In politically crucial Uttar Pradesh, the focus will not only be on the performance of political parties but also on the VIPs seats, including those of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Congress chief Rahul Gandhi.

The poll results of the state, which has 80 Lok Sabha seats, can make or mar the prospects of any political party at the Centre.

There will be many seats in the state which will be keenly watched by political observers as any setback there might have great political repercussions.

"UP is the most politically crucial state and it results set the tone and tenor of national politics. All eyes will be here, especially on VIP seats where prominent leaders are in the fray," senior journalist JP Shukla said.

"Whether the state is going to give the next prime minister or not is the answer everyone will be looking for with the performance of political parties," he said.

While the outcome of the prime minister's Varanasi seat will be watched globally, other seats like Amethi and Raebareli of Congress president Rahul Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi respectively will be of equal interest to the people.

During the 2014 Lok Sabha polls, Modi's slogan that "I have not come here...Mother Ganga has called me" struck an emotional chord with the people, who elected him as their representative.

During his recent visit, Modi invoked Lord Vishwanath, saying, "I might have been called here to fulfil his dream to see the city developed."

In Amethi, Union minister Smriti Irani will challenge Rahul Gandhi. She has been spending a lot of time with the voters there, making the BJP workers feel that she will make the Congress chief uncomfortable this time.

Sonia Gandhi has been representing Rae Bareli since 1999, while Rahul Gandhi has been an MP from Amethi since 2004.

The seats of Kannauj, held by SP chief Akhilesh Yadav's wife Dimple Yadav, Badaun, held by Dharmendra Yadav (SP), and Azamgarh, from where SP patron Mulayam Singh Yadav won in 2014, will also be crucial.

While Dimple Yadav and Dharmendra will contest from their traditional seats, Mulayam Singh, this time, will be contesting from the Mainpuri seat.

Akhilesh Yadav has decided to contest from Azamgarh after a formal request from the district unit.

Home Minister Rajnath Singh is once again in the fray from the Lucknow seat, a BJP stronghold.

Bollywood star Hema Malini is contesting again from Mathura, while the Ghaziabad seat held by Union minister Gen VK Singh (retd) will also be on the list of constituencies to watch.

Another important seat will be of BJP leader Varun Gandhi, who is likely to leave the Sultanpur seat and contest from Pilibhit, represented by his mother and Union minister Maneka Gandhi.

While these polls will be a litmus test for the SP-BSP alliance, it would be a challenge for the BJP to repeat its 2014 performance of winning 73 seats, including two of Apna Dal.

The prestige of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya will be at stake on seats like Gorakhpur and Phulpur won by them in 2014 but subsequently frittered away to the opposition in the bypolls last year.

The charisma of Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra will also be tested in these polls and she is trying to woo voters by reaching them.&nbsp;

The prestige of Congress state chief Rajbabbar, who is contesting from Fatehpur Sikri will also be at stake.

In politically crucial Uttar Pradesh, the focus will not only be on the performance of political parties but also on the VIPs seats, including those of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Congress chief Rahul Gandhi.

In politically crucial Uttar Pradesh, the focus will not only be on the performance of political parties but also on the VIPs seats, including those of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Congress chief Rahul Gandhi. The poll results of the state, which has 80 Lok Sabha seats, can make or mar the prospects of any political party at the Centre. There will be many seats in the state which will be keenly watched by political observers as any setback there might have great political repercussions. "UP is the most politically crucial state and it results set the tone and tenor of national politics. All eyes will be here, especially on VIP seats where prominent leaders are in the fray," senior journalist JP Shukla said. "Whether the state is going to give the next prime minister or not is the answer everyone will be looking for with the performance of political parties," he said. While the outcome of the prime minister's Varanasi seat will be watched globally, other seats like Amethi and Raebareli of Congress president Rahul Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi respectively will be of equal interest to the people. During the 2014 Lok Sabha polls, Modi's slogan that "I have not come here...Mother Ganga has called me" struck an emotional chord with the people, who elected him as their representative. During his recent visit, Modi invoked Lord Vishwanath, saying, "I might have been called here to fulfil his dream to see the city developed." In Amethi, Union minister Smriti Irani will challenge Rahul Gandhi. She has been spending a lot of time with the voters there, making the BJP workers feel that she will make the Congress chief uncomfortable this time. Sonia Gandhi has been representing Rae Bareli since 1999, while Rahul Gandhi has been an MP from Amethi since 2004. The seats of Kannauj, held by SP chief Akhilesh Yadav's wife Dimple Yadav, Badaun, held by Dharmendra Yadav (SP), and Azamgarh, from where SP patron Mulayam Singh Yadav won in 2014, will also be crucial. While Dimple Yadav and Dharmendra will contest from their traditional seats, Mulayam Singh, this time, will be contesting from the Mainpuri seat. Akhilesh Yadav has decided to contest from Azamgarh after a formal request from the district unit. Home Minister Rajnath Singh is once again in the fray from the Lucknow seat, a BJP stronghold. Bollywood star Hema Malini is contesting again from Mathura, while the Ghaziabad seat held by Union minister Gen VK Singh (retd) will also be on the list of constituencies to watch. Another important seat will be of BJP leader Varun Gandhi, who is likely to leave the Sultanpur seat and contest from Pilibhit, represented by his mother and Union minister Maneka Gandhi. While these polls will be a litmus test for the SP-BSP alliance, it would be a challenge for the BJP to repeat its 2014 performance of winning 73 seats, including two of Apna Dal. The prestige of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya will be at stake on seats like Gorakhpur and Phulpur won by them in 2014 but subsequently frittered away to the opposition in the bypolls last year. The charisma of Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra will also be tested in these polls and she is trying to woo voters by reaching them. The prestige of Congress state chief Rajbabbar, who is contesting from Fatehpur Sikri will also be at stake.

Lok Sabha polls 2019: All eyes on Uttar Pradesh’s VIP constituencies as heavyweights slug it out

Haryanvi folk singer and dancer Sapna Choudhary has refuted all reports of joining Congress on Sunday.

"I have not joined the Congress party. The photograph with Priyanka Gandhi Vadra is old. I am not going to campaign for any political party", she said.

Earlier on March 23, there were reports that Choudhary, who wants to contest the Lok Sabha elections from Mathura against Hema Malini of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), met Congress General Secretary Jyotiraditya Scindia before joining the party.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> Haryanavi singer &amp; dancer Sapna Chaudhary says, "I have not joined the Congress party. The photograph with Priyanka Gandhi Vadra is old." <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LokSabhaElections2019?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LokSabhaElections2019</a> <a href="https://t.co/brcvaKOAIQ">pic.twitter.com/brcvaKOAIQ</a>
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Mathura has a dominant Jat presence and Choudhary hails from the same background.

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Picture of Congress Membership Form with Sapna Chaudhary's name and signature on it and fee receipt from yesterday. Today, Haryanavi singer and dancer Sapna Chaudhary has claimed that her pictures are old and she is not a part of any political party. <a href="https://t.co/6kCUGlWvE3">pic.twitter.com/6kCUGlWvE3</a>
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Her quality may be gauged from the actual fact that Choudhary beat Sonam Kapoor, Katrina Kaif, Deepika Padukone and Radhika Apte within the list of ‘most searched ladies online in 2018’.&nbsp;

With 1.7 million followers, the former 'Bigg Boss' contestant was all over the news for her smashing makeover and transformation.

(With inputs from agencies)

Haryanvi folk singer and dancer Sapna Choudhary has refuted all reports of joining Congress on Sunday. "I have not joined the Congress party. The photograph with Priyanka Gandhi Vadra is old.

Haryanvi folk singer and dancer Sapna Choudhary has refuted all reports of joining Congress on Sunday. "I have not joined the Congress party. The photograph with Priyanka Gandhi Vadra is old. I am not going to campaign for any political party", she said. Earlier on March 23, there were reports that Choudhary, who wants to contest the Lok Sabha elections from Mathura against Hema Malini of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), met Congress General Secretary Jyotiraditya Scindia before joining the party. #WATCH Haryanavi singer & dancer Sapna Chaudhary says, "I have not joined the Congress party. The photograph with Priyanka Gandhi Vadra is old." #LokSabhaElections2019 pic.twitter.com/brcvaKOAIQ — ANI (@ANI) March 24, 2019 × Mathura has a dominant Jat presence and Choudhary hails from the same background. Picture of Congress Membership Form with Sapna Chaudhary's name and signature on it and fee receipt from yesterday. Today, Haryanavi singer and dancer Sapna Chaudhary has claimed that her pictures are old and she is not a part of any political party. pic.twitter.com/6kCUGlWvE3 — ANI (@ANI) March 24, 2019 × Her quality may be gauged from the actual fact that Choudhary beat Sonam Kapoor, Katrina Kaif, Deepika Padukone and Radhika Apte within the list of ‘most searched ladies online in 2018’. With 1.7 million followers, the former 'Bigg Boss' contestant was all over the news for her smashing makeover and transformation. (With inputs from agencies)

Lok Sabha polls 2019: Haryanvi artist Sapna Choudhary rubbishes reports of joining Congress

Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad on Saturday addressed a press conference and raised questions about <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/is-it-going-to-be-rahul-gandhi-vs-narendra-modi-in-2019-185056">Rahul Gandhi</a>’s source of income.&nbsp;

BJP leader and Union minister Ravi Shankar Prasad told the media that Gandhi's income had risen from over Rs 55 lakh in 2004 to Rs 9 crore in 2014 as per his election affidavits, and asked how can a mere MP witness such a jump in income.

"In his election affidavit in 2004, his income was Rs 55,38,123 while in 2009, it rose to Rs 2 crore and in 2014 it rose to Rs 9 crore. We know how much an MP earns. We want to ask what is this Rahul Gandhi model of development without an ostensible source of income," he said.

He also questioned Gandhi whether he had bought two properties from Unitech which was linked to the 2G spectrum allocation scam.&nbsp;

Prasad ended his press conference with a demand for Rahul Gandhi to answer the questions that he had raised.

There was no immediate response from the Congress.

(With inputs from PTI)

Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad on Saturday addressed a press conference and raised questions about Rahul Gandhi’s source of income. BJP leader and Union minister Ravi Shankar Prasad told the media that Gandhi's income had risen from over Rs 55 lakh in 2004 to Rs 9 crore in 2014 as per his election affidavits, and asked how can a mere MP witness such a jump in income.

Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad on Saturday addressed a press conference and raised questions about Rahul Gandhi’s source of income. BJP leader and Union minister Ravi Shankar Prasad told the media that Gandhi's income had risen from over Rs 55 lakh in 2004 to Rs 9 crore in 2014 as per his election affidavits, and asked how can a mere MP witness such a jump in income. "In his election affidavit in 2004, his income was Rs 55,38,123 while in 2009, it rose to Rs 2 crore and in 2014 it rose to Rs 9 crore. We know how much an MP earns. We want to ask what is this Rahul Gandhi model of development without an ostensible source of income," he said. He also questioned Gandhi whether he had bought two properties from Unitech which was linked to the 2G spectrum allocation scam. Prasad ended his press conference with a demand for Rahul Gandhi to answer the questions that he had raised. There was no immediate response from the Congress. (With inputs from PTI)

How did Rahul Gandhi's assets grow from Rs 55 lakh to Rs 9 crore? asks BJP

The Shiv Sena Saturday said L K Advani would remain the “tallest leader” of the BJP irrespective of his poll presence, two days after the party nominated its chief Amit Shah from Gandhinagar, a seat represented by the BJP patriarch. In an editorial in the party mouthpiece “Saamana”, the Sena said Shah contesting in place of Advani is politically translated as the ‘Bhishmacharya’ of Indian politics being “forced” to retire.

