The BJP is likely to revive its "Operation Kamala" to topple the Congress-JD(S) government in Karnataka after the ongoing general election, but it will not succeed in its effort, Coalition Coordination Committee chairman Siddaramaiah has said.

There is no "threat" to the Congress-Janata Dal (Secular) government, which is "very much stable" and functioning smoothly without hiccups, he told PTI on Monday.

The Congress Legislature Party (CLP) leader further said "Operation Kamala 2.0" will not succeed as the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is unlikely to return to power at the Centre.

"Operation Kamala" (Operation Lotus) refers to the successful attempt of the BJP to engineer the defection of opposition legislators to ensure the stability of the BS Yeddyurappa government in Karnataka in 2008. It is widely believed that the saffron party is attempting "Operation Kamala 2.0" to form the government in the southern state by trying to lure the legislators of the ruling coalition.

The BJP had tried to engineer defections soon after the May 2018 Assembly polls when it emerged as the single-largest party with 104 seats but fell short of a majority. However, the Congress-JD(S) coalition was on guard.

"They may try Operation Kamala again and I do not think they will succeed," Siddaramaiah told PTI in an exclusive interview.

He was responding to a query on the possibility of the BJP, if it returns to power at the Centre, reviving its "poach-all" operation to stake claim to form the government in Karnataka.

"The BJP cannot come to power at the Centre as it will not win a good number of seats in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. In the 2014 (Lok Sabha) election, it had won 102 of the 120 seats in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. Is it possible to win the same number of seats again? How can you say the BJP will come to power?," the former Karnataka chief minister said, adding that the saffron party may not get 50 per cent of the seats it had bagged in these two states five years ago.

"In Gujarat, the BJP had won all the 26 seats and do you think it is possible this time? Where is the Modi wave? Why is the Modi wave created? I want to know what factors are contributing to the Modi wave," he said.

Dismissing reports of any threat to the Congress-JD(S) coalition government in Karnataka, he said, "We do not have any fear. It is the BJP which is saying the government is not stable. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is also saying it."

The Congress-JD(S) coalition has 117 MLAs, whereas the BJP has 104. The saffron party will have to get at least 13 legislators from the ruling alliance to resign from the Assembly in order to bring down the strength of the House, allowing it to stake claim to form the government in the southern state.

The defecting MLAs cannot join the BJP straightaway as in that case, they will attract disqualification under the anti-defection law.

Karnataka goes to the polls in the second and third phases on April 18 and 23.

The BJP is likely to revive its "Operation Kamala" to topple the Congress-JD(S) government in Karnataka after the ongoing general election, but it will not succeed in its effort, Coalition Coordination Committee chairman Siddaramaiah has said.

The BJP is likely to revive its "Operation Kamala" to topple the Congress-JD(S) government in Karnataka after the ongoing general election, but it will not succeed in its effort, Coalition Coordination Committee chairman Siddaramaiah has said. There is no "threat" to the Congress-Janata Dal (Secular) government, which is "very much stable" and functioning smoothly without hiccups, he told PTI on Monday. The Congress Legislature Party (CLP) leader further said "Operation Kamala 2.0" will not succeed as the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is unlikely to return to power at the Centre. "Operation Kamala" (Operation Lotus) refers to the successful attempt of the BJP to engineer the defection of opposition legislators to ensure the stability of the BS Yeddyurappa government in Karnataka in 2008. It is widely believed that the saffron party is attempting "Operation Kamala 2.0" to form the government in the southern state by trying to lure the legislators of the ruling coalition. The BJP had tried to engineer defections soon after the May 2018 Assembly polls when it emerged as the single-largest party with 104 seats but fell short of a majority. However, the Congress-JD(S) coalition was on guard. "They may try Operation Kamala again and I do not think they will succeed," Siddaramaiah told PTI in an exclusive interview. He was responding to a query on the possibility of the BJP, if it returns to power at the Centre, reviving its "poach-all" operation to stake claim to form the government in Karnataka. "The BJP cannot come to power at the Centre as it will not win a good number of seats in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. In the 2014 (Lok Sabha) election, it had won 102 of the 120 seats in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. Is it possible to win the same number of seats again? How can you say the BJP will come to power?," the former Karnataka chief minister said, adding that the saffron party may not get 50 per cent of the seats it had bagged in these two states five years ago. "In Gujarat, the BJP had won all the 26 seats and do you think it is possible this time? Where is the Modi wave? Why is the Modi wave created? I want to know what factors are contributing to the Modi wave," he said. Dismissing reports of any threat to the Congress-JD(S) coalition government in Karnataka, he said, "We do not have any fear. It is the BJP which is saying the government is not stable. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is also saying it." The Congress-JD(S) coalition has 117 MLAs, whereas the BJP has 104. The saffron party will have to get at least 13 legislators from the ruling alliance to resign from the Assembly in order to bring down the strength of the House, allowing it to stake claim to form the government in the southern state. The defecting MLAs cannot join the BJP straightaway as in that case, they will attract disqualification under the anti-defection law. Karnataka goes to the polls in the second and third phases on April 18 and 23.

BJP may revive 'Operation Kamala' post LS polls, but it will not succeed: Siddaramaiah

Narendra Modi’s first big challenge on becoming the prime minister was the big farmers’ crisis in March 2015. Unseasonal rains damaged crops in Punjab and Haryana and many committed suicide.&nbsp;

Modi instantly ensured that affected farmers got a higher compensation and that all the grain they produced was procured at the minimum support price (MSP).&nbsp;

Prime Minister Modi was flustered by the criticism that he personally did not visit the affected families, but Modi was clear in his thoughts: He was the PM and his job was to take decisions and get the machinery to act. Modi knew perception matters first, but actions last forever.

The NDA – despite the Congress blitzkrieg – has done plenty to alleviate the plight of farmers. It has prepared soil health cards for 170 million individual farm holdings to improve productivity, provided water through completing irrigation projects, ensured power for pumps and neem-coated fertilisers to prevent adulteration.&nbsp;

The Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana, an insurance scheme, now compensates the farmers for crops lost to natural calamities. He raised the MSP for grains and pulses.&nbsp;

Modinomics at work was at its best. Remember, when he had taken the oath, he had inherited an economy derisively scorned by both domestic and global investors.&nbsp;

India was a part of the ‘fragile five’ and there was the sword of Damocles of a credit rating downgrade to ‘Junk’ status. It was a precariously perched economy, akin to a poisoned chalice. But Modinomics has triggered a sturdy ballast to help India emerge as the world’s fifth largest (in GDP terms) and fastest growing economy.&nbsp;

So what has helped Modinomics’ work even as rivals stepped up their hate campaign? It was all about the nation and its economic growth. The most important trigger of Modinomics was the goods and services tax (GST) - the biggest indirect tax reform since Independence - which is now demolishing trade barriers, fuelling aggregate demand, compelling tax compliance, reworking logistics and manufacturing architecture.&nbsp;

It has done away with sub-scale operational outposts. What is in place is efficient, scalable and closer-to-consumer operational hubs, which are harmonising rates across states by demolishing trade barriers.&nbsp;

So who’s in trouble? Tax evading entities and unorganised brokers. The GST, in short, is giving a leg-up to aggregate demand by IBC regime for creating a transparent and legally-sound mechanism for resurrecting financially-distressed entities into viable, productive entities.&nbsp;

The World Bank says resolutions in &nbsp;Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC) era is now taking 270 days, as compared to the pre-IBC era and its five-year period. In short, Modinomics is working.&nbsp;

Demonetisation - loudly criticised by the opposition - has been a brilliant force multiplier for the economy’s financialisation. It was like an assault on tax cheats, terror financiers and illicit carpetbaggers.&nbsp;

It helped the billion-plus nation to emerge out of its excessive reliance on a cash ecosystem that for generations, fuelled a dirty, dark, parallel economy, depriving India of legitimate taxes and posing tough challenges to law enforcement and security agencies.&nbsp;

It was Modinomics’ bold assault on tax cheats and cash hoarders, asking Indians to follow the rule of the law and not avoid taxes.&nbsp;

Indians realised increased tax means increased government expenditure on its people. The move also helped the mutual fund and insurance market, because a large chunk of cash in bank deposits moved through these intermediaries into the equity market.

Modinomics also did wonders when the government signed the Monetary Policy Framework Agreement with the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on the maximum tolerable consumer inflation rate that RBI should target to achieve price stability.&nbsp;

In one shot, Prime Minister Modi made the RBI responsible through the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) for containing consumer inflation at 4 per cent -- with a standard deviation of 2 per cent -- in the medium term.&nbsp;

Hence, Modinomics tackled the issue of high inflation impacting the poor and - at the same time - encouraged long-term capital investments by businesses.&nbsp;

Realising that the previous government messed up natural resources, getting embroiled in big buck corruption scams like the Coal and 2G scandal, Modi turned auctioning of natural resources into a crystal clear, competitive and price optimising allotment of natural resources like coal, minerals, spectrum and land.

This is growth and power for a billion-plus nation.

(This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-modinomics-has-played-big-role-in-india-s-growth-narrative-2739620">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)&nbsp;

Narendra Modi’s first big challenge on becoming the prime minister was the big farmers’ crisis in March 2015. Unseasonal rains damaged crops in Punjab and Haryana and many committed suicide.

Narendra Modi’s first big challenge on becoming the prime minister was the big farmers’ crisis in March 2015. Unseasonal rains damaged crops in Punjab and Haryana and many committed suicide. Modi instantly ensured that affected farmers got a higher compensation and that all the grain they produced was procured at the minimum support price (MSP). Prime Minister Modi was flustered by the criticism that he personally did not visit the affected families, but Modi was clear in his thoughts: He was the PM and his job was to take decisions and get the machinery to act. Modi knew perception matters first, but actions last forever. The NDA – despite the Congress blitzkrieg – has done plenty to alleviate the plight of farmers. It has prepared soil health cards for 170 million individual farm holdings to improve productivity, provided water through completing irrigation projects, ensured power for pumps and neem-coated fertilisers to prevent adulteration. The Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana, an insurance scheme, now compensates the farmers for crops lost to natural calamities. He raised the MSP for grains and pulses. Modinomics at work was at its best. Remember, when he had taken the oath, he had inherited an economy derisively scorned by both domestic and global investors. India was a part of the ‘fragile five’ and there was the sword of Damocles of a credit rating downgrade to ‘Junk’ status. It was a precariously perched economy, akin to a poisoned chalice. But Modinomics has triggered a sturdy ballast to help India emerge as the world’s fifth largest (in GDP terms) and fastest growing economy. So what has helped Modinomics’ work even as rivals stepped up their hate campaign? It was all about the nation and its economic growth. The most important trigger of Modinomics was the goods and services tax (GST) - the biggest indirect tax reform since Independence - which is now demolishing trade barriers, fuelling aggregate demand, compelling tax compliance, reworking logistics and manufacturing architecture. It has done away with sub-scale operational outposts. What is in place is efficient, scalable and closer-to-consumer operational hubs, which are harmonising rates across states by demolishing trade barriers. So who’s in trouble? Tax evading entities and unorganised brokers. The GST, in short, is giving a leg-up to aggregate demand by IBC regime for creating a transparent and legally-sound mechanism for resurrecting financially-distressed entities into viable, productive entities. The World Bank says resolutions in Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC) era is now taking 270 days, as compared to the pre-IBC era and its five-year period. In short, Modinomics is working. Demonetisation - loudly criticised by the opposition - has been a brilliant force multiplier for the economy’s financialisation. It was like an assault on tax cheats, terror financiers and illicit carpetbaggers. It helped the billion-plus nation to emerge out of its excessive reliance on a cash ecosystem that for generations, fuelled a dirty, dark, parallel economy, depriving India of legitimate taxes and posing tough challenges to law enforcement and security agencies. It was Modinomics’ bold assault on tax cheats and cash hoarders, asking Indians to follow the rule of the law and not avoid taxes. Indians realised increased tax means increased government expenditure on its people. The move also helped the mutual fund and insurance market, because a large chunk of cash in bank deposits moved through these intermediaries into the equity market. Modinomics also did wonders when the government signed the Monetary Policy Framework Agreement with the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on the maximum tolerable consumer inflation rate that RBI should target to achieve price stability. In one shot, Prime Minister Modi made the RBI responsible through the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) for containing consumer inflation at 4 per cent -- with a standard deviation of 2 per cent -- in the medium term. Hence, Modinomics tackled the issue of high inflation impacting the poor and - at the same time - encouraged long-term capital investments by businesses. Realising that the previous government messed up natural resources, getting embroiled in big buck corruption scams like the Coal and 2G scandal, Modi turned auctioning of natural resources into a crystal clear, competitive and price optimising allotment of natural resources like coal, minerals, spectrum and land. This is growth and power for a billion-plus nation. (This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Modinomics has played big role in India’s growth narrative

Azam Khan on Monday clarified that he did not make any <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/azam-khan-fighting-polls-to-legalise-his-acts-jaya-prada-208710">objectionable remarks</a> against film actor and BJP candidate Jaya Prada, fighting the Lok Sabha polls from Rampur against him.

Khan’s clarification came after he allegedly while addressing a poll campaign rally in Rampur, made a below-the-belt remark against Prada.

“I brought her (Jaya Prada) to Rampur. You are a witness that I did not allow anyone to touch her body. It took you 17 years to identify her real face, but I got to know in 17 days that she wears khaki underpants,” Khan purportedly said on Sunday.

