While addressing a public rally in Uttar Pradesh’s Barabanki today, Congress President Rahul Gandhi took jibe at PM Modi and said, “Mayawati and Akhilesh Yadav’s controller is in the hands of PM Modi. Modi can’t suppress me, Modi can suppress BSP and SP.” Watch this video to know more.

India Election Watch: PM Modi can suppress BSP-SP but not me, says Rahul Gandhi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday attacked the troika of Congress, Bahujan Samaj Party and Samajwadi Party at a rally here while skipping any mention of Ram Temple. Watch this video to know more.

India Election Watch: Prime Minister Modi campaigns in UP, MP

Rally roster for top leaders for May 1st, 2019. Watch more to know.

India Election Watch: Rally roster for top leaders for May 1st, 2019

This segment of India Election Watch brings to you top election headlines of the day.

India Election Watch: Watch top election stories

Cricketer-turned-politician Gautam Gambhir, who is contesting from east Delhi on BJP ticket, Wednesday challenged Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal for debate and accused him of betraying the people of the national capital.

Addressing a rally in Shastri Park, Gambhir said he was not scared of Pakistan during his cricketing days and will not be scared of debate.

"I challenge Arvind Kejriwal for debate in a public meeting. I have been challenged for a debate (by AAP's candidate Atishi) and it was said that I ran away from it. When I was not scared of Pakistan (as a cricket player), why would I be afraid of debate," he said.

Gambhir, who is locked in a triangular contest with the Aam Aadmi Party's Atishi and Congress' Arvinder Singh Lovely, said he won't make false promises.

"Kejriwal has betrayed the people of Delhi. Modi has vision to make India a superpower. I am fortunate to have this opportunity. We need to work for a country that we can be proud of.&nbsp;

"We will make Delhi a city where people have clean drinking water and pure air to breath. I will not make any false promise," he added.&nbsp;

Cricketer-turned-politician Gautam Gambhir, who is contesting from east Delhi on BJP ticket, Wednesday challenged Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal for debate and accused him of betraying the people of the national capital.

Cricketer-turned-politician Gautam Gambhir, who is contesting from east Delhi on BJP ticket, Wednesday challenged Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal for debate and accused him of betraying the people of the national capital. Addressing a rally in Shastri Park, Gambhir said he was not scared of Pakistan during his cricketing days and will not be scared of debate. "I challenge Arvind Kejriwal for debate in a public meeting. I have been challenged for a debate (by AAP's candidate Atishi) and it was said that I ran away from it. When I was not scared of Pakistan (as a cricket player), why would I be afraid of debate," he said. Gambhir, who is locked in a triangular contest with the Aam Aadmi Party's Atishi and Congress' Arvinder Singh Lovely, said he won't make false promises. "Kejriwal has betrayed the people of Delhi. Modi has vision to make India a superpower. I am fortunate to have this opportunity. We need to work for a country that we can be proud of. "We will make Delhi a city where people have clean drinking water and pure air to breath. I will not make any false promise," he added.

Gambhir challenges Kejriwal for debate, accuses him of betraying people of national capital

''Nation's self-respect gone up in last 5 years,'' says PM Modi in Ayodhya rally. Watch this complete video to know more.

Lok Sabha Election 2019: ''Nation's self-respect has gone up in last 5 years,'' says PM Modi

Former cricketer and BJP's East Delhi Lok Sabha candidate, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/police-lodges-complaint-against-gautam-gambhir-for-holding-public-meeting-without-permission-213947">Gautam Gambhir</a>, on Tuesday, refuted AAP leader Atishi's allegations of him holding two voter identity cards while asserting that he possesses only one identity document.

"I have only one voter-ID that is from Rajendra Nagar. I do not have any other voter-ID," Gambhir told ANI during a roadshow in south Delhi's Jangpura area.

Downplaying the AAP's allegations, Gambhir had earlier termed it as "negative politics".

"When a party has no vision and has not done anything in the last four and a half years, they stoop to these levels of allegations. There is a great difference between the thinking of BJP and AAP. We do positive politics. We will do everything according to the rules," he told reporters on April 28.

On Monday, Atishi, who is facing Gambhir and Arvinder Singh Lovely of the Congress from East Delhi Lok Sabha constituency, wrote a letter to the Returning Officer (RO), accusing Gambhir of repeatedly violating the Model Code of Conduct (MCC).

"I file my formal complaint against Gautam Gambhir, East Delhi Parliamentary Constituency candidate, BJP, for distributing pamphlets without details such as printer's name and quantity in violation of the rules," she said in the letter.

Atishi had requested the RO to take strong action on her complaint and register an FIR against Gambhir. She also sought a 72 hour-ban on Gambhir from campaigning in the Lok Sabha polls for allegedly violating the MCC several times.

Delhi, which has seven Lok Sabha seats at stake, will go to polls on May 12. Counting of votes will take place on May 23.&nbsp;

Former cricketer and BJP's East Delhi Lok Sabha candidate, Gautam Gambhir, on Tuesday, refuted AAP leader Atishi's allegations of him holding two voter identity cards while asserting that he possesses only one identity document.

Former cricketer and BJP's East Delhi Lok Sabha candidate, Gautam Gambhir, on Tuesday, refuted AAP leader Atishi's allegations of him holding two voter identity cards while asserting that he possesses only one identity document. "I have only one voter-ID that is from Rajendra Nagar. I do not have any other voter-ID," Gambhir told ANI during a roadshow in south Delhi's Jangpura area. Downplaying the AAP's allegations, Gambhir had earlier termed it as "negative politics". "When a party has no vision and has not done anything in the last four and a half years, they stoop to these levels of allegations. There is a great difference between the thinking of BJP and AAP. We do positive politics. We will do everything according to the rules," he told reporters on April 28. On Monday, Atishi, who is facing Gambhir and Arvinder Singh Lovely of the Congress from East Delhi Lok Sabha constituency, wrote a letter to the Returning Officer (RO), accusing Gambhir of repeatedly violating the Model Code of Conduct (MCC). "I file my formal complaint against Gautam Gambhir, East Delhi Parliamentary Constituency candidate, BJP, for distributing pamphlets without details such as printer's name and quantity in violation of the rules," she said in the letter. Atishi had requested the RO to take strong action on her complaint and register an FIR against Gambhir. She also sought a 72 hour-ban on Gambhir from campaigning in the Lok Sabha polls for allegedly violating the MCC several times. Delhi, which has seven Lok Sabha seats at stake, will go to polls on May 12. Counting of votes will take place on May 23.

I have only one voter-ID card: Gautam Gambhir

Samajwadi Party leader Azam Khan has been temporarily barred from campaigning by the Election Commission for violating the Model Code of Conduct. &nbsp;

Khan will not be able to participate in election campaigning starting 6am on May 1 for the next 48 hours.&nbsp;

This is not the first time when Khan is being barred from campaigning for this year's general polls. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/azam-khan-and-maneka-gandhi-also-temporarily-barred-from-election-campaigning-210703">On April 15, the top poll body had&nbsp;barred Khan</a> from campaigning for 72 hours for his comments against BJP candidate Jaya Prada. &nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Election Commission bars Samajwadi Party (SP) leader Azam Khan from election campaigning for 48 hours starting from 6 am tomorrow, for violating Model Code of Conduct. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LokSabhaElections2019?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LokSabhaElections2019</a> (file pic) <a href="https://t.co/cmF5R3fYtk">pic.twitter.com/cmF5R3fYtk</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1123233407700365312?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 30, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

In the past month, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-2019-election-commission-of-india-bans-adityanath-mayawati-for-violating-model-code-of-conduct-210566">Yogi Adityanath, Bahujan Samaj Party chief Mayawati</a> and Union minister and BJP leader Maneka Gandhi were among the leaders who were temporarily barred from campaigning for the ongoing Lok Sabha elections.&nbsp;

The leaders faced the ban for violating the Model Code of Conduct by making objectionable statements in their speeches.

The Supreme Court, last month, came down heavily on the Election Commission for its inability to crack down on the violation of the poll conduct by political leaders.&nbsp;

"Tell us what actions you have taken against Mayawati and Yogi Adityanath," the bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi had asked.&nbsp;

Samajwadi Party leader Azam Khan has been temporarily barred from campaigning by the Election Commission for violating the Model Code of Conduct. Khan will not be able to participate in election campaigning starting 6am on May 1 for the next 48 hours.

