<p>India's Congress party has approached a state high court seeking directives to the top election body to stop Prime Minister Narendra Modi from meditation in the southern city of Kanyakumari from May 30 to June 1.&nbsp;Congress's Tamil Nadu state unit told the Madras High Court that Modi's actions during the silent period amounted to a violation of the election code of conduct. The silence period starts 48 hours before the polling starts and no campaign-related activities are allowed during this time.</p>

<p>The seventh and last phase of the mammoth India elections will be held on June 1&nbsp;and the silence period began on the evening of May 30. Ahead of the phase seven polls, PM Modi has decided to hold a 45-hour-long Dhyan (meditation) at the Vivekananda Rock. Congress says this is an attempt to "whip up Hindu sentiments" and for "canvassing votes" by misusing his official position.</p>

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<p>Congress alleged that Modi's action to broadcast his meditation using official media violated the Representation of Peoples Act.</p>

<p>Congress also highlighted how Modi's visit to the public place was infringing upon the fundamental right of the tourists as security has been beefed up in the area and several restrictions have been placed. The party said the livelihood of several persons will also be hit as business activities have been restricted.</p>

<p>Earlier this week, senior Congress leader Abhishek Manu Singhvi held a meeting with officials from the Election Commission of India (ECI) and urged the poll body to stop PM Modi's 'meditation campaign.'</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwjXu-WaibiGAxUBS2cHHVyTCtAQxfQBKAB6BAgbEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/in-major-boost-to-modinomics-indias-economy-expands-82-in-q4-727452" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/in-major-boost-to-modinomics-indias-economy-expands-82-in-q4-727452&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjXu-WaibiGAxUBS2cHHVyTCtAQxfQBKAB6BAgbEAE">In major boost to Modinomics, India`s economy expands 8.2% in Q4</a></strong></p>

<p>“We told the Election Commission that during the silence period of 48 hours, no one should be allowed to campaign, directly or indirectly,” he was quoted as saying by news agencies.</p>

<p>Singhvi, however, clarified that the grand old party is not against “whatever any leader may do.”</p>

<p>“The PM's meditation, on the other hand, will be a violation of the Model Code as the silence period would be from 7am on May 30 till June 1,” he added.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


India's Congress party has approached a state high court seeking directives to the top election body to stop Prime Minister Narendra Modi from meditation in the southern city of Kanyakumari from May 30 to June 1.

India's Congress party has approached a state high court seeking directives to the top election body to stop Prime Minister Narendra Modi from meditation in the southern city of Kanyakumari from May 30 to June 1. Congress's Tamil Nadu state unit told the Madras High Court that Modi's actions during the silent period amounted to a violation of the election code of conduct. The silence period starts 48 hours before the polling starts and no campaign-related activities are allowed during this time. The seventh and last phase of the mammoth India elections will be held on June 1 and the silence period began on the evening of May 30. Ahead of the phase seven polls, PM Modi has decided to hold a 45-hour-long Dhyan (meditation) at the Vivekananda Rock. Congress says this is an attempt to "whip up Hindu sentiments" and for "canvassing votes" by misusing his official position. Also read: OpenAI disrupts attempts made by Israel-based company to interfere in India elections Congress alleged that Modi's action to broadcast his meditation using official media violated the Representation of Peoples Act. Congress also highlighted how Modi's visit to the public place was infringing upon the fundamental right of the tourists as security has been beefed up in the area and several restrictions have been placed. The party said the livelihood of several persons will also be hit as business activities have been restricted. Earlier this week, senior Congress leader Abhishek Manu Singhvi held a meeting with officials from the Election Commission of India (ECI) and urged the poll body to stop PM Modi's 'meditation campaign.' Also read: In major boost to Modinomics, India`s economy expands 8.2% in Q4 “We told the Election Commission that during the silence period of 48 hours, no one should be allowed to campaign, directly or indirectly,” he was quoted as saying by news agencies. Singhvi, however, clarified that the grand old party is not against “whatever any leader may do.” “The PM's meditation, on the other hand, will be a violation of the Model Code as the silence period would be from 7am on May 30 till June 1,” he added. (With inputs from agencies)

'Violation of silent period,' Tamil Nadu Congress moves court against PM Modi's Kanyakumari visit

Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the iconic Vivekananda Rock Memorial in Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu and offered prayers. It is built on a small island where Swami Vivekananda is believed to have meditated.

