Congress president <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/karnatakas-most-wanted-rahul-gandhi-fires-fresh-salvo-at-pm-modi-134769">Rahul Gandhi today jumped </a>into the debate linking him to take over India's top political office.

While interacting with eminent citizens <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/bjps-manifesto-is-poorly-crafted-fantasy-rahul-gandhi-134632">at a hotel in Bengaluru as part</a> of his Karnataka election campaign, a person asked him: if Congress emerges as the single largest party in 2019, then Mr Gandhi, will you be the prime ministerial candidate?

To this, Rahul Gandhi promptly replied: Why not.

Rahul had taken over as the president of the Congress party last year after his mother Sonia Gandhi stepped down due to ill health and over growing calls to make the young Gandhi scion as the head of the grand old party.

Rahul was elected as MP of Amethi in 2004 when the UPA swept to power beating the BJP-led NDA during the general elections surprising the then PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee.

The Congress president hasn't held a national-level political office and kept himself out of the Cabinet during UPA's ten-year tenure at the Centre.

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The Congress president hasn't held a national-level political office and kept himself out of the Cabinet during UPA's ten-year tenure at the Centre.

Congress president Rahul Gandhi today jumped into the debate linking him to take over India's top political office. While interacting with eminent citizens at a hotel in Bengaluru as part of his Karnataka election campaign, a person asked him: if Congress emerges as the single largest party in 2019, then Mr Gandhi, will you be the prime ministerial candidate? To this, Rahul Gandhi promptly replied: Why not. Rahul had taken over as the president of the Congress party last year after his mother Sonia Gandhi stepped down due to ill health and over growing calls to make the young Gandhi scion as the head of the grand old party. Rahul was elected as MP of Amethi in 2004 when the UPA swept to power beating the BJP-led NDA during the general elections surprising the then PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee. The Congress president hasn't held a national-level political office and kept himself out of the Cabinet during UPA's ten-year tenure at the Centre.

Is Rahul Gandhi ready to be PM? Why not, says Congress president

BJP president Amit Shah has said that Karnataka Assembly poll is crucial not just in ensuring another big state in the BJP kitty, but also as a "gateway to the south".

In a conversation with WION editor in chief Sudhir Chaudhary, Shah said that Congress is an anti-farmer govt with 3,500 farmers have committed suicide in Karnataka. 
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"The wave is in favour of BJP and one can see it. One can take a look at the rallies of PM Modi, the size of the rallies, the enthusiasm among people, that itself tells you that there is a wave in favour of BJP," he told WION.

"Karnataka elections are important for us, as this is our gateway to the south," said Shah during the interview. 
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Shah has been in Karnataka for quite some time now for the aggressive election campaign.

Earlier at an election rally in Nargund, BJP president Amit Shah alleged that fearing defeat, the Congress has colluded with "anti-national" SDPI and PFI in the Karnataka assembly polls.

He said the BJP and RSS lost 24 workers in the last four years but the Siddaramaiah government "did not arrest the murderers."

Shah said once the BJP comes to power, it will send every culprit behind bars even if they were hiding in the remotest corner of the world.

"Fearing defeat, the Congress government is sitting with the anti-national forces. They aren't ashamed to take the support of PFI and SDPI. JD-S has taken the support of (AIMIM chief Asaduddin) Owaisi," said Shah. 
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After travelling more than 40,000 kilometres in Karnataka for party's poll campaign, Amit Shah is confident of winning the Karnataka assembly polls as he believes PM&nbsp;Modi’s personal popularity has helped the party tap “people’s anger” against the Siddaramaiah government in the state.

Shah has been in Karnataka for quite some time now for the aggressive election campaign.

BJP president Amit Shah has said that Karnataka Assembly poll is crucial not just in ensuring another big state in the BJP kitty, but also as a "gateway to the south". In a conversation with WION editor in chief Sudhir Chaudhary, Shah said that Congress is an anti-farmer govt with 3,500 farmers have committed suicide in Karnataka. "The wave is in favour of BJP and one can see it. One can take a look at the rallies of PM Modi, the size of the rallies, the enthusiasm among people, that itself tells you that there is a wave in favour of BJP," he told WION. "Karnataka elections are important for us, as this is our gateway to the south," said Shah during the interview. Shah has been in Karnataka for quite some time now for the aggressive election campaign. Earlier at an election rally in Nargund, BJP president Amit Shah alleged that fearing defeat, the Congress has colluded with "anti-national" SDPI and PFI in the Karnataka assembly polls. He said the BJP and RSS lost 24 workers in the last four years but the Siddaramaiah government "did not arrest the murderers." Shah said once the BJP comes to power, it will send every culprit behind bars even if they were hiding in the remotest corner of the world. "Fearing defeat, the Congress government is sitting with the anti-national forces. They aren't ashamed to take the support of PFI and SDPI. JD-S has taken the support of (AIMIM chief Asaduddin) Owaisi," said Shah. After travelling more than 40,000 kilometres in Karnataka for party's poll campaign, Amit Shah is confident of winning the Karnataka assembly polls as he believes PM Modi’s personal popularity has helped the party tap “people’s anger” against the Siddaramaiah government in the state.

Karnataka government has failed on all fronts: Amit Shah to WION

Congress President Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday said "it's a clear fight in Karnataka".&nbsp;

A fight between "clean vs dirty politics", between the "mafia vs people ".&nbsp;

The allusion was to the BJP fielding the controversial Reddy brothers in the upcoming Karnataka elections.&nbsp;

The BJP has fielded G Somashekhara Reddy from Ballari city, and his elder brother and former Ballari Lok Sabha member G Karunakara Reddy from Harappanahalli in Davanagere district.

The politically-influential Reddy brothers have often been associated with the iron ore mafia.&nbsp;

"It's a clear fight in Karnataka. Clean Politics vs Dirty Politics. Mafia vs People," Rahul tweeted Tuesday.&nbsp;&nbsp;

He also asked for contributions for the Congress' candidates to help take on the financial might of the Reddy brothers.&nbsp;

"With the BJP fielding the corrupt Reddy gang, we are trying a novel approach to fund our candidate. Support our candidate by making a contribution," Rahul tweeted.&nbsp;

Karnataka goes to the polls on May 12. The results will be out on May 15.&nbsp;

All eyes are on the election, which is being seen as a harbinger of what might happen in the 2019&nbsp;general elections.&nbsp;

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It's a clear fight in Karnataka. Clean Politics vs Dirty Politics. Mafia vs People. With the BJP fielding the corrupt Reddy gang, we are trying a novel approach to fund our candidate. Support our candidate by making a contribution.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CleanPoliticswithINC?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CleanPoliticswithINC</a><a href="https://t.co/D6zkzjxAgH">https://t.co/D6zkzjxAgH</a>
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) <a href="https://twitter.com/RahulGandhi/status/993809871362510848?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 8, 2018</a></blockquote>
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'With the BJP fielding the corrupt Reddy gang, we are trying a novel approach to fund our candidate. Support our candidate by making a contribution,' Rahul tweeted Tuesday

Congress President Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday said "it's a clear fight in Karnataka". A fight between "clean vs dirty politics", between the "mafia vs people ". The allusion was to the BJP fielding the controversial Reddy brothers in the upcoming Karnataka elections. The BJP has fielded G Somashekhara Reddy from Ballari city, and his elder brother and former Ballari Lok Sabha member G Karunakara Reddy from Harappanahalli in Davanagere district. The politically-influential Reddy brothers have often been associated with the iron ore mafia. "It's a clear fight in Karnataka. Clean Politics vs Dirty Politics. Mafia vs People," Rahul tweeted Tuesday. He also asked for contributions for the Congress' candidates to help take on the financial might of the Reddy brothers. "With the BJP fielding the corrupt Reddy gang, we are trying a novel approach to fund our candidate. Support our candidate by making a contribution," Rahul tweeted. Karnataka goes to the polls on May 12. The results will be out on May 15. All eyes are on the election, which is being seen as a harbinger of what might happen in the 2019 general elections. It's a clear fight in Karnataka. Clean Politics vs Dirty Politics. Mafia vs People. With the BJP fielding the corrupt Reddy gang, we are trying a novel approach to fund our candidate. Support our candidate by making a contribution.#CleanPoliticswithINChttps://t.co/D6zkzjxAgH — Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) May 8, 2018 ×

'It's a clear fight in Karnataka,' says Rahul. 'Clean vs Dirty Politics, Mafia vs People'

The Supreme Court today told the Centre that it was in "sheer contempt" of its direction on Cauvery water sharing for failing to frame a scheme for distribution of water between the southern riparian states of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kerala and Union Territory of Puducherry.

The top court directed the Secretary of the Union Water Resources Ministry to personally appear before it on May 14 with a draft of the Cauvery management scheme to implement its verdict on water sharing between four states including Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.

It had in February asked the Centre to formulate a scheme to ensure compliance of its judgement on the decades-old Cauvery dispute.&nbsp;

A bench headed by Chief Justice Dipak Misra told the Centre that once the judgment has been delivered on the issue, it has to be implemented.

While posting the matter for May 14, the bench, which was not happy with the development, said the Centre was in "sheer contempt".

"We do not want to come back to square one. Once the judgment has been delivered, it has to be implemented," the bench also comprising Justices A M Khanwilkar and D Y Chandrachud said.

Attorney General K K Venugopal said the Centre was seeking time in view of the fact that the Union Cabinet has not met due to the ongoing campaigning for the assembly polls in Karnataka.

Senior advocate Shekhar Naphade , appearing for Tamil Nadu, opposed the AG's plea and said "this is the fit case for contempt. Somebody has to be sent to jail".

The apex court had earlier asked the Centre to formulate a scheme to ensure compliance of its judgement on the decades-old Cauvery dispute.&nbsp;

It had modified the Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal (CWDT) award of 2007 and made it clear that it will not be extending time for this on any ground.

The top court had on February 16 raised the 270 tmcft share of Cauvery water for Karnataka by 14.75 tmcft and reduced Tamil Nadu's share, while compensating it by allowing extraction of 10 tmcft groundwater from the river basin, saying the issue of drinking water has to be placed on a "higher pedestal". PTI

The court directed the Secretary of the Union Water Resources Ministry to personally appear before it on May 14 with a draft of the Cauvery management scheme

The Supreme Court today told the Centre that it was in "sheer contempt" of its direction on Cauvery water sharing for failing to frame a scheme for distribution of water between the southern riparian states of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kerala and Union Territory of Puducherry. The top court directed the Secretary of the Union Water Resources Ministry to personally appear before it on May 14 with a draft of the Cauvery management scheme to implement its verdict on water sharing between four states including Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. It had in February asked the Centre to formulate a scheme to ensure compliance of its judgement on the decades-old Cauvery dispute. A bench headed by Chief Justice Dipak Misra told the Centre that once the judgment has been delivered on the issue, it has to be implemented. While posting the matter for May 14, the bench, which was not happy with the development, said the Centre was in "sheer contempt". "We do not want to come back to square one. Once the judgment has been delivered, it has to be implemented," the bench also comprising Justices A M Khanwilkar and D Y Chandrachud said. Attorney General K K Venugopal said the Centre was seeking time in view of the fact that the Union Cabinet has not met due to the ongoing campaigning for the assembly polls in Karnataka. Senior advocate Shekhar Naphade , appearing for Tamil Nadu, opposed the AG's plea and said "this is the fit case for contempt. Somebody has to be sent to jail". The apex court had earlier asked the Centre to formulate a scheme to ensure compliance of its judgement on the decades-old Cauvery dispute. It had modified the Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal (CWDT) award of 2007 and made it clear that it will not be extending time for this on any ground. The top court had on February 16 raised the 270 tmcft share of Cauvery water for Karnataka by 14.75 tmcft and reduced Tamil Nadu's share, while compensating it by allowing extraction of 10 tmcft groundwater from the river basin, saying the issue of drinking water has to be placed on a "higher pedestal". PTI

SC tells Centre it is in 'sheer contempt' for not framing Cauvery water sharing plan

A social workers'&nbsp;group, Democratic Ambassador for All India Rural Integrity (DAARI) has appealed to Election Commission (EC) to enrol beggars and homeless people across Karnataka on the voters'&nbsp;list and until then stop all election process.

DAARI convenor Ravi Bangera has also requested Deputy Commissioner of Mangalore Shashikant Senthil to enrol all beggars who are in the city.

Senthil said, "We are verifying details of beggars, once that is done we will enrol their names in the list.

"He further said that they are verifying details of beggars in many places including beggars rehabilitation centres and other places".

Reportedly, five per cent of Karnataka's populations are into begging and a majority of them have not been enrolled as voters.

