Andhra Pradesh IT minister and Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu’s son Nara Lokesh on Friday filed nomination to contest from Mangalagiri constituency in Amaravati in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.

Lokesh, who is the general secretary of Telugu Desam Party (TDP), will be contesting for the first time. He filed nomination papers at the Mangalagiri Mandal Revenue Officer (MRO) in the presence of his mother Bhuvaneswari, wife Brahmani and son Devansh.

After filing the nomination, Lokesh cast his vote in the Member of Legislative Council (MLC) elections at a polling booth in Polakampadu Mandal Parishat elementary school.

Andhra Pradesh, which has 25 Lok Sabha seats and 175 Assembly seats at stake, will go for simultaneous polling on April 11.&nbsp;

Andhra Pradesh IT minister and Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu’s son Nara Lokesh on Friday filed nomination to contest from Mangalagiri constituency in Amaravati in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.

Andhra Pradesh IT minister and Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu’s son Nara Lokesh on Friday filed nomination to contest from Mangalagiri constituency in Amaravati in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. Lokesh, who is the general secretary of Telugu Desam Party (TDP), will be contesting for the first time. He filed nomination papers at the Mangalagiri Mandal Revenue Officer (MRO) in the presence of his mother Bhuvaneswari, wife Brahmani and son Devansh. After filing the nomination, Lokesh cast his vote in the Member of Legislative Council (MLC) elections at a polling booth in Polakampadu Mandal Parishat elementary school. Andhra Pradesh, which has 25 Lok Sabha seats and 175 Assembly seats at stake, will go for simultaneous polling on April 11.

Lok Sabha 2019: Chandrababu Naidu's son Nara Lokesh files nomination from Andhra Pradesh

Ahead of the Lok Sabha elections in Telangana, the Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) are all set to rope in star campaigners and senior party leaders for its election campaign in the state.

According to Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee (TPCC) spokesperson Gudur Narayan Reddy, the Congress has planned at least three public meetings to be addressed by party chief Rahul Gandhi and has urged the party to send AICC general secretary Priyanka Gandhi for the campaign in the state.

Reddy further said the list of star campaigners would be released after candidates are finalised for all constituencies in the state. "Roadshows and public meetings would be held as part of the campaign,” he added.

Meanwhile, BJP Member of Legislative Council (MLC) Ramchandra Rao said Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP president Amit Shah have agreed to address four and six public meetings, respectively, in Telangana. Union Ministers Piyush Goyal and Nirmala Sitaraman will visit Telangana in the coming days, he added.

Rao also said the schedule of their campaign will be announced in a day or two.

All 17 Lok Sabha seats in Telangana will go to polls in a single phase on April 11.

Ahead of the Lok Sabha elections in Telangana, the Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) are all set to rope in star campaigners and senior party leaders for its election campaign in the state.

Ahead of the Lok Sabha elections in Telangana, the Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) are all set to rope in star campaigners and senior party leaders for its election campaign in the state. According to Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee (TPCC) spokesperson Gudur Narayan Reddy, the Congress has planned at least three public meetings to be addressed by party chief Rahul Gandhi and has urged the party to send AICC general secretary Priyanka Gandhi for the campaign in the state. Reddy further said the list of star campaigners would be released after candidates are finalised for all constituencies in the state. "Roadshows and public meetings would be held as part of the campaign,” he added. Meanwhile, BJP Member of Legislative Council (MLC) Ramchandra Rao said Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP president Amit Shah have agreed to address four and six public meetings, respectively, in Telangana. Union Ministers Piyush Goyal and Nirmala Sitaraman will visit Telangana in the coming days, he added. Rao also said the schedule of their campaign will be announced in a day or two. All 17 Lok Sabha seats in Telangana will go to polls in a single phase on April 11.

Lok Sabha polls: BJP, Congress to rope in star campaigners for Telangana

The National Democratic Alliance on Saturday released its list for 39 out of the total 40 Lok Sabha seats in Bihar. The Bharatiya Janata Party, which will contest the general polls in Bihar in alliance with Nitish Kumar's Janata Dal (United) and Ram Vilas Paswan-led Lok Janshakti Party (LJP), will contest 17 seats.&nbsp;&nbsp;

According to reports, the JD(U) will also fight on 17 seats while 6 seats go to the LPJ.&nbsp;

Union minister Ravi Shankar Prasad will contest from Shatrughan Sinha's Patna Sahib seat.

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BJP in-charge for Bihar, Bhupendra Yadav: Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad to be BJP’s candidate from Patna Sahib.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LokSabhaElections2019?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LokSabhaElections2019</a> <a href="https://t.co/LIVPmAFOLA">pic.twitter.com/LIVPmAFOLA</a>
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BJP's party in-charge for Bihar, Bhupendra Yadav announced that Lok Janshakti Party's Chandan Kumar will contest from Nawada. LJP chief Ram Vilas Paswan's son, Chirag Paswan, is fielded from Jamui seat while his brother&nbsp;Ram Vilas Paswan's brother Pashupati Kumar Paras to contest from Hajipur

Besides this, Ramkirpal Yadav will contest from Patliputra, RK Singh from Arrah, Aswani Choubey from Buxar, Radha Mohan Singh from East Champaran, Rajiv Pratap Rudy from Saran, Yadav stated.

Meanwhile, 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.

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 <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-polls-bjp-releases-list-of-36-candidates-sambit-patra-to-contest-from-puri-204967">national spokesperson Sambit Patra from Puri (Odisha)</a>, 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 National Democratic Alliance on Saturday released its list for 39 out of the total 40 Lok Sabha seats in Bihar. The Bharatiya Janata Party, which will contest the general polls in Bihar in alliance with Nitish Kumar's Janata Dal (United) and Ram Vilas Paswan-led Lok Janshakti Party (LJP), will contest 17 seats.

The National Democratic Alliance on Saturday released its list for 39 out of the total 40 Lok Sabha seats in Bihar. The Bharatiya Janata Party, which will contest the general polls in Bihar in alliance with Nitish Kumar's Janata Dal (United) and Ram Vilas Paswan-led Lok Janshakti Party (LJP), will contest 17 seats. According to reports, the JD(U) will also fight on 17 seats while 6 seats go to the LPJ. Union minister Ravi Shankar Prasad will contest from Shatrughan Sinha's Patna Sahib seat. BJP in-charge for Bihar, Bhupendra Yadav: Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad to be BJP’s candidate from Patna Sahib.#LokSabhaElections2019 pic.twitter.com/LIVPmAFOLA — ANI (@ANI) March 23, 2019 × BJP's party in-charge for Bihar, Bhupendra Yadav announced that Lok Janshakti Party's Chandan Kumar will contest from Nawada. LJP chief Ram Vilas Paswan's son, Chirag Paswan, is fielded from Jamui seat while his brother Ram Vilas Paswan's brother Pashupati Kumar Paras to contest from Hajipur Besides this, Ramkirpal Yadav will contest from Patliputra, RK Singh from Arrah, Aswani Choubey from Buxar, Radha Mohan Singh from East Champaran, Rajiv Pratap Rudy from Saran, Yadav stated. Meanwhile, 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. 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.

Lok Sabha polls: NDA releases list of candidates for Bihar, Ravi Shankar Prasad replaces Shatrughan Sinha in Patna Sahib seat

Bharatiya Janata Party chief Amit Shah on Saturday reacted over Indian Overseas Congress chief <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-most-trusted-adviser-has-kick-started-pak-national-day-celebrations-by-demeaning-iaf-pm-modi-hits-out-at-sam-pitroda-204818">Sam Pitroda's remark on Balakot airstrikes</a>. Shah lashed out at Congress president Rahul Gandhi saying that Gandhi "should explain it to the nation - do you consider such heinous attack (Pulwama attack) a routine incident?"

Pitroda, who is also known as a close aide of Congress president Rahul Gandhi, on Friday questioned the airstrikes carried out by the Indian Air Force at JeM camps in Balakot, Pakistan in an interview with news agency ANI.&nbsp;

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BJP President Amit Shah: Who do you (Rahul Gandhi) support? Doubting the Indian Air Force is not right for the national president of any party. You stand in support when slogans are raised against the country in JNU, and call it the freedom of expression. <a href="https://t.co/xoBasGtEja">pic.twitter.com/xoBasGtEja</a>
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“If they (IAF) killed 300, it's ok. All I am saying is can you give me more facts and prove it,” said Pitroda on Friday in the interview.

Shah alleged that the Congress chief supports those who doubt the Indian Air Force. "Who do you (Rahul Gandhi) support? Doubting the Indian Air Force is not right for the national president of any party. You stand in support when slogans are raised against the country in JNU, and call it the freedom of expression," Shah noted.&nbsp;

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BJP Chief Amit Shah on Indian Overseas Congress Chief Sam Pitroda's remark on <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/airstrike?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#airstrike</a>: Congress President should explain it to the nation- do you consider such heinous attack (Pulwama attack) a routine incident? <a href="https://t.co/2jHtKiWsIs">pic.twitter.com/2jHtKiWsIs</a>
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Amit Shah referred to Pitroda's remark that a country shouldn't be held responsible for the deeds done by few people and demanded Congress party answer "who is the culprit".

"If a country shouldn't be held responsible for deeds of 7-8 ppl, does Congress believe that Pakistan government and the military has a connection with terror attacks here? If there is a connection, who is the culprit? Congress party should answer," he said.&nbsp;

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Amit Shah on Sam Pitroda's remark on <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/airstrike?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#airstrike</a>: If a country shouldn't be held responsible for deeds of 7-8 ppl, does Congress believe that Pakistan govt&amp;military has a connection with terror attacks here? If there is a connection,who is the culprit, Congress party should answer <a href="https://t.co/AE3pTfZmiB">https://t.co/AE3pTfZmiB</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1109360566794158081?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 23, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Shah's remarks come a day after the BJP had a field day criticising Pitroda's comments on Pulwama attack and the Balakot strikes on Friday. Prime Minister Narendra Modi yesterday took to Twitter, and in a series of tweets, lashed out at Pitroda. &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;

Bharatiya Janata Party chief Amit Shah on Saturday reacted over Indian Overseas Congress chief Sam Pitroda's remark on Balakot airstrikes. Shah lashed out at Congress president Rahul Gandhi saying that Gandhi "should explain it to the nation - do you consider such heinous attack (Pulwama attack) a routine incident?

Bharatiya Janata Party chief Amit Shah on Saturday reacted over Indian Overseas Congress chief Sam Pitroda's remark on Balakot airstrikes. Shah lashed out at Congress president Rahul Gandhi saying that Gandhi "should explain it to the nation - do you consider such heinous attack (Pulwama attack) a routine incident?" Pitroda, who is also known as a close aide of Congress president Rahul Gandhi, on Friday questioned the airstrikes carried out by the Indian Air Force at JeM camps in Balakot, Pakistan in an interview with news agency ANI. BJP President Amit Shah: Who do you (Rahul Gandhi) support? Doubting the Indian Air Force is not right for the national president of any party. You stand in support when slogans are raised against the country in JNU, and call it the freedom of expression. pic.twitter.com/xoBasGtEja — ANI (@ANI) March 23, 2019 × “If they (IAF) killed 300, it's ok. All I am saying is can you give me more facts and prove it,” said Pitroda on Friday in the interview. Shah alleged that the Congress chief supports those who doubt the Indian Air Force. "Who do you (Rahul Gandhi) support? Doubting the Indian Air Force is not right for the national president of any party. You stand in support when slogans are raised against the country in JNU, and call it the freedom of expression," Shah noted. BJP Chief Amit Shah on Indian Overseas Congress Chief Sam Pitroda's remark on #airstrike: Congress President should explain it to the nation- do you consider such heinous attack (Pulwama attack) a routine incident? pic.twitter.com/2jHtKiWsIs — ANI (@ANI) March 23, 2019 × Amit Shah referred to Pitroda's remark that a country shouldn't be held responsible for the deeds done by few people and demanded Congress party answer "who is the culprit". "If a country shouldn't be held responsible for deeds of 7-8 ppl, does Congress believe that Pakistan government and the military has a connection with terror attacks here? If there is a connection, who is the culprit? Congress party should answer," he said. Amit Shah on Sam Pitroda's remark on #airstrike: If a country shouldn't be held responsible for deeds of 7-8 ppl, does Congress believe that Pakistan govt&military has a connection with terror attacks here? If there is a connection,who is the culprit, Congress party should answer https://t.co/AE3pTfZmiB — ANI (@ANI) March 23, 2019 × Shah's remarks come a day after the BJP had a field day criticising Pitroda's comments on Pulwama attack and the Balakot strikes on Friday. Prime Minister Narendra Modi yesterday took to Twitter, 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.

Amit Shah slams Rahul Gandhi over Pitroda's remarks, asks 'do you consider Pulwama attack a routine incident?'

Former Indian cricketer Gautam Gambhir has joined Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Friday ahead of the Lok Sabha elections.&nbsp;

The announcement was made in the presence of Union Ministers Arun Jaitley and Ravi Shankar Prasad.&nbsp;

BJP sources said Gambhir is likely to be fielded from the New Delhi constituency, currently represented by Meenakshi Lekhi.&nbsp;

However, a&nbsp;final decision is yet to be taken, they added.

