Watch 'India Election Watch' to get the deep details and knowledge of India's election.

India Election Watch; 08th April, 2019

Electing a government to govern the nation/states for the next five years by casting vote in a polling booth is an onerous responsibility on shoulders of every voter in a democratic country. Unfortunately, even after seven decades of independence and numerous elections held in the country so far, in spite of extensive appeals by the Election Commission, &nbsp;government and other celebrities, a large number of voters still perceive, voting is an optional luxury enjoying low priority.

Enormous expenses out of taxpayer's revenue, precious time of serving government officials and the quantum of influence that every election result wreaks on everyone's life and future, are almost obscure to them. Electing a government is a democratic activity of utmost significance and voters' indifference to casting vote is a profligacy nation can no more afford.

Owing to burgeoning complexity of governance, high aspiration of the masses, technological advances, intense international pulls and pressures, country's diplomatic status in comity of nations with respect to treaties and agreements, transformation of social values, frequent natural calamities, low intensity wars etc, have rendered it all the more essential rather inevitable for every voter to unhesitatingly exercise his/her right to vote to elect a responsible, accountable and determined government to steer the country forward amidst turbulence of all sorts. Any negligence or indifference towards elections in view of these developments within and outside the country would now amount to an offence against the nation.&nbsp;

The idea of making voting compulsory by law has arrived as an idea of national importance. All eligible voters holding valid voter cards must cast their votes compulsorily. In case of those who are unable to visit polling booth for any inevitable reason whatsoever, may be allowed to cast their votes digitally.

Yes, provisions for digital voting must be raised as quite a significant number of voters may not be available on the appointed day of polling at their designated addresses. A national English newspaper had conducted a campaign too, in this regard and response appeared to be fairly positive. A certain penalty may be imposed on those who refuse or fail to cast their votes and the amount may be automatically deducted from their Aadhaar-linked bank accounts invoking Direct Benefit Transfer channels.

After the idea of compulsory voting is successfully implanted, popular opinion must address the menace of legislators qualifying to enter the House with less than 50% of votes polled in a constituency. The root-cause of the menace is hidden in the multiplicity of political parties and a few bogus/non-entities contesting elections, who may well be dubbed mischief-mongers.

History is witness to one common man, J Dharatipakada, who used to contest every Presidential election, forcing full scale polling when opponent happened to be a unanimous candidate who had the support of all recognised political parties. That compelled the government to enforce 'Terms &amp; Conditions' for Presidential contestants. This example may be enlarged to include as many levels of elections as possible. Multiple regional parties came into being as a direct reward of Constitutional high-handedness of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, who never cared a damn to regional aspirations or accorded even minimum courtesies to state leaders.

The examples of T Anjaiah from Andhra Pradesh and HN Bahuguna from Uttar Pradesh are too well known to be described. It was Anjaiah's humiliation that prodded NT Rama Rao to float his Telugu Desam Party to reclaim the honour of 'Telugu Bidda'.

As the Indian National Congress vehemently pursued 'Divide, Rule And Destroy Policy' bequeathed by British colonials stoking regionalism all over leading to almost every other state having their own regional political party.

Whenever these 'pocket' versions of parties entered into ramshackle political alliances to claim power at the Centre, they led to 'waiting-room' Prime Ministers with resignation letters in their front pockets and regional satraps demanding their share of flesh, much to the detriment of national interest.

The political scenario has started gradually drifting towards equipoise concurrently with expansion of an all-inclusive BJP across length and breadth of the country. The BJP has been acting as a pain-balm on bruised regional aspirations, self-respect and egos too. I am quite optimistic, in years to come, unfortunate development of narrow-minded regional parties shall be relegated into oblivion and nation shall evolve into a matured democracy with two or three strong nationalistic political parties. &nbsp;

The next issue to be addressed is the weird phenomenon of NOTA. Dr Subramanian Swamy had dubbed it a Naxalite provision with the sole intention to destroy elections and bring in anarchy. The RSS chief too had spoken strongly against NOTA in one of his widely attended and circulated evocations held at Vijnana Bhavan. In the run up to the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, RSS has decided to embark on door-to-door campaign against NOTA. It is a debilitating feature in our election process that allows even criminals to enter legislatures and it must be abolished by law.&nbsp;

The country is not a stranger to the doctrine of compulsory voting. Gujarat Local Authorities Laws (Amendment) Act, 2009, introduced an 'Obligation To Vote' at the municipal and panchayat levels in the state. The Act empowered an election officer to serve notice to a voter on the ground of failure to vote. Such a voter is called upon to submit credible reason(s) within a period of one month failing which the voter would be liable to be declared a "defaulter".

A defaulter-voter enjoys the privilege of challenging the order before a designated appellate officer whose decision shall be final and mandatory. The Act allows exemptions for individuals from voting if incapable due to illness, absence from the state of Gujarat on the day of polling or for other reasons laid down in Rules. Outside India, several countries have introduced compulsory voting for their citizens viz Australia (beginning with Queensland in 1915), Belgium in 1894, Brazil, Ecuador in 1936, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, North Korea (only one candidate appears on the ballot), Nauru in 1965, Peru in 1933, Singapore, Uruguay in 1934, Switzerland in 1974 and Slovakia.&nbsp;

It is for certain, if casting vote is not rendered mandatory by law, sooner than later shall we be compelled to comb for remaining traces of democracy in our country.

(This article was originally published on The ZeeNews. Read the <a href="https://zeenews.india.com/blogs/it-is-time-for-india-to-make-voting-compulsory-2193921.html">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.) &nbsp;

Electing a government to govern the nation/states for the next five years by casting vote in a polling booth is an onerous responsibility on shoulders of every voter in a democratic country.

Electing a government to govern the nation/states for the next five years by casting vote in a polling booth is an onerous responsibility on shoulders of every voter in a democratic country. Unfortunately, even after seven decades of independence and numerous elections held in the country so far, in spite of extensive appeals by the Election Commission, government and other celebrities, a large number of voters still perceive, voting is an optional luxury enjoying low priority. Enormous expenses out of taxpayer's revenue, precious time of serving government officials and the quantum of influence that every election result wreaks on everyone's life and future, are almost obscure to them. Electing a government is a democratic activity of utmost significance and voters' indifference to casting vote is a profligacy nation can no more afford. Owing to burgeoning complexity of governance, high aspiration of the masses, technological advances, intense international pulls and pressures, country's diplomatic status in comity of nations with respect to treaties and agreements, transformation of social values, frequent natural calamities, low intensity wars etc, have rendered it all the more essential rather inevitable for every voter to unhesitatingly exercise his/her right to vote to elect a responsible, accountable and determined government to steer the country forward amidst turbulence of all sorts. Any negligence or indifference towards elections in view of these developments within and outside the country would now amount to an offence against the nation. The idea of making voting compulsory by law has arrived as an idea of national importance. All eligible voters holding valid voter cards must cast their votes compulsorily. In case of those who are unable to visit polling booth for any inevitable reason whatsoever, may be allowed to cast their votes digitally. Yes, provisions for digital voting must be raised as quite a significant number of voters may not be available on the appointed day of polling at their designated addresses. A national English newspaper had conducted a campaign too, in this regard and response appeared to be fairly positive. A certain penalty may be imposed on those who refuse or fail to cast their votes and the amount may be automatically deducted from their Aadhaar-linked bank accounts invoking Direct Benefit Transfer channels. After the idea of compulsory voting is successfully implanted, popular opinion must address the menace of legislators qualifying to enter the House with less than 50% of votes polled in a constituency. The root-cause of the menace is hidden in the multiplicity of political parties and a few bogus/non-entities contesting elections, who may well be dubbed mischief-mongers. History is witness to one common man, J Dharatipakada, who used to contest every Presidential election, forcing full scale polling when opponent happened to be a unanimous candidate who had the support of all recognised political parties. That compelled the government to enforce 'Terms & Conditions' for Presidential contestants. This example may be enlarged to include as many levels of elections as possible. Multiple regional parties came into being as a direct reward of Constitutional high-handedness of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, who never cared a damn to regional aspirations or accorded even minimum courtesies to state leaders. The examples of T Anjaiah from Andhra Pradesh and HN Bahuguna from Uttar Pradesh are too well known to be described. It was Anjaiah's humiliation that prodded NT Rama Rao to float his Telugu Desam Party to reclaim the honour of 'Telugu Bidda'. As the Indian National Congress vehemently pursued 'Divide, Rule And Destroy Policy' bequeathed by British colonials stoking regionalism all over leading to almost every other state having their own regional political party. Whenever these 'pocket' versions of parties entered into ramshackle political alliances to claim power at the Centre, they led to 'waiting-room' Prime Ministers with resignation letters in their front pockets and regional satraps demanding their share of flesh, much to the detriment of national interest. The political scenario has started gradually drifting towards equipoise concurrently with expansion of an all-inclusive BJP across length and breadth of the country. The BJP has been acting as a pain-balm on bruised regional aspirations, self-respect and egos too. I am quite optimistic, in years to come, unfortunate development of narrow-minded regional parties shall be relegated into oblivion and nation shall evolve into a matured democracy with two or three strong nationalistic political parties. The next issue to be addressed is the weird phenomenon of NOTA. Dr Subramanian Swamy had dubbed it a Naxalite provision with the sole intention to destroy elections and bring in anarchy. The RSS chief too had spoken strongly against NOTA in one of his widely attended and circulated evocations held at Vijnana Bhavan. In the run up to the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, RSS has decided to embark on door-to-door campaign against NOTA. It is a debilitating feature in our election process that allows even criminals to enter legislatures and it must be abolished by law. The country is not a stranger to the doctrine of compulsory voting. Gujarat Local Authorities Laws (Amendment) Act, 2009, introduced an 'Obligation To Vote' at the municipal and panchayat levels in the state. The Act empowered an election officer to serve notice to a voter on the ground of failure to vote. Such a voter is called upon to submit credible reason(s) within a period of one month failing which the voter would be liable to be declared a "defaulter". A defaulter-voter enjoys the privilege of challenging the order before a designated appellate officer whose decision shall be final and mandatory. The Act allows exemptions for individuals from voting if incapable due to illness, absence from the state of Gujarat on the day of polling or for other reasons laid down in Rules. Outside India, several countries have introduced compulsory voting for their citizens viz Australia (beginning with Queensland in 1915), Belgium in 1894, Brazil, Ecuador in 1936, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, North Korea (only one candidate appears on the ballot), Nauru in 1965, Peru in 1933, Singapore, Uruguay in 1934, Switzerland in 1974 and Slovakia. It is for certain, if casting vote is not rendered mandatory by law, sooner than later shall we be compelled to comb for remaining traces of democracy in our country. (This article was originally published on The ZeeNews. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Lok Sabha polls 2019: It is time for India to make voting compulsory

Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-manifesto-pak-speak-same-language-on-kashmir-related-issues-says-pm-modi-in-latur-208954">Narendra Modi's ruling alliance</a> will win a thin majority in a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/predicting-results-during-polling-period-violation-of-law-election-commission-208908">general election</a> that starts on April 11, an average of four opinion polls showed, with a focus on national security appearing to trump concerns over other issues.

The coalition led by PM Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is expected to win 273 of the 543 parliament seats at stake, one more than the halfway mark required to rule.&nbsp;

In the last election, the alliance won more than 330 seats - the biggest mandate in three decades.

Most of the polling agencies that released surveys in the last four days said Modi got a boost from recent tension with arch-enemy Pakistan after a militant group based there killed 40 Indian paramilitary troops in Jammu and Kashmir in February.

"In today's India we have seen perhaps for the first time security issues competing with, and outdoing, a bread and butter issue like unemployment," CVoter said in a statement.

Primarily, the BJP has been unable to sufficiently distinguish itself from Congress when it comes to making people feel the difference in terms of their livelihoods and economic interests.

"However, when it comes to controlling and responding on terror the same set of respondents do feel a clear and visible difference."

CVoter's poll is the most conservative, predicting 267 seats for the ruling group, while the Times Now-VMR's poll is the most bullish, with 279 seats.

The main opposition Congress and its allies are expected to more than double their seats to about 141 on average.

Pre-election opinion polls in India, with thousands of respondents, have proved unreliable several times in the past in a vast country of about 1.3 billion people, of whom about 900 million are eligible to vote.

Congress has accused the BJP of using retaliatory air strikes on Pakistan as a political tool and has instead highlighted job creation, tackling farm distress and empowerment of women, among its top priorities.

But the BJP has doubled down on national security issues, promising in its manifesto released on Monday to strip decades-old special rights from the people of Jammu and Kashmir.

Modi has said he will retain power with a bigger mandate than before, while Congress says its plan for annual handouts of Rs 72,000 to the poorest families will help fuel its comeback.

The election will be held in seven phases and votes will be counted on May 23, with results likely to be clear the same day.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's ruling alliance will win a thin majority in a general election that starts on April 11, an average of four opinion polls showed, with a focus on national security appearing to trump concerns over other issues.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's ruling alliance will win a thin majority in a general election that starts on April 11, an average of four opinion polls showed, with a focus on national security appearing to trump concerns over other issues. The coalition led by PM Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is expected to win 273 of the 543 parliament seats at stake, one more than the halfway mark required to rule. In the last election, the alliance won more than 330 seats - the biggest mandate in three decades. Most of the polling agencies that released surveys in the last four days said Modi got a boost from recent tension with arch-enemy Pakistan after a militant group based there killed 40 Indian paramilitary troops in Jammu and Kashmir in February. "In today's India we have seen perhaps for the first time security issues competing with, and outdoing, a bread and butter issue like unemployment," CVoter said in a statement. Primarily, the BJP has been unable to sufficiently distinguish itself from Congress when it comes to making people feel the difference in terms of their livelihoods and economic interests. "However, when it comes to controlling and responding on terror the same set of respondents do feel a clear and visible difference." CVoter's poll is the most conservative, predicting 267 seats for the ruling group, while the Times Now-VMR's poll is the most bullish, with 279 seats. The main opposition Congress and its allies are expected to more than double their seats to about 141 on average. Pre-election opinion polls in India, with thousands of respondents, have proved unreliable several times in the past in a vast country of about 1.3 billion people, of whom about 900 million are eligible to vote. Congress has accused the BJP of using retaliatory air strikes on Pakistan as a political tool and has instead highlighted job creation, tackling farm distress and empowerment of women, among its top priorities. But the BJP has doubled down on national security issues, promising in its manifesto released on Monday to strip decades-old special rights from the people of Jammu and Kashmir. Modi has said he will retain power with a bigger mandate than before, while Congress says its plan for annual handouts of Rs 72,000 to the poorest families will help fuel its comeback. The election will be held in seven phases and votes will be counted on May 23, with results likely to be clear the same day.