Prime Minister Modi prays at the iconic Vivekananda Rock Memorial in Kanyakumari

<p>A Kerala youth who was travelling 3,511 kilometres on skateboards from Kanyakumari to Kashmir perished tragically in a hit-and-run accident. 31-year-old Anas Hajas had undertaken the trip to raise awareness about skateboarding and had planned further trips to Bhutan, Nepal, and Cambodia after completing this leg of the journey. He was on his way from Pinjore in Panchkula to Nalagarh in Himachal Pradesh when the accident took place.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
Indian Express quoted Investigation officer Ram Karan of Pinjore police station as saying “He was on his skateboard when a truck hit him from the back and fled the spot. Some locals, however, noted the vehicle’s registration number and informed the police. Hajas was taken to the neighbouring Kalka Government Hospital where doctors declared him brought dead.”</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Is UK finally returning the Kohinoor back to India?</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/is-uk-finally-returning-the-kohinoor-back-to-india-502850/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>Hajas was a native of Venjaramoodu in Thiruvananthapuram on May 29. He had posted a video posted by him, just a few days before the tragic accident, with the caption "Now I’ve reached a place named Kurukshethra which is in the state of Hariyana."</p>

<p>"I’ve crossed 9 states to reach here, it’s been 2 months and crossed 2800kms since I began my journey."</p>

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<p>The accident occurred just a few days before his anticipated arrival at his destination.&nbsp;After 64 days of the journey, he was only 600 kilometres from his destination: Kashmir.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/watch-popular-kerala-teen-whose-viral-video-raised-millions-for-her-brothers-treatment-dies-503468" hreflang="en">WATCH | Popular Kerala teen whose viral video raised millions for her brother's treatment dies</a></strong></p>

<p>According to Indian Express, in a video posted on July 30 by a local village group on social media, Hajas said:&nbsp;</p>

<p>"It may take another 15 days to reach Kashmir. These days, I am skating only 40 to 50 km a day. So far, everything has been safe. Thanks everyone."</p>

<p>As per reports, police in Pinjore have filed an FIR under sections 304 A and 279 of the Indian Penal Code.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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A Kerala youth who was travelling 3,511 kilometres on skateboards from Kanyakumari to Kashmir perished tragically in a hit-and-run accident. 31-year-old Anas Hajas had undertaken the trip to raise awareness about skateboarding and had planned further trips to Bhutan, Nepal, and Cambodia after completing this leg of the journey.

A Kerala youth who was travelling 3,511 kilometres on skateboards from Kanyakumari to Kashmir perished tragically in a hit-and-run accident. 31-year-old Anas Hajas had undertaken the trip to raise awareness about skateboarding and had planned further trips to Bhutan, Nepal, and Cambodia after completing this leg of the journey. He was on his way from Pinjore in Panchkula to Nalagarh in Himachal Pradesh when the accident took place. Indian Express quoted Investigation officer Ram Karan of Pinjore police station as saying “He was on his skateboard when a truck hit him from the back and fled the spot. Some locals, however, noted the vehicle’s registration number and informed the police. Hajas was taken to the neighbouring Kalka Government Hospital where doctors declared him brought dead.” Watch | Is UK finally returning the Kohinoor back to India? Hajas was a native of Venjaramoodu in Thiruvananthapuram on May 29. He had posted a video posted by him, just a few days before the tragic accident, with the caption "Now I’ve reached a place named Kurukshethra which is in the state of Hariyana." "I’ve crossed 9 states to reach here, it’s been 2 months and crossed 2800kms since I began my journey." View this post on Instagram A post shared by Anas Hajas (@anas_hajas) × The accident occurred just a few days before his anticipated arrival at his destination. After 64 days of the journey, he was only 600 kilometres from his destination: Kashmir. Also read | WATCH | Popular Kerala teen whose viral video raised millions for her brother's treatment dies According to Indian Express, in a video posted on July 30 by a local village group on social media, Hajas said: "It may take another 15 days to reach Kashmir. These days, I am skating only 40 to 50 km a day. So far, everything has been safe. Thanks everyone." As per reports, police in Pinjore have filed an FIR under sections 304 A and 279 of the Indian Penal Code. (With inputs from agencies) Watch WION LIVE HERE: You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Kerala man on 3,511 kilometres skateboarding trip, meets tragic end in a hit and run accident

