general secretary Satish Chand Mishra.

"SP and BSP both have worked together in Azamgarh and 'gathbandhan'&nbsp;will take the state on the path of development," said Yadav, before filing his nomination papers.

"BJP has to give an account of its work in the last 5 years at centre and 2 years in the state," he added.

SP, BSP and RLD are contesting the Lok Sabha polls in alliance in Uttar Pradesh in which the SP is contesting on 37 seats, BSP on 38 and RLD on three.

Akhilesh's father Mulayam Singh Yadav, who is contesting from Mainpuri constituency, is the sitting MP from Azamgarh.

Uttar Pradesh is undergoing polling today in the second phase for 8 parliamentary constituencies. It went to polls on April 11 for 8 Lok Sabha constituencies. The remaining seats will witness polling in the next five phases, and counting of votes will take place on May 18.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav filed his nomination from Azamgarh Lok Sabha constituency on Thursday in the presence of BSP general secretary Satish Chand Mishra.

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav filed his nomination from Azamgarh Lok Sabha constituency on Thursday in the presence of BSP general secretary Satish Chand Mishra. "SP and BSP both have worked together in Azamgarh and 'gathbandhan' will take the state on the path of development," said Yadav, before filing his nomination papers. "BJP has to give an account of its work in the last 5 years at centre and 2 years in the state," he added. SP, BSP and RLD are contesting the Lok Sabha polls in alliance in Uttar Pradesh in which the SP is contesting on 37 seats, BSP on 38 and RLD on three. Akhilesh's father Mulayam Singh Yadav, who is contesting from Mainpuri constituency, is the sitting MP from Azamgarh. Uttar Pradesh is undergoing polling today in the second phase for 8 parliamentary constituencies. It went to polls on April 11 for 8 Lok Sabha constituencies. The remaining seats will witness polling in the next five phases, and counting of votes will take place on May 18.

Akhilesh Yadav files nomination from Azamgarh

A criminal complaint&nbsp;was filed against Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Thursday for allegedly making derogatory remarks against&nbsp;Prime Minister&nbsp;Modi.

The complaint&nbsp;has been registered&nbsp;in Delhi's Patiala House Court by one Joginder Tuli.

In the case filed, the complainant has sought the direction from the police to charge Rahul Gandhi under sedition case.

Rahul Gandhi has frequently accused PM Modi of addressing to the needs of big businessmen. He has also called&nbsp;the prime minister as&nbsp;"Chowkidaar Chor hai" on several occasions.

While addressing a rally in Maharashtra's Nanded, Rahul, on Monday, had asked how come all "thieves" have Modi as the common surname.

"But tell me one thing...Nirav Modi, Lalit Modi, Narendra Modi...how come they all have Modi as a common name. How come all the thieves have Modi as the common name?" Gandhi had said.&nbsp;

Responding&nbsp;to Rahul's remark, PM Modi on Wednesday said that the jibe made by the Congress president has maligned the entire "backward community" which he belongs to.

(With inputs from ANI)

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

A criminal complaint was filed against Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Thursday for allegedly making derogatory remarks against Prime Minister Modi. The complaint has been registered in Delhi's Patiala House Court by one Joginder Tuli.

A criminal complaint was filed against Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Thursday for allegedly making derogatory remarks against Prime Minister Modi. The complaint has been registered in Delhi's Patiala House Court by one Joginder Tuli. In the case filed, the complainant has sought the direction from the police to charge Rahul Gandhi under sedition case. Rahul Gandhi has frequently accused PM Modi of addressing to the needs of big businessmen. He has also called the prime minister as "Chowkidaar Chor hai" on several occasions. While addressing a rally in Maharashtra's Nanded, Rahul, on Monday, had asked how come all "thieves" have Modi as the common surname. "But tell me one thing...Nirav Modi, Lalit Modi, Narendra Modi...how come they all have Modi as a common name. How come all the thieves have Modi as the common name?" Gandhi had said. Responding to Rahul's remark, PM Modi on Wednesday said that the jibe made by the Congress president has maligned the entire "backward community" which he belongs to. (With inputs from ANI)

Criminal complaint filed against Rahul Gandhi for allegedly making derogatory remarks on PM Modi

Faced with criticism for turning the JD(S) into a family enterprise, party supremo and former <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/political-heavyweights-in-tamil-nadu-cast-votes-as-polling-begins-211392">Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda</a> said on Thursday that people and party workers wanted his grandsons Nikhil Kumaraswamy and Prajwal Revanna to contest from Mandya and Hassan Lok Sabha constituencies.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-polls-2019-phase-2-voting-on-april-18-211287">Lok Sabha polls 2019 live: Violence mars polling in West Bengal, CPM leader Mohammad Salim's car attacked</a>

Speaking to reporters after casting his vote in Hassan, Gowda said his opponents accused him of indulging in family politics but his rise in politics was possible because of God and voters, whom his family served to the best of its ability.

"People describe this as family politics. We are the children of farmers. We believe in God. My father was an ordinary farmer. By the grace of God, we grew in stages in politics," the former prime minister said.

"It (growth) is not in anyone's hand. Voters have strengthened us. We, whether it is Revanna (PWD minister), myself or (chief minister) Kumaraswamy have served them to the best of our ability," he said.

Justifying the decision to field his grandsons from Mandya and Hassan,Gowda said people were adamant that the two be fielded, which they respected.

"In Mandya Nikhil Kumaraswamy is contesting. All the eight MLAs and three ministers of Mandya were adamant that Nikhil Kumaraswamy should contest from there. This is the truth," he added.

Regarding Prajwal, the JD(S) supremo said, "Prajwal Revanna is anengineering graduate. He is into social work for many years.People and the party workers have recognised his work."

Faced with criticism for turning the JD(S) into a family enterprise, party supremo and former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda said on Thursday that people and party workers wanted his grandsons Nikhil Kumaraswamy and Prajwal Revanna to contest from Mandya and Hassan Lok Sabha constituencies.

Faced with criticism for turning the JD(S) into a family enterprise, party supremo and former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda said on Thursday that people and party workers wanted his grandsons Nikhil Kumaraswamy and Prajwal Revanna to contest from Mandya and Hassan Lok Sabha constituencies. Lok Sabha polls 2019 live: Violence mars polling in West Bengal, CPM leader Mohammad Salim's car attacked Speaking to reporters after casting his vote in Hassan, Gowda said his opponents accused him of indulging in family politics but his rise in politics was possible because of God and voters, whom his family served to the best of its ability. "People describe this as family politics. We are the children of farmers. We believe in God. My father was an ordinary farmer. By the grace of God, we grew in stages in politics," the former prime minister said. "It (growth) is not in anyone's hand. Voters have strengthened us. We, whether it is Revanna (PWD minister), myself or (chief minister) Kumaraswamy have served them to the best of our ability," he said. Justifying the decision to field his grandsons from Mandya and Hassan,Gowda said people were adamant that the two be fielded, which they respected. "In Mandya Nikhil Kumaraswamy is contesting. All the eight MLAs and three ministers of Mandya were adamant that Nikhil Kumaraswamy should contest from there. This is the truth," he added. Regarding Prajwal, the JD(S) supremo said, "Prajwal Revanna is anengineering graduate. He is into social work for many years.People and the party workers have recognised his work."

We are children of farmers, says Deve Gowda after casting vote in Hassan

Union Minister and BJP leader Maneka Gandhi on Thursday filed her nomination from the Sultanpur parliamentary constituency in Uttar Pradesh.&nbsp;

Before filing her nomination from the constituency,&nbsp;Maneka&nbsp;undertook a five-km-long roadshow.

Gandhi had earlier been a member of Parliament from Uttar Pradesh's Pilibhit constituency, while her son Varun Gandhi had fought the elections from Sultanpur.

The BJP has swapped their seats this time.

Speaking to news agency ANI, Maneka had said, "The development works in Sultanpur, if I am elected, will continue in the same way they did in my previous constituency."

She also asserted that the work initiated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi will "trump" the SP-BSP-RLD alliance in Uttar Pradesh.

"I am sure that BJP will win the election and form government," she added.

Gandhi had earlier been issued a show-cause notice by the Election Commission for her remark during a poll speech in Sultanpur.

While addressing a rally in Sultanpur, Maneka had said that her win from Sultanpur Lok Sabha constituency is certain "with or without" the support of Muslims and the community should realise it since they will need to get their work done once the BJP is in power.

Following this, the EC had also banned Gandhi for campaigning for 48 hours.

The polling in Uttar Pradesh will be held in all seven phases which started on April 11.&nbsp;

Sultanpur will vote on May 12.

The counting of votes will be held on May 23.

(With inputs from agencies)

Union Minister and BJP leader Maneka Gandhi on Thursday filed her nomination from the Sultanpur parliamentary constituency in Uttar Pradesh. Before filing her nomination from the constituency, Maneka undertook a five-km-long roadshow.

Union Minister and BJP leader Maneka Gandhi on Thursday filed her nomination from the Sultanpur parliamentary constituency in Uttar Pradesh. Before filing her nomination from the constituency, Maneka undertook a five-km-long roadshow. Gandhi had earlier been a member of Parliament from Uttar Pradesh's Pilibhit constituency, while her son Varun Gandhi had fought the elections from Sultanpur. The BJP has swapped their seats this time. Speaking to news agency ANI, Maneka had said, "The development works in Sultanpur, if I am elected, will continue in the same way they did in my previous constituency." She also asserted that the work initiated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi will "trump" the SP-BSP-RLD alliance in Uttar Pradesh. "I am sure that BJP will win the election and form government," she added. Gandhi had earlier been issued a show-cause notice by the Election Commission for her remark during a poll speech in Sultanpur. While addressing a rally in Sultanpur, Maneka had said that her win from Sultanpur Lok Sabha constituency is certain "with or without" the support of Muslims and the community should realise it since they will need to get their work done once the BJP is in power. Following this, the EC had also banned Gandhi for campaigning for 48 hours. The polling in Uttar Pradesh will be held in all seven phases which started on April 11. Sultanpur will vote on May 12. The counting of votes will be held on May 23. (With inputs from agencies)

Lok Sabha polls 2019: Union Minister Maneka Gandhi files nomination from Sultanpur

The Election Commission of India`s (ECI) flying squad seized Rs 11.85 lakh worth of cash from Sion area of Mumbai on Thursday.

The seizure comes as voting for 10 Lok Sabha seats which fall under Maharashtra`s Vidarbha and Marathwada regions is underway in the second phase of polling.

A huge amount of unaccounted money is being recovered in raids and searches by authorities across the country since Model Code of Conduct came into effect with the announcement of the poll dates on March 10.

The central agencies and the EC have been conducting raids and searches across the states to ensure illegal money is not used to influence voters in the ensuing general elections.

Over Rs 135 crore unaccounted cash was recovered from raids conducted by the Income Tax (IT) department and the EC across Tamil Nadu, the commission said Tuesday.

In a related development, the EC cancelled elections in Vellore parliamentary constituency in Tamil Nadu after over Rs 11.48 crore worth unaccounted cash was unearthed during an IT raid at a DMK leader`s house. The Lok Sabha seat was to go to vote today.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The Election Commission of India`s (ECI) flying squad seized Rs 11.85 lakh worth of cash from Sion area of Mumbai on Thursday. The seizure comes as voting for 10 Lok Sabha seats which fall under Maharashtra`s Vidarbha and Marathwada regions is underway in the second phase of polling.

The Election Commission of India`s (ECI) flying squad seized Rs 11.85 lakh worth of cash from Sion area of Mumbai on Thursday. The seizure comes as voting for 10 Lok Sabha seats which fall under Maharashtra`s Vidarbha and Marathwada regions is underway in the second phase of polling. A huge amount of unaccounted money is being recovered in raids and searches by authorities across the country since Model Code of Conduct came into effect with the announcement of the poll dates on March 10. The central agencies and the EC have been conducting raids and searches across the states to ensure illegal money is not used to influence voters in the ensuing general elections. Over Rs 135 crore unaccounted cash was recovered from raids conducted by the Income Tax (IT) department and the EC across Tamil Nadu, the commission said Tuesday. In a related development, the EC cancelled elections in Vellore parliamentary constituency in Tamil Nadu after over Rs 11.48 crore worth unaccounted cash was unearthed during an IT raid at a DMK leader`s house. The Lok Sabha seat was to go to vote today.

Election Commission flying squad recovers cash worth over Rs 11 lakh in Mumbai

CPI(M) candidate from Raiganj constituency Md. Salim’s convoy was attacked on Thursday amidst polling.

Salim was visiting Patagora, Islampur in Raiganj constituency to observe the polling when stones were pelted and his vehicle was attacked. He claimed it was Trinamool Congress’ handiwork.

“I came here after hearing reports that Trinamool Congress’ men were preventing people from casting their votes. When I confronted them, they attacked my vehicle. &nbsp;My driver and assistant were still inside the vehicle when it was attacked with stones and bricks. They had to flee along with the vehicle to save their life,” said Salim.