BJP-led alliance to win thin majority in Lok Sabha elections 2019, poll shows ahead of vote

PM Modi and Uddhav Thackeray last shared the dais in Mumbai in December 2016 at a function to lay the foundation stone of the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj memorial off the Arabian Sea.

PM Modi & Uddhav Thackeray to share stage after 28 months at Osmanabad today

The issue of Article 370 has triggered a war of words between the J&amp;K's former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti and former cricketer and BJP leader Gautam Gambhir.&nbsp;

On April 8, PDP chief took a jibe at BJP, in response to a news article over a PIL seeking a ban on Farooq Abdullah, his son and Mehbooba Mufti from contesting Lok Sabha polls, as their "statements are against the Indian constitution".
<img alt="mufti" data-align="center" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="cf36f6bc-bba4-4af4-97d2-47ddc35ebefd" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/1.PNG" />
Reacting to this tweet, Gautam Gambhir wrote that: "Yeh Bharat hai. Koi aap jaisa dhabba nahi jo mit jayega" (This is India. Not a stain like you &nbsp;(Mehbooba Mufti) that it would be erased”.)

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<a href="https://twitter.com/MehboobaMufti?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MehboobaMufti</a> यह भारत है, कोई आप जैसा धब्बा नहीं जो मिट जाएगा!
— Gautam Gambhir (@GautamGambhir) <a href="https://twitter.com/GautamGambhir/status/1115330760930623488?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 8, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Mufti reacted by saying that, “hope your political innings in BJP isn’t as abysmal as your cricket career!”. She later apparently blocked Gambhir and then again unblocked him, resulting in this reply from the latter.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Hope ur political innings in BJP isnt as abysmal as ur cricket career!
— Mehbooba Mufti (@MehboobaMufti) <a href="https://twitter.com/MehboobaMufti/status/1115482423540834304?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 9, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Mufti though seems to have blocked Gambhir for good who then expressed happiness over this decision and questioned how she would block all the other Indians who are against her views.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Oh! So you have unblocked my twitter handle! U needed 10 hours to respond to my tweet and come up with such a pedestrian analogy!!! Too slow. It shows the lack of depth in ur personality. No wonder you guys have struggled to solve the issues at hand.
— Gautam Gambhir (@GautamGambhir) <a href="https://twitter.com/GautamGambhir/status/1115490642778566656?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 9, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Gambhir had earlier taken on Omar Abdullah over the latter’s demand for a separate President and Prime Minister in Jammu and Kashmir.

The issue of Article 370 has triggered a war of words between the J&K's former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti and former cricketer and BJP leader Gautam Gambhir. On April 8, PDP chief took a jibe at BJP, in response to a news article over a PIL seeking a ban on Farooq Abdullah, his son and Mehbooba Mufti from contesting Lok Sabha polls, as their "statements are against the Indian constitution".

The issue of Article 370 has triggered a war of words between the J&K's former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti and former cricketer and BJP leader Gautam Gambhir. On April 8, PDP chief took a jibe at BJP, in response to a news article over a PIL seeking a ban on Farooq Abdullah, his son and Mehbooba Mufti from contesting Lok Sabha polls, as their "statements are against the Indian constitution". Reacting to this tweet, Gautam Gambhir wrote that: "Yeh Bharat hai. Koi aap jaisa dhabba nahi jo mit jayega" (This is India. Not a stain like you (Mehbooba Mufti) that it would be erased”.) @MehboobaMufti यह भारत है, कोई आप जैसा धब्बा नहीं जो मिट जाएगा! — Gautam Gambhir (@GautamGambhir) April 8, 2019 × Mufti reacted by saying that, “hope your political innings in BJP isn’t as abysmal as your cricket career!”. She later apparently blocked Gambhir and then again unblocked him, resulting in this reply from the latter. Hope ur political innings in BJP isnt as abysmal as ur cricket career! — Mehbooba Mufti (@MehboobaMufti) April 9, 2019 × Mufti though seems to have blocked Gambhir for good who then expressed happiness over this decision and questioned how she would block all the other Indians who are against her views. Oh! So you have unblocked my twitter handle! U needed 10 hours to respond to my tweet and come up with such a pedestrian analogy!!! Too slow. It shows the lack of depth in ur personality. No wonder you guys have struggled to solve the issues at hand. — Gautam Gambhir (@GautamGambhir) April 9, 2019 × Gambhir had earlier taken on Omar Abdullah over the latter’s demand for a separate President and Prime Minister in Jammu and Kashmir.

Mehbooba Mufti and Gautam Gambhir get into a Twitter fight over Article 370

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is addressing a rally at Latur in Maharashtra. From Maharashtra the Prime Minister will move to Karnataka where he will address two rallies in Chitradurga and Mysuru. Prime Minister is also scheduled to address a public meeting at Coimbatore in Tamil Nadu in the evening.

PM Modi will address rallies in three states today

Union minister and BJP candidate Smriti Irani will file her nomination papers for the Lok Sabha polls on April 11, party sources said here on Tuesday.

"She was to file her nomination on April 17, but since it's a holiday, she will now file her papers on April 11," Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) district president Durgesh Tripathi said.

Irani will be accompanied by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, BJP in-charge for Amethi Mohsin Raza, state minister and MLA Jagdishpur Suresh Pasi, besides others, at the time of filing her nomination, party sources said.

The Union textile minister will perform rituals at a temple of Budhan Mai inside the BJP office at Gauriganj on the Banda-Tanda national highway, before reaching the collectorate at Gauriganj (the Amethi district headquarters) in a procession to file her papers.

The Amethi parliamentary constituency, represented in the Lok Sabha by Congress president Rahul Gandhi, has four Assembly segments -- Tiloi, Gauriganj and Jagdishpur (reserved) in Amethi district and Salon (reserved) in Raebareli.

Gandhi is all set to file his nomination on Wednesday.

The district administration has made all the arrangements for the filing of nominations, District Magistrate RM Mishra said.

Amethi goes to the polls in the fifth phase on May 6.&nbsp;

Union minister and BJP candidate Smriti Irani will file her nomination papers for the Lok Sabha polls on April 11, party sources said here on Tuesday. "She was to file her nomination on April 17, but since it's a holiday, she will now file her papers on April 11," Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) district president Durgesh Tripathi said.

Union minister and BJP candidate Smriti Irani will file her nomination papers for the Lok Sabha polls on April 11, party sources said here on Tuesday. "She was to file her nomination on April 17, but since it's a holiday, she will now file her papers on April 11," Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) district president Durgesh Tripathi said. Irani will be accompanied by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, BJP in-charge for Amethi Mohsin Raza, state minister and MLA Jagdishpur Suresh Pasi, besides others, at the time of filing her nomination, party sources said. The Union textile minister will perform rituals at a temple of Budhan Mai inside the BJP office at Gauriganj on the Banda-Tanda national highway, before reaching the collectorate at Gauriganj (the Amethi district headquarters) in a procession to file her papers. The Amethi parliamentary constituency, represented in the Lok Sabha by Congress president Rahul Gandhi, has four Assembly segments -- Tiloi, Gauriganj and Jagdishpur (reserved) in Amethi district and Salon (reserved) in Raebareli. Gandhi is all set to file his nomination on Wednesday. The district administration has made all the arrangements for the filing of nominations, District Magistrate RM Mishra said. Amethi goes to the polls in the fifth phase on May 6.

Lok Sabha polls 2019: Smriti Irani to file nomination from Amethi on April 11

In a bid to reach out to voters, especially the young one, the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the opposition BJP in West Bengal have extended their fight to the social media with innovative ideas and catchy jingles.

Dedicated teams comprising hundreds of volunteers are slogging away to ensure that the "Jumla metre" and "Pradhan mantri hisab do" campaign of the Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the "Main Bhi Chowkidar" music video of the BJP reach their target audience.

From coming out with Web series to catchy online songs to campaigns, both the parties are looking at making optimal use of social media platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, WhatsApp and Instagram, besides traditional emails and SMS.

Attacking the BJP and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the TMC has launched a Web series "Pradhan Mantri Hisab Do" (Prime Minister, answer this).

In this campaign, the party is releasing a short video everyday on Twitter and Facebook comparing the "failure" of Modi government and "success" of Mamata Banerjee-led TMC government in West Bengal in a particular field.

The TMC have also come out with a "Jumla meter" on its website showing whether or not claims made by the BJP especially on governance issues in West Bengal, are true.

"Both Pradhan Mantri Hisab Do and Jumla meter have become hugely popular among netizens. We have also taken steps so that each episode of Pradhan Mantri Hisab Do goes viral. We are trying reach out to our target audience - youths and first time voters," a senior TMC leader said.

According to the Election Commission, West Bengal has 20.1 lakh first time voters, the maximum among the states in the coming Lok Sabha elections.

The BJP, on the other hand, has made the music video of "Main Bhi Chowkidar" campaign viral on social media.

The Facebook page of the saffron party's West Bengal unit live streams all the public meetings of Modi and party president Amit Shah.

"We have a trained cadre base with presence down to the booth level to use the social media. We also have a huge network of volunteers. We are highlighting the failures of the TMC government and the pro-people policies of the BJP," senior BJP leader Sayantan Basu said.

The TMC has trained over 40,000 youths on the use of social media under the stewardship of Abhishek Banerjee, the party's youth wing president and nephew of Mamata Banerjee.

"We have one social media team for each constituency and its job is to air speeches of our party candidates via Facebook Live. We also organise Facebook chats," Col (retd) Dipatanshu Chowdhury, who is a joint convenor of the TMC's Media cell, said.

The party has also set up a team to monitor media content, fake news and trolls from district level to booth level, said a member of the TMC's Social Media IT cell.

The party has also created more than 10,000 WhatsApp groups to spread its message to the people.

The BJP West Bengal unit has also set up a core team of around 100 professionals, who have revamped social media presence of the party in the state.

The BJP has also created WhatsApp groups at various levels to create public opinion on local issues, Basu said.

The top leaders of both the TMC and the BJP are regular users of social media.

Mamata Banerjee, TMC's national spokesperson Derek O' Brien and Abhishek Banerjee are quite active on Twitter and Facebook.

The chief minister has around 2.9 million followers on Facebook and 3.25 million followers on Twitter.

Besides Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Shah, Union minister Babul Supriyo who is BJP candidate from Asansol, is one of the most popular faces of the party on social media.

In a bid to reach out to voters, especially the young one, the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the opposition BJP in West Bengal have extended their fight to the social media with innovative ideas and catchy jingles.

In a bid to reach out to voters, especially the young one, the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the opposition BJP in West Bengal have extended their fight to the social media with innovative ideas and catchy jingles. Dedicated teams comprising hundreds of volunteers are slogging away to ensure that the "Jumla metre" and "Pradhan mantri hisab do" campaign of the Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the "Main Bhi Chowkidar" music video of the BJP reach their target audience. From coming out with Web series to catchy online songs to campaigns, both the parties are looking at making optimal use of social media platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, WhatsApp and Instagram, besides traditional emails and SMS. Attacking the BJP and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the TMC has launched a Web series "Pradhan Mantri Hisab Do" (Prime Minister, answer this). In this campaign, the party is releasing a short video everyday on Twitter and Facebook comparing the "failure" of Modi government and "success" of Mamata Banerjee-led TMC government in West Bengal in a particular field. The TMC have also come out with a "Jumla meter" on its website showing whether or not claims made by the BJP especially on governance issues in West Bengal, are true. "Both Pradhan Mantri Hisab Do and Jumla meter have become hugely popular among netizens. We have also taken steps so that each episode of Pradhan Mantri Hisab Do goes viral. We are trying reach out to our target audience - youths and first time voters," a senior TMC leader said. According to the Election Commission, West Bengal has 20.1 lakh first time voters, the maximum among the states in the coming Lok Sabha elections. The BJP, on the other hand, has made the music video of "Main Bhi Chowkidar" campaign viral on social media. The Facebook page of the saffron party's West Bengal unit live streams all the public meetings of Modi and party president Amit Shah. "We have a trained cadre base with presence down to the booth level to use the social media. We also have a huge network of volunteers. We are highlighting the failures of the TMC government and the pro-people policies of the BJP," senior BJP leader Sayantan Basu said. The TMC has trained over 40,000 youths on the use of social media under the stewardship of Abhishek Banerjee, the party's youth wing president and nephew of Mamata Banerjee. "We have one social media team for each constituency and its job is to air speeches of our party candidates via Facebook Live. We also organise Facebook chats," Col (retd) Dipatanshu Chowdhury, who is a joint convenor of the TMC's Media cell, said. The party has also set up a team to monitor media content, fake news and trolls from district level to booth level, said a member of the TMC's Social Media IT cell. The party has also created more than 10,000 WhatsApp groups to spread its message to the people. The BJP West Bengal unit has also set up a core team of around 100 professionals, who have revamped social media presence of the party in the state. The BJP has also created WhatsApp groups at various levels to create public opinion on local issues, Basu said. The top leaders of both the TMC and the BJP are regular users of social media. Mamata Banerjee, TMC's national spokesperson Derek O' Brien and Abhishek Banerjee are quite active on Twitter and Facebook. The chief minister has around 2.9 million followers on Facebook and 3.25 million followers on Twitter. Besides Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Shah, Union minister Babul Supriyo who is BJP candidate from Asansol, is one of the most popular faces of the party on social media.