<p>‘Swarnim Vijay Mashal’ of the Flame of Victory that is being taken across India to honour and celebrate the 1971 war victory, reached the southern-most district of Kanyakumari. In adherence to COVID-19 protocols, veterans were honoured in the presence of the district civil administration.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The golden jubilee celebrations of the 1971 war victory commenced in December last year. Four victory flames were lit from the eternal flame at the National War Memorial and one each is being carried to the four directions, through the cities and villages of the 1971 war heroes.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It was on Sunday, July 11&nbsp;that the Flame reached Naval Station INS Kattabomman located near Tirunelveli, where it was accorded a ceremonial&nbsp;&nbsp;Guard of Honour and received by Station Commanded Captain Aashish K Sharma along with defence personnel, their families and veterans.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Following the Kanyakumari leg, the flame will also be taken to Tirunelveli district, to the houses of Late Sepoy Kasimani and Late Natik Sangili Chelliah who made the ultimate sacrifice during the 1971 war. The Veer Naris (war widows) would also be facilitated by the person from INS Kattabomman.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On Wednesday July 13, the the flame will pass through Tuticorin district, where it will be received by the Indian Coast Guard, following which&nbsp;&nbsp;it will be handed over to INS Parundu on its way to Madurai.&nbsp;</p>


‘Swarnim Vijay Mashal’ of the Flame of Victory that is being taken across India to honour and celebrate the 1971 war victory, reached the southern-most district of Kanyakumari.

‘Swarnim Vijay Mashal’ of the Flame of Victory that is being taken across India to honour and celebrate the 1971 war victory, reached the southern-most district of Kanyakumari. In adherence to COVID-19 protocols, veterans were honoured in the presence of the district civil administration. The golden jubilee celebrations of the 1971 war victory commenced in December last year. Four victory flames were lit from the eternal flame at the National War Memorial and one each is being carried to the four directions, through the cities and villages of the 1971 war heroes. It was on Sunday, July 11 that the Flame reached Naval Station INS Kattabomman located near Tirunelveli, where it was accorded a ceremonial Guard of Honour and received by Station Commanded Captain Aashish K Sharma along with defence personnel, their families and veterans. Following the Kanyakumari leg, the flame will also be taken to Tirunelveli district, to the houses of Late Sepoy Kasimani and Late Natik Sangili Chelliah who made the ultimate sacrifice during the 1971 war. The Veer Naris (war widows) would also be facilitated by the person from INS Kattabomman. On Wednesday July 13, the the flame will pass through Tuticorin district, where it will be received by the Indian Coast Guard, following which it will be handed over to INS Parundu on its way to Madurai.

‘Flame of Victory’ reaches India’s southern tip Kanyakumari; 1971 war veterans honoured

<p>According to a report, the Vaan Island, a small strip of land between India and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/11-indian-fishermen-held-off-sri-lankan-coast-for-fishing-in-territorial-waters-277164">Sri Lanka,&nbsp;</a>has been fast disappearing putting the India's&nbsp;biodiversity at risk.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/climate-change-spurs-greening-in-barren-frozen-arctic-278178">Also Read:&nbsp;Climate change spurs greening in barren, frozen Arctic</a>&nbsp;</p>

<p>The island which forms part of the Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve has a fledgeling marine life with several thousand fish and crab species. The Vaan island was declared a marine biodiversity park in 1986. It is one of the twenty-one islands which is part of the Gulf of Mannar reserve.</p>

<p>The Gulf of Mannar extends from Rameswaram to Kanyakumari.</p>

<p>A report earlier had stated the area of the island has&nbsp;reduced from 16 hectares in 1986 to two hectares in 2014. The Tamil Nadu government a few years ago had resorted to building an artificial reef to protect the island. The area of the island has been consistently submerging since 1973, a study has stated.&nbsp; A report says only just 19 islands remain.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/myanmars-temple-city-bagan-awarded-unesco-world-heritage-status-233628">UNESCO</a> describes the Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve as one of the world’s richest region in marine biodiversity. It has &nbsp;4,223 species of plants and animals making it "one of the richest coastal regions in India." According to UNESCO, the reserve has a "specialized ecosystem" with a unique "large marine ecosystem".</p>

<p>The island is also widely used by Indian fishermen whose livelihood will be at risk if the island disappears. At least eight-four per cent of the island was submerged due to sea-level rise hitting the local tourism and fishing activities.</p>

<p>In a book named Shrinking of Vann Island, researchers had predicted that by 2022 the islands will be completely submerged into the sea.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Large scale fishing, including rising sea levels have been blamed for the current state of the Vaan islands. Mining of corals has also degraded the island, according to a study by researchers which was finally stopped in 2005. Indian authorities have in the past several years have been trying to rehabilitate the coral vegetation in phases.</p>

<p>Erosion has also seriously affected the islands with the area shrinking rapidly with global climate change also leading to rising sea levels, according to analysts.</p>


According to a report, the Vaan Island, a small strip of land between India and Sri Lanka, has been fast disappearing putting the India's biodiversity at risk. Also Read: Climate change spurs greening in barren, frozen Arctic The island which forms part of the Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve has a fledgeling marine life with several thousand fish and crab species.