Samajwadi Party leader Azam Khan has been temporarily barred from campaigning by the Election Commission for violating the Model Code of Conduct. Khan will not be able to participate in election campaigning starting 6am on May 1 for the next 48 hours. This is not the first time when Khan is being barred from campaigning for this year's general polls. On April 15, the top poll body had barred Khan from campaigning for 72 hours for his comments against BJP candidate Jaya Prada. Election Commission bars Samajwadi Party (SP) leader Azam Khan from election campaigning for 48 hours starting from 6 am tomorrow, for violating Model Code of Conduct. #LokSabhaElections2019 (file pic) pic.twitter.com/cmF5R3fYtk — ANI (@ANI) April 30, 2019 × In the past month, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Bahujan Samaj Party chief Mayawati and Union minister and BJP leader Maneka Gandhi were among the leaders who were temporarily barred from campaigning for the ongoing Lok Sabha elections. The leaders faced the ban for violating the Model Code of Conduct by making objectionable statements in their speeches. The Supreme Court, last month, came down heavily on the Election Commission for its inability to crack down on the violation of the poll conduct by political leaders. "Tell us what actions you have taken against Mayawati and Yogi Adityanath," the bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi had asked.

Lok Sabha polls 2019: Election Commission bars Samajwadi Party leader Azam Khan from campaigning for 48 hours

In this segment of WION Know, What does high voter turnout mean?

What does high voter turnout mean?

Fiercely violence reported in West Bengal on fourth phase of Lok Sabha Election 2019. Watch this video to know more about Phase 4.

LS Polls 2019: Fiercely violence reported in West Bengal on fourth phase of election

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/be-it-pak-terrorists-or-traitors-on-our-own-soil-chowkidar-will-not-spare-anyone-pm-modi-214470">Prime Minister Narendra Modi</a> on Tuesday slammed the opposition and said that the electors, by their overwhelming response in the four phases of Lok Sabha polls, have shattered the dreams of the opposition.&nbsp;

While addressing a rally in Uttar Pradesh's Barabanki, the prime minister said that those who were playing the game of "who will become the prime minister with each other"&nbsp;are now playing hide and seek after the conclusion of the fourth phase of the Lok Sabha polls.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
PM Narendra Modi in Barabanki: Those people who till a few days ago were playing "Kaun Banega Pradhan Mantri" with each other, are now playing hide and seek after the 4th phase of voting concluded....Ab janta ne inke saare sapno ko chaar charan mein choor choor kar diya hai. <a href="https://t.co/PKP23dIwml">pic.twitter.com/PKP23dIwml</a>
— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANINewsUP/status/1123184772878966784?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 30, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

On Monday, while speaking at a rally in Koderma, Jharkhand, he said that the 'chowkidar' will not spare anyone, "be it Pakistani terrorists or traitors on our own soil".

"We have proved through the surgical and aerial strikes that if we receive a threat from anywhere, we revert with the same force," he said

The prime minister launched a scathing attack on the Congress party and said, "Congress announced that if they are voted to power, their government will remove the sedition law. It implies that this party is the supporter of the Naxalites. This would make it harder for us to launch an inquiry onto such anti-national forces. This shows the ideologies of the party."

The fourth leg of the seven-phased general elections was conducted across 9 states and for 72 constituencies on Monday. 64 per cent voter turnout was recorded as announced by the Election Commission.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday slammed the opposition and said that the electors, by their overwhelming response in the four phases of Lok Sabha polls, have shattered the dreams of the opposition.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday slammed the opposition and said that the electors, by their overwhelming response in the four phases of Lok Sabha polls, have shattered the dreams of the opposition. While addressing a rally in Uttar Pradesh's Barabanki, the prime minister said that those who were playing the game of "who will become the prime minister with each other" are now playing hide and seek after the conclusion of the fourth phase of the Lok Sabha polls. PM Narendra Modi in Barabanki: Those people who till a few days ago were playing "Kaun Banega Pradhan Mantri" with each other, are now playing hide and seek after the 4th phase of voting concluded....Ab janta ne inke saare sapno ko chaar charan mein choor choor kar diya hai. pic.twitter.com/PKP23dIwml — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) April 30, 2019 × On Monday, while speaking at a rally in Koderma, Jharkhand, he said that the 'chowkidar' will not spare anyone, "be it Pakistani terrorists or traitors on our own soil". "We have proved through the surgical and aerial strikes that if we receive a threat from anywhere, we revert with the same force," he said The prime minister launched a scathing attack on the Congress party and said, "Congress announced that if they are voted to power, their government will remove the sedition law. It implies that this party is the supporter of the Naxalites. This would make it harder for us to launch an inquiry onto such anti-national forces. This shows the ideologies of the party." The fourth leg of the seven-phased general elections was conducted across 9 states and for 72 constituencies on Monday. 64 per cent voter turnout was recorded as announced by the Election Commission.

Opposition is playing hide and seek after fourth phase of Lok Sabha polls: PM Modi in Barabanki 

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/what-rubbish-entire-nation-knows-he-is-indian-priyanka-gandhi-vadra-on-rahuls-citizenship-row-214729">AICC general secretary for Uttar Pradesh East Priyanka Gandhi Vadra</a> on Tuesday reacted over reports of her nomination as a Congress candidate for Varanasi Lok Sabha constituency.&nbsp;

She said that she took the advice of all senior party leaders and colleagues in Uttar Pradesh and decided that it was important for her to focus on the 41 Lok Sabha constituencies she is looking after over just giving attention to one seat (Varanasi).&nbsp;

"I took the advice of all senior leaders of our party and colleagues in UP. They firmly felt that I have a responsibility here of looking after 41 seats. I felt that they (candidates) would be disappointed if I focused on only one place," she said.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on nomination from Varanasi seat: I took advice of all senior leaders of our party &amp; colleagues in UP.They firmly felt that I have responsibility here of looking after 41 seats. I felt that they(candidates)would be disappointed if I focused on only one place <a href="https://t.co/HC8oFLn47Y">pic.twitter.com/HC8oFLn47Y</a>
— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANINewsUP/status/1123170906518499328?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 30, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Rahul Gandhi-led Congress is yet to declare its candidate for Varanasi Lok Sabha constituency. For Bharatiya Janata Party, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will fight from his home constituency. The Samajwadi Party has fielded <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/fielded-tej-bahadur-from-varanasi-in-honour-of-forces-nationalism-samajwadi-party-214750">former BSF jawan Tej Bahadur</a> as alliance candidate.&nbsp;

Varanasi will go to polls in the seventh and the last phase of the Lok Sabha polls on May 19. The results will be declared on May 23.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

AICC general secretary for Uttar Pradesh East Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Tuesday reacted over reports of her nomination as a Congress candidate for Varanasi Lok Sabha constituency.

AICC general secretary for Uttar Pradesh East Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Tuesday reacted over reports of her nomination as a Congress candidate for Varanasi Lok Sabha constituency. She said that she took the advice of all senior party leaders and colleagues in Uttar Pradesh and decided that it was important for her to focus on the 41 Lok Sabha constituencies she is looking after over just giving attention to one seat (Varanasi). "I took the advice of all senior leaders of our party and colleagues in UP. They firmly felt that I have a responsibility here of looking after 41 seats. I felt that they (candidates) would be disappointed if I focused on only one place," she said. Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on nomination from Varanasi seat: I took advice of all senior leaders of our party & colleagues in UP.They firmly felt that I have responsibility here of looking after 41 seats. I felt that they(candidates)would be disappointed if I focused on only one place pic.twitter.com/HC8oFLn47Y — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) April 30, 2019 × Rahul Gandhi-led Congress is yet to declare its candidate for Varanasi Lok Sabha constituency. For Bharatiya Janata Party, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will fight from his home constituency. The Samajwadi Party has fielded former BSF jawan Tej Bahadur as alliance candidate. Varanasi will go to polls in the seventh and the last phase of the Lok Sabha polls on May 19. The results will be declared on May 23.

Candidates will be disappointed if I focussed on only one seat: Priyanka Gandhi on nomination from Varanasi 

The Samajwadi Party (SP) on Tuesday said that it has fielded former <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/samajwadi-party-changes-varanasi-candidate-fields-ex-bsf-constable-tej-bahadur-yadav-against-pm-modi-214463">BSF constable Tej Bahadur Yadav against Prime Minister Narendra Modi from Varanasi</a> in honour of India's security forces and nationalism and appealed to the people to stand with him.