Web series vs music video: Trinamool Congress, BJP fight it out on social media

Seeking a third term from Rampur Lok Sbha seat - this time as a BJP candidate, Bollywood actor-turned-politician Jaya Prada on Monday attacked her one-time Samajwadi Party colleague and now a rival candidate Azam Khan, saying he is fighting polls to "legalise his acts".

"I have an emotional attachment with the people of Rampur. I am here to work for them and make Narendra Modi our prime minister once again while Azam is fighting election to legalise his acts," Jaya Prada said.

Jaya Prada, who had created history in 2004 by winning the Rampur seat for the first time for SP, defeating the heavyweight, sitting Congress MP Begum Noor Bano by 85,000 votes, is now back as a BJP candidate.

Asked what differences she finds in the ensuing Lok Sabha polls as compared to her earlier bids, Jaya Prada said, "With the BJP cadre around with me, things have become much easier. I had to manage things earlier on my own but with the cadre support this time, it is quite easy to manage them."

On how she takes Azam Khan's statement calling her a singer-dancer, Jaya Prada said, "He can say anything. He did not have any respect for women. It's his habit to make such statements but the people of Rampur knows him very well."

They dislike what he says and will reply to him with their votes, she added.

"In 2004, when I was in Mumbai (acting in Bollywood) and contested from here, he (Azam) campaigned for me. Didn't he know me then? He now calls me 'amrapali' (dancer), naachne wali etc. It's his habit, he can say anything to any women. He is a performer himself," she added.

About the response she is getting from the people of Rampur, Jaya Prada said, "Jatavs and Dalits are unhappy with the SP. They are with us. Azam, who has been nine-time MLA from Rampur has done nothing for rural areas. He had been a Cabinet minister but rural areas still lacks development as he did nothing."

On her rivals' charges that she is an outsider and in Rampur for the Lok Sabha elections only, Jaya Prada asked, "How can I be outsider?"

"I represented the constituency in 2004 and 2009. I have been with the people in their good and bad times. They (rivals) are trying to confuse people but they are certainly not confused. They have made up their mind."

Referring to various controversial remarks made by Azam Khan in past, Jaya Prada said, "Those who call Bharat Mata as 'dayan', who does not acknowledge Kashmir as part of India and use foul language against our PM Modi and CM Yogi Adityanath, stands exposed before people. Their anger is visible when I meet them and they share their views."

Asked if she missed her friend Amar Singh in her poll campaigning, Jaya Prada, who had contested the 2014 polls from Bijnore on a RLD ticket but lost her deposit and slipped into political oblivion, said she was "concerned" about his health.

I pray for his speedy recovery. May he be fine, she said.

On her election issues, Jaya Prada said, she was fighting the poll for restoration of ?women's pride and freeing Rampur from the "illegal grip of Azam Khan".

"I also want to ensure development of the constituency," she said.

"I am sure the people of Rampur will once again give me a chance to represent them," she added.

Rampur is a minority-dominated Lok Sabha constituency in western Uttar Pradesh. It had been a Congress stronghold from 1952 to 1989 before the BJP won it for the first time in 1991.

The Congress, however, managed to wrest it back in 1996 by fielding Begum Noor Bano.

In 1998, BJP's Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi won the seat but the next year, Begum Noor Bano got it back for the Congress again.

The Samajwadi Party made its entry in Rampur in 2004, fielding Jaya Prada who defeated Noor Bano by a big margin.

The Congress did not field Noor Bano this time and gave ticket to Sanjay Kapoor from Rampur, making the fight for it virtually a direct one between Jaya Prada and Azam Khan who is a nine-time MLA from the Rampur assembly seat.

Seeking a third term from Rampur Lok Sbha seat - this time as a BJP candidate, Bollywood actor-turned-politician Jaya Prada on Monday attacked her one-time Samajwadi Party colleague and now a rival candidate Azam Khan, saying he is fighting polls to "legalise his acts".

Seeking a third term from Rampur Lok Sbha seat - this time as a BJP candidate, Bollywood actor-turned-politician Jaya Prada on Monday attacked her one-time Samajwadi Party colleague and now a rival candidate Azam Khan, saying he is fighting polls to "legalise his acts". "I have an emotional attachment with the people of Rampur. I am here to work for them and make Narendra Modi our prime minister once again while Azam is fighting election to legalise his acts," Jaya Prada said. Jaya Prada, who had created history in 2004 by winning the Rampur seat for the first time for SP, defeating the heavyweight, sitting Congress MP Begum Noor Bano by 85,000 votes, is now back as a BJP candidate. Asked what differences she finds in the ensuing Lok Sabha polls as compared to her earlier bids, Jaya Prada said, "With the BJP cadre around with me, things have become much easier. I had to manage things earlier on my own but with the cadre support this time, it is quite easy to manage them." On how she takes Azam Khan's statement calling her a singer-dancer, Jaya Prada said, "He can say anything. He did not have any respect for women. It's his habit to make such statements but the people of Rampur knows him very well." They dislike what he says and will reply to him with their votes, she added. "In 2004, when I was in Mumbai (acting in Bollywood) and contested from here, he (Azam) campaigned for me. Didn't he know me then? He now calls me 'amrapali' (dancer), naachne wali etc. It's his habit, he can say anything to any women. He is a performer himself," she added. About the response she is getting from the people of Rampur, Jaya Prada said, "Jatavs and Dalits are unhappy with the SP. They are with us. Azam, who has been nine-time MLA from Rampur has done nothing for rural areas. He had been a Cabinet minister but rural areas still lacks development as he did nothing." On her rivals' charges that she is an outsider and in Rampur for the Lok Sabha elections only, Jaya Prada asked, "How can I be outsider?" "I represented the constituency in 2004 and 2009. I have been with the people in their good and bad times. They (rivals) are trying to confuse people but they are certainly not confused. They have made up their mind." Referring to various controversial remarks made by Azam Khan in past, Jaya Prada said, "Those who call Bharat Mata as 'dayan', who does not acknowledge Kashmir as part of India and use foul language against our PM Modi and CM Yogi Adityanath, stands exposed before people. Their anger is visible when I meet them and they share their views." Asked if she missed her friend Amar Singh in her poll campaigning, Jaya Prada, who had contested the 2014 polls from Bijnore on a RLD ticket but lost her deposit and slipped into political oblivion, said she was "concerned" about his health. I pray for his speedy recovery. May he be fine, she said. On her election issues, Jaya Prada said, she was fighting the poll for restoration of ?women's pride and freeing Rampur from the "illegal grip of Azam Khan". "I also want to ensure development of the constituency," she said. "I am sure the people of Rampur will once again give me a chance to represent them," she added. Rampur is a minority-dominated Lok Sabha constituency in western Uttar Pradesh. It had been a Congress stronghold from 1952 to 1989 before the BJP won it for the first time in 1991. The Congress, however, managed to wrest it back in 1996 by fielding Begum Noor Bano. In 1998, BJP's Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi won the seat but the next year, Begum Noor Bano got it back for the Congress again. The Samajwadi Party made its entry in Rampur in 2004, fielding Jaya Prada who defeated Noor Bano by a big margin. The Congress did not field Noor Bano this time and gave ticket to Sanjay Kapoor from Rampur, making the fight for it virtually a direct one between Jaya Prada and Azam Khan who is a nine-time MLA from the Rampur assembly seat.

Azam Khan fighting polls to legalise his acts: Jaya Prada

Union minister and senior BJP leader Nitin Gadkari has hit out at Congress president Rahul Gandhi, saying he is levelling corruption allegations against Prime Minister Narendra Modi for political gains, and asserted that Modi should be respected for the position he holds.

In an interview to PTI, he also slammed Gandhi's proposed minimum income scheme to give Rs 72,000 per year to 20 per cent of the poor in the country, dubbing it a "populist slogan" and a "political strategy" to seek votes from the poor.

Dismissing the opposition's charge that the BJP sidelined veteran leaders like L K Advani and Murli Manohar Joshi, he said the party held them in high regard and drew guidance and inspiration from them.

He said any views of Advani were the words of the BJP and that "misquoting" him, by saying the saffron party terms the opposition as anti-national, was not correct.

"The way in which he speaks about the prime minister is not good. A prime minister does not belong to a party but the country and it is the duty of every citizen to respect and recognise the prime minister as a prime minister. Rahul Gandhi unfortunately uses very bad terminology," he said.

Criticising Gandhi's 'Nyunatam Aay Yojana' (Nyay), he said Rs 3,50,000 crore are required to implement it.

"Where will they get the money from? And, if they are using this money, how will they make budgetary provisions for other sectors like agriculture?" Gadkari said.

He said the need of the hour was to create good policies for better employment potential and increase in growth rate and per capita income.

"However, if populist slogans are made for political purpose, they may affect the economy. The credibility of Congress is not good," he said.

Gadkari said since 1947, the Congress has been raising the slogan of 'garibi hatao' (remove poverty).

"Then the 40-point programme, the 20-point programme, the 5-point programme, but nothing worked. This is only a political strategy and a political declaration to take votes from the poor," the road, transport and highways minister said.

Asked about the opposition's criticism that the BJP was sidelining its senior leaders like Advani and Murli Manohar Joshi, the minister they were the party's motivation.

"In every party, by law of nature, after some age, everyone has to retire. We have respect, regard and recognition for Advaniji and Joshiji. They are still our guide, philosopher, inspiration and motivation," he said.

"Everywhere - in media, corporates, film industry - there is an age limit for everybody, on the basis of that the party has taken a decision," he added.

Advani in a blog post last week said his party has never regarded those who disagreed with it politically as "anti-nationals" or "enemies" but only as adversaries.

Speaking about Advani's blog, Gadkari said the party holds the same view about anything spoken or written by him.

"We are all with Advaniji over the blog written by him. Even Modiji is with him. However, using some statement and misquoting him that we term the opposition parties as anti-national is totally wrong," he said.

"I feel in the spirit of whatever Advaniji has written in his blog, we are all of the same opinion and have no problem, but a section of media misquoted him to create confusion. The fact is that whatever Advaniji speaks or writes in his blog, we are all of same opinion," the minister said.

Gadkari said the Modi government's policies are aimed at creating more employment potential.

However, like there is a cycle in every business, the present agricultural crisis is a big issue but the government is trying to create more employment by creating irrigation facilities, agro-processing industries and diversification of agriculture towards energy and power sector and making plastic from ethanol, he said.

"These are the new innovations and research taken by our government which will create new jobs. Ultimately there is a cycle everywhere in the world. Some industries are in a good position, some bad," he noted.

"Today, real estate is facing a problem. The steel industry was in the past facing problems, but now is in a good position because we erased duty on import of steel," he said.

Strong policies have been put in place to generate employment, he said, adding that though it may take time, there will be strong positive results.

Union minister and senior BJP leader Nitin Gadkari has hit out at Congress president Rahul Gandhi, saying he is levelling corruption allegations against Prime Minister Narendra Modi for political gains, and asserted that Modi should be respected for the position he holds.

Union minister and senior BJP leader Nitin Gadkari has hit out at Congress president Rahul Gandhi, saying he is levelling corruption allegations against Prime Minister Narendra Modi for political gains, and asserted that Modi should be respected for the position he holds. In an interview to PTI, he also slammed Gandhi's proposed minimum income scheme to give Rs 72,000 per year to 20 per cent of the poor in the country, dubbing it a "populist slogan" and a "political strategy" to seek votes from the poor. Dismissing the opposition's charge that the BJP sidelined veteran leaders like L K Advani and Murli Manohar Joshi, he said the party held them in high regard and drew guidance and inspiration from them. He said any views of Advani were the words of the BJP and that "misquoting" him, by saying the saffron party terms the opposition as anti-national, was not correct. "The way in which he speaks about the prime minister is not good. A prime minister does not belong to a party but the country and it is the duty of every citizen to respect and recognise the prime minister as a prime minister. Rahul Gandhi unfortunately uses very bad terminology," he said. Criticising Gandhi's 'Nyunatam Aay Yojana' (Nyay), he said Rs 3,50,000 crore are required to implement it. "Where will they get the money from? And, if they are using this money, how will they make budgetary provisions for other sectors like agriculture?" Gadkari said. He said the need of the hour was to create good policies for better employment potential and increase in growth rate and per capita income. "However, if populist slogans are made for political purpose, they may affect the economy. The credibility of Congress is not good," he said. Gadkari said since 1947, the Congress has been raising the slogan of 'garibi hatao' (remove poverty). "Then the 40-point programme, the 20-point programme, the 5-point programme, but nothing worked. This is only a political strategy and a political declaration to take votes from the poor," the road, transport and highways minister said. Asked about the opposition's criticism that the BJP was sidelining its senior leaders like Advani and Murli Manohar Joshi, the minister they were the party's motivation. "In every party, by law of nature, after some age, everyone has to retire. We have respect, regard and recognition for Advaniji and Joshiji. They are still our guide, philosopher, inspiration and motivation," he said. "Everywhere - in media, corporates, film industry - there is an age limit for everybody, on the basis of that the party has taken a decision," he added. Advani in a blog post last week said his party has never regarded those who disagreed with it politically as "anti-nationals" or "enemies" but only as adversaries. Speaking about Advani's blog, Gadkari said the party holds the same view about anything spoken or written by him. "We are all with Advaniji over the blog written by him. Even Modiji is with him. However, using some statement and misquoting him that we term the opposition parties as anti-national is totally wrong," he said. "I feel in the spirit of whatever Advaniji has written in his blog, we are all of the same opinion and have no problem, but a section of media misquoted him to create confusion. The fact is that whatever Advaniji speaks or writes in his blog, we are all of same opinion," the minister said. Gadkari said the Modi government's policies are aimed at creating more employment potential. However, like there is a cycle in every business, the present agricultural crisis is a big issue but the government is trying to create more employment by creating irrigation facilities, agro-processing industries and diversification of agriculture towards energy and power sector and making plastic from ethanol, he said. "These are the new innovations and research taken by our government which will create new jobs. Ultimately there is a cycle everywhere in the world. Some industries are in a good position, some bad," he noted. "Today, real estate is facing a problem. The steel industry was in the past facing problems, but now is in a good position because we erased duty on import of steel," he said. Strong policies have been put in place to generate employment, he said, adding that though it may take time, there will be strong positive results.

