<p>Ahead of the Gujarat Assembly polls, the Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Gandhinagar has written a letter urging members of the Christian community to save the country from &quot;nationalist forces&quot; as he said the &quot;democratic fabric&quot; of the country was at stake, amidst growing &quot;sense of insecurity&quot; among minorities.</p>

<p>Indirectly targeting the ruling BJP in the state, Archbishop Thomas Macwan appealed to the minority community to help elect those candidates, who respect every human being without discrimination, to the state Assembly.</p>

<p>He said the nationalist forces were &quot;on the verge of taking over the country&quot;, which is why the Gujarat elections could make a difference.</p>

<p>In an official communique dated November 21, Macwan appealed to the Christians to organise prayer services in parishes and convents &quot;so that we may have such people elected to the Gujarat Assembly, who would remain faithful to the Indian Constitution and respect every human being without any sort of discrimination&quot;.</p>

<p>&quot;The democratic fabric of the country is at stake amidst growing sense of insecurity among the minorities, Other Backward Class (OBC), Backward Class, poor, etc,&quot; he said.</p>

<p>&quot;The results of this election are significant and will have its repercussion and reverberation throughout our beloved nation. It will influence the future course of our country.</p>

<p>&quot;We are aware that the secular and democratic fabric of our country is at stake. Human rights are being violated. The constitutional rights are being trampled. Not a single day goes without an attack on our churches, church personnel, faithfuls or institutions,&quot; he said.</p>

<p>&quot;The recitation of the Holy Rosary at individual, community, family and parish levels will be of great help. Encourage your faithful to pray the Rosary,&quot; he said.</p>

<p>In the letter, the Archbishop has also cited examples of how such prayers saved Europe during the victory at Lepanto (referring to the battle of 1571 in which Holy League of Venetian and Spanish empires defeated Ottoman Empire in the Gulf of Patras), and how &quot;protecting hand of our beloved Mother Mary defeated communist governments and dictators in a number of countries&quot;.&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;</p>


Archbishop Thomas Macwan appealed to Christians to help elect those candidates who respect every human being without discrimination

Ahead of the Gujarat Assembly polls, the Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Gandhinagar has written a letter urging members of the Christian community to save the country from "nationalist forces" as he said the "democratic fabric" of the country was at stake, amidst growing "sense of insecurity" among minorities. Indirectly targeting the ruling BJP in the state, Archbishop Thomas Macwan appealed to the minority community to help elect those candidates, who respect every human being without discrimination, to the state Assembly. He said the nationalist forces were "on the verge of taking over the country", which is why the Gujarat elections could make a difference. In an official communique dated November 21, Macwan appealed to the Christians to organise prayer services in parishes and convents "so that we may have such people elected to the Gujarat Assembly, who would remain faithful to the Indian Constitution and respect every human being without any sort of discrimination". "The democratic fabric of the country is at stake amidst growing sense of insecurity among the minorities, Other Backward Class (OBC), Backward Class, poor, etc," he said. "The results of this election are significant and will have its repercussion and reverberation throughout our beloved nation. It will influence the future course of our country. "We are aware that the secular and democratic fabric of our country is at stake. Human rights are being violated. The constitutional rights are being trampled. Not a single day goes without an attack on our churches, church personnel, faithfuls or institutions," he said. "The recitation of the Holy Rosary at individual, community, family and parish levels will be of great help. Encourage your faithful to pray the Rosary," he said. In the letter, the Archbishop has also cited examples of how such prayers saved Europe during the victory at Lepanto (referring to the battle of 1571 in which Holy League of Venetian and Spanish empires defeated Ottoman Empire in the Gulf of Patras), and how "protecting hand of our beloved Mother Mary defeated communist governments and dictators in a number of countries".

Gujarat elections: Save country from nationalist forces, says Gandhinagar Archbishop

<p>The Congress on Sunday released its first list of 77 candidates for the upcoming Gujarat assembly elections. The list was released by senior party leader Oscar Fernandes.</p>

<p>The list includes Shaktisinh Gohil, Indranil RajyaGuru, Dilipsinh A Gohil, Vallab Dharadiya, Arjunbhai Modhvadiya and many more.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">This is our 1st Candidate list of 77 Candidates for <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GujaratElection2017?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GujaratElection2017</a>.<br />
<br />
Congratulations &amp; Best wishes to all the 77 Candidates. ???????? ??? ??, ??????? ???? ??! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NavsarjanGujarat?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NavsarjanGujarat</a> <a href="https://t.co/C8OCsbTavR">pic.twitter.com/C8OCsbTavR</a></p>
&mdash; Bharat Solanki (@BharatSolankee) <a href="https://twitter.com/BharatSolankee/status/932295612686467073?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 19, 2017</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

<p>Senior Gujarat Congress leader Shaktisinh Gohil is contesting from Mandvi constituency. Indranil Rajyaguru is pitted against Chief Minister Vijay Rupani from Rajkot.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Dilipsinh A Gohil will clash with BJP state president Jitu Vaghani from Bhavnagar West. Earlier in the day, Congress state Bharatsinh Solanki confirmed that a reservation policy has been worked out with the Patidars.&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">BJP is nervous &amp; rattled by the surging popularity of <a href="https://twitter.com/INCGujarat?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@INCGujarat</a> &amp; Response Rahulji&#39;s <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NavsarjanYatra?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NavsarjanYatra</a> got from People.<br />
<br />
Thus, They are resorting to what they do the best, Spreading lies on Social Media but none of this will help as ppl have decided to boot out BJP from Gujarat! <a href="https://t.co/qeXAJMP62v">https://t.co/qeXAJMP62v</a></p>
&mdash; Bharat Solanki (@BharatSolankee) <a href="https://twitter.com/BharatSolankee/status/932289484086960129?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 19, 2017</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

<p>In the first list, there are three Patidar Anamat Andolan Samiti (PAAS) contestants __ Lalit Basoya (Dhoraji), Nilesh Kumbani (Kamrej) and Amit Thummar (Junagadh). Out of the 77 candidates, there are 11 ST candidates and 7 SC candidates.</p>

<p>The Congress earlier released a list of candidates on it&#39;s Twitter handle which was later retracted as the list was incorrect, Congress said.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, BJP circulated a list of Congress candidates on social media. Upon investigation by Congress IT cell, it was found the phone used for BJP&#39;s website was used to circulate the list, Gujarat Congress said.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">A Fake list of <a href="https://twitter.com/INCGujarat?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@INCGujarat</a> Candidates is going around on Social Media with my signature. It is fake &amp; We have released no such list.<br />
<br />
Authority to declare the candidates completely lies with Central Election Committee &amp; List of Candidates is always declared from Delhi by AICC.</p>
&mdash; Bharat Solanki (@BharatSolankee) <a href="https://twitter.com/BharatSolankee/status/932286270906155008?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 19, 2017</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

<p>&#39;&#39;BJP must answer people why did it resort to such gimmick and circulated the false list. It must apologize to the public,&#39;&#39; said Manish Doshi, Gujarat Pradesh Congress Committee spokesperson.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&#39;&#39;Letter pad of Congress and signatures of our President have been misused to circulate false list on social media,&#39;&#39; Doshi alleged.&nbsp;</p>

<p><br />
(With inputs from agencies)</p>

<p><br />
&nbsp;</p>


In the first list, there are three Patidar Anamat Andolan Samiti (PAAS) contestants. Out of the 77 candidates, there are 11 ST candidates and 7 SC candidates.

