Union Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday told reporters that the 'Mahagathbandhan' is not a challenge for the Bharatiya Janata Party.

While Singh was interacting with the media after casting his vote during the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/live-lok-sabha-elections-polling-underway-in-seven-states-in-fifth-phase-216212">fifth phase of the Lok Sabha polls</a>, he said that he doesn't want to comment on the candidature of Shatrughan Sinha's wife Poonam Sinha as an SP-BSP-RLD candidate from Lucknow as elections are not about the individuals contesting but the issues.&nbsp;

"I don't want to comment on her (SP-BSP-RLD candidate Poonam Sinha), as I believe elections are not about individuals but about issues," he said.&nbsp;

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Lucknow Lok Sabha seat has gone to polls today in the fifth phase of the Lok Sabha polls.&nbsp;

Home Minister Rajnath Singh is the BJP's candidate from the seat, Pramod Krishnam is fighting on a Congress ticket, and Poonam Sinha is SP-BSP-RLD's candidate for the Lok Sabha constituency.&nbsp;

He has expressed confidence about BJP getting a full majority and that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will get a second term.

Polling for the fifth phase began at 7 am and will continue till 6 pm, amid elaborate security arrangements.

Fourteen seats in Uttar Pradesh, 12 in Rajasthan, seven each in West Bengal and Madhya Pradesh, five in Bihar and four in Jharkhand are undergoing polling in addition to Ladakh and Anantnag constituencies in Jammu and Kashmir.

Union Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday told reporters that the 'Mahagathbandhan' is not a challenge for the Bharatiya Janata Party. While Singh was interacting with the media after casting his vote during the fifth phase of the Lok Sabha polls, he said that he doesn't want to comment on the candidature of Shatrughan Sinha's wife Poonam Sinha as an SP-BSP-RLD candidate from Lucknow as elections are not about the individuals contesting but the issues.

Union Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday told reporters that the 'Mahagathbandhan' is not a challenge for the Bharatiya Janata Party. While Singh was interacting with the media after casting his vote during the fifth phase of the Lok Sabha polls, he said that he doesn't want to comment on the candidature of Shatrughan Sinha's wife Poonam Sinha as an SP-BSP-RLD candidate from Lucknow as elections are not about the individuals contesting but the issues. "I don't want to comment on her (SP-BSP-RLD candidate Poonam Sinha), as I believe elections are not about individuals but about issues," he said. Rajnath Singh,Lucknow BJP candidate: The Mahagatbandhan is no challenge for BJP here. I don't want to comment on her(SP-BSP-RLD candidate Poonam Sinha), as I believe elections are not about individuals but about issues. pic.twitter.com/FdwsHdj7nd — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) May 6, 2019 × Lucknow Lok Sabha seat has gone to polls today in the fifth phase of the Lok Sabha polls. Home Minister Rajnath Singh is the BJP's candidate from the seat, Pramod Krishnam is fighting on a Congress ticket, and Poonam Sinha is SP-BSP-RLD's candidate for the Lok Sabha constituency. He has expressed confidence about BJP getting a full majority and that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will get a second term. Polling for the fifth phase began at 7 am and will continue till 6 pm, amid elaborate security arrangements. Fourteen seats in Uttar Pradesh, 12 in Rajasthan, seven each in West Bengal and Madhya Pradesh, five in Bihar and four in Jharkhand are undergoing polling in addition to Ladakh and Anantnag constituencies in Jammu and Kashmir.

'Mahagathbandhan' isn't a challenge for Bharatiya Janata Party: Rajnath Singh 

In this segment of India Election Watch, Know what is the significance of 'Phase 5' in Lok Sabha Election 2019. Listen to the chat we had with Mr. Makarand R. Paranjape, Director of IIAS and Mr. Walter Anderson, An Author & Academician from Virginia of US.

India Election Watch: Know why 'Phase 5' of Lok Sabha Polls matters

In this video of India Election Watch, Know 5 crucial points about Phase 5. In Phase 5 of Lok Sabha Election 2019 voting held at 51 seats of 7 states. Now 118 seats are up for grab in the last two phases.

India Election Watch: Know 5 crucial points about Phase 5

In Phase 5 of Lok Sabha Election 2019 voting held at 51 seats of 7 states. Now 118 seats are up for grab in the last two phases. Sporadic incidents of violence also reported at West Bengal in Phase 5. Voting for 424 constituencies is over so far.

India Election Watch: Complete highlights of Phase 5 of Lok Sabha Election 2019

UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi's son-in-law Robert Vadra on Monday urged people in Raebareli and Amethi to cast their votes and "lay the road for a better India soon".

"As our extended family members of Raebareli and Amethi go out to vote, I place my full faith in them that they will vote for development, they will vote for change and they will vote against all the negativity," Vadra wrote on Facebook.

"I am sure Raebareli and Amethi would lay the road for a better India soon. I appeal to one and all to go out and vote for change. All my best wishes with Congress president Rahul Gandhi and UPA chairperson, my mother-in-law, Sonia Gandhi," he added.

Sonia Gandhi is contesting from Raebareli, while Rahul Gandhi is contesting from Amethi.

The seven-phase Lok Sabha elections which began on April 11 will go on till May 19. The results will be announced on May 23.&nbsp;

UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi's son-in-law Robert Vadra on Monday urged people in Raebareli and Amethi to cast their votes and "lay the road for a better India soon".

UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi's son-in-law Robert Vadra on Monday urged people in Raebareli and Amethi to cast their votes and "lay the road for a better India soon". "As our extended family members of Raebareli and Amethi go out to vote, I place my full faith in them that they will vote for development, they will vote for change and they will vote against all the negativity," Vadra wrote on Facebook. "I am sure Raebareli and Amethi would lay the road for a better India soon. I appeal to one and all to go out and vote for change. All my best wishes with Congress president Rahul Gandhi and UPA chairperson, my mother-in-law, Sonia Gandhi," he added. Sonia Gandhi is contesting from Raebareli, while Rahul Gandhi is contesting from Amethi. The seven-phase Lok Sabha elections which began on April 11 will go on till May 19. The results will be announced on May 23.

Raebareli, Amethi would lay the road for a better India: Robert Vadra

Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao (KCR) will be heading to the capital city of Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram, on Monday to meet his counterpart Pinarayi Vijayan.&nbsp;

The two chief ministers are expected to meet at around 6pm today and discuss contemporary politics in the wake of the ongoing Lok Sabha polls.

"Rao will meet Chief Minister of Kerala Pinarayi Vijayan in Thiruvananthapuram on Monday at 6 pm. In view of the parliament elections, both the CMs will discuss contemporary politics," an official release said.&nbsp;

Before returning to Hyderabad, Rao will be paying a visit to Rameswaram and Srirangam temples.&nbsp;

The TRS chief has been a vocal proponent of a non-BJP, non-Congress federal front at the Centre.&nbsp;

Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan had previously said that Congress chief Rahul Gandhi contesting from Wayanad means that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rahul-gandhi-fighting-from-wayanad-means-he-is-fighting-left-not-bjp-kerala-cm-pinari-vijayan-206965">he is fighting against the Left and not the BJP</a>.&nbsp;

There was no need to attach any special importance to the Congress president contesting from the state and Gandhi was just one among the 20 candidates of the opposition UDF, who are trying their luck from Kerala, he said.

"If Gandhi's fight is against the BJP, he should have contested against the saffron party. In Kerala, the fight is between LDF and UDF in the elections," Vijayan said recently.

Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao (KCR) will be heading to the capital city of Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram, on Monday to meet his counterpart Pinarayi Vijayan.

Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao (KCR) will be heading to the capital city of Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram, on Monday to meet his counterpart Pinarayi Vijayan. The two chief ministers are expected to meet at around 6pm today and discuss contemporary politics in the wake of the ongoing Lok Sabha polls. "Rao will meet Chief Minister of Kerala Pinarayi Vijayan in Thiruvananthapuram on Monday at 6 pm. In view of the parliament elections, both the CMs will discuss contemporary politics," an official release said. Before returning to Hyderabad, Rao will be paying a visit to Rameswaram and Srirangam temples. The TRS chief has been a vocal proponent of a non-BJP, non-Congress federal front at the Centre. Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan had previously said that Congress chief Rahul Gandhi contesting from Wayanad means that he is fighting against the Left and not the BJP. There was no need to attach any special importance to the Congress president contesting from the state and Gandhi was just one among the 20 candidates of the opposition UDF, who are trying their luck from Kerala, he said. "If Gandhi's fight is against the BJP, he should have contested against the saffron party. In Kerala, the fight is between LDF and UDF in the elections," Vijayan said recently.

KCR and Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan to meet in Trivandrum today, discuss 'contemporary politics' 

Terrorists Monday lobbed a grenade towards a polling station in Pulwama district of Jammu and Kashmir where <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/live-lok-sabha-elections-polling-underway-in-seven-states-in-fifth-phase-216212">polling is underway</a> for the Anantnag constituency in the fifth phase of Lok Sabha elections, police said.

A grenade was lobbed towards Rohmoo polling station in Pulwama but there were no reports of any casualties in the blast, a police official said.

He said security forces have cordoned off the area.

This was the first terrorist attack on a polling station in this Lok Sabha election in Jammu and Kashmir.

Polling is being held in Pulwama and Shopian districts of Anantnag Lok Sabha constituency which also includes Anantnag and Kulgam districts as well.

The Lok Sabha polls to this constituency are being held in three phases due to security reasons.

Anantnag district went to polls on 23 April, while voting in Kulgam district took place on 29 April.

There are 18 candidates in the fray for Anantnag constituency including PDP president and former chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir, Mehbooba Mufti.&nbsp;

Terrorists Monday lobbed a grenade towards a polling station in Pulwama district of Jammu and Kashmir where polling is underway for the Anantnag constituency in the fifth phase of Lok Sabha elections, police said.

Terrorists Monday lobbed a grenade towards a polling station in Pulwama district of Jammu and Kashmir where polling is underway for the Anantnag constituency in the fifth phase of Lok Sabha elections, police said. A grenade was lobbed towards Rohmoo polling station in Pulwama but there were no reports of any casualties in the blast, a police official said. He said security forces have cordoned off the area. This was the first terrorist attack on a polling station in this Lok Sabha election in Jammu and Kashmir. Polling is being held in Pulwama and Shopian districts of Anantnag Lok Sabha constituency which also includes Anantnag and Kulgam districts as well. The Lok Sabha polls to this constituency are being held in three phases due to security reasons. Anantnag district went to polls on 23 April, while voting in Kulgam district took place on 29 April. There are 18 candidates in the fray for Anantnag constituency including PDP president and former chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir, Mehbooba Mufti.

Lok Sabha polls phase 5: Grenade attack on polling station in Pulwama

Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel exuded confidence over Congress'&nbsp;victory in the ongoing Lok Sabha elections claiming that the country is in the mood of change, hence, certainly the Congress'&nbsp;government will be formed after May 23.