Rahul levelling corruption allegations against Modi for political gains: Gadkari

A polling booth for the least number of voters and one at the highest altitude, Leh has it all among the 11,316 polling stations set up for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls in Jammu and Kashmir.

The polling station for casting votes for the least number of voters - only 12 - has been set up at Gaik village under Leh assembly segment of Ladakh parliamentary constituency, Leh District Electoral Officer Anvy Lavasa said.

"Gaik polling station (number 38) has the lowest voters, only 12," she said. The voters at Gaik village include only five males and seven females, she added.

Similarly, the district also has a polling station at the highest altitude in the country at 14,890 ft above the sea level, she said, adding this polling station with the unique distinction has been set up at a place called Anlay Pho.

She said the two are among the 294 polling stations set up in Leh assembly segment.

A total of 11,316 polling stations have been set up in the state for 78,42,979 voters to exercise their rights of franchise in the multi-phase parliamentary polls in Jammu and Kashmir starting April 11 to choose six MPs.

Out of the six parliamentary constituencies, the Ladakh constituency also has the distinction of having the least number of polling stations, only 559, for the lowest voters numbering 1,71,819.

Leh and Kargil districts, forming parts of Ladakh Lok Sabha constituency, have 294 and 265 polling stations respectively.

As per the official figures, most of the polling stations have been set up at an altitude of 8,001 to 13,000 feet with the maximum number of high-altitude stations, numbering 183, located in Leh assembly segment, followed by 158 in Kargil segment.

Over 190 polling stations have been set up at altitudes between 7,001 to 8,000 feet.

A polling booth for the least number of voters and one at the highest altitude, Leh has it all among the 11,316 polling stations set up for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls in Jammu and Kashmir.

A polling booth for the least number of voters and one at the highest altitude, Leh has it all among the 11,316 polling stations set up for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls in Jammu and Kashmir. The polling station for casting votes for the least number of voters - only 12 - has been set up at Gaik village under Leh assembly segment of Ladakh parliamentary constituency, Leh District Electoral Officer Anvy Lavasa said. "Gaik polling station (number 38) has the lowest voters, only 12," she said. The voters at Gaik village include only five males and seven females, she added. Similarly, the district also has a polling station at the highest altitude in the country at 14,890 ft above the sea level, she said, adding this polling station with the unique distinction has been set up at a place called Anlay Pho. She said the two are among the 294 polling stations set up in Leh assembly segment. A total of 11,316 polling stations have been set up in the state for 78,42,979 voters to exercise their rights of franchise in the multi-phase parliamentary polls in Jammu and Kashmir starting April 11 to choose six MPs. Out of the six parliamentary constituencies, the Ladakh constituency also has the distinction of having the least number of polling stations, only 559, for the lowest voters numbering 1,71,819. Leh and Kargil districts, forming parts of Ladakh Lok Sabha constituency, have 294 and 265 polling stations respectively. As per the official figures, most of the polling stations have been set up at an altitude of 8,001 to 13,000 feet with the maximum number of high-altitude stations, numbering 183, located in Leh assembly segment, followed by 158 in Kargil segment. Over 190 polling stations have been set up at altitudes between 7,001 to 8,000 feet.

A polling booth for least voters and one at highest altitude, Leh has it all

Putting end to speculations regarding JD(S) supremo HD Deve Gowda’s candidature for the Prime minister’s post, Karnataka Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy on Sunday said that the former is not going to take the post if mahagathbandhan or grand-alliance comes to power.

Speaking to media, Kumaraswamy said, "If mahagathbandhan comes to power HD Deve Gowda will not be the Prime Minister, he will be advisor to the government and will take care of the interests of the country."

He, however, refused to speculate on the name of a probable candidate and added, "The question of who will be the Prime Minister is secondary."

Earlier on February 27, Kumaraswamy had said that if the Congress and JD(S) alliance win at least 20-22 seats in Karnataka, then a Kannadiga can once again become the Prime Minister of the country.

"In 1996, a Kannadiga HD Devegowda became Prime Minister after you (Karnataka people) blessed us with 16 Lok Sabha seats. If you bless Congress and JD(S) with at least 20-22 seats in Karnataka once again, a Kannadiga can be in that place (Prime Minister),"&nbsp;Kumaraswamy had said while addressing a rally in Mandya.

Seven phase elections in the country will begin on April 11 and will go on till May 19. Counting of votes will be done on May 23.

Karnataka will go to polls on April 18 and 23.

Putting end to speculations regarding JD(S) supremo HD Deve Gowda’s candidature for the Prime minister’s post, Karnataka Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy on Sunday said that the former is not going to take the post if mahagathbandhan or grand-alliance comes to power.

Putting end to speculations regarding JD(S) supremo HD Deve Gowda’s candidature for the Prime minister’s post, Karnataka Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy on Sunday said that the former is not going to take the post if mahagathbandhan or grand-alliance comes to power. Speaking to media, Kumaraswamy said, "If mahagathbandhan comes to power HD Deve Gowda will not be the Prime Minister, he will be advisor to the government and will take care of the interests of the country." He, however, refused to speculate on the name of a probable candidate and added, "The question of who will be the Prime Minister is secondary." Earlier on February 27, Kumaraswamy had said that if the Congress and JD(S) alliance win at least 20-22 seats in Karnataka, then a Kannadiga can once again become the Prime Minister of the country. "In 1996, a Kannadiga HD Devegowda became Prime Minister after you (Karnataka people) blessed us with 16 Lok Sabha seats. If you bless Congress and JD(S) with at least 20-22 seats in Karnataka once again, a Kannadiga can be in that place (Prime Minister)," Kumaraswamy had said while addressing a rally in Mandya. Seven phase elections in the country will begin on April 11 and will go on till May 19. Counting of votes will be done on May 23. Karnataka will go to polls on April 18 and 23.

Deve Gowda won't be PM if grand-alliance comes to power: Kumaraswamy

The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) on Monday hinted at the transfer of "cash to the headquarter of a major political party" in the national capital while stating that Income Tax (I-T) Department has detected a well-organised racket of a collection of unaccounted cash of about Rs 281 crore.

"A part of the cash was also transferred to the headquarter of a major political party in Delhi including about Rs 20 crore which was moved through hawala recently to the headquarters of the political party from the residence of a senior functionary at Tughlak Road, New Delhi," said the CBDT in a statement.

"Searches in Madhya Pradesh by Delhi Directorate of Income Tax have detected widespread and well-organised racket of the collection of unaccounted cash of about Rs 281 crore through various persons in different walks of life including business, politics and public service," said the CBDT, which frames policies for the I-T Department.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Searches in Delhi (group of a close relative of the senior functionary) have further led to seizure incl. cash book recording unaccounted transactions of ₹ 230cr, siphoning off money through bogus billing of more than ₹ 242 cr &amp; evidence of more than 80 companies in Tax havens.
— Income Tax India (@IncomeTaxIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/IncomeTaxIndia/status/1115281704497950723?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 8, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

According to CBDT, "meticulous records of collection and disbursement of cash in the form of handwritten diaries, computer files and excel sheets found and seized corroborate the above findings. Unaccounted cash of Rs 14.6 crore has been found so far, besides 252 bottles of liquor, few arms, and hide-skins of the tiger.

"The searches in Delhi in the group of a close relative of the senior functionary have further led to the seizure of incriminating evidence including cash book recording unaccounted transactions of Rs 230 crore, syphoning off money through bogus billing of more than Rs 242 crore and evidence of more than 80 companies in tax havens," said the CBDT.&nbsp;

Several unaccounted and benami properties at posh locations in the national capital have also been detected. Instances of violations of the Model Code of Conduct are being brought to the notice of the Election Commission of India (ECI), said the Central agency.&nbsp;

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath`s officer on special duty (OSD) Praveen Kakkar`s son Salil Kakkar was picked up on Monday by the I-T sleuths for interrogation, while I-T raids continued at various locations across the country including the residence of Ashwin Sharma, an associate of Praveen Kakkar, who had got most of his companies registered in the name of his son Salil.&nbsp;

On Sunday morning, I-T officials carried out raids at the residences of Nath's private secretary, Praveen Kakkar, in Indore and former advisor R K Miglani in Delhi, on charges of alleged tax evasion. I-T officials conducted searches at several locations in Indore, Bhopal, Goa, and NCR.

The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) on Monday hinted at the transfer of "cash to the headquarter of a major political party" in the national capital while stating that Income Tax (I-T) Department has detected a well-organised racket of a collection of unaccounted cash of about Rs 281 crore.

The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) on Monday hinted at the transfer of "cash to the headquarter of a major political party" in the national capital while stating that Income Tax (I-T) Department has detected a well-organised racket of a collection of unaccounted cash of about Rs 281 crore. "A part of the cash was also transferred to the headquarter of a major political party in Delhi including about Rs 20 crore which was moved through hawala recently to the headquarters of the political party from the residence of a senior functionary at Tughlak Road, New Delhi," said the CBDT in a statement. "Searches in Madhya Pradesh by Delhi Directorate of Income Tax have detected widespread and well-organised racket of the collection of unaccounted cash of about Rs 281 crore through various persons in different walks of life including business, politics and public service," said the CBDT, which frames policies for the I-T Department. Searches in Delhi (group of a close relative of the senior functionary) have further led to seizure incl. cash book recording unaccounted transactions of ₹ 230cr, siphoning off money through bogus billing of more than ₹ 242 cr & evidence of more than 80 companies in Tax havens. — Income Tax India (@IncomeTaxIndia) April 8, 2019 × According to CBDT, "meticulous records of collection and disbursement of cash in the form of handwritten diaries, computer files and excel sheets found and seized corroborate the above findings. Unaccounted cash of Rs 14.6 crore has been found so far, besides 252 bottles of liquor, few arms, and hide-skins of the tiger. "The searches in Delhi in the group of a close relative of the senior functionary have further led to the seizure of incriminating evidence including cash book recording unaccounted transactions of Rs 230 crore, syphoning off money through bogus billing of more than Rs 242 crore and evidence of more than 80 companies in tax havens," said the CBDT. Several unaccounted and benami properties at posh locations in the national capital have also been detected. Instances of violations of the Model Code of Conduct are being brought to the notice of the Election Commission of India (ECI), said the Central agency. Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath`s officer on special duty (OSD) Praveen Kakkar`s son Salil Kakkar was picked up on Monday by the I-T sleuths for interrogation, while I-T raids continued at various locations across the country including the residence of Ashwin Sharma, an associate of Praveen Kakkar, who had got most of his companies registered in the name of his son Salil. On Sunday morning, I-T officials carried out raids at the residences of Nath's private secretary, Praveen Kakkar, in Indore and former advisor R K Miglani in Delhi, on charges of alleged tax evasion. I-T officials conducted searches at several locations in Indore, Bhopal, Goa, and NCR.

Madhya Pradesh’s Rs 281-cr cash collection racket linked to a political party: IT department

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister and BJP leader Yogi Adityanath on Sunday hit out at the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) and Samajwadi Party (SP) stating that the former will not be able to win even a single seat, while the latter will find it difficult to retain even the five seats it won in the 2014 Lok Sabha elections.

"BSP is going to be on zero (seats) just like they were in 2014. SP won five seats in 2014. They will find it tough to win even those five seats this time," he told ANI.

Claiming that the Deoband rally of the grand-alliance only showed their panic, the Chief Minister said, "Deoband rally only shows the panic of the parties in the grand alliance which is there because they are finding a threat to their existence."

"Why they did not discuss the anarchic condition during their rule? Why did they not discuss the Muzaffarnagar riots? They don't have guts to reveal the truth," he added while asserting that this only showed grand-alliance leaders are not focused on real issues.

Adityanath alleged that for the sake of their survival, grand alliance leaders are resorting to lies and deception.

"In last two years, our government with the support of Prime Minister Narendra Modi government gave around 23 lakh houses to the poor people in the state. If you look at the two years of SP government, even though the PM Modi government wanted to help yet only 83000 houses were sanctioned," he said.

"We are challenging them to compare 55 years to 55 months," he added.

Taking a dig at those fighting to be Prime Ministerial candidates, he said, "Those who are fighting the election on 36-38 seats are dreaming to become the Prime Minister. Nothing could be more laughable than this."

Reacting to the jibe from the opposition of being drunk on power, the Chief Minister said, " No we are not "high" on power. We work on "sabka sath, sabka vikas".&nbsp; "But, what did the SP, BSP government during their term?"

The Chief Minister also recalled how Akhilesh Yadav changed the name of Kanshi Ram medical college in Saharanpur.

"Dalits should see that how low they (BSP) could go to power," he said while asserting that people of the country want to see Narendra Modi as the Prime Minister of the country again.

Addressing a public rally at Saharanpur district earlier in the day, BSP chief Mayawati had said, "I appeal to Muslims that the Congress is not capable of defeating the BJP."

"Only the alliance parties are capable of doing it. Congress does not want the alliance to win. I appeal to Muslims that vote for alliance only. Do not vote for the Congress," she said.

SP chief and former Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav was also present in the rally, the first one jointly addressed by BSP-SP leaders.

The Lok Sabha elections in Uttar Pradesh is scheduled to be conducted in all the seven phases from April 11 to May 19.

