Congress general secretary <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/it-is-clear-bjp-government-is-going-priyanka-gandhi-vadra-after-casting-vote-218052">Priyanka Gandhi</a>'s proposed visit to Himachal Pradesh on Tuesday was cancelled due to bad weather.

Priyanka was scheduled to address a rally in Sundernagar in support of Mandi Congress candidate Aashray Sharma, a state party leader said.

Aashray is pitted against sitting BJP MP Ram Swaroop Sharma.

He is the grandson of former Union Minister Sukh Ram. Aashray's father Anil Sharma has recently resigned from the state cabinet.

All four seats in Himachal Pradesh will go to the polls on May 19.

Anil Sharma, along with his son Ashray and father Sukh Ram had switched over to Bharatiya Janata Party, ahead of the 2017 assembly polls. He won the Mandi Vidhan Sabha seat and became power minister in the BJP government.&nbsp;

Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi's proposed visit to Himachal Pradesh on Tuesday was cancelled due to bad weather. Priyanka was scheduled to address a rally in Sundernagar in support of Mandi Congress candidate Aashray Sharma, a state party leader said.

Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi's proposed visit to Himachal Pradesh on Tuesday was cancelled due to bad weather. Priyanka was scheduled to address a rally in Sundernagar in support of Mandi Congress candidate Aashray Sharma, a state party leader said. Aashray is pitted against sitting BJP MP Ram Swaroop Sharma. He is the grandson of former Union Minister Sukh Ram. Aashray's father Anil Sharma has recently resigned from the state cabinet. All four seats in Himachal Pradesh will go to the polls on May 19. Anil Sharma, along with his son Ashray and father Sukh Ram had switched over to Bharatiya Janata Party, ahead of the 2017 assembly polls. He won the Mandi Vidhan Sabha seat and became power minister in the BJP government.

Priyanka Gandhi's Himachal visit cancelled due to bad weather

Seasoned actor and former BJP leader Dharmendra said he would not have allowed his son <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/sunny-deols-roadshow-in-west-delhi-evokes-massive-response-217392">Sunny Deol to contest the Lok Sabha elections</a> from Gurudaspur, had he known that he is contesting against Congress MP Sunil Jakhar.

"Balram Jakhar was like my brother, had I known his son Sunil Jakhar was contesting from Gurdaspur, I would have not allowed Sunny (to contest against him)," Dharmendra told media here. He went on to explain that since Sunny comes from the film industry, he cannot debate with an experienced politician like Jakhar."

He (Sunil) is also like my son I had a very strong and good relationship with his father Balram Jhakhar. Sunny cannot debate with him as he (Sunil) is an experienced politician and even his father was a very experienced politician, but we come from the film industry.

Moreover, we are not here to debate but to listen to the plight of people as we love this land," said Dharmendra. The 83-year-old revealed that he got emotional when he saw people supporting his son during his first roadshow held after filing nomination papers for the Gurdaspur seat.

"I was watching the roadshow from Mumbai and there was a big crowd. I got emotional. I know people love us but I was surprised by seeing so much love," he said. Sunil Jakhar is the incumbent parliamentarian from Gurdaspur.

He won the seat in the 2017 bye-elections after the death of actor-turned-politician Vinod Khanna. The constituency is a BJP stronghold and was first won by Khanna in 1998. Polling will be held in Gurdaspur on May 19 in the seventh and last phase of the elections. Results for all seven phases will be declared on May 23.

Seasoned actor and former BJP leader Dharmendra said he would not have allowed his son Sunny Deol to contest the Lok Sabha elections from Gurudaspur, had he known that he is contesting against Congress MP Sunil Jakhar.

Seasoned actor and former BJP leader Dharmendra said he would not have allowed his son Sunny Deol to contest the Lok Sabha elections from Gurudaspur, had he known that he is contesting against Congress MP Sunil Jakhar. "Balram Jakhar was like my brother, had I known his son Sunil Jakhar was contesting from Gurdaspur, I would have not allowed Sunny (to contest against him)," Dharmendra told media here. He went on to explain that since Sunny comes from the film industry, he cannot debate with an experienced politician like Jakhar." He (Sunil) is also like my son I had a very strong and good relationship with his father Balram Jhakhar. Sunny cannot debate with him as he (Sunil) is an experienced politician and even his father was a very experienced politician, but we come from the film industry. Moreover, we are not here to debate but to listen to the plight of people as we love this land," said Dharmendra. The 83-year-old revealed that he got emotional when he saw people supporting his son during his first roadshow held after filing nomination papers for the Gurdaspur seat. "I was watching the roadshow from Mumbai and there was a big crowd. I got emotional. I know people love us but I was surprised by seeing so much love," he said. Sunil Jakhar is the incumbent parliamentarian from Gurdaspur. He won the seat in the 2017 bye-elections after the death of actor-turned-politician Vinod Khanna. The constituency is a BJP stronghold and was first won by Khanna in 1998. Polling will be held in Gurdaspur on May 19 in the seventh and last phase of the elections. Results for all seven phases will be declared on May 23.

Wouldn't have allowed Sunny to contest from Gurdaspur had I known Sunil Jakhar was his opponent: Dharmendra

Accusing the West Bengal government of not allowing its<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/amit-shah-will-be-home-minister-if-bjp-returns-to-power-kejriwal-217466"> president Amit Shah's</a> rally in Jadhavpur, the BJP said Monday the Election Commission has become a "mute spectator" to the Trinamool Congress's alleged undemocratic means to target the saffron party.

BJP media head and Rajya Sabha MP Anil Baluni said his party will hold protests and also move the EC. Shah's rally was scheduled for Monday in Jadhavpur, which goes to the polls on May 19 in the last phase, but the permission for it was denied at the last minute by the state administration, he said.

Subsequently, the permission for Shah's chopper to land was also withdrawn, Baluni said. "It is unfortunate that the EC has become a mute spectator to all this and also use of violence by the TMC in the state," he said.

He alleged the ruling party in Bengal was using undemocratic means to target the BJP. Nine seats will go to polls in the last phase of the general election.&nbsp;

Accusing the West Bengal government of not allowing its president Amit Shah's rally in Jadhavpur, the BJP said Monday the Election Commission has become a "mute spectator" to the Trinamool Congress's alleged undemocratic means to target the saffron party.

Accusing the West Bengal government of not allowing its president Amit Shah's rally in Jadhavpur, the BJP said Monday the Election Commission has become a "mute spectator" to the Trinamool Congress's alleged undemocratic means to target the saffron party. BJP media head and Rajya Sabha MP Anil Baluni said his party will hold protests and also move the EC. Shah's rally was scheduled for Monday in Jadhavpur, which goes to the polls on May 19 in the last phase, but the permission for it was denied at the last minute by the state administration, he said. Subsequently, the permission for Shah's chopper to land was also withdrawn, Baluni said. "It is unfortunate that the EC has become a mute spectator to all this and also use of violence by the TMC in the state," he said. He alleged the ruling party in Bengal was using undemocratic means to target the BJP. Nine seats will go to polls in the last phase of the general election.

Bharatiya Janata Party announces protests over 'denial' of permission to Shah's rally in Bengal

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said senior Congress leader Digvijaya Singh, who is contesting the Lok Sabha polls from Bhopal seat in Madhya Pradesh, committed a "big sin" by not casting his vote.

Singh, a registered voter at his hometown Raghogarh in the state's Rajgarh Lok Sabha seat, did not exercise his franchise during the polling held there on Sunday.

The Congress leader, who is pitted against BJP leader and 2008 Malegaon blast accused Pragya Thakur, stayed put in Bhopal, asking people to come out and vote.

"Diggy Raja you have committed a big sin...In the festival of democracy, the President, Vice President stood in queues to cast their votes, but Diggy Raja did not," Modi said at a rally in the state's Ratlam district.

"His (Singh's) arrogance came to light yesterday in Bhopal. When people are electing their representatives and even I exercised my franchise in Ahmedabad, Diggy Raja neither cared for democracy nor people," he said in remarks laced with sarcasm.

"You (Singh) were very busy asking people to vote... save me. Why you are so frightened of losing your job?" the prime minister asked.

Modi said even the Narmada yatra, a religious pilgrimage undertaken by Singh last year, would not come to his rescue in the Lok Sabha elections.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said senior Congress leader Digvijaya Singh, who is contesting the Lok Sabha polls from Bhopal seat in Madhya Pradesh, committed a "big sin" by not casting his vote.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said senior Congress leader Digvijaya Singh, who is contesting the Lok Sabha polls from Bhopal seat in Madhya Pradesh, committed a "big sin" by not casting his vote. Singh, a registered voter at his hometown Raghogarh in the state's Rajgarh Lok Sabha seat, did not exercise his franchise during the polling held there on Sunday. The Congress leader, who is pitted against BJP leader and 2008 Malegaon blast accused Pragya Thakur, stayed put in Bhopal, asking people to come out and vote. "Diggy Raja you have committed a big sin...In the festival of democracy, the President, Vice President stood in queues to cast their votes, but Diggy Raja did not," Modi said at a rally in the state's Ratlam district. "His (Singh's) arrogance came to light yesterday in Bhopal. When people are electing their representatives and even I exercised my franchise in Ahmedabad, Diggy Raja neither cared for democracy nor people," he said in remarks laced with sarcasm. "You (Singh) were very busy asking people to vote... save me. Why you are so frightened of losing your job?" the prime minister asked. Modi said even the Narmada yatra, a religious pilgrimage undertaken by Singh last year, would not come to his rescue in the Lok Sabha elections.

Digvijaya committed 'big sin' by not voting, says PM Narendra Modi

Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Dinesh Sharma said BSP president Mayawati is suffering from "political depression" as she fears defeat of her party's candidates in the general election underway and as a result, she is losing her temper and patience.

Sharma claimed Mayawati is showing weakness and her memory is fading.

"All these symptoms are clearly visible in the statements of the BSP supremo," he told PTI in an interview. He said the Bahujan Samaj Party supremo needed a "political health tonic".

Mayawati, who is leading the BSP-SP-RLD alliance in UP with Akhilesh Yadav, has regularly hit out at the BJP on Twitter and in campaign rallies, claiming that its government at the Centre is "autocratic" and has resorted to various means to "scare" senior leaders of the opposition parties.

She has said the Centre "badly failed" to tackle issues like terrorism and Naxalism. Ahead of the second phase of the seven-phase poll, the BSP chief was banned for 48 hours from campaigning by the Election Commission for violating the moral code of conduct.

Three others, including Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, were also banned for varying periods over similar reasons.

Shortly after the ban ended on April 18, Mayawati lashed out at BJP and its leaders for levelling "unfounded" charges on opposition parties, including the allegation they were abusing Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The BJP is facing a challenge from the alliance in Uttar Pradesh, which has the largest number of Lok Sabha seats, 80, compared to any other state.

"BSP chief Mayawati is suffering from political depression (rajnaitik avsaad), which stems from the fact that her party fared badly in the past five phases in the state, and the defeat of BSP candidates is imminent in the last two phases. It's the same with her alliance partners," Sharma said.

He claimed the symptoms of her "depression" will become more evident in coming days and she will make "anaap, shanaap" (loose) remarks.

"It is for this reason that she is calling the prime minister a 'fake backward'. She must revamp her memory, and for this, she needs a political health tonic," the deputy chief minister said.

Asked what he meant by "political health tonic", Sharma said, "Once dignity, transparency and uprightness are adopted, it will work as a political health tonic (for her). By using undignified words, the political health will certainly not improve."

Mayawati has raised doubts on the caste of the prime minister, alleging he is a "farzi backward" - a fake OBC leader. Modi has responded saying he belongs to the caste of all the poor in the country.

On Sunday, a full-scale war of words broke out between Mayawati and Modi over the gangrape of a Dalit girl in Rajasthan's Alwar. The prime minister accused the BSP chief of shedding "crocodile tears" and asked her to withdraw support to the Congress government in Rajasthan if she cared for Dalits.

Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Dinesh Sharma said BSP president Mayawati is suffering from "political depression" as she fears defeat of her party's candidates in the general election underway and as a result, she is losing her temper and patience.

Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Dinesh Sharma said BSP president Mayawati is suffering from "political depression" as she fears defeat of her party's candidates in the general election underway and as a result, she is losing her temper and patience. Sharma claimed Mayawati is showing weakness and her memory is fading. "All these symptoms are clearly visible in the statements of the BSP supremo," he told PTI in an interview. He said the Bahujan Samaj Party supremo needed a "political health tonic". Mayawati, who is leading the BSP-SP-RLD alliance in UP with Akhilesh Yadav, has regularly hit out at the BJP on Twitter and in campaign rallies, claiming that its government at the Centre is "autocratic" and has resorted to various means to "scare" senior leaders of the opposition parties. She has said the Centre "badly failed" to tackle issues like terrorism and Naxalism. Ahead of the second phase of the seven-phase poll, the BSP chief was banned for 48 hours from campaigning by the Election Commission for violating the moral code of conduct. Three others, including Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, were also banned for varying periods over similar reasons. Shortly after the ban ended on April 18, Mayawati lashed out at BJP and its leaders for levelling "unfounded" charges on opposition parties, including the allegation they were abusing Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The BJP is facing a challenge from the alliance in Uttar Pradesh, which has the largest number of Lok Sabha seats, 80, compared to any other state. "BSP chief Mayawati is suffering from political depression (rajnaitik avsaad), which stems from the fact that her party fared badly in the past five phases in the state, and the defeat of BSP candidates is imminent in the last two phases. It's the same with her alliance partners," Sharma said. He claimed the symptoms of her "depression" will become more evident in coming days and she will make "anaap, shanaap" (loose) remarks. "It is for this reason that she is calling the prime minister a 'fake backward'. She must revamp her memory, and for this, she needs a political health tonic," the deputy chief minister said. Asked what he meant by "political health tonic", Sharma said, "Once dignity, transparency and uprightness are adopted, it will work as a political health tonic (for her). By using undignified words, the political health will certainly not improve." Mayawati has raised doubts on the caste of the prime minister, alleging he is a "farzi backward" - a fake OBC leader. Modi has responded saying he belongs to the caste of all the poor in the country. On Sunday, a full-scale war of words broke out between Mayawati and Modi over the gangrape of a Dalit girl in Rajasthan's Alwar. The prime minister accused the BSP chief of shedding "crocodile tears" and asked her to withdraw support to the Congress government in Rajasthan if she cared for Dalits.

Mayawati suffering from 'political depression', needs health tonic: UP Dy CM Dinesh Sharma

BJP national president Amit Shah Monday dared West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to arrest him for chanting "Jai Shri Ram", claiming that the TMC supremo can stop him from attending rallies in Bengal, but won't be able to stop BJP's victory march in the state.

Addressing a rally at Canning, which comes under Joynagar Lok Sabha constituency, he said, "Mamatadi gets angry if someone chants Jai Shri Ram. I am chanting Jai Shri Ram here today. If you (Mamata) have the guts, arrest me. I will be in Kolkata tomorrow."

Hitting out at the TMC government over denial of permission for his chopper to land in Baruipur, Shah said, "The Mamata Banerjee government is visibly perplexed. She wants to stop me from attending rallies. The TMC can stop me from addressing rallies, but can't stop the victory march of BJP in Bengal."

