BJP president Amit Shah on Tuesday said that the Congress is confused with respect to its candidate from Varanasi.&nbsp;

Shah said that BJP is clear, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is going to contest from the constituency. He will hold a roadshow in Kashi on April 25 and file his nomination on April 26," Shah said.&nbsp;

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Amit Shah on reports Priyanka Gandhi Vadra may contest from Varanasi: There is democracy in the country, anyone can contest. Congress is in confusion, not us. Our candidate has been declared, Narendra Modi will contest election from here. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LokSabhaElections2019?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LokSabhaElections2019</a> <a href="https://t.co/7wEBTCwo2M">pic.twitter.com/7wEBTCwo2M</a>
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On Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Shah said that India is a democratic nation and anyone can contest.&nbsp;

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BJP President Amit Shah: Sukhbir Singh Badal, Nitish Kumar, Uddhav Thackeray and other NDA leaders will be present during nomination filing by PM Modi on April 26 <a href="https://t.co/05qXS3CWYV">https://t.co/05qXS3CWYV</a>
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"There is democracy in the country, anyone can contest. Congress is in confusion, not us. Our candidate has been declared, Narendra Modi will contest election from here," he added.&nbsp;

Earlier in the day, Shah said the party's Bhopal Lok Sabha candidate Pragya Singh Thakur was framed in false cases by those who had coined the term "Hindu terror" and indulged in vote bank politics.

He defended her candidature and called it an "absolutely right decision".

BJP president Amit Shah on Tuesday said that the Congress is confused with respect to its candidate from Varanasi. Shah said that BJP is clear, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is going to contest from the constituency.

BJP president Amit Shah on Tuesday said that the Congress is confused with respect to its candidate from Varanasi. Shah said that BJP is clear, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is going to contest from the constituency. He will hold a roadshow in Kashi on April 25 and file his nomination on April 26," Shah said. Amit Shah on reports Priyanka Gandhi Vadra may contest from Varanasi: There is democracy in the country, anyone can contest. Congress is in confusion, not us. Our candidate has been declared, Narendra Modi will contest election from here. #LokSabhaElections2019 pic.twitter.com/7wEBTCwo2M — ANI (@ANI) April 23, 2019 × On Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Shah said that India is a democratic nation and anyone can contest. BJP President Amit Shah: Sukhbir Singh Badal, Nitish Kumar, Uddhav Thackeray and other NDA leaders will be present during nomination filing by PM Modi on April 26 https://t.co/05qXS3CWYV — ANI (@ANI) April 23, 2019 × "There is democracy in the country, anyone can contest. Congress is in confusion, not us. Our candidate has been declared, Narendra Modi will contest election from here," he added. Earlier in the day, Shah said the party's Bhopal Lok Sabha candidate Pragya Singh Thakur was framed in false cases by those who had coined the term "Hindu terror" and indulged in vote bank politics. He defended her candidature and called it an "absolutely right decision".

Congress is in confusion, not us: Amit Shah on reports of Priyanka Gandhi Vadra contesting from Varanasi 

The voter turnout in south Kashmir's Anantnag Lok Sabha seat, where elections are being held in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/6466-voter-turnout-in-phase-3-of-lok-sabha-polls-election-commission-213009">three phases, Tuesday</a> recorded a massive dip as compared to the 2014 general election.

The six assembly segments which went to poll in phase one on Tuesday recorded a turnout of 12.86 per cent. It was 39.37 per cent in 2014 in the corresponding segments, senior Deputy Election Commissioner Umesh Sinha told reporters here.

While polling concluded in Anantnag district, voting in Kulgam district will be held on April 29. Pulwama and Shopian districts will go to polls on May 6.

The Election Commission has curtailed the polling duration for the Anantnag Lok Sabha constituency by two hours following a request from the state police to this effect.&nbsp;

The voting will be held in south Kashmir areas from 7 am to 4 pm.&nbsp;

The Anantnag district has 5,29,256 electors, including 2,69,603 males, 2,57,540 females, 2,102 service electors and 11 transgender voters.&nbsp;

The EC has established 1,842 polling stations to facilitate smooth polling, the official said.&nbsp;

The Anantnag constituency has 13,97,272 registered voters, including 7,20,337 males, 6,72,879 females and 35 transgender persons.&nbsp;

There are 18 candidates in the fray for the seat including PDP president and former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Mehbooba Mufti.&nbsp;

The voter turnout in south Kashmir's Anantnag Lok Sabha seat, where elections are being held in three phases, Tuesday recorded a massive dip as compared to the 2014 general election.

The voter turnout in south Kashmir's Anantnag Lok Sabha seat, where elections are being held in three phases, Tuesday recorded a massive dip as compared to the 2014 general election. The six assembly segments which went to poll in phase one on Tuesday recorded a turnout of 12.86 per cent. It was 39.37 per cent in 2014 in the corresponding segments, senior Deputy Election Commissioner Umesh Sinha told reporters here. While polling concluded in Anantnag district, voting in Kulgam district will be held on April 29. Pulwama and Shopian districts will go to polls on May 6. The Election Commission has curtailed the polling duration for the Anantnag Lok Sabha constituency by two hours following a request from the state police to this effect. The voting will be held in south Kashmir areas from 7 am to 4 pm. The Anantnag district has 5,29,256 electors, including 2,69,603 males, 2,57,540 females, 2,102 service electors and 11 transgender voters. The EC has established 1,842 polling stations to facilitate smooth polling, the official said. The Anantnag constituency has 13,97,272 registered voters, including 7,20,337 males, 6,72,879 females and 35 transgender persons. There are 18 candidates in the fray for the seat including PDP president and former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Mehbooba Mufti.

Major dip in voter turnout in J&K's Anantnag seat as compared to 2014 Lok Sabha polls

In an informal video interaction with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar asked if he eats mangoes.

The snippets of the "informal interview" for news agency ANI was shared online wherein the Bollywood actor engages in a&nbsp;"freewheeling" conversation with the Prime Minister. The whole interview will be aired by ANI on Wednesday.&nbsp;

In what can aptly be called the "teases" of the full interview, PM Modi and Akshay Kumar can be seen cracking jokes and engaging in a humour-filled conversation.&nbsp;

The prime minister could be seen bursting into laughter to one of Kumar's jokes.&nbsp;

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Do you ever wonder whether PM Modi manages to laugh during the heat of the election campaign? You’ll get the answer tomorrow at 9am <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ANI</a>, in an informal and non-political conversation that I got the chance to do with <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> ji. Do watch! <a href="https://t.co/pczNar7k3A">pic.twitter.com/pczNar7k3A</a>
— Akshay Kumar (@akshaykumar) <a href="https://twitter.com/akshaykumar/status/1120711801686110208?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 23, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"You sleep only for 3.30 hours, how do you manage?" Akshay Kumar asks PM Modi to which the prime minister replied saying that even former US President Barack Obama once asked him the same and often enquires "if I have increased my sleeping hours".&nbsp;

Akshay Kumar also shared parts of the interview on his Twitter handle stating that he is "privileged to have done this candid and COMPLETELY NON POLITICAL freewheeling conversation with our PM".

"Do you ever wonder whether PM Modi manages to laugh during the heat of the election campaign," read Kumar's another tweet.&nbsp;

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While the whole country is talking elections and politics, here’s a breather. Privileged to have done this candid and COMPLETELY NON POLITICAL freewheeling conversation with our PM <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> . Watch it at 9AM tomorrow via <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ANI</a> for some lesser known facts about him! <a href="https://t.co/Owji9xL9zn">pic.twitter.com/Owji9xL9zn</a>
— Akshay Kumar (@akshaykumar) <a href="https://twitter.com/akshaykumar/status/1120701537821630464?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 23, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Akshay Kumar. on Monday, had the world of news rife with speculations when he dropped hints of "getting into an unknown and uncharted territory".

"Doing something I have never done before. Excited and nervous both," he tweeted out yesterday.

He later clarified that his move has nothing to do with contesting the ongoing Lok Sabha polls.&nbsp;

&nbsp; &nbsp;

In an informal video interaction with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar asked if he eats mangoes. The snippets of the "informal interview" for news agency ANI was shared online wherein the Bollywood actor engages in a "freewheeling" conversation with the Prime Minister.

In an informal video interaction with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar asked if he eats mangoes. The snippets of the "informal interview" for news agency ANI was shared online wherein the Bollywood actor engages in a "freewheeling" conversation with the Prime Minister. The whole interview will be aired by ANI on Wednesday. In what can aptly be called the "teases" of the full interview, PM Modi and Akshay Kumar can be seen cracking jokes and engaging in a humour-filled conversation. The prime minister could be seen bursting into laughter to one of Kumar's jokes. Do you ever wonder whether PM Modi manages to laugh during the heat of the election campaign? You’ll get the answer tomorrow at 9am @ANI, in an informal and non-political conversation that I got the chance to do with @narendramodi ji. Do watch! pic.twitter.com/pczNar7k3A — Akshay Kumar (@akshaykumar) April 23, 2019 × "You sleep only for 3.30 hours, how do you manage?" Akshay Kumar asks PM Modi to which the prime minister replied saying that even former US President Barack Obama once asked him the same and often enquires "if I have increased my sleeping hours". Akshay Kumar also shared parts of the interview on his Twitter handle stating that he is "privileged to have done this candid and COMPLETELY NON POLITICAL freewheeling conversation with our PM". "Do you ever wonder whether PM Modi manages to laugh during the heat of the election campaign," read Kumar's another tweet. While the whole country is talking elections and politics, here’s a breather. Privileged to have done this candid and COMPLETELY NON POLITICAL freewheeling conversation with our PM @narendramodi . Watch it at 9AM tomorrow via @ANI for some lesser known facts about him! pic.twitter.com/Owji9xL9zn — Akshay Kumar (@akshaykumar) April 23, 2019 × Akshay Kumar. on Monday, had the world of news rife with speculations when he dropped hints of "getting into an unknown and uncharted territory". "Doing something I have never done before. Excited and nervous both," he tweeted out yesterday. He later clarified that his move has nothing to do with contesting the ongoing Lok Sabha polls.

'Obama asks the same,' says PM Modi when Akshay Kumar asked 'how do you sleep for just 3 hours?'

We talked with Mr. Walter Andersen, Author & Academician from Virginia over Indian Lok Sabha Election 2019. Watch this exclusive talk.

LS Polls 2019: Watch exclusive talk with Mr. Walter Andersen, Author & Academician from Virginia

The Bharatiya Janata Party on Tuesday released its 26th list of candidates for Lok Sabha polls in Chandigarh and Punjab.&nbsp;

Bollywood actor <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/will-sunny-deol-contest-election-from-gurdaspur-on-a-bjp-ticket-212822">Sunny Deol</a>, who officially joined the party earlier in the day, has been fielded from Gurdaspur. Actor-turned-politician Kirron Kher will be contesting from Chandigarh.&nbsp;

Som Prakash will be contesting from Hoshiarpur.&nbsp;

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BJP releases 26th list of candidates for 3 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LokSabhaElections2019?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LokSabhaElections2019</a> seats in Chandigarh &amp; Punjab. Sunny Deol to contest from Gurdaspur, Som Prakash from Hoshiarpur, and Kirron Kher from Chandigarh. <a href="https://t.co/ca0C239gwO">pic.twitter.com/ca0C239gwO</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1120696235596439552?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 23, 2019</a></blockquote>
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On Friday, as Deol's photo with BJP chief Amit Shah started doing the rounds on social media, rumours were abuzz that the actor would be joining the party and contesting from one of the key constituencies of Punjab.&nbsp;

Deol was inducted into the party by Union Ministers Piyush Goyal and Nirmala Sitharaman on Tuesday at an event.&nbsp;

The Bharatiya Janata Party on Tuesday released its 26th list of candidates for Lok Sabha polls in Chandigarh and Punjab. Bollywood actor Sunny Deol, who officially joined the party earlier in the day, has been fielded from Gurdaspur.

The Bharatiya Janata Party on Tuesday released its 26th list of candidates for Lok Sabha polls in Chandigarh and Punjab. Bollywood actor Sunny Deol, who officially joined the party earlier in the day, has been fielded from Gurdaspur. Actor-turned-politician Kirron Kher will be contesting from Chandigarh. Som Prakash will be contesting from Hoshiarpur. BJP releases 26th list of candidates for 3 #LokSabhaElections2019 seats in Chandigarh & Punjab. Sunny Deol to contest from Gurdaspur, Som Prakash from Hoshiarpur, and Kirron Kher from Chandigarh. pic.twitter.com/ca0C239gwO — ANI (@ANI) April 23, 2019 × On Friday, as Deol's photo with BJP chief Amit Shah started doing the rounds on social media, rumours were abuzz that the actor would be joining the party and contesting from one of the key constituencies of Punjab. Deol was inducted into the party by Union Ministers Piyush Goyal and Nirmala Sitharaman on Tuesday at an event.

Lok Sabha polls: BJP fields Sunny Deol from Gurdaspur; Kirron Kher from Chandigarh

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-polls-2019-phase-3-voting-on-april-23-212719">The third phase of the ongoing Lok Sabha polls</a> came to an end on Tuesday evening with 64.66 per cent of total overall voter turnout, the Election Commission stated.&nbsp;

Voting was held in 116 Lok Sabha seats. As many as 13&nbsp;states and 2 union territories went to polls today. Kerala, Gujarat and Goa were the three states where all constituencies were up for voting.&nbsp;

BJP president Amit Shah, Congress chief Rahul Gandhi and several union ministers were among the prominent candidates in the fray in the largest polling phase of the general elections.&nbsp;

Assam, Tripura and West Bengal were in a neck to neck competition for the top spot in voter turnout today.