“Massive rigging was on when I arrived here. Trinamool Congress men also tried to attack me with rods,” added Salim.

Immediately after, the sector officer arrived at the polling booth and asked Salim to wait till Central force jawans arrived at the booth.

Meanwhile, Salim has registered a complaint with the CEO’s office.

Sources in the CEO office says that they are looking into the matter.&nbsp;

CPI(M) candidate from Raiganj constituency Md. Salim’s convoy was attacked on Thursday amidst polling. Salim was visiting Patagora, Islampur in Raiganj constituency to observe the polling when stones were pelted and his vehicle was attacked.

CPI(M) candidate from Raiganj constituency Md. Salim’s convoy was attacked on Thursday amidst polling. Salim was visiting Patagora, Islampur in Raiganj constituency to observe the polling when stones were pelted and his vehicle was attacked. He claimed it was Trinamool Congress’ handiwork. “I came here after hearing reports that Trinamool Congress’ men were preventing people from casting their votes. When I confronted them, they attacked my vehicle. My driver and assistant were still inside the vehicle when it was attacked with stones and bricks. They had to flee along with the vehicle to save their life,” said Salim. “Massive rigging was on when I arrived here. Trinamool Congress men also tried to attack me with rods,” added Salim. Immediately after, the sector officer arrived at the polling booth and asked Salim to wait till Central force jawans arrived at the booth. Meanwhile, Salim has registered a complaint with the CEO’s office. Sources in the CEO office says that they are looking into the matter.

Lok Sabha polls 2019: CPI(M) candidate Md. Salim’s convoy attacked in West Bengal

Kanyakumari, the sole Lok Sabha constituency BJP &nbsp;won in Tamil Nadu in 2014, is one of the two constituencies in Tamil Nadu where the BJP and Congress will face each other (the other being Sivagangai LS constituency).&nbsp;

Sitting MP and Union Minister of State P Radhakrishnan, who is seeking re-election from the constituency, is pitted against businessman and Congress leader H Vasantha Kumar, who faced defeat against the same opponent in 2014.&nbsp;

In the last Lok Sabha elections, out of the total 14.67 lakh voters, 9.91 lakhs voted. Radhakrishnan secured victory by garnering 3.72 lakh votes (37.80 per cent) while Vasanthakumar was runner up with 2.44 lakh votes (24.76 per cent).

In 2014, the Congress, the DMK and the CPI (M) contested separately. Similarly, the BJP and the AIADMK fought against each other. Votes split among various parties. However, this time, the DMK-Congress-CPI (M) are in an alliance while the BJP fighting the elections with the AIADMK.&nbsp;

This could lead to consolidation on both sides. If one goes by the last election data, the BJP-AIADMK combine has an advantage as it polled a total of 5.48 lakh votes while the DMK-Congress-CPM (M) polled a total of 4.56 lakh votes. However, this arithmetic could possibly change. Last time, the Christian Nadar community and fishermen strongly supported the AIADMK. This time, this could tilt towards the DMK due to AIADMK’s alliance with the BJP.

Moreover, in the run-up to the 2014 General elections, the BJP had promised to establish a commercial port near Colachel in the constituency. But, the location of the harbour was shifted to Enayam as an International Container Trans-shipment Terminal (EICTT) instead of the promised commercial port after BJP formed the government in the Centre.

Ever since this idea was mooted, the fishermen community in the region was up in arms and said that project will mean the destruction of homes and religious places, loss of agricultural land and waters for fishing, and drastic changes to the local coastal landscape. A prolonged struggle of the community made the government to shift the project site. However, the unhappy fishermen in the region could vote against the BJP en masse. &nbsp;

Called Ponnar among local people, Radhakrishnan is chasing a back-to-back victory. However, a win for retailer Vasanthakumar, founder of Vasanth &amp; Co, will be a revenge for the loss he suffered at the hands of Radhakrishnan last time.

Kanyakumari, the sole Lok Sabha constituency BJP won in Tamil Nadu in 2014, is one of the two constituencies in Tamil Nadu where the BJP and Congress will face each other (the other being Sivagangai LS constituency).

Kanyakumari, the sole Lok Sabha constituency BJP won in Tamil Nadu in 2014, is one of the two constituencies in Tamil Nadu where the BJP and Congress will face each other (the other being Sivagangai LS constituency). Sitting MP and Union Minister of State P Radhakrishnan, who is seeking re-election from the constituency, is pitted against businessman and Congress leader H Vasantha Kumar, who faced defeat against the same opponent in 2014. In the last Lok Sabha elections, out of the total 14.67 lakh voters, 9.91 lakhs voted. Radhakrishnan secured victory by garnering 3.72 lakh votes (37.80 per cent) while Vasanthakumar was runner up with 2.44 lakh votes (24.76 per cent). In 2014, the Congress, the DMK and the CPI (M) contested separately. Similarly, the BJP and the AIADMK fought against each other. Votes split among various parties. However, this time, the DMK-Congress-CPI (M) are in an alliance while the BJP fighting the elections with the AIADMK. This could lead to consolidation on both sides. If one goes by the last election data, the BJP-AIADMK combine has an advantage as it polled a total of 5.48 lakh votes while the DMK-Congress-CPM (M) polled a total of 4.56 lakh votes. However, this arithmetic could possibly change. Last time, the Christian Nadar community and fishermen strongly supported the AIADMK. This time, this could tilt towards the DMK due to AIADMK’s alliance with the BJP. Moreover, in the run-up to the 2014 General elections, the BJP had promised to establish a commercial port near Colachel in the constituency. But, the location of the harbour was shifted to Enayam as an International Container Trans-shipment Terminal (EICTT) instead of the promised commercial port after BJP formed the government in the Centre. Ever since this idea was mooted, the fishermen community in the region was up in arms and said that project will mean the destruction of homes and religious places, loss of agricultural land and waters for fishing, and drastic changes to the local coastal landscape. A prolonged struggle of the community made the government to shift the project site. However, the unhappy fishermen in the region could vote against the BJP en masse. Called Ponnar among local people, Radhakrishnan is chasing a back-to-back victory. However, a win for retailer Vasanthakumar, founder of Vasanth & Co, will be a revenge for the loss he suffered at the hands of Radhakrishnan last time.

Kanyakumari: Retaining lone Lok Sabha seat from Tamil Nadu is no cakewalk for BJP 

Formerly known as Madras Central, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/its-a-high-octane-faceoff-between-two-powerful-daughters-thoothukudi-209778">Tamil Nadu</a>'s Chennai Central is touted as one of the crucial Lok Sabha seats from the South Indian capital. Despite being one of the smallest constituencies, the seat witnesses some of the biggest bigwigs of Tamil politics wrest power in the mega electoral battle.

Traditionally, the fight in Chennai Central has primarily been a show between the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) - both bereft of their supremos now.&nbsp;

Trends have it, the constituency was an undisputed DMK bastion since 1996 until AIADMK's SR Vijayakumar swept the seat in 2014, beating former telecom minister Dayanidhi Maran by over 50,000 votes.

Until 2014, Chennai Central was a typical DMK, rather Maran bastion. While Dayanidhi Maran kept the seat in 2004, 2009; his father and former union minister Murasoli Maran was elected thrice from the constituency between 1996 and 2004.&nbsp;

At present, all three Lok Sabha seats from Chennai - north, south and central - rest with AIADMK, which has not fielded a&nbsp;candidate from Chennai Central this time. The party swept 37 of Tamil Nadu's 39 seats in last general elections. AIADMK is fighting this year's general elections in an alliance with the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK).

DMK's Dayanidhi Maran loss in 2014 was largely attributed to charges in the telecom scams.&nbsp;Maran is in a direct fight with PMK's Sam Paul.

Water crisis and bigger investments would be some of the key issues on which nearly 14 lakh electors of Chennai Central will be eligible to exercise their voting rights on April 18.&nbsp;

Chennai Central goes to&nbsp;polls on April 18.&nbsp;

Formerly known as Madras Central, Tamil Nadu's Chennai Central is touted as one of the crucial Lok Sabha seats from the South Indian capital. Despite being one of the smallest constituencies, the seat witnesses some of the biggest bigwigs of Tamil politics wrest power in the mega electoral battle.

Formerly known as Madras Central, Tamil Nadu's Chennai Central is touted as one of the crucial Lok Sabha seats from the South Indian capital. Despite being one of the smallest constituencies, the seat witnesses some of the biggest bigwigs of Tamil politics wrest power in the mega electoral battle. Traditionally, the fight in Chennai Central has primarily been a show between the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) - both bereft of their supremos now. Trends have it, the constituency was an undisputed DMK bastion since 1996 until AIADMK's SR Vijayakumar swept the seat in 2014, beating former telecom minister Dayanidhi Maran by over 50,000 votes. Until 2014, Chennai Central was a typical DMK, rather Maran bastion. While Dayanidhi Maran kept the seat in 2004, 2009; his father and former union minister Murasoli Maran was elected thrice from the constituency between 1996 and 2004. At present, all three Lok Sabha seats from Chennai - north, south and central - rest with AIADMK, which has not fielded a candidate from Chennai Central this time. The party swept 37 of Tamil Nadu's 39 seats in last general elections. AIADMK is fighting this year's general elections in an alliance with the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK). DMK's Dayanidhi Maran loss in 2014 was largely attributed to charges in the telecom scams. Maran is in a direct fight with PMK's Sam Paul. Water crisis and bigger investments would be some of the key issues on which nearly 14 lakh electors of Chennai Central will be eligible to exercise their voting rights on April 18. Chennai Central goes to polls on April 18.

Second phase polling: In Chennai Central, challenge for Dayanidhi Maran is to regain DMK bastion

Uttar Pradesh Congress president Raj Babbar and another actor-turned-politician Hema Malini are among the 85 candidates contesting for eight Lok Sabha seats in the second phase of elections in the state on Thursday.

Polling will be held in Nagina (SC), Amroha, Bulandshahr (SC), <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/in-aligarh-bjp-candidate-facing-strong-anti-incumbency-residents-say-unhappy-over-amu-row-211129">Aligarh</a>, Hathras (SC), Fatehpur Sikri, Mathura and Agra (SC).

Fatehpur Sikri will see a triangular battle between Babbar, BJP's Rajkumar Chahar and BSP's Shreebhagwan Sharma, who is a two-time MLA from Debai assembly constituency of Bulandshahr.

While in the temple-town constituency of Mathura, Bollywood "dream girl" of yesteryears, Hema Malini, is seeking re-election after winning the seat in the 2014 general elections.

The other candidates in the fray are Kunwar Narendra Singh of the Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) and Mahesh Pathak of the Congress.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/second-phase-polls-bjp-mahagathbandhan-set-to-lock-horns-in-uttar-pradeshs-amroha-210709">In Amroha, sitting BJP MP Kanwar Singh Tanwar</a> will lock horns with Bahujan Samaj Party's Kunwar Danish Ali, who recently joined the party after quitting as the general secretary of the Janata Dal-Secular.

The eight Lok Sabha seats were bagged by the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in 2014. This time it faces a tough fight from the SP-BSP-RLD alliance.

In this phase, the BSP has fielded candidates for six of the eight constituencies -- Nagina, Amroha, Bulandshahr, Aligarh, Agra and Fatehpur Sikri. The SP and the RLD have fielded one candidate each from Hathras and Mathura respectively.

Apart from Hema Malini and Tanwar, the BJP has retained three other MPs - Yashwant Singh (Nagina), Bhola Singh (Bulandshahr) and Satish Gautam (Aligarh).

The Election Commission has set up 16,162 polling booths in 8,751 polling centres for this phase in the state.

In Agra, UP animal husbandry, minor irrigation and fisheries minister S P Singh Baghel (BJP) will take on Preeta Harit of the Congress and Manoj Kumar Soni of the BSP.

In Aligarh, the fight is between Gautam (BJP), Ajeet Baliyan (BSP) and Bijendra Singh (Congress) while in Hathras, Rajvir Diler of the BJP will take on Ramji Lal Suman of the Samajwadi Party and Triloki Ram of the Congress.&nbsp;

In Bulandshahr, the contest figures Bhola Singh (BJP), Yogesh Verma (BSP) and Banshi Singh (Congress).

The Nagina constituency will see Singh defending his turf against Omvati Devi of the Congress and Girish Chandra of the BSP.

While Singh is a former SP leader, Devi has been with all the four principal parties in the state - SP, BSP, BJP and Congress - at different times of her political career.&nbsp;

Uttar Pradesh Congress president Raj Babbar and another actor-turned-politician Hema Malini are among the 85 candidates contesting for eight Lok Sabha seats in the second phase of elections in the state on Thursday.

