<p>Each time you watched Rahul Gandhi take to the stage during his Gujarat election campaigns and explain before a waiting crowd that the GST is nothing but &#39;Gabbar Singh Tax&#39;, you must have wondered what&#39;s wrong with the man. You must have got curious to know which school Rahul Gandhi got his economics lessons from.</p>

<p>However, let me tell you he is perfectly all right and that he is got his lessons from the best school of a politician - the dusty by-lanes of Indian politics.</p>

<p>Politics is all about reaching out to the masses and making an everlasting connect with them; it&#39;s a bonding made stronger with deft communication, apt vocabulary and noisy rhetoric. The greater your ability to connect with the rank and file of the profanum vulgus, the better is your chances in politics. Add a bit of theatrics and voila! You&#39;ve got what it takes.</p>

<p>After 17 or so defeats in successive elections, Rahul Gandhi now seems to have learnt the ropes. Many political observers and analysts believe that Rahul has found his tongue. He&#39;s discovered the art of communication, at least to the best of his limitations. &#39;Gabbar Singh Tax&#39; serves the best example.</p>

<p>GST brought with it two &#39;miseries&#39; to the common people; the first, disruption in normal economic activities of the small traders and second, complexities. Close on the heels of demonetisation, GST brought another commotion in the life of the common man, especially small traders and businessmen. They&#39;ve their experiences to believe GST is bad but the government has its data to prove it&#39;s good. In the scenario, a clever politician knows that theoretically speaking, GST can&#39;t be opposed. It can be defeated only through canards and polemics.</p>

<p>A polemic of lies and derision is the best anecdote to constructive ideas.</p>

<p>&#39;Gabbar Singh Tax&#39; invented that polemic of lies which the disgruntled aam aadmi was looking for and Rahul Gandhi made the most of it. The masses were exhilarated at the description. Each time Gandhi twisted the microphone and uttered the phrase &#39;Gabbar Singh Tax&#39;, the crowd went berserk in jubilation. He knew he had given expression to the anger of the millions. He didn&#39;t know himself what it exactly meant. He need not, either. His job was done.</p>

<p>No amount of pedantic discourse or academic description can destroy the effects of a &#39;Gabbar Singh Tax&#39; narrative. Today, no one remembers what Arun Jaitley said to counter the Gabbar Singh jibe, though he said all those academically correct things. Yet, people only remember what Rahul said. And that&#39;s the art of making a connect.</p>

<p>A good many people are disenchanted in some way or other and a section of media has worked overtime to prove that the government policies are anti-people. Mainstreaming the cash economy and forcing people to live in transparent glasshouses has its own challenges.</p>

<p>The political wisdom says a politician must use the situation to the best of his abilities. Hence, the Congress has exploited the disenchantment of the masses to the best of its ability and fed on the ignorance of the people. Gandhi knows that the aam aadmi, like him, has no appetite for facts or analysis nor it believes in lengthy explanations. The common man needs off-the-shelf concepts, and few catchphrases, to describe his pent up emotions. The &#39;Gabbar Singh Tax&#39;, fits the bill precisely. In this political campaign, the government hit the hustings with facts, figures and analysis and it lost audience. The Congress hit the campaign with polemic and lies and it struck an instant chord with the masses. The media, always hungry for the catchphrases, multiplied the effect.</p>

<p>In the post-truth politics, what matters more is perception and catchphrases do wonderful jobs in shaping perception. It may be a lie or bullshit is another matter. Politics, anyway, is never about teaching the truth. Nor it&#39;s about accountability. Misleading the masses is intelligent so long it fetches votes. And, Gandhi needs votes.</p>

<p>So, you thought &#39;Gabbar Singh Tax&#39; is a sheer bullshit. But then you thought of university economics. For politics, &#39;Gabbar Singh Tax&#39; is an intelligent theorem. It fetches votes. As I said earlier, economics is the best means to harness politics. Hence, no wonder if the &#39;Gabbar Singh Tax&#39; catchphrase enables the Congress and its new chief recover some of the lost grounds in Gujarat.</p>

<p><em>(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)</em></p>


Each time you watched Rahul Gandhi take to the stage during his Gujarat election campaigns and explain before a waiting crowd that the GST is nothing but 'Gabbar Singh Tax', you must have wondered what's wrong with the man.

Each time you watched Rahul Gandhi take to the stage during his Gujarat election campaigns and explain before a waiting crowd that the GST is nothing but 'Gabbar Singh Tax', you must have wondered what's wrong with the man. You must have got curious to know which school Rahul Gandhi got his economics lessons from. However, let me tell you he is perfectly all right and that he is got his lessons from the best school of a politician - the dusty by-lanes of Indian politics. Politics is all about reaching out to the masses and making an everlasting connect with them; it's a bonding made stronger with deft communication, apt vocabulary and noisy rhetoric. The greater your ability to connect with the rank and file of the profanum vulgus, the better is your chances in politics. Add a bit of theatrics and voila! You've got what it takes. After 17 or so defeats in successive elections, Rahul Gandhi now seems to have learnt the ropes. Many political observers and analysts believe that Rahul has found his tongue. He's discovered the art of communication, at least to the best of his limitations. 'Gabbar Singh Tax' serves the best example. GST brought with it two 'miseries' to the common people; the first, disruption in normal economic activities of the small traders and second, complexities. Close on the heels of demonetisation, GST brought another commotion in the life of the common man, especially small traders and businessmen. They've their experiences to believe GST is bad but the government has its data to prove it's good. In the scenario, a clever politician knows that theoretically speaking, GST can't be opposed. It can be defeated only through canards and polemics. A polemic of lies and derision is the best anecdote to constructive ideas. 'Gabbar Singh Tax' invented that polemic of lies which the disgruntled aam aadmi was looking for and Rahul Gandhi made the most of it. The masses were exhilarated at the description. Each time Gandhi twisted the microphone and uttered the phrase 'Gabbar Singh Tax', the crowd went berserk in jubilation. He knew he had given expression to the anger of the millions. He didn't know himself what it exactly meant. He need not, either. His job was done. No amount of pedantic discourse or academic description can destroy the effects of a 'Gabbar Singh Tax' narrative. Today, no one remembers what Arun Jaitley said to counter the Gabbar Singh jibe, though he said all those academically correct things. Yet, people only remember what Rahul said. And that's the art of making a connect. A good many people are disenchanted in some way or other and a section of media has worked overtime to prove that the government policies are anti-people. Mainstreaming the cash economy and forcing people to live in transparent glasshouses has its own challenges. The political wisdom says a politician must use the situation to the best of his abilities. Hence, the Congress has exploited the disenchantment of the masses to the best of its ability and fed on the ignorance of the people. Gandhi knows that the aam aadmi, like him, has no appetite for facts or analysis nor it believes in lengthy explanations. The common man needs off-the-shelf concepts, and few catchphrases, to describe his pent up emotions. The 'Gabbar Singh Tax', fits the bill precisely. In this political campaign, the government hit the hustings with facts, figures and analysis and it lost audience. The Congress hit the campaign with polemic and lies and it struck an instant chord with the masses. The media, always hungry for the catchphrases, multiplied the effect. In the post-truth politics, what matters more is perception and catchphrases do wonderful jobs in shaping perception. It may be a lie or bullshit is another matter. Politics, anyway, is never about teaching the truth. Nor it's about accountability. Misleading the masses is intelligent so long it fetches votes. And, Gandhi needs votes. So, you thought 'Gabbar Singh Tax' is a sheer bullshit. But then you thought of university economics. For politics, 'Gabbar Singh Tax' is an intelligent theorem. It fetches votes. As I said earlier, economics is the best means to harness politics. Hence, no wonder if the 'Gabbar Singh Tax' catchphrase enables the Congress and its new chief recover some of the lost grounds in Gujarat. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Opinion: Anatomy of the 'Gabbar Singh Tax'

<p>Women in Nadiad assembly constituency in Kheda district wore matching dresses while voting for the second phase of election in Gujarat.</p>

<p>Nadiad&#39;s Ramkunj society voted in white clothes, dancing, singing and beating drums on the way.</p>

<p>In Amraiwadi assembly constituency in Ahmedabad, women dressed colourfully, danced in traditional garba as they went out to vote.</p>


Nadiad's Ramkunj society voted in white clothes, dancing, singing and beating drums on the way.

Women in Nadiad assembly constituency in Kheda district wore matching dresses while voting for the second phase of election in Gujarat. Nadiad's Ramkunj society voted in white clothes, dancing, singing and beating drums on the way. In Amraiwadi assembly constituency in Ahmedabad, women dressed colourfully, danced in traditional garba as they went out to vote.

Watch: Garba, drum beats during Gujarat poll 'festival'

<p>Indian shares rose on Thursday, rebounding from two days of losses, after the US&nbsp;Federal Reserve raised rates but kept its outlook unchanged, although caution lingered ahead of the release of exit polls from elections in Gujarat.</p>

<p>The benchmark BSE Sensex closed up 0.59 per cent at 33,246.7 while the broader NSE Nifty ended 0.58 per cent higher at 10,252.1. The indexes fell as much as 0.50 per cent each earlier in the day.</p>


Caution lingered ahead of the release of exit polls from elections in Gujarat

Indian shares rose on Thursday, rebounding from two days of losses, after the US Federal Reserve raised rates but kept its outlook unchanged, although caution lingered ahead of the release of exit polls from elections in Gujarat. The benchmark BSE Sensex closed up 0.59 per cent at 33,246.7 while the broader NSE Nifty ended 0.58 per cent higher at 10,252.1. The indexes fell as much as 0.50 per cent each earlier in the day.

Sensex ends higher; Gujarat exit polls in focus

<p>Hardik Patel tweeted after the Gujarat elections, saying &quot;great change&quot; was coming to Gujarat.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&quot;A storm from the north, a lion from Saurashtra, anger from the south, together they will lead to great change,&quot; the Patidar leader said.&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">????? ?? ????,????????? ?? ???,?????? ?? ??????? ?? ????? ???? ???????????</p>
&mdash; Hardik Patel (@HardikPatel_) <a href="https://twitter.com/HardikPatel_/status/941303687447744513?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 14, 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>Voting for the Gujarat assembly elections came to an end today.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The campaign for Gujarat has been <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/modi-claims-pakistan-trying-to-influence-gujarat-elections-26391" target="_blank">long and bitter</a>.&nbsp;</p>

<p>And at points the ruling BJP -- they&#39;ve been in power for 22 years -- has looked nervous.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A large reason for that has been Hardik exhorting his community to vote against the BJP. (The Patels make up 12 per cent of Gujarat&#39;s population.)&nbsp;</p>

<p>The <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/exit-poll-results-2017-bjp-to-retain-gujarat-overthrow-congress-in-himachal-pradesh-26751" target="_blank">exit polls</a> however seem to disagree with Hardik.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Most of them have said Gujarat will go to the BJP again, although with a two per cent drop in vote share.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Congress meanwhile, the exit polls say, will see a two per cent increase in vote share.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The exit polls add that the BJP will overthrow the Congress in Himachal Pradesh.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The results of both elections will be out on December 18.&nbsp;</p>


'A storm from the north, a lion from Saurashtra, anger from the south, together they will lead to great change,' the Patidar leader said

Hardik Patel tweeted after the Gujarat elections, saying "great change" was coming to Gujarat. "A storm from the north, a lion from Saurashtra, anger from the south, together they will lead to great change," the Patidar leader said. ????? ?? ????,????????? ?? ???,?????? ?? ??????? ?? ????? ???? ??????????? — Hardik Patel (@HardikPatel_) December 14, 2017 × Voting for the Gujarat assembly elections came to an end today. The campaign for Gujarat has been long and bitter. And at points the ruling BJP -- they've been in power for 22 years -- has looked nervous. A large reason for that has been Hardik exhorting his community to vote against the BJP. (The Patels make up 12 per cent of Gujarat's population.) The exit polls however seem to disagree with Hardik. Most of them have said Gujarat will go to the BJP again, although with a two per cent drop in vote share. The Congress meanwhile, the exit polls say, will see a two per cent increase in vote share. The exit polls add that the BJP will overthrow the Congress in Himachal Pradesh. The results of both elections will be out on December 18.

Hardik tweets, says 'great change' coming to Gujarat

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/gujarat-elections-polling-underway-in-second-phase-93-seats-in-focus-26693">Gujarat elections: Polling underway in </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/gujarat-elections-polling-underway-in-second-phase-93-seats-in-focus-26693">second</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/gujarat-elections-polling-underway-in-second-phase-93-seats-in-focus-26693"> phase, 93 assembly seats in fray</a></p>

<p>Polling for the second phase in Gujarat elections is underway in 93 constituencies.&nbsp;Polling is taking place in 14 districts in north and central Gujarat with 2.22 crore people eligible to exercise their franchise.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/spot-fixing-in-ashes-test-at-perth-no-fixing-evidence-says-icc-26690">Spot-fixing&#39; in Ashes Test at Perth? No fixing evidence, says ICC</a></p>

<p>The&nbsp;Sun on Wednesday in its report had said two bookies had offered to sell the newspaper details of today&#39;s Perth Test between Australia and England.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/google-trends-2017-indians-grappled-with-how-to-take-a-screenshot-26665">Top searches on Google in 2017: Indians grappled with &#39;how to take a screenshot&#39;</a></p>

<p>Google&#39;s top India trends throw up some interesting information about the way the country consumes internet and what concerns Indian netizens the most.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/entertainment-now-salma-hayek-accuses-harvey-weinstein-of-abuse-forced-nudity-and-threat-to-kill-her-26691">Now, Salma Hayek accuses Harvey Weinstein of &#39;abuse&#39;, &#39;forced nudity&#39; and threat to &#39;kill&#39; her</a></p>

<p>Salma Hayek is the latest to join the list of Hollywood celebrities accusing movie mogul Harvey Weinstein of sexual harassment.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/britains-theresa-may-defeated-in-parliament-over-brexit-blueprint-26687">Britain&#39;s Theresa May defeated in parliament over Brexit blueprint</a></p>

<p>Prime Minister Theresa May&#39;s government was defeated on Wednesday., when lawmakers forced through changes to its Brexit blueprint.</p>


Polling is underway for the second phase in Gujarat polls

Gujarat elections: Polling underway in second phase, 93 assembly seats in fray Polling for the second phase in Gujarat elections is underway in 93 constituencies. Polling is taking place in 14 districts in north and central Gujarat with 2.22 crore people eligible to exercise their franchise. Spot-fixing' in Ashes Test at Perth? No fixing evidence, says ICC The Sun on Wednesday in its report had said two bookies had offered to sell the newspaper details of today's Perth Test between Australia and England. Top searches on Google in 2017: Indians grappled with 'how to take a screenshot' Google's top India trends throw up some interesting information about the way the country consumes internet and what concerns Indian netizens the most. Now, Salma Hayek accuses Harvey Weinstein of 'abuse', 'forced nudity' and threat to 'kill' her Salma Hayek is the latest to join the list of Hollywood celebrities accusing movie mogul Harvey Weinstein of sexual harassment. Britain's Theresa May defeated in parliament over Brexit blueprint Prime Minister Theresa May's government was defeated on Wednesday., when lawmakers forced through changes to its Brexit blueprint.

WION morning news brief, December 14, 2017

<p>Voting ended in 93 Assembly seats in north and central Gujarat in the<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/gujarat-elections-polling-underway-in-second-phase-93-seats-in-focus-26693"> second and final phase of polling</a> today during which Prime Minister Narendra Modi also cast his ballot.</p>

<p>Those in queue at polling stations would be allowed to vote even after the closure of polls, State Election Commission officials said.</p>

<p>Over 68 per cent polling was recorded.</p>

<p>While the polling was largely peaceful, two incidents of clashes were reported in Mehsana and Vadodara districts, police officials said.</p>

<p>The EC received complaints from five places that electronic voting machines (EVMs) were connecting to external devices via bluetooth, but after inquiry, it was found that there was &quot;no substance&quot; in the complaints, poll officials said.</p>

<p>&quot;An estimated 47.40 per cent voting has been recorded till 2 pm. While Sabarkantha dirstrict recorded the highest voter turnout of 56 per cent, the lowest polling of 41.23 per cent was recorded in Chotta Udaipur district,&quot; they said.</p>

<p>Complaints of EVMs getting connected to the external devices via bluetooth were received from Patan, Kheda, Mehsana districts, Ghatlodia in Ahmedabad district and Godhra in Panchamahal district.</p>

<p>On Saturday, during the first phase of the Assembly polls, the Congress had complained that some EVMs in Porbandar were connecting to external devices via bluetooth. However, the EC had said that the apprehension of possible EVM tampering through bluetooth technology was baseless.</p>

<p>The EC today said that there were reports of malfunctioning of EVMs and voter verifiable paper audit trail (VVPAT) at some places in Aravalli and Panchmahal districts.<br />
Giving details of the two clashes, a police officer said at least three persons were injured in the first incident at Hasanpur village of Visnagar taluka in Mehsana, where workers of two different parties came to blows.</p>

<p>&quot;The situation was under control and the polling process was not affected,&quot; Mehsana Superintendent of Police (SP), Chaitanya Mandlik, said.</p>

<p>Another incident took place at Wankaner village of Savli taluka of Vadodara district, where some villagers got into a scuffle, the officials said.</p>

<p>Despite the morning chill, people could be seen queuing up outside the polling booths even before voting began at 8 am.</p>

<p>The prime minister cast his ballot after waiting in a queue at a polling booth in a school in Sabarmati constituency of Ahmedabad district.</p>

<p>After casting the vote at Nishan High School, he showed his inked finger to thousands of supporters who had gathered outside the school in Ranip locality of Sabaramati constituency, amid chants of &quot;Modi, Modi&quot;.</p>

<p>He walked a certain distance to greet the people standing on both sides of the road outside the polling booth. Later, he stood on the foot-board of his car and waved to the crowd.</p>

<p>However, the Congress alleged that Modi&#39;s roadshow was violation of the Model Code of Conduct and accused the EC of bias.</p>

<p>Apart from Modi, veteran BJP leader LK Advani, BJP president Amit Shah, Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, state Congress president Bharat Solanki and Patidar leader Hardik Patel were among those who cast their ballot.</p>

<p>While the prime minister voted around noon, Shah, Jaitley, Deputy Chief Minister Nitin Patel and former chief minister Anandiben Patel exercised their franchise earlier in the day. Advani voted at Shahpur Hindi school.</p>

<p>The prime minister&#39;s mother Hiraba, who is in her 90s, cast her ballot at a booth in Gandhinagar.</p>

<p>Patidar quota agitation spearhead Hardik Patel and OBC leader Alpesh Thakor, who joined the Congress and is contesting from Radhanpur, voted in Viramgam.</p>

<p>State Congress president Bharat Solanki, former party chief Siddarth Patel, senior leader Shaktisinh Gohil and former MP Dinsha Patel also exercised their franchise in the high-stake battle for power in the state.</p>

<p>Rebel Congress leader Shankarsinh Vaghela, who has floated Jan Vikalp front, voted at Vasania village in Gandhinagar constituency.</p>

<p>Gujarat Chief Electoral Officer B B Swain told reporters that polling took place in more than 25,000 booths across 14 districts.</p>

<p>&quot;We were live web-casting from 1,700 booths. Security had been properly deployed and the staff reached on time,&quot; he said.</p>

<p>&quot;We gave proper instructions to ensure that EVMs which face problems were changed in time so as to avoid any delays encountered during the first phase of polling,&quot; Swain said.</p>

<p>Around 2.22 crore voters were eligible to exercise their franchise to choose between the two main contenders -- the BJP and the Congress -- in the state which witnessed an acrimonious campaign.</p>

<p>A total of 851 candidates were in the fray for the second phase.</p>

<p>The first phase of voting for the 182-member House, held on December 9, covered 89 seats.</p>

