The Bharatiya Janata Party has asked former BJP president and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-polls-bjps-list-of-star-campaigners-skips-advani-murli-manohar-joshi-205654">Lok Sabha MP Murli Manohar</a> Joshi not to contest the upcoming Lok Sabha polls, his office said.

The move is being seen in line of the party's decision to not field some its veteran candidates, those ageing over 75 years.&nbsp;

BJP leaders said the party has taken a "principled decision" that veterans should make the way for younger leaders.

The BJP has also not given tickets to likes of BC Khanduri, Kariya Munda, Kalraj Mishra, Bijoya Chakravarty - all many term MPs and over 80 years of age - besides Advani (91).

Joshi's office confirmed the development saying that the 85-year-old leader has issued a statement in Kanpur, the Lok Sabha constituency from where he won in 2014 Lok Sabha polls.&nbsp;

The statement said BJP general secretary (organisation) Ram Lal, a Rashtriya Swayamsewak Sangh (RSS) appointee, had conveyed Joshi the party leadership's decision that he should not be contesting the elections.

He had vacated Varanasi seat, which he had won in 2009, for Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2014.

The Bharatiya Janata Party on Tuesday 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;

Here also, 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; 
&nbsp;

The Bharatiya Janata Party has asked former BJP president and Lok Sabha MP Murli Manohar Joshi not to contest the upcoming Lok Sabha polls, his office said. The move is being seen in line of the party's decision to not field some its veteran candidates, those ageing over 75 years.

The Bharatiya Janata Party has asked former BJP president and Lok Sabha MP Murli Manohar Joshi not to contest the upcoming Lok Sabha polls, his office said. The move is being seen in line of the party's decision to not field some its veteran candidates, those ageing over 75 years. BJP leaders said the party has taken a "principled decision" that veterans should make the way for younger leaders. The BJP has also not given tickets to likes of BC Khanduri, Kariya Munda, Kalraj Mishra, Bijoya Chakravarty - all many term MPs and over 80 years of age - besides Advani (91). Joshi's office confirmed the development saying that the 85-year-old leader has issued a statement in Kanpur, the Lok Sabha constituency from where he won in 2014 Lok Sabha polls. The statement said BJP general secretary (organisation) Ram Lal, a Rashtriya Swayamsewak Sangh (RSS) appointee, had conveyed Joshi the party leadership's decision that he should not be contesting the elections. He had vacated Varanasi seat, which he had won in 2009, for Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2014. 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. Here also, 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.

Lok Sabha polls 2019: Murli Manohar Joshi asked not to contest, says his office

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav on Tuesday announced that Nishad Party and Janvadi Party (Socialist) are now a part of Samajwadi Party-Bahujan Samaj Party-Rashtriya Lok Dal alliance in Uttar Pradesh.&nbsp;

According to the seat-sharing arrangement, Samajwadi Party will contest 37 seats while BSP will fight on 38. Ajit Singh-led Rashtriya Lok Dal was being considered the third wheel of the alliance.&nbsp;

Lok Sabha 2019 will be held in seven phases starting April 11, ending on May 19. Uttar Pradesh will cast vote in seven phases.&nbsp;

On March 8, the Samajwadi Party had released its first list of nine candidates for the Lok Sabha polls in Uttar Pradesh, fielding party founder Mulayam Singh Yadav from its stronghold Mainpuri.

The party later announced that SP chief Akhilesh Yadav's wife Dimple Yadav would contest from Kannauj, where she is the sitting MP.

The party has decided to field MPs Dharmendra Yadav and Akshay Yadav from the current seats of Badaun and Firozabad, respectively.&nbsp;

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav on Tuesday announced that Nishad Party and Janvadi Party (Socialist) are now a part of Samajwadi Party-Bahujan Samaj Party-Rashtriya Lok Dal alliance in Uttar Pradesh.

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav on Tuesday announced that Nishad Party and Janvadi Party (Socialist) are now a part of Samajwadi Party-Bahujan Samaj Party-Rashtriya Lok Dal alliance in Uttar Pradesh. According to the seat-sharing arrangement, Samajwadi Party will contest 37 seats while BSP will fight on 38. Ajit Singh-led Rashtriya Lok Dal was being considered the third wheel of the alliance. Lok Sabha 2019 will be held in seven phases starting April 11, ending on May 19. Uttar Pradesh will cast vote in seven phases. On March 8, the Samajwadi Party had released its first list of nine candidates for the Lok Sabha polls in Uttar Pradesh, fielding party founder Mulayam Singh Yadav from its stronghold Mainpuri. The party later announced that SP chief Akhilesh Yadav's wife Dimple Yadav would contest from Kannauj, where she is the sitting MP. The party has decided to field MPs Dharmendra Yadav and Akshay Yadav from the current seats of Badaun and Firozabad, respectively.

Lok Sabha polls: Nishad Party and Janvadi Party (Socialist) join SP-BSP-RLD alliance in Uttar Pradesh

The Supreme Court Monday refused to entertain a plea filed by a former DGP of Uttar Pradesh seeking a direction to the Election Commission of India to ban roadshows and bike rallies during polls.

"We are not inclined to entertain this," a bench comprising Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi and Justice Deepak Gupta told advocate Virag Gupta, who was appearing for petitioners Vikram Singh and Shaivika Agrawal.

Singh, a former Director General of Police of Uttar Pradesh, said in his petition that the roadshows and bike rallies violate EC's instructions and cause damage to the environment.

The Supreme Court Monday refused to entertain a plea filed by a former DGP of Uttar Pradesh seeking a direction to the Election Commission of India to ban roadshows and bike rallies during polls.

The Supreme Court Monday refused to entertain a plea filed by a former DGP of Uttar Pradesh seeking a direction to the Election Commission of India to ban roadshows and bike rallies during polls. "We are not inclined to entertain this," a bench comprising Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi and Justice Deepak Gupta told advocate Virag Gupta, who was appearing for petitioners Vikram Singh and Shaivika Agrawal. Singh, a former Director General of Police of Uttar Pradesh, said in his petition that the roadshows and bike rallies violate EC's instructions and cause damage to the environment.

Supreme Court dismisses plea seeking ban on roadshows, bike rallies during polls

Spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has requested Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to enable every cricketer playing in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/ipl-2019">Indian Premier League</a> to be allowed to cast their votes from whichever place they find themselves at.&nbsp;

Ashwin took to Twitter to appeal on his official account, saying, "I would also like to request you @narendramodi sir to enable every cricketer playing in the IPL to be allowed to cast their votes from which ever place they find themselves at."&nbsp;

The 2019 Indian general election is scheduled to be held this year in seven phases from April 11 to May 19&nbsp;to constitute the 17th Lok Sabha.&nbsp;

The counting of votes will be conducted on May 23, and on the same day, the results will be declared.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
I would also like to request you <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> sir to enable every cricketer playing in the IPL to be allowed to cast their votes from which ever place they find themselves at. 🙏
— Ashwin Ravichandran (@ashwinravi99) <a href="https://twitter.com/ashwinravi99/status/1110086097147592704?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 25, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

While making the schedule, the IPL operations team has ensured that no team plays their home matches at the alternate venues as the general elections will be held in seven phases from April 12 to May 19.&nbsp;

Two-time champions Kolkata will play all their IPL home matches at the Eden Gardens despite West Bengal going into polls during the elections. &nbsp;

Even Ashwin-led Punjab, who had played a few of their home matches in Indore during earlier editions, will play all their matches in Mohali.&nbsp;

In the tournament, Ashwin would be desperate to prove that he can still make a difference in this format.&nbsp;

Spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has requested Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to enable every cricketer playing in the Indian Premier League to be allowed to cast their votes from whichever place they find themselves at.

Spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has requested Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to enable every cricketer playing in the Indian Premier League to be allowed to cast their votes from whichever place they find themselves at. Ashwin took to Twitter to appeal on his official account, saying, "I would also like to request you @narendramodi sir to enable every cricketer playing in the IPL to be allowed to cast their votes from which ever place they find themselves at." The 2019 Indian general election is scheduled to be held this year in seven phases from April 11 to May 19 to constitute the 17th Lok Sabha. The counting of votes will be conducted on May 23, and on the same day, the results will be declared. I would also like to request you @narendramodi sir to enable every cricketer playing in the IPL to be allowed to cast their votes from which ever place they find themselves at. 🙏 — Ashwin Ravichandran (@ashwinravi99) March 25, 2019 × While making the schedule, the IPL operations team has ensured that no team plays their home matches at the alternate venues as the general elections will be held in seven phases from April 12 to May 19. Two-time champions Kolkata will play all their IPL home matches at the Eden Gardens despite West Bengal going into polls during the elections. Even Ashwin-led Punjab, who had played a few of their home matches in Indore during earlier editions, will play all their matches in Mohali. In the tournament, Ashwin would be desperate to prove that he can still make a difference in this format.

Here is Ravichandran Ashwin's request to PM Narendra Modi ahead of general elections

Using hashtag #VoteKar, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-2019-over-100-farmers-from-tamil-nadu-set-to-challenge-pm-modi-in-varanasi-205231">Prime Minister Narendra Modi</a> on Saturday went on a tweet spree again urging celebrities from various fields to motivate people to vote in the upcoming Lok Sabha election.

Interestingly, Prime Minister Modi tweeted 16 times in just half-an-hour using the hashtag.

“My fellow Indians, The time has come to say- #VoteKar. In the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, ensure that you as well as your family and friends turn out in record numbers. Your doing so will have a positive impact on the nation’s future,” he tweeted.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
My fellow Indians, 
 
The time has come to say- <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/VoteKar?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#VoteKar</a>. 
 
In the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, ensure that you as well as your family and friends turnout in record numbers. 
 
Your doing so will have a positive impact on the nation’s future.
— Chowkidar Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1109822374008877056?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 24, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

He later went on to tag film celebrities like Hrithik Roshan, Anupam Kher, Kabir Bedi, R Madhavan, Anil Kapoor, Ajay Devgn, Madhuri Dixit, Madhur Bhandarkar, Rajkummar Rao, Parineeti Chopra and Kartik Aryan among others to ask their respective fans to go and vote in the coming election.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Dear <a href="https://twitter.com/AnilKapoor?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AnilKapoor</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/ajaydevgn?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ajaydevgn</a> &amp; <a href="https://twitter.com/MadhuriDixit?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MadhuriDixit</a>, 
 
After the box office, it is time to create Total Dhamaal at the polling booths. 
 
Your support to the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/VoteKar?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#VoteKar</a> movement will augur well for India’s democracy. 
 
Let us ensure high voter turnout!
— Chowkidar Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1109824861084344320?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 24, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

This was the second time when Prime Minister Modi made such an appeal.

On March 13, he had urged various politicians to encourage voter participation and urged them to inspire more people to come out and vote during the upcoming Lok Sabha polls.

“I appeal to Rahul Gandhi, Mamata Banerjee, Sharad Pawar, Mayawati, Akhilesh Yadav, Tejashwi Yadav and MK Stalin to encourage increased voter participation in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls. A high turnout augurs well for our democratic fabric,” Prime Minister Modi wrote at that time.

He later went on to call upon Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, Karnataka Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu and YSRCP president YS Jagan Mohan Reddy to “work towards bringing maximum Indians to the polling booths in the upcoming elections. May voter awareness efforts be strengthened across the length and breadth of India.”

Seven-phased elections in the country will begin on April 11, and will culminate on May 19. The counting of votes will be done on May 23.

Using hashtag #VoteKar, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday went on a tweet spree again urging celebrities from various fields to motivate people to vote in the upcoming Lok Sabha election.