Asserting that he did not name anyone, the Samajwadi leader said he would withdraw his candidature from the ongoing polls if proven guilty.

"I said that people took time to know a real face in reference to a man, who once said he brought 150 rifles with him, and if he sees Azam, he would have shot him dead. My leaders also made a mistake. Now, it has been revealed that he has an RSS pant on his body. Shorts are worn by men," Khan told ANI.

"I was a nine-time MLA from Rampur and have been a minister. I know what to say. "If anyone proves that I have named anyone and insulted anyone by name, I will step back from the elections," he added.

Khan also accused the media of misinterpreting his comments.

"I am disappointed. The media did not like me; I also did not like them. They have caused damage to the country," he said.

Actor-turned-politician Jaya Prada had won the Rampur Lok Sabha seat in 2004 and 2009 on a Samajwadi Party ticket, but she was expelled on account of alleged anti-party activities in 2010. She joined the BJP last month.

The election to 80 Lok Sabha seats in Uttar Pradesh is scheduled to be conducted in all seven phases. Eight seats in the state went to the polls in the first phase on 11 April. The final phase of voting will take place on 19 May. The results will be announced on 23 May.

Azam Khan on Monday clarified that he did not make any objectionable remarks against film actor and BJP candidate Jaya Prada, fighting the Lok Sabha polls from Rampur against him.

Azam Khan on Monday clarified that he did not make any objectionable remarks against film actor and BJP candidate Jaya Prada, fighting the Lok Sabha polls from Rampur against him. Khan’s clarification came after he allegedly while addressing a poll campaign rally in Rampur, made a below-the-belt remark against Prada. “I brought her (Jaya Prada) to Rampur. You are a witness that I did not allow anyone to touch her body. It took you 17 years to identify her real face, but I got to know in 17 days that she wears khaki underpants,” Khan purportedly said on Sunday. Asserting that he did not name anyone, the Samajwadi leader said he would withdraw his candidature from the ongoing polls if proven guilty. "I said that people took time to know a real face in reference to a man, who once said he brought 150 rifles with him, and if he sees Azam, he would have shot him dead. My leaders also made a mistake. Now, it has been revealed that he has an RSS pant on his body. Shorts are worn by men," Khan told ANI. "I was a nine-time MLA from Rampur and have been a minister. I know what to say. "If anyone proves that I have named anyone and insulted anyone by name, I will step back from the elections," he added. Khan also accused the media of misinterpreting his comments. "I am disappointed. The media did not like me; I also did not like them. They have caused damage to the country," he said. Actor-turned-politician Jaya Prada had won the Rampur Lok Sabha seat in 2004 and 2009 on a Samajwadi Party ticket, but she was expelled on account of alleged anti-party activities in 2010. She joined the BJP last month. The election to 80 Lok Sabha seats in Uttar Pradesh is scheduled to be conducted in all seven phases. Eight seats in the state went to the polls in the first phase on 11 April. The final phase of voting will take place on 19 May. The results will be announced on 23 May.

Will not contest polls if proven guilty, says Azam Khan on derogatory remarks against Jaya Prada

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley Monday rejected the opposition's argument that elections should not be fought on national security issues, saying security and terrorism are the most important issues in the long run while all other challenges are capable of early resolution.

He also said that the biggest challenge before India is the issue of Jammu &amp; Kashmir and terror as it concerns the nation's sovereignty.

"India's opposition argues that elections have to be fought on the 'real issues' and not on the issues of national security. It is my endeavour to argue that national security and terrorism are the most important issues which concern India in the long run. All other challenges are capable of early resolution," Jaitley said in a Facebook post titled 'Why Jammu and Kashmir, and a new approach to terrorism will remain a key political issue'.

The opposition parties had accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of politicising death of over 40 CRPF personnel in Pulwama and Indian Air Force's retaliatory attack at Balakot in Pakistan for electoral gains.

Several former service chiefs and military veterans have written to President Ram Nath Kovind, expressing concern over political leaders taking credit for military operations to pursue political agenda.

Giving reasons for making national security and terrorism subject matters of electoral debate, Jaitley said, "it relates to the country's sovereignty, integrity and security".

"Terror supported from across the border can't be fought either with velvet gloves or a policy of appeasement," he said, adding the two regional parties (PDP and NC) have played a disappointing role, and the current leadership of the opposition parties have hardly a roadmap except to tread on the path to disaster.

This challenge, Jaitley added, can be resolved with a fresh approach, which is uncompromising on terror, and determination to enforce the rule of law with a commitment to total integration.

He further said that during the course of the election campaign, whenever issues relating to the terror attack at Pulwama and the air strikes at Balakot are raised, India's opposition is on the back-foot.

"A strong Government and a leader with clarity alone is capable of resolving the Kashmir issue. This will necessarily require reversal of the historical blunders of the past," the minister said.&nbsp;

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley Monday rejected the opposition's argument that elections should not be fought on national security issues, saying security and terrorism are the most important issues in the long run while all other challenges are capable of early resolution.

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley Monday rejected the opposition's argument that elections should not be fought on national security issues, saying security and terrorism are the most important issues in the long run while all other challenges are capable of early resolution. He also said that the biggest challenge before India is the issue of Jammu & Kashmir and terror as it concerns the nation's sovereignty. "India's opposition argues that elections have to be fought on the 'real issues' and not on the issues of national security. It is my endeavour to argue that national security and terrorism are the most important issues which concern India in the long run. All other challenges are capable of early resolution," Jaitley said in a Facebook post titled 'Why Jammu and Kashmir, and a new approach to terrorism will remain a key political issue'. The opposition parties had accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of politicising death of over 40 CRPF personnel in Pulwama and Indian Air Force's retaliatory attack at Balakot in Pakistan for electoral gains. Several former service chiefs and military veterans have written to President Ram Nath Kovind, expressing concern over political leaders taking credit for military operations to pursue political agenda. Giving reasons for making national security and terrorism subject matters of electoral debate, Jaitley said, "it relates to the country's sovereignty, integrity and security". "Terror supported from across the border can't be fought either with velvet gloves or a policy of appeasement," he said, adding the two regional parties (PDP and NC) have played a disappointing role, and the current leadership of the opposition parties have hardly a roadmap except to tread on the path to disaster. This challenge, Jaitley added, can be resolved with a fresh approach, which is uncompromising on terror, and determination to enforce the rule of law with a commitment to total integration. He further said that during the course of the election campaign, whenever issues relating to the terror attack at Pulwama and the air strikes at Balakot are raised, India's opposition is on the back-foot. "A strong Government and a leader with clarity alone is capable of resolving the Kashmir issue. This will necessarily require reversal of the historical blunders of the past," the minister said.

National security, terrorism most important issues facing India: Arun Jaitley

Reacting to Samajwadi Party leader <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/will-not-contest-polls-if-proven-guilty-says-azam-khan-on-khaki-underwear-remark-210455">Azam Khan’s objectionable comment </a>against herself actor-turned-politician Jaya Prada on Monday said that Azam Khan shouldn't be allowed to contest Lok Sabha Elections as there’ll be no place for women in society if he wins.

“It isn’t new for me. You might remember that I was a candidate from his party in 2019 when no one supported me after he made comments against me. I’m a woman and I can’t even repeat what he said. I don’t know what I did to him that he is saying such things…He shouldn’t be allowed to contest elections. Because if this man wins, what will happen to democracy? There’ll be no place for women in society. Where will we go? Should I die, then you’ll be satisfied? Do you think that I’ll get scared &amp; leave Rampur? But I won’t leave,” she was quoted as saying by news agency ANI.

Earlier on Sunday during a rally Azam Khan said that “I brought her (Jaya Prada) to Rampur. You are a witness that I did not allow anyone to touch her body. It took you 17 years to identify her real face, but I got to know in 17 days that she wears khaki underpants”.

An FIR has also been registered against Samajwadi Party leader Azam Khan for making objectionable remarks against actor-turned-politician Jaya Prada, who is fighting the Lok Sabha polls from Rampur against Khan.

Meanwhile, National Commission for Women (NCW) has sent a notice to SP leader over his remark.&nbsp;

National Commission for Women Chairperson Rekha Sharma termed Khan's below-the-belt remarks against the actor as "extremely disgraceful".

Jaya Prada had won the Rampur Lok Sabha seat in 2004 and 2009 on a Samajwadi Party ticket, but she was expelled on account of alleged anti-party activities in 2010. She joined the BJP last month.

The election to 80 Lok Sabha seats in Uttar Pradesh is scheduled to be conducted in all seven phases. Eight seats in the state went to the polls in the first phase on 11 April. The final phase of voting will take place on 19 May. The results will be announced on 23 May.

(With inputs from agencies)

Reacting to Samajwadi Party leader Azam Khan’s objectionable comment against herself actor-turned-politician Jaya Prada on Monday said that Azam Khan shouldn't be allowed to contest Lok Sabha Elections as there’ll be no place for women in society if he wins.

Reacting to Samajwadi Party leader Azam Khan’s objectionable comment against herself actor-turned-politician Jaya Prada on Monday said that Azam Khan shouldn't be allowed to contest Lok Sabha Elections as there’ll be no place for women in society if he wins. “It isn’t new for me. You might remember that I was a candidate from his party in 2019 when no one supported me after he made comments against me. I’m a woman and I can’t even repeat what he said. I don’t know what I did to him that he is saying such things…He shouldn’t be allowed to contest elections. Because if this man wins, what will happen to democracy? There’ll be no place for women in society. Where will we go? Should I die, then you’ll be satisfied? Do you think that I’ll get scared & leave Rampur? But I won’t leave,” she was quoted as saying by news agency ANI. Earlier on Sunday during a rally Azam Khan said that “I brought her (Jaya Prada) to Rampur. You are a witness that I did not allow anyone to touch her body. It took you 17 years to identify her real face, but I got to know in 17 days that she wears khaki underpants”. An FIR has also been registered against Samajwadi Party leader Azam Khan for making objectionable remarks against actor-turned-politician Jaya Prada, who is fighting the Lok Sabha polls from Rampur against Khan. Meanwhile, National Commission for Women (NCW) has sent a notice to SP leader over his remark. National Commission for Women Chairperson Rekha Sharma termed Khan's below-the-belt remarks against the actor as "extremely disgraceful". Jaya Prada had won the Rampur Lok Sabha seat in 2004 and 2009 on a Samajwadi Party ticket, but she was expelled on account of alleged anti-party activities in 2010. She joined the BJP last month. The election to 80 Lok Sabha seats in Uttar Pradesh is scheduled to be conducted in all seven phases. Eight seats in the state went to the polls in the first phase on 11 April. The final phase of voting will take place on 19 May. The results will be announced on 23 May. (With inputs from agencies)

If this man wins, there'll be no place for women in society: Jaya Prada on Azam Khan's derogatory remarks

Good works of mine and that of Prime Minister Narendra Modi led NDA government at the Centre will help me win this Lok Sabha election again, said actor-turned-politician <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/good-works-of-mine-pm-modi-will-help-me-win-lok-sabha-polls-again-says-hema-malini-210135&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwjJvNOBhc_hAhVc7HMBHcLGCvIQFggIMAE&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw13CMwgvcwIz8p-HWYGloQ3">Hema Malini </a>on Saturday.

"I am very confident of my win because I have done good works. My government has also done good work. So I am sure people will support us," said Malini in an exclusive interview to ANI.

She also expressed confidence that the next government at the Centre will again be formed by the BJP under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi.

"The whole system is changing. People want development. They want quick decisions to be taken for whatever is happening in the country. People belonging to different castes -- all want PM Modi," she said.

In the last Lok Sabha elections in 2014, Malini, who is also popular among masses as `Basanti` for her stellar role in blockbuster `Sholay,` had defeated the Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) leader Jayant Chaudhary by a margin of over three lakh votes.

When asked if SP-BSP-RLD alliance candidate Narendra Singh will queer the pitch for her this time by eating into Jat votes, she said: "I am sure that he will get some votes. But I will get much more votes than him because I have worked for everybody irrespective of his caste. For me, all the people are Brijwasis."

Talking about Union Minister Maneka Gandhi`s controversial speech at Sultanpur, she said: "On the issue of Triple Talaq, many minority community women support us. Even if they do not, you have to help everybody. It does not matter who voted for us and who did not. This kind of feeling does not come to me."

Union Minister Gandhi on Friday, while addressing an election rally at Turab Khani village in Sultanpur from where she is contesting the Lok Sabha poll this time, told Muslims that she was all set to win and that they should vote for her as they would need her help in future.

"I am winning...But if my victory is without support from Muslims, I will not feel that good. Then when a Muslim comes to me for work, I think let it be. How does it matter," Union Minister Gandhi had said.

When asked if being an actor has helped her in politics, said: "People are able to recognise me. They at least listen to me. Other leaders have to work hard to reach out to the people."

In response to the way she was trolled on social media for reaping the wheat crop during her campaign in a village in<a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/i-share-divine-connection-with-mathura-hema-malini-206595&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwjJvNOBhc_hAhVc7HMBHcLGCvIQFggFMAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw2f3RRnlLDvwKQjtEnsi0rp"> Mathura</a>, Hema Malini said: "I felt like doing that and I do not think that there was any problem. I go to the field. I work for my farmers in Mathura and help them so much. I have a right to enter the field. I had gone there just to take a picture. It was a pleasure to have the picture," she said.