"The Samajwadi Party has fielded former BSF jawan Tej Bahadur as alliance candidate in honour of security forces and nationalism. This is the high time that India stands with Tej Bahadur," SP spokesperson Ameeque Jamei told ANI.

The party also cleared the air over its two candidates from Varanasi, saying, "The final candidate of the Samajwadi Party is Tej Bahadur." He said that the SP-BSP-RLD alliance has posed a major challenge before Prime Minister Modi by announcing Tej Bahadur's candidature.

Jamei said, "There is a major challenge before Modi - he has to decide whether he is with security forces, India and nationalism or he is merely a BJP candidate."

The SP announced on Monday to replace its candidate Shalini Yadav with Tej Bahadur who was dismissed from BSP in 2017 after he complained about the poor quality of food served to soldiers in a viral video.

After the announcement, Tej Bahadur appealed the people to distinguish between the fake Chowkidar (a reference to Modi) and real Chowkidar of the country.

He had also claimed of getting the support of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) to take on the prime minister.AAP convener and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, in a tweet, hailed SP chief Akhilesh Yadav`s decision to field Yadav from Varanasi. However, the AAP is yet to come clear on Tej Bahadur's claim.

Tej Bahadur was already in the fray as an independent candidate from Varanasi parliamentary constituency. Shalini Yadav had insisted that she was the party's official candidate.

"I have filed nomination at the direction of national president. I am the official candidate of the party," she had said.

Varanasi seat was won by Prime Minister Modi in the last Lok Sabha elections. He had defeated AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal with a massive margin of 3.37 lakh votes.

The SP is contesting the Lok Sabha polls in alliance with the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) and the Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) in Uttar Pradesh.

As per the seat-sharing pact, the SP is contesting 37 Lok Sabha seats, while Mayawati-led BSP and Ajit Singh's RLD have been allocated 38 and three seats respectively.

The election in Varanasi is slated to take place in the last phase of seven-phased Lok Sabha elections on May 19. The counting of votes will begin on May 23.&nbsp;

The Samajwadi Party (SP) on Tuesday said that it has fielded former BSF constable Tej Bahadur Yadav against Prime Minister Narendra Modi from Varanasi in honour of India's security forces and nationalism and appealed to the people to stand with him.

The Samajwadi Party (SP) on Tuesday said that it has fielded former BSF constable Tej Bahadur Yadav against Prime Minister Narendra Modi from Varanasi in honour of India's security forces and nationalism and appealed to the people to stand with him. "The Samajwadi Party has fielded former BSF jawan Tej Bahadur as alliance candidate in honour of security forces and nationalism. This is the high time that India stands with Tej Bahadur," SP spokesperson Ameeque Jamei told ANI. The party also cleared the air over its two candidates from Varanasi, saying, "The final candidate of the Samajwadi Party is Tej Bahadur." He said that the SP-BSP-RLD alliance has posed a major challenge before Prime Minister Modi by announcing Tej Bahadur's candidature. Jamei said, "There is a major challenge before Modi - he has to decide whether he is with security forces, India and nationalism or he is merely a BJP candidate." The SP announced on Monday to replace its candidate Shalini Yadav with Tej Bahadur who was dismissed from BSP in 2017 after he complained about the poor quality of food served to soldiers in a viral video. After the announcement, Tej Bahadur appealed the people to distinguish between the fake Chowkidar (a reference to Modi) and real Chowkidar of the country. He had also claimed of getting the support of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) to take on the prime minister.AAP convener and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, in a tweet, hailed SP chief Akhilesh Yadav`s decision to field Yadav from Varanasi. However, the AAP is yet to come clear on Tej Bahadur's claim. Tej Bahadur was already in the fray as an independent candidate from Varanasi parliamentary constituency. Shalini Yadav had insisted that she was the party's official candidate. "I have filed nomination at the direction of national president. I am the official candidate of the party," she had said. Varanasi seat was won by Prime Minister Modi in the last Lok Sabha elections. He had defeated AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal with a massive margin of 3.37 lakh votes. The SP is contesting the Lok Sabha polls in alliance with the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) and the Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) in Uttar Pradesh. As per the seat-sharing pact, the SP is contesting 37 Lok Sabha seats, while Mayawati-led BSP and Ajit Singh's RLD have been allocated 38 and three seats respectively. The election in Varanasi is slated to take place in the last phase of seven-phased Lok Sabha elections on May 19. The counting of votes will begin on May 23.

Fielded Tej Bahadur from Varanasi in honour of forces, nationalism: Samajwadi Party

Congress&nbsp;general secretary for Uttar Pradesh East and party president Rahul Gandhi's sister Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Tuesday reacted over Ministry of Home Affairs notice to Rahul Gandhi over his citizenship.

Priyanka Gandhi told reporters that the entire country knows that Rahul Gandhi is an India.

"The whole of India knows that Rahul Gandhi is an Indian. People have seen him being born and grow up in India. Kya bakwaas hai yeh?" she exclaimed.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on MHA notice to Rahul Gandhi over citizenship, says," The whole of India knows that Rahul Gandhi is an Indian. People have seen him being born and grow up in India. Kya bakwaas hai yeh?" <a href="https://t.co/Rgt457WMoi">pic.twitter.com/Rgt457WMoi</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1123147757651406848?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 30, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The Ministry of Home Affairs on Tuesday issued a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ministry-of-home-affairs-issues-notice-to-congress-president-rahul-gandhi-over-citizenship-214677">notice to Congress president Rahul Gandhi over his citizenship</a> after receiving a complaint from Rajya Sabha MP Subramanian Swamy.

''The 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.

Swamy has stated that the Congress president had declared his nationality as British in a UK-based company.

"It has been further brought out in the complaint that in the Company's Annual Returns filed on October 10, 2005, and October 31, 2006, your date of birth has been given as June 19, 1970, and that you had declared your nationality as British. Further, in the Dissolution application dated 17/02/2009 of the above-referred company, your nationality has been mentioned as British," the notice said.&nbsp;

The Ministry has asked Gandhi to respond within a 'fortnight' to the allegations.&nbsp;

Congress general secretary for Uttar Pradesh East and party president Rahul Gandhi's sister Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Tuesday reacted over Ministry of Home Affairs notice to Rahul Gandhi over his citizenship.

Congress general secretary for Uttar Pradesh East and party president Rahul Gandhi's sister Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Tuesday reacted over Ministry of Home Affairs notice to Rahul Gandhi over his citizenship. Priyanka Gandhi told reporters that the entire country knows that Rahul Gandhi is an India. "The whole of India knows that Rahul Gandhi is an Indian. People have seen him being born and grow up in India. Kya bakwaas hai yeh?" she exclaimed. #WATCH Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on MHA notice to Rahul Gandhi over citizenship, says," The whole of India knows that Rahul Gandhi is an Indian. People have seen him being born and grow up in India. Kya bakwaas hai yeh?" pic.twitter.com/Rgt457WMoi — ANI (@ANI) April 30, 2019 × The Ministry of Home Affairs on Tuesday issued a notice to Congress president Rahul Gandhi over his citizenship after receiving a complaint from Rajya Sabha MP Subramanian Swamy. ''The 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. Swamy has stated that the Congress president had declared his nationality as British in a UK-based company. "It has been further brought out in the complaint that in the Company's Annual Returns filed on October 10, 2005, and October 31, 2006, your date of birth has been given as June 19, 1970, and that you had declared your nationality as British. Further, in the Dissolution application dated 17/02/2009 of the above-referred company, your nationality has been mentioned as British," the notice said. The Ministry has asked Gandhi to respond within a 'fortnight' to the allegations.

Entire nation knows he is Indian: Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Rahul's citizenship row

Voters at a polling booth in Asansol had refused to vote in the absence of security forces, media reports said.