The Congress on Sunday released its first list of 77 candidates for the upcoming Gujarat assembly elections. The list was released by senior party leader Oscar Fernandes. The list includes Shaktisinh Gohil, Indranil RajyaGuru, Dilipsinh A Gohil, Vallab Dharadiya, Arjunbhai Modhvadiya and many more. This is our 1st Candidate list of 77 Candidates for #GujaratElection2017. Congratulations & Best wishes to all the 77 Candidates. ???????? ??? ??, ??????? ???? ??! #NavsarjanGujarat pic.twitter.com/C8OCsbTavR — Bharat Solanki (@BharatSolankee) November 19, 2017 × Senior Gujarat Congress leader Shaktisinh Gohil is contesting from Mandvi constituency. Indranil Rajyaguru is pitted against Chief Minister Vijay Rupani from Rajkot. Dilipsinh A Gohil will clash with BJP state president Jitu Vaghani from Bhavnagar West. Earlier in the day, Congress state Bharatsinh Solanki confirmed that a reservation policy has been worked out with the Patidars. BJP is nervous & rattled by the surging popularity of @INCGujarat & Response Rahulji's #NavsarjanYatra got from People. Thus, They are resorting to what they do the best, Spreading lies on Social Media but none of this will help as ppl have decided to boot out BJP from Gujarat! https://t.co/qeXAJMP62v — Bharat Solanki (@BharatSolankee) November 19, 2017 × In the first list, there are three Patidar Anamat Andolan Samiti (PAAS) contestants __ Lalit Basoya (Dhoraji), Nilesh Kumbani (Kamrej) and Amit Thummar (Junagadh). Out of the 77 candidates, there are 11 ST candidates and 7 SC candidates. The Congress earlier released a list of candidates on it's Twitter handle which was later retracted as the list was incorrect, Congress said. Meanwhile, BJP circulated a list of Congress candidates on social media. Upon investigation by Congress IT cell, it was found the phone used for BJP's website was used to circulate the list, Gujarat Congress said. A Fake list of @INCGujarat Candidates is going around on Social Media with my signature. It is fake & We have released no such list. Authority to declare the candidates completely lies with Central Election Committee & List of Candidates is always declared from Delhi by AICC. — Bharat Solanki (@BharatSolankee) November 19, 2017 × ''BJP must answer people why did it resort to such gimmick and circulated the false list. It must apologize to the public,'' said Manish Doshi, Gujarat Pradesh Congress Committee spokesperson. ''Letter pad of Congress and signatures of our President have been misused to circulate false list on social media,'' Doshi alleged. (With inputs from agencies)

Gujarat election: Congress releases first list of candidates

<p>Days before polling-day in the Gujarat assembly elections, differences have cropped up between Congress and Patidar Anamat Andolan Samiti (PAAS) over seat sharing as Congress is not ready to yield to the demands of Hardik Patel to part with nine seats.</p>

<p>The Congress is ready to give only 4 tickets to the Patel led outfit.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to media reports, the representatives from the two parties met on Friday to discuss ticket sharing and quota issue.&nbsp;</p>

<p>By late Friday, PAAS leaders gave a 24-hour ultimatum to Congress for a final decision.&nbsp;</p>

<p>PAAS is demanding tickets in Patidar dominated areas in Ahmedabad, north Gujarat and Saurashtra.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Congress had earlier assured adequate political representation to the Patidars. However, it changed its mind after the<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/gujarat-elections-sex-cd-goes-viral-allegation-is-it-features-hardik-patel-24122" target="_blank"> alleged sex CD</a> surfaced.</p>

<p>The Congress united with the Patidars to garner support from the state&#39;s Patidar community.</p>

<p>It had earlier<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-invites-hardik-patel-to-contest-gujarat-elections-22699" target="_blank"> invited Hardik Patel to contest elections</a> in state&#39;s assembly elections.&nbsp;To which Hardik replied that it was not a BJP-Congress election. However, he added, &quot; we must unite against BJP&quot;.</p>

<p>The <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/want-clarity-on-patidar-reservation-issue-by-nov-7-hardik-patel-23167" target="_blank">Patidar leader joined Congress on a condition</a> that the party would adhere to their <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/gujarat-elections-cong-gives-3-quota-options-to-patidars-who-say-theyll-get-back-to-them-23775" target="_blank">demands of allowing reservation </a>in education and government jobs to his community.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Conflicts arose after Congress refused to accede to the demands Hardik Patel led Samiti's proposal of 9 tickets.?The Congress is ready to give only 4 tickets to the Patel led outfit

Days before polling-day in the Gujarat assembly elections, differences have cropped up between Congress and Patidar Anamat Andolan Samiti (PAAS) over seat sharing as Congress is not ready to yield to the demands of Hardik Patel to part with nine seats. The Congress is ready to give only 4 tickets to the Patel led outfit. According to media reports, the representatives from the two parties met on Friday to discuss ticket sharing and quota issue. By late Friday, PAAS leaders gave a 24-hour ultimatum to Congress for a final decision. PAAS is demanding tickets in Patidar dominated areas in Ahmedabad, north Gujarat and Saurashtra. The Congress had earlier assured adequate political representation to the Patidars. However, it changed its mind after the alleged sex CD surfaced. The Congress united with the Patidars to garner support from the state's Patidar community. It had earlier invited Hardik Patel to contest elections in state's assembly elections. To which Hardik replied that it was not a BJP-Congress election. However, he added, " we must unite against BJP". The Patidar leader joined Congress on a condition that the party would adhere to their demands of allowing reservation in education and government jobs to his community.

Hardik Patel sulks over seat sharing ahead of Gujarat poll

<p>Congress President Sonia Gandhi has called a meeting of the Congress Working Committee (CWC) on Monday (November 20)&nbsp;to finalise the schedule of the organisational elections of the Congress party, sources confirmed.</p>

<p>The meeting will take place at 10:30 am.</p>

<p>Sources also indicated that in all probability Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi would be elevated as the President of the Congress before December 5.</p>

<p>Sources also said that the elevation is not going to be delayed any further. The CWC is expected to adopt the resolution to make Rahul Gandhi Congress president on Monday which would subsequently be ratified by the All India Congress Committee. As per the rules of the Congress constitution,&nbsp;the final ratification has to be done by the All India Congress Committee (AICC).<br />
<br />
Sonia Gandhi&rsquo;s elevation as the President by CWC was challenged by Jitendra Prasad which led to an election.</p>

<p>Earlier there were speculations that Rahul Gandhi&rsquo;s elevation has been put off but the sources inside Congress confirmed that no such decision had been taken.</p>

<p>The CWC can also be expected to look at the Gujarat elections but it would be peripheral.</p>

<p>It is for this reason that the agenda of the CWC has been kept open.</p>

<p>Sonia Gandhi has been the longest serving President of the grand old party. She assumed office in 1998 and has continued since then.</p>

<p><br />
&nbsp;</p>


Congress President Sonia Gandhi has called a meeting of the Congress Working Committee on Sunday morning to finalise the schedule of the organisational elections of the Congress party

Congress President Sonia Gandhi has called a meeting of the Congress Working Committee (CWC) on Monday (November 20) to finalise the schedule of the organisational elections of the Congress party, sources confirmed. The meeting will take place at 10:30 am. Sources also indicated that in all probability Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi would be elevated as the President of the Congress before December 5. Sources also said that the elevation is not going to be delayed any further. The CWC is expected to adopt the resolution to make Rahul Gandhi Congress president on Monday which would subsequently be ratified by the All India Congress Committee. As per the rules of the Congress constitution, the final ratification has to be done by the All India Congress Committee (AICC). Sonia Gandhi’s elevation as the President by CWC was challenged by Jitendra Prasad which led to an election. Earlier there were speculations that Rahul Gandhi’s elevation has been put off but the sources inside Congress confirmed that no such decision had been taken. The CWC can also be expected to look at the Gujarat elections but it would be peripheral. It is for this reason that the agenda of the CWC has been kept open. Sonia Gandhi has been the longest serving President of the grand old party. She assumed office in 1998 and has continued since then.

Rahul Gandhi to be made Congress President before December 5: Sources to WION

<p>Former Patidar Anamat Andolan Samiti (PAAS) leader Chirag Patel joined the Bharatiya Janata Party on Thursday.</p>

<p>The former leader of the Hardik Patel-led PAAS joined the BJP in the presence of Gujarat Deputy chief minister Nitin Patel, ANI reported.</p>

<p>(Also Read -<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/gujarat-elections-cong-gives-3-quota-options-to-patidars-who-say-theyll-get-back-to-them-23775"> Gujarat elections: Cong gives 3 quota options to Patidars who say they&#39;ll get back to them</a>)</p>

<p>The development is likely to come as a setback to the Congress which has been trying to win over the Patidar community ahead of the assembly elections in the state.</p>

<p>Last month, two of Hardik Patel&#39;s close aides from the Patidar community, Reshma Patel and Varun Patel, joined the BJP.</p>

<p>Hardik Patel poses a challenge to the ruling BJP as he holds a sway over a chunk of Patidars, considered as loyal voters of the party.</p>


The development is likely to come as a setback to the Congress which has been trying to win over the Patidar community ahead of the assembly elections in the state

Former Patidar Anamat Andolan Samiti (PAAS) leader Chirag Patel joined the Bharatiya Janata Party on Thursday. The former leader of the Hardik Patel-led PAAS joined the BJP in the presence of Gujarat Deputy chief minister Nitin Patel, ANI reported. (Also Read - Gujarat elections: Cong gives 3 quota options to Patidars who say they'll get back to them) The development is likely to come as a setback to the Congress which has been trying to win over the Patidar community ahead of the assembly elections in the state. Last month, two of Hardik Patel's close aides from the Patidar community, Reshma Patel and Varun Patel, joined the BJP. Hardik Patel poses a challenge to the ruling BJP as he holds a sway over a chunk of Patidars, considered as loyal voters of the party.