Using hashtag #VoteKar, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday went on a tweet spree again urging celebrities from various fields to motivate people to vote in the upcoming Lok Sabha election. Interestingly, Prime Minister Modi tweeted 16 times in just half-an-hour using the hashtag. “My fellow Indians, The time has come to say- #VoteKar. In the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, ensure that you as well as your family and friends turn out in record numbers. Your doing so will have a positive impact on the nation’s future,” he tweeted. My fellow Indians, The time has come to say- #VoteKar. In the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, ensure that you as well as your family and friends turnout in record numbers. Your doing so will have a positive impact on the nation’s future. — Chowkidar Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 24, 2019 × He later went on to tag film celebrities like Hrithik Roshan, Anupam Kher, Kabir Bedi, R Madhavan, Anil Kapoor, Ajay Devgn, Madhuri Dixit, Madhur Bhandarkar, Rajkummar Rao, Parineeti Chopra and Kartik Aryan among others to ask their respective fans to go and vote in the coming election. Dear @AnilKapoor, @ajaydevgn & @MadhuriDixit, After the box office, it is time to create Total Dhamaal at the polling booths. Your support to the #VoteKar movement will augur well for India’s democracy. Let us ensure high voter turnout! — Chowkidar Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 24, 2019 × This was the second time when Prime Minister Modi made such an appeal. On March 13, he had urged various politicians to encourage voter participation and urged them to inspire more people to come out and vote during the upcoming Lok Sabha polls. “I appeal to Rahul Gandhi, Mamata Banerjee, Sharad Pawar, Mayawati, Akhilesh Yadav, Tejashwi Yadav and MK Stalin to encourage increased voter participation in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls. A high turnout augurs well for our democratic fabric,” Prime Minister Modi wrote at that time. He later went on to call upon Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, Karnataka Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu and YSRCP president YS Jagan Mohan Reddy to “work towards bringing maximum Indians to the polling booths in the upcoming elections. May voter awareness efforts be strengthened across the length and breadth of India.” Seven-phased elections in the country will begin on April 11, and will culminate on May 19. The counting of votes will be done on May 23.

Lok Sabha polls 2019: PM Modi tweets 16 times, tells people to vote

Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), which is contesting on 22 Lok Sabha seats in Maharashtra out of 48, released its manifesto named 'Aao Milkar Desh Banaye' here on Monday ahead of the ensuing Lok Sabha elections.

The focus of the manifesto was on the relationship with Pakistan, saying it will open talks with Pakistan while also insisting discussions on the issue of terrorism. "We will open talks with Pakistan during which we will insist on discussing terrorism," read the manifesto.

While releasing the manifesto, NCP general secretary DP Tripathi said: "It is necessary to strengthen our stand in global circumstances. Hence, the pathway of talks should never be closed. I don't say dialogues will immediately resolve the situation, but it'll lessen the problems".

Taking a dig at the Narendra Modi-led Government on its foreign policy, the manifesto stated: "It is important to at least continue working relations with Pakistan as we have with Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh and Maldives. The reason for the crisis in foreign policy is due to the current Government moving away from the principles set up by our founding Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru. We will follow the Panchsheel philosophy which has worked for us well".

On the issue of national security, NCP manifesto said: "Our endeavour will be to bring the youth into the mainstream and thereby prevent them from falling prey to radicalisation. Stern action will be taken against those engaged in radicalising youth. This declaration has been made in the view of Jammu and Kashmir and a prolonged turmoil situation there."

"The NDA Government, in five years, has failed miserably to contain terrorism. In these five years of NDA rule, there have been three terror attacks on military and paramilitary forces and no one is held accountable" the manifesto added.

Apart from core traditional issues like farmers' distress, unemployment and job losses, issues like foreign policy, national security and defence also got a considerable space in the manifesto.

Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), which is contesting on 22 Lok Sabha seats in Maharashtra out of 48, released its manifesto named 'Aao Milkar Desh Banaye' here on Monday ahead of the ensuing Lok Sabha elections.

Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), which is contesting on 22 Lok Sabha seats in Maharashtra out of 48, released its manifesto named 'Aao Milkar Desh Banaye' here on Monday ahead of the ensuing Lok Sabha elections. The focus of the manifesto was on the relationship with Pakistan, saying it will open talks with Pakistan while also insisting discussions on the issue of terrorism. "We will open talks with Pakistan during which we will insist on discussing terrorism," read the manifesto. While releasing the manifesto, NCP general secretary DP Tripathi said: "It is necessary to strengthen our stand in global circumstances. Hence, the pathway of talks should never be closed. I don't say dialogues will immediately resolve the situation, but it'll lessen the problems". Taking a dig at the Narendra Modi-led Government on its foreign policy, the manifesto stated: "It is important to at least continue working relations with Pakistan as we have with Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh and Maldives. The reason for the crisis in foreign policy is due to the current Government moving away from the principles set up by our founding Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru. We will follow the Panchsheel philosophy which has worked for us well". On the issue of national security, NCP manifesto said: "Our endeavour will be to bring the youth into the mainstream and thereby prevent them from falling prey to radicalisation. Stern action will be taken against those engaged in radicalising youth. This declaration has been made in the view of Jammu and Kashmir and a prolonged turmoil situation there." "The NDA Government, in five years, has failed miserably to contain terrorism. In these five years of NDA rule, there have been three terror attacks on military and paramilitary forces and no one is held accountable" the manifesto added. Apart from core traditional issues like farmers' distress, unemployment and job losses, issues like foreign policy, national security and defence also got a considerable space in the manifesto.

Lok Sabha polls 2019: NCP releases manifesto, advocates talks with Pakistan

Lok Sabha polls: A look at Bollywood entries in Indian politics

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Monday took a swipe at Samajwadi Party patriarch <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-2019-samajwadi-party-chief-akhilesh-yadav-to-contest-from-azamgarh-205208">Mulayam Singh Yadav and his sons</a> over an alleged disproportionate assets case, claiming the court will punish the "ancestral corrupt" for their deeds.

He shared a news report on Twitter which said the Supreme Court was going to hear on Monday a plea in connection an alleged disproportionate assets case against Mulayam Singh and his sons Akhilesh and Prateek.

"The evil deeds of the corrupt are coming to light and they have looted people. The honourable court will give due punishment to these 'khandani bhrashtachari' (ancestral corrupt) for their deeds," he claimed.

"Be cautious of them as in order to avoid going to jail they will divide you on basis of caste and religion. All thieves are united in fear of chowkidar (watchman) but how long will they be able to save themselves," he said.

The apex court Monday issued a notice to the CBI on a plea seeking direction to the probe agency that it places the investigation report in the disproportionate assets case.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Monday took a swipe at Samajwadi Party patriarch Mulayam Singh Yadav and his sons over an alleged disproportionate assets case, claiming the court will punish the "ancestral corrupt" for their deeds.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Monday took a swipe at Samajwadi Party patriarch Mulayam Singh Yadav and his sons over an alleged disproportionate assets case, claiming the court will punish the "ancestral corrupt" for their deeds. He shared a news report on Twitter which said the Supreme Court was going to hear on Monday a plea in connection an alleged disproportionate assets case against Mulayam Singh and his sons Akhilesh and Prateek. "The evil deeds of the corrupt are coming to light and they have looted people. The honourable court will give due punishment to these 'khandani bhrashtachari' (ancestral corrupt) for their deeds," he claimed. "Be cautious of them as in order to avoid going to jail they will divide you on basis of caste and religion. All thieves are united in fear of chowkidar (watchman) but how long will they be able to save themselves," he said. The apex court Monday issued a notice to the CBI on a plea seeking direction to the probe agency that it places the investigation report in the disproportionate assets case.

‘Ancestral corrupt’: Yogi Adityanath takes a dig at Akhilesh-Mulayam after SC seeks status report on 13-year-old DA case

In the perception battle ahead of the forthcoming Lok Sabha polls, the Indian electorate has been inundated, rattled, one might even say bedazzled, by slogans galore. Competing for attention as also for votes, these slogans have galvanised the campaign, leading to several witty, creative, even brilliant moves, counter-moves, and exchanges. All of which add to the zest, spice, and savour of Indian elections, making them unlike any other on the planet. Of these, perhaps none has captured the public imagination as much as the “chowkidar” vs “chor” slanging match that’s still playing itself out over mainstream and social media.

At its heart are two slogans. The one that started the clash was coined by the main opposition party, the Congress: “Chowkidar Chor Hai”— the guard or gatekeeper is the thief. Clearly directed at the Prime Minister, the slogan meant not only to cast aspersions on Narendra Modi’s reputation as an honest and clean leader, but also to call into question the anti-corruption image of the Bharatiya Janata Party. The latter’s counter, “Main Bhi Chowkidar”— I too am a guard — resulted in many party members, including senior ministers, not to mention millions of Modi supporters, changing their social media handles to include the prefatory self-appellation “Chowkidar.” The hashtag has reportedly been tweeted over 20 lakh times. Many a “convertee” or “me-too” Chowkidar also received personalised congratulatory and thank you messages from the Prime Minister’s handle itself, which they promptly went on to proudly blazon and recirculate.

So, who is winning this battle of slogans, media catchphrases, and clickbaits? This was a closely-contested skirmish, with the Congress starting with the upper hand, but now the tide clearly seems to have turned. There is a simple reason for this. Not only is the BJP media cell more active and aggressive, but so is the PM himself. Modi has the uncanny knack of turning around everything that is thrown at him with a redoubled force so that it crashes back into the opposition like a boomerang. His political genius lies in his ability to connect spontaneously with his audience no matter whether they are poor, semi-literate, so-called “unwashed” masses or the top echelons of Lutyens Delhi and corporate czars.&nbsp;

No wonder, Modi made it a point to address a specifically targeted audience of some 25 lakh chowkidars or security guards via a radio speech. He made it a point to say he was sorry for the insult heaped upon them by the Congress: “I apologise to all chowkidars that some people, for their own interests, have been abusing chowkidars and saying chowkidar chor hai, raising questions about the integrity of the chowkidars of the nation.” Obviously, it was an attack on Rahul Gandhi for using that refrain against him. Modi added that the slogan was harmful to the whole country. He was right. Just imagine: If our security guards were really thieves, wouldn’t it spell a terrible security crisis for all of us? Wouldn’t it be quite detrimental therefore to call into question their devotion to duty or their honesty?

We know that the profession of security guards is one of our fastest growing. It is a respectable job, even if not highly paying. Requiring neither high skills, education levels nor, indeed, strenuous labour, it attracts a huge contingent of our unemployed rural workforce. By praising chowkidars all over the country, upholding their dignity and status, the PM was scoring a point over the opposition. He was also hitting out at Arvind Kejriwal, another opposition leader, who mocked Modi for promoting the job of a chowkidar over that of an engineer. Modi, by emphasising the dignity of labour, cleverly turned Kejriwal’s aspirational jibe against the Aam Aadmi (common person’s) Party.

In doing so, he was the garnering sympathy of neutral onlookers too. That is because “Main Bhi Chowkidar” extends the sphere of the responsibility of protection of the state from those in positions of power to the common citizenry. While “Chowkidar Chor Hai” is revealed, on closer analysis, not just to be negative, but demeaning, “Main Bhi Chowkidar,” arguably, shows solidarity with watchmen and guardians of the state.&nbsp;

Just prior to his speech to chowkidars, the PM added another feather to his cap. His sur-namesake, Nirav Modi, was jailed in London. The capture of the fugitive diamond merchant, wanted for defrauding Indian banks of a staggering two billion dollars, seemed to prove that the long arm of PM Modi as chowkidar extended outside India. Nirav in a British jail, with its different time zone, gave some credence to PM Modi’s “24x7 Chowkidar” boast. Milking the opportunity to his advantage, Modi concluded by saying, “No matter how much they insult us calling us chor, we don’t have to be afraid and we should embrace such insults like ornaments.”&nbsp;

Touche.&nbsp;

(This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-main-bhi-chowkidar-vs-chowkidar-chor-hai-who-is-winning-2732122">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

In the perception battle ahead of the forthcoming Lok Sabha polls, the Indian electorate has been inundated, rattled, one might even say bedazzled, by slogans galore.