Shah's scheduled rally in Jadavpur Lok Sabha seat was called off on Monday after the state government denied him permission to land his chopper and hold a public address at Baruipur.

BJP national president Amit Shah Monday dared West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to arrest him for chanting "Jai Shri Ram", claiming that the TMC supremo can stop him from attending rallies in Bengal, but won't be able to stop BJP's victory march in the state.

BJP national president Amit Shah Monday dared West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to arrest him for chanting "Jai Shri Ram", claiming that the TMC supremo can stop him from attending rallies in Bengal, but won't be able to stop BJP's victory march in the state. Addressing a rally at Canning, which comes under Joynagar Lok Sabha constituency, he said, "Mamatadi gets angry if someone chants Jai Shri Ram. I am chanting Jai Shri Ram here today. If you (Mamata) have the guts, arrest me. I will be in Kolkata tomorrow." Hitting out at the TMC government over denial of permission for his chopper to land in Baruipur, Shah said, "The Mamata Banerjee government is visibly perplexed. She wants to stop me from attending rallies. The TMC can stop me from addressing rallies, but can't stop the victory march of BJP in Bengal." Shah's scheduled rally in Jadavpur Lok Sabha seat was called off on Monday after the state government denied him permission to land his chopper and hold a public address at Baruipur.

If you have guts, arrest me for chanting 'Jai Shri Ram': Shah's challenge to Mamata

The Supreme Court Monday dismissed a plea seeking a direction to the Election Commission (EC) to advance poll timings to 5:30 am from 7 am for the seventh phase of Lok Sabha polls in view of searing heat and the month of Ramzan.&nbsp;

A vacation bench comprising Justices Indira Banerjee and Sanjiv Khanna rejected the plea, saying the notified timing of voting is from 7 am to 6 pm and voters can cast vote in the morning also.

"The timings are from 7 am to 6 pm. People can come in the morning to cast their votes. They (EC) will face the logistical problem (if timings are advanced)," the bench told advocate Mohammad Nizamuddin Pasha who had filed the petition.&nbsp;

On May 2, the top court had asked the poll panel to pass "necessary orders" on a representation seeking advancing of voting timing for the remaining phase of Lok Sabha polls, which the EC had rejected on May 5.

The poll panel had turned down his representation as being "administratively not feasible".

Following the poll panel's decision, Pasha had approached the apex court with his plea,&nbsp;

"The reasoning given by the respondent (EC) in its order dated May 5 is ex-facie self-contradictory as the respondent claims it has already taken acute hot weather conditions and festivals into account in fixing poll timing but still has passed orders fixing the same standard polling hours that are issued in every election at any time in any part of the country," the plea had said.

Polling for the seventh phase of elections will be held on May 19.

The petitioner had earlier told the top court that during Ramzan, Muslims keep fast.

The plea had said the India Meteorological Department has issued warning indicating severe heatwave conditions over the next few days in poll-bound areas of Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Haryana, Delhi, Chandigarh, Jharkhand, Rajasthan and Himachal Pradesh.

The petitioner had said harsh weather conditions would make it difficult for Muslims to go out and vote.

The Supreme Court Monday dismissed a plea seeking a direction to the Election Commission (EC) to advance poll timings to 5:30 am from 7 am for the seventh phase of Lok Sabha polls in view of searing heat and the month of Ramzan.

The Supreme Court Monday dismissed a plea seeking a direction to the Election Commission (EC) to advance poll timings to 5:30 am from 7 am for the seventh phase of Lok Sabha polls in view of searing heat and the month of Ramzan. A vacation bench comprising Justices Indira Banerjee and Sanjiv Khanna rejected the plea, saying the notified timing of voting is from 7 am to 6 pm and voters can cast vote in the morning also. "The timings are from 7 am to 6 pm. People can come in the morning to cast their votes. They (EC) will face the logistical problem (if timings are advanced)," the bench told advocate Mohammad Nizamuddin Pasha who had filed the petition. On May 2, the top court had asked the poll panel to pass "necessary orders" on a representation seeking advancing of voting timing for the remaining phase of Lok Sabha polls, which the EC had rejected on May 5. The poll panel had turned down his representation as being "administratively not feasible". Following the poll panel's decision, Pasha had approached the apex court with his plea, "The reasoning given by the respondent (EC) in its order dated May 5 is ex-facie self-contradictory as the respondent claims it has already taken acute hot weather conditions and festivals into account in fixing poll timing but still has passed orders fixing the same standard polling hours that are issued in every election at any time in any part of the country," the plea had said. Polling for the seventh phase of elections will be held on May 19. The petitioner had earlier told the top court that during Ramzan, Muslims keep fast. The plea had said the India Meteorological Department has issued warning indicating severe heatwave conditions over the next few days in poll-bound areas of Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Haryana, Delhi, Chandigarh, Jharkhand, Rajasthan and Himachal Pradesh. The petitioner had said harsh weather conditions would make it difficult for Muslims to go out and vote.

Supreme Court dismisses plea to advance poll timing in Lok Sabha election

The Tamil Nadu unit of teh Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has lashed out at actor-turned-politician Kamal Haasan for his controversial statement on Nathuram Godse. At a rally on Sunday, Haasan had sought to link Godse with terrorism.

The clip ended with Haasan saying that he wished for an equal India and that it was the wish of all true Indians that the three colours of the National Flag remain intact. "I am a good Indian and can thump my chest and say that," he added.

"Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM) is a poisonous plant that needs to be nipped in the bud. Denigrating Hindus for Muslim votes. Did the coward condemn the murder of Ramalingam? (sic)" BJP national secretary H Raja said on Twitter slamming Kamal Haasan's remarks. Raja is contestng the Lok Sabha polls from Tamil Nadu's Sivaganga parliamentary constituency.

BJP's Tamil Nadu unit president Dr Tamilisai Soundararajan urged the Election Commission to take cognizance of the statement and order strict action. She also said that the Election Commission had banned a few leaders from campaigning (in North India) after they made controversial remarks. She also added that Gandhi's assassination had shocked the nation and cannot be justified in any way.

Actor vivek Oberoi, who is portraying Prime Minister Narendra Modi in soon to release biopic condemned Kamal Haasan's comments. "Please sir, from a much smaller artist to a great one, let's not divide this country, we are one. Jai Hind."

Haasan's MNM that was started in February last year. The party is contesting all Lok Sabha and Assembly seats in Tamil Nadu. Haasan, however, has decided not to contest the elections and said that every candidate represents his own face.

The Tamil Nadu unit of teh Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has lashed out at actor-turned-politician Kamal Haasan for his controversial statement on Nathuram Godse.

The Tamil Nadu unit of teh Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has lashed out at actor-turned-politician Kamal Haasan for his controversial statement on Nathuram Godse. At a rally on Sunday, Haasan had sought to link Godse with terrorism. The clip ended with Haasan saying that he wished for an equal India and that it was the wish of all true Indians that the three colours of the National Flag remain intact. "I am a good Indian and can thump my chest and say that," he added. "Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM) is a poisonous plant that needs to be nipped in the bud. Denigrating Hindus for Muslim votes. Did the coward condemn the murder of Ramalingam? (sic)" BJP national secretary H Raja said on Twitter slamming Kamal Haasan's remarks. Raja is contestng the Lok Sabha polls from Tamil Nadu's Sivaganga parliamentary constituency. BJP's Tamil Nadu unit president Dr Tamilisai Soundararajan urged the Election Commission to take cognizance of the statement and order strict action. She also said that the Election Commission had banned a few leaders from campaigning (in North India) after they made controversial remarks. She also added that Gandhi's assassination had shocked the nation and cannot be justified in any way. Actor vivek Oberoi, who is portraying Prime Minister Narendra Modi in soon to release biopic condemned Kamal Haasan's comments. "Please sir, from a much smaller artist to a great one, let's not divide this country, we are one. Jai Hind." Haasan's MNM that was started in February last year. The party is contesting all Lok Sabha and Assembly seats in Tamil Nadu. Haasan, however, has decided not to contest the elections and said that every candidate represents his own face.

Tamil Nadu BJP leaders ask Election Commission to take strict action against Kamal Haasan for Godse remark

On the eve of Lok Sabha polls in the National Capital, Delhi Congress chief Sheila Dikshit and Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal engaged in friendly banter on Twitter over the former's health.

Dikshit asked Kejriwal why he was spreading rumours about her health.

"Why are you spreading rumours about my health. If you have nothing to do, then come over and have food at my place. You can see how my health is, have food and also learn to fight elections without spreading rumours," she tweeted in Hindi.

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अरे भाई <a href="https://twitter.com/ArvindKejriwal?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ArvindKejriwal</a>, मेरी सेहत को ले कर क्यूँ ग़लत अफ़वाहें फैला रहे हो? अगर कोई काम नहीं हो तो आ जाओ भोजन पर। मेरी सेहत भी देख लेना, भोजन भी कर लेना और अफ़वाहें फैलाए बिना चुनाव लड़ना भी सीख लेना
— Sheila Dikshit (@SheilaDikshit) <a href="https://twitter.com/SheilaDikshit/status/1127214572253790208?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 11, 2019</a></blockquote>
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A senior Congress leader said Dikshit posted the tweet after learning that volunteers of Delhi's ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) were spreading rumours in Northeast Delhi that she is unable to actively take part in campaigning because of her health.

Dikshit, a three-time Delhi chief minister, is contesting the polls from the North East Delhi seat.

Kejriwal promptly denied having said anything about her health. "When did I say anything about your health? Never. My family has taught me to respect elders. I wish God gives you good health and long life. When you were going abroad for treatment, I had come uninvited to your place to inquire about your health. When should I come to your place to have food?" he wrote on Twitter in Hindi.

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मैंने आपकी सेहत पर कब कुछ बोला? कभी नहीं। मेरे परिवार ने मुझे बुज़ुर्गों की इज़्ज़त करना सिखाया है। भगवान आपको अच्छी सेहत और लम्बी उम्र दे। जब आप अपने इलाज के लिए विदेश जा रहीं थीं तो मैं बिना बुलाए आपकी सेहत पूछने आपके घर आया था। बताइए आपके घर भोजन करने कब आऊँ? <a href="https://t.co/As1iBrLy0v">https://t.co/As1iBrLy0v</a>
— Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) <a href="https://twitter.com/ArvindKejriwal/status/1127219985607086080?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 11, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The former Delhi chief minister's son Sandeep Dikshit also posted a video on Facebook where she could be seen having dinner with her family and party workers.

Delhi Congress' media committee member Parvez alleged that the AAP was "spreading rumours" that Dikshit was ill and admitted to a hospital, which was not true.

"She is healthy and at her home," he said.

A Congress worker also filed a complaint at Jafarabad Police Station over rumours that Dikshit was admitted to hospital.

Dikshit is pitted against Bharatiya Janata Party's sitting MP Manoj Tiwari and AAP's Dilip Pandey.

On the eve of Lok Sabha polls in the National Capital, Delhi Congress chief Sheila Dikshit and Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal engaged in friendly banter on Twitter over the former's health.

On the eve of Lok Sabha polls in the National Capital, Delhi Congress chief Sheila Dikshit and Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal engaged in friendly banter on Twitter over the former's health. Dikshit asked Kejriwal why he was spreading rumours about her health. "Why are you spreading rumours about my health. If you have nothing to do, then come over and have food at my place. You can see how my health is, have food and also learn to fight elections without spreading rumours," she tweeted in Hindi. अरे भाई @ArvindKejriwal, मेरी सेहत को ले कर क्यूँ ग़लत अफ़वाहें फैला रहे हो? अगर कोई काम नहीं हो तो आ जाओ भोजन पर। मेरी सेहत भी देख लेना, भोजन भी कर लेना और अफ़वाहें फैलाए बिना चुनाव लड़ना भी सीख लेना — Sheila Dikshit (@SheilaDikshit) May 11, 2019 × A senior Congress leader said Dikshit posted the tweet after learning that volunteers of Delhi's ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) were spreading rumours in Northeast Delhi that she is unable to actively take part in campaigning because of her health. Dikshit, a three-time Delhi chief minister, is contesting the polls from the North East Delhi seat. Kejriwal promptly denied having said anything about her health. "When did I say anything about your health? Never. My family has taught me to respect elders. I wish God gives you good health and long life. When you were going abroad for treatment, I had come uninvited to your place to inquire about your health. When should I come to your place to have food?" he wrote on Twitter in Hindi. मैंने आपकी सेहत पर कब कुछ बोला? कभी नहीं। मेरे परिवार ने मुझे बुज़ुर्गों की इज़्ज़त करना सिखाया है। भगवान आपको अच्छी सेहत और लम्बी उम्र दे। जब आप अपने इलाज के लिए विदेश जा रहीं थीं तो मैं बिना बुलाए आपकी सेहत पूछने आपके घर आया था। बताइए आपके घर भोजन करने कब आऊँ? https://t.co/As1iBrLy0v — Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) May 11, 2019 × The former Delhi chief minister's son Sandeep Dikshit also posted a video on Facebook where she could be seen having dinner with her family and party workers. Delhi Congress' media committee member Parvez alleged that the AAP was "spreading rumours" that Dikshit was ill and admitted to a hospital, which was not true. "She is healthy and at her home," he said. A Congress worker also filed a complaint at Jafarabad Police Station over rumours that Dikshit was admitted to hospital. Dikshit is pitted against Bharatiya Janata Party's sitting MP Manoj Tiwari and AAP's Dilip Pandey.

Sheila Dikshit, Arvind Kejriwal engage in friendly Twitter banter on polls and food

BJP candidate Bharati Ghosh was allegedly attacked twice by local people when the former IPS officer tried to visit polling stations in her Ghatal Lok Sabha constituency on Sunday when the sixth phase of polling was underway there.

One of her security guards was injured in stone pelting in one of the two incidents of attack.

The state CEO has sought reports from the West Midnapore district magistrate about the incidents.

Ghosh suffered minor injuries when a group of women allegedly attacked her when she tried to take one BJP agent inside a polling booth at Keshpur area in the morning, officials said.

Following this, bombs were hurled and stones were pelted towards the former IPS officer's convoy when she was going to visit another booth at Dogachia in Keshpur after receiving complaints of rigging there.

One of her security guards was injured and a vehicle was damaged in the stone pelting following which the security officers restored to lathicharge, the officials said.

It was also alleged a Trinamool Congress worker was injured in firing by central forces who were with the BJP candidate who, however, denied the charge.

"This is a deliberate attempt by the Trinamool Congress to stop me. They attacked me and I am injured. That my security guards have fired is an absolute lie," Ghosh told PTI when contacted.

A senior election official said, "We have sought a report from the district magistrate over the alleged attacks on the BJP candidate. Once the report arrives, we will take the necessary step."

The state CEO also sought a report after Ghosh was seen videographying inside a polling booth at Pikurda in Keshpur.

State minister and TMC leader Firhad Hakim claimed that the BJP restored to violence when the polling was going on in a peaceful manner.

"This is nothing but a ploy to disturb the peaceful polling process. When the BJP is losing its ground in West Bengal it is trying to create an atmosphere of violence. Both the candidates of BJP, Bharati Ghosh and Dilip Ghosh, are trying to disrupt peace on the polling day. They have nothing to do. Both know that people have rejected them," Hakim told PTI.

Ghatal's sitting MP Deepak Adhikary of the Trinamool Congress claimed that local people resisted because of Ghosh's bad attitude towards them. 
 