Reports of EVM glitches and technical snags surfaced in isolated places across states like Odisha and Goa.&nbsp;

West Bengal, where polling was marred by violence in the previous phase, saw incidents of unrest. A man, standing in a queue to cast his vote, was killed in clashes that broke out between Trinamool Congress and Congress workers in state's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/third-phase-lok-sabha-polling-man-gets-killed-in-clashes-between-congress-tmc-workers-in-west-bengals-murshidabad-212880">Murshidabad</a>.&nbsp;

The overall polling percentage in the first two phases was recorded at 69.45 per cent and 69.43 per cent respectively.

&nbsp;<img alt="phase 3 lok sabha polls" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0bc0ee86-446d-4cc2-a967-4638c1f7c930" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Phase%203_1.jpg" />

In the first two phases, the election was held on 91 and 95 seats on April 11 and April 18 respectively.&nbsp;

Election to 543 seats is being held in seven phases. The counting of votes will be on May 23.&nbsp;

The third phase of the ongoing Lok Sabha polls came to an end on Tuesday evening with 64.66 per cent of total overall voter turnout, the Election Commission stated.

The third phase of the ongoing Lok Sabha polls came to an end on Tuesday evening with 64.66 per cent of total overall voter turnout, the Election Commission stated. Voting was held in 116 Lok Sabha seats. As many as 13 states and 2 union territories went to polls today. Kerala, Gujarat and Goa were the three states where all constituencies were up for voting. BJP president Amit Shah, Congress chief Rahul Gandhi and several union ministers were among the prominent candidates in the fray in the largest polling phase of the general elections. Assam, Tripura and West Bengal were in a neck to neck competition for the top spot in voter turnout today. Reports of EVM glitches and technical snags surfaced in isolated places across states like Odisha and Goa. West Bengal, where polling was marred by violence in the previous phase, saw incidents of unrest. A man, standing in a queue to cast his vote, was killed in clashes that broke out between Trinamool Congress and Congress workers in state's Murshidabad. The overall polling percentage in the first two phases was recorded at 69.45 per cent and 69.43 per cent respectively. In the first two phases, the election was held on 91 and 95 seats on April 11 and April 18 respectively. Election to 543 seats is being held in seven phases. The counting of votes will be on May 23.

64.66% voter turnout in phase 3 of Lok Sabha polls: Election Commission

Three heavyweights including former Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit, cricketer-turned-politician Gautam Gambhir and boxer Vijender Singh on Tuesday filed their nominations from their respective Lok Sabha seats.BJP has named Gambhir against three-time Gandhi Nagar MLA Arvind Singh Lovely of Congress and AAP's Atishi in East Delhi.

"Many people tweet on every issue but they do not come on the ground. BJP has given me the opportunity to implement my vision and thought," Gambhir told reporters after filing nomination.

"If AAP had worked in the last four-and-half years then they would not have been so desperate about the alliance (with the Congress)," he said.

Congress has fielded Dikshit to take on sitting MP Manoj Tiwari from North East Delhi parliamentary seat.

When asked about the alliance with AAP, she said,&nbsp;"If any situation like this comes, then we will let you know."

Professional boxer Vijender Singh also filed nomination from the South Delhi seat.

"People love me because of boxing but I will also fulfil my responsibility of serving people as given by the Congress party," he said.

"I am looking at many problems in South Delhi and I hope we will fix this. Where is Modi wave? I am not seeing anything like this. People now know the real face (of Modi)," he added.

Singh is pitted against incumbent BJP's Ramesh Bidhuri and AAP's Raghav Chadha.BJP's Hans Raj Hans and Congress's Rajesh Lilothia also filed nomination in North West constituency.

Hans has replaced BJP's sitting MP Udit Raj.

"I have been a warrior since my childhood, I have to win. I am the son of a farm labourer, it is in my genes to work hard. I consider PM Modi as my hero," Hans said.

Earlier in the day, Congress'&nbsp;candidate Lovely also filed his nomination. Delhi, where seven Lok Sabha seats are at stake will go to poll on May 12. The counting of votes will take place on May 23.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Three heavyweights including former Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit, cricketer-turned-politician Gautam Gambhir and boxer Vijender Singh on Tuesday filed their nominations from their respective Lok Sabha seats.

Three heavyweights including former Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit, cricketer-turned-politician Gautam Gambhir and boxer Vijender Singh on Tuesday filed their nominations from their respective Lok Sabha seats.BJP has named Gambhir against three-time Gandhi Nagar MLA Arvind Singh Lovely of Congress and AAP's Atishi in East Delhi. "Many people tweet on every issue but they do not come on the ground. BJP has given me the opportunity to implement my vision and thought," Gambhir told reporters after filing nomination. "If AAP had worked in the last four-and-half years then they would not have been so desperate about the alliance (with the Congress)," he said. Congress has fielded Dikshit to take on sitting MP Manoj Tiwari from North East Delhi parliamentary seat. When asked about the alliance with AAP, she said, "If any situation like this comes, then we will let you know." Professional boxer Vijender Singh also filed nomination from the South Delhi seat. "People love me because of boxing but I will also fulfil my responsibility of serving people as given by the Congress party," he said. "I am looking at many problems in South Delhi and I hope we will fix this. Where is Modi wave? I am not seeing anything like this. People now know the real face (of Modi)," he added. Singh is pitted against incumbent BJP's Ramesh Bidhuri and AAP's Raghav Chadha.BJP's Hans Raj Hans and Congress's Rajesh Lilothia also filed nomination in North West constituency. Hans has replaced BJP's sitting MP Udit Raj. "I have been a warrior since my childhood, I have to win. I am the son of a farm labourer, it is in my genes to work hard. I consider PM Modi as my hero," Hans said. Earlier in the day, Congress' candidate Lovely also filed his nomination. Delhi, where seven Lok Sabha seats are at stake will go to poll on May 12. The counting of votes will take place on May 23.

Delhi: Sheila Dikshit, Gautam Gambhir, Vijender Singh file nominations

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/response-in-first-2-phases-giving-sleepless-nights-to-opposition-parties-pm-modi-212841">Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday</a> launched an attack on West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee stating that her party's state is such that people are not turning up for the rallies. The Prime Minister was addressing a rally in Asansol.

"Today TMC's condition has become such that people are not turning up for their rallies, they are forced to call actors from abroad. I feel pity for you didi, look what the brave people of Bengal have done to you," the PM noted.

PM Modi went on to say that the TMC chief is dreaming of becoming&nbsp;the prime minister of the nation&nbsp;by fighting on just a handful of seats.

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PM Narendra Modi in Asansol, West Bengal: Before 2014, Congress govt had made a record of corruption. Today TMC government is giving tough competition to the Congress. Corruption &amp; crime are non-stop in TMC rule. And 'Speed-breaker Didi' is also there <a href="https://t.co/lowpJPd3kY">pic.twitter.com/lowpJPd3kY</a>
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"Didi, the seat of the prime minister is not available at any auction," he added.&nbsp;

He further said that the Congress government had made a record of corruption before 2014 and that the Trinamool Congress is giving a tough competition to the Congress.&nbsp;

"Corruption and crime are non-stop in TMC rule. And 'Speed-breaker Didi' is also there," the PM noted.&nbsp;

Earlier in the day, PM Modi said that the response in the first two phases of polling is giving sleepless nights to opposition parties.&nbsp;

Addressing an election rally at Kendrapara in Odisha, Modi further said that 'Lahar' (wave) for BJP has become 'Lalkar' (challenge) for the Opposition after two phases of polls.&nbsp;

Prime minister accused the Naveen Patnaik government of resorting to violence and added in Odisha, BJD will go and BJP will come to power after polls.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday launched an attack on West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee stating that her party's state is such that people are not turning up for the rallies.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday launched an attack on West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee stating that her party's state is such that people are not turning up for the rallies. The Prime Minister was addressing a rally in Asansol. "Today TMC's condition has become such that people are not turning up for their rallies, they are forced to call actors from abroad. I feel pity for you didi, look what the brave people of Bengal have done to you," the PM noted. PM Modi went on to say that the TMC chief is dreaming of becoming the prime minister of the nation by fighting on just a handful of seats. PM Narendra Modi in Asansol, West Bengal: Before 2014, Congress govt had made a record of corruption. Today TMC government is giving tough competition to the Congress. Corruption & crime are non-stop in TMC rule. And 'Speed-breaker Didi' is also there pic.twitter.com/lowpJPd3kY — ANI (@ANI) April 23, 2019 × "Didi, the seat of the prime minister is not available at any auction," he added. He further said that the Congress government had made a record of corruption before 2014 and that the Trinamool Congress is giving a tough competition to the Congress. "Corruption and crime are non-stop in TMC rule. And 'Speed-breaker Didi' is also there," the PM noted. Earlier in the day, PM Modi said that the response in the first two phases of polling is giving sleepless nights to opposition parties. Addressing an election rally at Kendrapara in Odisha, Modi further said that 'Lahar' (wave) for BJP has become 'Lalkar' (challenge) for the Opposition after two phases of polls. Prime minister accused the Naveen Patnaik government of resorting to violence and added in Odisha, BJD will go and BJP will come to power after polls.

Corruption and crime are non-stop in Trinamool Congress' rule: PM Modi is Asansol

The National Green Tribunal has directed the UP chief secretary to take urgent steps to dispose of the solid waste that has accumulated in Allahabad post-Kumbh Mela and fix accountability of officers in this regard.

Taking note of a report filed by a committee headed by Justice Arun Tandon, the NGT said the situation in the area was alarming and it needed to be dealt with on an urgent basis to avoid the spread of epidemics.

A bench headed by NGT Chairperson Justice Adarsh Kumar Goel said accountability must be fixed at the ground level and personal supervision by senior-level officers ensured.

"We accordingly direct that an appropriate monitoring mechanism of fixing accountability of ground-level officers and the level of the officers required to monitor may be determined by the chief secretary at the earliest, preferably before April 26 on which date, the chief secretary, state of Uttar Pradesh, is expected to appear before this tribunal," the bench said.

The tribunal said that on perusal of photographs, it was found that there was an urgent need for restoration work for the treatment of sewage water, remediation work for drains and solid waste processing.

The direction came after examining the report of Justice Tandon which said that a large number of toilets have been constructed at various camps on the 'Arail' side very close to the river.

"Sewage received at the Rajapur STP was in excess of the installed capacity. Only 50 per cent of Rajapur drain was being treated through Geo tube and the remaining 50 per cent was being permitted to enter river Ganga without treatment. At Jodhwal Nala Rasoolabad, the capacity of bioremediation technology was 6 million litres per day," the report said.

"At Salori STP, the 29 MLD plant was not working satisfactorily. Sewage was in excess of capacity. BOD level was 47 mg per litre. The Geo tube was not working satisfactorily. 50 per cent of the sewage from the Salori drain was being trapped. Remaining was being permitted to enter river Ganga without treatment," it added.

The tribunal had earlier asked the Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board (UPPCB) to monitor the environment during the Kumbh Mela at Allahabad.

The NGT had said that since the religious festival was being conducted on a large scale, segregation of waste should be done at source by educating the people.

It had directed that the Ministry of Urban Development and Housing and other authorities to display posters and banners and distribute handbills to educate people with regard to waste management.&nbsp;

The National Green Tribunal has directed the UP chief secretary to take urgent steps to dispose of the solid waste that has accumulated in Allahabad post-Kumbh Mela and fix accountability of officers in this regard.

The National Green Tribunal has directed the UP chief secretary to take urgent steps to dispose of the solid waste that has accumulated in Allahabad post-Kumbh Mela and fix accountability of officers in this regard. Taking note of a report filed by a committee headed by Justice Arun Tandon, the NGT said the situation in the area was alarming and it needed to be dealt with on an urgent basis to avoid the spread of epidemics. A bench headed by NGT Chairperson Justice Adarsh Kumar Goel said accountability must be fixed at the ground level and personal supervision by senior-level officers ensured. "We accordingly direct that an appropriate monitoring mechanism of fixing accountability of ground-level officers and the level of the officers required to monitor may be determined by the chief secretary at the earliest, preferably before April 26 on which date, the chief secretary, state of Uttar Pradesh, is expected to appear before this tribunal," the bench said. The tribunal said that on perusal of photographs, it was found that there was an urgent need for restoration work for the treatment of sewage water, remediation work for drains and solid waste processing. The direction came after examining the report of Justice Tandon which said that a large number of toilets have been constructed at various camps on the 'Arail' side very close to the river. "Sewage received at the Rajapur STP was in excess of the installed capacity. Only 50 per cent of Rajapur drain was being treated through Geo tube and the remaining 50 per cent was being permitted to enter river Ganga without treatment. At Jodhwal Nala Rasoolabad, the capacity of bioremediation technology was 6 million litres per day," the report said. "At Salori STP, the 29 MLD plant was not working satisfactorily. Sewage was in excess of capacity. BOD level was 47 mg per litre. The Geo tube was not working satisfactorily. 50 per cent of the sewage from the Salori drain was being trapped. Remaining was being permitted to enter river Ganga without treatment," it added. The tribunal had earlier asked the Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board (UPPCB) to monitor the environment during the Kumbh Mela at Allahabad. The NGT had said that since the religious festival was being conducted on a large scale, segregation of waste should be done at source by educating the people. It had directed that the Ministry of Urban Development and Housing and other authorities to display posters and banners and distribute handbills to educate people with regard to waste management.

National Green Tribunal directs UP chief secretary to take urgent steps to deal with waste post Kumbh Mela

BJP cadres thrashed an NCP worker at the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) office here after he allegedly showed black flags to Pragya Singh Thakur, the BJP Lok Sabha candidate from Bhopal, during her roadshow.

Visuals show the BJP workers raising slogans and slapping the NCP worker, following which he was taken away by the police from the SDM office.