Uttar Pradesh Congress president Raj Babbar and another actor-turned-politician Hema Malini are among the 85 candidates contesting for eight Lok Sabha seats in the second phase of elections in the state on Thursday. Polling will be held in Nagina (SC), Amroha, Bulandshahr (SC), Aligarh, Hathras (SC), Fatehpur Sikri, Mathura and Agra (SC). Fatehpur Sikri will see a triangular battle between Babbar, BJP's Rajkumar Chahar and BSP's Shreebhagwan Sharma, who is a two-time MLA from Debai assembly constituency of Bulandshahr. While in the temple-town constituency of Mathura, Bollywood "dream girl" of yesteryears, Hema Malini, is seeking re-election after winning the seat in the 2014 general elections. The other candidates in the fray are Kunwar Narendra Singh of the Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) and Mahesh Pathak of the Congress. In Amroha, sitting BJP MP Kanwar Singh Tanwar will lock horns with Bahujan Samaj Party's Kunwar Danish Ali, who recently joined the party after quitting as the general secretary of the Janata Dal-Secular. The eight Lok Sabha seats were bagged by the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in 2014. This time it faces a tough fight from the SP-BSP-RLD alliance. In this phase, the BSP has fielded candidates for six of the eight constituencies -- Nagina, Amroha, Bulandshahr, Aligarh, Agra and Fatehpur Sikri. The SP and the RLD have fielded one candidate each from Hathras and Mathura respectively. Apart from Hema Malini and Tanwar, the BJP has retained three other MPs - Yashwant Singh (Nagina), Bhola Singh (Bulandshahr) and Satish Gautam (Aligarh). The Election Commission has set up 16,162 polling booths in 8,751 polling centres for this phase in the state. In Agra, UP animal husbandry, minor irrigation and fisheries minister S P Singh Baghel (BJP) will take on Preeta Harit of the Congress and Manoj Kumar Soni of the BSP. In Aligarh, the fight is between Gautam (BJP), Ajeet Baliyan (BSP) and Bijendra Singh (Congress) while in Hathras, Rajvir Diler of the BJP will take on Ramji Lal Suman of the Samajwadi Party and Triloki Ram of the Congress. In Bulandshahr, the contest figures Bhola Singh (BJP), Yogesh Verma (BSP) and Banshi Singh (Congress). The Nagina constituency will see Singh defending his turf against Omvati Devi of the Congress and Girish Chandra of the BSP. While Singh is a former SP leader, Devi has been with all the four principal parties in the state - SP, BSP, BJP and Congress - at different times of her political career.

Second phase polls in Uttar Pradesh to decide fate of Raj Babbar, Hema Malini

Empathising with BJP candidate and actor Jaya Prada, Defence Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/no-defence-acquisition-under-modi-has-raked-up-mud-nirmala-sitharaman-211052">Nirmala Sitharaman</a> today said political leaders should apply their minds before they speak about women-related issues.

In an exclusive interview to ANI, Sitharaman said, "100 per cent. It is always easy to hit at a woman when you talk about other things which don't become part of the conversation or which are not germane to the discussion. You easily pick up on things which are very personal or are gender specific and not called for at all. I find that coming very easily without a thought."

"That is where I think all of us think before the word comes out of the vocal cord to the lips. There should be some kind of momentary application of mind at least," said the Defence Minister on Jaya Prada and other women politicians who have to face sexist remarks from male counterparts.

On Sunday, Samajwadi Party (SP) leader Azam Khan had said in a public rally that "I brought her (Jaya Prada) to Rampur. You are a witness that I did not allow anyone to touch her body. It took you 17 years to identify her real face but I got to know in 17 days that she wears khaki underwear."

The Defence Minister asserted that politicians should respect one another.

"We have to draw a line. Irrespective of the party line I think we have all learnt from good public discourse. It should be in the back of our minds what we talk about in politics as that is the legacy we leave behind for the next generation and we have a responsibility towards it," Sitharaman said.

An FIR was registered against Khan for making an objectionable comment against the actor-turned-politician. The SP leader has, however, clarified that he did not name anyone.

Questioned about her meeting Congress MP Shashi Tharoor in a hospital in Thiruvananthapuram, the Defence Minister said she had gone to meet the ailing leader during election campaign there as he had suffered an injury while performing a ritual at a temple.

"So, I thought that it was right that I go to the hospital and wish him well. I had not informed anybody including people in my party circles. On my way back to the airport, I thought I should visit him in the hospital and that is it," the Defence Minister said.

In the times when political leaders are not known to show such civility to political rivals, the picture of Sitharaman calling on the bed-ridden Tharoor has been appreciated very widely on social media.

Empathising with BJP candidate and actor Jaya Prada, Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman today said political leaders should apply their minds before they speak about women-related issues.

Empathising with BJP candidate and actor Jaya Prada, Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman today said political leaders should apply their minds before they speak about women-related issues. In an exclusive interview to ANI, Sitharaman said, "100 per cent. It is always easy to hit at a woman when you talk about other things which don't become part of the conversation or which are not germane to the discussion. You easily pick up on things which are very personal or are gender specific and not called for at all. I find that coming very easily without a thought." "That is where I think all of us think before the word comes out of the vocal cord to the lips. There should be some kind of momentary application of mind at least," said the Defence Minister on Jaya Prada and other women politicians who have to face sexist remarks from male counterparts. On Sunday, Samajwadi Party (SP) leader Azam Khan had said in a public rally that "I brought her (Jaya Prada) to Rampur. You are a witness that I did not allow anyone to touch her body. It took you 17 years to identify her real face but I got to know in 17 days that she wears khaki underwear." The Defence Minister asserted that politicians should respect one another. "We have to draw a line. Irrespective of the party line I think we have all learnt from good public discourse. It should be in the back of our minds what we talk about in politics as that is the legacy we leave behind for the next generation and we have a responsibility towards it," Sitharaman said. An FIR was registered against Khan for making an objectionable comment against the actor-turned-politician. The SP leader has, however, clarified that he did not name anyone. Questioned about her meeting Congress MP Shashi Tharoor in a hospital in Thiruvananthapuram, the Defence Minister said she had gone to meet the ailing leader during election campaign there as he had suffered an injury while performing a ritual at a temple. "So, I thought that it was right that I go to the hospital and wish him well. I had not informed anybody including people in my party circles. On my way back to the airport, I thought I should visit him in the hospital and that is it," the Defence Minister said. In the times when political leaders are not known to show such civility to political rivals, the picture of Sitharaman calling on the bed-ridden Tharoor has been appreciated very widely on social media.

Apply mind before you speak: Defence Minister's advise to politicians on sexist remarks

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh Wednesday said the country has earned respect across the world during the last five years of the Modi government.

The senior BJP leader, who was speaking at an election rally here, attacked the Samajwadi Party (SP) and the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), saying organisations cannot get success on the basis of negative thinking.

"The country has earned respect at the global level during the BJP government...We made an anti-satellite missile which only Russia, China and the US had," Singh said.

India is on the sixth spot "as far as the economy is concerned whereas in 2014 it was ninth. We want the country to become a superpower and 'vishwa' guru," he said.

The home minister said after the Mumbai attack in 2008, "the then Congress government did nothing, but after the Pulwama terror attack, Indian forces went inside Pakistan and carried out its operation."

The Indian Air Force on February 26 carried out a strike on a terror camp in Pakistan's Balakot after 40 CRPF personnel were killed in a terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district on February 14.

"The Congress is asking how many were killed (in Balakot) to which we said the brave do not count bodies, but vultures do," Singh said.

He also attacked the SP and the BSP, saying they have joined hands to stop Narendra Modi from becoming prime minister, but warned that no individual or organisation can get success on the basis of negative thinking.

The SP, BSP and RLD have formed an alliance in Uttar Pradesh to take on the BJP in this Lok Sabha elections.&nbsp;

The Mayawati-led BSP is contesting 38 Lok Sabha seats, while the Akhilesh Yadav-led SP has fielded candidates from 37 parliamentary constituencies.

There are three Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) candidates in the poll fray from the state. The alliance has fielded no candidates from Rae Bareli and Amethi, which are Congress bastions in the state.&nbsp;

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh Wednesday said the country has earned respect across the world during the last five years of the Modi government. The senior BJP leader, who was speaking at an election rally here, attacked the Samajwadi Party (SP) and the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), saying organisations cannot get success on the basis of negative thinking.

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh Wednesday said the country has earned respect across the world during the last five years of the Modi government. The senior BJP leader, who was speaking at an election rally here, attacked the Samajwadi Party (SP) and the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), saying organisations cannot get success on the basis of negative thinking. "The country has earned respect at the global level during the BJP government...We made an anti-satellite missile which only Russia, China and the US had," Singh said. India is on the sixth spot "as far as the economy is concerned whereas in 2014 it was ninth. We want the country to become a superpower and 'vishwa' guru," he said. The home minister said after the Mumbai attack in 2008, "the then Congress government did nothing, but after the Pulwama terror attack, Indian forces went inside Pakistan and carried out its operation." The Indian Air Force on February 26 carried out a strike on a terror camp in Pakistan's Balakot after 40 CRPF personnel were killed in a terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district on February 14. "The Congress is asking how many were killed (in Balakot) to which we said the brave do not count bodies, but vultures do," Singh said. He also attacked the SP and the BSP, saying they have joined hands to stop Narendra Modi from becoming prime minister, but warned that no individual or organisation can get success on the basis of negative thinking. The SP, BSP and RLD have formed an alliance in Uttar Pradesh to take on the BJP in this Lok Sabha elections. The Mayawati-led BSP is contesting 38 Lok Sabha seats, while the Akhilesh Yadav-led SP has fielded candidates from 37 parliamentary constituencies. There are three Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) candidates in the poll fray from the state. The alliance has fielded no candidates from Rae Bareli and Amethi, which are Congress bastions in the state.

India earned respect at global level during BJP governmentt: Rajnath Singh

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath will visit the Ram Lalla temple in Ayodhya on Wednesday, amid the 72-hour ban on campaigning imposed on him by the Election Commission.

Adityanath visited the famous Hanuman Setu temple in Lucknow and offered prayers on Tuesday, a day after the Election Commission barred him from electioneering for three days for likening the ongoing Lok Sabha polls to a contest between 'Ali' and 'Bajrang Bali'.

In Ayodhya, along with the makeshift shrine to Ram Lalla, Adityanath will also pray at the nearby Hanuman Garhi temple on Wednesday.

Faizabad BJP district president Awadhesh Pandey told PTI, "The chief minister's programme is all confirmed; he will offer prayers at Ram Janambhoomi and Hanuman Garhi temple and will meet VHP religious leaders in Ayodhya on Wednesday."

Adityanath will be meeting Ram Janambhoomi Nyas president Mahant Nritya Gopal Das and Digambar Akhara Mahant Suresh Das, he said. According to Mahant Suresh Das, Adityanath will spend Wednesday in Ayodhya and will have lunch with prominent Sadhus of Ayodhya at Digambar Akhara.

In the evening, Adityanath will go to Devipatan, a temple of goddess Durga in Balrampur district, where he would stay the night.

Adityanath reached the Hanuman Setu temple in Lucknow on Tuesday morning and got a rousing reception from his supporters amid slogans of "Jai Gorakhdham" and "Jai Bajrang Bali Ji".

Adityanath, however, refused to take questions from the media persons, following the Election Commission's gag order.

He spent about 25 minutes at the temple and was seen bowing before the deity and sitting with folded hands to recite the "Hanuman Chalisa."

Though Adityanath accepted greetings from the large numbers of morning worshippers present there on a Tuesday, the day dedicated to Lord Hanuman, with a smile, he refrained from interacting with them.

Adityanath also stayed away from Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh's roadshow, held on Tuesday before he filed his nomination papers for the Lucknow Lok Sabha seat. Adityanath also cancelled his rallies in Nagina and Fatehpur Sikri.

The BJP termed the chief minister's visit to the temple "a personal one".

The Election Commission on Monday barred Adityanath from campaigning for 72 hours starting 6 am on Tuesday for his "divisive" comments at a rally in Meerut. "If the Congress, the Samajwadi Party and the BSP have faith in Ali, we too have faith in Bajrang Bali," Adityanath had said there.