The results will be declared on May 23.&nbsp;

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister and BJP leader Yogi Adityanath on Sunday hit out at the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) and Samajwadi Party (SP) stating that the former will not be able to win even a single seat, while the latter will find it difficult to retain even the five seats it won in the 2014 Lok Sabha elections.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister and BJP leader Yogi Adityanath on Sunday hit out at the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) and Samajwadi Party (SP) stating that the former will not be able to win even a single seat, while the latter will find it difficult to retain even the five seats it won in the 2014 Lok Sabha elections. "BSP is going to be on zero (seats) just like they were in 2014. SP won five seats in 2014. They will find it tough to win even those five seats this time," he told ANI. Claiming that the Deoband rally of the grand-alliance only showed their panic, the Chief Minister said, "Deoband rally only shows the panic of the parties in the grand alliance which is there because they are finding a threat to their existence." "Why they did not discuss the anarchic condition during their rule? Why did they not discuss the Muzaffarnagar riots? They don't have guts to reveal the truth," he added while asserting that this only showed grand-alliance leaders are not focused on real issues. Adityanath alleged that for the sake of their survival, grand alliance leaders are resorting to lies and deception. "In last two years, our government with the support of Prime Minister Narendra Modi government gave around 23 lakh houses to the poor people in the state. If you look at the two years of SP government, even though the PM Modi government wanted to help yet only 83000 houses were sanctioned," he said. "We are challenging them to compare 55 years to 55 months," he added. Taking a dig at those fighting to be Prime Ministerial candidates, he said, "Those who are fighting the election on 36-38 seats are dreaming to become the Prime Minister. Nothing could be more laughable than this." Reacting to the jibe from the opposition of being drunk on power, the Chief Minister said, " No we are not "high" on power. We work on "sabka sath, sabka vikas". "But, what did the SP, BSP government during their term?" The Chief Minister also recalled how Akhilesh Yadav changed the name of Kanshi Ram medical college in Saharanpur. "Dalits should see that how low they (BSP) could go to power," he said while asserting that people of the country want to see Narendra Modi as the Prime Minister of the country again. Addressing a public rally at Saharanpur district earlier in the day, BSP chief Mayawati had said, "I appeal to Muslims that the Congress is not capable of defeating the BJP." "Only the alliance parties are capable of doing it. Congress does not want the alliance to win. I appeal to Muslims that vote for alliance only. Do not vote for the Congress," she said. SP chief and former Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav was also present in the rally, the first one jointly addressed by BSP-SP leaders. The Lok Sabha elections in Uttar Pradesh is scheduled to be conducted in all the seven phases from April 11 to May 19. The results will be declared on May 23.

BSP to remain at zero, SP will find it tough to retain even five seats: Adityanath

With Lok Sabha polls inching closer, candidates are leaving no stone unturned to woo voters in their favour.

However, there is a village in Bijnor Lok Sabha constituency that has collectively decided to not vote, citing poor condition of roads.

Large numbers of residents of Majlis Taufikpur have threatened to boycott polls if the main road connecting their village to the other part is not constructed.

Speaking to ANI, one of the villagers, Kuldeep Saini, said, "Our village comes under Bijnor Lok Sabha constituency. A lot of leaders are coming because of Lok Sabha elections but no one does anything. The main road is in very bad condition. Now the villagers have decided that vote will be given only when there is a proper road."

Another resident Veer Singh said, "We have a lot of issues but there is this road problem which affects us very adversely. The road is in very bad condition and there are big potholes. A lot of accidents have also happened in which our children have gotten injured. We have now decided that vote will be given only on the basis of work otherwise we will not give the vote. The whole village has unanimously taken the decision".

He also said that there is no inter-college for girls in the village. Village Headman Yogesh Thakur is also supporting the campaign of 'no road, no vote'&nbsp;and told ANI, "Our main road is almost non-existent. The road has broken quite ago in the year 2013 but no one is reconstructing it. We have decided that there will be no vote until we have a road. Every time we get promises but we want work done now."

Seven-phase elections in the country are slated to begin on April 11 and will go on till May 19. Counting of votes will be held on May 23. There are 80 Lok Sabha seats at stake in Uttar Pradesh, polling for which will be held in all seven phases.

Polling in Bijnor will be held in the first phase of elections on April 11.

With Lok Sabha polls inching closer, candidates are leaving no stone unturned to woo voters in their favour. However, there is a village in Bijnor Lok Sabha constituency that has collectively decided to not vote, citing poor condition of roads.

With Lok Sabha polls inching closer, candidates are leaving no stone unturned to woo voters in their favour. However, there is a village in Bijnor Lok Sabha constituency that has collectively decided to not vote, citing poor condition of roads. Large numbers of residents of Majlis Taufikpur have threatened to boycott polls if the main road connecting their village to the other part is not constructed. Speaking to ANI, one of the villagers, Kuldeep Saini, said, "Our village comes under Bijnor Lok Sabha constituency. A lot of leaders are coming because of Lok Sabha elections but no one does anything. The main road is in very bad condition. Now the villagers have decided that vote will be given only when there is a proper road." Another resident Veer Singh said, "We have a lot of issues but there is this road problem which affects us very adversely. The road is in very bad condition and there are big potholes. A lot of accidents have also happened in which our children have gotten injured. We have now decided that vote will be given only on the basis of work otherwise we will not give the vote. The whole village has unanimously taken the decision". He also said that there is no inter-college for girls in the village. Village Headman Yogesh Thakur is also supporting the campaign of 'no road, no vote' and told ANI, "Our main road is almost non-existent. The road has broken quite ago in the year 2013 but no one is reconstructing it. We have decided that there will be no vote until we have a road. Every time we get promises but we want work done now." Seven-phase elections in the country are slated to begin on April 11 and will go on till May 19. Counting of votes will be held on May 23. There are 80 Lok Sabha seats at stake in Uttar Pradesh, polling for which will be held in all seven phases. Polling in Bijnor will be held in the first phase of elections on April 11.

Lok Sabha polls 2019: People of UP village threaten to boycott elections if roads not constructed

The RJD on Monday released its manifesto, titled ‘Pratibadhta Patra’, promising reservation for SCs, STs, EBC and OBCs in the private sector and the higher judiciary, in proportion to their population. The ceiling – a 50 per cent cap – had been broken after giving 10 per cent quota to the weaker sections among the general category so the people belonging to these categories (SCs, STs, EBC and OBCs) should be given reservation on the basis of their population, party leader Tejashwi Yadav said while releasing the manifesto here.

The apex court had fixed a cap of 50 per cent on total reservation and the Centre last month justified in Supreme Court its recent law granting 10-per cent quota for Economically Weaker Sections (EWSs), saying it was brought in to promote “social equality”. Advocating extension of quota for them in higher judiciary and the private sector, the manifesto also vowed to carry out the caste-based census in 2020-21.

Pointing out that the RJD, also agrees with the Congress manifesto, it said, the party “completely endorses” the ‘Nyay’ scheme of the Congress, which would be beneficial to states like Bihar. Tejashwi Yadav was accompanied by Rajya Sabha member and party’s national spokesman Manoj Jha, Bihar RJD chief Ram Chandra Purve and others at the release of the party’s manifesto.

The RJD also demanded from the Centre to make public the Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC) data, carried out by the UPA government. Releasing the manifesto, Tejashwi Prasad Yadav, also the leader of the opposition in the state, said that “it is not the manifesto of RJD, rather it is a ‘pratibadhta patra’ (commitment document) of the party”. A helpline number would be launched and a help centre set up in major cities of the country for the people of Bihar living outside the state, the manifesto said.

The party would ensure that six per cent of the gross domestic product is spent on education and four per cent on health, he said. “If our (party’s) government is formed in Bihar, then we will remove the ‘illegal’ tag on toddy and make it ‘legal’….The move to make toddy illegal has rendered many belonging to economically weaker sections jobless.

“My father Lalu Prasad, when he was the chief minister, had abolished tax on toddy,” the RJD leader said. Replying to a query on his elder brother Tej Pratap Yadav’s recent activities, Tejashwi evaded a direct reply, saying “the press conference has been organized for releasing the manifesto today”. According to the seat-sharing formula for the 40 Lok Sabha seats in Bihar announced by the opposition ‘Mahagathbandhan’, 20 seats will be fought by the RJD and nine by the Congress.

Of the 20 constituencies, the RJD has left the Ara seat to the CPI(ML) Liberation. Upendra Kushwaha’s Rashtriya Lok Samta Party (RLSP) and Mukesh Sahni’s Vikasheel Insan Party (VIP) will field candidates on five and three seats respectively. Former chief minister Jitan Ram Manjhi’s Hindustan Awam Morcha (HAM) has been given three seats. The seven-phase election in Bihar is scheduled from April 11 to May 19.

The RJD on Monday released its manifesto, titled ‘Pratibadhta Patra’, promising reservation for SCs, STs, EBC and OBCs in the private sector and the higher judiciary, in proportion to their population.

The RJD on Monday released its manifesto, titled ‘Pratibadhta Patra’, promising reservation for SCs, STs, EBC and OBCs in the private sector and the higher judiciary, in proportion to their population. The ceiling – a 50 per cent cap – had been broken after giving 10 per cent quota to the weaker sections among the general category so the people belonging to these categories (SCs, STs, EBC and OBCs) should be given reservation on the basis of their population, party leader Tejashwi Yadav said while releasing the manifesto here. The apex court had fixed a cap of 50 per cent on total reservation and the Centre last month justified in Supreme Court its recent law granting 10-per cent quota for Economically Weaker Sections (EWSs), saying it was brought in to promote “social equality”. Advocating extension of quota for them in higher judiciary and the private sector, the manifesto also vowed to carry out the caste-based census in 2020-21. Pointing out that the RJD, also agrees with the Congress manifesto, it said, the party “completely endorses” the ‘Nyay’ scheme of the Congress, which would be beneficial to states like Bihar. Tejashwi Yadav was accompanied by Rajya Sabha member and party’s national spokesman Manoj Jha, Bihar RJD chief Ram Chandra Purve and others at the release of the party’s manifesto. The RJD also demanded from the Centre to make public the Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC) data, carried out by the UPA government. Releasing the manifesto, Tejashwi Prasad Yadav, also the leader of the opposition in the state, said that “it is not the manifesto of RJD, rather it is a ‘pratibadhta patra’ (commitment document) of the party”. A helpline number would be launched and a help centre set up in major cities of the country for the people of Bihar living outside the state, the manifesto said. The party would ensure that six per cent of the gross domestic product is spent on education and four per cent on health, he said. “If our (party’s) government is formed in Bihar, then we will remove the ‘illegal’ tag on toddy and make it ‘legal’….The move to make toddy illegal has rendered many belonging to economically weaker sections jobless. “My father Lalu Prasad, when he was the chief minister, had abolished tax on toddy,” the RJD leader said. Replying to a query on his elder brother Tej Pratap Yadav’s recent activities, Tejashwi evaded a direct reply, saying “the press conference has been organized for releasing the manifesto today”. According to the seat-sharing formula for the 40 Lok Sabha seats in Bihar announced by the opposition ‘Mahagathbandhan’, 20 seats will be fought by the RJD and nine by the Congress. Of the 20 constituencies, the RJD has left the Ara seat to the CPI(ML) Liberation. Upendra Kushwaha’s Rashtriya Lok Samta Party (RLSP) and Mukesh Sahni’s Vikasheel Insan Party (VIP) will field candidates on five and three seats respectively. Former chief minister Jitan Ram Manjhi’s Hindustan Awam Morcha (HAM) has been given three seats. The seven-phase election in Bihar is scheduled from April 11 to May 19.

RJD releases manifesto ‘Pratibadhta Patra’ for Lok Sabha polls, promises reservation

Days before India begins to vote in the world’s largest democratic exercise, thousands of miles away a team of experts maintain round-the-clock vigil on election-related chatter on Facebook, ready to combat the first signs of misinformation, voter manipulation tactics, poll interference and fake news. Facebook — which counts India as one of the biggest base outside the US — has put in motion an elaborate strategy at the headquarters here with ‘information warriors’ at its election war room watching out for hoax, voter supression attempt, suspicious account behaviour, hate messages, fake accounts, and spikes in spam.

Ajit Mohan, Managing Director and Vice President, Facebook India said the platform has also expanded partnerships with third-party fact-checkers to seven accredited organisations in India. “These groups cover eight of the most spoken languages — English, Hindi, Bengali, Marathi, Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam and Gujarati — and we’re looking to add more.

In a country largely driven by local and community news, we knew it was critical to have fact-checking partners who could review content across regions and languages,” Mohan said in a blogpost on Monday. Building on the lessons learnt over the last two years (the planning began nearly 18 months ago), this week Facebook will activate new regional operations centres, focused on election integrity, in Singapore and Dublin. These teams will work closely with staff in Menlo Park, CA headquarters as well as with local experts in Delhi. 
Once the team, manning the election operation centres, identifies attempts of platform abuse, they move in swiftly to contain them. Last week, Facebook removed 687 pages and accounts linked to the Congress and a smaller but far more influential number of what appeared to be pro-BJP accounts for “coordinated inauthentic behaviour” on the social media platform.

The election operation centre supplements the ongoing efforts of the platform to crackdown on misinformation during the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. Facebook has already brought in transparency initiatives for political ads, teamed up with third party fact checkers for India, and rolled out initiatives like Candidate Connect (a voter outreach feature that allows Lok Sabha candidates to record 20 second videos).

As many as 40 cross-functional teams, drawn from areas like cybersecurity, public policy, data science, legal, engineering, threat intelligence, research and others work together in sync at the command centre to coordinate, detect and respond to situations in real time. And soon, key officials from the US office will fly down to India and Singapore to oversee the functions, as seven phase general elections get underway.