“Lal Krishna Advani is known as the ‘Bhishmacharya’ of Indian politics, but his name does not feature in the list of BJP’s candidates for Lok Sabha polls, which is not surprising,” the edit said. The Sena said the development underlined that the BJP’s Advani era has come to an end. “Advani has been elected from Gujarat’s Gandhinagar constituency six times. Now, Amit Shah will be contesting from that seat. This simply means Advani has been forced to retire,” the editorial said. Marking a generational shift in the BJP, the party recently announced candidature of Shah, who will be contesting his debut parliamentary election, from Gandhinagar.

Advani, 91, had served as Union home minister and deputy prime minister. He won the Gandhinagar seat six times. After Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the BJP to a massive victory in 2014 and Shah was made the party president, Advani was made a member of Margdarshak Mandal (a group of mentors).

The Sena said, “Advani was one of the founding members of the BJP, who along with former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee steered the rath of the party ahead. “But today, Modi and Shah have taken the place of them (Vajpayee and Advani). An environment has already been created in the party to ensure that seniors do not get any responsibility this time,” it stated. The Sena further said Advani has played a “long innings” in politics and would remain the “tallest leader” of the BJP.

The Sena is contesting the next month’s Lok Sabha elections in alliance with the BJP. The Sena said it didn’t believe that a leader retains his top position only if he continues to be in active politics. The Uddhav Thackeray-led party also attacked the Congress which has said the Gandhinagar seat has been snatched from Advani.

“The party (Congress) should not talk about insult to elders. The then prime minister P V Narasimha Rao, who had steered the Congress governments in difficult times, was insulted by the party even after his death,” it said.

The Sena also referred to the 2013 incident when Rahul Gandhi tore an ordinance (on protecting convicted lawmakers) in the presence of the then prime minister Manmohan Singh. “What happened with Sitaram Kesari (former Congress president who was succeeded by Sonia Gandhi)?….Therefore it does not suit the Congress to talk about respecting elders,” the Sena said.

Praising Advani, the Sena said he was responsible for expanding the BJP’s footprint across the country. “Every shining sun has to set. The BJP could reach the top because of Advani’s ‘Rath Yatra’ in Ayodhya in the 1990s. The BJP is reaping (dividends) because of Advani’s toil,” the Sena said.

The Shiv Sena Saturday said L K Advani would remain the “tallest leader” of the BJP irrespective of his poll presence, two days after the party nominated its chief Amit Shah from Gandhinagar, a seat represented by the BJP patriarch.

The Shiv Sena Saturday said L K Advani would remain the “tallest leader” of the BJP irrespective of his poll presence, two days after the party nominated its chief Amit Shah from Gandhinagar, a seat represented by the BJP patriarch. In an editorial in the party mouthpiece “Saamana”, the Sena said Shah contesting in place of Advani is politically translated as the ‘Bhishmacharya’ of Indian politics being “forced” to retire. “Lal Krishna Advani is known as the ‘Bhishmacharya’ of Indian politics, but his name does not feature in the list of BJP’s candidates for Lok Sabha polls, which is not surprising,” the edit said. The Sena said the development underlined that the BJP’s Advani era has come to an end. “Advani has been elected from Gujarat’s Gandhinagar constituency six times. Now, Amit Shah will be contesting from that seat. This simply means Advani has been forced to retire,” the editorial said. Marking a generational shift in the BJP, the party recently announced candidature of Shah, who will be contesting his debut parliamentary election, from Gandhinagar. Advani, 91, had served as Union home minister and deputy prime minister. He won the Gandhinagar seat six times. After Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the BJP to a massive victory in 2014 and Shah was made the party president, Advani was made a member of Margdarshak Mandal (a group of mentors). The Sena said, “Advani was one of the founding members of the BJP, who along with former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee steered the rath of the party ahead. “But today, Modi and Shah have taken the place of them (Vajpayee and Advani). An environment has already been created in the party to ensure that seniors do not get any responsibility this time,” it stated. The Sena further said Advani has played a “long innings” in politics and would remain the “tallest leader” of the BJP. The Sena is contesting the next month’s Lok Sabha elections in alliance with the BJP. The Sena said it didn’t believe that a leader retains his top position only if he continues to be in active politics. The Uddhav Thackeray-led party also attacked the Congress which has said the Gandhinagar seat has been snatched from Advani. “The party (Congress) should not talk about insult to elders. The then prime minister P V Narasimha Rao, who had steered the Congress governments in difficult times, was insulted by the party even after his death,” it said. The Sena also referred to the 2013 incident when Rahul Gandhi tore an ordinance (on protecting convicted lawmakers) in the presence of the then prime minister Manmohan Singh. “What happened with Sitaram Kesari (former Congress president who was succeeded by Sonia Gandhi)?….Therefore it does not suit the Congress to talk about respecting elders,” the Sena said. Praising Advani, the Sena said he was responsible for expanding the BJP’s footprint across the country. “Every shining sun has to set. The BJP could reach the top because of Advani’s ‘Rath Yatra’ in Ayodhya in the 1990s. The BJP is reaping (dividends) because of Advani’s toil,” the Sena said.

LK Advani ‘Bhishmacharya’ of Indian politics, says Shiv Sena after BJP denies him poll ticket

There is less than a month to go for the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, which will be held from April 11 to May 19. The results will be known on May 23.&nbsp;

The Lok Sabha has 543 elected seats and any party or coalition needs a minimum of 272 MPs to form a government.&nbsp;

With 90 crore eligible voters, the 2019 general election will be the largest the world has seen.

The big fight is between the ruling National Democratic Alliance led by Narendra Modi's BJP and the United Progressive Alliance led by Congress.

Here are five factors that hold a key position in the Lok Sabha Election 2019.&nbsp;

Economy

The major weapon against the incumbent government for Lok Sabha Election 2019, is the failure of creating jobs as per the promises made by the Bharatiya Janata Party in 2014.&nbsp;

The opposition has been alleging that the job creation has drastically deteriorated in the Modi government.&nbsp;

India’s GDP needs to grow faster than even 7%. For the quarter ended October-December 2018, the growth rate stood at 6.6% and any marked improvement has been ruled out in the ongoing financial quarter as well.&nbsp;

The 2016 currency ban - locally called 'demonetisation' and decision on goods and services tax will have its effects on upcoming elections.

Rural India

About 80 crores of India’s 133.92 crores population depend on farming for their livelihood.&nbsp;

A slowdown in India’s rural economy deepened in January, reflecting a crunch on spending by agricultural workers.

Falling rural incomes and farm distress has taken the shine off one of the key achievements of the Modi government.

The farmers have been demanding a special parliament session which would only address the agrarian crisis.&nbsp;

Thousands of farmers walked to parliament, Ramlila Maidan demanding- implementation of M S Swaminathan report, address the agrarian crisis in parliament and better prices for the crops.

First-time voters and women voters

Over 1.5 crore voters in 18-19 year age group will be eligible to vote for the first time in the seven-phased Lok Sabha election beginning April 11 with Prime Minister Narendra Modi calling upon them to vote in record numbers.

These voters in the age group of 18-19 years constitute 1.66 per cent of the total electorate. All citizens who turned 18 on January 1 this year and registered as electors will get the opportunity to cast their vote in upcoming Lok Sabha and assembly elections.

Women's rising turnout in elections and their growing political assertiveness will again be an important swing factor in the upcoming election.

In the last few years, the concerns regarding women and their issues have gained importance and received attention from the political class, at least in slogans and speeches. Women's issues are key in political manifestoes, though their effectiveness is debatable.

Social media&nbsp;

At a time when all political parties in India are trying tooth and nail to woo young first-time voters, social media has established itself as a formidable player in the field of politics.

While all the spotlight has been on Facebook, WhatsApp and Twitter in India's 'like' wars in the last few years, Instagram, the Facebook-owned photograph sharing application, has discreetly risen as a critical stage for India's political parties ahead of the 2019 general elections.

National security and Surgical strike

The Pulwama attack and the subsequent Indian Air Force strike on Balakot, in Pakistan, has changed the political scenario of India. Suddenly questions of national security were front and centre. The opposition blames that the Centre ordered the air strike in Pakistan’s Balakot with the “sole purpose” of winning Lok Sabha elections. The BJP has charged the opposition of playing into the hands of Pakistan and demoralizing our armed forces by questioning the number of casualties.

There is less than a month to go for the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, which will be held from April 11 to May 19. The results will be known on May 23. The Lok Sabha has 543 elected seats and any party or coalition needs a minimum of 272 MPs to form a government.

There is less than a month to go for the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, which will be held from April 11 to May 19. The results will be known on May 23. The Lok Sabha has 543 elected seats and any party or coalition needs a minimum of 272 MPs to form a government. With 90 crore eligible voters, the 2019 general election will be the largest the world has seen. The big fight is between the ruling National Democratic Alliance led by Narendra Modi's BJP and the United Progressive Alliance led by Congress. Here are five factors that hold a key position in the Lok Sabha Election 2019. Economy The major weapon against the incumbent government for Lok Sabha Election 2019, is the failure of creating jobs as per the promises made by the Bharatiya Janata Party in 2014. The opposition has been alleging that the job creation has drastically deteriorated in the Modi government. India’s GDP needs to grow faster than even 7%. For the quarter ended October-December 2018, the growth rate stood at 6.6% and any marked improvement has been ruled out in the ongoing financial quarter as well. The 2016 currency ban - locally called 'demonetisation' and decision on goods and services tax will have its effects on upcoming elections. Rural India About 80 crores of India’s 133.92 crores population depend on farming for their livelihood. A slowdown in India’s rural economy deepened in January, reflecting a crunch on spending by agricultural workers. Falling rural incomes and farm distress has taken the shine off one of the key achievements of the Modi government. The farmers have been demanding a special parliament session which would only address the agrarian crisis. Thousands of farmers walked to parliament, Ramlila Maidan demanding- implementation of M S Swaminathan report, address the agrarian crisis in parliament and better prices for the crops. First-time voters and women voters Over 1.5 crore voters in 18-19 year age group will be eligible to vote for the first time in the seven-phased Lok Sabha election beginning April 11 with Prime Minister Narendra Modi calling upon them to vote in record numbers. These voters in the age group of 18-19 years constitute 1.66 per cent of the total electorate. All citizens who turned 18 on January 1 this year and registered as electors will get the opportunity to cast their vote in upcoming Lok Sabha and assembly elections. Women's rising turnout in elections and their growing political assertiveness will again be an important swing factor in the upcoming election. In the last few years, the concerns regarding women and their issues have gained importance and received attention from the political class, at least in slogans and speeches. Women's issues are key in political manifestoes, though their effectiveness is debatable. Social media At a time when all political parties in India are trying tooth and nail to woo young first-time voters, social media has established itself as a formidable player in the field of politics. While all the spotlight has been on Facebook, WhatsApp and Twitter in India's 'like' wars in the last few years, Instagram, the Facebook-owned photograph sharing application, has discreetly risen as a critical stage for India's political parties ahead of the 2019 general elections. National security and Surgical strike The Pulwama attack and the subsequent Indian Air Force strike on Balakot, in Pakistan, has changed the political scenario of India. Suddenly questions of national security were front and centre. The opposition blames that the Centre ordered the air strike in Pakistan’s Balakot with the “sole purpose” of winning Lok Sabha elections. The BJP has charged the opposition of playing into the hands of Pakistan and demoralizing our armed forces by questioning the number of casualties.

Lok Sabha polls 2019:  Five things that could decide the election

On March 20, Actor-turned politician Kamal Haasan will reveal the list of his party Makkal Needhi Maiam’s candidates who are to contest in the Lok Sabha polls and By-elections to Tamil Nadu’s 18 vacant assembly seats, a statement from his party said.