According to a report, the Vaan Island, a small strip of land between India and Sri Lanka, has been fast disappearing putting the India's biodiversity at risk. Also Read: Climate change spurs greening in barren, frozen Arctic The island which forms part of the Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve has a fledgeling marine life with several thousand fish and crab species. The Vaan island was declared a marine biodiversity park in 1986. It is one of the twenty-one islands which is part of the Gulf of Mannar reserve. The Gulf of Mannar extends from Rameswaram to Kanyakumari. A report earlier had stated the area of the island has reduced from 16 hectares in 1986 to two hectares in 2014. The Tamil Nadu government a few years ago had resorted to building an artificial reef to protect the island. The area of the island has been consistently submerging since 1973, a study has stated. A report says only just 19 islands remain. UNESCO describes the Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve as one of the world’s richest region in marine biodiversity. It has 4,223 species of plants and animals making it "one of the richest coastal regions in India." According to UNESCO, the reserve has a "specialized ecosystem" with a unique "large marine ecosystem". The island is also widely used by Indian fishermen whose livelihood will be at risk if the island disappears. At least eight-four per cent of the island was submerged due to sea-level rise hitting the local tourism and fishing activities. In a book named Shrinking of Vann Island, researchers had predicted that by 2022 the islands will be completely submerged into the sea. Large scale fishing, including rising sea levels have been blamed for the current state of the Vaan islands. Mining of corals has also degraded the island, according to a study by researchers which was finally stopped in 2005. Indian authorities have in the past several years have been trying to rehabilitate the coral vegetation in phases. Erosion has also seriously affected the islands with the area shrinking rapidly with global climate change also leading to rising sea levels, according to analysts.

'Disappearing' Vaan Island puts India's biodiversity at risk, hits local tourism

<p>Tamil Nadu and Puducherry will receive widespread rains in the next two days owing to a depression that lay off the Comorin area of the Indian Ocean. There is a possibility of it turning into a deep depression and form as a Cyclone, said Balachandran, South Zone Head of the Indian Meteorological Department in Chennai.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The depression brewing in the Comorin area of the Indian Ocean coincides with extremely severe cyclonic storm Kyarr in the Arabian Sea that is to turn into a very severe cyclonic storm by Wednesday night and a severe cyclonic storm by Thursday night, thus causing rough sea conditions in the region.</p>

<p>Over the last 24 hours, heavy to very heavy rainfall has occurred across 80 places in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. Tiruttani in Tiruvallur district received the maximum of 19cm rainfall. Wednesday was declared as a rain holiday for schools and colleges in Tirunelveli, Tuticorin, Theni, Virudhunagar, Vellore and Ramanathapuram.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Tamil Nadu and Puducherry have recorded 20 centimetres rainfall for October which is 14 per cent higher than the usual 17 centimetres for the period. While the ideal date for the onset of monsoon is generally October 20, this year it has made the onset 4 days in advance on the October 16.</p>

<p>“Currently the depression lay 220 kilometres South West of Thiruvananthapuram and over the next 24 hours it is expected to intensify into a deep depression and it could move North westwards towards Lakshadweep. If this depression gains strength and intensifies into a cyclone, it will be called ‘Maha’, as named by Oman,” Balachandran added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Heavy rain is expected to lash 21 districts in Tamil Nadu including Kanyakumari, Tirunelveli, Ramanathapuram, Madurai, Trichy, Tiruvallur, Kanchipuram, besides delta district and those adjoining the Western Ghats.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Though the Southwest monsoon, that typically starts by June, caters to the needs of a large part of the country. The Northeast monsoon is crucial for Tamil Nadu as over 60 per cent of the coastal districts’ rainfall is brought in by the Northeast monsoon, while it brings around 40-50 per cent of the rainfall for the state’s interior districts.<br />
&nbsp;</p>


Tamil Nadu and Puducherry will receive widespread rains in the next two days owing to a depression that lay off the Comorin area of the Indian Ocean. There is a possibility of it turning into a deep depression and form as a Cyclone, said Balachandran, South Zone Head of the Indian Meteorological Department in Chennai.