In the perception battle ahead of the forthcoming Lok Sabha polls, the Indian electorate has been inundated, rattled, one might even say bedazzled, by slogans galore. Competing for attention as also for votes, these slogans have galvanised the campaign, leading to several witty, creative, even brilliant moves, counter-moves, and exchanges. All of which add to the zest, spice, and savour of Indian elections, making them unlike any other on the planet. Of these, perhaps none has captured the public imagination as much as the “chowkidar” vs “chor” slanging match that’s still playing itself out over mainstream and social media. At its heart are two slogans. The one that started the clash was coined by the main opposition party, the Congress: “Chowkidar Chor Hai”— the guard or gatekeeper is the thief. Clearly directed at the Prime Minister, the slogan meant not only to cast aspersions on Narendra Modi’s reputation as an honest and clean leader, but also to call into question the anti-corruption image of the Bharatiya Janata Party. The latter’s counter, “Main Bhi Chowkidar”— I too am a guard — resulted in many party members, including senior ministers, not to mention millions of Modi supporters, changing their social media handles to include the prefatory self-appellation “Chowkidar.” The hashtag has reportedly been tweeted over 20 lakh times. Many a “convertee” or “me-too” Chowkidar also received personalised congratulatory and thank you messages from the Prime Minister’s handle itself, which they promptly went on to proudly blazon and recirculate. So, who is winning this battle of slogans, media catchphrases, and clickbaits? This was a closely-contested skirmish, with the Congress starting with the upper hand, but now the tide clearly seems to have turned. There is a simple reason for this. Not only is the BJP media cell more active and aggressive, but so is the PM himself. Modi has the uncanny knack of turning around everything that is thrown at him with a redoubled force so that it crashes back into the opposition like a boomerang. His political genius lies in his ability to connect spontaneously with his audience no matter whether they are poor, semi-literate, so-called “unwashed” masses or the top echelons of Lutyens Delhi and corporate czars. No wonder, Modi made it a point to address a specifically targeted audience of some 25 lakh chowkidars or security guards via a radio speech. He made it a point to say he was sorry for the insult heaped upon them by the Congress: “I apologise to all chowkidars that some people, for their own interests, have been abusing chowkidars and saying chowkidar chor hai, raising questions about the integrity of the chowkidars of the nation.” Obviously, it was an attack on Rahul Gandhi for using that refrain against him. Modi added that the slogan was harmful to the whole country. He was right. Just imagine: If our security guards were really thieves, wouldn’t it spell a terrible security crisis for all of us? Wouldn’t it be quite detrimental therefore to call into question their devotion to duty or their honesty? We know that the profession of security guards is one of our fastest growing. It is a respectable job, even if not highly paying. Requiring neither high skills, education levels nor, indeed, strenuous labour, it attracts a huge contingent of our unemployed rural workforce. By praising chowkidars all over the country, upholding their dignity and status, the PM was scoring a point over the opposition. He was also hitting out at Arvind Kejriwal, another opposition leader, who mocked Modi for promoting the job of a chowkidar over that of an engineer. Modi, by emphasising the dignity of labour, cleverly turned Kejriwal’s aspirational jibe against the Aam Aadmi (common person’s) Party. In doing so, he was the garnering sympathy of neutral onlookers too. That is because “Main Bhi Chowkidar” extends the sphere of the responsibility of protection of the state from those in positions of power to the common citizenry. While “Chowkidar Chor Hai” is revealed, on closer analysis, not just to be negative, but demeaning, “Main Bhi Chowkidar,” arguably, shows solidarity with watchmen and guardians of the state. Just prior to his speech to chowkidars, the PM added another feather to his cap. His sur-namesake, Nirav Modi, was jailed in London. The capture of the fugitive diamond merchant, wanted for defrauding Indian banks of a staggering two billion dollars, seemed to prove that the long arm of PM Modi as chowkidar extended outside India. Nirav in a British jail, with its different time zone, gave some credence to PM Modi’s “24x7 Chowkidar” boast. Milking the opportunity to his advantage, Modi concluded by saying, “No matter how much they insult us calling us chor, we don’t have to be afraid and we should embrace such insults like ornaments.” Touche. (This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

'Main bhi chowkidar' vs 'Chowkidar chor hai': Who is winning?

As many as 111 farmers from Tamil Nadu are set to take on Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the upcoming general elections from his home constituency, Varanasi.&nbsp;

Tamil Nadu farmers leader P Ayyakannu said on Saturday that 111 farmers from the state will contest against the Prime Minister from Varanasi.

Ayyakannu said the move is to urge the BJP to include their demands, including "profitable prices for farm produce," in its manifesto with a promise of fulfiling the same, adding that the "moment they assure in their manifesto that our demands will be fulfilled, we will drop our decision to contest against Modi."

In the event of that not happening, he said they would go ahead and contest against the Prime Minister.

"We are not against the BJP or our PM Modi. Before assuming power, Modi ji promised to fulfil our demands and assured to double our income. 
Even today he is our Prime Minister and the BJP is the ruling party and that is why we are making this demand to them," he told PTI.&nbsp;

Already, he said, he has booked train tickets for 300 farmers to go to Varanasi. Farmers from districts, including Tiruvannamalai and Tiruchirappalli, will reach Varanasi, he added.

In November 2018, farmers led by Ayyakannu had gone to Delhi with two "skulls," to take part in a kisan rally, saying it belonged to their colleagues who had allegedly committed suicide over debt.&nbsp;

Parties like the DMK and the Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam have assured full loan waiver, which is also one of the farmers' demands, in their manifestos, he said.

(With inputs from PTI)

 
&nbsp;

As many as 111 farmers from Tamil Nadu are set to take on Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the upcoming general elections from his home constituency, Varanasi. Tamil Nadu farmers leader P Ayyakannu said on Saturday that 111 farmers from the state will contest against the Prime Minister from Varanasi.

As many as 111 farmers from Tamil Nadu are set to take on Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the upcoming general elections from his home constituency, Varanasi. Tamil Nadu farmers leader P Ayyakannu said on Saturday that 111 farmers from the state will contest against the Prime Minister from Varanasi. Ayyakannu said the move is to urge the BJP to include their demands, including "profitable prices for farm produce," in its manifesto with a promise of fulfiling the same, adding that the "moment they assure in their manifesto that our demands will be fulfilled, we will drop our decision to contest against Modi." In the event of that not happening, he said they would go ahead and contest against the Prime Minister. "We are not against the BJP or our PM Modi. Before assuming power, Modi ji promised to fulfil our demands and assured to double our income. Even today he is our Prime Minister and the BJP is the ruling party and that is why we are making this demand to them," he told PTI. Already, he said, he has booked train tickets for 300 farmers to go to Varanasi. Farmers from districts, including Tiruvannamalai and Tiruchirappalli, will reach Varanasi, he added. In November 2018, farmers led by Ayyakannu had gone to Delhi with two "skulls," to take part in a kisan rally, saying it belonged to their colleagues who had allegedly committed suicide over debt. Parties like the DMK and the Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam have assured full loan waiver, which is also one of the farmers' demands, in their manifestos, he said. (With inputs from PTI)

Lok Sabha 2019: Over 100 farmers from Tamil Nadu set to challenge PM Modi in Varanasi

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav will contest the 2019 Lok Sabha polls from Uttar Pradesh's Azamgarh city. Party's founder member Azam Khan will contest from Rampur seat, the party announced on Sunday.&nbsp;

The party also released a list of star campaigners which includes Akhilesh Yadav, Ram Gopal Yadav, Azam Khan, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-samajwadi-party-names-3-women-candidates-dimple-yadav-to-contest-from-kannauj-202078">Dimple Yadav</a> and Jaya Bachchan.

The campaigners'&nbsp;list did not include party founder Mulayam Singh Yadav.

The party had earlier released a&nbsp;list of its candidates for 2019 elections.

The list had fielded&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-polls-samajwadi-party-releases-list-of-6-candidates-mulayam-singh-yadav-to-fight-from-mainpuri-201964">Mulayam Singh Yadav</a>&nbsp;as a&nbsp;candidate from the&nbsp;Mainpuri seat, considered as an SP&nbsp;stronghold.

Mulayam Singh Yadav had represented Mainpuri in the Lok Sabha in 1996, 2004 and 2009. In the 2014 Lok Sabha polls,&nbsp;he had contested from Azamgarh and Mainpuri and had won both seats.

While Dimple Yadav will contest from Kannauj constituency, from where the 41-year-old has already been elected twice -- in 2012 by-polls and 2014 general elections.

The Samajwadi Party is contesting the polls in alliance with BSP. According to the seat-sharing arrangement, Samajwadi Party will contest 37 seats while BSP will contest 38.

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav will contest the 2019 Lok Sabha polls from Uttar Pradesh's Azamgarh city. Party's founder member Azam Khan will contest from Rampur seat, the party announced on Sunday.

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav will contest the 2019 Lok Sabha polls from Uttar Pradesh's Azamgarh city. Party's founder member Azam Khan will contest from Rampur seat, the party announced on Sunday. The party also released a list of star campaigners which includes Akhilesh Yadav, Ram Gopal Yadav, Azam Khan, Dimple Yadav and Jaya Bachchan. The campaigners' list did not include party founder Mulayam Singh Yadav. The party had earlier released a list of its candidates for 2019 elections. The list had fielded Mulayam Singh Yadav as a candidate from the Mainpuri seat, considered as an SP stronghold. Mulayam Singh Yadav had represented Mainpuri in the Lok Sabha in 1996, 2004 and 2009. In the 2014 Lok Sabha polls, he had contested from Azamgarh and Mainpuri and had won both seats. While Dimple Yadav will contest from Kannauj constituency, from where the 41-year-old has already been elected twice -- in 2012 by-polls and 2014 general elections. The Samajwadi Party is contesting the polls in alliance with BSP. According to the seat-sharing arrangement, Samajwadi Party will contest 37 seats while BSP will contest 38.

Lok Sabha 2019: Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav to contest from Azamgarh in Uttar Pradesh

Maharashtra Congress chief Ashok Chavan on Saturday evaded a question on an alleged audio clip of him expressing his desire to quit the party, just weeks ahead of the Lok Sabha elections.

"Any private conversation with a person of the party is not in public domain. No comments on that," Chavan told media in Mumbai when asked about the controversy.

In an audio clip that surfaced recently, Chavan can purportedly be heard stating that he wants to resign over allegedly being sidelined.

Meanwhile, Chavan, who will contest the upcoming polls from Nanded (Maharashtra) lauded all the Opposition parties that are coming together to defeat the BJP in the impending elections.

The Congress and the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), along with smaller parties, on Saturday, sealed their seat-sharing agreement for the 48 Lok Sabha seats at stake in Maharashtra.

Announcing the break-up, Chavan said, "Congress will contest on 24 seats, NCP on 20 seats, Bahujan Vikas Aghadi on one seat, Swabhimani Shetkari Sanghatana on two seats and Yuva Swabhimani Paksha on one seat."

Maharashtra will go to polls in four phases - April 11, 18, 23 and 29. Counting of votes will take place on May 23.

Maharashtra Congress chief Ashok Chavan on Saturday evaded a question on an alleged audio clip of him expressing his desire to quit the party, just weeks ahead of the Lok Sabha elections.

Maharashtra Congress chief Ashok Chavan on Saturday evaded a question on an alleged audio clip of him expressing his desire to quit the party, just weeks ahead of the Lok Sabha elections. "Any private conversation with a person of the party is not in public domain. No comments on that," Chavan told media in Mumbai when asked about the controversy. In an audio clip that surfaced recently, Chavan can purportedly be heard stating that he wants to resign over allegedly being sidelined. Meanwhile, Chavan, who will contest the upcoming polls from Nanded (Maharashtra) lauded all the Opposition parties that are coming together to defeat the BJP in the impending elections. The Congress and the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), along with smaller parties, on Saturday, sealed their seat-sharing agreement for the 48 Lok Sabha seats at stake in Maharashtra. Announcing the break-up, Chavan said, "Congress will contest on 24 seats, NCP on 20 seats, Bahujan Vikas Aghadi on one seat, Swabhimani Shetkari Sanghatana on two seats and Yuva Swabhimani Paksha on one seat." Maharashtra will go to polls in four phases - April 11, 18, 23 and 29. Counting of votes will take place on May 23.