When asked that how confident he is over Congress'&nbsp;victory in the ongoing Lok Sabha elections, Baghel told reporters, "The atmosphere in Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand and other states is good towards the Congress. The BJP is very behind. The country is in the mood of change, certainly, the Congress government will be formed."

On being asked to respond on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent remarks on late Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi during a public rally, he said, "Look at the statement given by Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur (BJP Lok Sabha candidate from Bhopal), Prime Minister's remark about Rajiv ji, it is clear to everyone that such statements are in support of terrorism. The Prime Minister should take care of his dignity and post as we did not expect such comments by him."

Referring to the 1999 plane hijack which led to the release of Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) chief Masood Azhar to Kandahar, the Chief Minister also accused the BJP of having links with the terrorists and Naxals.

Questioning why till date no investigation was initiated in the ghastly Pulwama terror attack by JeM which claimed lives of 40 CRPF personnel on February 14, he said, "Masood Azhar was sent to Pakistan by BJP. What is the relation between them? They (BJP) have relations with terrorists and Naxals...The probe in the Pulwama terror attack did not start till date. When the terror attack took place, why Prime Minister Narendra Modi was doing a photo shoot?"

Talking about the policy to tackle with the Naxals issue, the Chief Minister said after the completion of the ongoing general elections, he will interact with the central government and other Naxal-affected states to form a policy regarding the problem.

"Naxalism is not only in Chhattisgarh but in other states as well. It is necessary to work in a collective way to prevent this. After the Model Code of Conduct, we will also interact with the Centre and other states to form a policy to tackle with the Naxal issue," Baghel said.&nbsp;

Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel exuded confidence over Congress' victory in the ongoing Lok Sabha elections claiming that the country is in the mood of change, hence, certainly the Congress' government will be formed after May 23.

Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel exuded confidence over Congress' victory in the ongoing Lok Sabha elections claiming that the country is in the mood of change, hence, certainly the Congress' government will be formed after May 23. When asked that how confident he is over Congress' victory in the ongoing Lok Sabha elections, Baghel told reporters, "The atmosphere in Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand and other states is good towards the Congress. The BJP is very behind. The country is in the mood of change, certainly, the Congress government will be formed." On being asked to respond on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent remarks on late Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi during a public rally, he said, "Look at the statement given by Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur (BJP Lok Sabha candidate from Bhopal), Prime Minister's remark about Rajiv ji, it is clear to everyone that such statements are in support of terrorism. The Prime Minister should take care of his dignity and post as we did not expect such comments by him." Referring to the 1999 plane hijack which led to the release of Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) chief Masood Azhar to Kandahar, the Chief Minister also accused the BJP of having links with the terrorists and Naxals. Questioning why till date no investigation was initiated in the ghastly Pulwama terror attack by JeM which claimed lives of 40 CRPF personnel on February 14, he said, "Masood Azhar was sent to Pakistan by BJP. What is the relation between them? They (BJP) have relations with terrorists and Naxals...The probe in the Pulwama terror attack did not start till date. When the terror attack took place, why Prime Minister Narendra Modi was doing a photo shoot?" Talking about the policy to tackle with the Naxals issue, the Chief Minister said after the completion of the ongoing general elections, he will interact with the central government and other Naxal-affected states to form a policy regarding the problem. "Naxalism is not only in Chhattisgarh but in other states as well. It is necessary to work in a collective way to prevent this. After the Model Code of Conduct, we will also interact with the Centre and other states to form a policy to tackle with the Naxal issue," Baghel said.

'Country in mood of change,' says Chhattisgarh CM exuding confidence over Congress' victory

As polling began for the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/live-lok-sabha-elections-polling-underway-in-seven-states-in-fifth-phase-216212">fifth phase of Lok Sabha elections</a> in 51 constituencies spread across seven states, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh, Union Minister Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore, former Union Minister Yashwant Sinha, BSP chief Mayawati were among those who turned up early to cast their votes.

Lucknow BJP candidate Rajnath Singh expressed confidence about BJP getting a full majority and that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will get a second term. Rajnath Singh's son Pankaj Singh also cast his votes at a polling booth in Lucknow.

"I leave it to voters. The right to write the character role of a candidate lies with voters of the constituency. I am assured that BJP will get a full majority and Narendra Modi will become Prime Minister again," said Rajnath Singh.

BSP supremo and former Uttar Pradesh chief minister Mayawati also turned up early to exercise her franchise at a Lucknow polling booth.

"The value of the vote of everyone is the same either poor or rich. I request all to come out and exercise their right to vote. I request all voters to go to their respective polling booths and use their vote for the country and public welfare. Youth, elder and women all should come in large number for the vote," said Mayawati.

Former Finance Minister Yashwant Sinha cast his vote at Hazaribagh, Jharkhand. His son Union Minister Jayant Sinha is contesting against Congress'&nbsp;Gopal Sahu and CPI's Bhubneshwar Prasad Mehta from the constituency.

"In 2014 I decided on my own that I will not contest because you are seeing what happened with others. Now my son is in the fray," said Yashwant Sinha.

Yashwant Sinha and his wife Nilima Sinha arrived together and stood in line to cast their votes.

Union Minister Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore and his wife Gayatri Rathore cast their votes in Jaipur.

Sanjay Seth the BJP candidate from Ranchi after voting who cast his vote said,&nbsp;"Before coming here to cast my vote, I went to the temple of Goddess Kali, Lord Hanuman, Lord Ganesha and Lord Shani Maharaj. I pray to God and asked for more strength to serve the people," said Sanjay Seth.

Polling for the fifth phase began at 7 am and will continue till 6 pm, amid elaborate security arrangements.

Fourteen seats in Uttar Pradesh, 12 in Rajasthan, seven each in West Bengal and Madhya Pradesh, five in Bihar and four in Jharkhand are undergoing polling in addition to Ladakh and Anantnag constituencies in Jammu and Kashmir.&nbsp;

As polling began for the fifth phase of Lok Sabha elections in 51 constituencies spread across seven states, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh, Union Minister Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore, former Union Minister Yashwant Sinha, BSP chief Mayawati were among those who turned up early to cast their votes.

As polling began for the fifth phase of Lok Sabha elections in 51 constituencies spread across seven states, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh, Union Minister Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore, former Union Minister Yashwant Sinha, BSP chief Mayawati were among those who turned up early to cast their votes. Lucknow BJP candidate Rajnath Singh expressed confidence about BJP getting a full majority and that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will get a second term. Rajnath Singh's son Pankaj Singh also cast his votes at a polling booth in Lucknow. "I leave it to voters. The right to write the character role of a candidate lies with voters of the constituency. I am assured that BJP will get a full majority and Narendra Modi will become Prime Minister again," said Rajnath Singh. BSP supremo and former Uttar Pradesh chief minister Mayawati also turned up early to exercise her franchise at a Lucknow polling booth. "The value of the vote of everyone is the same either poor or rich. I request all to come out and exercise their right to vote. I request all voters to go to their respective polling booths and use their vote for the country and public welfare. Youth, elder and women all should come in large number for the vote," said Mayawati. Former Finance Minister Yashwant Sinha cast his vote at Hazaribagh, Jharkhand. His son Union Minister Jayant Sinha is contesting against Congress' Gopal Sahu and CPI's Bhubneshwar Prasad Mehta from the constituency. "In 2014 I decided on my own that I will not contest because you are seeing what happened with others. Now my son is in the fray," said Yashwant Sinha. Yashwant Sinha and his wife Nilima Sinha arrived together and stood in line to cast their votes. Union Minister Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore and his wife Gayatri Rathore cast their votes in Jaipur. Sanjay Seth the BJP candidate from Ranchi after voting who cast his vote said, "Before coming here to cast my vote, I went to the temple of Goddess Kali, Lord Hanuman, Lord Ganesha and Lord Shani Maharaj. I pray to God and asked for more strength to serve the people," said Sanjay Seth. Polling for the fifth phase began at 7 am and will continue till 6 pm, amid elaborate security arrangements. Fourteen seats in Uttar Pradesh, 12 in Rajasthan, seven each in West Bengal and Madhya Pradesh, five in Bihar and four in Jharkhand are undergoing polling in addition to Ladakh and Anantnag constituencies in Jammu and Kashmir.

Lok Sabha polls phase five: Rajnath Singh, Mayawati, Yashwant Sinha among early voters

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/live-lok-sabha-elections-polling-underway-in-seven-states-in-fifth-phase-216212">Polling was underway</a> on Monday in seven Lok Sabha seats of Madhya Pradesh with minor EVM glitches being reported at some booths, an official said.

Long queues were seen at some booths after the polling began at 7 am, he said.

This is the second phase of polling in Madhya Pradesh, the first phase having been held on April 29.

"Polling is going on peacefully across the seven constituencies. Minor issues related to EVMs were reported at some places but they were sorted out," state's chief electoral officer V L Kantha Rao told PTI.

Total 15,240 polling booths have been set up across the seven constituencies - Tikamgarh, Damoh, Khajuraho, Satna, Rewa, Hoshangabad and Betul - where 1.19 crore people, including 18,822 service voters, are eligible to exercise their franchise.

All these seats located in the state's Bundelkhand region are currently held by the BJP.

Union minister Virendra Singh Khatik and BJP MP Prahlad Patel are among the 110 candidates in the fray.

Of the 110 nominees, 14 are in the fray in Tikamgarh, 15 in Damoh, 17 in Khajuraho, 21 in Satna, 23 in Rewa, 11 in Hoshangabad and nine in Betul.

Lok Sabha elections for 29 seats in the state are being held in four phases. Polling for six seats was held in the first phase on April 29, while eight seats each will go to polls on May 12 and 19.

In 2014, the BJP won 27 seats in the state while the Congress bagged two seats.

The Congress later increased its tally to three after wresting Ratlam seat from the BJP in a bypoll.&nbsp;

Polling was underway on Monday in seven Lok Sabha seats of Madhya Pradesh with minor EVM glitches being reported at some booths, an official said. Long queues were seen at some booths after the polling began at 7 am, he said.

Polling was underway on Monday in seven Lok Sabha seats of Madhya Pradesh with minor EVM glitches being reported at some booths, an official said. Long queues were seen at some booths after the polling began at 7 am, he said. This is the second phase of polling in Madhya Pradesh, the first phase having been held on April 29. "Polling is going on peacefully across the seven constituencies. Minor issues related to EVMs were reported at some places but they were sorted out," state's chief electoral officer V L Kantha Rao told PTI. Total 15,240 polling booths have been set up across the seven constituencies - Tikamgarh, Damoh, Khajuraho, Satna, Rewa, Hoshangabad and Betul - where 1.19 crore people, including 18,822 service voters, are eligible to exercise their franchise. All these seats located in the state's Bundelkhand region are currently held by the BJP. Union minister Virendra Singh Khatik and BJP MP Prahlad Patel are among the 110 candidates in the fray. Of the 110 nominees, 14 are in the fray in Tikamgarh, 15 in Damoh, 17 in Khajuraho, 21 in Satna, 23 in Rewa, 11 in Hoshangabad and nine in Betul. Lok Sabha elections for 29 seats in the state are being held in four phases. Polling for six seats was held in the first phase on April 29, while eight seats each will go to polls on May 12 and 19. In 2014, the BJP won 27 seats in the state while the Congress bagged two seats. The Congress later increased its tally to three after wresting Ratlam seat from the BJP in a bypoll.