Tamil Nadu and Puducherry will receive widespread rains in the next two days owing to a depression that lay off the Comorin area of the Indian Ocean. There is a possibility of it turning into a deep depression and form as a Cyclone, said Balachandran, South Zone Head of the Indian Meteorological Department in Chennai. The depression brewing in the Comorin area of the Indian Ocean coincides with extremely severe cyclonic storm Kyarr in the Arabian Sea that is to turn into a very severe cyclonic storm by Wednesday night and a severe cyclonic storm by Thursday night, thus causing rough sea conditions in the region. Over the last 24 hours, heavy to very heavy rainfall has occurred across 80 places in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. Tiruttani in Tiruvallur district received the maximum of 19cm rainfall. Wednesday was declared as a rain holiday for schools and colleges in Tirunelveli, Tuticorin, Theni, Virudhunagar, Vellore and Ramanathapuram. Tamil Nadu and Puducherry have recorded 20 centimetres rainfall for October which is 14 per cent higher than the usual 17 centimetres for the period. While the ideal date for the onset of monsoon is generally October 20, this year it has made the onset 4 days in advance on the October 16. “Currently the depression lay 220 kilometres South West of Thiruvananthapuram and over the next 24 hours it is expected to intensify into a deep depression and it could move North westwards towards Lakshadweep. If this depression gains strength and intensifies into a cyclone, it will be called ‘Maha’, as named by Oman,” Balachandran added. Heavy rain is expected to lash 21 districts in Tamil Nadu including Kanyakumari, Tirunelveli, Ramanathapuram, Madurai, Trichy, Tiruvallur, Kanchipuram, besides delta district and those adjoining the Western Ghats. Though the Southwest monsoon, that typically starts by June, caters to the needs of a large part of the country. The Northeast monsoon is crucial for Tamil Nadu as over 60 per cent of the coastal districts’ rainfall is brought in by the Northeast monsoon, while it brings around 40-50 per cent of the rainfall for the state’s interior districts.

Tamil Nadu: Depression off Kanyakumari coast likely to turn into cyclone

<p>Kanyakumari, the sole Lok Sabha constituency BJP &nbsp;won in Tamil Nadu in 2014, is one of the two constituencies in Tamil Nadu where the BJP and Congress will face each other (the other being Sivagangai LS constituency).&nbsp;</p>

<p>Sitting MP and Union Minister of State P Radhakrishnan, who is seeking re-election from the constituency, is pitted against businessman and Congress leader H Vasantha Kumar, who faced defeat against the same opponent in 2014.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In the last Lok Sabha elections, out of the total 14.67 lakh voters, 9.91 lakhs voted. Radhakrishnan secured victory by garnering 3.72 lakh votes (37.80 per cent) while Vasanthakumar was runner up with 2.44 lakh votes (24.76 per cent).</p>

<p>In 2014, the Congress, the DMK and the CPI (M) contested separately. Similarly, the BJP and the AIADMK fought against each other. Votes split among various parties. However, this time, the DMK-Congress-CPI (M) are in an alliance while the BJP fighting the elections with the AIADMK.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This could lead to consolidation on both sides. If one goes by the last election data, the BJP-AIADMK combine has an advantage as it polled a total of 5.48 lakh votes while the DMK-Congress-CPM (M) polled a total of 4.56 lakh votes. However, this arithmetic could possibly change. Last time, the Christian Nadar community and fishermen strongly supported the AIADMK. This time, this could tilt towards the DMK due to AIADMK’s alliance with the BJP.</p>

<p>Moreover, in the run-up to the 2014 General elections, the BJP had promised to establish a commercial port near Colachel in the constituency. But, the location of the harbour was shifted to Enayam as an International Container Trans-shipment Terminal (EICTT) instead of the promised commercial port after BJP formed the government in the Centre.</p>

<p>Ever since this idea was mooted, the fishermen community in the region was up in arms and said that project will mean the destruction of homes and religious places, loss of agricultural land and waters for fishing, and drastic changes to the local coastal landscape. A prolonged struggle of the community made the government to shift the project site. However, the unhappy fishermen in the region could vote against the BJP en masse. &nbsp;</p>

<p>Called Ponnar among local people, Radhakrishnan is chasing a back-to-back victory. However, a win for retailer Vasanthakumar, founder of Vasanth &amp; Co, will be a revenge for the loss he suffered at the hands of Radhakrishnan last time.</p>


Kanyakumari, the sole Lok Sabha constituency BJP won in Tamil Nadu in 2014, is one of the two constituencies in Tamil Nadu where the BJP and Congress will face each other (the other being Sivagangai LS constituency).