Talking about the works done for her constituency in the past five years, Hema Malini said: "I have provided water, electricity facility to all areas in the constituency. I have also got a passport office open in Mathura. Earlier the people had to go to Aligarh or other towns for making passports. Roads have been widened. Connectivity has improved a lot," she said.

Election to Mathura Lok Sabha constituency is slated to be held in the second phase of seven-phased General Elections on April 18. The counting of votes will take place on May 23. 
&nbsp;

Good works of mine and that of Prime Minister Narendra Modi led NDA government at the Centre will help me win this Lok Sabha election again, said actor-turned-politician Hema Malini on Saturday.

Good works of mine and that of Prime Minister Narendra Modi led NDA government at the Centre will help me win this Lok Sabha election again, said actor-turned-politician Hema Malini on Saturday. "I am very confident of my win because I have done good works. My government has also done good work. So I am sure people will support us," said Malini in an exclusive interview to ANI. She also expressed confidence that the next government at the Centre will again be formed by the BJP under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi. "The whole system is changing. People want development. They want quick decisions to be taken for whatever is happening in the country. People belonging to different castes -- all want PM Modi," she said. In the last Lok Sabha elections in 2014, Malini, who is also popular among masses as `Basanti` for her stellar role in blockbuster `Sholay,` had defeated the Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) leader Jayant Chaudhary by a margin of over three lakh votes. When asked if SP-BSP-RLD alliance candidate Narendra Singh will queer the pitch for her this time by eating into Jat votes, she said: "I am sure that he will get some votes. But I will get much more votes than him because I have worked for everybody irrespective of his caste. For me, all the people are Brijwasis." Talking about Union Minister Maneka Gandhi`s controversial speech at Sultanpur, she said: "On the issue of Triple Talaq, many minority community women support us. Even if they do not, you have to help everybody. It does not matter who voted for us and who did not. This kind of feeling does not come to me." Union Minister Gandhi on Friday, while addressing an election rally at Turab Khani village in Sultanpur from where she is contesting the Lok Sabha poll this time, told Muslims that she was all set to win and that they should vote for her as they would need her help in future. "I am winning...But if my victory is without support from Muslims, I will not feel that good. Then when a Muslim comes to me for work, I think let it be. How does it matter," Union Minister Gandhi had said. When asked if being an actor has helped her in politics, said: "People are able to recognise me. They at least listen to me. Other leaders have to work hard to reach out to the people." In response to the way she was trolled on social media for reaping the wheat crop during her campaign in a village in Mathura, Hema Malini said: "I felt like doing that and I do not think that there was any problem. I go to the field. I work for my farmers in Mathura and help them so much. I have a right to enter the field. I had gone there just to take a picture. It was a pleasure to have the picture," she said. Talking about the works done for her constituency in the past five years, Hema Malini said: "I have provided water, electricity facility to all areas in the constituency. I have also got a passport office open in Mathura. Earlier the people had to go to Aligarh or other towns for making passports. Roads have been widened. Connectivity has improved a lot," she said. Election to Mathura Lok Sabha constituency is slated to be held in the second phase of seven-phased General Elections on April 18. The counting of votes will take place on May 23.

Good works of mine, PM Modi will help me win Lok Sabha poll again, says Hema Malini

With the Lok Sabha campaign gaining momentum in Mumbai, the Congress faces an uphill task of reviving itself in five constituencies in the megapolis where it had drawn a blank in 2014. What has made its job difficult is the BJP sealing a pre-poll alliance with the Shiv Sena despite the strained relations between the two saffron allies.

On the other hand, the 'X-factor' that may help the grand old party is MNS chief Raj Thackeray's support. Of the six seats in Mumbai, the Congress is contesting five and its ally NCP is contesting one.

Riding on the Modi wave, the BJP and Sena bagged three seats each last time, defeating Congress stalwarts Milind Deora (Mumbai South), Priya Dutt (Mumbai North Central), Gurudas Kamat (Mumbai North West), Eknath Gaikwad (Mumbai South Central) and Sanjay Nirupam (Mumbai North). BJP's Kirit Somaiya defeated NCP's Sanjay Dina Patil in Mumbai North East.

Five years on, the main contestants are the same, except that the BJP replaced Kirit Somaiya with Manoj Kotak and Kamat is no more. Deora is pitted against sitting Sena MP Arvind Sawant in Mumbai South, Dutt is in the fray against BJP MP Poonam Mahajan in Mumbai North Central, Gaikwad is facing his Sena rival and sitting MP Rahul Shewale in South Central.

Nirupam is trying his luck in Mumbai North West this time while the Congress has fielded actor Urmila Matondkar in Mumbai North against sitting BJP MP Gopal Shetty. Perennial issues of housing, transportation, open spaces, sanitation and crumbling infrastructure continue to dominate the discourse this time too.

Priya Dutt had initially refused to contest, but city Congress leaders persuaded her to change her mind. Dutt's loss in 2014 came as a shock, as Mumbai North Central was a Congress bastion and her father, actor-turned-politician late Sunil Dutt, had represented the seat five times.

A BJP leader claimed that the Congress will put up a real fight only in Mumbai South and Mumbai North West. In the latter, Nirupam can give a tough fight to Sena's Gajanan Kirtikar, especially in Andheri-Versova areas, he said.

In Mumbai South, Sena's Sawant does not have much connection with non-Maharashtrian voters, which could help Deora, who was recently appointed as city Congress chief, the BJP source said. As for Dutt, he claimed that she has been politically inactive for five years, and has no local support as Congress MLA Mohammed Arif Naseem Khan, who wanted a ticket, would not be working wholeheartedly for her.

In Mumbai North, BJP's Shetty, who had defeated Nirupam by a massive 4.46 lakh votes in 2014, is facing Bollywood actor Urmila Matondkar who recently joined the Congress. Matondkar has launched an impressive campaign, reaching out to voters as well as party workers. She is also being seen as articulate.

The BJP is highlighting her marriage with a Kashmiri businessman and is demanding to know her views on Article 370 and 35-A, two laws specific to the restive northern state. Article 35-A, which was incorporated in the Constitution by a 1954 Presidential Order, accords special rights and privileges to the citizens of Jammu and Kashmir and denies property rights to a woman who marries a person from outside the state.

All candidates are holding padyatras (foot marches). Gaikwad and Matondkar are going out on a morning walk to interact with voters.

While Gaikwad is accompanied by MNS leader Sandeep Deshpande during his morning walk at Shivaji Park in Dadar, Matondkar visits Sanjay Gandhi National Park in Borivali. After losing all five seats to the Sena-BJP in 2014, the Congress also performed poorly in the civic elections in 2017.

But Maharashtra Navnirman Sena chief Raj Thackeray's blistering campaign against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP has given it hope. The question is whether the crowds at Thackeray's rallies will translate into votes for Congress. In 2009, MNS candidates had got about one lakh votes in each of the six constituencies, eating into Sena-BJP votes and helping the Congress-NCP combine make a clean sweep.

Deora and Matondkar have been meeting local MNS leaders during their campaigns. A local Congress leader said there is no Modi wave now, and the Congress is not fighting anti-incumbency factor.

"There is no anti-Congress or pro-Congress trend. This works in the Congress' favour. We are weak in terms of organisation, compared to the BJP and Sena. But we have public support," he claimed. Moreover, the MNS' campaign against Modi is helping the Congress, he said, adding, "The fight for Mumbai will not be one-sided like in 2014." Mumbai will go to polls on April 29.

With the Lok Sabha campaign gaining momentum in Mumbai, the Congress faces an uphill task of reviving itself in five constituencies in the megapolis where it had drawn a blank in 2014.

With the Lok Sabha campaign gaining momentum in Mumbai, the Congress faces an uphill task of reviving itself in five constituencies in the megapolis where it had drawn a blank in 2014. What has made its job difficult is the BJP sealing a pre-poll alliance with the Shiv Sena despite the strained relations between the two saffron allies. On the other hand, the 'X-factor' that may help the grand old party is MNS chief Raj Thackeray's support. Of the six seats in Mumbai, the Congress is contesting five and its ally NCP is contesting one. Riding on the Modi wave, the BJP and Sena bagged three seats each last time, defeating Congress stalwarts Milind Deora (Mumbai South), Priya Dutt (Mumbai North Central), Gurudas Kamat (Mumbai North West), Eknath Gaikwad (Mumbai South Central) and Sanjay Nirupam (Mumbai North). BJP's Kirit Somaiya defeated NCP's Sanjay Dina Patil in Mumbai North East. Five years on, the main contestants are the same, except that the BJP replaced Kirit Somaiya with Manoj Kotak and Kamat is no more. Deora is pitted against sitting Sena MP Arvind Sawant in Mumbai South, Dutt is in the fray against BJP MP Poonam Mahajan in Mumbai North Central, Gaikwad is facing his Sena rival and sitting MP Rahul Shewale in South Central. Nirupam is trying his luck in Mumbai North West this time while the Congress has fielded actor Urmila Matondkar in Mumbai North against sitting BJP MP Gopal Shetty. Perennial issues of housing, transportation, open spaces, sanitation and crumbling infrastructure continue to dominate the discourse this time too. Priya Dutt had initially refused to contest, but city Congress leaders persuaded her to change her mind. Dutt's loss in 2014 came as a shock, as Mumbai North Central was a Congress bastion and her father, actor-turned-politician late Sunil Dutt, had represented the seat five times. A BJP leader claimed that the Congress will put up a real fight only in Mumbai South and Mumbai North West. In the latter, Nirupam can give a tough fight to Sena's Gajanan Kirtikar, especially in Andheri-Versova areas, he said. In Mumbai South, Sena's Sawant does not have much connection with non-Maharashtrian voters, which could help Deora, who was recently appointed as city Congress chief, the BJP source said. As for Dutt, he claimed that she has been politically inactive for five years, and has no local support as Congress MLA Mohammed Arif Naseem Khan, who wanted a ticket, would not be working wholeheartedly for her. In Mumbai North, BJP's Shetty, who had defeated Nirupam by a massive 4.46 lakh votes in 2014, is facing Bollywood actor Urmila Matondkar who recently joined the Congress. Matondkar has launched an impressive campaign, reaching out to voters as well as party workers. She is also being seen as articulate. The BJP is highlighting her marriage with a Kashmiri businessman and is demanding to know her views on Article 370 and 35-A, two laws specific to the restive northern state. Article 35-A, which was incorporated in the Constitution by a 1954 Presidential Order, accords special rights and privileges to the citizens of Jammu and Kashmir and denies property rights to a woman who marries a person from outside the state. All candidates are holding padyatras (foot marches). Gaikwad and Matondkar are going out on a morning walk to interact with voters. While Gaikwad is accompanied by MNS leader Sandeep Deshpande during his morning walk at Shivaji Park in Dadar, Matondkar visits Sanjay Gandhi National Park in Borivali. After losing all five seats to the Sena-BJP in 2014, the Congress also performed poorly in the civic elections in 2017. But Maharashtra Navnirman Sena chief Raj Thackeray's blistering campaign against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP has given it hope. The question is whether the crowds at Thackeray's rallies will translate into votes for Congress. In 2009, MNS candidates had got about one lakh votes in each of the six constituencies, eating into Sena-BJP votes and helping the Congress-NCP combine make a clean sweep. Deora and Matondkar have been meeting local MNS leaders during their campaigns. A local Congress leader said there is no Modi wave now, and the Congress is not fighting anti-incumbency factor. "There is no anti-Congress or pro-Congress trend. This works in the Congress' favour. We are weak in terms of organisation, compared to the BJP and Sena. But we have public support," he claimed. Moreover, the MNS' campaign against Modi is helping the Congress, he said, adding, "The fight for Mumbai will not be one-sided like in 2014." Mumbai will go to polls on April 29.

In Mumbai, Congress banks on lack of Modi wave and MNS support

Gorkha Janamukti Morcha (GJM) leader Bimal Gurung, on the run since the 2017 agitation in the Hills, has claimed that the BJP leadership gave him assurances that it would look into his statehood demand if it returns to power at the Centre. Statehood is a dream for every Gorkha living in the Hills, he said, adding that the saffron party's pitch for a permanent political solution was also "very encouraging".

The BJP, which is eyeing a third straight term in Darjeeling, has made no mention of statehood in its manifesto, but assured a "permanent political solution" in the Hills and scheduled tribe tags for eleven Gorka communities. "We have sent a memorandum to the BJP, demanding Gorkhaland. They(BJP) have assured us that they will look into it. We are happy that their (BJP's) manifesto speaks about bringing a permanent solution to the region," Gurung told PTI in an interview over the phone.

Lauding Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP president Amit Shah for "being sympathetic towards the problems of the Hills", he alleged that Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, on the other hand, has been pursuing "vote-bank politics" to gain her party's foothold in the region. "She(Banerjee) has never addressed the real issues here. She is not interested in developing the region," he claimed, demanding that the Trinamool Congress (TMC) supremo present a white paper on her welfare initiative in the Hills.

Asked what he thought about the BJP not taking any measure in the last five years to create Gorkhaland, the GJM leader was quick to defend the saffron party, claiming that the "the Narendra Modi government's priority was to improve the living standards of people". "Gorkhaland tops our agenda and I will keep fighting for it till the end. But the central government needs to focus on the overall development of the country first. Everything else is secondary. We are hoping that it (BJP) will look into the Gorkhaland issue in the next term," Gurung said.