"She is a former IPS officer and knows what to do and what not to. She is trying to break the law. I will ask her and every other candidate as well as the voters to stay calm. Polling should happen peacefully," Dev told PTI. 
 
BJP state president Dilip Ghosh said this is not for the first time that Bharati Ghosh was attacked.

"Since the TMC failed to stop her politically, it is trying to physically harm her," he said.

The Election Commission has deployed a total of 770 companies of central forces in the eight Lok Sabha seats, including Ghatal, where polling is underway.

BJP candidate Bharati Ghosh was allegedly attacked twice by local people when the former IPS officer tried to visit polling stations in her Ghatal Lok Sabha constituency on Sunday when the sixth phase of polling was underway there.

BJP candidate Bharati Ghosh was allegedly attacked twice by local people when the former IPS officer tried to visit polling stations in her Ghatal Lok Sabha constituency on Sunday when the sixth phase of polling was underway there. One of her security guards was injured in stone pelting in one of the two incidents of attack. The state CEO has sought reports from the West Midnapore district magistrate about the incidents. Ghosh suffered minor injuries when a group of women allegedly attacked her when she tried to take one BJP agent inside a polling booth at Keshpur area in the morning, officials said. Following this, bombs were hurled and stones were pelted towards the former IPS officer's convoy when she was going to visit another booth at Dogachia in Keshpur after receiving complaints of rigging there. One of her security guards was injured and a vehicle was damaged in the stone pelting following which the security officers restored to lathicharge, the officials said. It was also alleged a Trinamool Congress worker was injured in firing by central forces who were with the BJP candidate who, however, denied the charge. "This is a deliberate attempt by the Trinamool Congress to stop me. They attacked me and I am injured. That my security guards have fired is an absolute lie," Ghosh told PTI when contacted. A senior election official said, "We have sought a report from the district magistrate over the alleged attacks on the BJP candidate. Once the report arrives, we will take the necessary step." The state CEO also sought a report after Ghosh was seen videographying inside a polling booth at Pikurda in Keshpur. State minister and TMC leader Firhad Hakim claimed that the BJP restored to violence when the polling was going on in a peaceful manner. "This is nothing but a ploy to disturb the peaceful polling process. When the BJP is losing its ground in West Bengal it is trying to create an atmosphere of violence. Both the candidates of BJP, Bharati Ghosh and Dilip Ghosh, are trying to disrupt peace on the polling day. They have nothing to do. Both know that people have rejected them," Hakim told PTI. Ghatal's sitting MP Deepak Adhikary of the Trinamool Congress claimed that local people resisted because of Ghosh's bad attitude towards them. "She is a former IPS officer and knows what to do and what not to. She is trying to break the law. I will ask her and every other candidate as well as the voters to stay calm. Polling should happen peacefully," Dev told PTI. BJP state president Dilip Ghosh said this is not for the first time that Bharati Ghosh was attacked. "Since the TMC failed to stop her politically, it is trying to physically harm her," he said. The Election Commission has deployed a total of 770 companies of central forces in the eight Lok Sabha seats, including Ghatal, where polling is underway.

Lok Sabha polls 2019: BJP candidate attacked twice in West Bengal, CEO seeks report

Age is just a number, says a family member of 111-year-old Bachan Singh, the oldest voter in Delhi who carried a youthful enthusiasm into the polling station in Tilak Vihar here.

Till the last assembly elections in 2015, the centenarian cycled to the polling booth to cast his vote. This time, he reached the booth in a car along with poll officers in full media glare.&nbsp; 
He was later wheeled into the polling both using a chair.

A paralysis attack around three months ago had rendered the centenarian bedridden. Though Bachan Singh cannot talk like the way he did before, but he knows how important his vote is.&nbsp;

"I will vote for those who worked for us," he said.

Interestingly, Singh doesn't know there's a party called the AAP and that Arvind Kejriwal is the chief minister of Delhi.

"He doesn't even know that the Aam Aadmi Party exists. For him, every election has been a contest between the BJP and the Congress," his youngest son, Jasbeer Singh, 63, says.

Jasbeer Singh claims his father has never missed out on an election since 1951.

"Till a few years ago, he would cycle to the polling booth and cast his vote. He never needed any help. He cooked for himself and spent most of the time doing seva in gurudwara," Jasbeer says.&nbsp;

The family says they have traditionally voted for the Congress because former prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru "supported Namdhari Sikhs at the time of partition". But they think the Aam Aadmi party should be given another chance in Delhi.

Age is just a number, says a family member of 111-year-old Bachan Singh, the oldest voter in Delhi who carried a youthful enthusiasm into the polling station in Tilak Vihar here.

Age is just a number, says a family member of 111-year-old Bachan Singh, the oldest voter in Delhi who carried a youthful enthusiasm into the polling station in Tilak Vihar here. Till the last assembly elections in 2015, the centenarian cycled to the polling booth to cast his vote. This time, he reached the booth in a car along with poll officers in full media glare. He was later wheeled into the polling both using a chair. A paralysis attack around three months ago had rendered the centenarian bedridden. Though Bachan Singh cannot talk like the way he did before, but he knows how important his vote is. "I will vote for those who worked for us," he said. Interestingly, Singh doesn't know there's a party called the AAP and that Arvind Kejriwal is the chief minister of Delhi. "He doesn't even know that the Aam Aadmi Party exists. For him, every election has been a contest between the BJP and the Congress," his youngest son, Jasbeer Singh, 63, says. Jasbeer Singh claims his father has never missed out on an election since 1951. "Till a few years ago, he would cycle to the polling booth and cast his vote. He never needed any help. He cooked for himself and spent most of the time doing seva in gurudwara," Jasbeer says. The family says they have traditionally voted for the Congress because former prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru "supported Namdhari Sikhs at the time of partition". But they think the Aam Aadmi party should be given another chance in Delhi.

111-year old Bachan Singh, the oldest voter in Delhi, casts vote

As <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/pm-modi-urges-youngsters-to-vote-in-record-numbers-217924">campaigning for the Lok Sabha polls</a> entered its final phase, Prime Minister Narendra Modi Sunday predicted the defeat of the opposition parties, saying the people were voting for an effective government.

“Opposition parties will fall flat in Lok Sabha polls. This is because people are voting for an effective and honest government,” he said at an election rally here.

Attacking the SP-BSP alliance, Modi said he had been the chief minister of Gujarat more than the terms of Akhilesh Yadav and Mayawati as Uttar Pradesh chief ministers combined, and there was no blot of corruption on him.

Hitting out at BSP chief Mayawati for her remarks on the Alwar gangrape case, the prime minister asked her “not to shed crocodile tears” for the victim.

&nbsp;“If you are serious, why don’t you withdraw support from the Congress government in Rajasthan,” he asked.

Even the Congress government wanted to suppress the incident involving a Dalit woman, he said, adding that the party thought “hua toh hua”, a reference to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/narendra-modi-hits-out-at-congress-over-pitrodas-remark-on-anti-sikh-riots-217467">Sam Pitroda’s remark on 1984 anti-Sikh riots</a>.

Referring to the encounter in Shopian district of Jammu and Kashmir Sunday morning, the prime minister wondered, “Will our jawans take EC’s permission before opening fire at militants? Opposition kya khel bana rakha hai? (What drama is the opposition enacting).” He said it was surprising to note that the opposition parties were saying that elections were on and the security forces were opening fire at militants.&nbsp;

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As campaigning for the Lok Sabha polls entered its final phase, Prime Minister Narendra Modi Sunday predicted the defeat of the opposition parties, saying the people were voting for an effective government.

As campaigning for the Lok Sabha polls entered its final phase, Prime Minister Narendra Modi Sunday predicted the defeat of the opposition parties, saying the people were voting for an effective government. “Opposition parties will fall flat in Lok Sabha polls. This is because people are voting for an effective and honest government,” he said at an election rally here. Attacking the SP-BSP alliance, Modi said he had been the chief minister of Gujarat more than the terms of Akhilesh Yadav and Mayawati as Uttar Pradesh chief ministers combined, and there was no blot of corruption on him. Hitting out at BSP chief Mayawati for her remarks on the Alwar gangrape case, the prime minister asked her “not to shed crocodile tears” for the victim. “If you are serious, why don’t you withdraw support from the Congress government in Rajasthan,” he asked. Even the Congress government wanted to suppress the incident involving a Dalit woman, he said, adding that the party thought “hua toh hua”, a reference to Sam Pitroda’s remark on 1984 anti-Sikh riots. Referring to the encounter in Shopian district of Jammu and Kashmir Sunday morning, the prime minister wondered, “Will our jawans take EC’s permission before opening fire at militants? Opposition kya khel bana rakha hai? (What drama is the opposition enacting).” He said it was surprising to note that the opposition parties were saying that elections were on and the security forces were opening fire at militants. ×

‘Will jawans take Election Commission’s permission before shooting terrorists?’: PM Modi

Gorakhpur and Phulpur seats, which will vote in the last two phases of Lok Sabha polls, are again in the limelight as electoral battle intensifies in the politically crucial state of Uttar Pradesh.

The BJP had to bite the dust in the bypolls in these constituencies last year. While, the anti-BJP alliance would like to retain its grip over both the seats, the saffron party is looking to wrest them from the opposition.

Their importance can be gauged from the fact that Gorakhpur was represented by Yogi Adityanath in Lok Sabha from 1998 to 2017, before he became the chief minister of Uttar Pradesh.

Similarly, Phulpur was won for the first time by the BJP in 2019, when Keshav Prasad Maurya emerged victorious from the seat once represented by Jawaharlal Nehru, India's first prime minister. Maurya vacated the seat after he became the deputy chief minister of the state in 2017.

However, this time, the giant killer in the Gorakhpur bypoll, Praveen Kumar Nishad, has switched over to the BJP, and he has been fielded from the Sant Kabir Nagar parliamentary constituency in eastern Uttar Pradesh.

There are 14 candidates in the fray in Phulpur, which has 19.75 lakh voters, and 10 candidates are contesting in Gorakhpur, which has 19.54 lakh voters.

The prominent candidates in Phulpur are Keshari Devi Patel from the BJP, Pandhari Yadav of the SP and Pankaj Patel of the Congress.

In Gorakhpur, the fight is mainly among Madhusudan Tripathi of the Congress, Ravindra Shyamnarayan Shukla alias Ravi Kishan of the BJP and Rambhual Nishad of the SP.

Exuding confidence that the SP candidate will retain the seat, party spokesperson Rajpal Kashyap said, "Bypolls in Phulpur, Gorakhpur and Kairana changed the narrative of UP politics... All these seats will definitely vote for mahagathbandhan whose aim is to herald a 'mahaparivartan' (grand change)."

Rebutting SP's claims, state BJP media coordinator Rakesh Tripathi said, "It was the low polling percentage which led to BJP's defeat in the bypolls. However, in the past one year, a large number of first-time voters have become with the party. I am confident that both the BJP candidates will emerge as victorious."

The opposition parties defeated the ruling BJP in three Lok Sabha bypolls last year in the state which sends 80 MPs to the Lower House of Parliament.

In the Kairana Lok Sabha by-elections in May, the BJP lost to the joint opposition candidate, RLD's Tabassum Hasan. The seat had fallen vacant following the death of the BJP candidate Mriganka Singh's father Hukum Singh.

Tabassum Hasan was supported by the Congress, the SP and the BSP.

In March, the BJP lost the Lok Sabha bypolls in Gorakhpur and Phulpur.

In the last parliamentary elections in 2014, the BJP had won 71 seats in the state, securing 42.63 per cent of the votes. BJP ally Apna Dal bagged two more.

Samajwadi Party won five seats with a vote share of 22.35 per cent. The BSP did not win any seat while securing 19.77 per cent votes. The Congress registered wins on two UP seats in 2014, bagging 7.53 per cent of the votes.

Gorakhpur and Phulpur seats, which will vote in the last two phases of Lok Sabha polls, are again in the limelight as electoral battle intensifies in the politically crucial state of Uttar Pradesh.

Gorakhpur and Phulpur seats, which will vote in the last two phases of Lok Sabha polls, are again in the limelight as electoral battle intensifies in the politically crucial state of Uttar Pradesh. The BJP had to bite the dust in the bypolls in these constituencies last year. While, the anti-BJP alliance would like to retain its grip over both the seats, the saffron party is looking to wrest them from the opposition. Their importance can be gauged from the fact that Gorakhpur was represented by Yogi Adityanath in Lok Sabha from 1998 to 2017, before he became the chief minister of Uttar Pradesh. Similarly, Phulpur was won for the first time by the BJP in 2019, when Keshav Prasad Maurya emerged victorious from the seat once represented by Jawaharlal Nehru, India's first prime minister. Maurya vacated the seat after he became the deputy chief minister of the state in 2017. However, this time, the giant killer in the Gorakhpur bypoll, Praveen Kumar Nishad, has switched over to the BJP, and he has been fielded from the Sant Kabir Nagar parliamentary constituency in eastern Uttar Pradesh. There are 14 candidates in the fray in Phulpur, which has 19.75 lakh voters, and 10 candidates are contesting in Gorakhpur, which has 19.54 lakh voters. The prominent candidates in Phulpur are Keshari Devi Patel from the BJP, Pandhari Yadav of the SP and Pankaj Patel of the Congress. In Gorakhpur, the fight is mainly among Madhusudan Tripathi of the Congress, Ravindra Shyamnarayan Shukla alias Ravi Kishan of the BJP and Rambhual Nishad of the SP. Exuding confidence that the SP candidate will retain the seat, party spokesperson Rajpal Kashyap said, "Bypolls in Phulpur, Gorakhpur and Kairana changed the narrative of UP politics... All these seats will definitely vote for mahagathbandhan whose aim is to herald a 'mahaparivartan' (grand change)." Rebutting SP's claims, state BJP media coordinator Rakesh Tripathi said, "It was the low polling percentage which led to BJP's defeat in the bypolls. However, in the past one year, a large number of first-time voters have become with the party. I am confident that both the BJP candidates will emerge as victorious." The opposition parties defeated the ruling BJP in three Lok Sabha bypolls last year in the state which sends 80 MPs to the Lower House of Parliament. In the Kairana Lok Sabha by-elections in May, the BJP lost to the joint opposition candidate, RLD's Tabassum Hasan. The seat had fallen vacant following the death of the BJP candidate Mriganka Singh's father Hukum Singh. Tabassum Hasan was supported by the Congress, the SP and the BSP. In March, the BJP lost the Lok Sabha bypolls in Gorakhpur and Phulpur. In the last parliamentary elections in 2014, the BJP had won 71 seats in the state, securing 42.63 per cent of the votes. BJP ally Apna Dal bagged two more. Samajwadi Party won five seats with a vote share of 22.35 per cent. The BSP did not win any seat while securing 19.77 per cent votes. The Congress registered wins on two UP seats in 2014, bagging 7.53 per cent of the votes.

Spotlight on Gorakhpur, Phulpur in last two phases of Lok Sabha polls

The<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/election-commission-issues-notice-to-pragya-singh-thakur-over-campaigning-despite-72-hour-ban-216032&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiNn7OFoIviAhWv63MBHSouDJIQFjABegQIDhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2xbkyjcJZTsUP6Fb-8TjtT"> Election Commission of India</a> (ECI) has declared `void`, polls held at 168 polling stations in Tripura West parliamentary constituency on April 11 and ordered re-polling on May 12.