Phase five Lok Sabha polls: EVM issues reported in Madhya Pradesh

Today's Google Doodle has been dedicated to the ongoing <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/live-lok-sabha-elections-polling-underway-in-seven-states-in-fifth-phase-216212">phase 5 polling of the Lok Sabha elections</a>.&nbsp;

An inked finger features right in the centre of the Doodle. On being clicked, the user is directed to a comprehensive page wherein all basic information relating to the fifth phase of the ongoing Lok Sabha polls is listed.

A person can easily learn how to vote, get to know about the voting process at the polling booths and how to use the electronic voting machine (EVM). Not only this, but there is also comprehensive data on the candidates in the fray from the constituencies that are up for polls for the day.&nbsp;

Polling is being held in 14 seats in Uttar Pradesh, 12 in Rajasthan, seven seats each in West Bengal and Madhya Pradesh, five in Bihar and four in Jharkhand today.&nbsp;

In Jammu and Kashmir, polling will take place in Ladakh constituency and Pulwama and Shopian districts of Anantnag seat.

The stakes are high for the ruling BJP and its allies as it had swept 40 of these seats in 2014, leaving just two for the Congress and the rest for other opposition parties such as the Trinamool Congress (seven).

There are 674 candidates in the fray with several big guns whose fate will be decided today including Union minister Rajnath Singh, Sonia Gandhi, Congress president Rahul Gandhi and Smriti Irani.

With this phase, the election will be over in 424 seats and polling in the remaining 118 seats will be held on May 12 and 19.

Today's Google Doodle has been dedicated to the ongoing phase 5 polling of the Lok Sabha elections. An inked finger features right in the centre of the Doodle. On being clicked, the user is directed to a comprehensive page wherein all basic information relating to the fifth phase of the ongoing Lok Sabha polls is listed.

Today's Google Doodle has been dedicated to the ongoing phase 5 polling of the Lok Sabha elections. An inked finger features right in the centre of the Doodle. On being clicked, the user is directed to a comprehensive page wherein all basic information relating to the fifth phase of the ongoing Lok Sabha polls is listed. A person can easily learn how to vote, get to know about the voting process at the polling booths and how to use the electronic voting machine (EVM). Not only this, but there is also comprehensive data on the candidates in the fray from the constituencies that are up for polls for the day. Polling is being held in 14 seats in Uttar Pradesh, 12 in Rajasthan, seven seats each in West Bengal and Madhya Pradesh, five in Bihar and four in Jharkhand today. In Jammu and Kashmir, polling will take place in Ladakh constituency and Pulwama and Shopian districts of Anantnag seat. The stakes are high for the ruling BJP and its allies as it had swept 40 of these seats in 2014, leaving just two for the Congress and the rest for other opposition parties such as the Trinamool Congress (seven). There are 674 candidates in the fray with several big guns whose fate will be decided today including Union minister Rajnath Singh, Sonia Gandhi, Congress president Rahul Gandhi and Smriti Irani. With this phase, the election will be over in 424 seats and polling in the remaining 118 seats will be held on May 12 and 19.

Wondering who's your candidate or how to use EVMs? Google Doodle answers queries related to phase V of Lok Sabha polls

The Supreme Court Monday asked Congress MP Sushmita Dev to bring on record the Election Commission's orders giving clean chit to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP president Amit Shah on complaints of Model Code violations.

A bench comprising Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi and Justice Deepak Gupta has now listed the plea of Dev, a Congress MP from Silchar Lok Sabha seat in Assam, for hearing on May 8.

Senior advocate A M Singhvi, appearing for Dev, alleged that the poll panel has passed unreasoned orders dismissing the complaints of the Congress party on violations of MCC (Model Code of Conduct) by the prime minister and Shah who are accused of using armed forces in their campaign.

The bench asked the lawmaker to file an additional affidavit bringing on records the orders passed by EC on the complaints of MCC violations by the top two BJP leaders.

The EC has given clean chit to Modi for two of his speeches - one in Latur last month urging first time voters to dedicate their votes in the name of Balakot air strike heroes and soldiers killed in the Pulwama attack, and the other in Wardha on April 1, where he indicated that Wayanad constituency had more voters from the minority community.

In her plea in the top court, Dev had alleged that "inaction" by the poll panel on complaints against top BJP leaders was "a sign of invidious discrimination" as also "arbitrary, capricious and impermissible" as it was destructive of the integrity of the electoral process.&nbsp;

The Supreme Court Monday asked Congress MP Sushmita Dev to bring on record the Election Commission's orders giving clean chit to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP president Amit Shah on complaints of Model Code violations.

The Supreme Court Monday asked Congress MP Sushmita Dev to bring on record the Election Commission's orders giving clean chit to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP president Amit Shah on complaints of Model Code violations. A bench comprising Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi and Justice Deepak Gupta has now listed the plea of Dev, a Congress MP from Silchar Lok Sabha seat in Assam, for hearing on May 8. Senior advocate A M Singhvi, appearing for Dev, alleged that the poll panel has passed unreasoned orders dismissing the complaints of the Congress party on violations of MCC (Model Code of Conduct) by the prime minister and Shah who are accused of using armed forces in their campaign. The bench asked the lawmaker to file an additional affidavit bringing on records the orders passed by EC on the complaints of MCC violations by the top two BJP leaders. The EC has given clean chit to Modi for two of his speeches - one in Latur last month urging first time voters to dedicate their votes in the name of Balakot air strike heroes and soldiers killed in the Pulwama attack, and the other in Wardha on April 1, where he indicated that Wayanad constituency had more voters from the minority community. In her plea in the top court, Dev had alleged that "inaction" by the poll panel on complaints against top BJP leaders was "a sign of invidious discrimination" as also "arbitrary, capricious and impermissible" as it was destructive of the integrity of the electoral process.

Supreme Court asks Congress MP to bring on record EC orders giving clean chit to PM Modi, Amit Shah

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday slammed West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for not taking his phone calls.&nbsp;

The Prime Minister accused Trinamool Congress chief of playing politics over cyclone Fani.&nbsp;

"I tried getting in touch with Didi but her arrogance is such that she refused to talk to me, I tried again but she did not get in touch," PM Modi said during a rally in West Bengal.

"Didi is so frustrated these days that she doesn't even want to talk or hear about God. The situation is such that Didi is arresting and jailing those who are chanting 'Jai Sri Ram'," said the PM while addressing a rally in Tamluk, West Bengal.

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PM Modi in Tamluk,West Bengal: Speedbreaker didi has tried to play politics even on <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/cycloneFani?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#cycloneFani</a>. I tried to get in touch with Mamata didi but her arrogance is such that she refused to talk to me, I tried again but she did not get in touch <a href="https://t.co/g0FudSKqIo">pic.twitter.com/g0FudSKqIo</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1125302184327778304?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 6, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Earlier in the day, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/pm-modi-reviews-situation-in-cyclone-hit-odisha-lauds-state-government-says-another-rs-1000-crore-to-be-released-216313">PM Modi conducted an aerial survey of cyclone-ravaged areas in Odisha</a> and took part in a review meeting with Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik and other officials.&nbsp;

Later in the day, it was reported that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/west-bengal-refuses-to-hold-review-meeting-for-fani-with-pm-modi-216323">the Banerjee administration refused a review meeting with PM Modi over cyclone Fani</a> citing officials' unavailability due to ongoing elections.&nbsp;

On Sunday, reports surfaced that the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/pm-modi-could-not-talk-to-mamata-over-cyclone-as-his-calls-were-not-returned-official-216063">prime minister's calls went unanswered by Banerjee</a>.&nbsp;

"Two attempts were made by the prime minister's staff to connect Modi with Banerjee over the phone. On both the occasions they were told that the call would be returned. On one occasion they were told that the CM is on tour," an official said on Sunday.

Trinamool Congress had hit out at PM Modi for not talking to Banerjee about the ground situation in the state in wake of the cyclone.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday slammed West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for not taking his phone calls. The Prime Minister accused Trinamool Congress chief of playing politics over cyclone Fani.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday slammed West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for not taking his phone calls. The Prime Minister accused Trinamool Congress chief of playing politics over cyclone Fani. "I tried getting in touch with Didi but her arrogance is such that she refused to talk to me, I tried again but she did not get in touch," PM Modi said during a rally in West Bengal. "Didi is so frustrated these days that she doesn't even want to talk or hear about God. The situation is such that Didi is arresting and jailing those who are chanting 'Jai Sri Ram'," said the PM while addressing a rally in Tamluk, West Bengal. PM Modi in Tamluk,West Bengal: Speedbreaker didi has tried to play politics even on #cycloneFani. I tried to get in touch with Mamata didi but her arrogance is such that she refused to talk to me, I tried again but she did not get in touch pic.twitter.com/g0FudSKqIo — ANI (@ANI) May 6, 2019 × Earlier in the day, PM Modi conducted an aerial survey of cyclone-ravaged areas in Odisha and took part in a review meeting with Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik and other officials. Later in the day, it was reported that the Banerjee administration refused a review meeting with PM Modi over cyclone Fani citing officials' unavailability due to ongoing elections. On Sunday, reports surfaced that the prime minister's calls went unanswered by Banerjee. "Two attempts were made by the prime minister's staff to connect Modi with Banerjee over the phone. On both the occasions they were told that the call would be returned. On one occasion they were told that the CM is on tour," an official said on Sunday. Trinamool Congress had hit out at PM Modi for not talking to Banerjee about the ground situation in the state in wake of the cyclone.

Didi is playing politics over cyclone Fani, she refuses to take my calls: PM Modi in West Bengal 

Bahujan Samaj Party supremo Mayawati on Sunday said that the SP-BSP-RLD alliance has left out Amethi and Rae Bareli Lok Sabha seats for Congress to contest to ensure that the BJP does not gain.&nbsp;

"Humne desh mein, janhit mein khaskar BJP-RSS wadi takaton ko kamzor karne ke liye UP mein Amethi-Raebareli LS seat ko Congress party ke liye isiliye chhod diya taki iske dono sarvoch neta dono seaton se hi phirse chunav lade aur in dono seaton mein ulajh kar na reh jaye," she told media.