Audio clip row: Ashok Chavan evades question on 'resignation' remark 

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee-led <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/tmc-removes-congresss-name-from-its-logo-205015">All India Trinamool Congress on Saturday clarified</a> that the party has not dropped 'Congress' from its name.&nbsp;

The clarification came after reports suggested that the party has removed 'Congress' from its party name, logo, posters.

Several media reports suggested AITC had dropped ‘Congress’ from its logo, banners and posters, and would hereby be referred to as 'Trinamool', just weeks ahead of the Lok Sabha elections.

“Name of the party, as registered with Election Commission is 'All India Trinamool Congress'. Name and symbol (flowers and grass) were approved by EC on January 1, 1998,” read a statement issued by the party.

Mamata Banerjee-led TMC officially parted ways with the Congress almost over a couple of decades ago.&nbsp;

(With inputs from ANI)&nbsp;

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee-led All India Trinamool Congress on Saturday clarified that the party has not dropped 'Congress' from its name. The clarification came after reports suggested that the party has removed 'Congress' from its party name, logo, posters.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee-led All India Trinamool Congress on Saturday clarified that the party has not dropped 'Congress' from its name. The clarification came after reports suggested that the party has removed 'Congress' from its party name, logo, posters. Several media reports suggested AITC had dropped ‘Congress’ from its logo, banners and posters, and would hereby be referred to as 'Trinamool', just weeks ahead of the Lok Sabha elections. “Name of the party, as registered with Election Commission is 'All India Trinamool Congress'. Name and symbol (flowers and grass) were approved by EC on January 1, 1998,” read a statement issued by the party. Mamata Banerjee-led TMC officially parted ways with the Congress almost over a couple of decades ago. (With inputs from ANI)

Mamata Banerjee-led AITC denies dropping 'Congress' from party name

TRS MP Kalvakuntla Kavitha on Saturday thanked people for giving her party landslide victory in the recently held Assembly elections.

"As you all supported Dr Sanjay in an unexpected way, I promise there will be unexpected development for this constituency," she said.

"The TRS government has brought many developmental schemes for everyone. We are not just satisfied with it," she said and announced that the pension amount will be increased to Rs 2,000 from Rs 1,000 from May 1.

She accused the Central government of being non-responsive to Telangana government's bill which mandated 12 per cent reservation for the minorities. 
"TRS is the only party which thinks about the problems of Telangana public," she said.

She also accused the BJP and the Congress of being an expert in giving fake statements.

"BJP says the Central government contributes Rs 800 out of Rs 1,000 in the pension given by the state government, but the fact is that Central government gives only Rs 200 out of Rs 1,000," she said.

Telangana will go to polls on April 11, and the counting of votes will take place on May 23.

TRS MP Kalvakuntla Kavitha on Saturday thanked people for giving her party landslide victory in the recently held Assembly elections. "As you all supported Dr Sanjay in an unexpected way, I promise there will be unexpected development for this constituency," she said.

TRS MP Kalvakuntla Kavitha on Saturday thanked people for giving her party landslide victory in the recently held Assembly elections. "As you all supported Dr Sanjay in an unexpected way, I promise there will be unexpected development for this constituency," she said. "The TRS government has brought many developmental schemes for everyone. We are not just satisfied with it," she said and announced that the pension amount will be increased to Rs 2,000 from Rs 1,000 from May 1. She accused the Central government of being non-responsive to Telangana government's bill which mandated 12 per cent reservation for the minorities. "TRS is the only party which thinks about the problems of Telangana public," she said. She also accused the BJP and the Congress of being an expert in giving fake statements. "BJP says the Central government contributes Rs 800 out of Rs 1,000 in the pension given by the state government, but the fact is that Central government gives only Rs 200 out of Rs 1,000," she said. Telangana will go to polls on April 11, and the counting of votes will take place on May 23.

Lok Sabha 2019: TRS MP Kavitha thanks people for 'landslide victory' in recent Telangana polls, promises 'unexpected development'

Actor-politician Kamal Haasan on Sunday announced he will neither contest April 18 Lok Sabha polls nor the by-polls to 18 assembly constituencies in Tamil Nadu.

"I will neither contest upcoming Lok Sabha polls nor assembly bypolls to 18 constituencies in Tamil Nadu. I have a lot of work to do. I will work towards the success of my candidates," said the Makkal Needhi Maiam leader Kamal Hassan in Coimbatore. &nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;

Last month Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM) had said that they will not align with Dravidian parties in the Lok Sabha polls.

On March 21 the party released its first list of 21 candidates for the Lok Sabha elections in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. However, the list does not include Haasan`s name.

Tamil Nadu will go to polls on April 18, and counting of votes will be done on May 23.&nbsp;

The party will contest all 40 Lok Sabha seats, including Puducherry, and by-polls to 18 assembly constituencies.&nbsp;

Releasing MNM’s manifesto for the polls, Kamal Haasan promised to generate 50 lakh jobs, 100 per cent profit for farmers for their agricultural produce, wipe out poverty from Tamil Nadu and reform the existing Lok Ayukta Act and appoint a credible Lok Ayukta.

(With inputs from agencies)

Actor-politician Kamal Haasan on Sunday announced he will neither contest April 18 Lok Sabha polls nor the by-polls to 18 assembly constituencies in Tamil Nadu. "I will neither contest upcoming Lok Sabha polls nor assembly bypolls to 18 constituencies in Tamil Nadu.

Actor-politician Kamal Haasan on Sunday announced he will neither contest April 18 Lok Sabha polls nor the by-polls to 18 assembly constituencies in Tamil Nadu. "I will neither contest upcoming Lok Sabha polls nor assembly bypolls to 18 constituencies in Tamil Nadu. I have a lot of work to do. I will work towards the success of my candidates," said the Makkal Needhi Maiam leader Kamal Hassan in Coimbatore. Last month Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM) had said that they will not align with Dravidian parties in the Lok Sabha polls. On March 21 the party released its first list of 21 candidates for the Lok Sabha elections in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. However, the list does not include Haasan`s name. Tamil Nadu will go to polls on April 18, and counting of votes will be done on May 23. The party will contest all 40 Lok Sabha seats, including Puducherry, and by-polls to 18 assembly constituencies. Releasing MNM’s manifesto for the polls, Kamal Haasan promised to generate 50 lakh jobs, 100 per cent profit for farmers for their agricultural produce, wipe out poverty from Tamil Nadu and reform the existing Lok Ayukta Act and appoint a credible Lok Ayukta. (With inputs from agencies)

Kamal Haasan releases election manifesto, promises 50 lakh jobs

In the first campaign rally of the BJP-led NDA for the Lok Sabha elections in Maharashtra, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis Sunday attacked the Congress for questioning ‘genuineness’ of the cross-border strike. He said only two types of people–Pakistan and the Congress and its allies–are questioning the veracity of the operation conducted by the Indian armed forces.

Fadnavis also attacked NCP chief Sharad Pawar in the rally, which was held in Kolhapur in western Maharashtra, known as the stronghold of the Congress and the NCP. In his address, Shiv Sena president Uddhav Thackeray too attacked Pawar for “destroying” Maharashtra during his long political career. “Only two types of people are questioning the surgical strikes. One of them is Pakistan and the other one is Congress and its allies,” Fadnavis said. “After the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack, there was only condemnation. But after the terror attack in Uri (in 2017), our government carried out a surgical strike,” the chief minister said. Given that Kolhapur district is the nerve centre of sugar politics from where the NCP and Congress draw its electoral strength, Fadnavis took a dig at Pawar.

“We may understand little about sugar industry, but we have taken more decisions for this industry than anyone else,” he said. Kolhapur and Sangli districts had witnessed violence in January this year in the wake of the failure of some sugar factories to pay arrears to sugarcane cultivators. Appealing the people to vote for the BJP again, Fadnavis said a large number of bank accounts were opened under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. “Some Rs 80,000 crore has been transferred into bank accounts under several welfare schemes. It is my open challenge to the Congress and the NCP to compare the figures of my government to their rule of 15 years prior to 2014,” he said. Thackeray also took a dig at Pawar. “In his entire political career, Pawar destroyed Maharashtra. We know the quality of such people,” he said.

The Sena chief also taunted the Congress and the NCP over a string of leaders from both the parties defecting to the NDA partners in the run-up to Lok Sabha polls. “I do not know if anybody is left in the Opposition camp to contest against us. At this rate of exodus…I hope the BJP will not induct Sharad Pawar into its fold one day,” he quipped. Thackeray announced candidature of Narendra Patil from Satara Lok Sabha constituency, who will contest against NCP stalwart and sitting MP Udayanraje Bhosale. Out of the total 48 Lok Sabha seats in Maharashtra, the BJP and the Sena will contest 25 and 23 seats each. In the seat-sharing deal announced Saturday, the Congress and the NCP announced to contest 24 and 20 seats, respectively, while leaving four seats to smaller allies under the aegis of the “United Progressive Mega-Alliance”.&nbsp;

In the first campaign rally of the BJP-led NDA for the Lok Sabha elections in Maharashtra, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis Sunday attacked the Congress for questioning ‘genuineness’ of the cross-border strike.

In the first campaign rally of the BJP-led NDA for the Lok Sabha elections in Maharashtra, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis Sunday attacked the Congress for questioning ‘genuineness’ of the cross-border strike. He said only two types of people–Pakistan and the Congress and its allies–are questioning the veracity of the operation conducted by the Indian armed forces. Fadnavis also attacked NCP chief Sharad Pawar in the rally, which was held in Kolhapur in western Maharashtra, known as the stronghold of the Congress and the NCP. In his address, Shiv Sena president Uddhav Thackeray too attacked Pawar for “destroying” Maharashtra during his long political career. “Only two types of people are questioning the surgical strikes. One of them is Pakistan and the other one is Congress and its allies,” Fadnavis said. “After the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack, there was only condemnation. But after the terror attack in Uri (in 2017), our government carried out a surgical strike,” the chief minister said. Given that Kolhapur district is the nerve centre of sugar politics from where the NCP and Congress draw its electoral strength, Fadnavis took a dig at Pawar. “We may understand little about sugar industry, but we have taken more decisions for this industry than anyone else,” he said. Kolhapur and Sangli districts had witnessed violence in January this year in the wake of the failure of some sugar factories to pay arrears to sugarcane cultivators. Appealing the people to vote for the BJP again, Fadnavis said a large number of bank accounts were opened under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. “Some Rs 80,000 crore has been transferred into bank accounts under several welfare schemes. It is my open challenge to the Congress and the NCP to compare the figures of my government to their rule of 15 years prior to 2014,” he said. Thackeray also took a dig at Pawar. “In his entire political career, Pawar destroyed Maharashtra. We know the quality of such people,” he said. The Sena chief also taunted the Congress and the NCP over a string of leaders from both the parties defecting to the NDA partners in the run-up to Lok Sabha polls. “I do not know if anybody is left in the Opposition camp to contest against us. At this rate of exodus…I hope the BJP will not induct Sharad Pawar into its fold one day,” he quipped. Thackeray announced candidature of Narendra Patil from Satara Lok Sabha constituency, who will contest against NCP stalwart and sitting MP Udayanraje Bhosale. Out of the total 48 Lok Sabha seats in Maharashtra, the BJP and the Sena will contest 25 and 23 seats each. In the seat-sharing deal announced Saturday, the Congress and the NCP announced to contest 24 and 20 seats, respectively, while leaving four seats to smaller allies under the aegis of the “United Progressive Mega-Alliance”.

Lok Sabha polls 2019: Maharashtra CM, Uddhav Thackeray target Sharad Pawar, Opposition in first NDA rally

Union Minister Uma Bharti has been appointed the national president of the Bharatiya Janata Party, said Union Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda here on Saturday.

