Taking a swipe at the grand alliance of opposition parties, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley Friday said the '<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/mahagathbandhan-in-bihar-allocates-seats-for-alliance-partners-for-lok-sabha-poll-phases-3-to-7-206478">mahagathbandhan</a>' is a 'non-bandhan', political circus and a recipe for chaos.

Several political parties, mostly traditional BJP opponents, have come together to take on the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in the ensuing general elections beginning April 11.

In a blog post, Jaitley said that over the last several months, India was "exhausted" with the talk of a 'Mahagathbandhan'.&nbsp;

The rationale, he said, was that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP were very strong and could not be challenged by an individual party.&nbsp;

Stressing that Indians judge politicians by their merit and capacity and no longer by any traditional loyalty, he said, "We were promised a 'coalition of rivals' because India had to be saved. We were promised a common minimum agenda. Each leader amongst the aspirant Prime Ministers wanted to become a 'sutradhar' (anchor) of the alliance. He/she would periodically organise shows in his/her State and invite the entire bandwagon."&nbsp;

In opposition camp, Jaitley said there is a tussle for leadership as already multiple candidates have made their desire clear to take over the mantle of the leadership.&nbsp;

According to him, each one of them is interested to see the strength of the other party's contender depleting and also have high hopes in a chaotic and highly hung Parliament.&nbsp;

"He/ she believes that only in a chaotic situation he/she has a chance," said Jaitley, who is heading the BJP's publicity division of the seven-phase Lok Sabha elections.&nbsp;

The past track record of such governments in terms of policy, longevity and growth has to be borne in mind, he said adding their track record of corruption is equally well-known.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;

Jaitley further said it is only because of the size of the BJP and clarity on leadership in the last coalition that a successful government was run under Prime Minister Modi.&nbsp;

"Today you have no 'gathbandhan' let alone 'mahagathbandhan'. It is a 'non-bandhan'. You have no leader, no programme, no meeting of minds.&nbsp;

"Stability, which is paramount, is a major casualty. The only thing in common is the negative agenda 'remove one man'. It is a recipe for chaos," he said in the blog titled 'A Political Circus Called 'Mahagathbandhan'.&nbsp;

The nominations for the first two phases of polling are over and those for the third phase are about to happen. The results will be announced on May 23.&nbsp;

Taking a swipe at the grand alliance of opposition parties, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley Friday said the 'mahagathbandhan' is a 'non-bandhan', political circus and a recipe for chaos.

Taking a swipe at the grand alliance of opposition parties, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley Friday said the 'mahagathbandhan' is a 'non-bandhan', political circus and a recipe for chaos. Several political parties, mostly traditional BJP opponents, have come together to take on the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in the ensuing general elections beginning April 11. In a blog post, Jaitley said that over the last several months, India was "exhausted" with the talk of a 'Mahagathbandhan'. The rationale, he said, was that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP were very strong and could not be challenged by an individual party. Stressing that Indians judge politicians by their merit and capacity and no longer by any traditional loyalty, he said, "We were promised a 'coalition of rivals' because India had to be saved. We were promised a common minimum agenda. Each leader amongst the aspirant Prime Ministers wanted to become a 'sutradhar' (anchor) of the alliance. He/she would periodically organise shows in his/her State and invite the entire bandwagon." In opposition camp, Jaitley said there is a tussle for leadership as already multiple candidates have made their desire clear to take over the mantle of the leadership. According to him, each one of them is interested to see the strength of the other party's contender depleting and also have high hopes in a chaotic and highly hung Parliament. "He/ she believes that only in a chaotic situation he/she has a chance," said Jaitley, who is heading the BJP's publicity division of the seven-phase Lok Sabha elections. The past track record of such governments in terms of policy, longevity and growth has to be borne in mind, he said adding their track record of corruption is equally well-known. Jaitley further said it is only because of the size of the BJP and clarity on leadership in the last coalition that a successful government was run under Prime Minister Modi. "Today you have no 'gathbandhan' let alone 'mahagathbandhan'. It is a 'non-bandhan'. You have no leader, no programme, no meeting of minds. "Stability, which is paramount, is a major casualty. The only thing in common is the negative agenda 'remove one man'. It is a recipe for chaos," he said in the blog titled 'A Political Circus Called 'Mahagathbandhan'. The nominations for the first two phases of polling are over and those for the third phase are about to happen. The results will be announced on May 23.

Mahagathbandhan is political circus, recipe for chaos: Arun Jaitley

One of the new dimensions of 2019 parliamentary elections is that the issues connected with foreign policy and national security have assumed significance.

This is evident from Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s announcement of the successful test of an anti-satellite missile ahead of Lok Sabha elections, which invited criticism of violation of model code of conduct. Critics have accused the Modi government of politicising the foreign policy. It is, therefore, imperative to evaluate the failure and success of foreign policy under PM Modi with a view that to what extent the issue of “strong leadership”, “muscular foreign policy” and “national security” discourse would influence the electoral outcome of 2019 parliamentary elections. &nbsp;

Critics have accused that Modi government could not succeed in ensuring a good relationship with its neighbours, particularly Pakistan, and restoring peace in Jammu and Kashmir. PM Modi’s foreign policy has been criticised for alienating the neighbour countries except Bangladesh. It’s considered that India does not have a good relationship either with Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Afghanistan etc. How true is this perception?&nbsp;

Such analysis is based on a traditional understanding of foreign policy and lacks a thorough comprehension of changing the dimension of globalisation and its impact on foreign policy behaviour of the states, at a time when terrorism has become a global agenda and national security has assumed core agenda of foreign policy. Hence, it is futile to expect India behaving in terms of traditional understanding of the interstate relationship.&nbsp;

It may be noted here that had India paid attention to national security and developed doctrines of national security, India would not have lost 1962 war. The traditional Indian foreign policy, as fashioned by Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru, has been a failure in ensuring India’s great power status in international relation or even curbing Pakistan’s belligerent foreign policy. &nbsp;

Under PM Modi, India has achieved a new sense of dignity and status in the international arena, as well as, in the South Asian region. PM Modi has successfully checked the Chinese advancement in Doklam and insulated Bangladesh and Nepal from falling into the hands of China. PM Modi’s great leadership has been acknowledged at world level as evident from Trump’s exemption of India from US sanctions, which would ensure that Indian import of oil from Iran would continue without interruption.&nbsp;

This is indeed a major success of PM Modi ’s foreign policy. Thus, in all probability, a 'muscular foreign policy' with assertive Indian nationalism is likely to yield good electoral dividends for PM Modi. &nbsp;&nbsp; 
 
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

 
&nbsp;

One of the new dimensions of 2019 parliamentary elections is that the issues connected with foreign policy and national security have assumed significance. This is evident from Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s announcement of the successful test of an anti-satellite missile ahead of Lok Sabha elections, which invited criticism of violation of model code of conduct.

One of the new dimensions of 2019 parliamentary elections is that the issues connected with foreign policy and national security have assumed significance. This is evident from Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s announcement of the successful test of an anti-satellite missile ahead of Lok Sabha elections, which invited criticism of violation of model code of conduct. Critics have accused the Modi government of politicising the foreign policy. It is, therefore, imperative to evaluate the failure and success of foreign policy under PM Modi with a view that to what extent the issue of “strong leadership”, “muscular foreign policy” and “national security” discourse would influence the electoral outcome of 2019 parliamentary elections. Critics have accused that Modi government could not succeed in ensuring a good relationship with its neighbours, particularly Pakistan, and restoring peace in Jammu and Kashmir. PM Modi’s foreign policy has been criticised for alienating the neighbour countries except Bangladesh. It’s considered that India does not have a good relationship either with Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Afghanistan etc. How true is this perception? Such analysis is based on a traditional understanding of foreign policy and lacks a thorough comprehension of changing the dimension of globalisation and its impact on foreign policy behaviour of the states, at a time when terrorism has become a global agenda and national security has assumed core agenda of foreign policy. Hence, it is futile to expect India behaving in terms of traditional understanding of the interstate relationship. It may be noted here that had India paid attention to national security and developed doctrines of national security, India would not have lost 1962 war. The traditional Indian foreign policy, as fashioned by Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru, has been a failure in ensuring India’s great power status in international relation or even curbing Pakistan’s belligerent foreign policy. Under PM Modi, India has achieved a new sense of dignity and status in the international arena, as well as, in the South Asian region. PM Modi has successfully checked the Chinese advancement in Doklam and insulated Bangladesh and Nepal from falling into the hands of China. PM Modi’s great leadership has been acknowledged at world level as evident from Trump’s exemption of India from US sanctions, which would ensure that Indian import of oil from Iran would continue without interruption. This is indeed a major success of PM Modi ’s foreign policy. Thus, in all probability, a 'muscular foreign policy' with assertive Indian nationalism is likely to yield good electoral dividends for PM Modi. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Under PM Narendra Modi's leadership, India has earned significant status in global arena

In a big blow to the Congress, Patidar leader Hardik Patel has been barred from contesting the ensuing Lok Sabha polls owing to his conviction in a 2015 rioting case.

According to reports, the Gujarat High court on Friday rejected <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/hardik-patel-to-fight-lok-sabha-polls-congress-says-may-join-party-195669">Patel's plea seeking suspension of his conviction</a> in a 2015 rioting case in Mehsana.&nbsp;

As per the Representation of the People Act, 1951, Patel won't be able to contest the upcoming Lok Sabha Election due to his conviction.

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Gujarat High court rejects Congress leader Hardik Patel's plea seeking suspension of his conviction in a rioting case of 2015 in Mehsana. As per the Representation of the People Act, 1951, Hardik Patel won't be able to contest the upcoming Lok Sabha Election due to his conviction <a href="https://t.co/qmiuGwHMa3">pic.twitter.com/qmiuGwHMa3</a>
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Patel was barred from entering Mehsana by a court in the 2015 Mehsana riot case. He had filed a plea in the Gujarat high court against the lower court order.

In February sources from Congress were quoted by news agency PTI saying, "If the HC vacates the ban on his entry into Mehsana district, he is most likely to contest from Mehsana (in north Gujarat).... Amreli (in Saurasthra) is another seat which has been offered to him".

Patel's entry into the electoral fray will have an impact in Gujarat, where the Bharatiya Janata Party has been winning assembly elections since 1995. In the 2014 general election, the BJP had won all the 26 Lok Sabha seats in the state.&nbsp;

(With inputs from PTI)&nbsp;

In a big blow to the Congress, Patidar leader Hardik Patel has been barred from contesting the ensuing Lok Sabha polls owing to his conviction in a 2015 rioting case.

In a big blow to the Congress, Patidar leader Hardik Patel has been barred from contesting the ensuing Lok Sabha polls owing to his conviction in a 2015 rioting case. According to reports, the Gujarat High court on Friday rejected Patel's plea seeking suspension of his conviction in a 2015 rioting case in Mehsana. As per the Representation of the People Act, 1951, Patel won't be able to contest the upcoming Lok Sabha Election due to his conviction. Gujarat High court rejects Congress leader Hardik Patel's plea seeking suspension of his conviction in a rioting case of 2015 in Mehsana. As per the Representation of the People Act, 1951, Hardik Patel won't be able to contest the upcoming Lok Sabha Election due to his conviction pic.twitter.com/qmiuGwHMa3 — ANI (@ANI) March 29, 2019 × Patel was barred from entering Mehsana by a court in the 2015 Mehsana riot case. He had filed a plea in the Gujarat high court against the lower court order. In February sources from Congress were quoted by news agency PTI saying, "If the HC vacates the ban on his entry into Mehsana district, he is most likely to contest from Mehsana (in north Gujarat).... Amreli (in Saurasthra) is another seat which has been offered to him". Patel's entry into the electoral fray will have an impact in Gujarat, where the Bharatiya Janata Party has been winning assembly elections since 1995. In the 2014 general election, the BJP had won all the 26 Lok Sabha seats in the state. (With inputs from PTI)

Hardik Patel won't contest Lok Sabha polls, Gujarat HC rejects plea to stay his conviction in riots case

The Bharatiya Janata Party on Friday released its 12th <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bjp-releases-first-list-of-182-candidates-for-lok-sabha-polls-modi-to-contest-from-varanasi-again-204704">list of candidates for the ensuing Lok Sabha polls</a>. The list contains names of 11 candidates in Jammu and Kashmir, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra and Rajasthan.&nbsp;

The party has announced names of 367 candidates so far for the polls which will be held in seven phases starting April 11.&nbsp;

The list includes three candidates each from Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan and one each from Maharashtra and Jammu and Kashmir.

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BJP releases 12th list of 11 candidates in Jammu &amp; Kashmir, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra &amp; Rajasthan for <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LokSabhaElections2019?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LokSabhaElections2019</a> <a href="https://t.co/6GNeE0K0Ab">pic.twitter.com/6GNeE0K0Ab</a>
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi will contest from his home constituency Varanasi while Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh will fight from Lucknow. Party chief Amit Shah will contest from Gandhinagar.&nbsp;

Textiles Minister Smriti Irani will challenge Congress president Rahul Gandhi in Gandhi-family bastion Amethi. &nbsp;

VK Singh (Ghaziabad), Hema Malini (Mathura), Sakshi Maharaj (Unnao) are some of the other prominent figures announced in the first list. &nbsp;

Jugal Kishore to contest from Jammu, Dr Jitendra Singh from Udhampur, Sofi Yousuf from Anantnag and Khalid Jehangir will contest from Srinagar.

Babul Supriyo will contest from Asanasol, Rahul Sinha from Kolkata North and CK Bose from Kolkata South.

Subhash Bhamre to contest from Dhule, Hansraj Ahir from Chandrapur, Poonam Mahajan from Mumbai North Central.

The Bharatiya Janata Party on Friday released its 12th list of candidates for the ensuing Lok Sabha polls. The list contains names of 11 candidates in Jammu and Kashmir, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra and Rajasthan.

The Bharatiya Janata Party on Friday released its 12th list of candidates for the ensuing Lok Sabha polls. The list contains names of 11 candidates in Jammu and Kashmir, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra and Rajasthan. The party has announced names of 367 candidates so far for the polls which will be held in seven phases starting April 11. The list includes three candidates each from Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan and one each from Maharashtra and Jammu and Kashmir. BJP releases 12th list of 11 candidates in Jammu & Kashmir, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra & Rajasthan for #LokSabhaElections2019 pic.twitter.com/6GNeE0K0Ab — ANI (@ANI) March 29, 2019 × Prime Minister Narendra Modi will contest from his home constituency Varanasi while Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh will fight from Lucknow. Party chief Amit Shah will contest from Gandhinagar. Textiles Minister Smriti Irani will challenge Congress president Rahul Gandhi in Gandhi-family bastion Amethi. VK Singh (Ghaziabad), Hema Malini (Mathura), Sakshi Maharaj (Unnao) are some of the other prominent figures announced in the first list. Jugal Kishore to contest from Jammu, Dr Jitendra Singh from Udhampur, Sofi Yousuf from Anantnag and Khalid Jehangir will contest from Srinagar. Babul Supriyo will contest from Asanasol, Rahul Sinha from Kolkata North and CK Bose from Kolkata South. Subhash Bhamre to contest from Dhule, Hansraj Ahir from Chandrapur, Poonam Mahajan from Mumbai North Central.

Lok Sabha polls: BJP releases 12th list of 11 candidates

The CPI Friday announced that it would give a minimum pension of Rs 9,000 per month, grant full statehood to Delhi and Puducherry and a one-time comprehensive loan waiver for farmers as part of its manifesto for the Lok Sabha polls.&nbsp;

The Communist Party of India (CPI) also proposed a law for agricultural workers and a separate budget for agriculture.

The party said it would increase the number of guaranteed employment days under the MNREGA scheme to 200 days per family and ensure wage payment within the period of a guaranteed statute and at par with legal minimum wages for unskilled farm labour.

CPI leader D Raja, who released the manifesto, came down hard on the RSS-BJP and said that they, along with its other allied right-wing extremist organisations, had become "aggressive in pushing their ideology and agenda" which are "divisive, sectarian, communal and fascist."

"There is a systematic attack on our constitutional bodies and institutions... Authoritarianism and demagogy are the characteristics of Prime Minister Modi... The RSS ideology always played the politics of polarisation and alienation of the Muslims...The foreign policy of the BJP government is even a larger mess of failures... The use of armed forces for political mileage is condemnable and detrimental to the morale of the forces," he said.