After joining the party, Gambhir said, "I am joining this party(BJP) after getting influenced&nbsp;by PM Narendra Modi's vision. I am honoured to get the opportunity to join this platform."&nbsp;

Earlier this month, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/president-kovind-confers-padma-awards-hs-phoolka-cricketer-gautam-gambhir-bollywood-actor-manoj-bajpayee-receive-padma-shri-203672">Gambhir was honoured with the Padma Shri award</a> for his contribution&nbsp;to the world of cricket.&nbsp;

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Delhi: Former Cricketer Gautam Gambhir joins Bharatiya Janata Party(BJP) in the presence of Union Ministers Arun Jaitley and Ravi Shankar Prasad <a href="https://t.co/EYmhfSSMy7">pic.twitter.com/EYmhfSSMy7</a>
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In his cricketing career, Gambhir earned 58 Test caps and scored nine centuries and 22 fifties in the Test format.&nbsp;

The left-handed batsman announced his retirement in the year 2018 after completing 10,000 runs in List-A cricket.&nbsp;

Gambhir's performance in the finals of the 2007 T20 World Cup final against Pakistan and the 2011 World Cup final against Sri Lanka helped India win both the titles.&nbsp;

Former Indian cricketer Gautam Gambhir has joined Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Friday ahead of the Lok Sabha elections. The announcement was made in the presence of Union Ministers Arun Jaitley and Ravi Shankar Prasad.

Former Indian cricketer Gautam Gambhir has joined Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Friday ahead of the Lok Sabha elections. The announcement was made in the presence of Union Ministers Arun Jaitley and Ravi Shankar Prasad. BJP sources said Gambhir is likely to be fielded from the New Delhi constituency, currently represented by Meenakshi Lekhi. However, a final decision is yet to be taken, they added. After joining the party, Gambhir said, "I am joining this party(BJP) after getting influenced by PM Narendra Modi's vision. I am honoured to get the opportunity to join this platform." Earlier this month, Gambhir was honoured with the Padma Shri award for his contribution to the world of cricket. Delhi: Former Cricketer Gautam Gambhir joins Bharatiya Janata Party(BJP) in the presence of Union Ministers Arun Jaitley and Ravi Shankar Prasad pic.twitter.com/EYmhfSSMy7 — ANI (@ANI) March 22, 2019 × In his cricketing career, Gambhir earned 58 Test caps and scored nine centuries and 22 fifties in the Test format. The left-handed batsman announced his retirement in the year 2018 after completing 10,000 runs in List-A cricket. Gambhir's performance in the finals of the 2007 T20 World Cup final against Pakistan and the 2011 World Cup final against Sri Lanka helped India win both the titles.

Former cricketer Gautam Gambhir pads up for political innings, joins BJP

K. Chandrashekar Rao-led Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) on Thursday announced its candidates for all the 17 Lok Sabha seats in Telangana.

The party has again fielded KCR's daughter K Kavitha from the Nizamabad Lok Sabha seat.

Besides her, Vemireddy Narasimha Reddy will contest from Nalgonda, Pasunuri Dayaker from Warangal, G Nagesh from Adilabad, Talasani Saikiran Yadav from Secunderabad, Manne Srinivas Reddy from Mahabubnagar and Puste Srikanth from Hyderabad, among others.

The party has also announced two names for the Legislative Council positions out of the four legislative council seats that are going to be vacated shortly.

The Telangana Chief Minister has picked Nalgonda MP Gutha Sukhender Reddy and Kukatpally TRS leader Kurmaiah Gari Naveen Rao for the two seats.

Telangana will go to polls in a single phase for all 17 Lok Sabha seats at stake on April 11.&nbsp;

K. Chandrashekar Rao-led Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) on Thursday announced its candidates for all the 17 Lok Sabha seats in Telangana. The party has again fielded KCR's daughter K Kavitha from the Nizamabad Lok Sabha seat.

K. Chandrashekar Rao-led Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) on Thursday announced its candidates for all the 17 Lok Sabha seats in Telangana. The party has again fielded KCR's daughter K Kavitha from the Nizamabad Lok Sabha seat. Besides her, Vemireddy Narasimha Reddy will contest from Nalgonda, Pasunuri Dayaker from Warangal, G Nagesh from Adilabad, Talasani Saikiran Yadav from Secunderabad, Manne Srinivas Reddy from Mahabubnagar and Puste Srikanth from Hyderabad, among others. The party has also announced two names for the Legislative Council positions out of the four legislative council seats that are going to be vacated shortly. The Telangana Chief Minister has picked Nalgonda MP Gutha Sukhender Reddy and Kukatpally TRS leader Kurmaiah Gari Naveen Rao for the two seats. Telangana will go to polls in a single phase for all 17 Lok Sabha seats at stake on April 11.

Lok Sabha elections: TRS announces candidates for 17 seats in Telangana

Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam (AMMK) leader <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ttv-dinakaran-floats-new-party-ammk-with-cooker-as-party-symbol-35895">TTV Dhinakaran</a> released his party’s second list of nine candidates for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. The leader also released a list of candidates for the 18 vacant seats in Tamil Nadu’s Assembly.&nbsp;

Considering today’s list and the first list released by the party, it has totally fielded 38 candidates to the 40 Lok Sabha constituencies spread across Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, 17 candidates for the 18 vacant Assembly seats in Tamil Nadu.&nbsp;

One Lok Sabha constituency, central Chennai, would be allocated to their ally the Social Democratic Party of India.

TTV Dhinakaran is no stranger in Tamil Nadu’s political landscape, as he had earlier represented the state as a Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha MP while being associated with the AIADMK.&nbsp;

He is also the nephew of &nbsp;V K Sasikala, who was the aide and confidant of former chief minister Jayalalithaa. After being expelled from the AIADMK, post the demise of Jayalalithaa and the jailing of his aunt V K Sasikala, he floated his outfit the AMMK (which was not registered with the ECI) and vowed to fight against the AIADMK.

It was in late 2017 that he shot to prominence after winning the prized R K Nagar Assembly constituency, which fell vacant after Jayalalithaa’s demise in late 2016. Contesting as an independent, TTV was able to defeat the candidates of both Dravidian majors, the DMK and AIADMK by a huge margin.&nbsp;

He proved to be a major challenge for the AIADMK when 18 of the party’s MLAs withdrew support to chief minister Edappadi K Palaniswami in September 2017. However, the Assembly Speaker disqualified these dissident MLAs under the anti-defection law.&nbsp;

A long court battle ensued regarding the validity of the disqualification until it was finally upheld in October 2018. This was seen as a setback to the TTV Dhinakaran because if the MLAs had been reinstated to the house, they would have proved detrimental to the strength of the EPS-OPS led-AIADMK.&nbsp;

Speaking to WION after the disqualification, Dhinakaran said that it was not a setback but just an experience.&nbsp;

TTV’s party gains significance in the upcoming polls as they would be contesting sans a major alliance, but in the constituencies of the 18 disqualified MLAs, they could pose a serious challenge for the bigger parties.&nbsp;

TTV also has a major support base in the Thevar community, which is a dominant caste, that is spread across South Tamil Nadu.&nbsp;

Given that TTV lays claim to the legacy of the AIADMK, the party could cut a chunk of the AIADMK votes, which could in-turn become beneficial to the DMK.&nbsp;

However, TTV also faces a major setback as his party does not have a common symbol and their representatives would have to contest of different symbols, as independents.&nbsp;

Tamil Nadu and Puducherry will go to the polls on April 18th, in the second- phase of what is a seven-phase election.

Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam (AMMK) leader TTV Dhinakaran released his party’s second list of nine candidates for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. The leader also released a list of candidates for the 18 vacant seats in Tamil Nadu’s Assembly.

Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam (AMMK) leader TTV Dhinakaran released his party’s second list of nine candidates for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. The leader also released a list of candidates for the 18 vacant seats in Tamil Nadu’s Assembly. Considering today’s list and the first list released by the party, it has totally fielded 38 candidates to the 40 Lok Sabha constituencies spread across Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, 17 candidates for the 18 vacant Assembly seats in Tamil Nadu. One Lok Sabha constituency, central Chennai, would be allocated to their ally the Social Democratic Party of India. TTV Dhinakaran is no stranger in Tamil Nadu’s political landscape, as he had earlier represented the state as a Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha MP while being associated with the AIADMK. He is also the nephew of V K Sasikala, who was the aide and confidant of former chief minister Jayalalithaa. After being expelled from the AIADMK, post the demise of Jayalalithaa and the jailing of his aunt V K Sasikala, he floated his outfit the AMMK (which was not registered with the ECI) and vowed to fight against the AIADMK. It was in late 2017 that he shot to prominence after winning the prized R K Nagar Assembly constituency, which fell vacant after Jayalalithaa’s demise in late 2016. Contesting as an independent, TTV was able to defeat the candidates of both Dravidian majors, the DMK and AIADMK by a huge margin. He proved to be a major challenge for the AIADMK when 18 of the party’s MLAs withdrew support to chief minister Edappadi K Palaniswami in September 2017. However, the Assembly Speaker disqualified these dissident MLAs under the anti-defection law. A long court battle ensued regarding the validity of the disqualification until it was finally upheld in October 2018. This was seen as a setback to the TTV Dhinakaran because if the MLAs had been reinstated to the house, they would have proved detrimental to the strength of the EPS-OPS led-AIADMK. Speaking to WION after the disqualification, Dhinakaran said that it was not a setback but just an experience. TTV’s party gains significance in the upcoming polls as they would be contesting sans a major alliance, but in the constituencies of the 18 disqualified MLAs, they could pose a serious challenge for the bigger parties. TTV also has a major support base in the Thevar community, which is a dominant caste, that is spread across South Tamil Nadu. Given that TTV lays claim to the legacy of the AIADMK, the party could cut a chunk of the AIADMK votes, which could in-turn become beneficial to the DMK. However, TTV also faces a major setback as his party does not have a common symbol and their representatives would have to contest of different symbols, as independents. Tamil Nadu and Puducherry will go to the polls on April 18th, in the second- phase of what is a seven-phase election.

Lok Sabha polls: TTV Dhinakaran’s AMMK releases second list of 9 candidates

The Balakot air attack on February 26 by the Indian Air Force on Pakistan-based terror camps, which killed terrorists and destroyed their training facilities, has now become a watershed in the fight against terror. It required political leadership, military preparedness, combative skill and planning along with superior air strike capability. &nbsp;These aspects will be analysed for long. As it took place on the crucial 2019 election eve, its political impact is of more immediate significance.&nbsp;

There are clear indications that the air strike has ignited the spirit of nationalism throughout the country. The image of Prime Minister Narendra Modi as the national icon has been reinforced. That the world has rallied around India and Pakistan was demonstrably isolated has proved the big diplomatic strides India has taken with Modi-Sushma Swaraj in the last five years.&nbsp;

What are the big takeaways of the strike in the political, diplomatic and defence front? It has fired up the national psyche and thus changed the political narrative. &nbsp;For four decades India was seen as a helpless victim of Islamic terror, sponsored, promoted, guided and defended by Pakistan. No other country in the world has suffered for so long and so heavy as India. Indian response till Narendra Modi took office was one of pleading to the world for sympathies and cajoling Pakistan, if not propitiating it with endless comprehensive peace talks and track two diplomacy. Former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh described Pakistan as a victim of terror. After 26/11 terror attack on Mumbai, the Indian security establishment had suggested an appropriate retaliatory response against Pakistan. But the UPA leadership had taken a pusillanimous approach. They characterised it as an attempt to derail the peace process. Every terror attack on India was described as such. Modi changed it all. He knew that Pakistan was waging a proxy war on India and using terror outfits as strategic assets. Now Modi is determined to end terror attacks on India permanently.&nbsp;

Modi was not looking for easy options. He has evolved a new security doctrine. This is going to be the most decisive aspect of the 2019 election. Let’s see how Modi has scripted the new narrative. First through his persistent initiatives convinced the world community that terrorism in any form, anywhere, against any country by any outfit is a threat to humanity. The world recognised that Pakistan was the main source of terror export and that it was on an asymmetric war with India.

After the Pulwama terror attack on February 14 in which 41 CRPF soldiers were killed, the whole world in one voice condemned it and stood with India in its right to retaliate. For the first time, the US publicly acknowledged India’s right to revenge. So far Pakistan used to blackmail India with its nuclear arsenal which it threatened to use against India if it reacted. With the Air Force strike, Modi called the neighbour’s nuclear bluff.&nbsp;

All this was hailed and supported by the world leaders. Even China had to tone down its support to Pakistan and cautioned it against escalation. The UN Security Council members except China on their own moved to act against Pakistan harbouring terror outfits and wanted to declare Masood Azhar a wanted terrorist. Internally India acted withdrawing MFN status to Pakistan, imposing high duty on imports from there and banning Jamaat-e-Islami and removing security cover to separatist leaders.&nbsp;

The nation cheered all this. India’s unprecedented diplomatic outreach paid off. The External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj was honoured at OIC, much to Pakistan’s dismay, wherein a sterling performance she swayed the hosts presenting Indian position. She could persuade China to take a neutral stand and be counted on fight against terror. On the election eve, by speaking the language that found echoed in Pakistan the anti-Modi Opposition lost the plot. As Modi is being hailed as the best guarantee for preserving national unity and integrity the Opposition leaders like Rahul Gandhi are talking as if they have no stake in national security. After initially supporting the Air Force strike, within hours they started questioning the veracity and proof. After denying bullet-proof jackets to Indian Army and advanced combat aircraft to Air Force for ten years, the UPA’s attack on Rafale sounded ill-timed and motivated. The fact Opposition criticism of Modi is being cited by Pakistan leaders to defend themselves have spoiled their case in India.&nbsp;

Modi has an enviable record of achievements in the last five years. His welfare schemes have brought an entirely new constituency of vote base for BJP. Only on development plank, he can vow the voters. But this round after the air strike the electoral narrative has entirely changed. In whose hands India is safe? Whom Pakistan and terrorists fear the most? Whom Pakistan and Imran Khan would like to see defeated in Indian polls? Who can take India forward and rally the world behind? These are the questions being debated after Balakot.&nbsp;

(This article was originally published on DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-heart-of-darkness-pierced-2731781">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

&nbsp;

The Balakot air attack on February 26 by the Indian Air Force on Pakistan-based terror camps, which killed terrorists and destroyed their training facilities, has now become a watershed in the fight against terror.