Earlier today, Thakur, who is contesting against senior Congress leader Digvijaya Singh, held a roadshow in Bhopal. She had filed her nomination papers from the seat yesterday.

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Madhya Pradesh: BJP workers thrashed an NCP worker at SDM office in Bhopal after he allegedly showed black flags to Pragya Singh Thakur, BJP LS candidate from Bhopal, during her roadshow. <a href="https://t.co/WsbgIiThWD">pic.twitter.com/WsbgIiThWD</a>
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Thakur is among the seven accused facing trial in the Malegaon blast case, wherein six people were killed and a dozen others were injured when a bomb placed on a motorcycle exploded in Maharashtra's Malegaon on September 29, 2008.

On April 17, Thakur had formally joined the BJP. The move invited criticism from several opposition leaders who have slammed the BJP for fielding a terror accused in the Lok Sabha elections.

Thakur courted controversy when she made remarks in reference to Babri Masjid demolition and late Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) chief Hemant Karkare.

Subsequently, the Election Commission (EC) took cognisance and issued notices to Thakur for violating the Model Code of Conduct (MCC).

Polling in Bhopal Lok Sabha constituency will be held on May 12 and counting of votes will take place on May 23.&nbsp;

BJP cadres thrashed an NCP worker at the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) office here after he allegedly showed black flags to Pragya Singh Thakur, the BJP Lok Sabha candidate from Bhopal, during her roadshow.

BJP cadres thrashed an NCP worker at the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) office here after he allegedly showed black flags to Pragya Singh Thakur, the BJP Lok Sabha candidate from Bhopal, during her roadshow. Visuals show the BJP workers raising slogans and slapping the NCP worker, following which he was taken away by the police from the SDM office. Earlier today, Thakur, who is contesting against senior Congress leader Digvijaya Singh, held a roadshow in Bhopal. She had filed her nomination papers from the seat yesterday. Madhya Pradesh: BJP workers thrashed an NCP worker at SDM office in Bhopal after he allegedly showed black flags to Pragya Singh Thakur, BJP LS candidate from Bhopal, during her roadshow. pic.twitter.com/WsbgIiThWD — ANI (@ANI) April 23, 2019 × Thakur is among the seven accused facing trial in the Malegaon blast case, wherein six people were killed and a dozen others were injured when a bomb placed on a motorcycle exploded in Maharashtra's Malegaon on September 29, 2008. On April 17, Thakur had formally joined the BJP. The move invited criticism from several opposition leaders who have slammed the BJP for fielding a terror accused in the Lok Sabha elections. Thakur courted controversy when she made remarks in reference to Babri Masjid demolition and late Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) chief Hemant Karkare. Subsequently, the Election Commission (EC) took cognisance and issued notices to Thakur for violating the Model Code of Conduct (MCC). Polling in Bhopal Lok Sabha constituency will be held on May 12 and counting of votes will take place on May 23.

BJP cadres thrash NCP worker for showing black flags to Pragya Thakur

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh Tuesday said naxals will be rooted out in the country by 2023.

Rebels and terrorists coming in the way of the country's security, which is an essential part of development, will be crushed, Singh told a poll rally here.

Naxals have been almost eliminated in Jharkhand and their remaining pockets in the state will end soon, he told a poll rally here.

Singh, who was campaigning in support of Palamau (SC) constituency sitting BJP MP V D Ram, said that Jharkhand Mukti Morcha and Congress have joined hands in the state due to their lust for power but they will not be successful in achieving their aim.

There is no leader in the opposition to match the stature of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the other leaders are "dwarfs" compared to him.

Detailing developmental schemes like Ujjwala, Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana and Jan Dhan Yojana, Singh said BJP is committed to ushering in the development of the country by 2022 and its manifesto reflected it.

Ridiculing opposition parties seeking proof of bodies in the aftermath of Balakot air strikes, Singh said the air force's job was to hit the terror camps and not count the bodies and the objective was completed.

After Pulwama attack, all the countries stood with India, whose "policy is not to fire the first bullet but respond strongly to any bullet fired at it".

Palamau goes to the polls along with Chatra and Lohardaga(ST) seats in the fourth phase of polling on April 29, which will be the first phase for Jharkhand.&nbsp;

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh Tuesday said naxals will be rooted out in the country by 2023. Rebels and terrorists coming in the way of the country's security, which is an essential part of development, will be crushed, Singh told a poll rally here.

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh Tuesday said naxals will be rooted out in the country by 2023. Rebels and terrorists coming in the way of the country's security, which is an essential part of development, will be crushed, Singh told a poll rally here. Naxals have been almost eliminated in Jharkhand and their remaining pockets in the state will end soon, he told a poll rally here. Singh, who was campaigning in support of Palamau (SC) constituency sitting BJP MP V D Ram, said that Jharkhand Mukti Morcha and Congress have joined hands in the state due to their lust for power but they will not be successful in achieving their aim. There is no leader in the opposition to match the stature of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the other leaders are "dwarfs" compared to him. Detailing developmental schemes like Ujjwala, Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana and Jan Dhan Yojana, Singh said BJP is committed to ushering in the development of the country by 2022 and its manifesto reflected it. Ridiculing opposition parties seeking proof of bodies in the aftermath of Balakot air strikes, Singh said the air force's job was to hit the terror camps and not count the bodies and the objective was completed. After Pulwama attack, all the countries stood with India, whose "policy is not to fire the first bullet but respond strongly to any bullet fired at it". Palamau goes to the polls along with Chatra and Lohardaga(ST) seats in the fourth phase of polling on April 29, which will be the first phase for Jharkhand.

Naxalites will be rooted out by 2023: Rajnath Singh

Aam Aadmi Party chief Arvind Kejriwal on Tuesday alleged that there have been several instances of faulty electronic voting machines in Goa during polling for the third phase of Lok Sabha elections.

In a series of tweets, Kejriwal tagged reports of alleged faulty electronic voting machines.

Tagging a news report which claimed that "faulty EVM in a booth at Kizhakke Nalpathu near Cherthala was replaced after it was found that all votes were getting registered to BJP", Kejriwal said, "Absolutely shocking. All faulty EVMs deliver votes to BJP".

In another instance, he shared the party's Goa convenor Elvis Gomes' tweet, "Election of shame? Mock poll with 9 votes for each of 6 candidates in booth no 31 in 34 AC in Goa. Total count BJP gets 17, Cong 9, Aap 8. Ind 1. Robbery."

Replying to Gomes' tweet, he said, "Faulty EVM in Goa also transfers other votes to BJP. Are these really faulty or programmed in this fashion?"

He shared another tweet of a citizen who alleged that "in Kerala if you press 'Hand' symbol, light shows as 'Lotus'. How is that all 'faulty EVMs' select only BJP?" to which Kejriwal said "another faulty EVM voting for BJP".

In the third phase of elections, about 18.56 crore voters are eligible for voting, for which 2.10 lakh polling booths/stations have been set up.

Besides all seats in Gujarat (26) and Kerala (20), voting will be held in four seats in Assam, five in Bihar, seven in Chhattisgarh, 14 each in Karnataka and Maharashtra, six in Odisha, 10 in Uttar Pradesh, five in West Bengal, two in Goa, and one each in Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Daman and Diu and Tripura.&nbsp;

Aam Aadmi Party chief Arvind Kejriwal on Tuesday alleged that there have been several instances of faulty electronic voting machines in Goa during polling for the third phase of Lok Sabha elections.

Aam Aadmi Party chief Arvind Kejriwal on Tuesday alleged that there have been several instances of faulty electronic voting machines in Goa during polling for the third phase of Lok Sabha elections. In a series of tweets, Kejriwal tagged reports of alleged faulty electronic voting machines. Tagging a news report which claimed that "faulty EVM in a booth at Kizhakke Nalpathu near Cherthala was replaced after it was found that all votes were getting registered to BJP", Kejriwal said, "Absolutely shocking. All faulty EVMs deliver votes to BJP". In another instance, he shared the party's Goa convenor Elvis Gomes' tweet, "Election of shame? Mock poll with 9 votes for each of 6 candidates in booth no 31 in 34 AC in Goa. Total count BJP gets 17, Cong 9, Aap 8. Ind 1. Robbery." Replying to Gomes' tweet, he said, "Faulty EVM in Goa also transfers other votes to BJP. Are these really faulty or programmed in this fashion?" He shared another tweet of a citizen who alleged that "in Kerala if you press 'Hand' symbol, light shows as 'Lotus'. How is that all 'faulty EVMs' select only BJP?" to which Kejriwal said "another faulty EVM voting for BJP". In the third phase of elections, about 18.56 crore voters are eligible for voting, for which 2.10 lakh polling booths/stations have been set up. Besides all seats in Gujarat (26) and Kerala (20), voting will be held in four seats in Assam, five in Bihar, seven in Chhattisgarh, 14 each in Karnataka and Maharashtra, six in Odisha, 10 in Uttar Pradesh, five in West Bengal, two in Goa, and one each in Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Daman and Diu and Tripura.

Kejriwal alleges several instances of faulty EVMs in polls in Goa

Prominent political leaders like former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Union Ministers Arun Jaitley and Dharmendra Pradhan on Tuesday cast votes at their respective polling booths for the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-polls-2019-phase-3-voting-on-april-23-212719">third phase of Lok Sabha elections</a>.

Manmohan Singh cast his vote at a polling booth in Assam's Dispur. Union Finance Minister and BJP leader Arun Jaitley cast his vote at Gujarat's Ahmedabad while Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan cast his vote in Odisha's Talcher.

The third phase of Lok Sabha elections is underway at 116 parliamentary constituencies across 13 states and two Union Territories.

The seven-phase Lok Sabha election started on April 11.

The first phase witnessed 69.45 voter turnout across the country while the election for the second phase was held on April 18 and witnessed 69.43 per cent voter turnout.

Counting of votes will take place on May 23.&nbsp;

Prominent political leaders like former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Union Ministers Arun Jaitley and Dharmendra Pradhan on Tuesday cast votes at their respective polling booths for the third phase of Lok Sabha elections.

Prominent political leaders like former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Union Ministers Arun Jaitley and Dharmendra Pradhan on Tuesday cast votes at their respective polling booths for the third phase of Lok Sabha elections. Manmohan Singh cast his vote at a polling booth in Assam's Dispur. Union Finance Minister and BJP leader Arun Jaitley cast his vote at Gujarat's Ahmedabad while Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan cast his vote in Odisha's Talcher. The third phase of Lok Sabha elections is underway at 116 parliamentary constituencies across 13 states and two Union Territories. The seven-phase Lok Sabha election started on April 11. The first phase witnessed 69.45 voter turnout across the country while the election for the second phase was held on April 18 and witnessed 69.43 per cent voter turnout. Counting of votes will take place on May 23.

Lok Sabha polls: Manmohan Singh, Arun Jaitley, Dharmendra Pradhan cast votes

A man standing in a queue to cast his vote was killed in clashes that broke out between Congress and Trinamool Congress workers in West Bengal's Baligram in Murshidabad.&nbsp;

The state has had witnessed spurts of violence amid polling in the previous phases.

Isolated incidents of violence, road blockades, bombings and police firing marred the second phase of polling at a few places in the three Lok Sabha constituencies in West Bengal during the second phase polls last week.

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West Bengal: Man standing in a queue to vote killed in clashes between Congress and TMC workers in Baligram, Murshidabad. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LokSabhaElections2019?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LokSabhaElections2019</a> <a href="https://t.co/hkTc56cT7i">pic.twitter.com/hkTc56cT7i</a>
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Despite tensions, the state recorded one of the highest voter turnouts during the last phase.&nbsp;

Five Lok Sabha seats from the state are up for polls today in the third and the largest phase of Lok Sabha polls.

Balurghat, Jangipur, Maldaha Dakshin, Maldaha Uttar and Murshidabad have gone to polls today. Till 3pm, the state topped the voter turnout with 52 per cent polling.&nbsp;

A man standing in a queue to cast his vote was killed in clashes that broke out between Congress and Trinamool Congress workers in West Bengal's Baligram in Murshidabad.

A man standing in a queue to cast his vote was killed in clashes that broke out between Congress and Trinamool Congress workers in West Bengal's Baligram in Murshidabad. The state has had witnessed spurts of violence amid polling in the previous phases. Isolated incidents of violence, road blockades, bombings and police firing marred the second phase of polling at a few places in the three Lok Sabha constituencies in West Bengal during the second phase polls last week. West Bengal: Man standing in a queue to vote killed in clashes between Congress and TMC workers in Baligram, Murshidabad. #LokSabhaElections2019 pic.twitter.com/hkTc56cT7i — ANI (@ANI) April 23, 2019 × Despite tensions, the state recorded one of the highest voter turnouts during the last phase. Five Lok Sabha seats from the state are up for polls today in the third and the largest phase of Lok Sabha polls. Balurghat, Jangipur, Maldaha Dakshin, Maldaha Uttar and Murshidabad have gone to polls today. Till 3pm, the state topped the voter turnout with 52 per cent polling.

Lok Sabha polls: Man gets killed in clashes between Congress, TMC workers in West Bengal's Murshidabad

Veteran BJP leader LK Advani cast his vote at a polling booth in Shahpur Hindi School here on Tuesday.

Advani, who is sitting MP from Gandhinagar, has been replaced by BJP president Amit Shah. The veteran BJP leader has won from the seat six times.

Advani and senior BJP leader Murli Manohar Joshi are among those who have not been fielded by the party for the ongoing Lok Sabha elections.

Advani on April 4 wrote a blog in which he said, "Right from its inception, the BJP has never regarded those who disagree with us politically as our 'enemies', but only as our adversaries. Similarly, in our conception of Indian nationalism, we have never regarded those who disagree with us politically as 'anti-national'."