These elections will be the poll debut of Kamal Haasan’s party which was started in February 2018. Recently the party was allotted the ‘Battery Torch’ symbol by the Election Commission.&nbsp;

After the demise of Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa in late 2016, Kamal had become very vocal in his public criticism of her party, the AIADMK. On 21st February last year, after visiting Former President APJ Abdul Kalam’s residence in Tamil Nadu’s Southern district Rameshwaram, Kamal launched his party in Madurai in the presence of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal.&nbsp;

In late 2017, Rajinikanth also expressed his desire to enter politics and unified his fan clubs under the banner “Rajini Makkal Mandram”. But Rajini hasn’t made any major political moves in 2018, save for a few statements that seemed to be in support of the BJP and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. However, Rajini issued statements to clear the air about his political journey and stated that his party won’t be contesting the Lot Sabha polls or the by-elections to the Tamil Nadu Assembly.&nbsp;

Tamil Nadu’s major parties the AIADMK and the DMK have allied with the PMK-BJP and the Congress respectively. While the AIADMK, DMK have announced their respective candidates' list, some of the smaller alliance partners are in the progress of making their announcements. In the current scenario, Kamal’s MNM and Sasikala’s nephew TTV Dinakaran’s party the AMMK are the ones that would be going it alone in the polls.&nbsp;

As Tamil Nadu goes to the polls on April 18th, it will be interesting to observe the impact of the ‘Battery Torch’ and the dent it could create on the prospects of Tamil Nadu’s Dravidian parties who have allied with National Parties. Can MNM be the “Torch - Bearer” for a new era in Tamil Nadu and Indian Politics, as Haasan claims?

On March 20, Actor-turned politician Kamal Haasan will reveal the list of his party Makkal Needhi Maiam’s candidates who are to contest in the Lok Sabha polls and By-elections to Tamil Nadu’s 18 vacant assembly seats, a statement from his party said.

On March 20, Actor-turned politician Kamal Haasan will reveal the list of his party Makkal Needhi Maiam’s candidates who are to contest in the Lok Sabha polls and By-elections to Tamil Nadu’s 18 vacant assembly seats, a statement from his party said. These elections will be the poll debut of Kamal Haasan’s party which was started in February 2018. Recently the party was allotted the ‘Battery Torch’ symbol by the Election Commission. After the demise of Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa in late 2016, Kamal had become very vocal in his public criticism of her party, the AIADMK. On 21st February last year, after visiting Former President APJ Abdul Kalam’s residence in Tamil Nadu’s Southern district Rameshwaram, Kamal launched his party in Madurai in the presence of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. In late 2017, Rajinikanth also expressed his desire to enter politics and unified his fan clubs under the banner “Rajini Makkal Mandram”. But Rajini hasn’t made any major political moves in 2018, save for a few statements that seemed to be in support of the BJP and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. However, Rajini issued statements to clear the air about his political journey and stated that his party won’t be contesting the Lot Sabha polls or the by-elections to the Tamil Nadu Assembly. Tamil Nadu’s major parties the AIADMK and the DMK have allied with the PMK-BJP and the Congress respectively. While the AIADMK, DMK have announced their respective candidates' list, some of the smaller alliance partners are in the progress of making their announcements. In the current scenario, Kamal’s MNM and Sasikala’s nephew TTV Dinakaran’s party the AMMK are the ones that would be going it alone in the polls. As Tamil Nadu goes to the polls on April 18th, it will be interesting to observe the impact of the ‘Battery Torch’ and the dent it could create on the prospects of Tamil Nadu’s Dravidian parties who have allied with National Parties. Can MNM be the “Torch - Bearer” for a new era in Tamil Nadu and Indian Politics, as Haasan claims?

Lok Sabha polls 2019: Kamal Haasan’s Makkal Needhi Maiam to announce candidates on March 20

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) late on Saturday held a meeting, presided over by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and party president Amit Shah, to shortlist candidates for the ensuing Lok Sabha elections.

The meeting of the BJP Central Election Committee (CEC) at the party's headquarters in Delhi that culminated at 2 am on Sunday was held to deliberate on candidates that the party will field in various constituencies in 11 states, according to sources. Union Ministers Sushma Swaraj, Rajnath Singh, Arun Jaitley and Kiren Rijiju were among those who attended the meet.

Bihar, Uttarakhand, Assam, Arunachal, Manipur, Tripura, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra and Jammu and Kashmir figured in the deliberations, sources said adding that candidates for seats in the states of North East and in south India were also discussed.&nbsp;

"In all these states seats have been left vacant in places where the BJP is not very strong to facilitate candidates from regional parties or other big party leaders who would support the party," sources said.

States that will go to polls on April 11 in the first phase of the upcoming seven-phase Lok Sabha elections are Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Jammu and Kashmir, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand and West Bengal.

Sources also said that in Saturday's meeting there was no discussion on Uttar Pradesh, which has 80 parliamentary seats and where the BJP is still in talks with smaller parties to finalise seat sharing. The BJP won 71 seats in the state in the 2014 general election.

Amit Shah is likely to meet with the core committee of the party on Sunday too after which the BJP is expected to announce its first list of candidates, sources said.

The BJP Central Election Committee is likely to meet again on Monday and by March 22 the party may announce the list of all candidates, sources said.

Meanwhile, Congress released its fourth list of candidates on Saturday.&nbsp;

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) late on Saturday held a meeting, presided over by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and party president Amit Shah, to shortlist candidates for the ensuing Lok Sabha elections.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) late on Saturday held a meeting, presided over by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and party president Amit Shah, to shortlist candidates for the ensuing Lok Sabha elections. The meeting of the BJP Central Election Committee (CEC) at the party's headquarters in Delhi that culminated at 2 am on Sunday was held to deliberate on candidates that the party will field in various constituencies in 11 states, according to sources. Union Ministers Sushma Swaraj, Rajnath Singh, Arun Jaitley and Kiren Rijiju were among those who attended the meet. Bihar, Uttarakhand, Assam, Arunachal, Manipur, Tripura, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra and Jammu and Kashmir figured in the deliberations, sources said adding that candidates for seats in the states of North East and in south India were also discussed. "In all these states seats have been left vacant in places where the BJP is not very strong to facilitate candidates from regional parties or other big party leaders who would support the party," sources said. States that will go to polls on April 11 in the first phase of the upcoming seven-phase Lok Sabha elections are Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Jammu and Kashmir, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand and West Bengal. Sources also said that in Saturday's meeting there was no discussion on Uttar Pradesh, which has 80 parliamentary seats and where the BJP is still in talks with smaller parties to finalise seat sharing. The BJP won 71 seats in the state in the 2014 general election. Amit Shah is likely to meet with the core committee of the party on Sunday too after which the BJP is expected to announce its first list of candidates, sources said. The BJP Central Election Committee is likely to meet again on Monday and by March 22 the party may announce the list of all candidates, sources said. Meanwhile, Congress released its fourth list of candidates on Saturday.

Lok Sabha polls 2019: BJP expected to release first list of candidates soon

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath on March 16 said if party colleague Digvijaya Singh wants to contest upcoming Lok Sabha polls, he should choose the "toughest seat" in the state.

While Nath did not mention any seat, in particular, he said there were "2-3-4 seats" in MP which the Congress had not won in the past "30-35" years.

Singh, a former chief minister and multiple times Lok Sabha MP, is currently a Rajya Sabha member.

"I have requested Digvijaya Singh that if he wants to contest Lok Sabha polls, then he should do so from the toughest seat. There are 2-3-4 seats from where we have not won elections since the last 30-35 years," Nath told reporters here.

Congress functionaries said he may have been referring to Bhopal and Indore Lok Sabha seats, both of which have been held by the BJP since 1989.

Congress sources said Nath is keen that Singh contest from Bhopal. Former President late Shankar Dayal Sharma was the last Congress winner from the seat in the 1984 general elections.

Nath, in reply to a query, however, said it was for Singh to decide from where he wants to contest.

He also added that the Congress would announce Lok Sabha candidates from the state in the next three-four days.

Nath arrived in Chhindwara on a two-day visit to address 11 rallies, with his son Nakul Nath, in all likelihood, is the Congress' Lok Sabha candidate.

Nath, who is a nine-time MP from Chhindwara, is fighting an Assembly bypoll from here scheduled for April 23.

Nath has to get elected to the MP Assembly in order to continue as chief minister. 
 
The Chhindwara Assembly seat was vacated by Dipak Saxena, who had won it in the 2018 state polls so that Nath could get an entry into the 230-member House.&nbsp;

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath on March 16 said if party colleague Digvijaya Singh wants to contest upcoming Lok Sabha polls, he should choose the "toughest seat" in the state.

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath on March 16 said if party colleague Digvijaya Singh wants to contest upcoming Lok Sabha polls, he should choose the "toughest seat" in the state. While Nath did not mention any seat, in particular, he said there were "2-3-4 seats" in MP which the Congress had not won in the past "30-35" years. Singh, a former chief minister and multiple times Lok Sabha MP, is currently a Rajya Sabha member. "I have requested Digvijaya Singh that if he wants to contest Lok Sabha polls, then he should do so from the toughest seat. There are 2-3-4 seats from where we have not won elections since the last 30-35 years," Nath told reporters here. Congress functionaries said he may have been referring to Bhopal and Indore Lok Sabha seats, both of which have been held by the BJP since 1989. Congress sources said Nath is keen that Singh contest from Bhopal. Former President late Shankar Dayal Sharma was the last Congress winner from the seat in the 1984 general elections. Nath, in reply to a query, however, said it was for Singh to decide from where he wants to contest. He also added that the Congress would announce Lok Sabha candidates from the state in the next three-four days. Nath arrived in Chhindwara on a two-day visit to address 11 rallies, with his son Nakul Nath, in all likelihood, is the Congress' Lok Sabha candidate. Nath, who is a nine-time MP from Chhindwara, is fighting an Assembly bypoll from here scheduled for April 23. Nath has to get elected to the MP Assembly in order to continue as chief minister. The Chhindwara Assembly seat was vacated by Dipak Saxena, who had won it in the 2018 state polls so that Nath could get an entry into the 230-member House.

Lok Sabha polls 2019: MP CM Kamal Nath wants Digvijaya Singh to take up 'toughest seat'

A month after declaring an alliance with Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), Congress on Friday said it will field 11 candidates in Bihar for the ensuing Lok Sabha elections, where 40 parliamentary seats are at stake.

"The decision was taken at a meeting of Congress Election Committee. There is no meaning of sending names of more than 11 candidates as we were offered only 11 seats. Rahul Gandhi will take a final call on the names of candidates and soon he will declare the names," Congress leader Akhilesh Singh told ANI after the meeting.

The grand alliance formed by the Opposition in Bihar includes the Rashtriya Janta Dal (RJD), Congress, Rashtriya Lok Samta Party (RLSP), Hindustani Awam Morcha (HAM), Lok Jantrantrik Dal (LJD) and Vikas Sheel Insaan Party (VIP).

Earlier, the Congress had put forward a demand of 12 seats, including a seat for senior leader and former Union Minister Tariq Anwar who recently returned to the party after leaving NCP.

The RJD is adamant in contesting at least 20 seats. On March 13, RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav had claimed that there is no confusion among the leaders of Bihar Mahagathbandhan regarding "seat-sharing".Congress leader Ranjeet Ranjan on Friday said that the &nbsp;Bihar 'Mahagathbandhan'&nbsp;(grand alliance) candidate list will be announced on March 17 and her husband Pappu Yadav is likely to be a part of it.

Addressing media persons, Ranjan said, "Mahagathbandhan in Bihar will announce its list of candidates on March 17. I think Pappu Yadav will become a part of the gathbandhan."

Pappu Yadav is currently the leader of Jan Adhikar Party-Loktantrik (JAP-L) and had defeated Sharad Yadav in 2014 Lok Sabha elections from Madhepura constituency.

There are 40 Lok Sabha seats in Bihar. Bihar will go to polls in all the seven phases on April 11, 18, 23, April 29, May 6, May 12 and May 19. The results would be announced on May 23.

A month after declaring an alliance with Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), Congress on Friday said it will field 11 candidates in Bihar for the ensuing Lok Sabha elections, where 40 parliamentary seats are at stake.