"After taking all material circumstances into account, the Election Commission declared under Sub-Sections (2) of Section 58 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951 that the poll was taken on April 11, 2019, at 168 polling stations in 1-Tripura West parliamentary constituency against the assembly segments to be void and appoints May 12 at the date and six hours from 7 am to 5 pm for taking a fresh poll," an official statement said.

The assembly segments in Tripura West include Simna (ST), Mohanpur, Bamutia (SC), Barjala (SC), Khayerpur, Ramnagar, Town Bordowali, Majlishpur, Mandai Bazar, Takarjala (ST), Pratapgarh (SC), Badharghat (SC), Kamalasagar, Bishalgarh, Golghati, Charilam, Boxanagar, Nalchar, Sonamura, Dhanpur, Bagma (ST), Radhakishorepur, Matabari, Kakraban-Salgarah (SC), Rajnagar (SC) and Belonia. The ECI directed the state`s Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) to ensure that wide publicity is given in the polling areas.

It also directed the official to inform political parties and contesting candidates about the fresh poll. As per ECI, the voter turnout in the first phase of Lok Sabha elections conducted across 18 states and two Union Territories on April 11 was 69.43 per cent.

Tripura was among five states that saw the highest voter turnout. "84.96 per cent from Lakshadweep, 83.79 per cent from West Bengal, 83.26 per cent from Tripura, 83.12 per cent from Nagaland and 82.82 per cent from Manipur," the EC said. Polling for two parliamentary constituencies in Tripura was held in two phases - on April 11 and 18. Counting of votes will take place on May 23.&nbsp;

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has declared `void`, polls held at 168 polling stations in Tripura West parliamentary constituency on April 11 and ordered re-polling on May 12.

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has declared `void`, polls held at 168 polling stations in Tripura West parliamentary constituency on April 11 and ordered re-polling on May 12. "After taking all material circumstances into account, the Election Commission declared under Sub-Sections (2) of Section 58 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951 that the poll was taken on April 11, 2019, at 168 polling stations in 1-Tripura West parliamentary constituency against the assembly segments to be void and appoints May 12 at the date and six hours from 7 am to 5 pm for taking a fresh poll," an official statement said. The assembly segments in Tripura West include Simna (ST), Mohanpur, Bamutia (SC), Barjala (SC), Khayerpur, Ramnagar, Town Bordowali, Majlishpur, Mandai Bazar, Takarjala (ST), Pratapgarh (SC), Badharghat (SC), Kamalasagar, Bishalgarh, Golghati, Charilam, Boxanagar, Nalchar, Sonamura, Dhanpur, Bagma (ST), Radhakishorepur, Matabari, Kakraban-Salgarah (SC), Rajnagar (SC) and Belonia. The ECI directed the state`s Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) to ensure that wide publicity is given in the polling areas. It also directed the official to inform political parties and contesting candidates about the fresh poll. As per ECI, the voter turnout in the first phase of Lok Sabha elections conducted across 18 states and two Union Territories on April 11 was 69.43 per cent. Tripura was among five states that saw the highest voter turnout. "84.96 per cent from Lakshadweep, 83.79 per cent from West Bengal, 83.26 per cent from Tripura, 83.12 per cent from Nagaland and 82.82 per cent from Manipur," the EC said. Polling for two parliamentary constituencies in Tripura was held in two phases - on April 11 and 18. Counting of votes will take place on May 23.

Election Commission declares Tripura West polls 'void', re-polling on May 12

Launching a scathing attack on former Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/narendra-modi-emerges-from-rafale-in-better-shape-than-rajiv-gandhi-from-bofors-197586">Rajiv Gandhi</a>, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday alleged that the Rajiv Gandhi had used INS Virat for personal holidays.

Addressing a huge gathering at New Delhi's Ramlila Maidan&nbsp;in support of the candidates of the BJP for the seven Lok Sabha seats in Delhi, PM Modi , hitting back at Congress President Rahul Gandhi over saying Army was not anyone's personal property, said, ''I want to tell the people of our country about those who actually treated our Armed Forces as their personal property. Former PM Rajiv Gandhi took his in-laws and their family members from Italy to a personal holiday on Naval warship INS Viraat.''

"At the time when INS Virat was positioned for protection of maritime boundaries, it was sent to take Rajiv Gandhi and his family to an island for their holiday. &nbsp;Even his in-laws were onboard INS Virat. Was it not a compromise of national security?" he asked.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> PM Modi in Delhi: At the time when, INS Virat was positioned for protection of maritime boundaries, it was sent to take Rajiv Gandhi and his family to an island for their holiday. Even his in-laws were onboard INS Virat. Was it not a compromise of national security? <a href="https://t.co/3RXdtJHF2m">pic.twitter.com/3RXdtJHF2m</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1126141155673088001?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 8, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The Navy was made to host the Gandhi family and Rajiv Gandhi's in-laws, and a helicopter was also deployed in their service, Modi claimed, adding that when a family becomes supreme, the country's security is at stake.

After the Ramlila Maidan speech, PM Narendra Modi also tweeted about it and accused Congress of compromising on the issue of national security.

<img alt="Narendra Modi" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="acd01625-1b5f-4a02-bf99-f3a075cae90b" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Narendra%20Modi1.JPG" />

"Even Navy personnel were put on service of Rajiv Gandhi and his family while they were vacationing at the island. INS Virat was also stationed at the island for 10 days during that time," he added.

Aircraft carrier INS Viraat was commissioned into the Indian Navy in 1987. After nearly 30 years of service, it was decommissioned in 2016.

(With inputs from ANI)

Launching a scathing attack on former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday alleged that the Rajiv Gandhi had used INS Virat for personal holidays.

Launching a scathing attack on former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday alleged that the Rajiv Gandhi had used INS Virat for personal holidays. Addressing a huge gathering at New Delhi's Ramlila Maidan in support of the candidates of the BJP for the seven Lok Sabha seats in Delhi, PM Modi , hitting back at Congress President Rahul Gandhi over saying Army was not anyone's personal property, said, ''I want to tell the people of our country about those who actually treated our Armed Forces as their personal property. Former PM Rajiv Gandhi took his in-laws and their family members from Italy to a personal holiday on Naval warship INS Viraat.'' "At the time when INS Virat was positioned for protection of maritime boundaries, it was sent to take Rajiv Gandhi and his family to an island for their holiday. Even his in-laws were onboard INS Virat. Was it not a compromise of national security?" he asked. #WATCH PM Modi in Delhi: At the time when, INS Virat was positioned for protection of maritime boundaries, it was sent to take Rajiv Gandhi and his family to an island for their holiday. Even his in-laws were onboard INS Virat. Was it not a compromise of national security? pic.twitter.com/3RXdtJHF2m — ANI (@ANI) May 8, 2019 × The Navy was made to host the Gandhi family and Rajiv Gandhi's in-laws, and a helicopter was also deployed in their service, Modi claimed, adding that when a family becomes supreme, the country's security is at stake. After the Ramlila Maidan speech, PM Narendra Modi also tweeted about it and accused Congress of compromising on the issue of national security. "Even Navy personnel were put on service of Rajiv Gandhi and his family while they were vacationing at the island. INS Virat was also stationed at the island for 10 days during that time," he added. Aircraft carrier INS Viraat was commissioned into the Indian Navy in 1987. After nearly 30 years of service, it was decommissioned in 2016. (With inputs from ANI)

Rajiv Gandhi used INS Virat for personal holidays: PM Narendra Modi

The prestigious twin<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/lok-sabha-pollstwo-poll-staffers-die-in-madhya-pradesh-216427&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiN8vbq8oviAhWcknAKHTLeClAQFjACegQIDxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0LhupCBFEF9ncHUN3lkSld"> Lok Sabha constituencies</a> of Phulpur and Allahabad in the district, represented in the past by three prime ministers, are seeing a battle of political turncoats this election as the majority of the main candidates are fighting polls after having switched party allegiance.

In Phulpur, wherefrom Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru won the first three Lok Sabha elections, the BJP has fielded former Zila panchayat chief Keshri Devi Patel while Pankaj Niranjan is fighting from the Congress with Pandhari Yadav forming the third corner of this triangular contest.

The Patel community is an important electoral base and the<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/bjps-five-year-rule-was-just-a-trailer-real-picture-is-yet-to-begin-nitin-gadkari-215995&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwj5scXG84viAhWMinAKHcVyAW0QFjAIegQIARAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw3-oS0o5hxKdeW1VJrDuzr6"> Congress</a> and the SP-BSP alliance is also seeking to corner an important vote share from it. Senior Congress leader from Allahabad, Abhay Awasthi, says, the 2019 general elections in Allahabad this year is essentially a "battle of political turncoats".

"The twin Lok Sabha seats of Phulpur and Allahabad have seen titans fighting the poll in the past. From Nehru winning three times from Phulpur to Lal Bahadur Shastri and V P Singh from Allahabad, and then senior BJP leader M M Joshi, winning three times from Allahabad, these two have been very prestigious seats, but big players are not in the fray this time," he said in the interview.

Aswathi said Keshri Devi Patel is a strong leader of Patel's, and has served multiple time as Zila panchayat president in Allahabad, has a strong hold over voters at the grass-roots level.

"She is fighting for BJP, but she was earlier with the BSP. Patel fought the Lok Sabha elections in 2004 on a BSP ticket but had lost to SP candidate Atiq Ahmed (by over 64,000 votes)," he said.

Pankaj Niranjan, a Patel leader from Apna Dal, is fighting on a Congress ticket. He is a son-in-law of Apna Dal founder late Sonelal Patel, and the grand old party is seeking to woo Patel voters with him as the candidate.

But, parties are betting on turncoats not just in Phulpur but also in Allahabad constituency, where former Congress leader Rita Bahuguna Joshi is trying her luck, pitted against Congress' Yogesh Shukla, who earlier belonged to the BJP.

While Joshi had unsuccessfully fought Lok Sabha elections in 1999, losing to BJP stalwart M M Joshi and finished third, Shukla was fielded by the BJP in 2009 but faced defeat at the hands of SP's Kunwar Rewati Raman Singh and managed to get only the third position.

Shukla had joined the Congress late April just ahead of filing his nomination, Awasthi said.

"More so, SP's Rajendra Singh Patel fielded from Allahabad this time, was earlier with the JD(U) and had served as its vice-president. So, it is indeed a battle of turncoats of sorts this time for the two seats," he said.

Lok Sabha seats of Phulpur and Allahabad fall in the Allahabad district. As many as 14 candidates each are testing their fortunes from the two constituencies in the election here due on May 12.

Phulpur Lok Sabha seat, which Nehru had won in 1952, 1957 and 1962 consists of five assembly segments -- Phaphamau, Soraon, Phulpur, Allahabad West and Allahabad North. Allahabad Lok Sabha seat also consists of five assembly segments -- Meja, Karachhana, Bara, Koraon and Allahabad South.

Lal Bahadur Shashtri, who served as the second prime minister from 1964-66, had won Allahabad seat in 1957 and 1962, while VP Singh had won it in 1988. Akshat Lal, a resident of old Allahabad, which falls in Allahabad constituency, said, "From childhood days, we have heard stories of Nehru, Shastri and how the two seats have been considered bellwether constituencies. But, now caste and community equations are major factors in politics."

Lal, a graduate of Allahabad University, says, Allahabad is a city of Sangam, and, with many turncoats in the fray, it seems "politics are getting mixed up here in unusual ways".

The prestigious twin Lok Sabha constituencies of Phulpur and Allahabad in the district, represented in the past by three prime ministers, are seeing a battle of political turncoats this election as the majority of the main candidates are fighting polls after having switched party allegiance.

The prestigious twin Lok Sabha constituencies of Phulpur and Allahabad in the district, represented in the past by three prime ministers, are seeing a battle of political turncoats this election as the majority of the main candidates are fighting polls after having switched party allegiance. In Phulpur, wherefrom Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru won the first three Lok Sabha elections, the BJP has fielded former Zila panchayat chief Keshri Devi Patel while Pankaj Niranjan is fighting from the Congress with Pandhari Yadav forming the third corner of this triangular contest. The Patel community is an important electoral base and the Congress and the SP-BSP alliance is also seeking to corner an important vote share from it. Senior Congress leader from Allahabad, Abhay Awasthi, says, the 2019 general elections in Allahabad this year is essentially a "battle of political turncoats". "The twin Lok Sabha seats of Phulpur and Allahabad have seen titans fighting the poll in the past. From Nehru winning three times from Phulpur to Lal Bahadur Shastri and V P Singh from Allahabad, and then senior BJP leader M M Joshi, winning three times from Allahabad, these two have been very prestigious seats, but big players are not in the fray this time," he said in the interview. Aswathi said Keshri Devi Patel is a strong leader of Patel's, and has served multiple time as Zila panchayat president in Allahabad, has a strong hold over voters at the grass-roots level. "She is fighting for BJP, but she was earlier with the BSP. Patel fought the Lok Sabha elections in 2004 on a BSP ticket but had lost to SP candidate Atiq Ahmed (by over 64,000 votes)," he said. Pankaj Niranjan, a Patel leader from Apna Dal, is fighting on a Congress ticket. He is a son-in-law of Apna Dal founder late Sonelal Patel, and the grand old party is seeking to woo Patel voters with him as the candidate. But, parties are betting on turncoats not just in Phulpur but also in Allahabad constituency, where former Congress leader Rita Bahuguna Joshi is trying her luck, pitted against Congress' Yogesh Shukla, who earlier belonged to the BJP. While Joshi had unsuccessfully fought Lok Sabha elections in 1999, losing to BJP stalwart M M Joshi and finished third, Shukla was fielded by the BJP in 2009 but faced defeat at the hands of SP's Kunwar Rewati Raman Singh and managed to get only the third position. Shukla had joined the Congress late April just ahead of filing his nomination, Awasthi said. "More so, SP's Rajendra Singh Patel fielded from Allahabad this time, was earlier with the JD(U) and had served as its vice-president. So, it is indeed a battle of turncoats of sorts this time for the two seats," he said. Lok Sabha seats of Phulpur and Allahabad fall in the Allahabad district. As many as 14 candidates each are testing their fortunes from the two constituencies in the election here due on May 12. Phulpur Lok Sabha seat, which Nehru had won in 1952, 1957 and 1962 consists of five assembly segments -- Phaphamau, Soraon, Phulpur, Allahabad West and Allahabad North. Allahabad Lok Sabha seat also consists of five assembly segments -- Meja, Karachhana, Bara, Koraon and Allahabad South. Lal Bahadur Shashtri, who served as the second prime minister from 1964-66, had won Allahabad seat in 1957 and 1962, while VP Singh had won it in 1988. Akshat Lal, a resident of old Allahabad, which falls in Allahabad constituency, said, "From childhood days, we have heard stories of Nehru, Shastri and how the two seats have been considered bellwether constituencies. But, now caste and community equations are major factors in politics." Lal, a graduate of Allahabad University, says, Allahabad is a city of Sangam, and, with many turncoats in the fray, it seems "politics are getting mixed up here in unusual ways".