BJP candidate Babul Supriyo's car vandalised in Asansol

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/lok-sabha-polls-2019-64-turnout-recorded-in-fourth-phase-violence-in-west-bengal-214572">The fourth phase of Lok Sabha election</a> in West Bengal was marred by violence on Monday.&nbsp;As many as eight seats in West Bengal - Krishnanagar, Ranaghat, Berhampore, Bolpur, Birbhum, Asansol, Burdwan East and Burdwan Durgapur went to polls in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/live-lok-sabha-polls-fourth-phase-polling-underway-in-nine-states-214251">the fourth phase today</a>.&nbsp;

While several seats witnessed peaceful polls, constituencies like Bolpur, Birbhum and Asansol witnessed sporadic cases of violence.&nbsp;

The first incident came to light in the first hours of polling in Jemua in Asansol constituency. Voters threatened to boycott polls after getting to know that the state police, instead of the central paramilitary force, were deployed at the polling booths.&nbsp;

“We do not have confidence on state police. We will not cast our votes till the central force jawans are deployed. Not just us but villages after villages have agreed to boycott polls if the Election Commission does not deploy central forces. We were intimated during the panchayat polls, we cannot allow this to be repeated this time,” said a villager.&nbsp;

Immediately after, the locals started agitating, demanding deployment of central forces. The incident took a violent turn when Trinamool Congress and BJP supporters clashed with each other. The police resorted to lathi-charge to disperse agitating Trinamool Congress and BJP supporters. Several supporters on both sides were injured.&nbsp;

This apart, parts of Asansol witnessed sporadic instances of violence. Union minister and BJP candidate from Asansol Babul Supriyo reached a booth in Borabani after hearing reports of the BJP polling agent being thrown out of the polling booth. Supriyo got into a war of words with the TMC polling agent. Supriyo and media persons later came under attack, their vehicles were vandalised.&nbsp;

Later, the Chief Electoral Officer, West Bengal directed the police to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-polls-2019-election-commission-directs-to-register-fir-against-babul-supriyo-for-trespassing-into-booth-214482">register an FIR against Supriyo</a> for intimidating the TMC polling agent. “I haven’t done anything wrong by behaving in that manner with the TMC polling agent. If he abuses me, if the &nbsp;TMC party attacks women and journalists, am I to keep quiet? I shall not do so. Even if I’m shown in poor light, I’ll continue to do this,” Supriyo said.&nbsp;

He further expressed unhappiness over the role of central forces on the poll day. “We are not happy with the role of the central force, as earlier we were told that there would be 100 per cent coverage and then suddenly late last night they reduced it to 96-98 per cent. We will be demanding repolls in several polling stations. I have spoken to Mukul da, we are preparing a list of where all we want repolls,” he said.&nbsp;

On the other hand, another incident stirred a major controversy where a central force jawan fired a bullet inside the polling booth to disperse agitating TMC and BJP supporters. While none were hurt in the incident, the bullet hit the ceiling of the polling booth.&nbsp;

The fourth phase of Lok Sabha election in West Bengal was marred by violence on Monday. As many as eight seats in West Bengal - Krishnanagar, Ranaghat, Berhampore, Bolpur, Birbhum, Asansol, Burdwan East and Burdwan Durgapur went to polls in the fourth phase today.

The fourth phase of Lok Sabha election in West Bengal was marred by violence on Monday. As many as eight seats in West Bengal - Krishnanagar, Ranaghat, Berhampore, Bolpur, Birbhum, Asansol, Burdwan East and Burdwan Durgapur went to polls in the fourth phase today. While several seats witnessed peaceful polls, constituencies like Bolpur, Birbhum and Asansol witnessed sporadic cases of violence. The first incident came to light in the first hours of polling in Jemua in Asansol constituency. Voters threatened to boycott polls after getting to know that the state police, instead of the central paramilitary force, were deployed at the polling booths. “We do not have confidence on state police. We will not cast our votes till the central force jawans are deployed. Not just us but villages after villages have agreed to boycott polls if the Election Commission does not deploy central forces. We were intimated during the panchayat polls, we cannot allow this to be repeated this time,” said a villager. Immediately after, the locals started agitating, demanding deployment of central forces. The incident took a violent turn when Trinamool Congress and BJP supporters clashed with each other. The police resorted to lathi-charge to disperse agitating Trinamool Congress and BJP supporters. Several supporters on both sides were injured. This apart, parts of Asansol witnessed sporadic instances of violence. Union minister and BJP candidate from Asansol Babul Supriyo reached a booth in Borabani after hearing reports of the BJP polling agent being thrown out of the polling booth. Supriyo got into a war of words with the TMC polling agent. Supriyo and media persons later came under attack, their vehicles were vandalised. Later, the Chief Electoral Officer, West Bengal directed the police to register an FIR against Supriyo for intimidating the TMC polling agent. “I haven’t done anything wrong by behaving in that manner with the TMC polling agent. If he abuses me, if the TMC party attacks women and journalists, am I to keep quiet? I shall not do so. Even if I’m shown in poor light, I’ll continue to do this,” Supriyo said. He further expressed unhappiness over the role of central forces on the poll day. “We are not happy with the role of the central force, as earlier we were told that there would be 100 per cent coverage and then suddenly late last night they reduced it to 96-98 per cent. We will be demanding repolls in several polling stations. I have spoken to Mukul da, we are preparing a list of where all we want repolls,” he said. On the other hand, another incident stirred a major controversy where a central force jawan fired a bullet inside the polling booth to disperse agitating TMC and BJP supporters. While none were hurt in the incident, the bullet hit the ceiling of the polling booth.

Lok Sabha polls 2019: Violence marred fourth phase of general election in West Bengal

Veteran Bollywood actor Dharmendra on Monday said that his family doesn't know much about politics but patriotism runs high in their blood.&nbsp;

Speaking about his son and Bollywood actor Sunny Deol, who will be <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/sunny-deol-files-nomination-from-gurdaspur-seat-214357">contesting Lok Sabha polls from Punjab's Gurdaspur</a> on a BJP ticket, he said that "Sunny will also serve the nation".&nbsp;

"We don't know the ABC of politics but patriotism is in our blood, we will serve the nation. What I did in Bikaner you can go and see, Sunny will also serve the nation," Dharmendra told media today.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> Mumbai: Veteran actor Dharmendra says "We don't know the ABC of politics but patriotism is in our blood, we will serve the nation. What I did in Bikaner you can go and see, Sunny will also serve the nation." <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LokSabhaElections2019?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LokSabhaElections2019</a> <a href="https://t.co/DHUqymVxCc">pic.twitter.com/DHUqymVxCc</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1122836185624326147?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 29, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Actor-turned-politician Sunny Deol filed his nomination as BJP candidate from Gurdaspur parliamentary constituency earlier in the day. His brother and actor Bobby Deol accompanied him.

Sporting a navy blue turban and a blue shirt, the 62-year-old earlier offered prayers at the Golden Temple.

Deol is pitted against sitting MP and Congress candidate Sunil Jakhar, AAP's Peter Masih and PDA's Lal Chand.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Veteran Bollywood actor Dharmendra on Monday said that his family doesn't know much about politics but patriotism runs high in their blood. Speaking about his son and Bollywood actor Sunny Deol, who will be contesting Lok Sabha polls from Punjab's Gurdaspur on a BJP ticket, he said that "Sunny will also serve the nation".

Veteran Bollywood actor Dharmendra on Monday said that his family doesn't know much about politics but patriotism runs high in their blood. Speaking about his son and Bollywood actor Sunny Deol, who will be contesting Lok Sabha polls from Punjab's Gurdaspur on a BJP ticket, he said that "Sunny will also serve the nation". "We don't know the ABC of politics but patriotism is in our blood, we will serve the nation. What I did in Bikaner you can go and see, Sunny will also serve the nation," Dharmendra told media today. #WATCH Mumbai: Veteran actor Dharmendra says "We don't know the ABC of politics but patriotism is in our blood, we will serve the nation. What I did in Bikaner you can go and see, Sunny will also serve the nation." #LokSabhaElections2019 pic.twitter.com/DHUqymVxCc — ANI (@ANI) April 29, 2019 × Actor-turned-politician Sunny Deol filed his nomination as BJP candidate from Gurdaspur parliamentary constituency earlier in the day. His brother and actor Bobby Deol accompanied him. Sporting a navy blue turban and a blue shirt, the 62-year-old earlier offered prayers at the Golden Temple. Deol is pitted against sitting MP and Congress candidate Sunil Jakhar, AAP's Peter Masih and PDA's Lal Chand.