"The party has been committed to freedom of choice of every citizen at personal as well as political level," the BJP stalwart had said in his recent blog titled 'Nation First, Party Next, Self Last'.

The statements were seen as a veiled dig at the current leadership of the BJP.

The third phase of Lok Sabha elections is underway at 116 parliamentary constituencies across 13 states and two Union Territories.

In Gujarat, 371 candidates are in the fray for 26 Lok Sabha seats, while 45 candidates are in the fray for by-poll in four Assembly seats.

The counting of votes will take place on May 23.

Veteran BJP leader LK Advani cast his vote at a polling booth in Shahpur Hindi School here on Tuesday. Advani, who is sitting MP from Gandhinagar, has been replaced by BJP president Amit Shah.

Veteran BJP leader LK Advani cast his vote at a polling booth in Shahpur Hindi School here on Tuesday. Advani, who is sitting MP from Gandhinagar, has been replaced by BJP president Amit Shah. The veteran BJP leader has won from the seat six times. Advani and senior BJP leader Murli Manohar Joshi are among those who have not been fielded by the party for the ongoing Lok Sabha elections. Advani on April 4 wrote a blog in which he said, "Right from its inception, the BJP has never regarded those who disagree with us politically as our 'enemies', but only as our adversaries. Similarly, in our conception of Indian nationalism, we have never regarded those who disagree with us politically as 'anti-national'." "The party has been committed to freedom of choice of every citizen at personal as well as political level," the BJP stalwart had said in his recent blog titled 'Nation First, Party Next, Self Last'. The statements were seen as a veiled dig at the current leadership of the BJP. The third phase of Lok Sabha elections is underway at 116 parliamentary constituencies across 13 states and two Union Territories. In Gujarat, 371 candidates are in the fray for 26 Lok Sabha seats, while 45 candidates are in the fray for by-poll in four Assembly seats. The counting of votes will take place on May 23.

Lok Sabha polls: LK Advani casts vote in Ahmedabad

Shah Rukh Khan released a rap urging his fans to cast their votes in the ongoing Lok Sabha elections. In March, the Prime Minister had appealed to several Bollywood celebrities to increase awareness among voters.

Shah Rukh Khan turns rapper, urges fans to vote

Polling will be held on Tuesday for the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/lok-sabha-polls-2019-quick-guide-to-third-phase-elections-due-on-april-23-212095">third and largest phase of Lok Sabha election</a> in 116 seats, including all constituencies in Gujarat and Kerala, with BJP president Amit Shah, Congress chief Rahul Gandhi and several Union ministers among prominent candidates in the fray.

The stakes are high for the ruling BJP and its allies as they bagged 66 seats out of these 116 spread across 14 states and Union Territories in 2014 general election, while the Congress and its alliance partners won 27, and the rest went to other opposition parties and Independents.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Besides all seats in Gujarat (26) and Kerala (20), voting will be held in four seats in Assam, five in Bihar, seven in Chhattisgarh, 14 each in Karnataka and Maharashtra, six in Odisha, 10 in Uttar Pradesh, five in West Bengal, two in Goa, and one each in Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Daman and Diu and Tripura.

The polling in Tripura East constituency, which was earlier scheduled for April 18, will be held in this phase, as also in a part of the Anantnag Lok Sabha seat in Jammu and Kashmir, where the election is being held in three phases.&nbsp;

About 18.56 crore voters are eligible for voting in this phase and the Election Commission has set up 2.10 lakh polling booths/stations and has made elaborate security arrangements.&nbsp;

<img alt="Lok Sabha polls phase 3" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a8ec2cf2-ff2a-4e14-85ad-980f5df290d7" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Phase%203.jpg" />

In the first two phases, the election was held to 91 and 96 seats on April 11 and April 18 respectively. Elections are being held in seven phases and with the completion of third phase, the election process will be completed in southern states.&nbsp;

BJP chief Amit Shah, who replaced LK Advani as the party nominee from Gandhinagar, and 370 other candidates are in the fray in the 26 Lok Sabha seats all of which were won by the party in the last election. Union Minister of State for Tribal Affairs Jaswantsinh Bhabhor is the BJP nominee from Dahod seat.

In Kerala, Rahul Gandhi's decision to contest from Wayanad besides his traditional Amethi seat has added new interest to the fight between rivals UDF and LDF for the 20 seats.

The BJP has also aggressively campaigned in the hope of opening its account in the southern state by capitalising on the Sabarimala shrine women entry issue.

Union minister Alphons Kannamthanam is seeking to make his Lok Sabha debut from Ernakulam. Sitting Congress MP Shashi Tharoor is facing a triangular contest in Thiruvananthapuram, where the BJP has fielded former Governor Kummanam Rajasekharan and the CPI C Divakaran.

It is a do-or-die battle for both the ruling CPI(M)-led LDF and the opposition Congress-headed UDF in most of the 20 Lok Sabha seats. The BJP-led NDA is posing a formidable challenge to the two traditional fronts in at least three constituencies -- Thiruvananthapuram, Pathanamthitta and Thrissur.

In Karnakata, the battle lines clearly delineated for a bipolar contest between the ruling Congress-JD(S) combine and the BJP.&nbsp;

The BJP that has considerable presence in these constituencies aims to improve its tally banking on what it calls the "Modi wave" and the support of dominant Lingayat community, considered as its vote base.

It is also a test for Congress-JD(S) coalition government headed by H D Kumaraswamy in the state.

The third phase of polling for 10 Lok Sabha seats in Uttar Pradesh will decide the electoral fate of four members of the SP patron Mulayam Singh Yadav's clan, besides those of senior party leader Azam Khan and film actor and BJP candidate Jaya Prada.

The BJP had won seven out of the 10 seats in 2014, while the SP bagged three. Samajwadi Party founder Mulayam Singh Yadav and his two nephews Dharmendra Yadav and Akshay Yadav are seeking re-election from Mainpuri, Badaun and Firozabad seats respectively. Mulayam has said this will be his last contest.

Voting will be held in seven Lok Sabha seats in Chhattisgarh, of which the BJP had won six in 2014. The Congress, buoyed by its victory in the Assembly elections last year, is hoping to improve its tally in the state.

In Goa, there are 12 candidates in the fray for the two Lok Sabha constituencies, including Union AYUSH Minister Shripad Naik from North Goa where he is pitted against state Congress chief Girish Chodankar.&nbsp;

In Bihar, close to nine million voters will be deciding the fates of 82 candidates in five Lok Sabha seats of Bihar. Four sitting MPs Ranjeet Ranjan (Supaul), her husband Pappu Yadav (Madhepura), Sarfaraz Alam (Araria) and Mehboob Ali Kaiser (Khagaria) would seek to retain their respective seats.

In the six seats in Odisha, the main contest in between the state's ruling BJD and the BJP. The BJD had won all the six seats in 2014.

The ruling Trinamool Congress in West Bengal, BJP and Congress are the main contenders in the five seats -- Balurghat, Maldaha North, Maldaha South, Jangipur and Murshidabad.

Four seats will see four-cornered contests between the three parties and the Left Front. It will be a three-cornered contest in Maldaha South as no Left party is in the fray in the seat.

In Assam, prominent candidates in the fray are two sitting MPs AIUDF chief Badruddin Ajmal in Dhubri and Independent Naba Sarania in Kokrajhar, state social welfare minister Pramila Rani Brahma of BPF from Kokrajhar and Congress MLA Abdul Khaleque.

In the Union Territories of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu, the BJP had bagged both seats in the last election.

The Lok Sabha polls are being held in seven-phases for 543 seats and the counting of votes will be on May 23.

Polling will be held on Tuesday for the third and largest phase of Lok Sabha election in 116 seats, including all constituencies in Gujarat and Kerala, with BJP president Amit Shah, Congress chief Rahul Gandhi and several Union ministers among prominent candidates in the fray.

Polling will be held on Tuesday for the third and largest phase of Lok Sabha election in 116 seats, including all constituencies in Gujarat and Kerala, with BJP president Amit Shah, Congress chief Rahul Gandhi and several Union ministers among prominent candidates in the fray. The stakes are high for the ruling BJP and its allies as they bagged 66 seats out of these 116 spread across 14 states and Union Territories in 2014 general election, while the Congress and its alliance partners won 27, and the rest went to other opposition parties and Independents. Besides all seats in Gujarat (26) and Kerala (20), voting will be held in four seats in Assam, five in Bihar, seven in Chhattisgarh, 14 each in Karnataka and Maharashtra, six in Odisha, 10 in Uttar Pradesh, five in West Bengal, two in Goa, and one each in Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Daman and Diu and Tripura. The polling in Tripura East constituency, which was earlier scheduled for April 18, will be held in this phase, as also in a part of the Anantnag Lok Sabha seat in Jammu and Kashmir, where the election is being held in three phases. About 18.56 crore voters are eligible for voting in this phase and the Election Commission has set up 2.10 lakh polling booths/stations and has made elaborate security arrangements. In the first two phases, the election was held to 91 and 96 seats on April 11 and April 18 respectively. Elections are being held in seven phases and with the completion of third phase, the election process will be completed in southern states. BJP chief Amit Shah, who replaced LK Advani as the party nominee from Gandhinagar, and 370 other candidates are in the fray in the 26 Lok Sabha seats all of which were won by the party in the last election. Union Minister of State for Tribal Affairs Jaswantsinh Bhabhor is the BJP nominee from Dahod seat. In Kerala, Rahul Gandhi's decision to contest from Wayanad besides his traditional Amethi seat has added new interest to the fight between rivals UDF and LDF for the 20 seats. The BJP has also aggressively campaigned in the hope of opening its account in the southern state by capitalising on the Sabarimala shrine women entry issue. Union minister Alphons Kannamthanam is seeking to make his Lok Sabha debut from Ernakulam. Sitting Congress MP Shashi Tharoor is facing a triangular contest in Thiruvananthapuram, where the BJP has fielded former Governor Kummanam Rajasekharan and the CPI C Divakaran. It is a do-or-die battle for both the ruling CPI(M)-led LDF and the opposition Congress-headed UDF in most of the 20 Lok Sabha seats. The BJP-led NDA is posing a formidable challenge to the two traditional fronts in at least three constituencies -- Thiruvananthapuram, Pathanamthitta and Thrissur. In Karnakata, the battle lines clearly delineated for a bipolar contest between the ruling Congress-JD(S) combine and the BJP. The BJP that has considerable presence in these constituencies aims to improve its tally banking on what it calls the "Modi wave" and the support of dominant Lingayat community, considered as its vote base. It is also a test for Congress-JD(S) coalition government headed by H D Kumaraswamy in the state. The third phase of polling for 10 Lok Sabha seats in Uttar Pradesh will decide the electoral fate of four members of the SP patron Mulayam Singh Yadav's clan, besides those of senior party leader Azam Khan and film actor and BJP candidate Jaya Prada. The BJP had won seven out of the 10 seats in 2014, while the SP bagged three. Samajwadi Party founder Mulayam Singh Yadav and his two nephews Dharmendra Yadav and Akshay Yadav are seeking re-election from Mainpuri, Badaun and Firozabad seats respectively. Mulayam has said this will be his last contest. Voting will be held in seven Lok Sabha seats in Chhattisgarh, of which the BJP had won six in 2014. The Congress, buoyed by its victory in the Assembly elections last year, is hoping to improve its tally in the state. In Goa, there are 12 candidates in the fray for the two Lok Sabha constituencies, including Union AYUSH Minister Shripad Naik from North Goa where he is pitted against state Congress chief Girish Chodankar. In Bihar, close to nine million voters will be deciding the fates of 82 candidates in five Lok Sabha seats of Bihar. Four sitting MPs Ranjeet Ranjan (Supaul), her husband Pappu Yadav (Madhepura), Sarfaraz Alam (Araria) and Mehboob Ali Kaiser (Khagaria) would seek to retain their respective seats. In the six seats in Odisha, the main contest in between the state's ruling BJD and the BJP. The BJD had won all the six seats in 2014. The ruling Trinamool Congress in West Bengal, BJP and Congress are the main contenders in the five seats -- Balurghat, Maldaha North, Maldaha South, Jangipur and Murshidabad. Four seats will see four-cornered contests between the three parties and the Left Front. It will be a three-cornered contest in Maldaha South as no Left party is in the fray in the seat. In Assam, prominent candidates in the fray are two sitting MPs AIUDF chief Badruddin Ajmal in Dhubri and Independent Naba Sarania in Kokrajhar, state social welfare minister Pramila Rani Brahma of BPF from Kokrajhar and Congress MLA Abdul Khaleque. In the Union Territories of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu, the BJP had bagged both seats in the last election. The Lok Sabha polls are being held in seven-phases for 543 seats and the counting of votes will be on May 23.

Lok Sabha polls: Crucial third phase to test Amit Shah, Rahul Gandhi

Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra lost her usually collected demeanour and lashed out at "outsider" Smriti Irani stating that the Union Minister had insulted the people of Amethi by distributing shoes there.

"Elections are here and many outsiders have also come here to spread lies that Rahul Gandhi does not visit here. You people know the truth," Priyanka said during an election rally here. "The objectionable thing is that Smriti Irani ji came here and distributed shoes. She thought that she is insulting Rahul ji but she has insulted the people of Amethi. You should teach them that people of Amethi and Rae Bareli respect themselves and will not beg in front&nbsp;of anyone. They should come to you and beg for votes," Priyanka said.