The Balakot air attack on February 26 by the Indian Air Force on Pakistan-based terror camps, which killed terrorists and destroyed their training facilities, has now become a watershed in the fight against terror. It required political leadership, military preparedness, combative skill and planning along with superior air strike capability. These aspects will be analysed for long. As it took place on the crucial 2019 election eve, its political impact is of more immediate significance. There are clear indications that the air strike has ignited the spirit of nationalism throughout the country. The image of Prime Minister Narendra Modi as the national icon has been reinforced. That the world has rallied around India and Pakistan was demonstrably isolated has proved the big diplomatic strides India has taken with Modi-Sushma Swaraj in the last five years. What are the big takeaways of the strike in the political, diplomatic and defence front? It has fired up the national psyche and thus changed the political narrative. For four decades India was seen as a helpless victim of Islamic terror, sponsored, promoted, guided and defended by Pakistan. No other country in the world has suffered for so long and so heavy as India. Indian response till Narendra Modi took office was one of pleading to the world for sympathies and cajoling Pakistan, if not propitiating it with endless comprehensive peace talks and track two diplomacy. Former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh described Pakistan as a victim of terror. After 26/11 terror attack on Mumbai, the Indian security establishment had suggested an appropriate retaliatory response against Pakistan. But the UPA leadership had taken a pusillanimous approach. They characterised it as an attempt to derail the peace process. Every terror attack on India was described as such. Modi changed it all. He knew that Pakistan was waging a proxy war on India and using terror outfits as strategic assets. Now Modi is determined to end terror attacks on India permanently. Modi was not looking for easy options. He has evolved a new security doctrine. This is going to be the most decisive aspect of the 2019 election. Let’s see how Modi has scripted the new narrative. First through his persistent initiatives convinced the world community that terrorism in any form, anywhere, against any country by any outfit is a threat to humanity. The world recognised that Pakistan was the main source of terror export and that it was on an asymmetric war with India. After the Pulwama terror attack on February 14 in which 41 CRPF soldiers were killed, the whole world in one voice condemned it and stood with India in its right to retaliate. For the first time, the US publicly acknowledged India’s right to revenge. So far Pakistan used to blackmail India with its nuclear arsenal which it threatened to use against India if it reacted. With the Air Force strike, Modi called the neighbour’s nuclear bluff. All this was hailed and supported by the world leaders. Even China had to tone down its support to Pakistan and cautioned it against escalation. The UN Security Council members except China on their own moved to act against Pakistan harbouring terror outfits and wanted to declare Masood Azhar a wanted terrorist. Internally India acted withdrawing MFN status to Pakistan, imposing high duty on imports from there and banning Jamaat-e-Islami and removing security cover to separatist leaders. The nation cheered all this. India’s unprecedented diplomatic outreach paid off. The External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj was honoured at OIC, much to Pakistan’s dismay, wherein a sterling performance she swayed the hosts presenting Indian position. She could persuade China to take a neutral stand and be counted on fight against terror. On the election eve, by speaking the language that found echoed in Pakistan the anti-Modi Opposition lost the plot. As Modi is being hailed as the best guarantee for preserving national unity and integrity the Opposition leaders like Rahul Gandhi are talking as if they have no stake in national security. After initially supporting the Air Force strike, within hours they started questioning the veracity and proof. After denying bullet-proof jackets to Indian Army and advanced combat aircraft to Air Force for ten years, the UPA’s attack on Rafale sounded ill-timed and motivated. The fact Opposition criticism of Modi is being cited by Pakistan leaders to defend themselves have spoiled their case in India. Modi has an enviable record of achievements in the last five years. His welfare schemes have brought an entirely new constituency of vote base for BJP. Only on development plank, he can vow the voters. But this round after the air strike the electoral narrative has entirely changed. In whose hands India is safe? Whom Pakistan and terrorists fear the most? Whom Pakistan and Imran Khan would like to see defeated in Indian polls? Who can take India forward and rally the world behind? These are the questions being debated after Balakot. (This article was originally published on DNA. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

With Balakot air strike, Narendra Modi government has evolved new security doctrine

BJP MP Shatrughan Sinha, whose ties with the party appear to be all but severed, Thursday described Prime Minister Narendra Modi's "Main bhi Chowkidar" campaign as hollow rhetoric that lacked punch.

Sinha, who is expected to join the Mahagathbandhan comprising the Congress and the RJD besides several smaller parties, came out with a series of tweets decrying the campaign that is meant to be a riposte to AICC president Rahul Gandhi's "Chowkidar hi chor hai" barb at Modi.

"Happy Holi to you, Sirji. Once again I will remind you politely but firmly do not get into the sting of the operations of #Chowkidar. The more you are defensive of Chowkidar, the more the nation will be reminded of unanswered questions about the Rafale deal which the people have been desperate to know," Sinha's tweeted.

The tweet came in his trademark style refraining from mentioning the prime minister by name but dropping ample hints to suggest whom he was referring to.

"By the way, Sir, in a very sudden, unprepared and defiant mood you addressed the Chowkidars of the nation (so-called 25 lakh.. Don't know the basis of this figure, why not 21 or 2.5). May not have gone down well with the people and the chowkidars, whose conditions are not desirable. Most of them live below poverty line," the actor-turned-politician said in another tweet.

"However, Sir, it is not important that you address them in lakhs or hundreds, your rhetoric was quite hollow and lacking punch/content. What was important was to address their plight, enhance their lifestyle, encourage them to live with dignity, better and regular pay scale," Sinha remarked.

"Since you still are our Hon'ble PM of the Nation, I am still with you... However, wishing you lots of love, luck, best wishes and of course a very colourful Holi," he said in his final tweet.

Sinha is likely to be fielded by the Mahagathbandhan from Patna Sahib, the seat he is representing for the second consecutive term.

The BJP has not announced its candidates for Bihar, though there have been unconfirmed reports that its nominee for Patna Sahib could be Union minister Ravi Shankar Prasad or Rajya Sabha member R K Singh.&nbsp;

BJP MP Shatrughan Sinha, whose ties with the party appear to be all but severed, Thursday described Prime Minister Narendra Modi's "Main bhi Chowkidar" campaign as hollow rhetoric that lacked punch.

BJP MP Shatrughan Sinha, whose ties with the party appear to be all but severed, Thursday described Prime Minister Narendra Modi's "Main bhi Chowkidar" campaign as hollow rhetoric that lacked punch. Sinha, who is expected to join the Mahagathbandhan comprising the Congress and the RJD besides several smaller parties, came out with a series of tweets decrying the campaign that is meant to be a riposte to AICC president Rahul Gandhi's "Chowkidar hi chor hai" barb at Modi. "Happy Holi to you, Sirji. Once again I will remind you politely but firmly do not get into the sting of the operations of #Chowkidar. The more you are defensive of Chowkidar, the more the nation will be reminded of unanswered questions about the Rafale deal which the people have been desperate to know," Sinha's tweeted. The tweet came in his trademark style refraining from mentioning the prime minister by name but dropping ample hints to suggest whom he was referring to. "By the way, Sir, in a very sudden, unprepared and defiant mood you addressed the Chowkidars of the nation (so-called 25 lakh.. Don't know the basis of this figure, why not 21 or 2.5). May not have gone down well with the people and the chowkidars, whose conditions are not desirable. Most of them live below poverty line," the actor-turned-politician said in another tweet. "However, Sir, it is not important that you address them in lakhs or hundreds, your rhetoric was quite hollow and lacking punch/content. What was important was to address their plight, enhance their lifestyle, encourage them to live with dignity, better and regular pay scale," Sinha remarked. "Since you still are our Hon'ble PM of the Nation, I am still with you... However, wishing you lots of love, luck, best wishes and of course a very colourful Holi," he said in his final tweet. Sinha is likely to be fielded by the Mahagathbandhan from Patna Sahib, the seat he is representing for the second consecutive term. The BJP has not announced its candidates for Bihar, though there have been unconfirmed reports that its nominee for Patna Sahib could be Union minister Ravi Shankar Prasad or Rajya Sabha member R K Singh.

Modi's 'main bhi chowkidar' campaign hollow rhetoric: Shatrughan Sinha

The <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">Bharatiya Janata Party on Thursday released</a> another list for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls wherein Lalubhai Patel, a two-time MP from Daman and Diu, has been fielded from the Lok Sabha constituency. Patel won the Daman and Diu Lok Sabha constituency for BJP in 2009 and 2014 elections. Voting for the constituency will be held on April 23 during the third phase of polling, and counting of votes will take place on May 23.

In the meanwhile, the party also released a list of 100 candidates who will contest the assembly polls in Odisha.&nbsp;

Damodar Rout, Kusum Tete, Prakash Behera, and K Narayan Rao, who recently joined BJP after quitting BJD, have been given tickets to contest polls in the state. Rout has been fielded from Balikuda-Ersama assembly constituency, Prakash Behera from Salepur, Kusum Tete from Sundergarh and K Narayan Rao from Paralakhemundi, news agency ANI reported.&nbsp;

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BJP releases 2nd list of candidate for upcoming Lok Sabha elections - Lalubhai Patel to contest from Daman &amp; Diu Parliamentary constituency. The voting for the constituency will be held on 23rd April in the 3rd phase of polling. <a href="https://t.co/GsT37uknlm">pic.twitter.com/GsT37uknlm</a>
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In the 2014 Assembly elections, BJP had won 10 out of 147 seats in Odisha. 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 in Odisha.&nbsp;

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Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) releases list of 100 candidates for the upcoming Odisha assembly elections. <a href="https://t.co/U3ywkecTxV">pic.twitter.com/U3ywkecTxV</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1108783699406012417?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 21, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Besides this, the BJP also announced the names of 10 candidates in Telangana for the upcoming Lok Sabha election. Former Congress leader and ex-Minister DK Aruna, who joined BJP in the presence of party president Amit Shah in Delhi on Tuesday, has been fielded from Mahbubnagar Lok Sabha constituency.&nbsp;

The party is yet to announce seven more candidates in Telangana. Hyderabad is touted to be the main Lok Sabha constituency for the BJP from where AIMIM party president Asaduddin Owaisi is contesting. Telangana will go to polls in a single phase for all 17 Lok Sabha seats on April 11.&nbsp;

The BJP released the 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;

(With inputs from ANI)&nbsp;

The Bharatiya Janata Party on Thursday released another list for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls wherein Lalubhai Patel, a two-time MP from Daman and Diu, has been fielded from the Lok Sabha constituency.

The Bharatiya Janata Party on Thursday released another list for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls wherein Lalubhai Patel, a two-time MP from Daman and Diu, has been fielded from the Lok Sabha constituency. Patel won the Daman and Diu Lok Sabha constituency for BJP in 2009 and 2014 elections. Voting for the constituency will be held on April 23 during the third phase of polling, and counting of votes will take place on May 23. In the meanwhile, the party also released a list of 100 candidates who will contest the assembly polls in Odisha. Damodar Rout, Kusum Tete, Prakash Behera, and K Narayan Rao, who recently joined BJP after quitting BJD, have been given tickets to contest polls in the state. Rout has been fielded from Balikuda-Ersama assembly constituency, Prakash Behera from Salepur, Kusum Tete from Sundergarh and K Narayan Rao from Paralakhemundi, news agency ANI reported. BJP releases 2nd list of candidate for upcoming Lok Sabha elections - Lalubhai Patel to contest from Daman & Diu Parliamentary constituency. The voting for the constituency will be held on 23rd April in the 3rd phase of polling. pic.twitter.com/GsT37uknlm — ANI (@ANI) March 21, 2019 × In the 2014 Assembly elections, BJP had won 10 out of 147 seats in Odisha. 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 in Odisha. Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) releases list of 100 candidates for the upcoming Odisha assembly elections. pic.twitter.com/U3ywkecTxV — ANI (@ANI) March 21, 2019 × Besides this, the BJP also announced the names of 10 candidates in Telangana for the upcoming Lok Sabha election. Former Congress leader and ex-Minister DK Aruna, who joined BJP in the presence of party president Amit Shah in Delhi on Tuesday, has been fielded from Mahbubnagar Lok Sabha constituency. The party is yet to announce seven more candidates in Telangana. Hyderabad is touted to be the main Lok Sabha constituency for the BJP from where AIMIM party president Asaduddin Owaisi is contesting. Telangana will go to polls in a single phase for all 17 Lok Sabha seats on April 11. The BJP released the 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. (With inputs from ANI)

BJP announces list of 100 candidates for Odisha assembly polls 

Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) on Friday announced its candidates for 11 Lok Sabha constituencies in Uttar Pradesh.

The BSP, which is contesting the elections in alliance with the Samajwadi Party and the Rashtriya Lok Dal, has fielded Haji Fajalurahman from Saharanpur, Malook Nagar from Bijnor and Girish Chandra from Nagina (SC).

The party also named Kunwar Danish Ali as its candidate from Amroha, Haji Mohammad Yakub from Meerut, Satbir Nagar from Gautam Budha Nagar and Yogesh Verma from Bulandsahr (SC) seat.

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Bahujan Samaj Party release its list of 11 candidates for the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LokSabhaElections2019?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LokSabhaElections2019</a> <a href="https://t.co/8KcyvCT8hn">pic.twitter.com/8KcyvCT8hn</a>
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The BSP, which is contesting 38 seats, has named Ajit Baliyan from Aligarh, Manoj Kumar Soni from Agra (SC), Rajvir Singh from Fatehpur and Ruchi Veera from Aonla seat.