It also announced that it was for the implementation of the one rank one pension to all the retired defence personnel, the universalisation of the PDS system, ensuring allocation of six per cent of GDP to health sector and the functional autonomy of the EC, CAG, RBI, CBI, CVC and other institutions of oversight.&nbsp;

The CPI Friday announced that it would give a minimum pension of Rs 9,000 per month, grant full statehood to Delhi and Puducherry and a one-time comprehensive loan waiver for farmers as part of its manifesto for the Lok Sabha polls.

The CPI Friday announced that it would give a minimum pension of Rs 9,000 per month, grant full statehood to Delhi and Puducherry and a one-time comprehensive loan waiver for farmers as part of its manifesto for the Lok Sabha polls. The Communist Party of India (CPI) also proposed a law for agricultural workers and a separate budget for agriculture. The party said it would increase the number of guaranteed employment days under the MNREGA scheme to 200 days per family and ensure wage payment within the period of a guaranteed statute and at par with legal minimum wages for unskilled farm labour. CPI leader D Raja, who released the manifesto, came down hard on the RSS-BJP and said that they, along with its other allied right-wing extremist organisations, had become "aggressive in pushing their ideology and agenda" which are "divisive, sectarian, communal and fascist." "There is a systematic attack on our constitutional bodies and institutions... Authoritarianism and demagogy are the characteristics of Prime Minister Modi... The RSS ideology always played the politics of polarisation and alienation of the Muslims...The foreign policy of the BJP government is even a larger mess of failures... The use of armed forces for political mileage is condemnable and detrimental to the morale of the forces," he said. It also announced that it was for the implementation of the one rank one pension to all the retired defence personnel, the universalisation of the PDS system, ensuring allocation of six per cent of GDP to health sector and the functional autonomy of the EC, CAG, RBI, CBI, CVC and other institutions of oversight.

Lok Sabha polls: CPI releases manifesto, announces assured pension of Rs 9,000 per month

The Bhartiya Janta Party's national president Amit Shah launched a blistering attack on Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress (TMC) supremo Mamata Banerjee on Friday and claimed that the party will implement NRC in Bengal if voted to power.

“We give equal respect to all religions in the country. But Mamata didi gives a monthly stipend to Imams only. But the same monthly stipend is not given to the pandits. This is minority appeasement. She forcibly imposes Urdu language in schools. She alloted Rs 4,000 crore budget to Madrasa but the entire higher education budget is less than 4,000 crore depriving children of becoming engineers and doctors,” Shah said during a campaign rally in Alipurduar district of Bengal.

He added that if voted to power, the party will implement the NRC in the state. “We are going to implement the NRC in West Bengal and kick out all infiltrators. I want to assure all refugees that we will give you shelter through the Citizenship Amendment Bill. Mamata ji wants to kick out the refugees but we will not allow that,” added Shah.

The BJP national president once again raised the issue of the Rath Yatra permission being denied by the authorities and claimed that democracy does not prevail in the state.

“When we were to take out the Rath Yatra we were not given permission. Helicopter’s permission was denied to me, Rajnath Singh ji and Yogi Adityanath ji. Mamata ji doesn't allow villagers to cast their vote. I want to tell everyone that TMC's time is up and we are confident of getting 23 seats here,” he said.

The Bhartiya Janta Party's national president Amit Shah launched a blistering attack on Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress (TMC) supremo Mamata Banerjee on Friday and claimed that the party will implement NRC in Bengal if voted to power.

The Bhartiya Janta Party's national president Amit Shah launched a blistering attack on Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress (TMC) supremo Mamata Banerjee on Friday and claimed that the party will implement NRC in Bengal if voted to power. “We give equal respect to all religions in the country. But Mamata didi gives a monthly stipend to Imams only. But the same monthly stipend is not given to the pandits. This is minority appeasement. She forcibly imposes Urdu language in schools. She alloted Rs 4,000 crore budget to Madrasa but the entire higher education budget is less than 4,000 crore depriving children of becoming engineers and doctors,” Shah said during a campaign rally in Alipurduar district of Bengal. He added that if voted to power, the party will implement the NRC in the state. “We are going to implement the NRC in West Bengal and kick out all infiltrators. I want to assure all refugees that we will give you shelter through the Citizenship Amendment Bill. Mamata ji wants to kick out the refugees but we will not allow that,” added Shah. The BJP national president once again raised the issue of the Rath Yatra permission being denied by the authorities and claimed that democracy does not prevail in the state. “When we were to take out the Rath Yatra we were not given permission. Helicopter’s permission was denied to me, Rajnath Singh ji and Yogi Adityanath ji. Mamata ji doesn't allow villagers to cast their vote. I want to tell everyone that TMC's time is up and we are confident of getting 23 seats here,” he said.

Lok Sabha polls: 'TMC's time is up, will implement NRC in state if voted to power,' says Amit Shah in Bengal

The 'mahagathbandhan' (grand alliance) in Bihar on Friday announced the seats to be contested by each of the alliance partners -- the RJD, Congress, RLSP, HAM and VIP -- in phases three to seven of the general elections.

Out of the 40 Lok Sabha seats in Bihar, polling would be held in 31 constituencies in phases three to seven between April 23 and May 19.

Announcing the seat-sharing arrangement at a press conference here, RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav also declared the name of his party's candidates and said that no nominee would be fielded by the alliance in Ara to help the CPI(ML) Liberation. He said the candidate for Sheohar seat "will be decided in two-three days".

Senior leaders of the Congress were conspicuous by their absence at the press conference.

Yadav also said his party would contest the Darbhanga seat, which has emerged as a bone of contention between the RJD and the Congress with the latter insisting on having the seat as it wanted to field sitting MP Kirti Azad, who had recently joined the party after quitting the BJP.

Senior RJD leader Abdul Bari Siddiqui would fight from Darbhanga.

Among the other prominent RJD candidates, Lalu Prasad's eldest daughter Misa Bharti would contest from Pataliputra, which she had lost to her father's former loyalist-turned-BJP leader Ram

Kripal Yadav in 2014. Chandrika Rai the father of Tej Pratap Yadav's estranged wife Aishwarya, will be fight from Saran.

Tejashwi also claimed that the Congress, which was represented at the press conference by former MLC Narendra Kumar Singh, had cleared the names of some of its candidates which included sitting MP from Supaul Ranjeet Ranjan and former Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar who would try her luck from Sasaram.

Meira Kumar has been contesting from her Sasaram parliamentary constituency for many years but had lost in the 2014 Lok Sabha polls.

The 'mahagathbandhan' (grand alliance) in Bihar on Friday announced the seats to be contested by each of the alliance partners -- the RJD, Congress, RLSP, HAM and VIP -- in phases three to seven of the general elections.

The 'mahagathbandhan' (grand alliance) in Bihar on Friday announced the seats to be contested by each of the alliance partners -- the RJD, Congress, RLSP, HAM and VIP -- in phases three to seven of the general elections. Out of the 40 Lok Sabha seats in Bihar, polling would be held in 31 constituencies in phases three to seven between April 23 and May 19. Announcing the seat-sharing arrangement at a press conference here, RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav also declared the name of his party's candidates and said that no nominee would be fielded by the alliance in Ara to help the CPI(ML) Liberation. He said the candidate for Sheohar seat "will be decided in two-three days". Senior leaders of the Congress were conspicuous by their absence at the press conference. Yadav also said his party would contest the Darbhanga seat, which has emerged as a bone of contention between the RJD and the Congress with the latter insisting on having the seat as it wanted to field sitting MP Kirti Azad, who had recently joined the party after quitting the BJP. Senior RJD leader Abdul Bari Siddiqui would fight from Darbhanga. Among the other prominent RJD candidates, Lalu Prasad's eldest daughter Misa Bharti would contest from Pataliputra, which she had lost to her father's former loyalist-turned-BJP leader Ram Kripal Yadav in 2014. Chandrika Rai the father of Tej Pratap Yadav's estranged wife Aishwarya, will be fight from Saran. Tejashwi also claimed that the Congress, which was represented at the press conference by former MLC Narendra Kumar Singh, had cleared the names of some of its candidates which included sitting MP from Supaul Ranjeet Ranjan and former Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar who would try her luck from Sasaram. Meira Kumar has been contesting from her Sasaram parliamentary constituency for many years but had lost in the 2014 Lok Sabha polls.

'Mahagathbandhan' in Bihar allocates seats for alliance partners for Lok Sabha poll phases 3 to 7

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said his government had taken measures to set up a 'chowkidar' in space and asked people to vote for a government that can take concrete decisions and not just raise slogans.

Launching his campaign in eastern India with a rally in Jeypore area of Odisha's Koraput district, the prime minister said the NDA government wouldn't have been able to do any development work in the country without the support of the people.

He sought blessings from his supporters for the 2019 Lok Sabha elections and asserted that the NDA government has left no stone unturned to bring about development in the state.

"The NDA government has been working hard to develop road and rail infrastructure in the state. There is no dearth of funds when it comes to development work in the country.

"In the last five years, the government has been able to build homes for eight lakh families, light up 3,000 houses and provide gas connections to 40 lakh homes," Modi stated.

Referring to Mission Shakti, when India demonstrated anti-satellite (ASAT) missile capability by shooting down a live satellite, he said the government has taken measures to set up a 'chowkidar' (watchman ) in space.

He came down heavily on opposition parties who he said "belittled" the space achievement.

"Those that are criticising the anti-satellite technology will be given a befitting reply in the elections," he claimed, urging people to vote for a government that can take concrete decisions, not the one that only raises slogans.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said his government had taken measures to set up a 'chowkidar' in space and asked people to vote for a government that can take concrete decisions and not just raise slogans.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said his government had taken measures to set up a 'chowkidar' in space and asked people to vote for a government that can take concrete decisions and not just raise slogans. Launching his campaign in eastern India with a rally in Jeypore area of Odisha's Koraput district, the prime minister said the NDA government wouldn't have been able to do any development work in the country without the support of the people. He sought blessings from his supporters for the 2019 Lok Sabha elections and asserted that the NDA government has left no stone unturned to bring about development in the state. "The NDA government has been working hard to develop road and rail infrastructure in the state. There is no dearth of funds when it comes to development work in the country. "In the last five years, the government has been able to build homes for eight lakh families, light up 3,000 houses and provide gas connections to 40 lakh homes," Modi stated. Referring to Mission Shakti, when India demonstrated anti-satellite (ASAT) missile capability by shooting down a live satellite, he said the government has taken measures to set up a 'chowkidar' (watchman ) in space. He came down heavily on opposition parties who he said "belittled" the space achievement. "Those that are criticising the anti-satellite technology will be given a befitting reply in the elections," he claimed, urging people to vote for a government that can take concrete decisions, not the one that only raises slogans.

Government has taken measures to set up 'chowkidar' in space: Modi in Odisha

After the May 2014 victory, the Bharatiya Janata Party under the Narendra Modi-Amit Shah duo decided to bench its newly elected MPs of seventy years and above. None was given a ministerial berth, and the tallest among them were designated as ‘mentors’. That the so-called Margdarshak Mandal of which these veteran leaders were made members, ended up a showpiece, should not have surprised anyone, because it was an informal arrangement to register a generational shift within the party.

That shift has now been formalised with ticket distribution for the 2019 general elections. If in 2014, the senior founding members of the party contested elections, this time around they have been kept out of the electoral fray.&nbsp; 
 
LK Advani, MM Joshi, Kalraj Mishra, Shanta Kumar and Karia Munda are only three of such names that have been ‘persuaded’ to not contest. The decision is in keeping with the party’s strategy of pushing up new faces and preparing them for a longer inning in active politics as parliamentarians. It also signals curtains for the veterans who formed the backbone of the party in its earlier, formative stages. While the BJP leadership of the day has stated that these seniors had themselves expressed their desire to keep away from the electoral fray, it is obvious that some of them have not been happy with their exclusion.&nbsp;

Yet, they have little leverage in today’s BJP to cause the party any real harm.&nbsp;

There are those who had seen the writing on the wall earlier on and rebelled. Yashwant Sinha is prominent among them. After being left out of the ministry in 2014 and realising months later that there was no scope of rehabilitation, he began to speak bitterly against the present leadership, including Prime Minister Modi. That his son Jayant Sinha was taken in as a minister and given charge of important portfolios, did not work as an emollient on his wounds.&nbsp;

It would be erroneous to judge the decision of keeping the veterans out as a sign of ‘ingratitude’. With the change in time, the old has to make way for the new. it would have added to the stature of these veteran leaders had they themselves taken the initiative and declared their non-availability, and pledged to work whole-heartedly for the newer crop of leaders. Instead, they sulked and revolted. A few others, though not seventy-five plus of age, cast their lot with the seniors and regularly took potshots at the Prime Minister and Amit Shah. One such name is Shatrughan Sinha who is now firmly in the opposition camp and is slated to contest against senior BJP leader Ravi Shankar Prasad from the Patna Sahib seat in Bihar.&nbsp;

The Advani case is especially interesting. He has represented the Gandhinagar Lok Sabha constituency in Gujarat and won handsomely from there. It is an open secret that Amit Shah had played a stellar role in Advani’s successful bids from there, so much so that, had the BJP veteran not stepped in the constituency, he would have still won. Now, Shah will himself contest from the same seat that he had managed with aplomb for Advani. Amit Shah’s inclusion in the list of candidates has come as no surprise since it had been anticipated that ever since he became a Rajya Sabha member, he would seek to make it to the so-called lower House.&nbsp;

There was a time when Advani, along with Atal Bihari Vajpayee, had the final say in ticket distribution in the BJP. It is an indication of changed circumstances that, let alone having a say in candidate selection, Advani could not get a ticket for himself. it is truly a political sunset for him, because, even as the most prominent name in the Margdarshak Mandal, he has little role to play; indeed, the Mandal itself is a decorative item.&nbsp;

Joshi too has come to the end of his political journey. In 2014, he was displaced from Varanasi and packed off to Kanpur. He won from the latter seat by riding the Modi wave. The denial of a ticket to him had to do with his age, but the decision was also taken on the winnability factor. Joshi was not seen as a winnable candidate from the constituency — one, because the popular feedback in the region went against him, and two, because the BJP was up against the formidable SP-BSP alliance.&nbsp;

With the purge of veterans, the BJP is hoping to kill two birds with one stone. Stem anti-incumbency and project a fresh look for the party. Yashwant Sinha had sarcastically remarked that the party’s new leadership considered those above 75 years of age as “brain dead”. It remains to be seen whether the BJP’s new move turns out to be brainy.&nbsp; 
 
 
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

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After the May 2014 victory, the Bharatiya Janata Party under the Narendra Modi-Amit Shah duo decided to bench its newly elected MPs of seventy years and above. None was given a ministerial berth, and the tallest among them were designated as ‘mentors’.