Refuting opposition's allegation that the sitting BJP MP from Darjeeling, SS Ahluwalia, has done little to develop the Hills, Gurung claimed that the parliamentarian has been trying to work "honestly and sincerely" in the region, but the TMC-led government in the state thwarted his initiatives. "He (Ahluwalia) had tried to initiate several projects in the region, but the local administration and the state government did not cooperate with him. This is why utilization certificates were not issued," Gurung said.

According to records, Ahluwalia has utilized 56.30 per cent of the allotted MPLAD funds. People have not forgotten the atrocities committed by the TMC during the 104-day-long agitation over statehood demand in 2017, Gurung claimed.

"The voters in the Hills are with Modiji. This time, we have urged them to vote against every bullet fired by the TMC during the Gorkhaland agitation. This election is a fight for the restoration of democracy," he asserted. Gurung, then GJM supremo, had gone into hiding after the June 2017 clashes in Darjeeling. The agitation also led to a split in the Morcha, with Binay Tamang, his deputy, emerging as the leader of one of the factions.

"Our boys along with cadres of the Gorkha National Liberation Front and other hill parties are reaching out to the masses to garner support for BJP candidate Raju Singh Bisht. I can assure you that this time we will win by a bigger margin. Winning this election will take us a step closer to realising our dreams," he said. For the first time in about three decades, the demand for a separate Gorkhaland has not figured in the list of poll issues in Darjeeling as parties, including the local GJM and GNLF, have sought development and democracy in the region.

Bisht, who has the support of Gorkha National Liberation Front (GNLF) and the Bimal Gurung faction of the GJM, is pitted against TMC candidate Amar Singh Rai. The Binay Tamang faction and other smaller outfits in the Hills are backing Rai.

Referring to his one-time protege Tamang, who "expelled" him from the party after he fled the Hills, Gurung said people of Darjeeling constituency will never forgive him. "If he (Tamang) is not loyal to me and the Gorkha people, how will he be loyal to Mamata Banerjee?" he wondered.

Asked about his plans to return to the Hills, Gurung said he had wanted to do so, but the police have cordoned off the Bagdogra airport in Siliguri. "I hope to return to the hills soon. Despite the Supreme Court's order, I don't understand why the police want to stop me," he said.

In view of the elections, the Supreme Court had earlier this month allowed GJM leaders Bimal Gurung and Roshan Giri to approach the Calcutta High Court for anticipatory bail in connection with the cases filed against them. 
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Gorkha Janamukti Morcha (GJM) leader Bimal Gurung, on the run since the 2017 agitation in the Hills, has claimed that the BJP leadership gave him assurances that it would look into his statehood demand if it returns to power at the Centre.

Gorkha Janamukti Morcha (GJM) leader Bimal Gurung, on the run since the 2017 agitation in the Hills, has claimed that the BJP leadership gave him assurances that it would look into his statehood demand if it returns to power at the Centre. Statehood is a dream for every Gorkha living in the Hills, he said, adding that the saffron party's pitch for a permanent political solution was also "very encouraging". The BJP, which is eyeing a third straight term in Darjeeling, has made no mention of statehood in its manifesto, but assured a "permanent political solution" in the Hills and scheduled tribe tags for eleven Gorka communities. "We have sent a memorandum to the BJP, demanding Gorkhaland. They(BJP) have assured us that they will look into it. We are happy that their (BJP's) manifesto speaks about bringing a permanent solution to the region," Gurung told PTI in an interview over the phone. Lauding Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP president Amit Shah for "being sympathetic towards the problems of the Hills", he alleged that Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, on the other hand, has been pursuing "vote-bank politics" to gain her party's foothold in the region. "She(Banerjee) has never addressed the real issues here. She is not interested in developing the region," he claimed, demanding that the Trinamool Congress (TMC) supremo present a white paper on her welfare initiative in the Hills. Asked what he thought about the BJP not taking any measure in the last five years to create Gorkhaland, the GJM leader was quick to defend the saffron party, claiming that the "the Narendra Modi government's priority was to improve the living standards of people". "Gorkhaland tops our agenda and I will keep fighting for it till the end. But the central government needs to focus on the overall development of the country first. Everything else is secondary. We are hoping that it (BJP) will look into the Gorkhaland issue in the next term," Gurung said. Refuting opposition's allegation that the sitting BJP MP from Darjeeling, SS Ahluwalia, has done little to develop the Hills, Gurung claimed that the parliamentarian has been trying to work "honestly and sincerely" in the region, but the TMC-led government in the state thwarted his initiatives. "He (Ahluwalia) had tried to initiate several projects in the region, but the local administration and the state government did not cooperate with him. This is why utilization certificates were not issued," Gurung said. According to records, Ahluwalia has utilized 56.30 per cent of the allotted MPLAD funds. People have not forgotten the atrocities committed by the TMC during the 104-day-long agitation over statehood demand in 2017, Gurung claimed. "The voters in the Hills are with Modiji. This time, we have urged them to vote against every bullet fired by the TMC during the Gorkhaland agitation. This election is a fight for the restoration of democracy," he asserted. Gurung, then GJM supremo, had gone into hiding after the June 2017 clashes in Darjeeling. The agitation also led to a split in the Morcha, with Binay Tamang, his deputy, emerging as the leader of one of the factions. "Our boys along with cadres of the Gorkha National Liberation Front and other hill parties are reaching out to the masses to garner support for BJP candidate Raju Singh Bisht. I can assure you that this time we will win by a bigger margin. Winning this election will take us a step closer to realising our dreams," he said. For the first time in about three decades, the demand for a separate Gorkhaland has not figured in the list of poll issues in Darjeeling as parties, including the local GJM and GNLF, have sought development and democracy in the region. Bisht, who has the support of Gorkha National Liberation Front (GNLF) and the Bimal Gurung faction of the GJM, is pitted against TMC candidate Amar Singh Rai. The Binay Tamang faction and other smaller outfits in the Hills are backing Rai. Referring to his one-time protege Tamang, who "expelled" him from the party after he fled the Hills, Gurung said people of Darjeeling constituency will never forgive him. "If he (Tamang) is not loyal to me and the Gorkha people, how will he be loyal to Mamata Banerjee?" he wondered. Asked about his plans to return to the Hills, Gurung said he had wanted to do so, but the police have cordoned off the Bagdogra airport in Siliguri. "I hope to return to the hills soon. Despite the Supreme Court's order, I don't understand why the police want to stop me," he said. In view of the elections, the Supreme Court had earlier this month allowed GJM leaders Bimal Gurung and Roshan Giri to approach the Calcutta High Court for anticipatory bail in connection with the cases filed against them.

BJP has promised to look into our Gorkhaland demand: Gurung

Congress leader Hardik Patel on Saturday said his party gave a lot of respect and power to MLA Alpesh Thakor which the latter could not handle. 
"Congress party had given so much respect and power but he could not handle it. He started playing blame games," Mr Patel told ANI.

Mr Thakor, who had joined the Congress party in 2017, ahead of last Gujarat Assembly polls, tendered his resignation after 18 months from all party posts on Wednesday evening.

Hardik Patel further alleged that the BJP tried its best to stop him from contesting the Lok Sabha polls.

"I am accepting the decision of the High Court. BJP lawyers tried their best so that I could not contest the ongoing elections. Congress wanted to take me to the Parliament. I am a 25-year-old young man and many elections will come in the future," he said.

The Supreme Court had declined urgent hearing on Hardik Patel's plea seeking suspension of his conviction in a case of rioting and arson in Mehsana district of Gujarat during the Patidar quota stir in 2015.

Mr Patel had moved the top court challenging the order of the Gujarat High Court, which in August last year suspended his jail sentence but not the conviction. He had joined Congress on March 12 and was given a party ticket to contest the election from Jamnagar in Gujarat.

When questioned about the mention of amending sedition law in Congress's manifesto, he said, "BJP misguided the people. Congress said to remove sedition charges but will not tolerate anti-nationalism. The BJP does not have any issue to fight the elections that is why they always come with issues like anti-nationalism."

The Patidar leader who led the Patidar agitation in 2015 claimed that his community is happy with his decision of joining the Congress party.

"There are a huge number of Patidars who like me and my leadership. Patidar community is happy with my decision of joining the Congress. I believe they will support me and will help in fighting this battle."

Speaking about his campaign for Congress, Mr Patel said: "I will do 42 rallies and we will try to make Congress candidates win. Congress is in favour of the poor and farmers. Achhe din aayenge, Rahul Layenge (Good days will come, Rahul Gandhi will bring them)."

Polling for 26 Lok Sabha seats at stake in Gujarat will be held in a single phase on April 23. The counting of votes will take place on May 23.

Congress leader Hardik Patel on Saturday said his party gave a lot of respect and power to MLA Alpesh Thakor which the latter could not handle. "Congress party had given so much respect and power but he could not handle it.

Congress leader Hardik Patel on Saturday said his party gave a lot of respect and power to MLA Alpesh Thakor which the latter could not handle. "Congress party had given so much respect and power but he could not handle it. He started playing blame games," Mr Patel told ANI. Mr Thakor, who had joined the Congress party in 2017, ahead of last Gujarat Assembly polls, tendered his resignation after 18 months from all party posts on Wednesday evening. Hardik Patel further alleged that the BJP tried its best to stop him from contesting the Lok Sabha polls. "I am accepting the decision of the High Court. BJP lawyers tried their best so that I could not contest the ongoing elections. Congress wanted to take me to the Parliament. I am a 25-year-old young man and many elections will come in the future," he said. The Supreme Court had declined urgent hearing on Hardik Patel's plea seeking suspension of his conviction in a case of rioting and arson in Mehsana district of Gujarat during the Patidar quota stir in 2015. Mr Patel had moved the top court challenging the order of the Gujarat High Court, which in August last year suspended his jail sentence but not the conviction. He had joined Congress on March 12 and was given a party ticket to contest the election from Jamnagar in Gujarat. When questioned about the mention of amending sedition law in Congress's manifesto, he said, "BJP misguided the people. Congress said to remove sedition charges but will not tolerate anti-nationalism. The BJP does not have any issue to fight the elections that is why they always come with issues like anti-nationalism." The Patidar leader who led the Patidar agitation in 2015 claimed that his community is happy with his decision of joining the Congress party. "There are a huge number of Patidars who like me and my leadership. Patidar community is happy with my decision of joining the Congress. I believe they will support me and will help in fighting this battle." Speaking about his campaign for Congress, Mr Patel said: "I will do 42 rallies and we will try to make Congress candidates win. Congress is in favour of the poor and farmers. Achhe din aayenge, Rahul Layenge (Good days will come, Rahul Gandhi will bring them)." Polling for 26 Lok Sabha seats at stake in Gujarat will be held in a single phase on April 23. The counting of votes will take place on May 23.

Alpesh Thakor couldn't handle power given by congress: Hardik Patel

Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav Saturday said the 2019 Lok Sabha elections are "historic" as they will take the nation in a new direction and restore respect for the poor.

"The BJP wants to create a gulf of hatred," he said at a joint rally of the SP-BSP-RLD alliance in favour of Samajwadi Party candidate Dharmendra Yadav here.

The BJP wants to divide the society for gaining power in the manner in which the British divided us," he said.

"These elections are historic," Yadav said. "They are not just for winning the Lok Sabha, but to take the nation in the new direction, to bring change and restore the respect of the poor who have been humiliated."

Taking potshots at Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, the SP chief said, "Mayawatiji had said that our 'baba mukhyamantri' (chief minister)) has talked about the caste of God.

He referred to claims last year over the community to which Lord Hanuman belonged and blamed BJP leaders for it. This time, the gods are not happy with these people," he said.

Yadav said he did not need to give a certificate of the work done by him when he was the chief minister. Whenever the SP or the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) come to power, development takes place in the state.

"Roads and bridges were constructed, and arrangement for power was made, but the BJP government stopped all the facilities," he said.

"The BJP says the borders are safe as it is their government at the Centre, but I want to tell them that the borders and the country are safe because of our brave Soldiers, he said.

Governments keep coming and going, but the jawans posted at the borders keep the country safe," the SP leader added.

He said people spread rumours, tell lies, hatch conspiracies and misuse the official machinery, but he has faith in them that on the day of polling, they will ensure that SP and BSP candidates are victorious.

Yadav said the country faced issues of hunger, disease and education, and only the opposition alliance can find a solution to them.

"This is an alliance for the poor people living in villages," he said.

The first phase of polling was held on April 11. 
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Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav Saturday said the 2019 Lok Sabha elections are "historic" as they will take the nation in a new direction and restore respect for the poor.

Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav Saturday said the 2019 Lok Sabha elections are "historic" as they will take the nation in a new direction and restore respect for the poor. "The BJP wants to create a gulf of hatred," he said at a joint rally of the SP-BSP-RLD alliance in favour of Samajwadi Party candidate Dharmendra Yadav here. The BJP wants to divide the society for gaining power in the manner in which the British divided us," he said. "These elections are historic," Yadav said. "They are not just for winning the Lok Sabha, but to take the nation in the new direction, to bring change and restore the respect of the poor who have been humiliated." Taking potshots at Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, the SP chief said, "Mayawatiji had said that our 'baba mukhyamantri' (chief minister)) has talked about the caste of God. He referred to claims last year over the community to which Lord Hanuman belonged and blamed BJP leaders for it. This time, the gods are not happy with these people," he said. Yadav said he did not need to give a certificate of the work done by him when he was the chief minister. Whenever the SP or the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) come to power, development takes place in the state. "Roads and bridges were constructed, and arrangement for power was made, but the BJP government stopped all the facilities," he said. "The BJP says the borders are safe as it is their government at the Centre, but I want to tell them that the borders and the country are safe because of our brave Soldiers, he said. Governments keep coming and going, but the jawans posted at the borders keep the country safe," the SP leader added. He said people spread rumours, tell lies, hatch conspiracies and misuse the official machinery, but he has faith in them that on the day of polling, they will ensure that SP and BSP candidates are victorious. Yadav said the country faced issues of hunger, disease and education, and only the opposition alliance can find a solution to them. "This is an alliance for the poor people living in villages," he said. The first phase of polling was held on April 11.