A month after declaring an alliance with Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), Congress on Friday said it will field 11 candidates in Bihar for the ensuing Lok Sabha elections, where 40 parliamentary seats are at stake. "The decision was taken at a meeting of Congress Election Committee. There is no meaning of sending names of more than 11 candidates as we were offered only 11 seats. Rahul Gandhi will take a final call on the names of candidates and soon he will declare the names," Congress leader Akhilesh Singh told ANI after the meeting. The grand alliance formed by the Opposition in Bihar includes the Rashtriya Janta Dal (RJD), Congress, Rashtriya Lok Samta Party (RLSP), Hindustani Awam Morcha (HAM), Lok Jantrantrik Dal (LJD) and Vikas Sheel Insaan Party (VIP). Earlier, the Congress had put forward a demand of 12 seats, including a seat for senior leader and former Union Minister Tariq Anwar who recently returned to the party after leaving NCP. The RJD is adamant in contesting at least 20 seats. On March 13, RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav had claimed that there is no confusion among the leaders of Bihar Mahagathbandhan regarding "seat-sharing".Congress leader Ranjeet Ranjan on Friday said that the Bihar 'Mahagathbandhan' (grand alliance) candidate list will be announced on March 17 and her husband Pappu Yadav is likely to be a part of it. Addressing media persons, Ranjan said, "Mahagathbandhan in Bihar will announce its list of candidates on March 17. I think Pappu Yadav will become a part of the gathbandhan." Pappu Yadav is currently the leader of Jan Adhikar Party-Loktantrik (JAP-L) and had defeated Sharad Yadav in 2014 Lok Sabha elections from Madhepura constituency. There are 40 Lok Sabha seats in Bihar. Bihar will go to polls in all the seven phases on April 11, 18, 23, April 29, May 6, May 12 and May 19. The results would be announced on May 23.

Lok Sabha polls: Congress to fight 11 seats in Bihar

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has composed <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/anti-thesis-of-gandhian-thought-is-the-congress-culture-says-pm-modi-on-dandi-march-anniversary-202757">one more blog</a> in which he had spoken to the voters of India to take an interest in extensive numbers in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls 2019 for the purpose of a stable and strong government.

In a blog on his own site, he said that the process of voting ought to be an event of festivity and not a source of anguish.

The PM made four requests to the voters — get registered as a voter, check the electoral rolls, plan for the voting day and mobilise other people to participate in the election process.

"If your name is missing, raise it with the relevant authorities and if you have shifted residence, ensure that your name shifts to the voter rolls of your new place of stay," the PM wrote.

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Four requests for a stronger democracy. 
 
An appeal to the voters of India, especially my young friends. <a href="https://t.co/sGsfK0p5lQ">https://t.co/sGsfK0p5lQ</a>
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The PM reminded the voters, especially the young voters, that elections are around the corner and all those who are eligible to vote must exercise this power to elect a stable and strong government.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has composed one more blog in which he had spoken to the voters of India to take an interest in extensive numbers in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls 2019 for the purpose of a stable and strong government.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has composed one more blog in which he had spoken to the voters of India to take an interest in extensive numbers in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls 2019 for the purpose of a stable and strong government. In a blog on his own site, he said that the process of voting ought to be an event of festivity and not a source of anguish. The PM made four requests to the voters — get registered as a voter, check the electoral rolls, plan for the voting day and mobilise other people to participate in the election process. "If your name is missing, raise it with the relevant authorities and if you have shifted residence, ensure that your name shifts to the voter rolls of your new place of stay," the PM wrote. Four requests for a stronger democracy. An appeal to the voters of India, especially my young friends. https://t.co/sGsfK0p5lQ — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 13, 2019 × The PM reminded the voters, especially the young voters, that elections are around the corner and all those who are eligible to vote must exercise this power to elect a stable and strong government.

Lok Sabha elections 2019: PM Narendra Modi's four requests to voters

The top leadership of AAP huddled into a meeting at Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's residence to discuss preparations for Lok Sabha polls, on Monday, as a senior party leader claimed chances of party's alliance are now nil.

During the meeting, Kejriwal, the AAP national convener, asked party leaders to keep Lok Sabha campaign centred around the full statehood demand for Delhi, instead of getting into the question of the next prime minister of the country.

Party MP Sanjay Singh, after the meeting, told reporters that "there are no chances of the alliance now," when asked if the issue was discussed during the meeting.

He said the party leaders discussed how to take the issue of full statehood to every home in Delhi in the run up to voting in Delhi for seven Lok Sabha constituencies on May 12.

Earlier Monday, Delhi AAP convener Gopal Rai said his party is not in talks with Congress for an alliance in the national capital and it will contest all seven seats on its own.

"The party is not in talks with Congress for an alliance in Delhi and it will contest all seats on its own," Rai said.

AAP has declared names of candidates on six of the seven seats in Delhi. The candidate on West Delhi seat is likely to be announced soon.

Meanwhile, Congress national president Rahul Gandhi in a convention of Delhi Congress booth-level workers exhorted them to ensure the victory of the party on all seven seats in the national capital.

AAP launched its mega poll campaign, centred around full statehood for Delhi, on Sunday.

The party volunteers will distribute Kejriwal's letter to doorsteps of the voters during the campaign. The letter will elaborate on the benefits Delhiites will have if full statehood is achieved.

In his public meeting across the city, Kejriwal has been raising the full statehood issue, asking people to vote for AAP candidates.

He has said if AAP wins all seven Lok Sabha seats in Delhi, it will ensure the next government at the Centre is forced to give full statehood to the city.&nbsp;

The top leadership of AAP huddled into a meeting at Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's residence to discuss preparations for Lok Sabha polls, on Monday, as a senior party leader claimed chances of party's alliance are now nil.

The top leadership of AAP huddled into a meeting at Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's residence to discuss preparations for Lok Sabha polls, on Monday, as a senior party leader claimed chances of party's alliance are now nil. During the meeting, Kejriwal, the AAP national convener, asked party leaders to keep Lok Sabha campaign centred around the full statehood demand for Delhi, instead of getting into the question of the next prime minister of the country. Party MP Sanjay Singh, after the meeting, told reporters that "there are no chances of the alliance now," when asked if the issue was discussed during the meeting. He said the party leaders discussed how to take the issue of full statehood to every home in Delhi in the run up to voting in Delhi for seven Lok Sabha constituencies on May 12. Earlier Monday, Delhi AAP convener Gopal Rai said his party is not in talks with Congress for an alliance in the national capital and it will contest all seven seats on its own. "The party is not in talks with Congress for an alliance in Delhi and it will contest all seats on its own," Rai said. AAP has declared names of candidates on six of the seven seats in Delhi. The candidate on West Delhi seat is likely to be announced soon. Meanwhile, Congress national president Rahul Gandhi in a convention of Delhi Congress booth-level workers exhorted them to ensure the victory of the party on all seven seats in the national capital. AAP launched its mega poll campaign, centred around full statehood for Delhi, on Sunday. The party volunteers will distribute Kejriwal's letter to doorsteps of the voters during the campaign. The letter will elaborate on the benefits Delhiites will have if full statehood is achieved. In his public meeting across the city, Kejriwal has been raising the full statehood issue, asking people to vote for AAP candidates. He has said if AAP wins all seven Lok Sabha seats in Delhi, it will ensure the next government at the Centre is forced to give full statehood to the city.

Kejriwal meets AAP leaders on poll preparations, party MP says no chances of alliance now

Lok Sabha <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/2019-lok-sabha-elections-check-when-your-state-ut-goes-to-the-polls-202410">elections 2019</a> will begin on April 11 and continue for over a month till May 19 across seven phases, followed by counting of votes on May 23, the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-polls-to-stretch-out-for-over-a-month-from-april-11-to-may-19-results-on-may-23-202404">Election Commission</a> announced on Sunday.

The polling will be held on April 11, April 18, April 23, April 29, May 6, May 12 and May 19 for 543 Lok Sabha seats across the country in which nearly 90 crore voters would be eligible to vote, the Chief Election Commissioner Sunil Arora said at a packed press conference here.

Out of nearly 90 crore voter in India over 1.5 crore electors are in 18-19 years age group.&nbsp;

"The total electorate in the country as per finally published e-rolls in January 2019 is approximately 900 million compared to 814.5 million in 2014. This marks an increase of more than 84 million electors. Over 15 million electors are in 18-19 years age group. Electors in the age group of 18 to 19 years constitute 1.66 per cent of total electors," the Election Commission said on Sunday.&nbsp;

In 2014, BJP had won 282 seats out of 543 constituencies in Lok Sabha handing a crushing defeat to the 10-year-rule of the United Progressive Alliance led by Congress.

While Prime Minister Narendra Modi will seek to retain power, the opposition is seeking to put up a spirited fight to defeat the ruling BJP.

Lok Sabha elections 2019 will begin on April 11 and continue for over a month till May 19 across seven phases, followed by counting of votes on May 23, the Election Commission announced on Sunday.

Lok Sabha elections 2019 will begin on April 11 and continue for over a month till May 19 across seven phases, followed by counting of votes on May 23, the Election Commission announced on Sunday. The polling will be held on April 11, April 18, April 23, April 29, May 6, May 12 and May 19 for 543 Lok Sabha seats across the country in which nearly 90 crore voters would be eligible to vote, the Chief Election Commissioner Sunil Arora said at a packed press conference here. Out of nearly 90 crore voter in India over 1.5 crore electors are in 18-19 years age group. "The total electorate in the country as per finally published e-rolls in January 2019 is approximately 900 million compared to 814.5 million in 2014. This marks an increase of more than 84 million electors. Over 15 million electors are in 18-19 years age group. Electors in the age group of 18 to 19 years constitute 1.66 per cent of total electors," the Election Commission said on Sunday. In 2014, BJP had won 282 seats out of 543 constituencies in Lok Sabha handing a crushing defeat to the 10-year-rule of the United Progressive Alliance led by Congress. While Prime Minister Narendra Modi will seek to retain power, the opposition is seeking to put up a spirited fight to defeat the ruling BJP.

Lok Sabha polls 2019: Over 1.5 crore voters of the total electorate in 18-19 age group

The State Election Commission (SEC) Monday warned political parties in Kerala not to use the Sabarimala temple matter as a campaign issue.

Kerala Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Teeka Ram Meena told the media here that "citing or invoking" religious propaganda on the "Sabarimala issue" would be a clear violation of the model code of conduct.

"Inviting religious feelings, using any kind of Supreme Court judgement, invoking or soliciting the votes in the name of religion or by inciting religious feelings is a clear violation of the model code of conduct," he said.

The CEC also said the commission would not allow any kind of violation that puts a particular political party at an advantage over another.

"Citing or invoking or doing something of religious propaganda on the Sabarimala issue by invoking the name of Sabari God, etc., will be a clear violation of the model code of conduct," Meena said.

He added that the Sabarimala issue was a controversial matter as far as Kerala was concerned and political parties "need to draw a line to what extent they have to use it".

"Tomorrow, I am holding a meeting with political parties in this regard and I will be requesting them not to unnecessarily use this religious feeling or religious traditions to solicit votes as this may create some religious tensions among people.

If that happens, action will be taken against those responsible," Meena said.

Kerala witnessed widespread violence by devotees and right-wing activists after the state government decided to implement the Supreme Court's September 28, 2018 verdict allowing women of all ages into the Sabarimala temple.

The BJP has already pinned its hope on the Sabarimala issue as it believes that it was able to create momentum among its workers.

The central leadership of the saffron party brought back former BJP state chief Kummanam Rajashekharan, who was appointed as Mizoram governor nine months ago, to lead the party in the state.

The Lok Sabha elections will begin on April 11 and continue for over a month till May 19 across seven phases, followed by counting of votes on May 23. 
Kerala will go to the polls on April 23.&nbsp;

The State Election Commission (SEC) Monday warned political parties in Kerala not to use the Sabarimala temple matter as a campaign issue. Kerala Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Teeka Ram Meena told the media here that "citing or invoking" religious propaganda on the "Sabarimala issue" would be a clear violation of the model code of conduct.