Kanyakumari, the sole Lok Sabha constituency BJP won in Tamil Nadu in 2014, is one of the two constituencies in Tamil Nadu where the BJP and Congress will face each other (the other being Sivagangai LS constituency). Sitting MP and Union Minister of State P Radhakrishnan, who is seeking re-election from the constituency, is pitted against businessman and Congress leader H Vasantha Kumar, who faced defeat against the same opponent in 2014. In the last Lok Sabha elections, out of the total 14.67 lakh voters, 9.91 lakhs voted. Radhakrishnan secured victory by garnering 3.72 lakh votes (37.80 per cent) while Vasanthakumar was runner up with 2.44 lakh votes (24.76 per cent). In 2014, the Congress, the DMK and the CPI (M) contested separately. Similarly, the BJP and the AIADMK fought against each other. Votes split among various parties. However, this time, the DMK-Congress-CPI (M) are in an alliance while the BJP fighting the elections with the AIADMK. This could lead to consolidation on both sides. If one goes by the last election data, the BJP-AIADMK combine has an advantage as it polled a total of 5.48 lakh votes while the DMK-Congress-CPM (M) polled a total of 4.56 lakh votes. However, this arithmetic could possibly change. Last time, the Christian Nadar community and fishermen strongly supported the AIADMK. This time, this could tilt towards the DMK due to AIADMK’s alliance with the BJP. Moreover, in the run-up to the 2014 General elections, the BJP had promised to establish a commercial port near Colachel in the constituency. But, the location of the harbour was shifted to Enayam as an International Container Trans-shipment Terminal (EICTT) instead of the promised commercial port after BJP formed the government in the Centre. Ever since this idea was mooted, the fishermen community in the region was up in arms and said that project will mean the destruction of homes and religious places, loss of agricultural land and waters for fishing, and drastic changes to the local coastal landscape. A prolonged struggle of the community made the government to shift the project site. However, the unhappy fishermen in the region could vote against the BJP en masse. Called Ponnar among local people, Radhakrishnan is chasing a back-to-back victory. However, a win for retailer Vasanthakumar, founder of Vasanth & Co, will be a revenge for the loss he suffered at the hands of Radhakrishnan last time.

Kanyakumari: Retaining lone Lok Sabha seat from Tamil Nadu is no cakewalk for BJP 

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<p>Two Tamil Nadu lads have been selected to train and play for a month in the International Academy of AD Alcorcon in Spain.</p>

<p>Lijo Francis and Shyjin, both mid-fielders from Kanyakumari district in the state, were picked during Football Trials 19, a football talent search, which concluded here Wednesday.</p>

<p>The participants were assessed by Jose Gonzalez, Director of the International Academy of AD Alcorcon and Nuria Palomo Leon, a coach at the academy.</p>

<p>Two players each from Karnataka, Kerala, Telangana and Maharashtra, apart from Tamil Nadu will be selected and will get an opportunity to play and train in Spain for one month at AD Alcorcon, a press note said.</p>

<p>The initiative is a brainchild of David Anand, founder of Football Plus Professional Soccer Academy, who associated with Ad Alcorcon, with an aim of creating world-class players.</p>


Two Tamil Nadu lads have been selected to train and play for a month in the International Academy of AD Alcorcon in Spain. Lijo Francis and Shyjin, both mid-fielders from Kanyakumari district in the state, were picked during Football Trials 19, a football talent search, which concluded here Wednesday.

Two Tamil Nadu lads have been selected to train and play for a month in the International Academy of AD Alcorcon in Spain. Lijo Francis and Shyjin, both mid-fielders from Kanyakumari district in the state, were picked during Football Trials 19, a football talent search, which concluded here Wednesday. The participants were assessed by Jose Gonzalez, Director of the International Academy of AD Alcorcon and Nuria Palomo Leon, a coach at the academy. Two players each from Karnataka, Kerala, Telangana and Maharashtra, apart from Tamil Nadu will be selected and will get an opportunity to play and train in Spain for one month at AD Alcorcon, a press note said. The initiative is a brainchild of David Anand, founder of Football Plus Professional Soccer Academy, who associated with Ad Alcorcon, with an aim of creating world-class players.