The appeal comes ahead of the Karnataka assembly elections to be held on May 12.&nbsp;

The social workers' group Democratic Ambassador for All India Rural Integrity had appealed to the Election Commission to enrol all beggars across Karnataka on the voters' list

A social workers' group, Democratic Ambassador for All India Rural Integrity (DAARI) has appealed to Election Commission (EC) to enrol beggars and homeless people across Karnataka on the voters' list and until then stop all election process. DAARI convenor Ravi Bangera has also requested Deputy Commissioner of Mangalore Shashikant Senthil to enrol all beggars who are in the city. Senthil said, "We are verifying details of beggars, once that is done we will enrol their names in the list. "He further said that they are verifying details of beggars in many places including beggars rehabilitation centres and other places". Reportedly, five per cent of Karnataka's populations are into begging and a majority of them have not been enrolled as voters. The appeal comes ahead of the Karnataka assembly elections to be held on May 12.

Karnataka elections: Mangalore verifying beggars' details, will enrol them on voters' list

Vijai Sardesai of the Goa Forward Party, a constituent of the BJP-led Goa government, today hit out at the Congress stating that the principal opposition party was not willing to clear its stand on the Mahadayi water dispute due to the upcoming Karnataka Assembly polls.

He added that the state government was committed to protecting the interest of Goa in the dispute.

Karnataka and Goa, the riparian states of the Mahadayi river (known as Mandovi in Goa), have been locked in a bitter battle on sharing the river's water.

The river originates in Belagavi in Karnataka.

Speaking to reporters, Sardesai said, "The principal opposition party (Congress) is not willing to put out its stand (on the Mahadayi river water dispute) because it (Congress) is going to be affected in Karnataka."

The GFP leader was reacting to statements made on the contentious river issue by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Goa Congress chief Girish Chodankar.

During a poll rally in Karnataka last week, Modi had claimed that the then Congress president, Sonia Gandhi, had said, during Goa Assembly polls in 2007, that her party was "committed" to not allowing the southern state its share of water.

Reacting to it, Goa Pradesh Congress Committee president Girish Chodankar&nbspsaid on Sunday such statements were being made just before the Karnataka polls to "confuse the voters".

"I urge them (BJP leaders) to make a categorical statement within 72 hours, and not to wait till the Karnataka elections are over, if they are serious about this issue," Chodankar had told reporters here last night.&nbsp

Vijai Sardesai of the Goa Forward Party, a constituent of the BJP-led Goa government, today hit out at the Congress stating that the principal opposition party was not willing to clear its stand on the Mahadayi water dispute due to the upcoming Karnataka Assembly polls

Vijai Sardesai of the Goa Forward Party, a constituent of the BJP-led Goa government, today hit out at the Congress stating that the principal opposition party was not willing to clear its stand on the Mahadayi water dispute due to the upcoming Karnataka Assembly polls. He added that the state government was committed to protecting the interest of Goa in the dispute. Karnataka and Goa, the riparian states of the Mahadayi river (known as Mandovi in Goa), have been locked in a bitter battle on sharing the river's water. The river originates in Belagavi in Karnataka. Speaking to reporters, Sardesai said, "The principal opposition party (Congress) is not willing to put out its stand (on the Mahadayi river water dispute) because it (Congress) is going to be affected in Karnataka." The GFP leader was reacting to statements made on the contentious river issue by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Goa Congress chief Girish Chodankar. During a poll rally in Karnataka last week, Modi had claimed that the then Congress president, Sonia Gandhi, had said, during Goa Assembly polls in 2007, that her party was "committed" to not allowing the southern state its share of water. Reacting to it, Goa Pradesh Congress Committee president Girish Chodankar&nbspsaid on Sunday such statements were being made just before the Karnataka polls to "confuse the voters". "I urge them (BJP leaders) to make a categorical statement within 72 hours, and not to wait till the Karnataka elections are over, if they are serious about this issue," Chodankar had told reporters here last night.

BJP-led Goa government hits out at Congress over Mahadayi water dispute

Former prime minister Manmohan Singh today launched a scathing attack on the Modi government for its "disastrous policies" and "economic mismanagement", and said the country was facing crises that were avoidable.

Singh attacked the government over a series of banking sector frauds, saying the money swindled almost quadrupled from Rs 28,416 crore in September 2013 to Rs 1.11 lakh crore in September 2017.

"Perpetrators of these frauds meanwhile escape with impunity. The economic mismanagement of the Modi government, and I say this with great care and responsibility, is slowly eroding the trust of the general public in the banking sector," he said.

"Our nation today is experiencing difficult times. Our farmers are facing an acute crisis, our aspirational youth are not finding opportunities, and the economy is growing below its potential," Singh told reporters here.

He said the "unfortunate truth" was that each of these crises was "entirely avoidable".

"It pains me to see how rather than standing up to all these challenges, the governments response has been to stifle dissent when deficiencies are pointed out," he said.

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Noting that economic policy has a significant impact on the lives of people, he said it was essential that those tasked with decision making pay careful attention to policies and programmes and not act on mere whims and fancies.

"India is a complex and diverse country and no one person can be the repository of all wisdom," he said in an apparent dig at Modi.

He said every time an answer was sought for any of the "disastrous policies" of the BJP government, "all we hear is that the intentions are virtuous".

Singh said the intentions of the Modi government which it claimed were good, had resulted in "massive" losses for the country.

"Its lack of reasoning and analysis is costing India and our collective future."

The former prime minister said under the UPA governments the growth rate averaged 7 per cent. It was 8 per cent at one point of time despite turbulent global conditions, he said.

The NDA government, he said, clocked inferior growth rate despite a favourable international climate and low oil prices. In fact, growth rate under the NDA is lower in spite of the change in the methodology to determine it "which paints a rosier picture than reality", Singh said. 
According to Singh, two "major avoidable blunders" of the Modi government had been demonetisation and hasty implementation of GST.

He said the losses the economy suffered due to these blunders had severely hurt the micro, small and medium enterprises and resulted in the loss of tens of thousands of jobs. 
Besides, exports as a share of the GDP plunged to a 14 year low at a time when the global economy was reviving and exports of other Asian nations like Vietnam were growing substantially, he said.

Singh said petrol and diesel prices were at a "historic high" despite a fall in international crude oil prices because the Modi government had chosen to levy "excessive" excise duty.

"Instead of passing on the benefits of low prices to the people, the Modi government has punished the people," he said.&nbsp;

'Our farmers are facing an acute crisis, our aspirational youth are not finding opportunities, and the economy is growing below its potential,' Singh said

Former prime minister Manmohan Singh today launched a scathing attack on the Modi government for its "disastrous policies" and "economic mismanagement", and said the country was facing crises that were avoidable. Singh attacked the government over a series of banking sector frauds, saying the money swindled almost quadrupled from Rs 28,416 crore in September 2013 to Rs 1.11 lakh crore in September 2017. "Perpetrators of these frauds meanwhile escape with impunity. The economic mismanagement of the Modi government, and I say this with great care and responsibility, is slowly eroding the trust of the general public in the banking sector," he said. "Our nation today is experiencing difficult times. Our farmers are facing an acute crisis, our aspirational youth are not finding opportunities, and the economy is growing below its potential," Singh told reporters here. He said the "unfortunate truth" was that each of these crises was "entirely avoidable". "It pains me to see how rather than standing up to all these challenges, the governments response has been to stifle dissent when deficiencies are pointed out," he said. It pains me to see how rather than standing up to all these challenges, the governments response has been to stifle dissent when deficiencies are pointed out' × Noting that economic policy has a significant impact on the lives of people, he said it was essential that those tasked with decision making pay careful attention to policies and programmes and not act on mere whims and fancies. "India is a complex and diverse country and no one person can be the repository of all wisdom," he said in an apparent dig at Modi. He said every time an answer was sought for any of the "disastrous policies" of the BJP government, "all we hear is that the intentions are virtuous". Singh said the intentions of the Modi government which it claimed were good, had resulted in "massive" losses for the country. "Its lack of reasoning and analysis is costing India and our collective future." The former prime minister said under the UPA governments the growth rate averaged 7 per cent. It was 8 per cent at one point of time despite turbulent global conditions, he said. The NDA government, he said, clocked inferior growth rate despite a favourable international climate and low oil prices. In fact, growth rate under the NDA is lower in spite of the change in the methodology to determine it "which paints a rosier picture than reality", Singh said. According to Singh, two "major avoidable blunders" of the Modi government had been demonetisation and hasty implementation of GST. He said the losses the economy suffered due to these blunders had severely hurt the micro, small and medium enterprises and resulted in the loss of tens of thousands of jobs. Besides, exports as a share of the GDP plunged to a 14 year low at a time when the global economy was reviving and exports of other Asian nations like Vietnam were growing substantially, he said. Singh said petrol and diesel prices were at a "historic high" despite a fall in international crude oil prices because the Modi government had chosen to levy "excessive" excise duty. "Instead of passing on the benefits of low prices to the people, the Modi government has punished the people," he said.

Our nation today is experiencing difficult times: Manmohan Singh

"Congress had an eco-system of looting. Jan Dhan-Aadhaar & Mobile number (JAM) trinity of our government has stopped leakages. No wonder Congress is angry at me and abusing me. Congress is worried that if we come to power in Karnataka, they will face difficulty in looting the poor," said Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Modi was addressing a rally in Karnataka's Raichur ahead of upcoming assembly elections.

Praising his government's Jan Dhan-Aadhaar & Mobile number (JAM) initiative, he said&nbsp;Congress is worried about facing difficulties in looting the poor after BJP wins the elections

"When Sonia Gandhi's government was in power, LED bulb used to be sold at Rs 350. Now in our government, the bulb are being sold at Rs 50. Where were the extra Rs 300 spent", he added.

He also targetted the Congress over the series of disruptions that the Parliament underwent in the last session and blamed the Congress for having an Anti-Dalit and OBC mindset.

He said, "Congress owes an explanation to the nation on why it is not letting Parliament function. Anti-Dalit and anti-OBC mindset of the Congress is the reason why the party is stalling Parliament and not allowing the creation of the OBC commission".

The Karnataka Government must give an account of the work they have done for the people of the state. Instead, all they do is- Modi, Modi, Modi. They just keep abusing me".

There are many people who are sitting in AC rooms and saying there will be a hung assembly. I want to tell them to come to Raichur and see the mood on the ground.

While addressing another rally in Jamakhandi, PM Modi attacked the Congress for supporting the JNU sloganeering in 2016.

He said, "Some people feel uncomfortable when patriotism, nationalism, national song are discussed. Congress faced such downfall that its leaders started giving blessings to people who raised slogans of 'Bharat tere tukde honge' and demanded proofs of surgical strikes from Army."

"Congress' forgot even Bhagwan Basaveshwara, but started recalling his name when Karnataka Elections 2018 came near. It was during Atal Ji's leadership, that a statue of Bhagwaan Basaveshwara was put up in the Parliament".

"To win or to lose is a part of elections. One must accept their defeat. But Congress leaders are 'Naamdaars'. They didn't congratulate us 'Kaamdaars'. Such is their arrogance that they didn't even pay a courtesy call to President upon his win". 
&nbsp;

PM Modi said, 'Congress had an eco-system of looting. Jan Dhan-Aadhaar and Mobile number (JAM) trinity of our government has stopped leakages. No wonder Congress is angry at me and abusing me. Congress is worried that if we come to power in Karnataka, they will face difficulty in looting the poor'

"Congress had an eco-system of looting. Jan Dhan-Aadhaar & Mobile number (JAM) trinity of our government has stopped leakages. No wonder Congress is angry at me and abusing me. Congress is worried that if we come to power in Karnataka, they will face difficulty in looting the poor," said Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Modi was addressing a rally in Karnataka's Raichur ahead of upcoming assembly elections. Praising his government's Jan Dhan-Aadhaar & Mobile number (JAM) initiative, he said Congress is worried about facing difficulties in looting the poor after BJP wins the elections "When Sonia Gandhi's government was in power, LED bulb used to be sold at Rs 350. Now in our government, the bulb are being sold at Rs 50. Where were the extra Rs 300 spent", he added. He also targetted the Congress over the series of disruptions that the Parliament underwent in the last session and blamed the Congress for having an Anti-Dalit and OBC mindset. He said, "Congress owes an explanation to the nation on why it is not letting Parliament function. Anti-Dalit and anti-OBC mindset of the Congress is the reason why the party is stalling Parliament and not allowing the creation of the OBC commission". The Karnataka Government must give an account of the work they have done for the people of the state. Instead, all they do is- Modi, Modi, Modi. They just keep abusing me". There are many people who are sitting in AC rooms and saying there will be a hung assembly. I want to tell them to come to Raichur and see the mood on the ground. While addressing another rally in Jamakhandi, PM Modi attacked the Congress for supporting the JNU sloganeering in 2016. He said, "Some people feel uncomfortable when patriotism, nationalism, national song are discussed. Congress faced such downfall that its leaders started giving blessings to people who raised slogans of 'Bharat tere tukde honge' and demanded proofs of surgical strikes from Army." "Congress' forgot even Bhagwan Basaveshwara, but started recalling his name when Karnataka Elections 2018 came near. It was during Atal Ji's leadership, that a statue of Bhagwaan Basaveshwara was put up in the Parliament". "To win or to lose is a part of elections. One must accept their defeat. But Congress leaders are 'Naamdaars'. They didn't congratulate us 'Kaamdaars'. Such is their arrogance that they didn't even pay a courtesy call to President upon his win".