Lok Sabha polls 2019: A battle of turncoats for Phulpur, Allahabad Lok Sabha seats in phase 6

The <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-high-court-issues-notice-to-jet-airways-215111&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjIxIHtgoziAhUJK48KHfGiAM8QFjACegQIDhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw3zrNakfd_98p51v0qpt0M-">Delhi High Court</a> Wednesday dismissed a PIL seeking to restrain Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) from making "false" electoral promise of full statehood for Delhi in the ongoing Lok Sabha elections.

The plea came up before a bench of Chief Justice Rajendra Menon and Justice A J Bhambhani which rejected it.

The plea also sought direction to the <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/election-commission-issues-notice-to-pragya-singh-thakur-over-campaigning-despite-72-hour-ban-216032&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwi5m9j_goziAhXLMY8KHfTVAisQFjACegQIDxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw15paoMjd9kEDgRyRo9rBV7">Election Commission</a> to take appropriate action against Kejriwal and AAP for breach of a provision of the Representation of the People Act.

The petition filed by Anil Dutt Sharma said that AAP and Kejriwal have been advertising the promise to get full statehood for Delhi despite knowing that even if they will, they cannot grant it.

"The respondents no. 1 (Kejriwal) and 2 (AAP) do not have powers to make Delhi a complete statehood as they represent and seek to represent on Delhi government while that required to be the ruling party with the majority in both the houses of Parliament to grant Delhi full statehood. Admittedly, they are not contesting on sufficient seats to get them desired majority to amend the Constitution," it said.

On April 25, Kejriwal had said "We will fulfil a 70-year-old demand of the people of Delhi by granting full statehood. Both parties, BJP and Congress, have not fulfilled their promise of giving full statehood to Delhi. If Delhi becomes full statehood, we will not require the Centre's permission. The Anti-Corruption branch will be handled by the Delhi government again."

In Delhi, polling will take place on May 12 in the sixth phase of the Lok Sabha elections and the results will be announced on May 23.&nbsp;

The Delhi High Court Wednesday dismissed a PIL seeking to restrain Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) from making "false" electoral promise of full statehood for Delhi in the ongoing Lok Sabha elections.

The Delhi High Court Wednesday dismissed a PIL seeking to restrain Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) from making "false" electoral promise of full statehood for Delhi in the ongoing Lok Sabha elections. The plea came up before a bench of Chief Justice Rajendra Menon and Justice A J Bhambhani which rejected it. The plea also sought direction to the Election Commission to take appropriate action against Kejriwal and AAP for breach of a provision of the Representation of the People Act. The petition filed by Anil Dutt Sharma said that AAP and Kejriwal have been advertising the promise to get full statehood for Delhi despite knowing that even if they will, they cannot grant it. "The respondents no. 1 (Kejriwal) and 2 (AAP) do not have powers to make Delhi a complete statehood as they represent and seek to represent on Delhi government while that required to be the ruling party with the majority in both the houses of Parliament to grant Delhi full statehood. Admittedly, they are not contesting on sufficient seats to get them desired majority to amend the Constitution," it said. On April 25, Kejriwal had said "We will fulfil a 70-year-old demand of the people of Delhi by granting full statehood. Both parties, BJP and Congress, have not fulfilled their promise of giving full statehood to Delhi. If Delhi becomes full statehood, we will not require the Centre's permission. The Anti-Corruption branch will be handled by the Delhi government again." In Delhi, polling will take place on May 12 in the sixth phase of the Lok Sabha elections and the results will be announced on May 23.

Delhi High Court dismisses plea to restrain Kejriwal, AAP from making full statehood promise for Delhi

Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/terrorist-attacks-had-become-daily-affair-during-congress-pm-modi-in-rajasthan-215640">Narendra Modi </a>is the second most followed politician in the world on social media after former US President Barack Obama, according to a report.

Modi has a total audience of 110.9 million on Facebook, Twitter and<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/2019-lok-sabha-elections-instagram-a-new-game-changer-to-woo-young-voters-186133"> Instagram</a>. Obama's total following stood at 182.7 million, the report released by digital marketing platform SEMrush said on Tuesday.

"With his approximately 110 million followers worldwide, Narendra Modi has overtaken the present US President Donald Trump who has 96 million followers globally. However, Trump still enjoys the second most followed politician position globally on Twitter (with 59.8 million followers)," it said.

According to the report, Modi had over 43 million followers on Facebook, about 47 million followers on Twitter and more than 20 million followers on Instagram.

However, these numbers do not represent unique users, which means that the same person or entity could be following the same politician across various social media platforms.

Congress party President Rahul Gandhi has accumulated 12 million followers on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, the report said.

The report said of all the social media platforms, Twitter served as "the nest of the maximum number of active political audiences, both domestic and global".

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is the second most followed politician in the world on social media after former US President Barack Obama, according to a report. Modi has a total audience of 110.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is the second most followed politician in the world on social media after former US President Barack Obama, according to a report. Modi has a total audience of 110.9 million on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Obama's total following stood at 182.7 million, the report released by digital marketing platform SEMrush said on Tuesday. "With his approximately 110 million followers worldwide, Narendra Modi has overtaken the present US President Donald Trump who has 96 million followers globally. However, Trump still enjoys the second most followed politician position globally on Twitter (with 59.8 million followers)," it said. According to the report, Modi had over 43 million followers on Facebook, about 47 million followers on Twitter and more than 20 million followers on Instagram. However, these numbers do not represent unique users, which means that the same person or entity could be following the same politician across various social media platforms. Congress party President Rahul Gandhi has accumulated 12 million followers on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, the report said. The report said of all the social media platforms, Twitter served as "the nest of the maximum number of active political audiences, both domestic and global".

PM Narendra Modi overtakes Trump, becomes second most followed politician on social media in world

An election watchdog has pointed out discrepancies in the income tax details submitted by the <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/prakash-raj-to-campaign-for-aap-in-delhi-says-people-should-come-together-to-reclaim-the-republic-215873&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjfzp-84oviAhVKqY8KHfTcDrc4ChAWMAF6BAgPEAI&amp;usg=AOvVaw0RJiYolyGJDgyFUATA7Tqw">Aam Aadmi Party</a> (AAP) and Congress candidates in their nominations for the Panaji Assembly bypoll in Goa.

In a release issued on Tuesday, the Association of Democratic Reforms (ADR)said the affidavits filed by AAP nominee Valmiki Naik for the 2017 state Assembly elections and the upcoming bypoll show a difference of over Rs 1 lakh in his I-T returns for the financial year 2015-16.

In his affidavit for the Panaji bypoll, Naik has shown his I-T returns as Rs 3,91,341 for 2015-16, while in his 2017 submission, he mentioned a figure of Rs 2,89,810 for the same period, the ADR said.

It also pointed out that Congress candidate Atanasio Monserratte in his affidavit for the upcoming bypoll has mentioned his I-T returns for 2015-16 as Rs 24,50,076, which is Rs 34,746 less than the Rs 24,84,822 figure submitted by him in his 2017 Assembly election affidavit.

While comparing his 2017 and 2019 affidavits, though Monserratte's net worth went down by about Rs 9 crore in last two years, he declared Rs 1,69,84,756 as his I-T returns for 2017-18 and Rs 33,33,822 cash in hand each (self and spouse) on the date of filing nomination on April 29, the ADR said.

When contacted, North Goa's district election officer R Menaka said she will look into the matter. Naik and Monserratte could not be contacted for their response to ADR's findings.

In the 2017 Assembly polls, BJP leader Siddharth Kunkolienkar won the Panaji seat located in North Goa district, while Monserratte, who then contested as an Independent, stood second, and Naik came third.

Kunkolienkar vacated the seat later that year to allow then chief minister Manohar Parrikar to contest and enter the 40-member Goa Assembly. The Panaji Assembly bypoll was necessitated due to the death of sitting MLA Parrikar on March 17.

The BJP has nominated Kunkolienkar to take on Monserrate, who is now contesting on Congress' ticket, and Naik in the bypoll to be held May 19.&nbsp;

An election watchdog has pointed out discrepancies in the income tax details submitted by the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and Congress candidates in their nominations for the Panaji Assembly bypoll in Goa.

An election watchdog has pointed out discrepancies in the income tax details submitted by the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and Congress candidates in their nominations for the Panaji Assembly bypoll in Goa. In a release issued on Tuesday, the Association of Democratic Reforms (ADR)said the affidavits filed by AAP nominee Valmiki Naik for the 2017 state Assembly elections and the upcoming bypoll show a difference of over Rs 1 lakh in his I-T returns for the financial year 2015-16. In his affidavit for the Panaji bypoll, Naik has shown his I-T returns as Rs 3,91,341 for 2015-16, while in his 2017 submission, he mentioned a figure of Rs 2,89,810 for the same period, the ADR said. It also pointed out that Congress candidate Atanasio Monserratte in his affidavit for the upcoming bypoll has mentioned his I-T returns for 2015-16 as Rs 24,50,076, which is Rs 34,746 less than the Rs 24,84,822 figure submitted by him in his 2017 Assembly election affidavit. While comparing his 2017 and 2019 affidavits, though Monserratte's net worth went down by about Rs 9 crore in last two years, he declared Rs 1,69,84,756 as his I-T returns for 2017-18 and Rs 33,33,822 cash in hand each (self and spouse) on the date of filing nomination on April 29, the ADR said. When contacted, North Goa's district election officer R Menaka said she will look into the matter. Naik and Monserratte could not be contacted for their response to ADR's findings. In the 2017 Assembly polls, BJP leader Siddharth Kunkolienkar won the Panaji seat located in North Goa district, while Monserratte, who then contested as an Independent, stood second, and Naik came third. Kunkolienkar vacated the seat later that year to allow then chief minister Manohar Parrikar to contest and enter the 40-member Goa Assembly. The Panaji Assembly bypoll was necessitated due to the death of sitting MLA Parrikar on March 17. The BJP has nominated Kunkolienkar to take on Monserrate, who is now contesting on Congress' ticket, and Naik in the bypoll to be held May 19.

Association of Democratic Reform finds discrepancies in affidavits of AAP, Congress candidates

BJP <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/india-will-become-superpower-if-modi-becomes-pm-again-amit-shah-216183&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwj3pYPX-oviAhUxguYKHY-KAEcQFjADegQICxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1xRMOlhKWs_6DaPKMfHS4S">President Amit Shah</a> asserted on Wednesday that the only relevant issue in this election is national security and there is only one man who has delivered results on this count and that is Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

"Don`t give a vote for development works to BJP candidate Bidyut Baran Mahto in Jamshedpur,&nbsp;vote for him because Narendra Modi made the country's border security.&nbsp; The Prime Minister has taken effective steps to secure the borders of the country. In the regime of UPA-I and II, enemy forces used to run havoc in the country but no action was taken on that front," he said addressing an election rally.

"In the recent past, our 40 security personnel lost their lives in the attack by Pakistan-aided terrorism in<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/lok-sabha-polls-phase-5-grenade-attack-on-polling-station-in-pulwama-216256&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjdu9e3-oviAhXy63MBHegsDsYQFjADegQIDxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw02VZSsEQlOYC149LgosQTE"> Pulwama</a>. Due to the decisive nature of PM Modi, our brave Indian Air Force (IAF) troops retaliated and entered enemy territory to debase their terror camps. India is only the third country after Israel and the United States of America (USA) to have retaliated to terrorism in this brave manner," Shah asserted.

He attacked the opposition saying, "After our surgical strike, everywhere there was a celebratory atmosphere but there was widespread hopelessness in Pakistan and in the Congress camp."On Jammu and Kashmir, Shah made BJP`s stand clear that they would surely remove article 370 from the state. "Omar Abdullah said that Jammu and Kashmir should have a separate Prime Minister. We will never let that happen and we will surely remove article 370 from Jammu and Kashmir," Shah said.

"I have been to 296 Lok Sabha constituencies around the country and everywhere in the country there is only one wave - `Modi, Modi`. The people of India were looking for a person for 70 years who will not work for his own family but for every person in the country. That man is Narendra Modi," he contended.

Shah spoke about Jamshedpur as being India`s pride. "Jamshedpur is India`s pride. Inspired by Swami Vivekananda, Jamshedji Tata founded India`s first steel factory in Jamshedpur," he said."I want to talk about Jamshedpur. Bidyut Baran Mahto is the MP from Jamshedpur who works day and night for his constituency`s welfare. At the cost of Rs 447 crores, roads have been built in Jamshedpur. At the cost of Rs 1215 crores, 121 km of national highways have been built in Jharkhand. MGM medical college`s graduation work has started," he said about Jamshedpur.

"Under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY), 16,500 people in Jamshedpur have got houses. Duronto express has been flagged off from Jamshedpur. A Regional Passport Office has been opened in Jamshedpur. 3,05,000 children have got scholarships in Jamshedpur. 1.5 lakh houses have got piped water connection in Jamshedpur," he added.

"Along with the central government, the Raghuvar Das government in Jharkhand has also done good work. The state government took the agricultural growth rate from 4.5% to 14% in the state in the last 5 years. More than 35 lakh employment opportunities were created and around one lakh government jobs were created for the people of Jharkhand. 13 Polytechnics and 6 medical colleges were opened. Earlier, there were 300 medical seats,&nbsp;now the figure stands at 900. Naxalism has more or less been wiped off from Jharkhand," he stated.

He finally appealed for votes from the people for BJP in large numbers. Jharkhand has polled in four phases out of which two phases are over and two remain on May 12 and 19. The counting of votes shall take place on May 23.&nbsp;

BJP President Amit Shah asserted on Wednesday that the only relevant issue in this election is national security and there is only one man who has delivered results on this count and that is Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

BJP President Amit Shah asserted on Wednesday that the only relevant issue in this election is national security and there is only one man who has delivered results on this count and that is Prime Minister Narendra Modi. "Don`t give a vote for development works to BJP candidate Bidyut Baran Mahto in Jamshedpur, vote for him because Narendra Modi made the country's border security. The Prime Minister has taken effective steps to secure the borders of the country. In the regime of UPA-I and II, enemy forces used to run havoc in the country but no action was taken on that front," he said addressing an election rally. "In the recent past, our 40 security personnel lost their lives in the attack by Pakistan-aided terrorism in Pulwama. Due to the decisive nature of PM Modi, our brave Indian Air Force (IAF) troops retaliated and entered enemy territory to debase their terror camps. India is only the third country after Israel and the United States of America (USA) to have retaliated to terrorism in this brave manner," Shah asserted. He attacked the opposition saying, "After our surgical strike, everywhere there was a celebratory atmosphere but there was widespread hopelessness in Pakistan and in the Congress camp."On Jammu and Kashmir, Shah made BJP`s stand clear that they would surely remove article 370 from the state. "Omar Abdullah said that Jammu and Kashmir should have a separate Prime Minister. We will never let that happen and we will surely remove article 370 from Jammu and Kashmir," Shah said. "I have been to 296 Lok Sabha constituencies around the country and everywhere in the country there is only one wave - `Modi, Modi`. The people of India were looking for a person for 70 years who will not work for his own family but for every person in the country. That man is Narendra Modi," he contended. Shah spoke about Jamshedpur as being India`s pride. "Jamshedpur is India`s pride. Inspired by Swami Vivekananda, Jamshedji Tata founded India`s first steel factory in Jamshedpur," he said."I want to talk about Jamshedpur. Bidyut Baran Mahto is the MP from Jamshedpur who works day and night for his constituency`s welfare. At the cost of Rs 447 crores, roads have been built in Jamshedpur. At the cost of Rs 1215 crores, 121 km of national highways have been built in Jharkhand. MGM medical college`s graduation work has started," he said about Jamshedpur. "Under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY), 16,500 people in Jamshedpur have got houses. Duronto express has been flagged off from Jamshedpur. A Regional Passport Office has been opened in Jamshedpur. 3,05,000 children have got scholarships in Jamshedpur. 1.5 lakh houses have got piped water connection in Jamshedpur," he added. "Along with the central government, the Raghuvar Das government in Jharkhand has also done good work. The state government took the agricultural growth rate from 4.5% to 14% in the state in the last 5 years. More than 35 lakh employment opportunities were created and around one lakh government jobs were created for the people of Jharkhand. 13 Polytechnics and 6 medical colleges were opened. Earlier, there were 300 medical seats, now the figure stands at 900. Naxalism has more or less been wiped off from Jharkhand," he stated. He finally appealed for votes from the people for BJP in large numbers. Jharkhand has polled in four phases out of which two phases are over and two remain on May 12 and 19. The counting of votes shall take place on May 23.