The State Election Commission (SEC) Monday warned political parties in Kerala not to use the Sabarimala temple matter as a campaign issue. Kerala Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Teeka Ram Meena told the media here that "citing or invoking" religious propaganda on the "Sabarimala issue" would be a clear violation of the model code of conduct. "Inviting religious feelings, using any kind of Supreme Court judgement, invoking or soliciting the votes in the name of religion or by inciting religious feelings is a clear violation of the model code of conduct," he said. The CEC also said the commission would not allow any kind of violation that puts a particular political party at an advantage over another. "Citing or invoking or doing something of religious propaganda on the Sabarimala issue by invoking the name of Sabari God, etc., will be a clear violation of the model code of conduct," Meena said. He added that the Sabarimala issue was a controversial matter as far as Kerala was concerned and political parties "need to draw a line to what extent they have to use it". "Tomorrow, I am holding a meeting with political parties in this regard and I will be requesting them not to unnecessarily use this religious feeling or religious traditions to solicit votes as this may create some religious tensions among people. If that happens, action will be taken against those responsible," Meena said. Kerala witnessed widespread violence by devotees and right-wing activists after the state government decided to implement the Supreme Court's September 28, 2018 verdict allowing women of all ages into the Sabarimala temple. The BJP has already pinned its hope on the Sabarimala issue as it believes that it was able to create momentum among its workers. The central leadership of the saffron party brought back former BJP state chief Kummanam Rajashekharan, who was appointed as Mizoram governor nine months ago, to lead the party in the state. The Lok Sabha elections will begin on April 11 and continue for over a month till May 19 across seven phases, followed by counting of votes on May 23. Kerala will go to the polls on April 23.

Lok Sabha: Kerala poll body warns parties against use of Sabarimala issue in campaigning

In a bid to make smooth voting at polling booths and strengthen the polling process of every constituency the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/2019-lok-sabha-elections-check-when-your-state-ut-goes-to-the-polls-202410">election commission</a> has introduced a few new rules and regulations for the first time in upcoming <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-polls-to-stretch-out-for-over-a-month-from-april-11-to-may-19-results-on-may-23-202404">Lok Sabha elections 2019.</a>

Some of these initiatives have already been used in past Assembly elections in different states but this is is the first time they are being used in Lok Sabha Elections.

Here's a look at the new facilities and rules introduced for Lok Sabha elections 2019:

cVigil Election Commission App to stop violations of model code

By using this app, citizens can immediately report on incidents of misconduct within minutes of having witnessed them and without having to rush to the office of the returning officer to lodge a complaint.

Close watch on political parties’ social media content

Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Sunil Arora has said that the EC will watch out for any content aimed at destroying the electoral process.&nbsp;

Social media giants like- Facebook, Twitter and Google have said that they will work with the Election Commission in tandem to curb any sort of hate speech or misuse of content related to polling.

The EC has also asked Google, Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube to verify all the political advertisements coming from various political parties. The CEC also informed that a grievance officer has also been appointed to take complaints related to these advertisements on all social media platforms.

Candidate photo on EVMs

For the first time, the poll panel will introduce candidates’ photos on the voting machines, in addition to the party name and symbol. &nbsp;&nbsp;

All EVMs to have photo ballot labels, apart from symbol and candidate name in Braille. 
&nbsp; 
VVPAT machines at all polling stations

Voter-verifiable paper audit trail (VVPAT) is a machine which dispenses a slip with the symbol of the party for which a person has voted for. The slip appears on a small window for seven seconds and then drops in a box. But the voter cannot take it home.''

Photo voter slip won't be used as standalone ID for voting

The Election Commission has said that a photo voter slip shall no longer be used as a standalone identification document during elections, and a voter will have to carry any of the twelve approved identity cards to the polling station. &nbsp;

The 12 documents accepted for identification include -- Electoral Photo Identity Card (EPIC), passport, Aadhar card, driving licence, service identity cards with photographs issued to employees by central/state government, PSUs, public limited companies, passbooks issued by bank or post office, PAN card and smart card issued by the Registrar General of India under National Populations Register. &nbsp;

Income tax returns for five years, declaration of foreign assets, PAN mandatory for candidates

The government has made it mandatory for candidates to declare their income tax returns of the last five years, details of foreign assets and Permanent Account Number (PAN).&nbsp;

All women- managed polling stations in every constituency

To ensure more participation of women in the electoral process, the Election Commission has made special arrangements in the form of "all women managed polling stations" in all constituencies of the country.

The entire polling staff, including the police and security personnel, in such centres, shall be women.

Braille voter slips and photo ballot labels

Visually impaired and blind voters will be provided with braille voter slips in the Lok Sabha elections due this summer.

Braille is a script with raised dots that can be read with the fingers by people who are blind or who have low vision.

GPS tracking of voting machines

The poll panel has decided to fit GPS devices to the vehicles carrying them, facilitating end-to-end monitoring of their movement through mobile tracking.

Electronically Transmitted Postal Ballot System

Electronically transmitted postal ballots (ETPBS) system would be used for the first time to facilitate hassle-free voting.

Criminal antecedents of candidates in media

The Supreme Court on September 25, 2018, held that all candidates will have to declare their criminal antecedents to the Election Commission before contesting an election, saying criminalisation of politics in the largest democracy is "unsettling".

(With inputs from agencies)

In a bid to make smooth voting at polling booths and strengthen the polling process of every constituency the election commission has introduced a few new rules and regulations for the first time in upcoming Lok Sabha elections 2019.

In a bid to make smooth voting at polling booths and strengthen the polling process of every constituency the election commission has introduced a few new rules and regulations for the first time in upcoming Lok Sabha elections 2019. Some of these initiatives have already been used in past Assembly elections in different states but this is is the first time they are being used in Lok Sabha Elections. Here's a look at the new facilities and rules introduced for Lok Sabha elections 2019: cVigil Election Commission App to stop violations of model code By using this app, citizens can immediately report on incidents of misconduct within minutes of having witnessed them and without having to rush to the office of the returning officer to lodge a complaint. Close watch on political parties’ social media content Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Sunil Arora has said that the EC will watch out for any content aimed at destroying the electoral process. Social media giants like- Facebook, Twitter and Google have said that they will work with the Election Commission in tandem to curb any sort of hate speech or misuse of content related to polling. The EC has also asked Google, Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube to verify all the political advertisements coming from various political parties. The CEC also informed that a grievance officer has also been appointed to take complaints related to these advertisements on all social media platforms. Candidate photo on EVMs For the first time, the poll panel will introduce candidates’ photos on the voting machines, in addition to the party name and symbol. All EVMs to have photo ballot labels, apart from symbol and candidate name in Braille. VVPAT machines at all polling stations Voter-verifiable paper audit trail (VVPAT) is a machine which dispenses a slip with the symbol of the party for which a person has voted for. The slip appears on a small window for seven seconds and then drops in a box. But the voter cannot take it home.'' Photo voter slip won't be used as standalone ID for voting The Election Commission has said that a photo voter slip shall no longer be used as a standalone identification document during elections, and a voter will have to carry any of the twelve approved identity cards to the polling station. The 12 documents accepted for identification include -- Electoral Photo Identity Card (EPIC), passport, Aadhar card, driving licence, service identity cards with photographs issued to employees by central/state government, PSUs, public limited companies, passbooks issued by bank or post office, PAN card and smart card issued by the Registrar General of India under National Populations Register. Income tax returns for five years, declaration of foreign assets, PAN mandatory for candidates The government has made it mandatory for candidates to declare their income tax returns of the last five years, details of foreign assets and Permanent Account Number (PAN). All women- managed polling stations in every constituency To ensure more participation of women in the electoral process, the Election Commission has made special arrangements in the form of "all women managed polling stations" in all constituencies of the country. The entire polling staff, including the police and security personnel, in such centres, shall be women. Braille voter slips and photo ballot labels Visually impaired and blind voters will be provided with braille voter slips in the Lok Sabha elections due this summer. Braille is a script with raised dots that can be read with the fingers by people who are blind or who have low vision. GPS tracking of voting machines The poll panel has decided to fit GPS devices to the vehicles carrying them, facilitating end-to-end monitoring of their movement through mobile tracking. Electronically Transmitted Postal Ballot System Electronically transmitted postal ballots (ETPBS) system would be used for the first time to facilitate hassle-free voting. Criminal antecedents of candidates in media The Supreme Court on September 25, 2018, held that all candidates will have to declare their criminal antecedents to the Election Commission before contesting an election, saying criminalisation of politics in the largest democracy is "unsettling". (With inputs from agencies)

Lok Sabha elections 2019: From social media monitoring to GPS tracking of EVMs, things Election Commission introduced for the first time

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/mainstream-parties-in-jammu-and-kashmir-ask-eci-to-hold-simultaneous-elections-201125">The Election Commission (EC)</a> is set to announce on Sunday schedule for the high-voltage <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-elections-parliamentary-panel-asks-twitter-to-engage-more-with-election-commission-summons-facebook-whatsapp-officials-on-march-6-199651">Lok Sabha elections</a>, which is likely to be spread over seven to eight phases in April-May.

The poll panel will be holding a press conference at 5 pm at Vigyan Bhavan here.

The term of the present Lok Sabha ends on June 3.

As soon as the elections, in which Prime Minister Narendra Modi will make his bid to return to power amid hectic parleys by several political parties to put a united fight against the ruling BJP, are announced, the model code of conduct will come into force.

Amongst other things, the code bars the government from announcing policy decisions.

Notification for the first phase could be issued by the end of March for voting sometime in early April, sources suggested.

There is a strong possibility that the EC may go by the precedent and hold assembly elections in Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh along with the Lok Sabha polls.

Since the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly has been dissolved, the EC is bound to hold fresh polls there as well within a six-month period, which will end in May.

While there is a view that the J-K assembly elections can be held along with the Lok Sabha polls, a lot depends on the complex security situation in the state given the heightened tension along the India-Pakistan border.

The Centre and the state administration, being managed by the Centre-appointed Governor, are against holding the two elections together.

However, all political parties in the state favoured simultaneous polls during a meeting with the Election Commission earlier this week.

The J-K assembly's six-year term was to end on March 16, 2021, but it got dissolved after a ruling coalition between the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) fell apart.

The other state assemblies and Lok Sabha have five-year terms.

The required electronic voting machines and paper trail machines are in place to be deployed in nearly 10 lakh polling stations across 543 Lok Sabha constituencies.

There is a high probability of the elections being spread across seven to eight phases this time.

In 2014, the EC had announced the election schedule on March 5 and the nine-phase electoral exercise was spread across April and May. 
While the first phase polling was on April 7, the last phase was on May 12.

The Election Commission (EC) is set to announce on Sunday schedule for the high-voltage Lok Sabha elections, which is likely to be spread over seven to eight phases in April-May.

The Election Commission (EC) is set to announce on Sunday schedule for the high-voltage Lok Sabha elections, which is likely to be spread over seven to eight phases in April-May. The poll panel will be holding a press conference at 5 pm at Vigyan Bhavan here. The term of the present Lok Sabha ends on June 3. As soon as the elections, in which Prime Minister Narendra Modi will make his bid to return to power amid hectic parleys by several political parties to put a united fight against the ruling BJP, are announced, the model code of conduct will come into force. Amongst other things, the code bars the government from announcing policy decisions. Notification for the first phase could be issued by the end of March for voting sometime in early April, sources suggested. There is a strong possibility that the EC may go by the precedent and hold assembly elections in Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh along with the Lok Sabha polls. Since the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly has been dissolved, the EC is bound to hold fresh polls there as well within a six-month period, which will end in May. While there is a view that the J-K assembly elections can be held along with the Lok Sabha polls, a lot depends on the complex security situation in the state given the heightened tension along the India-Pakistan border. The Centre and the state administration, being managed by the Centre-appointed Governor, are against holding the two elections together. However, all political parties in the state favoured simultaneous polls during a meeting with the Election Commission earlier this week. The J-K assembly's six-year term was to end on March 16, 2021, but it got dissolved after a ruling coalition between the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) fell apart. The other state assemblies and Lok Sabha have five-year terms. The required electronic voting machines and paper trail machines are in place to be deployed in nearly 10 lakh polling stations across 543 Lok Sabha constituencies. There is a high probability of the elections being spread across seven to eight phases this time. In 2014, the EC had announced the election schedule on March 5 and the nine-phase electoral exercise was spread across April and May. While the first phase polling was on April 7, the last phase was on May 12.