Karnataka polls: Modi says Congress worried about facing difficulties in looting poor after defeat

While addressing a rally in Karnataka&nbsp;ahead of the assembly elections Prime Minister Narendra Modi targetted Congress for using "foul language" for his chief ministerial candidate BS Yeddyurappa.

PM Modi launched a series of attack on Congress for using "foul language against Yeddyurappa", over the "killings" of the BJP workers in the state, playing divide and rule politics.

He said the Congress uses foul language against Yeddyurappa and makes baseless allegations against him.

Referring to Rahul Gandhi's claim that he would not allow thieves sit in Legislative Assembly, Modi further attacked the party&nbsp;asking why the Congress never talks about their leaders "whose almirahs and bed sheets were found laden with notes".

Modi said one of the Congress ministers in Karnataka had assets worth Rs 75 crore in 2008 that grew to Rs 250 crore in 2013 and to a whopping Rs 800 crore now.

He said, " Congress uses foul&nbsp;language for Yeddyurappa ji, makes baseless allegations him against ignoring his age, contribution to society and experience in politics. Yeddyurappa Ji used to visit houses of poor people and Congress mocked that too. This was an insult of&nbsp;the poor."

"All kinds of 'anap shanap' (rubbish) language is being used...I want to tell the people of Shivamogga to ensure that Congress candidates lose their deposit, Yeddyurappa's insult is avenged," he said.

He said " There is no difference between the 'C'&nbsp;of Congress and 'C'&nbsp;of corruption. Even now, they cry foul of demonetisation".

PM Modi also questioned the party about PFI and SIMI asking who "gifted" such violent organisations to Karnataka.

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Britishers used to work on the policy of 'Divide and rule', Congress is walking on their footsteps and trying to create divide between society on basis of religion and castes: PM Modi in Shimoga <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KarnatakaElections2018?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KarnatakaElections2018</a> <a href="https://t.co/ix3itkYCsu">pic.twitter.com/ix3itkYCsu</a>
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(With inputs from Agencies)

PM Modi launched a series of attack on Congress for using 'foul language against Yeddyurappa', over the 'killings' of the BJP workers in the state, playing divide and rule politics

While addressing a rally in Karnataka ahead of the assembly elections Prime Minister Narendra Modi targetted Congress for using "foul language" for his chief ministerial candidate BS Yeddyurappa. PM Modi launched a series of attack on Congress for using "foul language against Yeddyurappa", over the "killings" of the BJP workers in the state, playing divide and rule politics. He said the Congress uses foul language against Yeddyurappa and makes baseless allegations against him. Referring to Rahul Gandhi's claim that he would not allow thieves sit in Legislative Assembly, Modi further attacked the party asking why the Congress never talks about their leaders "whose almirahs and bed sheets were found laden with notes". Modi said one of the Congress ministers in Karnataka had assets worth Rs 75 crore in 2008 that grew to Rs 250 crore in 2013 and to a whopping Rs 800 crore now. He said, " Congress uses foul language for Yeddyurappa ji, makes baseless allegations him against ignoring his age, contribution to society and experience in politics. Yeddyurappa Ji used to visit houses of poor people and Congress mocked that too. This was an insult of the poor." "All kinds of 'anap shanap' (rubbish) language is being used...I want to tell the people of Shivamogga to ensure that Congress candidates lose their deposit, Yeddyurappa's insult is avenged," he said. He said " There is no difference between the 'C' of Congress and 'C' of corruption. Even now, they cry foul of demonetisation". PM Modi also questioned the party about PFI and SIMI asking who "gifted" such violent organisations to Karnataka. Britishers used to work on the policy of 'Divide and rule', Congress is walking on their footsteps and trying to create divide between society on basis of religion and castes: PM Modi in Shimoga #KarnatakaElections2018 pic.twitter.com/ix3itkYCsu — ANI (@ANI) May 5, 2018 × (With inputs from Agencies)

Congress uses foul language for Yeddyurappa, makes baseless allegations against him: Modi

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/ahead-of-karnataka-polls-authorities-seize-cash-articles-worth-rs-152-crore-134795">Ahead of Karnataka polls, authorities seize cash, articles worth Rs 120 crore</a>

The Election Commission-appointed surveillance teams have seized cash, jewellery and other inducements worth over Rs 120 crore in the poll-bound Karnataka, a senior official said today.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-slams-yeddyurappa-for-threatening-voters-134801">Congress slams Yeddyurappa for 'threatening' voters</a>

Congress party on Saturday slammed BJP for ''threatening voters in frustration. A defeatist BJP facing rejection at the hands of Kannadigas is threatening voters in frustration. Mr Yeddyurappa, insulting democracy and intimidating voters will trounce the BJP decisively," tweeted Congress spokesperson Randeep Surjewala.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/putin-opponents-protest-across-russia-before-his-inauguration-134789">Putin opponents protest across Russia before </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/putin-opponents-protest-across-russia-before-his-inauguration-134789">presidential</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/putin-opponents-protest-across-russia-before-his-inauguration-134789"> inauguration</a>

Critics of Vladimir Putin took to the streets of Russia on Saturday ahead of his inauguration for a fourth presidential term to register their opposition to what they say is his autocratic Tsar-like rule.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/south-korea-faces-dilemma-over-anti-north-leaflets-as-ties-thaw-134788">South Korea faces </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/south-korea-faces-dilemma-over-anti-north-leaflets-as-ties-thaw-134788">dilemma</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/south-korea-faces-dilemma-over-anti-north-leaflets-as-ties-thaw-134788"> over anti-North leaflets as ties thaw</a>

Days after a historic inter-Korean summit Lee Min-bok, a defector who has been flying anti-Pyongyang leaflets into the North for 15 years, received a call from an official at Seoul's Unification Ministry urging him to halt his balloon campaign.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/2000-french-police-on-streets-for-anti-macron-protest-134783">2,000 French police on streets for anti-Macron protest</a>

Paris police are deploying in large numbers and activists are calling for calm as the French capital prepares for a mass protest on the anniversary of President Emmanuel Macron's inauguration.

&nbsp

Ahead of Karnataka polls, authorities seize cash, articles worth Rs 120 crore The Election Commission-appointed surveillance teams have seized cash, jewellery and other inducements worth over Rs 120 crore in the poll-bound Karnataka, a senior official said today. Congress slams Yeddyurappa for 'threatening' voters Congress party on Saturday slammed BJP for ''threatening voters in frustration. A defeatist BJP facing rejection at the hands of Kannadigas is threatening voters in frustration. Mr Yeddyurappa, insulting democracy and intimidating voters will trounce the BJP decisively," tweeted Congress spokesperson Randeep Surjewala. Putin opponents protest across Russia before presidential inauguration Critics of Vladimir Putin took to the streets of Russia on Saturday ahead of his inauguration for a fourth presidential term to register their opposition to what they say is his autocratic Tsar-like rule. South Korea faces dilemma over anti-North leaflets as ties thaw Days after a historic inter-Korean summit Lee Min-bok, a defector who has been flying anti-Pyongyang leaflets into the North for 15 years, received a call from an official at Seoul's Unification Ministry urging him to halt his balloon campaign. 2,000 French police on streets for anti-Macron protest Paris police are deploying in large numbers and activists are calling for calm as the French capital prepares for a mass protest on the anniversary of President Emmanuel Macron's inauguration.

News brief: Big stories of the day

The Election Commission-appointed surveillance teams have seized cash, jewellery and other inducements worth over Rs 120 crore in the poll-bound Karnataka, a senior official said today.

Cash amounting to over Rs 67.27 crore, over five lakh litres of liquor worth Rs 23.36 crore, gold valued at 43.17 crore and other items such as pressure cookers, sarees, sewing machines, gutkha, laptops and vehicles, among others, worth about Rs 18.57 crore, have been seized, he said.

The official said Rs 32.54 crore in cash, out of the total seizures of Rs 152.78 crore, has been released after verification.

The figure also includes seized narcotics worth more than Rs 39.80 lakh, according to official data since the declaration of the elections for the Karnataka Assembly.

The seizures have been made by various surveillance, police and Income Tax department teams that have been deployed in the state by the poll panel to check the use of black money and illegal inducements, the official said.

The state will go to polls on May 12. The counting of votes is scheduled for May 15.&nbsp;

The authorities also seized pressure cookers, sarees, sewing machines, gutkha, laptops and vehicles

The Election Commission-appointed surveillance teams have seized cash, jewellery and other inducements worth over Rs 120 crore in the poll-bound Karnataka, a senior official said today. Cash amounting to over Rs 67.27 crore, over five lakh litres of liquor worth Rs 23.36 crore, gold valued at 43.17 crore and other items such as pressure cookers, sarees, sewing machines, gutkha, laptops and vehicles, among others, worth about Rs 18.57 crore, have been seized, he said. The official said Rs 32.54 crore in cash, out of the total seizures of Rs 152.78 crore, has been released after verification. The figure also includes seized narcotics worth more than Rs 39.80 lakh, according to official data since the declaration of the elections for the Karnataka Assembly. The seizures have been made by various surveillance, police and Income Tax department teams that have been deployed in the state by the poll panel to check the use of black money and illegal inducements, the official said. The state will go to polls on May 12. The counting of votes is scheduled for May 15.

Ahead of Karnataka polls, authorities seize cash, articles worth Rs 120 crore

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Karnataka chief ministerial candidate BS Yeddyurappa on Saturday advised people to tie hands and legs of the non-voters and make them vote in favour of Mahantesh Doddagoudar, BJP candidate from Kittur.

Addressing a public gathering at Belagavi, Yeddyurappa said, "Don't rest now. If you think that somebody isn't voting, go to their homes, tie up their hands and legs and bring them to vote in favour of Mahantesh Doddagoudar."

Continuing his tirade against the Congress, he claimed that Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah will lose both in Badami and in Chamundeshwari.

"Siddaramaiah will lose in Chamundi he will also lose in Badami against Sri Ramulu, Congress is now was sinking ship. That is why I am requesting you to vote in favour of the BJP," he added.

Karnataka will go to polls on May 12 to elect representatives to the 225-member state assembly. The results will be out on May 15.&nbsp

Karnataka will go to polls on May 12 to elect representatives to the 225-member state assembly.

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Karnataka chief ministerial candidate BS Yeddyurappa on Saturday advised people to tie hands and legs of the non-voters and make them vote in favour of Mahantesh Doddagoudar, BJP candidate from Kittur. Addressing a public gathering at Belagavi, Yeddyurappa said, "Don't rest now. If you think that somebody isn't voting, go to their homes, tie up their hands and legs and bring them to vote in favour of Mahantesh Doddagoudar." Continuing his tirade against the Congress, he claimed that Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah will lose both in Badami and in Chamundeshwari. "Siddaramaiah will lose in Chamundi he will also lose in Badami against Sri Ramulu, Congress is now was sinking ship. That is why I am requesting you to vote in favour of the BJP," he added. Karnataka will go to polls on May 12 to elect representatives to the 225-member state assembly. The results will be out on May 15.

Tie hands, legs of non-voters, make them vote for BJP: Yeddyurappa

The BJP released its<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/bjp-gives-women-equal-opportunity-highlights-from-pm-modis-address-to-karnataka-bjps-women-workers-134522"> manifesto for the Karnataka </a>elections today targetting farmers and women.

The manifesto promised 1 per cent loans upto 1 lakh for women entrepreneurs. The BJP vision statement said 1,000 farmers to be taken to Isreal for Agricultural scholarships.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/karnataka-elections-strengths-and-weaknesses-of-key-parties-134561">Karnataka elections: Strengths and weaknesses of key parties</a>

Announcing the manifesto release, former Karnataka CM BS Yeddyurappa said: "Welfare of farmers has always been our priority," adding,"we will allocate Rs 1,50,000 crore for various irrigation projects in Karnataka and ensure water reaches to every field in the state."

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Bengaluru: BJP's CM candidate BS Yeddyurappa, Union Minister Prakash Javadekar & other leaders launch the party's manifesto for <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KarnatakaElections2018?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KarnatakaElections2018</a> <a href="https://t.co/LLCxlB3CTm">pic.twitter.com/LLCxlB3CTm</a>
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The party has also decided to waive off loans&nbsp;upto 1 lakh for farmers if it comes to power in the state.

The manifesto promised "free smartphones" for women in below poverty line(BPL) families including Rs 25,000 gold and mangalasutra.

The party said it will set up 10,000 crore Stree Unnati&nbsp;(Women Development) Fund, one of the largest women run cooperatives, and will also establish Stree Unnati stores to market products.