"As Uma ji has written to BJP president Amit Shah, reiterating her decision not to contest the Lok Sabha elections, the party has appointed her the national vice president of the BJP," Nadda said at a press conference.

Drinking Water and Sanitation Minister Uma had told Shah that she won't be contesting 17th Lok Sabha elections, adding that she will be happy to accept any other responsibilities assigned to her by the party.

"Dear friend, as I have already declared, reiterating the same I had written a letter to the party president Mr Amit Shah, repeating my request of not contesting an election, so that the party officially declares it," wrote Bharti on her Twitter account."

I have told all the friends that for the next one-and-a-half years, I want to spend the maximum time on the banks of the Ganga. During this period, I will participate in the Lok Sabha election campaign according to the BJP's directive, and will fulfil the responsibilities assigned to me," she said.

Bharti, however, said that she will not retire from politics till 'her last breath'&nbsp;and will continue to do politics for the rights of poor man.

"Prime Minister @narendramodi ji is the head guard of the country. All of BJP workers are included in the army of the chowkidars. My wish is that our government is formed and Narendra Modi becomes the Prime Minister again," she had tweeted.

In 1989, Bharti contested and won Khajuraho Lok Sabha seat, and retained it in elections conducted in 1991, 1996 and 1998. In 1999, she switched her constituency and won Bhopal seat in Madhya Pradesh. She won the last poll from Jhansi in UP.

In December last year, Bharti had announced to take a break from active politics to focus on the issue of Ram temple and cleaning of Ganga river. She had also announced that she would not contest the Lok Sabha polls in 2019.

Union Minister Uma Bharti has been appointed the national president of the Bharatiya Janata Party, said Union Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda here on Saturday. "As Uma ji has written to BJP president Amit Shah, reiterating her decision not to contest the Lok Sabha elections, the party has appointed her the national vice president of the BJP," Nadda said at a press conference.

Union Minister Uma Bharti has been appointed the national president of the Bharatiya Janata Party, said Union Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda here on Saturday. "As Uma ji has written to BJP president Amit Shah, reiterating her decision not to contest the Lok Sabha elections, the party has appointed her the national vice president of the BJP," Nadda said at a press conference. Drinking Water and Sanitation Minister Uma had told Shah that she won't be contesting 17th Lok Sabha elections, adding that she will be happy to accept any other responsibilities assigned to her by the party. "Dear friend, as I have already declared, reiterating the same I had written a letter to the party president Mr Amit Shah, repeating my request of not contesting an election, so that the party officially declares it," wrote Bharti on her Twitter account." I have told all the friends that for the next one-and-a-half years, I want to spend the maximum time on the banks of the Ganga. During this period, I will participate in the Lok Sabha election campaign according to the BJP's directive, and will fulfil the responsibilities assigned to me," she said. Bharti, however, said that she will not retire from politics till 'her last breath' and will continue to do politics for the rights of poor man. "Prime Minister @narendramodi ji is the head guard of the country. All of BJP workers are included in the army of the chowkidars. My wish is that our government is formed and Narendra Modi becomes the Prime Minister again," she had tweeted. In 1989, Bharti contested and won Khajuraho Lok Sabha seat, and retained it in elections conducted in 1991, 1996 and 1998. In 1999, she switched her constituency and won Bhopal seat in Madhya Pradesh. She won the last poll from Jhansi in UP. In December last year, Bharti had announced to take a break from active politics to focus on the issue of Ram temple and cleaning of Ganga river. She had also announced that she would not contest the Lok Sabha polls in 2019.

Uma Bharti appointed as BJP national vice president

Ahead of the Lok Sabha elections, markets in various parts of India are flooded with diverse kinds of political merchandise, including masks, shirts and flags containing pictures of various political leaders on them.

Speaking to ANI, Vijay Tendulkar, the owner of a shop in Mumbai, said the aim is to attract more youth and encourage them to exercise their franchise in the impending polls.

"We are selling key chains, T-shirts, and jackets, among other things. On all merchandise, party logo is there. There is a humongous demand right now. The biggest demand is for flags, cap and mufflers," he added.

Markets in Coimbatore, too, have seen similar merchandise being sold in the run-up to the polls, including those with the face of late Tamil Nadu chief minister J Jayalalithaa on them.

Interestingly, merchandise with the faces of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Congress president Rahul Gandhi are most popular in markets, locals say.

Lok Sabha elections will be held in seven phases between April 11 and May 19.

Results will be declared on May 23.&nbsp;

Ahead of the Lok Sabha elections, markets in various parts of India are flooded with diverse kinds of political merchandise, including masks, shirts and flags containing pictures of various political leaders on them.

Ahead of the Lok Sabha elections, markets in various parts of India are flooded with diverse kinds of political merchandise, including masks, shirts and flags containing pictures of various political leaders on them. Speaking to ANI, Vijay Tendulkar, the owner of a shop in Mumbai, said the aim is to attract more youth and encourage them to exercise their franchise in the impending polls. "We are selling key chains, T-shirts, and jackets, among other things. On all merchandise, party logo is there. There is a humongous demand right now. The biggest demand is for flags, cap and mufflers," he added. Markets in Coimbatore, too, have seen similar merchandise being sold in the run-up to the polls, including those with the face of late Tamil Nadu chief minister J Jayalalithaa on them. Interestingly, merchandise with the faces of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Congress president Rahul Gandhi are most popular in markets, locals say. Lok Sabha elections will be held in seven phases between April 11 and May 19. Results will be declared on May 23.

Political merchandise hit markets ahead of Lok Sabha polls

Duryodhan Majhi, sitting MLA from Khariar, on Saturday returned to the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) ahead of the Lok Sabha elections.

"I am glad that Duryodhan Majhi has joined back. I welcome him back to the party. His return will strengthen the BJD," Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik told media in Bhubaneswar.

Majhi quit the BJP after the party fielded wife of former BJP MLA Hitesh Bagarti, Rita, from the Khariar Assembly seat. Majhi had quit BJD in 2014 after he was denied a ticket.

Odisha will be going to polls in four phases - on April 11, 18, 23 and 29.

The state will be voting simultaneously for parliamentary and assembly constituencies.

There are 21 Lok Sabha and 147 Assembly seats at stake in Odisha.&nbsp;

Duryodhan Majhi, sitting MLA from Khariar, on Saturday returned to the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) ahead of the Lok Sabha elections. "I am glad that Duryodhan Majhi has joined back.

Duryodhan Majhi, sitting MLA from Khariar, on Saturday returned to the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) ahead of the Lok Sabha elections. "I am glad that Duryodhan Majhi has joined back. I welcome him back to the party. His return will strengthen the BJD," Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik told media in Bhubaneswar. Majhi quit the BJP after the party fielded wife of former BJP MLA Hitesh Bagarti, Rita, from the Khariar Assembly seat. Majhi had quit BJD in 2014 after he was denied a ticket. Odisha will be going to polls in four phases - on April 11, 18, 23 and 29. The state will be voting simultaneously for parliamentary and assembly constituencies. There are 21 Lok Sabha and 147 Assembly seats at stake in Odisha.

Lok Sabha 2019: After quitting BJP, Duryodhan Majhi returns to BJD

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Saturday claimed that despite 31 cases pending against <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/voting-for-ysrcp-is-like-writing-ones-own-death-warrant-n-chandrababu-naidu-204992">YSRCP chief YS Jagan Mohan Reddy</a>, the latter "acts innocent."

Addressing a rally in Guntur in Repalle, Naidu said, "Jagan has filed a 48-page affidavit. 20 pages of it are about his criminal record. Another 20 pages are about his economic offences. Jagan is the only person with 31 cases. But he is acting as if he is innocent."

He further claimed that YSRCP leaders "tried to delete votes through Form 7 applications."

"Their conspiracy is exposed," he added.

Naidu also accused Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao of weakening the Opposition in Telangana by buying MLAs.

Andhra Pradesh, which has 25 Lok Sabha seats at stake, will vote in a single phase on April 11. Results will be declared on May 23.&nbsp;

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Saturday claimed that despite 31 cases pending against YSRCP chief YS Jagan Mohan Reddy, the latter "acts innocent.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Saturday claimed that despite 31 cases pending against YSRCP chief YS Jagan Mohan Reddy, the latter "acts innocent." Addressing a rally in Guntur in Repalle, Naidu said, "Jagan has filed a 48-page affidavit. 20 pages of it are about his criminal record. Another 20 pages are about his economic offences. Jagan is the only person with 31 cases. But he is acting as if he is innocent." He further claimed that YSRCP leaders "tried to delete votes through Form 7 applications." "Their conspiracy is exposed," he added. Naidu also accused Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao of weakening the Opposition in Telangana by buying MLAs. Andhra Pradesh, which has 25 Lok Sabha seats at stake, will vote in a single phase on April 11. Results will be declared on May 23.

Lok Sabha 2019: Chandrababu Naidu accuses Jagan Reddy of 'acting innocent'

A faction of YSRCP cadre in Paderu in Andhra Pradesh's Visakhapatnam district on Saturday set furniture of the party's office on fire after Visweswar Raju was denied an MLA ticket.

Raju was anticipating a ticket from Paderu Assembly constituency. However, he did not get the ticket.

His followers got dissatisfied and alleged that despite their hard-work to strengthen the party, their leader was denied ticket.YSRCP chief YS Jagan Mohan Reddy held a public meeting at Paderu, after which the faction reached the party office.

They first burnt the furniture in the office and later shouted slogans expressing their dissent.

Andhra Pradesh will go to polls on April 11, and counting of votes will take place on May 23.

A faction of YSRCP cadre in Paderu in Andhra Pradesh's Visakhapatnam district on Saturday set furniture of the party's office on fire after Visweswar Raju was denied an MLA ticket.

A faction of YSRCP cadre in Paderu in Andhra Pradesh's Visakhapatnam district on Saturday set furniture of the party's office on fire after Visweswar Raju was denied an MLA ticket. Raju was anticipating a ticket from Paderu Assembly constituency. However, he did not get the ticket. His followers got dissatisfied and alleged that despite their hard-work to strengthen the party, their leader was denied ticket.YSRCP chief YS Jagan Mohan Reddy held a public meeting at Paderu, after which the faction reached the party office. They first burnt the furniture in the office and later shouted slogans expressing their dissent. Andhra Pradesh will go to polls on April 11, and counting of votes will take place on May 23.

Furniture set on fire outside YSRCP's office after party denies ticket to MLA

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) will contest the Lok Sabha poll in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, and has fielded three candidates in each of the states, senior leader Sanjay Singh said Sunday.

In Uttar Pradesh, the AAP has fielded Yogesh Dahiya from Saharanpur, Satish Chandra Sharma from Aligarh and Shweta Sharma from Gautam Budh Nagar for the poll, Singh said in a tweet.

The party is likely to contest the Lok Sabha poll from 25 seats in Uttar Pradesh.&nbsp;

For rest of the seats, the process to select candidates is in the final stage, Singh said.&nbsp;

In Bihar, Aleemuddin Ansari has been fielded from Kishanganj, Raghunath Kumar from Sitamarhi and Satyendra Kumar from Bhagalpur, he said in another tweet.&nbsp;

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) will contest the Lok Sabha poll in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, and has fielded three candidates in each of the states, senior leader Sanjay Singh said Sunday.

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) will contest the Lok Sabha poll in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, and has fielded three candidates in each of the states, senior leader Sanjay Singh said Sunday. In Uttar Pradesh, the AAP has fielded Yogesh Dahiya from Saharanpur, Satish Chandra Sharma from Aligarh and Shweta Sharma from Gautam Budh Nagar for the poll, Singh said in a tweet. The party is likely to contest the Lok Sabha poll from 25 seats in Uttar Pradesh. For rest of the seats, the process to select candidates is in the final stage, Singh said. In Bihar, Aleemuddin Ansari has been fielded from Kishanganj, Raghunath Kumar from Sitamarhi and Satyendra Kumar from Bhagalpur, he said in another tweet.