While Ali is a revered figure in Islam, Bajrang Bali is another name for Lord Hanuman.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath will visit the Ram Lalla temple in Ayodhya on Wednesday, amid the 72-hour ban on campaigning imposed on him by the Election Commission.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath will visit the Ram Lalla temple in Ayodhya on Wednesday, amid the 72-hour ban on campaigning imposed on him by the Election Commission. Adityanath visited the famous Hanuman Setu temple in Lucknow and offered prayers on Tuesday, a day after the Election Commission barred him from electioneering for three days for likening the ongoing Lok Sabha polls to a contest between 'Ali' and 'Bajrang Bali'. In Ayodhya, along with the makeshift shrine to Ram Lalla, Adityanath will also pray at the nearby Hanuman Garhi temple on Wednesday. Faizabad BJP district president Awadhesh Pandey told PTI, "The chief minister's programme is all confirmed; he will offer prayers at Ram Janambhoomi and Hanuman Garhi temple and will meet VHP religious leaders in Ayodhya on Wednesday." Adityanath will be meeting Ram Janambhoomi Nyas president Mahant Nritya Gopal Das and Digambar Akhara Mahant Suresh Das, he said. According to Mahant Suresh Das, Adityanath will spend Wednesday in Ayodhya and will have lunch with prominent Sadhus of Ayodhya at Digambar Akhara. In the evening, Adityanath will go to Devipatan, a temple of goddess Durga in Balrampur district, where he would stay the night. Adityanath reached the Hanuman Setu temple in Lucknow on Tuesday morning and got a rousing reception from his supporters amid slogans of "Jai Gorakhdham" and "Jai Bajrang Bali Ji". Adityanath, however, refused to take questions from the media persons, following the Election Commission's gag order. He spent about 25 minutes at the temple and was seen bowing before the deity and sitting with folded hands to recite the "Hanuman Chalisa." Though Adityanath accepted greetings from the large numbers of morning worshippers present there on a Tuesday, the day dedicated to Lord Hanuman, with a smile, he refrained from interacting with them. Adityanath also stayed away from Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh's roadshow, held on Tuesday before he filed his nomination papers for the Lucknow Lok Sabha seat. Adityanath also cancelled his rallies in Nagina and Fatehpur Sikri. The BJP termed the chief minister's visit to the temple "a personal one". The Election Commission on Monday barred Adityanath from campaigning for 72 hours starting 6 am on Tuesday for his "divisive" comments at a rally in Meerut. "If the Congress, the Samajwadi Party and the BSP have faith in Ali, we too have faith in Bajrang Bali," Adityanath had said there. While Ali is a revered figure in Islam, Bajrang Bali is another name for Lord Hanuman.

Amid Election Commission campaign ban, Yogi Adityanath to visit Ayodhya today

Stepping up his attack on the Congress, Prime Minister Narendra Modi Wednesday said "division" of communities was its only "vision" and accused party chief Rahul Gandhi of labelling OBCs as "thieves".

Addressing a poll rally, PM Modi also accused the Congress of insulting Saradar Vallabhbhai Patel and said the situation in India would have been different had the latter been the country's first prime minister.

The Prime Minister also attacked the Congress for labelling the middle class as "selfish" and alleged it brought price rise whenever it was in power.

"Division of communities is the only vision of the Congress," Modi told the public meeting.

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PM in Anand, Gujarat: Congress has said in its manifesto that it wants to remove the sedition law, so that stone pelting in J&amp;K &amp; Naxalism in rest of the places in the country can be strengthened, 'tukde tukde gang desh ke tukde karne ki apni shararatein khule aam kar paayein' <a href="https://t.co/Xqd1Ktqn9g">pic.twitter.com/Xqd1Ktqn9g</a>
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"The Congress' naamdar (dynast) termed the entire backward class as thieves. The insult inflicted on the honest in their (Congress) vendetta against Narendra Modi will not be tolerated," he said.

The Prime Minister accused the Congress of insulting Patel "at every step to further the cause of the (Nehru-Gandhi) family".

He said Patel spent his life in uniting India but the Congress was busy embracing separatists.

He also hit out at the Congress for promising to abolish sedition law and reviewing of the AFSPA if it came to power.

"It wants to strengthen stone-pelters and ensure that the "tukde tukde gang" can easily chalk out a conspiracy to disintegrate the country," Modi said.

He said when the dynastic rule becomes the "sole vision", then they (Congress) resort to hurling abuses.

Modi said the Congress insulted attires of people from the north-eastern states and linked majority Hindus to terror.

Addressing a poll rally in Maharashtra recently, Gandhi had said, "I have a question. Why all the thieves have Modi in their names whether be it Nirav Modi, Lalit Modi and Narendra Modi? We don't know how many more such Modis will come out."&nbsp;

Stepping up his attack on the Congress, Prime Minister Narendra Modi Wednesday said "division" of communities was its only "vision" and accused party chief Rahul Gandhi of labelling OBCs as "thieves".

Stepping up his attack on the Congress, Prime Minister Narendra Modi Wednesday said "division" of communities was its only "vision" and accused party chief Rahul Gandhi of labelling OBCs as "thieves". Addressing a poll rally, PM Modi also accused the Congress of insulting Saradar Vallabhbhai Patel and said the situation in India would have been different had the latter been the country's first prime minister. The Prime Minister also attacked the Congress for labelling the middle class as "selfish" and alleged it brought price rise whenever it was in power. "Division of communities is the only vision of the Congress," Modi told the public meeting. PM in Anand, Gujarat: Congress has said in its manifesto that it wants to remove the sedition law, so that stone pelting in J&K & Naxalism in rest of the places in the country can be strengthened, 'tukde tukde gang desh ke tukde karne ki apni shararatein khule aam kar paayein' pic.twitter.com/Xqd1Ktqn9g — ANI (@ANI) April 17, 2019 × "The Congress' naamdar (dynast) termed the entire backward class as thieves. The insult inflicted on the honest in their (Congress) vendetta against Narendra Modi will not be tolerated," he said. The Prime Minister accused the Congress of insulting Patel "at every step to further the cause of the (Nehru-Gandhi) family". He said Patel spent his life in uniting India but the Congress was busy embracing separatists. He also hit out at the Congress for promising to abolish sedition law and reviewing of the AFSPA if it came to power. "It wants to strengthen stone-pelters and ensure that the "tukde tukde gang" can easily chalk out a conspiracy to disintegrate the country," Modi said. He said when the dynastic rule becomes the "sole vision", then they (Congress) resort to hurling abuses. Modi said the Congress insulted attires of people from the north-eastern states and linked majority Hindus to terror. Addressing a poll rally in Maharashtra recently, Gandhi had said, "I have a question. Why all the thieves have Modi in their names whether be it Nirav Modi, Lalit Modi and Narendra Modi? We don't know how many more such Modis will come out."

Division of communities only vision of Congress: PM Modi

Three Lok Sabha constituencies in north Bengal - Jalpaiguri, Darjeeling and Raiganj will go to the polls in the second phase of elections on Thursday.

The ruling Trinamool Congress in West Bengal and the BJP are the main contenders in the three seats which will see a four-cornered contest between the two parties, the Congress and the Left Front.

The most interesting fight will be in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/second-phase-polls-bjp-tmc-eye-darjeeling-in-west-bengal-battle-209751">Darjeeling</a> - famed for its tea, timber and tourism. In Darjeeling's Patlebas, the atmosphere appears to be that of election but flags are missing - a stark contrast to the 2017 violence.

The Darjeeling Lok Sabha constituency consists of Kalimpong, Darjeeling, Kurseong, Matigara-Naxalbari, Siliguri, Phansidewa and Chopra assembly segments.

For the last few decades, Darjeeling has seen a familiar pattern - whoever gets the support of the dominant hill party, wins the seat. The BP won from here in 2009 and 2014, but 2019 is going to be different.

Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) leader Bimal Gurung, who has raised the issue of Gorkhaland, has always been big factor in the area but the Hill politics took a curious turn after he escaped to evade arrest.

Zee travelled to Gurung's den, remnants of a burned car remind of the 2017 violence. The locality, which earlier had special Gurung army now is desolated, except for two BJP flags in a corner.

<img alt="burnt-car-darjeeling" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="4fcb9246-f239-44c1-9621-c9afaaa072b1" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/burnt-car-darjeeling.jpg" />

People here still do not want to speak; they are still in a state of shock. "We had enough, now we need peace," said Gurung's former aide Nirnal.

The agitation which started here in 2017 against the state government's decision to make Bengali language compulsory soon snowballed into an intense movement for statehood. It triggered widespread arson and vandalism, massive clashes, multiple casualties, political blamegames and the longest-ever shutdown of 104 days that brought the entire northern West Bengal hills to a standstill till Gurung escaped and GJM's new chairman Binay Tamang called off the protest.

But even in hiding, Gurung is not willing to give up without a fight. He has lent his support to BJP's Raju Bista. Boosting it further, the Gorkha National Liberation Front (GNLF) has also supported Bista. The Trinamool Congress has fielded Amar Singh Rai to take on Bisht. Rai, the Trinamool Congress candidate, has the support on the Binay Tamang faction of the GJM.

Also in the fray are Sankar Malakar of Congress, Saman Pathak of CPI(M) and Harka Bahadur Chhetri, Jaan Andolan Party president.

The Hills will see a good electoral fight and the picture of Patlebas from both the sides will definitely have impact on the voters here.

Three Lok Sabha constituencies in north Bengal - Jalpaiguri, Darjeeling and Raiganj will go to the polls in the second phase of elections on Thursday. The ruling Trinamool Congress in West Bengal and the BJP are the main contenders in the three seats which will see a four-cornered contest between the two parties, the Congress and the Left Front.

Three Lok Sabha constituencies in north Bengal - Jalpaiguri, Darjeeling and Raiganj will go to the polls in the second phase of elections on Thursday. The ruling Trinamool Congress in West Bengal and the BJP are the main contenders in the three seats which will see a four-cornered contest between the two parties, the Congress and the Left Front. The most interesting fight will be in Darjeeling - famed for its tea, timber and tourism. In Darjeeling's Patlebas, the atmosphere appears to be that of election but flags are missing - a stark contrast to the 2017 violence. The Darjeeling Lok Sabha constituency consists of Kalimpong, Darjeeling, Kurseong, Matigara-Naxalbari, Siliguri, Phansidewa and Chopra assembly segments. For the last few decades, Darjeeling has seen a familiar pattern - whoever gets the support of the dominant hill party, wins the seat. The BP won from here in 2009 and 2014, but 2019 is going to be different. Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) leader Bimal Gurung, who has raised the issue of Gorkhaland, has always been big factor in the area but the Hill politics took a curious turn after he escaped to evade arrest. Zee travelled to Gurung's den, remnants of a burned car remind of the 2017 violence. The locality, which earlier had special Gurung army now is desolated, except for two BJP flags in a corner. People here still do not want to speak; they are still in a state of shock. "We had enough, now we need peace," said Gurung's former aide Nirnal. The agitation which started here in 2017 against the state government's decision to make Bengali language compulsory soon snowballed into an intense movement for statehood. It triggered widespread arson and vandalism, massive clashes, multiple casualties, political blamegames and the longest-ever shutdown of 104 days that brought the entire northern West Bengal hills to a standstill till Gurung escaped and GJM's new chairman Binay Tamang called off the protest. But even in hiding, Gurung is not willing to give up without a fight. He has lent his support to BJP's Raju Bista. Boosting it further, the Gorkha National Liberation Front (GNLF) has also supported Bista. The Trinamool Congress has fielded Amar Singh Rai to take on Bisht. Rai, the Trinamool Congress candidate, has the support on the Binay Tamang faction of the GJM. Also in the fray are Sankar Malakar of Congress, Saman Pathak of CPI(M) and Harka Bahadur Chhetri, Jaan Andolan Party president. The Hills will see a good electoral fight and the picture of Patlebas from both the sides will definitely have impact on the voters here.

Bimal Gurung's house stands tall in Darjeeling, but Hills will vote without him this time

The Lok Sabha alliance between Aam Aadmi Party and Congress party in Delhi has been called off, AAP leader Sanjay Singh told media on Wednesday.&nbsp;

As per reports, the alliance has been called-off following a disagreement over tie-up in Haryana and Delhi, news agency PTI reported quoting Singh.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/what-u-turn-tweet-suggests-youre-not-interested-in-alliance-kejriwal-slams-rahul-gandhi-210728">Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Congress chief Rahul Gandhi</a> have lately been in a flip-flop over the much-anticipated alliance in Delhi for Lok Sabha polls.&nbsp;

The Congress Tuesday asserted that it has shown a "big heart" by agreeing to form an alliance with the AAP in Delhi and said the ball is now in the court of the Arvind Kejriwal-led party to take a decision.

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Sanjay Singh, AAP: In order to stop BJP we were ready for an alliance with Congress, but Congress is not in a mood for any coalition. It is a matter of sadness, that even after so many efforts, Congress is not ready for any kind of compromise. <a href="https://t.co/UbaxqsbW6K">pic.twitter.com/UbaxqsbW6K</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1118510045078130690?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 17, 2019</a></blockquote>
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A day after Congress president Rahul Gandhi and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal indulged in a public spat over the issue, the grand old party said it has already offered AAP four seats in the national capital and now the decision has to be taken by it.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Monday reacted over Congress chief Rahul Gandhi's remark wherein he accuses Kejriwal of taking a U-turns on an alliance in Delhi.