Patriotism is in our blood, Sunny will serve nation: Veteran actor Dharmendra

While veteran actor Rekha cast her vote at Mumbai’s Bandra, actor Ravi Kishan exercised his franchise at Mumbai’s Goregaon. Polling for 4th phase of LS elections is underway across the country.

Celebs come out to vote in phase 4 of Lok Sabha polls

Incident-free voting marked the second leg of three-phased polling for south Kashmir’s Anantnag parliamentary constituency of Kulgam district with a total voter turnout of 10.32 per cent, Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Jammu and Kashmir, Shailendra Kumar said.

Addressing a press conference at Banquet Hall in Srinagar, the CEO informed that the overall percentage recorded in the district today was 10.3 per cent with the highest in Noorabad segment at 20.58 per cent.

He said that for the smooth polling across the district, 433 polling stations were set up out of which 20 were model polling stations. Four all-women polling stations were also set up across the district.

Divulging the details of the voter turnout in the district, the CEO informed that the total number of votes polled was 3,5524 with the highest turnout of 20.58 per cent recorded in Noorabad segment of the district. With the completion of today’s phase, the overall poll percentage of Anantnag constituency has touched 12.35 per cent.

He further elaborated that the total percentage of voting till date in various parliamentary constituencies in the state including Baramulla, Jammu, Srinagar, Udhampur and Anantnag was recorded at 47.06 per cent with total votes polled at around 33,64104 out of 71,49047 total electorates.

The CEO complimented voters, political parties, contesting candidates, media, polling staff and security forces for the smooth and peaceful conduct of the polling in the state.

Over 3.45 lakh electors were scheduled to exercise their franchise in Kulgam district of south Kashmir region in the second leg of three-phased schedule for Anantnag Parliamentary Constituency today, including 28,761 first-time voters and 2,870 migrant voters. As many as 72 constituencies across 9 states went to polls in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/live-lok-sabha-polls-fourth-phase-polling-underway-in-nine-states-214251">fourth phase of the Lok Sabha polls</a> today.&nbsp;

Regarding the health of e-rolls, the CEO said that 43 polling stations were set up for webcasting.

The CEO said that two general observers, one expenditure observer, one police observer, 68 micro observers besides 1,732 polling staff ensured the smooth conduct of the voting in today's phase.

Incident-free voting marked the second leg of three-phased polling for south Kashmir’s Anantnag parliamentary constituency of Kulgam district with a total voter turnout of 10.

Incident-free voting marked the second leg of three-phased polling for south Kashmir’s Anantnag parliamentary constituency of Kulgam district with a total voter turnout of 10.32 per cent, Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Jammu and Kashmir, Shailendra Kumar said. Addressing a press conference at Banquet Hall in Srinagar, the CEO informed that the overall percentage recorded in the district today was 10.3 per cent with the highest in Noorabad segment at 20.58 per cent. He said that for the smooth polling across the district, 433 polling stations were set up out of which 20 were model polling stations. Four all-women polling stations were also set up across the district. Divulging the details of the voter turnout in the district, the CEO informed that the total number of votes polled was 3,5524 with the highest turnout of 20.58 per cent recorded in Noorabad segment of the district. With the completion of today’s phase, the overall poll percentage of Anantnag constituency has touched 12.35 per cent. He further elaborated that the total percentage of voting till date in various parliamentary constituencies in the state including Baramulla, Jammu, Srinagar, Udhampur and Anantnag was recorded at 47.06 per cent with total votes polled at around 33,64104 out of 71,49047 total electorates. The CEO complimented voters, political parties, contesting candidates, media, polling staff and security forces for the smooth and peaceful conduct of the polling in the state. Over 3.45 lakh electors were scheduled to exercise their franchise in Kulgam district of south Kashmir region in the second leg of three-phased schedule for Anantnag Parliamentary Constituency today, including 28,761 first-time voters and 2,870 migrant voters. As many as 72 constituencies across 9 states went to polls in the fourth phase of the Lok Sabha polls today. Regarding the health of e-rolls, the CEO said that 43 polling stations were set up for webcasting. The CEO said that two general observers, one expenditure observer, one police observer, 68 micro observers besides 1,732 polling staff ensured the smooth conduct of the voting in today's phase.

Jammu and Kashmir: Kulgam records 10.32% voter turnout in fourth phase of Lok Sabha polls

This segment of WION brings to you top stories of the morning from across the globe. Watch this video to get updated with the latest information.

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning, April 29th 2019

Incidents of violence in West Bengal and EVM glitches in some areas were reported as 64 per cent turnout was recorded on Monday in 72 constituencies across nine states in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/live-lok-sabha-polls-fourth-phase-polling-underway-in-nine-states-214251">fourth phase of Lok Sabha elections</a>.

In the heartland states, where the BJP had won 30 out of 32 seats in 2014, 62 per cent turnout was recorded in Rajasthan (13 seats), 53.12 per cent in Uttar Pradesh (13 seats) and 65.86 per cent Madhya Pradesh (6 seats).

West Bengal recorded a high turnout at 76.47 in the eight seats though <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/lok-sabha-polls-clashes-erupt-between-tmc-workers-security-forces-in-asansol-babul-supriyos-car-vandalised-214362">clashes broke out</a> between supporters of rival parties in Nanoor, Rampurhat, Nalhati and Suri areas of Birbhum seat, leaving several people injured.

In Barabani, BJP candidate from Asansol and Union minister Babul Supriyo's vehicle was vandalised allegedly by TMC workers outside a polling station while in Dubrajpur area central security forces personnel reportedly opened fire in the air to disperse irate people who attacked them when they were barred from entering the booths with mobile phones.&nbsp;

An FIR was registered against Supriyo for allegedly getting into an argument with polling officials, an election official said. The ruling Trinamool Congress and the BJP accused each other of intimidating voters in the state, which has seen violence in all previous three phases despite stepped up central forces deployment.

The stakes are high for the BJP which had won 56 of the 72 constituencies in the 2014 polls. About 12.79 crore people were eligible for voting in the phase, which marked the start of polling in Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh while elections came to an end in Maharashtra and Odisha.&nbsp;

Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of Madhya Pradesh V L Kantha Rao said that during a mock-poll, electronic voting machines (EVMs) were replaced at 207 polling booths as some glitches were found. EVMs were also replaced at 106 polling booths after the voting began.

Polling was peaceful in Rajasthan, with tribal dominated seat of Banswara recording the highest voting percentage at 72.34, followed by Barmer which recorded 72.21 per cent voting, according to state election officials.

Nearly 52 per cent voting was recorded in Maharashtra (17 seats), 64.05 per cent Odisha (6 seats), 53.67 per cent Bihar (five seats) and 63.42 per cent Jharkhand (3 seats), according to data provided by the Election Commission till 6 PM.

In Kulgam district of Anantnag constituency in Jammu and Kashmir, 10.3 per cent polling was recorded, amid isolated incidents of stone pelting. This was the second of the three-phased polling in the sensitive seat.

Billionaires and Bollywood star lined up outside polling stations along with the common folks in Mumbai, where polling was held in six constituencies.&nbsp;

Complaints of technical glitches in EVMs and VVPAT machines in some polling booths were addressed in Maharashtra, an election official said.

Bollywood celebrities including Amitabh Bachchan, the Khan troika of Shah Rukh, Salman and Aamir, and Deepika Padukone cast their votes in Mumbai. Priyanka Chopra, Rekha, Aamir and wife Kiran Rao were among the early voters.

In Uttar Pradesh, opposition Samajwadi Party's alleged that many EVMs malfunctioned and in Kannauj, from where SP chief Akhilesh Yadav's wife and sitting MP Dimple Yadav is contesting, several party workers were prevented from coming out of their homes to vote.

In Kanpur, BJP workers allegedly tried to barge into a polling booth and clashed with the police. A case has been registered against BJP leader Suresh Awasthi and six others in this connection, Kanpur District Magistrate Vijay Vishwas Pant said.

Shahjahanpur (SC), Kheri, Hardoi (SC), Misrikh (SC), Unnao, Farrukhabad, Etawah (SC), Kannauj, Kanpur, Akbarpur, Jalaun (SC), Jhansi and Hamirpur seats recorded 53.23 per cent polling till 5 pm, an electoral officer said.

Reports were received of EVMs developing snag in Bidhauna area under the Kannauj Lok Sabha seat following which polling remained suspended for over an hour.