Lok Sabha polls historic, will restore respect for poor: Akhilesh Yadav

As per a notice issued by the state government to tea companies, the Tea garden workers in North Bengal will get a 'paid leave' to participate in the electoral process, however, most of the workers are unaware of this announcement.

Alok Chakraborty, Central Committee President, INTUC (National Union of Plantation Workers) said, " Tea garden workers especially those who stay in remote areas are completely unaware of paid leaves concept and the tea companies for their own benefits do not even bother to inform them of this existing notice."

A tea estate worker from North Bengal said, "I know that voting is my right and I go to the polling booth to cast my vote however my company declares it as an off day and we lose a day's pay."

With tea export business witnessing a boom, the present scenario of tea market is pleasant but the condition of tea garden workers remains poor.

A study shows that with the increasing demand for Indian tea in the international market, especially Assam and Darjeeling tea is doing a fair amount of business. However, because of poor coordination between state and central government, the labourers are unable to reap the benefits.

"Equation between the Central and State government is not well, and as an obvious consequence, the tea garden workers pay the price," Chakraborty said.

As per the latest direction by the state government, the daily wage of a tea worker should be Rs 176. They are also liable to receive provident fund and gratuity.

As per a notice issued by the state government to tea companies, the Tea garden workers in North Bengal will get a 'paid leave' to participate in the electoral process, however, most of the workers are unaware of this announcement.

As per a notice issued by the state government to tea companies, the Tea garden workers in North Bengal will get a 'paid leave' to participate in the electoral process, however, most of the workers are unaware of this announcement. Alok Chakraborty, Central Committee President, INTUC (National Union of Plantation Workers) said, " Tea garden workers especially those who stay in remote areas are completely unaware of paid leaves concept and the tea companies for their own benefits do not even bother to inform them of this existing notice." A tea estate worker from North Bengal said, "I know that voting is my right and I go to the polling booth to cast my vote however my company declares it as an off day and we lose a day's pay." With tea export business witnessing a boom, the present scenario of tea market is pleasant but the condition of tea garden workers remains poor. A study shows that with the increasing demand for Indian tea in the international market, especially Assam and Darjeeling tea is doing a fair amount of business. However, because of poor coordination between state and central government, the labourers are unable to reap the benefits. "Equation between the Central and State government is not well, and as an obvious consequence, the tea garden workers pay the price," Chakraborty said. As per the latest direction by the state government, the daily wage of a tea worker should be Rs 176. They are also liable to receive provident fund and gratuity.

West Bengal: Unaware of 'paid leave' concept on polling day, tea garden workers lose day's pay 

In a technology-driven world where markets are inundated with fancy machine-made goods, many handmade crafts are fading into insignificance. One such craft form that is facing a bleak future is clay art making in Begusarai in Bihar.

Begusarai is home to a large number of clay artisans who have been making idols of gods, water pots, decorative homeware and toys for generations. But poor monetary returns and the absence of any government support has meant a steady decline in the number of artisans engaged in the profession.

Bimal Devi, who has been making clay idols all her life, says her children have no interest in joining the family business. "This is our family business. Nowadays I only manage to earn daily wages to survive. Nothing much can be done with this paltry sum of money. My children are not ready to join this profession as there is no money in it. Making a small idol takes about an hour and it fetches me only Rs 10 or 12," she says.

While many artisans are moving on in search of better paying work, several like Kailash Pandit have been left behind not because of their love for the profession, but because of lack of choice due to little or no educational qualifications.

"I am in this profession since I was 12. Though I do not get any benefits out of it, I will have to continue with this profession as I have no other option or alternative." Pandit's children have, however, chosen to take up other professions.

The artisans are now hoping that the government looks into their plight and takes necessary steps to breathe life into the fast-dying profession.

Sudhir Kumar, the head of the community, says, "The government should take initiative to promote this art. The clay that is used for making these idols and pieces of art, is very expensive and the government should provide them at subsidised rates. They should also provide us with a platform where we can sell these artistically-rich products.

In a technology-driven world where markets are inundated with fancy machine-made goods, many handmade crafts are fading into insignificance. One such craft form that is facing a bleak future is clay art making in Begusarai in Bihar.

In a technology-driven world where markets are inundated with fancy machine-made goods, many handmade crafts are fading into insignificance. One such craft form that is facing a bleak future is clay art making in Begusarai in Bihar. Begusarai is home to a large number of clay artisans who have been making idols of gods, water pots, decorative homeware and toys for generations. But poor monetary returns and the absence of any government support has meant a steady decline in the number of artisans engaged in the profession. Bimal Devi, who has been making clay idols all her life, says her children have no interest in joining the family business. "This is our family business. Nowadays I only manage to earn daily wages to survive. Nothing much can be done with this paltry sum of money. My children are not ready to join this profession as there is no money in it. Making a small idol takes about an hour and it fetches me only Rs 10 or 12," she says. While many artisans are moving on in search of better paying work, several like Kailash Pandit have been left behind not because of their love for the profession, but because of lack of choice due to little or no educational qualifications. "I am in this profession since I was 12. Though I do not get any benefits out of it, I will have to continue with this profession as I have no other option or alternative." Pandit's children have, however, chosen to take up other professions. The artisans are now hoping that the government looks into their plight and takes necessary steps to breathe life into the fast-dying profession. Sudhir Kumar, the head of the community, says, "The government should take initiative to promote this art. The clay that is used for making these idols and pieces of art, is very expensive and the government should provide them at subsidised rates. They should also provide us with a platform where we can sell these artistically-rich products.

Begusarai clay artisans want govt support for their dying art 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Sunday slammed the Abdullahs and Muftis, saying two families "ruined" three generations of Jammu and Kashmir and he will not allow them to "divide" India.

The prime minister was referring to NC leader Omar Abdullah's demand for a separate prime minister for Jammu and Kashmir.

He also targeted the Congress for the migration of Kashmiri Pandits from the Valley and said his government was committed to settling the displaced community in their native places and that work has started in this direction.

The Prime Minister also hit out at Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh for skipping Saturday's event to pay respects to martyrs of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre.

On doubts raised by some opposition leaders on the Balakot air strikes, Modi said Congress has never trusted valour of Indian armed forces.

He said the wave in favour of the BJP was stronger this time than in 2014.

According to opinion polls and surveys, the BJP will get thrice the seats that Congress will win, he said.

By coming out to vote in large numbers in Baramulla and Jammu, voters have given a befitting reply to terrorist leaders and opportunists, he added.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Sunday slammed the Abdullahs and Muftis, saying two families "ruined" three generations of Jammu and Kashmir and he will not allow them to "divide" India.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Sunday slammed the Abdullahs and Muftis, saying two families "ruined" three generations of Jammu and Kashmir and he will not allow them to "divide" India. The prime minister was referring to NC leader Omar Abdullah's demand for a separate prime minister for Jammu and Kashmir. He also targeted the Congress for the migration of Kashmiri Pandits from the Valley and said his government was committed to settling the displaced community in their native places and that work has started in this direction. The Prime Minister also hit out at Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh for skipping Saturday's event to pay respects to martyrs of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre. On doubts raised by some opposition leaders on the Balakot air strikes, Modi said Congress has never trusted valour of Indian armed forces. He said the wave in favour of the BJP was stronger this time than in 2014. According to opinion polls and surveys, the BJP will get thrice the seats that Congress will win, he said. By coming out to vote in large numbers in Baramulla and Jammu, voters have given a befitting reply to terrorist leaders and opportunists, he added.

Will not allow Abdullahs, Muftis to divide India: PM Modi in Kathua

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday slammed Congress for its stand on <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jnu-sedition-case-police-filed-charge-sheet-secretly-in-hasty-manner-delhi-govt-tells-court-208087">sedition law</a> as mentioned in party's manifesto and asserted that BJP will make it even more stringent after forming a government for a second term.

Addressing an election rally, Singh said, "If someone tries to break India, should they be forgiven? They say they will end the sedition law, to whom are they giving a signal? If our government comes to power we will make the sedition law even more stringent."

Earlier on April 3, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath had also lambasted the Congress for promising to scrap the law.

Speaking at an election rally, Yogi had said, "It is shameful that the Congress in its manifesto has promised to scrap the provision on sedition, which is used against terrorists and those involved in terror activities if the party comes to power."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/sonia-gandhi-questions-congress-manifesto-cover-for-its-dark-colour-207673">Congress</a> has promised in its <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-unveils-manifesto-titled-congress-will-deliver-207408">manifesto</a> to remove the sedition law to give a "fillip to freedom of expression" in the country.

The provision for sedition under Section 124A of the Indian Penal Code says, "Whoever, by words, either spoken or written, or by signs, or by visible representation, or otherwise, brings or attempts to bring into hatred or contempt, or excites or attempts to excite disaffection towards the Government established by law shall be punished with imprisonment for life, to which fine may be added, or with imprisonment which may extend to three years, to which fine may be added, or with fine."

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday slammed Congress for its stand on sedition law as mentioned in party's manifesto and asserted that BJP will make it even more stringent after forming a government for a second term.

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday slammed Congress for its stand on sedition law as mentioned in party's manifesto and asserted that BJP will make it even more stringent after forming a government for a second term. Addressing an election rally, Singh said, "If someone tries to break India, should they be forgiven? They say they will end the sedition law, to whom are they giving a signal? If our government comes to power we will make the sedition law even more stringent." Earlier on April 3, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath had also lambasted the Congress for promising to scrap the law. Speaking at an election rally, Yogi had said, "It is shameful that the Congress in its manifesto has promised to scrap the provision on sedition, which is used against terrorists and those involved in terror activities if the party comes to power." Congress has promised in its manifesto to remove the sedition law to give a "fillip to freedom of expression" in the country. The provision for sedition under Section 124A of the Indian Penal Code says, "Whoever, by words, either spoken or written, or by signs, or by visible representation, or otherwise, brings or attempts to bring into hatred or contempt, or excites or attempts to excite disaffection towards the Government established by law shall be punished with imprisonment for life, to which fine may be added, or with imprisonment which may extend to three years, to which fine may be added, or with fine."

BJP will make sedition law even more stringent: Rajnath Singh

Karnataka Chief Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/modi-applies-make-up-everyday-to-get-shine-on-face-hd-kumaraswamy-209104">HD Kumaraswamy </a>on Friday stressed the importance of the regional parties in Lok Sabha elections and claimed that these parties will play an important role in the formation of the next government at the Centre.

In an exclusive interview to WION, Kumaraswamy said that 2019 is an election of regional parties and that the Congress-JD(S) alliance will beat BJP.

"Local leaders must cooperate to achieve the full potential of the alliance," Kumaraswamy said.

The Karnataka Chief Minister strongly criticised BJP and said that it has an unofficial alliance with ED, CBI and Income Tax department.

"Modi government is misusing the institutions. The raids on Opposition is part of political agenda and not good for democracy," he said.

He also said that Pulwama was an intelligence failure and that Modi should be asked that how is he running the intelligence department of the country?

"Modi is not going to come back to power. The nationalist rhetoric is not going to work in this election," said Kumaraswamy, adding that Congress president Rahul Gandhi has evolved into a mature politician.

In a controversial remark, Kumaraswamy said, "Modi is not a humane person and vengeance in politics does not work well. I urge the young community in the country not to get swayed by speeches of the Prime Minister."

He also admitted that he has received full cooperation from the Congress leaders, but the alliance needs to work well on the ground. He also said that he has a comfortable working relationship with former chief minister Siddaramaiah.

The chief minister said that Hindutva will not work in the current elections as the job is the main issue on which the ruling government has failed miserably.

Karnataka will vote in the second and third phases of Lok Sabha election, scheduled on April 18 and 23, respectively.

(You can watch the full interview at 8.30 AM and 4.30 PM on Saturday, 9.30 and 1.30 PM on Sunday and 2.30 PM on Monday)

Karnataka Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy on Friday stressed the importance of the regional parties in Lok Sabha elections and claimed that these parties will play an important role in the formation of the next government at the Centre.