After the May 2014 victory, the Bharatiya Janata Party under the Narendra Modi-Amit Shah duo decided to bench its newly elected MPs of seventy years and above. None was given a ministerial berth, and the tallest among them were designated as ‘mentors’. That the so-called Margdarshak Mandal of which these veteran leaders were made members, ended up a showpiece, should not have surprised anyone, because it was an informal arrangement to register a generational shift within the party. That shift has now been formalised with ticket distribution for the 2019 general elections. If in 2014, the senior founding members of the party contested elections, this time around they have been kept out of the electoral fray. LK Advani, MM Joshi, Kalraj Mishra, Shanta Kumar and Karia Munda are only three of such names that have been ‘persuaded’ to not contest. The decision is in keeping with the party’s strategy of pushing up new faces and preparing them for a longer inning in active politics as parliamentarians. It also signals curtains for the veterans who formed the backbone of the party in its earlier, formative stages. While the BJP leadership of the day has stated that these seniors had themselves expressed their desire to keep away from the electoral fray, it is obvious that some of them have not been happy with their exclusion. Yet, they have little leverage in today’s BJP to cause the party any real harm. There are those who had seen the writing on the wall earlier on and rebelled. Yashwant Sinha is prominent among them. After being left out of the ministry in 2014 and realising months later that there was no scope of rehabilitation, he began to speak bitterly against the present leadership, including Prime Minister Modi. That his son Jayant Sinha was taken in as a minister and given charge of important portfolios, did not work as an emollient on his wounds. It would be erroneous to judge the decision of keeping the veterans out as a sign of ‘ingratitude’. With the change in time, the old has to make way for the new. it would have added to the stature of these veteran leaders had they themselves taken the initiative and declared their non-availability, and pledged to work whole-heartedly for the newer crop of leaders. Instead, they sulked and revolted. A few others, though not seventy-five plus of age, cast their lot with the seniors and regularly took potshots at the Prime Minister and Amit Shah. One such name is Shatrughan Sinha who is now firmly in the opposition camp and is slated to contest against senior BJP leader Ravi Shankar Prasad from the Patna Sahib seat in Bihar. The Advani case is especially interesting. He has represented the Gandhinagar Lok Sabha constituency in Gujarat and won handsomely from there. It is an open secret that Amit Shah had played a stellar role in Advani’s successful bids from there, so much so that, had the BJP veteran not stepped in the constituency, he would have still won. Now, Shah will himself contest from the same seat that he had managed with aplomb for Advani. Amit Shah’s inclusion in the list of candidates has come as no surprise since it had been anticipated that ever since he became a Rajya Sabha member, he would seek to make it to the so-called lower House. There was a time when Advani, along with Atal Bihari Vajpayee, had the final say in ticket distribution in the BJP. It is an indication of changed circumstances that, let alone having a say in candidate selection, Advani could not get a ticket for himself. it is truly a political sunset for him, because, even as the most prominent name in the Margdarshak Mandal, he has little role to play; indeed, the Mandal itself is a decorative item. Joshi too has come to the end of his political journey. In 2014, he was displaced from Varanasi and packed off to Kanpur. He won from the latter seat by riding the Modi wave. The denial of a ticket to him had to do with his age, but the decision was also taken on the winnability factor. Joshi was not seen as a winnable candidate from the constituency — one, because the popular feedback in the region went against him, and two, because the BJP was up against the formidable SP-BSP alliance. With the purge of veterans, the BJP is hoping to kill two birds with one stone. Stem anti-incumbency and project a fresh look for the party. Yashwant Sinha had sarcastically remarked that the party’s new leadership considered those above 75 years of age as “brain dead”. It remains to be seen whether the BJP’s new move turns out to be brainy. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

L K Advani and Murli Manohar Joshi's exit from electoral fray: The old has to make way for the new

During&nbsp;a Congress workers meeting, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra expressed her desire to contest the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/blog-cattle-problem-in-up-can-impact-bjps-prospects-in-2019-lok-sabha-elections-206289">Lok Sabha elections</a>. Priyanka at present is holding workers meeting in Amethi and Rae Bareli, the Gandhi family bastion.&nbsp;

In one such meeting, a worker asked Priyanka Gandhi to contest the Lok Sabha elections, she shot back, smiling and retorted, "Why not Varanasi?”&nbsp;

This statement has set the cat among&nbsp;the pigeons. Priyanka Gandhi had expressed the same sentiment on Wednesday and answered in response to a question that she would definitely like to contest the Lok Sabha&nbsp;elections if the party fields her. She also added that&nbsp;she is a full-time politician now and there is no looking back. Priyanka Gandhi Vadra is in charge of eastern Uttar Pradesh and handles the party's campaign in the state.

It also raises expectations of Congress workers who want to see her in a larger and taller role. Though Priyanka maintains a low profile lest she overshadows her brother Rahul Gandhi, there is a growing clamour in the ranks to give her a bigger role within the organization.

Sources also informed to WION that Congress would also be organizing 15 to 17 joint rallies of Priyanka Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi in Uttar Pradesh. Some of the places identified are Prayag, Varanasi, Unnav, Saharanpur, Ghaziabad, Kanpur, Lucknow and Kushinagar.&nbsp;

Priyanka Gandhi is on a three-day tour of Uttar Pradesh and would be visiting Ayodhya on Friday. She is also expected to visit the famous HanumanGarhi temple. On Wednesday and Thursday, she will meet booth workers in Amethi and Rae Bareli.

During a Congress workers meeting, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra expressed her desire to contest the Lok Sabha elections. Priyanka at present is holding workers meeting in Amethi and Rae Bareli, the Gandhi family bastion.

During a Congress workers meeting, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra expressed her desire to contest the Lok Sabha elections. Priyanka at present is holding workers meeting in Amethi and Rae Bareli, the Gandhi family bastion. In one such meeting, a worker asked Priyanka Gandhi to contest the Lok Sabha elections, she shot back, smiling and retorted, "Why not Varanasi?” This statement has set the cat among the pigeons. Priyanka Gandhi had expressed the same sentiment on Wednesday and answered in response to a question that she would definitely like to contest the Lok Sabha elections if the party fields her. She also added that she is a full-time politician now and there is no looking back. Priyanka Gandhi Vadra is in charge of eastern Uttar Pradesh and handles the party's campaign in the state. It also raises expectations of Congress workers who want to see her in a larger and taller role. Though Priyanka maintains a low profile lest she overshadows her brother Rahul Gandhi, there is a growing clamour in the ranks to give her a bigger role within the organization. Sources also informed to WION that Congress would also be organizing 15 to 17 joint rallies of Priyanka Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi in Uttar Pradesh. Some of the places identified are Prayag, Varanasi, Unnav, Saharanpur, Ghaziabad, Kanpur, Lucknow and Kushinagar. Priyanka Gandhi is on a three-day tour of Uttar Pradesh and would be visiting Ayodhya on Friday. She is also expected to visit the famous HanumanGarhi temple. On Wednesday and Thursday, she will meet booth workers in Amethi and Rae Bareli.

'Why not Varanasi?' Priyanka Gandhi hints at contesting Lok Sabha polls

At least 83 per cent of 521 sitting MPs are ‘crorepatis’ and 33 per cent of them have criminal cases against them, according to a report by election watchdog Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR).&nbsp;

The ADR, an NGO working in electoral reforms, has compiled the report after analysing self-sworn affidavits of the 521 MPs out of 543 members elected to the Lok Sabha in the 2014 elections.

“Out of the 521 Sitting MPs analysed, 430 (83 pc) are crorepatis. While 227 of them are from BJP, 37 are from Congress, 29 from AIADMK, among others,” the report said.

The average assets per sitting MP for Lok Sabha 2014 elections are Rs 14.72 crore.

While 32 sitting MPs have declared more than Rs 50 crore worth of assets, only two sitting MPs have declared assets less than worth Rs 5 lakh.

At least 33 per cent sitting MPs have declared criminal cases against them in the affidavits.

“While 106 of them have declared serious criminal cases including cases related to murder, attempt to murder, communal disharmony, kidnapping and crimes against women, 10 sitting MPs have declared cases related to murder. Out of these, 4 sitting MPs are from BJP, 1 MP from INC, NCP, LJP, RJD, Swabhimani Paksha each and one MP is an Independent,” the report said.

“14 sitting MPs have declared cases of attempt to murder. Out of these, eight sitting MPs are from BJP and one MP each from INC, AITC, NCP, RJD, Shiv Sena and Swabhimani Paksha. 14 sitting MPs declared cases related to causing communal disharmony. Out of them, 10 sitting MPs are from BJP and 1 MP from TRS, PMK, All India Majlis-E-Ittehadul Muslimeen and AIUDF each,” it added.

At least 83 per cent of 521 sitting MPs are ‘crorepatis’ and 33 per cent of them have criminal cases against them, according to a report by election watchdog Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR).

At least 83 per cent of 521 sitting MPs are ‘crorepatis’ and 33 per cent of them have criminal cases against them, according to a report by election watchdog Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR). The ADR, an NGO working in electoral reforms, has compiled the report after analysing self-sworn affidavits of the 521 MPs out of 543 members elected to the Lok Sabha in the 2014 elections. “Out of the 521 Sitting MPs analysed, 430 (83 pc) are crorepatis. While 227 of them are from BJP, 37 are from Congress, 29 from AIADMK, among others,” the report said. The average assets per sitting MP for Lok Sabha 2014 elections are Rs 14.72 crore. While 32 sitting MPs have declared more than Rs 50 crore worth of assets, only two sitting MPs have declared assets less than worth Rs 5 lakh. At least 33 per cent sitting MPs have declared criminal cases against them in the affidavits. “While 106 of them have declared serious criminal cases including cases related to murder, attempt to murder, communal disharmony, kidnapping and crimes against women, 10 sitting MPs have declared cases related to murder. Out of these, 4 sitting MPs are from BJP, 1 MP from INC, NCP, LJP, RJD, Swabhimani Paksha each and one MP is an Independent,” the report said. “14 sitting MPs have declared cases of attempt to murder. Out of these, eight sitting MPs are from BJP and one MP each from INC, AITC, NCP, RJD, Shiv Sena and Swabhimani Paksha. 14 sitting MPs declared cases related to causing communal disharmony. Out of them, 10 sitting MPs are from BJP and 1 MP from TRS, PMK, All India Majlis-E-Ittehadul Muslimeen and AIUDF each,” it added.

430 MPs out of 521 sitting MPs are ‘crorepatis’, 33% have criminal cases: Report

Kanyakumari and Sivaganga constituencies in Tamil Nadu are where one can expect a close and direct contest between candidates of the National parties BJP and Congress, in a state where the majority of seats are swept by the Dravidian parties.&nbsp;

In Kanyakumari, incumbent BJP MP Pon. Radhakrishnan would be taking on H Vasantha Kumar of the Congress, whereas it would be H.Raja(BJP) versus Karti Chidambaram in Sivaganga.

However, there is a stark contrast that appears on scrutinizing the affidavits that the candidates have filed along with their nominations. Vasantha Kumar, the Congress candidate has declared movable assets worth Rs. 230,20,95,302, whereas the immovable assets are valued at Rs. 182,25,00,000. Thus taking the total value of his assets to Rs. 412,45,95,302. he has also declared liabilities amounting to 154,75,11,439.

Vasanthakumar is a sitting MLA in the Tamil Nadu assembly and is a promoter of a very popular chain of consumer electronics, appliances and also a TV channel. When comparing the amount shown in his income tax returns between 2013-14 and 2017-18, it is Rs.19,87,47,960 and Rs.28,93,59,990. This is an increase of about 45%.

In the case of the BJP candidate, Pon. Radhakrishnan, he has declared moveable assets of Rs.50,56,298 and inherited assets of Rs. 6,99,40,155, while there are no liabilities mentioned. Regarding the income he has shown under the income tax returns, there is a drop from Rs. 9,67,009 (2013-14) to Rs. 7,72,850 (2017-18), while it had risen to &nbsp;Rs. 15,03,610 during 2015-16.

The candidate contesting for Kamal Haasan’s Makkal Needhi Maiam, in Kanyakumari is J.Ebenezer. The candidate who would be representing the party that is making its electoral debut has declared movable assets of Rs. 40,96,628 and immovable assets of Rs. 2,00,00,000. Under the liabilities section, the candidate has declared Rs.46,64,663. His income has gone from Rs. 5,41,928 in 2013-14 to Rs, 5,31,881 in 2017-18.

In the case of Karti Chidambaram, son of former Finance Minister P.Chidambaram who is contesting from Sivaganga, the total movable assets are declared as Rs. 24,13,73,168 and the immovable assets are declared at Rs. 22,88,89,303, whereas the liabilities are declared as Rs. 8,97,44,503.&nbsp;

H.Raja from the BJP, who would be taking on Karti in Sivaganga has declared his movable assets as Rs. 50,97,544, immovable assets as Rs. 77,90,000, and also liabilities as Nil.&nbsp;

The candidates in Kanyakumari from the major National parties and also the candidate who would be representing the debutant party Makkal Needhi Maiam are ‘crorepatis’, having declared assets that run over a crore. However, as far as the assets, liabilities declaration goes, the Congress candidate has far outnumbered his fellow contestants.&nbsp;

Tamil Nadu goes to the polls on April 18th, in the second phase of what would be a seven-phase poll. The ruling party in the state, the AIADMK has allied with the BJP, PMK, DMDK and other smaller outfits while the DMK which is the major opposition party in the State seemly has alliances with the Congress, Left parties and other smaller outfits.

Kanyakumari and Sivaganga constituencies in Tamil Nadu are where one can expect a close and direct contest between candidates of the National parties BJP and Congress, in a state where the majority of seats are swept by the Dravidian parties.

Kanyakumari and Sivaganga constituencies in Tamil Nadu are where one can expect a close and direct contest between candidates of the National parties BJP and Congress, in a state where the majority of seats are swept by the Dravidian parties. In Kanyakumari, incumbent BJP MP Pon. Radhakrishnan would be taking on H Vasantha Kumar of the Congress, whereas it would be H.Raja(BJP) versus Karti Chidambaram in Sivaganga. However, there is a stark contrast that appears on scrutinizing the affidavits that the candidates have filed along with their nominations. Vasantha Kumar, the Congress candidate has declared movable assets worth Rs. 230,20,95,302, whereas the immovable assets are valued at Rs. 182,25,00,000. Thus taking the total value of his assets to Rs. 412,45,95,302. he has also declared liabilities amounting to 154,75,11,439. Vasanthakumar is a sitting MLA in the Tamil Nadu assembly and is a promoter of a very popular chain of consumer electronics, appliances and also a TV channel. When comparing the amount shown in his income tax returns between 2013-14 and 2017-18, it is Rs.19,87,47,960 and Rs.28,93,59,990. This is an increase of about 45%. In the case of the BJP candidate, Pon. Radhakrishnan, he has declared moveable assets of Rs.50,56,298 and inherited assets of Rs. 6,99,40,155, while there are no liabilities mentioned. Regarding the income he has shown under the income tax returns, there is a drop from Rs. 9,67,009 (2013-14) to Rs. 7,72,850 (2017-18), while it had risen to Rs. 15,03,610 during 2015-16. The candidate contesting for Kamal Haasan’s Makkal Needhi Maiam, in Kanyakumari is J.Ebenezer. The candidate who would be representing the party that is making its electoral debut has declared movable assets of Rs. 40,96,628 and immovable assets of Rs. 2,00,00,000. Under the liabilities section, the candidate has declared Rs.46,64,663. His income has gone from Rs. 5,41,928 in 2013-14 to Rs, 5,31,881 in 2017-18. In the case of Karti Chidambaram, son of former Finance Minister P.Chidambaram who is contesting from Sivaganga, the total movable assets are declared as Rs. 24,13,73,168 and the immovable assets are declared at Rs. 22,88,89,303, whereas the liabilities are declared as Rs. 8,97,44,503. H.Raja from the BJP, who would be taking on Karti in Sivaganga has declared his movable assets as Rs. 50,97,544, immovable assets as Rs. 77,90,000, and also liabilities as Nil. The candidates in Kanyakumari from the major National parties and also the candidate who would be representing the debutant party Makkal Needhi Maiam are ‘crorepatis’, having declared assets that run over a crore. However, as far as the assets, liabilities declaration goes, the Congress candidate has far outnumbered his fellow contestants. Tamil Nadu goes to the polls on April 18th, in the second phase of what would be a seven-phase poll. The ruling party in the state, the AIADMK has allied with the BJP, PMK, DMDK and other smaller outfits while the DMK which is the major opposition party in the State seemly has alliances with the Congress, Left parties and other smaller outfits.

Congress’ Kanyakumari candidate has assets worth over Rs 420 cr, liabilities of Rs 154 cr; far outnumbers fellow contenders 

Actor Vivek Oberoi along with his lawyer &nbsp;Hitesh Jain, appeared before the election commission on Thursday after the ECI issued a showcause notice to Oberoi's film 'PM Narendra Modi' for violating the model code of conduct.&nbsp;

Speaking to a news agency, Jain, said, "We have submitted a detailed response to the notice issued by the election commission for violating the model code of conduct. In our response, we have explained that the movie does not violate the model code of conduct."

Oberoi essays Modi`s character in the film. Producer Sandip Ssingh was also present for Thursday meeting.&nbsp;

The complaint was filed<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/biopic-on-pm-modi-is-politically-motivated-put-ban-on-its-release-congress-to-election-commission-205812"> by Congress party, seeking the ban on the film </a>during the period of the election on the ground of violation of model code of conduct.The party alleged that release around general election was politically motivated.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Asked whether the film would be released as on its scheduled date, Jain said, "We have already announced the release date. However, we will wait and watch."

The biopic came under the scanner of the ECI after Congress and left parties complained to the electoral body saying that it violates the model code of the conduct.