Lok Sabha polls 2019 schedule to be announced by Election Commission today at 5 pm

On the International Women’s Day, the Samajwadi Party on Friday announced the candidature of three women, including party chief Akhilesh Yadav’s wife Dimple Yadav, for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls from Uttar Pradesh.

Dimple Yadav will contest from Kannauj constituency, from where the 41-year-old has already been elected twice -- in 2012 by-polls and 2014 general elections.

Purvi Verma has been fielded from Khiri constituency and Usha Verma from Hardoi, according a press statement issued by the party.

Earlier in the day, the party released <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-polls-samajwadi-party-releases-list-of-6-candidates-mulayam-singh-yadav-to-fight-from-mainpuri-201964">its first list of six candidates</a> for the polls.

According to that list, party founder Mulayam Singh Yadav will contest from Mainpuri constituency, his nephew Dharmendra Yadav from Badaun and cousin Ram Gopal Yadav's son Akshay Yadav from Firozabad.

In the 2014 Lok Sabha polls, the party had won just 5 out of 80 seats at stake in the state.

Besides Dimple, Mulayam had won from Azamgarh, Dharmendra Yadav from Badaun, Akshay Yadav from Firozabad and Tej Pratap Yadav from Mainpuri.

The party also announced the candidates for three reserved constituencies- Itawa, Robertsganj and Bahraich.

According to the list, Kamlesh Katheria will contest the Etawah reserved seat, Bhailal Kol has been fielded on Robertsganj reserved seat, and Shabbir Balmiki from Bahraich.

The Samajwadi Party is contesting the polls in alliance with BSP. According to the seat-sharing arrangement, Samajwadi Party will contest 37 seats while BSP will contest 38.

On the International Women’s Day, the Samajwadi Party on Friday announced the candidature of three women, including party chief Akhilesh Yadav’s wife Dimple Yadav, for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls from Uttar Pradesh.

On the International Women’s Day, the Samajwadi Party on Friday announced the candidature of three women, including party chief Akhilesh Yadav’s wife Dimple Yadav, for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls from Uttar Pradesh. Dimple Yadav will contest from Kannauj constituency, from where the 41-year-old has already been elected twice -- in 2012 by-polls and 2014 general elections. Purvi Verma has been fielded from Khiri constituency and Usha Verma from Hardoi, according a press statement issued by the party. Earlier in the day, the party released its first list of six candidates for the polls. According to that list, party founder Mulayam Singh Yadav will contest from Mainpuri constituency, his nephew Dharmendra Yadav from Badaun and cousin Ram Gopal Yadav's son Akshay Yadav from Firozabad. In the 2014 Lok Sabha polls, the party had won just 5 out of 80 seats at stake in the state. Besides Dimple, Mulayam had won from Azamgarh, Dharmendra Yadav from Badaun, Akshay Yadav from Firozabad and Tej Pratap Yadav from Mainpuri. The party also announced the candidates for three reserved constituencies- Itawa, Robertsganj and Bahraich. According to the list, Kamlesh Katheria will contest the Etawah reserved seat, Bhailal Kol has been fielded on Robertsganj reserved seat, and Shabbir Balmiki from Bahraich. The Samajwadi Party is contesting the polls in alliance with BSP. According to the seat-sharing arrangement, Samajwadi Party will contest 37 seats while BSP will contest 38.

Lok Sabha: Samajwadi Party names 3 women candidates, Dimple Yadav to contest from Kannauj

Carrying Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's letter addressed to Delhi people on full statehood demand, one thousand teams of Aam Aadmi Party will launch the Lok Sabha campaign of the party across the city on Sunday.

In his letter to Delhiites, the AAP supremo has charged the Congress and BJP of betraying people on full statehood. He has urged them to vote for the AAP in Lok Sabha polls so that full statehood could be achieved.

"AAP's 1000 teams will take out morning processions and evening marches to tell people how their rights are being denied due to lack of full statehood," said Delhi AAP convener Gopal Rai.

Kejriwal's letter addressed to the people attached with a list of benefits of full statehood to Delhi will be distributed during the campaign, said Rai.

"Despite being the national capital, why is Delhi not clean? Why are Delhi's women not safe? Even after securing 90% marks, why are students unable to get admission in Delhi colleges? Why is the youth unemployed? Why are many colonies still unauthorised? Why are thriving markets being sealed?," Kejriwal asks people in his letter.

"There is only one reason - Delhi is not a full state,"&nbsp;he replies in the letter.

"Before starting any work, the Delhi government has to take prior approval from the central government. And the central government creates barriers and hurdles in our work," he charges.

Many agencies dealing with everyday problems of the citizen like MCD, Delhi Police are under the direct control of the central government. The citizen of Delhi have no say in these matters, he claims in his letter.

"There's only one solution to these problems - just like every other state, Delhi should also get full statehood. All agencies serving the city should come under the Delhi government. "

The letter also promises that once Delhi becomes a full state, the dreams and aspirations of the citizen of Delhi will be fulfilled.&nbsp;

"Women will be safe and secure as law and order will improve. Our youth will get jobs. Students securing 60% and above will also get admission in Delhi colleges. Sealing will come to an end. Each citizen will have their own house in Delhi. Delhi will become clean and beautiful. Delhi will grow and develop at a faster pace," the letter said.

Both the BJP and Congress promised that Delhi will become a full state. Before becoming Prime Minister, Modi had also promised to give full statehood to Delhi, it says.

"Last time, you voted to elect the Prime Minister of the country. But this time, vote for full statehood of Delhi. Destiny and God give us only one chance. This time let's make it count. This time vote for Aam Aadmi Party so that Delhi gets a full statehood," Kejriwal signed off his letter.&nbsp;

Carrying Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's letter addressed to Delhi people on full statehood demand, one thousand teams of Aam Aadmi Party will launch the Lok Sabha campaign of the party across the city on Sunday.

Carrying Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's letter addressed to Delhi people on full statehood demand, one thousand teams of Aam Aadmi Party will launch the Lok Sabha campaign of the party across the city on Sunday. In his letter to Delhiites, the AAP supremo has charged the Congress and BJP of betraying people on full statehood. He has urged them to vote for the AAP in Lok Sabha polls so that full statehood could be achieved. "AAP's 1000 teams will take out morning processions and evening marches to tell people how their rights are being denied due to lack of full statehood," said Delhi AAP convener Gopal Rai. Kejriwal's letter addressed to the people attached with a list of benefits of full statehood to Delhi will be distributed during the campaign, said Rai. "Despite being the national capital, why is Delhi not clean? Why are Delhi's women not safe? Even after securing 90% marks, why are students unable to get admission in Delhi colleges? Why is the youth unemployed? Why are many colonies still unauthorised? Why are thriving markets being sealed?," Kejriwal asks people in his letter. "There is only one reason - Delhi is not a full state," he replies in the letter. "Before starting any work, the Delhi government has to take prior approval from the central government. And the central government creates barriers and hurdles in our work," he charges. Many agencies dealing with everyday problems of the citizen like MCD, Delhi Police are under the direct control of the central government. The citizen of Delhi have no say in these matters, he claims in his letter. "There's only one solution to these problems - just like every other state, Delhi should also get full statehood. All agencies serving the city should come under the Delhi government. " The letter also promises that once Delhi becomes a full state, the dreams and aspirations of the citizen of Delhi will be fulfilled. "Women will be safe and secure as law and order will improve. Our youth will get jobs. Students securing 60% and above will also get admission in Delhi colleges. Sealing will come to an end. Each citizen will have their own house in Delhi. Delhi will become clean and beautiful. Delhi will grow and develop at a faster pace," the letter said. Both the BJP and Congress promised that Delhi will become a full state. Before becoming Prime Minister, Modi had also promised to give full statehood to Delhi, it says. "Last time, you voted to elect the Prime Minister of the country. But this time, vote for full statehood of Delhi. Destiny and God give us only one chance. This time let's make it count. This time vote for Aam Aadmi Party so that Delhi gets a full statehood," Kejriwal signed off his letter.

Vote for AAP in Lok Sabha polls for Delhi's full statehood: Kejriwal

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will share the stage with Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Sunday at NDA's Sankalp rally in Patna. The rally will sound the bugle for NDA's Lok Sabha election campaign.&nbsp;

The rally will be a witness to thousands thronging Patna's Gandhi Maidan. PM Modi will be sharing the state Kumar after 9 years since they last conducted a joint rally in Bihar in 2005. &nbsp;

The Sankalp rally will be aimed at taking a resolve to make a new and secure India under the leadership of PM Modi, BJP General Secretary Bhupendra Yadav said Saturday.

The ruling coalition's Sankalp rally at Gandhi Maidan will be also addressed by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and Union minister Ramvilas Paswan, news agency PTI reported.&nbsp;

"Tomorrows NDAs Sankalp rally is being organized to take a resolve to make a new, strong, prosperous, safe and secured India We are proud of Indian Air Force Wing Commander Abhinandan who returned to India yesterday (from Pakistan). We thank the government and the Prime Minister Narendra Modi for this," Yadav, a Rajya Sabha member, told reporters on Saturday.

Workers and leaders of all the three NDA constituents- BJP, JD(U) and LJP- have been working hard to make the rally a grand success, Yadav said.

(With inputs from PTI)

 
&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will share the stage with Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Sunday at NDA's Sankalp rally in Patna. The rally will sound the bugle for NDA's Lok Sabha election campaign.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will share the stage with Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Sunday at NDA's Sankalp rally in Patna. The rally will sound the bugle for NDA's Lok Sabha election campaign. The rally will be a witness to thousands thronging Patna's Gandhi Maidan. PM Modi will be sharing the state Kumar after 9 years since they last conducted a joint rally in Bihar in 2005. The Sankalp rally will be aimed at taking a resolve to make a new and secure India under the leadership of PM Modi, BJP General Secretary Bhupendra Yadav said Saturday. The ruling coalition's Sankalp rally at Gandhi Maidan will be also addressed by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and Union minister Ramvilas Paswan, news agency PTI reported. "Tomorrows NDAs Sankalp rally is being organized to take a resolve to make a new, strong, prosperous, safe and secured India We are proud of Indian Air Force Wing Commander Abhinandan who returned to India yesterday (from Pakistan). We thank the government and the Prime Minister Narendra Modi for this," Yadav, a Rajya Sabha member, told reporters on Saturday. Workers and leaders of all the three NDA constituents- BJP, JD(U) and LJP- have been working hard to make the rally a grand success, Yadav said. (With inputs from PTI)

Bihar: PM Modi, Nitish Kumar to share stage after 9 years at NDA's Sankalp rally today 

The Bihar unit of CPI on Saturday told Mahagathbandhan leaders that it will not accept anything less than three-four Lok Sabha seats under the seat-sharing formula for the upcoming general elections in the state.

It also stressed that the seat distribution process should be worked out within a week.

CPIs Bihar unit secretary, Satya Narain Singh said categorically that the party will fight Begusarai seat, irrespective of whether or not it forms part of the mahagathbandhan comprising RJD, Congress, RLSP, HAM(S), Mukesh Sahni Vikassheel Insan Party (VIP).

Bihar has a total 40 Lok Sabha seats.

Singh said that the party has already taken a decision to field Kanhaiya Kumar,the former Jawaharlal Nehru University Students Union president, from the Begusarai Lok Sabha seat.