Gujarat elections: Former PAAS leader Chirag Patel joins BJP

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/himachal-votes-today-all-you-need-to-know-about-the-election-23777">Himachal votes today: All you need to know about the election</a></p>

<p>The northern hill state of Himachal Pradesh goes to polls today. Former Himachal Pradesh chief minister Prem Kumar Dhumal is the chief ministerial candidate of the BJP. He faces-off with chief minister Virbhadra Singh of the Congress. Polling began at 8 am and will go on till 5 pm. Here&#39;s a ready reckoner.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/uk-minister-priti-patel-quits-over-unauthorised-israel-meetings-23774">UK minister Priti Patel quits over unauthorised Israel meetings</a></p>

<p>Britain&#39;s overseas aid minister Priti Patel quit on Wednesday over unauthorised meetings in Israel. Theresa May summoned Patel back from a trip to Africa to explain her talks with Israeli politicians and officials, in which she reportedly raised the possibility of Britain diverting aid to the Israeli army.</p>

<p>Patel had apologised on Monday for holding 12 separate meetings -- including with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu -- during a family holiday to Israel in August, without notifying the Foreign Office or Downing Street in advance.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-to-have-another-round-of-odd-even-rule-23778">Delhi gears up for second round of odd-even rule</a></p>

<p>In view of increasing air pollution, Delhi will have yet anothe round of odd-even. Delhi Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal on Wednesday directed the Transport Department to start preparing for implementing the rule in Delhi.</p>

<p>Mr Baijal also directed Municipal Corporations, DDA and SDMs to strictly enforce a prohibition on open burning. Delhi Metro parking rates will also be increased four times the prevalent rates from Thursday onwards, in a bid to discourage use of private vehicles.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/gujarat-elections-cong-gives-3-quota-options-to-patidars-who-say-theyll-get-back-to-them-23775">Gujarat elections: Cong gives 3 quota options to Patidars who say they&#39;ll get back to them</a></p>

<p>Congress gave three options to the Hardik Patel-led Patidar Anamat Andolan Samiti (PAAS) at a late night meeting here with respect to latter&#39;s quota demand for its community, even as the organisation members said they would consult their leaders and legal experts before taking a decision.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/egypt-bill-looks-to-criminalise-homosexuality-23781">Egypt bill looks to criminalise homosexuality</a></p>

<p>Amnesty International on Thursday condemned a draft bill in the Egyptian parliament that would criminalise homosexuality, in what the rights group called an &quot;unprecedented homophobic crackdown&quot;.</p>

<p>The bill lays jail terms of between one and three years for first-time offenders, whether the act takes place in public or a private place. Repeat offenders would receive five years.</p>


The top stories from India and the world this morning

Himachal votes today: All you need to know about the election The northern hill state of Himachal Pradesh goes to polls today. Former Himachal Pradesh chief minister Prem Kumar Dhumal is the chief ministerial candidate of the BJP. He faces-off with chief minister Virbhadra Singh of the Congress. Polling began at 8 am and will go on till 5 pm. Here's a ready reckoner. UK minister Priti Patel quits over unauthorised Israel meetings Britain's overseas aid minister Priti Patel quit on Wednesday over unauthorised meetings in Israel. Theresa May summoned Patel back from a trip to Africa to explain her talks with Israeli politicians and officials, in which she reportedly raised the possibility of Britain diverting aid to the Israeli army. Patel had apologised on Monday for holding 12 separate meetings -- including with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu -- during a family holiday to Israel in August, without notifying the Foreign Office or Downing Street in advance. Delhi gears up for second round of odd-even rule In view of increasing air pollution, Delhi will have yet anothe round of odd-even. Delhi Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal on Wednesday directed the Transport Department to start preparing for implementing the rule in Delhi. Mr Baijal also directed Municipal Corporations, DDA and SDMs to strictly enforce a prohibition on open burning. Delhi Metro parking rates will also be increased four times the prevalent rates from Thursday onwards, in a bid to discourage use of private vehicles. Gujarat elections: Cong gives 3 quota options to Patidars who say they'll get back to them Congress gave three options to the Hardik Patel-led Patidar Anamat Andolan Samiti (PAAS) at a late night meeting here with respect to latter's quota demand for its community, even as the organisation members said they would consult their leaders and legal experts before taking a decision. Egypt bill looks to criminalise homosexuality Amnesty International on Thursday condemned a draft bill in the Egyptian parliament that would criminalise homosexuality, in what the rights group called an "unprecedented homophobic crackdown". The bill lays jail terms of between one and three years for first-time offenders, whether the act takes place in public or a private place. Repeat offenders would receive five years.

WION morning news brief, November 9, 2017

<p>Ahead of the upcoming assembly elections in Himachal Pradesh, BJP chief Amit Shah, who is on a five-day tour of the hill state, addressed a rally in Kangra district.</p>

<p>On Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel&#39;s 147th birth anniversary today, the BJP president said the freedom fighter should have been the first recipient of Bharat Ratna, the country&#39;s highest civilian award.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&quot;There was a question to give Bharat Ratna to Sardar Patel. I think that if there was anyone who should have been awarded Bharat Ratna first, it would be Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel,&quot; Amit Shah said.</p>

<p>(Also Read -&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/himachal-pradesh-polls-bjp-announces-prem-kumar-dhumal-as-partys-chief-ministerial-candidate-23225">Himachal Pradesh polls: BJP announces Prem Kumar Dhumal as party&#39;s chief ministerial candidate</a>)</p>

<p>The first recipients of the Bharat Ratna were politician C Rajagopalachari, former president S Radhakrishnan, and scientist CV Raman, who received the award in 1954.</p>

<p>Sardar Vallabhai Patel died in 1950 before the award was instituted. The Bharat Ratna was bestowed upon him posthumously in 1991.</p>

<p>The BJP President also highlighted the contribution made by Sardar Patel at the time of independence and said he &quot;unified all principalities and worked to make one united India.&quot;</p>

<p>&quot;After independence, Britishers wanted to divide the country in more than 300 principalities. We got independence, whole world believed; even people had questions what would happen to the country now. Will this country be divided? But Sardar with his patience unified all principalities and worked to make one united India. It is because of this, our country is developing today.&quot;</p>

<p>The birth anniversary of Sardar Patel is being celebrated across the country as &#39;Rashtriya Ekta Diwas&#39; (National Unity Day).</p>

<p>Amit Shah also criticised the Virbhadra Singh-led Himachal Pradesh government for the rape and murder of a teenage girl in Shimla&#39;s Kotkhai area in July.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&quot;I want to ask the chief minister who is responsible for what happened to the little girl in Shimla,&quot; Amit Shah said.</p>

<p>The Himachal Pradesh assembly elections will take place on November 9.</p>

<p>He also took potshots at Congress president Rahul Gandhi and said that while the Congress president asked prime minister Narendra Modi what he had done in three years, he wanted to ask Rahul Gandhi what he had done all these years.</p>

<p>&quot;Rahul baba asks Modi ji &#39;what have you done in three years&#39;. But I ask what have you done in so many years,&quot; the BJP President said.<br />
&nbsp;</p>


Amit Shah is on a five day tour of Himachal Pradesh

Ahead of the upcoming assembly elections in Himachal Pradesh, BJP chief Amit Shah, who is on a five-day tour of the hill state, addressed a rally in Kangra district. On Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel's 147th birth anniversary today, the BJP president said the freedom fighter should have been the first recipient of Bharat Ratna, the country's highest civilian award. "There was a question to give Bharat Ratna to Sardar Patel. I think that if there was anyone who should have been awarded Bharat Ratna first, it would be Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel," Amit Shah said. (Also Read - Himachal Pradesh polls: BJP announces Prem Kumar Dhumal as party's chief ministerial candidate) The first recipients of the Bharat Ratna were politician C Rajagopalachari, former president S Radhakrishnan, and scientist CV Raman, who received the award in 1954. Sardar Vallabhai Patel died in 1950 before the award was instituted. The Bharat Ratna was bestowed upon him posthumously in 1991. The BJP President also highlighted the contribution made by Sardar Patel at the time of independence and said he "unified all principalities and worked to make one united India." "After independence, Britishers wanted to divide the country in more than 300 principalities. We got independence, whole world believed; even people had questions what would happen to the country now. Will this country be divided? But Sardar with his patience unified all principalities and worked to make one united India. It is because of this, our country is developing today." The birth anniversary of Sardar Patel is being celebrated across the country as 'Rashtriya Ekta Diwas' (National Unity Day). Amit Shah also criticised the Virbhadra Singh-led Himachal Pradesh government for the rape and murder of a teenage girl in Shimla's Kotkhai area in July. "I want to ask the chief minister who is responsible for what happened to the little girl in Shimla," Amit Shah said. The Himachal Pradesh assembly elections will take place on November 9. He also took potshots at Congress president Rahul Gandhi and said that while the Congress president asked prime minister Narendra Modi what he had done in three years, he wanted to ask Rahul Gandhi what he had done all these years. "Rahul baba asks Modi ji 'what have you done in three years'. But I ask what have you done in so many years," the BJP President said.

Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel should have been first recipient of Bharat Ratna: Amit Shah at Himachal election rally

<p>Patidar Anamat Andolan Samiti (PAAS) leader Hardik Patel has said that he wants clarity by November 7 on the issue of reservation to his community.</p>

<p>Patel`s statement came just hours after the first formal meeting of the Patidar community and the Congress leaders ahead of the upcoming Gujarat assembly elections.&quot;I am not with or against anyone (Congress). I need clarity by November 7 on an issue of reservation to our community&quot;, he told the reporters.</p>

<p>The PAAS leader, earlier on Monday, extended the deadline for the Congress Party till November 7 to clear its stand on the Patidar community`s demand for reservation.In a meeting with the Congress, the Patidar leaders listed their demands and the party agreed to four of them, but the demand for Patidar reservation did not reach a final conclusion.</p>

<p>Nevertheless, Patel has remarked that the meeting turned out to be fruitful and the PAAS may meet Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi if the core committee advises so.</p>

<p>Amid the conjectures surrounding the Patidar`s choice of an ally in the upcoming Gujarat Assembly election, Patel clarified that he will never support the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), and added that there is &quot;no match fixing at all&quot;. Meanwhile, the Congress has said that it will make a decision after consulting the matter with legal experts.</p>

<p>&quot;PAAS has put forward their point, and we will go to a legal expert and then take things forward,&quot; Gujarat State President Bharatsinh Solanki said in a press conference yesterday.</p>

<p>The Patidar leader had earlier said that he will extend support to the Congress if it supports their community and provides reservation.The Congress is counting on Patidar votes to sway the election results of Gujarat polls in their favour and overthrow the BJP, which has been in power since 1995 in the state.</p>

<p>The polls will be conducted in two phases in the state.The polling for the first phase will be held on December 9 and for the second phase on December 14.The counting of the votes will be held on December 18</p>


Patel`s statement came just hours after the first formal meeting of the Patidar community and the Congress leaders ahead of the upcoming Gujarat assembly elections.

Patidar Anamat Andolan Samiti (PAAS) leader Hardik Patel has said that he wants clarity by November 7 on the issue of reservation to his community. Patel`s statement came just hours after the first formal meeting of the Patidar community and the Congress leaders ahead of the upcoming Gujarat assembly elections."I am not with or against anyone (Congress). I need clarity by November 7 on an issue of reservation to our community", he told the reporters. The PAAS leader, earlier on Monday, extended the deadline for the Congress Party till November 7 to clear its stand on the Patidar community`s demand for reservation.In a meeting with the Congress, the Patidar leaders listed their demands and the party agreed to four of them, but the demand for Patidar reservation did not reach a final conclusion. Nevertheless, Patel has remarked that the meeting turned out to be fruitful and the PAAS may meet Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi if the core committee advises so. Amid the conjectures surrounding the Patidar`s choice of an ally in the upcoming Gujarat Assembly election, Patel clarified that he will never support the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), and added that there is "no match fixing at all". Meanwhile, the Congress has said that it will make a decision after consulting the matter with legal experts. "PAAS has put forward their point, and we will go to a legal expert and then take things forward," Gujarat State President Bharatsinh Solanki said in a press conference yesterday. The Patidar leader had earlier said that he will extend support to the Congress if it supports their community and provides reservation.The Congress is counting on Patidar votes to sway the election results of Gujarat polls in their favour and overthrow the BJP, which has been in power since 1995 in the state. The polls will be conducted in two phases in the state.The polling for the first phase will be held on December 9 and for the second phase on December 14.The counting of the votes will be held on December 18

Hardik Patel wants clarity on Patidar reservation issue by November 7

<p>Former senior Congress leader Shankersinh Vaghela, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/gujarat-speculation-rife-veteran-cong-leader-shankersinh-vaghela-may-leave-party-18149">who quit the Congress party in July</a> and launched a new political party, has allied with the All India Hindustan Congress Party for the Gujarat Assembly elections.</p>

<p>Mr Vaghela said at a press conference in Ahmedabad today that his party, the Jan Vikalp Morcha, will contest elections on the tractor symbol of the&nbsp;All India Hindustan Congress Party.</p>

<p>Mr Vaghela resigned from the Congress in July. In September, he launched the Jan Vikalp Morcha, pitching it as an alternative to the BJP and the Congress in the state.</p>

<p>The&nbsp; Jan Vikalp Morcha chief had earlier said that his party would contest all the 182 seats in the state Assembly.</p>

<p>The former chief minister of Gujarat, who was initially a member of the BJP, quit the party in the mid-Nineties and formed his own party, the Rashtriya Janata Party (RJP).</p>

<p>In 1996, he became chief minister of Gujarat with the support of the Congress. The RJP later merged with the Congress.</p>


The former senior Congress leader said that his party, the Jan Vikalp Morcha, will contest elections on the tractor symbol of the?All India Hindustan Congress Party

Former senior Congress leader Shankersinh Vaghela, who quit the Congress party in July and launched a new political party, has allied with the All India Hindustan Congress Party for the Gujarat Assembly elections. Mr Vaghela said at a press conference in Ahmedabad today that his party, the Jan Vikalp Morcha, will contest elections on the tractor symbol of the All India Hindustan Congress Party. Mr Vaghela resigned from the Congress in July. In September, he launched the Jan Vikalp Morcha, pitching it as an alternative to the BJP and the Congress in the state. The Jan Vikalp Morcha chief had earlier said that his party would contest all the 182 seats in the state Assembly. The former chief minister of Gujarat, who was initially a member of the BJP, quit the party in the mid-Nineties and formed his own party, the Rashtriya Janata Party (RJP). In 1996, he became chief minister of Gujarat with the support of the Congress. The RJP later merged with the Congress.

Shankersinh Vaghela allies with All India Hindustan Congress Party

<p>The Election Commission said today that it will hold the Gujarat assembly elections before the results for the Himachal Pradesh assembly polls were out.</p>

<p>Chief Election Commissioner Achal Kumar Joti told ANI that the poll body would plan the election schedule in Gujarat in such a way that the &quot;the outcome of the result should not affect the voting in Gujarat.&quot;</p>

<p>The chief election commissioner was quoted as saying by a media outlet that elections in Gujarat would likely be called in the next two days since major relief work after the July floods had been completed.</p>

<p>He also told ANI&nbsp;that multiple factors, including the weather, were considered before deciding to hold the elections in Himachal Pradesh earlier than Gujarat.</p>

<p>In an exclusive interview to ANI, Joti said political parties and the state administration in Himachal Pradesh had requested the election commission to organise the polls before mid-November as there was probability of snowfall in three districts of the hill state.</p>

<p>&quot;Another main reason is that Himachal and Gujarat are not adjoining states. If multiple states go for polls, they are adjoining states. The EC has always made sure that the voting pattern of one state does not affect the voting pattern of another state, and that is why the counting period in Himachal Pradesh has been kept on 18th December 2017. We had stated that we would plan the election schedule in Gujarat in such a way that polling in Gujarat is over prior to Himachal Pradesh Assembly election result, so that the outcome of the result should not affect the voting in Gujarat,&quot; the chief election commissioner said.</p>

<p>He also said that it was necessary for the floods-affected state to undergo restoration before elections could be organised in view of the loss of lives and damage to the infrastructure.</p>

<p>The chief election commissioner said that the government staff which would carry out the restoration work was the one who would carry out election-related work. And that once the announcement for the polls was made, the government employees will have to leave the restoration work and perform election-related duties.</p>

<p>&quot;And at a time when restoration work is done, it involves a lot of government force. A total of 26443 employees of the state government will be given election duties. So the staff, which manages the restoration work will only be assigned the election duties as we don&#39;t supply staff,&quot; he said.</p>

<p>In July, parts of Gujarat were ravaged by incessant rains and floods that claimed more than 200 lives.</p>

<p>The poll body had announced the election dates for Himachal Pradesh earlier this month. For Gujarat, it had said that election would be over by December 18.</p>

<p>The Opposition had cried foul, stating that since 1998 elections in the two states had been held simultaneously with the exception of 2002 when the communal riots took place.</p>

<p>Congress leader P Chidambaram had alleged that the dates would be announced once the ruling BJP government in Gujarat had &quot;announced all concessions and freebies&quot;</p>

<p>The senior Congress leader wrote in a Twitter post, that the poll body &quot;has authorised PM to announce date of Gujarat elections at his last rally.&quot;</p>

<p>PM Modi has visited Gujarat thrice in the last one month. He has inaugurated a slew of infrastructure projects&nbsp; -- and a bullet train -- in the course of these visits.</p>