Lok Sabha polls 2019: AAP to fight Lok Sabha poll in UP, Bihar, fields 3 candidates from each state

Former president of the Jawaharlal Nehru University Student Union (JNUSU) Kanhaiya Kumar will contest the 2019 Lok Sabha elections from Begusarai in Bihar.

The Communist Party of India announced&nbsp;Kanhaiya's candidature on Sunday.

Begusarai is also known as Leningrad of Bihar due to the influence of the CPI in the area.

A native of the Begusarai district, Kumar was arrested by the Delhi Police in February 2016 for his alleged involvement in JNU event where anti-India slogans were raised, a charge denied by him. His mother works as an Anganwadi worker while his father is a small farmer.

The former student leader was recently seen actively participating in state politics. Soon after his release from jail, Kumar had met chief minister Nitish Kumar and Lalu Prasad. He had also faced criticism then for touching Prasad’s feet.

Meanwhile, In a surprise move, BJP has fielded Union Minister Giriraj Singh from Begusarai who contested from Nawada Lok Sabha constituency in Bihar.

Earlier, it was expected that Shahnawaz Hussain will contest from Begusarai.

At present, the BJP represents Begusarai in the Lok Sabha. In 2014, party’s Bhola Singh won the seat by defeating RJD’s Tanveer Hasan by 58,000 votes.

Bihar will see polling in seven phases. The dates of polling in Bihar will be on April 11, 18, 23, 29 and May 6, 12 and 19. The counting of votes will take place on May 23.&nbsp;

In the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, the RJD won only four seats and the Congress two. The JD-U, which contested separately, won two seats. The BJP-led NDA won 31 seats, with the former's tally being 22.

(With inputs from agencies)

Former president of the Jawaharlal Nehru University Student Union (JNUSU) Kanhaiya Kumar will contest the 2019 Lok Sabha elections from Begusarai in Bihar. The Communist Party of India announced Kanhaiya's candidature on Sunday.

Former president of the Jawaharlal Nehru University Student Union (JNUSU) Kanhaiya Kumar will contest the 2019 Lok Sabha elections from Begusarai in Bihar. The Communist Party of India announced Kanhaiya's candidature on Sunday. Begusarai is also known as Leningrad of Bihar due to the influence of the CPI in the area. A native of the Begusarai district, Kumar was arrested by the Delhi Police in February 2016 for his alleged involvement in JNU event where anti-India slogans were raised, a charge denied by him. His mother works as an Anganwadi worker while his father is a small farmer. The former student leader was recently seen actively participating in state politics. Soon after his release from jail, Kumar had met chief minister Nitish Kumar and Lalu Prasad. He had also faced criticism then for touching Prasad’s feet. Meanwhile, In a surprise move, BJP has fielded Union Minister Giriraj Singh from Begusarai who contested from Nawada Lok Sabha constituency in Bihar. Earlier, it was expected that Shahnawaz Hussain will contest from Begusarai. At present, the BJP represents Begusarai in the Lok Sabha. In 2014, party’s Bhola Singh won the seat by defeating RJD’s Tanveer Hasan by 58,000 votes. Bihar will see polling in seven phases. The dates of polling in Bihar will be on April 11, 18, 23, 29 and May 6, 12 and 19. The counting of votes will take place on May 23. In the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, the RJD won only four seats and the Congress two. The JD-U, which contested separately, won two seats. The BJP-led NDA won 31 seats, with the former's tally being 22. (With inputs from agencies)

Lok Sabha polls 2019: CPI fields Kanhaiya Kumar from Bihar’s Begusarai to take on BJP’s Giriraj Singh

In politically crucial Uttar Pradesh, the focus will not only be on the performance of political parties but also on the VIPs seats, including those of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Congress chief Rahul Gandhi.

The poll results of the state, which has 80 Lok Sabha seats, can make or mar the prospects of any political party at the Centre.

There will be many seats in the state which will be keenly watched by political observers as any setback there might have great political repercussions.

"UP is the most politically crucial state and it results set the tone and tenor of national politics. All eyes will be here, especially on VIP seats where prominent leaders are in the fray," senior journalist JP Shukla said.

"Whether the state is going to give the next prime minister or not is the answer everyone will be looking for with the performance of political parties," he said.

While the outcome of the prime minister's Varanasi seat will be watched globally, other seats like Amethi and Raebareli of Congress president Rahul Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi respectively will be of equal interest to the people.

During the 2014 Lok Sabha polls, Modi's slogan that "I have not come here...Mother Ganga has called me" struck an emotional chord with the people, who elected him as their representative.

During his recent visit, Modi invoked Lord Vishwanath, saying, "I might have been called here to fulfil his dream to see the city developed."

In Amethi, Union minister Smriti Irani will challenge Rahul Gandhi. She has been spending a lot of time with the voters there, making the BJP workers feel that she will make the Congress chief uncomfortable this time.

Sonia Gandhi has been representing Rae Bareli since 1999, while Rahul Gandhi has been an MP from Amethi since 2004.

The seats of Kannauj, held by SP chief Akhilesh Yadav's wife Dimple Yadav, Badaun, held by Dharmendra Yadav (SP), and Azamgarh, from where SP patron Mulayam Singh Yadav won in 2014, will also be crucial.

While Dimple Yadav and Dharmendra will contest from their traditional seats, Mulayam Singh, this time, will be contesting from the Mainpuri seat.

Akhilesh Yadav has decided to contest from Azamgarh after a formal request from the district unit.

Home Minister Rajnath Singh is once again in the fray from the Lucknow seat, a BJP stronghold.

Bollywood star Hema Malini is contesting again from Mathura, while the Ghaziabad seat held by Union minister Gen VK Singh (retd) will also be on the list of constituencies to watch.

Another important seat will be of BJP leader Varun Gandhi, who is likely to leave the Sultanpur seat and contest from Pilibhit, represented by his mother and Union minister Maneka Gandhi.

While these polls will be a litmus test for the SP-BSP alliance, it would be a challenge for the BJP to repeat its 2014 performance of winning 73 seats, including two of Apna Dal.

The prestige of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya will be at stake on seats like Gorakhpur and Phulpur won by them in 2014 but subsequently frittered away to the opposition in the bypolls last year.

The charisma of Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra will also be tested in these polls and she is trying to woo voters by reaching them.&nbsp;

The prestige of Congress state chief Rajbabbar, who is contesting from Fatehpur Sikri will also be at stake.

In politically crucial Uttar Pradesh, the focus will not only be on the performance of political parties but also on the VIPs seats, including those of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Congress chief Rahul Gandhi.

In politically crucial Uttar Pradesh, the focus will not only be on the performance of political parties but also on the VIPs seats, including those of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Congress chief Rahul Gandhi. The poll results of the state, which has 80 Lok Sabha seats, can make or mar the prospects of any political party at the Centre. There will be many seats in the state which will be keenly watched by political observers as any setback there might have great political repercussions. "UP is the most politically crucial state and it results set the tone and tenor of national politics. All eyes will be here, especially on VIP seats where prominent leaders are in the fray," senior journalist JP Shukla said. "Whether the state is going to give the next prime minister or not is the answer everyone will be looking for with the performance of political parties," he said. While the outcome of the prime minister's Varanasi seat will be watched globally, other seats like Amethi and Raebareli of Congress president Rahul Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi respectively will be of equal interest to the people. During the 2014 Lok Sabha polls, Modi's slogan that "I have not come here...Mother Ganga has called me" struck an emotional chord with the people, who elected him as their representative. During his recent visit, Modi invoked Lord Vishwanath, saying, "I might have been called here to fulfil his dream to see the city developed." In Amethi, Union minister Smriti Irani will challenge Rahul Gandhi. She has been spending a lot of time with the voters there, making the BJP workers feel that she will make the Congress chief uncomfortable this time. Sonia Gandhi has been representing Rae Bareli since 1999, while Rahul Gandhi has been an MP from Amethi since 2004. The seats of Kannauj, held by SP chief Akhilesh Yadav's wife Dimple Yadav, Badaun, held by Dharmendra Yadav (SP), and Azamgarh, from where SP patron Mulayam Singh Yadav won in 2014, will also be crucial. While Dimple Yadav and Dharmendra will contest from their traditional seats, Mulayam Singh, this time, will be contesting from the Mainpuri seat. Akhilesh Yadav has decided to contest from Azamgarh after a formal request from the district unit. Home Minister Rajnath Singh is once again in the fray from the Lucknow seat, a BJP stronghold. Bollywood star Hema Malini is contesting again from Mathura, while the Ghaziabad seat held by Union minister Gen VK Singh (retd) will also be on the list of constituencies to watch. Another important seat will be of BJP leader Varun Gandhi, who is likely to leave the Sultanpur seat and contest from Pilibhit, represented by his mother and Union minister Maneka Gandhi. While these polls will be a litmus test for the SP-BSP alliance, it would be a challenge for the BJP to repeat its 2014 performance of winning 73 seats, including two of Apna Dal. The prestige of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya will be at stake on seats like Gorakhpur and Phulpur won by them in 2014 but subsequently frittered away to the opposition in the bypolls last year. The charisma of Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra will also be tested in these polls and she is trying to woo voters by reaching them. The prestige of Congress state chief Rajbabbar, who is contesting from Fatehpur Sikri will also be at stake.

Lok Sabha polls 2019: All eyes on Uttar Pradesh’s VIP constituencies as heavyweights slug it out

The BJP is optimistic about performing well in states where the party did not have much presence earlier which will help push its overall tally to 300 in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls, the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/yeddyurappas-son-demands-inquiry-into-diary-controversy-205035">party's Karnataka unit president BS Yeddyurappa</a> said here.

In Karnataka too, the BJP is "doing well" in Hyderabad-Karnataka region and "already has good presence" in Mumbai-Karnataka and Central Karnataka, the former chief minister said, and claimed if the party wins 20 to 22 seats in the state, it would lead to collapse of the Congress-JD(S) coalition government due to infighting.

In the 2014 Lok Sabha election, the BJP won 17 seats out of 28, Congress bagged nine seats while the JD (S) got two seats. The Congress and the JD(S) are fighting in alliance this time, with the two parties agreeing to contest 20 and eight seats respectively.

"There is a positive atmosphere across the country. Narendra Modi's wave has only increased manifold compared to the last Lok Sabha elections. We are expecting to win seats from new territories like West Bengal, Odisha and other North-Eastern states. This would push BJP's overall tally to 300 Lok Sabha seats," he told PTI in an interview here.

The party is also expecting to improve its tally in Tamil Nadu, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, Yeddyurappa said, and expressed confidence that the party would open an account in Kerala.

Though the BJP lost Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan assembly elections, the party is going to repeat its 2014 performance in Lok Sabha polls, he asserted.

The BJP's prospects are good in Karnataka as it is expecting to do well in Tumkuru and Mysuru, and put up a fight in Ramnagara and Hassan, which are JD(S) bastions, he added.

Yeddyurappa also claimed that Congress strongman Mallikarjun Kharge is in a difficult situation in Hyderabad-Karnataka region after his supporters - Mallikayya Guttedar, Umesh Jadhav, Baburao Chinchunsur and Malaka Reddy - deserted him to join BJP.

"I am very optimistic of the BJP doing well in Hyderabad-Karnataka region, especially Kalaburgi. I am sure the entry of Guttedar, Jadhav, Chinchunsur and Reddy, can turn the tables on Kharge. The Congress leader is in a lurch by missing these leaders who made possible his victories," he said.

"As it is, the BJP has good presence in Mumbai-Karnataka and Central Karnataka, historically," he said.

Yeddyurappa said they were expecting a positive impact from Prime Minister Narendra Modi's rallies in Karnataka, "which have always worked in favour of the party".

"We have requested Modiji to address four rallies in Karnataka. The dates and places of rallies will be decided later," he said.