Karnataka Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy on Friday stressed the importance of the regional parties in Lok Sabha elections and claimed that these parties will play an important role in the formation of the next government at the Centre. In an exclusive interview to WION, Kumaraswamy said that 2019 is an election of regional parties and that the Congress-JD(S) alliance will beat BJP. "Local leaders must cooperate to achieve the full potential of the alliance," Kumaraswamy said. The Karnataka Chief Minister strongly criticised BJP and said that it has an unofficial alliance with ED, CBI and Income Tax department. "Modi government is misusing the institutions. The raids on Opposition is part of political agenda and not good for democracy," he said. He also said that Pulwama was an intelligence failure and that Modi should be asked that how is he running the intelligence department of the country? "Modi is not going to come back to power. The nationalist rhetoric is not going to work in this election," said Kumaraswamy, adding that Congress president Rahul Gandhi has evolved into a mature politician. In a controversial remark, Kumaraswamy said, "Modi is not a humane person and vengeance in politics does not work well. I urge the young community in the country not to get swayed by speeches of the Prime Minister." He also admitted that he has received full cooperation from the Congress leaders, but the alliance needs to work well on the ground. He also said that he has a comfortable working relationship with former chief minister Siddaramaiah. The chief minister said that Hindutva will not work in the current elections as the job is the main issue on which the ruling government has failed miserably. Karnataka will vote in the second and third phases of Lok Sabha election, scheduled on April 18 and 23, respectively. (You can watch the full interview at 8.30 AM and 4.30 PM on Saturday, 9.30 and 1.30 PM on Sunday and 2.30 PM on Monday)

Narendra Modi is not going to come back to power: HD Kumaraswamy to WION

Several senior armed forces veterans on Friday denied writing a letter to President Ram Nath Kovind over alleged politicisation of the services with former Army Chief General Sunith Francis Rodrigues calling it "a classic manifestation of fake news".

Meanwhile, a Rashtrapati Bhavan source said that the President has not received any letter purportedly written by a group of former officers of the Army, Navy and Air Force.

"I do not know what it is all about. All my life, we have been apolitical. After 42 years as an officer, it is a little late to change. We have always put India first. I do not know who these people are and it (the letter with names of officers) is a classic manifestation of fake news," General Rodrigues said.

The purported letter, which went viral on social media, named eight former services chiefs including General Rodrigues and Ex-Air Chief Nirmal Chandra Suri.

Air Chief Marshal Suri said, "This is not Admiral Ramdas' letter and it has been done by some Major Chaudhary. He has written this letter and this was coming on WhatsApp and emails. To put an end to it, I wrote that armed forces are apolitical and support the politically elected government."

"My consent has not been taken for any such letter. And I do not agree with whatever has been written in that letter... We have been misquoted by this Major Chaudhary," he added.

Former Army Vice Chief Lt General ML Naidu, who figured in the purported letter, said, "No, my consent has not been taken for any such letter and neither have I written any such letter."

However, when reached out by ANI, Major General Harsha Kakkar, an ex-officer who was also named, said, "Yes, I had given my consent for being a signatory to the letter. I had given my consent only after knowing the contents of it."

Several senior armed forces veterans on Friday denied writing a letter to President Ram Nath Kovind over alleged politicisation of the services with former Army Chief General Sunith Francis Rodrigues calling it "a classic manifestation of fake news".

Several senior armed forces veterans on Friday denied writing a letter to President Ram Nath Kovind over alleged politicisation of the services with former Army Chief General Sunith Francis Rodrigues calling it "a classic manifestation of fake news". Meanwhile, a Rashtrapati Bhavan source said that the President has not received any letter purportedly written by a group of former officers of the Army, Navy and Air Force. "I do not know what it is all about. All my life, we have been apolitical. After 42 years as an officer, it is a little late to change. We have always put India first. I do not know who these people are and it (the letter with names of officers) is a classic manifestation of fake news," General Rodrigues said. The purported letter, which went viral on social media, named eight former services chiefs including General Rodrigues and Ex-Air Chief Nirmal Chandra Suri. Air Chief Marshal Suri said, "This is not Admiral Ramdas' letter and it has been done by some Major Chaudhary. He has written this letter and this was coming on WhatsApp and emails. To put an end to it, I wrote that armed forces are apolitical and support the politically elected government." "My consent has not been taken for any such letter. And I do not agree with whatever has been written in that letter... We have been misquoted by this Major Chaudhary," he added. Former Army Vice Chief Lt General ML Naidu, who figured in the purported letter, said, "No, my consent has not been taken for any such letter and neither have I written any such letter." However, when reached out by ANI, Major General Harsha Kakkar, an ex-officer who was also named, said, "Yes, I had given my consent for being a signatory to the letter. I had given my consent only after knowing the contents of it."

'Classic manifestation of fake news': Several ex-army officers deny writing letter to President over alleged politicisation of services

Over 6.5 per cent of the 13.12 lakh electorate cast their votes Thursday in the first two hours of polling in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/live-lok-sabha-polls-2019-voting-underway-in-91-seats-in-first-phase-209404">Baramulla Lok Sabha constituency</a> in Jammu and Kashmir, officials said.

The seven assembly segments in Baramulla district registered a turnout of 5.8 per cent in the first two hours of polling which began at 7 am, the officials said.

In pics: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/indias-general-election-begins-with-voting-in-first-of-seven-phases-209447">India's general election begins with voting in first of seven phases</a>

They said Bandipora district, which has three assembly segments, recorded a poll percentage of nearly six per cent during the corresponding period while Kupwara recorded a turnout of eight per cent so far.

Baramulla constituency will send the first-time parliamentarian to the Lok Sabha as none of the nine candidates in the fray have earlier been elected to either Lok Sabha or the Rajya Sabha.

Those in the fray include Muhammad Akbar Lone of National Conference, Farooq Ahmad Mir of Congress, Raja Aijaz Ali of People's Conference, Mohammad Maqbool War of BJP, Jahangir Khan of NPP, Abdul Qayoom Wani of PDP and independent candidates Javid Ahmad Qureshi, Syed Najeeb Shah Naqvi and Abdul Rashid Sheikh.

PPD stalwart Muzaffar Hussain Baig had won the 2014 Lok Sabha election from Baramulla constituency but he chose not to seek re-election this time. Baig had defeated his nearest rival Sharief-ud-Din Shariq of National Conference by a margin of 29219 votes.

While the 2014 elections in this north Kashmir constituency was a virtual head-on contest between PDP and NC, a multi-cornered contest is expected this time around with the emergence of People's Conference as the third regional force in Kashmir.

Former MLA from Langate Abdul Rashid Sheikh's decision to contest the Lok Sabha polls has spiced up the contest as former IAS officer Shah Faesal has extended support of his newly former Jammu and Kashmir People's Movement to him.

Baramulla Lok Sabha is spread over 15 assembly segments in three districts of north Kashmir.

Authorities have established 1749 polling stations at 1387 locations for over 13.12 lakh voters to exercise their franchise.(

Over 6.5 per cent of the 13.12 lakh electorate cast their votes Thursday in the first two hours of polling in Baramulla Lok Sabha constituency in Jammu and Kashmir, officials said.

Over 6.5 per cent of the 13.12 lakh electorate cast their votes Thursday in the first two hours of polling in Baramulla Lok Sabha constituency in Jammu and Kashmir, officials said. The seven assembly segments in Baramulla district registered a turnout of 5.8 per cent in the first two hours of polling which began at 7 am, the officials said. In pics: India's general election begins with voting in first of seven phases They said Bandipora district, which has three assembly segments, recorded a poll percentage of nearly six per cent during the corresponding period while Kupwara recorded a turnout of eight per cent so far. Baramulla constituency will send the first-time parliamentarian to the Lok Sabha as none of the nine candidates in the fray have earlier been elected to either Lok Sabha or the Rajya Sabha. Those in the fray include Muhammad Akbar Lone of National Conference, Farooq Ahmad Mir of Congress, Raja Aijaz Ali of People's Conference, Mohammad Maqbool War of BJP, Jahangir Khan of NPP, Abdul Qayoom Wani of PDP and independent candidates Javid Ahmad Qureshi, Syed Najeeb Shah Naqvi and Abdul Rashid Sheikh. PPD stalwart Muzaffar Hussain Baig had won the 2014 Lok Sabha election from Baramulla constituency but he chose not to seek re-election this time. Baig had defeated his nearest rival Sharief-ud-Din Shariq of National Conference by a margin of 29219 votes. While the 2014 elections in this north Kashmir constituency was a virtual head-on contest between PDP and NC, a multi-cornered contest is expected this time around with the emergence of People's Conference as the third regional force in Kashmir. Former MLA from Langate Abdul Rashid Sheikh's decision to contest the Lok Sabha polls has spiced up the contest as former IAS officer Shah Faesal has extended support of his newly former Jammu and Kashmir People's Movement to him. Baramulla Lok Sabha is spread over 15 assembly segments in three districts of north Kashmir. Authorities have established 1749 polling stations at 1387 locations for over 13.12 lakh voters to exercise their franchise.(

Over 6.5 per cent voters cast vote in Baramulla in first two hours of voting

West Bengal Thursday recorded a polling percentage of 81 per cent, while Bihar recorded 50 per cent voter turnout in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/interesting-facts-about-phase-i-of-lok-sabah-polls-209574">phase one of Lok Sabha </a>elections.

Two seats in Bihar — Cooch Behar and Alipurduars — went to poll in the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/vajpayee-was-invincible-but-we-won-sonia-after-filing-nomination-from-rae-bareli-209541"> first phase</a>. The state will have polling in all seven phases.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/live-lok-sabha-polls-2019-voting-underway-in-91-seats-in-first-phase-209404">Lok Sabha polls 2019 Phase 1 voting: As it happened</a>

Bihar recorded voter turnout of 50 per cent, the lowest among the 20 states which went to polls Thursday, the Election Commission said.

This time, however, the poll panel did not share the overall polling percentage at its briefing, saying the data was being collated and would be available later.
<img alt="Phase 1" data-align="center" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="5aed0f35-911d-4c07-93fe-a5ae459077ca" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%283%29_8.jpg" />
Women show their voter identity cards as they wait to cast their votes at a polling station, during the first phase of general elections, at Khalapaar in Muzaffarnagar, Thursday, April 11, 2019. (PTI Photo) 
 
The two seats in Jammu and Kashmir — Jammu and Baramulla — recorded an overall percentage of 54.49 as compared to 57.19 in the 2014 general elections.

In Baramulla, the turnout was 35.01 per cent as compared to 38.5 per cent last time.

In Jammu, 72.16 per cent of voters turned up at the polling stations, as compared to 69.17 per cent last time.

Andhra Pradesh, where all seats went to polls in the first phase, recorded a turnout of 66 per cent as compared to 74.64 per cent in the last LS polls. 
In Mizoram, where the entire state went to polls in a single phase, recorded a dip in turnout. While last time the turnout was 61.95 per cent, this time it was 60 per cent.

The turnout in all constituencies is likely to go up as final reports were yet to come in, EC officials told reporters.

Similarly in Lakshadweep, the percentage this time was 66 as compared to 86 in 2014.

In Arunachal Pradesh, where both the constituencies went to polls, the turnout stood at 66 per cent as compared to 86 per cent in 2014.

West Bengal Thursday recorded a polling percentage of 81 per cent, while Bihar recorded 50 per cent voter turnout in phase one of Lok Sabha elections. Two seats in Bihar — Cooch Behar and Alipurduars — went to poll in the first phase.

West Bengal Thursday recorded a polling percentage of 81 per cent, while Bihar recorded 50 per cent voter turnout in phase one of Lok Sabha elections. Two seats in Bihar — Cooch Behar and Alipurduars — went to poll in the first phase. The state will have polling in all seven phases. Lok Sabha polls 2019 Phase 1 voting: As it happened Bihar recorded voter turnout of 50 per cent, the lowest among the 20 states which went to polls Thursday, the Election Commission said. This time, however, the poll panel did not share the overall polling percentage at its briefing, saying the data was being collated and would be available later. Women show their voter identity cards as they wait to cast their votes at a polling station, during the first phase of general elections, at Khalapaar in Muzaffarnagar, Thursday, April 11, 2019. (PTI Photo) The two seats in Jammu and Kashmir — Jammu and Baramulla — recorded an overall percentage of 54.49 as compared to 57.19 in the 2014 general elections. In Baramulla, the turnout was 35.01 per cent as compared to 38.5 per cent last time. In Jammu, 72.16 per cent of voters turned up at the polling stations, as compared to 69.17 per cent last time. Andhra Pradesh, where all seats went to polls in the first phase, recorded a turnout of 66 per cent as compared to 74.64 per cent in the last LS polls. In Mizoram, where the entire state went to polls in a single phase, recorded a dip in turnout. While last time the turnout was 61.95 per cent, this time it was 60 per cent. The turnout in all constituencies is likely to go up as final reports were yet to come in, EC officials told reporters. Similarly in Lakshadweep, the percentage this time was 66 as compared to 86 in 2014. In Arunachal Pradesh, where both the constituencies went to polls, the turnout stood at 66 per cent as compared to 86 per cent in 2014.

Lok Sabha polls 2019: Bihar sees lowest voter turnout with 50%, West Bengal tops with 81% in phase 1

An estimated 10.2 per cent voters on Thursday exercised their franchise in the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/live-lok-sabha-polls-2019-voting-underway-in-91-seats-in-first-phase-209404"> first two hours of polling</a> in five parliamentary constituencies in Assam, amid reports of EVM glitches in a few booths and an IED being detected at an oil pipeline, officials said.

The Tezpur, Kaliabor, Jorhat, Dibrugarh and Lakhimpur Lok Sabha constituencies have an electorate of 76,03,458, including 38,65,334 male, 37,37,970 female and 154 of the third gender, who will decide the fate of 41 candidates.

An <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/chhattisgarh-amid-polling-naxals-trigger-ied-blast-in-bastar-district-none-hurt-209449">IED has been detected </a>at an oil pipeline passing through a tea garden at Duliajan under Dibrugarh district, and security forces have rushed to the spot, a police officer said.

There are reports of EVM glitches in a few booths under Lakhimpur and Kaliabor constituencies, delaying the beginning of polls, an official said, adding, district election offices are looking into the matter.