The elections will begin on April 11 and continue till May 19, with counting scheduled on May 23. “…if a report comes that there is a piece that maybe violates our community standards…maybe people are giving wrong information on voting …we will report and a task gets created in the war room and the community operations person then evaluates that piece of content to see if it violates our community standards…minutes of taking a look at that, can take the content down,” says Katie Harbath, Facebook’s Public Policy Director for Global Elections. There could also be instances when these efforts require close coordination with fact checkers and the response time could be a tad longer. “You might get reports that there is violence happening at a place. There could be violence happening or it could be voter suppression tactics to make voters stay away (from an area). That is not a determination we can make, so we direct it to fact checkers to do a review and that can take a bit longer.

As soon as they mark it as false, the content reach will be reduced and we will provide additional context,” says Harbath briefing reporters during a media tour of the election operations centre here. With nearly 900 million voters eligible to cast their votes in a nation that now has over 200 million Facebook users, its election integrity strategy for India is harnessing the full potential of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning in an attempt to defeat ‘bad actors’ who try to game the system through nefarious means.

For instance, these tools help it block or remove approximately one million accounts a day. They also help identify abusive or violating content, quickly locate it across the platform and remove it in bulk – reducing its ability to spread. Facebook continues to expand on this initiative, adding 24 new languages — including 16 for India — to its automatic translation system, Mohan said.

“It’s not just being ready for threats we saw in 2016 or 2018, we recognise that there is always work that is to be done…so many of the investments we have made are particularly around videos…that focused on ensuring that we are ready for next set of challenges including around tamperes videos,” says Kaushik Iyer, Engineering Manager for Civic Integrity at Facebook. While Facebook did not divulge the investments or number of employees at the election operations centre, it says the money that it has ploughed into the entire machinery – leveraged in the past for American midterms and the recent Brazilian elections – is amongst the top things in importance for the company.

“The investment in India is same size and level of importance that we have had for Brazil and the US…,” says Harbath. Mohan said the work to ensure Facebook is not used to influence elections began more than 18 months ago with a detailed planning and risk assessment across its platforms.

“The findings allowed us to concentrate our work on key areas, including blocking and removing fake accounts; fighting the spread of misinformation; stopping abuse by domestic actors; spotting attempts at foreign meddling; and taking action against inauthentic coordinated campaigns,” Mohan said.

Days before India begins to vote in the world’s largest democratic exercise, thousands of miles away a team of experts maintain round-the-clock vigil on election-related chatter on Facebook, ready to combat the first signs of misinformation, voter manipulation tactics, poll interference and fake news.

Days before India begins to vote in the world’s largest democratic exercise, thousands of miles away a team of experts maintain round-the-clock vigil on election-related chatter on Facebook, ready to combat the first signs of misinformation, voter manipulation tactics, poll interference and fake news. Facebook — which counts India as one of the biggest base outside the US — has put in motion an elaborate strategy at the headquarters here with ‘information warriors’ at its election war room watching out for hoax, voter supression attempt, suspicious account behaviour, hate messages, fake accounts, and spikes in spam. Ajit Mohan, Managing Director and Vice President, Facebook India said the platform has also expanded partnerships with third-party fact-checkers to seven accredited organisations in India. “These groups cover eight of the most spoken languages — English, Hindi, Bengali, Marathi, Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam and Gujarati — and we’re looking to add more. In a country largely driven by local and community news, we knew it was critical to have fact-checking partners who could review content across regions and languages,” Mohan said in a blogpost on Monday. Building on the lessons learnt over the last two years (the planning began nearly 18 months ago), this week Facebook will activate new regional operations centres, focused on election integrity, in Singapore and Dublin. These teams will work closely with staff in Menlo Park, CA headquarters as well as with local experts in Delhi. Once the team, manning the election operation centres, identifies attempts of platform abuse, they move in swiftly to contain them. Last week, Facebook removed 687 pages and accounts linked to the Congress and a smaller but far more influential number of what appeared to be pro-BJP accounts for “coordinated inauthentic behaviour” on the social media platform. The election operation centre supplements the ongoing efforts of the platform to crackdown on misinformation during the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. Facebook has already brought in transparency initiatives for political ads, teamed up with third party fact checkers for India, and rolled out initiatives like Candidate Connect (a voter outreach feature that allows Lok Sabha candidates to record 20 second videos). As many as 40 cross-functional teams, drawn from areas like cybersecurity, public policy, data science, legal, engineering, threat intelligence, research and others work together in sync at the command centre to coordinate, detect and respond to situations in real time. And soon, key officials from the US office will fly down to India and Singapore to oversee the functions, as seven phase general elections get underway. The elections will begin on April 11 and continue till May 19, with counting scheduled on May 23. “…if a report comes that there is a piece that maybe violates our community standards…maybe people are giving wrong information on voting …we will report and a task gets created in the war room and the community operations person then evaluates that piece of content to see if it violates our community standards…minutes of taking a look at that, can take the content down,” says Katie Harbath, Facebook’s Public Policy Director for Global Elections. There could also be instances when these efforts require close coordination with fact checkers and the response time could be a tad longer. “You might get reports that there is violence happening at a place. There could be violence happening or it could be voter suppression tactics to make voters stay away (from an area). That is not a determination we can make, so we direct it to fact checkers to do a review and that can take a bit longer. As soon as they mark it as false, the content reach will be reduced and we will provide additional context,” says Harbath briefing reporters during a media tour of the election operations centre here. With nearly 900 million voters eligible to cast their votes in a nation that now has over 200 million Facebook users, its election integrity strategy for India is harnessing the full potential of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning in an attempt to defeat ‘bad actors’ who try to game the system through nefarious means. For instance, these tools help it block or remove approximately one million accounts a day. They also help identify abusive or violating content, quickly locate it across the platform and remove it in bulk – reducing its ability to spread. Facebook continues to expand on this initiative, adding 24 new languages — including 16 for India — to its automatic translation system, Mohan said. “It’s not just being ready for threats we saw in 2016 or 2018, we recognise that there is always work that is to be done…so many of the investments we have made are particularly around videos…that focused on ensuring that we are ready for next set of challenges including around tamperes videos,” says Kaushik Iyer, Engineering Manager for Civic Integrity at Facebook. While Facebook did not divulge the investments or number of employees at the election operations centre, it says the money that it has ploughed into the entire machinery – leveraged in the past for American midterms and the recent Brazilian elections – is amongst the top things in importance for the company. “The investment in India is same size and level of importance that we have had for Brazil and the US…,” says Harbath. Mohan said the work to ensure Facebook is not used to influence elections began more than 18 months ago with a detailed planning and risk assessment across its platforms. “The findings allowed us to concentrate our work on key areas, including blocking and removing fake accounts; fighting the spread of misinformation; stopping abuse by domestic actors; spotting attempts at foreign meddling; and taking action against inauthentic coordinated campaigns,” Mohan said.

Ahead of Lok Sabha polls, team of experts maintain round-the-clock vigil at Facebook’s election war room

As voters in Cooch Behar&nbsp;prepare to go to the polls on April 11th, the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-election-2019-in-west-bengal-bjp-tmc-bank-on-turncoats-to-win-poll-battle-205078">BJP has already declared</a> its intentions to open a front with PM Modi leading from the front in the reserved schedule caste category seat.

On Sunday, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/didi-maligned-bengal-with-scams-denied-people-of-central-scheme-benefits-pm-modi-208492">PM Narendra Modi addressed a poll</a> rally in the former princely state where he targeted corruption and Mamata Banerjee's regime.&nbsp;

Cooch Behar is one of the key seats of West Bengal among the 48 constituencies which will be keenly watched by political pundits.&nbsp;

The more the "lotus" will bloom in West Bengal, the stronger your voice will be. The fight for your rights will get stronger," the prime minister said at the poll rally which is close to the Indo-Bangla border.

The Trinamool Congress and the BJP will face-off against each other in this important eastern outpost which the BJP hopes it can wrestle from the TMC. However, there are others in the fray as well namely the All India Forward Bloc (AIFB) and Congress.

The key West Bengal constituency has an almost equal division of men and women voters comprising of 9,40,948 and 8,68,632 respectively. TMC has filed Paresh Chandra Adhikary while the BJP has picked Nisith Pramanik, a former Trinamool Youth Congress leader.

In 2014, the BJP had finished third behind the Forward Bloc and TMC which clinched the seat with a huge margin. Renuka Sinha who had won the seat, however, passed away in 2016 due to a heart attack.

The BJP came back strongly in the by-poll in 2016 finishing second behind the TMC's Partha Pratim Ray. The constituency which was once the bastion on the AIFB fell away drastically polling just six per cent votes.

BJP candidate Hem Chandra Barman polled 38, 1134 votes against Ray's 79,4375 votes as the AIFB faded away. This time however the TMC has given the ticket to Adhikary and the BJP has expressed confidence in &nbsp;Nisith Pramanik to grab TMC's seat.

Congress candidate Priya Roy Chowdhury will be hoping to seize the seat by cutting into the vote bank of all three - BJP, TMC and AIFB, however, it will be an uphill task for her.

The constituency has exactly 1,329,086 electorates, according to the Election Commission with the administrative division belonging to Jalpaiguri. Significantly, the average literacy rate of Cooch Behar is 75 per cent, with male literacy rate of 81 per cent and female literacy rate of 69 per cent.

Development, cross-border infiltration and employment dominate the poll issues in this agricultural area which has witnessed a political slugfest over the years, especially since 2014.

During his poll rally, PM Narendra Modi had said the NDA government had approved projects worth crores, focussing on the development plank.

"Didi has put a break on free treatment for the poor under Ayushman Yojana and on financial assistance to farmers," the prime minister said at Cooch Behar in a bid to win over the farmers who constitute a major chunk of voters.

The Lok Sabha poll results which will be declared on May 23rd may open a new front for the BJP as it seeks to grab the eastern front from the ruling TMC. 
&nbsp;

As voters in Cooch Behar prepare to go to the polls on April 11th, the BJP has already declared its intentions to open a front with PM Modi leading from the front in the reserved schedule caste category seat.

As voters in Cooch Behar prepare to go to the polls on April 11th, the BJP has already declared its intentions to open a front with PM Modi leading from the front in the reserved schedule caste category seat. On Sunday, PM Narendra Modi addressed a poll rally in the former princely state where he targeted corruption and Mamata Banerjee's regime. Cooch Behar is one of the key seats of West Bengal among the 48 constituencies which will be keenly watched by political pundits. The more the "lotus" will bloom in West Bengal, the stronger your voice will be. The fight for your rights will get stronger," the prime minister said at the poll rally which is close to the Indo-Bangla border. The Trinamool Congress and the BJP will face-off against each other in this important eastern outpost which the BJP hopes it can wrestle from the TMC. However, there are others in the fray as well namely the All India Forward Bloc (AIFB) and Congress. The key West Bengal constituency has an almost equal division of men and women voters comprising of 9,40,948 and 8,68,632 respectively. TMC has filed Paresh Chandra Adhikary while the BJP has picked Nisith Pramanik, a former Trinamool Youth Congress leader. In 2014, the BJP had finished third behind the Forward Bloc and TMC which clinched the seat with a huge margin. Renuka Sinha who had won the seat, however, passed away in 2016 due to a heart attack. The BJP came back strongly in the by-poll in 2016 finishing second behind the TMC's Partha Pratim Ray. The constituency which was once the bastion on the AIFB fell away drastically polling just six per cent votes. BJP candidate Hem Chandra Barman polled 38, 1134 votes against Ray's 79,4375 votes as the AIFB faded away. This time however the TMC has given the ticket to Adhikary and the BJP has expressed confidence in Nisith Pramanik to grab TMC's seat. Congress candidate Priya Roy Chowdhury will be hoping to seize the seat by cutting into the vote bank of all three - BJP, TMC and AIFB, however, it will be an uphill task for her. The constituency has exactly 1,329,086 electorates, according to the Election Commission with the administrative division belonging to Jalpaiguri. Significantly, the average literacy rate of Cooch Behar is 75 per cent, with male literacy rate of 81 per cent and female literacy rate of 69 per cent. Development, cross-border infiltration and employment dominate the poll issues in this agricultural area which has witnessed a political slugfest over the years, especially since 2014. During his poll rally, PM Narendra Modi had said the NDA government had approved projects worth crores, focussing on the development plank. "Didi has put a break on free treatment for the poor under Ayushman Yojana and on financial assistance to farmers," the prime minister said at Cooch Behar in a bid to win over the farmers who constitute a major chunk of voters. The Lok Sabha poll results which will be declared on May 23rd may open a new front for the BJP as it seeks to grab the eastern front from the ruling TMC.

First phase Lok Sabha polls: After PM Modi's rally, BJP eyes Cooch Behar in West Bengal

BJP’s manifesto was nationalism unplugged. The manifesto reflected the core agenda of RSS, which has been promoting cultural nationalism since its inception. The coming of age could only happen during Narendra Modi’s tenure as he allowed the vision to be incorporated and propagated unapologetically during his tenure as the Prime Minister.

At the launch ceremony, speaker after speaker spoke about national unity and how BJP was committed to the idea of national renewal, tough security response and enhanced prestige abroad. This theme was visible after 2014 but very few understood the intent of BJP that it wanted to contest 2019 Lok Sabha elections on it.&nbsp;

If it would not have been the failure of BJP in Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh, BJP would not have introduced direct subsidy to distressed farmers and neither state BJP governments would have waived electricity bills and loans taken by the farmer nor taken such a populist turn.

This particular event brought both BJP and Congress together barring the issue of nationalism. Both parties have committed themselves to a large welfare architecture which is going to trouble middle class even more. Both have become very loud in their commitment towards popular politics. For the PM to say Antyodaya is the philosophy reflects strong pro-poor sentiments. NYAY is also one such arrow from the quiver of populist politics. The only difference is that Congress manifesto is restrained when it comes to national security and nationalism-based politics and that of BJP is very aggressive and does not refrain from taking on strong regional sentiments of North East and Kashmir. It helps BJP in rest of India.