The film is based on the life of Prime Minister Narendra Modi titled `PM Narendra Modi`. Vivek Oberoi is essaying the role of Modi. The film was earlier scheduled to release on 12th April just a day after the first phase of election begins in India. Later, the makers preponed the release date to 5th April.&nbsp;

The film has been under scrutiny ever since it was announced. Lyricist <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/pm-narendra-modi-javed-akhtar-slams-makers-says-you-cant-behave-like-im-a-part-of-your-unit-205483">Javed Akhtar slammed the makers</a> for giving him credit for the film's lyrics even though he was not a part of it. Meanwhile, an old case of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/pm-narendra-modi-biopic-producer-sandip-ssingh-in-trouble-alleged-sexual-assault-allegations-resurface-205647">sexual assault against Ssingh </a>has also resurfaced.&nbsp;

Actor Vivek Oberoi along with his lawyer Hitesh Jain, appeared before the election commission on Thursday after the ECI issued a showcause notice to Oberoi's film 'PM Narendra Modi' for violating the model code of conduct.

Actor Vivek Oberoi along with his lawyer Hitesh Jain, appeared before the election commission on Thursday after the ECI issued a showcause notice to Oberoi's film 'PM Narendra Modi' for violating the model code of conduct. Speaking to a news agency, Jain, said, "We have submitted a detailed response to the notice issued by the election commission for violating the model code of conduct. In our response, we have explained that the movie does not violate the model code of conduct." Oberoi essays Modi`s character in the film. Producer Sandip Ssingh was also present for Thursday meeting. The complaint was filed by Congress party, seeking the ban on the film during the period of the election on the ground of violation of model code of conduct.The party alleged that release around general election was politically motivated. Asked whether the film would be released as on its scheduled date, Jain said, "We have already announced the release date. However, we will wait and watch." The biopic came under the scanner of the ECI after Congress and left parties complained to the electoral body saying that it violates the model code of the conduct. The film is based on the life of Prime Minister Narendra Modi titled `PM Narendra Modi`. Vivek Oberoi is essaying the role of Modi. The film was earlier scheduled to release on 12th April just a day after the first phase of election begins in India. Later, the makers preponed the release date to 5th April. The film has been under scrutiny ever since it was announced. Lyricist Javed Akhtar slammed the makers for giving him credit for the film's lyrics even though he was not a part of it. Meanwhile, an old case of sexual assault against Ssingh has also resurfaced.

'PM Narendra Modi' release controversy: Vivek Oberoi, producer appear before the Election Commission

It happens rarely that the best weapon in one’s arsenal turns into a strategic burden. Cow protection is being milked by BJP vigorously from 2014 onwards. Despite the violence in the name of cow, BJP could retain its support base for the first time. The saffron party was able to turn the cow into a symbol of political identity successfully.&nbsp;

Today, in 2019, stray cattle are very bane for BJP.&nbsp;

On my way to Amethi, I casually enquired from my driver about this issue, he replied,” Din mein gaari drive karen aur raat bhar khet mein gaiya hanke, to kaam kaise chalega.” The stray cattle problem is an open secret in Uttar Pradesh. Take the case of Kanha Gauvansh Vihar in Rai Bareilly. It has the capacity to house 150-200 animals but today it houses 480 stray cattle.&nbsp;

The facility belongs to a defunct government programme to raise jersey cows. Today, its job is to accommodate the cattle which roam free in the city and rural areas. One of the caretakers told WION that people sometimes bring personal animals and tie them to tree and leave, knowing well that they do not come under the category of stray cattle. As per the 2012 census of livestock, Uttar Pradesh accounted for more than 10 lakh stray cattle.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

<img alt="Cattle" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e78030ff-8f4a-4911-8e8e-88085f568e47" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/cattle1.jpg" />

 
Ram Shabda, one the medical officer told WION that strays are a big problem in rural areas as they destroy crops. This battle between the bovine and human also had its funny moments. Irritated farmers in many places herded the cattle into primary schools creating a law and order situation.&nbsp;

Another example is of the newly made cattle shelter in Maharjganj. It is built next to a dumping ground. The view is mind-boggling. At one end, you see a brightly painted saffron building in the middle of the green field. When you go nearer, you realise that building has been erected adjacent to a dumping ground used for the city which looks like a sea of white in the middle of nowhere. If this does not shock you then the planning inside the building would.&nbsp; 
 
The cattle shit and piss at the same place where they are tied. On being asked why is this the case, the caretaker said that, ideally, the place should have had a slant so that we could have collected urine and cow dung for processing but now it cannot be done.&nbsp; 
 
<img alt="Cattle" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="94d22363-3d67-46ef-a04e-aac55a743e6e" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/cattle.jpg" /> 
 
This blows in the face of propaganda that cow dung and urine would be productively used to make medicines and agarbattis. Every enclosure has a segregated facility for bulls and cow. Most of the strays belong to the local breed which is unproductive, sick or not as productive as a farmer would like it to be.

What is surprising is that even Opposition in India has stayed away from the issue fearing backlash. Even in Madhya Pradesh, Congress, instead of tackling the issue of rural distress caused by the stray, spoke of building more shelters.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

<img alt="Cattle" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="9fdf8185-7f56-4d50-9549-4c30b163f13a" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/cattle3.jpg" />

The issue of culling livestock remains tangled in the religious and political ego of the Hindu community. It has been strengthened by a belief that the cattle economy does not exist.

India still remains one of the biggest exporters of beef in the world. This schizophrenic approach to cattle economy instead of being resolved has become an issue of identity and other in India. It does not mean that the agrarian sector will boycott Modi as he still enjoys a high level of confidence but it can definitely spoil the party for BJP. 
 
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

It happens rarely that the best weapon in one’s arsenal turns into a strategic burden. Cow protection is being milked by BJP vigorously from 2014 onwards. Despite the violence in the name of cow, BJP could retain its support base for the first time.

It happens rarely that the best weapon in one’s arsenal turns into a strategic burden. Cow protection is being milked by BJP vigorously from 2014 onwards. Despite the violence in the name of cow, BJP could retain its support base for the first time. The saffron party was able to turn the cow into a symbol of political identity successfully. Today, in 2019, stray cattle are very bane for BJP. On my way to Amethi, I casually enquired from my driver about this issue, he replied,” Din mein gaari drive karen aur raat bhar khet mein gaiya hanke, to kaam kaise chalega.” The stray cattle problem is an open secret in Uttar Pradesh. Take the case of Kanha Gauvansh Vihar in Rai Bareilly. It has the capacity to house 150-200 animals but today it houses 480 stray cattle. The facility belongs to a defunct government programme to raise jersey cows. Today, its job is to accommodate the cattle which roam free in the city and rural areas. One of the caretakers told WION that people sometimes bring personal animals and tie them to tree and leave, knowing well that they do not come under the category of stray cattle. As per the 2012 census of livestock, Uttar Pradesh accounted for more than 10 lakh stray cattle. Ram Shabda, one the medical officer told WION that strays are a big problem in rural areas as they destroy crops. This battle between the bovine and human also had its funny moments. Irritated farmers in many places herded the cattle into primary schools creating a law and order situation. Another example is of the newly made cattle shelter in Maharjganj. It is built next to a dumping ground. The view is mind-boggling. At one end, you see a brightly painted saffron building in the middle of the green field. When you go nearer, you realise that building has been erected adjacent to a dumping ground used for the city which looks like a sea of white in the middle of nowhere. If this does not shock you then the planning inside the building would. The cattle shit and piss at the same place where they are tied. On being asked why is this the case, the caretaker said that, ideally, the place should have had a slant so that we could have collected urine and cow dung for processing but now it cannot be done. This blows in the face of propaganda that cow dung and urine would be productively used to make medicines and agarbattis. Every enclosure has a segregated facility for bulls and cow. Most of the strays belong to the local breed which is unproductive, sick or not as productive as a farmer would like it to be. What is surprising is that even Opposition in India has stayed away from the issue fearing backlash. Even in Madhya Pradesh, Congress, instead of tackling the issue of rural distress caused by the stray, spoke of building more shelters. The issue of culling livestock remains tangled in the religious and political ego of the Hindu community. It has been strengthened by a belief that the cattle economy does not exist. India still remains one of the biggest exporters of beef in the world. This schizophrenic approach to cattle economy instead of being resolved has become an issue of identity and other in India. It does not mean that the agrarian sector will boycott Modi as he still enjoys a high level of confidence but it can definitely spoil the party for BJP. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Blog: Is stray cattle the Achilles Heel of BJP in UP ahead of Lok Sabha elections?

Ground report from Uttar Pradesh weeks before Lok Sabha elections begin.

Video blog: How cow has become a political issue in UP

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/modis-main-bhi-chowkidar-campaign-hollow-rhetoric-shatrughan-sinha-204739">BJP leader Shatrughan Sinha</a> who was widely speculated to be leaving the party will join the Congress.&nbsp;

Shakti Singh Gohil, Congress in-charge of Bihar said: "Shatrughan Sinha has decided that he will join the Congress party and will work as our star leader and star campaigner."&nbsp;

The former actor had a long association with the BJP. He was the shipping and health and family welfare minister during former prime minister Vajpayee's regime. He won <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/shatrughan-joins-opposition-leaders-at-kolkata-rally-says-not-afraid-if-bjp-removes-him-191463">the Patna Sahib Lok Sabha seat </a>in 2009 and then again during the BJP wave under Narendra Modi in 2014.

Sinha fell out of favour with the BJP after he began criticising the leadership of the BJP and was sidelined by the party in the last few years. BJP snubbed him recently while handing out the Lok Sabha ticket to Union minister Ravi Shankar Prasad.

Congress hasn't officially stated that it would give the ticket to Sinha for the Patna Sahib seat with Gohil announcing that the former Bollywood star will be a "star leader and star campaigner".

On Wednesday, Sinha tweeted saying: "Father figure, most revered, learned, friend, philosopher, guide, guru &amp; ultimate leader of the Bhartiya Janta Party, Shri. L.K.Advani has been shown the door/royal exit from the electoral politics without his consent &amp; permission (as he was to be part of the decision makers."

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Father figure, most revered, learned, friend, philosopher, guide, guru &amp; ultimate leader of the Bhartiya Janta Party, Shri. L.K.Advani has been shown the door/royal exit from the electoral politics without his consent &amp; permission (as he was to be part of the decision makers
— Shatrughan Sinha (@ShatruganSinha) <a href="https://twitter.com/ShatruganSinha/status/1110911307321143297?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 27, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"It has come as a rude shock &amp; that too at this juncture of his illustrious political career, though it was only expected in this autocratic rule of 1 man show &amp; 2 men army. This action &nbsp;is not only disgraceful, in very poor taste &amp; disappointing."

"For a man of the standing &amp; stature of Shri. L.K.Advani &amp; for other veterans like Shri. Murli Manohar Joshi &amp; Shri.Shanta Kumar also...totally humiliating!" he added.

 
&nbsp;

BJP leader Shatrughan Sinha who was widely speculated to be leaving the party will join the Congress. Shakti Singh Gohil, Congress in-charge of Bihar said: "Shatrughan Sinha has decided that he will join the Congress party and will work as our star leader and star campaigner.

BJP leader Shatrughan Sinha who was widely speculated to be leaving the party will join the Congress. Shakti Singh Gohil, Congress in-charge of Bihar said: "Shatrughan Sinha has decided that he will join the Congress party and will work as our star leader and star campaigner." The former actor had a long association with the BJP. He was the shipping and health and family welfare minister during former prime minister Vajpayee's regime. He won the Patna Sahib Lok Sabha seat in 2009 and then again during the BJP wave under Narendra Modi in 2014. Sinha fell out of favour with the BJP after he began criticising the leadership of the BJP and was sidelined by the party in the last few years. BJP snubbed him recently while handing out the Lok Sabha ticket to Union minister Ravi Shankar Prasad. Congress hasn't officially stated that it would give the ticket to Sinha for the Patna Sahib seat with Gohil announcing that the former Bollywood star will be a "star leader and star campaigner". On Wednesday, Sinha tweeted saying: "Father figure, most revered, learned, friend, philosopher, guide, guru & ultimate leader of the Bhartiya Janta Party, Shri. L.K.Advani has been shown the door/royal exit from the electoral politics without his consent & permission (as he was to be part of the decision makers." Father figure, most revered, learned, friend, philosopher, guide, guru & ultimate leader of the Bhartiya Janta Party, Shri. L.K.Advani has been shown the door/royal exit from the electoral politics without his consent & permission (as he was to be part of the decision makers — Shatrughan Sinha (@ShatruganSinha) March 27, 2019 × "It has come as a rude shock & that too at this juncture of his illustrious political career, though it was only expected in this autocratic rule of 1 man show & 2 men army. This action is not only disgraceful, in very poor taste & disappointing." "For a man of the standing & stature of Shri. L.K.Advani & for other veterans like Shri. Murli Manohar Joshi & Shri.Shanta Kumar also...totally humiliating!" he added.

Shatrughan Sinha to join Congress, will be 'star leader and star campaigner': Shakti Singh Gohil

Rahul Gandhi's sop of direct money transfer to 50 million poor families in the country as an electoral promise should rattle every right thinking and discerning Indian citizen.

One is seeing with a deep sense of concern, how a particular breed of politicians, represented by the Congress bandwagon led by Rahul Gandhi, is rapidly following theism of neopatrimonialism and doing everything to usurp and stay riveted to the seats of power.

There is a background to the Congress politics revolving around neopatrimonialism. The Hugo Chavez model of politics (the world is aghast by what's happening in Venezuela today) was followed to a great extent by the previous Manmohan Singh led UPÀ government at the Centre, presided over by the Congress party led by Sonia Gandhi and her band of loyalists.

Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez had crafted the Bolivian Missions focusing on social sectors and his populist policy included "redistribution of wealth". It is now clearly documented that in the early 2000s, when oil production brought rich dividends to the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela due to soaring oil prices, the Chavez Government went on a spending spree on social programmes without caring a hoot for future eventualities. The upside of Chavez's Bolivian model was a big drop in inflation and unemployment and the downside, especially linked to the oil price collapse and the US sanctions is the economic turmoil that has gripped Venezuela, especially during the disputed second term of Nicolás Maduro, who succeeded Chavez in March 2013.

The Congress-led UPA government at the Centre, went a step ahead and put itself on the pedestal and all along pretended as if they were the only ones to shape the destiny of Indian people through newly created Acts passed by&nbsp;Indian Parliament to guarantee jobs, food, and education. While doing this they also aped the cash transfer policy that was being followed in Brazil and Mexico without bothering even an iota about its pitfall and the impact it would leave on the middle-class wage earners and the economic growth of the country.

It will be interesting to recall how on the eve of the 2014 Parliamentary election, UPA-II led by Manmohan Singh had launched the ambitious scheme of "direct cash transfer" of subsidy to bank accounts of beneficiaries with the then finance minister P Chidambaram describing the move as a "game changer".

During the run-up to the 2019 Lok Sabha election, Rahul Gandhi has announced that the poorest families in India will receive Rs. 72,000 per year. “We will wipe out poverty by guaranteeing a minimum income to Rs 5 crore to 20 per cent of the poorest families," he said.

The Congress functionaries are describing this as a historic decision. Addressing media persons at the Madhya Pradesh Congress headquarters in Bhopal on Tuesday, the chief spokesperson of the party for Madhya Pradesh, Shobha Oza, lashed out at the BJP leaders criticising Rahul Gandhi’s decision and dubbed their party as anti-poor.&nbsp;

She was emphatic in pointing out that some front ranking economists have studied the intricacies involved, vetted and validated Rahul Gandhi’s decision for direct cash transfer to the poor. One of her co-spokesperson even came on the sidelines and said that former Reserve Bank Governor Raghuram Rajan and a few other top economists would soon be speaking in support of this policy. &nbsp;

The input by the Congress spokesperson that in next few days some renowned economists are going to openly support the Congress party’s “direct cash transfer” plan to "wipe out poverty" would mean that these economists would be supporting a move that would eat into the vitals of economic growth in India. &nbsp;

It is a move that has nothing to do with channelising resources for building a robust economic infrastructure, improving education and skill development, creating jobs and adding to the purchasing power of the people through multifarious economic activities and thereby improving their quality of life. If the Congress move brings in votes and power, it will benefit immensely the wheeler-dealers and agents in the corridors of power who are not used to living in the wilderness. Let's not talk of crony capitalists. One has seen them flourish everywhere under Congress rule. 
 