She added that she is confident that each and every vote for the 'alliance' in the two constituencies will go to the Congress. &nbsp;

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Mayawati: Phir kahin BJP iska fayda UP ke bahar kuch zyada na utha le. Ise khas dhyan mein rakhkar hi, hamare gathbandhan ne dono seaten Congress ke liye chhod di thi. Mujhe poori ummeed hai ke hamare gathbandhan ka ek ek vote har halat mein dono Congress neta ko milne wala hai. <a href="https://t.co/yHVxME7PZx">https://t.co/yHVxME7PZx</a>
— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANINewsUP/status/1124906249865256960?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 5, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"Phir kahin BJP iska fayda UP ke bahar kuch zyada na utha le. Ise khas dhyan mein rakhkar hi, hamare gathbandhan ne dono seaten Congress ke liye chhod di thi. Mujhe poori ummeed hai ke hamare gathbandhan ka ek ek vote har halat mein dono Congress neta ko milne wala hai," Mayawati said.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav has said that the SP-BSP-RLD alliance will decide who will form the government and who will be the next prime minister of the country.&nbsp;

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Akhilesh Yadav, SP: He (PM Modi) is a 180 degree PM, he does just the opposite of whatever he says. He is the PM of only 1% of the population. So he has this issue that how those in the favour of social justice are taking the nation towards a change. <a href="https://t.co/kjvVh4MwV2">https://t.co/kjvVh4MwV2</a>
— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANINewsUP/status/1124910189293871104?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 5, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"BJP can see no other way. They're not talking about development, farmers' income. PM just wants to mislead people," Yadav said.&nbsp;

He alleged that PM Modi does the "opposite of whatever he says" and called him "180 degree PM".&nbsp;

"He is the PM of only 1% of the population. So he has this issue that how those in the favour of social justice are taking the nation towards a change," he noted.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Bahujan Samaj Party supremo Mayawati on Sunday said that the SP-BSP-RLD alliance has left out Amethi and Rae Bareli Lok Sabha seats for Congress to contest to ensure that the BJP does not gain.

Bahujan Samaj Party supremo Mayawati on Sunday said that the SP-BSP-RLD alliance has left out Amethi and Rae Bareli Lok Sabha seats for Congress to contest to ensure that the BJP does not gain. "Humne desh mein, janhit mein khaskar BJP-RSS wadi takaton ko kamzor karne ke liye UP mein Amethi-Raebareli LS seat ko Congress party ke liye isiliye chhod diya taki iske dono sarvoch neta dono seaton se hi phirse chunav lade aur in dono seaton mein ulajh kar na reh jaye," she told media. She added that she is confident that each and every vote for the 'alliance' in the two constituencies will go to the Congress. Mayawati: Phir kahin BJP iska fayda UP ke bahar kuch zyada na utha le. Ise khas dhyan mein rakhkar hi, hamare gathbandhan ne dono seaten Congress ke liye chhod di thi. Mujhe poori ummeed hai ke hamare gathbandhan ka ek ek vote har halat mein dono Congress neta ko milne wala hai. https://t.co/yHVxME7PZx — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) May 5, 2019 × "Phir kahin BJP iska fayda UP ke bahar kuch zyada na utha le. Ise khas dhyan mein rakhkar hi, hamare gathbandhan ne dono seaten Congress ke liye chhod di thi. Mujhe poori ummeed hai ke hamare gathbandhan ka ek ek vote har halat mein dono Congress neta ko milne wala hai," Mayawati said. Meanwhile, Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav has said that the SP-BSP-RLD alliance will decide who will form the government and who will be the next prime minister of the country. Akhilesh Yadav, SP: He (PM Modi) is a 180 degree PM, he does just the opposite of whatever he says. He is the PM of only 1% of the population. So he has this issue that how those in the favour of social justice are taking the nation towards a change. https://t.co/kjvVh4MwV2 — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) May 5, 2019 × "BJP can see no other way. They're not talking about development, farmers' income. PM just wants to mislead people," Yadav said. He alleged that PM Modi does the "opposite of whatever he says" and called him "180 degree PM". "He is the PM of only 1% of the population. So he has this issue that how those in the favour of social justice are taking the nation towards a change," he noted.

Left Amethi, Rae Bareli for Congress to ensure BJP's defeat: Mayawati 

Bharatiya Janata Party Bhopal candidate Pragya Singh Thakur has been sent a notice by District Election Officer here over a complaint of her campaigning during the 3-day period when she was barred by the EC from campaigning.

"I'm a Sanyasi. My life's base is spiritualism, Indian cultural symbols and values. If somebody stops me from practising this, I will leave it to their wisdom," said Thakur on the matter.

The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Wednesday debarred Thakur from campaigning for three days in the Lok Sabha polls in the wake of her remark that she is proud of Babri Masjid's demolition.

The remark was found violative of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) by the poll body.

The district election officer sought a reply from Thakur on the notice.&nbsp;

Bharatiya Janata Party Bhopal candidate Pragya Singh Thakur has been sent a notice by District Election Officer here over a complaint of her campaigning during the 3-day period when she was barred by the EC from campaigning.

Bharatiya Janata Party Bhopal candidate Pragya Singh Thakur has been sent a notice by District Election Officer here over a complaint of her campaigning during the 3-day period when she was barred by the EC from campaigning. "I'm a Sanyasi. My life's base is spiritualism, Indian cultural symbols and values. If somebody stops me from practising this, I will leave it to their wisdom," said Thakur on the matter. The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Wednesday debarred Thakur from campaigning for three days in the Lok Sabha polls in the wake of her remark that she is proud of Babri Masjid's demolition. The remark was found violative of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) by the poll body. The district election officer sought a reply from Thakur on the notice.

Election Commission issues notice to Pragya Singh Thakur over 'campaigning despite 72-hour ban'

Gujarat MLA Jignesh Mevani and Kannada actor Prakash Raj will campaign for AAP's East Delhi candidate Atishi on Sunday, a party statement said.

Kafeel Khan, whose name surfaced in the death case of 63 children at Gorakhpur's BRD Medical College, will also be campaigning for the party candidate. The AAP claimed Khan was hailed as a "hero" for arranging jumbo oxygen cylinders to save dying kids.&nbsp;

Actor <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/prakash-raj-to-campaign-for-aap-in-delhi-says-people-should-come-together-to-reclaim-the-republic-215873">Prakash Raj, who had announced his support for all AAP</a> candidates in Delhi, will campaign in the East Delhi constituency on Sunday, it said.&nbsp;

Personalities like Yashwant Sinha, Javed Jaffrey, Gul Panag, Rajmohan Gandhi, Admiral Ramdas and Omar Abdullah have already given a thumbs-up to Atishi.&nbsp;

The AAP candidate is locked in a three-way fight with BJP's Gautam Gambhir and Congress candidate Arvinder Singh Lovely.&nbsp;

Delhi goes to polls in the sixth phase of Lok Sabha elections on May 12. The results will be declared on May 23.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Gujarat MLA Jignesh Mevani and Kannada actor Prakash Raj will campaign for AAP's East Delhi candidate Atishi on Sunday, a party statement said. Kafeel Khan, whose name surfaced in the death case of 63 children at Gorakhpur's BRD Medical College, will also be campaigning for the party candidate.

Gujarat MLA Jignesh Mevani and Kannada actor Prakash Raj will campaign for AAP's East Delhi candidate Atishi on Sunday, a party statement said. Kafeel Khan, whose name surfaced in the death case of 63 children at Gorakhpur's BRD Medical College, will also be campaigning for the party candidate. The AAP claimed Khan was hailed as a "hero" for arranging jumbo oxygen cylinders to save dying kids. Actor Prakash Raj, who had announced his support for all AAP candidates in Delhi, will campaign in the East Delhi constituency on Sunday, it said. Personalities like Yashwant Sinha, Javed Jaffrey, Gul Panag, Rajmohan Gandhi, Admiral Ramdas and Omar Abdullah have already given a thumbs-up to Atishi. The AAP candidate is locked in a three-way fight with BJP's Gautam Gambhir and Congress candidate Arvinder Singh Lovely. Delhi goes to polls in the sixth phase of Lok Sabha elections on May 12. The results will be declared on May 23.

Lok Sabha polls 2019: Jignesh Mevani to campaign for AAP's Atishi

Hitting out at the BJP for terming his party's rule in Uttar Pradesh as "gundaraj," Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav on Saturday said that "let us know if a single FIR has been filed against us but show us FIR copies registered against state Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath."

"They blamed us for gundaraj (hooliganism) in Uttar Pradesh. I want to say let us know if a single FIR has been filed against us. But also show us FIR copies registered against Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath," Akhilesh Yadav said while addressing an election rally here.

"He has been charged under several sections. I can not even count them and you cannot even imagine what kind of sections he was charged under," he added.

The SP chief and former chief minister alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi cancelled the nomination of his party candidate Tej Bahadur Yadav from Varanasi.

"The government claims that it wants to end terrorism but it was afraid of a jawan."

Continuing his tirade against the BJP, Yadav said: "What are the BJP people bringing on roads? It is bulls. And bulls are hurting the people on roads. If a bull hurts anyone, what charges the police will impose on them? Will they register an FIR against a bull?"

Yadav wondered if a case will be filed against any bull if it hurts anyone and demanded that the FIR should be registered against Adityanath instead. He also claimed that seven people died in Lucknow because of the bulls.

Later, Akhilesh attacked Adityanath for branding him a 'tonti-chor'&nbsp;(a thief who steals water tap).

"The Chief Minister (UP CM Yogi Adityanath) and a few of his officials have taught 'chilam'&nbsp;(tobacco pipe) to PM Modi. Those who are calling us 'tonti tonti,'&nbsp;they are the one with chilam" (Mukhyamantri ji ne aur unke kuchh adhikariyo ne Pradhan Mantri ji ko bhi chilam sikha diya....Jo log humein keh rahe hain tonti-tonti, vahi hain chilam wale)."

Polling for 80 parliamentary seats in Uttar Pradesh is being held in all seven phases. The counting of votes will take place on May 23.&nbsp;

Hitting out at the BJP for terming his party's rule in Uttar Pradesh as "gundaraj," Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav on Saturday said that "let us know if a single FIR has been filed against us but show us FIR copies registered against state Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.