We are of the view that there should be alliance among left democratic secular forces in order to defeat the BJP which is trying its level best to harp on the peoples sentiments in the aftermath of Pulwama terror attack, Singh told reporters here at the party office.

We are of the firm view that if the alliance is sealed among left democratic secular forces in Bihar, we will defeat BJP convincingly. But for that, there should be alliance among these forces and the issue of seat-sharing must be decided at the earliest preferably within a week, he added.

The Bihar unit of CPI has identified six seats- Begusarai, Khagaria, Madhubani, Banka, Motihari and Gaya (SC)- which it wants to contest in the coming Lok Sabha polls, the party's state secretary said.

He, however, said that the party may decide to forego one or two seats in favour of greater alliance but we will not at all accept one Lok Sabha seat (Begusarai) which is being discussed in the media, as it is not honourable seat sharing arrangement.

Partys senior leader and Rajya Sabha member D Raja, who met RJD chief Lalu Prasad about a month ago in RIMS in Ranchi, made it clear to him (Prasad) that CPI will be contesting at least four Lok Sabha seats in Bihar, he said.

In the past, the party has won Begusarai seat nine times, Madhubani seven terms while Motihari on five occasions, he said adding that the party has not staked its claim on seats like Jehanabad and Patna which it has won seven and three times respectively in the past.

Interestingly, CPI(ML-Liberation), which also want to be the part of the mahagathbandhan, has also sought six Lok Sabha seats for itself while giving ample hint that it was not rigid on the numbers provided it is offered a respectful number of seats.

Stating that CPI held a very impress rally at Gandhi Maidan on October 25, 2018, he said that Congress party is demanding 11-15 seats despite its February 3, 2019 rally at Gandhi Maidan "which was not impressive one".

We had organized a bigger rally than the Congress at Gandhi Maidan. Our mass base is much more bigger and stronger than Congress in each and every Lok Sabha constituency but despite all these facts Congress is claiming 11-15 seats, Singh said.

The CPI leader said I can understand that they (RJD) may be giving Congress more seats due to several reasons, but our genuine demand should also be looked into.&nbsp;

The Bihar unit of CPI on Saturday told Mahagathbandhan leaders that it will not accept anything less than three-four Lok Sabha seats under the seat-sharing formula for the upcoming general elections in the state.

The Bihar unit of CPI on Saturday told Mahagathbandhan leaders that it will not accept anything less than three-four Lok Sabha seats under the seat-sharing formula for the upcoming general elections in the state. It also stressed that the seat distribution process should be worked out within a week. CPIs Bihar unit secretary, Satya Narain Singh said categorically that the party will fight Begusarai seat, irrespective of whether or not it forms part of the mahagathbandhan comprising RJD, Congress, RLSP, HAM(S), Mukesh Sahni Vikassheel Insan Party (VIP). Bihar has a total 40 Lok Sabha seats. Singh said that the party has already taken a decision to field Kanhaiya Kumar,the former Jawaharlal Nehru University Students Union president, from the Begusarai Lok Sabha seat. We are of the view that there should be alliance among left democratic secular forces in order to defeat the BJP which is trying its level best to harp on the peoples sentiments in the aftermath of Pulwama terror attack, Singh told reporters here at the party office. We are of the firm view that if the alliance is sealed among left democratic secular forces in Bihar, we will defeat BJP convincingly. But for that, there should be alliance among these forces and the issue of seat-sharing must be decided at the earliest preferably within a week, he added. The Bihar unit of CPI has identified six seats- Begusarai, Khagaria, Madhubani, Banka, Motihari and Gaya (SC)- which it wants to contest in the coming Lok Sabha polls, the party's state secretary said. He, however, said that the party may decide to forego one or two seats in favour of greater alliance but we will not at all accept one Lok Sabha seat (Begusarai) which is being discussed in the media, as it is not honourable seat sharing arrangement. Partys senior leader and Rajya Sabha member D Raja, who met RJD chief Lalu Prasad about a month ago in RIMS in Ranchi, made it clear to him (Prasad) that CPI will be contesting at least four Lok Sabha seats in Bihar, he said. In the past, the party has won Begusarai seat nine times, Madhubani seven terms while Motihari on five occasions, he said adding that the party has not staked its claim on seats like Jehanabad and Patna which it has won seven and three times respectively in the past. Interestingly, CPI(ML-Liberation), which also want to be the part of the mahagathbandhan, has also sought six Lok Sabha seats for itself while giving ample hint that it was not rigid on the numbers provided it is offered a respectful number of seats. Stating that CPI held a very impress rally at Gandhi Maidan on October 25, 2018, he said that Congress party is demanding 11-15 seats despite its February 3, 2019 rally at Gandhi Maidan "which was not impressive one". We had organized a bigger rally than the Congress at Gandhi Maidan. Our mass base is much more bigger and stronger than Congress in each and every Lok Sabha constituency but despite all these facts Congress is claiming 11-15 seats, Singh said. The CPI leader said I can understand that they (RJD) may be giving Congress more seats due to several reasons, but our genuine demand should also be looked into.

Lok Sabha 2019: CPI won't accept anything less than 3-4 seats in 'grand alliance' in Bihar says State general secretary

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Friday said the 2019 Lok Sabha election was about offering strength against vulnerability, asserting the BJP-led NDA would provide stability.

Hitting out at the opposition and dynastic politics, Modi said "My only family is 130 crore Indians. I will live for them. I will die for them," he said.

After launching some projects in the Rail and Road sectors here, Modi also took a dig at Congress leader P Chidambaram, saying the 'recounting minister' has to now apply for bail just like the party's 'first family', apparently referring to the Aircel-Maxis deal.

"The 2019 Lok Sabha elections have two distinct sides. Our side offers strength and stability.

The other offers weakness and vulnerability. Our leaders' work culture is known across India. But the other side is in confusion. They have no name to offer as a national leader and have no vision for India's growth," he said.

Modi has been describing the proposed opposition coalition or 'mahagathbandhan' as 'mahamilavat,' (adulterated).

Recalling the 2009 polls, Modi took a dig at the DMK-Congress coalition, saying ministers were handpicked not by the prime minister but by those who had nothing to do with public service.

"There was telephone bargaining for minister's posts," he said.

He said the NDA government took "historic" steps against corruption under which fake companies have been shut.

"The corrupt has to answer. The famous recounting minister, who took pride in treating badly, insulting the middle class, has to apply for bail just like his party's first family", he said.

Modi has on more than one occasion described Chidambaram as UPA's 'recounting minister'.

Chidambaram, now a Rajya Sabha MP, won the 2009 Lok Sabha election from Sivaganga constituency in Tamil Nadu by a slender margin of 3,354 votes after a seesaw battle.

Confusion had prevailed then as election officials delayed the declaration of the result due to a dispute in the counting of votes in respect of the final round.

Chidambaram, then Home Minister, was declared elected later after the votes were tallied again vis-a-vis the final round.

Modi had made the same "recounting minister" remark during his 2014 Lok Sabha poll campaign and repeated the charge earlier this month at a public rally in Tirpur in the state.

The prime minister said while the NDA government came down heavily on corruption, it was also rewarding the honest tax payers.

"During the budget, exactly a month ago, it was announced that those earning upto Rs five lakh (per annum) will not pay income tax. Those who ruled India for such long years, did not think about middle class," he said.

Hitting out at the Congress, Modi said it was promoting an economic culture which benefited only the friends and family members of 'a big dynasty.' 
"If there was someone who spoke out about the economic culture of Congress, it was son of Tamil Nadu C Rajagopalachari.

We are fulfilling the dreams of Rajaji by creating an economy that is reform oriented and people friendly," Modi said.

He also accused the opposition of not having any commitment to social justice and alleged atrocities against Dalits happened during the Congress rule.

"Congress got Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar defeated not once but twice. The Congress did not give Bharat Ratna to Ambedkar for 40 years and it did not put Ambedkar's photograph in central hall of Parliament," Modi said.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Friday said the 2019 Lok Sabha election was about offering strength against vulnerability, asserting the BJP-led NDA would provide stability.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Friday said the 2019 Lok Sabha election was about offering strength against vulnerability, asserting the BJP-led NDA would provide stability. Hitting out at the opposition and dynastic politics, Modi said "My only family is 130 crore Indians. I will live for them. I will die for them," he said. After launching some projects in the Rail and Road sectors here, Modi also took a dig at Congress leader P Chidambaram, saying the 'recounting minister' has to now apply for bail just like the party's 'first family', apparently referring to the Aircel-Maxis deal. "The 2019 Lok Sabha elections have two distinct sides. Our side offers strength and stability. The other offers weakness and vulnerability. Our leaders' work culture is known across India. But the other side is in confusion. They have no name to offer as a national leader and have no vision for India's growth," he said. Modi has been describing the proposed opposition coalition or 'mahagathbandhan' as 'mahamilavat,' (adulterated). Recalling the 2009 polls, Modi took a dig at the DMK-Congress coalition, saying ministers were handpicked not by the prime minister but by those who had nothing to do with public service. "There was telephone bargaining for minister's posts," he said. He said the NDA government took "historic" steps against corruption under which fake companies have been shut. "The corrupt has to answer. The famous recounting minister, who took pride in treating badly, insulting the middle class, has to apply for bail just like his party's first family", he said. Modi has on more than one occasion described Chidambaram as UPA's 'recounting minister'. Chidambaram, now a Rajya Sabha MP, won the 2009 Lok Sabha election from Sivaganga constituency in Tamil Nadu by a slender margin of 3,354 votes after a seesaw battle. Confusion had prevailed then as election officials delayed the declaration of the result due to a dispute in the counting of votes in respect of the final round. Chidambaram, then Home Minister, was declared elected later after the votes were tallied again vis-a-vis the final round. Modi had made the same "recounting minister" remark during his 2014 Lok Sabha poll campaign and repeated the charge earlier this month at a public rally in Tirpur in the state. The prime minister said while the NDA government came down heavily on corruption, it was also rewarding the honest tax payers. "During the budget, exactly a month ago, it was announced that those earning upto Rs five lakh (per annum) will not pay income tax. Those who ruled India for such long years, did not think about middle class," he said. Hitting out at the Congress, Modi said it was promoting an economic culture which benefited only the friends and family members of 'a big dynasty.' "If there was someone who spoke out about the economic culture of Congress, it was son of Tamil Nadu C Rajagopalachari. We are fulfilling the dreams of Rajaji by creating an economy that is reform oriented and people friendly," Modi said. He also accused the opposition of not having any commitment to social justice and alleged atrocities against Dalits happened during the Congress rule. "Congress got Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar defeated not once but twice. The Congress did not give Bharat Ratna to Ambedkar for 40 years and it did not put Ambedkar's photograph in central hall of Parliament," Modi said.

Lok Sabha polls is all about stability versus vulnerability: PM Modi

Scores of posters were spotted in Uttar Pradesh's Moradabad saying businessman Robert Vadra is "welcome" to contest upcoming Lok Sabha polls from the constituency. The posters were put up by Moradabad Youth Congress.&nbsp;

Robert Vadra is married to AICC general secretary in charge of eastern Uttar Pradesh, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Vadra on Sunday said he may play "a larger role in serving the people" after the ongoing cases against him are over, sparking speculation that he could join politics.&nbsp;

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In a Facebook post on Sunday, Vadra wrote about years and months he spent campaigning and working in different parts of the country, mainly in Uttar Pradesh, and claimed that it gave him a feeling to do more for the people.

"All these years of experience and learning cannot be just wasted and should be put to better use... Once all these accusations and allegations are over, I feel I should dedicate a larger role in serving the people," Vadra noted.&nbsp;

Congress party, however, played down the suggestion that Vadra wanted to join politics, saying he has long been associated with NGOs and worked for the society and that it is everyone's duty to use their qualities to serve the people, news agency PTI reported.&nbsp;

"Will he need Modi ji (Prime Minister Narendra Modi) permission to do work related to people?" Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera said at a press conference when asked about Vadra's "hint" that he may join politics.&nbsp;

(With inputs from PTI)&nbsp;

Scores of posters were spotted in Uttar Pradesh's Moradabad saying businessman Robert Vadra is "welcome" to contest upcoming Lok Sabha polls from the constituency.