The BSP did not win a single Lok Sabha seat in 2014 election.&nbsp;

Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) on Friday announced its candidates for 11 Lok Sabha constituencies in Uttar Pradesh. The BSP, which is contesting the elections in alliance with the Samajwadi Party and the Rashtriya Lok Dal, has fielded Haji Fajalurahman from Saharanpur, Malook Nagar from Bijnor and Girish Chandra from Nagina (SC).

Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) on Friday announced its candidates for 11 Lok Sabha constituencies in Uttar Pradesh. The BSP, which is contesting the elections in alliance with the Samajwadi Party and the Rashtriya Lok Dal, has fielded Haji Fajalurahman from Saharanpur, Malook Nagar from Bijnor and Girish Chandra from Nagina (SC). The party also named Kunwar Danish Ali as its candidate from Amroha, Haji Mohammad Yakub from Meerut, Satbir Nagar from Gautam Budha Nagar and Yogesh Verma from Bulandsahr (SC) seat. Bahujan Samaj Party release its list of 11 candidates for the #LokSabhaElections2019 pic.twitter.com/8KcyvCT8hn — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) March 22, 2019 × The BSP, which is contesting 38 seats, has named Ajit Baliyan from Aligarh, Manoj Kumar Soni from Agra (SC), Rajvir Singh from Fatehpur and Ruchi Veera from Aonla seat. The BSP did not win a single Lok Sabha seat in 2014 election.

Lok Sabha polls: BSP declares first list of 11 candidates for Uttar Pradesh

NCP chief Sharad Pawar and BSP president Mayawati's opting out of the Lok Sabha polls is a clear indication of a certain victory for the NDA, the Shiv Sena said Friday.

It also claimed Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra would spoil the game for the SP-BSP alliance in Uttar Pradesh, reasoning the vote bank of the Congress and Mayawati is similar.

In an editorial in its mouthpiece 'Saamana', the NDA constituent said Pawar and Mayawati not contesting was a sign that the road was clear for Narendra Modi to return victorious as Prime Minister.

"Along with Sharad Pawar, Mayawati too has decided not to contest Lok Sabha polls, the importance of which is that they are out of the prime ministerial race," the Sena editorial said.

Quoting Mayawati, it said she wants to campaign for her party's candidates across the country, hence she chose not to contest herself.

However, the editorial reasoned, the BSP has presence only in Uttar Pradesh, and, therefore, the decision to opt out meant she was running way from a fight.

Pawar has sought a similar escape route from Madha Lok Sabha constituency, it claimed.

Taking a dig at the NCP chief, the Sena said Pawar is trying to unite the entire Opposition but couldn't bring his own family and party members on the same page and therefore had to opt out.

"Ranjitsinh Mohite Patil's decision to leave the NCP and join the BJP is a big blow for Pawar. It will stop the second hand of the NCP's clock, which is anyway running slow," the Sena said sarcastically.

On Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, it said, "In 2014, Dalits and Yadavs had voted heavily for Modi and not a single candidate of Mayawati could win. This scare haunts her even today. Priyanka's 'tourism' visits are getting a good response and there is a fear in Mayawati that the Congress leader will spoil her prospects from wherever she decides to contest," it said.

The editorial went on to claim that Mayawati's prime fear is the Congress and not BJP and one of the reasons for her not contesting is Priyanka's foray in active politics.

"Neither Sharad Pawar nor Mayawati is contesting. Therefore, two people who dreamt of being Prime Minister are no more contenders. This proves the mettle of the NDA," it said.

Pawar and Mayawati's decision is a clear indication that the road for Modi to become PM against is clear and the NDA's win is certain, the Sena said.&nbsp;

NCP chief Sharad Pawar and BSP president Mayawati's opting out of the Lok Sabha polls is a clear indication of a certain victory for the NDA, the Shiv Sena said Friday.

NCP chief Sharad Pawar and BSP president Mayawati's opting out of the Lok Sabha polls is a clear indication of a certain victory for the NDA, the Shiv Sena said Friday. It also claimed Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra would spoil the game for the SP-BSP alliance in Uttar Pradesh, reasoning the vote bank of the Congress and Mayawati is similar. In an editorial in its mouthpiece 'Saamana', the NDA constituent said Pawar and Mayawati not contesting was a sign that the road was clear for Narendra Modi to return victorious as Prime Minister. "Along with Sharad Pawar, Mayawati too has decided not to contest Lok Sabha polls, the importance of which is that they are out of the prime ministerial race," the Sena editorial said. Quoting Mayawati, it said she wants to campaign for her party's candidates across the country, hence she chose not to contest herself. However, the editorial reasoned, the BSP has presence only in Uttar Pradesh, and, therefore, the decision to opt out meant she was running way from a fight. Pawar has sought a similar escape route from Madha Lok Sabha constituency, it claimed. Taking a dig at the NCP chief, the Sena said Pawar is trying to unite the entire Opposition but couldn't bring his own family and party members on the same page and therefore had to opt out. "Ranjitsinh Mohite Patil's decision to leave the NCP and join the BJP is a big blow for Pawar. It will stop the second hand of the NCP's clock, which is anyway running slow," the Sena said sarcastically. On Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, it said, "In 2014, Dalits and Yadavs had voted heavily for Modi and not a single candidate of Mayawati could win. This scare haunts her even today. Priyanka's 'tourism' visits are getting a good response and there is a fear in Mayawati that the Congress leader will spoil her prospects from wherever she decides to contest," it said. The editorial went on to claim that Mayawati's prime fear is the Congress and not BJP and one of the reasons for her not contesting is Priyanka's foray in active politics. "Neither Sharad Pawar nor Mayawati is contesting. Therefore, two people who dreamt of being Prime Minister are no more contenders. This proves the mettle of the NDA," it said. Pawar and Mayawati's decision is a clear indication that the road for Modi to become PM against is clear and the NDA's win is certain, the Sena said.

Sharad Pawar, Mayawati not contesting indication of NDA's win: Shiv Sena

Union minister JP Nadda announces first list of candidates for LS polls

Actor-turned-politician Kamal Haasan has said the leaders of his political party, Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM), will not indulge in horse-trading in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.

"The needle in the balance will be Makkal Needhi Maiam. We will not be sold, we won`t indulge in horse-trading. So, it will be a difficult negotiation for them. It will be an actual negotiation, not done with money," Haasan told ANI Chennai&nbsp;on Wednesday.

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.

"The theme is a better Tamil Nadu. Though people will say that this is about choosing the Prime Minister, I have chosen Tamil Nadu and that will happen via Delhi because I think whoever becomes the Prime Minister, my prime concern is Tamil Nadu and it will always be so," he said.

Haasan said he does not compare Congress and BJP as they "both have their equal share of mistakes that they have done".

When asked about reports of various political parties promising the release of those involved in the assassination of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, Haasan said, "There is a place for law and there is a place for compassion. I think the law has done its part and now it's time for us to show compassion if we have any at all."

Tamil Nadu will go to polls on April 18, and counting of votes will be done on May 23.&nbsp;

Actor-turned-politician Kamal Haasan has said the leaders of his political party, Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM), will not indulge in horse-trading in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.

Actor-turned-politician Kamal Haasan has said the leaders of his political party, Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM), will not indulge in horse-trading in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. "The needle in the balance will be Makkal Needhi Maiam. We will not be sold, we won`t indulge in horse-trading. So, it will be a difficult negotiation for them. It will be an actual negotiation, not done with money," Haasan told ANI Chennai on Wednesday. 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. "The theme is a better Tamil Nadu. Though people will say that this is about choosing the Prime Minister, I have chosen Tamil Nadu and that will happen via Delhi because I think whoever becomes the Prime Minister, my prime concern is Tamil Nadu and it will always be so," he said. Haasan said he does not compare Congress and BJP as they "both have their equal share of mistakes that they have done". When asked about reports of various political parties promising the release of those involved in the assassination of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, Haasan said, "There is a place for law and there is a place for compassion. I think the law has done its part and now it's time for us to show compassion if we have any at all." Tamil Nadu will go to polls on April 18, and counting of votes will be done on May 23.

We will not be sold, we won't indulge in horse-trading: Kamal Haasan

Jana Sena chief Pawan Kalyan, ministers Ganta Srinivasa Rao, D U Rao, P P Rao, K Ravindra and a host of others Thursday filed their nomination papers for the April 11 Assembly election in Andhra Pradesh.

For the Lok Sabha election, YSR Congress' Y S Avinash Reddy, TDP's M Sri Bharat and Congress' V Shruti Devi filed their papers for the Kadapa, Visakhapatnam and Araku (ST) seats respectively.

Actor-politician Kalyan, who is fighting his maiden electoral battle, filed papers from Gajuwaka in Visakhapatnam district.

This is one of the two constituencies that he will be contesting, the other being Bhimavaram in West Godavari where he will file the nomination on Friday.

Ministers Ganta, D U Rao, P P Rao and Ravindra are contesting from the Visakhapatnam North, Mylavaram, Chilakaluripeta and Machilipatnam Assembly seats respectively.

There will be a rush of nominations on Friday as it is considered an auspicious day.

Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, his son Nara Lokesh and Leader of Opposition Y S Jaganmohan Reddy are expected to file papers on Friday.

Jana Sena chief Pawan Kalyan, ministers Ganta Srinivasa Rao, D U Rao, P P Rao, K Ravindra and a host of others Thursday filed their nomination papers for the April 11 Assembly election in Andhra Pradesh.

Jana Sena chief Pawan Kalyan, ministers Ganta Srinivasa Rao, D U Rao, P P Rao, K Ravindra and a host of others Thursday filed their nomination papers for the April 11 Assembly election in Andhra Pradesh. For the Lok Sabha election, YSR Congress' Y S Avinash Reddy, TDP's M Sri Bharat and Congress' V Shruti Devi filed their papers for the Kadapa, Visakhapatnam and Araku (ST) seats respectively. Actor-politician Kalyan, who is fighting his maiden electoral battle, filed papers from Gajuwaka in Visakhapatnam district. This is one of the two constituencies that he will be contesting, the other being Bhimavaram in West Godavari where he will file the nomination on Friday. Ministers Ganta, D U Rao, P P Rao and Ravindra are contesting from the Visakhapatnam North, Mylavaram, Chilakaluripeta and Machilipatnam Assembly seats respectively. There will be a rush of nominations on Friday as it is considered an auspicious day. Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, his son Nara Lokesh and Leader of Opposition Y S Jaganmohan Reddy are expected to file papers on Friday.

Pawan Kalyan, 4 ministers file nomination for AP assembly polls

Taking a jibe at the BJP's 'Main Bhi Chowkidar'&nbsp;campaign ahead of the Lok Sabha elections, AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi said India wants an honest Prime Minister and not a <a href="http://cms.wionews.com/india-news/biggest-casualty-of-dynastic-politics-are-institutions-pm-modi-204458">'Chowkidar'</a>.

"Under your (Prime Minister's) nose terror attacks took place in Pathankot, Uri and, Pulwama. What kind of a 'Chowkidar'&nbsp;are you? India wants an honest Prime Minister, not a 'Chowkidar'," Owaisi said while addressing a rally in Hyderabad&nbsp;on Wednesday.

The AIMIM chief also asked why the Prime Minister was "afraid" of Swami Aseemanand.

"If you are really a 'Chowkidar', then announce tomorrow itself that you will appeal against the decision taken by the court to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/all-four-accused-in-samjhauta-blast-case-acquitted-204558">acquit Aseemanand in Samjhauta blast case</a>. Why are you so afraid of Aseemanand? Aseemanand, at one point of time, was associated with RSS," he said.

Owaisi's comments came hours after a special NIA court on Wednesday acquitted Swami Aseemanand and three others in the 2007 Samjhauta Express blast case.

Continuing his tirade against the Prime Minister, Owaisi said the latter "deeply follows" the ideology of RSS, an organisation which, he claimed, wants to "weaken the composite culture of India."

"When Narendra Modi gave his first speech in Parliament after becoming the Prime Minister, I understood that this person (Modi) has spent 25-30 years of his life with RSS and deeply follows its ideology. If you will read textbooks of RSS then you will understand that these people are against the composite culture of the country and India's secularism," Owaisi said.

"In his speech, Prime Minister Modi said we have come to power after 1200 years of struggle. There was one Congress MP sitting next to me at that time. He asked me what the Prime Minister was referring to. I told him (Congress MP) that he was talking about the times when the Delhi Sultanate was ruled by Muslim leaders," he added.

Owaisi also asserted that the Hyderabad Lok Sabha seat is one that "shatters RSS` dream of ending India`s secularism.

"The Hyderabad Lok Sabha seat is a fearless voice and fearless identity against Hindutva. This seat shatters RSS` dream of ending India`s secularism. They (RSS) want to weaken the composite culture of India," he added.

Telangana will go to polls on April 11, while counting of votes will take place on May 23.&nbsp;

Taking a jibe at the BJP's 'Main Bhi Chowkidar' campaign ahead of the Lok Sabha elections, AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi said India wants an honest Prime Minister and not a 'Chowkidar'.