<p>The prime minister inaugurated a number of projects in Bhavnagar and Vadodra&nbsp;yesterday, the highlight being a ferry service from Ghogha in Bhavnagar district to Dahej in Bharuch.</p>


Chief Election Commissioner Achal Kumar Joti said the Gujarat election schedule was being in a manner that the outcome of the result did not affect the voting in Gujarat

The Election Commission said today that it will hold the Gujarat assembly elections before the results for the Himachal Pradesh assembly polls were out. Chief Election Commissioner Achal Kumar Joti told ANI that the poll body would plan the election schedule in Gujarat in such a way that the "the outcome of the result should not affect the voting in Gujarat." The chief election commissioner was quoted as saying by a media outlet that elections in Gujarat would likely be called in the next two days since major relief work after the July floods had been completed. He also told ANI that multiple factors, including the weather, were considered before deciding to hold the elections in Himachal Pradesh earlier than Gujarat. In an exclusive interview to ANI, Joti said political parties and the state administration in Himachal Pradesh had requested the election commission to organise the polls before mid-November as there was probability of snowfall in three districts of the hill state. "Another main reason is that Himachal and Gujarat are not adjoining states. If multiple states go for polls, they are adjoining states. The EC has always made sure that the voting pattern of one state does not affect the voting pattern of another state, and that is why the counting period in Himachal Pradesh has been kept on 18th December 2017. We had stated that we would plan the election schedule in Gujarat in such a way that polling in Gujarat is over prior to Himachal Pradesh Assembly election result, so that the outcome of the result should not affect the voting in Gujarat," the chief election commissioner said. He also said that it was necessary for the floods-affected state to undergo restoration before elections could be organised in view of the loss of lives and damage to the infrastructure. The chief election commissioner said that the government staff which would carry out the restoration work was the one who would carry out election-related work. And that once the announcement for the polls was made, the government employees will have to leave the restoration work and perform election-related duties. "And at a time when restoration work is done, it involves a lot of government force. A total of 26443 employees of the state government will be given election duties. So the staff, which manages the restoration work will only be assigned the election duties as we don't supply staff," he said. In July, parts of Gujarat were ravaged by incessant rains and floods that claimed more than 200 lives. The poll body had announced the election dates for Himachal Pradesh earlier this month. For Gujarat, it had said that election would be over by December 18. The Opposition had cried foul, stating that since 1998 elections in the two states had been held simultaneously with the exception of 2002 when the communal riots took place. Congress leader P Chidambaram had alleged that the dates would be announced once the ruling BJP government in Gujarat had "announced all concessions and freebies" The senior Congress leader wrote in a Twitter post, that the poll body "has authorised PM to announce date of Gujarat elections at his last rally." PM Modi has visited Gujarat thrice in the last one month. He has inaugurated a slew of infrastructure projects -- and a bullet train -- in the course of these visits. The prime minister inaugurated a number of projects in Bhavnagar and Vadodra yesterday, the highlight being a ferry service from Ghogha in Bhavnagar district to Dahej in Bharuch.

Gujarat polls before Himachal results are out: Election Commission

<p>Two days after <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/hardik-patels-close-aides-join-bjp-22716" target="_blank">Reshma Patel and Varun Patel, close aides of Hardik Patel from the Patidar community joined Bhartiya Janata Party</a>, Patidar leader Narendra Patel has accused BJP of bribing him to join their party.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>Narendra Patel said he was offered Rs 1 crore to join the BJP in Gujarat. He added&nbsp;that he has already received Rs 10 lakh in advance.&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">I was offered Rs 1 crore to join the Bharatiya Janata Party. I have already been given Rs 10 lakh advance: Narendra Patel, Patidar leader <a href="https://t.co/NZUN1NibQp">pic.twitter.com/NZUN1NibQp</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/922280488735141888?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 23, 2017</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

<p>Patel further said that he does not want the money. He joined the protest for the Patidar community and not for any&nbsp;political ambitions.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="hi">Yeh paisa mujhe nahi chahiye,main sirf Patidar samaj ke liye andolan mein aya hun, mein rajkiye apeksha ke liye nahi aya hun: Narendra Patel <a href="https://t.co/vRds1AqJak">pic.twitter.com/vRds1AqJak</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/922282157229215745?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 23, 2017</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;He said that he will return the sum of Rs 10 lakh as it is not earned from hard work, it is the result of corruption.&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="hi">Jo Rs 10 lakh koi mehnat ka paisa nahi hai, bhrashtachar ka paisa hai, main Mehsana ka shaheed hun mein, paisa wapas karunga:Narendra Patel <a href="https://t.co/4HtoWb0pq8">pic.twitter.com/4HtoWb0pq8</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/922282744255619074?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 23, 2017</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

<p>He clarified that Varun Patel took him to a meeting where it was discussed that he will be given Rs 1 crore. He received the amount of Rs 10 lakhs from Varun Patel.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>Varun&nbsp;and Reshma Patel&nbsp;joined BHP ahead of the assembly elections in the state. The leaders justified their alliance with the party by saying that BJP has assented to their demands and will assist them in their fight for the Patidars.</p>

<p>Responding to the allegations put by Narendra, Varun said the Patidar community is again coming together with the BJP for their benefits, he also joined the party for the same. Varun blamed the Congress party for creating controversies.</p>

<p>He also added that Narendra should have conducted the press conference after taking Rs 1 crore, why did he call the press conference after taking 10 lakhs?</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="in">10 lakh leke press ki, unhe to 1 crore leke press karni chahiye thi. Kyun 10 lakh leke ki?:Varun Patel, BJP on Narendra Patel&#39;s allegations <a href="https://t.co/lW2noVVk2E">pic.twitter.com/lW2noVVk2E</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/922295778906849280?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 23, 2017</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="hi">Patidar samaaj phir se BJP ki aur jud raha hai, hitt ke liye main bhi juda. Congress party ye saare khel kar rhi hai: Varun Patel,BJP <a href="https://t.co/GTSMIq7PX2">pic.twitter.com/GTSMIq7PX2</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/922295956627890176?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 23, 2017</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Karenge jo karna hai, jo action lena hai lenge: Varun Patel,BJP on Narendra Patel&#39;s allegation of being offered Rs. 1 crore to join BJP</p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/922296625698971648?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 23, 2017</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

<p>Recently, Gujarat OBC leader Alpesh Thakur also joined Congress.</p>

<p>He assured that Hardik Patel&nbsp;will be working with the Congress to defeat BJP.</p>


He clarified that Varun Patel took him to a meeting where it was discussed that he will be given Rs 1 crore. He received the amount of Rs 10 lakhs from Varun Patel.

Two days after Reshma Patel and Varun Patel, close aides of Hardik Patel from the Patidar community joined Bhartiya Janata Party, Patidar leader Narendra Patel has accused BJP of bribing him to join their party. Narendra Patel said he was offered Rs 1 crore to join the BJP in Gujarat. He added that he has already received Rs 10 lakh in advance. I was offered Rs 1 crore to join the Bharatiya Janata Party. I have already been given Rs 10 lakh advance: Narendra Patel, Patidar leader pic.twitter.com/NZUN1NibQp — ANI (@ANI) October 23, 2017 × Patel further said that he does not want the money. He joined the protest for the Patidar community and not for any political ambitions. Yeh paisa mujhe nahi chahiye,main sirf Patidar samaj ke liye andolan mein aya hun, mein rajkiye apeksha ke liye nahi aya hun: Narendra Patel pic.twitter.com/vRds1AqJak — ANI (@ANI) October 23, 2017 × He said that he will return the sum of Rs 10 lakh as it is not earned from hard work, it is the result of corruption. Jo Rs 10 lakh koi mehnat ka paisa nahi hai, bhrashtachar ka paisa hai, main Mehsana ka shaheed hun mein, paisa wapas karunga:Narendra Patel pic.twitter.com/4HtoWb0pq8 — ANI (@ANI) October 23, 2017 × He clarified that Varun Patel took him to a meeting where it was discussed that he will be given Rs 1 crore. He received the amount of Rs 10 lakhs from Varun Patel. Varun and Reshma Patel joined BHP ahead of the assembly elections in the state. The leaders justified their alliance with the party by saying that BJP has assented to their demands and will assist them in their fight for the Patidars. Responding to the allegations put by Narendra, Varun said the Patidar community is again coming together with the BJP for their benefits, he also joined the party for the same. Varun blamed the Congress party for creating controversies. He also added that Narendra should have conducted the press conference after taking Rs 1 crore, why did he call the press conference after taking 10 lakhs? 10 lakh leke press ki, unhe to 1 crore leke press karni chahiye thi. Kyun 10 lakh leke ki?:Varun Patel, BJP on Narendra Patel's allegations pic.twitter.com/lW2noVVk2E — ANI (@ANI) October 23, 2017 × Patidar samaaj phir se BJP ki aur jud raha hai, hitt ke liye main bhi juda. Congress party ye saare khel kar rhi hai: Varun Patel,BJP pic.twitter.com/GTSMIq7PX2 — ANI (@ANI) October 23, 2017 × Karenge jo karna hai, jo action lena hai lenge: Varun Patel,BJP on Narendra Patel's allegation of being offered Rs. 1 crore to join BJP — ANI (@ANI) October 23, 2017 × Recently, Gujarat OBC leader Alpesh Thakur also joined Congress. He assured that Hardik Patel will be working with the Congress to defeat BJP.