"What U-turn?" tweets Kejriwal adding that talks are still going on.&nbsp;

"Your tweet exhibits that you are not interested in an alliance, I am sad that you are indulging in just giving out statements," Kejriwal's tweet read.&nbsp;

Kejriwal went on to say that the country needs to be saved from "Modi ji and Amit Shah ji" and unfortunately, "the Congress is just helping the BJP by distributing anti-Modi votes in UP and other states too".

Earlier in the day, Rahul Gandhi tweeted out saying that although he is ready for an alliance with the Aam Aadmi Party and can give 4 Lok Sabha seats for the party, "Mr Kejriwal has done another U turn!"&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

The Lok Sabha alliance between Aam Aadmi Party and Congress party in Delhi has been called off, AAP leader Sanjay Singh told media on Wednesday. As per reports, the alliance has been called-off following a disagreement over tie-up in Haryana and Delhi, news agency PTI reported quoting Singh.

The Lok Sabha alliance between Aam Aadmi Party and Congress party in Delhi has been called off, AAP leader Sanjay Singh told media on Wednesday. As per reports, the alliance has been called-off following a disagreement over tie-up in Haryana and Delhi, news agency PTI reported quoting Singh. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Congress chief Rahul Gandhi have lately been in a flip-flop over the much-anticipated alliance in Delhi for Lok Sabha polls. The Congress Tuesday asserted that it has shown a "big heart" by agreeing to form an alliance with the AAP in Delhi and said the ball is now in the court of the Arvind Kejriwal-led party to take a decision. Sanjay Singh, AAP: In order to stop BJP we were ready for an alliance with Congress, but Congress is not in a mood for any coalition. It is a matter of sadness, that even after so many efforts, Congress is not ready for any kind of compromise. pic.twitter.com/UbaxqsbW6K — ANI (@ANI) April 17, 2019 × A day after Congress president Rahul Gandhi and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal indulged in a public spat over the issue, the grand old party said it has already offered AAP four seats in the national capital and now the decision has to be taken by it. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Monday reacted over Congress chief Rahul Gandhi's remark wherein he accuses Kejriwal of taking a U-turns on an alliance in Delhi. "What U-turn?" tweets Kejriwal adding that talks are still going on. "Your tweet exhibits that you are not interested in an alliance, I am sad that you are indulging in just giving out statements," Kejriwal's tweet read. Kejriwal went on to say that the country needs to be saved from "Modi ji and Amit Shah ji" and unfortunately, "the Congress is just helping the BJP by distributing anti-Modi votes in UP and other states too". Earlier in the day, Rahul Gandhi tweeted out saying that although he is ready for an alliance with the Aam Aadmi Party and can give 4 Lok Sabha seats for the party, "Mr Kejriwal has done another U turn!" (With inputs from agencies)

Alliance with Congress in Delhi has been called off: AAP leader Sanjay Singh

Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-narendra-modi-gets-highest-civilian-award-of-russia-209806">Narendra Modi</a> Tuesday slammed the Congress for being "soft" towards terrorism for 40 years and said India can now talk about peace after it exhibited the strength by destroying terror camps across the border.

He said his government has taken measures to weed out the Congress-aided middlemen to ensure that the entire central funds percolate down to the poor.

While addressing rallies at Sambalpur in western Odisha and state capital Bhubaneswar, Modi announced a slew of measures for the welfare of farmers and fishermen, if the BJP was voted to power.

"No one had listened to India earlier when it pleaded for peace. However, now the entire world is with us after witnessing our strength. Only the strong and powerful can talk about peace. No one listens to a weak nation," Modi said.

"If we display our courage, peace will prevail not only in India but in the entire sub-continent," he said asserting that BJP is keen to build a "new India" based on confidence and courage.
<img alt="BJP supporter" data-align="center" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="97e05e15-cae8-4fd3-b63d-3d10ed5643df" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2810%29_2.jpg" />
A BJP supporter wears a poster of Prime Minister Narendra Modi during Vijay Sankalp Sabha, an election campaign by Modi for the Lok Sabha polls, in Bhubaneswar, Tuesday, April 16, 2019. (PTI Photo)&nbsp; 
 
Asking the crowds whether or not the armed forces be given a free hand to deal with terrorism, the prime minister said, "For 40 long years we had been tolerating terrorism and shedding tears. How long should we tolerate this?" Mounting a blistering attack on the Congress, Modi accused it of being a silent spectator to the loot of public money besides being embroiled in multiple controversies and scams before the BJP-led government put brakes on these corrupt practices.

"During the Congress era, only 15 paise of a rupee would reach the poor and the rest was swindled by unscrupulous elements. No one bothered to stop it. Now, we have ensured that central funds reach the poor," Modi said. The Congress has lost credibility among the people as it has no mission and its leader (Rahul Gandhi) lacks vision, he said.

"People are not angry with Modi or the BJP-led government. They are angry with Congress and its 'Mahamilawati' (highly adulterated) friends for their behaviour. They have been spreading lies and making false allegations," the prime minister said."The party and its friends have only one agenda - that of 'Modi Hatao'," he said adding that the Congress can go to any extent for its vote bank.

Maintaining that there is no dearth of resources, Modi said the previous dispensations never paid attention to proper utilisation of funds and natural resources, while his government has taken concrete steps for its optimum use. Seeking to reach out to farmers in western Odisha, the prime minister said his government has hiked the Minimum Support Price for paddy 1.5 times, but the state's BJD government failed to take proper steps for its procurement.

As a result, the entire process is being controlled by middlemen and farmers are unable to get remunerative price for their produce, he said.

Modi's statement was a counter to the recent claim by Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik that the Centre has no sympathy for the farmers of the state.

Hitting out at the Patnaik government, Modi accused it of depriving the farmers of the benefits of PM-KISAN scheme by not cooperating with the Centre in its execution.

Accusing the BJD government of failing to provide a complete list of farmers, the prime minister said only 8.5 lakh peasants of the state could benefit from the scheme in the first phase due to the state government's apathy.

Modi promised that all eligible farmers would get assistance under the PM-KISAN scheme immediately after the BJP forms government at the Centre once again.

"We will also ensure that the farmers get the entire benefit without diversion by middlemen," he said.

In a bid to woo farmers and the fishermen community, the prime minister announced that separate ministries of fisheries and 'Jal shakti' would be set up for their benefit, if the saffron party is re-elected.

A Rs 10,000 crore scheme will also be launched for the welfare of fisherfolk in the country, Modi said.

Modi alleged the BJD government was protecting those involved in mining and chit fund scam cases.

Accusing the Patnaik government of betraying people by claiming central schemes as its own, the prime minister said the Centre's contribution in the much-trumpeted Re 1 per kg rice scheme in the state is a whopping Rs 29 to Rs 30 per kg.

He charged the Congress and the BJD with discriminating between people on the basis of region and caste and claimed that the state remained backwards because of this approach.

Claiming that the people of Odisha have been "blindly" electing the BJD to power for the last 20 years, Modi said the ruling dispensation needs to be replaced and people should elect a "double engine" government by voting the BJP to power both at the Centre and in the state for speedy development. Assembly election in Odisha is being held along with Lok Sabha polls in four phases.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Tuesday slammed the Congress for being "soft" towards terrorism for 40 years and said India can now talk about peace after it exhibited the strength by destroying terror camps across the border.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Tuesday slammed the Congress for being "soft" towards terrorism for 40 years and said India can now talk about peace after it exhibited the strength by destroying terror camps across the border. He said his government has taken measures to weed out the Congress-aided middlemen to ensure that the entire central funds percolate down to the poor. While addressing rallies at Sambalpur in western Odisha and state capital Bhubaneswar, Modi announced a slew of measures for the welfare of farmers and fishermen, if the BJP was voted to power. "No one had listened to India earlier when it pleaded for peace. However, now the entire world is with us after witnessing our strength. Only the strong and powerful can talk about peace. No one listens to a weak nation," Modi said. "If we display our courage, peace will prevail not only in India but in the entire sub-continent," he said asserting that BJP is keen to build a "new India" based on confidence and courage. A BJP supporter wears a poster of Prime Minister Narendra Modi during Vijay Sankalp Sabha, an election campaign by Modi for the Lok Sabha polls, in Bhubaneswar, Tuesday, April 16, 2019. (PTI Photo) Asking the crowds whether or not the armed forces be given a free hand to deal with terrorism, the prime minister said, "For 40 long years we had been tolerating terrorism and shedding tears. How long should we tolerate this?" Mounting a blistering attack on the Congress, Modi accused it of being a silent spectator to the loot of public money besides being embroiled in multiple controversies and scams before the BJP-led government put brakes on these corrupt practices. "During the Congress era, only 15 paise of a rupee would reach the poor and the rest was swindled by unscrupulous elements. No one bothered to stop it. Now, we have ensured that central funds reach the poor," Modi said. The Congress has lost credibility among the people as it has no mission and its leader (Rahul Gandhi) lacks vision, he said. "People are not angry with Modi or the BJP-led government. They are angry with Congress and its 'Mahamilawati' (highly adulterated) friends for their behaviour. They have been spreading lies and making false allegations," the prime minister said."The party and its friends have only one agenda - that of 'Modi Hatao'," he said adding that the Congress can go to any extent for its vote bank. Maintaining that there is no dearth of resources, Modi said the previous dispensations never paid attention to proper utilisation of funds and natural resources, while his government has taken concrete steps for its optimum use. Seeking to reach out to farmers in western Odisha, the prime minister said his government has hiked the Minimum Support Price for paddy 1.5 times, but the state's BJD government failed to take proper steps for its procurement. As a result, the entire process is being controlled by middlemen and farmers are unable to get remunerative price for their produce, he said. Modi's statement was a counter to the recent claim by Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik that the Centre has no sympathy for the farmers of the state. Hitting out at the Patnaik government, Modi accused it of depriving the farmers of the benefits of PM-KISAN scheme by not cooperating with the Centre in its execution. Accusing the BJD government of failing to provide a complete list of farmers, the prime minister said only 8.5 lakh peasants of the state could benefit from the scheme in the first phase due to the state government's apathy. Modi promised that all eligible farmers would get assistance under the PM-KISAN scheme immediately after the BJP forms government at the Centre once again. "We will also ensure that the farmers get the entire benefit without diversion by middlemen," he said. In a bid to woo farmers and the fishermen community, the prime minister announced that separate ministries of fisheries and 'Jal shakti' would be set up for their benefit, if the saffron party is re-elected. A Rs 10,000 crore scheme will also be launched for the welfare of fisherfolk in the country, Modi said. Modi alleged the BJD government was protecting those involved in mining and chit fund scam cases. Accusing the Patnaik government of betraying people by claiming central schemes as its own, the prime minister said the Centre's contribution in the much-trumpeted Re 1 per kg rice scheme in the state is a whopping Rs 29 to Rs 30 per kg. He charged the Congress and the BJD with discriminating between people on the basis of region and caste and claimed that the state remained backwards because of this approach. Claiming that the people of Odisha have been "blindly" electing the BJD to power for the last 20 years, Modi said the ruling dispensation needs to be replaced and people should elect a "double engine" government by voting the BJP to power both at the Centre and in the state for speedy development. Assembly election in Odisha is being held along with Lok Sabha polls in four phases.

Only strong can talk about peace, nobody listens to a weak nation: PM Modi in Odisha

Madras High Court today upheld the decision of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/elections-commission-calls-off-polls-in-tamil-nadus-vellore-over-cash-haul-210961">Election Commission of India to cancel</a> the election to Vellore Lok Sabha constituency.

The Lok Sabha election to the Vellore constituency was cancelled on Tuesday by the EC following the recovery of a huge amount of cash allegedly from an associate of a DMK leader.

The EC took the decision after the district police had filed a complaint against the accused, Kathir Anand, as well as two party functionaries on the basis of a report from the Income Tax department on April 10. Polling in Vellore was scheduled on April 18.

Anand was charged under the Representation of the People Act for giving "wrong information" in his election affidavit filed along with his nomination papers, the police said. The other two, identified as Srinivasan and Damodaran, were booked under bribery charges.

The recommendation was sent to the legislative department of the law ministry Tuesday which issued the notification.

On March 30, Income Tax officials had conducted searches at the residence of Anand's father Durai Murugan over suspected use of unaccounted money for electioneering, and seized Rs 10.50 lakh in alleged "excess" cash.

Two days later, they claimed to have seized Rs 11.53 crore from a cement godown belonging to a DMK leader's associate in the same district.

(Inputs: ANI, PTI)

Madras High Court today upheld the decision of Election Commission of India to cancel the election to Vellore Lok Sabha constituency. The Lok Sabha election to the Vellore constituency was cancelled on Tuesday by the EC following the recovery of a huge amount of cash allegedly from an associate of a DMK leader.