Taking a jibe at the BJP's 'Main Bhi Chowkidar' campaign ahead of the Lok Sabha elections, AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi said India wants an honest Prime Minister and not a 'Chowkidar'. "Under your (Prime Minister's) nose terror attacks took place in Pathankot, Uri and, Pulwama. What kind of a 'Chowkidar' are you? India wants an honest Prime Minister, not a 'Chowkidar'," Owaisi said while addressing a rally in Hyderabad on Wednesday. The AIMIM chief also asked why the Prime Minister was "afraid" of Swami Aseemanand. "If you are really a 'Chowkidar', then announce tomorrow itself that you will appeal against the decision taken by the court to acquit Aseemanand in Samjhauta blast case. Why are you so afraid of Aseemanand? Aseemanand, at one point of time, was associated with RSS," he said. Owaisi's comments came hours after a special NIA court on Wednesday acquitted Swami Aseemanand and three others in the 2007 Samjhauta Express blast case. Continuing his tirade against the Prime Minister, Owaisi said the latter "deeply follows" the ideology of RSS, an organisation which, he claimed, wants to "weaken the composite culture of India." "When Narendra Modi gave his first speech in Parliament after becoming the Prime Minister, I understood that this person (Modi) has spent 25-30 years of his life with RSS and deeply follows its ideology. If you will read textbooks of RSS then you will understand that these people are against the composite culture of the country and India's secularism," Owaisi said. "In his speech, Prime Minister Modi said we have come to power after 1200 years of struggle. There was one Congress MP sitting next to me at that time. He asked me what the Prime Minister was referring to. I told him (Congress MP) that he was talking about the times when the Delhi Sultanate was ruled by Muslim leaders," he added. Owaisi also asserted that the Hyderabad Lok Sabha seat is one that "shatters RSS` dream of ending India`s secularism. "The Hyderabad Lok Sabha seat is a fearless voice and fearless identity against Hindutva. This seat shatters RSS` dream of ending India`s secularism. They (RSS) want to weaken the composite culture of India," he added. Telangana will go to polls on April 11, while counting of votes will take place on May 23.

India wants an honest prime minister, not a 'chowkidar': Owaisi

Over 35,000 wheelchairs, 52,000 magnifying glasses, and 2213 sign language interpreters have been arranged in Karnataka for voters belonging to the persons with disabilities (PwD) ahead of the Lok Sabha elections.

"Till February 28, we mapped 4,03,907 persons with disabilities (in the state) and are arranging whatever they require for assistance. We have arranged 35,739 wheelchairs, over 52,000 magnifying glasses, over 2213 sign language interpreters and over 31000 assistants," the state`s Chief Electoral Officer, Sanjiv Kumar, told ANI on Wednesday.

Besides this, Kumar said there will be a special queue for PwD voters.

"Sturdy ramps are being arranged in all 58,180 booths (in the state) and we are ensuring that they are all on ground floors. There will be a special queue for persons with disabilities and assistance of all kind will be provided," he added.

Karnataka will vote to elect its members of Parliament during the second and third phases of polling on April 18 and April 23, respectively.

The counting of votes will take place on May 23.&nbsp;

Over 35,000 wheelchairs, 52,000 magnifying glasses, and 2213 sign language interpreters have been arranged in Karnataka for voters belonging to the persons with disabilities (PwD) ahead of the Lok Sabha elections.

Over 35,000 wheelchairs, 52,000 magnifying glasses, and 2213 sign language interpreters have been arranged in Karnataka for voters belonging to the persons with disabilities (PwD) ahead of the Lok Sabha elections. "Till February 28, we mapped 4,03,907 persons with disabilities (in the state) and are arranging whatever they require for assistance. We have arranged 35,739 wheelchairs, over 52,000 magnifying glasses, over 2213 sign language interpreters and over 31000 assistants," the state`s Chief Electoral Officer, Sanjiv Kumar, told ANI on Wednesday. Besides this, Kumar said there will be a special queue for PwD voters. "Sturdy ramps are being arranged in all 58,180 booths (in the state) and we are ensuring that they are all on ground floors. There will be a special queue for persons with disabilities and assistance of all kind will be provided," he added. Karnataka will vote to elect its members of Parliament during the second and third phases of polling on April 18 and April 23, respectively. The counting of votes will take place on May 23.

Lok Sabha polls: Over 35,000 wheelchairs, 52,000 magnifying glasses arranged for specially-abled voters

Karnataka Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy said Thursday he will not plead for support with those Congress leaders who are against his son Nikhil Kumaraswamy's candidature as coalition candidate from Mandya in the Lok Sabha polls.

Taking a dig at those opposing Nikhil, the Chief Minister said "those who are originally from the Congress have already extended their support and JD(S) workers are efficient to ensure his victory.

He also said his father and former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda was yet to decide on contesting the Lok Sabha polls.

"Some leaders in Mandya have gone ahead from the backdoor. It is not necessary for me to talk to them now.

My workers are efficient, instead of trusting those backstabbing, trust those who work honestly. I'm not blaming everyone,"Kumaraswamy said in response to a question about him personally seeking support from Mandya Congress leaders.

"Among the original Congressmen, many of them are with us... But there are a few, I know...Situation will not come for me to go before them and plead, there is no need of it also," he said.

Kumaraswamy said even now he wanted to tell those leaders that there were no permanent enemies or friends in politics and the Congress had decided to give the seat to the JD(S) in the coalition set up.

"With their own adamant behaviour, if they still want to go away with an intention to take revenge, good, they can work anywhere they want," he added.

The Chief Minister's sharp reaction came a day after several Congress leaders in Mandya extended their support to independent candidate Sumalatha Ambareesh despite their party denying her a ticket.

The Congress and JD(S), who have been traditional rivals in Mandya, have decided to fight the election together in an alliance this time, and according to the coalition arrangement the seat had gone to the regional party as it had a sitting MP there.

The Congress' move to cede the seat to JD(S) is being vehemently opposed by leaders in Mandya, with a few even expressing openly their support to Sumalatha, widow of actor-politician Ambareesh.

Ambareesh had early won on Congress' ticket from the constituency.

It is a high stake battle for Kumaraswamy and JD(S) as Mandya had remained the party bastion for long. The party also won the entire eight assembly segments in the Vokkaliga stronghold during the May 2018 assembly polls.

For the coalition to emerge as a formidable opposition to the BJP and win more number of seats, it is crucial for theCongress to transfer its votes to JD(S), and vice versa, including Mandya.

According to sources, BJP is unlikely to field its candidate from Mandya and may extend support to Sumalatha.

Karnataka Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy said Thursday he will not plead for support with those Congress leaders who are against his son Nikhil Kumaraswamy's candidature as coalition candidate from Mandya in the Lok Sabha polls.

Karnataka Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy said Thursday he will not plead for support with those Congress leaders who are against his son Nikhil Kumaraswamy's candidature as coalition candidate from Mandya in the Lok Sabha polls. Taking a dig at those opposing Nikhil, the Chief Minister said "those who are originally from the Congress have already extended their support and JD(S) workers are efficient to ensure his victory. He also said his father and former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda was yet to decide on contesting the Lok Sabha polls. "Some leaders in Mandya have gone ahead from the backdoor. It is not necessary for me to talk to them now. My workers are efficient, instead of trusting those backstabbing, trust those who work honestly. I'm not blaming everyone,"Kumaraswamy said in response to a question about him personally seeking support from Mandya Congress leaders. "Among the original Congressmen, many of them are with us... But there are a few, I know...Situation will not come for me to go before them and plead, there is no need of it also," he said. Kumaraswamy said even now he wanted to tell those leaders that there were no permanent enemies or friends in politics and the Congress had decided to give the seat to the JD(S) in the coalition set up. "With their own adamant behaviour, if they still want to go away with an intention to take revenge, good, they can work anywhere they want," he added. The Chief Minister's sharp reaction came a day after several Congress leaders in Mandya extended their support to independent candidate Sumalatha Ambareesh despite their party denying her a ticket. The Congress and JD(S), who have been traditional rivals in Mandya, have decided to fight the election together in an alliance this time, and according to the coalition arrangement the seat had gone to the regional party as it had a sitting MP there. The Congress' move to cede the seat to JD(S) is being vehemently opposed by leaders in Mandya, with a few even expressing openly their support to Sumalatha, widow of actor-politician Ambareesh. Ambareesh had early won on Congress' ticket from the constituency. It is a high stake battle for Kumaraswamy and JD(S) as Mandya had remained the party bastion for long. The party also won the entire eight assembly segments in the Vokkaliga stronghold during the May 2018 assembly polls. For the coalition to emerge as a formidable opposition to the BJP and win more number of seats, it is crucial for theCongress to transfer its votes to JD(S), and vice versa, including Mandya. According to sources, BJP is unlikely to field its candidate from Mandya and may extend support to Sumalatha.

Will not plead for support with Congress leaders opposed to son's candidature: Kumaraswamy 

Ahead of the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, Congress leader and Rajasthan chief minister Ashok Gehlot attacked Prime Minister Narendra Modi saying that, "free and fair elections may become a thing of the past if Modi&nbsp;gets re-elected in the country".

Also calling PM Modi as a "good actor", Gehlot&nbsp;said the prime minister would do a better job in Bollywood.&nbsp;

"If people re-elect Modi, there will be no certainty on whether elections will be held again in the country or not. Elections will be held in the country and yet not held like it happens in China and Russia, " Gehlot said in an interview to PTI.

"If Modiji was in Bollywood, he would probably have left a different mark in the country and abroad with his mastery in acting, oratory skills and antics,"&nbsp;he said.

Gehlot further attacked PM Modi saying&nbsp;that nobody (including Amit Shah) knows "what's on his mind".&nbsp;

"This man can do anything to win elections...People felt he could even go to war with Pakistan, which is not a good thing....The personality of Modi ji that has emerged before the country is that he can go to any extent before and after elections...To win elections," Gehlot said while attacking Modi and added that "none including Amit Shah knows what is in his mind".

"Modi ji has done very good marketing," he also said, alleging the prime minister is creating a misconception in the minds of people about the Congress.

(With inputs from PTI)

&nbsp;

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Ahead of the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, Congress leader and Rajasthan chief minister Ashok Gehlot attacked Prime Minister Narendra Modi saying that, "free and fair elections may become a thing of the past if Modi gets re-elected in the country".

Ahead of the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, Congress leader and Rajasthan chief minister Ashok Gehlot attacked Prime Minister Narendra Modi saying that, "free and fair elections may become a thing of the past if Modi gets re-elected in the country". Also calling PM Modi as a "good actor", Gehlot said the prime minister would do a better job in Bollywood. "If people re-elect Modi, there will be no certainty on whether elections will be held again in the country or not. Elections will be held in the country and yet not held like it happens in China and Russia, " Gehlot said in an interview to PTI. "If Modiji was in Bollywood, he would probably have left a different mark in the country and abroad with his mastery in acting, oratory skills and antics," he said. Gehlot further attacked PM Modi saying that nobody (including Amit Shah) knows "what's on his mind". "This man can do anything to win elections...People felt he could even go to war with Pakistan, which is not a good thing....The personality of Modi ji that has emerged before the country is that he can go to any extent before and after elections...To win elections," Gehlot said while attacking Modi and added that "none including Amit Shah knows what is in his mind". "Modi ji has done very good marketing," he also said, alleging the prime minister is creating a misconception in the minds of people about the Congress. (With inputs from PTI)

Elections may become thing of past if Modi gets re-elected as prime minister: Ashok Gehlot

The Madhya Pradesh Congress government led by chief minister Kamal Nath has blatantly tried to pursue vote bank politics by raising reservation for the Other Backward Classes (OBC) from 14 per cent to 27 per cent ahead of the Lok Sabha elections.

The move received a major jolt on Tuesday when the Madhya Pradesh high court issued an order staying the Ordinance promulgated by the state Governor earlier this month to almost double the quota for OBCs.

The Madhya Pradesh Ordinance, now under judicial review, was passed on the plea that circumstances existed and since the Legislative Assembly was not in session, it was necessary to take immediate action in this regard.&nbsp;

Tuesday’s High Court order notwithstanding, Chief Minister Kamal Nath is not ready to concede ground. He has responded to queries by media-persons by citing the example of Tamil Nadu and stating that other states too have gone in for reservation exceeding the 50 per cent limit prescribed and mandated by the Supreme Court. &nbsp;

Moving in the same direction as Tamil Nadu, even Maharashtra has chosen to grant 16 per cent reservation in jobs and admissions in academic institutions to the Marathas. The Congress government in Madhya Pradesh joined the bandwagon and soon after assuming office, Kamal Nath also went ahead and announced that OBCs will be given 27 per cent reservation in the state. &nbsp;This announcement, no doubt, was made keeping in view the role to be played by nearly 50 per cent voters belonging to the OBC category in Madya Pradesh.

For immediate gains, political parties scramble for votes. They resort to vote bank politics and take reckless actions. The Madhya Pradesh Ordinance for hiking the quota for OBCs is a case in point. After the High Court order has come as a roadblock for Kamal Nath, he has tried to draw sustenance by pointing to other states. The question arises, in the first place, is it proper for states such as Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra to exceed the 50 per cent cap on the reservation and put the same in the Ninth Schedule of the Constitution to avoid judicial review.

When the Supreme Court has fixed a 50 per cent cap, the thumb rule should be straight and without ambiguity. Political parties, both ruling and in the Opposition, should ensure overall reservation for SCs/STs and OBCs does not exceed 50 &nbsp;per cent as laid down by the Supreme Court of India, and anybody applying for a seat or job under the quota shall not be eligible for general merit seat.

The quota system in its present form is causing reverse social discrimination and it leads to more and more forward communities clamouring for Other Backward Classes (OBC) status and governments succumbing due to electoral pressures.

The anti-quota movement which had picked up great momentum in Madhya Pradesh 2016 onwards, riding on the crest of the popular demand that reservation should be on an economic criterion, was a major factor leading to BJP’s defeat in the 2018 Assembly election. Kamal Nath’s move to hike reservation for OBCs has been seen as a move aimed at wooing the OBCs and diluting people’s upsurge on the reservation issue. But even before the Congress party could take stock of what it was ultimately going to gain by moving in this direction, it has been stopped in its path by the high court but not before it stands completely exposed when it comes to vote bank politics.

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

The Madhya Pradesh Congress government led by chief minister Kamal Nath has blatantly tried to pursue vote bank politics by raising reservation for the Other Backward Classes (OBC) from 14 per cent to 27 per cent ahead of the Lok Sabha elections.