<p>The election is being seen as a &quot;prestige battle&quot; for the prime minister and a litmus test for the leadership of Congress president-elect Rahul Gandhi.</p>

<p>In the 2012 Assembly polls, the BJP had won 115 seats while the Congress bagged 61. The votes will be counted on December 18.</p>


Voting ended in 93 Assembly seats in north and central Gujarat in the second and final phase of polling today during which PM Modi also cast his ballot

Voting ended in 93 Assembly seats in north and central Gujarat in the second and final phase of polling today during which Prime Minister Narendra Modi also cast his ballot. Those in queue at polling stations would be allowed to vote even after the closure of polls, State Election Commission officials said. Over 68 per cent polling was recorded. While the polling was largely peaceful, two incidents of clashes were reported in Mehsana and Vadodara districts, police officials said. The EC received complaints from five places that electronic voting machines (EVMs) were connecting to external devices via bluetooth, but after inquiry, it was found that there was "no substance" in the complaints, poll officials said. "An estimated 47.40 per cent voting has been recorded till 2 pm. While Sabarkantha dirstrict recorded the highest voter turnout of 56 per cent, the lowest polling of 41.23 per cent was recorded in Chotta Udaipur district," they said. Complaints of EVMs getting connected to the external devices via bluetooth were received from Patan, Kheda, Mehsana districts, Ghatlodia in Ahmedabad district and Godhra in Panchamahal district. On Saturday, during the first phase of the Assembly polls, the Congress had complained that some EVMs in Porbandar were connecting to external devices via bluetooth. However, the EC had said that the apprehension of possible EVM tampering through bluetooth technology was baseless. The EC today said that there were reports of malfunctioning of EVMs and voter verifiable paper audit trail (VVPAT) at some places in Aravalli and Panchmahal districts. Giving details of the two clashes, a police officer said at least three persons were injured in the first incident at Hasanpur village of Visnagar taluka in Mehsana, where workers of two different parties came to blows. "The situation was under control and the polling process was not affected," Mehsana Superintendent of Police (SP), Chaitanya Mandlik, said. Another incident took place at Wankaner village of Savli taluka of Vadodara district, where some villagers got into a scuffle, the officials said. Despite the morning chill, people could be seen queuing up outside the polling booths even before voting began at 8 am. The prime minister cast his ballot after waiting in a queue at a polling booth in a school in Sabarmati constituency of Ahmedabad district. After casting the vote at Nishan High School, he showed his inked finger to thousands of supporters who had gathered outside the school in Ranip locality of Sabaramati constituency, amid chants of "Modi, Modi". He walked a certain distance to greet the people standing on both sides of the road outside the polling booth. Later, he stood on the foot-board of his car and waved to the crowd. However, the Congress alleged that Modi's roadshow was violation of the Model Code of Conduct and accused the EC of bias. Apart from Modi, veteran BJP leader LK Advani, BJP president Amit Shah, Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, state Congress president Bharat Solanki and Patidar leader Hardik Patel were among those who cast their ballot. While the prime minister voted around noon, Shah, Jaitley, Deputy Chief Minister Nitin Patel and former chief minister Anandiben Patel exercised their franchise earlier in the day. Advani voted at Shahpur Hindi school. The prime minister's mother Hiraba, who is in her 90s, cast her ballot at a booth in Gandhinagar. Patidar quota agitation spearhead Hardik Patel and OBC leader Alpesh Thakor, who joined the Congress and is contesting from Radhanpur, voted in Viramgam. State Congress president Bharat Solanki, former party chief Siddarth Patel, senior leader Shaktisinh Gohil and former MP Dinsha Patel also exercised their franchise in the high-stake battle for power in the state. Rebel Congress leader Shankarsinh Vaghela, who has floated Jan Vikalp front, voted at Vasania village in Gandhinagar constituency. Gujarat Chief Electoral Officer B B Swain told reporters that polling took place in more than 25,000 booths across 14 districts. "We were live web-casting from 1,700 booths. Security had been properly deployed and the staff reached on time," he said. "We gave proper instructions to ensure that EVMs which face problems were changed in time so as to avoid any delays encountered during the first phase of polling," Swain said. Around 2.22 crore voters were eligible to exercise their franchise to choose between the two main contenders -- the BJP and the Congress -- in the state which witnessed an acrimonious campaign. A total of 851 candidates were in the fray for the second phase. The first phase of voting for the 182-member House, held on December 9, covered 89 seats. The election is being seen as a "prestige battle" for the prime minister and a litmus test for the leadership of Congress president-elect Rahul Gandhi. In the 2012 Assembly polls, the BJP had won 115 seats while the Congress bagged 61. The votes will be counted on December 18.

Gujarat polls: Voting ends in second phase, over 68% polling recorded

<p>Patidar Anamat Andolan Samiti (PAAS) convener Hardik Patel on Wednesday rejected the reports of his meeting with businessman and Congress president-elect Rahul Gandhi&#39;s brother-in-law Robert Vadra&quot; Robert Vadra.</p>

<p>Speaking to ANI, Hardik said that the reports of his meeting with Vadra were false.</p>

<p>&quot;Now they are alleging I met Robert Vadra. This is false. After ten days they can even claim I met Nawaz Sharif, then they will say I met Dawood Ibrahim,&quot; he said.</p>

<p>Hardik&#39;s former aide Dinesh Bambhania yesterday claimed that the Patidar leader had met Vadra at a five-star hotel in October.</p>

<p>Speaking about the Gujarat polls, Hardik said that he always pitched for people&#39;s right and never tried to put anyone down.</p>

<p>&quot;The people of Gujarat need a strong voice to support them. I have always raised my voice for people&#39;s right and asked everyone to fight for their right,&quot; he added.</p>

<p>Hardik has joined hands with the Congress party for the upcoming Gujarat assembly elections.</p>

<p>Last month, Hardik made headlines after he claimed that the Congress has agreed to give reservation to the Patidar community, if the party comes to power in Gujarat.</p>

<p>Patidars or Patels are an important group in Gujarat, who enjoy great political dominance in the state. (ANI)</p>


'Now they are alleging I met Robert Vadra. This is false. After ten days they can even claim I met Nawaz Sharif, then they will say I met Dawood Ibrahim,' said Hardik

Patidar Anamat Andolan Samiti (PAAS) convener Hardik Patel on Wednesday rejected the reports of his meeting with businessman and Congress president-elect Rahul Gandhi's brother-in-law Robert Vadra" Robert Vadra. Speaking to ANI, Hardik said that the reports of his meeting with Vadra were false. "Now they are alleging I met Robert Vadra. This is false. After ten days they can even claim I met Nawaz Sharif, then they will say I met Dawood Ibrahim," he said. Hardik's former aide Dinesh Bambhania yesterday claimed that the Patidar leader had met Vadra at a five-star hotel in October. Speaking about the Gujarat polls, Hardik said that he always pitched for people's right and never tried to put anyone down. "The people of Gujarat need a strong voice to support them. I have always raised my voice for people's right and asked everyone to fight for their right," he added. Hardik has joined hands with the Congress party for the upcoming Gujarat assembly elections. Last month, Hardik made headlines after he claimed that the Congress has agreed to give reservation to the Patidar community, if the party comes to power in Gujarat. Patidars or Patels are an important group in Gujarat, who enjoy great political dominance in the state. (ANI)

Gujarat elections: Hardik rebuffs report of meeting with Robert Vadra

<p>Voting for the second phase of the crucial Gujarat Assembly polls will be held Thursday after the high-voltage campaign witnessed Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Congress president-elect Rahul Gandhi leading the electioneering for their parties.</p>

<p>A total of 851 candidates are in the fray for 93 seats across 14 districts in north and central Gujarat, in the final phase of the polls, where 2.22 crore people are eligible to exercise their franchise.</p>

<p>Prominent candidates in the fray for tomorrow&#39;s battle include state deputy chief minister Nitin Patel, who is contesting from Mehsana against Jivabhai Patel of Congress.</p>

<p>Alpesh Thakor, who joined the Congress, is seeking election from Radhanpur constituency. Lavingji Thakor of the BJP is contesting against him.</p>

<p>Vadgam SC seat is another key constituency from where independent candidate Jignesh Mevani is fighting the election on Congress support against BJP&#39;s Vijay Chakravarti.</p>

<p>In Maninagar, the constituency once represented by PM Modi, Congress has given ticket to foreign-educated young face Sweta Bhrambhatt against BJP&#39;s sitting MLA Suresh Patel. Modi had vacated the constituency after becoming the PM in 2014.</p>

<p>In its bid to form a caste bloc against the BJP, the Congress has won over Hardik Patel, Thakor and Mevani, who have emerged as the young Turks representing the Patidars, OBCs and Dalits respectively.</p>

<p>The elections, being viewed as precursor to the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, are a prestige battle for Modi, who helmed the campaign for the ruling BJP in his home state, and a litmus test for Gandhi, who spearheaded the campaign for the Congress.</p>

<p>The electioneering for the second phase concluded yesterday after Modi took a seaplane ride from the Sabarmati river in Ahmedabad to Dharoi Dam in north Gujarat, and returned after offering prayers at the famous Ambaji Temple and holding a road show.</p>

<p>On the concluding day of the campaign, Gandhi told reporters that there was &quot;tremendous undercurrent&quot; against the ruling BJP in Gujarat and predicted a victory for his party in the Assembly polls. He claimed that &quot;public mood&quot; had undergone a radical change with all sections of society angry with the saffron party.</p>

<p>In the final stages of the electioneering, Modi set off a political firestorm after he alleged during a rally in Palanpur that Pakistan was trying to influence the Gujarat polls.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
He claimed that some Pakistani officials and former prime minister Manmohan Singh met a day before Mani Shankar Aiyar made the &quot;neech aadmi&quot; jibe against him.<br />
However, the next day Manmohan Singh asked Modi to apologise to the nation for his remarks.</p>

<p>Earlier, at a rally in Bhabhar town in Banaskantha district in north Gujarat, Modi accused Aiyar of giving &quot;supari&quot; (contract) while on a visit to Pakistan to get him &quot;removed&quot; from the way to ensure peace between India and the neighbouring country.</p>

<p>This came a after Aiyar called Modi a &quot;<em>neech</em><em> </em><em>kism</em><em> ka </em><em>aadmi</em>&quot; (lowly man).</p>

<p>Several senior leaders from both the BJP and the Congress also campaigned extensively for their candidates in major parts of north and central Gujarat.</p>

<p>Apart from Modi, BJP chief Amit Shah also trained guns at the Congress over several issues, including the Ayodhya dispute.</p>

<p>On the other hand, Gandhi persistently attacked Modi and the BJP for &quot;not talking about the future of Gujarat&quot; and skipping key issues being faced by the people of the state. He accused Modi of ignoring the masses and working for only a handful of industrialists.</p>

<p>Patidar reservation agitation spearhead Hardik Patel charged up the campaign by holding a massive rally in Nikol area of the city, where he appealed to voters to &quot;teach a lesson&quot; to the BJP this time.</p>

<p>The 24-year-old, arguably the most talked-about personality in Gujarat today, even held a road show although the authorities had denied permission for the event.<br />
The influential Patidar community, which accounts for around 12 per cent of the state&#39;s population, could prove to be the &#39;X factor&#39; in the polls, in which Hardik Patel has pledged support to the Congress and appealed to the people to &quot;uproot the BJP&quot; this time.</p>

<p>The Election Commission (EC) had earlier announced that Gujarat would be the second state after Goa, where the voter verifiable paper audit trail (VVPAT) system would be used, along with electronic voting machines (EVMs).</p>

<p>In the 2012 assembly polls, the BJP had won 115 seats, while the Congress bagged 61. The counting of votes will be taken up on December 18.&nbsp;</p>

<p><br />
&nbsp;</p>


A total of 851 candidates are in the fray for 93 seats across 14 districts in north and central Gujarat

Voting for the second phase of the crucial Gujarat Assembly polls will be held Thursday after the high-voltage campaign witnessed Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Congress president-elect Rahul Gandhi leading the electioneering for their parties. A total of 851 candidates are in the fray for 93 seats across 14 districts in north and central Gujarat, in the final phase of the polls, where 2.22 crore people are eligible to exercise their franchise. Prominent candidates in the fray for tomorrow's battle include state deputy chief minister Nitin Patel, who is contesting from Mehsana against Jivabhai Patel of Congress. Alpesh Thakor, who joined the Congress, is seeking election from Radhanpur constituency. Lavingji Thakor of the BJP is contesting against him. Vadgam SC seat is another key constituency from where independent candidate Jignesh Mevani is fighting the election on Congress support against BJP's Vijay Chakravarti. In Maninagar, the constituency once represented by PM Modi, Congress has given ticket to foreign-educated young face Sweta Bhrambhatt against BJP's sitting MLA Suresh Patel. Modi had vacated the constituency after becoming the PM in 2014. In its bid to form a caste bloc against the BJP, the Congress has won over Hardik Patel, Thakor and Mevani, who have emerged as the young Turks representing the Patidars, OBCs and Dalits respectively. The elections, being viewed as precursor to the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, are a prestige battle for Modi, who helmed the campaign for the ruling BJP in his home state, and a litmus test for Gandhi, who spearheaded the campaign for the Congress. The electioneering for the second phase concluded yesterday after Modi took a seaplane ride from the Sabarmati river in Ahmedabad to Dharoi Dam in north Gujarat, and returned after offering prayers at the famous Ambaji Temple and holding a road show. On the concluding day of the campaign, Gandhi told reporters that there was "tremendous undercurrent" against the ruling BJP in Gujarat and predicted a victory for his party in the Assembly polls. He claimed that "public mood" had undergone a radical change with all sections of society angry with the saffron party. In the final stages of the electioneering, Modi set off a political firestorm after he alleged during a rally in Palanpur that Pakistan was trying to influence the Gujarat polls. He claimed that some Pakistani officials and former prime minister Manmohan Singh met a day before Mani Shankar Aiyar made the "neech aadmi" jibe against him. However, the next day Manmohan Singh asked Modi to apologise to the nation for his remarks. Earlier, at a rally in Bhabhar town in Banaskantha district in north Gujarat, Modi accused Aiyar of giving "supari" (contract) while on a visit to Pakistan to get him "removed" from the way to ensure peace between India and the neighbouring country. This came a after Aiyar called Modi a "neech kism ka aadmi" (lowly man). Several senior leaders from both the BJP and the Congress also campaigned extensively for their candidates in major parts of north and central Gujarat. Apart from Modi, BJP chief Amit Shah also trained guns at the Congress over several issues, including the Ayodhya dispute. On the other hand, Gandhi persistently attacked Modi and the BJP for "not talking about the future of Gujarat" and skipping key issues being faced by the people of the state. He accused Modi of ignoring the masses and working for only a handful of industrialists. Patidar reservation agitation spearhead Hardik Patel charged up the campaign by holding a massive rally in Nikol area of the city, where he appealed to voters to "teach a lesson" to the BJP this time. The 24-year-old, arguably the most talked-about personality in Gujarat today, even held a road show although the authorities had denied permission for the event. The influential Patidar community, which accounts for around 12 per cent of the state's population, could prove to be the 'X factor' in the polls, in which Hardik Patel has pledged support to the Congress and appealed to the people to "uproot the BJP" this time. The Election Commission (EC) had earlier announced that Gujarat would be the second state after Goa, where the voter verifiable paper audit trail (VVPAT) system would be used, along with electronic voting machines (EVMs). In the 2012 assembly polls, the BJP had won 115 seats, while the Congress bagged 61. The counting of votes will be taken up on December 18.

Gujarat set for 2nd phase of polls on Thursday

<p>In exactly a week from now, we shall know whether the Lotus has bloomed or the Hand has swept aside its rivals in Gujarat. We shall also know whether Rahul Gandhi begins his new innings as Congress president with a morale-boosting win or a defeat for which his minions will need to scamper to find scapegoats. And, we shall know too if Prime Minister Narendra Modi approaches the forthcoming electoral challenges after having being endorsed as Gujarat&rsquo;s Pride or rejected in his own backyard. Both sides are confident of a decisive victory, but that is only to be expected. One has to lose and will lose. After all, while many scenarios have been discussed, none has ventured to suggest a hung Assembly where the winner-loser is unclear.</p>

<p>Election campaigns are composed of several issues, and it is rare for just one or two of these to determine the outcome. The 2014 Lok Sabha poll was one such exception where corruption and policy paralysis alone doomed the Congress. Various other matters, factual or perceptional, became subordinate to this twin overriding narrative. In the Uttar Pradesh Assembly election held earlier this year, the two issues that tamed the Samajwadi Party were minority appeasement and poor law and order.</p>

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<h5>The Gujarat campaign began in a simple enough manner, giving hope to the plethora of commentators of a fairly accurate assessment.</h5>
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<p>The Bihar Assembly poll was fought and won by the Lalu Prasad-Nitish Kumar combine (which has since evaporated) on pure caste arithmetic. Aside these, elections are contested and decided on multiple grounds, and this makes the democratic exercise all the more challenging &mdash; and even more challenging to predict. Rare is that political commentator who is able to say, with some amount of accuracy, that a particular issue would be the dominant factor. In hindsight, once the results are known, there are many to &lsquo;analyse&rsquo; the impact of one strand or the other.</p>

<p>The Gujarat campaign began in a simple enough manner, giving hope to the plethora of commentators of a fairly accurate assessment. Led by Prime Minister Modi, the Bharatiya Janata Party went on an overdrive, listing its achievements in the State over the two decades of its rule &mdash; especially the period 2002-14 when Modi was the Chief Minister. The Gujarat Model of development was showcased, the ease of doing the business ranking of the World Bank was flaunted, the upgrade in the country&rsquo;s ratings by Moody&rsquo;s was quoted, the robustness of the Indian economy was pointed out, and the &lsquo;exemplary&rsquo; law and order situation in the State was underlined. The Congress sought to pick holes in the Gujarat Model by citing matters of unemployment, poor social welfare indices, farmers&rsquo; distress etc.</p>

<p>Thereafter, as the campaign picked momentum, the issue of reservation for the Patidar community gained ground. While it was there from the beginning, the matter received heft after the Congress and Patidar leader Hardik Patel joined hands officially. Once the Congress formally endorsed Patidar reservation, the BJP swung into action, first by projecting that the Patidars were a divided lot and that the sensible among them &mdash; who according to BJP leaders were in a majority &mdash; would remain loyal to the BJP. Second, the ruling party forcefully projected the &lsquo;impossibility&rsquo; of the reservation in constitutional terms and said the Congress was taking the Patidars for a ride.</p>

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<h5>The BJP had been keeping an eye on Rahul Gandhi&rsquo;s sudden devotion to temples; by some accounts, he has visited more than a dozen of them during his campaigns in the State.</h5>
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<p>So far, the going was simple enough and the commentators were still a happy lot. The BJP pitched for inclusive development (reminding voters of its past record and promising more of the same for the future) while the Congress aggressively pushed for reservation as an affirmative action to benefit the Patidars who form nearly 12 per cent of the population in Gujarat. The caste rainbow of Patidar-OBC-Scheduled Caste, which the Congress had quickly put out, was supposed to extinguish the BJP&rsquo;s flame of hope. Then, the development versus reservation narrative began to change.</p>

<p>For some time, the BJP had been keeping an eye on Rahul Gandhi&rsquo;s sudden devotion to temples; by some accounts, he has visited more than a dozen of them during his campaigns in the State. But after his trip to the Somnath temple, the party got an opportunity to say something. Somebody supposedly from the Congress leader&rsquo;s side entered his name as a non-Hindu visitor to the temple. BJP leaders were quick to demand an explanation. The Congress fell in the trap and one of its senior functionaries claimed that Rahul Gandhi was a &ldquo;<em>Janeu-</em><em>dhari</em> (sacred thread wearing) Hindu&rdquo;. To top this, Rahul Gandhi said he was a Shiva devotee! His acolytes then went on to speculate on the religious affiliations of both the Prime Minister and BJP president Amit Shah.</p>