Madras High Court today upheld the decision of Election Commission of India to cancel the election to Vellore Lok Sabha constituency. The Lok Sabha election to the Vellore constituency was cancelled on Tuesday by the EC following the recovery of a huge amount of cash allegedly from an associate of a DMK leader. The EC took the decision after the district police had filed a complaint against the accused, Kathir Anand, as well as two party functionaries on the basis of a report from the Income Tax department on April 10. Polling in Vellore was scheduled on April 18. Anand was charged under the Representation of the People Act for giving "wrong information" in his election affidavit filed along with his nomination papers, the police said. The other two, identified as Srinivasan and Damodaran, were booked under bribery charges. The recommendation was sent to the legislative department of the law ministry Tuesday which issued the notification. On March 30, Income Tax officials had conducted searches at the residence of Anand's father Durai Murugan over suspected use of unaccounted money for electioneering, and seized Rs 10.50 lakh in alleged "excess" cash. Two days later, they claimed to have seized Rs 11.53 crore from a cement godown belonging to a DMK leader's associate in the same district. (Inputs: ANI, PTI)

Madras High Court upholds Election Commission's decision to cancel Vellore Lok Sabha polls

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/joko-widodo-leading-in-early-count-in-indonesia-pollsters-211136">Indonesians voted on Wednesday in a one-day election</a> billed as one of the most complex in the world. Our diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal spoke to Indonesian envoy to India Sidharto Suryodipuro on the Indonesian elections, the Indian polls among other things. The envoy said, his country can learn from the Indian experience on the electronic voting machine (EVM) and lauded the democratic process in both the countries.&nbsp;

WION: What can Indians learn from the Indonesian election process and what can Indonesians learn from the Indian elections?

Sidharto Suryodipuro: Learning, it's a two-way street. We need to have a conversation between our election commissions. It will be a good idea to start that. From the Indonesian side, we can learn a lot from our Indian friends about the EVM because behind India's voting machine there is a long history. It's a long process of gaining political consensus for the adoption of the EVMs and the process has not ended. Now you have paper trail added. Indonesia can benefit from the Indian experience on this.

WION: What are the similarities between the Indian and the Indonesian elections?

Suryodipuro: Similarities are in terms of diversity and scale of both the countries. India has a larger population than Indonesia. Indonesia had 810,000 polling booths. My guess is, in every round of elections in India there will be about as many numbers of polling booths. Both have very diverse and complex processes. It shows both our democracies are robust, people have the confidence in democracy and voting process and another thing - our election cycle is the same (previously in 2014 and now), and this helps in strengthening the bilateral relations because it creates stability in relations for the next 5 years.

WION: How big is the process of elections in Indonesia?

Suryodipuro: On April 17, a total of 193 million Indonesians went to the polling booth. They are electing the President and the Vice president. They will be voting for 575 members of the lower house. This is out of candidates of 16 political parties. There will be local voting at the provincial level. So in all, 20,000 seats will be up for votes.

WION: How did Indonesians in India vote?

Suryodipuro: There are 2 million Indonesians living overseas. They are covered by 133 Indonesian missions worldwide. So in India, we have votings in the embassy in New Delhi and the Consulate in Mumbai. In all, we have 198 Indonesian citizens come to the embassy and vote and 91 that voted by mail. We are going through the counting. These are ballot papers and not electronic voting machines, they are being counted manually.

Indonesians voted on Wednesday in a one-day election billed as one of the most complex in the world. Our diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal spoke to Indonesian envoy to India Sidharto Suryodipuro on the Indonesian elections, the Indian polls among other things.

Indonesians voted on Wednesday in a one-day election billed as one of the most complex in the world. Our diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal spoke to Indonesian envoy to India Sidharto Suryodipuro on the Indonesian elections, the Indian polls among other things. The envoy said, his country can learn from the Indian experience on the electronic voting machine (EVM) and lauded the democratic process in both the countries. WION: What can Indians learn from the Indonesian election process and what can Indonesians learn from the Indian elections? Sidharto Suryodipuro: Learning, it's a two-way street. We need to have a conversation between our election commissions. It will be a good idea to start that. From the Indonesian side, we can learn a lot from our Indian friends about the EVM because behind India's voting machine there is a long history. It's a long process of gaining political consensus for the adoption of the EVMs and the process has not ended. Now you have paper trail added. Indonesia can benefit from the Indian experience on this. WION: What are the similarities between the Indian and the Indonesian elections? Suryodipuro: Similarities are in terms of diversity and scale of both the countries. India has a larger population than Indonesia. Indonesia had 810,000 polling booths. My guess is, in every round of elections in India there will be about as many numbers of polling booths. Both have very diverse and complex processes. It shows both our democracies are robust, people have the confidence in democracy and voting process and another thing - our election cycle is the same (previously in 2014 and now), and this helps in strengthening the bilateral relations because it creates stability in relations for the next 5 years. WION: How big is the process of elections in Indonesia? Suryodipuro: On April 17, a total of 193 million Indonesians went to the polling booth. They are electing the President and the Vice president. They will be voting for 575 members of the lower house. This is out of candidates of 16 political parties. There will be local voting at the provincial level. So in all, 20,000 seats will be up for votes. WION: How did Indonesians in India vote? Suryodipuro: There are 2 million Indonesians living overseas. They are covered by 133 Indonesian missions worldwide. So in India, we have votings in the embassy in New Delhi and the Consulate in Mumbai. In all, we have 198 Indonesian citizens come to the embassy and vote and 91 that voted by mail. We are going through the counting. These are ballot papers and not electronic voting machines, they are being counted manually.

Can learn a lot from Indian experience on electronic voting machines: Indonesian envoy

A massive contingent of 41,000 paramilitary personnel will be deployed in politically crucial West Bengal during the remaining six phases of Lok Sabha polls in the state which has often seen violence during elections, officials said.

This is the maximum number of central security forces ever deployed in the state for the general elections, they said.

Officials in the central security establishment said a "massive mobilisation" of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) is being made. The state sends 42 Lok Sabha MPs.

Elections to two constituencies was held in phase one on April 11, while three seats will go to polls on Thursday in the second phase. The state will have seven-phase polls.

About 41,000 personnel drawn from the central pool, as part of 400 companies, will be deployed gradually in West Bengal till the last and seventh phase of voting on May 19, they said.

Officials said the build up in the numbers of the central forces is evident from the first phase of polls in the state when about 84 companies (nearly 100 personnel each) were deployed to conduct polls in two seats of Coochbehar and Alipurduar. For polls in three seats of Jalpaiguri, Darjeeling and Raiganj on Thursday, a total of 194 companies are being deployed.

Officials said the aim is to have "85-90 per cent" of the polling booths in the state under the cover of the central forces as a number of incidents of voters intimidation, booth attack and looting of EVMs have taken place in the state during the panchayat polls held last year and the assembly polls in 2016.

A number of polling booths have been declared sensitive from the point of view of violence and suspicion of distribution of poll inducements like liquor and cash, they said.

Reports state that while about 12-13 people were killed during the panchayat polls, over a dozen were injured and wide-scale violence during the last assembly elections in the state.

A large of chunk of the 400 companies will be drawn from the Central Reserve Police Force, Border Security Force, Sashastra Seema Bal, Central Industrial Security Force and Indian Reserve Battalions (IRBs) of different states, officials added.

Huge logistics and requisitioning of railway coaches, trucks and helicopter sorties are being arranged to send these forces, they said.

As the phases are getting over, the troops are being moved from one state to the other and maximum numbers are being sent to West Bengal, they said.

The Election Commission has appointed former Bihar Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Ajay V Nayak as a special observer for West Bengal, while retired IPS officer Vivek Dubey has been sent to the state as a special police observer.

About 2.5 lakh central police forces are being deployed across the country for the Lok Sabha polls that began on April 11 and will end on May 19. The counting of votes is scheduled for May 23.&nbsp;

A massive contingent of 41,000 paramilitary personnel will be deployed in politically crucial West Bengal during the remaining six phases of Lok Sabha polls in the state which has often seen violence during elections, officials said.

A massive contingent of 41,000 paramilitary personnel will be deployed in politically crucial West Bengal during the remaining six phases of Lok Sabha polls in the state which has often seen violence during elections, officials said. This is the maximum number of central security forces ever deployed in the state for the general elections, they said. Officials in the central security establishment said a "massive mobilisation" of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) is being made. The state sends 42 Lok Sabha MPs. Elections to two constituencies was held in phase one on April 11, while three seats will go to polls on Thursday in the second phase. The state will have seven-phase polls. About 41,000 personnel drawn from the central pool, as part of 400 companies, will be deployed gradually in West Bengal till the last and seventh phase of voting on May 19, they said. Officials said the build up in the numbers of the central forces is evident from the first phase of polls in the state when about 84 companies (nearly 100 personnel each) were deployed to conduct polls in two seats of Coochbehar and Alipurduar. For polls in three seats of Jalpaiguri, Darjeeling and Raiganj on Thursday, a total of 194 companies are being deployed. Officials said the aim is to have "85-90 per cent" of the polling booths in the state under the cover of the central forces as a number of incidents of voters intimidation, booth attack and looting of EVMs have taken place in the state during the panchayat polls held last year and the assembly polls in 2016. A number of polling booths have been declared sensitive from the point of view of violence and suspicion of distribution of poll inducements like liquor and cash, they said. Reports state that while about 12-13 people were killed during the panchayat polls, over a dozen were injured and wide-scale violence during the last assembly elections in the state. A large of chunk of the 400 companies will be drawn from the Central Reserve Police Force, Border Security Force, Sashastra Seema Bal, Central Industrial Security Force and Indian Reserve Battalions (IRBs) of different states, officials added. Huge logistics and requisitioning of railway coaches, trucks and helicopter sorties are being arranged to send these forces, they said. As the phases are getting over, the troops are being moved from one state to the other and maximum numbers are being sent to West Bengal, they said. The Election Commission has appointed former Bihar Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Ajay V Nayak as a special observer for West Bengal, while retired IPS officer Vivek Dubey has been sent to the state as a special police observer. About 2.5 lakh central police forces are being deployed across the country for the Lok Sabha polls that began on April 11 and will end on May 19. The counting of votes is scheduled for May 23.

Lok Sabha polls: 41,000 central forces personnel to be deployed in West Bengal over multiple phases

Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur, who is <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/malegaon-blast-case-sadhvi-pragya-and-lt-col-purohit-will-be-tried-under-uaps-act-along-with-other-accused-27869">facing trial in the 2008 Malegaon blast case</a>, joined the BJP on Wednesday. Later in the day her name emerged in the party's list of candidates - Thakur has been fielded from Madhya Pradesh's Bhopal Lok Sabha seat.

"I will contest the election from Bhopal and win. Former chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan is with me," Thakur said, speaking after emerging out of the BJP office.

Thakur had recently said she was ready for a "Dharm Yudh".

"I am ready to take on Digvijay Singh if the sanghatan (organisation, apparently referring to the BJP) asks me to do so," Thakur had told PTI last month.

Born in Bhind district of Madhya Pradesh, Thakur has had a long association with the Sangh parivar.

A post-graduate in history, she worked with the RSS' student wing Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad and Durga Vahini, women's wing of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad.

Arrested in the 2008 Malegaon blast case, she was given a clean chit by the National Investigation Agency (NIA), but the trial court refused to discharge her from the case.

The court dropped the charges under the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) against her, and she is now being tried under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act.

She was granted bail by the Bombay High Court in 2017.

Six people were killed and over 100 injured when a bomb went off near a mosque in Malegaon in north Maharashtra, on September 29, 2008. According to the prosecution, it was the handiwork of a Hindu extremist group.

The BJP has been holding Bhopal Lok Sabha seat, where about 4.5 lakh of the 18 lakh voters are Muslim, since 1989.

According to sources, BJP leaders went into a huddle after Digvijay Singh's candidature was announced.

In the 2018 Assembly elections, the Congress won three out of the eight assembly segments in the Bhopal Lok Sabha constituency, and in the remaining segments the BJP's victory margin decreased.&nbsp;

Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur, who is facing trial in the 2008 Malegaon blast case, joined the BJP on Wednesday. Later in the day her name emerged in the party's list of candidates - Thakur has been fielded from Madhya Pradesh's Bhopal Lok Sabha seat.

Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur, who is facing trial in the 2008 Malegaon blast case, joined the BJP on Wednesday. Later in the day her name emerged in the party's list of candidates - Thakur has been fielded from Madhya Pradesh's Bhopal Lok Sabha seat. "I will contest the election from Bhopal and win. Former chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan is with me," Thakur said, speaking after emerging out of the BJP office. Thakur had recently said she was ready for a "Dharm Yudh". "I am ready to take on Digvijay Singh if the sanghatan (organisation, apparently referring to the BJP) asks me to do so," Thakur had told PTI last month. Born in Bhind district of Madhya Pradesh, Thakur has had a long association with the Sangh parivar. A post-graduate in history, she worked with the RSS' student wing Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad and Durga Vahini, women's wing of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad. Arrested in the 2008 Malegaon blast case, she was given a clean chit by the National Investigation Agency (NIA), but the trial court refused to discharge her from the case. The court dropped the charges under the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) against her, and she is now being tried under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act. She was granted bail by the Bombay High Court in 2017. Six people were killed and over 100 injured when a bomb went off near a mosque in Malegaon in north Maharashtra, on September 29, 2008. According to the prosecution, it was the handiwork of a Hindu extremist group. The BJP has been holding Bhopal Lok Sabha seat, where about 4.5 lakh of the 18 lakh voters are Muslim, since 1989. According to sources, BJP leaders went into a huddle after Digvijay Singh's candidature was announced. In the 2018 Assembly elections, the Congress won three out of the eight assembly segments in the Bhopal Lok Sabha constituency, and in the remaining segments the BJP's victory margin decreased.

Pragya Singh joins BJP, set to take on Congress' Digvijaya Singh from Bhopal

A unique story of patriotism & dedication came into light from Assam’s Karimganj. A 116-year-old man is all set for Lok Sabha elections 2019. Mahmud Ali never misses a chance to vote and even encourages his family to use their ‘right’ properly.

116-year-old man is all set for Lok Sabha elections 2019

Several PDP leaders, including party's district president Leh Tashi Gyalson, have joined the BJP, a spokesperson of the party said in Jammu on Wednesday.

Almost the entire Leh unit of the PDP led by Gyalson joined the BJP at the party headquarters on Tuesday evening, he said.

Chairman and chief executive councillor of the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC) and BJP's candidate for the Ladakh parliamentary constituency Jamyang Tsering Namgyal welcomed the new entrants into the party fold.

Besides Gyalson, others who have joined the BJP include women wing president and nominated councillor Rinchen Lhamo, vice president Tsewang Dorjay Onpo, zonal president Nubra Capt Phunstog, general secretary Sangay Dorjay and executive members Tundup and Phuntsog, the spokesman said.

Gyalson, who joined the PDP in 2008, said they were highly impressed by the BJP slogan 'Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas' and decided to join the party.

The spokesman said their joining will strengthen the party at the grassroots level in the region which is going to polls in the final phase of the Lok Sabha polls on May 6.

Veteran leader Thupstan Chhewang had won the seat for the BJP for the first time in 2014 by a slight margin of 36 votes, but he resigned from the primary membership of the party in November last year, saying that all promises made by the BJP sounded like an "empty rhetoric".

Several PDP leaders, including party's district president Leh Tashi Gyalson, have joined the BJP, a spokesperson of the party said in Jammu on Wednesday. Almost the entire Leh unit of the PDP led by Gyalson joined the BJP at the party headquarters on Tuesday evening, he said.

Several PDP leaders, including party's district president Leh Tashi Gyalson, have joined the BJP, a spokesperson of the party said in Jammu on Wednesday. Almost the entire Leh unit of the PDP led by Gyalson joined the BJP at the party headquarters on Tuesday evening, he said. Chairman and chief executive councillor of the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC) and BJP's candidate for the Ladakh parliamentary constituency Jamyang Tsering Namgyal welcomed the new entrants into the party fold. Besides Gyalson, others who have joined the BJP include women wing president and nominated councillor Rinchen Lhamo, vice president Tsewang Dorjay Onpo, zonal president Nubra Capt Phunstog, general secretary Sangay Dorjay and executive members Tundup and Phuntsog, the spokesman said. Gyalson, who joined the PDP in 2008, said they were highly impressed by the BJP slogan 'Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas' and decided to join the party. The spokesman said their joining will strengthen the party at the grassroots level in the region which is going to polls in the final phase of the Lok Sabha polls on May 6. Veteran leader Thupstan Chhewang had won the seat for the BJP for the first time in 2014 by a slight margin of 36 votes, but he resigned from the primary membership of the party in November last year, saying that all promises made by the BJP sounded like an "empty rhetoric".

Several PDP leaders join BJP in Ladakh

Congress chief Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday reached out to the people of Wayanad, saying he did not want to make false promises, but was committed to resolving their issues after hearing their "heart and soul".

Taking a jibe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Gandhi said he was not here to tell his 'Mann Ki Baat' but to understand the difficulties, including the night travel ban, man-animal conflicts and lack of medical facilities, being faced by the people here.

"I am not like the Prime Minister.. I am not here to tell you that I will give you 2 crore jobs, Rs 15 lakh in bank accounts. I will give farmers and give them whatever they want.. I am not going to lie to you.. Because I respect your intelligence.. Your wisdom," Gandhi told the gathering.

"I just don't want to have a relationship ofjust few months. I want a lifelong relationship with you. I want the sisters of Wayanad to say that I am like their brother, fathers and mothers to say that I am their son," he said.

The Congress chief said he wanted to represent Wayanad as the "beautiful place" symbolises different ideas, cultures and that the rest of the country can learn from Kerala and Wayanad.

"Once I decided to fight election from south India, I realised that Wayanad was the best place. Because it represents many many different ideas, cultures... Kerala is an example of peaceful co-existence. There is a lot that the rest of the country can learn from Kerala and Wayanad," he said.

Gandhi said he decided to contest from South India to make a point that the voice of south is as "important" as rest of the country.

Congress chief Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday reached out to the people of Wayanad, saying he did not want to make false promises, but was committed to resolving their issues after hearing their "heart and soul".

Congress chief Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday reached out to the people of Wayanad, saying he did not want to make false promises, but was committed to resolving their issues after hearing their "heart and soul". Taking a jibe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Gandhi said he was not here to tell his 'Mann Ki Baat' but to understand the difficulties, including the night travel ban, man-animal conflicts and lack of medical facilities, being faced by the people here. "I am not like the Prime Minister.. I am not here to tell you that I will give you 2 crore jobs, Rs 15 lakh in bank accounts. I will give farmers and give them whatever they want.. I am not going to lie to you.. Because I respect your intelligence.. Your wisdom," Gandhi told the gathering. "I just don't want to have a relationship ofjust few months. I want a lifelong relationship with you. I want the sisters of Wayanad to say that I am like their brother, fathers and mothers to say that I am their son," he said. The Congress chief said he wanted to represent Wayanad as the "beautiful place" symbolises different ideas, cultures and that the rest of the country can learn from Kerala and Wayanad. "Once I decided to fight election from south India, I realised that Wayanad was the best place. Because it represents many many different ideas, cultures... Kerala is an example of peaceful co-existence. There is a lot that the rest of the country can learn from Kerala and Wayanad," he said. Gandhi said he decided to contest from South India to make a point that the voice of south is as "important" as rest of the country.

Not here to make false promises: Rahul Gandhi in Kerala

Congress chief Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday performed the 'bali tharpanam' ritual for his late father and other ancestors on the banks of the 'Papanasini' in Wayanad, nearly three decades after the ashes of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi were immersed in the sacred stream.

Gandhi, who is on a whirlwind two-day tour in Kerala as part of Lok Sabha poll campaign, took time off his hectic schedule to offer prayers at the famed Thirunelli temple and performed the sacred ritual to pay obeisance to the ancestors of seven generations.

Known as the "Kashi of South", the Thirunelli temple, located in a picturesque valley surrounded by mountains and thick forest, is dedicated to Lord Maha Vishnu.

According to Hindu belief, performing the 'bali tharpanam' (paying obeisance to departed souls) ritual for ancestors in the 'Papanasini', the stream attached to the forest temple, is sacred.

Gandhi, who is contesting polls from the Wayanad Lok Sabha constituency also this time, besides his family bastion Amethi, arrived at the forest temple in a helicopter, accompanied by his party leaders, in the morning.

Wearing a traditional dhoti and draping a 'kasavu' (silk) shawl, the 49-year-old leader prostrated before the sanctum sanctorum and offered 'kanikka' in the temple 'hundi'.

After having a brief conversation with the priest about the rituals and traditions of the ancient shrine, Gandhi proceeded to the sacred stream, located about 700 metres from there.

The security officials had a tough time leading the bare-footed leader through the undulating terrain, paved with huge rocks and boulders, inside the thick forest, notorious for Maoist presence.

Television visuals showed Gandhi listening as the priest chanted the mantras and followed his instructions to perform the 'tharpanam'.

Besides the rituals for Rajiv Gandhi, rites for Indira Gandhi, former prime minister and Rahul Gandhi's grandmother, were also held.

Gandhi spent around 45 minutes at the hill shrine before leaving for a party meeting at the Sultan Bathery, around 45 km from Thirunelli.

"Besides Rajiv and Indira, the AICC chief performed the ritual for the jawans who lost lives in the Pulwama terror strike and lakhs of party workers who have died," Congress leader K C Venugopal, who was among those who accompanied Gandhi, later told reporters.

Former chief minister Oommen Chandy said Rahul Gandhi had expressed keen interest to offer prayers at the shrine during his last visit to Wayanad.

"We could not make it last time when he came to submit the nomination papers on April 4 due to security reasons," he said.

"Gandhi really wanted to visit the shrine and perform the ritual at Papanasini, where his father's ashes were immersed," Chandy added.

An urn containing the ashes of Rajiv Gandhi was brought here in 1991 and they were immersed in the Papanasini, which translates to 'destroyer of sins'.

Rajiv Gandhi was killed in a suicide bomb blast at Sriperumbudur in Tamil Nadu on May 21, 1991 during an election campaign.

Surrounded by the Kambamala, Karimala and the Varadiga peaks, the Thirunelli temple near Mananthavady embodies traditional Kerala architecture, according to the Kerala Tourism Department website.

The shrine, nestled in the scenic mountains, is shielded by 30 granite columns and the ground is paved with huge square pieces of granite.

Gandhi, who addressed four poll rallies on Tuesday, would address party workers in Palakkad and Malappuram besides Wayanad on Wednesday.

&nbsp;

Congress chief Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday performed the 'bali tharpanam' ritual for his late father and other ancestors on the banks of the 'Papanasini' in Wayanad, nearly three decades after the ashes of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi were immersed in the sacred stream.

Congress chief Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday performed the 'bali tharpanam' ritual for his late father and other ancestors on the banks of the 'Papanasini' in Wayanad, nearly three decades after the ashes of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi were immersed in the sacred stream. Gandhi, who is on a whirlwind two-day tour in Kerala as part of Lok Sabha poll campaign, took time off his hectic schedule to offer prayers at the famed Thirunelli temple and performed the sacred ritual to pay obeisance to the ancestors of seven generations. Known as the "Kashi of South", the Thirunelli temple, located in a picturesque valley surrounded by mountains and thick forest, is dedicated to Lord Maha Vishnu. According to Hindu belief, performing the 'bali tharpanam' (paying obeisance to departed souls) ritual for ancestors in the 'Papanasini', the stream attached to the forest temple, is sacred. Gandhi, who is contesting polls from the Wayanad Lok Sabha constituency also this time, besides his family bastion Amethi, arrived at the forest temple in a helicopter, accompanied by his party leaders, in the morning. Wearing a traditional dhoti and draping a 'kasavu' (silk) shawl, the 49-year-old leader prostrated before the sanctum sanctorum and offered 'kanikka' in the temple 'hundi'. After having a brief conversation with the priest about the rituals and traditions of the ancient shrine, Gandhi proceeded to the sacred stream, located about 700 metres from there. The security officials had a tough time leading the bare-footed leader through the undulating terrain, paved with huge rocks and boulders, inside the thick forest, notorious for Maoist presence. Television visuals showed Gandhi listening as the priest chanted the mantras and followed his instructions to perform the 'tharpanam'. Besides the rituals for Rajiv Gandhi, rites for Indira Gandhi, former prime minister and Rahul Gandhi's grandmother, were also held. Gandhi spent around 45 minutes at the hill shrine before leaving for a party meeting at the Sultan Bathery, around 45 km from Thirunelli. "Besides Rajiv and Indira, the AICC chief performed the ritual for the jawans who lost lives in the Pulwama terror strike and lakhs of party workers who have died," Congress leader K C Venugopal, who was among those who accompanied Gandhi, later told reporters. Former chief minister Oommen Chandy said Rahul Gandhi had expressed keen interest to offer prayers at the shrine during his last visit to Wayanad. "We could not make it last time when he came to submit the nomination papers on April 4 due to security reasons," he said. "Gandhi really wanted to visit the shrine and perform the ritual at Papanasini, where his father's ashes were immersed," Chandy added. An urn containing the ashes of Rajiv Gandhi was brought here in 1991 and they were immersed in the Papanasini, which translates to 'destroyer of sins'. Rajiv Gandhi was killed in a suicide bomb blast at Sriperumbudur in Tamil Nadu on May 21, 1991 during an election campaign. Surrounded by the Kambamala, Karimala and the Varadiga peaks, the Thirunelli temple near Mananthavady embodies traditional Kerala architecture, according to the Kerala Tourism Department website. The shrine, nestled in the scenic mountains, is shielded by 30 granite columns and the ground is paved with huge square pieces of granite. Gandhi, who addressed four poll rallies on Tuesday, would address party workers in Palakkad and Malappuram besides Wayanad on Wednesday.