Patidar leader claims BJP offered him Rs 1 crore to join their party

<p>The Samajwadi Party will contest five of the 182 assembly seats in Gujarat and support the Congress in the rest, SP president Akhilesh Yadav said today (October 23).</p>

<p>The former Uttar Pradesh chief minister said the party did not want a split in the anti-BJP votes and hence would contest only the seats where it had a strong organisational base.<br />
<br />
&quot;In Gujarat, we will be contesting five seats where our organisation is strong. We are not going to weaken the fight there (against the BJP). In the rest of the seats, the party will support Congress,&quot; Akhilesh Yadav told the press.<br />
<br />
The Congress and the Samajwadi Party had struck an alliance in Uttar Pradesh for the assembly elections earlier this year. The Congress had contested 105 of the 403 seats while the SP battled it out in 298 seats.<br />
<br />
Asked if he would campaign in Gujarat, the SP chief said, &quot;I will campaign where our candidates are in the fray. If any other party approaches me, I can campaign for it.&quot;<br />
<br />
Asked about the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath to religious places, Akhilesh Yadav downplayed the visits.</p>

<p>&quot;I have also visited all religious places during my school tours. During Diwali, I also prayed with my family,&quot; he said.<br />
<br />
About the allegations of Narendra Patel, an activist of Hardik Patel-led Patidar Anamat Andolan Samiti, that he was offered Rs 1 crore for joining the BJP, Akhilesh Yadav sarcastically remarked that the BJP was the &quot;most honest&quot; party. &quot;How can it do so?&quot;<br />
<br />
He also &quot;advised&quot;&nbsp;media persons not to run the story, &quot;otherwise your channel will be closed&quot;.<br />
<br />
On the&nbsp;Taj Mahal controversy, he said it was the identity of the country and the &quot;Prime Minister had himself said in his speech that there was a need to attract tourism in the country&quot;.<br />
<br />
&quot;Had our government got NGT (National Green Tribunal) permission, we would have done more beautification work around the Taj,&quot; said Yadav, who was the chief minister of the state between 2012 and 2017.<br />
<br />
Asked about the proposed air show on the Agra Expressway tomorrow, the former Uttar Pradesh chief minister said, &quot;We have got the expressway constructed so that in case of any emergency, planes can land on it. I want to ask the BJP, what is their definition of &#39;<em>rashtrawad</em>&#39; (Nationalism). They say we are not &#39;<em>rashtrawadis</em>&#39; (Nationalists). I want the pictures of the air show to be publicised so that our workers can tell who constructed this (expressway).&quot;<br />
<br />
The Election Commission has said that Gujarat will go to polls before December 18.&nbsp;</p>


The former Uttar Pradesh chief minister said the party did not want a split in the anti-BJP votes

The Samajwadi Party will contest five of the 182 assembly seats in Gujarat and support the Congress in the rest, SP president Akhilesh Yadav said today (October 23). The former Uttar Pradesh chief minister said the party did not want a split in the anti-BJP votes and hence would contest only the seats where it had a strong organisational base. "In Gujarat, we will be contesting five seats where our organisation is strong. We are not going to weaken the fight there (against the BJP). In the rest of the seats, the party will support Congress," Akhilesh Yadav told the press. The Congress and the Samajwadi Party had struck an alliance in Uttar Pradesh for the assembly elections earlier this year. The Congress had contested 105 of the 403 seats while the SP battled it out in 298 seats. Asked if he would campaign in Gujarat, the SP chief said, "I will campaign where our candidates are in the fray. If any other party approaches me, I can campaign for it." Asked about the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath to religious places, Akhilesh Yadav downplayed the visits. "I have also visited all religious places during my school tours. During Diwali, I also prayed with my family," he said. About the allegations of Narendra Patel, an activist of Hardik Patel-led Patidar Anamat Andolan Samiti, that he was offered Rs 1 crore for joining the BJP, Akhilesh Yadav sarcastically remarked that the BJP was the "most honest" party. "How can it do so?" He also "advised" media persons not to run the story, "otherwise your channel will be closed". On the Taj Mahal controversy, he said it was the identity of the country and the "Prime Minister had himself said in his speech that there was a need to attract tourism in the country". "Had our government got NGT (National Green Tribunal) permission, we would have done more beautification work around the Taj," said Yadav, who was the chief minister of the state between 2012 and 2017. Asked about the proposed air show on the Agra Expressway tomorrow, the former Uttar Pradesh chief minister said, "We have got the expressway constructed so that in case of any emergency, planes can land on it. I want to ask the BJP, what is their definition of 'rashtrawad' (Nationalism). They say we are not 'rashtrawadis' (Nationalists). I want the pictures of the air show to be publicised so that our workers can tell who constructed this (expressway)." The Election Commission has said that Gujarat will go to polls before December 18.

SP to contest 5 Gujarat seats, support Congress in rest: Akhilesh Yadav

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit poll-bound Gujarat today for the third time this month, where he will inaugurate and lay foundation stones for a number of projects in Bhavnagar and Vadodara districts.</p>

<p>Modi will inaugurate the first phase of the Rs 615-crore &#39;roll-on, roll-off (ro-ro)&#39; ferry service between Ghogha in Bhavnagar district and Dahej in Bharuch in the Gulf of Khambhat.</p>

<p>The prime minister had called the ferry service, which will reduce the distance between the two towns from 310 kilometres by road to 30 kilometres, his &quot;dream project&quot; while addressing a gathering at Gandhinagar on Monday.</p>

<p>He will address a gathering in Ghogha and undertake a journey to Dahej from Ghogha on the ferry. From Dahej, he will leave for Vadodara, where he is scheduled to inaugurate and lay the foundation stones for projects worth over Rs 1,140 crore.</p>

<p>Ajay Bhadoo, Chief Executive Officer of Gujarat Maritime Board which is executing the ro-ro project, said the first phase of the service to be inaugurated by Modi on Sunday is meant for passengers.</p>

<p>In the second phase, which would be ready in two months, cars can also be carried between the two towns.</p>

<p>&quot;It is a complex project which involves complicated marine structure of the Gulf of Khambhat, on which it is built. The service reduces the distance between the two towns from 310 kilometres by road to 30 kilometres which can be covered in one hour,&quot; Bhadoo said.</p>

<p>Modi had laid the foundation stone for the project in January 2012, when he was the chief minister of Gujarat.</p>

<p>.In Vadodara, Modi will inaugurate eight different projects worth Rs 1,140 crore.</p>

<p>Vadodara Municipal Commissioner Vinod Rao said Modi will dedicate to people a Rs 100-crore city command and control centre in Badamadi Garden, Rs 125-crore Janmahal city transport hub and multi-level parking (under PPP), a Rs 160 crore multi-modal city transport hub, Rs 267 crore waste-to- energy processing plant.</p>

<p>The other projects are a Rs 166-crore water treatment plant, two flyovers collectively worth Rs 265 crore, a Rs 55- crore deer safari park, and a Rs 6-crore veterinary hospital.</p>

<p>He will also address people at Navlakhi compound in Vadodara.</p>

<p>Modi had last visited Vadodara, a constituency from where he contested the 2014 Lok Sabha election and won by a record margin, on October 22 last year to inaugurate a new airport terminal building and distribute assistance devices to the divyang (specially-abled) people. He had also won from Varanasi seat in Uttar Pradesh which he retained.</p>

<p>The prime minister had visited Gujarat on Monday, when he addressed the BJP workers at a rally in Gandhinagar.</p>

<p>Prior to that, Modi had visited his home town Vadnagar on October 8 and also inaugurated and laid foundation stones of various projects in Rajkot, Vadnagar, Gandhinagar, and Bharuch.<br />
His visits assume significance as Assembly elections are due in Gujarat in December.</p>

<p>Last month, he hosted Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe here and launched the bullet train project. Modi had also dedicated to the nation the Sardar Sarovar Dam on river Narmada at an event coinciding with his 67th birthday.</p>


PM Modi will inaugurate and lay foundation stones for a number of projects in Bhavnagar and Vadodara districts