Complaints of EVM malfunctioning were also reported in Etawah under Auriaya district, with voters claiming they had to wait for hours at polling booths in Tilak Mahavidyalaya, Sahupur, Ajitmal and Dalelnagar to cast their votes.

According to a report from Hardoi, an elderly woman voter complained that the presiding officer at Jamkara booth under Sandila area forcibly pressed the EVM button. The sector magistrate has removed the officer and handed him over to the police who is investigating the matter.

Besides Dimple Yadav, prominent candidates whose electoral fate will be decided in this phase are Dimple Yadav, former Union ministers Salman Khurshid (Farrukhabd) and Sriprakash Jaiswal (Kanpur) of Congress, UP Cabinet minister Satyadev Pachauri (Kanpur) and Sakshi Maharaj of BJP (Unnao)

In Bihar, voting was delayed due to EVM malfunctioning at three polling stations in Munger, two polling stations in Darbhanga and three polling stations in Begusarai, from where CPI's Kanhaiya Kumar and Union Minister Giriraj Singh (BJP) are contesting, due to technical glitches, official sources said.

In Odisha, technical glitches in EVMs delayed polling in 60 booths, but it resumed after the snags were rectified, the official said.

Election to 542 Lok Sabha seats is being conducted in seven phases between April 11 and May 19.

Election in Vellore constituency in Tamil Nadu has been cancelled following excess use of money power. Results will be declared on May 23.&nbsp;

Incidents of violence in West Bengal and EVM glitches in some areas were reported as 64 per cent turnout was recorded on Monday in 72 constituencies across nine states in the fourth phase of Lok Sabha elections.

Incidents of violence in West Bengal and EVM glitches in some areas were reported as 64 per cent turnout was recorded on Monday in 72 constituencies across nine states in the fourth phase of Lok Sabha elections. In the heartland states, where the BJP had won 30 out of 32 seats in 2014, 62 per cent turnout was recorded in Rajasthan (13 seats), 53.12 per cent in Uttar Pradesh (13 seats) and 65.86 per cent Madhya Pradesh (6 seats). West Bengal recorded a high turnout at 76.47 in the eight seats though clashes broke out between supporters of rival parties in Nanoor, Rampurhat, Nalhati and Suri areas of Birbhum seat, leaving several people injured. In Barabani, BJP candidate from Asansol and Union minister Babul Supriyo's vehicle was vandalised allegedly by TMC workers outside a polling station while in Dubrajpur area central security forces personnel reportedly opened fire in the air to disperse irate people who attacked them when they were barred from entering the booths with mobile phones. An FIR was registered against Supriyo for allegedly getting into an argument with polling officials, an election official said. The ruling Trinamool Congress and the BJP accused each other of intimidating voters in the state, which has seen violence in all previous three phases despite stepped up central forces deployment. The stakes are high for the BJP which had won 56 of the 72 constituencies in the 2014 polls. About 12.79 crore people were eligible for voting in the phase, which marked the start of polling in Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh while elections came to an end in Maharashtra and Odisha. Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of Madhya Pradesh V L Kantha Rao said that during a mock-poll, electronic voting machines (EVMs) were replaced at 207 polling booths as some glitches were found. EVMs were also replaced at 106 polling booths after the voting began. Polling was peaceful in Rajasthan, with tribal dominated seat of Banswara recording the highest voting percentage at 72.34, followed by Barmer which recorded 72.21 per cent voting, according to state election officials. Nearly 52 per cent voting was recorded in Maharashtra (17 seats), 64.05 per cent Odisha (6 seats), 53.67 per cent Bihar (five seats) and 63.42 per cent Jharkhand (3 seats), according to data provided by the Election Commission till 6 PM. In Kulgam district of Anantnag constituency in Jammu and Kashmir, 10.3 per cent polling was recorded, amid isolated incidents of stone pelting. This was the second of the three-phased polling in the sensitive seat. Billionaires and Bollywood star lined up outside polling stations along with the common folks in Mumbai, where polling was held in six constituencies. Complaints of technical glitches in EVMs and VVPAT machines in some polling booths were addressed in Maharashtra, an election official said. Bollywood celebrities including Amitabh Bachchan, the Khan troika of Shah Rukh, Salman and Aamir, and Deepika Padukone cast their votes in Mumbai. Priyanka Chopra, Rekha, Aamir and wife Kiran Rao were among the early voters. In Uttar Pradesh, opposition Samajwadi Party's alleged that many EVMs malfunctioned and in Kannauj, from where SP chief Akhilesh Yadav's wife and sitting MP Dimple Yadav is contesting, several party workers were prevented from coming out of their homes to vote. In Kanpur, BJP workers allegedly tried to barge into a polling booth and clashed with the police. A case has been registered against BJP leader Suresh Awasthi and six others in this connection, Kanpur District Magistrate Vijay Vishwas Pant said. Shahjahanpur (SC), Kheri, Hardoi (SC), Misrikh (SC), Unnao, Farrukhabad, Etawah (SC), Kannauj, Kanpur, Akbarpur, Jalaun (SC), Jhansi and Hamirpur seats recorded 53.23 per cent polling till 5 pm, an electoral officer said. Reports were received of EVMs developing snag in Bidhauna area under the Kannauj Lok Sabha seat following which polling remained suspended for over an hour. Complaints of EVM malfunctioning were also reported in Etawah under Auriaya district, with voters claiming they had to wait for hours at polling booths in Tilak Mahavidyalaya, Sahupur, Ajitmal and Dalelnagar to cast their votes. According to a report from Hardoi, an elderly woman voter complained that the presiding officer at Jamkara booth under Sandila area forcibly pressed the EVM button. The sector magistrate has removed the officer and handed him over to the police who is investigating the matter. Besides Dimple Yadav, prominent candidates whose electoral fate will be decided in this phase are Dimple Yadav, former Union ministers Salman Khurshid (Farrukhabd) and Sriprakash Jaiswal (Kanpur) of Congress, UP Cabinet minister Satyadev Pachauri (Kanpur) and Sakshi Maharaj of BJP (Unnao) In Bihar, voting was delayed due to EVM malfunctioning at three polling stations in Munger, two polling stations in Darbhanga and three polling stations in Begusarai, from where CPI's Kanhaiya Kumar and Union Minister Giriraj Singh (BJP) are contesting, due to technical glitches, official sources said. In Odisha, technical glitches in EVMs delayed polling in 60 booths, but it resumed after the snags were rectified, the official said. Election to 542 Lok Sabha seats is being conducted in seven phases between April 11 and May 19. Election in Vellore constituency in Tamil Nadu has been cancelled following excess use of money power. Results will be declared on May 23.

Lok Sabha polls 2019: 64% turnout recorded in fourth phase, violence in West Bengal

As many as 12.7 crore electors were eligible to cast their vote in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/live-lok-sabha-polls-fourth-phase-polling-underway-in-nine-states-214251">fourth phase of Lok Sabha polls on Monday</a>. As many as 72&nbsp;constituencies across 9 states were up for polls.&nbsp;

According to the official Election Commission figures, the overall voter turnout till 7 pm stood at around 62 per cent. The state to bag the top slot with respect to the highest voter turnout was West Bengal at 76.59 per cent.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/lok-sabha-polls-clashes-erupt-between-tmc-workers-security-forces-in-asansol-babul-supriyos-car-vandalised-214362">Spurts of violence marred the state</a> during the fourth phase as well, similar to the previous phases. There were reports of clashes, intimidation and booth capturing in isolated areas in the state.

<table border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" style="width: 500px;">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>States</td>
			<td>Polling% figure released by EC till 7pm</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Bihar</td>
			<td>58.92%</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Jammu and Kashmir</td>
			<td>9.79%</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Madhya Pradesh</td>
			<td>66.66%</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Maharashtra</td>
			<td>55.88%</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Odisha</td>
			<td>64.05%</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Rajasthan</td>
			<td>66.53%</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Uttar Pradesh</td>
			<td>56.40%</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>West Bengal</td>
			<td>76.59%</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Jharkhand</td>
			<td>63.77%</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

Clashes erupted between Trinamool Congress (TMC) workers and security forces at polling booths in Asansol. BJP MP candidate from Asansol, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-polls-2019-election-commission-directs-to-register-fir-against-babul-supriyo-for-trespassing-into-booth-214482">Babul Supriyo</a>'s car was also vandalised outside the polling station.