The Madhya Pradesh Congress government led by chief minister Kamal Nath has blatantly tried to pursue vote bank politics by raising reservation for the Other Backward Classes (OBC) from 14 per cent to 27 per cent ahead of the Lok Sabha elections. The move received a major jolt on Tuesday when the Madhya Pradesh high court issued an order staying the Ordinance promulgated by the state Governor earlier this month to almost double the quota for OBCs. The Madhya Pradesh Ordinance, now under judicial review, was passed on the plea that circumstances existed and since the Legislative Assembly was not in session, it was necessary to take immediate action in this regard. Tuesday’s High Court order notwithstanding, Chief Minister Kamal Nath is not ready to concede ground. He has responded to queries by media-persons by citing the example of Tamil Nadu and stating that other states too have gone in for reservation exceeding the 50 per cent limit prescribed and mandated by the Supreme Court. Moving in the same direction as Tamil Nadu, even Maharashtra has chosen to grant 16 per cent reservation in jobs and admissions in academic institutions to the Marathas. The Congress government in Madhya Pradesh joined the bandwagon and soon after assuming office, Kamal Nath also went ahead and announced that OBCs will be given 27 per cent reservation in the state. This announcement, no doubt, was made keeping in view the role to be played by nearly 50 per cent voters belonging to the OBC category in Madya Pradesh. For immediate gains, political parties scramble for votes. They resort to vote bank politics and take reckless actions. The Madhya Pradesh Ordinance for hiking the quota for OBCs is a case in point. After the High Court order has come as a roadblock for Kamal Nath, he has tried to draw sustenance by pointing to other states. The question arises, in the first place, is it proper for states such as Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra to exceed the 50 per cent cap on the reservation and put the same in the Ninth Schedule of the Constitution to avoid judicial review. When the Supreme Court has fixed a 50 per cent cap, the thumb rule should be straight and without ambiguity. Political parties, both ruling and in the Opposition, should ensure overall reservation for SCs/STs and OBCs does not exceed 50 per cent as laid down by the Supreme Court of India, and anybody applying for a seat or job under the quota shall not be eligible for general merit seat. The quota system in its present form is causing reverse social discrimination and it leads to more and more forward communities clamouring for Other Backward Classes (OBC) status and governments succumbing due to electoral pressures. The anti-quota movement which had picked up great momentum in Madhya Pradesh 2016 onwards, riding on the crest of the popular demand that reservation should be on an economic criterion, was a major factor leading to BJP’s defeat in the 2018 Assembly election. Kamal Nath’s move to hike reservation for OBCs has been seen as a move aimed at wooing the OBCs and diluting people’s upsurge on the reservation issue. But even before the Congress party could take stock of what it was ultimately going to gain by moving in this direction, it has been stopped in its path by the high court but not before it stands completely exposed when it comes to vote bank politics. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Lok Sabha elections 2019: Congress stands exposed as it plays OBC card in Madhya Pradesh

Whether you like it or not, the use of Hindu symbolism is here to stay in Indian politics for a long time. What is happening in Congress today stands in stark contrast to Rahul Gandhi’s speech in Hyderabad in 2005 when the city hosted the plenary of the party.

Rahul Gandhi had said that the national flag is his religion. Today, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra despite her charismatic persona has not been able to ditch the trappings of cultural Hinduism publically espoused by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

I would even say that not only it shows lack of creative engagement with BJP, but Congress has fallen back upon soft Hindutva which it practised in the 1980s, leaving socialist sloganeering to regional parties cutting across India.

When Mayawati and Mulayam Singh fought elections together in the 1990s in wake of Babri Masjid’s demolition, they did not evoke cultural nationalism to fight BJP on the ground.

The politics of social justice still evoked strong sentiments and it is for this reason that the political slogan,”Mile Mulayam Kanshiram, hawa mein ud gaye Jai Sri Ram,” could not be contested by BJP as either anti-national or anti-Hindu keeping in mind caste sensitivities attached.

Today, neither Mayawati nor Akhilesh Yadav has attacked BJP on cultural position it has taken. Priyanka Vadra and Rahul Gandhi too have appropriated BJP’s political narrative of nation-building rather than challenging it from a non-left centrist point of view.

It begets the question as to why Gandhi’s became so vulnerable on the constitutional vision of India, unlike the first generation who were far more westernised and rabid on the issue of religious reform and change in the society. 
 
One, their religious identity as a Hindu was never in question and second, Congress as a party had strong conservative voices within the organisation. It allowed Congress to absorb and navigate hard Hindu politics led by RSS without pushing for any change in the Constitutional commitment towards the idea of India as conceived by the founding fathers.

The idea of India as conceived by the founding fathers was contested by RSS which argued that Constitution does not truly reflect the civilizational sensibility of the Indian sub-continent.

It is for this reason Congress will find centrist politics difficult, as it has failed to tackle ethnocentric political narrative which has marginalised them from 2012 onwards.

Congress today can neither go for the caste-specific alliance as regional parties or socialists of 70s, 80s and 90s were able to do so and nor it can push aside BJP on cultural nationalism as the theme&nbsp;originally belongs to RSS-BJP combine.&nbsp;

Congress needs to restore non-left centrism by authentic subaltern political sloganeering which picks up issues that are regional and cuts across caste and religion. At the central level, it needs to stick to Constitutional values which are being challenged in public for want of being unfair or unjust to the Hindu sensibility by RSS. 
 
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

&nbsp;

Whether you like it or not, the use of Hindu symbolism is here to stay in Indian politics for a long time. What is happening in Congress today stands in stark contrast to Rahul Gandhi’s speech in Hyderabad in 2005 when the city hosted the plenary of the party.

Whether you like it or not, the use of Hindu symbolism is here to stay in Indian politics for a long time. What is happening in Congress today stands in stark contrast to Rahul Gandhi’s speech in Hyderabad in 2005 when the city hosted the plenary of the party. Rahul Gandhi had said that the national flag is his religion. Today, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra despite her charismatic persona has not been able to ditch the trappings of cultural Hinduism publically espoused by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. I would even say that not only it shows lack of creative engagement with BJP, but Congress has fallen back upon soft Hindutva which it practised in the 1980s, leaving socialist sloganeering to regional parties cutting across India. When Mayawati and Mulayam Singh fought elections together in the 1990s in wake of Babri Masjid’s demolition, they did not evoke cultural nationalism to fight BJP on the ground. The politics of social justice still evoked strong sentiments and it is for this reason that the political slogan,”Mile Mulayam Kanshiram, hawa mein ud gaye Jai Sri Ram,” could not be contested by BJP as either anti-national or anti-Hindu keeping in mind caste sensitivities attached. Today, neither Mayawati nor Akhilesh Yadav has attacked BJP on cultural position it has taken. Priyanka Vadra and Rahul Gandhi too have appropriated BJP’s political narrative of nation-building rather than challenging it from a non-left centrist point of view. It begets the question as to why Gandhi’s became so vulnerable on the constitutional vision of India, unlike the first generation who were far more westernised and rabid on the issue of religious reform and change in the society. One, their religious identity as a Hindu was never in question and second, Congress as a party had strong conservative voices within the organisation. It allowed Congress to absorb and navigate hard Hindu politics led by RSS without pushing for any change in the Constitutional commitment towards the idea of India as conceived by the founding fathers. The idea of India as conceived by the founding fathers was contested by RSS which argued that Constitution does not truly reflect the civilizational sensibility of the Indian sub-continent. It is for this reason Congress will find centrist politics difficult, as it has failed to tackle ethnocentric political narrative which has marginalised them from 2012 onwards. Congress today can neither go for the caste-specific alliance as regional parties or socialists of 70s, 80s and 90s were able to do so and nor it can push aside BJP on cultural nationalism as the theme originally belongs to RSS-BJP combine. Congress needs to restore non-left centrism by authentic subaltern political sloganeering which picks up issues that are regional and cuts across caste and religion. At the central level, it needs to stick to Constitutional values which are being challenged in public for want of being unfair or unjust to the Hindu sensibility by RSS. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra’s Ganga yatra and triumph of 'soft Hindutva'

Asansol Mayor and TMC MLA Jitendra Tiwari courted controversy on Tuesday after he promised party councillors with contracts worth lakhs of rupees if they ensured victory of TMC Lok Sabha candidate Moon Moon Sen from their respective wards.

Tiwari, while conducting an election committee meeting in Asansol, West Bengal&nbsp;in presence of Sen, promised contracts worth Rs 1 crore to Rs 50 lakh to the party councillors depending on the number of votes polled in favour of the TMC LS candidate.&nbsp;

"If you are able to get a lead of more than 5,000 votes in your ward, I promise you to give contracts worth Rs 1 crore, if you manage to get a lead of 3,000 votes, you will get contracts worth Rs 50 lakh. If you manage a lead of 2,000 and 1,000 votes, you will be given contracts worth Rs 25 lakh and Rs 10 lakh, respectively," he said.

The Asansol mayor also said if any councillor failed to ensure a lead of votes, he or she should resign from the post.

"If I fail to give a lead from my ward, I will also resign," he said.

Commenting on the statement, Union minister and BJP candidate from the seat Babul Supriyo said the remarks reflect the TMC culture and how the party conducts elections in the state.

"It shows their culture. I would urge the Election Commission to take note of it and take steps accordingly. It shows how TMC is trying to use money power in the elections," he said.

Senior TMC leader and state Municipal Affairs Minister Firhad Hakim, however, came to Tiwari's defence and said he was encouraging councillors to work hard in the elections.&nbsp;

Asansol Mayor and TMC MLA Jitendra Tiwari courted controversy on Tuesday after he promised party councillors with contracts worth lakhs of rupees if they ensured victory of TMC Lok Sabha candidate Moon Moon Sen from their respective wards.

Asansol Mayor and TMC MLA Jitendra Tiwari courted controversy on Tuesday after he promised party councillors with contracts worth lakhs of rupees if they ensured victory of TMC Lok Sabha candidate Moon Moon Sen from their respective wards. Tiwari, while conducting an election committee meeting in Asansol, West Bengal in presence of Sen, promised contracts worth Rs 1 crore to Rs 50 lakh to the party councillors depending on the number of votes polled in favour of the TMC LS candidate. "If you are able to get a lead of more than 5,000 votes in your ward, I promise you to give contracts worth Rs 1 crore, if you manage to get a lead of 3,000 votes, you will get contracts worth Rs 50 lakh. If you manage a lead of 2,000 and 1,000 votes, you will be given contracts worth Rs 25 lakh and Rs 10 lakh, respectively," he said. The Asansol mayor also said if any councillor failed to ensure a lead of votes, he or she should resign from the post. "If I fail to give a lead from my ward, I will also resign," he said. Commenting on the statement, Union minister and BJP candidate from the seat Babul Supriyo said the remarks reflect the TMC culture and how the party conducts elections in the state. "It shows their culture. I would urge the Election Commission to take note of it and take steps accordingly. It shows how TMC is trying to use money power in the elections," he said. Senior TMC leader and state Municipal Affairs Minister Firhad Hakim, however, came to Tiwari's defence and said he was encouraging councillors to work hard in the elections.

Lok Sabha 2019: TMC MLA promises contracts if councillors ensure victory of party candidate

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), in a bid to amplify its poll campaign, is now looking at reaching out to the masses with the '<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/bjps-wrong-foot-on-social-media-ministers-prefix-chowkidar-to-twitter-handles-204159">Main Bhi Chowkidar</a>'&nbsp;caller tune ahead of the Lok Sabha elections.

As part of the move, subscribers of various mobile networks will now be able to access and download the caller tune.

'Main Bhi Chowkidar'&nbsp;was launched on Saturday by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

A day after the launch of the campaign, the Prime Minister, as well as a number of BJP leaders across the country, added the prefix 'chowkidar'&nbsp;to their Twitter handles as a mark of support to the poll campaign.

In the run-up to the Lok Sabha polls, Prime Minister Modi will address over 25 lakh 'chowkidars'&nbsp;(security guards) from across the country today via audio conference.

He is also slated to address security guards from 500 locations who are associated with the `Main Bhi Chowkidar` campaign, on March 31.&nbsp;

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), in a bid to amplify its poll campaign, is now looking at reaching out to the masses with the 'Main Bhi Chowkidar' caller tune ahead of the Lok Sabha elections.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), in a bid to amplify its poll campaign, is now looking at reaching out to the masses with the 'Main Bhi Chowkidar' caller tune ahead of the Lok Sabha elections. As part of the move, subscribers of various mobile networks will now be able to access and download the caller tune. 'Main Bhi Chowkidar' was launched on Saturday by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. A day after the launch of the campaign, the Prime Minister, as well as a number of BJP leaders across the country, added the prefix 'chowkidar' to their Twitter handles as a mark of support to the poll campaign. In the run-up to the Lok Sabha polls, Prime Minister Modi will address over 25 lakh 'chowkidars' (security guards) from across the country today via audio conference. He is also slated to address security guards from 500 locations who are associated with the `Main Bhi Chowkidar` campaign, on March 31.

Lok Sabha 2019: BJP amplifies poll campaign with 'Main Bhi Chowkidar' caller tunes

Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao on Tuesday termed leaders of BJP as 'duplicate Hindus'&nbsp;while referring to himself as a 'real Hindu'.

"Political parties should not decide where should Janmabhoomi stay, the matter is in the court. Are we not Hindus? We are going to temples and performing puja. Are we going to temples only after BJP says? Hindu religion says everyone should be respected. You (BJP) are duplicate Hindus and we are real Hindus. You also belong to political Hindutva," KCR said while addressing a public meeting in Nizamabad.