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.) 
&nbsp;

Rahul Gandhi's sop of direct money transfer to 50 million poor families in the country as an electoral promise should rattle every right thinking and discerning Indian citizen.

Rahul Gandhi's sop of direct money transfer to 50 million poor families in the country as an electoral promise should rattle every right thinking and discerning Indian citizen. One is seeing with a deep sense of concern, how a particular breed of politicians, represented by the Congress bandwagon led by Rahul Gandhi, is rapidly following theism of neopatrimonialism and doing everything to usurp and stay riveted to the seats of power. There is a background to the Congress politics revolving around neopatrimonialism. The Hugo Chavez model of politics (the world is aghast by what's happening in Venezuela today) was followed to a great extent by the previous Manmohan Singh led UPÀ government at the Centre, presided over by the Congress party led by Sonia Gandhi and her band of loyalists. Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez had crafted the Bolivian Missions focusing on social sectors and his populist policy included "redistribution of wealth". It is now clearly documented that in the early 2000s, when oil production brought rich dividends to the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela due to soaring oil prices, the Chavez Government went on a spending spree on social programmes without caring a hoot for future eventualities. The upside of Chavez's Bolivian model was a big drop in inflation and unemployment and the downside, especially linked to the oil price collapse and the US sanctions is the economic turmoil that has gripped Venezuela, especially during the disputed second term of Nicolás Maduro, who succeeded Chavez in March 2013. The Congress-led UPA government at the Centre, went a step ahead and put itself on the pedestal and all along pretended as if they were the only ones to shape the destiny of Indian people through newly created Acts passed by Indian Parliament to guarantee jobs, food, and education. While doing this they also aped the cash transfer policy that was being followed in Brazil and Mexico without bothering even an iota about its pitfall and the impact it would leave on the middle-class wage earners and the economic growth of the country. It will be interesting to recall how on the eve of the 2014 Parliamentary election, UPA-II led by Manmohan Singh had launched the ambitious scheme of "direct cash transfer" of subsidy to bank accounts of beneficiaries with the then finance minister P Chidambaram describing the move as a "game changer". During the run-up to the 2019 Lok Sabha election, Rahul Gandhi has announced that the poorest families in India will receive Rs. 72,000 per year. “We will wipe out poverty by guaranteeing a minimum income to Rs 5 crore to 20 per cent of the poorest families," he said. The Congress functionaries are describing this as a historic decision. Addressing media persons at the Madhya Pradesh Congress headquarters in Bhopal on Tuesday, the chief spokesperson of the party for Madhya Pradesh, Shobha Oza, lashed out at the BJP leaders criticising Rahul Gandhi’s decision and dubbed their party as anti-poor. She was emphatic in pointing out that some front ranking economists have studied the intricacies involved, vetted and validated Rahul Gandhi’s decision for direct cash transfer to the poor. One of her co-spokesperson even came on the sidelines and said that former Reserve Bank Governor Raghuram Rajan and a few other top economists would soon be speaking in support of this policy. The input by the Congress spokesperson that in next few days some renowned economists are going to openly support the Congress party’s “direct cash transfer” plan to "wipe out poverty" would mean that these economists would be supporting a move that would eat into the vitals of economic growth in India. It is a move that has nothing to do with channelising resources for building a robust economic infrastructure, improving education and skill development, creating jobs and adding to the purchasing power of the people through multifarious economic activities and thereby improving their quality of life. If the Congress move brings in votes and power, it will benefit immensely the wheeler-dealers and agents in the corridors of power who are not used to living in the wilderness. Let's not talk of crony capitalists. One has seen them flourish everywhere under Congress rule. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Congress's minimum income plan will eat into the vitals of economic growth

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra renewed Congress pitch on agriculture and jobs as Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation&nbsp;on successful ASAT mission carried out by the DRDO scientists.&nbsp;

Though Priyanka Gandhi congratulated the scientists, she made it a point to mention that it was established by India’s first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/my-final-goal-is-the-2022-assembly-elections-in-uttar-pradesh-priyanka-gandhi-vadra-196999">Priyanka Gandhi who is on</a> a three-day visit to Amethi&nbsp;also countered BJP’s narrative that Congress perpetuates poverty for electoral end.&nbsp;

“Lot of work has been done. I’m not saying that all the work has been done but progress has also happened under Congress rule,” said Priyanka Gandhi.

The UP east general secretary attacked the ruling dispensation on the ground that the Modi government failed on the employment front. Priyanka also attacked the BJP on agricultural distress and charged the government for rising seed and fertilizer prices.&nbsp;

“Farmers are in debt. The issue is that there is gross unemployment. Young people are unemployed, and I see them everywhere,” said Priyanka Gandhi. She said that the economy is in shambles and of public importance must be discussed during Lok Sabha elections.

When asked a question on whether she would like to contest Lok Sabha elections, she said, "Why not. I would like to contest the elections if my party asks me to do so.” Though she added that she would like to focus on the organization and said that now she is a full-time politician.&nbsp;

Priyanka Gandhi is on a three-day visit to Uttar Pradesh. On March 28th, she will be in Ayodhya where she will be visiting the famous Hanumangarhi temple. She is also expected to do a roadshow in the city.

When asked whether she would visit Ram Lala Virajman, she remained non-committal and said that she would go to places visited by her brother Rahul Gandhi.

Priyanka Gandhi also held a nine-hour long meeting with booth workers of Amethi at Musafirkhana. She asked the booth workers to ensure that booths are not unattended and BJP’s failures must be highlighted.&nbsp;

Amethi is Congress president Rahul Gandhi’s constituency. BJP has again fielded Union Cabinet Minister Smriti Irani against Rahul.&nbsp;

In 2014, the winning margin of Rahul Gandhi had declined. Priyanka will be conducting a similar meeting with booth workers on Thursday in Rae Bareilly from where her mother Sonia Gandhi is contesting elections. &nbsp;

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra renewed Congress pitch on agriculture and jobs as Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation on successful ASAT mission carried out by the DRDO scientists.

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra renewed Congress pitch on agriculture and jobs as Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation on successful ASAT mission carried out by the DRDO scientists. Though Priyanka Gandhi congratulated the scientists, she made it a point to mention that it was established by India’s first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru. Priyanka Gandhi who is on a three-day visit to Amethi also countered BJP’s narrative that Congress perpetuates poverty for electoral end. “Lot of work has been done. I’m not saying that all the work has been done but progress has also happened under Congress rule,” said Priyanka Gandhi. The UP east general secretary attacked the ruling dispensation on the ground that the Modi government failed on the employment front. Priyanka also attacked the BJP on agricultural distress and charged the government for rising seed and fertilizer prices. “Farmers are in debt. The issue is that there is gross unemployment. Young people are unemployed, and I see them everywhere,” said Priyanka Gandhi. She said that the economy is in shambles and of public importance must be discussed during Lok Sabha elections. When asked a question on whether she would like to contest Lok Sabha elections, she said, "Why not. I would like to contest the elections if my party asks me to do so.” Though she added that she would like to focus on the organization and said that now she is a full-time politician. Priyanka Gandhi is on a three-day visit to Uttar Pradesh. On March 28th, she will be in Ayodhya where she will be visiting the famous Hanumangarhi temple. She is also expected to do a roadshow in the city. When asked whether she would visit Ram Lala Virajman, she remained non-committal and said that she would go to places visited by her brother Rahul Gandhi. Priyanka Gandhi also held a nine-hour long meeting with booth workers of Amethi at Musafirkhana. She asked the booth workers to ensure that booths are not unattended and BJP’s failures must be highlighted. Amethi is Congress president Rahul Gandhi’s constituency. BJP has again fielded Union Cabinet Minister Smriti Irani against Rahul. In 2014, the winning margin of Rahul Gandhi had declined. Priyanka will be conducting a similar meeting with booth workers on Thursday in Rae Bareilly from where her mother Sonia Gandhi is contesting elections.

Priyanka renews agrarian pitch for Congress in Lok Sabha elections

It's election time again in Tamil Nadu with traditional rivals DMK and AIADMK taking on each other, as they have for decades, but missing from their high decibel campaign this time are two powerful voices — M Karunanidhi and J Jayalalithaa.

Election 2019 is the first in the state without the two Dravidian stalwarts and both the parties are slugging it out to continue their legacy, even as the likes of Kamal Haasan and T T V Dhinakaran plan to play spoilsport.

AIADMK chief Jayalalithaa passed away in December 2016 after 75 days in the hospital. Her long-time rival, DMK supremo Karunanidhi, died on August 7, 2018.

As election clouds gather, the AIADMK led by O Panneerselvam and K Palaniswami is going all out to dedicate a "massive victory" to their 'Amma' and the DMK steered by M K Stalin is determined to take forward the "Kalaignar legacy".

The stakes for the three leaders are high, as their parties grapple with the loss of the lodestars who guided their electoral fortunes. Result 2019 will gauge their leadership and strategising skills in an election with a vacuum created by the death of Jayalalithaa and Karunanidhi.

"Amma's absence is indeed a big vacuum. But this is a passionate movement. And to realise her dreams, the chief minister (Palaniswami) and his deputy (Panneerselvam) are taking the party forward," said AIADMK spokesperson R M Babu Murugavel.

The DMK appeared equally confident.

"He (Karunanidhi) may not be alive but we are duty bound to take forward his aspirations. He has given a blueprint and we have to take it forward," said senior DMK leader K S Radhakrishnan.

The last time the two parties faced off in the electoral battlefield was in December 2017 during the RK Nagar assembly bypoll. The bypoll was necessitated due to Jayalalithaa's death the previous year. Karunanidhi was away from the limelight due to ill-health. Dhinakaran sprang a surprise by emerging victorious.

In the last Lok Sabha polls, the AIADMK won 37 of 39 seats in the state, while the BJP and PMK won one each, both as NDA constituents. The AIADMK is now leading the NDA in the state.

DMK and others, including the Congress, failed to return a single MP. This election, they are part of the DMK-led mega alliance unlike in 2014. 
This is the first statewide election that the two-year-old Palaniswami government is facing. The polls are being seen as a litmus test before it seeks a successive term in 2021 Assembly polls.

Under Jayalalithaa's leadership, the AIADMK stormed to power in 2011, unseating the DMK and reducing it to double-digit numbers in the 234-member state Assembly.

The Jayalalithaa juggernaut continued, leaving virtually nothing for the opposition even as her party colleagues and ministers hardly hogged any limelight.

She set political circles on fire with her famous "Modi or Lady" statement in the 2014 national polls, pitting herself against Prime Minister Narendra Modi in terms of governance and administration.

In 2016, she created history after leading her party to a successive term, a feat repeated after three decades by a ruling party in the state, before she was confined to a hospital bed following an illness.

"Amma came forward to lead us and emerged as a big lead and put the party in ruling saddle for about 27 years in its existence of 47 years," Murugavel told PTI, recalling the days after the death of AIADMK's charismatic founder MGR.

Jayalalithaa, he said, was not with them but the huge cadre-based party would walk the path set by her and win all the seats in the state.

Karunanidhi, who rubbed shoulders with the likes of Dravidian heavyweights CN Annadurai and EVR Periyar, was often seen as a leader who could never be left out of the polity, irrespective of whether he was in power on not.

The veteran wielded tremendous clout in the UPA I and II governments. Despite being in the opposition in Tamil Nadu during UPA-I, he steered the Congress-led coalition to a grand victory in all 39 seats in the state and the one in Puducherry in 2009, leaving the ruling AIADMK's political ambition in tatters.

A crowd-puller who could awe both the masses and the classes with his oratory, Karunanidhi never lost an election in his over half-a-century political career and was counted among the best for his oratory and shrewd political mind.

The leader, however, receded from the limelight in the last few years, with age taking a toll on him.

Radhakrishnan said there was a "psychological" loss with Karunanidhi's death but the party's cadres have to "perform their democratic duties".

The DMK has done a number of good things for the state in the past like its stand on state autonomy, and this is the "Kalaignar legacy", he said.

Karunanidhi played a key role in matters like state autonomy and was instrumental in bringing key projects like Sethusamudram, he added.

Though leaders of the two parties express confidence about their showing in the election, political analyst Shyam Shanmugam feels the absence of Jayalalithaa and Karunanidhi might dent their vote share.

"Earlier, there used to be the support votes, the dedicated voters, and they would vote only for them (Karunanidhi and Jayalalithaa), irrespective of any factors. That number has definitely come down now," he said.

After a long inning in cinema, Haasan has formed a political party, the Makkal Needhi Maiam, while Dhinakaran heads AMMK, a breakaway faction of the AIADMK.

It's election time again in Tamil Nadu with traditional rivals DMK and AIADMK taking on each other, as they have for decades, but missing from their high decibel campaign this time are two powerful voices — M Karunanidhi and J Jayalalithaa.

It's election time again in Tamil Nadu with traditional rivals DMK and AIADMK taking on each other, as they have for decades, but missing from their high decibel campaign this time are two powerful voices — M Karunanidhi and J Jayalalithaa. Election 2019 is the first in the state without the two Dravidian stalwarts and both the parties are slugging it out to continue their legacy, even as the likes of Kamal Haasan and T T V Dhinakaran plan to play spoilsport. AIADMK chief Jayalalithaa passed away in December 2016 after 75 days in the hospital. Her long-time rival, DMK supremo Karunanidhi, died on August 7, 2018. As election clouds gather, the AIADMK led by O Panneerselvam and K Palaniswami is going all out to dedicate a "massive victory" to their 'Amma' and the DMK steered by M K Stalin is determined to take forward the "Kalaignar legacy". The stakes for the three leaders are high, as their parties grapple with the loss of the lodestars who guided their electoral fortunes. Result 2019 will gauge their leadership and strategising skills in an election with a vacuum created by the death of Jayalalithaa and Karunanidhi. "Amma's absence is indeed a big vacuum. But this is a passionate movement. And to realise her dreams, the chief minister (Palaniswami) and his deputy (Panneerselvam) are taking the party forward," said AIADMK spokesperson R M Babu Murugavel. The DMK appeared equally confident. "He (Karunanidhi) may not be alive but we are duty bound to take forward his aspirations. He has given a blueprint and we have to take it forward," said senior DMK leader K S Radhakrishnan. The last time the two parties faced off in the electoral battlefield was in December 2017 during the RK Nagar assembly bypoll. The bypoll was necessitated due to Jayalalithaa's death the previous year. Karunanidhi was away from the limelight due to ill-health. Dhinakaran sprang a surprise by emerging victorious. In the last Lok Sabha polls, the AIADMK won 37 of 39 seats in the state, while the BJP and PMK won one each, both as NDA constituents. The AIADMK is now leading the NDA in the state. DMK and others, including the Congress, failed to return a single MP. This election, they are part of the DMK-led mega alliance unlike in 2014. This is the first statewide election that the two-year-old Palaniswami government is facing. The polls are being seen as a litmus test before it seeks a successive term in 2021 Assembly polls. Under Jayalalithaa's leadership, the AIADMK stormed to power in 2011, unseating the DMK and reducing it to double-digit numbers in the 234-member state Assembly. The Jayalalithaa juggernaut continued, leaving virtually nothing for the opposition even as her party colleagues and ministers hardly hogged any limelight. She set political circles on fire with her famous "Modi or Lady" statement in the 2014 national polls, pitting herself against Prime Minister Narendra Modi in terms of governance and administration. In 2016, she created history after leading her party to a successive term, a feat repeated after three decades by a ruling party in the state, before she was confined to a hospital bed following an illness. "Amma came forward to lead us and emerged as a big lead and put the party in ruling saddle for about 27 years in its existence of 47 years," Murugavel told PTI, recalling the days after the death of AIADMK's charismatic founder MGR. Jayalalithaa, he said, was not with them but the huge cadre-based party would walk the path set by her and win all the seats in the state. Karunanidhi, who rubbed shoulders with the likes of Dravidian heavyweights CN Annadurai and EVR Periyar, was often seen as a leader who could never be left out of the polity, irrespective of whether he was in power on not. The veteran wielded tremendous clout in the UPA I and II governments. Despite being in the opposition in Tamil Nadu during UPA-I, he steered the Congress-led coalition to a grand victory in all 39 seats in the state and the one in Puducherry in 2009, leaving the ruling AIADMK's political ambition in tatters. A crowd-puller who could awe both the masses and the classes with his oratory, Karunanidhi never lost an election in his over half-a-century political career and was counted among the best for his oratory and shrewd political mind. The leader, however, receded from the limelight in the last few years, with age taking a toll on him. Radhakrishnan said there was a "psychological" loss with Karunanidhi's death but the party's cadres have to "perform their democratic duties". The DMK has done a number of good things for the state in the past like its stand on state autonomy, and this is the "Kalaignar legacy", he said. Karunanidhi played a key role in matters like state autonomy and was instrumental in bringing key projects like Sethusamudram, he added. Though leaders of the two parties express confidence about their showing in the election, political analyst Shyam Shanmugam feels the absence of Jayalalithaa and Karunanidhi might dent their vote share. "Earlier, there used to be the support votes, the dedicated voters, and they would vote only for them (Karunanidhi and Jayalalithaa), irrespective of any factors. That number has definitely come down now," he said. After a long inning in cinema, Haasan has formed a political party, the Makkal Needhi Maiam, while Dhinakaran heads AMMK, a breakaway faction of the AIADMK.