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Union Minister Smriti Irani: Actor main reh chuki hoon toh natak Priyanka ji na hi karein to behtar hai, jahan tak baat un gharib nagrikon ki hai jinke paas pehne ko joota nahi tha,toh kripya karke agar unme thodi bhi sharm ho to khud ja ke dekh lein ki sach kya hai <a href="https://t.co/vwQraaqaVn">pic.twitter.com/vwQraaqaVn</a>
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The Congress leader addressing people at a Nukkad Sabha here said "You should understand what is happening in this election, lying, attempting to divert the attention of people and a campaign that is removed from reality. I have been going around Uttar Pradesh East and seeing the suffering of people, small industries have been shut, youth are unemployed, they have stopped development works in Amethi."&nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> Union Min Smriti Irani: Call all the relatives you have,be it from India,from Italy or from any part of the world.People of India will do justice&amp;they have already decided to choose Pradhansevak again,but this time whole Gandhi family will also be given a strong message." <a href="https://t.co/ocp1H1CSHQ">pic.twitter.com/ocp1H1CSHQ</a>
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Speaking in the same vein, Priyanka said, "People of Amethi and Rae Bareli have never begged in front of anyone. Whosoever has come in front of them, have come with respect. My family have realised that people made us. You have given power and love as well. You are the one who make us leaders."

Meanwhile, the actor-turned-politician Smriti Irani hit back at Priyanka Gandhi and said, "I have been an actor and it would be better if Priyanka ji stopped her acting. As far as the plight of those poor people who did not have shoes to wear, if she has even a bit of shame she should go and see for herself what the truth is."

BJP has fielded Smriti Irani against Congress president Rahul Gandhi in Amethi. In 2014, Rahul had defeated Irani by a margin of over one lakh votes.

Priyanka also hit out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi claiming that he has not visited a single village of his constituency.

"Rajiv Gandhi used to visit areas of his constituency. Rahul Gandhi also visits villages. I went to Varanasi, I asked people if the Prime Minister has come there. I learnt that he has not visited a single village in the last five years," she said.

Amethi and Rae Bareli in Uttar Pradesh are scheduled to go to polls in the fourth phase of the Lok Sabha elections on May 6, while Varanasi will witness polling in the last phase on May 19.&nbsp;

Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra lost her usually collected demeanour and lashed out at "outsider" Smriti Irani stating that the Union Minister had insulted the people of Amethi by distributing shoes there.

Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra lost her usually collected demeanour and lashed out at "outsider" Smriti Irani stating that the Union Minister had insulted the people of Amethi by distributing shoes there. "Elections are here and many outsiders have also come here to spread lies that Rahul Gandhi does not visit here. You people know the truth," Priyanka said during an election rally here. "The objectionable thing is that Smriti Irani ji came here and distributed shoes. She thought that she is insulting Rahul ji but she has insulted the people of Amethi. You should teach them that people of Amethi and Rae Bareli respect themselves and will not beg in front of anyone. They should come to you and beg for votes," Priyanka said. Union Minister Smriti Irani: Actor main reh chuki hoon toh natak Priyanka ji na hi karein to behtar hai, jahan tak baat un gharib nagrikon ki hai jinke paas pehne ko joota nahi tha,toh kripya karke agar unme thodi bhi sharm ho to khud ja ke dekh lein ki sach kya hai pic.twitter.com/vwQraaqaVn — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) April 22, 2019 × The Congress leader addressing people at a Nukkad Sabha here said "You should understand what is happening in this election, lying, attempting to divert the attention of people and a campaign that is removed from reality. I have been going around Uttar Pradesh East and seeing the suffering of people, small industries have been shut, youth are unemployed, they have stopped development works in Amethi." #WATCH Union Min Smriti Irani: Call all the relatives you have,be it from India,from Italy or from any part of the world.People of India will do justice&they have already decided to choose Pradhansevak again,but this time whole Gandhi family will also be given a strong message." pic.twitter.com/ocp1H1CSHQ — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) April 22, 2019 × Speaking in the same vein, Priyanka said, "People of Amethi and Rae Bareli have never begged in front of anyone. Whosoever has come in front of them, have come with respect. My family have realised that people made us. You have given power and love as well. You are the one who make us leaders." Meanwhile, the actor-turned-politician Smriti Irani hit back at Priyanka Gandhi and said, "I have been an actor and it would be better if Priyanka ji stopped her acting. As far as the plight of those poor people who did not have shoes to wear, if she has even a bit of shame she should go and see for herself what the truth is." BJP has fielded Smriti Irani against Congress president Rahul Gandhi in Amethi. In 2014, Rahul had defeated Irani by a margin of over one lakh votes. Priyanka also hit out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi claiming that he has not visited a single village of his constituency. "Rajiv Gandhi used to visit areas of his constituency. Rahul Gandhi also visits villages. I went to Varanasi, I asked people if the Prime Minister has come there. I learnt that he has not visited a single village in the last five years," she said. Amethi and Rae Bareli in Uttar Pradesh are scheduled to go to polls in the fourth phase of the Lok Sabha elections on May 6, while Varanasi will witness polling in the last phase on May 19.

Smriti Irani insulted people of Amethi by distributing shoes: Priyanka Gandhi Vadra

Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Monday slammed Congress president Rahul Gandhi on his reply in the Supreme Court regretting the remarks made against Prime Minister Narendra Modi in connection with the Rafale deal.&nbsp;

Sitharaman said that the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/regret-chowkidar-chor-hai-remark-against-pm-modi-in-rafale-deal-rahul-gandhi-in-response-to-supreme-court-notice-212506">Congress chief</a>'s "credibility has taken a beating".

"People in public life generously go on saying untruth and to repeat it is a matter of grief," she said.&nbsp;

"I feel sorry that the president of a national party like Congress depends only on falsehood," she added.&nbsp;

Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Monday said he regrets the remarks made against Prime Minister Narendra Modi in connection with the Rafale deal. Gandhi made the submission in a response to a Supreme Court notice on a petition filed by BJP leader Meenakshi Lekhi.

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Nirmala Sitharaman on Rahul Gandhi's reply in SC: His credibility has taken a beating. People in public life to generously go on saying untruth &amp; to repeat it is a matter of grief. I feel sorry that President of a national party like Congress depends only on falsehood. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Rafale?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Rafale</a> <a href="https://t.co/WAnuG5sX3b">pic.twitter.com/WAnuG5sX3b</a>
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In his affidavit, the Congress president said the remark that the Supreme Court has agreed that PM Modi indulged in corruption in Rafale deal was "incorrectly attributed" to the court. Gandhi further said in the affidavit that he had made the statements in the heat of political campaigning which have been misused by his opponents.

"At the outset, there was not the slightest intention to insinuate anything regarding the Supreme Court proceedings in any manner. On April 10, the issues relating to court proceedings, unfortunately, got juxtaposed and mingled with a political slogan being used extensively," the Congress president said in his reply.

The court, in a notice last week, had asked Gandhi to explain his alleged contemptuous remarks on recent the April 10 Rafale verdict. The court had asked the Congress president to reply to the notice by April 22.

Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Monday slammed Congress president Rahul Gandhi on his reply in the Supreme Court regretting the remarks made against Prime Minister Narendra Modi in connection with the Rafale deal.

Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Monday slammed Congress president Rahul Gandhi on his reply in the Supreme Court regretting the remarks made against Prime Minister Narendra Modi in connection with the Rafale deal. Sitharaman said that the Congress chief's "credibility has taken a beating". "People in public life generously go on saying untruth and to repeat it is a matter of grief," she said. "I feel sorry that the president of a national party like Congress depends only on falsehood," she added. Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Monday said he regrets the remarks made against Prime Minister Narendra Modi in connection with the Rafale deal. Gandhi made the submission in a response to a Supreme Court notice on a petition filed by BJP leader Meenakshi Lekhi. Nirmala Sitharaman on Rahul Gandhi's reply in SC: His credibility has taken a beating. People in public life to generously go on saying untruth & to repeat it is a matter of grief. I feel sorry that President of a national party like Congress depends only on falsehood. #Rafale pic.twitter.com/WAnuG5sX3b — ANI (@ANI) April 22, 2019 × In his affidavit, the Congress president said the remark that the Supreme Court has agreed that PM Modi indulged in corruption in Rafale deal was "incorrectly attributed" to the court. Gandhi further said in the affidavit that he had made the statements in the heat of political campaigning which have been misused by his opponents. "At the outset, there was not the slightest intention to insinuate anything regarding the Supreme Court proceedings in any manner. On April 10, the issues relating to court proceedings, unfortunately, got juxtaposed and mingled with a political slogan being used extensively," the Congress president said in his reply. The court, in a notice last week, had asked Gandhi to explain his alleged contemptuous remarks on recent the April 10 Rafale verdict. The court had asked the Congress president to reply to the notice by April 22.

I feel sorry that president of national party like Congress depends only on falsehood: Sitharaman slams Rahul

The Congress party on Monday released a list of candidates for 3 Lok Sabha constituencies in Uttar Pradesh. Yogesh Shukla has been fielded from Prayagraj, Chandresh Upadhyay will fight from Domariyaganj and Bhal Chand Yadav has replaced Parvez Khan from Sant Kabir Nagar.

This comes just hours after the party declared candidates on <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-releases-list-of-delhi-candidates-sheila-dixit-to-contest-from-north-east-delhi-212497">six of the seven Lok Sabha seats in the national capital</a>.

JP Agarwal to contest from Chandni Chowk, Sheila Dixit from North East Delhi, Arvinder Singh Lovely from East Delhi, Ajay Maken from New Delhi, Rajesh Lilothia from North West Delhi (SC) and Mahabal Mishra from West Delhi.

From North East Delhi seat where Sheila Dikshit will contest, AAP has fielded Dilip Pandey.

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Congress releases list of candidates for 3 Parliamentary constituencies in Uttar Pradesh. Yogesh Shukla from Prayagraj, Chandresh Upadhyay from Domariyaganj &amp; Bhal Chand Yadav (in place of Parvez Khan) from Sant Kabir Nagar. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LokSabhaElections2019?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LokSabhaElections2019</a> <a href="https://t.co/b5VHACPlPr">pic.twitter.com/b5VHACPlPr</a>
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At present, this seat is represented by Manoj Tiwari, who is also the president of BJP’s Delhi unit. In the last Lok Sabha poll, Tiwari had defeated Professor Anand Kumar of AAP by 1,44,084 votes.&nbsp;

Bharatiya Janata Party on Sunday released a list of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bharatiya-janata-party-releases-list-of-candidates-for-delhi-punjab-mp-212380">candidates for four out of seven parliamentary seats in Delhi</a> for the ongoing Lok Sabha elections.

Union Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan will be contesting from Delhi's Chandni Chowk, singer and actor Manoj Tiwari from North East Delhi. Pravesh Verma will be contesting from West Delhi and Ramesh Bidhuri from South Delhi.

The Congress party on Monday released a list of candidates for 3 Lok Sabha constituencies in Uttar Pradesh. Yogesh Shukla has been fielded from Prayagraj, Chandresh Upadhyay will fight from Domariyaganj and Bhal Chand Yadav has replaced Parvez Khan from Sant Kabir Nagar.

The Congress party on Monday released a list of candidates for 3 Lok Sabha constituencies in Uttar Pradesh. Yogesh Shukla has been fielded from Prayagraj, Chandresh Upadhyay will fight from Domariyaganj and Bhal Chand Yadav has replaced Parvez Khan from Sant Kabir Nagar. This comes just hours after the party declared candidates on six of the seven Lok Sabha seats in the national capital. JP Agarwal to contest from Chandni Chowk, Sheila Dixit from North East Delhi, Arvinder Singh Lovely from East Delhi, Ajay Maken from New Delhi, Rajesh Lilothia from North West Delhi (SC) and Mahabal Mishra from West Delhi. From North East Delhi seat where Sheila Dikshit will contest, AAP has fielded Dilip Pandey. Congress releases list of candidates for 3 Parliamentary constituencies in Uttar Pradesh. Yogesh Shukla from Prayagraj, Chandresh Upadhyay from Domariyaganj & Bhal Chand Yadav (in place of Parvez Khan) from Sant Kabir Nagar. #LokSabhaElections2019 pic.twitter.com/b5VHACPlPr — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) April 22, 2019 × At present, this seat is represented by Manoj Tiwari, who is also the president of BJP’s Delhi unit. In the last Lok Sabha poll, Tiwari had defeated Professor Anand Kumar of AAP by 1,44,084 votes. Bharatiya Janata Party on Sunday released a list of candidates for four out of seven parliamentary seats in Delhi for the ongoing Lok Sabha elections. Union Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan will be contesting from Delhi's Chandni Chowk, singer and actor Manoj Tiwari from North East Delhi. Pravesh Verma will be contesting from West Delhi and Ramesh Bidhuri from South Delhi.

Congress releases list of candidates for Uttar Pradesh, fields Yogesh Shukla from Prayagraj

Malegaon blast accused and BJP candidate Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur on Monday filed her nomination papers from Bhopal Lok Sabha constituency.

Thakur, who is contesting against Congress leader Digvijay Singh, was accompanied by three supporters and her advocate.

Thakur is among the seven accused facing trial in the Malegaon blast case, wherein six people were killed and a dozen others were injured when a bomb placed on a motorcycle exploded in Maharashtra's Malegaon on September 29, 2008.

Earlier in the day, Bahujan Samaj Party supremo Mayawati hit out at the Election Commission of India (ECI) for not cancelling Thakur's nomination over her remarks on Babri Masjid.

Mayawati's response comes after Thakur on Sunday said that she is "proud" to accept that she was involved in the demolition of the Babri Masjid in Ayodhya.

"I have said it yesterday and I am not denying it that I had gone there. I have demolished Babri structure. He is my Ram ji and no one can stop me from making a grand Ram temple. The nation is Ram, Ram is a nation," she said.

"BJP candidate from Bhopal and Malegaon blast accused Sadhvi Pradnya claims that she is fighting a 'crusade'&nbsp;(dharmayudh). This is the real face of BJP and RSS which is constantly being exposed. But why is the Election Commission only issuing notices and not cancelling Thakur's candidature?" Mayawati wrote on her Twitter handle.