He further said that he will announce the TRS candidates for the upcoming Lok Sabha election on March 21.

"The central governments since the last 73 years have always neglected farmers and labours. There is no water available, nothing has happened till now. Many Naxal movements have started. They have staged dramas, but not done any work. That is why I am saying federal front should come," the Telangana Chief Minister said.

"BJP has moulded 15 to 20 groups and the BJP leaders are abusing me in the groups. Today, the public is listening to the speeches of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Rahul Gandhi. They are screaming and I want to ask who they are screaming at. Congress ruled for 65 years and BJP ruled for 11 years. If Congress could have done correct work then the country would have developed a lot."

KCR further claimed that Telangana is the only state in the country which is giving 24 hours power supply to farmers.

"If Congress comes to power, one thing is certain - they will name all the Yojanas (schemes) after Jawahar Lal Nehru, Rajiv Gandhi, Indira Gandhi. The schemes will come up with these names. And if BJP comes to power, they will name Yojanas after Deendayal Upadhyaya, Shyam Prasad Mukherji. The names of the schemes will change but the fate of the public will not change in the country," he said.

"Today in the country more than three lakh megawatts current is available, but half of the country is under darkness. Congress and BJP are not competent enough to use the available current in the country," added KCR.

He later went on to compare India with countries like Singapore and China.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao on Tuesday termed leaders of BJP as 'duplicate Hindus' while referring to himself as a 'real Hindu'. "Political parties should not decide where should Janmabhoomi stay, the matter is in the court.

Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao on Tuesday termed leaders of BJP as 'duplicate Hindus' while referring to himself as a 'real Hindu'. "Political parties should not decide where should Janmabhoomi stay, the matter is in the court. Are we not Hindus? We are going to temples and performing puja. Are we going to temples only after BJP says? Hindu religion says everyone should be respected. You (BJP) are duplicate Hindus and we are real Hindus. You also belong to political Hindutva," KCR said while addressing a public meeting in Nizamabad. He further said that he will announce the TRS candidates for the upcoming Lok Sabha election on March 21. "The central governments since the last 73 years have always neglected farmers and labours. There is no water available, nothing has happened till now. Many Naxal movements have started. They have staged dramas, but not done any work. That is why I am saying federal front should come," the Telangana Chief Minister said. "BJP has moulded 15 to 20 groups and the BJP leaders are abusing me in the groups. Today, the public is listening to the speeches of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Rahul Gandhi. They are screaming and I want to ask who they are screaming at. Congress ruled for 65 years and BJP ruled for 11 years. If Congress could have done correct work then the country would have developed a lot." KCR further claimed that Telangana is the only state in the country which is giving 24 hours power supply to farmers. "If Congress comes to power, one thing is certain - they will name all the Yojanas (schemes) after Jawahar Lal Nehru, Rajiv Gandhi, Indira Gandhi. The schemes will come up with these names. And if BJP comes to power, they will name Yojanas after Deendayal Upadhyaya, Shyam Prasad Mukherji. The names of the schemes will change but the fate of the public will not change in the country," he said. "Today in the country more than three lakh megawatts current is available, but half of the country is under darkness. Congress and BJP are not competent enough to use the available current in the country," added KCR. He later went on to compare India with countries like Singapore and China.

KCR calls BJP 'duplicate Hindus', says 'we are real Hindus'

Ahead of the Lok Sabha elections, Pragatisheel Samajwadi Party (Lohia) chief Shivpal Yadav on Tuesday formed a political front, named Progressive Democratic Alliance (PDA), in collaboration with Peace Party, Krishna Patel's faction of Apna Dal, among others.

"We have formed Progressive Democratic Alliance with Peace Party, Ittehad-e-Millat Council, Rashtriya Krantikari Samajwadi Party, former PDP leader Sunil Singh, Krishna Patel's faction of Apna Dal," Yadav told media in Lucknow.

"She (Krishna Patel of Apna Dal) has given me the support. I have a letter for the same. I welcome her," he added.

Earlier this month, Yadav had claimed that he had the support of Samajwadi Party veteran Mulayam Singh Yadav. He also said he was keen to stitch an alliance with the Congress party for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.

"I know Neta Ji is with me. I have made this party with his permission. But he is attached to the party that he founded. I had requested to be included in the alliance of secular party. I had requested Akhilesh also. We want an alliance with Congress and have spoken to some leaders of the party as well," Yadav had said on March 10.

There are 80 Lok Sabha seats at stake in Uttar Pradesh, polling for which will be held in all seven phases of the elections starting April 11.

Ahead of the Lok Sabha elections, Pragatisheel Samajwadi Party (Lohia) chief Shivpal Yadav on Tuesday formed a political front, named Progressive Democratic Alliance (PDA), in collaboration with Peace Party, Krishna Patel's faction of Apna Dal, among others.

Ahead of the Lok Sabha elections, Pragatisheel Samajwadi Party (Lohia) chief Shivpal Yadav on Tuesday formed a political front, named Progressive Democratic Alliance (PDA), in collaboration with Peace Party, Krishna Patel's faction of Apna Dal, among others. "We have formed Progressive Democratic Alliance with Peace Party, Ittehad-e-Millat Council, Rashtriya Krantikari Samajwadi Party, former PDP leader Sunil Singh, Krishna Patel's faction of Apna Dal," Yadav told media in Lucknow. "She (Krishna Patel of Apna Dal) has given me the support. I have a letter for the same. I welcome her," he added. Earlier this month, Yadav had claimed that he had the support of Samajwadi Party veteran Mulayam Singh Yadav. He also said he was keen to stitch an alliance with the Congress party for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. "I know Neta Ji is with me. I have made this party with his permission. But he is attached to the party that he founded. I had requested to be included in the alliance of secular party. I had requested Akhilesh also. We want an alliance with Congress and have spoken to some leaders of the party as well," Yadav had said on March 10. There are 80 Lok Sabha seats at stake in Uttar Pradesh, polling for which will be held in all seven phases of the elections starting April 11.

Shivpal Yadav forms political front, ropes in Peace Party, Krishna Patel's faction of Apna Dal

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-polls-congress-releases-5th-list-fields-pranab-mukherjees-son-from-jangipur-204216">Congress </a>has released its sixth list of nine candidates, seven from Maharashtra and two from Kerala, for the Lok Sabha election.

With this, it has released names of 146 candidates for the election starting on April 11.

In Kerala, the Congress announced that Shanimol Usman will be the candidate from Alappuzha seat and Adoor Prakash from Attingal seat.

The Alappuzha seat is currently represented by AICC general secretary (organisation) K C Venugopal, who has decided to opt out of the contest citing organisational work.

In Maharashtra, the party has fielded K C Padavi from Nandurbar, Kunal Rohidas Patil from Dhule, Charulata Khajasingh Tokas from Vardha, Manikrao G Thakarey from Yavatmal-Washim, Eknath Gaikwad from Mumbai-South Central, Bhausahib Kamble from Shirdi and Navinchandra Bandivadekar from Ratnagiri-Sindhudurg.

The list was cleared late Tuesday night after a meeting of the party's Central Election Committee chaired by Congress president Rahul Gandhi. 
&nbsp;

The Congress has released its sixth list of nine candidates, seven from Maharashtra and two from Kerala, for the Lok Sabha election. With this, it has released names of 146 candidates for the election starting on April 11.

The Congress has released its sixth list of nine candidates, seven from Maharashtra and two from Kerala, for the Lok Sabha election. With this, it has released names of 146 candidates for the election starting on April 11. In Kerala, the Congress announced that Shanimol Usman will be the candidate from Alappuzha seat and Adoor Prakash from Attingal seat. The Alappuzha seat is currently represented by AICC general secretary (organisation) K C Venugopal, who has decided to opt out of the contest citing organisational work. In Maharashtra, the party has fielded K C Padavi from Nandurbar, Kunal Rohidas Patil from Dhule, Charulata Khajasingh Tokas from Vardha, Manikrao G Thakarey from Yavatmal-Washim, Eknath Gaikwad from Mumbai-South Central, Bhausahib Kamble from Shirdi and Navinchandra Bandivadekar from Ratnagiri-Sindhudurg. The list was cleared late Tuesday night after a meeting of the party's Central Election Committee chaired by Congress president Rahul Gandhi.

Lok Sabha polls: Congress releases sixth list of candidates

Lok Sabha elections 2019: A look at young chief ministers of India

In a major setback to the Bhartiya Janta Party (BJP) in North-East ahead of the Lok Sabha elections, as many as 18 BJP leaders in Arunachal Pradesh quit the party to join the National People’s Party (NPP).

Of the total 18 leaders from Arunachal, there are eight sitting MLAs including two ministers - Home Minister Kumar Waii and Tourism Minister Jarkar Gamlin. The BJP MLAs who quit the party are Thangwang Wangham, Tapuk Taku, Pani Taram, Pangka Bage, Wangling Lowandong, Kardo Nyigyor and party’s former general secretary Jarpum Gamlin, and former minister Tsering Jurmey.

Thomas Sangma, National General Secretary, NPP said, “I'm delighted to welcome eight sitting minister and MLAs to our party. National People's Party will not form an alliance with anyone. BJP's ideology is not right. It is not a secular party.”

The National People’s Party (NPP) led by Conrad Sangma who is also the Chief Minister of Meghalaya is one of the largest parties in the North East. NPP was earlier a part of the North-East Democratic Alliance (NEDA) and BJP’s biggest electoral ally in the North East.

However, Sangma fell out of the party after the BJP passed the Citizenship Amendment Bill.

Sources close to Sangma said that he will field close to 30-40 candidates from his own party in the 60-seat assembly in Arunachal Pradesh.

On the other hand, K Waii, the former Arunachal Pradesh home minister said hours after his joining, “If BJP was the right party, I'd have been working for it. BJP says that for them country is first, party second and person third but they are doing dynasty politics. This is a secular state but BJP is an anti-religion party.”

This apart, sources in the state unit of BJP claimed that the leaders switched over to NPP after they were denied tickets by the BJP’s central election committee.

“After assessing the ground situation, our central election committee decided whom to give tickets in the ensuing elections. Some sitting ministers and MLAs were denied tickets by the central election committee,” union minister Kiren Rijiju had said.

On Sunday evening, BJP released the candidate’s list for a total of 54 seats of the total 60 seats in the Arunachal Pradesh assembly. The state goes for the polls simultaneously with the Lok Sabha polls on April 11, 2019.

In a major setback to the Bhartiya Janta Party (BJP) in North-East ahead of the Lok Sabha elections, as many as 18 BJP leaders in Arunachal Pradesh quit the party to join the National People’s Party (NPP).

In a major setback to the Bhartiya Janta Party (BJP) in North-East ahead of the Lok Sabha elections, as many as 18 BJP leaders in Arunachal Pradesh quit the party to join the National People’s Party (NPP). Of the total 18 leaders from Arunachal, there are eight sitting MLAs including two ministers - Home Minister Kumar Waii and Tourism Minister Jarkar Gamlin. The BJP MLAs who quit the party are Thangwang Wangham, Tapuk Taku, Pani Taram, Pangka Bage, Wangling Lowandong, Kardo Nyigyor and party’s former general secretary Jarpum Gamlin, and former minister Tsering Jurmey. Thomas Sangma, National General Secretary, NPP said, “I'm delighted to welcome eight sitting minister and MLAs to our party. National People's Party will not form an alliance with anyone. BJP's ideology is not right. It is not a secular party.” The National People’s Party (NPP) led by Conrad Sangma who is also the Chief Minister of Meghalaya is one of the largest parties in the North East. NPP was earlier a part of the North-East Democratic Alliance (NEDA) and BJP’s biggest electoral ally in the North East. However, Sangma fell out of the party after the BJP passed the Citizenship Amendment Bill. Sources close to Sangma said that he will field close to 30-40 candidates from his own party in the 60-seat assembly in Arunachal Pradesh. On the other hand, K Waii, the former Arunachal Pradesh home minister said hours after his joining, “If BJP was the right party, I'd have been working for it. BJP says that for them country is first, party second and person third but they are doing dynasty politics. This is a secular state but BJP is an anti-religion party.” This apart, sources in the state unit of BJP claimed that the leaders switched over to NPP after they were denied tickets by the BJP’s central election committee. “After assessing the ground situation, our central election committee decided whom to give tickets in the ensuing elections. Some sitting ministers and MLAs were denied tickets by the central election committee,” union minister Kiren Rijiju had said. On Sunday evening, BJP released the candidate’s list for a total of 54 seats of the total 60 seats in the Arunachal Pradesh assembly. The state goes for the polls simultaneously with the Lok Sabha polls on April 11, 2019.

Major setback for BJP in North East: 18 leaders of Arunachal quit party to join NPP

Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam released its manifesto for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls on Tuesday. Among scores of announcements, the party made public that Sethusamudram project will be started again.

The project entails opening up of the ecologically fragile Gulf of Mannar for dredging. Hindus believe that Ram Sethu was used by Lord Rama to crossover to Lanka to rescue goddess Sita. Rationalists, on the other hand, believe that the inundated bund is not man-made but a creation of tidal waves over a period of time.

Such was the furore in 2007 that the UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi had to withdraw the affidavit filed in the Supreme Court where the project was stated as a mythological feature.&nbsp;

With cultural sentiments flying very high and the BJP also in the fray in Tamil Nadu for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, both Congress and the BJP will stay away from such controversial projects.&nbsp;

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AIADMK in its election manifesto: AIADMK will urge Government of India and the President to give due direction to the Governor of Tamil Nadu for release of the seven Tamil convicts as ordered by Supreme Court and approved by 
cabinet of Tamil Nadu govt. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LokSabhaElections2019?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LokSabhaElections2019</a> <a href="https://t.co/22UtSl55s4">https://t.co/22UtSl55s4</a>
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The Sethusamudram project will involve shipping routes to traverse from the Gulf of Mannar rather than circumnavigating around Sri Lanka.&nbsp;

Key highlights of DMK manifesto

Another controversial point in the manifesto is where the party says it will free former Prime Minister late Rajiv Gandhi’s killers if they come to power.