In first polls sans Karunanidhi and Jayalalithaa, battle of legacy in Tamil Nadu

Trinamool Congress Chief Mamata Banerjee Wednesday hit out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his announcement about India's successful demonstration of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/in-important-message-to-nation-modi-says-india-shot-down-low-earth-orbit-satellite-with-anti-satellite-missile-pm-modi-205973">anti-satellite missile capability</a>, saying it was "yet another limitless drama" to "reap political benefits" ahead of the Lok Sabha polls.

Terming it a gross violation of the model code of conduct, Banerjee said there was "no great urgency" of announcing the mission by a government "past its expiry date" and asserted that it seems to be the "desperate oxygen to save the imminent sinking of the BJP boat".

She said she will lodge a complaint with the Election Commission.

"India's Mission Programme is world-class for many many years. We are always proud of our scientists, @DRDO_India, other research &amp; space organisations," she said adding research, space management and development are a continuous process over the years and "Modi, as usual likes to take the credit for everything".

She said, "credit to those who really deserve it, our scientists &amp; researchers."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday announced that India had demonstrated anti-satellite missile capability by shooting down a live satellite, describing it as a rare achievement that puts the country in an exclusive club of space superpowers.

"Today's announcement is yet another limitless drama and publicity mongering by Modi desperately trying to reap political benefits at the time of the election. This is a gross violation of the Model Code of Conduct.

"There is no great urgency in conducting and announcing the mission now by a government past its expiry date. It seems desperate oxygen to save the imminent sinking of the BJP boat. We are lodging a complaint with the Election Commission," the West Bengal chief minister said in a series of tweets.

Senior TMC leader and West Bengal minister Firhad Hakim said that Narendra Modi should stop taking credit for the achievement or job done by others.

"Shooting down a satellite is the credit of our scientists. The Modi government in the last five years has failed to provide any relief to the people of the country," senior the TMC leader.

"So ahead of the elections, the BJP and Modi should stop these tricks to fool the masses. It won't have any impact on the poll prospects of the BJP in the upcoming elections," Hakim said.

Meanwhile, Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal congratulated the Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) and the entire scientific community for achieving yet another milestone by successfully testing ASAT technology.

"Congratulations once again to DRDO &amp; entire scientific community in achieving yet another milestone by successfully testing ASAT technology," he tweeted.&nbsp;

Trinamool Congress Chief Mamata Banerjee Wednesday hit out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his announcement about India's successful demonstration of anti-satellite missile capability, saying it was "yet another limitless drama" to "reap political benefits" ahead of the Lok Sabha polls.

Trinamool Congress Chief Mamata Banerjee Wednesday hit out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his announcement about India's successful demonstration of anti-satellite missile capability, saying it was "yet another limitless drama" to "reap political benefits" ahead of the Lok Sabha polls. Terming it a gross violation of the model code of conduct, Banerjee said there was "no great urgency" of announcing the mission by a government "past its expiry date" and asserted that it seems to be the "desperate oxygen to save the imminent sinking of the BJP boat". She said she will lodge a complaint with the Election Commission. "India's Mission Programme is world-class for many many years. We are always proud of our scientists, @DRDO_India, other research & space organisations," she said adding research, space management and development are a continuous process over the years and "Modi, as usual likes to take the credit for everything". She said, "credit to those who really deserve it, our scientists & researchers." Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday announced that India had demonstrated anti-satellite missile capability by shooting down a live satellite, describing it as a rare achievement that puts the country in an exclusive club of space superpowers. "Today's announcement is yet another limitless drama and publicity mongering by Modi desperately trying to reap political benefits at the time of the election. This is a gross violation of the Model Code of Conduct. "There is no great urgency in conducting and announcing the mission now by a government past its expiry date. It seems desperate oxygen to save the imminent sinking of the BJP boat. We are lodging a complaint with the Election Commission," the West Bengal chief minister said in a series of tweets. Senior TMC leader and West Bengal minister Firhad Hakim said that Narendra Modi should stop taking credit for the achievement or job done by others. "Shooting down a satellite is the credit of our scientists. The Modi government in the last five years has failed to provide any relief to the people of the country," senior the TMC leader. "So ahead of the elections, the BJP and Modi should stop these tricks to fool the masses. It won't have any impact on the poll prospects of the BJP in the upcoming elections," Hakim said. Meanwhile, Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal congratulated the Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) and the entire scientific community for achieving yet another milestone by successfully testing ASAT technology. "Congratulations once again to DRDO & entire scientific community in achieving yet another milestone by successfully testing ASAT technology," he tweeted.

Limitless drama to reap political benefits: Mamata Banerjee on Mission Shakti

Actor Urmila Matondkar Wednesday joined the Congress after meeting party chief Rahul Gandhi at his residence.

Gandhi welcomed her in the party fold and wished her the best.

Later, at a press conference, Congress chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said the actor will contribute to spreading the Congress ideology and strengthening the party.

"I am here because I believe in the ideology of Congress and what the party stands for. I have not joined the party for the sake of elections," she told reporters.

"I am here to stay," she said, adding her entry in the Congress was not about elections.

The Bollywood actor is speculated to contest the Lok Sabha election from the Mumbai North Lok Sabha constituency.

Matondkar said she felt the need to join the Congress party as the freedom to express was under attack in the country and there are numerous examples in this regard in the last five years. She said the Congress party has participated in the freedom struggle and it stood for freedom.

"Today is a significant day for me as I have formally entered politics. My life has been inspired by Mahatma Gandhi from the days of my childhood," she also said.

Matondkar also lauded the leadership of Gandhi. She said he is the one who takes everyone along and such a leader is required in today's times.

Surjewala said the actor met Gandhi and expressed her solidarity in the Congress ideals and principles.

"She has been an inspiration for the youth on how with your hard work, commitment and talent, she has won the hearts of many and achieved a lot," Surjewala said.

Mumbai Regional Congress Committee chief Milind Deora and his predecessor Sanjay Nirupam were also present during her joining and both welcomed her into the party fold.

Actor Urmila Matondkar Wednesday joined the Congress after meeting party chief Rahul Gandhi at his residence. Gandhi welcomed her in the party fold and wished her the best.

Actor Urmila Matondkar Wednesday joined the Congress after meeting party chief Rahul Gandhi at his residence. Gandhi welcomed her in the party fold and wished her the best. Later, at a press conference, Congress chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said the actor will contribute to spreading the Congress ideology and strengthening the party. "I am here because I believe in the ideology of Congress and what the party stands for. I have not joined the party for the sake of elections," she told reporters. "I am here to stay," she said, adding her entry in the Congress was not about elections. The Bollywood actor is speculated to contest the Lok Sabha election from the Mumbai North Lok Sabha constituency. Matondkar said she felt the need to join the Congress party as the freedom to express was under attack in the country and there are numerous examples in this regard in the last five years. She said the Congress party has participated in the freedom struggle and it stood for freedom. "Today is a significant day for me as I have formally entered politics. My life has been inspired by Mahatma Gandhi from the days of my childhood," she also said. Matondkar also lauded the leadership of Gandhi. She said he is the one who takes everyone along and such a leader is required in today's times. Surjewala said the actor met Gandhi and expressed her solidarity in the Congress ideals and principles. "She has been an inspiration for the youth on how with your hard work, commitment and talent, she has won the hearts of many and achieved a lot," Surjewala said. Mumbai Regional Congress Committee chief Milind Deora and his predecessor Sanjay Nirupam were also present during her joining and both welcomed her into the party fold.

Believe in Congress ideology, not joining for elections, says Urmila Matondkar

Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel's father Nand Kumar Baghel on Monday expressed his willingness to contest the upcoming Lok Sabha elections against Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Nand Kumar Baghel is not a member of any political party. Addressing reporters outside the Congress headquarters here, he said, "I want to contest election against Prime Minister Narendra Modi. If Congress gives me a ticket, I will contest to defeat him and make Rahul Gandhi the next Prime Minister of India."

Terming Prime Minister as "dictator", he said, "He (Modi) has made false promises to the country. Congress should field me against him."

"Congress party should not ally with regional parties and if the alliance happens, it should happen only on condition that Rahul Gandhi will be the next Prime Minister," he added.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is once again set to contest general elections from Varanasi Lok Sabha constituency, the seat from which he won in 2014 polls.

The Lok Sabha elections are scheduled to be conducted in seven phases. The counting of votes will be done on May 23.&nbsp;

Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel's father Nand Kumar Baghel on Monday expressed his willingness to contest the upcoming Lok Sabha elections against Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel's father Nand Kumar Baghel on Monday expressed his willingness to contest the upcoming Lok Sabha elections against Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Nand Kumar Baghel is not a member of any political party. Addressing reporters outside the Congress headquarters here, he said, "I want to contest election against Prime Minister Narendra Modi. If Congress gives me a ticket, I will contest to defeat him and make Rahul Gandhi the next Prime Minister of India." Terming Prime Minister as "dictator", he said, "He (Modi) has made false promises to the country. Congress should field me against him." "Congress party should not ally with regional parties and if the alliance happens, it should happen only on condition that Rahul Gandhi will be the next Prime Minister," he added. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is once again set to contest general elections from Varanasi Lok Sabha constituency, the seat from which he won in 2014 polls. The Lok Sabha elections are scheduled to be conducted in seven phases. The counting of votes will be done on May 23.

Lok Sabha polls: Chhattisgarh CM's father wishes to contest against PM Modi

Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Tuesday said that West Bengal and Delhi are two states who do not cooperate with any of the schemes of central government.

"Opposition CM in Kerala has a Left government but it is implementing all the schemes of the Central government. Southern states are better. Two states which do not cooperate at all are West Bengal and Delhi," Jaitley told Zee News Editor-in-Chief Sudhir Chaudhary.

He also said that Modi gave India a strong leadership. The ability to take strong decisions like Balakot airstrike has given an assurance to the people of this nation that Modi will give the country a strong leadership.

Jaitley also slammed Congress's direct benefit transfer scheme announced by its president Rahul Gandhi on Monday.

Calling Rahul Gandhi's minimum income promise a bluff he said: "Congress has only given slogans to the poor, we gave them means. We got 91% of villages connected to roads. We have promised that all the BPL families will have a house by 2022. We waived off the hospital expense for 50 crore people of this country. We did not increase income tax by a single rupee, in fact, we reduced it.we also increased the tax base. 10,000km national highways were constructed every year during our tenure. We already have 55 scheme for our poor."

Earlier on Monday, Congress President Rahul Gandhi announced that his party, if voted to power, would give a minimum income guarantee of Rs 6,000 per month to 20 crore household. He said that the move would bring the people out of poverty.

Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Tuesday said that West Bengal and Delhi are two states who do not cooperate with any of the schemes of central government.

Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Tuesday said that West Bengal and Delhi are two states who do not cooperate with any of the schemes of central government. "Opposition CM in Kerala has a Left government but it is implementing all the schemes of the Central government. Southern states are better. Two states which do not cooperate at all are West Bengal and Delhi," Jaitley told Zee News Editor-in-Chief Sudhir Chaudhary. He also said that Modi gave India a strong leadership. The ability to take strong decisions like Balakot airstrike has given an assurance to the people of this nation that Modi will give the country a strong leadership. Jaitley also slammed Congress's direct benefit transfer scheme announced by its president Rahul Gandhi on Monday. Calling Rahul Gandhi's minimum income promise a bluff he said: "Congress has only given slogans to the poor, we gave them means. We got 91% of villages connected to roads. We have promised that all the BPL families will have a house by 2022. We waived off the hospital expense for 50 crore people of this country. We did not increase income tax by a single rupee, in fact, we reduced it.we also increased the tax base. 10,000km national highways were constructed every year during our tenure. We already have 55 scheme for our poor." Earlier on Monday, Congress President Rahul Gandhi announced that his party, if voted to power, would give a minimum income guarantee of Rs 6,000 per month to 20 crore household. He said that the move would bring the people out of poverty.

Only West Bengal, Delhi resist Centre's development schemes: Arun Jaitley

Union minister Nitin Gadkari, Maharashtra Congress chief Ashok Chavan and Dalit leader Prakash Ambedkar were among prominent candidates who Monday filed their nomination papers in the state for the Lok Sabha elections.

Gadkari filed his papers for the Nagpur Lok Sabha seat, where polls will be held on April 11.

The BJP stalwart, who had defeated Vilas Muttemwar (Congress) in the 2014 elections by a margin of 2.84 lakh votes, said he will win with a bigger margin this time around.

"This time, I will win with a bigger margin. People have a good opinion of the work done by the Narendra Modi-led government in the last five years. Our government did more than (what was promised) in the poll manifesto," Gadkari told reporters.

The former BJP president was accompanied by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Energy Minister Chandrashekar Bawankule, family members and a large number of party workers, while filing his papers.

"Your support and love is the biggest strength for us," said Gadkari, who handles a number of infrastructure-related portfolios in the Modi government. 
Fadnavis said Gadkari will register a "historic win" in Nagpur.

"He will create a record in Maharashtra," the chief minister said, adding the "BJP-Shiv Sena combine would win 45 of the 48 Lok Sabha seats in the state.

Shiv Sena's Krupal Tumane, the sitting MP from Ramtek (SC) seat, also filed his nomination papers for the Ramtek seat.

Nana Patole of the Congress, who will take on Gadkari in Nagpur, and former IAS officer Kishor Gajbhiye, pitted against Tumane in Ramtek, also filed their nomination papers later in the day.

Patole claimed Nagpur and Ramtek seats were Congress bastions, and said he would defeat Gadkari comfortably.

Chavan filed his papers from the Nanded constituency.

He was accompanied by NCP leader Kamal Kishore Kadam on the occasion.

Chavan, the sitting MP from Nanded, exuded confidence that the Congress will emerge victorious in the country winning seats "in big numbers".

The former Maharashtra chief minister claimed the present atmosphere in the country was against the BJP.

"People are fed up. Farmers, students, unemployed and traders are fed up with the government. The (BJP-led) government has not kept its promises. Hence, there will definitely be a change in guard," Chavan claimed.

Chavan is pitted against Shiv Sena MLA Pratap Chikhlikar, who is contesting on a BJP ticket.

Another senior Maharashtra Congress leader, Manikrao Thakre, filed his papers from the Yavatmal-Washim seat.

Meanwhile, Bharip Bahujan Mahasangh leader Prakash Ambedkar, who has formed a new political front, the Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi, along with AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi, filed his papers from the Solapur seat.

He will take on Congress veteran Sushilkumar Shinde there. The seat is held by BJP's Sharad Bansode, who defeated Shinde in the 2014 polls by a margin of 1.49 lakh votes.

Ambedkar accused Shinde, a former Union Home Minister, of not protecting the interests of backward class communities from the constituency.

Union Minister of State for Home Hansraj Ahir of the BJP also filed his nomination papers. He is contesting from the Chandrapur constituency and will take on Suresh Dhanorkar of the Congress.

The other BJP candidates who filed their papers included Sanjay Dhotre (Akola), Ashok Nete (Gadchiroli-Chimur), Jaysiddheshwar Swami (Solapur) and Dr Pritam Munde (Beed).

Dhotre will contest against NCP's Hidayat Patel, while Munde will take on NCP's Bajarang Sonawane. BJP's Nete will take on Congress candidate Dr Namdev Usendi.