BJP’s manifesto looks more in tune with the India of 1970 under former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. A famous leader who taught a lesson to Pakistan but held the promise of keeping the nation together. She ran the country with an iron hand and the party was subservient to her. Her strength bordered on being dictatorial and ran a left-leaning economy. Congress, on the other hand, barring the model of a strong leader is also committing itself to running a left-leaning economy which would be high on welfare schemes.

Both BJP and Congress of today are a strong departure from the turn India took in 1991. Narasimha Rao, Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Manmohan Singh were reformers and committed to economic liberalisation. All three Prime Ministers fought the populist narrative that business is a bad word and capitalism cannot do good for the poor. Even if they failed in parts, they did not create a subsidy monster.

It was Sonia Gandhi who forced Manmohan Singh’s hand after 2008 that Congress started to reflect party sensibilities of the 1970s. Even Modi who started with a promise of reform and minimum governance gave in to the populism which continues to wreak Indian politics. Till today, there exists no consensus on land acquisition bill which continues to lie in cold storage after suit boot kee sarkar jibe.

The only differentiator which BJP has with Congress is on national security and aggressive politics against internal insurgencies and Pakistan. It is for this reason, BJP has made nationalism a pivotal issue against Congress.

Not only it blunts the charge of Congress that RSS never participated in the freedom struggle, but it also helps BJP bridge the caste politics. It is for this reason that Ram Temple, Article 370, 35 A, Pakistan and internal insurgencies have all come together as one issue.&nbsp;

Both manifestos claim that they have presented a competing vision of India but remain similar when it comes to promoting statism. The lines have also blurred on Hinduism. Both parties compete for the same space. BJP’s vision is hard nationalism laced with Hindutva married to a welfare state whereas Congress vision is that of soft Hindutva married to a vigorous welfare state. We will know only on May 23 as to which brand sold well.

&nbsp;(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.) &nbsp; 
&nbsp;

BJP’s manifesto was nationalism unplugged. The manifesto reflected the core agenda of RSS, which has been promoting cultural nationalism since its inception. The coming of age could only happen during Narendra Modi’s tenure as he allowed the vision to be incorporated and propagated unapologetically during his tenure as the Prime Minister.

BJP’s manifesto was nationalism unplugged. The manifesto reflected the core agenda of RSS, which has been promoting cultural nationalism since its inception. The coming of age could only happen during Narendra Modi’s tenure as he allowed the vision to be incorporated and propagated unapologetically during his tenure as the Prime Minister. At the launch ceremony, speaker after speaker spoke about national unity and how BJP was committed to the idea of national renewal, tough security response and enhanced prestige abroad. This theme was visible after 2014 but very few understood the intent of BJP that it wanted to contest 2019 Lok Sabha elections on it. If it would not have been the failure of BJP in Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh, BJP would not have introduced direct subsidy to distressed farmers and neither state BJP governments would have waived electricity bills and loans taken by the farmer nor taken such a populist turn. This particular event brought both BJP and Congress together barring the issue of nationalism. Both parties have committed themselves to a large welfare architecture which is going to trouble middle class even more. Both have become very loud in their commitment towards popular politics. For the PM to say Antyodaya is the philosophy reflects strong pro-poor sentiments. NYAY is also one such arrow from the quiver of populist politics. The only difference is that Congress manifesto is restrained when it comes to national security and nationalism-based politics and that of BJP is very aggressive and does not refrain from taking on strong regional sentiments of North East and Kashmir. It helps BJP in rest of India. BJP’s manifesto looks more in tune with the India of 1970 under former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. A famous leader who taught a lesson to Pakistan but held the promise of keeping the nation together. She ran the country with an iron hand and the party was subservient to her. Her strength bordered on being dictatorial and ran a left-leaning economy. Congress, on the other hand, barring the model of a strong leader is also committing itself to running a left-leaning economy which would be high on welfare schemes. Both BJP and Congress of today are a strong departure from the turn India took in 1991. Narasimha Rao, Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Manmohan Singh were reformers and committed to economic liberalisation. All three Prime Ministers fought the populist narrative that business is a bad word and capitalism cannot do good for the poor. Even if they failed in parts, they did not create a subsidy monster. It was Sonia Gandhi who forced Manmohan Singh’s hand after 2008 that Congress started to reflect party sensibilities of the 1970s. Even Modi who started with a promise of reform and minimum governance gave in to the populism which continues to wreak Indian politics. Till today, there exists no consensus on land acquisition bill which continues to lie in cold storage after suit boot kee sarkar jibe. The only differentiator which BJP has with Congress is on national security and aggressive politics against internal insurgencies and Pakistan. It is for this reason, BJP has made nationalism a pivotal issue against Congress. Not only it blunts the charge of Congress that RSS never participated in the freedom struggle, but it also helps BJP bridge the caste politics. It is for this reason that Ram Temple, Article 370, 35 A, Pakistan and internal insurgencies have all come together as one issue. Both manifestos claim that they have presented a competing vision of India but remain similar when it comes to promoting statism. The lines have also blurred on Hinduism. Both parties compete for the same space. BJP’s vision is hard nationalism laced with Hindutva married to a welfare state whereas Congress vision is that of soft Hindutva married to a vigorous welfare state. We will know only on May 23 as to which brand sold well. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Lok Sabha polls 2019: High on populism, both BJP and Congress manifestos compete for same space

A&nbsp;great revolution is never the fault of the people, but of the government, the famous German writer JW von Goethe had said. Gurcharan&nbsp;Das, noted Indian author and former head of Proctor and Gamble India, recently pointed out a problem that voters across India may face during the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. Disillusioned by a string of factors that form a major chunk of the entire election process, the voter in 2019 might be finally left with only a limited choice. While the NOTA&nbsp;will be an option, the bigger mathematics is who shall rise to power after standard tenets of the median voter theorem are taken care of. As April 11 nears, the question that haunts many citizens is whether the political entrepreneurship stymied and muted in our country.

To start with, the Election Commission of India (ECI) data suggests that currently there are 7 national parties in India. The eligibility to become one is to win at least 2 per cent seats in the Lok Sabha (LS), the upper house of the Indian Parliament. In addition, they have to win at least win four Lok Sabha seats. The national parties also have to get the recognition as a state party in at least four states. While one can debate whether these cut-offs need a revisiting or if these restrictions are prohibitive, seven national parties for a country of 1.33 billion seem less. It immediately suggests that a market power is being exercised by the dominant ones rather than the ones on the fringes. What heightens the curiosity is that 1999, and also the last LS polls, saw the classification of a national party, namely the Nationalist Congress&nbsp;&nbsp;Party.&nbsp;

Since then, we have had 5 national elections and the story gradually turned to state parties. The ECI data suggests that there are&nbsp;55 such parties today, with 14 new entrants from 2010 to 2019. Eight state parties entering in the 2000s, 10 in the 1990s, 7 in the 1980s, 5&nbsp;&nbsp;in the 1970s, 3 in the 1960s, and 3 more post-Independence, the rest&nbsp;&nbsp;pre-1947.&nbsp;

And even without going into their survival probabilities,&nbsp;one can see competition from even the less-recognised bunch of regional parties. Clearly, as we get familiar with the Indian politics which is now highly decentralised, we see the national competition is being substituted by a sub-national flavour.&nbsp;

Another point to take away from here is the potentially average conversion ratio of a state party to a national party, which is declining over the years.

So what explains the trend? The micro-foundations of entrepreneurship and pathways related to politics as a career could provide a starting answer. There are no estimates, but one wonders if it has become costlier to pursue active politics as a&nbsp;&nbsp;career opportunity. In addition, the controversial and fuzzy electoral bonds are perfect instruments as entry barriers for incumbents. Also, with the 1991 liberalisation, India has seen the advent of market forces, such that the role of the state as a social planner has become more corrective in nature (when there are market distortions), rather than being directive.&nbsp;

Yet, since puzzlingly&nbsp;&nbsp;India’s crony capitalism and chaebol point to an unsteady system in existence where marginal returns to becoming a politician, potentially&nbsp;exists within one’s ethical compass on the edge. That may explain entry&nbsp;of criminals and contentious religious leaders, but the successful entry from the average middle class remains a far cry. In fact, India’s growing middle class, predominantly young and aspirations, may no longer be beholden to a behavioural mind set of thinking of the state as the go-to secure fallback for livelihood and even as an influencer of life. They want to move on, and over the years, Infosys or the current&nbsp;&nbsp;Flipkart-generation may prioritise the value of bazaars in guiding life’s satisfaction.&nbsp;

Normatively this may be fine, but one wonders if this comes at the cost of turning the oblivious to inequalities that market forces are bringing forth and the negative externalities created tomorrow even in their private lives with their short-term thinking.&nbsp;&nbsp;For those who are sensitive to these trade-offs, the way to solve India’s ills seem to be becoming agrarian entrepreneurs, embedding oneself in rural India, blending in innovation, technology and new business models to solve the ills afflicting life beyond metros.

One wishes that many of them, indeed, endogenously or exogenous, turn into political entrepreneurs and would advance governance and public policy in India. A final point can be drawn from Imran Khan, the current&nbsp;&nbsp;Pakistani Prime Minister, interviewed last year on the Australian TV&nbsp;&nbsp;programme for 60 minutes.&nbsp;&nbsp;His was an observation that could be equally true for much of South Asia when he noted that maybe Pakistan needs a revolution. Today, with smart phones in their hand and aspirations in their mind, India’s youth may prioritize WhatsApp, malls,&nbsp;&nbsp;Instagram. But if they have the foresight (even selfish ones for that matter are fine), they should also ponder taking their future in their hands.&nbsp;&nbsp;From being amnesiac here, to the death anniversary of Bhagat&nbsp;&nbsp;Singh last week was not exactly a great sign to this regard, but one would like to remain hopeful that tomorrow young India will still be inspired by him and that will spur political competition.

Speaking in recent months to prominent healthcare leaders and entrepreneurs in&nbsp;&nbsp;India, former North American diplomats and faculty colleagues, this idea, as to whether India needs a revolution intriguingly keeps coming back in conversations. But to be substantive about it, it would be wiser to create conditions and incentives guiding Indian youth towards a&nbsp;&nbsp;systematic approach here to foster revolution with national political rivalry. The emergence of a Jignesh Mevani, Alpesh Thakor, Hardik Patel,&nbsp;&nbsp;Kanhaiya Kumar, Sheila Rashid or Shah Faesal is good regionally, but maybe India’s national parties need the animal spirits of competition to stay rooted to their broader social welfare mission. That could give&nbsp;&nbsp;India its newest revolution (with political entrepreneurship), beyond its digital or fin-tech revolution.

(This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-a-stymied-political-career-2736699">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)&nbsp;&nbsp;

A great revolution is never the fault of the people, but of the government, the famous German writer JW von Goethe had said. Gurcharan Das, noted Indian author and former head of Proctor and Gamble India, recently pointed out a problem that voters across India may face during the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.

A great revolution is never the fault of the people, but of the government, the famous German writer JW von Goethe had said. Gurcharan Das, noted Indian author and former head of Proctor and Gamble India, recently pointed out a problem that voters across India may face during the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. Disillusioned by a string of factors that form a major chunk of the entire election process, the voter in 2019 might be finally left with only a limited choice. While the NOTA will be an option, the bigger mathematics is who shall rise to power after standard tenets of the median voter theorem are taken care of. As April 11 nears, the question that haunts many citizens is whether the political entrepreneurship stymied and muted in our country. To start with, the Election Commission of India (ECI) data suggests that currently there are 7 national parties in India. The eligibility to become one is to win at least 2 per cent seats in the Lok Sabha (LS), the upper house of the Indian Parliament. In addition, they have to win at least win four Lok Sabha seats. The national parties also have to get the recognition as a state party in at least four states. While one can debate whether these cut-offs need a revisiting or if these restrictions are prohibitive, seven national parties for a country of 1.33 billion seem less. It immediately suggests that a market power is being exercised by the dominant ones rather than the ones on the fringes. What heightens the curiosity is that 1999, and also the last LS polls, saw the classification of a national party, namely the Nationalist Congress Party. Since then, we have had 5 national elections and the story gradually turned to state parties. The ECI data suggests that there are 55 such parties today, with 14 new entrants from 2010 to 2019. Eight state parties entering in the 2000s, 10 in the 1990s, 7 in the 1980s, 5 in the 1970s, 3 in the 1960s, and 3 more post-Independence, the rest pre-1947. And even without going into their survival probabilities, one can see competition from even the less-recognised bunch of regional parties. Clearly, as we get familiar with the Indian politics which is now highly decentralised, we see the national competition is being substituted by a sub-national flavour. Another point to take away from here is the potentially average conversion ratio of a state party to a national party, which is declining over the years. So what explains the trend? The micro-foundations of entrepreneurship and pathways related to politics as a career could provide a starting answer. There are no estimates, but one wonders if it has become costlier to pursue active politics as a career opportunity. In addition, the controversial and fuzzy electoral bonds are perfect instruments as entry barriers for incumbents. Also, with the 1991 liberalisation, India has seen the advent of market forces, such that the role of the state as a social planner has become more corrective in nature (when there are market distortions), rather than being directive. Yet, since puzzlingly India’s crony capitalism and chaebol point to an unsteady system in existence where marginal returns to becoming a politician, potentially exists within one’s ethical compass on the edge. That may explain entry of criminals and contentious religious leaders, but the successful entry from the average middle class remains a far cry. In fact, India’s growing middle class, predominantly young and aspirations, may no longer be beholden to a behavioural mind set of thinking of the state as the go-to secure fallback for livelihood and even as an influencer of life. They want to move on, and over the years, Infosys or the current Flipkart-generation may prioritise the value of bazaars in guiding life’s satisfaction. Normatively this may be fine, but one wonders if this comes at the cost of turning the oblivious to inequalities that market forces are bringing forth and the negative externalities created tomorrow even in their private lives with their short-term thinking. For those who are sensitive to these trade-offs, the way to solve India’s ills seem to be becoming agrarian entrepreneurs, embedding oneself in rural India, blending in innovation, technology and new business models to solve the ills afflicting life beyond metros. One wishes that many of them, indeed, endogenously or exogenous, turn into political entrepreneurs and would advance governance and public policy in India. A final point can be drawn from Imran Khan, the current Pakistani Prime Minister, interviewed last year on the Australian TV programme for 60 minutes. His was an observation that could be equally true for much of South Asia when he noted that maybe Pakistan needs a revolution. Today, with smart phones in their hand and aspirations in their mind, India’s youth may prioritize WhatsApp, malls, Instagram. But if they have the foresight (even selfish ones for that matter are fine), they should also ponder taking their future in their hands. From being amnesiac here, to the death anniversary of Bhagat Singh last week was not exactly a great sign to this regard, but one would like to remain hopeful that tomorrow young India will still be inspired by him and that will spur political competition. Speaking in recent months to prominent healthcare leaders and entrepreneurs in India, former North American diplomats and faculty colleagues, this idea, as to whether India needs a revolution intriguingly keeps coming back in conversations. But to be substantive about it, it would be wiser to create conditions and incentives guiding Indian youth towards a systematic approach here to foster revolution with national political rivalry. The emergence of a Jignesh Mevani, Alpesh Thakor, Hardik Patel, Kanhaiya Kumar, Sheila Rashid or Shah Faesal is good regionally, but maybe India’s national parties need the animal spirits of competition to stay rooted to their broader social welfare mission. That could give India its newest revolution (with political entrepreneurship), beyond its digital or fin-tech revolution. (This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Lok Sabha polls 2019: Voters might be left with only limited choice

The BJP Sunday announced SS Ahluwalia as its candidate from the Durgapur Lok Sabha seat of West Bengal.