<p>The sudden turn towards religion, on which the Congress generally finds itself on the defensive given that the BJP leaders make no bones about where their inclinations lie, shaped the narrative even more decidedly when senior Congress leader and noted lawyer Kapil Sibal demanded that the Supreme Court postpone the hearing on the Ayodhya temple-mosque dispute case, and take it up after the 2019 Lok Sabha election. The direct linkage of the dispute with politics left the Congress red-faced. Worse, even the litigants who had hired Sibal condemned the senior advocate&rsquo;s stand and said they wanted an early hearing and quick settlement of the issue.</p>

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<h5>The manner in which the BJP latched on to the issue at his public rallies and converted it into a major talking point, should have alerted the Congress against more self-goals.</h5>
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<p>The manner in which the BJP, especially Prime Minister Modi, latched on to the issue at his public rallies and converted it into a major talking point, should have alerted the Congress against more self-goals. After all, it suited the opposite party to target the BJP on the issues of reservation and lack of real and inclusive development. But, perhaps already confident that they were winning Gujarat, senior Congress leaders breached the red line. Mani Shankar Aiyar called the Prime Minister &ldquo;<em>neech</em>&rdquo;, &nbsp;a term which Modi and his team ran swiftly to the electorate and termed it as a slight to his social status of being an OBC. Now, the BJP used the occasion to not just strike at the Congress for its &lsquo;elitist&rsquo; and &lsquo;feudal&rsquo; mindset but also quoted the abuse as an insult to Gujarati asmita (pride).</p>

<p>Had these blunders come in the early stages of electioneering, the Congress could have had a better chance of glossing over them or having them dominated by other, fresher issues. But they have come towards the end stages of campaigning, and their recall value is, therefore, more likely. Does this mean that religion and personal abuse will eventually determine the outcome? The Congress must be hoping to the contrary, and the BJP praying that the issues click.</p>

<p><em>(Disclaimer: The author writes here in a personal capacity).</em></p>


The Congress aggressively pushed for reservation as an affirmative action to benefit the Patidars who form nearly 12 per cent of the population in Gujarat

In exactly a week from now, we shall know whether the Lotus has bloomed or the Hand has swept aside its rivals in Gujarat. We shall also know whether Rahul Gandhi begins his new innings as Congress president with a morale-boosting win or a defeat for which his minions will need to scamper to find scapegoats. And, we shall know too if Prime Minister Narendra Modi approaches the forthcoming electoral challenges after having being endorsed as Gujarat’s Pride or rejected in his own backyard. Both sides are confident of a decisive victory, but that is only to be expected. One has to lose and will lose. After all, while many scenarios have been discussed, none has ventured to suggest a hung Assembly where the winner-loser is unclear. Election campaigns are composed of several issues, and it is rare for just one or two of these to determine the outcome. The 2014 Lok Sabha poll was one such exception where corruption and policy paralysis alone doomed the Congress. Various other matters, factual or perceptional, became subordinate to this twin overriding narrative. In the Uttar Pradesh Assembly election held earlier this year, the two issues that tamed the Samajwadi Party were minority appeasement and poor law and order. The Gujarat campaign began in a simple enough manner, giving hope to the plethora of commentators of a fairly accurate assessment. × The Bihar Assembly poll was fought and won by the Lalu Prasad-Nitish Kumar combine (which has since evaporated) on pure caste arithmetic. Aside these, elections are contested and decided on multiple grounds, and this makes the democratic exercise all the more challenging — and even more challenging to predict. Rare is that political commentator who is able to say, with some amount of accuracy, that a particular issue would be the dominant factor. In hindsight, once the results are known, there are many to ‘analyse’ the impact of one strand or the other. The Gujarat campaign began in a simple enough manner, giving hope to the plethora of commentators of a fairly accurate assessment. Led by Prime Minister Modi, the Bharatiya Janata Party went on an overdrive, listing its achievements in the State over the two decades of its rule — especially the period 2002-14 when Modi was the Chief Minister. The Gujarat Model of development was showcased, the ease of doing the business ranking of the World Bank was flaunted, the upgrade in the country’s ratings by Moody’s was quoted, the robustness of the Indian economy was pointed out, and the ‘exemplary’ law and order situation in the State was underlined. The Congress sought to pick holes in the Gujarat Model by citing matters of unemployment, poor social welfare indices, farmers’ distress etc. Thereafter, as the campaign picked momentum, the issue of reservation for the Patidar community gained ground. While it was there from the beginning, the matter received heft after the Congress and Patidar leader Hardik Patel joined hands officially. Once the Congress formally endorsed Patidar reservation, the BJP swung into action, first by projecting that the Patidars were a divided lot and that the sensible among them — who according to BJP leaders were in a majority — would remain loyal to the BJP. Second, the ruling party forcefully projected the ‘impossibility’ of the reservation in constitutional terms and said the Congress was taking the Patidars for a ride. The BJP had been keeping an eye on Rahul Gandhi’s sudden devotion to temples; by some accounts, he has visited more than a dozen of them during his campaigns in the State. × So far, the going was simple enough and the commentators were still a happy lot. The BJP pitched for inclusive development (reminding voters of its past record and promising more of the same for the future) while the Congress aggressively pushed for reservation as an affirmative action to benefit the Patidars who form nearly 12 per cent of the population in Gujarat. The caste rainbow of Patidar-OBC-Scheduled Caste, which the Congress had quickly put out, was supposed to extinguish the BJP’s flame of hope. Then, the development versus reservation narrative began to change. For some time, the BJP had been keeping an eye on Rahul Gandhi’s sudden devotion to temples; by some accounts, he has visited more than a dozen of them during his campaigns in the State. But after his trip to the Somnath temple, the party got an opportunity to say something. Somebody supposedly from the Congress leader’s side entered his name as a non-Hindu visitor to the temple. BJP leaders were quick to demand an explanation. The Congress fell in the trap and one of its senior functionaries claimed that Rahul Gandhi was a “Janeu-dhari (sacred thread wearing) Hindu”. To top this, Rahul Gandhi said he was a Shiva devotee! His acolytes then went on to speculate on the religious affiliations of both the Prime Minister and BJP president Amit Shah. The sudden turn towards religion, on which the Congress generally finds itself on the defensive given that the BJP leaders make no bones about where their inclinations lie, shaped the narrative even more decidedly when senior Congress leader and noted lawyer Kapil Sibal demanded that the Supreme Court postpone the hearing on the Ayodhya temple-mosque dispute case, and take it up after the 2019 Lok Sabha election. The direct linkage of the dispute with politics left the Congress red-faced. Worse, even the litigants who had hired Sibal condemned the senior advocate’s stand and said they wanted an early hearing and quick settlement of the issue. The manner in which the BJP latched on to the issue at his public rallies and converted it into a major talking point, should have alerted the Congress against more self-goals. × The manner in which the BJP, especially Prime Minister Modi, latched on to the issue at his public rallies and converted it into a major talking point, should have alerted the Congress against more self-goals. After all, it suited the opposite party to target the BJP on the issues of reservation and lack of real and inclusive development. But, perhaps already confident that they were winning Gujarat, senior Congress leaders breached the red line. Mani Shankar Aiyar called the Prime Minister “neech”, a term which Modi and his team ran swiftly to the electorate and termed it as a slight to his social status of being an OBC. Now, the BJP used the occasion to not just strike at the Congress for its ‘elitist’ and ‘feudal’ mindset but also quoted the abuse as an insult to Gujarati asmita (pride). Had these blunders come in the early stages of electioneering, the Congress could have had a better chance of glossing over them or having them dominated by other, fresher issues. But they have come towards the end stages of campaigning, and their recall value is, therefore, more likely. Does this mean that religion and personal abuse will eventually determine the outcome? The Congress must be hoping to the contrary, and the BJP praying that the issues click. (Disclaimer: The author writes here in a personal capacity).

Opinion: Gujarat elections, a litmus test for Rahul

<p>Over the last few days, the discourse in the media seems to be dominated by war of words between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Congress. At the centre of this discourse are exchanges - the verdict is still out on who-said-what - targeted at Prime Minister Narendra Modi. And poor <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/after-neech-jibe-on-pm-modi-congress-suspends-mani-shankar-aiyar-26159">Mani Shankar Aiyar</a>, now suspended from the Congress, is struggling to provide an explanation or the context to what-on-earth-prompted him to call the PM &#39;neech&#39;.</p>

<p>Much of the campaign in 2014 was dominated by political capital made from his &lsquo;chaiwalla&rsquo; comment, and one would have thought that Aiyar and his Congress friends would have learnt how personal attacks on Mr Modi don&rsquo;t bear fruit. Here was Rahul Gandhi, the president-elect of the Congress party, indulging the Prime Minister and his incumbent BJP - a party that has ruled Gujarat since 1995 - in a game of 10 questions - and along came the &lsquo;neech&rsquo; comment and put paid to a strategy that many say was well thought out.</p>

<p>My gut feeling is that this <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/why-military-intelligence-from-pakistan-suggesting-ahmed-patel-for-gujarat-cm-pm-modi-26364">&lsquo;tu-tu-main-main&rsquo;</a> will not impact the outcome greatly. Media often plays to political rhetoric and, sitting in Delhi, the two principal political parties trading barbs seems to be a good way to cover the goings-on in Gujarat. On the&nbsp;ground, these may not be reflective of the concerns of Maqsud bhai and Mansukh bhai. The people of Gujarat have made up their mind and they have real issues - unemployment and the impact of GST and demonetisation seem to be the pervading themes. The rehtoric will not sway how they vote.</p>

<p>Too much should not be read into the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/gujarat-elections-live-first-phase-of-polling-begins-26288">poll percentage</a> - 68% - down from last elections 72% but still a healthy turnout. 89 of the 182 constituencies have voted and the fates of 977 candidates are already sealed in EVMs. While many pollsters have predicted a decline in fortunes for the BJP in the areas of south Gujarat and Saurashtra that have polled, these are comparisons to the wildly successful Lok Sabha campaign of 2014. Extrapolate those and the BJP won in 85 of the 89 seats that voted in the first phase. A more realistic comparison would be the 2012 assembly elections where the party won 63 of these 89 seats. An encore would not only see the BJP to a comfortable majority but would also do away with all the anti-incumbency talk. Sure, the BJP&rsquo;s claims of winning 150 seats in Gujarat could have been born out of political chest-thumping and bravado, but getting almost a two-thirds majority in a state that they&rsquo;ve ruled for 22 years is definitely creditable.</p>

<p><strong>The Hardik Patel Factor</strong></p>

<p>The Congress is not dictating the discourse in this campaign - what it has successfully managed to do is piggy-back on certain situations and ride a wave. The question that pundits don&rsquo;t seem to agree upon is how the Hardik Patel factor will affect the BJP&rsquo;s fortunes, but what is there in plain sight for everyone to see is that Hardik has done all the heavy-lifting for the Congress. There is no denying the fact that there has been resentment is many sections of Gujarat&rsquo;s population over demonetisation and GST - both measures hit business hard. But this resentment may have been overestimated - on my trip to the state a month ago, the common refrain I heard talking to both members of the Patidaar (Patel) community and traders was &lsquo;gussa hain, gaddar nahi&rsquo; (we&rsquo;re angry but we aren&rsquo;t traitors).</p>

<p>With all eyes on the second phase, the Hardik Patel-factor may play a role in North Gujarat but will hardly influence voters in the central parts of the state where there are 61 seats. It is here that the BJP could offset some losses from other regions. The overbearing Paatidar campaign against the party could also consolidate backward caste votes in its favour.</p>

<p>With the Prime Minister fervently on the campaign trail and responding to the barbs against him, the spotlight has shifted to emotive issues and optics - and even the Congress president-elect seems to be falling prey to these - the &lsquo;janeudhari brahman&rsquo; is now seen at temples.</p>

<p>People in 93 constituencies will cast their votes on Thursday, December 14. And put to rest this debate on temple visits, oonch-neech and what-have-you. Meanwhile, did anyone <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/bjp-will-score-a-historic-win-ravi-shankar-prasad-26287">miss the manifestos</a> this time? Just in case you did - the Congress released theirs on December 4 and the BJP on the eve of polling. In Gujarat, it seems, polls don&rsquo;t even need manifestos - the lip-service paid by both the principal parties certainly suggests that.</p>

<p><em>(Disclaimer: The author writes here in a personal capacity)</em></p>


Gujarat elections are about what the people want, not what politicians prattle over.

Over the last few days, the discourse in the media seems to be dominated by war of words between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Congress. At the centre of this discourse are exchanges - the verdict is still out on who-said-what - targeted at Prime Minister Narendra Modi. And poor Mani Shankar Aiyar, now suspended from the Congress, is struggling to provide an explanation or the context to what-on-earth-prompted him to call the PM 'neech'. Much of the campaign in 2014 was dominated by political capital made from his ‘chaiwalla’ comment, and one would have thought that Aiyar and his Congress friends would have learnt how personal attacks on Mr Modi don’t bear fruit. Here was Rahul Gandhi, the president-elect of the Congress party, indulging the Prime Minister and his incumbent BJP - a party that has ruled Gujarat since 1995 - in a game of 10 questions - and along came the ‘neech’ comment and put paid to a strategy that many say was well thought out. My gut feeling is that this ‘tu-tu-main-main’ will not impact the outcome greatly. Media often plays to political rhetoric and, sitting in Delhi, the two principal political parties trading barbs seems to be a good way to cover the goings-on in Gujarat. On the ground, these may not be reflective of the concerns of Maqsud bhai and Mansukh bhai. The people of Gujarat have made up their mind and they have real issues - unemployment and the impact of GST and demonetisation seem to be the pervading themes. The rehtoric will not sway how they vote. Too much should not be read into the poll percentage - 68% - down from last elections 72% but still a healthy turnout. 89 of the 182 constituencies have voted and the fates of 977 candidates are already sealed in EVMs. While many pollsters have predicted a decline in fortunes for the BJP in the areas of south Gujarat and Saurashtra that have polled, these are comparisons to the wildly successful Lok Sabha campaign of 2014. Extrapolate those and the BJP won in 85 of the 89 seats that voted in the first phase. A more realistic comparison would be the 2012 assembly elections where the party won 63 of these 89 seats. An encore would not only see the BJP to a comfortable majority but would also do away with all the anti-incumbency talk. Sure, the BJP’s claims of winning 150 seats in Gujarat could have been born out of political chest-thumping and bravado, but getting almost a two-thirds majority in a state that they’ve ruled for 22 years is definitely creditable. The Hardik Patel Factor The Congress is not dictating the discourse in this campaign - what it has successfully managed to do is piggy-back on certain situations and ride a wave. The question that pundits don’t seem to agree upon is how the Hardik Patel factor will affect the BJP’s fortunes, but what is there in plain sight for everyone to see is that Hardik has done all the heavy-lifting for the Congress. There is no denying the fact that there has been resentment is many sections of Gujarat’s population over demonetisation and GST - both measures hit business hard. But this resentment may have been overestimated - on my trip to the state a month ago, the common refrain I heard talking to both members of the Patidaar (Patel) community and traders was ‘gussa hain, gaddar nahi’ (we’re angry but we aren’t traitors). With all eyes on the second phase, the Hardik Patel-factor may play a role in North Gujarat but will hardly influence voters in the central parts of the state where there are 61 seats. It is here that the BJP could offset some losses from other regions. The overbearing Paatidar campaign against the party could also consolidate backward caste votes in its favour. With the Prime Minister fervently on the campaign trail and responding to the barbs against him, the spotlight has shifted to emotive issues and optics - and even the Congress president-elect seems to be falling prey to these - the ‘janeudhari brahman’ is now seen at temples. People in 93 constituencies will cast their votes on Thursday, December 14. And put to rest this debate on temple visits, oonch-neech and what-have-you. Meanwhile, did anyone miss the manifestos this time? Just in case you did - the Congress released theirs on December 4 and the BJP on the eve of polling. In Gujarat, it seems, polls don’t even need manifestos - the lip-service paid by both the principal parties certainly suggests that. (Disclaimer: The author writes here in a personal capacity)

Opinion: BJP remains buoyant in Gujarat, Congress rides a wave, Hardik Patel does some heavy lifting

<p>While Prime Minister Modi finalised the last day&nbsp;before the second phase of election in Gujarat by visiting the Ambaji temple, Congress President Rahul Gandhi paid a visit to Jagannath Temple in Ahmedabad.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="et"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Gujarat?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Gujarat</a>: Congress President Rahul Gandhi visits Jagannath Temple in Ahmedabad <a href="https://t.co/SoqixFK74a">pic.twitter.com/SoqixFK74a</a></p>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="et"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Gujarat?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Gujarat</a>: Congress President Rahul Gandhi visits Jagannath Temple in Ahmedabad <a href="https://t.co/Rxv33VdI0i">pic.twitter.com/Rxv33VdI0i</a></p>
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<p>PM Modi&nbsp;boarded a seaplane to reach the Sabarmati Front, and from there&nbsp;road to reach the temple.&nbsp;His seaplane visit drew much attention and was called a &quot;historic&quot; move by his party leaders.</p>

<p>In over one month of the Election campaign in the state, Rahul Gandhi had paid visit to several temples including Shree Ranchhodji Temple in Kheda&#39;s Dakor, Somnath temple,&nbsp;Swaminarayan Akshardham temple in Gandhinagar,&nbsp; Ambaji temple.</p>

<p>His frequent visit to the temples had attracted huge criticism from the opposition.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A controversy over his&nbsp;religion erupted after Gandhi visited the Somnath temple in Gujarat.</p>

<p>In a recent attack, Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath has said that the Gujarat polls have taught Rahul Gandhi &quot;visiting temples&quot;.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He also added that the polls have also taught Manmohan Singh to speak up.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="hi">Gujarat ki janta ne do kaam iss chunaav mein achhe se kara diye. Dr Manmohan Singh ji ka mooh khulwa diya, aur doosra Rahul Gandhi ko mandir jaana sikha diya: UP CM Yogi Adityanath <a href="https://t.co/Db3plqEFSQ">pic.twitter.com/Db3plqEFSQ</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/940458188469497856?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 12, 2017</a></blockquote>
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In over one month of the Election campaign in the state, Rahul Gandhi has paid the visit to several temples including Shree Ranchhodji Temple in Kheda's Dakor, Somnath temple,?Swaminarayan Akshardham temple in Gandhinagar,? Ambaji temple

While Prime Minister Modi finalised the last day before the second phase of election in Gujarat by visiting the Ambaji temple, Congress President Rahul Gandhi paid a visit to Jagannath Temple in Ahmedabad. #Gujarat: Congress President Rahul Gandhi visits Jagannath Temple in Ahmedabad pic.twitter.com/SoqixFK74a — ANI (@ANI) December 12, 2017 × #Gujarat: Congress President Rahul Gandhi visits Jagannath Temple in Ahmedabad pic.twitter.com/Rxv33VdI0i — ANI (@ANI) December 12, 2017 × PM Modi boarded a seaplane to reach the Sabarmati Front, and from there road to reach the temple. His seaplane visit drew much attention and was called a "historic" move by his party leaders. In over one month of the Election campaign in the state, Rahul Gandhi had paid visit to several temples including Shree Ranchhodji Temple in Kheda's Dakor, Somnath temple, Swaminarayan Akshardham temple in Gandhinagar, Ambaji temple. His frequent visit to the temples had attracted huge criticism from the opposition. A controversy over his religion erupted after Gandhi visited the Somnath temple in Gujarat. In a recent attack, Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath has said that the Gujarat polls have taught Rahul Gandhi "visiting temples". He also added that the polls have also taught Manmohan Singh to speak up. Gujarat ki janta ne do kaam iss chunaav mein achhe se kara diye. Dr Manmohan Singh ji ka mooh khulwa diya, aur doosra Rahul Gandhi ko mandir jaana sikha diya: UP CM Yogi Adityanath pic.twitter.com/Db3plqEFSQ — ANI (@ANI) December 12, 2017 ×