DMK chief MK Stalin also stated that National Eligibility-Cum-Entrance Test (NEET) would be abolished in Tamil Nadu and central offices in the state would function using Tamil as a co-official language.&nbsp;

"The NEET for medical admissions will be scrapped," DMK chief M K Stalin said while unveiling the salient features of his party's manifesto. Opposition to NEET in Tamil Nadu from major political parties and students had taken emotive overtones in the past.

The party also assured steps for waiver of all educational loans taken by students.

"We will bring back the old pension scheme for both the central and state government employees," Stalin said.

The DMK president said the party would revert to the administered-price mechanism to regulate the prices of petrol, diesel and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG).

Another key feature of the manifesto is doing away with the direct cash transfer of subsidy for the LPG and bringing down the prices of cylinders.

The DMK is contesting 20 seats in the state, allotting the remaining 19 to its allies. The state goes to polls in a single phase on April 18.

Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam released its manifesto for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls on Tuesday. Among scores of announcements, the party made public that Sethusamudram project will be started again.

Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam released its manifesto for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls on Tuesday. Among scores of announcements, the party made public that Sethusamudram project will be started again. The project entails opening up of the ecologically fragile Gulf of Mannar for dredging. Hindus believe that Ram Sethu was used by Lord Rama to crossover to Lanka to rescue goddess Sita. Rationalists, on the other hand, believe that the inundated bund is not man-made but a creation of tidal waves over a period of time. Such was the furore in 2007 that the UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi had to withdraw the affidavit filed in the Supreme Court where the project was stated as a mythological feature. With cultural sentiments flying very high and the BJP also in the fray in Tamil Nadu for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, both Congress and the BJP will stay away from such controversial projects. AIADMK in its election manifesto: AIADMK will urge Government of India and the President to give due direction to the Governor of Tamil Nadu for release of the seven Tamil convicts as ordered by Supreme Court and approved by cabinet of Tamil Nadu govt. #LokSabhaElections2019 https://t.co/22UtSl55s4 — ANI (@ANI) March 19, 2019 × The Sethusamudram project will involve shipping routes to traverse from the Gulf of Mannar rather than circumnavigating around Sri Lanka. Key highlights of DMK manifesto Another controversial point in the manifesto is where the party says it will free former Prime Minister late Rajiv Gandhi’s killers if they come to power. DMK chief MK Stalin also stated that National Eligibility-Cum-Entrance Test (NEET) would be abolished in Tamil Nadu and central offices in the state would function using Tamil as a co-official language. "The NEET for medical admissions will be scrapped," DMK chief M K Stalin said while unveiling the salient features of his party's manifesto. Opposition to NEET in Tamil Nadu from major political parties and students had taken emotive overtones in the past. The party also assured steps for waiver of all educational loans taken by students. "We will bring back the old pension scheme for both the central and state government employees," Stalin said. The DMK president said the party would revert to the administered-price mechanism to regulate the prices of petrol, diesel and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). Another key feature of the manifesto is doing away with the direct cash transfer of subsidy for the LPG and bringing down the prices of cylinders. The DMK is contesting 20 seats in the state, allotting the remaining 19 to its allies. The state goes to polls in a single phase on April 18.

Lok Sabha polls: DMK releases manifesto, promises to restart Sethusamudram project; abolish NEET

After an alliance with the Samajwadi Party and the Bahujan Samaj Party, the Rashtriya Lok Dal is looking to regain its base in western UP and win the three seats it will be contesting in the coming Lok Sabha election.

In 2014, the defeat of the then Union minister and Rashtriya Lok Dal president Ajit Singh in Baghpat to BJP's Satyapal Singh, who had resigned as Mumbai Police commissioner just before the election, was "unexpected" for many as he had never lost the seat since 1999.

"The defeat was seen as a big sign of how the BJP was consolidating the dominant Jat vote in its favour. This time, RLD has an opportunity to take a sweet revenge by improving its performance with the help of SP and BSP and get back the Jat vote in its fold," said political analyst Manjula Upadhyay.

RLD leaders are confident of repeating their performance of Kairana LS bypoll last year when they succeeded in getting back Jat votes they had lost to the BJP in 2014.

"During Kairana byelection, RLD leader Jayant Chowdhury's slogan to Jats was 'BJP Ki Poonch Nahi, RLD Ki Mooch Bano'. The call was a hit and he succeeded in invoking the name of his grandfather Chowdhury Charan Singh and reminding the Jats of his legacy," a senior RLD leader said.

During the Kairana bypoll, RLD candidate Tabassum Hasan succeeded in defeating the BJP in the high-profile battle necessitated following the death of BJP MP Hukum Singh.

RLD candidate Tabassum was supported by the Congress, SP and BSP.

Kairana was seen as a testing ground for the new-found opposition unity against the rising BJP then, and the win gave a boost to opposition's efforts to stitch a grand alliance against the saffron party.

Statistically, RLD's performance showed a downward trend after the death of former prime minister Chowdhury Charan Singh.

When Charan Singh died in 1987, Bharatiya Lok Dal had the maximum 83 legislators in Uttar Pradesh. The number dwindled over the years and came down to just one in 2017 assembly polls.

The best performance of RLD under Ajit Singh was in 2002 when it won 14 assembly seats in alliance with the BJP.

The party won five seats in 2009 Lok Sabha polls, again in alliance with the BJP, but during 2012 assembly polls, it forged an alliance with Congress and won nine assembly seats.

In 2014 general election and 2017 assembly polls, the party's performance was worst as it failed to turn voters in its favour and the BJP succeeded in making a dent in its vote bank.

Of the seven seats contested in 2014, the party lost all of them.

Even party chief Ajit Singh slipped to the third spot in his traditional Baghpat seat while his son Jayant Chowdhury lost to Bollywood actor-politician Hema Malini, who contested on a BJP ticket from Mathura.

Other candidates including Amar Singh, Jaya Prada and Rakesh Tikait also could not perform well and all of them lost.

In 2017 UP assembly polls, the RLD had contested 277 of the total 403 seats but won only one, Chhaprauli seat.

After entering an alliance with SP-BSP, the RLD will be contesting Baghpat, Muzaffarnagar and Mathura seats.

While party chief Ajit Singh is likely to contest from Muzaffarnagar, his son Jayant will be contesting from party's traditional seat Baghpat.

Asked about RLD's Lok Sabha prospects, a senior RLD leader said, "This time equations are in our favour. Be it Muslim, backwards, Dalits, Jats or any other community, all are in our favour. Farmers are angry due to non-payment of cane dues."

SP MLC Rajpal Kashyap, when asked about the alliance partner, said, "This is an alliance of ideologies and it will succeed in defeating the communal BJP. We are all committed to ensuring the victory of the alliance candidates.

After an alliance with the Samajwadi Party and the Bahujan Samaj Party, the Rashtriya Lok Dal is looking to regain its base in western UP and win the three seats it will be contesting in the coming Lok Sabha election.

After an alliance with the Samajwadi Party and the Bahujan Samaj Party, the Rashtriya Lok Dal is looking to regain its base in western UP and win the three seats it will be contesting in the coming Lok Sabha election. In 2014, the defeat of the then Union minister and Rashtriya Lok Dal president Ajit Singh in Baghpat to BJP's Satyapal Singh, who had resigned as Mumbai Police commissioner just before the election, was "unexpected" for many as he had never lost the seat since 1999. "The defeat was seen as a big sign of how the BJP was consolidating the dominant Jat vote in its favour. This time, RLD has an opportunity to take a sweet revenge by improving its performance with the help of SP and BSP and get back the Jat vote in its fold," said political analyst Manjula Upadhyay. RLD leaders are confident of repeating their performance of Kairana LS bypoll last year when they succeeded in getting back Jat votes they had lost to the BJP in 2014. "During Kairana byelection, RLD leader Jayant Chowdhury's slogan to Jats was 'BJP Ki Poonch Nahi, RLD Ki Mooch Bano'. The call was a hit and he succeeded in invoking the name of his grandfather Chowdhury Charan Singh and reminding the Jats of his legacy," a senior RLD leader said. During the Kairana bypoll, RLD candidate Tabassum Hasan succeeded in defeating the BJP in the high-profile battle necessitated following the death of BJP MP Hukum Singh. RLD candidate Tabassum was supported by the Congress, SP and BSP. Kairana was seen as a testing ground for the new-found opposition unity against the rising BJP then, and the win gave a boost to opposition's efforts to stitch a grand alliance against the saffron party. Statistically, RLD's performance showed a downward trend after the death of former prime minister Chowdhury Charan Singh. When Charan Singh died in 1987, Bharatiya Lok Dal had the maximum 83 legislators in Uttar Pradesh. The number dwindled over the years and came down to just one in 2017 assembly polls. The best performance of RLD under Ajit Singh was in 2002 when it won 14 assembly seats in alliance with the BJP. The party won five seats in 2009 Lok Sabha polls, again in alliance with the BJP, but during 2012 assembly polls, it forged an alliance with Congress and won nine assembly seats. In 2014 general election and 2017 assembly polls, the party's performance was worst as it failed to turn voters in its favour and the BJP succeeded in making a dent in its vote bank. Of the seven seats contested in 2014, the party lost all of them. Even party chief Ajit Singh slipped to the third spot in his traditional Baghpat seat while his son Jayant Chowdhury lost to Bollywood actor-politician Hema Malini, who contested on a BJP ticket from Mathura. Other candidates including Amar Singh, Jaya Prada and Rakesh Tikait also could not perform well and all of them lost. In 2017 UP assembly polls, the RLD had contested 277 of the total 403 seats but won only one, Chhaprauli seat. After entering an alliance with SP-BSP, the RLD will be contesting Baghpat, Muzaffarnagar and Mathura seats. While party chief Ajit Singh is likely to contest from Muzaffarnagar, his son Jayant will be contesting from party's traditional seat Baghpat. Asked about RLD's Lok Sabha prospects, a senior RLD leader said, "This time equations are in our favour. Be it Muslim, backwards, Dalits, Jats or any other community, all are in our favour. Farmers are angry due to non-payment of cane dues." SP MLC Rajpal Kashyap, when asked about the alliance partner, said, "This is an alliance of ideologies and it will succeed in defeating the communal BJP. We are all committed to ensuring the victory of the alliance candidates.

After alliance with SP-BSP, RLD looks to revive itself in west Uttar Pradesh

Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Sunil Arora on Tuesday met with heads and representatives of various social media platforms ahead of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.

The purpose of the meeting was to discuss various issues related to social media content in lieu of Model Code of Conduct which has been implemented in India since after the announcement of Lok Sabha Elections on March 10.

The social media heads and representatives who attended the meeting included Mahima Kaul from Twitter, Piyush Poddar and Chetan Krishnaswamy from Google, Sasha Mathew from WhatsApp, Shivnath Thujral from Facebook, Chitrita Chatterjee from Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI), Berges Y&nbsp;Malu from Share Chat , Apruva Mehta from Tiktok and Nagesh Banga from Bigo TV.

The meeting was also attended by Election Commissioner Sushil Chandra and Ashok Lavasa.

President of Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI) Subho Roy was also present in the meeting.

Earlier March 6, The Chairman of&nbsp;Parliamentary Committee&nbsp;on&nbsp;Information Technology,&nbsp;Anurag Thakur&nbsp;had said that social media giants&nbsp;Facebook,&nbsp;Whatsapp&nbsp;and Instagram have accepted that there is a need for corrective measures to keep a check on posts that lead to communal tensions, incite violence or pose threat to national security.&nbsp;

Thakur made these remarks after meeting with officials of&nbsp;Facebook,&nbsp;Whatsapp&nbsp;and Instagram.

Even prior to that, following concerns by various political parties, Thakur&nbsp;had allowed Colin Crowell, Vice President and Global Policy Head of&nbsp;Twitter&nbsp;to appear before the committee on February 6 and had directed the micro-blogging site to ensure no interference of foreign entities in Indian elections.

Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Sunil Arora on Tuesday met with heads and representatives of various social media platforms ahead of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.

Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Sunil Arora on Tuesday met with heads and representatives of various social media platforms ahead of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss various issues related to social media content in lieu of Model Code of Conduct which has been implemented in India since after the announcement of Lok Sabha Elections on March 10. The social media heads and representatives who attended the meeting included Mahima Kaul from Twitter, Piyush Poddar and Chetan Krishnaswamy from Google, Sasha Mathew from WhatsApp, Shivnath Thujral from Facebook, Chitrita Chatterjee from Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI), Berges Y Malu from Share Chat , Apruva Mehta from Tiktok and Nagesh Banga from Bigo TV. The meeting was also attended by Election Commissioner Sushil Chandra and Ashok Lavasa. President of Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI) Subho Roy was also present in the meeting. Earlier March 6, The Chairman of Parliamentary Committee on Information Technology, Anurag Thakur had said that social media giants Facebook, Whatsapp and Instagram have accepted that there is a need for corrective measures to keep a check on posts that lead to communal tensions, incite violence or pose threat to national security. Thakur made these remarks after meeting with officials of Facebook, Whatsapp and Instagram. Even prior to that, following concerns by various political parties, Thakur had allowed Colin Crowell, Vice President and Global Policy Head of Twitter to appear before the committee on February 6 and had directed the micro-blogging site to ensure no interference of foreign entities in Indian elections.

Lok Sabha polls: Chief Election Commissioner meets with social media heads on Model Code of Conduct