Hitting out at the BJP for terming his party's rule in Uttar Pradesh as "gundaraj," Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav on Saturday said that "let us know if a single FIR has been filed against us but show us FIR copies registered against state Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath." "They blamed us for gundaraj (hooliganism) in Uttar Pradesh. I want to say let us know if a single FIR has been filed against us. But also show us FIR copies registered against Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath," Akhilesh Yadav said while addressing an election rally here. "He has been charged under several sections. I can not even count them and you cannot even imagine what kind of sections he was charged under," he added. The SP chief and former chief minister alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi cancelled the nomination of his party candidate Tej Bahadur Yadav from Varanasi. "The government claims that it wants to end terrorism but it was afraid of a jawan." Continuing his tirade against the BJP, Yadav said: "What are the BJP people bringing on roads? It is bulls. And bulls are hurting the people on roads. If a bull hurts anyone, what charges the police will impose on them? Will they register an FIR against a bull?" Yadav wondered if a case will be filed against any bull if it hurts anyone and demanded that the FIR should be registered against Adityanath instead. He also claimed that seven people died in Lucknow because of the bulls. Later, Akhilesh attacked Adityanath for branding him a 'tonti-chor' (a thief who steals water tap). "The Chief Minister (UP CM Yogi Adityanath) and a few of his officials have taught 'chilam' (tobacco pipe) to PM Modi. Those who are calling us 'tonti tonti,' they are the one with chilam" (Mukhyamantri ji ne aur unke kuchh adhikariyo ne Pradhan Mantri ji ko bhi chilam sikha diya....Jo log humein keh rahe hain tonti-tonti, vahi hain chilam wale)." Polling for 80 parliamentary seats in Uttar Pradesh is being held in all seven phases. The counting of votes will take place on May 23.

Let us know if even a single FIR was filed against us: Akhilesh Yadav to BJP

The Election Commission Saturday gave a clean chit to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his Gujarat speech in which he had claimed that the Indian government had kept Pakistan on its toes to ensure the safe return of its pilot.

This is the sixth clean chit to Modi by the poll watchdog. Sources said the decision on the April 21 Patan speech was unanimous.

One of the election commissioners, according to the sources, gave a dissenting view in the EC's decision to give a clean chit to Modi with regard to his speech at Wardha on April 1, where he attacked Congress chief Rahul Gandhi for contesting from the minority-dominated Wayanad seat in Kerala, and his appeal to first-time voters by invoking the Balakot airstrike and the CRPF jawans killed in the Pulwama terror attack on April 9.

He had also reportedly given dissent in the clean chit to BJP president Amit Shah for his Nagpur speech in which he had reportedly said that Wayanad constituency of Kerala is where the majority is minority.

In its Saturday's decision, the EC said, "...A detailed report of the chief electoral officer, Gujarat was obtained. The matter has been examined in detail in accordance with the extant advisories, provisions of the model code of conduct. After examination, the commission is of the view that in this matter no such violation of the extant advisories/provisions is attracted."

In his Patan speech, Modi had reportedly said that he had warned Pakistan of "consequences" if it did not return Indian Air Force pilot Abhinandan Varthaman, who was captured after an aerial dogfight with Pakistani F-16s that had violated Indian airspace and targeted military installations in February.

Pakistan released Varthaman on the night of March 1&nbsp;Modi also spoke of a US claim that India had kept 12 missiles ready.

So far, the EC has cleared six speeches of Modi, two of Shah and one of Congress chief Rahul Gandhi.

Gandhi had been issued a show cause notice for his Madhya Pradesh speech in which he had reportedly said that the government enacted a new law which allows tribals to be shot.

On March 19, the EC had issued an advisory asking parties not to invoke armed forces in their political campaign.&nbsp;

The Election Commission Saturday gave a clean chit to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his Gujarat speech in which he had claimed that the Indian government had kept Pakistan on its toes to ensure the safe return of its pilot.

The Election Commission Saturday gave a clean chit to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his Gujarat speech in which he had claimed that the Indian government had kept Pakistan on its toes to ensure the safe return of its pilot. This is the sixth clean chit to Modi by the poll watchdog. Sources said the decision on the April 21 Patan speech was unanimous. One of the election commissioners, according to the sources, gave a dissenting view in the EC's decision to give a clean chit to Modi with regard to his speech at Wardha on April 1, where he attacked Congress chief Rahul Gandhi for contesting from the minority-dominated Wayanad seat in Kerala, and his appeal to first-time voters by invoking the Balakot airstrike and the CRPF jawans killed in the Pulwama terror attack on April 9. He had also reportedly given dissent in the clean chit to BJP president Amit Shah for his Nagpur speech in which he had reportedly said that Wayanad constituency of Kerala is where the majority is minority. In its Saturday's decision, the EC said, "...A detailed report of the chief electoral officer, Gujarat was obtained. The matter has been examined in detail in accordance with the extant advisories, provisions of the model code of conduct. After examination, the commission is of the view that in this matter no such violation of the extant advisories/provisions is attracted." In his Patan speech, Modi had reportedly said that he had warned Pakistan of "consequences" if it did not return Indian Air Force pilot Abhinandan Varthaman, who was captured after an aerial dogfight with Pakistani F-16s that had violated Indian airspace and targeted military installations in February. Pakistan released Varthaman on the night of March 1 Modi also spoke of a US claim that India had kept 12 missiles ready. So far, the EC has cleared six speeches of Modi, two of Shah and one of Congress chief Rahul Gandhi. Gandhi had been issued a show cause notice for his Madhya Pradesh speech in which he had reportedly said that the government enacted a new law which allows tribals to be shot. On March 19, the EC had issued an advisory asking parties not to invoke armed forces in their political campaign.

No poll code violation by PM Modi in Patan speech: Election Commission

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had on Saturday tried to contact West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to discuss cyclone Fani but could not do so as his calls were not returned, a top government official has said.

The prime minister then spoke to state governor Keshari Nath Tripathi, the official said.

"Two attempts were made by the prime minister's staff to connect Modi with Banerjee over the phone. On both the occasions they were told that the call would be returned. On one occasion they were told that the CM is on tour," the official said.

The statement came after the Trinamool Congress hit out at Modi for not talking to Banerjee about the ground situation in the state in wake of the cyclone.

The prime minister had tweeted about his discussion with the governor.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had on Saturday tried to contact West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to discuss cyclone Fani but could not do so as his calls were not returned, a top government official has said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had on Saturday tried to contact West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to discuss cyclone Fani but could not do so as his calls were not returned, a top government official has said. The prime minister then spoke to state governor Keshari Nath Tripathi, the official said. "Two attempts were made by the prime minister's staff to connect Modi with Banerjee over the phone. On both the occasions they were told that the call would be returned. On one occasion they were told that the CM is on tour," the official said. The statement came after the Trinamool Congress hit out at Modi for not talking to Banerjee about the ground situation in the state in wake of the cyclone. The prime minister had tweeted about his discussion with the governor.

PM Modi could not talk to Mamata over cyclone as his calls were not returned: Official

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Sunday reacted on being attacked by a man on Saturday and said that the attack indicated that whoever speaks against PM Modi will not be spared.

Kejriwal's remarks came just a day after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/aap-supporter-slapped-kejriwal-as-he-was-dissatisfied-with-party-leaders-police-216026">he was slapped by a man</a>, who was later identified as an AAP supporter, in Delhi during a roadshow.&nbsp;

"This is a sign of dictatorship, to silence those who raise voice against you. This attacker was sent to give out the message that no one, who raises voice against the PM, will be spared," Kejriwal said.&nbsp;

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Delhi CM: This was 9th attack on me in last 5 yrs &amp; 5th attack after becoming CM. I don't think in India's history there has been such attacks on any CM. In this country Delhi CM is the only only CM whose security's responsibility is in the hands of opposition party that is BJP. <a href="https://t.co/jPwGTuroDY">pic.twitter.com/jPwGTuroDY</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1124928917792407552?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 5, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"This was the 9th attack on me in the last 5 years and the fifth attack after becoming the CM. I don't think in India's history there have been such attacks on any CM. In this country, Delhi CM is the only CM whose security's responsibility is in the hands of the opposition party that is BJP," he added.&nbsp;

An AAP supporter slapped Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal during a roadshow on Saturday because he was dissatisfied with the behaviour of the party leaders, police said.

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Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal: A Chief Minister was attacked and the Central govt says, 'didn't receive the complaint, unable to move ahead with further proceedings, the PM should resign over it. It's not an attack on Arvind Kejriwal, it is an attack on Delhi's mandate. <a href="https://t.co/RsUlRFhlVn">pic.twitter.com/RsUlRFhlVn</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1124935555609972736?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 5, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Kejriwal was atop an open jeep when a man wearing a red t-shirt jumped onto the vehicle and slapped the chief minister before being pulled off the jeep, news agency PTI reported.&nbsp;

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Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal: Is hamlawar ko isliye bheja gaya, ye message dene ki koshish ki ja rahi hai desh ko, ki modi ji ke khilaaf jo bhi bolega is desh ke andar usko bakhsha nahi jaega. Ye tanashahi ki nishaani hai ki apne khilaaf har aawaz ko band kar diya jaye. <a href="https://t.co/YZVfNztxOg">pic.twitter.com/YZVfNztxOg</a>
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The 33-year-old man, identified as Suresh, who is a scrap dealer in the area, has been a supporter of the Aam Aadmi Party and used to work as an organiser of the party's rallies and meetings, they said.

"An enquiry by a DCP-level officer has been ordered to enquire as to how this person was allowed to be in the reception or proximate group," Anil Mittal, Additional PRO (Delhi Police) said.

According to his version, over a period of time, Suresh got disenchanted due to the behaviour of the AAP leaders. His anger intensified due to "distrust of the party in the armed forces", the official said, adding further interrogation is on in the matter.

The AAP, however, alleged that the Delhi Police had planted that the man belonged to the party.

The AAP roadshow was organised from 4 pm to 10 pm in Moti Nagar. It was scheduled to start from Karampura and was to terminate at RK Ashram Marg, it said.