Before final phase of Gujarat election, Rahul Gandhi visits Jagannath temple

<p>There is &quot;tremendous undercurrent&quot; against the BJP in Gujarat, Congress president- elect Rahul Gandhi claimed today, and predicted a &quot;zabardast&quot; victory for his party in the Assembly elections.</p>

<p>Addressing a press conference on the last day of campaigning for the second phase of the poll on December 14, he claimed &quot;public mood&quot; had undergone a radical change with all sections of society angry with the ruling party.</p>

<p>He also disapproved of Prime Minister Narendra Modi&#39;s insinuation that his predecessor Manmohan Singh and other leaders of his party connived with Pakistan to influence the Gujarat Assembly elections, saying it was unacceptable.</p>

<p>&quot;It is for the first time in an election that Modiji has not spoken about corruption...About farmers. There is (zabardast) tremendous undercurrent (against the BJP). Be it Patidars, OBCs, Dalits, farmers....All are angry. Public mood has undergone &#39;zabardast&#39; change.</p>

<p>&quot;The Congress will win the election....The results will be &#39;zabardast&#39;,&quot; a confident-looking Gandhi said.</p>

<p>Gandhi, addressing his first presser after his elevation, said, in his new job, he would strive to change the nature of political discourse in the country which has become &quot;ugly and nasty&quot;.</p>

<p>He questioned Modi&#39;s silence on allegations against BJP president Amit Shah&#39;s son Jay Shah, a charge the Gandhi scion raked up repeatedly at the hustings, and alleged irregularities in the Rafale fighter jet deal.</p>

<p>News portal &#39;The Wire&#39; had claimed some time ago that the turnover of a company owned by Jay Shah jumped manifold after the BJP came to power at the Centre in 2014.</p>

<p>Replying to a question on Modi&#39;s remarks over Pakistan meddling in the Gujarat polls, Gandhi said, &quot;I have made my stand clear from day one, in words and in action. Modiji is the prime minister of our country. Mani Shankar Aiyar said something and I made it clear that I would not tolerate it. You have seen the action.&quot;</p>

<p>&quot;But what Modiji has said about former prime minister Manmohan Singh is not acceptable. Manmohan Singhji was also the prime minister of this country, served and made sacrifices for this country,&quot; the 47-year-old leader said.</p>

<p>Addressing an election rally in Palanpur in Gujarat on Sunday, Modi had sought to suggest that Pakistan was trying to influence the assembly polls in the state.</p>

<p>Modi claimed some current and former Pakistani officials and Manmohan Singh met at Aiyar&#39;s house over dinner on December 6, and a day later Aiyar made the &quot;neech&quot; jibe against him. Aiyar was suspended from the party.</p>

<p>&quot;Narendra Modiji is my political opponent. He speaks many wrong things about me. But as he is the prime minister of the country, not a single bad word will come out of my mouth for him.</p>

<p>&quot;I want to change the political discourse. It has become ugly, it has become nasty. The atmosphere is filled with anger,&quot; he noted.</p>

<p>Gandhi said he would like to spread the Congress&#39;s ideology in the country that politics should be done through &quot;love&quot;. He was replying to question about what will be his priority after taking over the reins of the party.</p>

<p>He said the prime minister refrained from speaking about corruption during the entire campaign.</p>

<p>The Congress leader also took on those who raised eyebrows over his visits to temples in Gujarat, wondering if it was wrong to pray for the well-being of people of the state.</p>

<p>&quot;Mandir jana mana hai kya (Am I not allowed to visit temple)? I have asked for the well-being of the people of Gujarat during my temple visits,&quot; Gandhi said, responding to a question.</p>

<p>When his attention was drawn to claims by BJP leaders that he only visited temples in Gujarat, the Congress leader said, &quot;Earlier, I had gone to Kedarnath. Is Kedarnath in Gujarat? This is the BJP&#39;s propaganda against me.&quot;</p>

<p>Gandhi started his day by offering prayers at the famous Lord Jagannath temple here.</p>

<p>Taking a jibe at Modi over his sea-plane ride from the Sabarmati River here to Dharoi Dam in Mehsana district, Gandhi said it was a distraction from the main issues of Gujarat.</p>

<p>Asked how will his party give reservation to the Patel community, a section of which is on warpath with the BJP government, breaching the cap of 50 per cent set by the Supreme court, Gandhi said, &quot;The Congress party&#39;s manifesto is clear about it.&quot;</p>

<p>Gandhi refuted allegations of BJP leaders that Congress was playing caste politics in the elections by enlisting support of caste and community group leaders like Hardik Patel, Jignesh Mevani and Alpesh Thakor.</p>

<p>&quot;The Congress wants to take along all sections of Gujarat together as against the BJP which has worked for 10 to 15 industrialists. All sections of society are angry with the BJP and that anger is coming out before this election,&quot; he said. PTI<br />
&nbsp;</p>


There is a 'tremendous undercurrent' against the BJP, said Rahul Gandhi

There is "tremendous undercurrent" against the BJP in Gujarat, Congress president- elect Rahul Gandhi claimed today, and predicted a "zabardast" victory for his party in the Assembly elections. Addressing a press conference on the last day of campaigning for the second phase of the poll on December 14, he claimed "public mood" had undergone a radical change with all sections of society angry with the ruling party. He also disapproved of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's insinuation that his predecessor Manmohan Singh and other leaders of his party connived with Pakistan to influence the Gujarat Assembly elections, saying it was unacceptable. "It is for the first time in an election that Modiji has not spoken about corruption...About farmers. There is (zabardast) tremendous undercurrent (against the BJP). Be it Patidars, OBCs, Dalits, farmers....All are angry. Public mood has undergone 'zabardast' change. "The Congress will win the election....The results will be 'zabardast'," a confident-looking Gandhi said. Gandhi, addressing his first presser after his elevation, said, in his new job, he would strive to change the nature of political discourse in the country which has become "ugly and nasty". He questioned Modi's silence on allegations against BJP president Amit Shah's son Jay Shah, a charge the Gandhi scion raked up repeatedly at the hustings, and alleged irregularities in the Rafale fighter jet deal. News portal 'The Wire' had claimed some time ago that the turnover of a company owned by Jay Shah jumped manifold after the BJP came to power at the Centre in 2014. Replying to a question on Modi's remarks over Pakistan meddling in the Gujarat polls, Gandhi said, "I have made my stand clear from day one, in words and in action. Modiji is the prime minister of our country. Mani Shankar Aiyar said something and I made it clear that I would not tolerate it. You have seen the action." "But what Modiji has said about former prime minister Manmohan Singh is not acceptable. Manmohan Singhji was also the prime minister of this country, served and made sacrifices for this country," the 47-year-old leader said. Addressing an election rally in Palanpur in Gujarat on Sunday, Modi had sought to suggest that Pakistan was trying to influence the assembly polls in the state. Modi claimed some current and former Pakistani officials and Manmohan Singh met at Aiyar's house over dinner on December 6, and a day later Aiyar made the "neech" jibe against him. Aiyar was suspended from the party. "Narendra Modiji is my political opponent. He speaks many wrong things about me. But as he is the prime minister of the country, not a single bad word will come out of my mouth for him. "I want to change the political discourse. It has become ugly, it has become nasty. The atmosphere is filled with anger," he noted. Gandhi said he would like to spread the Congress's ideology in the country that politics should be done through "love". He was replying to question about what will be his priority after taking over the reins of the party. He said the prime minister refrained from speaking about corruption during the entire campaign. The Congress leader also took on those who raised eyebrows over his visits to temples in Gujarat, wondering if it was wrong to pray for the well-being of people of the state. "Mandir jana mana hai kya (Am I not allowed to visit temple)? I have asked for the well-being of the people of Gujarat during my temple visits," Gandhi said, responding to a question. When his attention was drawn to claims by BJP leaders that he only visited temples in Gujarat, the Congress leader said, "Earlier, I had gone to Kedarnath. Is Kedarnath in Gujarat? This is the BJP's propaganda against me." Gandhi started his day by offering prayers at the famous Lord Jagannath temple here. Taking a jibe at Modi over his sea-plane ride from the Sabarmati River here to Dharoi Dam in Mehsana district, Gandhi said it was a distraction from the main issues of Gujarat. Asked how will his party give reservation to the Patel community, a section of which is on warpath with the BJP government, breaching the cap of 50 per cent set by the Supreme court, Gandhi said, "The Congress party's manifesto is clear about it." Gandhi refuted allegations of BJP leaders that Congress was playing caste politics in the elections by enlisting support of caste and community group leaders like Hardik Patel, Jignesh Mevani and Alpesh Thakor. "The Congress wants to take along all sections of Gujarat together as against the BJP which has worked for 10 to 15 industrialists. All sections of society are angry with the BJP and that anger is coming out before this election," he said. PTI

Undercurrent against BJP, Gujarat election results will be 'zabardast': Rahul

<p>As Prime Minister Narendra Modi soared into the clear Ahmedabad sky on a seaplane from the Sabarmati river marking a dramatic end to a gruelling election campaign, the flight created huge waves in Gujarat&#39;s politically turbulent waters.</p>

<p>The BJP was quick to hail it as a reflection of &quot;vikas&quot; ushered in by the party&#39;s governments in the state, while the Congress debunked its development claim.</p>

<p>&quot;This is a demonstration of &#39;vikas&#39;. The whole world is watching how development has taken a leap from the Sabarmati river,&quot; BJP spokesman Sambit Patra said.</p>

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<h5>If he wants to fly on a seaplane, there is nothing wrong about it. But the issue is not the seaplane...It is the distraction (from the real issues). The question is what has been done for Gujarat in the last 22 years?&#39; said Rahul Gandhi</h5>
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<p>Congress&#39;s president designate Rahul Gandhi was, however, not impressed.</p>

<p>&quot;If he wants to fly on a seaplane, there is nothing wrong about it. But the issue is not the seaplane...It is the distraction (from the real issues). The question is what has been done for Gujarat in the last 22 years,&quot; he told a press conference in Ahmedabad.</p>

<p>Modi ended the campaign for the second phase of Gujarat Assembly polls in style as he took a seaplane ride from the Sabarmati river in Ahmedabad to Dharoi Dam in north Gujarat, and returned after offering prayers at the famous Ambaji Temple and holding a road show.</p>

<p>He boarded the single-engine seaplane from near the Sardar Bridge connecting the old city with Ahmedabad west and flew to Dharoi Dam in Mehsana district.</p>

<p>Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani claimed it was the first time a seaplane landed on a water body in the country.</p>

<p>Congress spokesman Randeep Surjewala mocked Modi&#39;s ride and the BJP&#39;s claim of it being a reflection of development.</p>

<p>&quot;Vikas ki baatein unko na bhai, kehte hain unko hawa hawai. (They don&#39;t like the talk of development. These are people who engage in empty talk),&quot; he tweeted in Hindi, in a parody of the &#39;Hawa Hawai&#39; song from hit Bollywood flick &#39;Mr India&#39;.</p>

<p>Union minister Ravi Shankar Prasad slammed the Congress for criticising Modi&#39;s seaplane ride, and said the previous Congress rule was marked by &quot;choppers scam&quot;.</p>

<p>BJP leader Syed Shahnawaz Hussain said,&quot;The very talk of development hassles them. The people of Gujarat are happy about the bullet train project, but they (the Congress) are &#39;pareshan&#39; about it.&quot;</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/modi-claims-pakistan-trying-to-influence-gujarat-elections-26391" target="_blank">Also read: Modi claims Pakistan trying to influence Gujarat elections</a></p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/no-one-can-lamely-question-my-public-service-manmohan-to-modi-on-pak-meddling-allegations-26463" target="_blank">No one can lamely question my public service: Manmohan to Modi on Pak meddling allegations</a></p>

<p>The ride, however, was a hit among the locals who chanted &quot;Modi! Modi!&quot; as the craft took off from the Sardar Bridge-end on the Sabarmati riverfront, which the BJP dispensation has been flaunting as a manifestation of development under Modi when he was the state&#39;s chief minister.</p>

<p>From Dharoi dam site, the prime minister reached the temple by road after covering a distance of around 50 km. He was greeted by the people of Ambaji town during a roadshow that stretched from the outskirts of the temple town to near the shrine.</p>

<p>The prime minister apparently chose to fly by the seaplane to end his campaign in style after the Ahmedabad district administration yesterday cancelled the roadshows by both Modi and Rahul Gandhi for logistical reasons.</p>

<p>Modi told an election rally yesterday that for the first time in the history of the country a seaplane would land on the Sabarmati river.</p>

<p>Rupani had said it was for the first time in the country&#39;s history that a seaplane would land on a water body and that would be the Sabarmati river.</p>

<p>However, Priyanka Chaturvedi, another Congress spokesperson, claimed seaplanes had been flown in the country in the past too. &quot;2010 in Andaman 2015 in Kerala. However let facts never come in the way of BJP and Modi&#39;s narrative,&quot; she tweeted.&nbsp;</p>

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi soared, in a seaplane, into a clear Ahmedabad sky from the Sabarmati river marking a dramatic end to a gruelling (and bitter) election campaign

As Prime Minister Narendra Modi soared into the clear Ahmedabad sky on a seaplane from the Sabarmati river marking a dramatic end to a gruelling election campaign, the flight created huge waves in Gujarat's politically turbulent waters. The BJP was quick to hail it as a reflection of "vikas" ushered in by the party's governments in the state, while the Congress debunked its development claim. "This is a demonstration of 'vikas'. The whole world is watching how development has taken a leap from the Sabarmati river," BJP spokesman Sambit Patra said. If he wants to fly on a seaplane, there is nothing wrong about it. But the issue is not the seaplane...It is the distraction (from the real issues). The question is what has been done for Gujarat in the last 22 years?' said Rahul Gandhi × Congress's president designate Rahul Gandhi was, however, not impressed. "If he wants to fly on a seaplane, there is nothing wrong about it. But the issue is not the seaplane...It is the distraction (from the real issues). The question is what has been done for Gujarat in the last 22 years," he told a press conference in Ahmedabad. Modi ended the campaign for the second phase of Gujarat Assembly polls in style as he took a seaplane ride from the Sabarmati river in Ahmedabad to Dharoi Dam in north Gujarat, and returned after offering prayers at the famous Ambaji Temple and holding a road show. He boarded the single-engine seaplane from near the Sardar Bridge connecting the old city with Ahmedabad west and flew to Dharoi Dam in Mehsana district. Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani claimed it was the first time a seaplane landed on a water body in the country. Congress spokesman Randeep Surjewala mocked Modi's ride and the BJP's claim of it being a reflection of development. "Vikas ki baatein unko na bhai, kehte hain unko hawa hawai. (They don't like the talk of development. These are people who engage in empty talk)," he tweeted in Hindi, in a parody of the 'Hawa Hawai' song from hit Bollywood flick 'Mr India'. Union minister Ravi Shankar Prasad slammed the Congress for criticising Modi's seaplane ride, and said the previous Congress rule was marked by "choppers scam". BJP leader Syed Shahnawaz Hussain said,"The very talk of development hassles them. The people of Gujarat are happy about the bullet train project, but they (the Congress) are 'pareshan' about it." Also read: Modi claims Pakistan trying to influence Gujarat elections No one can lamely question my public service: Manmohan to Modi on Pak meddling allegations The ride, however, was a hit among the locals who chanted "Modi! Modi!" as the craft took off from the Sardar Bridge-end on the Sabarmati riverfront, which the BJP dispensation has been flaunting as a manifestation of development under Modi when he was the state's chief minister. From Dharoi dam site, the prime minister reached the temple by road after covering a distance of around 50 km. He was greeted by the people of Ambaji town during a roadshow that stretched from the outskirts of the temple town to near the shrine. The prime minister apparently chose to fly by the seaplane to end his campaign in style after the Ahmedabad district administration yesterday cancelled the roadshows by both Modi and Rahul Gandhi for logistical reasons. Modi told an election rally yesterday that for the first time in the history of the country a seaplane would land on the Sabarmati river. Rupani had said it was for the first time in the country's history that a seaplane would land on a water body and that would be the Sabarmati river. However, Priyanka Chaturvedi, another Congress spokesperson, claimed seaplanes had been flown in the country in the past too. "2010 in Andaman 2015 in Kerala. However let facts never come in the way of BJP and Modi's narrative," she tweeted.

Gujarat elections: PM makes splash with seaplane ride to mark end of campaign

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi will conclude the last of the election&nbsp;campaign in Gujarat with a visit to Ambaji Mata temple.</p>

<p>While addressing a press conference BJP President Amit Shah said that&nbsp;PM Modi will visit Ambaji temple on 12 December.</p>

<p>He added that his&nbsp;visit will be done uniquely to promote tourism.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He said, &quot;Modi will take off in a seaplane&nbsp;from Sabarmati riverfront, land in Dharoi dam&#39;s pond and will proceed to the temple by road.&quot;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="it"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Gujarat?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Gujarat</a>: Prime Minister Narendra Modi to travel from Sabarmati River in Ahmedabad to Dharoi Dam via sea plane, shortly <a href="https://t.co/GWjrVO5Sgz">pic.twitter.com/GWjrVO5Sgz</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/940429243011317761?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 12, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a>: <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Visuals?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Visuals</a> of sea plane Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be travelling in, from Sabarmati River in Ahmedabad to Dharoi Dam shortly <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Gujarat?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Gujarat</a> <a href="https://t.co/C8mqgzm1LA">pic.twitter.com/C8mqgzm1LA</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/940432703161110529?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 12, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>Amit Shah&#39;s clarification came after<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/gujarat-elections-gujarat-police-denies-permission-to-pm-modi-rahul-for-roadshow-26431" target="_blank"> the state police denied the request for a&nbsp;road show</a> on the last day of the election campaign in Gujarat.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Since admn asked to not conduct road show of PM Modi on 12th he&#39;ll go to Ambaji Mata temple tomorrow. It&#39;ll be done uniquely. To promote Gujarat tourism, he&#39;ll take off in a sea plane from Sabarmati river front, land in Dharoi dam&#39;s pond &amp; will go to temple by road: Amit Shah <a href="https://t.co/5L7Tam3AMD">pic.twitter.com/5L7Tam3AMD</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/940264089737076742?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 11, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>The Gujarat police had turned down the request made by political parties for conducting a road show in the state.</p>

<p>BJP and Congress had requested for a roadshow to be conducted on Tuesday, however, the state police rejected their request citing law and order situation.</p>

<p>The state will undergo the second phase of elections on December 14&nbsp;for 93 seats in North and Central Gujarat.&nbsp;</p>

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<p>The counting of votes is scheduled for December 18.&nbsp;</p>
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The Gujarat police turned down the request made by political parties for conducting a road show in the state on the last day of election campaign

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will conclude the last of the election campaign in Gujarat with a visit to Ambaji Mata temple. While addressing a press conference BJP President Amit Shah said that PM Modi will visit Ambaji temple on 12 December. He added that his visit will be done uniquely to promote tourism. He said, "Modi will take off in a seaplane from Sabarmati riverfront, land in Dharoi dam's pond and will proceed to the temple by road." #Gujarat: Prime Minister Narendra Modi to travel from Sabarmati River in Ahmedabad to Dharoi Dam via sea plane, shortly pic.twitter.com/GWjrVO5Sgz — ANI (@ANI) December 12, 2017 × #WATCH: #Visuals of sea plane Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be travelling in, from Sabarmati River in Ahmedabad to Dharoi Dam shortly #Gujarat pic.twitter.com/C8mqgzm1LA — ANI (@ANI) December 12, 2017 × Amit Shah's clarification came after the state police denied the request for a road show on the last day of the election campaign in Gujarat. Since admn asked to not conduct road show of PM Modi on 12th he'll go to Ambaji Mata temple tomorrow. It'll be done uniquely. To promote Gujarat tourism, he'll take off in a sea plane from Sabarmati river front, land in Dharoi dam's pond & will go to temple by road: Amit Shah pic.twitter.com/5L7Tam3AMD — ANI (@ANI) December 11, 2017 × The Gujarat police had turned down the request made by political parties for conducting a road show in the state. BJP and Congress had requested for a roadshow to be conducted on Tuesday, however, the state police rejected their request citing law and order situation. The state will undergo the second phase of elections on December 14 for 93 seats in North and Central Gujarat. The counting of votes is scheduled for December 18.