The BJP also said it would open Annapurna canteens across the state where subsidized food will be served.

The manifesto said the BJP will develop 6 incubators and co-working spaces for startups in Hubballi, Bengaluru, Raichur, Mysuru, Mangaluru and Kalaburgi

Raitha Bandhu Department to be set up under the CMO to monitor implementation of schemes, the BJP announced.

The party also proposed Rs 5.000 crore Raitha Bandhu Market Intervention Fund to be set up to insulate farmers and will launch Mukhya Mantri Raitha Suraksha Vime Yojana to provide accidental insurance cover of upto&nbsp;Rs 2 lakh

<iframe allow="autoplay encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/pCpfcD2UOT0" width="560"></iframe>

The manifesto promised 1 per cent loans upto 1 lakh for women entrepreneurs.

The BJP released its manifesto for the Karnataka elections today targetting farmers and women. The manifesto promised 1 per cent loans upto 1 lakh for women entrepreneurs. The BJP vision statement said 1,000 farmers to be taken to Isreal for Agricultural scholarships. Karnataka elections: Strengths and weaknesses of key parties Announcing the manifesto release, former Karnataka CM BS Yeddyurappa said: "Welfare of farmers has always been our priority," adding,"we will allocate Rs 1,50,000 crore for various irrigation projects in Karnataka and ensure water reaches to every field in the state." Bengaluru: BJP's CM candidate BS Yeddyurappa, Union Minister Prakash Javadekar & other leaders launch the party's manifesto for #KarnatakaElections2018 pic.twitter.com/LLCxlB3CTm — ANI (@ANI) May 4, 2018 × The party has also decided to waive off loans upto 1 lakh for farmers if it comes to power in the state. The manifesto promised "free smartphones" for women in below poverty line(BPL) families including Rs 25,000 gold and mangalasutra. The party said it will set up 10,000 crore Stree Unnati (Women Development) Fund, one of the largest women run cooperatives, and will also establish Stree Unnati stores to market products. The BJP also said it would open Annapurna canteens across the state where subsidized food will be served. The manifesto said the BJP will develop 6 incubators and co-working spaces for startups in Hubballi, Bengaluru, Raichur, Mysuru, Mangaluru and Kalaburgi Raitha Bandhu Department to be set up under the CMO to monitor implementation of schemes, the BJP announced. The party also proposed Rs 5.000 crore Raitha Bandhu Market Intervention Fund to be set up to insulate farmers and will launch Mukhya Mantri Raitha Suraksha Vime Yojana to provide accidental insurance cover of upto Rs 2 lakh

BJP releases Karnataka election manifesto, targets women & farmers

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanth is rushing back from Karnataka tonight, cutting short his election tour amid opposition flak for staying away from his own state even after a storm claimed 75 lives there.

The chief minister will arrive in worst-hit Agra tonight and visit the affected areas tomorrow morning, state's Principal Secretary Information Avanish Awasthi said.

Adityanath will review the relief efforts in the district and then leave for Kanpur and other areas.

He was earlier scheduled to campaign in Karnataka till Saturday noon

Parts of western UP were battered in Wednesday's storm which also struck the adjoining Rajasthan districts.

Over 40 people died in Agra district alone. Altogether, 124 people were killed and over 300 others injured in five states due thunderstorms and lightning in the last two days, the Union Home Ministry said today.

Adityanath was criticised in UP and in Karnataka, where he is campaigning with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's ahead of the assembly elections on May 12.

"I am sorry your CM is needed here in Karnataka," Siddaramaiah had tweeted. "I am sure he will return soon & attend to his work there."

Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav, while condoling the deaths, said in a tweet, "CM should immediately return to UP leaving aside campaigning in Karnataka. People have elected him to resolve the problems of their state and not for politics of Karnataka.

If he doesn't rush back even under such circumstances, he should form his own mutt there (in Karnataka) for all times, Yadav tweeted last night.

Bahujan Samaj Party president Mayawati said despite the calamity, Modi and Adityanath were busy in the Karnataka campaign "only to serve their selfish electoral interests".

In a statement, she said not much should be expected from the government "which has such a narrow mindset".

This is the reason why both the Centre and the state governments of UP and Rajasthan "have remained totally lax and irresponsible" after the loss of life and property, she added.

Uttar Pradesh Congress Committee president Raj Babbar described Adityanath as "one of the most irresponsible" chief ministers in the country and a "part-time CM".

"The people elected him to resolve the problems of the state but the chief minister and his ministers are flouting the mandate and are functioning in the capacity of members of the election campaign committee," Babbar said in a statement.

He demanded a compensation of Rs 50 lakh each for the families of those killed in the storm.

"The main aim of the government is to serve the people but here the CM is busy campaigning in another state," Babbar said.&nbsp

The chief minister will arrive in worst-hit Agra tonight and visit the affected areas tomorrow morning, state's Principal Secretary Information Avanish Awasthi said.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanth is rushing back from Karnataka tonight, cutting short his election tour amid opposition flak for staying away from his own state even after a storm claimed 75 lives there. The chief minister will arrive in worst-hit Agra tonight and visit the affected areas tomorrow morning, state's Principal Secretary Information Avanish Awasthi said. Adityanath will review the relief efforts in the district and then leave for Kanpur and other areas. He was earlier scheduled to campaign in Karnataka till Saturday noon Parts of western UP were battered in Wednesday's storm which also struck the adjoining Rajasthan districts. Over 40 people died in Agra district alone. Altogether, 124 people were killed and over 300 others injured in five states due thunderstorms and lightning in the last two days, the Union Home Ministry said today. Adityanath was criticised in UP and in Karnataka, where he is campaigning with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's ahead of the assembly elections on May 12. "I am sorry your CM is needed here in Karnataka," Siddaramaiah had tweeted. "I am sure he will return soon & attend to his work there." Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav, while condoling the deaths, said in a tweet, "CM should immediately return to UP leaving aside campaigning in Karnataka. People have elected him to resolve the problems of their state and not for politics of Karnataka. If he doesn't rush back even under such circumstances, he should form his own mutt there (in Karnataka) for all times, Yadav tweeted last night. Bahujan Samaj Party president Mayawati said despite the calamity, Modi and Adityanath were busy in the Karnataka campaign "only to serve their selfish electoral interests". In a statement, she said not much should be expected from the government "which has such a narrow mindset". This is the reason why both the Centre and the state governments of UP and Rajasthan "have remained totally lax and irresponsible" after the loss of life and property, she added. Uttar Pradesh Congress Committee president Raj Babbar described Adityanath as "one of the most irresponsible" chief ministers in the country and a "part-time CM". "The people elected him to resolve the problems of the state but the chief minister and his ministers are flouting the mandate and are functioning in the capacity of members of the election campaign committee," Babbar said in a statement. He demanded a compensation of Rs 50 lakh each for the families of those killed in the storm. "The main aim of the government is to serve the people but here the CM is busy campaigning in another state," Babbar said.

Yogi Adityanath cuts short Karnataka campaign to visit storm-ravaged Agra

Dubbing as 'tokenism' Prime Minister Narendra Modi's interaction with BJP women workers on women power today, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah asked him to learn from Karnataka on the subject and to "cut bhashan (speech) and promote action."

The Chief Minister, in a series of tweets, listed out various initiatives of his government for women.

"Tokenism Modi ji. Real empowerment comes from real policies. Yesterday you ridiculed a candlelight march to protest against defenders of child rapists in Kathua & today you pretend to care for Mahila Shakti," he said in a tweet in response to Modi's comments about important portfolios to women in his cabinet.

Reaching out to women ahead of the May 12 assembly polls through his address to Karnataka BJP Mahila Morcha workers via 'Narendra Modi App', earlier in the day said capable women had been given important portfolios in his cabinet.

He also pointed at two group photos of foreign ministers and Defence Ministers at SCO summit held in China, where Sushma Swaraj and Nirmala Sitharaman representing India, were the only women.

Siddaramaiah, who asked Modi to learn from Karnataka how it is done, in another tweet, said his government has made education free for girls from class 1 to Post Graduation.

"Bengaluru, the city you ridiculed yesterday, leads the nation with 25 per cent women's participation in the workforce. In Delhi, the city you live in, the rate is 10 per cent. We must be doing something right," he said.

In a full-scale attack on the Siddaramaiah government city-related issues, Modi had yesterday said that within five years it had turned Bengaluru, which was known as the country's 'Silicon Valley', into "a valley of sin", and the 'garden city' to "garbage city".

Claiming that his government's 'Matrupoorna' programme gives mid-day meal to 10 lakh pregnant and lactating mothers so that motherhood is safe and the child is healthy,the Chief Minister said the government amended the law to make child marriage void ab initio it also gives free bus passes to all students, half of whom are girls.

Siddaramaiah said the government was giving loans to women entrepreneurs at four per cent interest, set up industrial parks exclusively for women and also received an international award for being the best state for women entrepreneurs.

"We give a revolving fund of Rs 25,000 per group to women SHG (self-help group)," he said.

Also pointing to economic empowerment programs for sex workers, HIV+ women, transgenders and introduction ofPink Hoysala Vehicles for emergency response in Bengaluru city, Siddaramaiah said "There are many more. Dear@narendramodi ji let us cut Bhashan & promote Action."&nbsp

The Chief Minister, in a series of tweets, listed out various initiatives of his government for women.

Dubbing as 'tokenism' Prime Minister Narendra Modi's interaction with BJP women workers on women power today, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah asked him to learn from Karnataka on the subject and to "cut bhashan (speech) and promote action." The Chief Minister, in a series of tweets, listed out various initiatives of his government for women. "Tokenism Modi ji. Real empowerment comes from real policies. Yesterday you ridiculed a candlelight march to protest against defenders of child rapists in Kathua & today you pretend to care for Mahila Shakti," he said in a tweet in response to Modi's comments about important portfolios to women in his cabinet. Reaching out to women ahead of the May 12 assembly polls through his address to Karnataka BJP Mahila Morcha workers via 'Narendra Modi App', earlier in the day said capable women had been given important portfolios in his cabinet. He also pointed at two group photos of foreign ministers and Defence Ministers at SCO summit held in China, where Sushma Swaraj and Nirmala Sitharaman representing India, were the only women. Siddaramaiah, who asked Modi to learn from Karnataka how it is done, in another tweet, said his government has made education free for girls from class 1 to Post Graduation. "Bengaluru, the city you ridiculed yesterday, leads the nation with 25 per cent women's participation in the workforce. In Delhi, the city you live in, the rate is 10 per cent. We must be doing something right," he said. In a full-scale attack on the Siddaramaiah government city-related issues, Modi had yesterday said that within five years it had turned Bengaluru, which was known as the country's 'Silicon Valley', into "a valley of sin", and the 'garden city' to "garbage city". Claiming that his government's 'Matrupoorna' programme gives mid-day meal to 10 lakh pregnant and lactating mothers so that motherhood is safe and the child is healthy,the Chief Minister said the government amended the law to make child marriage void ab initio it also gives free bus passes to all students, half of whom are girls. Siddaramaiah said the government was giving loans to women entrepreneurs at four per cent interest, set up industrial parks exclusively for women and also received an international award for being the best state for women entrepreneurs. "We give a revolving fund of Rs 25,000 per group to women SHG (self-help group)," he said. Also pointing to economic empowerment programs for sex workers, HIV+ women, transgenders and introduction ofPink Hoysala Vehicles for emergency response in Bengaluru city, Siddaramaiah said "There are many more. Dear@narendramodi ji let us cut Bhashan & promote Action."

Cut speech and promote action; Siddaramaiah to Modi on Women's issues

The Supreme Court today asked the Karnataka government to give 4 tmc water to Tamil Nadu, ordering that the state would "face consequences" if it breaches order.

Karnataka must release water to Tamil Nadu for April and May, India's top court said.

India's Attorney General&nbsp;Venugopal told the apex court that PM Modi and his Cabinet were busy with the impending Karnataka elections.&nbsp;

Karnataka must tell us how much water it can release, it said, adding, the court is not concerned about the Karnataka elections. 
&nbsp; 
In February, the Supreme Court had directed Karnataka to release 177.25 TMC of Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu after several decades of dispute.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;

India's highest court had also allowed Tami Nadu to draw an additional 10 TMC 'groundwater' from a total of 20 TMC beneath the Cauvery basin.&nbsp;

The court had said there should be "no deviance" of the order by any state.

The Supreme Court had said the order will remain in force for the next 15 years.

Karnataka must tell us how much water it can release, India's apex court said.

The Supreme Court today asked the Karnataka government to give 4 tmc water to Tamil Nadu, ordering that the state would "face consequences" if it breaches order. Karnataka must release water to Tamil Nadu for April and May, India's top court said. India's Attorney General Venugopal told the apex court that PM Modi and his Cabinet were busy with the impending Karnataka elections. Karnataka must tell us how much water it can release, it said, adding, the court is not concerned about the Karnataka elections. In February, the Supreme Court had directed Karnataka to release 177.25 TMC of Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu after several decades of dispute. India's highest court had also allowed Tami Nadu to draw an additional 10 TMC 'groundwater' from a total of 20 TMC beneath the Cauvery basin. The court had said there should be "no deviance" of the order by any state. The Supreme Court had said the order will remain in force for the next 15 years.