Mayawati further tweeted and accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of the downfall of the EC. "Regardless media's criticism, if the Election Commission is not acting fairly then it is a matter of great concern for the country's democracy and PM Modi is responsible for this downfall."

Bhopal District Election Officer on Sunday had issued a notice to Thakur and sought explanation within a day for her remark on the demolition of Babri Masjid in Ayodhya.

The Babri Masjid, built by Mughal emperor Babur in 1578 in Ayodhya, was on December 6, 1992, pulled down allegedly by a group of Hindu activists, claiming that the mosque was constructed after demolishing a Ram temple that stood there.

Polls in Bhopal will be held on May 12, and counting of votes will take place on May 23.&nbsp;

Malegaon blast accused and BJP candidate Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur on Monday filed her nomination papers from Bhopal Lok Sabha constituency. Thakur, who is contesting against Congress leader Digvijay Singh, was accompanied by three supporters and her advocate.

Malegaon blast accused and BJP candidate Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur on Monday filed her nomination papers from Bhopal Lok Sabha constituency. Thakur, who is contesting against Congress leader Digvijay Singh, was accompanied by three supporters and her advocate. Thakur is among the seven accused facing trial in the Malegaon blast case, wherein six people were killed and a dozen others were injured when a bomb placed on a motorcycle exploded in Maharashtra's Malegaon on September 29, 2008. Earlier in the day, Bahujan Samaj Party supremo Mayawati hit out at the Election Commission of India (ECI) for not cancelling Thakur's nomination over her remarks on Babri Masjid. Mayawati's response comes after Thakur on Sunday said that she is "proud" to accept that she was involved in the demolition of the Babri Masjid in Ayodhya. "I have said it yesterday and I am not denying it that I had gone there. I have demolished Babri structure. He is my Ram ji and no one can stop me from making a grand Ram temple. The nation is Ram, Ram is a nation," she said. "BJP candidate from Bhopal and Malegaon blast accused Sadhvi Pradnya claims that she is fighting a 'crusade' (dharmayudh). This is the real face of BJP and RSS which is constantly being exposed. But why is the Election Commission only issuing notices and not cancelling Thakur's candidature?" Mayawati wrote on her Twitter handle. Mayawati further tweeted and accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of the downfall of the EC. "Regardless media's criticism, if the Election Commission is not acting fairly then it is a matter of great concern for the country's democracy and PM Modi is responsible for this downfall." Bhopal District Election Officer on Sunday had issued a notice to Thakur and sought explanation within a day for her remark on the demolition of Babri Masjid in Ayodhya. The Babri Masjid, built by Mughal emperor Babur in 1578 in Ayodhya, was on December 6, 1992, pulled down allegedly by a group of Hindu activists, claiming that the mosque was constructed after demolishing a Ram temple that stood there. Polls in Bhopal will be held on May 12, and counting of votes will take place on May 23.

Pragya Singh Thakur files nomination from Bhopal Lok Sabha constituency

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bharatiya-janata-party-releases-list-of-candidates-for-delhi-punjab-mp-212380">Union Minister Harsh Vardhan</a>, Delhi BJP chief Manoj Tiwari and sitting party MP Parvesh Verma filed their nomination on Monday for the Chandni Chowk, Northeast Delhi and West Delhi constituencies respectively.

They also organised road shows which saw the participation of Union ministers Nitin Gadkari, Nirmala Sitharaman, Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi and Vijay Goel.&nbsp;

The BJP had announced candidates for four seats in the national capital late on Sunday evening and had retained sitting MPs including Ramesh Bidhuri from South Delhi.

During the road show, Vardhan who filed his nomination for the Chandni Chowk constituency was accompanied by Gadkari and Naqvi while Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman joined the road show organised by Parvesh Verma who is the sitting BJP MP from West Delhi.&nbsp;

During his road show, which culminated at the office of Returning Officer, Northeast, Tiwari was accompanied by Goel.&nbsp;

Haryanvi singer-dancer Sapna Choudhary and rebel AAP MLA Kapil Mishra also accompanied Tiwari.&nbsp;

Union Minister Harsh Vardhan, Delhi BJP chief Manoj Tiwari and sitting party MP Parvesh Verma filed their nomination on Monday for the Chandni Chowk, Northeast Delhi and West Delhi constituencies respectively.

Union Minister Harsh Vardhan, Delhi BJP chief Manoj Tiwari and sitting party MP Parvesh Verma filed their nomination on Monday for the Chandni Chowk, Northeast Delhi and West Delhi constituencies respectively. They also organised road shows which saw the participation of Union ministers Nitin Gadkari, Nirmala Sitharaman, Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi and Vijay Goel. The BJP had announced candidates for four seats in the national capital late on Sunday evening and had retained sitting MPs including Ramesh Bidhuri from South Delhi. During the road show, Vardhan who filed his nomination for the Chandni Chowk constituency was accompanied by Gadkari and Naqvi while Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman joined the road show organised by Parvesh Verma who is the sitting BJP MP from West Delhi. During his road show, which culminated at the office of Returning Officer, Northeast, Tiwari was accompanied by Goel. Haryanvi singer-dancer Sapna Choudhary and rebel AAP MLA Kapil Mishra also accompanied Tiwari.

Lok Sabha polls: Harsh Vardhan, Manoj Tiwari and Parvesh Verma file nominations

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday said India's stand against terrorism has been weakened on several occasions by the Congress party.

Addressing a press conference, Singh said, "They (Congress) have given a new theory of Hindu terrorism. There is no religion or caste of terrorism. Their new theory weakened India's stand against terrorism."

He said repealing the Prevention of Terrorism Act (POTA) was another such case which undermined India's stand.

"In 2004, India had an agreement with Pakistan in which its former army chief had assured that the country will not provide shelter and allow terrorism to flourish on its soil, but Congress tried weakening India's stand, saying Pakistan was also a victim of terrorism," he said.

The home minister said the opposition was doing politics over issues which should not be politicised.&nbsp;

Instead of praising the defence forces after the airstrike in Balakot of Pakistan, the opposition parties questioned it with queries on the number of terrorists killed, he said.

"When such types of questions are asked, it weakens India's stand against terrorism," he said.

Speaking on the Congress' election manifesto promising to scrap the sedition law, Singh said the law should be further strengthened but it should not be misused.

Talking about Articles 370 and 35A for Jammu and Kashmir, he said it was a temporary arrangement and it was time to review it.

"How much the entitlement benefitted Jammu and Kashmir? When a few people are raising questions there should be two prime ministers in the country then what is the significance of Article 370 and 35A," Singh asked.

He exuded confidence that the first two phases of Lok Sabha elections reflected a wave in favour of the BJP, and there was no doubt the party will get a clear majority and possibly the NDA will achieve 3/4th majority.&nbsp;

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday said India's stand against terrorism has been weakened on several occasions by the Congress party. Addressing a press conference, Singh said, "They (Congress) have given a new theory of Hindu terrorism.

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday said India's stand against terrorism has been weakened on several occasions by the Congress party. Addressing a press conference, Singh said, "They (Congress) have given a new theory of Hindu terrorism. There is no religion or caste of terrorism. Their new theory weakened India's stand against terrorism." He said repealing the Prevention of Terrorism Act (POTA) was another such case which undermined India's stand. "In 2004, India had an agreement with Pakistan in which its former army chief had assured that the country will not provide shelter and allow terrorism to flourish on its soil, but Congress tried weakening India's stand, saying Pakistan was also a victim of terrorism," he said. The home minister said the opposition was doing politics over issues which should not be politicised. Instead of praising the defence forces after the airstrike in Balakot of Pakistan, the opposition parties questioned it with queries on the number of terrorists killed, he said. "When such types of questions are asked, it weakens India's stand against terrorism," he said. Speaking on the Congress' election manifesto promising to scrap the sedition law, Singh said the law should be further strengthened but it should not be misused. Talking about Articles 370 and 35A for Jammu and Kashmir, he said it was a temporary arrangement and it was time to review it. "How much the entitlement benefitted Jammu and Kashmir? When a few people are raising questions there should be two prime ministers in the country then what is the significance of Article 370 and 35A," Singh asked. He exuded confidence that the first two phases of Lok Sabha elections reflected a wave in favour of the BJP, and there was no doubt the party will get a clear majority and possibly the NDA will achieve 3/4th majority.

Congress has weakened India's stand on terrorism on several occasions: Rajnath Singh

Tamil Nadu Chief Electoral Officer Satyabrata Sahoo on Sunday said he has recommended to the Election Commission to conduct repolling in 10 polling stations in the state.

The top election official told reporters here that after a perusal of reports of authorities including those from the general observers and presiding officers, repoll has been recommended for the consideration of the EC.

Eight polling stations falling under the Lok Sabha segment of Dharmapuri and one booth under Tiruvallur Parliamentary constituency have been recommended for repolling, he said.

Also, repolling has been recommended in one polling station falling under the Cuddalore Lok Sabha constituency.

The CEO's comment assumes significance in the wake of alleged irregularities in a number of booths falling under these constituencies when the polling was held on April 18.

In polling stations under the Lok Sabha segments of Dharmapuri and Tiruvallur, repolling has been recommended for both Parliamentary elections and bypolls to the Assembly seats of Pappireddipatti and Poonamallee.

Tiruvallur Lok Sabha segment covers Poonamallee Assembly constituency and Dharmapuri includes Pappireddipatti Assembly seat.

By-polls were held to 18 Assembly seats including Poonamallee and Pappireddipatti on April 18 along with polls to 38 Lok Sabha seats in Tamil Nadu.

Polling for Vellore Lok Sabha constituency was rescinded following the seizure of cash ahead of the elections.&nbsp;

Tamil Nadu Chief Electoral Officer Satyabrata Sahoo on Sunday said he has recommended to the Election Commission to conduct repolling in 10 polling stations in the state.

Tamil Nadu Chief Electoral Officer Satyabrata Sahoo on Sunday said he has recommended to the Election Commission to conduct repolling in 10 polling stations in the state. The top election official told reporters here that after a perusal of reports of authorities including those from the general observers and presiding officers, repoll has been recommended for the consideration of the EC. Eight polling stations falling under the Lok Sabha segment of Dharmapuri and one booth under Tiruvallur Parliamentary constituency have been recommended for repolling, he said. Also, repolling has been recommended in one polling station falling under the Cuddalore Lok Sabha constituency. The CEO's comment assumes significance in the wake of alleged irregularities in a number of booths falling under these constituencies when the polling was held on April 18. In polling stations under the Lok Sabha segments of Dharmapuri and Tiruvallur, repolling has been recommended for both Parliamentary elections and bypolls to the Assembly seats of Pappireddipatti and Poonamallee. Tiruvallur Lok Sabha segment covers Poonamallee Assembly constituency and Dharmapuri includes Pappireddipatti Assembly seat. By-polls were held to 18 Assembly seats including Poonamallee and Pappireddipatti on April 18 along with polls to 38 Lok Sabha seats in Tamil Nadu. Polling for Vellore Lok Sabha constituency was rescinded following the seizure of cash ahead of the elections.

Lok Sabha polls: Repoll recommended in 10 polling stations in Tamil Nadu

The Congress party on Sunday released a list of five candidates for Lok Sabha elections in Haryana.

Former Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda will contest from Sonipat. Nirmal Singh is being fielded from Kurukshetra, Bhavya Bishnoi from Hisar, Kuldeep Sharma from Karnal and Avtar Singh Bhadana from Faridabad, in place of Lalit Nagar.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bharatiya-janata-party-releases-list-of-candidates-for-delhi-punjab-mp-212380">the Bharatiya Janata Party on Sunday released a list of candidates</a> for Delhi, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and Punjab.&nbsp;

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Congress releases list of 5 candidates for Lok Sabha elections in Haryana; Bhupinder Singh Hooda to contest from Sonipat, Nirmal Singh from Kurukshetra, Bhavya Bishnoi from Hisar, Kuldeep Sharma from Karnal and Avtar Singh Bhadana (in place of Lalit Nagar) from Faridabad <a href="https://t.co/wUVX34NKXu">pic.twitter.com/wUVX34NKXu</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1119995648101605376?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 21, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Four names were announced for Delhi and one candidate each for Punjab, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh.&nbsp;

Union Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan will be contesting from Delhi's Chandni Chowk, singer and actor Manoj Tiwari from North East Delhi. Pravesh Verma will be contesting from West Delhi and Ramesh Bidhuri from South Delhi.

Delhi's seven Lok Sabha constituencies include Chandni Chowk, East Delhi, New Delhi, North East Delhi, North West Delhi, South Delhi and West Delhi.

Hardeep Singh Puri, current Union Minister of State, has been fielded to contest from Punjab's Amritsar.

In Madhya Pradesh, the BJP has fielded Shankar Lalwani as its candidate from Indore in place of Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan. In Uttar Pradesh, Shri Harinarayan Rajbhar has been fielded from Ghosi.

The Congress party on Sunday released a list of five candidates for Lok Sabha elections in Haryana. Former Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda will contest from Sonipat.