Gujarat elections: On last day of election campaign PM Modi to visit Ambaji Temple via seaplane

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<p>Virat and Anushka had flown to Italy a few days back with their immediate family members. Their wedding ceremony took place in Tuscany, Italy</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

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<p>President Trump in a statement said America must &quot;fix its lax immigration system&quot;, adding it &quot;allows far too many dangerous, inadequately vetted people to access our country.&quot;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

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<p>India&#39;s pocket-friendly car manufacturer Maruti Suzuki has issued a recall of the Dzire 2017 compact sedan over a rear wheel hub.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

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<p>China&#39;s right-leaning Global Times said bilateral conflicts should not be dragged into it, otherwise, the &quot;trilateral mechanism will be jeopardized without bilateral conflicts being addressed.&quot;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/gujarat-elections-modi-to-visit-ambaji-temple-on-last-day-of-election-campaign-26500">Gujarat elections: On last day of election campaign PM Modi to visit Ambaji Temple via seaplane</a></p>

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi will conclude the last of the election campaign in Gujarat with a visit to Ambaji Mata temple.</p>


Virat and Anushka had flown to Italy a few days back with their immediate family members.

Watch: Virat, Anushka's wedding ceremony Virat and Anushka had flown to Italy a few days back with their immediate family members. Their wedding ceremony took place in Tuscany, Italy Trump's immigration policy wouldn't have allowed New York attacker to enter US: White House President Trump in a statement said America must "fix its lax immigration system", adding it "allows far too many dangerous, inadequately vetted people to access our country." Maruti Suzuki issues recall of Dzire India's pocket-friendly car manufacturer Maruti Suzuki has issued a recall of the Dzire 2017 compact sedan over a rear wheel hub. India, China, Russia trilateral meeting does not have high status in diplomacy: China daily China's right-leaning Global Times said bilateral conflicts should not be dragged into it, otherwise, the "trilateral mechanism will be jeopardized without bilateral conflicts being addressed." Gujarat elections: On last day of election campaign PM Modi to visit Ambaji Temple via seaplane Prime Minister Narendra Modi will conclude the last of the election campaign in Gujarat with a visit to Ambaji Mata temple.

WION morning news brief, December 12, 2017

<p>Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has responded to Prime Minister Narendra Modi&#39;s allegation that <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/modi-claims-pakistan-trying-to-influence-gujarat-elections-26391" target="_blank">Pakistan is meddling</a> in the Gujarat elections.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&quot;I am deeply pained and anguished by the falsehood and canards being spread to score political points in a lost cause by none less than Prime Minister Sh. Narender Modi,&quot; Singh said in a statement released by him on Monday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Modi had made the allegation after former Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar had called him a &quot;neech&quot; person.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Modi, at a campaign rally in Gujarat, said Aiyar, Manmohan Singh and former vice-president Hamid Ansari had met with the Pakistan high commissioner at a dinner in Delhi. And that the next day Aiyar had called him &quot;neech&quot;.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Modi also talked of an appeal -- the veracity of which is still uncertain -- by former director general (DG) of the Pakistan Army, Sardar Arshad Rafiq, to make senior Congress leader Ahmed Patel the chief minister of Gujarat.</p>

<p>&quot;Fearing imminent defeat in Gujarat, desperation of Prime Minister to hurl every abuse and latch on to every straw is palpable. Sadly &amp; regrettably, Sh. Modi is setting a dangerous precedent by his insatiable desire to tarnish every constitutional office, including that of a Former Prime Minister and Army Chief,&quot; Singh said in his statement.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It later came to light that the dinner -- hosted by Aiyar -- had also been attended by a former Indian Army chief.&nbsp;</p>

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<h5>I sincerely hope that he will apologize to the Nation for his ill-thought transgression to restore the dignity of the office he occupies</h5>
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<p>&nbsp;<br />
In his statement, Manmohan Singh also went on to take a potshot at Modi.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&quot;The Congress Party needs no sermons on &#39;Nationalism&#39;&nbsp;from a party and Prime Minister whose compromised track record on fighting terrorism is well known. Let me remind Sh. Narender Modi that he had gone to Pakistan uninvited after the terrorist attacks in Udhampur and Gurdaspur. Let him also tell the country the reason for inviting the infamous ISI of Pakistan to our strategic Air Base in Pathankot to investigate a terror attack that emanated from Pakistan.&quot;<br />
&nbsp;<br />
Singh added that &quot;no one, including Shri Modi, can lamely question&quot; his record of public service over the last five decades.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The rest of Singh&#39;s statement read:&nbsp;</p>

<p>&quot;My track record of public service to the country over last five decades is known to everyone. No one, including Sh. Modi, can lamely question it to gain lost political ground.&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;<br />
I reject the innuendos and falsehoods as I did not discuss Gujarat elections with anyone else at the dinner hosted by Shri Mani Shankar Aiyar as alleged by Shri Modi. &nbsp;Nor was the Gujarat issue raised by anyone else present at the dinner. &nbsp;The discussion was confined to India-Pakistan relations. &nbsp;Names of the distinguished Indian public servants and journalists present at the dinner are enclosed to this statement. &nbsp;None of them could be accused of indulging in any anti-national activities.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
I sincerely hope that Prime Minister will show the maturity and gravitas expected of the high office he holds instead of concentrating his energy solely on erroneously conceived brownie points. I sincerely hope that he will apologize to the Nation for his ill thought transgression to restore the dignity of the office he occupies.&quot;&nbsp;</p>


Prime Minister Narendra Modi had alleged that Pakistan was meddling in the Gujarat elections

Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has responded to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's allegation that Pakistan is meddling in the Gujarat elections. "I am deeply pained and anguished by the falsehood and canards being spread to score political points in a lost cause by none less than Prime Minister Sh. Narender Modi," Singh said in a statement released by him on Monday. Modi had made the allegation after former Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar had called him a "neech" person. Modi, at a campaign rally in Gujarat, said Aiyar, Manmohan Singh and former vice-president Hamid Ansari had met with the Pakistan high commissioner at a dinner in Delhi. And that the next day Aiyar had called him "neech". Modi also talked of an appeal -- the veracity of which is still uncertain -- by former director general (DG) of the Pakistan Army, Sardar Arshad Rafiq, to make senior Congress leader Ahmed Patel the chief minister of Gujarat. "Fearing imminent defeat in Gujarat, desperation of Prime Minister to hurl every abuse and latch on to every straw is palpable. Sadly & regrettably, Sh. Modi is setting a dangerous precedent by his insatiable desire to tarnish every constitutional office, including that of a Former Prime Minister and Army Chief," Singh said in his statement. It later came to light that the dinner -- hosted by Aiyar -- had also been attended by a former Indian Army chief. I sincerely hope that he will apologize to the Nation for his ill-thought transgression to restore the dignity of the office he occupies × In his statement, Manmohan Singh also went on to take a potshot at Modi. "The Congress Party needs no sermons on 'Nationalism' from a party and Prime Minister whose compromised track record on fighting terrorism is well known. Let me remind Sh. Narender Modi that he had gone to Pakistan uninvited after the terrorist attacks in Udhampur and Gurdaspur. Let him also tell the country the reason for inviting the infamous ISI of Pakistan to our strategic Air Base in Pathankot to investigate a terror attack that emanated from Pakistan." Singh added that "no one, including Shri Modi, can lamely question" his record of public service over the last five decades. The rest of Singh's statement read: "My track record of public service to the country over last five decades is known to everyone. No one, including Sh. Modi, can lamely question it to gain lost political ground. I reject the innuendos and falsehoods as I did not discuss Gujarat elections with anyone else at the dinner hosted by Shri Mani Shankar Aiyar as alleged by Shri Modi. Nor was the Gujarat issue raised by anyone else present at the dinner. The discussion was confined to India-Pakistan relations. Names of the distinguished Indian public servants and journalists present at the dinner are enclosed to this statement. None of them could be accused of indulging in any anti-national activities. I sincerely hope that Prime Minister will show the maturity and gravitas expected of the high office he holds instead of concentrating his energy solely on erroneously conceived brownie points. I sincerely hope that he will apologize to the Nation for his ill thought transgression to restore the dignity of the office he occupies."

No one can lamely question my public service: Manmohan to Modi on Pak meddling allegations

<p>The Gujarat police have turned down the request made by political parties for conducting a road show in the state.</p>

<p>BJP and Congress had requested for a roadshow to be conducted on Tuesday, however, the state police rejected their request citing law and order situation.</p>

<p>Police Commissioner Anup Kumar Singh said that the request was turned down due to security, law and order reasons and to avoid public inconvenience.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Request by BJP &amp; Congress for conducting PM Modi &amp; Rahul Gandhi&#39;s road show tomorrow, turned down by Police due to security, law &amp; order reasons &amp; to avoid public inconvenience : Anup Kumar Singh, Police Commissioner <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Ahmedabad?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Ahmedabad</a> to ANI <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GujaratElection2017?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GujaratElection2017</a> <a href="https://t.co/qaNr7lbdYL">pic.twitter.com/qaNr7lbdYL</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/940079236823400450?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 11, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>PM Modi and Rahul Gandhi were to address the last day of campaigning for the Gujarat assembly elections on Tuesday, December 12.</p>

<p>The state will undergo the second phase of elections on December 14&nbsp;for 93 seats in North and Central Gujarat.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The voting for the first phase of election in Gujarat was conducted on 9 December which saw a voter turnout of 68 per cent. The first phase elections were conducted on 89 seats of Saurashtra and South region.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The counting of votes is scheduled for December 18.&nbsp;</p>

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BJP and Congress had requested for a roadshow to be conducted on Tuesday, however, the state police rejected their request citing law and order situation

The Gujarat police have turned down the request made by political parties for conducting a road show in the state. BJP and Congress had requested for a roadshow to be conducted on Tuesday, however, the state police rejected their request citing law and order situation. Police Commissioner Anup Kumar Singh said that the request was turned down due to security, law and order reasons and to avoid public inconvenience. Request by BJP & Congress for conducting PM Modi & Rahul Gandhi's road show tomorrow, turned down by Police due to security, law & order reasons & to avoid public inconvenience : Anup Kumar Singh, Police Commissioner #Ahmedabad to ANI #GujaratElection2017 pic.twitter.com/qaNr7lbdYL — ANI (@ANI) December 11, 2017 × PM Modi and Rahul Gandhi were to address the last day of campaigning for the Gujarat assembly elections on Tuesday, December 12. The state will undergo the second phase of elections on December 14 for 93 seats in North and Central Gujarat. The voting for the first phase of election in Gujarat was conducted on 9 December which saw a voter turnout of 68 per cent. The first phase elections were conducted on 89 seats of Saurashtra and South region. The counting of votes is scheduled for December 18.

Gujarat elections: Police denies permission to PM Modi, Rahul for election roadshow

<p>The BJP stuck to its stand Monday on the meeting between Congress leaders and Pakistani officials.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&quot;Congress must come out with detailed facts what transpired in that meeting and what was the necessity of having it in present circumstances,&quot; Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&quot;Yesterday they were in denial about it and today instead of accepting it as a misadventure, they try to blame those raising the issue,&quot; he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He also added that &quot;Those like Mani Shankar Aiyar always had an inconsistent position.&quot; That &quot;They maintained a parallel line of dialogue, underplayed Pakistan&#39;s role in instigating terrorism in India and continued to engage with them (Pak).&quot;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Those like Mani Shankar Aiyar always had an inconsistent position. They maintained a parallel line of dialogue, underplayed Pakistan&#39;s role in instigating terrorism in India &amp; continued to engage with them (Pak) : FM Arun Jaitley <a href="https://t.co/pACCscylnq">pic.twitter.com/pACCscylnq</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/940229926548004864?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 11, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>He also added that &quot;Former PM Manmohan Singh has <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/no-one-can-lamely-question-my-public-service-manmohan-to-modi-on-pak-meddling-allegations-26463" target="_blank">issued a statement</a> asking PM Modi to apologise for what he said in an election rally with regard to a meeting involving Pakistani delegations. It is surprising that (the) Congress party expect the Prime Minister of India to apologise for it.&quot;&nbsp;</p>

<p>Prime Minister Modi had referred to the meeting while campaigning in Gujarat. He said the meeting had been attended by Mani Shankar Aiyar, former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, and former Vice-President Hamid Ansari.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He said that the day after the meeting former Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar had called him a &quot;neech&quot; person, and alleged that <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/modi-claims-pakistan-trying-to-influence-gujarat-elections-26391" target="_blank">Pakistan was interfering</a> in the Gujarat elections.&nbsp;</p>

<p>News reports however have since said that the dinner meeting, hosted by Aiyar, was also attended by, among other, a former Indian Army chief.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The former Army chief, Deepak Kapoor, has said on record that the only thing discussed at the dinner was India-Pak relations.&nbsp;</p>

<p>And that Gujarat was not brought up.&nbsp;</p>


Prime Minister Narendra Modi had alleged, while referring to the meeting, that Pakistan was meddling in the Gujarat elections

The BJP stuck to its stand Monday on the meeting between Congress leaders and Pakistani officials. "Congress must come out with detailed facts what transpired in that meeting and what was the necessity of having it in present circumstances," Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said. "Yesterday they were in denial about it and today instead of accepting it as a misadventure, they try to blame those raising the issue," he added. He also added that "Those like Mani Shankar Aiyar always had an inconsistent position." That "They maintained a parallel line of dialogue, underplayed Pakistan's role in instigating terrorism in India and continued to engage with them (Pak)." Those like Mani Shankar Aiyar always had an inconsistent position. They maintained a parallel line of dialogue, underplayed Pakistan's role in instigating terrorism in India & continued to engage with them (Pak) : FM Arun Jaitley pic.twitter.com/pACCscylnq — ANI (@ANI) December 11, 2017 × He also added that "Former PM Manmohan Singh has issued a statement asking PM Modi to apologise for what he said in an election rally with regard to a meeting involving Pakistani delegations. It is surprising that (the) Congress party expect the Prime Minister of India to apologise for it." Prime Minister Modi had referred to the meeting while campaigning in Gujarat. He said the meeting had been attended by Mani Shankar Aiyar, former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, and former Vice-President Hamid Ansari. He said that the day after the meeting former Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar had called him a "neech" person, and alleged that Pakistan was interfering in the Gujarat elections. News reports however have since said that the dinner meeting, hosted by Aiyar, was also attended by, among other, a former Indian Army chief. The former Army chief, Deepak Kapoor, has said on record that the only thing discussed at the dinner was India-Pak relations. And that Gujarat was not brought up.

BJP sticks to guns, Jaitley says Congress must come out with detailed facts on Pakistani meeting

<p>Rahul Gandhi said on Sunday that he would beat Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the Gujarat elections with love, and without anger.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="hi">Modi ji, Gujarat mein hum aapko pyaar se, bina gusse ke haraane jaa rahe hain: Rahul Gandhi in Kalol <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GujaratElection2017?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GujaratElection2017</a> <a href="https://t.co/DqtKTyz5n0">pic.twitter.com/DqtKTyz5n0</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/939840767165587456?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 10, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>He went on to say the prime minister uses &quot;bad words&quot; against him but that he himself would not respond in kind.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&quot;Rahul Gandhi respects the post of PM. No matter what PM says about me, but I won&#39;t utter even a single bad word about the PM,&quot; Rahul said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/after-neech-jibe-on-pm-modi-congress-suspends-mani-shankar-aiyar-26159" target="_blank">After &#39;</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/after-neech-jibe-on-pm-modi-congress-suspends-mani-shankar-aiyar-26159" target="_blank">neech</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/after-neech-jibe-on-pm-modi-congress-suspends-mani-shankar-aiyar-26159" target="_blank">&#39; jibe on PM Modi, Congress suspends Mani Shankar Aiyar</a></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Modi ji keeps using bad words against me in his speeches, even today he did so. Rahul Gandhi respects the post of PM. No matter what PM says about me, but I won&#39;t utter even a single bad word about the PM: Rahul Gandhi in Kalol <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GujaratElection2017?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GujaratElection2017</a> <a href="https://t.co/q4yo4Uzrgf">pic.twitter.com/q4yo4Uzrgf</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/939840420816678914?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 10, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>Rahul was campaigning in Kalol in Gujarat.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rahul-the-underdog-26329" target="_blank">Rahul, the underdog?</a></p>

<p>Gujarat will go to the polls again on December 14. The first phase of voting took place on December 9, and the counting of votes will take place on December 18.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Rahul also added that he will never forget the love shown him in Gujarat over the last three months of the election campaign.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="hi">Jab tak mai zinda hoon, mai aapka pyaar nahi bhoolne wala jo aapne pichle 3 mahine mein dikhaya.Aapko meri zarurat kabhi bhi ho, sirf mujhe bulaao, order do aur mai karke dikhaunga.Aapne mere saath rishta bana liya hai,ye zindagi ka rishta hai, tootega nahi: Rahul Gandhi in Kalol <a href="https://t.co/oeSb98TOWr">pic.twitter.com/oeSb98TOWr</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/939847085309902850?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 10, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>


He went on to say the prime minister uses 'bad words' against him but that he himself would not respond in kind

Rahul Gandhi said on Sunday that he would beat Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the Gujarat elections with love, and without anger. Modi ji, Gujarat mein hum aapko pyaar se, bina gusse ke haraane jaa rahe hain: Rahul Gandhi in Kalol #GujaratElection2017 pic.twitter.com/DqtKTyz5n0 — ANI (@ANI) December 10, 2017 × He went on to say the prime minister uses "bad words" against him but that he himself would not respond in kind. "Rahul Gandhi respects the post of PM. No matter what PM says about me, but I won't utter even a single bad word about the PM," Rahul said. Also read: After 'neech' jibe on PM Modi, Congress suspends Mani Shankar Aiyar Modi ji keeps using bad words against me in his speeches, even today he did so. Rahul Gandhi respects the post of PM. No matter what PM says about me, but I won't utter even a single bad word about the PM: Rahul Gandhi in Kalol #GujaratElection2017 pic.twitter.com/q4yo4Uzrgf — ANI (@ANI) December 10, 2017 × Rahul was campaigning in Kalol in Gujarat. Also read: Rahul, the underdog? Gujarat will go to the polls again on December 14. The first phase of voting took place on December 9, and the counting of votes will take place on December 18. Rahul also added that he will never forget the love shown him in Gujarat over the last three months of the election campaign. Jab tak mai zinda hoon, mai aapka pyaar nahi bhoolne wala jo aapne pichle 3 mahine mein dikhaya.Aapko meri zarurat kabhi bhi ho, sirf mujhe bulaao, order do aur mai karke dikhaunga.Aapne mere saath rishta bana liya hai,ye zindagi ka rishta hai, tootega nahi: Rahul Gandhi in Kalol pic.twitter.com/oeSb98TOWr — ANI (@ANI) December 10, 2017 ×