Cauvery row: Karnataka must release water to Tamil Nadu, or face consequences, says SC

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be addressing three rallies in Karnataka's Kalaburagi, Ballari and Bengaluru today.

He will be addressing a public meeting at Kalaburagi at 12:30 pm at Navodaya Vidyalaya Ground. This will be followed by a public meeting at Ballari at 3 pm at Ballari District Stadium and Public meeting at Bengaluru at 5:30 pm.

PM Modi&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-to-join-karnataka-poll-battle-today-set-to-address-rallies-133889">began his election campaign in the state on May 1</a> by addressing three rallies in Mysuru, Udupi and Belagavi.

A day after kicking off the campaigning in the state, PM Modi also&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/karnataka-poll-pitch-modi-addresses-farmers-on-namo-app-134125">addressed the farmers in Karnataka via the Namo App</a>.

The prime minister is scheduled to&nbsp;address a total of 21&nbsp;rallies in the state for the party's election campaigning.

The Karnataka polls are due to be held on May 12.&nbsp;

The results of the elections will be announced on May 15&nbsp;for the 225-member state assembly.

The polls will see a heated battle&nbsp;between the ruling Congress and the BJP with the JD(U) determined to play the role of a "kingmaker".

&nbsp;

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PM Shri <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> will address public rallies in Karnataka’s Kalaburagi, Ballari and Bengaluru today. Watch LIVE at <a href="https://t.co/vpP0MInUi4">https://t.co/vpP0MInUi4</a>. Listen LIVE speech by dialing 9345014501. <a href="https://twitter.com/BJP4Karnataka?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BJP4Karnataka</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NaavuModiJothe?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NaavuModiJothe</a> <a href="https://t.co/4s2WJrR5e6">pic.twitter.com/4s2WJrR5e6</a>
— BJP (@BJP4India) <a href="https://twitter.com/BJP4India/status/991851400631128064?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 3, 2018</a></blockquote>
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He began his election campaign in the state on May 1 by addressing three rallies in Mysuru, Udupi and Belagavi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be addressing three rallies in Karnataka's Kalaburagi, Ballari and Bengaluru today. He will be addressing a public meeting at Kalaburagi at 12:30 pm at Navodaya Vidyalaya Ground. This will be followed by a public meeting at Ballari at 3 pm at Ballari District Stadium and Public meeting at Bengaluru at 5:30 pm. PM Modi began his election campaign in the state on May 1 by addressing three rallies in Mysuru, Udupi and Belagavi. A day after kicking off the campaigning in the state, PM Modi also addressed the farmers in Karnataka via the Namo App. The prime minister is scheduled to address a total of 21 rallies in the state for the party's election campaigning. The Karnataka polls are due to be held on May 12. The results of the elections will be announced on May 15 for the 225-member state assembly. The polls will see a heated battle between the ruling Congress and the BJP with the JD(U) determined to play the role of a "kingmaker". PM Shri @narendramodi will address public rallies in Karnataka’s Kalaburagi, Ballari and Bengaluru today. Watch LIVE at https://t.co/vpP0MInUi4. Listen LIVE speech by dialing 9345014501. @BJP4Karnataka #NaavuModiJothe pic.twitter.com/4s2WJrR5e6 — BJP (@BJP4India) May 3, 2018 ×

PM Modi's second day of election campaigning in Karnataka, will address three rallies today

Prime Minister Modi while addressing a rally on Tuesday had attacked Congress President Rahul Gandhi for insulting JD(S) chief HD Deve Gowda.

Responding to the charges levied by the prime minister on Rahul, Deputy Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Anand Sharma denied any such behaviour by Gandhi.

He said, "There was no disrespect ever towards Deve Gowda by Rahul Gandhi...It is not the Congress' culture to insult. When Deve Gowda Ji was prime minister, his government had full support of the Congress party. Rahul Gandhi has not said anything derogatory about Shri Deve Gowda".

Hitting back at PM Modi, he also asked the prime minister to apologise for repeatedly insulting former prime minister Manmohan Singh.

He also added that Gowda had in the run-up to 2014 elections said he would take 'political sanyas' if Modi became the prime minister.

On&nbsp;this, the JD(S) chief said he is continuing as the Lok Sabha member only because of Modi's persuasion skills.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/karnataka-polls-let-congress-come-with-workable-proposal-says-deve-gowda-on-alliance---126800">JD(S) chief and former prime minister HD Deve Gowda</a> has also clarified that his party will not go into any <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/karnataka-elections-no-post-poll-alliance-with-jds-confirms-siddaramaiah--132387">alliance</a> with BJP ahead of the Karnataka polls.

His remarks came in response to PM Modi's appreciation to Deve Gowda at a rally on Tuesday.

Deve Gowda also said that he would disown his son HD Kumaraswamy if he backs the BJP in the assembly election. 
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Congress leader said 'There was no disrespect ever towards Deve Gowda by Rahul Gandhi...It is not the Congress' culture to insult. When Deve Gowda Ji was prime minister, his government had full support of the Congress party. Rahul Gandhi has not said anything derogatory about Shri Deve Gowda'

Prime Minister Modi while addressing a rally on Tuesday had attacked Congress President Rahul Gandhi for insulting JD(S) chief HD Deve Gowda. Responding to the charges levied by the prime minister on Rahul, Deputy Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Anand Sharma denied any such behaviour by Gandhi. He said, "There was no disrespect ever towards Deve Gowda by Rahul Gandhi...It is not the Congress' culture to insult. When Deve Gowda Ji was prime minister, his government had full support of the Congress party. Rahul Gandhi has not said anything derogatory about Shri Deve Gowda". Hitting back at PM Modi, he also asked the prime minister to apologise for repeatedly insulting former prime minister Manmohan Singh. He also added that Gowda had in the run-up to 2014 elections said he would take 'political sanyas' if Modi became the prime minister. On this, the JD(S) chief said he is continuing as the Lok Sabha member only because of Modi's persuasion skills. JD(S) chief and former prime minister HD Deve Gowda has also clarified that his party will not go into any alliance with BJP ahead of the Karnataka polls. His remarks came in response to PM Modi's appreciation to Deve Gowda at a rally on Tuesday. Deve Gowda also said that he would disown his son HD Kumaraswamy if he backs the BJP in the assembly election.

Rahul never disrespected Gowda: Congress denies PM Modi's charges

While addressing a public rally in Mysore for the upcoming Karnataka polls, BJP chief ministerial candidate BS Yeddyurappa said that his party will win more than 150 seats in the&nbsp225 constituencies.

Hitting out at the state chief's comments&nbspYeddyurappa added, " some people say that BJP will ally with JD(S), I want to clarify that we will form the government on our own."

Congress state chief and current chief minister Yeddyurappa had said earlier that a nexus exists between BJP and JD(S).&nbspHe had said that Yeddyurappa, Amit Shah, Narendra Modi and Kumaraswamy have an internal understanding to overthrow his government.&nbsp

Adding that there was a wave of BJP in the state, Yeddyurappa further claimed that the Congress would&nbspnot win more than 50 seats in the upcoming assembly polls.&nbsp

He also said, " JDS will not win more than 25 seats".

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Some people say that BJP will ally with JDS, I want to clarify that we will form the government on our own: BS Yedurappa, BJP at public rally in Mysuru <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KarnatakaElections2018?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KarnatakaElections2018</a> <a href="https://t.co/n7uuMGG9Vm">pic.twitter.com/n7uuMGG9Vm</a>
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Karnataka is heading for assembly polls on May 12. The results of the elections will be announced on May 15.

Adding that there was a wave of BJP in the state, Yeddyurappa claimed that the Congress would not win more than 50 seats in the upcoming assembly polls

While addressing a public rally in Mysore for the upcoming Karnataka polls, BJP chief ministerial candidate BS Yeddyurappa said that his party will win more than 150 seats in the&nbsp225 constituencies. Hitting out at the state chief's comments&nbspYeddyurappa added, " some people say that BJP will ally with JD(S), I want to clarify that we will form the government on our own." Congress state chief and current chief minister Yeddyurappa had said earlier that a nexus exists between BJP and JD(S).&nbspHe had said that Yeddyurappa, Amit Shah, Narendra Modi and Kumaraswamy have an internal understanding to overthrow his government. Adding that there was a wave of BJP in the state, Yeddyurappa further claimed that the Congress would&nbspnot win more than 50 seats in the upcoming assembly polls. He also said, " JDS will not win more than 25 seats". Some people say that BJP will ally with JDS, I want to clarify that we will form the government on our own: BS Yedurappa, BJP at public rally in Mysuru #KarnatakaElections2018 pic.twitter.com/n7uuMGG9Vm — ANI (@ANI) May 1, 2018 × Karnataka is heading for assembly polls on May 12. The results of the elections will be announced on May 15.

BJP will win 150 seats, Congress will not go beyond 50 :  BS Yeddyurappa

Prime <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/karnataka-elections-bjp-registers-complaint-against-jignesh-mewani-prakash-raj-for-comments-on-pm-modi-133878">Minister Modi will begin his Karnataka poll </a>offensive today addressing rallies in three areas - Mysuru, Udupi and Belagavi.

The PM will be addressing a rally in Vokkaliga-dominated&nbsp;Mysuru as BJP-led ex-chief minister Yeddyurappa attempts to run the last leg of the poll campaign from today.

The prime minister is expected to address more than a dozen rallies in five days.&nbsp;This will be PM Modi's first visit to the southern state since the Assembly election dates were announced.&nbsp;

Prime minister will kickstart his election campaign from Chamarajanagar district, where he will address a public rally in Santhemaranahalli at 11am.

His next stop will be at Udupi at 3pm where he will visit Krishna Mutt and take blessings of the Pejawar seer before addressing a public rally at AGM College Ground at 3pm.&nbsp;

Later in the day, he will address another public gathering in Chikkodi at 6pm.

The Karantaka polls which are due to be held on May 12th is witnessing a heated battle&nbsp;between the ruling Congress and the BJP with the JD(U) determined to play the role of a "kingmaker".

Congress president Rahul Gandhi has already visited all 30 districts in the state, followed by BJP president Amit Shah. Modi's rallies today will be closely watched by political pundits with the polls just 11 days away.

Chief minister Siddaramaiah has left no stone unturned in pulling his weight during the election campaign openly attacking Modi and the BJP. The Karnataka chief minister will be fighting the state polls from two seats - Chamundeshwari and Badami.

&nbsp;Amit Shah had recently held a rally in &nbsp;Karnataka's Tumkur district, he also visited the Duggamma Temple in Davanagere. Rahul Gandhi had visited the area earlier. The Congress has already released its manifesto, however, the BJP is yet to release its vision statement.

The results of the Karnataka elections will be announced on May 15th for the 225-member state assembly.

There are &nbsp;2,655 candidates in the fray for the polls.

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There are 2,655 candidates in the fray for the polls.

Prime Minister Modi will begin his Karnataka poll offensive today addressing rallies in three areas - Mysuru, Udupi and Belagavi. The PM will be addressing a rally in Vokkaliga-dominated Mysuru as BJP-led ex-chief minister Yeddyurappa attempts to run the last leg of the poll campaign from today. The prime minister is expected to address more than a dozen rallies in five days. This will be PM Modi's first visit to the southern state since the Assembly election dates were announced. Prime minister will kickstart his election campaign from Chamarajanagar district, where he will address a public rally in Santhemaranahalli at 11am. His next stop will be at Udupi at 3pm where he will visit Krishna Mutt and take blessings of the Pejawar seer before addressing a public rally at AGM College Ground at 3pm. Later in the day, he will address another public gathering in Chikkodi at 6pm. The Karantaka polls which are due to be held on May 12th is witnessing a heated battle between the ruling Congress and the BJP with the JD(U) determined to play the role of a "kingmaker". Congress president Rahul Gandhi has already visited all 30 districts in the state, followed by BJP president Amit Shah. Modi's rallies today will be closely watched by political pundits with the polls just 11 days away. Chief minister Siddaramaiah has left no stone unturned in pulling his weight during the election campaign openly attacking Modi and the BJP. The Karnataka chief minister will be fighting the state polls from two seats - Chamundeshwari and Badami. Amit Shah had recently held a rally in Karnataka's Tumkur district, he also visited the Duggamma Temple in Davanagere. Rahul Gandhi had visited the area earlier. The Congress has already released its manifesto, however, the BJP is yet to release its vision statement. The results of the Karnataka elections will be announced on May 15th for the 225-member state assembly. There are 2,655 candidates in the fray for the polls.