Asked about KPCC President Dinesh Gundurao's offer to Rahul Gandhi to contest from Karnataka, Yeddyurappa said the Congress is uncertain that Gandhi can retain Amethi seat, which he managed to win with a 50 per cent reduction in margin in last Lok Sabha elections against Smriti Irani.

"According to me, Rahul Gandhi is losing his Amethi seat to Shrimati Smriti Irani, and hence the Congress is offering him to contest from Karnataka. It will not be easy for him to win from Karnataka also. I think Rahul Gandhi will not take any such risk," he said.

Recently, Gundurao had written a letter asking Gandhi to contest elections from Karnataka so that it would act as a nucleus for the Congress to strengthen its position in southern parts of India.

Asked if the party is concerned about D K Shivakumar campaigning against B Y Raghavendra from Shivvamogga after wresting Ballari seat from BJP in the last bypoll, Yeddyurappa said his son would win by one lakh votes margin as he has been working for the last six months without any break.

Yeddyurappa also said he is beginning his election tour in the next two to three days.

Replying to a query, he said if BJP wins 20 to 22 seats, infighting in the Congress and JDS would begin, which would result in the collapse of the coalition government.&nbsp;

The BJP is optimistic about performing well in states where the party did not have much presence earlier which will help push its overall tally to 300 in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls, the party's Karnataka unit president BS Yeddyurappa said here.

The BJP is optimistic about performing well in states where the party did not have much presence earlier which will help push its overall tally to 300 in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls, the party's Karnataka unit president BS Yeddyurappa said here. In Karnataka too, the BJP is "doing well" in Hyderabad-Karnataka region and "already has good presence" in Mumbai-Karnataka and Central Karnataka, the former chief minister said, and claimed if the party wins 20 to 22 seats in the state, it would lead to collapse of the Congress-JD(S) coalition government due to infighting. In the 2014 Lok Sabha election, the BJP won 17 seats out of 28, Congress bagged nine seats while the JD (S) got two seats. The Congress and the JD(S) are fighting in alliance this time, with the two parties agreeing to contest 20 and eight seats respectively. "There is a positive atmosphere across the country. Narendra Modi's wave has only increased manifold compared to the last Lok Sabha elections. We are expecting to win seats from new territories like West Bengal, Odisha and other North-Eastern states. This would push BJP's overall tally to 300 Lok Sabha seats," he told PTI in an interview here. The party is also expecting to improve its tally in Tamil Nadu, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, Yeddyurappa said, and expressed confidence that the party would open an account in Kerala. Though the BJP lost Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan assembly elections, the party is going to repeat its 2014 performance in Lok Sabha polls, he asserted. The BJP's prospects are good in Karnataka as it is expecting to do well in Tumkuru and Mysuru, and put up a fight in Ramnagara and Hassan, which are JD(S) bastions, he added. Yeddyurappa also claimed that Congress strongman Mallikarjun Kharge is in a difficult situation in Hyderabad-Karnataka region after his supporters - Mallikayya Guttedar, Umesh Jadhav, Baburao Chinchunsur and Malaka Reddy - deserted him to join BJP. "I am very optimistic of the BJP doing well in Hyderabad-Karnataka region, especially Kalaburgi. I am sure the entry of Guttedar, Jadhav, Chinchunsur and Reddy, can turn the tables on Kharge. The Congress leader is in a lurch by missing these leaders who made possible his victories," he said. "As it is, the BJP has good presence in Mumbai-Karnataka and Central Karnataka, historically," he said. Yeddyurappa said they were expecting a positive impact from Prime Minister Narendra Modi's rallies in Karnataka, "which have always worked in favour of the party". "We have requested Modiji to address four rallies in Karnataka. The dates and places of rallies will be decided later," he said. Asked about KPCC President Dinesh Gundurao's offer to Rahul Gandhi to contest from Karnataka, Yeddyurappa said the Congress is uncertain that Gandhi can retain Amethi seat, which he managed to win with a 50 per cent reduction in margin in last Lok Sabha elections against Smriti Irani. "According to me, Rahul Gandhi is losing his Amethi seat to Shrimati Smriti Irani, and hence the Congress is offering him to contest from Karnataka. It will not be easy for him to win from Karnataka also. I think Rahul Gandhi will not take any such risk," he said. Recently, Gundurao had written a letter asking Gandhi to contest elections from Karnataka so that it would act as a nucleus for the Congress to strengthen its position in southern parts of India. Asked if the party is concerned about D K Shivakumar campaigning against B Y Raghavendra from Shivvamogga after wresting Ballari seat from BJP in the last bypoll, Yeddyurappa said his son would win by one lakh votes margin as he has been working for the last six months without any break. Yeddyurappa also said he is beginning his election tour in the next two to three days. Replying to a query, he said if BJP wins 20 to 22 seats, infighting in the Congress and JDS would begin, which would result in the collapse of the coalition government.

Good performance in new territories would push BJP's tally to 300: Yeddyurappa

Union Minister Piyush Goyal on Saturday expressed confidence in the Bharatiya Janata Party's performance in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls, stating that the Congress "will not get more than 60 seats" in the general elections.&nbsp;

Goyal said that he is confident of the BJP making a clean sweep, bagging more than 300 Lok Sabha seats. He targetted Congress' Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, criticising her political debut that happened just 60 days ahead of the general polls.&nbsp;

Goyal said Priyanka induction into politics at this juncture is just to "bail out her failed elder brother", news agency ANI reported.&nbsp;

"Nation needs more serious politicians than the fly-by-night ones," he said.&nbsp;

Slamming Congress leader Sam Pitroda over his remarks on <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/if-only-a-similar-deterrent-action-was-taken-after-mumbai-attack-sitharaman-on-balakot-airstrikes-205237">aggressive action against Pakistan</a>, Goyal said the BJP would give a befitting reply to terror attacks and not be 'apologetic' as the opposition party leaders, news agency PTI reported. &nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also took to Twitter on Friday, and in a series of tweets, lashed out at <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/amit-shah-slams-rahul-gandhi-over-pitrodas-remarks-asks-do-you-consider-pulwama-attack-a-routine-incident-205033">Pitroda</a>. &nbsp;

"The most trusted advisor and guide of the Congress President has kick-started the Pakistan National Day celebrations on behalf of the Congress, ironically by demeaning India’s armed forces," PM Modi tweeted out.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Union Minister Piyush Goyal on Saturday expressed confidence in the Bharatiya Janata Party's performance in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls, stating that the Congress "will not get more than 60 seats" in the general elections.

Union Minister Piyush Goyal on Saturday expressed confidence in the Bharatiya Janata Party's performance in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls, stating that the Congress "will not get more than 60 seats" in the general elections. Goyal said that he is confident of the BJP making a clean sweep, bagging more than 300 Lok Sabha seats. He targetted Congress' Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, criticising her political debut that happened just 60 days ahead of the general polls. Goyal said Priyanka induction into politics at this juncture is just to "bail out her failed elder brother", news agency ANI reported. "Nation needs more serious politicians than the fly-by-night ones," he said. Slamming Congress leader Sam Pitroda over his remarks on aggressive action against Pakistan, Goyal said the BJP would give a befitting reply to terror attacks and not be 'apologetic' as the opposition party leaders, news agency PTI reported. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also took to Twitter on Friday, and in a series of tweets, lashed out at Pitroda. "The most trusted advisor and guide of the Congress President has kick-started the Pakistan National Day celebrations on behalf of the Congress, ironically by demeaning India’s armed forces," PM Modi tweeted out. (With inputs from agencies)

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra's political debut is just to 'bail out her failed elder brother': Piyush Goyal

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-polls-bjp-releases-list-of-36-candidates-sambit-patra-to-contest-from-puri-204967">BJP has announced the names</a> of 297 candidates for the Lok Sabha polls in six lists released so far, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi from Varanasi and party chief Amit Shah from Gandhinagar.&nbsp;

The lists include almost all candidates for those seats where polling will be held in first two phases.

In the first list released Thursday, the party announced the names of 184 candidates, including the prime minister and the BJP chief. Later on the same day, the party announced its candidate for Daman and Diu constituency as well.

The party released three lists on Friday and one on Saturday.

Home Minister Rajnath Singh will again contest from Lucknow while party's senior leader and Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad from Patna Sahib in Bihar and national spokesperson <a href="Lok Sabha polls: BJP releases list of 36 candidates, Sambit Patra to contest from Puri">Sambit Patra from Puri in Odisha</a>.

The party fielded Union ministers Narendra Singh Tomar, Jayant Sinha, Shripad Naik from Morena (Madhya Pradesh), Hazaribagh (Jharkhand), North Goa seats respectively.

Party leader Anurag Thakur has been renominated from Hamirpur. 
Veteran party leader and sitting Kangra MP Shanta Kumar has been replaced by Kishan Kapoor as the BJP nominee from Kangra in Himachal Pradesh.

With these candidates, the party has so far announced the name of its 297 candidates for the election to the 543-member Lok Sabha which will be held in seven phases beginning on 11 April and ending on 19 May. The counting will take place on 23 May.

The names for the first two phases have been cleared by the BJP's central election committee (CEC), headed by its chief Amit Shah and including Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The names of its 17 candidates for Bihar Lok Sabha seats were shared with media by the BJP in a joint press conference with its allies in Patna.

The party is contesting on 40 Lok Sabha seats of Bihar in alliance with JD(U) and the LJP, where both BJP and JD(U) will fight on 17 seats each and the LJP on remaining six.

The big names which were announced on Saturday include Ravi Shankar Prasad who will be now the party's candidate from Patna Sahib replacing film actor and sitting MP Shatrughan Sinha.

The party also announced the candidature of its national spokesperson Sambit Patra from Puri, where Modi's name was also speculated as a candidate.

The party has also changed the seat of Union minister Giriraj Singh from Nawada to Begusarai in Bihar.&nbsp;

The highlight of the first list was the party's decision to field Shah from Gandhinagar in place of its veteran leader L K Advani.&nbsp;

The BJP has announced the names of 297 candidates for the Lok Sabha polls in six lists released so far, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi from Varanasi and party chief Amit Shah from Gandhinagar.

The BJP has announced the names of 297 candidates for the Lok Sabha polls in six lists released so far, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi from Varanasi and party chief Amit Shah from Gandhinagar. The lists include almost all candidates for those seats where polling will be held in first two phases. In the first list released Thursday, the party announced the names of 184 candidates, including the prime minister and the BJP chief. Later on the same day, the party announced its candidate for Daman and Diu constituency as well. The party released three lists on Friday and one on Saturday. Home Minister Rajnath Singh will again contest from Lucknow while party's senior leader and Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad from Patna Sahib in Bihar and national spokesperson Sambit Patra from Puri in Odisha. The party fielded Union ministers Narendra Singh Tomar, Jayant Sinha, Shripad Naik from Morena (Madhya Pradesh), Hazaribagh (Jharkhand), North Goa seats respectively. Party leader Anurag Thakur has been renominated from Hamirpur. Veteran party leader and sitting Kangra MP Shanta Kumar has been replaced by Kishan Kapoor as the BJP nominee from Kangra in Himachal Pradesh. With these candidates, the party has so far announced the name of its 297 candidates for the election to the 543-member Lok Sabha which will be held in seven phases beginning on 11 April and ending on 19 May. The counting will take place on 23 May. The names for the first two phases have been cleared by the BJP's central election committee (CEC), headed by its chief Amit Shah and including Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The names of its 17 candidates for Bihar Lok Sabha seats were shared with media by the BJP in a joint press conference with its allies in Patna. The party is contesting on 40 Lok Sabha seats of Bihar in alliance with JD(U) and the LJP, where both BJP and JD(U) will fight on 17 seats each and the LJP on remaining six. The big names which were announced on Saturday include Ravi Shankar Prasad who will be now the party's candidate from Patna Sahib replacing film actor and sitting MP Shatrughan Sinha. The party also announced the candidature of its national spokesperson Sambit Patra from Puri, where Modi's name was also speculated as a candidate. The party has also changed the seat of Union minister Giriraj Singh from Nawada to Begusarai in Bihar. The highlight of the first list was the party's decision to field Shah from Gandhinagar in place of its veteran leader L K Advani.