The Congress party on Sunday released a list of five candidates for Lok Sabha elections in Haryana. Former Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda will contest from Sonipat. Nirmal Singh is being fielded from Kurukshetra, Bhavya Bishnoi from Hisar, Kuldeep Sharma from Karnal and Avtar Singh Bhadana from Faridabad, in place of Lalit Nagar. Meanwhile, the Bharatiya Janata Party on Sunday released a list of candidates for Delhi, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and Punjab. Congress releases list of 5 candidates for Lok Sabha elections in Haryana; Bhupinder Singh Hooda to contest from Sonipat, Nirmal Singh from Kurukshetra, Bhavya Bishnoi from Hisar, Kuldeep Sharma from Karnal and Avtar Singh Bhadana (in place of Lalit Nagar) from Faridabad pic.twitter.com/wUVX34NKXu — ANI (@ANI) April 21, 2019 × Four names were announced for Delhi and one candidate each for Punjab, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh. Union Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan will be contesting from Delhi's Chandni Chowk, singer and actor Manoj Tiwari from North East Delhi. Pravesh Verma will be contesting from West Delhi and Ramesh Bidhuri from South Delhi. Delhi's seven Lok Sabha constituencies include Chandni Chowk, East Delhi, New Delhi, North East Delhi, North West Delhi, South Delhi and West Delhi. Hardeep Singh Puri, current Union Minister of State, has been fielded to contest from Punjab's Amritsar. In Madhya Pradesh, the BJP has fielded Shankar Lalwani as its candidate from Indore in place of Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan. In Uttar Pradesh, Shri Harinarayan Rajbhar has been fielded from Ghosi.

Lok Sabha polls: Congress releases list of candidates for Haryana, Bhupinder Singh Hooda to fight from Sonipat

National Democratic Alliance (NDA) candidate from Wayanad, T Vellappally, on Sunday asked Kerala Chief Electoral Officer to review Congress president Rahul Gandhi's nomination from the constituency.&nbsp;

Vellappally said that Rahul Gandhi, in his nomination, didn't mention that he possesses a passport of another country.

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Wayanad NDA candidate T Vellappally further writes "I request you to review the acceptance of nomination of Rahul Gandhi in Wayanad constituency to check for validity &amp; reject the application." <a href="https://t.co/TllobUSFUn">https://t.co/TllobUSFUn</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1119956930863280129?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 21, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"It's understood that Rahul Gandhi is having a passport of a foreign country also. He didn't disclose this in the nomination filed or in the affidavit," Vellappally told reporters.&nbsp;

"I request you to review the acceptance of the nomination of Rahul Gandhi in Wayanad constituency to check for validity and reject the application," he added.&nbsp;

Congress President Rahul Gandhi, who is contesting from Wayanad Lok Sabha seat in Kerala in addition to his traditional stronghold of Amethi in Uttar Pradesh, filed nomination for Wayanad earlier this month.

Gandhi was accompanied by his sister and AICC in-charge of eastern Uttar Pradesh Priyanka Gandhi and senior Congress leaders including K C Venugopal and Mukul Wasnik. He submitted the papers before the District Collector AR Ajayakumar at the district headquarters in Wayanad.

National Democratic Alliance (NDA) candidate from Wayanad, T Vellappally, on Sunday asked Kerala Chief Electoral Officer to review Congress president Rahul Gandhi's nomination from the constituency.

National Democratic Alliance (NDA) candidate from Wayanad, T Vellappally, on Sunday asked Kerala Chief Electoral Officer to review Congress president Rahul Gandhi's nomination from the constituency. Vellappally said that Rahul Gandhi, in his nomination, didn't mention that he possesses a passport of another country. Wayanad NDA candidate T Vellappally further writes "I request you to review the acceptance of nomination of Rahul Gandhi in Wayanad constituency to check for validity & reject the application." https://t.co/TllobUSFUn — ANI (@ANI) April 21, 2019 × "It's understood that Rahul Gandhi is having a passport of a foreign country also. He didn't disclose this in the nomination filed or in the affidavit," Vellappally told reporters. "I request you to review the acceptance of the nomination of Rahul Gandhi in Wayanad constituency to check for validity and reject the application," he added. Congress President Rahul Gandhi, who is contesting from Wayanad Lok Sabha seat in Kerala in addition to his traditional stronghold of Amethi in Uttar Pradesh, filed nomination for Wayanad earlier this month. Gandhi was accompanied by his sister and AICC in-charge of eastern Uttar Pradesh Priyanka Gandhi and senior Congress leaders including K C Venugopal and Mukul Wasnik. He submitted the papers before the District Collector AR Ajayakumar at the district headquarters in Wayanad.

Lok Sabha polls: NDA's Wayanad candidate demands review of Rahul Gandhi's nomination from constituency

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday launched an attack on the SP-BSP-RLD alliance in Uttar Pradesh stating that it will collapse right after the Lok Sabha results are announced on May 23.

The Prime Minister alluded to the alliance between the Congress and the Samajwadi Party during the last Uttar Pradesh assembly elections and said that the alliance failed and now the two parties have turned to become foes again. &nbsp;

"A friendship was forged during Uttar Pradesh assembly polls last time, polls ended and so did the friendship which turned into animosity. Now, a friendship has been formed again, but I will tell you the date when this will come to an end too - May 23. This fake friendship will come to an end then," the Prime Minister said while addressing a rally in Etah, Uttar Pradesh.&nbsp;

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PM Modi in Etah: Ek dosti UP Vidhan Sabha ke chunaav ke samay bhi hui thi, chunav khatm hua, dosti bhi khatm hogai,dushmani mein badal gai. Ab ek dosti phir hui hai, lekin iske tootne ki tarikh bhi tay hai.Aapko tootne ki tarikh bataun? 23 May ko ye farzi dosti Phir se toot jaegi <a href="https://t.co/R0BjAcRfTD">pic.twitter.com/R0BjAcRfTD</a>
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<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-placed-vote-bank-politics-above-national-interest-pm-modi-212009">Earlier in the day, PM Modi slammed the Congress party</a> for preaching vote bank politics over the national interest of the country.

Claiming that the UPA government was following the "vote bhakti" politics, PM Modi said, "The country has witnessed two types of politics of 'vote bhakti' and of "desh bhakti".

The former was on display after the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, when the then government did not go after Pakistan for abetting terror".

Attacking further, he said that the then government chose to derail the investigations in many terror cases and came up with the theory of "Hindu terror".

PM Modi said his government responded to the Uri terror attack with surgical strikes and Pulwama by air strikes, demonstrating "desh bhakti" politics.

PM Modi who was addressing an election rally in Araria, Bihar, further said that the opposition party and its allies were rattled by the trends that have emerged from the first two phases of the Lok Sabha polls.

The Prime Minister also <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/mamata-has-only-fooled-people-in-name-of-maa-mati-and-manush-pm-modi-in-west-bengal-211984">targetted West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee</a> and said she has fooled people in the name of 'Maa, Mati and Manush'.

Modi, who was addressing a rally in Buniadpur, South Dinajpur district attacked the TMC leader over the campaigning of Bangladeshi film star Ferdous Ahmed.

"It is shameful that people from neighbouring country are campaigning for the TMC, which was done to appease the minority community," he said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday launched an attack on the SP-BSP-RLD alliance in Uttar Pradesh stating that it will collapse right after the Lok Sabha results are announced on May 23.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday launched an attack on the SP-BSP-RLD alliance in Uttar Pradesh stating that it will collapse right after the Lok Sabha results are announced on May 23. The Prime Minister alluded to the alliance between the Congress and the Samajwadi Party during the last Uttar Pradesh assembly elections and said that the alliance failed and now the two parties have turned to become foes again. "A friendship was forged during Uttar Pradesh assembly polls last time, polls ended and so did the friendship which turned into animosity. Now, a friendship has been formed again, but I will tell you the date when this will come to an end too - May 23. This fake friendship will come to an end then," the Prime Minister said while addressing a rally in Etah, Uttar Pradesh. PM Modi in Etah: Ek dosti UP Vidhan Sabha ke chunaav ke samay bhi hui thi, chunav khatm hua, dosti bhi khatm hogai,dushmani mein badal gai. Ab ek dosti phir hui hai, lekin iske tootne ki tarikh bhi tay hai.Aapko tootne ki tarikh bataun? 23 May ko ye farzi dosti Phir se toot jaegi pic.twitter.com/R0BjAcRfTD — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) April 20, 2019 × Earlier in the day, PM Modi slammed the Congress party for preaching vote bank politics over the national interest of the country. Claiming that the UPA government was following the "vote bhakti" politics, PM Modi said, "The country has witnessed two types of politics of 'vote bhakti' and of "desh bhakti". The former was on display after the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, when the then government did not go after Pakistan for abetting terror". Attacking further, he said that the then government chose to derail the investigations in many terror cases and came up with the theory of "Hindu terror". PM Modi said his government responded to the Uri terror attack with surgical strikes and Pulwama by air strikes, demonstrating "desh bhakti" politics. PM Modi who was addressing an election rally in Araria, Bihar, further said that the opposition party and its allies were rattled by the trends that have emerged from the first two phases of the Lok Sabha polls. The Prime Minister also targetted West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and said she has fooled people in the name of 'Maa, Mati and Manush'. Modi, who was addressing a rally in Buniadpur, South Dinajpur district attacked the TMC leader over the campaigning of Bangladeshi film star Ferdous Ahmed. "It is shameful that people from neighbouring country are campaigning for the TMC, which was done to appease the minority community," he said.

May 23 is when this fake friendship will collapse: PM Modi on SP-BSP alliance in Uttar Pradesh 

The present generation of dynast&nbsp;has become a liability for the Congress party, said Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley in a blog on Saturday.

"The socio-economic profile of India is moving up the growth ladder. It may be difficult for a country with this socio-economic profile to accept dynasties," he said in the blog titled 'Will 2019 Witness the Dynasty as a Liability on the Congress Party.'

"A relevant question with this changing socio-economic profile of India is - Are dynasties an asset for a party or are they a liability? Unquestionably, the present generation of dynast has become a liability rather than an asset for the Congress party," said Jaitley.

Virtually questioning the political acumen of Congress president Rahul Gandhi, Jaitley said, "If the Congress's dynast has only an ability to deliver 44 seats or 60 seats in Parliament. What then is the incentive for conventional Congressmen to bear the humiliation of subjecting themselves to a dynast? Ultimately, in dynastic parties, one has to accept political slavery."

Jaitley also alleged that a lot of "traditional bright faces" are deserting the Congress party.

"These Congressmen today look at a party like the BJP where men and women of talent have a huge opportunity to move up, both in the party, legislatures and governments," he said, asserting that two Prime Ministers given by the BJP to this country - Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Narendra Modi - were the tallest leaders of their generation.

The Finance Minister said that a similar situation arises with regard to caste-based parties as well.

Referring to the poor results fared by the regional parties like RJD and BSP in 2014, Jaitley said,&nbsp;"The sun will slowly but surely come down on that era."

Jaitley also claimed that his party has already consumed some of the space occupied by the regional parties in states like Bengal, Odisha, and other North-Eastern states.

He also predicted that this election will witness BJP as co-equal in Kerala.

"The BJP has the ability to fight and occupy more political space from the regional parties is already visible. The Congress inherently lacks that instinct," he said.

Insisting that the centre space in the ongoing election is occupied by the BJP, Jaitley said, "The momentum is clearly with the BJP and Prime Minister Narendra Modi."

"In terms of national leadership contest for a Prime Ministerial election, it is almost becoming a one-horse race. There is nobody else measuring up to PM Modi's level of capacity and acceptability."

"Is history going to witness something wholly unprecedented? Are we going to witness the rejection of caste-based and dynastic parties? And will aspirational India make a harsh judgement on electing a merit-based leadership," he questioned.

The Union Minister said the Congress'&nbsp;key thrust based on 'fake issues'&nbsp;has cracked up. He also claimed that the Congress promise of 'NYAY'&nbsp;was not cutting ice with the people.

"Based on fake issues, the key thrust of what the Congress was building up in the last one year has cracked up. They are now concentrating on a new scheme declared in their manifesto which is cutting no ice with the people. The entire reliance on the members of the first family to deliver a sustainable campaign is proving to be a non-starter," he stated in the blog.

The Lok Sabha elections are scheduled to be conducted in seven phases from April 11 to May 19. Two phases of polling have already taken place on April 11 and April 18. The counting of votes will take place on May 23.&nbsp;

The present generation of dynast has become a liability for the Congress party, said Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley in a blog on Saturday. "The socio-economic profile of India is moving up the growth ladder.

The present generation of dynast has become a liability for the Congress party, said Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley in a blog on Saturday. "The socio-economic profile of India is moving up the growth ladder. It may be difficult for a country with this socio-economic profile to accept dynasties," he said in the blog titled 'Will 2019 Witness the Dynasty as a Liability on the Congress Party.' "A relevant question with this changing socio-economic profile of India is - Are dynasties an asset for a party or are they a liability? Unquestionably, the present generation of dynast has become a liability rather than an asset for the Congress party," said Jaitley. Virtually questioning the political acumen of Congress president Rahul Gandhi, Jaitley said, "If the Congress's dynast has only an ability to deliver 44 seats or 60 seats in Parliament. What then is the incentive for conventional Congressmen to bear the humiliation of subjecting themselves to a dynast? Ultimately, in dynastic parties, one has to accept political slavery." Jaitley also alleged that a lot of "traditional bright faces" are deserting the Congress party. "These Congressmen today look at a party like the BJP where men and women of talent have a huge opportunity to move up, both in the party, legislatures and governments," he said, asserting that two Prime Ministers given by the BJP to this country - Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Narendra Modi - were the tallest leaders of their generation. The Finance Minister said that a similar situation arises with regard to caste-based parties as well. Referring to the poor results fared by the regional parties like RJD and BSP in 2014, Jaitley said, "The sun will slowly but surely come down on that era." Jaitley also claimed that his party has already consumed some of the space occupied by the regional parties in states like Bengal, Odisha, and other North-Eastern states. He also predicted that this election will witness BJP as co-equal in Kerala. "The BJP has the ability to fight and occupy more political space from the regional parties is already visible. The Congress inherently lacks that instinct," he said. Insisting that the centre space in the ongoing election is occupied by the BJP, Jaitley said, "The momentum is clearly with the BJP and Prime Minister Narendra Modi." "In terms of national leadership contest for a Prime Ministerial election, it is almost becoming a one-horse race. There is nobody else measuring up to PM Modi's level of capacity and acceptability." "Is history going to witness something wholly unprecedented? Are we going to witness the rejection of caste-based and dynastic parties? And will aspirational India make a harsh judgement on electing a merit-based leadership," he questioned. The Union Minister said the Congress' key thrust based on 'fake issues' has cracked up. He also claimed that the Congress promise of 'NYAY' was not cutting ice with the people. "Based on fake issues, the key thrust of what the Congress was building up in the last one year has cracked up. They are now concentrating on a new scheme declared in their manifesto which is cutting no ice with the people. The entire reliance on the members of the first family to deliver a sustainable campaign is proving to be a non-starter," he stated in the blog. The Lok Sabha elections are scheduled to be conducted in seven phases from April 11 to May 19. Two phases of polling have already taken place on April 11 and April 18. The counting of votes will take place on May 23.