PM Modi to join Karnataka poll battle today, set to address rallies

The BJP in Karnataka has filed a complaint against independent MLA Jignesh Mewani and actor Prakash Raj&nbspfor allegedly using defamatory and abusive language against Prime Minister&nbspModi and party's chief ministerial candidate BS Yeddyurappa.

The complaint,&nbspregistered with the&nbspChief Electoral Officer on Monday, states that while addressing a speech at an event in Bengaluru on April 29 Mevani called the PM "a corporate salesman and a thief who has looted the country".

The letter added that Mevani and Prakash Raj have been constantly involved in jeopardising PM Modi and Yeddyurappa's image.

The complaint also requested the Election Commission to not to grant any permission to Mevani or Raj for holding any indoor or outdoor meeting in the state till the polls.

The BJP has also registered a complaint against senior politician AK Subbaiah for saying "Yeddyurappa along with his fiancee would run away once polls results are out".&nbsp

&nbsp

(With inputs from ANI)

The complaint, registered with the Chief Electoral Officer on Monday, states that while addressing a speech at an event in Bengaluru on April 29 Mevani called the PM 'a corporate salesman and a thief who has looted the country'

The BJP in Karnataka has filed a complaint against independent MLA Jignesh Mewani and actor Prakash Raj&nbspfor allegedly using defamatory and abusive language against Prime Minister&nbspModi and party's chief ministerial candidate BS Yeddyurappa. The complaint,&nbspregistered with the&nbspChief Electoral Officer on Monday, states that while addressing a speech at an event in Bengaluru on April 29 Mevani called the PM "a corporate salesman and a thief who has looted the country". The letter added that Mevani and Prakash Raj have been constantly involved in jeopardising PM Modi and Yeddyurappa's image. The complaint also requested the Election Commission to not to grant any permission to Mevani or Raj for holding any indoor or outdoor meeting in the state till the polls. The BJP has also registered a complaint against senior politician AK Subbaiah for saying "Yeddyurappa along with his fiancee would run away once polls results are out". (With inputs from ANI)

Karnataka elections: BJP registers complaint against Jignesh Mewani, Prakash Raj for comments on PM Modi

After PM Modi took a dig at<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-kicks-off-election-rally-in-karnataka--133940"> Karnataka chief minister at </a>an election rally, Siddaramaiah hit back saying the BJP won't cross the 60-70-seat margin.

Addressing an election rally for the first time in Karnataka's Mysuru, the PM had said: BJP will sweep the state, not a wave but a BJP storm will hit Karnataka."&nbsp;

Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah took a dig at the prime minister, saying: "Was it fear that drove you to contest from two parliamentary constituencies (Varanasi & Vadodara)."

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Was it fear that drove you to contest from 2 parliamentary constituencies (Varanasi & Vadodara) Mr. PM <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> ? Of course you are a 56 inch man, you would have some clever explanation!! 
 
Forget 2 seats, Sir. Worry about the fact that your party will not cross 60-70! <a href="https://t.co/Hr3V5x6sDE">https://t.co/Hr3V5x6sDE</a>
— Siddaramaiah (@siddaramaiah) <a href="https://twitter.com/siddaramaiah/status/991215792334270464?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 1, 2018</a></blockquote>
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"Of course you are a 56-inch man, you would have some clever explanation!!"

During the rally, PM Modi had said the people of Karnataka will decide if they want "family politics" or "people's politics".

Siddaramaiah followed up his remarks, saying: "Forget two seats, Sir. Worry about the fact that your party will not cross 60-70."

During the rally, PM Modi took a jibe at Rahul Gandhi asserting that the Congress vice-president couldn't even "speak for 15 minutes on Karnataka's development". PM Modi challenged Rahul Gandhi to speak on Karnataka's development without reading from any piece of paper in Hindi, English or "your mother tongue".

This is PM Modi's first election rally in the state which goes to the polls on May 12th. The prime minister is set to address another two rallies in Udupi and Belagavi.

His next stop will be in Udupi at 3pm today where he will visit Krishna Mutt and take blessings of the Pejawar seer before addressing a public rally at AGM College Ground.

Later the prime minister will address a rally in Chikkodi at 6pm.&nbsp;

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During the rally, PM Modi had said the people of Karnataka will decide if they want "family politics" or "people's politics".

After PM Modi took a dig at Karnataka chief minister at an election rally, Siddaramaiah hit back saying the BJP won't cross the 60-70-seat margin. Addressing an election rally for the first time in Karnataka's Mysuru, the PM had said: BJP will sweep the state, not a wave but a BJP storm will hit Karnataka." Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah took a dig at the prime minister, saying: "Was it fear that drove you to contest from two parliamentary constituencies (Varanasi & Vadodara)." Was it fear that drove you to contest from 2 parliamentary constituencies (Varanasi & Vadodara) Mr. PM @narendramodi ? Of course you are a 56 inch man, you would have some clever explanation!! Forget 2 seats, Sir. Worry about the fact that your party will not cross 60-70! https://t.co/Hr3V5x6sDE — Siddaramaiah (@siddaramaiah) May 1, 2018 × "Of course you are a 56-inch man, you would have some clever explanation!!" During the rally, PM Modi had said the people of Karnataka will decide if they want "family politics" or "people's politics". Siddaramaiah followed up his remarks, saying: "Forget two seats, Sir. Worry about the fact that your party will not cross 60-70." During the rally, PM Modi took a jibe at Rahul Gandhi asserting that the Congress vice-president couldn't even "speak for 15 minutes on Karnataka's development". PM Modi challenged Rahul Gandhi to speak on Karnataka's development without reading from any piece of paper in Hindi, English or "your mother tongue". This is PM Modi's first election rally in the state which goes to the polls on May 12th. The prime minister is set to address another two rallies in Udupi and Belagavi. His next stop will be in Udupi at 3pm today where he will visit Krishna Mutt and take blessings of the Pejawar seer before addressing a public rally at AGM College Ground. Later the prime minister will address a rally in Chikkodi at 6pm.

'Was it fear that drove you to contest from two parliamentary constituencies?' Siddaramaiah asks Modi

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah was again on Monday seen dozing off at a party rally in Kalaburagi.&nbsp;

In the picture, the Karnataka CM can be seen dozing away as the rally progresses. In the past, there have been several instances of minister dozing off during party meets or gatherings.&nbsp;

It appears to be a chronic problem for the 69-year-old, who has been seen struggling to stay awake even during heated debates inside the assembly.

In 2016, he had a sleep attack at an Indian Science Congress function addressed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Mysuru University.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah seen dozing off during a rally in Kalaburagi earlier today. <a href="https://t.co/PjlNVKovlP">pic.twitter.com/PjlNVKovlP</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/990916223809605632?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 30, 2018</a></blockquote>
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According to reports in regional media, the Chief Minister has admitted to a sleep disorder and has tried to cure it with yoga.

It appears to be a chronic problem for the 69-year-old, who has been seen struggling to stay awake even during heated debates inside the assembly.

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah was again on Monday seen dozing off at a party rally in Kalaburagi. In the picture, the Karnataka CM can be seen dozing away as the rally progresses. In the past, there have been several instances of minister dozing off during party meets or gatherings. It appears to be a chronic problem for the 69-year-old, who has been seen struggling to stay awake even during heated debates inside the assembly. In 2016, he had a sleep attack at an Indian Science Congress function addressed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Mysuru University. #WATCH Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah seen dozing off during a rally in Kalaburagi earlier today. pic.twitter.com/PjlNVKovlP — ANI (@ANI) April 30, 2018 × According to reports in regional media, the Chief Minister has admitted to a sleep disorder and has tried to cure it with yoga.

Watch: Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah caught sleeping on stage, again

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) President Amit Shah on Sunday held a roadshow in Karnataka's Tumkur as a part of his campaigning for the upcoming state legislative assembly elections.

Earlier in the day, he hosted a packed roadshow in Davanagere.

He also visited the Duggamma Temple in Davanagere to seek blessings the ahead of the elections.

It may be a Sunday today, but that will not deter the candidates who would continue their campaign in full swing.

As the elections in the state are inching closer, the political parties are leaving no stones unturned to woo the voters.

A few days back, Congress president Rahul Gandhi also visited the poll-bound state and held rallies.

Karnataka will go to polls on May 12 to elect representatives to the 225-member state assembly. The results will be out on May 15.

It is now official that a total of 2,655 candidates will contest the elections in Karnataka. The Congress has released its manifesto and called it the Mann ki Baat of Karnataka. The BJP is yet to release its manifesto.

(With inputs from ANI)

It is now official that a total of 2,655 candidates will contest the elections in Karnataka.

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) President Amit Shah on Sunday held a roadshow in Karnataka's Tumkur as a part of his campaigning for the upcoming state legislative assembly elections. Earlier in the day, he hosted a packed roadshow in Davanagere. He also visited the Duggamma Temple in Davanagere to seek blessings the ahead of the elections. It may be a Sunday today, but that will not deter the candidates who would continue their campaign in full swing. As the elections in the state are inching closer, the political parties are leaving no stones unturned to woo the voters. A few days back, Congress president Rahul Gandhi also visited the poll-bound state and held rallies. Karnataka will go to polls on May 12 to elect representatives to the 225-member state assembly. The results will be out on May 15. It is now official that a total of 2,655 candidates will contest the elections in Karnataka. The Congress has released its manifesto and called it the Mann ki Baat of Karnataka. The BJP is yet to release its manifesto. (With inputs from ANI)

Amit Shah holds a roadshow in Karnataka's Tumkur

The two front runners for the post of Chief minister of Karnataka state, Siddaramaiah of the Congress Party and B.S. Yeddyurappa of the BJP are repeatedly assuring their voters that they will head the government if their respective party is elected to power, but the fact is that both are unsure of the support of their own party colleagues in the matter.

Siddaramaiah's doesn't just need to fight the BJP he has people within the party who have been openly dissenting with his nomination as the CM candidate. Though he is the sitting chief minister of the only large Congress ruling state in the country, his party colleagues who are far senior to him, feel that he should have made way to someone else this time, like say Leader of the Opposition in Parliament and Dalit leader Mallikarjun Kharge or the very popular and influential D.K. Shivakumar.

But Siddaramaiah had Rahul Gandhi's ear, and convinced him that he would deliver victory. Therefore the sharp and shrewd Kuruba caste leader had a completely free run in the selection of candidates. Winnability and caste affiliations were the deciding factors in allotting tickets. The result is that others in the party were piqued, which is evident in their body language when sharing the stage with Siddaramaiah. When the CM speaks they chatter amongst each other or look disinterestedly at the audience, even glowering when slogans are raised praising Siddaramaiah. Actually, this isn't in the tradition of the Congress party. When a Gandhi is on stage, slogans are only for RG. But its different in Karnataka where regionalism off late has become important for its people. The crowd whistles and laughs out loud at all the playing to the gallery that Siddaramaiah does. RG is not getting the same response. People are polite, they smile at him, get selfies taken with him but voluble support is only for Siddaramaiah.

 
But crowds and promises need not always translate into votes. He has a tough two weeks ahead of him. In both the constituencies that he is contesting from, Chamundeshwari and Badami, his rivals are strong and have vowed to defeat him at any cost. There are many in the Congress who whisper that some big guns in the Congress would relish the prospect of a Congress win minus Siddaramaiah. If Siddaramaiah loses in both his constituencies then he can hardly make a claim to be CM. In the event of a hung assembly, the Congress could approach the Janata Dal (S) for support to form an anti-BJP coalition. The JDS could consider it only if it is a minus Siddaramaiah formula. The JDS's allergy to the current CM is quite evident. He was expelled from the JDS and went on to join the Congress party. At almost every rally Siddaramaiah ridicules the secular credentials of the JDS, calling it the BJP's B team.

But the A team of the BJP is not exactly sure of the alleged B team. Deve Gowda is a factor that can swing either way. In the A team, it is Mr A who has parked himself in the state and decided on ticket distribution. Amit Shah in his typical style has made it a do-or-die battle for his team. Chief Minister candidate Yeddyurappa has been relegated to playing second fiddle. He has been on a massive sulk for weeks on end, as his list of candidates found no space during ticket distribution and the straw that broke the camel's back was when his son was denied the ticket from Varuna constituency. Yeddyurappa's son B.Y. Raghavendra may find a place in the hopefuls for 2019 Lok Sabha polls, at least that is what it seems is the carrot held to him. There were very strong rumours that Yeddyurappa was grooming his son to take over from him, half way through his tenure of Chief Ministership citing ill health. But that wasn't to be. Not just that, now it appears that Yeddyurappa may not be sharing stage with PM Modi in all the rallies that is on the itinerary. The CM candidate is barely interacting with his party colleagues. He doesn't take calls of spokespersons or party leaders his staff is almost as miffed as their boss. 
The Lingayat leader will carry the vote of the largest voting bloc in the state it seems but may not carry the confidence of his own party. Articles have started appearing in the regional press that there is talk in the BJP that they might ditch Yeddyurappa if he fails to enthuse voters. In all likelihood Modi will galvanize the public more than the party's CM candidate, who seems listless and confused at most rallies. He is no match for Siddaramaiah when it comes to punch filled speeches, but he has the benefit of belonging to the largest caste grouping in the state and the blessings of a number of Lingayat seers.