Voters, the majority being women, queued up since early morning even before polling began at 7 am, and a general atmosphere of enthusiasm is prevailing in most of the booths of Tezpur, Kaliabor, Jorhat, Dibrugarh and Lakhimpur.

Security has been tightened in all the 9,574 polling booths and there are no reports of any untoward incident from anywhere so far, police said.

Prominent personalities to exercise their franchise in the early hours were former chief minister Tarun Gogoi, accompanied by his wife Dolly and son Gaurav Gogoi, who is the sitting MP and Congress candidate from Kaliabor constituency.

The trio exercised their franchise at Devicharan Girls' High School at Jorhat.

Lakhimpur Congress candidate Anil Borgohain was among the first to cast his vote at an all-woman polling booth, while his BJP rival and sitting MP Pradan Barua exercised his franchise at Dhemaji.

Polling in Assam will take place in three phases on April 11, 18 and 23, while the counting of votes will be on May 23.

An estimated 10.2 per cent voters on Thursday exercised their franchise in the first two hours of polling in five parliamentary constituencies in Assam, amid reports of EVM glitches in a few booths and an IED being detected at an oil pipeline, officials said.

An estimated 10.2 per cent voters on Thursday exercised their franchise in the first two hours of polling in five parliamentary constituencies in Assam, amid reports of EVM glitches in a few booths and an IED being detected at an oil pipeline, officials said. The Tezpur, Kaliabor, Jorhat, Dibrugarh and Lakhimpur Lok Sabha constituencies have an electorate of 76,03,458, including 38,65,334 male, 37,37,970 female and 154 of the third gender, who will decide the fate of 41 candidates. An IED has been detected at an oil pipeline passing through a tea garden at Duliajan under Dibrugarh district, and security forces have rushed to the spot, a police officer said. There are reports of EVM glitches in a few booths under Lakhimpur and Kaliabor constituencies, delaying the beginning of polls, an official said, adding, district election offices are looking into the matter. Voters, the majority being women, queued up since early morning even before polling began at 7 am, and a general atmosphere of enthusiasm is prevailing in most of the booths of Tezpur, Kaliabor, Jorhat, Dibrugarh and Lakhimpur. Security has been tightened in all the 9,574 polling booths and there are no reports of any untoward incident from anywhere so far, police said. Prominent personalities to exercise their franchise in the early hours were former chief minister Tarun Gogoi, accompanied by his wife Dolly and son Gaurav Gogoi, who is the sitting MP and Congress candidate from Kaliabor constituency. The trio exercised their franchise at Devicharan Girls' High School at Jorhat. Lakhimpur Congress candidate Anil Borgohain was among the first to cast his vote at an all-woman polling booth, while his BJP rival and sitting MP Pradan Barua exercised his franchise at Dhemaji. Polling in Assam will take place in three phases on April 11, 18 and 23, while the counting of votes will be on May 23.

Lok Sabha polls 2019: IED detected in Assam, 10% turnout till 9 am

Domestic equity benchmarks opened on a cautious note Thursday as<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/live-lok-sabha-polls-2019-voting-underway-in-91-seats-in-first-phase-209404"> voting began in 91 constituencies</a> across the country in the first phase of Lok Sabha election.

The BSE Sensex was trading 33.29 points or 0.09 per cent higher at 38,618.64. The gauge had ended 353.87 points or 0.91 per cent, lower to close at 38,585.35 in its previous session.

The NSE Nifty was trading 10.20 points, or 0.09 per cent, higher at 11,594.50 in early session.

Top gainers in the Sensex pack include Bharti Airtel, Asian Paints, M&amp;M, HUL, Bajaj Auto, HDFC, Coal India, L&amp;T, ITC and HDFC Bank, rising up to 1.85 per cent.

While Vedanta, Kotak Bank, Sun Pharma Infosys, Yes Bank, IndusInd Bank, SBI and Axis Bank were the top losers, shedding up to 1.75 per cent.

Market mood was cautious as polling began in 91 constituencies spread across 18 states and two union territories in the first phase of Lok Sabha elections, traders said.

However, according to Vinod Nair, Head of Research, Geojit Financial Services, "Election-led consolidation may be short-lived and the key trigger will be the earnings growth which is expected to start revive from fourth quarter onwards," said&nbsp;

Meanwhile, foreign institutional investors (FIIs) purchased equity worth Rs 1,429.92 crore on Tuesday, while domestic institutional investors (DIIs) sold equities to the tune of Rs 461.29 crore, provisional data available with stock exchanges showed.

The rupee depreciated 4 paise to 69.15 against the US dollar in early trade.

Brent crude futures, the global oil benchmark, was quoting lower at $71.44 per barrel.

Elsewhere in Asia, benchmark equity indices in Shanghai, Tokyo and Seoul were trading in the negative terrain in early trade. Indices on Wall Street ended flat on Wednesday.&nbsp;

Domestic equity benchmarks opened on a cautious note Thursday as voting began in 91 constituencies across the country in the first phase of Lok Sabha election. The BSE Sensex was trading 33.

Domestic equity benchmarks opened on a cautious note Thursday as voting began in 91 constituencies across the country in the first phase of Lok Sabha election. The BSE Sensex was trading 33.29 points or 0.09 per cent higher at 38,618.64. The gauge had ended 353.87 points or 0.91 per cent, lower to close at 38,585.35 in its previous session. The NSE Nifty was trading 10.20 points, or 0.09 per cent, higher at 11,594.50 in early session. Top gainers in the Sensex pack include Bharti Airtel, Asian Paints, M&M, HUL, Bajaj Auto, HDFC, Coal India, L&T, ITC and HDFC Bank, rising up to 1.85 per cent. While Vedanta, Kotak Bank, Sun Pharma Infosys, Yes Bank, IndusInd Bank, SBI and Axis Bank were the top losers, shedding up to 1.75 per cent. Market mood was cautious as polling began in 91 constituencies spread across 18 states and two union territories in the first phase of Lok Sabha elections, traders said. However, according to Vinod Nair, Head of Research, Geojit Financial Services, "Election-led consolidation may be short-lived and the key trigger will be the earnings growth which is expected to start revive from fourth quarter onwards," said Meanwhile, foreign institutional investors (FIIs) purchased equity worth Rs 1,429.92 crore on Tuesday, while domestic institutional investors (DIIs) sold equities to the tune of Rs 461.29 crore, provisional data available with stock exchanges showed. The rupee depreciated 4 paise to 69.15 against the US dollar in early trade. Brent crude futures, the global oil benchmark, was quoting lower at $71.44 per barrel. Elsewhere in Asia, benchmark equity indices in Shanghai, Tokyo and Seoul were trading in the negative terrain in early trade. Indices on Wall Street ended flat on Wednesday.

Market opens on a cautious note as Lok Sabha poll begins

Naxals triggered an IED blast on Thursday morning in Chhattisgarh's Narayanpur district in Bastar Lok Sabha constituency where <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/live-lok-sabha-polls-2019-voting-underway-in-91-seats-in-first-phase-209404">voting is underway</a>, a senior police official said.

No casualty was reported in the incident, he said.

Narayanpur comes under the Bastar Lok Sabha seat.

"The explosion took place around 4.15 am in Farasgaon area on Narayanpur-Dandwan road when a team of security men was escorting polling personnel to their booth," the official said.

Naxals had planted the explosive underground and were waiting for the security forces to arrive.

"However, when the rebels realised that security personnel had changed their route and were zeroing in on them through a forest, they triggered the IED (improvised explosive device) blast in panic and fled the spot," he said.

"No harm was caused to the security and polling personnel in the explosion," he added.

A thick security blanket, comprising around 80,000 state and paramilitary personnel, was thrown across the Bastar Lok Sabha constituency where polling is being held in its four Assembly segments - Dantewada, Konta, Bijapur and Narayanpur - from 7 am to 3 pm, he said.

The voting time in the remaining four Assembly segments - Bastar, Chitrakoot, Kondagaon and Jagdalpur - is from 7 am and 5 pm, the official added.

Total seven candidates are in the fray in the Bastar Lok Sabha constituency.&nbsp;

Naxals triggered an IED blast on Thursday morning in Chhattisgarh's Narayanpur district in Bastar Lok Sabha constituency where voting is underway, a senior police official said.

Naxals triggered an IED blast on Thursday morning in Chhattisgarh's Narayanpur district in Bastar Lok Sabha constituency where voting is underway, a senior police official said. No casualty was reported in the incident, he said. Narayanpur comes under the Bastar Lok Sabha seat. "The explosion took place around 4.15 am in Farasgaon area on Narayanpur-Dandwan road when a team of security men was escorting polling personnel to their booth," the official said. Naxals had planted the explosive underground and were waiting for the security forces to arrive. "However, when the rebels realised that security personnel had changed their route and were zeroing in on them through a forest, they triggered the IED (improvised explosive device) blast in panic and fled the spot," he said. "No harm was caused to the security and polling personnel in the explosion," he added. A thick security blanket, comprising around 80,000 state and paramilitary personnel, was thrown across the Bastar Lok Sabha constituency where polling is being held in its four Assembly segments - Dantewada, Konta, Bijapur and Narayanpur - from 7 am to 3 pm, he said. The voting time in the remaining four Assembly segments - Bastar, Chitrakoot, Kondagaon and Jagdalpur - is from 7 am and 5 pm, the official added. Total seven candidates are in the fray in the Bastar Lok Sabha constituency.

Chhattisgarh: Amid polling, Naxals trigger IED blast in Bastar district; none hurt

Voting in the first of seven rounds is being held in 91 parliament constituencies across 20 states and federally administered regions. There are 543 seats at stake. The election is spread over 39 days, with the final phase on May 19 and the result announced four days later.

Big numbers turn out for first day of India's general election

As polling got underway in Telangana for the 17 Lok Sabha constituencies on Thursday, Nizamabad has become a cynosure of all eyes with a large number of candidates in the fray necessitating the deployment of as many as 12 EVMs in each booth.

"This is the first time in the world where elections are conducted with such a large number of candidates using (such a large number of) EVMs," said Chief Electoral Officer Rajat Kumar.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/live-lok-sabha-polls-2019-voting-underway-in-91-seats-in-first-phase-209404">Live Lok Sabha polls 2019: West Bengal sees 71.01% voter turnout till 3pm; Mizoram at 55.20%</a>

In the field are 185 candidates, including 178 farmers who jumped into the fray to support their demand for the remunerative price for turmeric and red sorghum and setting up of a Turmeric Board based in Nizamabad.

Telangana Rashtra Samiti (TRS) President and Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao's daughter K Kavitha is seeking re-election from here. Blaming the BJP, she had said it was the Centre which should take initiative for setting up the Turmeric Board.

While voting began at 7 a.M in other constituencies, it commenced in Nizamabad an hour later as planned due to mock polling in view of a large number of candidates in the fray and as also deployment of EVMs.

The sitting MP Kavitha along with her husband Anil cast her vote in Potangal village in Bodhan Assembly constituency.

The contesting farmers have alleged that the TRS government failed to ensure minimum support price for turmeric and red sorghum produce and in getting Turmeric Board established.

TRS Rajya Sabha member D Srinivas's son D Arvind is contesting as a BJP candidate while AICC Secretary Madhu Yashki Goud is in fray from Congress in Nizamabad. Elaborate arrangements have been made for the polling.

In view of a large number of contestants, 12 ballot units are coupled in series and attached to a control unit in inverted 'L' shape. The Election Commission is using M3 type EVMs which can support up to 24 BUs. Each BU will have 24 names.

In a normal situation, the EC drafts 15 to 16 engineers in a constituency, for troubleshooting, whereas for Nizamabad it has kept as many as 600 engineers, Rajat Kumar had earlier said adding one helicopter would be kept ready in case any large number of machines had to be airlifted.

Over 26,000 ballot Units, 2,200 control units and about 26,000 VVPATs are being used for Nizamabad constituency.&nbsp;

As polling got underway in Telangana for the 17 Lok Sabha constituencies on Thursday, Nizamabad has become a cynosure of all eyes with a large number of candidates in the fray necessitating the deployment of as many as 12 EVMs in each booth.

As polling got underway in Telangana for the 17 Lok Sabha constituencies on Thursday, Nizamabad has become a cynosure of all eyes with a large number of candidates in the fray necessitating the deployment of as many as 12 EVMs in each booth. "This is the first time in the world where elections are conducted with such a large number of candidates using (such a large number of) EVMs," said Chief Electoral Officer Rajat Kumar. Live Lok Sabha polls 2019: West Bengal sees 71.01% voter turnout till 3pm; Mizoram at 55.20% In the field are 185 candidates, including 178 farmers who jumped into the fray to support their demand for the remunerative price for turmeric and red sorghum and setting up of a Turmeric Board based in Nizamabad. Telangana Rashtra Samiti (TRS) President and Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao's daughter K Kavitha is seeking re-election from here. Blaming the BJP, she had said it was the Centre which should take initiative for setting up the Turmeric Board. While voting began at 7 a.M in other constituencies, it commenced in Nizamabad an hour later as planned due to mock polling in view of a large number of candidates in the fray and as also deployment of EVMs. The sitting MP Kavitha along with her husband Anil cast her vote in Potangal village in Bodhan Assembly constituency. The contesting farmers have alleged that the TRS government failed to ensure minimum support price for turmeric and red sorghum produce and in getting Turmeric Board established. TRS Rajya Sabha member D Srinivas's son D Arvind is contesting as a BJP candidate while AICC Secretary Madhu Yashki Goud is in fray from Congress in Nizamabad. Elaborate arrangements have been made for the polling. In view of a large number of contestants, 12 ballot units are coupled in series and attached to a control unit in inverted 'L' shape. The Election Commission is using M3 type EVMs which can support up to 24 BUs. Each BU will have 24 names. In a normal situation, the EC drafts 15 to 16 engineers in a constituency, for troubleshooting, whereas for Nizamabad it has kept as many as 600 engineers, Rajat Kumar had earlier said adding one helicopter would be kept ready in case any large number of machines had to be airlifted. Over 26,000 ballot Units, 2,200 control units and about 26,000 VVPATs are being used for Nizamabad constituency.