Rajasthan saw scores of people lining up outside polling stations despite the blazing heat. The polling percentage here till 7pm was recorded at 66.53 per cent.&nbsp;

Long queues were seen in some areas of Mumbai like Powai and Chanidwali. Many Bollywood stars and celebrities, including Shah Rukh Khan, cricketer Sachin Tendulkar and industrialist Mukesh Ambani, were spotted outside polling stations, along with their families after casting their vote.&nbsp;

Jammu and Kashmir recorded the lowest turnout till 7pm at 9.79 per cent.&nbsp;

As per the election schedule, five seats in Bihar, one in Jammu and Kashmir, three in Jharkhand, six in Madhya Pradesh and Odisha each, 17 in Maharashtra, 13 in Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh each, and eight in West Bengal went to polls during the fourth phase of polling. &nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;

As many as 12.7 crore electors were eligible to cast their vote in the fourth phase of Lok Sabha polls on Monday. As many as 72 constituencies across 9 states were up for polls.

As many as 12.7 crore electors were eligible to cast their vote in the fourth phase of Lok Sabha polls on Monday. As many as 72 constituencies across 9 states were up for polls. According to the official Election Commission figures, the overall voter turnout till 7 pm stood at around 62 per cent. The state to bag the top slot with respect to the highest voter turnout was West Bengal at 76.59 per cent. Spurts of violence marred the state during the fourth phase as well, similar to the previous phases. There were reports of clashes, intimidation and booth capturing in isolated areas in the state. States Polling% figure released by EC till 7pm Bihar 58.92% Jammu and Kashmir 9.79% Madhya Pradesh 66.66% Maharashtra 55.88% Odisha 64.05% Rajasthan 66.53% Uttar Pradesh 56.40% West Bengal 76.59% Jharkhand 63.77% Clashes erupted between Trinamool Congress (TMC) workers and security forces at polling booths in Asansol. BJP MP candidate from Asansol, Babul Supriyo's car was also vandalised outside the polling station. Rajasthan saw scores of people lining up outside polling stations despite the blazing heat. The polling percentage here till 7pm was recorded at 66.53 per cent. Long queues were seen in some areas of Mumbai like Powai and Chanidwali. Many Bollywood stars and celebrities, including Shah Rukh Khan, cricketer Sachin Tendulkar and industrialist Mukesh Ambani, were spotted outside polling stations, along with their families after casting their vote. Jammu and Kashmir recorded the lowest turnout till 7pm at 9.79 per cent. As per the election schedule, five seats in Bihar, one in Jammu and Kashmir, three in Jharkhand, six in Madhya Pradesh and Odisha each, 17 in Maharashtra, 13 in Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh each, and eight in West Bengal went to polls during the fourth phase of polling.

Lok Sabha polls 2019: Total turnout at 62% till 7pm; violence marred West Bengal bags top spot

In Lok Sabha Polls 2019, 17 seats of Maharashtra are in the fray in fourth phase.

LS Polls: 17 seats of Maharashtra in the fray in fourth phase of Lok Sabha Polls

The focus of electioneering will shift to the battleground Hindi heartland states in the fifth and sixth phases of the general elections, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Congress president Rahul Gandhi planning saturation campaigning in the region.

IEW: Can Congress gain in the Hindi heartland?

In this segment of India Election Watch. Watch as the 4th phase of the Lok Sabha election 2019 has been summed up it turns out to be a high voter turnout. So what does it mean?

IEW: What does high voter turnout means?

Watch WION in an exclusive conversation with Senior journalist KS Dakshinamurthy.

Lok Sabha election 2019: WION in an exclusive conversation with Senior journalist KS Dakshinamurthy

Trinamool Congress leader Derek O'Brien on Monday reacted to PM Modi's remark that "<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/lok-sabha-polls-2019-40-trinamool-congress-mlas-ready-to-join-once-bjp-wins-polls-says-pm-narendra-modi-214436">40 TMC MLAs are in contact with me</a>" and said that "nobody" will go with the BJP in the state.&nbsp;

Calling the prime minister "expiry babu" he said that not even "one councillor will go with him".

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Derek O'Brien, TMC on PM's remark "40 TMC MLAs in contact with me": Expiry Babu PM. Nobody will go with you, not even 1 councilor. Are you election campaigning or horse trading, your expiry date is near. Today, we are complaining to EC. Charging you with horse trading. (file pic) <a href="https://t.co/mLkaMq8AwZ">pic.twitter.com/mLkaMq8AwZ</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1122817144394174465?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 29, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

"Are you election campaigning or horse-trading? Your expiry date is near. Today, we are complaining to EC. Charging you with horse-trading," O'Brien added.&nbsp;

Earlier in the day, while addressing a rally in Serampore in West Bengal, PM Modi sharpened his attack on West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and said that "your MLAs will leave you. Even today, didi, 40 of your MLAs are in contact with me".&nbsp;

"Goons of the Trinamool Congress are trying their hardest to stop people from voting and attacking BJP workers," the PM added.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Trinamool Congress leader Derek O'Brien on Monday reacted to PM Modi's remark that "40 TMC MLAs are in contact with me" and said that "nobody" will go with the BJP in the state.

Trinamool Congress leader Derek O'Brien on Monday reacted to PM Modi's remark that "40 TMC MLAs are in contact with me" and said that "nobody" will go with the BJP in the state. Calling the prime minister "expiry babu" he said that not even "one councillor will go with him". Derek O'Brien, TMC on PM's remark "40 TMC MLAs in contact with me": Expiry Babu PM. Nobody will go with you, not even 1 councilor. Are you election campaigning or horse trading, your expiry date is near. Today, we are complaining to EC. Charging you with horse trading. (file pic) pic.twitter.com/mLkaMq8AwZ — ANI (@ANI) April 29, 2019 × "Are you election campaigning or horse-trading? Your expiry date is near. Today, we are complaining to EC. Charging you with horse-trading," O'Brien added. Earlier in the day, while addressing a rally in Serampore in West Bengal, PM Modi sharpened his attack on West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and said that "your MLAs will leave you. Even today, didi, 40 of your MLAs are in contact with me". "Goons of the Trinamool Congress are trying their hardest to stop people from voting and attacking BJP workers," the PM added.

We're complaining to Election Commission, charging you with horse-trading: TMC on PM Modi's '40 MLAs are with me' remark

The Election Commission of India on Monday directed West Bengal Police to register an FIR against <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/lok-sabha-polls-clashes-erupt-between-tmc-workers-security-forces-in-asansol-babul-supriyos-car-vandalised-214362">Babul Supriyo</a>, Union Minister and BJP candidate from Asansol Lok Sabha seat, for allegedly trespassing into booth number 199 and threatening a polling agent and an officer, news agency ANI reported.&nbsp;

Earlier in the day, Supriyo's car was vandalised outside a polling station as clashes erupted between Trinamool Congress (TMC) workers and security forces at polling booths in Asansol, West Bengal.

Voters at a polling booth in Asansol had refused to vote in the absence of security forces, media reports said.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Election Commission directs to register FIR against Babul Supriyo, Union Minister &amp; BJP candidate from Asansol LS seat, for allegedly trespassing into booth number 199 and threatening a polling agent and an officer. (file pic) <a href="https://t.co/fu20QRvq8d">pic.twitter.com/fu20QRvq8d</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1122831873778962433?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 29, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

As soon as Supriyo reached the booth, he got into a war of words first with the TMC polling agent and then TMC supporters in the village. While leaving the village, TMC cadres reportedly began sloganeering "go back Babul". Just a few minutes later, Babul and his car was attacked.

"I am very aware that wherever I try to reach are the places where TMC is going to try to create some tension," the BJP candidate said, adding, "I'll deal with it the way it should be dealt."

The Election Commission had made elaborate security arrangments ahead of the fourth phase in West Bengal deploying 580 companies of central forces. EC sources had told PTI that "special emphasis" would be given to Asansol.

 
&nbsp;

The Election Commission of India on Monday directed West Bengal Police to register an FIR against Babul Supriyo, Union Minister and BJP candidate from Asansol Lok Sabha seat, for allegedly trespassing into booth number 199 and threatening a polling agent and an officer, news agency ANI reported.