The three sitting MPs of the Shiv Sena from western Vidarbha -- Anandrao Adsul (Amravati), Prataprao Jadhav (Buldana) and Bhavana Gawali (Yavatmal-Washim) also filed their nomination papers.

Yuva Sena chief Aaditya Thackeray was present when Adsul, whose candidature has been opposed by a Sena faction, filed his nomination papers.

Shiv Sena candidate Omraje Nimbalkar filed his nomination papers from the Osmanabad Lok Sabha constituency. The sitting Sena MP from Osmanabad Ravindra Gaikwad has been denied ticket this time.

Adsul will be challenged by NCPs Navneet Rana. Jadhav will take on NCPs Rajendra Shingane, while Gawali's main opponent is Thakre (Congress).

Maharashtra, which has the second highest Lok Sabha seats in the country, will vote in four phases - on April 11, 18, 23, 29.&nbsp;

Union minister Nitin Gadkari, Maharashtra Congress chief Ashok Chavan and Dalit leader Prakash Ambedkar were among prominent candidates who Monday filed their nomination papers in the state for the Lok Sabha elections.

Union minister Nitin Gadkari, Maharashtra Congress chief Ashok Chavan and Dalit leader Prakash Ambedkar were among prominent candidates who Monday filed their nomination papers in the state for the Lok Sabha elections. Gadkari filed his papers for the Nagpur Lok Sabha seat, where polls will be held on April 11. The BJP stalwart, who had defeated Vilas Muttemwar (Congress) in the 2014 elections by a margin of 2.84 lakh votes, said he will win with a bigger margin this time around. "This time, I will win with a bigger margin. People have a good opinion of the work done by the Narendra Modi-led government in the last five years. Our government did more than (what was promised) in the poll manifesto," Gadkari told reporters. The former BJP president was accompanied by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Energy Minister Chandrashekar Bawankule, family members and a large number of party workers, while filing his papers. "Your support and love is the biggest strength for us," said Gadkari, who handles a number of infrastructure-related portfolios in the Modi government. Fadnavis said Gadkari will register a "historic win" in Nagpur. "He will create a record in Maharashtra," the chief minister said, adding the "BJP-Shiv Sena combine would win 45 of the 48 Lok Sabha seats in the state. Shiv Sena's Krupal Tumane, the sitting MP from Ramtek (SC) seat, also filed his nomination papers for the Ramtek seat. Nana Patole of the Congress, who will take on Gadkari in Nagpur, and former IAS officer Kishor Gajbhiye, pitted against Tumane in Ramtek, also filed their nomination papers later in the day. Patole claimed Nagpur and Ramtek seats were Congress bastions, and said he would defeat Gadkari comfortably. Chavan filed his papers from the Nanded constituency. He was accompanied by NCP leader Kamal Kishore Kadam on the occasion. Chavan, the sitting MP from Nanded, exuded confidence that the Congress will emerge victorious in the country winning seats "in big numbers". The former Maharashtra chief minister claimed the present atmosphere in the country was against the BJP. "People are fed up. Farmers, students, unemployed and traders are fed up with the government. The (BJP-led) government has not kept its promises. Hence, there will definitely be a change in guard," Chavan claimed. Chavan is pitted against Shiv Sena MLA Pratap Chikhlikar, who is contesting on a BJP ticket. Another senior Maharashtra Congress leader, Manikrao Thakre, filed his papers from the Yavatmal-Washim seat. Meanwhile, Bharip Bahujan Mahasangh leader Prakash Ambedkar, who has formed a new political front, the Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi, along with AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi, filed his papers from the Solapur seat. He will take on Congress veteran Sushilkumar Shinde there. The seat is held by BJP's Sharad Bansode, who defeated Shinde in the 2014 polls by a margin of 1.49 lakh votes. Ambedkar accused Shinde, a former Union Home Minister, of not protecting the interests of backward class communities from the constituency. Union Minister of State for Home Hansraj Ahir of the BJP also filed his nomination papers. He is contesting from the Chandrapur constituency and will take on Suresh Dhanorkar of the Congress. The other BJP candidates who filed their papers included Sanjay Dhotre (Akola), Ashok Nete (Gadchiroli-Chimur), Jaysiddheshwar Swami (Solapur) and Dr Pritam Munde (Beed). Dhotre will contest against NCP's Hidayat Patel, while Munde will take on NCP's Bajarang Sonawane. BJP's Nete will take on Congress candidate Dr Namdev Usendi. The three sitting MPs of the Shiv Sena from western Vidarbha -- Anandrao Adsul (Amravati), Prataprao Jadhav (Buldana) and Bhavana Gawali (Yavatmal-Washim) also filed their nomination papers. Yuva Sena chief Aaditya Thackeray was present when Adsul, whose candidature has been opposed by a Sena faction, filed his nomination papers. Shiv Sena candidate Omraje Nimbalkar filed his nomination papers from the Osmanabad Lok Sabha constituency. The sitting Sena MP from Osmanabad Ravindra Gaikwad has been denied ticket this time. Adsul will be challenged by NCPs Navneet Rana. Jadhav will take on NCPs Rajendra Shingane, while Gawali's main opponent is Thakre (Congress). Maharashtra, which has the second highest Lok Sabha seats in the country, will vote in four phases - on April 11, 18, 23, 29.

Lok Sabha polls: Gadkari, Chavan, Ambedkar file nominations in Maharashtra 

With memories of last year’s devastating floods still fresh in the minds of people of Kerala, they want the issue of climate change to be a dominant theme of the electoral discourse in the run-up to Lok Sabha polls beginning April 11.

A total of 483 people lost their lives in the August 2018 floods, which were the state’s worst in a century.

According to the Kerala government, one-sixth of the state’s total population was directly affected by the deluge and related incidents.

The residents now want the political parties to take up climate change as one of the main issues in the upcoming general election.

“I am 100 per cent certain about the need for climate change to be one of the main discussion points in the impending elections,” said Arun K Nair, a senior management executive with a leading hospital group in Kochi.

“As a Keralite who has enjoyed the most optimum climatic conditions for over four decades, the plight of flood victims in other parts of the country was more like a tall tale for me, but only until I witnessed the floods in Kerala last year,” he said.

Arun’s relatives, living in nearby Aluva, were among those hit hard by the floods.

According to a UN report released last year, which assessed the damage caused by the floods in Kerala, the state would need about Rs 31,000 crore for recovery and reconstruction.

Thiruvananthapuram-based writer K S Manu said the floods were a time when people realised the incapacity of politicians as the majority of the rehabilitation work was undertaken by young volunteers.

He said the deluge was a man-made disaster which was allegedly caused by “an eccentric political decision when more than 22 dams were opened one by one.”

The floods not just led to the loss of lives, but also the loss of property and means of livelihood, he added.

Manu alleged that the state government had made a “conscious effort” to divert people’s ire by creating new political issues like the entry of women of menstrual age into Lord Ayyappa temple in Sabarimala.

“Justice will be denied to people unless the general political discourse is changed. It should be based on green politics and modern concepts of a welfare society,” he said.

Manu also questioned the sincerity of politicians in handling such issues.

“Whether it is Left or Right, a natural disaster means funds, and funds mean bribes and misappropriation,” he said.

Referring to the failed rehabilitation of victims of the 2004 tsunami, which ravaged the south-west Kerala coast, Manu asserted that politicians and politics will not change anytime soon.

Citing a report released by the IPCC last year — Global Warming of 1.5ºC noted Indian climate expert Chandra Bhushan said a 2 degrees Celsius warmer world will have devastating effects on communities, economies and ecosystems.

Bhushan, who is also the deputy director general of the New Delhi-based advocacy group Centre for Science and Environment, urged the politicians to listen to the people and take steps to minimise the impact of climate change.

In a speech in September last year, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres had referred to the devastating Kerala floods to highlight the urgency of the climate crisis, which, he said, was nearing the point of no return.

The UN chief had also emphasised on the need to step up efforts to reverse the course of climate change.

With memories of last year’s devastating floods still fresh in the minds of people of Kerala, they want the issue of climate change to be a dominant theme of the electoral discourse in the run-up to Lok Sabha polls beginning April 11.

With memories of last year’s devastating floods still fresh in the minds of people of Kerala, they want the issue of climate change to be a dominant theme of the electoral discourse in the run-up to Lok Sabha polls beginning April 11. A total of 483 people lost their lives in the August 2018 floods, which were the state’s worst in a century. According to the Kerala government, one-sixth of the state’s total population was directly affected by the deluge and related incidents. The residents now want the political parties to take up climate change as one of the main issues in the upcoming general election. “I am 100 per cent certain about the need for climate change to be one of the main discussion points in the impending elections,” said Arun K Nair, a senior management executive with a leading hospital group in Kochi. “As a Keralite who has enjoyed the most optimum climatic conditions for over four decades, the plight of flood victims in other parts of the country was more like a tall tale for me, but only until I witnessed the floods in Kerala last year,” he said. Arun’s relatives, living in nearby Aluva, were among those hit hard by the floods. According to a UN report released last year, which assessed the damage caused by the floods in Kerala, the state would need about Rs 31,000 crore for recovery and reconstruction. Thiruvananthapuram-based writer K S Manu said the floods were a time when people realised the incapacity of politicians as the majority of the rehabilitation work was undertaken by young volunteers. He said the deluge was a man-made disaster which was allegedly caused by “an eccentric political decision when more than 22 dams were opened one by one.” The floods not just led to the loss of lives, but also the loss of property and means of livelihood, he added. Manu alleged that the state government had made a “conscious effort” to divert people’s ire by creating new political issues like the entry of women of menstrual age into Lord Ayyappa temple in Sabarimala. “Justice will be denied to people unless the general political discourse is changed. It should be based on green politics and modern concepts of a welfare society,” he said. Manu also questioned the sincerity of politicians in handling such issues. “Whether it is Left or Right, a natural disaster means funds, and funds mean bribes and misappropriation,” he said. Referring to the failed rehabilitation of victims of the 2004 tsunami, which ravaged the south-west Kerala coast, Manu asserted that politicians and politics will not change anytime soon. Citing a report released by the IPCC last year — Global Warming of 1.5ºC noted Indian climate expert Chandra Bhushan said a 2 degrees Celsius warmer world will have devastating effects on communities, economies and ecosystems. Bhushan, who is also the deputy director general of the New Delhi-based advocacy group Centre for Science and Environment, urged the politicians to listen to the people and take steps to minimise the impact of climate change. In a speech in September last year, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres had referred to the devastating Kerala floods to highlight the urgency of the climate crisis, which, he said, was nearing the point of no return. The UN chief had also emphasised on the need to step up efforts to reverse the course of climate change.

Lok Sabha polls 2019: After 2018 floods, Keralites want climate change to drive poll narrative

It may well be a Jai Ram versus Sukh Ram poll battle for the Mandi Lok Sabha seat in Himachal Pradesh in the ensuing general elections, even though neither of them is actually in the fray.&nbsp;

Former Union Telecom Minister Sukh Ram and Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur’s prestige will be at stake in Mandi seat, which is going to the polls along with three other parliamentary seats of the hill state on May 19.

The BJP has already renominated its sitting MP Ramswaroop Sharma, whose candidature was openly supported by Thakur despite Sukh Ram’s grandson Aashray Sharma vying for the BJP ticket from the seat.

With Sukh Ram joining the Congress along with his grandson on Monday, the Congress will most probably give the ticket to Aashray Sharma, a senior Congress leader said.

Mandi being the chief minister’s home district, ensuring Ramswaroop Sharma’s victory will be a matter of personal prestige for Thakur.

On the other hand, Sukh Ram too will leave no stone unturned to get his grandson to win this seat. Ninety-one-year-old Sukh Ram, the former Union telecom minister in P V Narasimha Rao-led Congress government, has represented Mandi thrice in the Lok Sabha — in 1984, 1991 and 1996.

Sukh Ram’s grandson Aashray has already been electioneering in Mandi for weeks, even before joining the Congress.

“I have already campaigned in 15 out of 17 assembly segments except Seraj and Jogindernagar falling under Mandi parliamentary constituency,” Sharma, 33, told PTI.

Interestingly, Sukh Ram’s son and Aashray’s father Anil Sharma is currently the power minister in Jai Ram Thakur-led BJP government in the state. Sukh Ram joining the Congress along with his grandson has left his son Anil Sharma’s political career in a quandary. State BJP president Satpal Singh Satti told PTI, “It is up to Anil Sharma to decide whether to remain as a minister or quit.”

Anil Sharma has been elected as MLA for four times so far and was also a minister during the Virbhadra Singh-led Congress government in the state from 1993 to 1996 and from 2013 to 2017.

Sitting BJP MP Ramswaroop Sharma had won the seat by a margin of nearly 40,000 votes in 2014. He had secured 3,62,824 votes in 2014, defeating Congress candidate and Virbhadra Singh’s wife Pratibha Singh, who had got 3,22,968 votes. Amid the prospect of the two Rams testing their electoral power in Mandi, this Lok Sabha constituency is set to become a hot seat in Himachal Pradesh.

It may well be a Jai Ram versus Sukh Ram poll battle for the Mandi Lok Sabha seat in Himachal Pradesh in the ensuing general elections, even though neither of them is actually in the fray.

It may well be a Jai Ram versus Sukh Ram poll battle for the Mandi Lok Sabha seat in Himachal Pradesh in the ensuing general elections, even though neither of them is actually in the fray. Former Union Telecom Minister Sukh Ram and Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur’s prestige will be at stake in Mandi seat, which is going to the polls along with three other parliamentary seats of the hill state on May 19. The BJP has already renominated its sitting MP Ramswaroop Sharma, whose candidature was openly supported by Thakur despite Sukh Ram’s grandson Aashray Sharma vying for the BJP ticket from the seat. With Sukh Ram joining the Congress along with his grandson on Monday, the Congress will most probably give the ticket to Aashray Sharma, a senior Congress leader said. Mandi being the chief minister’s home district, ensuring Ramswaroop Sharma’s victory will be a matter of personal prestige for Thakur. On the other hand, Sukh Ram too will leave no stone unturned to get his grandson to win this seat. Ninety-one-year-old Sukh Ram, the former Union telecom minister in P V Narasimha Rao-led Congress government, has represented Mandi thrice in the Lok Sabha — in 1984, 1991 and 1996. Sukh Ram’s grandson Aashray has already been electioneering in Mandi for weeks, even before joining the Congress. “I have already campaigned in 15 out of 17 assembly segments except Seraj and Jogindernagar falling under Mandi parliamentary constituency,” Sharma, 33, told PTI. Interestingly, Sukh Ram’s son and Aashray’s father Anil Sharma is currently the power minister in Jai Ram Thakur-led BJP government in the state. Sukh Ram joining the Congress along with his grandson has left his son Anil Sharma’s political career in a quandary. State BJP president Satpal Singh Satti told PTI, “It is up to Anil Sharma to decide whether to remain as a minister or quit.” Anil Sharma has been elected as MLA for four times so far and was also a minister during the Virbhadra Singh-led Congress government in the state from 1993 to 1996 and from 2013 to 2017. Sitting BJP MP Ramswaroop Sharma had won the seat by a margin of nearly 40,000 votes in 2014. He had secured 3,62,824 votes in 2014, defeating Congress candidate and Virbhadra Singh’s wife Pratibha Singh, who had got 3,22,968 votes. Amid the prospect of the two Rams testing their electoral power in Mandi, this Lok Sabha constituency is set to become a hot seat in Himachal Pradesh.

Lok Sabha polls 2019: In Ram vs Ram, a battle of prestige in Himachal Pradesh’s Mandi

Model Code of Conduct is a set of guidelines laid down by the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/election-commission-fixes-timeline-for-political-parties-to-release-manifesto-203758">Election Commission</a> to govern the conduct of<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/election-commission-to-deploy-more-special-expenditure-observers-120-sensitive-seats-identified-205583"> political parties and candidates </a>in the run-up to an election.

Simply, it comprises all the rules to ensure free and fair polls.

The rules range from issues related to speeches, polling day, polling booths, portfolios, the content of election manifestos, processions and general conduct so that free and fair elections are conducted.

Model Code of Conduct comes into force from the date the election schedule is announced until the date that results are out. As a result, it kicked in from March 11 evening and will remain in effect until the election process is concluded.