Two Tamil Nadu boys to train, play for a month at AD Alcorcon in Spain

<p>BJP president Amit Shah Monday asserted all “intruders” would be pulled out of the country if BJP was voted back in 2019, as he appealed to people to return the Vasundhara Raje government in Rajasthan and the Modi government at the Centre.</p>

<p>Addressing a public rally here, he said if the BJP led dispensation is re-elected, “each and every intruder from Kashmir to Kanyakumari would be identified and pulled out of the country”.</p>

<p>Shah criticised Congress national president Rahul Gandhi terming surgical strike to be ‘BJP’s political assets’ saying that martyrdom and sacrifices of the soldiers, pain and plight of their families fail to be visible to “Rahul Baba through his Italian goggles’.</p>

<p>Shah slammed Rahul Gandhi and the Congress party for “worrying and growing restless for the 40 lakhs intruders” the BJP government had identified after assuming power in Assam</p>

<p>It may be recalled that as many as 40 lakh people were left out in the final draft of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in Assam and the process of filing of claims and objections of these people commenced in September.</p>

<p>‘Are they (intruders) your (Rahul’s and Congress’) cousin and that’s why you are worrying where they would go, what they would eat…?’ Shah asked and alleged Congress perceived its vote bank in intruders as they (Rahul’s and Congress’)don’t worry about the safety and security of the nation.</p>

<p>Shah mocked at Rahul Gandhi and the Congress party for raising questions over Vijay Mallya and Nirav Modi fleeing the country and said this was due to stern and strict rules and regulations brought by the Modi government.</p>

<p>Shah charged that the Congress during its ten years of rule gave away huge loans through banks that eventually turned NPA.</p>

<p>“They (people like Mallya and Nirav Modi) did not flee during their reign (Congress) because they (Congress) had their share with them”, Shah alleged. ‘Chor –chor Mosere Bhai’, he added.</p>

<p>Counting the achievements of the Centre and Vasundhara Raje’s state government in Rajasthan, the BJP president said the Modi government, among other things, has given gas connections to about 6 crore mothers, two crore houses, 2.5 crore electricity connections and 8 crore toilets.</p>


BJP president Amit Shah Monday asserted all “intruders” would be pulled out of the country if BJP was voted back in 2019, as he appealed to people to return the Vasundhara Raje government in Rajasthan and the Modi government at the Centre.

BJP president Amit Shah Monday asserted all “intruders” would be pulled out of the country if BJP was voted back in 2019, as he appealed to people to return the Vasundhara Raje government in Rajasthan and the Modi government at the Centre. Addressing a public rally here, he said if the BJP led dispensation is re-elected, “each and every intruder from Kashmir to Kanyakumari would be identified and pulled out of the country”. Shah criticised Congress national president Rahul Gandhi terming surgical strike to be ‘BJP’s political assets’ saying that martyrdom and sacrifices of the soldiers, pain and plight of their families fail to be visible to “Rahul Baba through his Italian goggles’. Shah slammed Rahul Gandhi and the Congress party for “worrying and growing restless for the 40 lakhs intruders” the BJP government had identified after assuming power in Assam It may be recalled that as many as 40 lakh people were left out in the final draft of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in Assam and the process of filing of claims and objections of these people commenced in September. ‘Are they (intruders) your (Rahul’s and Congress’) cousin and that’s why you are worrying where they would go, what they would eat…?’ Shah asked and alleged Congress perceived its vote bank in intruders as they (Rahul’s and Congress’)don’t worry about the safety and security of the nation. Shah mocked at Rahul Gandhi and the Congress party for raising questions over Vijay Mallya and Nirav Modi fleeing the country and said this was due to stern and strict rules and regulations brought by the Modi government. Shah charged that the Congress during its ten years of rule gave away huge loans through banks that eventually turned NPA. “They (people like Mallya and Nirav Modi) did not flee during their reign (Congress) because they (Congress) had their share with them”, Shah alleged. ‘Chor –chor Mosere Bhai’, he added. Counting the achievements of the Centre and Vasundhara Raje’s state government in Rajasthan, the BJP president said the Modi government, among other things, has given gas connections to about 6 crore mothers, two crore houses, 2.5 crore electricity connections and 8 crore toilets.