The Election Commission of India on Monday directed West Bengal Police to register an FIR against Babul Supriyo, Union Minister and BJP candidate from Asansol Lok Sabha seat, for allegedly trespassing into booth number 199 and threatening a polling agent and an officer, news agency ANI reported. Earlier in the day, Supriyo's car was vandalised outside a polling station as clashes erupted between Trinamool Congress (TMC) workers and security forces at polling booths in Asansol, West Bengal. Voters at a polling booth in Asansol had refused to vote in the absence of security forces, media reports said. Election Commission directs to register FIR against Babul Supriyo, Union Minister & BJP candidate from Asansol LS seat, for allegedly trespassing into booth number 199 and threatening a polling agent and an officer. (file pic) pic.twitter.com/fu20QRvq8d — ANI (@ANI) April 29, 2019 × As soon as Supriyo reached the booth, he got into a war of words first with the TMC polling agent and then TMC supporters in the village. While leaving the village, TMC cadres reportedly began sloganeering "go back Babul". Just a few minutes later, Babul and his car was attacked. "I am very aware that wherever I try to reach are the places where TMC is going to try to create some tension," the BJP candidate said, adding, "I'll deal with it the way it should be dealt." The Election Commission had made elaborate security arrangments ahead of the fourth phase in West Bengal deploying 580 companies of central forces. EC sources had told PTI that "special emphasis" would be given to Asansol.

Lok Sabha polls 2019: Election Commission directs West Bengal Police to register FIR against Babul Supriyo for trespassing into booth

Be it Pakistani terrorists or traitors on our own soil, your chowkidar will not spare anyone, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Monday.

Addressing an election rally here, the Prime Minister said, "We have proved through the surgical and aerial strikes that if we receive a threat from anywhere, we revert with the same force."

PM Modi launched a scathing attack on the Congress party and said, "Congress announced that if they are voted to power, their government will remove the sedition law. It implies that this party is the supporter of the Naxalites. This would make it harder for us to launch an inquiry onto such anti-national forces. This shows the ideologies of the party."

Lambasting at the erstwhile Congress-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government, PM Modi said, "Atal Bihari Vajpayee had given consent for the Koderma to Ranchi rail line twenty years ago, but the Congress government did not go ahead with the plan. People of this state gave me a chance in 2014 and we started the work of Koderma-Hazaribagh-Barkakana-Sidhwar. The rail line will be functional in one and a half year."

Shedding light on the scams that came to the foreground during the tenure of the Congress, PM Modi said, "During their tenure, all sorts of scams, ranging from the coal-gate scam, helicopter scam and even scam pertaining to minerals extracted from the earth had come up. All these scams have come to a standstill now that BJP is in power."

Continuing his tirade against the Congress, he contended that the party only cares about itself and not about the people of the country. "They do not think about anyone. If they do not see a vote-bank in your state, they leave the people at their own fate. This is what they have done to my Adivasi brother and sisters of Jharkhand," he remarked.

"Our party showed empathy for the downtrodden by granting constitutional status to the OBC Commission," Modi said, adding that the opposition did everything in their might to stop the government from taking this decision in the favour of the oppressed.

Voting in the fourth phase of the elections is underway in three parliamentary constituencies in Jharkhand.

Next polling will be held on May 6, 12, and 19 in the remaining four phases of the Lok Sabha elections. The counting of votes will take place on May 23.&nbsp;

Be it Pakistani terrorists or traitors on our own soil, your chowkidar will not spare anyone, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Monday. Addressing an election rally here, the Prime Minister said, "We have proved through the surgical and aerial strikes that if we receive a threat from anywhere, we revert with the same force.

Be it Pakistani terrorists or traitors on our own soil, your chowkidar will not spare anyone, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Monday. Addressing an election rally here, the Prime Minister said, "We have proved through the surgical and aerial strikes that if we receive a threat from anywhere, we revert with the same force." PM Modi launched a scathing attack on the Congress party and said, "Congress announced that if they are voted to power, their government will remove the sedition law. It implies that this party is the supporter of the Naxalites. This would make it harder for us to launch an inquiry onto such anti-national forces. This shows the ideologies of the party." Lambasting at the erstwhile Congress-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government, PM Modi said, "Atal Bihari Vajpayee had given consent for the Koderma to Ranchi rail line twenty years ago, but the Congress government did not go ahead with the plan. People of this state gave me a chance in 2014 and we started the work of Koderma-Hazaribagh-Barkakana-Sidhwar. The rail line will be functional in one and a half year." Shedding light on the scams that came to the foreground during the tenure of the Congress, PM Modi said, "During their tenure, all sorts of scams, ranging from the coal-gate scam, helicopter scam and even scam pertaining to minerals extracted from the earth had come up. All these scams have come to a standstill now that BJP is in power." Continuing his tirade against the Congress, he contended that the party only cares about itself and not about the people of the country. "They do not think about anyone. If they do not see a vote-bank in your state, they leave the people at their own fate. This is what they have done to my Adivasi brother and sisters of Jharkhand," he remarked. "Our party showed empathy for the downtrodden by granting constitutional status to the OBC Commission," Modi said, adding that the opposition did everything in their might to stop the government from taking this decision in the favour of the oppressed. Voting in the fourth phase of the elections is underway in three parliamentary constituencies in Jharkhand. Next polling will be held on May 6, 12, and 19 in the remaining four phases of the Lok Sabha elections. The counting of votes will take place on May 23.

Be it Pak terrorists or traitors on our own soil, chowkidar will not spare anyone: PM Modi

The Supreme Court on Monday issued a notice to Election Commission of India (ECI) and Centre (Union of India) in connection with a plea seeking to decriminalise complaint on malfunctioning of VVPAT/EVM.

A bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi and also comprising Justices Sanjiv Khanna and Deepak Gupta sought a response from the Centre and the poll body over a petition filed by Mumbai based advocate Sunil Ahya.

Ahya through his plea sought direction to the Centre to set aside Rule 49MA of the Conduct of Election Rules, 1961 except for the procedure prescribed for purpose of creating a statistical record of the complaints.

According to the present situation, jail term and fine is guaranteed if the complaint is found false.

Ahya, in his petition, stated that at present, if an elector complains / reports about any discrepancy between EVM and VVPAT, he may face the consequence of a jail term up to six months if it turns to be false, so it should be decriminalised.

Section 49 MA of Code Of Election Rules, states, if a person files a complaint regarding the discrepancy (voted for a particular party but it went to some other party) regarding the EVM, and, if after investigation this is found to be false or incorrect, then the complainant can be prosecuted under section 177 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) for "furnishing false information. This section invites six months in jail or Rs&nbsp;1,000 fine or both".

The Supreme Court on Monday issued a notice to Election Commission of India (ECI) and Centre (Union of India) in connection with a plea seeking to decriminalise complaint on malfunctioning of VVPAT/EVM.

The Supreme Court on Monday issued a notice to Election Commission of India (ECI) and Centre (Union of India) in connection with a plea seeking to decriminalise complaint on malfunctioning of VVPAT/EVM. A bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi and also comprising Justices Sanjiv Khanna and Deepak Gupta sought a response from the Centre and the poll body over a petition filed by Mumbai based advocate Sunil Ahya. Ahya through his plea sought direction to the Centre to set aside Rule 49MA of the Conduct of Election Rules, 1961 except for the procedure prescribed for purpose of creating a statistical record of the complaints. According to the present situation, jail term and fine is guaranteed if the complaint is found false. Ahya, in his petition, stated that at present, if an elector complains / reports about any discrepancy between EVM and VVPAT, he may face the consequence of a jail term up to six months if it turns to be false, so it should be decriminalised. Section 49 MA of Code Of Election Rules, states, if a person files a complaint regarding the discrepancy (voted for a particular party but it went to some other party) regarding the EVM, and, if after investigation this is found to be false or incorrect, then the complainant can be prosecuted under section 177 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) for "furnishing false information. This section invites six months in jail or Rs 1,000 fine or both".

SC seeks ECI, Centre's response over plea seeking decriminalisation of complaints regarding EVM malfunction

Former cricketer Sachin Tendulkar with his wife Anjali Tendulkar cast their votes at a booth in Mumbai. Their son Arjun Tendulkar, a budding left-arm pacer, and daughter Sara voted for the first time.

Cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar with wife Anjali cast their votes in Mumbai