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit poll-bound Gujarat today for the third time this month, where he will inaugurate and lay foundation stones for a number of projects in Bhavnagar and Vadodara districts. Modi will inaugurate the first phase of the Rs 615-crore 'roll-on, roll-off (ro-ro)' ferry service between Ghogha in Bhavnagar district and Dahej in Bharuch in the Gulf of Khambhat. The prime minister had called the ferry service, which will reduce the distance between the two towns from 310 kilometres by road to 30 kilometres, his "dream project" while addressing a gathering at Gandhinagar on Monday. He will address a gathering in Ghogha and undertake a journey to Dahej from Ghogha on the ferry. From Dahej, he will leave for Vadodara, where he is scheduled to inaugurate and lay the foundation stones for projects worth over Rs 1,140 crore. Ajay Bhadoo, Chief Executive Officer of Gujarat Maritime Board which is executing the ro-ro project, said the first phase of the service to be inaugurated by Modi on Sunday is meant for passengers. In the second phase, which would be ready in two months, cars can also be carried between the two towns. "It is a complex project which involves complicated marine structure of the Gulf of Khambhat, on which it is built. The service reduces the distance between the two towns from 310 kilometres by road to 30 kilometres which can be covered in one hour," Bhadoo said. Modi had laid the foundation stone for the project in January 2012, when he was the chief minister of Gujarat. .In Vadodara, Modi will inaugurate eight different projects worth Rs 1,140 crore. Vadodara Municipal Commissioner Vinod Rao said Modi will dedicate to people a Rs 100-crore city command and control centre in Badamadi Garden, Rs 125-crore Janmahal city transport hub and multi-level parking (under PPP), a Rs 160 crore multi-modal city transport hub, Rs 267 crore waste-to- energy processing plant. The other projects are a Rs 166-crore water treatment plant, two flyovers collectively worth Rs 265 crore, a Rs 55- crore deer safari park, and a Rs 6-crore veterinary hospital. He will also address people at Navlakhi compound in Vadodara. Modi had last visited Vadodara, a constituency from where he contested the 2014 Lok Sabha election and won by a record margin, on October 22 last year to inaugurate a new airport terminal building and distribute assistance devices to the divyang (specially-abled) people. He had also won from Varanasi seat in Uttar Pradesh which he retained. The prime minister had visited Gujarat on Monday, when he addressed the BJP workers at a rally in Gandhinagar. Prior to that, Modi had visited his home town Vadnagar on October 8 and also inaugurated and laid foundation stones of various projects in Rajkot, Vadnagar, Gandhinagar, and Bharuch. His visits assume significance as Assembly elections are due in Gujarat in December. Last month, he hosted Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe here and launched the bullet train project. Modi had also dedicated to the nation the Sardar Sarovar Dam on river Narmada at an event coinciding with his 67th birthday.

PM Modi to visit poll-bound Gujarat, inaugurate ferry service

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Gujarat for a day-long visit&nbsp;today morning <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-to-visit-poll-bound-gujarat-today-22710">for inaugurating a slew of projects</a>&nbsp;in Bhavnagar and Vadodra, the highlight being a ferry service from&nbsp;Ghogha in Bhavnagar district to Dahej in Bharuch.</p>

<p>The prime minister said he was happy to be in Gujarat and that the ferry service programme was of vital importance for the entire nation.</p>

<p>&quot;The ferry service is a first of sorts. Its a dream come true for people of Gujarat,&quot; PM Modi said as he launched the first phase of the project.</p>

<p>He also added that the government was planning to link a number of other places also through ferries.</p>

<p>&quot;This ferry service will not be restricted to this one route. We are planning to link other places also through ferries. This Ro-Ro ferry service will start the phase of social and economic development. Thousands of new jobs will be created,&quot; the prime minister said.</p>

<p>&quot;Sadly, our transport sector was not integrated enough. We have changed that in the last three years. The goal is to make our transport sector integrated and state-of-the-art. We are planning to extend the route to the other parts of Gujarat,&quot; he said.<br />
&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<center>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Gujarat?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Gujarat</a> PM Modi on board RO-RO ferry between from Ghogha &amp; Dahej; He also interacted with students on board the ferry (Earlier Visuals) <a href="https://t.co/dOA64mPB0b">pic.twitter.com/dOA64mPB0b</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/922079651148599297?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 22, 2017</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></center>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<center>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="nl"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Gujarat?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Gujarat</a> Prime Minister Narendra Modi on board RO-RO ferry between Ghogha and Dahej <a href="https://t.co/KkXJnok1Zr">pic.twitter.com/KkXJnok1Zr</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/922025239784992769?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 22, 2017</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></center>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>PM Modi said he faced &quot;hostility from the then central government&quot; when&nbsp;he was the chief minister of the state and that &quot;efforts were made to stall the state&#39;s growth.&quot;</p>

<p>&quot;When I was serving as the chief minister of Gujarat in 2012, I faced hostility from the then Central government. Efforts were made to stall industries and the state&#39;s growth. Over the last three years, we have changed that and given importance to the development of Gujarat,&quot; he said.</p>

<p>&nbsp;The Ro-Ro (Roll on, Roll off) ferry service, which the PM earlier called his &quot;dream project&quot;, will reduce travel time between the two cities from seven to eight hours to an hour.</p>

<p>The ferry service will reduce the distance from 310 kilometres by road to 30 kilometres.</p>

<p>When fully operationalised, it will also enable movement of vehicles. Phase 1, which the prime minister will inaugurate today, will allow passenger movement.<br />
&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<center>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the launch of RO-RO ferry service and other projects in Ghogha, Gujarat <a href="https://t.co/0W1wruJKq0">pic.twitter.com/0W1wruJKq0</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/921980219862298625?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 22, 2017</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></center>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<center>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Gujarat: PM Narendra Modi arrives in Bhavnagar, received by CM Rupani and Deputy CM Nitin Patel <a href="https://t.co/RFXDgYHQA9">pic.twitter.com/RFXDgYHQA9</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/921973557676015618?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 22, 2017</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></center>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

<p>PM Modi undertook the maiden voyage from Ghogha to Dahej.</p>

<p>The prime minister interacted with schoolchildren upon his arrival in Dahej.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<center>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Gujarat?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Gujarat</a> Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrives in Dahej aboard RO-RO ferry from Ghogha, interacts with school children on arrival in Dahej <a href="https://t.co/POVjUXiYkg">pic.twitter.com/POVjUXiYkg</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/922027865322823680?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 22, 2017</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></center>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>At a public meeting in the port town, PM Modi said India needed better and more ports.</p>

<p>&quot;Our mantra is P for P - Ports for Prosperity,&quot; PM Modi said.</p>

<p>&quot;Without proper connectivity, the economic development of a nation slows down. Keeping this in mind we are focussing on ports infrastructure.</p>

<p>Our focus is on the blue economy. We see the blue economy as integral to our vision of a new India,&quot; he said.</p>

<p>PM Modi emphasised that the fundamentals of the economy were strong and that the economy was moving in the right direction after reforms.</p>

<p>&quot;Many economists agree that the fundamentals of the economy are strong.</p>

<p>After all hardcore reforms, the&nbsp;economy is on track and moving in right direction,&quot;&nbsp;PM Modi at the rally in Dahej.</p>

<p>We have taken tough decisions for the economy and will continue to do so while maintaining financial stability,&quot; he said.</p>

<p>The prime minister&#39;s next stop was Vadodara, where he inaugurated and laid the foundation stones for projects worth over Rs 1,140 crore.</p>

<p>&quot;The scale of development works being inaugurated in Vadodara today is unprecedented,&quot; he said at a public meeting.</p>

<p>PM Modi also participated in a road show in his 2014 Lok Sabha constituency before leaving for Delhi.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<center>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a>: Prime Minister Narendra Modi&#39;s roadshow underway in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Vadodara?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Vadodara</a>, loud cheers by the crowds <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Gujarat?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Gujarat</a> <a href="https://t.co/PpcJOVE5G0">pic.twitter.com/PpcJOVE5G0</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/922086489625804801?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 22, 2017</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></center>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<center>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="und">Vadodara, Gujarat: Prime Minister Narendra Modi leaves for Delhi <a href="https://t.co/Wgstxix8B4">pic.twitter.com/Wgstxix8B4</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/922089197325791233?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 22, 2017</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></center>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>This is PM Modi&#39;s third visit to the poll-bound state in a month.</p>

<p>Earlier this month, the prime minister inaugurated several projects in Gandhinagar, Rajkot, his hometown Vadnagar and Bharuch.</p>

<p>His visits assume significance as Assembly elections are due in Gujarat in December.</p>