With no wave visible till two weeks before polling day, it seems like the chief minister candidates will have to cajole dissenters or crush internal dissonances in the party to appear strong and capable of leading their party. Karnataka goes to polls on 12th May 2018 in all 224 constituencies simultaneously. Results will be declared on 15th May.&nbsp

The two front runners for the post of Chief minister of Karnataka state, Siddaramaiah of the Congress Party and B.S. Yeddyurappa of the BJP are repeatedly assuring their voters that they will head the government if their respective party is elected to power, but the fact is that both are unsure of the support of their own party colleagues in the matter

The two front runners for the post of Chief minister of Karnataka state, Siddaramaiah of the Congress Party and B.S. Yeddyurappa of the BJP are repeatedly assuring their voters that they will head the government if their respective party is elected to power, but the fact is that both are unsure of the support of their own party colleagues in the matter. Siddaramaiah's doesn't just need to fight the BJP he has people within the party who have been openly dissenting with his nomination as the CM candidate. Though he is the sitting chief minister of the only large Congress ruling state in the country, his party colleagues who are far senior to him, feel that he should have made way to someone else this time, like say Leader of the Opposition in Parliament and Dalit leader Mallikarjun Kharge or the very popular and influential D.K. Shivakumar. But Siddaramaiah had Rahul Gandhi's ear, and convinced him that he would deliver victory. Therefore the sharp and shrewd Kuruba caste leader had a completely free run in the selection of candidates. Winnability and caste affiliations were the deciding factors in allotting tickets. The result is that others in the party were piqued, which is evident in their body language when sharing the stage with Siddaramaiah. When the CM speaks they chatter amongst each other or look disinterestedly at the audience, even glowering when slogans are raised praising Siddaramaiah. Actually, this isn't in the tradition of the Congress party. When a Gandhi is on stage, slogans are only for RG. But its different in Karnataka where regionalism off late has become important for its people. The crowd whistles and laughs out loud at all the playing to the gallery that Siddaramaiah does. RG is not getting the same response. People are polite, they smile at him, get selfies taken with him but voluble support is only for Siddaramaiah. But crowds and promises need not always translate into votes. He has a tough two weeks ahead of him. In both the constituencies that he is contesting from, Chamundeshwari and Badami, his rivals are strong and have vowed to defeat him at any cost. There are many in the Congress who whisper that some big guns in the Congress would relish the prospect of a Congress win minus Siddaramaiah. If Siddaramaiah loses in both his constituencies then he can hardly make a claim to be CM. In the event of a hung assembly, the Congress could approach the Janata Dal (S) for support to form an anti-BJP coalition. The JDS could consider it only if it is a minus Siddaramaiah formula. The JDS's allergy to the current CM is quite evident. He was expelled from the JDS and went on to join the Congress party. At almost every rally Siddaramaiah ridicules the secular credentials of the JDS, calling it the BJP's B team. But the A team of the BJP is not exactly sure of the alleged B team. Deve Gowda is a factor that can swing either way. In the A team, it is Mr A who has parked himself in the state and decided on ticket distribution. Amit Shah in his typical style has made it a do-or-die battle for his team. Chief Minister candidate Yeddyurappa has been relegated to playing second fiddle. He has been on a massive sulk for weeks on end, as his list of candidates found no space during ticket distribution and the straw that broke the camel's back was when his son was denied the ticket from Varuna constituency. Yeddyurappa's son B.Y. Raghavendra may find a place in the hopefuls for 2019 Lok Sabha polls, at least that is what it seems is the carrot held to him. There were very strong rumours that Yeddyurappa was grooming his son to take over from him, half way through his tenure of Chief Ministership citing ill health. But that wasn't to be. Not just that, now it appears that Yeddyurappa may not be sharing stage with PM Modi in all the rallies that is on the itinerary. The CM candidate is barely interacting with his party colleagues. He doesn't take calls of spokespersons or party leaders his staff is almost as miffed as their boss. The Lingayat leader will carry the vote of the largest voting bloc in the state it seems but may not carry the confidence of his own party. Articles have started appearing in the regional press that there is talk in the BJP that they might ditch Yeddyurappa if he fails to enthuse voters. In all likelihood Modi will galvanize the public more than the party's CM candidate, who seems listless and confused at most rallies. He is no match for Siddaramaiah when it comes to punch filled speeches, but he has the benefit of belonging to the largest caste grouping in the state and the blessings of a number of Lingayat seers. With no wave visible till two weeks before polling day, it seems like the chief minister candidates will have to cajole dissenters or crush internal dissonances in the party to appear strong and capable of leading their party. Karnataka goes to polls on 12th May 2018 in all 224 constituencies simultaneously. Results will be declared on 15th May.

The loneliness of Karnataka's CM candidates

Amid the outrage over the Kathua and Unnao incidents, Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman today lamented that crimes against women were getting politicised based on the identity of the perpetrators.

Addressing a gathering as part of BJPs women outreach interactive programme called 'Karunada Mahila Jagruthi', Sitharaman said "You see every morning how such crimes against women are vitiating atmosphere. It is even more painful when that gets politicised."

"Crimes against women "who's the perpetrator, whos not the perpetrator" based on that, agony is replayed and charges are levelled," she noted.

"But does that mean that you don't talk of politics at all in the context of women? You do! You make parties which don't mouth or make lip services for women in parliament, their emancipation or empowerment," she stated.

Sitharaman felt that security of women was not a new topic for India at all.

"But periodically the country faces such unfortunate situation of one after the other diabolically human crimes, especially one targeting women, adolescents and sometimes even children who are not even in their teens," she said.

She emphasised that while discussing crimes against women, a fine line should be drawn so that the issue does not get politicised and the exercise should not restrict only to lip services but finding out a concrete solution to the problem.

Every government, said Sitharaman, has the responsibility to make sure such crimes are prevented.

"If there is difficulty in preventing crime, the government should have stringent laws," Sitharaman added.

Citing the example of BJP government at the Centre, the defence minister said the government came up with the ordinance because the parliament was not in session.

She said, "We brought in an ordinance to make sure that the punishments are even more stringent."

The Union Cabinet recently approved an ordinance to provide stringent punishment, including death penalty, for those convicted of rape of girls below 12 years amid a nation-wide outrage over cases of sexual assault and murder of minors in Kathua and Surat and the rape of a girl in Unnao. Taking a dig at the Congress government in Karnataka, Sitharaman said the government here failed to identify that such crimes have to be prevented with "methods which meets something."

"We are tolerating a lot in Karnataka... Corruption has known no boundary," said Sitharaman.

During the question and answer session, a woman asked why the BJP, which talks about women empowerment, gave inadequate number of tickets to women to contest in the May 12 assembly polls, Sitharaman said it was not the gender but the candidate's winning chances which matter.

In this context, she cited the example of BJP MP Shobha Karandlaje, who was sitting next to her.

She emphasised that while discussing crimes against women, a fine line should be drawn

Amid the outrage over the Kathua and Unnao incidents, Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman today lamented that crimes against women were getting politicised based on the identity of the perpetrators. Addressing a gathering as part of BJPs women outreach interactive programme called 'Karunada Mahila Jagruthi', Sitharaman said "You see every morning how such crimes against women are vitiating atmosphere. It is even more painful when that gets politicised." "Crimes against women "who's the perpetrator, whos not the perpetrator" based on that, agony is replayed and charges are levelled," she noted. "But does that mean that you don't talk of politics at all in the context of women? You do! You make parties which don't mouth or make lip services for women in parliament, their emancipation or empowerment," she stated. Sitharaman felt that security of women was not a new topic for India at all. "But periodically the country faces such unfortunate situation of one after the other diabolically human crimes, especially one targeting women, adolescents and sometimes even children who are not even in their teens," she said. She emphasised that while discussing crimes against women, a fine line should be drawn so that the issue does not get politicised and the exercise should not restrict only to lip services but finding out a concrete solution to the problem. Every government, said Sitharaman, has the responsibility to make sure such crimes are prevented. "If there is difficulty in preventing crime, the government should have stringent laws," Sitharaman added. Citing the example of BJP government at the Centre, the defence minister said the government came up with the ordinance because the parliament was not in session. She said, "We brought in an ordinance to make sure that the punishments are even more stringent." The Union Cabinet recently approved an ordinance to provide stringent punishment, including death penalty, for those convicted of rape of girls below 12 years amid a nation-wide outrage over cases of sexual assault and murder of minors in Kathua and Surat and the rape of a girl in Unnao. Taking a dig at the Congress government in Karnataka, Sitharaman said the government here failed to identify that such crimes have to be prevented with "methods which meets something." "We are tolerating a lot in Karnataka... Corruption has known no boundary," said Sitharaman. During the question and answer session, a woman asked why the BJP, which talks about women empowerment, gave inadequate number of tickets to women to contest in the May 12 assembly polls, Sitharaman said it was not the gender but the candidate's winning chances which matter. In this context, she cited the example of BJP MP Shobha Karandlaje, who was sitting next to her.

Crimes against women are getting politicised: Nirmala Sitharaman

About 2655 candidates, including 219 women, are contesting elections in the upcoming Karnataka polls, which is heading for elections on May 12.

The results of the state with 224&nbsp;will be declared on May 15.

The BJP will contest on 224 seats while the Congress will hold elections on 222 seats. The HD Devegowda-led Janata Dal-Secular will contest 201 seats.

The highest number of 39 candidates will be fielded in Mulbagal constituency in Kolar district. Whereas Challakere in Chitradurga will field four candidates, the least number of candidates in any constituency.

A recent data released, shows that in 2013, 3693 candidates filed their nominations for contesting the polls. while this year 3509 have filed their nominations.&nbsp;

In 2013, 744 candidates' nominations were withdrawn or rejected, while in 2018, 854 nominations have been withdrawn or rejected.&nbsp;

In 2018, 2436 males will contest the elections as compared to 2788 in 2013.While 219 women will contest the elections as opposed to 170 in 2013.

About 832 candidates registered from unrecognised political parties in the polls in 2013 while this year 800 candidates registered.&nbsp;

1155 independent candidates will contest the polls as compared to 1223 in 2013.

&nbsp;

(With inputs from ANI)

The BJP will contest on 224 seats while the Congress will hold elections on 222 seats. The HD Devegowda-led Janata Dal-Secular will contest 201 seats

About 2655 candidates, including 219 women, are contesting elections in the upcoming Karnataka polls, which is heading for elections on May 12. The results of the state with 224 will be declared on May 15. The BJP will contest on 224 seats while the Congress will hold elections on 222 seats. The HD Devegowda-led Janata Dal-Secular will contest 201 seats. The highest number of 39 candidates will be fielded in Mulbagal constituency in Kolar district. Whereas Challakere in Chitradurga will field four candidates, the least number of candidates in any constituency. A recent data released, shows that in 2013, 3693 candidates filed their nominations for contesting the polls. while this year 3509 have filed their nominations. In 2013, 744 candidates' nominations were withdrawn or rejected, while in 2018, 854 nominations have been withdrawn or rejected. In 2018, 2436 males will contest the elections as compared to 2788 in 2013.While 219 women will contest the elections as opposed to 170 in 2013. About 832 candidates registered from unrecognised political parties in the polls in 2013 while this year 800 candidates registered. 1155 independent candidates will contest the polls as compared to 1223 in 2013. (With inputs from ANI)

2655 candidates to contest in Karnataka elections

The Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee has sent a letter to the Election Commission against Janardhan Reddy,&nbsp;former Minister of the state government over his comments on Siddaramaiah.

The letter filed by the Congress committee said that while campaigning for a BJP candidate Sriramulu,&nbsp;Reddy has said that the BJP had fielded the candidate to kill Siddharavana.

The complaint quoted Reddy as saying, "Sriramulu has been fielded by BJP to kill Siddharavana". Siddharavana which means " demon" reportedly referred to Siddaramaiah.

The former Union Minister had called the chief minister Siddaramaiah "Ravana" while comparing Sriramulu to "Rama".

Sriramulu is contesting against Siddaramaiah from Badami constituency.

In its complaint, the Congress has sought an action against Reddy.