Rahul tells Modi: Will beat you in Gujarat with love, without anger

<p>Men rush in and out of two small rooms in a double-storeyed hotel off the Palanpur-Mehsana highway. The floor is littered with campaign material -- festoons, banners, posters - all bearing Jignesh Mevani&#39;s bearded and smiling face, eyes behind thick-rimmed glasses.</p>

<p>The Dalit lawyer-activist, along with Patidar quota leader Hardik Patel and OBC leader Alpesh Thakore, has emerged as the face of resistance against the BJP, which has ruled Gujarat for the last 20 years.</p>

<p>Late last month, he announced he was standing for election as an independent candidate from the Vadgam constituency of north Gujarat&#39;s Sabarkatha district, prompting the Congress to swiftly withdraw its candidate from the seat, a traditional stronghold of the party.</p>

<p>The highway-side dhaba-cum-hotel is Mevani&#39;s election headquarters where an assortment of young activists from in and around Gujarat and from faraway Jawaharlal Nehru University brainstorm to make the 35-year-old&#39;s maiden foray into electoral politics a success.</p>

<p>With around 1 lakh Muslims and Dalit voters in the 2.5 lakh-strong constituency, Mevani, who emerged as a Dalit spearhead after organising movements against atrocities against the community in Una, was largely expected to sail through.</p>

<p>But with a combination of local issues, Mevani&#39;s prospects suddenly appear a little bleak, says a local Congress supporter.</p>

<p>Three factors have been working against him. For one, Mevani is being seen as an outsider, since he is from Mehsana and his movement was largely based out of Saurashtra. A rebel Congress candidate is also in the fray. And there is a possible consolidation of Hindu votes cutting across castes.</p>

<p>&quot;Had the Congress fielded its own candidate, a victory was certain. But this time, there will be a contest,&quot; Abdul Haq, the supporter, says, reflecting the lack of enthusiasm among the Congress&#39;s foot soldiers in the area.</p>

<p>In Vadgam&#39;s Chhapi village, sarpanch Bharatbhai Patel, a Choudhary by caste, asserts, &quot;The Congress&#39;s tactical mistake of not fielding a candidate will cost it the seat.&quot;</p>

<p>He says Muslims, numbering around 70,000, may largely vote for Mevani, but votes of Dalits and other castes such as Thakores, Choudharys and Rajputs will get splintered between Mevani and rebel Congress candidate Ashvinbhai Parmar, son of a prominent local party leader.</p>

<p>&quot;I decided to contest as an independent only after people and party functionaries pitched for my candidature. Even last time I was denied a ticket but did not rebel. I do not want the Congress to lose its traditional seat,&quot; Parmar said.</p>

<p>Congress sitting MLA Manibhai Vaghela had won the seat, reserved for SCs, by a margin of 21,000 votes in the last Assembly polls. It was under Congress&#39;s control in the previous two terms, too, the sarpanch said.</p>

<p>There are strong voices in favour of Mevani as well, especially among the youth.</p>

<p>&quot;There will be no division of votes, at least not among Dalits and Muslims. Jignesh bhai has worked hard for these communities, braving the wrath of the State. People are flocking to his rallies in large numbers,&quot; 29-year-old Bhawesh Kumar, who runs a mobile repairing shop, says.</p>

<p>Mahesh Chauhan, a young Dalit, adds that what attracts him to Mevani is a practice that may push many others away. To be a part of his team, Chauhan has to contribute to Mevani&#39;s campaign funds.</p>

<p>&quot;People used to being showered by money and liquor by the other parties during elections are not used to this, which explains the antipathy towards Jignesh bhai professed by many,&quot; Chauhan says.</p>

<p>But BJP supporters of the area, used to defeats due to the complex caste and religion matrix, are hopeful of a good performance this time.</p>

<p>&quot;The Congress managed to hold on to the seat because of the large presence of Dalits and Muslims. But with the cracks in their camp, a BJP victory cannot be ruled out,&quot; a local grocery shop owner says.</p>

<p>Sarpanch Bharatbhai adds that the Congress did not base its entire campaign on Dalits and Muslims in earlier polls.</p>

<p>&quot;But Jignesh bhai has alienated a large section of Hindus by investing all his energies on Dalits and Muslims. The others are not taking it lightly,&quot; he says.&nbsp;</p>


With around 1 lakh Muslims and Dalit voters in the 2.5 lakh-strong constituency, the Dalit leader was expected to sail through

Men rush in and out of two small rooms in a double-storeyed hotel off the Palanpur-Mehsana highway. The floor is littered with campaign material -- festoons, banners, posters - all bearing Jignesh Mevani's bearded and smiling face, eyes behind thick-rimmed glasses. The Dalit lawyer-activist, along with Patidar quota leader Hardik Patel and OBC leader Alpesh Thakore, has emerged as the face of resistance against the BJP, which has ruled Gujarat for the last 20 years. Late last month, he announced he was standing for election as an independent candidate from the Vadgam constituency of north Gujarat's Sabarkatha district, prompting the Congress to swiftly withdraw its candidate from the seat, a traditional stronghold of the party. The highway-side dhaba-cum-hotel is Mevani's election headquarters where an assortment of young activists from in and around Gujarat and from faraway Jawaharlal Nehru University brainstorm to make the 35-year-old's maiden foray into electoral politics a success. With around 1 lakh Muslims and Dalit voters in the 2.5 lakh-strong constituency, Mevani, who emerged as a Dalit spearhead after organising movements against atrocities against the community in Una, was largely expected to sail through. But with a combination of local issues, Mevani's prospects suddenly appear a little bleak, says a local Congress supporter. Three factors have been working against him. For one, Mevani is being seen as an outsider, since he is from Mehsana and his movement was largely based out of Saurashtra. A rebel Congress candidate is also in the fray. And there is a possible consolidation of Hindu votes cutting across castes. "Had the Congress fielded its own candidate, a victory was certain. But this time, there will be a contest," Abdul Haq, the supporter, says, reflecting the lack of enthusiasm among the Congress's foot soldiers in the area. In Vadgam's Chhapi village, sarpanch Bharatbhai Patel, a Choudhary by caste, asserts, "The Congress's tactical mistake of not fielding a candidate will cost it the seat." He says Muslims, numbering around 70,000, may largely vote for Mevani, but votes of Dalits and other castes such as Thakores, Choudharys and Rajputs will get splintered between Mevani and rebel Congress candidate Ashvinbhai Parmar, son of a prominent local party leader. "I decided to contest as an independent only after people and party functionaries pitched for my candidature. Even last time I was denied a ticket but did not rebel. I do not want the Congress to lose its traditional seat," Parmar said. Congress sitting MLA Manibhai Vaghela had won the seat, reserved for SCs, by a margin of 21,000 votes in the last Assembly polls. It was under Congress's control in the previous two terms, too, the sarpanch said. There are strong voices in favour of Mevani as well, especially among the youth. "There will be no division of votes, at least not among Dalits and Muslims. Jignesh bhai has worked hard for these communities, braving the wrath of the State. People are flocking to his rallies in large numbers," 29-year-old Bhawesh Kumar, who runs a mobile repairing shop, says. Mahesh Chauhan, a young Dalit, adds that what attracts him to Mevani is a practice that may push many others away. To be a part of his team, Chauhan has to contribute to Mevani's campaign funds. "People used to being showered by money and liquor by the other parties during elections are not used to this, which explains the antipathy towards Jignesh bhai professed by many," Chauhan says. But BJP supporters of the area, used to defeats due to the complex caste and religion matrix, are hopeful of a good performance this time. "The Congress managed to hold on to the seat because of the large presence of Dalits and Muslims. But with the cracks in their camp, a BJP victory cannot be ruled out," a local grocery shop owner says. Sarpanch Bharatbhai adds that the Congress did not base its entire campaign on Dalits and Muslims in earlier polls. "But Jignesh bhai has alienated a large section of Hindus by investing all his energies on Dalits and Muslims. The others are not taking it lightly," he says.

Gujarat elections: In Vadgam, going suddenly appears tough for Jignesh Mevani

<p>With 68 per cent voter turnout in the first phase of Gujarat assembly elections, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Sunday expressed confidence over its victory, and said, now, Congress should not harbour any illusion about the result.</p>

<p>Talking to ANI, BJP leader Shahnawaz Hussain said, &quot;The way in which first phase of Gujarat Assembly elections has concluded, it seems the public has decided to make Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP win by securing a three-fourths majority. Gujarat has cleared the misgivings of Congress through its turnout in the first phase.&quot;</p>

<p>He said people of the state did not accept the kind of language used against the Prime Minister.</p>

<p>&quot;The voting has been in favour of the BJP and there is an excitement among the people,&quot; Hussain further said.</p>

<p>Another BJP leader, Bizay Sonkar Shastri said the votes in the first phase were clearly in party&#39;s victory.</p>

<p>&quot;The first phase voting will benefit our party and, moreover, the heavy membership within the party will play a positive role here,&quot; Shastri added.</p>

<p>While a Congress leader, Raju Waghmare said, &quot;It is a very good sign for the Congress and there are two reasons behind it. Some BJP voters are very nervous and they are disappointed by their party&#39;s performance. On the other hand, whatever the turnout is right now, the public wants a change and that change is possible with Congress&quot;.</p>

<p>&quot;This 68 per cent is a very good sign for our party and we will take this first phase seriously,&quot; the Maharashtra leader added.</p>

<p>Sixty-eight percent voters came out to vote in the first phase of Gujarat Assembly elections, informed the Election Commission, on Saturday.</p>

<p>The voting for 89 assembly constituencies in Saurashtra and South Gujarat region, began at 8:00 am and ended in the evening on Saturday.</p>

<p>Prominent candidates in the fray include Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani of BJP, who is contesting from Rajkot (West), along with Congress&#39; Shaktisinh Gohil and Paresh Dhanani.</p>

<p>The second phase will be held on December 14 for the remaining 93 assembly constituencies. Counting of votes and the results will be announced on December 18.&nbsp;</p>


With 68 per cent voter turnout in the first phase of Gujarat assembly elections, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Sunday expressed confidence over its victory, and said, now, Congress should not harbour any illusion about the result

With 68 per cent voter turnout in the first phase of Gujarat assembly elections, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Sunday expressed confidence over its victory, and said, now, Congress should not harbour any illusion about the result. Talking to ANI, BJP leader Shahnawaz Hussain said, "The way in which first phase of Gujarat Assembly elections has concluded, it seems the public has decided to make Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP win by securing a three-fourths majority. Gujarat has cleared the misgivings of Congress through its turnout in the first phase." He said people of the state did not accept the kind of language used against the Prime Minister. "The voting has been in favour of the BJP and there is an excitement among the people," Hussain further said. Another BJP leader, Bizay Sonkar Shastri said the votes in the first phase were clearly in party's victory. "The first phase voting will benefit our party and, moreover, the heavy membership within the party will play a positive role here," Shastri added. While a Congress leader, Raju Waghmare said, "It is a very good sign for the Congress and there are two reasons behind it. Some BJP voters are very nervous and they are disappointed by their party's performance. On the other hand, whatever the turnout is right now, the public wants a change and that change is possible with Congress". "This 68 per cent is a very good sign for our party and we will take this first phase seriously," the Maharashtra leader added. Sixty-eight percent voters came out to vote in the first phase of Gujarat Assembly elections, informed the Election Commission, on Saturday. The voting for 89 assembly constituencies in Saurashtra and South Gujarat region, began at 8:00 am and ended in the evening on Saturday. Prominent candidates in the fray include Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani of BJP, who is contesting from Rajkot (West), along with Congress' Shaktisinh Gohil and Paresh Dhanani. The second phase will be held on December 14 for the remaining 93 assembly constituencies. Counting of votes and the results will be announced on December 18.

Congress should not harbour any illusion about Gujarat poll result: BJP

<p>Several cases of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) malfunctioning reported in the first phase of Gujarat Assembly election which began today morning.&nbsp;</p>

<p>An EVM machine in Surat&#39;s Varaccha was replaced earlier today.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Master trainee of the election commission in Surat&#39;s Varaccha said that all the faulty machines have been replaced.&nbsp; &quot;These were electronic items, it could have had issues,&nbsp;&quot; he said.</p>

<p>&quot;&#39;We have replaced two machines and one VVPAT, you cannot really call it a technical error, these are electronic&nbsp;items there can be some issues. Now everything is okay and voting is started,&quot; he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Faulty EVM in Sardar Patel Vidyalaya booth in Surat&#39;s Varaccha has been replaced <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GujaratElection2017?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GujaratElection2017</a> <a href="https://t.co/X6Tzu7aNCs">pic.twitter.com/X6Tzu7aNCs</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/939356762192277504?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 9, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Have replaced two machines and one VVPAT, you cannot really call it a technical error, these are electronic items there can be some issues. Now everything is okay &amp; voting has started: Vipul Goti, Master Trainer, Election Commission in Surat&#39;s Varaccha <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GujaratElection2017?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GujaratElection2017</a> <a href="https://t.co/RVF86aW4Wh">pic.twitter.com/RVF86aW4Wh</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/939364978573709312?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 9, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>Meanwhile, Congress leader Ahmed Patel urged the election officials to deal with&nbsp;EVM malfunctioning immediately.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Wherever there are complaints of EVM malfunctioning, it should be dealt with immediately: Ahmed Patel, Congress <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GujaratElection2017?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GujaratElection2017</a> <a href="https://t.co/CPkE8hM6cq">pic.twitter.com/CPkE8hM6cq</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/939367044058722304?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 9, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>The first phase of Gujarat election is underway. &nbsp;</p>

<p>The voting is being held in 89 seats of Saurashtra and South Gujarat regions with a total of 977 candidates in the fray.</p>

<p>The second phase of election will be held in 93 seats in North and Central Gujarat and is scheduled for December 14.</p>

<p>Counting of votes will begin on December 18.</p>


Amidst the ongoing first phase assembly elections in Gujarat, reports of several faulty Electronic Voting Machines have surfaced

Several cases of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) malfunctioning reported in the first phase of Gujarat Assembly election which began today morning. An EVM machine in Surat's Varaccha was replaced earlier today. Master trainee of the election commission in Surat's Varaccha said that all the faulty machines have been replaced. "These were electronic items, it could have had issues, " he said. "'We have replaced two machines and one VVPAT, you cannot really call it a technical error, these are electronic items there can be some issues. Now everything is okay and voting is started," he added. Faulty EVM in Sardar Patel Vidyalaya booth in Surat's Varaccha has been replaced #GujaratElection2017 pic.twitter.com/X6Tzu7aNCs — ANI (@ANI) December 9, 2017 × Have replaced two machines and one VVPAT, you cannot really call it a technical error, these are electronic items there can be some issues. Now everything is okay & voting has started: Vipul Goti, Master Trainer, Election Commission in Surat's Varaccha #GujaratElection2017 pic.twitter.com/RVF86aW4Wh — ANI (@ANI) December 9, 2017 × Meanwhile, Congress leader Ahmed Patel urged the election officials to deal with EVM malfunctioning immediately. Wherever there are complaints of EVM malfunctioning, it should be dealt with immediately: Ahmed Patel, Congress #GujaratElection2017 pic.twitter.com/CPkE8hM6cq — ANI (@ANI) December 9, 2017 × The first phase of Gujarat election is underway. The voting is being held in 89 seats of Saurashtra and South Gujarat regions with a total of 977 candidates in the fray. The second phase of election will be held in 93 seats in North and Central Gujarat and is scheduled for December 14. Counting of votes will begin on December 18.

Gujarat elections: Faulty EVMs hinder smooth polling

<p>Hardik Patel&#39;s key aide and senior member of Patidar Anamat Andolan Samiti Dinesh Bambhania has alleged that the quota agitation spearhead&#39;s support to the Congress party smacks of some kind of &quot;fixing&quot; between them.</p>

<p>Bambhania yesterday said he could not understand why Patel was supporting the Congress party, despite it not clarifying how it would give reservation to the Patidar community if voted to power.</p>

<p>&quot;In the poll manifesto, the Congress has not clarified how it would grant us reservation under OBC quota after coming to power in Gujarat. It shows that Congress actually never wanted to give us reservation. Yet, Hardik Patel is doing rallies in Congress&#39; favour,&quot; he told reporters here.</p>

<p>&quot;Though there is no clarity how we will get reservation under OBC quota, Hardik is mum about it. It seems like fixing to me. Our fight was not about bringing a party to power. At least I do not wish to be an agent of a party. Hardik should not politicise the agitation,&quot; he added.</p>

<p>Hardik is playing into the hands of Congress in the name of the Patidar movement, Bambhania said, adding, &quot;Hardik is using the agitation for political purposes and I am totally against it.&quot;</p>

<p>&nbsp;&quot;I urge all the Patidars to use their wisdom when they go for voting tomorrow,&quot; he said.</p>

<p>Bambhania&#39;s open rebellion against Patel came a day ahead of the first phase of polling in Saurashtra and south Gujarat.</p>

<p>Commenting on Patel&#39;s purported sex tapes, Bambhania indicated that only one CD can be morphed, not all.</p>

<p>&quot;Hardik is seen as an icon. Patidars are having very high hopes from him. One CD can be morphed, but, when so many CDs came out, it does not suit a man who is the leader of a community. I am deeply pained by the entire episode,&quot; he said.</p>

<p>Bambhania claimed he was still with Patidar Anamat Andolan Samiti (PAAS) and said he was not joining the BJP.</p>

<p>&quot;Neither am I against Hardik, nor I am leaving PAAS. I am also not joining BJP. My only contention is that Hardik has failed to pressure the Congress to accept our demand as agreed earlier between both PAAS and Congress,&quot; he added.</p>


Bambhania yesterday said he could not understand why Patel was supporting the Congress party, despite it not clarifying how it would give reservation to the Patidar community if voted to power

Hardik Patel's key aide and senior member of Patidar Anamat Andolan Samiti Dinesh Bambhania has alleged that the quota agitation spearhead's support to the Congress party smacks of some kind of "fixing" between them. Bambhania yesterday said he could not understand why Patel was supporting the Congress party, despite it not clarifying how it would give reservation to the Patidar community if voted to power. "In the poll manifesto, the Congress has not clarified how it would grant us reservation under OBC quota after coming to power in Gujarat. It shows that Congress actually never wanted to give us reservation. Yet, Hardik Patel is doing rallies in Congress' favour," he told reporters here. "Though there is no clarity how we will get reservation under OBC quota, Hardik is mum about it. It seems like fixing to me. Our fight was not about bringing a party to power. At least I do not wish to be an agent of a party. Hardik should not politicise the agitation," he added. Hardik is playing into the hands of Congress in the name of the Patidar movement, Bambhania said, adding, "Hardik is using the agitation for political purposes and I am totally against it." "I urge all the Patidars to use their wisdom when they go for voting tomorrow," he said. Bambhania's open rebellion against Patel came a day ahead of the first phase of polling in Saurashtra and south Gujarat. Commenting on Patel's purported sex tapes, Bambhania indicated that only one CD can be morphed, not all. "Hardik is seen as an icon. Patidars are having very high hopes from him. One CD can be morphed, but, when so many CDs came out, it does not suit a man who is the leader of a community. I am deeply pained by the entire episode," he said. Bambhania claimed he was still with Patidar Anamat Andolan Samiti (PAAS) and said he was not joining the BJP. "Neither am I against Hardik, nor I am leaving PAAS. I am also not joining BJP. My only contention is that Hardik has failed to pressure the Congress to accept our demand as agreed earlier between both PAAS and Congress," he added.