<p>Last month, he hosted Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in Gujarat and launched the bullet train project.He had also dedicated to the nation the Sardar Sarovar Dam on&nbsp;Narmada&nbsp;river at an event coinciding with his 67th birthday.<br />
&nbsp;</p>


PM Modi said he faced 'hostility from the then central government' when?he was the chief minister of the state and that 'efforts were made to stall the state's growth'

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Gujarat for a day-long visit today morning for inaugurating a slew of projects in Bhavnagar and Vadodra, the highlight being a ferry service from Ghogha in Bhavnagar district to Dahej in Bharuch. The prime minister said he was happy to be in Gujarat and that the ferry service programme was of vital importance for the entire nation. "The ferry service is a first of sorts. Its a dream come true for people of Gujarat," PM Modi said as he launched the first phase of the project. He also added that the government was planning to link a number of other places also through ferries. "This ferry service will not be restricted to this one route. We are planning to link other places also through ferries. This Ro-Ro ferry service will start the phase of social and economic development. Thousands of new jobs will be created," the prime minister said. "Sadly, our transport sector was not integrated enough. We have changed that in the last three years. The goal is to make our transport sector integrated and state-of-the-art. We are planning to extend the route to the other parts of Gujarat," he said. #Gujarat PM Modi on board RO-RO ferry between from Ghogha & Dahej; He also interacted with students on board the ferry (Earlier Visuals) pic.twitter.com/dOA64mPB0b — ANI (@ANI) October 22, 2017 × #Gujarat Prime Minister Narendra Modi on board RO-RO ferry between Ghogha and Dahej pic.twitter.com/KkXJnok1Zr — ANI (@ANI) October 22, 2017 × PM Modi said he faced "hostility from the then central government" when he was the chief minister of the state and that "efforts were made to stall the state's growth." "When I was serving as the chief minister of Gujarat in 2012, I faced hostility from the then Central government. Efforts were made to stall industries and the state's growth. Over the last three years, we have changed that and given importance to the development of Gujarat," he said. The Ro-Ro (Roll on, Roll off) ferry service, which the PM earlier called his "dream project", will reduce travel time between the two cities from seven to eight hours to an hour. The ferry service will reduce the distance from 310 kilometres by road to 30 kilometres. When fully operationalised, it will also enable movement of vehicles. Phase 1, which the prime minister will inaugurate today, will allow passenger movement. Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the launch of RO-RO ferry service and other projects in Ghogha, Gujarat pic.twitter.com/0W1wruJKq0 — ANI (@ANI) October 22, 2017 × Gujarat: PM Narendra Modi arrives in Bhavnagar, received by CM Rupani and Deputy CM Nitin Patel pic.twitter.com/RFXDgYHQA9 — ANI (@ANI) October 22, 2017 × PM Modi undertook the maiden voyage from Ghogha to Dahej. The prime minister interacted with schoolchildren upon his arrival in Dahej. #Gujarat Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrives in Dahej aboard RO-RO ferry from Ghogha, interacts with school children on arrival in Dahej pic.twitter.com/POVjUXiYkg — ANI (@ANI) October 22, 2017 × At a public meeting in the port town, PM Modi said India needed better and more ports. "Our mantra is P for P - Ports for Prosperity," PM Modi said. "Without proper connectivity, the economic development of a nation slows down. Keeping this in mind we are focussing on ports infrastructure. Our focus is on the blue economy. We see the blue economy as integral to our vision of a new India," he said. PM Modi emphasised that the fundamentals of the economy were strong and that the economy was moving in the right direction after reforms. "Many economists agree that the fundamentals of the economy are strong. After all hardcore reforms, the economy is on track and moving in right direction," PM Modi at the rally in Dahej. We have taken tough decisions for the economy and will continue to do so while maintaining financial stability," he said. The prime minister's next stop was Vadodara, where he inaugurated and laid the foundation stones for projects worth over Rs 1,140 crore. "The scale of development works being inaugurated in Vadodara today is unprecedented," he said at a public meeting. PM Modi also participated in a road show in his 2014 Lok Sabha constituency before leaving for Delhi. #WATCH: Prime Minister Narendra Modi's roadshow underway in #Vadodara, loud cheers by the crowds #Gujarat pic.twitter.com/PpcJOVE5G0 — ANI (@ANI) October 22, 2017 × Vadodara, Gujarat: Prime Minister Narendra Modi leaves for Delhi pic.twitter.com/Wgstxix8B4 — ANI (@ANI) October 22, 2017 × This is PM Modi's third visit to the poll-bound state in a month. Earlier this month, the prime minister inaugurated several projects in Gandhinagar, Rajkot, his hometown Vadnagar and Bharuch. His visits assume significance as Assembly elections are due in Gujarat in December. Last month, he hosted Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in Gujarat and launched the bullet train project.He had also dedicated to the nation the Sardar Sarovar Dam on Narmada river at an event coinciding with his 67th birthday.

PM Modi in Gujarat, inaugurates ferry service and 'dream project'

<p>The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Wednesday asked the Election Commission to remove the &quot;None of the Above&quot; option (NOTA) for voters, stating that there was a lack of consensus among parties and that the option was creating &quot;confusion&quot;.</p>

<p>NOTA will be available to voters for the first time during the assembly elections in Gujarat.</p>

<p>A board of members of the BJP tried to convince Election Commission officials to remove the voting option,&nbsp;a day after the Congress party made a similar demand.</p>

<p>The Congress also moved the Supreme Court today (August 2). The top court is likely to hear the matter tomorrow.</p>

<p>In a memorandum to the Election Commission, the BJP said, &quot;It is submitted that the use of NOTA in the upcoming poll has become an issue of debate among the political parties and therefore, a proper consensus should be made before the use of NOTA in election in Rajya Sabha.&quot;</p>

<p>Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs&nbsp;Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi said that the introduction of the voting option on the ballot paper during the Rajya Sabha elections had created a lot of confusion.</p>

<p>&quot;Rajya Sabha elections are indirect elections where the&nbsp;original feeling is that NOTA will harm the Rajya Sabha elections, and so we have demanded that NOTA tatkal should be ended and so that fair elections can take place,&quot; he said.</p>

<p>The legislators who will cast vote in the August 8 Rajya Sabha election in Gujarat, will have the option of NOTA.</p>

<p>The Congress has been protesting since the Election Commission has notified the NOTA option.</p>

<p>The party will also issue a whip to all MLAs, including Shankersinh Vaghela who resigned last month, to ensure that Ahmed Patel is voted back into the Rajya Sabha.</p>

<p>Despite the fact that six of its legislators from Gujarat have joined the BJP, the Congress is leaving no stone unturned to secure Rajya Sabha berth for its lone candidate Ahmed Patel.</p>

<p>The BJP has fielded party president Amit Shah, Union Minister Smriti Irani and Balwantsinh Rajput against Ahmed Patel.</p>

<p>Rajya Sabha elections do not take place by secret ballot. The voter has to show the marked ballot to the party&#39;s polling agent before putting it in the ballot box.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


A board of members of the BJP tried to convince Election Commission officials to remove the voting option

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Wednesday asked the Election Commission to remove the "None of the Above" option (NOTA) for voters, stating that there was a lack of consensus among parties and that the option was creating "confusion". NOTA will be available to voters for the first time during the assembly elections in Gujarat. A board of members of the BJP tried to convince Election Commission officials to remove the voting option, a day after the Congress party made a similar demand. The Congress also moved the Supreme Court today (August 2). The top court is likely to hear the matter tomorrow. In a memorandum to the Election Commission, the BJP said, "It is submitted that the use of NOTA in the upcoming poll has become an issue of debate among the political parties and therefore, a proper consensus should be made before the use of NOTA in election in Rajya Sabha." Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi said that the introduction of the voting option on the ballot paper during the Rajya Sabha elections had created a lot of confusion. "Rajya Sabha elections are indirect elections where the original feeling is that NOTA will harm the Rajya Sabha elections, and so we have demanded that NOTA tatkal should be ended and so that fair elections can take place," he said. The legislators who will cast vote in the August 8 Rajya Sabha election in Gujarat, will have the option of NOTA. The Congress has been protesting since the Election Commission has notified the NOTA option. The party will also issue a whip to all MLAs, including Shankersinh Vaghela who resigned last month, to ensure that Ahmed Patel is voted back into the Rajya Sabha. Despite the fact that six of its legislators from Gujarat have joined the BJP, the Congress is leaving no stone unturned to secure Rajya Sabha berth for its lone candidate Ahmed Patel. The BJP has fielded party president Amit Shah, Union Minister Smriti Irani and Balwantsinh Rajput against Ahmed Patel. Rajya Sabha elections do not take place by secret ballot. The voter has to show the marked ballot to the party's polling agent before putting it in the ballot box.

After Congress, BJP meets Election Commission to discuss removal of NOTA