Vote for National Security, says Amit Shah in a rally in Jamshedpur

India has decided to fully utilise its share of unused water from rivers that have been flowing into Pakistan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Wednesday during a poll rally in Kurukshetra.

While addressing the farmers and his supporters in his first rally in the state of Haryana during general elections this year, Prime minister Narendra Modi has said that in his governance India will no longer share even a single drop of water with Pakistan.

"Many rivers go to Pakistan from India but sadly this water belongs to our farmers. Congress failed to do anything on this but your chowkidar will ensure that every Indian farmer gets every drop of water. The water from Indian rivers will not go to Pakistan," the Prime Minister said.

PM Narendra Modi slammed the main opposition party Congress for its softer stance against Pakistan in the past and promised with his return to power, India’s share of river water won’t go to Pakistan.

PM Modi said that the previous governments of Congress were never considerate to preserve the water of Indian rivers for the advantage of Indian farmers.&nbsp;

There are more than a few Indian rivers which reach Pakistan and instead of Indians, the Pakistani farmers are yielding profits. PM blamed Congress for failing to take any decisive step to stop water sharing with Pakistan.

India is not a water-poor country, however, the demand for water among the farmers of Haryana, Punjab and Rajasthan is increasing every day due to the growing population and inefficient use of water resources.

Under the Indus Waters Treaty, India shares the waters of the Beas and Sutlej rivers with Pakistan. There have been several occasions that the current Indian government spoke of regulations and not sharing water with Pakistan.

After the Uri incident, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said: “Blood and water cannot flow together.” &nbsp;

After Pulwama attack, Indian minister Nitin Gadkari had said that the government was planning to build three projects on three rivers, water of which was flowing to Pakistan.

India has decided to fully utilise its share of unused water from rivers that have been flowing into Pakistan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Wednesday during a poll rally in Kurukshetra.

India has decided to fully utilise its share of unused water from rivers that have been flowing into Pakistan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Wednesday during a poll rally in Kurukshetra. While addressing the farmers and his supporters in his first rally in the state of Haryana during general elections this year, Prime minister Narendra Modi has said that in his governance India will no longer share even a single drop of water with Pakistan. "Many rivers go to Pakistan from India but sadly this water belongs to our farmers. Congress failed to do anything on this but your chowkidar will ensure that every Indian farmer gets every drop of water. The water from Indian rivers will not go to Pakistan," the Prime Minister said. PM Narendra Modi slammed the main opposition party Congress for its softer stance against Pakistan in the past and promised with his return to power, India’s share of river water won’t go to Pakistan. PM Modi said that the previous governments of Congress were never considerate to preserve the water of Indian rivers for the advantage of Indian farmers. There are more than a few Indian rivers which reach Pakistan and instead of Indians, the Pakistani farmers are yielding profits. PM blamed Congress for failing to take any decisive step to stop water sharing with Pakistan. India is not a water-poor country, however, the demand for water among the farmers of Haryana, Punjab and Rajasthan is increasing every day due to the growing population and inefficient use of water resources. Under the Indus Waters Treaty, India shares the waters of the Beas and Sutlej rivers with Pakistan. There have been several occasions that the current Indian government spoke of regulations and not sharing water with Pakistan. After the Uri incident, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said: “Blood and water cannot flow together.” After Pulwama attack, Indian minister Nitin Gadkari had said that the government was planning to build three projects on three rivers, water of which was flowing to Pakistan.

India will 'stop' flow of our share of water to Pakistan: PM Modi at Kurukshetra poll rally

Delhi chief minister and APP chief Arvind Kejriwal on Wednesday accused Congress president Rahul Gandhi and his sister Priyanka Gandhi Vadra of not campaigning in places where Congress is in a direct fight with the BJP. &nbsp;

Rahul Gandhi and his sister Priyanka Gandhi Vadra are not going to places like Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh where their party is in a direct fight with the BJP, news agency PTI reported quoting Kejriwal.&nbsp;

He also said Priyanka Gandhi, the Congress general secretary for Uttar Pradesh (East), will be "wasting" her time campaigning in the national capital.&nbsp;

Priyanka Gandhi will kickstart her campaign for Congress candidates in the national Capital from Wednesday by holding roadshows in North East and South Delhi constituencies.

"She (Priyanka) is wasting her time in the national capital, why doesn't she campaign in Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh? he reportedly asked.&nbsp;

"She's doing rallies in Uttar Pradesh against SP-BSP, she's doing rallies in Delhi against the AAP. Both the brother and sister aren't going to those places where there's direct fight with the BJP," he said.

Delhi goes to polls on Sunday. The results would be announced on May 23.

(With inputs from PTI)

Delhi chief minister and APP chief Arvind Kejriwal on Wednesday accused Congress president Rahul Gandhi and his sister Priyanka Gandhi Vadra of not campaigning in places where Congress is in a direct fight with the BJP.

Delhi chief minister and APP chief Arvind Kejriwal on Wednesday accused Congress president Rahul Gandhi and his sister Priyanka Gandhi Vadra of not campaigning in places where Congress is in a direct fight with the BJP. Rahul Gandhi and his sister Priyanka Gandhi Vadra are not going to places like Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh where their party is in a direct fight with the BJP, news agency PTI reported quoting Kejriwal. He also said Priyanka Gandhi, the Congress general secretary for Uttar Pradesh (East), will be "wasting" her time campaigning in the national capital. Priyanka Gandhi will kickstart her campaign for Congress candidates in the national Capital from Wednesday by holding roadshows in North East and South Delhi constituencies. "She (Priyanka) is wasting her time in the national capital, why doesn't she campaign in Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh? he reportedly asked. "She's doing rallies in Uttar Pradesh against SP-BSP, she's doing rallies in Delhi against the AAP. Both the brother and sister aren't going to those places where there's direct fight with the BJP," he said. Delhi goes to polls on Sunday. The results would be announced on May 23. (With inputs from PTI)

Priyanka Gandhi will be 'wasting' her time campaigning in Delhi: Kejriwal

The BJP lodged its protest with the <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/635-per-cent-voter-turnout-in-phase-5-election-commission-216589&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjo9u6M3IviAhWD7XMBHXw4DO0QFjAHegQIBRAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0CGd9ZdYMh_gAZ9RTwacps">Election Commission</a> on Wednesday over "delay" in action against the AAP leaders including its chief Arvind Kejriwal, on complaints of model code of conduct violations.

The Leader of Opposition in Delhi Assembly <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/kejriwal-yet-to-respond-to-election-commission-notice-for-asking-voters-to-take-money-from-bjp-congress-215159&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiIu8Kg3IviAhXe7XMBHf9bCAwQFjAAegQIEhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw3CGgeTtTGcPotOvOJDvL9b">Vijender Gupta</a> met the EC officials and demanded strict action against the AAP leaders including "gagging" them for the alleged violations.

"We have lodged complaints with the EC and the Chief Electoral Officer (Delhi) against the AAP leaders with evidence. But no action has been taken which hints unexpected favour to the AAP by the EC," Gupta said after the meeting.

Unless urgent and immediate action is taken, the complaints will become futile. Delay in deciding the complaints or representation will only result in denial of our right to remedies, he said.&nbsp;

"The Honourable Election Commission of India has a Constitutional obligation to ensure free and fair elections. It has a duty to take action against violators of poll rules and regulations for conducting the elections in a free and fair manner", it said.

The BJP leaders have lodged several complaints of violations of model code of conduct (MCC) against the AAP, relating to alleged misuse of public funds for appeasement politics, paid news, spreading lies against BJP candidate Hans Raj Hans, asking voters to take money from BJP and Congress but vote for the AAP.&nbsp;

The fresh complaint filed by Gupta charged that despite various complaints and multiple representations, no concrete, tangible and substantial actions have been taken by the EC.&nbsp;

In a democratic set up like India, the Election Commission is entrusted with the obligation not only to sustain the democratic consciousness amongst the voters but also to strengthen it further by taking necessary actions on MCC violations, Gupta added.

The BJP lodged its protest with the Election Commission on Wednesday over "delay" in action against the AAP leaders including its chief Arvind Kejriwal, on complaints of model code of conduct violations.

The BJP lodged its protest with the Election Commission on Wednesday over "delay" in action against the AAP leaders including its chief Arvind Kejriwal, on complaints of model code of conduct violations. The Leader of Opposition in Delhi Assembly Vijender Gupta met the EC officials and demanded strict action against the AAP leaders including "gagging" them for the alleged violations. "We have lodged complaints with the EC and the Chief Electoral Officer (Delhi) against the AAP leaders with evidence. But no action has been taken which hints unexpected favour to the AAP by the EC," Gupta said after the meeting. Unless urgent and immediate action is taken, the complaints will become futile. Delay in deciding the complaints or representation will only result in denial of our right to remedies, he said. "The Honourable Election Commission of India has a Constitutional obligation to ensure free and fair elections. It has a duty to take action against violators of poll rules and regulations for conducting the elections in a free and fair manner", it said. The BJP leaders have lodged several complaints of violations of model code of conduct (MCC) against the AAP, relating to alleged misuse of public funds for appeasement politics, paid news, spreading lies against BJP candidate Hans Raj Hans, asking voters to take money from BJP and Congress but vote for the AAP. The fresh complaint filed by Gupta charged that despite various complaints and multiple representations, no concrete, tangible and substantial actions have been taken by the EC. In a democratic set up like India, the Election Commission is entrusted with the obligation not only to sustain the democratic consciousness amongst the voters but also to strengthen it further by taking necessary actions on MCC violations, Gupta added.

Model Code of Conduct violations: BJP lodges protest with Election Commission over 'delay' in action against AAP leaders

Predicting that no single party will get a majority in Election 2019, Congress leader<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/lok-sabha-polls-2019-priyankas-roadshows-rahuls-rallies-to-heat-up-campaigning-in-delhi-215439&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwju2q7u14viAhVHgI8KHYfPB904ChAWMAR6BAgSEAI&amp;usg=AOvVaw0PSfORO0ToOzb3spmgcxqI"> Jyotiraditya Scindia</a> says his party will forge a strong alliance of like-minded entities to create a "UPA plus plus" government at the Centre and end five years of "injustice".

The days of coalition governments are here to stay, the Congress general secretary, who is seeking a fresh mandate from the electorate of Madhya Pradesh's Guna-Shivpuri seat for a fifth term, said in an interview.&nbsp;

Asked about the <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/robert-mueller-should-not-testify-before-us-congress-trump-216223&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwja3Zr514viAhWMLI8KHQ3ADGQQFjABegQIAhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw38bQ8rklnW815WQBl03O7R">Congress' </a>chances after five rounds of the seven-phase elections, Scindia said he never quantifies the number of seats but can see that the mood of the people is against the present BJP dispensation.

"My assessment is the Congress party, the UPA government will form the government at the Centre and I am very confident of our performance as a coalition," he said.&nbsp; 
"I think the people of India are waiting for the moment to respond to the injustice that has been meted out to them by the Narendra Modi government over the last five years," Scindia said during his election campaign in the region.

It goes without saying that no single party, be it the BJP or the Congress or any other party, is going to get an absolute majority, he said. "It will be a coalition government at the Centre as it is now or has been for the past 25-30 years in the country," the 48-year-old said.&nbsp;"That being said, I firmly believe the UPA will be able to stitch together a very strong coalition government," he added.&nbsp;

Asserting that he is not an astrologer, he said he predicted that the Congress and its allies will put together a "very strong performance". "We look forward to putting together a strong coalition government with like-minded parties which will be the UPA or UPA plus plus," he said.&nbsp;The United Progressive Alliance, formed after the 2004 polls and led by the Congress, ruled the country for 10 years with Manmohan Singh as the prime minister and Sonia Gandhi as its chairperson.&nbsp;

BJP'S NATIONALISM CAMPAIGN

The son of the late Congress stalwart Madhavrao Scindia said the Bharatiya Janata Party was harping on subjects related to nationalism as it had nothing to say on development issues.

"That's very understandable. Because we have always come on the plank of economic growth, development and progress. We have come on the plank of alleviation of poverty. "The BJP has nothing to talk about in its last five years of governance. The last time they were in government, they talked about India Shining. And India was shining only for the BJP but not for the rest of the country," he said.

This time, Scindia added, they came up with the slogan 'ache din' which applied only to a sub-section of a limited coterie of the BJP.&nbsp;"If you ask the common worker of the BJP or even its MPs, not even their 'ache din' have arrived," the former Union minister said. He recalled the mathematical concept of LCM (least common multiple) to say, "The LCM for the BJP is Hindutva and phoney rashtravad (nationalism)," he said.

NYAY&nbsp;

The Congress leader, who holds sway in the Gwalior-Chambal belt of Madhya Pradesh, said he didn't agree that the party's minimum income scheme (NYAY) promise to provide Rs 72,000 per annum to about five crore poor households has not clicked with the masses.

"The judgement will come on (counting day) May 23. So, let's wait. I am very confident the people of India have understood the concept of NYAY. It is not a very difficult concept," he said.

RAHUL GANDHI AS PM&nbsp;

An important member of<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/rahul-gandhis-act-of-trashing-ordinance-was-height-of-arrogance-sushma-swaraj-216965&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjMm_2M2IviAhXMQo8KHYuzDtIQFjAHegQIBhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw3-opH-JPQXb5gf2AY2GWpl"> Rahul Gandhi's</a> core committee, Scindia said the Congress president is the obvious PM choice for them but a final decision will be taken by the UPA's constituents. "We are not like the BJP which believes one man, one way or the highway. We believe in working together and taking everyone along," he said. 
"The Congress party is one constituent of the UPA and as far as Congress party is concerned, our voice is very clear that it should be Rahul Gandhi but it will be a collective decision," he said.

Why are these elections important for the Congress?

"It is because of two reasons. One is that we want to save the country from this dictatorial and authoritarian rule that is smashing our Constitution and two, to be able to give a vision for India, for the farmers, for our youth in terms of employment to take our country forward.

"The Congress took the country forward in 10 years of the UPA by delivering a 7.8 per cent compounded annual growth rate of over a decade which is a stupendous achievement that lifted about 25 million people out of poverty. This government has just taken us 20 years back," he said.