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The letter filed by the Congress committee said that while campaigning for a BJP candidate Sriramulu, Reddy has said that the BJP had fielded the candidate to kill Siddharavana

The Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee has sent a letter to the Election Commission against Janardhan Reddy, former Minister of the state government over his comments on Siddaramaiah. The letter filed by the Congress committee said that while campaigning for a BJP candidate Sriramulu, Reddy has said that the BJP had fielded the candidate to kill Siddharavana. The complaint quoted Reddy as saying, "Sriramulu has been fielded by BJP to kill Siddharavana". Siddharavana which means " demon" reportedly referred to Siddaramaiah. The former Union Minister had called the chief minister Siddaramaiah "Ravana" while comparing Sriramulu to "Rama". Sriramulu is contesting against Siddaramaiah from Badami constituency. In its complaint, the Congress has sought an action against Reddy. Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee sent a letter to EC against Janardhan Reddy,ex-Min of Karnataka govt,saying while campaigning for BJP candidate Sriramulu at Molakalmuru, Reddy said, "Sriramulu has been fielded by BJP to kill Siddharavana", referring to Siddaramaiah as demon. — ANI (@ANI) April 28, 2018 ×

Karnataka elections: Congress moves EC over ex-minister's comment on Siddaramaiah

BJP president Amit Shah on Friday accused Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah-led state government of "pocketing" the funds pumped into the state by the Centre.

"Under the 13th Finance Commission, Karnataka got Rs. 88,583 crore, which was increased to Rs. 2, 19,506 crore under the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government. All the money sent by the Modi government has been pocketed by the Siddaramaiah government," Shah was quoted as saying by news agency ANI while addressing a public rally at Koppal.&nbsp;

Shah said that state under the Siddaramaiah government had become one with widespread farmer suicides, atrocities against women and unemployment.

"The people of Karnataka do not have electricity supply&nbsp;nor&nbsp;jobs to sustain a livelihood, but their chief minister wears a watch worth Rs. 40 lakh. This indicates how much corruption the government is involved in," he said.

Launching a scathing attack on the incumbent chief minister, Shah claimed that the former was 'running away' and looking for a safer seat to contest in the upcoming assembly polls.

"The Congress is dependent on Siddaramaiah in this election. However, he himself is running away from the Chamundeshwari to the Badami assembly constituency to escape to a safer seat. The only achievements of the Siddaramaiah governement in the state have been a rapid increase in corruption, rapes and farmer suicides. After all this, Rahul Gandhi still thinks Siddaramaiah will win the election for him. How can anyone who has run away from his own seat win elections for his party" he said according to ANI.&nbsp;

On the second day of his two-day visit to poll-bound Karnataka, the BJP Chief is expected to address public rallies in three different regions. He is also expected to visit the Basawesawara Aikya Sthala in Kudala Sangama, and Siddhesvara Temple in Haveri district.

Karnataka will go to polls on May 12 to elect representatives to the 225-member state assembly.

Highlighting corruption prevalent in the state, Shah claimed that Karnataka under the Siddaramaiah government had become one with widespread farmer suicides, atrocities against women and unemployment.

BJP president Amit Shah on Friday accused Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah-led state government of "pocketing" the funds pumped into the state by the Centre. "Under the 13th Finance Commission, Karnataka got Rs. 88,583 crore, which was increased to Rs. 2, 19,506 crore under the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government. All the money sent by the Modi government has been pocketed by the Siddaramaiah government," Shah was quoted as saying by news agency ANI while addressing a public rally at Koppal. Shah said that state under the Siddaramaiah government had become one with widespread farmer suicides, atrocities against women and unemployment. "The people of Karnataka do not have electricity supply nor jobs to sustain a livelihood, but their chief minister wears a watch worth Rs. 40 lakh. This indicates how much corruption the government is involved in," he said. Launching a scathing attack on the incumbent chief minister, Shah claimed that the former was 'running away' and looking for a safer seat to contest in the upcoming assembly polls. "The Congress is dependent on Siddaramaiah in this election. However, he himself is running away from the Chamundeshwari to the Badami assembly constituency to escape to a safer seat. The only achievements of the Siddaramaiah governement in the state have been a rapid increase in corruption, rapes and farmer suicides. After all this, Rahul Gandhi still thinks Siddaramaiah will win the election for him. How can anyone who has run away from his own seat win elections for his party" he said according to ANI. On the second day of his two-day visit to poll-bound Karnataka, the BJP Chief is expected to address public rallies in three different regions. He is also expected to visit the Basawesawara Aikya Sthala in Kudala Sangama, and Siddhesvara Temple in Haveri district. Karnataka will go to polls on May 12 to elect representatives to the 225-member state assembly.

Amit Shah charges Siddaramaiah government with 'pocketing' Centre's funds

Congress demanded a&nbsp;probe into the "suspicious and faulty performance" of the aircraft that carried Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Thursday. The chopper&nbsp;developed a technical snag before landing at the Hubballi airport in north Karnataka.&nbsp;

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation said in New Delhi that it would examine the issue, while the police said they have registered a complaint.

The plane suddenly tilted heavily on the left side and the altitude dipped steeply with violent shuddering of the aircraft body at 10.45 am, Gandhi's close aide Kaushal Vidyarthi wrote in a letter to state DGP Neelmani N Raju.

The letter said the weather was normal and not windy according to the passengers.

"It was apparent from the suspicious and faulty performance of the aircraft that the incidents of shuddering and altitude dipping were not natural or weather-related, but were due to some technical snag...," it said.

"Serious questions related to intentional tampering with the aircraft cannot also be brushed aside and are requested to be addressed and investigated," the letter read.

Gandhi is on a two-day visit to poll-bound Karnataka from Thursday to campaign for the party candidates in the districts of Uttara Kannada, Dahskina Kannada, Kodagu and Mysuru.

"Yes, we have received a complaint about some unexplained turbulence of the aircraft," Renuka Sukumar, DCP (Law and Order), Hubbali-Dharwad Police told PTI.

She said, "We have registered a complaint under Section 287 (negligent conduct with respect to machinery) and 336 (act endangering life or personal safety of others) of the IPC."

The complaint that names the two pilots was filed by KPCC General Secretary Shakir Sanadi, she said.

The letter said multiple "unexplained" technical snags coupled with the failure of the auto pilot system raised serious issues of aviation safety and possible and intentional tampering with aircraft which endangered the life of its occupants.

"A thorough examination of the structural and mechanical elements of the aircraft, the surrounding circumstances of the flight and the persons attached with maintenance of the aircraft is required in order to assess the incident," it said.

The letter said a "clankish noise" was clearly audible from one side of the plane throughout the shuddering of the aircraft body.

"It was learnt that the autopilot of the aircraft was not functioning," it said.

The plane landed at the Hubbali airport around 11.25 am in the third attempt., according to the letter.

"The crew was also apparently petrified and admitted that the flight was particularly frightening and uncommon," it said.

Congress's communications in-charge Randeep Surjewala said, "Rahul Gandhi landed safely... A serious accident was averted today."

He said a complaint has been sumbitted to the DGP Karnataka asking him to look into all aspects of the "serious, horrific incident", including foul play if any.

He said it was unprecedented that a flight carrying an SPG protectee would develop a snag.

Gandhi maintained his composure and tried to calm the co-passengers down, he said.

Another complaint has been filed with the DGCA, demanding a thorough inquiry into the incident, Surjewala added.

A senior DGCA official said, "The operator has reported the incident to us (DGCA). According to the operator's report, it was a snag of auto pilot mode and the pilot shifted to the manual (mode) and (the aircraft) landed safely.

"Shutdown of auto pilot (mode) incidents are not uncommon. For any VIP flight, the DGCA examines it in detail. We shall do that here also," the official told PTI.&nbsp;

Citing the report from the Air Traffic Controller, a senior official at the Hubbali airport said the plane had landed safely.

The plane suddenly tilted heavily on the left side and the altitude dipped steeply with violent shuddering of the aircraft body at 10.45 am, Gandhi's close aide Kaushal Vidyarthi wrote in a letter to state DGP Neelmani N Raju

Congress demanded a probe into the "suspicious and faulty performance" of the aircraft that carried Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Thursday. The chopper developed a technical snag before landing at the Hubballi airport in north Karnataka. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation said in New Delhi that it would examine the issue, while the police said they have registered a complaint. The plane suddenly tilted heavily on the left side and the altitude dipped steeply with violent shuddering of the aircraft body at 10.45 am, Gandhi's close aide Kaushal Vidyarthi wrote in a letter to state DGP Neelmani N Raju. The letter said the weather was normal and not windy according to the passengers. "It was apparent from the suspicious and faulty performance of the aircraft that the incidents of shuddering and altitude dipping were not natural or weather-related, but were due to some technical snag...," it said. "Serious questions related to intentional tampering with the aircraft cannot also be brushed aside and are requested to be addressed and investigated," the letter read. Gandhi is on a two-day visit to poll-bound Karnataka from Thursday to campaign for the party candidates in the districts of Uttara Kannada, Dahskina Kannada, Kodagu and Mysuru. "Yes, we have received a complaint about some unexplained turbulence of the aircraft," Renuka Sukumar, DCP (Law and Order), Hubbali-Dharwad Police told PTI. She said, "We have registered a complaint under Section 287 (negligent conduct with respect to machinery) and 336 (act endangering life or personal safety of others) of the IPC." The complaint that names the two pilots was filed by KPCC General Secretary Shakir Sanadi, she said. The letter said multiple "unexplained" technical snags coupled with the failure of the auto pilot system raised serious issues of aviation safety and possible and intentional tampering with aircraft which endangered the life of its occupants. "A thorough examination of the structural and mechanical elements of the aircraft, the surrounding circumstances of the flight and the persons attached with maintenance of the aircraft is required in order to assess the incident," it said. The letter said a "clankish noise" was clearly audible from one side of the plane throughout the shuddering of the aircraft body. "It was learnt that the autopilot of the aircraft was not functioning," it said. The plane landed at the Hubbali airport around 11.25 am in the third attempt., according to the letter. "The crew was also apparently petrified and admitted that the flight was particularly frightening and uncommon," it said. Congress's communications in-charge Randeep Surjewala said, "Rahul Gandhi landed safely... A serious accident was averted today." He said a complaint has been sumbitted to the DGP Karnataka asking him to look into all aspects of the "serious, horrific incident", including foul play if any. He said it was unprecedented that a flight carrying an SPG protectee would develop a snag. Gandhi maintained his composure and tried to calm the co-passengers down, he said. Another complaint has been filed with the DGCA, demanding a thorough inquiry into the incident, Surjewala added. A senior DGCA official said, "The operator has reported the incident to us (DGCA). According to the operator's report, it was a snag of auto pilot mode and the pilot shifted to the manual (mode) and (the aircraft) landed safely. "Shutdown of auto pilot (mode) incidents are not uncommon. For any VIP flight, the DGCA examines it in detail. We shall do that here also," the official told PTI. Citing the report from the Air Traffic Controller, a senior official at the Hubbali airport said the plane had landed safely.

Congress demands probe after chopper carrying Rahul Gandhi develops snag

The Centre has sought a two weeks time from the apex court for framing a scheme to implement&nbsp;the court's verdict in the Cauvery water dispute.&nbsp;

On April 9 also, the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/cauvery-water-row-supreme-court-asks-centre-to-file-scheme-by-may-3-129314">Centre had asked the apex court for extending the deadline</a>.

The Supreme Court had then responded to the plea by allowing the Centre to file its draft scheme by May 3.

The original deadline for framing the scheme to implement the court's verdict&nbsp;ended on March 29.

The apex court had on February 16 raised the 270 tmcft share of Cauvery water for Karnataka by 14.75 tmcft and reduced Tamil Nadu’s share while compensating it by allowing extraction of 10 tmcft groundwater from the river basin, saying the issue of drinking water has to be placed on a “higher pedestal”.&nbsp;

It also directed the Centre to formulate a scheme to ensure compliance with its 465-page judgement on water dispute. It further modified the Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal (CWDT) award of 2007 and made it clear that it will not be extending time for this on any ground.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Cauvery?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Cauvery</a> water dispute case: Union of India approached the Supreme Court & sought a time of two more weeks to frame a scheme for implementation of the court's verdict in the matter.
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The original deadline for framing the scheme to implement the court's verdict ended on March 29

The Centre has sought a two weeks time from the apex court for framing a scheme to implement the court's verdict in the Cauvery water dispute. On April 9 also, the Centre had asked the apex court for extending the deadline. The Supreme Court had then responded to the plea by allowing the Centre to file its draft scheme by May 3. The original deadline for framing the scheme to implement the court's verdict ended on March 29. The apex court had on February 16 raised the 270 tmcft share of Cauvery water for Karnataka by 14.75 tmcft and reduced Tamil Nadu’s share while compensating it by allowing extraction of 10 tmcft groundwater from the river basin, saying the issue of drinking water has to be placed on a “higher pedestal”. It also directed the Centre to formulate a scheme to ensure compliance with its 465-page judgement on water dispute. It further modified the Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal (CWDT) award of 2007 and made it clear that it will not be extending time for this on any ground. #Cauvery water dispute case: Union of India approached the Supreme Court & sought a time of two more weeks to frame a scheme for implementation of the court's verdict in the matter. — ANI (@ANI) April 27, 2018 ×

Cauvery Water Dispute: Centre seeks 2 weeks time for filing scheme

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