Intruders from Kashmir to Kanyakumari would be pulled out if BJP voted to power, says Amit Shah

<p>The death toll in <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/cyclone-ockhi-batters-lakshwadeep-coast-killing-14-many-missing-25662">Ochki cyclone</a>&nbsp;has gone up to 18 after three bodies were found by the coast guard in Thiruvananthapuram coast. Two deaths were reported from Kannur and Cochin.</p>

<p>Tamil Nadu Government had requested the Centre to send Indian Navy and Coast Guard to conduct a search for the missing fishermen from Kanyakumari.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to news agency ANI 68 fishing boats have reached the shore. Out of which 66 are from Kerala and two from Tamil Nadu with total 952 fishermen on board.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">In all 68 fishing boats have reached, out of which 66 are from Kerala&amp; 2 from Tamil Nadu with total 952 fisherman on board.All are safe.<br />
Maharashtra will completely look after everyone till weather permits them to go back, tweets Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis</p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/936977824375644160?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 2, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>Reports say that 97 fishermen are yet to be rescued from the sea and that the state Coast Guard officers are on the rescue operations.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Claims of thousand fishermen stranded is false. Correct figures- 97 are yet to be rescued, 71 from TN have been rescued till now. The Coast Guard is at it, with all its strength to rescue the rest. Hoping for good news soon: Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CycloneOckhi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CycloneOckhi</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/936977995469791232?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 2, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>The cyclone, which originated from Kanyakumari is making its way towards Lakshadweep islands and has intensified into &#39;severe cyclonic storm&#39; with wind reaching up to the speed of 60 to 70 km.</p>

<p>&quot;The cyclone wrecked havoc on South Kerala with severe damage to coastal areas and has endangered lives of fishermen operating at sea,&quot; the Coast Guard informed in a press release.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Cyclone circulation lies over SW bay of Tamil Nadu,also well marked low pressure area ovr south Andaman sea&amp;neighbourhood is persisting.Low pressure expected to intensify ovr nxt 36 hrs&amp; expected to move in 3-4 days in NW direction,situation monitored: Director, Chennai Met Dept. <a href="https://t.co/7gh2OvltLq">pic.twitter.com/7gh2OvltLq</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/936964894917779456?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 2, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/cyclone-ockhi-will-further-intensify-in-next-24-hours-india-meteorological-department-25653">Cyclone Ockhi will further intensify in next 24 hours: India Meteorological Department</a></p>

<p>Earlier, locals blocked the National Highway in Trivandrum&#39;s Thumba seeking better relief measures and rescue of fishermen missing from the area.&nbsp;</p>


Reports further confirm that only 97 fishermen are yet to be rescued from the sea and that the Coast Guard is?at the scene

The death toll in Ochki cyclone has gone up to 18 after three bodies were found by the coast guard in Thiruvananthapuram coast. Two deaths were reported from Kannur and Cochin. Tamil Nadu Government had requested the Centre to send Indian Navy and Coast Guard to conduct a search for the missing fishermen from Kanyakumari. According to news agency ANI 68 fishing boats have reached the shore. Out of which 66 are from Kerala and two from Tamil Nadu with total 952 fishermen on board. In all 68 fishing boats have reached, out of which 66 are from Kerala& 2 from Tamil Nadu with total 952 fisherman on board.All are safe. Maharashtra will completely look after everyone till weather permits them to go back, tweets Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis — ANI (@ANI) December 2, 2017 × Reports say that 97 fishermen are yet to be rescued from the sea and that the state Coast Guard officers are on the rescue operations. Claims of thousand fishermen stranded is false. Correct figures- 97 are yet to be rescued, 71 from TN have been rescued till now. The Coast Guard is at it, with all its strength to rescue the rest. Hoping for good news soon: Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman #CycloneOckhi — ANI (@ANI) December 2, 2017 × The cyclone, which originated from Kanyakumari is making its way towards Lakshadweep islands and has intensified into 'severe cyclonic storm' with wind reaching up to the speed of 60 to 70 km. "The cyclone wrecked havoc on South Kerala with severe damage to coastal areas and has endangered lives of fishermen operating at sea," the Coast Guard informed in a press release. Cyclone circulation lies over SW bay of Tamil Nadu,also well marked low pressure area ovr south Andaman sea&neighbourhood is persisting.Low pressure expected to intensify ovr nxt 36 hrs& expected to move in 3-4 days in NW direction,situation monitored: Director, Chennai Met Dept. pic.twitter.com/7gh2OvltLq — ANI (@ANI) December 2, 2017 × Also read: Cyclone Ockhi will further intensify in next 24 hours: India Meteorological Department Earlier, locals blocked the National Highway in Trivandrum's Thumba seeking better relief measures and rescue of fishermen missing from the area.

Cyclone Ockhi: Toll rises to 18 with 5 more deaths in Kerala

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