Lok Sabha polls: Rahul Gandhi's temple run in Kerala's Wayanad

Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot on Wednesday said Ram Nath Kovind was made President of the country to balance caste equations ahead of the assembly election in Gujarat in 2017.

"People even say that Ram Nath Kovind was made president considering Gujarat assembly elections in 2017. I was reading an article. He (Prime Minister Narendra Modi) was afraid that he was not going to form the government in Gujarat. BJP chief Amit Shah might have given him suggestion after which it was decided to make Ram Nath Kovind the president," Gehlot told reporters here at a press conference.

Kovind was elected President in July 2017 and Gujarat assembly elections were held in December in the year.

"(Lal Krishna) Advani was left out though he had to become the president. People of the country had expectation that he (Advani) will get the honour which he deserved but was deprived. Though it is BJP's internal issue, I am discussing it because I read an article," the Rajasthan chief minister added.

Meanwhile,&nbsp;the BJP on Wednesday demanded an apology from Gehlot, for his comments against President Ram Nath Kovind, claiming that he was elected to the highest constitutional post due to his caste.

The party also urged the Election Commission (EC) to take strict action against the Congress leader.

"We demand an apology from the Congress leader Ashok Gehlot for his comment that Kovind was made President because of his caste," BJP spokesperson G V L Narasimha Rao said at the party headquarters.&nbsp;

Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot on Wednesday said Ram Nath Kovind was made President of the country to balance caste equations ahead of the assembly election in Gujarat in 2017.

Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot on Wednesday said Ram Nath Kovind was made President of the country to balance caste equations ahead of the assembly election in Gujarat in 2017. "People even say that Ram Nath Kovind was made president considering Gujarat assembly elections in 2017. I was reading an article. He (Prime Minister Narendra Modi) was afraid that he was not going to form the government in Gujarat. BJP chief Amit Shah might have given him suggestion after which it was decided to make Ram Nath Kovind the president," Gehlot told reporters here at a press conference. Kovind was elected President in July 2017 and Gujarat assembly elections were held in December in the year. "(Lal Krishna) Advani was left out though he had to become the president. People of the country had expectation that he (Advani) will get the honour which he deserved but was deprived. Though it is BJP's internal issue, I am discussing it because I read an article," the Rajasthan chief minister added. Meanwhile, the BJP on Wednesday demanded an apology from Gehlot, for his comments against President Ram Nath Kovind, claiming that he was elected to the highest constitutional post due to his caste. The party also urged the Election Commission (EC) to take strict action against the Congress leader. "We demand an apology from the Congress leader Ashok Gehlot for his comment that Kovind was made President because of his caste," BJP spokesperson G V L Narasimha Rao said at the party headquarters.

Ram Nath Kovind made President because of his caste: Ashok Gehlot

Over 76.93 lakh voters will on Thursday decide the fate of 279 candidates, including Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik and Union minister Jual Oram, in the second phase of polls for five Lok Sabha and 35 assembly seats in Odisha.

Out of the total electorate of 76,93,123, there are 37,47,493 women voters. At least 605 electors belong to the third gender.

Preparations for the second phase of polls have reached the final stage and necessary steps have been taken to ensure free, fair and peaceful voting to be held in 9,117 booths, said Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Surendra Kumar.

Polling will be held in Aska, Kandhamal, Sundergarh, Bargarh and Bolangir Lok Sabha constituencies and 35 assembly segments under them. The polling staff have reached the booths in time, he said.

Over 60,000 polling personnel have been deployed to conduct the second phase, Kumar said, adding, 8,700 vehicles will be used for their transportation.

"For the first time in the state, the vehicles of all sector officers are provided with GPS tracking facilities to ensure proper monitoring," the CEO said.

Out of the total number of 9,117 booths, 3,701 have been identified as critical, and arrangements have been made for deployment of Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) in 739 booths, he said.

Similarly, steps have been taken for webcasting in 883 booths, providing CCTV in 623 booths and engaging 892 micro-observers, Kumar said. Videography will be conducted in 331 places.

As some areas in Kandhamal, Bolangir and Bargarh are Maoist-affected, security has been heightened to ensure smooth conduct of polls in those pockets, a senior police officer said.

"Steps were taken for intensifying combing operations, patrolling and flag march in these areas," he said.

While CAPF have been deployed in the critical and sensitive booths, Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Special Operation Group (SOG) and District Volunteer Force (DVF) personnel have been asked to intensify anti-Naxal operations in several areas, the officer said.

Paramilitary forces, police, flying squads, static surveillance teams, poll observers, videography teams and excise sleuths will also be deployed in the constituencies.

In order to assist differently-abled voters, vehicles will be deployed to transport them to polling stations, while wheelchairs and volunteers are also being made available to help them cast votes in the stations.

The voters include a total of 1,08,458 differently abled persons, and as many as 17,882 volunteers have been engaged to assist them, the CEO said.

On the basis of feedback received from the first phase of polls held on April 11, arrangements have been made for providing tents and chairs in the booths, in order to give respite to the voters from scorching heat, he said.

The second phase of polls will decide the fate of a total of 279 candidates. There are 35 hopefuls, including five women, in five Lok Sabha constituencies, and 244 candidates, 25 of them women, in 35 assembly seats.

Prominent among the contestants in the second phase is chief minister and Biju Janata Dal (BJD) president Naveen Patnaik, contesting from his home turf Hinjili in Ganjam district and Bijepur in Bargarh.

Among others, Union Tribal Affairs Minister Jual Oram of the BJP, BJD's Rajya Sabha MPs Prasanna Acharya and Achyut Samant, BJP nominee and three-time MP Kharabela Swain are in the fray in the Lok Sabha polls.

In addition, senior Congress leader Narasingha Mishra is in the fray from the Bolangir Assembly seat, while BJP legislature party leader K V Singhdeo is contesting from the Patnagarh Assembly seat.

Lok Sabha and assembly elections are being held simultaneously in Odisha in four phases.

While the first phase of polling was held on April 11, the remaining phases are scheduled for Thursday, April 23 and 29. Counting of votes will be held on May 23. 
There are 21 Lok Sabha and 147 assembly seats in the state.

Meanwhile, repolling will also be held on Thursday in two polling stations located in Malkangiri (ST) and Berhampur Assembly constituencies, following reports of glitches in the Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) during the first phase of polling.

Over 76.93 lakh voters will on Thursday decide the fate of 279 candidates, including Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik and Union minister Jual Oram, in the second phase of polls for five Lok Sabha and 35 assembly seats in Odisha.

Over 76.93 lakh voters will on Thursday decide the fate of 279 candidates, including Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik and Union minister Jual Oram, in the second phase of polls for five Lok Sabha and 35 assembly seats in Odisha. Out of the total electorate of 76,93,123, there are 37,47,493 women voters. At least 605 electors belong to the third gender. Preparations for the second phase of polls have reached the final stage and necessary steps have been taken to ensure free, fair and peaceful voting to be held in 9,117 booths, said Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Surendra Kumar. Polling will be held in Aska, Kandhamal, Sundergarh, Bargarh and Bolangir Lok Sabha constituencies and 35 assembly segments under them. The polling staff have reached the booths in time, he said. Over 60,000 polling personnel have been deployed to conduct the second phase, Kumar said, adding, 8,700 vehicles will be used for their transportation. "For the first time in the state, the vehicles of all sector officers are provided with GPS tracking facilities to ensure proper monitoring," the CEO said. Out of the total number of 9,117 booths, 3,701 have been identified as critical, and arrangements have been made for deployment of Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) in 739 booths, he said. Similarly, steps have been taken for webcasting in 883 booths, providing CCTV in 623 booths and engaging 892 micro-observers, Kumar said. Videography will be conducted in 331 places. As some areas in Kandhamal, Bolangir and Bargarh are Maoist-affected, security has been heightened to ensure smooth conduct of polls in those pockets, a senior police officer said. "Steps were taken for intensifying combing operations, patrolling and flag march in these areas," he said. While CAPF have been deployed in the critical and sensitive booths, Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Special Operation Group (SOG) and District Volunteer Force (DVF) personnel have been asked to intensify anti-Naxal operations in several areas, the officer said. Paramilitary forces, police, flying squads, static surveillance teams, poll observers, videography teams and excise sleuths will also be deployed in the constituencies. In order to assist differently-abled voters, vehicles will be deployed to transport them to polling stations, while wheelchairs and volunteers are also being made available to help them cast votes in the stations. The voters include a total of 1,08,458 differently abled persons, and as many as 17,882 volunteers have been engaged to assist them, the CEO said. On the basis of feedback received from the first phase of polls held on April 11, arrangements have been made for providing tents and chairs in the booths, in order to give respite to the voters from scorching heat, he said. The second phase of polls will decide the fate of a total of 279 candidates. There are 35 hopefuls, including five women, in five Lok Sabha constituencies, and 244 candidates, 25 of them women, in 35 assembly seats. Prominent among the contestants in the second phase is chief minister and Biju Janata Dal (BJD) president Naveen Patnaik, contesting from his home turf Hinjili in Ganjam district and Bijepur in Bargarh. Among others, Union Tribal Affairs Minister Jual Oram of the BJP, BJD's Rajya Sabha MPs Prasanna Acharya and Achyut Samant, BJP nominee and three-time MP Kharabela Swain are in the fray in the Lok Sabha polls. In addition, senior Congress leader Narasingha Mishra is in the fray from the Bolangir Assembly seat, while BJP legislature party leader K V Singhdeo is contesting from the Patnagarh Assembly seat. Lok Sabha and assembly elections are being held simultaneously in Odisha in four phases. While the first phase of polling was held on April 11, the remaining phases are scheduled for Thursday, April 23 and 29. Counting of votes will be held on May 23. There are 21 Lok Sabha and 147 assembly seats in the state. Meanwhile, repolling will also be held on Thursday in two polling stations located in Malkangiri (ST) and Berhampur Assembly constituencies, following reports of glitches in the Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) during the first phase of polling.

Odisha gears up for second phase of Lok Sabha, assembly polls

BJP candidate from Gorakhpur Ravi Kishan on Wednesday called on Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, a former MP from the seat.

The Bhojpuri actor sought the chief minister's blessings and exuded confidence of winning the Gorakhpur constituency, presently held by the Samajwadi Party.

"There is no challenge for me in Gorakhpur as I have the blessings of Baba Gorakhnath and Yogi Adityanath. Apart from this, we have people's blessings for the work done by Prime Minister Narendra Modi," he said after meeting Adityanath.

Slamming the opposition parties, he said "the 'Gathbandhan' (anti-BJP alliance) will divide the country" if voted to power.

"The opposition in order to realise its vested interest, makes the public forget many things, so we will knock every door and tell people about the various welfare schemes and projects launched by this government for different sections of the society," Ravi Kishan said.

He said the general election is a battle between a "selfless prime minister and a conglomeration of dynastic parties".

The Gorakhpur seat, which was considered as a bastion of Adityanath, was lost to Praveen Nishad in the bypolls, who had fought on a Samajwadi Party ticket with the support of the Bahujan Samaj Party.

Gorakhpur goes to polls on May 19, the last phase of the seven-phase Lok Sabha election.

BJP candidate from Gorakhpur Ravi Kishan on Wednesday called on Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, a former MP from the seat. The Bhojpuri actor sought the chief minister's blessings and exuded confidence of winning the Gorakhpur constituency, presently held by the Samajwadi Party.

BJP candidate from Gorakhpur Ravi Kishan on Wednesday called on Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, a former MP from the seat. The Bhojpuri actor sought the chief minister's blessings and exuded confidence of winning the Gorakhpur constituency, presently held by the Samajwadi Party. "There is no challenge for me in Gorakhpur as I have the blessings of Baba Gorakhnath and Yogi Adityanath. Apart from this, we have people's blessings for the work done by Prime Minister Narendra Modi," he said after meeting Adityanath. Slamming the opposition parties, he said "the 'Gathbandhan' (anti-BJP alliance) will divide the country" if voted to power. "The opposition in order to realise its vested interest, makes the public forget many things, so we will knock every door and tell people about the various welfare schemes and projects launched by this government for different sections of the society," Ravi Kishan said. He said the general election is a battle between a "selfless prime minister and a conglomeration of dynastic parties". The Gorakhpur seat, which was considered as a bastion of Adityanath, was lost to Praveen Nishad in the bypolls, who had fought on a Samajwadi Party ticket with the support of the Bahujan Samaj Party. Gorakhpur goes to polls on May 19, the last phase of the seven-phase Lok Sabha election.

Lok Sabha polls: Ravi Kishan meets Yogi Adityanath, seeks blessings for election victory