In the current Lok Sabha, the 67-year-old represents the Darjeeling seat in the same state.

After his candidature was announced, Ahluwalia said he was grateful to the party leadership for nominating him from the seat where he "learnt most important lessons" of his life.

"I spent my student days there. I was a student activist in the Burdwan university. And my candidature is an opportunity for me to serve the people of this place," he said.

With this, the party has announced 408 candidates for the seven-phase Lok Sabha polls which will start on April 11 and continue till May 19. The counting of the votes will take place on May 23.

The BJP has already renominated Prime Minister Narendra Modi from Varanasi and fielded Amit Shah from Gandhinagar in Gujarat.

The BJP Sunday announced SS Ahluwalia as its candidate from the Durgapur Lok Sabha seat of West Bengal. In the current Lok Sabha, the 67-year-old represents the Darjeeling seat in the same state.

The BJP Sunday announced SS Ahluwalia as its candidate from the Durgapur Lok Sabha seat of West Bengal. In the current Lok Sabha, the 67-year-old represents the Darjeeling seat in the same state. After his candidature was announced, Ahluwalia said he was grateful to the party leadership for nominating him from the seat where he "learnt most important lessons" of his life. "I spent my student days there. I was a student activist in the Burdwan university. And my candidature is an opportunity for me to serve the people of this place," he said. With this, the party has announced 408 candidates for the seven-phase Lok Sabha polls which will start on April 11 and continue till May 19. The counting of the votes will take place on May 23. The BJP has already renominated Prime Minister Narendra Modi from Varanasi and fielded Amit Shah from Gandhinagar in Gujarat.

Lok Sabha elections: BJP nominates SS Ahluwalia from Durgapur

India Election Watch: Latest election news

Indian Elections 2019: Jyotiraditya Scindia, Leader, Congress speaks to WION

83-year old loses 32 elections but continues to contest in Odisha

A look at PM Narendra Modi's general election campaign

Lok Sabha polls 2019: Muslims want to rise above religious identity

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bjp-unveils-election-manifesto-zero-tolerance-on-terrorism-full-commitment-towards-uniform-civil-code-208715">BJP manifesto released</a> on Monday&nbsp;said that if the party is elected back to form the government, it will take steps to isolate countries supporting terror and strengthen ties with groupings such as Russia-India-China (RIC) and Japan-America-India(JAI).

On the issue of terror, the BJP manifesto said,"we are committed to take concrete steps on international forums against countries &amp; supporting terrorism" and will take necessary measures to "isolate such countries" on the global stage.

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/WclSbVA4R7s" width="560"></iframe>

In the aftermath of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/nationalism-our-inspiration-good-governance-our-mantra-says-pm-modi-as-bjp-unveils-election-manifesto-208728">Uri, Pathankot and Pulwama </a>terror attacks, India has been focusing on isolating Pakistan which has been supporting terror groups like Jaish-e-Mohammad(JeM) responsible for these terror attacks.

&nbsp;

It proposed the establishment of a "committee of nations against international terrorism" which will be voluntary multilateral forum based on CCIT or Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism which calls for a common definition of terrorism.&nbsp;

CCIT was proposed by India in 1996 but still languishes at United Nation due to lack of consensus to have a common definition on terror.

The manifesto said, if it forms the next government, it will pursue co-operation against global evils like "terror &amp; corruption" through &nbsp;UN, G20, SCO, BRICS and Commonwealth.

Remember PM Modi has been raising the issue of terror and corruption at global forums. At the G20 summits in Argentina (2018), Germany(2017), Australia (2014), he gave agendas to counter corruption and terror.&nbsp;

The focus will be on boosting ties with groupings like RIC (Russia-India-China) and JAI (Japan-America-India), it said.

Last year on the sidelines of G20 summit in Argentina, RIC under Russian President Vladimir Putin, Indian PM Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping had met after a gap of 12 years and JAI under PM Modi, US President Donald Trump and Japanese PM Shinzo Abe had met for the first time.

The "neighbourhood-first" policy will continue with extensive leverage being given to forums like BIMSTEC.&nbsp;

BIMSTEC has become India's premier forum for regional cooperation. SAARC is on a standstill after India along with Bangladesh, Bhutan, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka and the Maldives boycotted the 19th SAARC summit in Islamabad in the aftermath of the 2016 Uri terror attack perpetrated by Pakistan-based United Nations listed terror organisation - JeM.

Indo-Pacific also found mention in the manifesto, the party said it will be "pursued vigorously" along with Act East and cooperation with ASEAN.

The manifesto has also suggested the creation of an "international space technology alliance" so that benefits of space technology can reach everyone, especially the smaller countries.

Under the Modi government, India had launched the South Asia satellite to benefit the regional countries such as Nepal, Bangaldesh, Maldives, Bhutan, Afghanistan and Sri Lanka.

The BJP manifesto released on Monday said that if the party is elected back to form the government, it will take steps to isolate countries supporting terror and strengthen ties with groupings such as Russia-India-China (RIC) and Japan-America-India(JAI).

The BJP manifesto released on Monday said that if the party is elected back to form the government, it will take steps to isolate countries supporting terror and strengthen ties with groupings such as Russia-India-China (RIC) and Japan-America-India(JAI). On the issue of terror, the BJP manifesto said,"we are committed to take concrete steps on international forums against countries & supporting terrorism" and will take necessary measures to "isolate such countries" on the global stage. In the aftermath of Uri, Pathankot and Pulwama terror attacks, India has been focusing on isolating Pakistan which has been supporting terror groups like Jaish-e-Mohammad(JeM) responsible for these terror attacks. It proposed the establishment of a "committee of nations against international terrorism" which will be voluntary multilateral forum based on CCIT or Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism which calls for a common definition of terrorism. CCIT was proposed by India in 1996 but still languishes at United Nation due to lack of consensus to have a common definition on terror. The manifesto said, if it forms the next government, it will pursue co-operation against global evils like "terror & corruption" through UN, G20, SCO, BRICS and Commonwealth. Remember PM Modi has been raising the issue of terror and corruption at global forums. At the G20 summits in Argentina (2018), Germany(2017), Australia (2014), he gave agendas to counter corruption and terror. The focus will be on boosting ties with groupings like RIC (Russia-India-China) and JAI (Japan-America-India), it said. Last year on the sidelines of G20 summit in Argentina, RIC under Russian President Vladimir Putin, Indian PM Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping had met after a gap of 12 years and JAI under PM Modi, US President Donald Trump and Japanese PM Shinzo Abe had met for the first time. The "neighbourhood-first" policy will continue with extensive leverage being given to forums like BIMSTEC. BIMSTEC has become India's premier forum for regional cooperation. SAARC is on a standstill after India along with Bangladesh, Bhutan, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka and the Maldives boycotted the 19th SAARC summit in Islamabad in the aftermath of the 2016 Uri terror attack perpetrated by Pakistan-based United Nations listed terror organisation - JeM. Indo-Pacific also found mention in the manifesto, the party said it will be "pursued vigorously" along with Act East and cooperation with ASEAN. The manifesto has also suggested the creation of an "international space technology alliance" so that benefits of space technology can reach everyone, especially the smaller countries. Under the Modi government, India had launched the South Asia satellite to benefit the regional countries such as Nepal, Bangaldesh, Maldives, Bhutan, Afghanistan and Sri Lanka.

BJP manifesto: India to focus on fighting terror; strengthen ties with RIC, JAI

Actor-turned-politician Kamal Haasan unveiled the manifesto of his party, Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM), on Monday. The document was meant for Coimbatore constituency, from where MNM candidate and party's vice president Dr Mahendran is contesting election.

While Haasan himself is not contesting in the upcoming polls, his party will contest all 40 Lok Sabha constituencies and the 18 vacant Assembly seats in Tamil Nadu. The party has been allotted the 'battery torch'&nbsp;symbol.&nbsp;

The manifesto titled 'Vision 2024'&nbsp;chalked out ambitious plans for the district consisted of categories such as industrial growth, water, infrastructure and connectivity, farmers, clean energy, green footprint, talent capital and civil society participation. It enlisted the scheme and plans that the party has envisioned for Coimbatore and also mentioned that most projects would be completed before 2022, while some would be completed by 2024.

Speaking to reporters at the event, Kamal Haasan responded to various issues ranging from the response to his party's campaign and the emerging scenario after the upcoming polls.

"In 60 years as an actor, people have showered so much love on me, when I go up close now I feel it much more, even in the smallest of villages." He also said that Tamil Nadu is on the cusp of a revolution as the circumstances have united angry people.

Making a mention of his party’s prospects, he said many more MPs from across India will join his party Dr Mahendran, who would emerge victorious from Coimbatore. On the possibility of a Third Front, Haasan said he believed in the emergence of a third front and that many leaders across the country were thinking of it.

Haasan's party MNM, which is a little over a year old is in an alliance with smaller parties such as the Republican Party of India and the Valarum Thamilagam Party. While the Republican party of India has been allotted one Lok Sabha constituency and 3 Assembly seats, the Valarum Thamilagam Party has been allotted 2 seats in the Assembly by-polls.&nbsp;

MNM’s Vice President Dr&nbsp;Mahendran will be up against the BJP's CP Radhakrishnan and P R Natarajan of the CPI(M). P Nagarajan is the incumbent MP in this constituency. The AIADMK has an alliance with the PMK, BJP and DMK, whereas the DMK is in an alliance with the Congress, Left parties and other smaller outfits.

Actor-turned-politician Kamal Haasan unveiled the manifesto of his party, Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM), on Monday. The document was meant for Coimbatore constituency, from where MNM candidate and party's vice president Dr Mahendran is contesting election.

Actor-turned-politician Kamal Haasan unveiled the manifesto of his party, Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM), on Monday. The document was meant for Coimbatore constituency, from where MNM candidate and party's vice president Dr Mahendran is contesting election. While Haasan himself is not contesting in the upcoming polls, his party will contest all 40 Lok Sabha constituencies and the 18 vacant Assembly seats in Tamil Nadu. The party has been allotted the 'battery torch' symbol. The manifesto titled 'Vision 2024' chalked out ambitious plans for the district consisted of categories such as industrial growth, water, infrastructure and connectivity, farmers, clean energy, green footprint, talent capital and civil society participation. It enlisted the scheme and plans that the party has envisioned for Coimbatore and also mentioned that most projects would be completed before 2022, while some would be completed by 2024. Speaking to reporters at the event, Kamal Haasan responded to various issues ranging from the response to his party's campaign and the emerging scenario after the upcoming polls. "In 60 years as an actor, people have showered so much love on me, when I go up close now I feel it much more, even in the smallest of villages." He also said that Tamil Nadu is on the cusp of a revolution as the circumstances have united angry people. Making a mention of his party’s prospects, he said many more MPs from across India will join his party Dr Mahendran, who would emerge victorious from Coimbatore. On the possibility of a Third Front, Haasan said he believed in the emergence of a third front and that many leaders across the country were thinking of it. Haasan's party MNM, which is a little over a year old is in an alliance with smaller parties such as the Republican Party of India and the Valarum Thamilagam Party. While the Republican party of India has been allotted one Lok Sabha constituency and 3 Assembly seats, the Valarum Thamilagam Party has been allotted 2 seats in the Assembly by-polls. MNM’s Vice President Dr Mahendran will be up against the BJP's CP Radhakrishnan and P R Natarajan of the CPI(M). P Nagarajan is the incumbent MP in this constituency. The AIADMK has an alliance with the PMK, BJP and DMK, whereas the DMK is in an alliance with the Congress, Left parties and other smaller outfits.

Kamal Haasan’s Makkal Needhi Maiam unveils Coimbatore-specific manifesto

BJP Manifesto 2019: BJP Manifesto rooted in Indian reality, says Arun Jaitley

BJP Manifesto 2019: ‘Sankalp Patra’ is a vision document, says Rajnath Singh

BJP releases election manifesto 'Sankalp Patra' for Lok Sabha election 2019 today at Delhi