PAAS leader claims 'fixing' between Hardik Patel, Congress

<p>Zero voting was recorded at Gajadi village in Morbi district of Gujarat today as the locals, fed up with water shortage, boycotted polling.</p>

<p>While long lines were seen outside polling booths in Saurashtra and South Gujarat in the first phase of Assembly polls, none among the 1,000 registered voters in Gajadi turned up to cast vote, officials said.</p>

<p>The village, though situated in Tankara tehsil of Morbi, comes under Kalavad constituency of Jamnagar district.</p>

<p>The district administration said they tried their best to persuade villagers to vote.</p>

<p>&quot;Villagers had announced a few months ago that they will refrain from voting. Their main grievance was about water supply. Though the village is being supplied water through a pipeline, they claimed it was not enough and demanded another pipeline,&quot; said Morbi Collector and District Election Officer I K Patel.</p>

<p>&quot;Even today senior officials went to the village and urged them to cast vote. But no one turned up at the polling booth,&quot; he added.</p>

<p>&quot;When we told them there are plans to lay a new pipeline, villagers asked us to give the assurance on paper. As the model code of conduct was in place, it was not possible to give it in writing. Such an assurance on the day of polling would also set a wrong precedent,&quot; the Collector added.&nbsp;</p>


The district administration said they tried their best to persuade villagers to vote.

Zero voting was recorded at Gajadi village in Morbi district of Gujarat today as the locals, fed up with water shortage, boycotted polling. While long lines were seen outside polling booths in Saurashtra and South Gujarat in the first phase of Assembly polls, none among the 1,000 registered voters in Gajadi turned up to cast vote, officials said. The village, though situated in Tankara tehsil of Morbi, comes under Kalavad constituency of Jamnagar district. The district administration said they tried their best to persuade villagers to vote. "Villagers had announced a few months ago that they will refrain from voting. Their main grievance was about water supply. Though the village is being supplied water through a pipeline, they claimed it was not enough and demanded another pipeline," said Morbi Collector and District Election Officer I K Patel. "Even today senior officials went to the village and urged them to cast vote. But no one turned up at the polling booth," he added. "When we told them there are plans to lay a new pipeline, villagers asked us to give the assurance on paper. As the model code of conduct was in place, it was not possible to give it in writing. Such an assurance on the day of polling would also set a wrong precedent," the Collector added.

Gujarat elections: To protest water woes, this village boycotts polls

<p>Fourteen United Nations peacekeepers have been killed in clashes in the Democratic Republic of Congo, a UN official said on Friday -- the worst attack in the organisation`s recent history.&nbsp;</p>

<p>UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, who put the death toll at &quot;at least 12&quot; Tanzanian peacekeepers, said another 40 were wounded in the violence.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A UN official, who spoke anonymously, told AFP that 14 peacekeepers were killed.</p>

<p>The UN peacekeeping mission in the country, MONUSCO, is believed to have been targeted by Ugandan Muslim rebel group ADF, one of several armed groups active in the North Kivu region, according to Congolese military sources.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In a statement, Guterres said it was the worst attack on UN peacekeepers in the organisation`s recent history.</p>

<p>&quot;I condemn this attack unequivocally. These deliberate attacks against UN peacekeepers are unacceptable and constitute a war crime,&quot; Guterres said in a statement.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&quot;I call on the DRC authorities to investigate this incident and swiftly bring the perpetrators to justice. There must be no impunity for such assaults, here or anywhere else.&quot;</p>

<p>Guterres said at least five Congolese soldiers were also killed in Thursday`s attack.</p>

<p>The medical evacuation of causalities is ongoing, while military reinforcements have arrived on the scene.&nbsp;</p>


Fourteen United Nations peacekeepers have been killed in clashes in the Democratic Republic of Congo, a UN official said on Friday -- the worst attack in the organisation`s recent history. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, who put the death toll at "at least 12" Tanzanian peacekeepers, said another 40 were wounded in the violence. A UN official, who spoke anonymously, told AFP that 14 peacekeepers were killed. The UN peacekeeping mission in the country, MONUSCO, is believed to have been targeted by Ugandan Muslim rebel group ADF, one of several armed groups active in the North Kivu region, according to Congolese military sources. In a statement, Guterres said it was the worst attack on UN peacekeepers in the organisation`s recent history. "I condemn this attack unequivocally. These deliberate attacks against UN peacekeepers are unacceptable and constitute a war crime," Guterres said in a statement. "I call on the DRC authorities to investigate this incident and swiftly bring the perpetrators to justice. There must be no impunity for such assaults, here or anywhere else." Guterres said at least five Congolese soldiers were also killed in Thursday`s attack. The medical evacuation of causalities is ongoing, while military reinforcements have arrived on the scene.

WION Morning News Brief, 9 December, 2017

<p>Obstacles in elections always come out of the blue. They are sudden and have the capacity to change the narrative. Indian elections are far more prone to react to lose talk and emotional pitch. Both Kapil Sibal and Mani Shankar Aiyyar&rsquo;s comments proved once again that elections can go off the course if organisations fail to control leaders of their extra-curricular activities.</p>

<p>Many in BJP rejoiced that Congress handed over a &#39;<em>Maut Ka Saudagar</em>&#39; moment to them on a platter till Nana Patole, BJP MP resigned from Lok Sabha calling BJP anti-farmers. It is too early to know about the nature and depth of the damage and whether it is <em>Maut ka Saudagar</em> part 2, it definitely tells us a few things about current politics.</p>

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<h5>Despite analysts making broad observations about highly charged urban Gujarat, rural and economic issues have found resonance in the state.</h5>
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<p>Despite analysts making broad observations about highly charged urban Gujarat, rural and economic issues have found resonance in the state. It, for this reason, BJP clung to mandir and &#39;<em>neech</em>&#39; remarks quickly because it could harness latent Gujarati pride. Lastly, the industry which has worked well pillorying Rahul Gandhi have a cause to worry.</p>

<p>Even social media&rsquo;s response to this issue in Gujarat and rest of India remained very different. Rahul is a dynast and not like Modi who has become Prime Minister out of his own might and will. The only difference is that for the first time instead of being seen as a child of privilege, Rahul is getting sympathy for a simple reason that the people feel that he has received more than his share of brickbats.</p>

<p>BJP should be wary of it. Indira became authoritarian from being strong in a very short period of time. Rajiv Gandhi from being the most honest and fresh politician became a symbol of corruption. The liberal and new age Nehru became weak within a decade and division of power between Sonia and Manmohan led to the theme of PM without authority in 2014 Lok Sabha elections.</p>

<p>Rahul who has portrayed as <em>Pappu</em> and a dynast has the capacity to become an underdog. It should worry the government, whether Gujarat is retained or not. It should worry Modi too though he is quick to change and responded pretty quickly to <em>suit boot ki Sarkar</em> jibe which had pinned him as pro industrialist. It is for this reason land bill is still in cold storage.</p>

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<h5>Politicians like Mani Shankar and Kapil Sibal enjoyed a good amount of autonomy under Sonia which I don&rsquo;t think will continue under Rahul Gandhi.</h5>
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<p>Internally, what we see today is a different Congress. Politicians like Mani Shankar and Kapil Sibal enjoyed a good amount of autonomy under Sonia which I don&rsquo;t think will continue under Rahul Gandhi. Within hours, Mani Shankar Aiyyar was suspended, apology issued and BJP was asked to extend a similar courtesy to Congress when their senior leaders abuse Gandhi&rsquo;s in person.<br />
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BJP on the other hands remain fixated on the power of emotional issues. Its campaign which had been lacklustre only picked up after <em>neech</em>&nbsp;and <em>mandir</em> made it to the public domain. Prime Minister was quick to seize the opportunity and milked the statement to best of his abilities. It remains to be seen whether it can recreate the magic of <em>maut ka saudagar</em>&nbsp;once again.</p>

<p>The controversy shows that BJP wants to ensure that its national campaign remains centred around cultural nationalism and Ayodhya issue. The success of Gujarat will show the way to BJP for 2019 campaign. During 2014, the campaign was around delivering a prosperous India. 2019 may be about strong and united India if the emotional pitch of PM works in Gujarat. Whatever may be the result, the election would be interesting and polarised.</p>

<p><em>(Disclaimer: The author writes here in a personal capacity).</em></p>


In 2014 the campaign was around delivering a prosperous India. 2019 may be about strong and united India if the emotional pitch of PM works in Gujarat

Obstacles in elections always come out of the blue. They are sudden and have the capacity to change the narrative. Indian elections are far more prone to react to lose talk and emotional pitch. Both Kapil Sibal and Mani Shankar Aiyyar’s comments proved once again that elections can go off the course if organisations fail to control leaders of their extra-curricular activities. Many in BJP rejoiced that Congress handed over a 'Maut Ka Saudagar' moment to them on a platter till Nana Patole, BJP MP resigned from Lok Sabha calling BJP anti-farmers. It is too early to know about the nature and depth of the damage and whether it is Maut ka Saudagar part 2, it definitely tells us a few things about current politics. Despite analysts making broad observations about highly charged urban Gujarat, rural and economic issues have found resonance in the state. × Despite analysts making broad observations about highly charged urban Gujarat, rural and economic issues have found resonance in the state. It, for this reason, BJP clung to mandir and 'neech' remarks quickly because it could harness latent Gujarati pride. Lastly, the industry which has worked well pillorying Rahul Gandhi have a cause to worry. Even social media’s response to this issue in Gujarat and rest of India remained very different. Rahul is a dynast and not like Modi who has become Prime Minister out of his own might and will. The only difference is that for the first time instead of being seen as a child of privilege, Rahul is getting sympathy for a simple reason that the people feel that he has received more than his share of brickbats. BJP should be wary of it. Indira became authoritarian from being strong in a very short period of time. Rajiv Gandhi from being the most honest and fresh politician became a symbol of corruption. The liberal and new age Nehru became weak within a decade and division of power between Sonia and Manmohan led to the theme of PM without authority in 2014 Lok Sabha elections. Rahul who has portrayed as Pappu and a dynast has the capacity to become an underdog. It should worry the government, whether Gujarat is retained or not. It should worry Modi too though he is quick to change and responded pretty quickly to suit boot ki Sarkar jibe which had pinned him as pro industrialist. It is for this reason land bill is still in cold storage. Politicians like Mani Shankar and Kapil Sibal enjoyed a good amount of autonomy under Sonia which I don’t think will continue under Rahul Gandhi. × Internally, what we see today is a different Congress. Politicians like Mani Shankar and Kapil Sibal enjoyed a good amount of autonomy under Sonia which I don’t think will continue under Rahul Gandhi. Within hours, Mani Shankar Aiyyar was suspended, apology issued and BJP was asked to extend a similar courtesy to Congress when their senior leaders abuse Gandhi’s in person. BJP on the other hands remain fixated on the power of emotional issues. Its campaign which had been lacklustre only picked up after neech and mandir made it to the public domain. Prime Minister was quick to seize the opportunity and milked the statement to best of his abilities. It remains to be seen whether it can recreate the magic of maut ka saudagar once again. The controversy shows that BJP wants to ensure that its national campaign remains centred around cultural nationalism and Ayodhya issue. The success of Gujarat will show the way to BJP for 2019 campaign. During 2014, the campaign was around delivering a prosperous India. 2019 may be about strong and united India if the emotional pitch of PM works in Gujarat. Whatever may be the result, the election would be interesting and polarised. (Disclaimer: The author writes here in a personal capacity).

Opinion: Rahul, the underdog?

<p>The first phase of voting for the Gujarat assembly elections saw close to 68% turnout as eighty-nine constituencies in Saurashtra and south Gujarat regions voted for the new government.</p>

<p>While voters sported their inked fingers enthusiastically, stories were told of how some people beat all odds to make it to the voting centres.</p>

<p>Motli Ba, a 106-year old lady who lives to tell tales of the historic Dandi March, happened to be one of them.</p>

<p>The All India Radio (AIR) today tweeted a picture of Motli Ba right after she got done with casting her vote in Surat.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">106 years old Motli ba casts her vote in Surat, She is living witness of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MahatmaGandhi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MahatmaGandhi</a>&#39;s historic <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DandiYatra?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DandiYatra</a>. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GujaratElection2017?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GujaratElection2017</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PollsWithAIR?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PollsWithAIR</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AIRPics?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AIRPics</a>: Lopa Darbar <a href="https://t.co/Rz0VglrA03">pic.twitter.com/Rz0VglrA03</a></p>
&mdash; All India Radio News (@airnewsalerts) <a href="https://twitter.com/airnewsalerts/status/939390634049146881?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 9, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>AIR also tweeted about this enthusiastic 110-year old woman who went to cast her vote in Jamnagar today.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">110 years old woman casts her vote in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Jamnagar?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Jamnagar</a> district. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GujaratElection2017?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GujaratElection2017</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PollsWithAIR?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PollsWithAIR</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AIRPics?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AIRPics</a>: Jagat Raval <a href="https://t.co/7ZP5yPxYYA">pic.twitter.com/7ZP5yPxYYA</a></p>
&mdash; All India Radio News (@airnewsalerts) <a href="https://twitter.com/airnewsalerts/status/939392113250254848?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 9, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>Some voters were undeterred&nbsp;and more than determined to vote despite all odds. Women living in the remote village of Chobari also showed up to exercise their voting rights.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Women voters go for voting in remote Chobari village of Bhachau taluka in border district of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Kutch?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Kutch</a>. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GujaratElection2017?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GujaratElection2017</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PollsWithAIR?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PollsWithAIR</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AIRPics?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AIRPics</a>: Ramji Meriya <a href="https://t.co/UhoDRNenB8">pic.twitter.com/UhoDRNenB8</a></p>
&mdash; All India Radio News (@airnewsalerts) <a href="https://twitter.com/airnewsalerts/status/939395457335226368?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 9, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>Women showed up in large number in Gandevi, Navsari district of Gujarat.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Women stand in que to cast their vote in Gandevi of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Navsari?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Navsari</a> district. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GujaratElection2017?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GujaratElection2017</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PollsWithAIR?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PollsWithAIR</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AIRPics?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AIRPics</a>: Ashok Patel <a href="https://t.co/4oGGVaUgyc">pic.twitter.com/4oGGVaUgyc</a></p>
&mdash; All India Radio News (@airnewsalerts) <a href="https://twitter.com/airnewsalerts/status/939373767704244224?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 9, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>


The first phase of voting for the Gujarat assembly elections saw close to 68% turnout as eighty-nine constituencies in Saurashtra and south Gujarat regions voted for the new government. While voters sported their inked fingers enthusiastically, stories were told of how some people beat all odds to make it to the voting centres. Motli Ba, a 106-year old lady who lives to tell tales of the historic Dandi March, happened to be one of them. The All India Radio (AIR) today tweeted a picture of Motli Ba right after she got done with casting her vote in Surat. 106 years old Motli ba casts her vote in Surat, She is living witness of #MahatmaGandhi's historic #DandiYatra. #GujaratElection2017#PollsWithAIR#AIRPics: Lopa Darbar pic.twitter.com/Rz0VglrA03 — All India Radio News (@airnewsalerts) December 9, 2017 × AIR also tweeted about this enthusiastic 110-year old woman who went to cast her vote in Jamnagar today. 110 years old woman casts her vote in #Jamnagar district. #GujaratElection2017#PollsWithAIR#AIRPics: Jagat Raval pic.twitter.com/7ZP5yPxYYA — All India Radio News (@airnewsalerts) December 9, 2017 × Some voters were undeterred and more than determined to vote despite all odds. Women living in the remote village of Chobari also showed up to exercise their voting rights. Women voters go for voting in remote Chobari village of Bhachau taluka in border district of #Kutch. #GujaratElection2017#PollsWithAIR#AIRPics: Ramji Meriya pic.twitter.com/UhoDRNenB8 — All India Radio News (@airnewsalerts) December 9, 2017 × Women showed up in large number in Gandevi, Navsari district of Gujarat. Women stand in que to cast their vote in Gandevi of #Navsari district. #GujaratElection2017#PollsWithAIR#AIRPics: Ashok Patel pic.twitter.com/4oGGVaUgyc — All India Radio News (@airnewsalerts) December 9, 2017 ×

Gujarat elections: She voted today, was also witness to Gandhi's Dandi March

<p>The Bharatiya Janata Party released its manifesto for Gujarat assembly elections earlier today.</p>

<p>&#39;Sankalp Patra&#39; was released by Union Finance Minister&nbsp;Arun Jaitely just a day before the first phase of the election.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">FM Arun Jaitley releases BJP&#39;s manifesto for <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GujaratElection2017?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GujaratElection2017</a> <a href="https://t.co/uJTYDoYmAi">pic.twitter.com/uJTYDoYmAi</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/939067590747369472?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 8, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>At the event, Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley noted Gujarat to have the highest Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) growth in India. The BJP has been governing the state for close to 22 years now.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&quot;Gujarat&#39;s GSDP growth is highest in India. In the last five years, Gujarat grew at an average rate of 10 percent amongst large states,&quot; Jaitley noted while unveiling the manifesto&nbsp;in Ahmedabad.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Gujarat&rsquo;s GSDP growth is highest in India. In the last 5 years Gujarat grew at an average rate of 10% amongst large states : FM Arun Jaitley <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GujaratElection2017?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GujaratElection2017</a> <a href="https://t.co/osny7KP9Mj">pic.twitter.com/osny7KP9Mj</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/939070252117245952?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 8, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>Mr Jaitley went on to target the Opposition, saying that Congress&#39; vision for Gujarat &quot;is based on constitutional impossibility and financial improbability.&quot;</p>

<p>The BJP also asserted that the Congress was making false promises in Gujarat.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Congress&#39;s vision for Gujarat is based on constitutional impossibility and financial improbability : FM Jaitley <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GujaratElection2017?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GujaratElection2017</a> <a href="https://t.co/Zm4SGA8j5x">pic.twitter.com/Zm4SGA8j5x</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/939071057633280000?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 8, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>The minister said: &quot;The BJP aims to ensure unity in the state and work towards the welfare of all groups.&quot;</p>

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed rallies in various parts of the state today as a part of his campaigning plan.</p>

<p>PM Modi targeted Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar over &#39;<em>neech</em>&#39; row and also blamed Congress for failing to do anything for the development of the state.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Gujarat will witness the first phase of voting tomorrow while the second phase of polls is scheduled on December 14.</p>

<p>Gujarat has a total number of 182 assembly seats</p>

<p>Voting in 89 constituencies of Saurashtra and South Gujarat region will be held in the first phase, while the remaining 93 constituencies in Central and northern regions will go to polls in the second phase.</p>

<p>Counting of votes is scheduled on December 18.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from ANI)</em></p>


Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley released the manifesto earlier today.