So, it's a twin purpose -- it is to salvage our democracy and Constitution and freedom of liberty and rights and to take the country forward, he added.

PM'S COMMENTS ON RAJIV GANDHI&nbsp;

Modi's recent comment on the late prime minister Rajiv Gandhi, calling him "corrupt no 1", was distasteful and sad, Scindia said.&nbsp;"It is very hurtful to see that the person occupying the highest chair of this country talking about another person who occupied that same very chair and who is no longer in this world and cast slurs on that person. It does not behove someone who occupies that chair and sad to see that this is the level of politics that Mr Modi has come down to," he said.&nbsp;

Predicting that no single party will get a majority in Election 2019, Congress leader Jyotiraditya Scindia says his party will forge a strong alliance of like-minded entities to create a "UPA plus plus" government at the Centre and end five years of "injustice".

Predicting that no single party will get a majority in Election 2019, Congress leader Jyotiraditya Scindia says his party will forge a strong alliance of like-minded entities to create a "UPA plus plus" government at the Centre and end five years of "injustice". The days of coalition governments are here to stay, the Congress general secretary, who is seeking a fresh mandate from the electorate of Madhya Pradesh's Guna-Shivpuri seat for a fifth term, said in an interview. Asked about the Congress' chances after five rounds of the seven-phase elections, Scindia said he never quantifies the number of seats but can see that the mood of the people is against the present BJP dispensation. "My assessment is the Congress party, the UPA government will form the government at the Centre and I am very confident of our performance as a coalition," he said. "I think the people of India are waiting for the moment to respond to the injustice that has been meted out to them by the Narendra Modi government over the last five years," Scindia said during his election campaign in the region. It goes without saying that no single party, be it the BJP or the Congress or any other party, is going to get an absolute majority, he said. "It will be a coalition government at the Centre as it is now or has been for the past 25-30 years in the country," the 48-year-old said. "That being said, I firmly believe the UPA will be able to stitch together a very strong coalition government," he added. Asserting that he is not an astrologer, he said he predicted that the Congress and its allies will put together a "very strong performance". "We look forward to putting together a strong coalition government with like-minded parties which will be the UPA or UPA plus plus," he said. The United Progressive Alliance, formed after the 2004 polls and led by the Congress, ruled the country for 10 years with Manmohan Singh as the prime minister and Sonia Gandhi as its chairperson. BJP'S NATIONALISM CAMPAIGN The son of the late Congress stalwart Madhavrao Scindia said the Bharatiya Janata Party was harping on subjects related to nationalism as it had nothing to say on development issues. "That's very understandable. Because we have always come on the plank of economic growth, development and progress. We have come on the plank of alleviation of poverty. "The BJP has nothing to talk about in its last five years of governance. The last time they were in government, they talked about India Shining. And India was shining only for the BJP but not for the rest of the country," he said. This time, Scindia added, they came up with the slogan 'ache din' which applied only to a sub-section of a limited coterie of the BJP. "If you ask the common worker of the BJP or even its MPs, not even their 'ache din' have arrived," the former Union minister said. He recalled the mathematical concept of LCM (least common multiple) to say, "The LCM for the BJP is Hindutva and phoney rashtravad (nationalism)," he said. NYAY The Congress leader, who holds sway in the Gwalior-Chambal belt of Madhya Pradesh, said he didn't agree that the party's minimum income scheme (NYAY) promise to provide Rs 72,000 per annum to about five crore poor households has not clicked with the masses. "The judgement will come on (counting day) May 23. So, let's wait. I am very confident the people of India have understood the concept of NYAY. It is not a very difficult concept," he said. RAHUL GANDHI AS PM An important member of Rahul Gandhi's core committee, Scindia said the Congress president is the obvious PM choice for them but a final decision will be taken by the UPA's constituents. "We are not like the BJP which believes one man, one way or the highway. We believe in working together and taking everyone along," he said. "The Congress party is one constituent of the UPA and as far as Congress party is concerned, our voice is very clear that it should be Rahul Gandhi but it will be a collective decision," he said. Why are these elections important for the Congress? "It is because of two reasons. One is that we want to save the country from this dictatorial and authoritarian rule that is smashing our Constitution and two, to be able to give a vision for India, for the farmers, for our youth in terms of employment to take our country forward. "The Congress took the country forward in 10 years of the UPA by delivering a 7.8 per cent compounded annual growth rate of over a decade which is a stupendous achievement that lifted about 25 million people out of poverty. This government has just taken us 20 years back," he said. So, it's a twin purpose -- it is to salvage our democracy and Constitution and freedom of liberty and rights and to take the country forward, he added. PM'S COMMENTS ON RAJIV GANDHI Modi's recent comment on the late prime minister Rajiv Gandhi, calling him "corrupt no 1", was distasteful and sad, Scindia said. "It is very hurtful to see that the person occupying the highest chair of this country talking about another person who occupied that same very chair and who is no longer in this world and cast slurs on that person. It does not behove someone who occupies that chair and sad to see that this is the level of politics that Mr Modi has come down to," he said.

No party will get majority, Congress will forge alliance for 'UPA plus plus' govt: Jyotiraditya Scindia

BJP general secretary <a href="http://13.232.42.114/india-news/digvijaya-singh-needed-proper-challenger-bjps-ram-madhav-on-pragya-thakur-211565">Ram Madhav</a> on Tuesday mocked attempts by Telangana Chief Minister <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/kcr-and-kerala-cm-pinarayi-vijayan-to-meet-in-trivandrum-today-discuss-contemporary-politics-216232&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiN64nRwYniAhWS7nMBHbHGBxkQFjAHegQIABAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1dy2-_vRLDWLl2Y0aB4Qtd">K Chandrasekhara Rao</a> for a possible post-poll role of a kingmaker saying 'BJP has got the king and won't be requiring a kingmaker'.&nbsp;

"I know KCR has an ambition of becoming the kingmaker. This is what his party workers and his son tell the people of Telangana. I want to tell him we already have a king with us and we don`t need kingmakers," he told ANI in an interview.

His statement came hours after Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan asserted that his meeting with Rao on Monday was highly significant as regional parties will play a major role in the formation of a government after the Lok Sabha elections. Madhav claimed that BJP would get a comfortable majority in the elections.

"Based on ground reports that we get from our caders, we are confident BJP will be able to do as good as 2014 if not better. With the help of NDA, we will have good seats to run another a stable government."On our own, we are confident of securing the required numbers, maybe more than what we have in the ongoing parliament.

We already have a pre-poll alliance with more than two dozen parties. Together the NDA alliance will have absolute comfortable majorities," added Madhav.On the controversy over the remarks made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi against late Rajiv Gandhi, Madhav said, "Everybody should ask Congress whether they have moral right to ask questions to other leaders. The kind of language they use for the current Prime Minister, they have to answer the people. When we talk about Congress party then we have to talk from corruption scandals right from 1950s` jeep scandal to Bofors, which is a black spot on Congress`s history. We talk all this for Congress history."

Last week, the Prime Minister, while addressing a rally in Uttar Pradesh, had said, "Your (Rahul Gandhi) father (Rajiv Gandhi) was termed `Mr Clean` by his courtiers, but his life ended as `Bhrashtachari No 1." Madhav also asserted that talking about past leaders during election campaigns is not a new thing."We talk about leaders who are there and aren`t there anymore. When we talk about Emergency we talk about Indira Gandhi. So we talk about ex-leaders. It is natural we have to talk about leaders when we talk about the history of partisan governments," said Madhav.

He also criticised West Bengal Chief Minister Mamta Banerjee for making statements against Modi and said, "For Mamata Banerjee everything is politics. There is no civility in her. In her state, there is "jungle raaj" and dictatorship. There is extreme violence so much so that Election Commission has to deploy central forces in almost 100 per cent polling booths to ensure smooth elections. People of West Bengal will teach Mamata Banerjee a lesson in these elections."

On Monday, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had said that she doesn`t consider Narendra Modi as a prime minister, adding that she will speak to the "next prime minister" of the country. Madhav also lambasted Banerjee on her alleged refusal to speak to Prime Minister in the wake of severe cyclonic storm Fan. "The CM of West Bengal was so rude to PM that she didn`t take the call of Prime Minister or returned it. He is prime minister of 130 Crore people which includes Bengali people. Prime Minister wanted to help people of Bengal and wanted to go to the state but the chief minister had said that he is not welcome. This is very unfortunate."

Prime Minister Modi, who flew down to Bhubaneswar on Monday to visit the areas hit by Fani and take stock of the situation, wanted to do the same for West Bengal. The state government, however, refused to hold the review meeting stating that officials were busy with elections.On opposition`s apprehensions about the Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), Madhav said, "When they win, EVMs are fine. Chandra Babu Naidu has himself fought and won many elections using these same EVM`s. Supreme Court has taken the right decision by dismissing their petition."

The Supreme Court on Tuesday rejected a review plea filed by 21 Opposition parties seeking a direction to increase Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) verification from five to at least 50 per cent of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) during the counting of votes at the end of the ongoing elections. On Shashi Tharoor`s tweet about Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan, Madhav said, "Sashi Tharoor`s love for neighbours and hate for our own leaders is very well known. He uses choicest abuses for our leaders and he has a great love for people across the border. He has to think of what he is doing. People know what kind of politics theses congress leader practice."

On Tuesday, Tharoor had praised Imran Khan recalling Tipu Sultan on his death anniversary."One thing I personally know about Imran Khan is that his interest in the shared history of the Indian subcontinent is genuine and far-reaching. He reads; he cares. It is disappointing, though, that it took a Pakistani leader to remember a great Indian hero on his punyathithi", said Tharoor in a tweet.

BJP general secretary Ram Madhav on Tuesday mocked attempts by Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhara Rao for a possible post-poll role of a kingmaker saying 'BJP has got the king and won't be requiring a kingmaker'.

BJP general secretary Ram Madhav on Tuesday mocked attempts by Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhara Rao for a possible post-poll role of a kingmaker saying 'BJP has got the king and won't be requiring a kingmaker'. "I know KCR has an ambition of becoming the kingmaker. This is what his party workers and his son tell the people of Telangana. I want to tell him we already have a king with us and we don`t need kingmakers," he told ANI in an interview. His statement came hours after Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan asserted that his meeting with Rao on Monday was highly significant as regional parties will play a major role in the formation of a government after the Lok Sabha elections. Madhav claimed that BJP would get a comfortable majority in the elections. "Based on ground reports that we get from our caders, we are confident BJP will be able to do as good as 2014 if not better. With the help of NDA, we will have good seats to run another a stable government."On our own, we are confident of securing the required numbers, maybe more than what we have in the ongoing parliament. We already have a pre-poll alliance with more than two dozen parties. Together the NDA alliance will have absolute comfortable majorities," added Madhav.On the controversy over the remarks made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi against late Rajiv Gandhi, Madhav said, "Everybody should ask Congress whether they have moral right to ask questions to other leaders. The kind of language they use for the current Prime Minister, they have to answer the people. When we talk about Congress party then we have to talk from corruption scandals right from 1950s` jeep scandal to Bofors, which is a black spot on Congress`s history. We talk all this for Congress history." Last week, the Prime Minister, while addressing a rally in Uttar Pradesh, had said, "Your (Rahul Gandhi) father (Rajiv Gandhi) was termed `Mr Clean` by his courtiers, but his life ended as `Bhrashtachari No 1." Madhav also asserted that talking about past leaders during election campaigns is not a new thing."We talk about leaders who are there and aren`t there anymore. When we talk about Emergency we talk about Indira Gandhi. So we talk about ex-leaders. It is natural we have to talk about leaders when we talk about the history of partisan governments," said Madhav. He also criticised West Bengal Chief Minister Mamta Banerjee for making statements against Modi and said, "For Mamata Banerjee everything is politics. There is no civility in her. In her state, there is "jungle raaj" and dictatorship. There is extreme violence so much so that Election Commission has to deploy central forces in almost 100 per cent polling booths to ensure smooth elections. People of West Bengal will teach Mamata Banerjee a lesson in these elections." On Monday, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had said that she doesn`t consider Narendra Modi as a prime minister, adding that she will speak to the "next prime minister" of the country. Madhav also lambasted Banerjee on her alleged refusal to speak to Prime Minister in the wake of severe cyclonic storm Fan. "The CM of West Bengal was so rude to PM that she didn`t take the call of Prime Minister or returned it. He is prime minister of 130 Crore people which includes Bengali people. Prime Minister wanted to help people of Bengal and wanted to go to the state but the chief minister had said that he is not welcome. This is very unfortunate." Prime Minister Modi, who flew down to Bhubaneswar on Monday to visit the areas hit by Fani and take stock of the situation, wanted to do the same for West Bengal. The state government, however, refused to hold the review meeting stating that officials were busy with elections.On opposition`s apprehensions about the Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), Madhav said, "When they win, EVMs are fine. Chandra Babu Naidu has himself fought and won many elections using these same EVM`s. Supreme Court has taken the right decision by dismissing their petition." The Supreme Court on Tuesday rejected a review plea filed by 21 Opposition parties seeking a direction to increase Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) verification from five to at least 50 per cent of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) during the counting of votes at the end of the ongoing elections. On Shashi Tharoor`s tweet about Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan, Madhav said, "Sashi Tharoor`s love for neighbours and hate for our own leaders is very well known. He uses choicest abuses for our leaders and he has a great love for people across the border. He has to think of what he is doing. People know what kind of politics theses congress leader practice." On Tuesday, Tharoor had praised Imran Khan recalling Tipu Sultan on his death anniversary."One thing I personally know about Imran Khan is that his interest in the shared history of the Indian subcontinent is genuine and far-reaching. He reads; he cares. It is disappointing, though, that it took a Pakistani leader to remember a great Indian hero on his punyathithi", said Tharoor in a tweet.

‘We don’t need any kingmaker, have the king,’ says Ram Madhav

CPI(M) general secretary <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/fir-registered-against-cpm-general-secretary-sitaram-yechury-215984&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjFkNWzu4niAhWz8XMBHWhXAP0QFjAAegQIABAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1flZBxL08aZh5n1xWWH9yC">Sitaram Yechury </a>Tuesday attacked the BJP government, alleging that the country's economy and security have been run into the ground in the last five years.&nbsp;

In a series of tweets, he listed the "failures" of the government since 2014 and said <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/modi-dares-mamata-to-arrest-him-for-chanting-jai-shri-ram-216402&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjsy7yXvIniAhUE63MBHak3Br8QFjABegQIEBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0Q-2LNlSWcBnFlMDYPDtPr">Prime Minister Narendra Modi</a> cannot escape the pitfalls. "The plot and more has been lost under the Modi govt. Jobs and Spending down, benefitting no one, except the cronies who have been taken care of. At least Rs 5.5 lakh crore of public loans waived off for them since 2014."

"A litany of failures, which Modi can't escape: Modi govt has run the Economy into the ground. Terror attacks in J&amp;K were up 176% even though the harebrained Notebandi was to cut off terror funding. Truce violations by Pakistan increased 100% since 2014," Yechury tweeted.

On Monday, a war of words broke out between Modi and Yechury after the prime minister hit out at the Left leader for his alleged "derogatory" remarks against two great Hindu epics.&nbsp;Yechury had retaliated by alleging that Modi had "distorted" what he had said.

CPI(M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury Tuesday attacked the BJP government, alleging that the country's economy and security have been run into the ground in the last five years.