(With inputs from PTI)&nbsp;

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Sunday reacted on being attacked by a man on Saturday and said that the attack indicated that whoever speaks against PM Modi will not be spared.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Sunday reacted on being attacked by a man on Saturday and said that the attack indicated that whoever speaks against PM Modi will not be spared. Kejriwal's remarks came just a day after he was slapped by a man, who was later identified as an AAP supporter, in Delhi during a roadshow. "This is a sign of dictatorship, to silence those who raise voice against you. This attacker was sent to give out the message that no one, who raises voice against the PM, will be spared," Kejriwal said. Delhi CM: This was 9th attack on me in last 5 yrs & 5th attack after becoming CM. I don't think in India's history there has been such attacks on any CM. In this country Delhi CM is the only only CM whose security's responsibility is in the hands of opposition party that is BJP. pic.twitter.com/jPwGTuroDY — ANI (@ANI) May 5, 2019 × "This was the 9th attack on me in the last 5 years and the fifth attack after becoming the CM. I don't think in India's history there have been such attacks on any CM. In this country, Delhi CM is the only CM whose security's responsibility is in the hands of the opposition party that is BJP," he added. An AAP supporter slapped Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal during a roadshow on Saturday because he was dissatisfied with the behaviour of the party leaders, police said. Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal: A Chief Minister was attacked and the Central govt says, 'didn't receive the complaint, unable to move ahead with further proceedings, the PM should resign over it. It's not an attack on Arvind Kejriwal, it is an attack on Delhi's mandate. pic.twitter.com/RsUlRFhlVn — ANI (@ANI) May 5, 2019 × Kejriwal was atop an open jeep when a man wearing a red t-shirt jumped onto the vehicle and slapped the chief minister before being pulled off the jeep, news agency PTI reported. Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal: Is hamlawar ko isliye bheja gaya, ye message dene ki koshish ki ja rahi hai desh ko, ki modi ji ke khilaaf jo bhi bolega is desh ke andar usko bakhsha nahi jaega. Ye tanashahi ki nishaani hai ki apne khilaaf har aawaz ko band kar diya jaye. pic.twitter.com/YZVfNztxOg — ANI (@ANI) May 5, 2019 × The 33-year-old man, identified as Suresh, who is a scrap dealer in the area, has been a supporter of the Aam Aadmi Party and used to work as an organiser of the party's rallies and meetings, they said. "An enquiry by a DCP-level officer has been ordered to enquire as to how this person was allowed to be in the reception or proximate group," Anil Mittal, Additional PRO (Delhi Police) said. According to his version, over a period of time, Suresh got disenchanted due to the behaviour of the AAP leaders. His anger intensified due to "distrust of the party in the armed forces", the official said, adding further interrogation is on in the matter. The AAP, however, alleged that the Delhi Police had planted that the man belonged to the party. The AAP roadshow was organised from 4 pm to 10 pm in Moti Nagar. It was scheduled to start from Karampura and was to terminate at RK Ashram Marg, it said. (With inputs from PTI)

Don't think there have been such attacks on any chief minister in nation's history: Arvind Kejriwal 

The Election Commission on Saturday issued a show-cause notice to BJP's Chandigarh Lok Sabha candidate Kirron Kher for sharing a campaign video featuring children on Twitter.

Giving her 24 hours time to reply to the notice, the Office of District Nodal Officer said that it had received a complaint along with a video link in which children could be seen actively participating in election campaign shouting slogans like "Vote for Kirron Kher and Ab ki baar Modi Sarkar".

The complaint was filed by the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCH) requesting the Election Commission of India to ensure that children are not involved in any form with election-related activities.

Kirron Kher will be contesting against old rival Pawan Kumar Bansal from the Chandigarh Lok Sabha seat on May 19. The counting of votes will take place on May 23.&nbsp;

The Election Commission on Saturday issued a show-cause notice to BJP's Chandigarh Lok Sabha candidate Kirron Kher for sharing a campaign video featuring children on Twitter.

The Election Commission on Saturday issued a show-cause notice to BJP's Chandigarh Lok Sabha candidate Kirron Kher for sharing a campaign video featuring children on Twitter. Giving her 24 hours time to reply to the notice, the Office of District Nodal Officer said that it had received a complaint along with a video link in which children could be seen actively participating in election campaign shouting slogans like "Vote for Kirron Kher and Ab ki baar Modi Sarkar". The complaint was filed by the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCH) requesting the Election Commission of India to ensure that children are not involved in any form with election-related activities. Kirron Kher will be contesting against old rival Pawan Kumar Bansal from the Chandigarh Lok Sabha seat on May 19. The counting of votes will take place on May 23.

Election Commission seeks Kirron Kher's reply over campaign video featuring children

People need to come together to "reclaim the republic" of the country which is on the verge of losing with the onslaught of communal and hatred politics, actor-politician Prakash Raj said Saturday as he announced plans to campaign for the Aam Aadmi Party.

Raj, who fought the Lok Sabha polls as an independent candidate from the Bengaluru Central seat, said he will campaign for the AAP in Delhi for a week.

"The Aam Aadmi Party is fighting the elections on the issues of health, education, their vision and based on their work," he said.

"This is what we need, this is my gesture, and my belief, that different people with different thought processes but love for the country come together to make this democracy, to reclaim our republic which is on the verge and that we may lose with the onslaught of communal and hatred politics of the government, which is in place," Raj said.

Addressing media along with the AAP Delhi convenor Gopal Rai at the party headquarters, Raj said he is one of those "aam admi" (common men) who look up to the ideology and the work done by the party and that is what has made him come here.

"I am here to support such candidates, such party, which is fighting for a change in this election, compared to other parties," he said.

Raj will begin his Delhi campaign from the North East Lok Sabha constituency on Saturday evening with a meeting in support of AAP candidate Dilip Pandey at Babarpur.

He will campaign in the New Delhi and East Delhi constituencies on Sunday.&nbsp;

People need to come together to "reclaim the republic" of the country which is on the verge of losing with the onslaught of communal and hatred politics, actor-politician Prakash Raj said Saturday as he announced plans to campaign for the Aam Aadmi Party.

People need to come together to "reclaim the republic" of the country which is on the verge of losing with the onslaught of communal and hatred politics, actor-politician Prakash Raj said Saturday as he announced plans to campaign for the Aam Aadmi Party. Raj, who fought the Lok Sabha polls as an independent candidate from the Bengaluru Central seat, said he will campaign for the AAP in Delhi for a week. "The Aam Aadmi Party is fighting the elections on the issues of health, education, their vision and based on their work," he said. "This is what we need, this is my gesture, and my belief, that different people with different thought processes but love for the country come together to make this democracy, to reclaim our republic which is on the verge and that we may lose with the onslaught of communal and hatred politics of the government, which is in place," Raj said. Addressing media along with the AAP Delhi convenor Gopal Rai at the party headquarters, Raj said he is one of those "aam admi" (common men) who look up to the ideology and the work done by the party and that is what has made him come here. "I am here to support such candidates, such party, which is fighting for a change in this election, compared to other parties," he said. Raj will begin his Delhi campaign from the North East Lok Sabha constituency on Saturday evening with a meeting in support of AAP candidate Dilip Pandey at Babarpur. He will campaign in the New Delhi and East Delhi constituencies on Sunday.

Prakash Raj to campaign for AAP in Delhi, says people should come together to 'reclaim the republic'

Union Minister V K Singh, a former army chief, on Saturday denied knowledge of a surgical strike during his tenure and accused the rival Congress of lying about it.

Taking to Twitter, he said, "Congress has a habit of lying. Will you please let me know which 'So-called Surgical Strike'&nbsp;are you attributing to my tenure as COAS (chief of army staff). Am sure you must have hired some Coupta to invent another story."

The statement from the Union Minister came days after Congress leader Rajiv Shukla told reporters at the AICC briefing that six surgical strikes were conducted during Manmohan Singh government.

Shukla had further stated that two surgical strikes were carried out when Atal Bihari Vajpayee was the Prime Minister- one on January 21, 2000, in Nadala Enclave across the Neelam River and second on September 18, 2003, in Baroh Sector in Poonch.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had on Friday mocked the Congress party for its claim of having conducted surgical strikes during the UPA regime and said after questioning the NDA government's strikes it was now claiming having done similar strikes by saying "me too, me too".

The Congress hit back saying by making these remarks the prime minister was insulting the armed forces.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

Union Minister V K Singh, a former army chief, on Saturday denied knowledge of a surgical strike during his tenure and accused the rival Congress of lying about it.

Union Minister V K Singh, a former army chief, on Saturday denied knowledge of a surgical strike during his tenure and accused the rival Congress of lying about it. Taking to Twitter, he said, "Congress has a habit of lying. Will you please let me know which 'So-called Surgical Strike' are you attributing to my tenure as COAS (chief of army staff). Am sure you must have hired some Coupta to invent another story." The statement from the Union Minister came days after Congress leader Rajiv Shukla told reporters at the AICC briefing that six surgical strikes were conducted during Manmohan Singh government. Shukla had further stated that two surgical strikes were carried out when Atal Bihari Vajpayee was the Prime Minister- one on January 21, 2000, in Nadala Enclave across the Neelam River and second on September 18, 2003, in Baroh Sector in Poonch. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had on Friday mocked the Congress party for its claim of having conducted surgical strikes during the UPA regime and said after questioning the NDA government's strikes it was now claiming having done similar strikes by saying "me too, me too". The Congress hit back saying by making these remarks the prime minister was insulting the armed forces.

VK Singh mocks Congress for claiming 6 surgical strikes during UPA government, says party has a habit of lying

BJP national president Amit Shah on Saturday slammed Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Twitter after a news report alleged that the Gandhi scion's former business partner Ulrik McKnight got defence offset contracts during the UPA regime.

"With Rahul Gandhi's Midas Touch, no deal is too much! When he has a say, his business partners make hay. Doesn't matter if India suffers on the way!" tweeted Shah.

According to the report, McKnight was the 35 per cent owner of Backops UK, in which Gandhi owned a 65 per cent equity between 2003 and 2009 before the firm was wound up.

McKnight was later director in a company that acquired offset contracts from French defence supplier Naval Group against Scorpene submarines in 2011, the report stated.

This news came to light just days after the Ministry of Home Affairs issued a notice to the Congress president over his citizenship after receiving a complaint from Rajya Sabha MP Subramanian Swamy.

"Ministry has received a representation from MP Dr Subramanian Swamy in which it has been brought out that a Company named Backops Limited was registered in the United Kingdom in the year 2003 and that you were one of the Directors and Secretary of the said Company," the notice read.

The company in question was Backops Limited. A firm called Backops Services Private Limited was opened in India with Priyanka and Rahul as directors in 2002. In 2003, a firm called Backops Limited was incorporated in the UK by Rahul Gandhi and one Ulrik McKnight.

Gandhi had a 65 per cent stake while McKnight had 35 per cent.

BJP national president Amit Shah on Saturday slammed Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Twitter after a news report alleged that the Gandhi scion's former business partner Ulrik McKnight got defence offset contracts during the UPA regime.

BJP national president Amit Shah on Saturday slammed Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Twitter after a news report alleged that the Gandhi scion's former business partner Ulrik McKnight got defence offset contracts during the UPA regime. "With Rahul Gandhi's Midas Touch, no deal is too much! When he has a say, his business partners make hay. Doesn't matter if India suffers on the way!" tweeted Shah. According to the report, McKnight was the 35 per cent owner of Backops UK, in which Gandhi owned a 65 per cent equity between 2003 and 2009 before the firm was wound up. McKnight was later director in a company that acquired offset contracts from French defence supplier Naval Group against Scorpene submarines in 2011, the report stated. This news came to light just days after the Ministry of Home Affairs issued a notice to the Congress president over his citizenship after receiving a complaint from Rajya Sabha MP Subramanian Swamy. "Ministry has received a representation from MP Dr Subramanian Swamy in which it has been brought out that a Company named Backops Limited was registered in the United Kingdom in the year 2003 and that you were one of the Directors and Secretary of the said Company," the notice read. The company in question was Backops Limited. A firm called Backops Services Private Limited was opened in India with Priyanka and Rahul as directors in 2002. In 2003, a firm called Backops Limited was incorporated in the UK by Rahul Gandhi and one Ulrik McKnight. Gandhi had a 65 per cent stake while McKnight had 35 per cent.