Present generation of dynast has become liability for Congress party: Arun Jaitley

Refuting claims of Congress leader Ahmed Patel that its party will cross 'double digits'&nbsp;in the state, Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani on Saturday said the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) will bag all the 26 Parliamentary seats while the Congress will not get even a single seat.

"We will get all the 26 seats. Gujaratis believe Modi ji will do well for the country. Congress will not get even a single seat," the Chief Minister told ANI.

Earlier in the day, Patel had said, "We are not only hopeful but also very confident that BJP will lose. We will get good results in Gujarat too, we will cross double digit. On May 23, when the election results come, the BJP will no longer be in the government."

When asked to comment on Congress'&nbsp;claim that the BJP is raising nationalism to deflect from the main issues, Rupani said, "For ten years, Manmohan Singh was the Prime Minister. Congress should tell people about the steps they have taken against terrorism. They have not taken any single step, they did not have the courage. After Pulwama and Uri, Modi ji did surgical strikes."

"In the past five years, there has been no incident of bomb attack inside the country. In their rule, there have been many attacks in many parts of the country," he added.

In the 2014 General elections, BJP had registered a landslide victory and bagged all the 26 Lok Sabha seats.

All parliamentary seats of Gujarat will go to polls in the third phase of ongoing Lok Sabha elections on April 23.&nbsp;

Refuting claims of Congress leader Ahmed Patel that its party will cross 'double digits' in the state, Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani on Saturday said the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) will bag all the 26 Parliamentary seats while the Congress will not get even a single seat.

Refuting claims of Congress leader Ahmed Patel that its party will cross 'double digits' in the state, Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani on Saturday said the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) will bag all the 26 Parliamentary seats while the Congress will not get even a single seat. "We will get all the 26 seats. Gujaratis believe Modi ji will do well for the country. Congress will not get even a single seat," the Chief Minister told ANI. Earlier in the day, Patel had said, "We are not only hopeful but also very confident that BJP will lose. We will get good results in Gujarat too, we will cross double digit. On May 23, when the election results come, the BJP will no longer be in the government." When asked to comment on Congress' claim that the BJP is raising nationalism to deflect from the main issues, Rupani said, "For ten years, Manmohan Singh was the Prime Minister. Congress should tell people about the steps they have taken against terrorism. They have not taken any single step, they did not have the courage. After Pulwama and Uri, Modi ji did surgical strikes." "In the past five years, there has been no incident of bomb attack inside the country. In their rule, there have been many attacks in many parts of the country," he added. In the 2014 General elections, BJP had registered a landslide victory and bagged all the 26 Lok Sabha seats. All parliamentary seats of Gujarat will go to polls in the third phase of ongoing Lok Sabha elections on April 23.

Lok Sabha polls: BJP will make clean sweep in Gujarat, claims Vijay Rupani

Know about the bitter history of Mayawati and Mulayam. Watch complete video to know in detail.

IEW: The Bitter History of Mayawati and Mulayam

The Lok Sabha election of 2019 has become presidential. The campaign theme of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and the opposition are both Modi-centric. &nbsp;

The BJP’s election slogan is “phir ek bar Modi sarkar (Modi once again) ”.The opposition has reinforced this thrust by launching a unifocal attack on the Prime Minister’s persona, and by trying to posit the Mahagathbandhan (grand alliance) as an anti-Modi front. The grand alliance has so far come a cropper, damaging the opposition plank and derailing its credibility.&nbsp;

The election has been turned into a referendum on Modi; The absence of any towering pan-Indian personality in the opposition ranks has added to the sheen and glamour of the Teflon Modi imagery.&nbsp;

The NDA has come up as a cohesive election machinery. The opposition, conversely, is at each other’s throat in most states. Their antipathy for Modi has not helped them sink their differences.&nbsp;

The much-touted idea of Mahagathbandhan has fallen flat and Prime Minister Narendra Modi appears invincible as the second phase of polling comes to an end.&nbsp;

Some disgruntled party leaders like Yashwant Sinha and Arun Shourie, who have been strategising with the Congress chief Rahul Gandhi, wanted one joint opposition candidate against the NDA in all the 543 constituencies.

The so-called grand alliance is solely focused on stopping Modi at all costs. The template for this is nearly like the 1971 Grand Alliance pitched against Indira Gandhi. The then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi’s famous campaign lines were, “I want to remove poverty; they want to remove me”.

Little under five decades later, a similar situation has emerged in the run-up to the 2019 Lok Sabha election — the only difference being that the protagonist of the new grand alliance now is Indira Gandhi’s grandson.&nbsp;

But it has failed to take off mainly because of the decline of the Congress as a central force and the reluctance of other opposition parties to accept Rahul Gandhi as their leader.&nbsp;

In the past one year, Rahul had approached nearly all regional leaders mooting this idea. After the big show of opposition unity in Bengaluru in June 2018, the impression had gained ground that the Congress was stooping to conquer.&nbsp;

The euphoria, however, was shortlived. Ego clashes in the opposition ranks came to the surface in West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Andhra and three Congress-ruled states in the north.&nbsp;

For the Mahagathbandhan, each state presented a conflicting picture, as each party wanted to maximise their gain and expand at the expense of the Congress.&nbsp;

Senior opposition leaders like N Chandrababu Naidu in Andhra, Mamata Banerjee in West Bengal, Mayawati and Akhilesh Yadav in UP were unwilling to play second fiddle to the Congress president.&nbsp;

In Andhra, the attempt failed because of the humiliating defeat of the Congress-TDP alliance in Telangana in the December Assembly elections.

Leaders like Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao in Telangana, Naveen Patnaik in Orissa and Jagmohan Reddy of YSR Congress in Andhra, were keener on a federal front, which is yet to take shape.&nbsp;

In Uttar Pradesh, which sends the largest contingent of MPs to the Lok Sabha, Mayawati and Akhilesh formed a tie-up without so much as accommodating the Congress. &nbsp;

This irritated the Congress and the party decided to stage a counteroffensive by projecting Priyanka Vadra and launching a desperate campaign in at least two dozen constituencies, putting up formidable candidates.

The Congress was able to work out respectable partnerships only in Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu and Bihar.&nbsp;

In Tamil Nadu and Bihar, it is the junior partner while in Maharashtra, it is at the mercy of Sharad Pawar’s NCP, which has a history of hobnobbing with the BJP.&nbsp;

The Congress and the CPM attempted a tie-up in West Bengal but failed. The same seems to be the case in Haryana, Punjab and Delhi, where its talks with the AAP are still hazy.&nbsp;

Rahul Gandhi’s decision to also contest from Wayanad in Kerala, a minority- dominated, backward constituency in Kerala, has spoiled his chemistry with the Left. Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has accused him of fighting the Left, “after trying to stop Modi all these years”.&nbsp;

BSP supremo Mayawati is piqued with Rahul Gandhi for failing to accommodate BSP in MP and Chhattisgarh in the December 2018 Assembly election. &nbsp;

The break down of negotiations with BSP on seat sharing in these states, sealed any chance of adjustment in UP in the Lok Sabha poll.&nbsp;

In the end, there are at least a dozen contestants against Narendra Modi’s candidates in almost all the 543 Lok Sabha constituencies. Talk about post-poll adjustments are unconvincing. Voters want to know the alternative to Modi.&nbsp;

The Congress strategy from the beginning was flawed. In their personal attacks, they only helped to project a larger than life image for the prime minister. Every time the opposition spoke of stopping Modi without offering a convincing governance agenda, it has looked power hungry. &nbsp;

This has helped invest Modi with the “underdog image”, gaining voters’ sympathy. &nbsp;

National security and the Balakot air strikes proved the defining moments. Modi stood for taking India forward, protecting it from Pak-sponsored terror and forces hostile to India. &nbsp;

As against this, the Congress manifesto, which offered repeal of AFSPA, the sedition law and expressed a pro-separatist stand on Jammu and Kashmir, has convinced the voter that Modi stood for a strong and united India.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

(This article was originally published on DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-there-is-no-alternative-to-narendra-modi-2741055">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

The Lok Sabha election of 2019 has become presidential. The campaign theme of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and the opposition are both Modi-centric. The BJP’s election slogan is “phir ek bar Modi sarkar (Modi once again) ”.

The Lok Sabha election of 2019 has become presidential. The campaign theme of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and the opposition are both Modi-centric. The BJP’s election slogan is “phir ek bar Modi sarkar (Modi once again) ”.The opposition has reinforced this thrust by launching a unifocal attack on the Prime Minister’s persona, and by trying to posit the Mahagathbandhan (grand alliance) as an anti-Modi front. The grand alliance has so far come a cropper, damaging the opposition plank and derailing its credibility. The election has been turned into a referendum on Modi; The absence of any towering pan-Indian personality in the opposition ranks has added to the sheen and glamour of the Teflon Modi imagery. The NDA has come up as a cohesive election machinery. The opposition, conversely, is at each other’s throat in most states. Their antipathy for Modi has not helped them sink their differences. The much-touted idea of Mahagathbandhan has fallen flat and Prime Minister Narendra Modi appears invincible as the second phase of polling comes to an end. Some disgruntled party leaders like Yashwant Sinha and Arun Shourie, who have been strategising with the Congress chief Rahul Gandhi, wanted one joint opposition candidate against the NDA in all the 543 constituencies. The so-called grand alliance is solely focused on stopping Modi at all costs. The template for this is nearly like the 1971 Grand Alliance pitched against Indira Gandhi. The then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi’s famous campaign lines were, “I want to remove poverty; they want to remove me”. Little under five decades later, a similar situation has emerged in the run-up to the 2019 Lok Sabha election — the only difference being that the protagonist of the new grand alliance now is Indira Gandhi’s grandson. But it has failed to take off mainly because of the decline of the Congress as a central force and the reluctance of other opposition parties to accept Rahul Gandhi as their leader. In the past one year, Rahul had approached nearly all regional leaders mooting this idea. After the big show of opposition unity in Bengaluru in June 2018, the impression had gained ground that the Congress was stooping to conquer. The euphoria, however, was shortlived. Ego clashes in the opposition ranks came to the surface in West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Andhra and three Congress-ruled states in the north. For the Mahagathbandhan, each state presented a conflicting picture, as each party wanted to maximise their gain and expand at the expense of the Congress. Senior opposition leaders like N Chandrababu Naidu in Andhra, Mamata Banerjee in West Bengal, Mayawati and Akhilesh Yadav in UP were unwilling to play second fiddle to the Congress president. In Andhra, the attempt failed because of the humiliating defeat of the Congress-TDP alliance in Telangana in the December Assembly elections. Leaders like Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao in Telangana, Naveen Patnaik in Orissa and Jagmohan Reddy of YSR Congress in Andhra, were keener on a federal front, which is yet to take shape. In Uttar Pradesh, which sends the largest contingent of MPs to the Lok Sabha, Mayawati and Akhilesh formed a tie-up without so much as accommodating the Congress. This irritated the Congress and the party decided to stage a counteroffensive by projecting Priyanka Vadra and launching a desperate campaign in at least two dozen constituencies, putting up formidable candidates. The Congress was able to work out respectable partnerships only in Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu and Bihar. In Tamil Nadu and Bihar, it is the junior partner while in Maharashtra, it is at the mercy of Sharad Pawar’s NCP, which has a history of hobnobbing with the BJP. The Congress and the CPM attempted a tie-up in West Bengal but failed. The same seems to be the case in Haryana, Punjab and Delhi, where its talks with the AAP are still hazy. Rahul Gandhi’s decision to also contest from Wayanad in Kerala, a minority- dominated, backward constituency in Kerala, has spoiled his chemistry with the Left. Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has accused him of fighting the Left, “after trying to stop Modi all these years”. BSP supremo Mayawati is piqued with Rahul Gandhi for failing to accommodate BSP in MP and Chhattisgarh in the December 2018 Assembly election. The break down of negotiations with BSP on seat sharing in these states, sealed any chance of adjustment in UP in the Lok Sabha poll. In the end, there are at least a dozen contestants against Narendra Modi’s candidates in almost all the 543 Lok Sabha constituencies. Talk about post-poll adjustments are unconvincing. Voters want to know the alternative to Modi. The Congress strategy from the beginning was flawed. In their personal attacks, they only helped to project a larger than life image for the prime minister. Every time the opposition spoke of stopping Modi without offering a convincing governance agenda, it has looked power hungry. This has helped invest Modi with the “underdog image”, gaining voters’ sympathy. National security and the Balakot air strikes proved the defining moments. Modi stood for taking India forward, protecting it from Pak-sponsored terror and forces hostile to India. As against this, the Congress manifesto, which offered repeal of AFSPA, the sedition law and expressed a pro-separatist stand on Jammu and Kashmir, has convinced the voter that Modi stood for a strong and united India. (This article was originally published on DNA. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Lok Sabha polls 2019: Narendra Modi stands tall and imposing during polls