Lok Sabha polls: BJP announces names of 297 candidates in six lists

Twenty-one years after officially separating from the Congress, Mamata Banerjee-led TMC has removed the grand old party's name from its logo.

The new logo has Trinamool written in green with twin flowers and blue background. It has been in use for a week now, party sources said.

It was way back in 1998 that present West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee broke away from the Congress and formed the TMC over differences of opinion on dealing with the then ruling CPI(M).

"TMC is called Trinamool and after 21 years, it was time for change," a party leader said.

The Congress name has been dropped from party banners, posters and all communication material.

However, it will remain registered with the Election Commission as Trinamool Congress, party sources said.

The official Facebook and Twitter pages of the party, the CM, her nephew Abhishek Banerjee, and Trinamool's leader in the Rajya Sabha Derek O Brien already have the new logo.&nbsp;

Twenty-one years after officially separating from the Congress, Mamata Banerjee-led TMC has removed the grand old party's name from its logo. The new logo has Trinamool written in green with twin flowers and blue background.

Twenty-one years after officially separating from the Congress, Mamata Banerjee-led TMC has removed the grand old party's name from its logo. The new logo has Trinamool written in green with twin flowers and blue background. It has been in use for a week now, party sources said. It was way back in 1998 that present West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee broke away from the Congress and formed the TMC over differences of opinion on dealing with the then ruling CPI(M). "TMC is called Trinamool and after 21 years, it was time for change," a party leader said. The Congress name has been dropped from party banners, posters and all communication material. However, it will remain registered with the Election Commission as Trinamool Congress, party sources said. The official Facebook and Twitter pages of the party, the CM, her nephew Abhishek Banerjee, and Trinamool's leader in the Rajya Sabha Derek O Brien already have the new logo.

TMC removes Congress's name from its logo

Former Chhattisgarh chief minister and BJP leader Dr Raman Singh on Saturday said that a meeting of the Bharatiya Janata Party's central election committee will be held later in the day today, news agency ANI reported.&nbsp;

Singh said that the leaders are likely to take a final call on 6 Lok Sabha seats in Chhattisgarh, following which the names of the candidates will be declared.

Singh's remarks came a day after the party released a list of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-polls-bjp-releases-list-of-36-candidates-sambit-patra-to-contest-from-puri-204967">36 candidates for Lok Sabha polls</a> in Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Maharashtra and Odisha ahead of the general elections on Friday.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Former Chhattisgarh CM Dr Raman Singh: A meeting of BJP Central Election Committee will be held today &amp; I think final decision on 6 Lok Sabha seats (in Chhattisgarh) will be taken &amp; candidates for these seats will be declared. <a href="https://t.co/3yqhM5pGp9">pic.twitter.com/3yqhM5pGp9</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1109300999716524032?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 23, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The party has fielded Girish Bapat from Pune (Maharashtra), its national spokesperson Sambit Patra from Puri (Odisha), Dilip Kumar Kilaru from Vijayawada (Andhra Pradesh), Bharati Pawar from Dindori (Maharashtra) and Sanbor Shullai from Shillong (Meghalaya).

The decision was taken after a meeting of the Central Election Committee of the BJP in New Delhi. The meeting was attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh, Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley and External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj among others.

The BJP on Thursday released its first list of candidates for the upcoming polls comprising 184 candidates including some of the biggest names in the party such as Prime Minister Narendra Modi, party chief Amit Shah and Union ministers like Rajnath Singh and Smriti Irani.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi to contest from Varanasi again. BJP president Amit Shah replaced L K Advani in Gandhinagar constituency. Home Minister Rajnath Singh will contest from Lucknow.&nbsp;

Former Chhattisgarh chief minister and BJP leader Dr Raman Singh on Saturday said that a meeting of the Bharatiya Janata Party's central election committee will be held later in the day today, news agency ANI reported.

Former Chhattisgarh chief minister and BJP leader Dr Raman Singh on Saturday said that a meeting of the Bharatiya Janata Party's central election committee will be held later in the day today, news agency ANI reported. Singh said that the leaders are likely to take a final call on 6 Lok Sabha seats in Chhattisgarh, following which the names of the candidates will be declared. Singh's remarks came a day after the party released a list of 36 candidates for Lok Sabha polls in Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Maharashtra and Odisha ahead of the general elections on Friday. Former Chhattisgarh CM Dr Raman Singh: A meeting of BJP Central Election Committee will be held today & I think final decision on 6 Lok Sabha seats (in Chhattisgarh) will be taken & candidates for these seats will be declared. pic.twitter.com/3yqhM5pGp9 — ANI (@ANI) March 23, 2019 × The party has fielded Girish Bapat from Pune (Maharashtra), its national spokesperson Sambit Patra from Puri (Odisha), Dilip Kumar Kilaru from Vijayawada (Andhra Pradesh), Bharati Pawar from Dindori (Maharashtra) and Sanbor Shullai from Shillong (Meghalaya). The decision was taken after a meeting of the Central Election Committee of the BJP in New Delhi. The meeting was attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh, Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley and External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj among others. The BJP on Thursday released its first list of candidates for the upcoming polls comprising 184 candidates including some of the biggest names in the party such as Prime Minister Narendra Modi, party chief Amit Shah and Union ministers like Rajnath Singh and Smriti Irani. Prime Minister Narendra Modi to contest from Varanasi again. BJP president Amit Shah replaced L K Advani in Gandhinagar constituency. Home Minister Rajnath Singh will contest from Lucknow.

Final call on 6 Lok Sabha seats in Chhattisgarh likely to be taken today: Raman Singh

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Friday released a list of 36 <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">candidates for Lok Sabha polls</a>&nbsp;in Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Maharashtra and Odisha ahead of the general elections.

The party has fielded Girish Bapat from Pune (Maharashtra), its national spokesperson Sambit Patra from Puri (Odisha), Dilip Kumar Kilaru from Vijayawada (Andhra Pradesh), Bharati Pawar from Dindori (Maharashtra) and Sanbor Shullai from Shillong (Meghalaya).

The decision was taken after a meeting of the Central Election Committee of the BJP in New Delhi. The meeting was attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh, Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley and External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj among others.

Speaking to ANI after the CEC meeting, Union Minister JP Nadda said, "We have come out with a list of 36 new candidates which includes Odisha BJP President Basant Panda, senior leader Suresh Pujari and our spokesperson Sambit Patra. We would like to clear the first and second phase candidates as soon as possible and we`re working on it."

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
BJP releases list of 36 candidates from Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Maharashtra, Odisha. Girish Bapat to contest from Pune (Maharashtra), Sambit Patra to contest from Puri (Odisha). <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LokSabhaElections2019?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LokSabhaElections2019</a> <a href="https://t.co/Ft3C3cl1cX">pic.twitter.com/Ft3C3cl1cX</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1109182572419051520?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 22, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The first phase of the 2019 Lok Sabha elections will be held on April 11, and results will be announced on May 23.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Friday released a list of 36 candidates for Lok Sabha polls in Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Maharashtra and Odisha ahead of the general elections.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Friday released a list of 36 candidates for Lok Sabha polls in Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Maharashtra and Odisha ahead of the general elections. The party has fielded Girish Bapat from Pune (Maharashtra), its national spokesperson Sambit Patra from Puri (Odisha), Dilip Kumar Kilaru from Vijayawada (Andhra Pradesh), Bharati Pawar from Dindori (Maharashtra) and Sanbor Shullai from Shillong (Meghalaya). The decision was taken after a meeting of the Central Election Committee of the BJP in New Delhi. The meeting was attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh, Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley and External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj among others. Speaking to ANI after the CEC meeting, Union Minister JP Nadda said, "We have come out with a list of 36 new candidates which includes Odisha BJP President Basant Panda, senior leader Suresh Pujari and our spokesperson Sambit Patra. We would like to clear the first and second phase candidates as soon as possible and we`re working on it." BJP releases list of 36 candidates from Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Maharashtra, Odisha. Girish Bapat to contest from Pune (Maharashtra), Sambit Patra to contest from Puri (Odisha). #LokSabhaElections2019 pic.twitter.com/Ft3C3cl1cX — ANI (@ANI) March 22, 2019 × The first phase of the 2019 Lok Sabha elections will be held on April 11, and results will be announced on May 23.

Lok Sabha polls: BJP releases list of 36 candidates, Sambit Patra to contest from Puri

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Friday urged people to not vote for the YSR Congress Party in the impending elections, stating that backing them would be like "writing your own death warrant."

Addressing an election campaign in Vishakhapatnam Narsipatnam, Naidu said, “Voting for TDP will be the victory of people, but voting for YSRCP is like writing your own death warrant. These (Lok Sabha) elections decide the future of the state. People should vote for TDP for better future and better development of the state.”

Naidu further accused YSRCP chief YS Jagan Mohan Reddy of “looting” lakh and crores of money by misusing his father, YS Rajasekhara Reddy’s power when the latter was the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh.

“Jagan's paternal uncle was killed in his own house, but they tried to make people believe that it was due to a heart attack. They tampered evidence, altered scene of offence,” Naidu said.

“I am like an elder son in every family. I gave financial support to 98 lakh DWCRA sisters under Pasupu Kumkuma scheme. I provided welfare pensions of Rs 2000 to senior citizens. We will bring water from the Godavari river to Visakhapatnam. Uttara Andhra Sujala Sravanti project will be finished in a year,” he added.

Naidu further claimed that Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao is “creating hurdles in the development of Andhra Pradesh.”

“Jagan bowed down in front of him (KCR)... Prime Minister Narendra Modi is shielding Jagan. We won't surrender in front of Modi,” Naidu said.

“NDA government betrayed Andhra Pradesh by not fulfilling bifurcation promises. It has even taken back the funds meant for backward districts development. Not even one of the 18 assurances of bifurcation act is fulfilled. While we are fighting for that, the Centre is filing cases against us,” he added.

The Lok Sabha election will be held in Andhra Pradesh on April 11. The result will be announced on May 23.&nbsp;

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Friday urged people to not vote for the YSR Congress Party in the impending elections, stating that backing them would be like "writing your own death warrant.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Friday urged people to not vote for the YSR Congress Party in the impending elections, stating that backing them would be like "writing your own death warrant." Addressing an election campaign in Vishakhapatnam Narsipatnam, Naidu said, “Voting for TDP will be the victory of people, but voting for YSRCP is like writing your own death warrant. These (Lok Sabha) elections decide the future of the state. People should vote for TDP for better future and better development of the state.” Naidu further accused YSRCP chief YS Jagan Mohan Reddy of “looting” lakh and crores of money by misusing his father, YS Rajasekhara Reddy’s power when the latter was the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh. “Jagan's paternal uncle was killed in his own house, but they tried to make people believe that it was due to a heart attack. They tampered evidence, altered scene of offence,” Naidu said. “I am like an elder son in every family. I gave financial support to 98 lakh DWCRA sisters under Pasupu Kumkuma scheme. I provided welfare pensions of Rs 2000 to senior citizens. We will bring water from the Godavari river to Visakhapatnam. Uttara Andhra Sujala Sravanti project will be finished in a year,” he added. Naidu further claimed that Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao is “creating hurdles in the development of Andhra Pradesh.” “Jagan bowed down in front of him (KCR)... Prime Minister Narendra Modi is shielding Jagan. We won't surrender in front of Modi,” Naidu said. “NDA government betrayed Andhra Pradesh by not fulfilling bifurcation promises. It has even taken back the funds meant for backward districts development. Not even one of the 18 assurances of bifurcation act is fulfilled. While we are fighting for that, the Centre is filing cases against us,” he added. The Lok Sabha election will be held in Andhra Pradesh on April 11. The result will be announced on May 23.

Voting for YSRCP is like writing one's own death warrant: N Chandrababu Naidu