CPI(M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury Tuesday attacked the BJP government, alleging that the country's economy and security have been run into the ground in the last five years. In a series of tweets, he listed the "failures" of the government since 2014 and said Prime Minister Narendra Modi cannot escape the pitfalls. "The plot and more has been lost under the Modi govt. Jobs and Spending down, benefitting no one, except the cronies who have been taken care of. At least Rs 5.5 lakh crore of public loans waived off for them since 2014." "A litany of failures, which Modi can't escape: Modi govt has run the Economy into the ground. Terror attacks in J&K were up 176% even though the harebrained Notebandi was to cut off terror funding. Truce violations by Pakistan increased 100% since 2014," Yechury tweeted. On Monday, a war of words broke out between Modi and Yechury after the prime minister hit out at the Left leader for his alleged "derogatory" remarks against two great Hindu epics. Yechury had retaliated by alleging that Modi had "distorted" what he had said.

Narendra Modi government has run economy, security into the ground: Sitaram Yechury

A<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/special-vote-underway-in-south-africa-ahead-of-general-election-216626&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiz9OifsYniAhUC5o8KHQOXBY0QFjABegQIDhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0UUgbXsQIUIB2qe9h2r2-C"> polling officer </a>died while 24 others, including security personnel, were injured when their vehicle overturned in the district, officials said Tuesday.

The accident took place when they were on way to deposit EVM machines after polling on Monday.

The deceased has been identified as Om Prakash (40) assistant district information officer SD Yadav said.

A polling officer died while 24 others, including security personnel, were injured when their vehicle overturned in the district, officials said Tuesday. The accident took place when they were on way to deposit EVM machines after polling on Monday.

A polling officer died while 24 others, including security personnel, were injured when their vehicle overturned in the district, officials said Tuesday. The accident took place when they were on way to deposit EVM machines after polling on Monday. The deceased has been identified as Om Prakash (40) assistant district information officer SD Yadav said.

Polling officer dies, 24 injured as vehicle overturns in Amethi

BJP president Amit Shah Tuesday alleged that West Bengal <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/pm-modi-could-not-talk-to-mamata-over-cyclone-as-his-calls-were-not-returned-official-216063&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjwuvfrs4niAhUR148KHdBmDIEQFjACegQIEBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw12ROzDIs4EIgRlnxFChs_6">Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee</a> is not allowing people to chant 'Jai Shri Ram' in the state, and wondered if the Lord's name cannot be taken in India, will it be uttered in Pakistan.

Speaking at an election rally here, he said that polls in<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/alert-in-west-bengal-as-cyclone-fani-advances-215108&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjOoq3-s4niAhWA8HMBHRtJBHoQFjABegQIDxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1q2Vsp51QCBF_GpHmOugm4"> West Bengal</a> are for restoring democracy in the state, where the BJP will win "more than 23 seats" out of the total 42 Lok Sabha seats.

"Lord Ram is a part of the culture of India... Can anybody stop people from taking his name? I want to ask Mamata didi, if Shri Ram's name is not taken in India, will it be chanted in Pakistan?" Shah said.

A video had appeared in the social media that showed Banerjee stopping her car at a place in West Midnapore district on Saturday, and chasing some persons who chanted 'Jai Shri Ram' as her carcade was crossing the area.

"The Narendra Modi government has given Rs 4,24,800 crore to West Bengal in its five-year tenure, but it has not reached the people, and, instead, gone to the syndicates," Shah claimed.

He said the UPA-II government under the then prime minister Manmohan Singh had granted only around Rs 1,32,000 crore to the state. At another election meeting at Keshiari in Paschim Medinipur district, Shah said, "What wrong has PM Narendra Modi done by saying that the Bofors scam happened during Rajiv Gandhi's tenure."

The BJP president was referring to Modi's recent remarks at a rally in Uttar Pradesh, where he said that Rajiv Gandhi's life ended as "bhrashtachari no. 1" (corrupt no. 1 ). 
"Rahul baba says his father has been insulted. Is it an insult to be reminded of what had happened?" he said.

Shah also asked Rahul Gandhi whether or not the Bofors scandal, the Bhopal gas tragedy, the blunder of sending a peacekeeping force to Sri Lanka or the massacre of Kashmiri pandits happen during his father's tenure as prime minister from 1984 to 1989.

He claimed that the Congress and its partners in the 'Mahagathbandhan' have abused Modi on "51 different occasions". The BJP chief reiterated his party's resolve to implement the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in West Bengal to flush out illegal migrants from Bangladesh.

BJP president Amit Shah Tuesday alleged that West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is not allowing people to chant 'Jai Shri Ram' in the state, and wondered if the Lord's name cannot be taken in India, will it be uttered in Pakistan.

BJP president Amit Shah Tuesday alleged that West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is not allowing people to chant 'Jai Shri Ram' in the state, and wondered if the Lord's name cannot be taken in India, will it be uttered in Pakistan. Speaking at an election rally here, he said that polls in West Bengal are for restoring democracy in the state, where the BJP will win "more than 23 seats" out of the total 42 Lok Sabha seats. "Lord Ram is a part of the culture of India... Can anybody stop people from taking his name? I want to ask Mamata didi, if Shri Ram's name is not taken in India, will it be chanted in Pakistan?" Shah said. A video had appeared in the social media that showed Banerjee stopping her car at a place in West Midnapore district on Saturday, and chasing some persons who chanted 'Jai Shri Ram' as her carcade was crossing the area. "The Narendra Modi government has given Rs 4,24,800 crore to West Bengal in its five-year tenure, but it has not reached the people, and, instead, gone to the syndicates," Shah claimed. He said the UPA-II government under the then prime minister Manmohan Singh had granted only around Rs 1,32,000 crore to the state. At another election meeting at Keshiari in Paschim Medinipur district, Shah said, "What wrong has PM Narendra Modi done by saying that the Bofors scam happened during Rajiv Gandhi's tenure." The BJP president was referring to Modi's recent remarks at a rally in Uttar Pradesh, where he said that Rajiv Gandhi's life ended as "bhrashtachari no. 1" (corrupt no. 1 ). "Rahul baba says his father has been insulted. Is it an insult to be reminded of what had happened?" he said. Shah also asked Rahul Gandhi whether or not the Bofors scandal, the Bhopal gas tragedy, the blunder of sending a peacekeeping force to Sri Lanka or the massacre of Kashmiri pandits happen during his father's tenure as prime minister from 1984 to 1989. He claimed that the Congress and its partners in the 'Mahagathbandhan' have abused Modi on "51 different occasions". The BJP chief reiterated his party's resolve to implement the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in West Bengal to flush out illegal migrants from Bangladesh.

Will Lord Ram's name be taken in Pakistan, if not in India: Amit Shah

&nbsp;A <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/burqa-ban-not-demand-of-shiv-sena-or-uddhav-says-raut-216131&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiAgN3dt4niAhUjmeYKHdALCeAQFjAAegQIARAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw320ezS-vXPDkNYpGvuCW0s">Shiv Sena leader</a> has echoed BJP general secretary Ram Madhav's statement that the latter's party may fall short of an absolute majority in the Lok Sabha, prompting it to depend on allies to form the next government.

Senior Sena leader Sanjay Raut said that it looks a "bit difficult" for the BJP to reach the 280-seat mark as it did in the 2014 polls. "What Ram Madhav says is right. The NDA will form the next government. The BJP will be the single largest party. As of now, it looks a bit difficult for the BJP to reach the 280- 282 figure on its own but our NDA "parivar" (family) will cross the majority mark," Raut told a TV channel.

Raut told PTI Tuesday that the Sena would be happy if Narendra Modi becomes the prime minister again. Raut said, "I welcome Ram Madhav's statement and the Shiv Sena would be a part of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA). We would be happy if Modi becomes the prime minister again."

The Uddhav Thackeray-led party has 18 members in the outgoing Lok Sabha and is a major ally of the BJP. It is also a part of the BJP-led government in Maharashtra.

Ram Madhav said in a media interview last week that the BJP will require the support of allies to form the next government after the Lok Sabha polls. "If we get 271 seats on our own, we will be very happy," Madhav had said. "With NDA we will have a comfortable majority," he added.

A Shiv Sena leader has echoed BJP general secretary Ram Madhav's statement that the latter's party may fall short of an absolute majority in the Lok Sabha, prompting it to depend on allies to form the next government.

A Shiv Sena leader has echoed BJP general secretary Ram Madhav's statement that the latter's party may fall short of an absolute majority in the Lok Sabha, prompting it to depend on allies to form the next government. Senior Sena leader Sanjay Raut said that it looks a "bit difficult" for the BJP to reach the 280-seat mark as it did in the 2014 polls. "What Ram Madhav says is right. The NDA will form the next government. The BJP will be the single largest party. As of now, it looks a bit difficult for the BJP to reach the 280- 282 figure on its own but our NDA "parivar" (family) will cross the majority mark," Raut told a TV channel. Raut told PTI Tuesday that the Sena would be happy if Narendra Modi becomes the prime minister again. Raut said, "I welcome Ram Madhav's statement and the Shiv Sena would be a part of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA). We would be happy if Modi becomes the prime minister again." The Uddhav Thackeray-led party has 18 members in the outgoing Lok Sabha and is a major ally of the BJP. It is also a part of the BJP-led government in Maharashtra. Ram Madhav said in a media interview last week that the BJP will require the support of allies to form the next government after the Lok Sabha polls. "If we get 271 seats on our own, we will be very happy," Madhav had said. "With NDA we will have a comfortable majority," he added.

Looks difficult for Bharatiya Janata Party to reach 280-mark: Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut

Replying to a notice sent by the Delhi poll panel, <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/delhi-police-man-who-attacked-cm-was-aap-supporter-215994&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwj1tZWDroniAhUKv48KHYRPCpwQFjADegQIEBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw29cbuLXYBrL1QFL677SR4U">Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia</a> Tuesday said he had no hesitation in accepting that he was trying to convince people to vote for education and health instead of Mandir-Masjid (politics of religion).

Sisodia was issued a notice by the Delhi chief electoral officer following a complaint by the BJP which alleged that the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) used public funds for issuing letters seeking votes by highlighting achievements of the government.

"However, as far as the complaint of <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/mahagatbandhan-isnt-a-challenge-for-bharatiya-janata-party-rajnath-singh-216271&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjh9YidroniAhVYiHAKHUQCBroQFjAAegQIABAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2oyzYhtb8wlIKl0MWhvqeu">Bharatiya Janata Party</a>&nbsp;leader is concerned, I would like to say that this is nothing but the expression of their frustration. The letters have been written by me to individuals in my personal capacity. No public fund has been used in sending the letters," he said in his reply.

The minister also urged the BJP not to indulge in "petty politics" and try to seek votes on the basis of work "if they have done any". 
He said the Election Commission should "also encourage political parties to seek votes on the issues like education, health, water, electricity, jobs, etc, and discourage parties who are seeking votes in the name of hate".

Citing that the pass percentage of Delhi government schools in class 12 has increased and crossed 94 per cent, which is a record in the history of national capital, Sisodia said not only education but the infrastructure of schools and several other things have undergone a drastic change.

"It's a matter of pride for me to be the Education Minister of Delhi and I have no hesitation to accept that I am trying to convince people of Delhi to vote on the issues of education, health, etc. Instead of issues of Mandir-Masjid and other fictitious issues being raised by BJP and its leader Sh. Narender Modiji," he said in the reply.

Replying to a notice sent by the Delhi poll panel, Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia Tuesday said he had no hesitation in accepting that he was trying to convince people to vote for education and health instead of Mandir-Masjid (politics of religion).

Replying to a notice sent by the Delhi poll panel, Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia Tuesday said he had no hesitation in accepting that he was trying to convince people to vote for education and health instead of Mandir-Masjid (politics of religion). Sisodia was issued a notice by the Delhi chief electoral officer following a complaint by the BJP which alleged that the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) used public funds for issuing letters seeking votes by highlighting achievements of the government. "However, as far as the complaint of Bharatiya Janata Party leader is concerned, I would like to say that this is nothing but the expression of their frustration. The letters have been written by me to individuals in my personal capacity. No public fund has been used in sending the letters," he said in his reply. The minister also urged the BJP not to indulge in "petty politics" and try to seek votes on the basis of work "if they have done any". He said the Election Commission should "also encourage political parties to seek votes on the issues like education, health, water, electricity, jobs, etc, and discourage parties who are seeking votes in the name of hate". Citing that the pass percentage of Delhi government schools in class 12 has increased and crossed 94 per cent, which is a record in the history of national capital, Sisodia said not only education but the infrastructure of schools and several other things have undergone a drastic change. "It's a matter of pride for me to be the Education Minister of Delhi and I have no hesitation to accept that I am trying to convince people of Delhi to vote on the issues of education, health, etc. Instead of issues of Mandir-Masjid and other fictitious issues being raised by BJP and its leader Sh. Narender Modiji," he said in the reply.

Trying to convince people to vote for education, health instead of religion: Sisodia

The NCP on Tuesday alleged that the<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/election-commission-issues-notice-to-pragya-singh-thakur-over-campaigning-despite-72-hour-ban-216032&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiC1d6Oo4niAhWb7HMBHX6aDw8QFjABegQIEBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2iwEufGpNsWKONzAvHyCKz"> Election Commission</a> (EC) is "swayed" by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

NCP national spokesperson<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/if-not-for-lok-sabha-ncp-may-have-tie-up-with-mns-for-state-polls-215441&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwit3o7-ooniAhWv8HMBHRzCB6AQFjAAegQIAhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw22bjuVOekr85AwscxiJl1M"> Nawab Malik</a> made the comment after the Supreme Court dismissed the plea of 21 opposition parties seeking a review of its April 8 order directing the EC to increase random matching of VVPAT slips with EVMs to five polling booths per Assembly segment.

Malik alleged that the EC did not find a way out despite there being a possibility of votes polled through the electronic voting machines (EVMs) and the voter-verified paper audit trail (VVPAT) slips not tallying.

The NCP leader also expressed the possibility of rigging on the day poll results would be announced (May 23) due to the same reason.

"The NCP is trying to ensure people repose faith in the democracy. But the Election Commission is being swayed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi," Malik said.

The NCP on Tuesday alleged that the Election Commission (EC) is "swayed" by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. NCP national spokesperson Nawab Malik made the comment after the Supreme Court dismissed the plea of 21 opposition parties seeking a review of its April 8 order directing the EC to increase random matching of VVPAT slips with EVMs to five polling booths per Assembly segment.

The NCP on Tuesday alleged that the Election Commission (EC) is "swayed" by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. NCP national spokesperson Nawab Malik made the comment after the Supreme Court dismissed the plea of 21 opposition parties seeking a review of its April 8 order directing the EC to increase random matching of VVPAT slips with EVMs to five polling booths per Assembly segment. Malik alleged that the EC did not find a way out despite there being a possibility of votes polled through the electronic voting machines (EVMs) and the voter-verified paper audit trail (VVPAT) slips not tallying. The NCP leader also expressed the possibility of rigging on the day poll results would be announced (May 23) due to the same reason. "The NCP is trying to ensure people repose faith in the democracy. But the Election Commission is being swayed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi," Malik said.

Election commission  'swayed' by PM Modi, alleges National Congress Party