With Rahul Gandhi's Midas Touch, no deal is too much: Amit Shah

Bhartiya Janata Party President Amit Shah campaigns in Madhya Pradesh. Amit Shah says 'Modi's diplomacy led to India's win at UN'. Watch Video to know more.

IEW: BJP President Amit Shah campaigns in Madhya Pradesh

The CVoter Tracker, an opinion survey of voters, found that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s popularity dipped after his first year in office. A significant 63 per cent of those surveyed found his government to be anti-poor and anti-farmer. As Modi completes five years in office, his popularity is touching an all-time high despite repeated stories about India’s economic woes.

In April 2014, when the coalition led by the Indian National Congress was in power, the top two issues people cared about were corruption and inflation. Six months after Modi won the 2014 elections, unemployment emerged as the most important issue for Indian voters. Till January 2019, this remained the case. Yet voters seem to be less concerned about it right now. What happened?

The explanation is best delivered through an analogy. Imagine you are suffering from many ailments and many parts of your body are aching terribly. You go to a doctor and list down all the problems: headache, stomachache, backache, knee pain, twisted ankle, spondylitis, tennis elbow and a few more aches. But before the doctor begins treating you for all symptoms, you ask him to do something about your backache because you claim it’s killing you. When you go to meet the doctor next, you request relief for knee pain, and the next time you beg relief from spondylitis. All this time, you are suffering from a chronic migraine that refuses to go away, but other pains push it into the background. That is precisely what has happened to the Indian voter’s chronic unemployment problem.

The answer may lie in public perception. Almost 42 per cent of the people who mentioned unemployment as a problem felt that Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) would solve the problem. In contrast, only 13 per cent believed that the Congress party would be able to do so. Also, 53 per cent&nbsp;of the people surveyed believe that their quality of life would improve in the next 12 months. Only 17 per cent were pessimistic and believed otherwise. This high index of optimism is working in favour of Modi and the BJP. 
 
The Pulwama effect and populist sops

The most important factor in the ongoing election might turn out to be the attack on Indian troops in Pulwama. It is an emotive issue that resulted in a national outpouring of grief. Modi’s bold airstrikes won popular acclaim and boosted his popularity. Mainstream media oxygenated the entire episode. As a result, people seem to be willing to forgive Modi’s policy failures as honest mistakes of a risk-taking, dynamic prime minister.

In the past, security has not played much of a role in Indian elections. Manmohan Singh was re-elected as prime minister despite the 2008 Mumbai attacks. Terror strikes and security issues have, for the most part, remained a non-issue in CVoter Tracker data. Before the Pulwama attacks, the recall rate of these issues was a mere 3 per cent. This has risen to a high of 26 per cent. It seems India might be changing. For the first time, security issues are competing with bread and butter ones in India’s post-independence history.

At the start of 2019, 37 per cent of the people surveyed believed their living standards had improved over 12 months, while 31 per cent felt they had declined. The BJP had lost elections in three states in the Hindi heartland: Madya Pradesh, Chattisgarh and Rajasthan. There was real fear that Modi would lose like Atal Bihari Vajpayee, the BJP prime minister from 1999 to 2004. The specter of 2004 was haunting the party 15 years after it unexpectedly lost the election. 
 
Modi is an arch pragmatist and decided to go on a populist spree. He gave reservation to economically backward upper-caste families, a measure designed to retain the traditional vote base of his party. Money for farmers, targeted cash transfers to the poor and a budget full of goodies for different sections of society soothed frayed nerves of voters.

By March 7, 2019, 45 per cent people reported improved living standards and only 22 per cent said these standards had declined. On the same date, 51 per cent respondents said they were very satisfied with the working of the Modi government in contrast to 36 per cent on January 1. The combination of sops to voter and patriotism post-Pulwama boosted the fortunes of Modi.

In fact, his personal popularity ratings doubled between January 1 and March 7. People repeatedly contrasted Modi’s bold action to Singh’s lukewarm response to the Mumbai attacks more than 10 years ago. The fact that Modi is the first Indian prime minister to attack Pakistan in its own territory, on its own sovereign soil, since Indira Gandhi has worked strongly in his favour.

Rahul Gandhi - Modi's best friend

At the start of 2019, Rahul Gandhi’s stock seemed to be rising. This fifth-generation heir of the Nehru family had gone around the world to elite universities such as Berkeley and the London School of Economics. His party, the Indian National Congress, had won three state elections in the Hindi heartland. Hearteningly, his approval rating was 23 per cent on January 1. Recently, his approval rating has plummeted to 8 per cent

Just as Pulwama worked in Modi’s favour, it has worked against Gandhi. Indians no longer trust the Congress party on national security. Most Indians believe that the party has been soft on Pakistan since 2004. Its inability to guarantee security during its time in power and its perceived softness on terror has come back to haunt Congress in 2019.

The BJP has been very clever in its electoral strategy. It has portrayed the 2019 election as a binary choice between Modi and Gandhi. This bipolar choice has resulted in people favouring the 56-inch chested Modi to the weak, inarticulate and ineffectual Gandhi. It has led many pundits to remark that Gandhi is Modi’s best friend. And there is more than an element of truth in that comment.

Banana peels still remain

In India, the anti-incumbency factor has been running strong in elections for the last two decades. Politicians are rarely able to meet people’s expectations. So, people vote in opposition to punish the government. The Modi government is not exempt to this powerful phenomenon. On January 1, 27 per cent wanted to vote it out. By March 7, this number had dropped to 20 per cent, a still significant figure.

Even as the anti-incumbency number has dropped for the government, the number of undecided voters has risen from 42 per cent to 47 per cent. This is evidence of a polity in flux. These voters could swing either way by the time they enter the polls. This is the most worrisome fact for the BJP. If these voters started blaming Modi for their economic woes, then he too could end up with the same fate as Vajpayee.

In 2014, people voted for non-Nehruvian management of the economy. They wanted less control by the Indian state, which had spectacularly mismanaged the economy. However, demonetisation, as well as, the imposition of the goods and sales tax increased the heavy hand of the state. In fact, many have come to believe that Modi is obsessed with increasing tax revenue to exclusion of everything else. This has strengthened the inspector-raj infamously created by Congress.

In fact, the BJP has made no structural or institutional break from the past. It is just seen as a cleaner and more efficient version of the Indian National Congress. Prime Minister Modi offered no new ideas about governance or the economy. For the last five years, the government has launched one scheme after another and initiated many welfare measures, but the sentiment on the street is negative. Consumption has fallen, investment remains low and controversy rages around unemployment figures. Economic woes might still cause the undecided voter to flip into an anti-incumbent one.

In 2014, the BJP ran as an opposition party enjoying the anti-incumbency factor. Today, it faces an opposition that has come together to unseat it from power. Furthermore, India’s democracy follow the first-past-the-post Westminster model. Victory in 543 distinct seats decides who forms the government, not the winner of a pan-national election. It is well within the realms of possibility that Modi’s BJP might fall short of the magic figure of 272 seats in the Lok Sabha, India’s lower house of parliament.

A final factor weakening the BJP is not unemployment of the masses, but the unemployability of a large number of its members of parliaments. Many of its MPs are “good-for-nothing” and have relied on the goodwill for Modi to get elected. More than external injury, the BJP faces the clear and present danger of severe “internal bleeding” that might damage its chances. Like the Communist Party of India (Marxist), the BJP is a cadre-based party. The communists lost power and relevance once their cadres rotted and lost touch with the people. The BJP faces a similar risk as its cadre and elected representatives seem to be following the communist path.

(This article was originally published on The Fair Observer. Read the <a href="https://www.fairobserver.com/region/central_south_asia/narendra-modi-bjp-win-indian-election-news-south-asia-world-news-today-39084/">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 CVoter Tracker, an opinion survey of voters, found that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s popularity dipped after his first year in office. A significant 63 per cent of those surveyed found his government to be anti-poor and anti-farmer.