The Bharatiya Janata Party released its manifesto for Gujarat assembly elections earlier today. 'Sankalp Patra' was released by Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitely just a day before the first phase of the election. FM Arun Jaitley releases BJP's manifesto for #GujaratElection2017 pic.twitter.com/uJTYDoYmAi — ANI (@ANI) December 8, 2017 × At the event, Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley noted Gujarat to have the highest Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) growth in India. The BJP has been governing the state for close to 22 years now. "Gujarat's GSDP growth is highest in India. In the last five years, Gujarat grew at an average rate of 10 percent amongst large states," Jaitley noted while unveiling the manifesto in Ahmedabad. Gujarat’s GSDP growth is highest in India. In the last 5 years Gujarat grew at an average rate of 10% amongst large states : FM Arun Jaitley #GujaratElection2017 pic.twitter.com/osny7KP9Mj — ANI (@ANI) December 8, 2017 × Mr Jaitley went on to target the Opposition, saying that Congress' vision for Gujarat "is based on constitutional impossibility and financial improbability." The BJP also asserted that the Congress was making false promises in Gujarat. Congress's vision for Gujarat is based on constitutional impossibility and financial improbability : FM Jaitley #GujaratElection2017 pic.twitter.com/Zm4SGA8j5x — ANI (@ANI) December 8, 2017 × The minister said: "The BJP aims to ensure unity in the state and work towards the welfare of all groups." Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed rallies in various parts of the state today as a part of his campaigning plan. PM Modi targeted Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar over 'neech' row and also blamed Congress for failing to do anything for the development of the state. Gujarat will witness the first phase of voting tomorrow while the second phase of polls is scheduled on December 14. Gujarat has a total number of 182 assembly seats Voting in 89 constituencies of Saurashtra and South Gujarat region will be held in the first phase, while the remaining 93 constituencies in Central and northern regions will go to polls in the second phase. Counting of votes is scheduled on December 18. (With inputs from ANI)

BJP releases 'Sankalp Patra', the official manifesto for Gujarat Assembly Elections 2017

<p>Campaigning for the second phase of Gujarat assembly elections kicked-off with Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressing a rally in Bhabhar, Gujarat earlier today.</p>

<p>The Prime Minister, while addressing a rally in Surat yesterday, attacked Congress leader <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/neech-row-both-congress-and-i-want-mani-shankar-aiyar-to-apologise-says-rahul-gandhi-26147" target="_blank">Mani Shankar Aiyar</a> for calling him a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/after-neech-jibe-on-pm-modi-congress-suspends-mani-shankar-aiyar-26159" target="_blank">&quot;</a><em><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/after-neech-jibe-on-pm-modi-congress-suspends-mani-shankar-aiyar-26159">neech</a></em><em><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/after-neech-jibe-on-pm-modi-congress-suspends-mani-shankar-aiyar-26159"> </a></em><em><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/after-neech-jibe-on-pm-modi-congress-suspends-mani-shankar-aiyar-26159">admi</a></em>&quot;.</p>

<p>In today&#39;s rally, PM Modi touched upon development issues in the area and attacking Congress&#39; for its inability to prove itself.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Addressed a huge public meeting in Banaskantha district. Under the <a href="https://twitter.com/BJP4Gujarat?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BJP4Gujarat</a> Governments, North Gujarat has been transformed. This region is making strides in agriculture and solar energy. <a href="https://t.co/ytr0ygaGtQ">pic.twitter.com/ytr0ygaGtQ</a></p>
&mdash; Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/939050596992106497?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 8, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>&quot;People of Patan and Banaskantha know the difference between Congress and BJP. When there were floods here Congress MLAs were relaxing in Bengaluru whereas BJP leaders were working with people, helping in relief operations,&quot; noted PM Modi.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">BJP leaders were providing flood relief whereas Congress leaders were relaxing in swimming pools in resorts in Bengaluru: PM Modi in Banaskantha&#39;s Bhabhar <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GujaratElection2017?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GujaratElection2017</a> <a href="https://t.co/QgyGUbnDCN">pic.twitter.com/QgyGUbnDCN</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/939036156162842625?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 8, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>PM Modi&#39;s election campaign&nbsp;for the second phase of Gujarat elections started today. Polls will be conducted on Thursday on a total of 93 seats in the second phase.</p>

<p>Voting for the first phase of 89 seats will begin tomorrow. Counting of votes will take place on December 18.</p>

<p>PM Modi is now expected to visit Kallol, Gandhinagar and will address a rally in Himmatnagar. He will also hold a rally in Nikol, Ahmedabad later in the day today.</p>

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PM Modi's election campaign?for the second phase of Gujarat election started today

Campaigning for the second phase of Gujarat assembly elections kicked-off with Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressing a rally in Bhabhar, Gujarat earlier today. The Prime Minister, while addressing a rally in Surat yesterday, attacked Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar for calling him a "neech admi". In today's rally, PM Modi touched upon development issues in the area and attacking Congress' for its inability to prove itself. Addressed a huge public meeting in Banaskantha district. Under the @BJP4Gujarat Governments, North Gujarat has been transformed. This region is making strides in agriculture and solar energy. pic.twitter.com/ytr0ygaGtQ — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 8, 2017 × "People of Patan and Banaskantha know the difference between Congress and BJP. When there were floods here Congress MLAs were relaxing in Bengaluru whereas BJP leaders were working with people, helping in relief operations," noted PM Modi. BJP leaders were providing flood relief whereas Congress leaders were relaxing in swimming pools in resorts in Bengaluru: PM Modi in Banaskantha's Bhabhar #GujaratElection2017 pic.twitter.com/QgyGUbnDCN — ANI (@ANI) December 8, 2017 × PM Modi's election campaign for the second phase of Gujarat elections started today. Polls will be conducted on Thursday on a total of 93 seats in the second phase. Voting for the first phase of 89 seats will begin tomorrow. Counting of votes will take place on December 18. PM Modi is now expected to visit Kallol, Gandhinagar and will address a rally in Himmatnagar. He will also hold a rally in Nikol, Ahmedabad later in the day today.

BJP was providing flood relief while Congress leaders relaxed in swimming pools, PM Modi in Gujarat rally

<p>PM Modi at a rally in Gujarat said&nbsp;that <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/poster-congratulating-rahul-gandhi-for-suspending-mani-shankar-aiyar-goes-viral-26213">Mani Shankar Aiyar</a>&nbsp;had told &quot;people when he visited Pakistan - &quot;remove Modi&quot;&nbsp;from the way and then see what happens to India-Pakistan peace&quot;.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi demanded an apology from&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/neech-row-i-am-ready-to-accept-any-punishment-that-the-congress-wants-to-give-me-says-mani-shankar-aiyar-26240">Aiyar</a>&nbsp;to PM Modi, the Prime Minister and several BJP leaders went on to target the Congress veteran in BJP rallies and official events.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&quot;What did he mean by removing me from the way? And what is my crime? That I have blessings of the people?&quot; the Prime Minister said.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/after-neech-jibe-on-pm-modi-congress-suspends-mani-shankar-aiyar-26159">Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar&#39;s remark</a> on Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been met with much condemnation from political leaders across party line.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ManiShankarAiyar?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ManiShankarAiyar</a> told people when he visited Pakistan- remove Modi from the way and then see what happens to India-Pakistan peace. What did he mean by removing me from the way? And what is my crime? That I have blessings of the people?: PM Modi <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GujaratElection2017?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GujaratElection2017</a> <a href="https://t.co/swZmETOtiM">pic.twitter.com/swZmETOtiM</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/939043969484300288?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 8, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>Meanwhile, campaigning for the first phase of Gujarat assembly elections wrapped up today, PM Modi was seen addressing multiple rallies in Gujarat talking about many other instances when&nbsp;eminent leaders had called him inappropriate names.</p>

<p>He noted the fact that even Sonia Gandhi had called him &#39;<em><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/poster-congratulating-rahul-gandhi-for-suspending-mani-shankar-aiyar-goes-viral-26213" target="_blank">neech</a></em>&#39; previously.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">They have not called me &#39;Neech&#39; for the first time yesterday. Mrs. Sonia Gandhi and her family members have used it too. Why am I &#39;Neech&#39; - because I was born poor, because I am of a lower caste, because I am a Gujarati? Is that why they hate me: PM Modi <a href="https://t.co/GEplZf7WPO">pic.twitter.com/GEplZf7WPO</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/939120449916583936?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 8, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>&quot;Digvijaya Singh said Modi Sarkar is like Rakshas Raaj and Modi is Ravana,&quot; added PM Modi.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">What did Anand Sharma say-PM Modi is mentally unstable.A Congress leader re-tweeted such an offensive Tweet about me that I cannot even say it. What did Digvijaya Singh Tweet about me? Evidently, one Gujarati, a person born into a poor family has troubled them a lot: PM Modi <a href="https://t.co/1npa9OzV24">pic.twitter.com/1npa9OzV24</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/939122951948976128?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 8, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>&quot;Jairam Ramesh compared me to Bhasmasur... Ghulam Nabi Azad said I am Gangu Teli,&quot; PM Modi stated.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">One more Congress leader called me a monkey. Jairam Ramesh compared me to Bhasmasur. Beni Prasad Verma called me a mad dog. He also said we won&#39;t let this mad dog win. Ghulam Nabi Azad said I am Gangu Teli. Are these the kind of things we should say in public life?: PM Modi</p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/939123987438747648?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 8, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>&quot;Renuka Chowdhury called me a virus,&quot; the Prime Minister complained.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Imran Masood, who they gave a ticket to, he said we will cut Modi into pieces.Renuka Chowdhury called me a virus. She said I bring Namonitis. I don&#39;t even want to get started on what Gujarat Congress leaders have been calling me: PM Modi <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GujaratElection2017?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GujaratElection2017</a> <a href="https://t.co/dLmJotnrbQ">pic.twitter.com/dLmJotnrbQ</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/939124274362597376?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 8, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/neech-row-both-congress-and-i-want-mani-shankar-aiyar-to-apologise-says-rahul-gandhi-26147">Mani Shankar Aiyer</a> stands suspended by the Congress.&nbsp;</p>

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'They have not called me 'neech' for the first time yesterday. Mrs. Sonia Gandhi and her family members have used it too,' said PM Modi

PM Modi at a rally in Gujarat said that Mani Shankar Aiyar had told "people when he visited Pakistan - "remove Modi" from the way and then see what happens to India-Pakistan peace". While Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi demanded an apology from Aiyar to PM Modi, the Prime Minister and several BJP leaders went on to target the Congress veteran in BJP rallies and official events. "What did he mean by removing me from the way? And what is my crime? That I have blessings of the people?" the Prime Minister said. Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar's remark on Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been met with much condemnation from political leaders across party line. #ManiShankarAiyar told people when he visited Pakistan- remove Modi from the way and then see what happens to India-Pakistan peace. What did he mean by removing me from the way? And what is my crime? That I have blessings of the people?: PM Modi #GujaratElection2017 pic.twitter.com/swZmETOtiM — ANI (@ANI) December 8, 2017 × Meanwhile, campaigning for the first phase of Gujarat assembly elections wrapped up today, PM Modi was seen addressing multiple rallies in Gujarat talking about many other instances when eminent leaders had called him inappropriate names. He noted the fact that even Sonia Gandhi had called him 'neech' previously. They have not called me 'Neech' for the first time yesterday. Mrs. Sonia Gandhi and her family members have used it too. Why am I 'Neech' - because I was born poor, because I am of a lower caste, because I am a Gujarati? Is that why they hate me: PM Modi pic.twitter.com/GEplZf7WPO — ANI (@ANI) December 8, 2017 × "Digvijaya Singh said Modi Sarkar is like Rakshas Raaj and Modi is Ravana," added PM Modi. What did Anand Sharma say-PM Modi is mentally unstable.A Congress leader re-tweeted such an offensive Tweet about me that I cannot even say it. What did Digvijaya Singh Tweet about me? Evidently, one Gujarati, a person born into a poor family has troubled them a lot: PM Modi pic.twitter.com/1npa9OzV24 — ANI (@ANI) December 8, 2017 × "Jairam Ramesh compared me to Bhasmasur... Ghulam Nabi Azad said I am Gangu Teli," PM Modi stated. One more Congress leader called me a monkey. Jairam Ramesh compared me to Bhasmasur. Beni Prasad Verma called me a mad dog. He also said we won't let this mad dog win. Ghulam Nabi Azad said I am Gangu Teli. Are these the kind of things we should say in public life?: PM Modi — ANI (@ANI) December 8, 2017 × "Renuka Chowdhury called me a virus," the Prime Minister complained. Imran Masood, who they gave a ticket to, he said we will cut Modi into pieces.Renuka Chowdhury called me a virus. She said I bring Namonitis. I don't even want to get started on what Gujarat Congress leaders have been calling me: PM Modi #GujaratElection2017 pic.twitter.com/dLmJotnrbQ — ANI (@ANI) December 8, 2017 × Mani Shankar Aiyer stands suspended by the Congress.

In Pak, Mani Shankar Aiyar said 'remove Modi from the way', says PM Modi in Gujarat rally

<p>For a democracy to function, elections are crucial. The Indian state of Gujarat is going to the polls&nbsp;tomorrow. This will be a bitterly contested run to state power as it is the home ground of India&#39;s Prime Minister Narendra Modi. After their UP debacle, the Congress is pumped up too with carefully chosen electoral partners. They have tied up with disgruntled Patidar community leader Hardik Patel as well as have strong support from the Dalit and the Muslim community.</p>

<p>While the whole country debates the shifting dynamics of Gujarati politics, keeping itself engrossed with nitty-gritty details over seats, leaders, areas of influence, we are neglecting to sift through the political discourse that is developing around this state election.</p>

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<h5>What the leaders say in the election campaigns and what the voters want to listen may be very different from the election manifesto that the political parties release amidst much fanfare.</h5>
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<p>Beyond seats and leaders, voters and voting pattern an election can give us foray into the mind of the nation. What the leaders say in the election campaigns and what the voters want to listen may be very different from the election manifesto that the political parties release amidst much fanfare. While the manifestoes may register all the politically correct and so-called progressive ideas and plans directed at nation-building, what the leaders go out to say in political rallies is completely different.</p>

<p>This year&#39;s Gujarat state election best illustrates the point. Months before the Gujarat election dates were announced, the political leaders, as well as, the media houses were referring to Gujarat development model as if it will be the most important criterion in deciding the fate of this election. The newsrooms were abuzz with words such as infrastructure, foreign direct investment, employment generation and other economic jargons. We were splitting hair as to between Kerala and Gujarat&#39;s development path what we should choose and what we let go.</p>

<p>GST figured too. Just like demonetisation, the GST kept Indians busy. We discussed Moody ratings, ease of doing business, doing away with double taxation. All discussions did not revolve around positives though, we were somewhat clueless too about rates of GST and what differences it made to past and current prices.</p>

<p>But such non-religious debates centering around policy measures couldn&#39;t keep either our leaders or voters enticed for long. Their wish was fulfilled when Rahul Gandhi referred to GST as &#39;Gabbar Singh Tax&#39;. I am sure Rahul was referring to what he thought the arbitrary and coercive nature of GST, but the public debate immediately shifted towards name calling. With each passing round, the political leaders of opposing parties tried to prove their&nbsp;better sense of humour over the other. All this tamasha happened at the expense of serious political debate of course.</p>

<p>One would expect, particularly learning from better days of Indian democracy and that of the US, that political leaders would enter into a verbal duel with each other over health, education, municipal administration, infrastructure building and the hazards of pollution. Matters that affect our lives, our children&#39;s lives. But no, we prefer, rather rejoice, to go hoarse over Ram Mandir, Babur, Aurangzeb, Gujarati asmita, calling each other &#39;<em>neech</em>&#39;, demand for reservation and use it to rouse populist sentiment.</p>

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<h5>Instead of such rabble-rousing, why can&#39;t we enter into a constructive political discourse where we really try to figure out how we can build a neat and clean city like Surat or Rajkot.</h5>
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<p>Instead of such rabble-rousing, why can&#39;t we enter into a constructive political discourse where we really try to figure out how we can build a neat and clean city like Surat or Rajkot. Such cities were in a deplorable mess not that many years ago. But with proper drainage and sewage system, the cities have completely undergone a makeover. Why can&#39;t we make all Indian cities like that? I am sure that there would be the question of resource constraint. Then, let&#39;s talk about resources and how we can mobilise it and put it to proper use.</p>

<p>I am equally surprised how pollution never figures in our electoral campaign but Ram Mandir does? The famous London smog almost killed Prime Minister Churchill&#39;s career but our leaders are pretty well surviving as we bicker over Babri Masjid and Ram Mandir. Pray, tell me what is more crucial to our survival: clean air or a place to pray?</p>

<p>A country gets a political system it deserves. Until and unless we evolve ourselves into a conscious democracy, we don&#39;t start asking tough questions and demand better living conditions for our children, we are a doomed nation.</p>

<p>India aspires to be a modern superpower but our political culture and rhetoric smack of primitive feudal ideas.</p>

<p><em>(Disclaimer: The author writes here in a personal capacity).</em></p>


India aspires to be a modern superpower but our political culture and rhetoric smack of primitive feudal ideas

For a democracy to function, elections are crucial. The Indian state of Gujarat is going to the polls tomorrow. This will be a bitterly contested run to state power as it is the home ground of India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi. After their UP debacle, the Congress is pumped up too with carefully chosen electoral partners. They have tied up with disgruntled Patidar community leader Hardik Patel as well as have strong support from the Dalit and the Muslim community. While the whole country debates the shifting dynamics of Gujarati politics, keeping itself engrossed with nitty-gritty details over seats, leaders, areas of influence, we are neglecting to sift through the political discourse that is developing around this state election. What the leaders say in the election campaigns and what the voters want to listen may be very different from the election manifesto that the political parties release amidst much fanfare. × Beyond seats and leaders, voters and voting pattern an election can give us foray into the mind of the nation. What the leaders say in the election campaigns and what the voters want to listen may be very different from the election manifesto that the political parties release amidst much fanfare. While the manifestoes may register all the politically correct and so-called progressive ideas and plans directed at nation-building, what the leaders go out to say in political rallies is completely different. This year's Gujarat state election best illustrates the point. Months before the Gujarat election dates were announced, the political leaders, as well as, the media houses were referring to Gujarat development model as if it will be the most important criterion in deciding the fate of this election. The newsrooms were abuzz with words such as infrastructure, foreign direct investment, employment generation and other economic jargons. We were splitting hair as to between Kerala and Gujarat's development path what we should choose and what we let go. GST figured too. Just like demonetisation, the GST kept Indians busy. We discussed Moody ratings, ease of doing business, doing away with double taxation. All discussions did not revolve around positives though, we were somewhat clueless too about rates of GST and what differences it made to past and current prices. But such non-religious debates centering around policy measures couldn't keep either our leaders or voters enticed for long. Their wish was fulfilled when Rahul Gandhi referred to GST as 'Gabbar Singh Tax'. I am sure Rahul was referring to what he thought the arbitrary and coercive nature of GST, but the public debate immediately shifted towards name calling. With each passing round, the political leaders of opposing parties tried to prove their better sense of humour over the other. All this tamasha happened at the expense of serious political debate of course. One would expect, particularly learning from better days of Indian democracy and that of the US, that political leaders would enter into a verbal duel with each other over health, education, municipal administration, infrastructure building and the hazards of pollution. Matters that affect our lives, our children's lives. But no, we prefer, rather rejoice, to go hoarse over Ram Mandir, Babur, Aurangzeb, Gujarati asmita, calling each other 'neech', demand for reservation and use it to rouse populist sentiment. Instead of such rabble-rousing, why can't we enter into a constructive political discourse where we really try to figure out how we can build a neat and clean city like Surat or Rajkot. × Instead of such rabble-rousing, why can't we enter into a constructive political discourse where we really try to figure out how we can build a neat and clean city like Surat or Rajkot. Such cities were in a deplorable mess not that many years ago. But with proper drainage and sewage system, the cities have completely undergone a makeover. Why can't we make all Indian cities like that? I am sure that there would be the question of resource constraint. Then, let's talk about resources and how we can mobilise it and put it to proper use. I am equally surprised how pollution never figures in our electoral campaign but Ram Mandir does? The famous London smog almost killed Prime Minister Churchill's career but our leaders are pretty well surviving as we bicker over Babri Masjid and Ram Mandir. Pray, tell me what is more crucial to our survival: clean air or a place to pray? A country gets a political system it deserves. Until and unless we evolve ourselves into a conscious democracy, we don't start asking tough questions and demand better living conditions for our children, we are a doomed nation. India aspires to be a modern superpower but our political culture and rhetoric smack of primitive feudal ideas. (Disclaimer: The author writes here in a personal capacity).

Opinion: Why don't we speak of progressive ideas in election campaigns

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