What restrictions does the Model Code of Conduct impose on government and political parties?

According to the Model Code of Conduct, any political party — whether at the Centre or in the States — should ensure that it does not use its official position for campaigning.

Ministers and other government authorities cannot announce financial grants in any form.

The ruling government cannot make any ad-hoc appointments in Government, Public Undertakings etc.

No project or scheme which may have the effect of influencing the voter can be announced.

Politicians and officers cannot use executive machinery for the election campaign or any purposes to influence voters.

What happens at the violation of Model Code of Conduct

If a political party, a candidate or a government official is found violating or not adhering to the rules prescribed under the MCC, the citizens can apprise the Election Commission of India (ECI) of such violation through specified means.

The ECI will deliberate on the issue and can take a range of actions: Impose a fine, file an FIR that leads to imprisonment or even cancel the polls in that constituency.

cVIGIL mobile app

Citizens can report violations of model code via cVIGIL mobile app introduced by the ECI. All one has to do is click a picture or a video, describe the activity and upload it via the app. Flying squads will reach the spot in minutes. The identity and other details of the complainant will be kept anonymous in the app.

Model Code of Conduct is a set of guidelines laid down by the Election Commission to govern the conduct of political parties and candidates in the run-up to an election.

Model Code of Conduct is a set of guidelines laid down by the Election Commission to govern the conduct of political parties and candidates in the run-up to an election. Simply, it comprises all the rules to ensure free and fair polls. The rules range from issues related to speeches, polling day, polling booths, portfolios, the content of election manifestos, processions and general conduct so that free and fair elections are conducted. Model Code of Conduct comes into force from the date the election schedule is announced until the date that results are out. As a result, it kicked in from March 11 evening and will remain in effect until the election process is concluded. What restrictions does the Model Code of Conduct impose on government and political parties? According to the Model Code of Conduct, any political party — whether at the Centre or in the States — should ensure that it does not use its official position for campaigning. Ministers and other government authorities cannot announce financial grants in any form. The ruling government cannot make any ad-hoc appointments in Government, Public Undertakings etc. No project or scheme which may have the effect of influencing the voter can be announced. Politicians and officers cannot use executive machinery for the election campaign or any purposes to influence voters. What happens at the violation of Model Code of Conduct If a political party, a candidate or a government official is found violating or not adhering to the rules prescribed under the MCC, the citizens can apprise the Election Commission of India (ECI) of such violation through specified means. The ECI will deliberate on the issue and can take a range of actions: Impose a fine, file an FIR that leads to imprisonment or even cancel the polls in that constituency. cVIGIL mobile app Citizens can report violations of model code via cVIGIL mobile app introduced by the ECI. All one has to do is click a picture or a video, describe the activity and upload it via the app. Flying squads will reach the spot in minutes. The identity and other details of the complainant will be kept anonymous in the app.

Lok Sabha polls 2019: What is Model Code of Conduct?

Rahul Gandhi-led Congress party on Tuesday released its list of star campaigners ahead of the Lok Sabha polls. The list includes party president Rahul Gandhi, UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi, former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and party in-charge of eastern Uttar Pradesh Priyanka Gandhi Vadra.&nbsp;

Some of the other prominent leaders in the list are Ghulam Nabi Azad, Jyotiraditya Scindia, Ashok Chavan, Mallikarjun Kharge, Prithviraj Chavan, KC Venugopal, Sushil Kumar Shinde, Milind Deora and cricketer-turned-politician Mohammad Azharuddin, among others. &nbsp;

The Bharatiya Janata Party also released its list of star campaigners and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-polls-bjps-list-of-star-campaigners-skips-advani-murli-manohar-joshi-205654">skipped some of its veteran leaders</a>. The BJP, for this year's Lok Sabha polls, has decided not to field <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-2019-bjp-snubs-veteran-leaders-murli-manohar-joshi-asked-not-to-contest-205698">veteran leaders ageing above 75 years</a> in its move to promote younger candidates.&nbsp;

Akhilesh Yadav's Samajwadi Party, last week, in its 'star campaigners' list left out party patriarch and former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mulayam Singh Yadav who was hastily added back to the list a day later.&nbsp;

Rahul Gandhi-led Congress party on Tuesday released its list of star campaigners ahead of the Lok Sabha polls. The list includes party president Rahul Gandhi, UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi, former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and party in-charge of eastern Uttar Pradesh Priyanka Gandhi Vadra.

Rahul Gandhi-led Congress party on Tuesday released its list of star campaigners ahead of the Lok Sabha polls. The list includes party president Rahul Gandhi, UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi, former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and party in-charge of eastern Uttar Pradesh Priyanka Gandhi Vadra. Some of the other prominent leaders in the list are Ghulam Nabi Azad, Jyotiraditya Scindia, Ashok Chavan, Mallikarjun Kharge, Prithviraj Chavan, KC Venugopal, Sushil Kumar Shinde, Milind Deora and cricketer-turned-politician Mohammad Azharuddin, among others. The Bharatiya Janata Party also released its list of star campaigners and skipped some of its veteran leaders. The BJP, for this year's Lok Sabha polls, has decided not to field veteran leaders ageing above 75 years in its move to promote younger candidates. Akhilesh Yadav's Samajwadi Party, last week, in its 'star campaigners' list left out party patriarch and former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mulayam Singh Yadav who was hastily added back to the list a day later.

Lok Sabha polls: Congress' list of star campaigners includes Gandhi clan, former CM, party bigwigs and Mohammad Azharuddin

Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday stated that he is pretty sure of another term for Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Singh, in middle of his statement, got caught in a poetic frenzy and said, "Chowkidar is not a chor, he is pure and another term for him is sure".&nbsp;

Earlier this month, Prime Minister Narendra Modi changed his Twitter handle to '<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-changes-name-on-twitter-to-chowkidar-narendra-modi-amit-shah-piyush-goyal-follow-suit-203811">Chowkidar' Narendra Modi</a>. Scores of BJP bigwigs, including party president Amit Shah and Railway Minister Piyush Goyal, followed suit.&nbsp;

"Your Chowkidar is standing firm &amp; serving the nation," Modi had tweeted on.&nbsp;

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Union Minister &amp; BJP leader Rajnath Singh at a public rally in Delhi: Chowkidar chorr nahi, Chowkidar pure hai. Chowkidar ka dobara PM banana sure hai, desh ki samasyaon ka woh hi cure hai. <a href="https://t.co/5hcvCV6M96">pic.twitter.com/5hcvCV6M96</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1110433156560310274?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 26, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"But, I am not alone," he said. "Everyone who is fighting corruption, dirt, social evils is a Chowkidar. Everyone working hard for the progress of India is a Chowkidar."&nbsp;

"Today, every Indian is saying-#MainBhiChowkidar," he added.&nbsp;

The Prime Minister had first referred to himself as the chowkidar (watchman) of the nation in the run-up to the 2014 general elections. "Na khaoonga, na khaane doonga (I will not be corrupt, I will not let others be corrupt)," he had said then. &nbsp;

On March 16, Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged his supporters to take the 'main bhai chowkidar' (I too am watchman) pledge, saying he is not alone in the fight against graft and social evils.

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Your Chowkidar is standing firm &amp; serving the nation. 
 
But, I am not alone. 
 
Everyone who is fighting corruption, dirt, social evils is a Chowkidar. 
 
Everyone working hard for the progress of India is a Chowkidar. 
 
Today, every Indian is saying-<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MainBhiChowkidar?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MainBhiChowkidar</a>
— Chowkidar Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1106759555315314689?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 16, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"Your Chowkidar is standing firm and serving the nation. But, I am not alone. Everyone who is fighting corruption, dirt, social evils is a Chowkidar. Everyone working hard for the progress of India is a Chowkidar. Today, every Indian is saying-#MainBhiChowkidar," he wrote on Twitter.

He also posted a three-minute long video to drive home his message.

PM Modi has often described himself as a "chowkidar" by the opposition.

Congress president Rahul Gandhi has been repeatedly hurling the "chowkidar chor hai" (watchman is the thief) jibe at the Prime Minister to claim irregularities and favouritism in the Rafale fighter jet deal, a charge the BJP-led government has rejected.

Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday stated that he is pretty sure of another term for Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Singh, in middle of his statement, got caught in a poetic frenzy and said, "Chowkidar is not a chor, he is pure and another term for him is sure".

Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday stated that he is pretty sure of another term for Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Singh, in middle of his statement, got caught in a poetic frenzy and said, "Chowkidar is not a chor, he is pure and another term for him is sure". Earlier this month, Prime Minister Narendra Modi changed his Twitter handle to 'Chowkidar' Narendra Modi. Scores of BJP bigwigs, including party president Amit Shah and Railway Minister Piyush Goyal, followed suit. "Your Chowkidar is standing firm & serving the nation," Modi had tweeted on. Union Minister & BJP leader Rajnath Singh at a public rally in Delhi: Chowkidar chorr nahi, Chowkidar pure hai. Chowkidar ka dobara PM banana sure hai, desh ki samasyaon ka woh hi cure hai. pic.twitter.com/5hcvCV6M96 — ANI (@ANI) March 26, 2019 × "But, I am not alone," he said. "Everyone who is fighting corruption, dirt, social evils is a Chowkidar. Everyone working hard for the progress of India is a Chowkidar." "Today, every Indian is saying-#MainBhiChowkidar," he added. The Prime Minister had first referred to himself as the chowkidar (watchman) of the nation in the run-up to the 2014 general elections. "Na khaoonga, na khaane doonga (I will not be corrupt, I will not let others be corrupt)," he had said then. On March 16, Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged his supporters to take the 'main bhai chowkidar' (I too am watchman) pledge, saying he is not alone in the fight against graft and social evils. Your Chowkidar is standing firm & serving the nation. But, I am not alone. Everyone who is fighting corruption, dirt, social evils is a Chowkidar. Everyone working hard for the progress of India is a Chowkidar. Today, every Indian is saying-#MainBhiChowkidar — Chowkidar Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 16, 2019 × "Your Chowkidar is standing firm and serving the nation. But, I am not alone. Everyone who is fighting corruption, dirt, social evils is a Chowkidar. Everyone working hard for the progress of India is a Chowkidar. Today, every Indian is saying-#MainBhiChowkidar," he wrote on Twitter. He also posted a three-minute long video to drive home his message. PM Modi has often described himself as a "chowkidar" by the opposition. Congress president Rahul Gandhi has been repeatedly hurling the "chowkidar chor hai" (watchman is the thief) jibe at the Prime Minister to claim irregularities and favouritism in the Rafale fighter jet deal, a charge the BJP-led government has rejected.

Chowkidar is pure, another term for him is sure: Rajnath Singh goes poetic on Modi

The Congress has released its list of candidates for the upcoming assembly polls in Odisha. According to reports, the party has fielded Biren Senapati, Ramesh Purohit, Shyamghan Pradhan and Shambhunath Panigrahi from Rourkela, Patnagarh, G Udaygiri and Hinjili, respectively.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/lok-sabha-polls-congress-releases-sixth-list-of-candidates-204430">The Congress, last week, released its 6th list of candidates</a> for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections - seven from Maharashtra and two from Kerala, for the Lok Sabha election.&nbsp;

With this, the party has released names of 146 candidates for the election starting on April 11.

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-polls-bjp-announces-list-of-100-candidates-for-odisha-assembly-polls-204777">Bharatiya Janata Party also released a list of 100 candidates</a> for assembly polls in Odisha last week.&nbsp;

Damodar Rout, Kusum Tete, Prakash Behera, and K Narayan Rao, who recently joined BJP after quitting BJD, have been given tickets to contest polls in the state. Rout has been fielded from Balikuda-Ersama assembly constituency, Prakash Behera from Salepur, Kusum Tete from Sundergarh and K Narayan Rao from Paralakhemundi, news agency ANI reported.&nbsp;

In the 2014 Assembly elections, BJP had won 10 out of 147 seats in Odisha.&nbsp;

Odisha will go to polls in four phases on April 11, 18, 23 and 29. The state will be voting simultaneously for the 21 Lok Sabha and 147 Assembly seats in Odisha.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The Congress has released its list of candidates for the upcoming assembly polls in Odisha. According to reports, the party has fielded Biren Senapati, Ramesh Purohit, Shyamghan Pradhan and Shambhunath Panigrahi from Rourkela, Patnagarh, G Udaygiri and Hinjili, respectively.

The Congress has released its list of candidates for the upcoming assembly polls in Odisha. According to reports, the party has fielded Biren Senapati, Ramesh Purohit, Shyamghan Pradhan and Shambhunath Panigrahi from Rourkela, Patnagarh, G Udaygiri and Hinjili, respectively. The Congress, last week, released its 6th list of candidates for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections - seven from Maharashtra and two from Kerala, for the Lok Sabha election. With this, the party has released names of 146 candidates for the election starting on April 11. The Bharatiya Janata Party also released a list of 100 candidates for assembly polls in Odisha last week. Damodar Rout, Kusum Tete, Prakash Behera, and K Narayan Rao, who recently joined BJP after quitting BJD, have been given tickets to contest polls in the state. Rout has been fielded from Balikuda-Ersama assembly constituency, Prakash Behera from Salepur, Kusum Tete from Sundergarh and K Narayan Rao from Paralakhemundi, news agency ANI reported. In the 2014 Assembly elections, BJP had won 10 out of 147 seats in Odisha. Odisha will go to polls in four phases on April 11, 18, 23 and 29. The state will be voting simultaneously for the 21 Lok Sabha and 147 Assembly seats in Odisha. (With inputs from agencies)

Congress releases list of candidates for Odisha assembly polls

The Bharatiya Janata Party on Tuesday&nbsp;released its list of star campaigners for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls.&nbsp;

According to reports, BJP's star campaigners include Prime Minister Narendra Modi, party chief Amit Shah along with union ministers like Rajnath Singh, Nitin Gadkari, Arun Jaitley, Sushma Swaraj.&nbsp;

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BJP has released list of star campaigners for <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LokSabhaElections2019?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LokSabhaElections2019</a> for UP. PM Narendra Modi, Amit Shah, Rajnath Singh, Nitin Gadkari, Arun Jaitley, Sushma Swaraj, Uma Bharti feature on the list. Names of LK Advani &amp; Murli Manohar Joshi missing from the list 40 star campaigners
— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANINewsUP/status/1110374857169166338?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 26, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Interestingly, the party has kept out some of the tallest party leaders and political bigwigs like LK Advani and Murli Manohar Joshi out from its list of 40 star campaigners.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, the party is all set to launch its <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bjp-to-kick-off-campaign-blitz-in-bihar-as-poll-heat-picks-up-205646">Lok Sabha election campaign in Bihar</a>.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Bihar on July 2, party sources said on Monday. He is expected to address election rallies in Jamui and Gaya.

Before PM's visit, party chief Amit Shah is scheduled to visit Bihar on March 29.

(With inputs from ANI)&nbsp;

The Bharatiya Janata Party on Tuesday released its list of star campaigners for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls. According to reports, BJP's star campaigners include Prime Minister Narendra Modi, party chief Amit Shah along with union ministers like Rajnath Singh, Nitin Gadkari, Arun Jaitley, Sushma Swaraj.

The Bharatiya Janata Party on Tuesday released its list of star campaigners for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls. According to reports, BJP's star campaigners include Prime Minister Narendra Modi, party chief Amit Shah along with union ministers like Rajnath Singh, Nitin Gadkari, Arun Jaitley, Sushma Swaraj. BJP has released list of star campaigners for #LokSabhaElections2019 for UP. PM Narendra Modi, Amit Shah, Rajnath Singh, Nitin Gadkari, Arun Jaitley, Sushma Swaraj, Uma Bharti feature on the list. Names of LK Advani & Murli Manohar Joshi missing from the list 40 star campaigners — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) March 26, 2019 × Interestingly, the party has kept out some of the tallest party leaders and political bigwigs like LK Advani and Murli Manohar Joshi out from its list of 40 star campaigners. Meanwhile, the party is all set to launch its Lok Sabha election campaign in Bihar. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Bihar on July 2, party sources said on Monday. He is expected to address election rallies in Jamui and Gaya. Before PM's visit, party chief Amit Shah is scheduled to visit Bihar on March 29. (With inputs from ANI)

Lok Sabha polls: BJP's list of star campaigners skips Advani, Murli Manohar Joshi