The CVoter Tracker, an opinion survey of voters, found that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s popularity dipped after his first year in office. A significant 63 per cent of those surveyed found his government to be anti-poor and anti-farmer. As Modi completes five years in office, his popularity is touching an all-time high despite repeated stories about India’s economic woes. In April 2014, when the coalition led by the Indian National Congress was in power, the top two issues people cared about were corruption and inflation. Six months after Modi won the 2014 elections, unemployment emerged as the most important issue for Indian voters. Till January 2019, this remained the case. Yet voters seem to be less concerned about it right now. What happened? The explanation is best delivered through an analogy. Imagine you are suffering from many ailments and many parts of your body are aching terribly. You go to a doctor and list down all the problems: headache, stomachache, backache, knee pain, twisted ankle, spondylitis, tennis elbow and a few more aches. But before the doctor begins treating you for all symptoms, you ask him to do something about your backache because you claim it’s killing you. When you go to meet the doctor next, you request relief for knee pain, and the next time you beg relief from spondylitis. All this time, you are suffering from a chronic migraine that refuses to go away, but other pains push it into the background. That is precisely what has happened to the Indian voter’s chronic unemployment problem. The answer may lie in public perception. Almost 42 per cent of the people who mentioned unemployment as a problem felt that Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) would solve the problem. In contrast, only 13 per cent believed that the Congress party would be able to do so. Also, 53 per cent of the people surveyed believe that their quality of life would improve in the next 12 months. Only 17 per cent were pessimistic and believed otherwise. This high index of optimism is working in favour of Modi and the BJP. The Pulwama effect and populist sops The most important factor in the ongoing election might turn out to be the attack on Indian troops in Pulwama. It is an emotive issue that resulted in a national outpouring of grief. Modi’s bold airstrikes won popular acclaim and boosted his popularity. Mainstream media oxygenated the entire episode. As a result, people seem to be willing to forgive Modi’s policy failures as honest mistakes of a risk-taking, dynamic prime minister. In the past, security has not played much of a role in Indian elections. Manmohan Singh was re-elected as prime minister despite the 2008 Mumbai attacks. Terror strikes and security issues have, for the most part, remained a non-issue in CVoter Tracker data. Before the Pulwama attacks, the recall rate of these issues was a mere 3 per cent. This has risen to a high of 26 per cent. It seems India might be changing. For the first time, security issues are competing with bread and butter ones in India’s post-independence history. At the start of 2019, 37 per cent of the people surveyed believed their living standards had improved over 12 months, while 31 per cent felt they had declined. The BJP had lost elections in three states in the Hindi heartland: Madya Pradesh, Chattisgarh and Rajasthan. There was real fear that Modi would lose like Atal Bihari Vajpayee, the BJP prime minister from 1999 to 2004. The specter of 2004 was haunting the party 15 years after it unexpectedly lost the election. Modi is an arch pragmatist and decided to go on a populist spree. He gave reservation to economically backward upper-caste families, a measure designed to retain the traditional vote base of his party. Money for farmers, targeted cash transfers to the poor and a budget full of goodies for different sections of society soothed frayed nerves of voters. By March 7, 2019, 45 per cent people reported improved living standards and only 22 per cent said these standards had declined. On the same date, 51 per cent respondents said they were very satisfied with the working of the Modi government in contrast to 36 per cent on January 1. The combination of sops to voter and patriotism post-Pulwama boosted the fortunes of Modi. In fact, his personal popularity ratings doubled between January 1 and March 7. People repeatedly contrasted Modi’s bold action to Singh’s lukewarm response to the Mumbai attacks more than 10 years ago. The fact that Modi is the first Indian prime minister to attack Pakistan in its own territory, on its own sovereign soil, since Indira Gandhi has worked strongly in his favour. Rahul Gandhi - Modi's best friend At the start of 2019, Rahul Gandhi’s stock seemed to be rising. This fifth-generation heir of the Nehru family had gone around the world to elite universities such as Berkeley and the London School of Economics. His party, the Indian National Congress, had won three state elections in the Hindi heartland. Hearteningly, his approval rating was 23 per cent on January 1. Recently, his approval rating has plummeted to 8 per cent Just as Pulwama worked in Modi’s favour, it has worked against Gandhi. Indians no longer trust the Congress party on national security. Most Indians believe that the party has been soft on Pakistan since 2004. Its inability to guarantee security during its time in power and its perceived softness on terror has come back to haunt Congress in 2019. The BJP has been very clever in its electoral strategy. It has portrayed the 2019 election as a binary choice between Modi and Gandhi. This bipolar choice has resulted in people favouring the 56-inch chested Modi to the weak, inarticulate and ineffectual Gandhi. It has led many pundits to remark that Gandhi is Modi’s best friend. And there is more than an element of truth in that comment. Banana peels still remain In India, the anti-incumbency factor has been running strong in elections for the last two decades. Politicians are rarely able to meet people’s expectations. So, people vote in opposition to punish the government. The Modi government is not exempt to this powerful phenomenon. On January 1, 27 per cent wanted to vote it out. By March 7, this number had dropped to 20 per cent, a still significant figure. Even as the anti-incumbency number has dropped for the government, the number of undecided voters has risen from 42 per cent to 47 per cent. This is evidence of a polity in flux. These voters could swing either way by the time they enter the polls. This is the most worrisome fact for the BJP. If these voters started blaming Modi for their economic woes, then he too could end up with the same fate as Vajpayee. In 2014, people voted for non-Nehruvian management of the economy. They wanted less control by the Indian state, which had spectacularly mismanaged the economy. However, demonetisation, as well as, the imposition of the goods and sales tax increased the heavy hand of the state. In fact, many have come to believe that Modi is obsessed with increasing tax revenue to exclusion of everything else. This has strengthened the inspector-raj infamously created by Congress. In fact, the BJP has made no structural or institutional break from the past. It is just seen as a cleaner and more efficient version of the Indian National Congress. Prime Minister Modi offered no new ideas about governance or the economy. For the last five years, the government has launched one scheme after another and initiated many welfare measures, but the sentiment on the street is negative. Consumption has fallen, investment remains low and controversy rages around unemployment figures. Economic woes might still cause the undecided voter to flip into an anti-incumbent one. In 2014, the BJP ran as an opposition party enjoying the anti-incumbency factor. Today, it faces an opposition that has come together to unseat it from power. Furthermore, India’s democracy follow the first-past-the-post Westminster model. Victory in 543 distinct seats decides who forms the government, not the winner of a pan-national election. It is well within the realms of possibility that Modi’s BJP might fall short of the magic figure of 272 seats in the Lok Sabha, India’s lower house of parliament. A final factor weakening the BJP is not unemployment of the masses, but the unemployability of a large number of its members of parliaments. Many of its MPs are “good-for-nothing” and have relied on the goodwill for Modi to get elected. More than external injury, the BJP faces the clear and present danger of severe “internal bleeding” that might damage its chances. Like the Communist Party of India (Marxist), the BJP is a cadre-based party. The communists lost power and relevance once their cadres rotted and lost touch with the people. The BJP faces a similar risk as its cadre and elected representatives seem to be following the communist path. (This article was originally published on The Fair Observer. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Understanding the 2019 Indian elections

Though the 2019 Lok Sabha election may go down in history as a different kind of electoral battle, there is no denying the fact that the Communist movement is facing a crisis of existence, almost a century after its birth in India.

Be it in Kerala or Bengal, and to a certain extent, Tripura and Begusarai, it may lose at the hands of secular parties and not the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). It is certainly time for introspection for the mainstream Communist movement in India.

Interestingly, the Left has bounced back in Nepal, where they came to power 16 months ago, or in Mexico, where they won an election last summer. These developments took place more than a quarter century after the collapse of the Reds in Russia. In the same way, China is mostly Communist in name, while post-Castro Cuba is a different country now.

The Indian Communists may have their own political compulsions in Kerala where they are in power and the only force strong enough to take on the Congress. The saffron party has a relatively small base in that state. But in Bengal, there was some possibility of an alliance between the Left and Congress as they had contested the last Assembly election together, yet no such seat-sharing arrangement could be worked out this time. 
 
Notwithstanding the failure of an alliance with secular parties, people, in general, recognise contributions of the Left in fighting political opponents — be it Congress in the past, or the BJP now.

Perhaps they are missing personalities like Harkishen Singh Surjeet, Indrajit Gupta, Jyoti Basu and Somnath Chatterjee. Today there is a general feeling among the non-Communist secular parties that the Left is not following the line of Sitaram Yechury, but of Prakash Karat, the present general secretary of the CPM.

It was in Kerala that the first ever elected Communist government in the world came to power in 1957, when EMS Namboodiripad became the chief minister of the state. If things continue to go the way they are, Pinarayi Vijayan may end up becoming the last elected Chief Minister from the Left!

They have not only lost power in Bengal and Tripura, but have also become more or less politically irrelevant in these two states.

Incidentally, Kanhaiya Kumar the former president of the Jawaharlal Nehru University Students’ Union — perhaps by default — has brought a glimmer of hope for the Communist movement. But he is too young and too new to the electoral battle of such a complex constituency as Begusarai, from where he has been fielded. That is why several Left-leaning activists have questioned the wisdom of the CPI to expose him to the rough and tumble of polls so early in his career. They are now asking as to why the Communists failed to build an alliance in Bengal and Begusarai — even if there was no scope for it in Kerala.

The Communists cannot put all the blame on the Congress in Bengal or the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) in Bihar. From the very beginning, they started making unrealistic demands regarding sharing of seats in Bihar and Bengal. For example, the CPI demanded six Lok Sabha seats from the ‘Grand Alliance’ without any presence in the Bihar Assembly. 
 
The big question is even if Kanhaiya wins from Begusarai, how many seats will the Communists win in the rest of the country?

If the Communists end up winning just a handful of seats, Kanhaiya would not be in a position to wage the so-called war against communalism alone. It seems that the hard-line ideological position is taking its toll on the Communist movement in India.

Strangely, even the bitterest rivals of Communists have never questioned their political commitment and honesty of their leaders. Even in Bengal, where they ruled for 34 years, nobody charged them with corruption, though they have repeatedly been blamed for violence and political arm-twisting.

If the Indian Left is really in the lurch, they themselves are to blame. They perhaps failed to read the writing on the wall. 
 
(This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-left-s-unrealistic-poll-demands-scuttled-alliances-2744403">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)&nbsp;

Though the 2019 Lok Sabha election may go down in history as a different kind of electoral battle, there is no denying the fact that the Communist movement is facing a crisis of existence, almost a century after its birth in India.

Though the 2019 Lok Sabha election may go down in history as a different kind of electoral battle, there is no denying the fact that the Communist movement is facing a crisis of existence, almost a century after its birth in India. Be it in Kerala or Bengal, and to a certain extent, Tripura and Begusarai, it may lose at the hands of secular parties and not the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). It is certainly time for introspection for the mainstream Communist movement in India. Interestingly, the Left has bounced back in Nepal, where they came to power 16 months ago, or in Mexico, where they won an election last summer. These developments took place more than a quarter century after the collapse of the Reds in Russia. In the same way, China is mostly Communist in name, while post-Castro Cuba is a different country now. The Indian Communists may have their own political compulsions in Kerala where they are in power and the only force strong enough to take on the Congress. The saffron party has a relatively small base in that state. But in Bengal, there was some possibility of an alliance between the Left and Congress as they had contested the last Assembly election together, yet no such seat-sharing arrangement could be worked out this time. Notwithstanding the failure of an alliance with secular parties, people, in general, recognise contributions of the Left in fighting political opponents — be it Congress in the past, or the BJP now. Perhaps they are missing personalities like Harkishen Singh Surjeet, Indrajit Gupta, Jyoti Basu and Somnath Chatterjee. Today there is a general feeling among the non-Communist secular parties that the Left is not following the line of Sitaram Yechury, but of Prakash Karat, the present general secretary of the CPM. It was in Kerala that the first ever elected Communist government in the world came to power in 1957, when EMS Namboodiripad became the chief minister of the state. If things continue to go the way they are, Pinarayi Vijayan may end up becoming the last elected Chief Minister from the Left! They have not only lost power in Bengal and Tripura, but have also become more or less politically irrelevant in these two states. Incidentally, Kanhaiya Kumar the former president of the Jawaharlal Nehru University Students’ Union — perhaps by default — has brought a glimmer of hope for the Communist movement. But he is too young and too new to the electoral battle of such a complex constituency as Begusarai, from where he has been fielded. That is why several Left-leaning activists have questioned the wisdom of the CPI to expose him to the rough and tumble of polls so early in his career. They are now asking as to why the Communists failed to build an alliance in Bengal and Begusarai — even if there was no scope for it in Kerala. The Communists cannot put all the blame on the Congress in Bengal or the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) in Bihar. From the very beginning, they started making unrealistic demands regarding sharing of seats in Bihar and Bengal. For example, the CPI demanded six Lok Sabha seats from the ‘Grand Alliance’ without any presence in the Bihar Assembly. The big question is even if Kanhaiya wins from Begusarai, how many seats will the Communists win in the rest of the country? If the Communists end up winning just a handful of seats, Kanhaiya would not be in a position to wage the so-called war against communalism alone. It seems that the hard-line ideological position is taking its toll on the Communist movement in India. Strangely, even the bitterest rivals of Communists have never questioned their political commitment and honesty of their leaders. Even in Bengal, where they ruled for 34 years, nobody charged them with corruption, though they have repeatedly been blamed for violence and political arm-twisting. If the Indian Left is really in the lurch, they themselves are to blame. They perhaps failed to read the writing on the wall. (This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

2019 Lok Sabha polls: Left’s unrealistic poll demands scuttled alliances

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