With long list of 185 candidates, Nizamabad in Telangana is cynosure of all eyes

Clashes broke out on Thursday between workers of Telugu Desam Party(TDP)&nbsp;and YSR Congress(YSRCongress) at various places in Andhra Pradesh as voting was underway for 25 Lok Sabha and 175 Assembly seats.

According to a report by news agency PTI, one TDP worker was killed in Tadipatri town of Andhra Pradesh's Anantapur district. TDP has alleged that&nbsp;YSRCongress&nbsp;workers were&nbsp;behind the incident.

Siddha Bhaskar Reddy was critically injured in the clash at a polling booth. He succumbed to his injuries while he was on his way to the hospital.

According to a&nbsp;report, one mandal parishad member of YSRCongress&nbsp;was seriously injured when TDP workers allegedly attacked him at a polling station in Eluru city.

Live Lok Sabha polls 2019: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/live-lok-sabha-polls-2019-voting-underway-in-91-seats-in-first-phase-209404">TDP leader killed in election-related clashes</a>

In Jammalamadugu in Kadapa district, tension prevailed in Ponnathota village as YSRCongress and TDP workers indulged in stone-throwing.

In Narsaraopet constituency in Guntur district, YSRCongress&nbsp;leaders alleged TDP men had ransacked a polling station in Yelamanda village and damaged the furniture.

Watch: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/watch-jan-sena-candidate-madhusudan-gupta-smashes-evm-in-polling-booth-in-andhra-pradesh-209509">Jan Sena candidate Madhusudan Gupta smashes EVM in polling booth in Andhra Pradesh</a>

Meanwhile, voters across Andhra Pradesh faced technical glitches with electronic voting machines. The glitches, however, has now been rectified, PTI reported.

This is the first general election in the state after bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh and creation of Telangana in June, 2014.

There are a total of 3,93,45,717 registered voters, including 1,94,62,339 men, 1,98,79,421 women and 3,957 transgenders. 
Of the total, 10.15 lakh are first-time voters in the 18-19 age group.

As many as 2,118 and 319 candidates are in the fray for 175 Assembly and 25 Lok Sabha seats respectively. 
&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Clashes broke out on Thursday between workers of Telugu Desam Party(TDP) and YSR Congress(YSRCongress) at various places in Andhra Pradesh as voting was underway for 25 Lok Sabha and 175 Assembly seats.

Clashes broke out on Thursday between workers of Telugu Desam Party(TDP) and YSR Congress(YSRCongress) at various places in Andhra Pradesh as voting was underway for 25 Lok Sabha and 175 Assembly seats. According to a report by news agency PTI, one TDP worker was killed in Tadipatri town of Andhra Pradesh's Anantapur district. TDP has alleged that YSRCongress workers were behind the incident. Siddha Bhaskar Reddy was critically injured in the clash at a polling booth. He succumbed to his injuries while he was on his way to the hospital. According to a report, one mandal parishad member of YSRCongress was seriously injured when TDP workers allegedly attacked him at a polling station in Eluru city. Live Lok Sabha polls 2019: TDP leader killed in election-related clashes In Jammalamadugu in Kadapa district, tension prevailed in Ponnathota village as YSRCongress and TDP workers indulged in stone-throwing. In Narsaraopet constituency in Guntur district, YSRCongress leaders alleged TDP men had ransacked a polling station in Yelamanda village and damaged the furniture. Watch: Jan Sena candidate Madhusudan Gupta smashes EVM in polling booth in Andhra Pradesh Meanwhile, voters across Andhra Pradesh faced technical glitches with electronic voting machines. The glitches, however, has now been rectified, PTI reported. This is the first general election in the state after bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh and creation of Telangana in June, 2014. There are a total of 3,93,45,717 registered voters, including 1,94,62,339 men, 1,98,79,421 women and 3,957 transgenders. Of the total, 10.15 lakh are first-time voters in the 18-19 age group. As many as 2,118 and 319 candidates are in the fray for 175 Assembly and 25 Lok Sabha seats respectively. (With inputs from agencies)

Lok Sabha polls 2019: TDP worker killed in clashes with YSRCongress in Andhra Pradesh

Returning officer is all set to introduce pink booth for women in Bihar’s Gaya. The decision was taken to make women feel special and come in large number in order to cast their vote. Gaya, one of the 40 Lok Sabha seats in Bihar, will vote in the first of the seven-phase polls on Thursday.

Lok Sabha polls 2019: Pink booth specially designed for women to cast vote in Bihar’s Gaya

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday launched a scathing attack on the Congress-led opposition, asserting that the "mahamilavati gang" is scared that if he comes to power again, their "shops" of corruption and dynasty politics will shut down.

Addressing an election rally in Bihar, Modi also said the opposition wants to strip the armed forces of their special powers, while the NDA government strives to give full liberty to jawans to deal with terrorists and Naxals.

Live Lok Sabha polls 2019:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/live-lok-sabha-polls-2019-voting-underway-in-91-seats-in-first-phase-209404">&nbsp;Naxals trigger IED blast near polling booth in Maharashtra; no injuries reported</a>

"The mahamilavati gang is actually afraid of something else though it may have other pretensions while scaremongering. They fear that if Modi comes to power again, their shops of corruption, dynasty politics and venal defence deals will shut down," he said.

The prime minister said his government has been making efforts to bolster the quota system introduced by Baba Saheb Ambedkar.

"They are saying that if Modi comes to power again, elections would be done away with. All constitutional bodies will be under threat. And reservations will be done away with.

"The fact remains, this 'chowkidar' of yours has been making all efforts to strengthen the quota system introduced by Baba Saheb Ambedkar," Modi said. 
Bihar will witness seven-phase polling for its 40 Lok Sabha seats.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday launched a scathing attack on the Congress-led opposition, asserting that the "mahamilavati gang" is scared that if he comes to power again, their "shops" of corruption and dynasty politics will shut down.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday launched a scathing attack on the Congress-led opposition, asserting that the "mahamilavati gang" is scared that if he comes to power again, their "shops" of corruption and dynasty politics will shut down. Addressing an election rally in Bihar, Modi also said the opposition wants to strip the armed forces of their special powers, while the NDA government strives to give full liberty to jawans to deal with terrorists and Naxals. Live Lok Sabha polls 2019: Naxals trigger IED blast near polling booth in Maharashtra; no injuries reported "The mahamilavati gang is actually afraid of something else though it may have other pretensions while scaremongering. They fear that if Modi comes to power again, their shops of corruption, dynasty politics and venal defence deals will shut down," he said. The prime minister said his government has been making efforts to bolster the quota system introduced by Baba Saheb Ambedkar. "They are saying that if Modi comes to power again, elections would be done away with. All constitutional bodies will be under threat. And reservations will be done away with. "The fact remains, this 'chowkidar' of yours has been making all efforts to strengthen the quota system introduced by Baba Saheb Ambedkar," Modi said. Bihar will witness seven-phase polling for its 40 Lok Sabha seats.

Opposition scared, indulging in scaremongering: PM Modi in Bihar rally

India's general election begins with voting in first of seven phases

Naxals triggered an IED blast near a polling booth in Maharashtra's Gadchroli district Thursday while voting was underway, police said.

The IED (improvised explosive device) blast took place around 10.30 am in Waghezari area, around 150 metres from the polling booth where people were standing in queues to cast their votes for the Lok Sabha election, an official said.

Live Lok Sabha polls 2019:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/live-lok-sabha-polls-2019-voting-underway-in-91-seats-in-first-phase-209404"> Naxals trigger IED blast near polling booth in Maharashtra; no injuries reported</a>

No casualty was reported in the incident, he said.

On Wednesday, Naxals denoted an IED at Gatta Jambia village in Etapalli tehsil of the district when a polling party was moving towards polling stations under the protection of a police party and CRPF personnel.

A CRPF jawan was injured in the incident.

The official said Naxals were trying to disrupt the poll process and create panic among villagers, who came out in large numbers to vote on Thursday.

Gadchiroli is among the seven seats where polling is underway during the first phase of Lok Sabha elections in Maharashtra.&nbsp;

Naxals triggered an IED blast near a polling booth in Maharashtra's Gadchroli district Thursday while voting was underway, police said. The IED (improvised explosive device) blast took place around 10.

Naxals triggered an IED blast near a polling booth in Maharashtra's Gadchroli district Thursday while voting was underway, police said. The IED (improvised explosive device) blast took place around 10.30 am in Waghezari area, around 150 metres from the polling booth where people were standing in queues to cast their votes for the Lok Sabha election, an official said. Live Lok Sabha polls 2019: Naxals trigger IED blast near polling booth in Maharashtra; no injuries reported No casualty was reported in the incident, he said. On Wednesday, Naxals denoted an IED at Gatta Jambia village in Etapalli tehsil of the district when a polling party was moving towards polling stations under the protection of a police party and CRPF personnel. A CRPF jawan was injured in the incident. The official said Naxals were trying to disrupt the poll process and create panic among villagers, who came out in large numbers to vote on Thursday. Gadchiroli is among the seven seats where polling is underway during the first phase of Lok Sabha elections in Maharashtra.

Lok Sabha polls 2019: Naxals trigger IED blast near polling booth in Maharashtra

Lok Sabha candidate of Jana Sena Party (JSP), Madhusudan Gupta, on Wednesday broke an Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) at a polling booth in Gooty town in Andhra Pradesh alleging that the names of Assembly and Lok Sabha seats had not been properly displayed in the voting chamber.

Gupta reached the polling station at Girls'&nbsp;Higher School in Gooty which falls under Guntakal Assembly constituency, this morning.

Live Lok Sabha polls 2019: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/live-lok-sabha-polls-2019-voting-underway-in-91-seats-in-first-phase-209404">Naxals trigger IED blast at polling booth in Maharashtra; no injuries reported</a>

He alleged that the names of Assembly and Lok Sabha seats had not been properly displayed in the polling chamber.

Election officials tried to pacify him but an angry Gupta threw an EVM on the floor and broke it.

He was later taken into police custody.

Polling is underway for 25 Lok Sabha and 175 Assembly seats in Andhra Pradesh. The state&nbsp;recorded 18 per cent polling till 11 am.

Telangana recorded 22.84 per cent polling.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/indias-general-election-begins-with-voting-in-first-of-seven-phases-209447">India's general election begins with voting in first of seven phases</a>

Meanwhile, TDP MP Kanakamedala Ravindra Kumar met the Election Commission (EC) in Delhi and complained about EVM malfunctioning in the state.&nbsp;

TDP's N Chandrababu Naidu in a letter to Chief Election Commissioner demanded repoll&nbsp;in booths where polling did not commence till 9:30 am due to EVM snag.

Other states going to polls include - Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, J&amp;K, Maharashtra, Nagaland, Odisha, Sikkim, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Telangana, Uttarakhand, West Bengal. Voters in Manipur, Andaman and Lakshadweep will also be exercising their franchise.

(With inputs from agencies)

&nbsp;

Lok Sabha candidate of Jana Sena Party (JSP), Madhusudan Gupta, on Wednesday broke an Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) at a polling booth in Gooty town in Andhra Pradesh alleging that the names of Assembly and Lok Sabha seats had not been properly displayed in the voting chamber.

Lok Sabha candidate of Jana Sena Party (JSP), Madhusudan Gupta, on Wednesday broke an Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) at a polling booth in Gooty town in Andhra Pradesh alleging that the names of Assembly and Lok Sabha seats had not been properly displayed in the voting chamber. Gupta reached the polling station at Girls' Higher School in Gooty which falls under Guntakal Assembly constituency, this morning. Live Lok Sabha polls 2019: Naxals trigger IED blast at polling booth in Maharashtra; no injuries reported He alleged that the names of Assembly and Lok Sabha seats had not been properly displayed in the polling chamber. Election officials tried to pacify him but an angry Gupta threw an EVM on the floor and broke it. He was later taken into police custody. Polling is underway for 25 Lok Sabha and 175 Assembly seats in Andhra Pradesh. The state recorded 18 per cent polling till 11 am. Telangana recorded 22.84 per cent polling. Also read: India's general election begins with voting in first of seven phases Meanwhile, TDP MP Kanakamedala Ravindra Kumar met the Election Commission (EC) in Delhi and complained about EVM malfunctioning in the state. TDP's N Chandrababu Naidu in a letter to Chief Election Commissioner demanded repoll in booths where polling did not commence till 9:30 am due to EVM snag. Other states going to polls include - Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, J&K, Maharashtra, Nagaland, Odisha, Sikkim, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Telangana, Uttarakhand, West Bengal. Voters in Manipur, Andaman and Lakshadweep will also be exercising their franchise. (With inputs from agencies)

Watch: Jan Sena candidate Madhusudan Gupta smashes EVM in polling booth in Andhra Pradesh