Scores of posters were spotted in Uttar Pradesh's Moradabad saying businessman Robert Vadra is "welcome" to contest upcoming Lok Sabha polls from the constituency. The posters were put up by Moradabad Youth Congress. Robert Vadra is married to AICC general secretary in charge of eastern Uttar Pradesh, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra. Meanwhile, Vadra on Sunday said he may play "a larger role in serving the people" after the ongoing cases against him are over, sparking speculation that he could join politics. Posters saying 'Robert Vadra ji you are welcome to contest elections from Moradabad Lok Sabha constituency' seen in Moradabad. pic.twitter.com/cK1feeRIfN — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) February 25, 2019 × In a Facebook post on Sunday, Vadra wrote about years and months he spent campaigning and working in different parts of the country, mainly in Uttar Pradesh, and claimed that it gave him a feeling to do more for the people. "All these years of experience and learning cannot be just wasted and should be put to better use... Once all these accusations and allegations are over, I feel I should dedicate a larger role in serving the people," Vadra noted. Congress party, however, played down the suggestion that Vadra wanted to join politics, saying he has long been associated with NGOs and worked for the society and that it is everyone's duty to use their qualities to serve the people, news agency PTI reported. "Will he need Modi ji (Prime Minister Narendra Modi) permission to do work related to people?" Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera said at a press conference when asked about Vadra's "hint" that he may join politics. (With inputs from PTI)

Uttar Pradesh: Posters in Moradabad read Robert Vadra is 'welcome' to contest Lok Sabha polls 

Ahead of the crucial Lok Sabha elections, Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has said that the country would face a setback of 50 years if Prime Minister Narendra Modi does not return to power.

"If we are laid back and if you lose the momentum for having a strong good majority government, we will be facing a setback of 50 years at least," Sitharaman said while speaking at an informal interaction organised by Thinkers Forum in Bengaluru on Sunday.

Sitharaman added that India would be disfavouring first-time voters if the BJP's work is not recognised.

"And for those of us who were born in the 20th century, we will be doing a disservice to those who will be voting for the first time. Are we going to do disfavour for the youth of this country by bringing back forces that have absolutely no delectation to this country and dedication to clean politics and dedication to putting the nation before themselves?" she asked.

Lauding Prime Minister Modi, the Defence Minister said, "In the history of any nation, it's not very often that you get a leadership like what you have got know."

She claimed that there was not even a whisper of corruption from 2014-2019.

"Last five years have been intense working. You see the Prime Minister without a day's break working and all of us from our ministries being pulled up and inspired. One very obvious and noteworthy difference between the previous and current government is that there was not a whisper of corruption under Modi ji's tenure. So that's why the Congress president (Rahul Gandhi) probably feels the need to point out or pick issues," she said.

Stating that the 2019 Lok Sabha elections were essential for India, she said, "2019 elections to the Lok Sabha is certainly not just any other election. And in this election, we really cannot take it lightly. We each will have to be a campaigner. We have to do 10 times more than what we have done in 2013-14. The BJP will fight an election. Particularly, under the leadership of Modi ji, we will definitely give a very good fight and win."

Sitharaman also said that the opposition's allegations were not based on facts and they could stoop to any level to levy allegations on the BJP government.

"All facts checked, it is true that between 2014 and today vis-a-vis 2004 and 2013, except for Kashmir, has there been any terrorist/minor bomb attack anywhere else in the country? Let's talk on facts. Opposition allegations are not based on facts and they could stoop to any level to make allegations."

"There could have been truth in the allegations that India would run out of ammunition if there was a continuous war for 10 days. But in the last five years, things have changed. The problems of the defence sector were so severe that the forces did not have bulletproof jackets, ammunition for tankers and technology upgradation for the Air Force. For the first two years, Mr Manohar Parrikar spent time understanding the problems of the forces. Next, Mr Arun Jaitley prepared a report on that. After I took over, I could take it forward, as the report was ready."

Responding to a question on the dastardly Pulwama terror attack, Sitharaman said that the anger, disappointment and the emotions of the people to strike back are well absorbed by the government and the Prime Minister.

"Pakistan is the fountainhead of terrorism not just against India but many parts of the globe. Pakistan feels very much under stress since it had been economically isolated by the world community. More can be done on this front," she said.

Attacking Congress President Rahul Gandhi over the Rafale deal, Sitharaman said that during 10 years of UPA rule, not even a single aircraft was added to the Air Force, and added that during Prime Minister Modi's tenure, a due process was followed and all the details were given to the Supreme Court and Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) regarding the Rafale deal. "September 19 your first Rafale is coming into this country," said Sitharaman.&nbsp;

Ahead of the crucial Lok Sabha elections, Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has said that the country would face a setback of 50 years if Prime Minister Narendra Modi does not return to power.

Ahead of the crucial Lok Sabha elections, Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has said that the country would face a setback of 50 years if Prime Minister Narendra Modi does not return to power. "If we are laid back and if you lose the momentum for having a strong good majority government, we will be facing a setback of 50 years at least," Sitharaman said while speaking at an informal interaction organised by Thinkers Forum in Bengaluru on Sunday. Sitharaman added that India would be disfavouring first-time voters if the BJP's work is not recognised. "And for those of us who were born in the 20th century, we will be doing a disservice to those who will be voting for the first time. Are we going to do disfavour for the youth of this country by bringing back forces that have absolutely no delectation to this country and dedication to clean politics and dedication to putting the nation before themselves?" she asked. Lauding Prime Minister Modi, the Defence Minister said, "In the history of any nation, it's not very often that you get a leadership like what you have got know." She claimed that there was not even a whisper of corruption from 2014-2019. "Last five years have been intense working. You see the Prime Minister without a day's break working and all of us from our ministries being pulled up and inspired. One very obvious and noteworthy difference between the previous and current government is that there was not a whisper of corruption under Modi ji's tenure. So that's why the Congress president (Rahul Gandhi) probably feels the need to point out or pick issues," she said. Stating that the 2019 Lok Sabha elections were essential for India, she said, "2019 elections to the Lok Sabha is certainly not just any other election. And in this election, we really cannot take it lightly. We each will have to be a campaigner. We have to do 10 times more than what we have done in 2013-14. The BJP will fight an election. Particularly, under the leadership of Modi ji, we will definitely give a very good fight and win." Sitharaman also said that the opposition's allegations were not based on facts and they could stoop to any level to levy allegations on the BJP government. "All facts checked, it is true that between 2014 and today vis-a-vis 2004 and 2013, except for Kashmir, has there been any terrorist/minor bomb attack anywhere else in the country? Let's talk on facts. Opposition allegations are not based on facts and they could stoop to any level to make allegations." "There could have been truth in the allegations that India would run out of ammunition if there was a continuous war for 10 days. But in the last five years, things have changed. The problems of the defence sector were so severe that the forces did not have bulletproof jackets, ammunition for tankers and technology upgradation for the Air Force. For the first two years, Mr Manohar Parrikar spent time understanding the problems of the forces. Next, Mr Arun Jaitley prepared a report on that. After I took over, I could take it forward, as the report was ready." Responding to a question on the dastardly Pulwama terror attack, Sitharaman said that the anger, disappointment and the emotions of the people to strike back are well absorbed by the government and the Prime Minister. "Pakistan is the fountainhead of terrorism not just against India but many parts of the globe. Pakistan feels very much under stress since it had been economically isolated by the world community. More can be done on this front," she said. Attacking Congress President Rahul Gandhi over the Rafale deal, Sitharaman said that during 10 years of UPA rule, not even a single aircraft was added to the Air Force, and added that during Prime Minister Modi's tenure, a due process was followed and all the details were given to the Supreme Court and Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) regarding the Rafale deal. "September 19 your first Rafale is coming into this country," said Sitharaman.

Country will face setback of 50 years if Modi not voted to power: Sitharaman

After Bharatiya Janata Party confirmed its alliance with the Shiv Sena in Maharashtra, AIADMK in Tamil Nadu and the BJP on Tuesday sealed an alliance for the coming Lok Sabha elections.

The BJP is allocated five of the 40 seats in the state.

The announcement was made by AIADMK coordinator and deputy chief minister O Panneerselvam and Union Minister and senior BJP leader Piyush Goyal, party election in-charge for Tamil Nadu, who described it as a "mega alliance".

"Under the AIADMK-led alliance for the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, BJP gets five Lok Sabha seats," said&nbsp;Panneerselvam.

He said as per the pact, the BJP would support AIADMK candidates in the coming Assembly by-elections in 21 constituencies.

This came after the second and final round of discussions held here by the two parties that also involved Chief Minister K Palaniswami.

Earlier in the day, the AIADMK clinched a deal with the PMK, offering the Vanniyar-based party seven out of 40 seats, including one in the neighbouring union territory of Puducherry.

In the 235-member Assembly, the AIADMK has 115 members followed by the DMK with 88, Congress eight, one of the IUML, one independent, the speaker and 20 vacant seats (18 disqualified and two dead). Besides, there is a nominated member.

(With inputs from agencies)

After Bharatiya Janata Party confirmed its alliance with the Shiv Sena in Maharashtra, AIADMK in Tamil Nadu and the BJP on Tuesday sealed an alliance for the coming Lok Sabha elections.

After Bharatiya Janata Party confirmed its alliance with the Shiv Sena in Maharashtra, AIADMK in Tamil Nadu and the BJP on Tuesday sealed an alliance for the coming Lok Sabha elections. The BJP is allocated five of the 40 seats in the state. The announcement was made by AIADMK coordinator and deputy chief minister O Panneerselvam and Union Minister and senior BJP leader Piyush Goyal, party election in-charge for Tamil Nadu, who described it as a "mega alliance". "Under the AIADMK-led alliance for the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, BJP gets five Lok Sabha seats," said Panneerselvam. He said as per the pact, the BJP would support AIADMK candidates in the coming Assembly by-elections in 21 constituencies. This came after the second and final round of discussions held here by the two parties that also involved Chief Minister K Palaniswami. Earlier in the day, the AIADMK clinched a deal with the PMK, offering the Vanniyar-based party seven out of 40 seats, including one in the neighbouring union territory of Puducherry. In the 235-member Assembly, the AIADMK has 115 members followed by the DMK with 88, Congress eight, one of the IUML, one independent, the speaker and 20 vacant seats (18 disqualified and two dead). Besides, there is a nominated member. (With inputs from agencies)

Lok Sabha polls 2019: AIADMK partners with BJP in Tamil Nadu

BJP president Amit Shah on Sunday said, his party will include Citizenship Amendment Bill in its 2019 general elections' manifesto.

The Citizenship Amendment Bill provides Indian citizenship to non-Muslims from Bangladesh, Pakistan and Afghanistan.

Addressing a public gathering at Assam BJP State office in Guwahati, Shah said, "Assam cannot prosper without Citizenship Amendment Bill (CAB). We passed it in the Lok Sabha but the Centre failed to table it in the Rajya Sabha. The CAB will be added in our manifesto of the Lok Sabha elections and we are committed to take the Bill to the far reaches of Assam."

The BJP chief further took a dig at Congress president Rahul Gandhi and said, "The BJP is a not regional party, it's a party based on ideology, spreading its wings from Kamrup to Kutch and Kashmir to Kanyakumari. The party follows the Constitution and maintains democracy. There are parties which gradually became parties of families. And even if the son (Rahul Gandhi) of the party leader is brainless, he has to join politics and become a president of that party. Now, he even wants to become the Prime Minister."

"Parties without internal democracy cannot strengthen democracy of the nation. Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira Gandhi, Sanjay Gandhi, Rajiv Gandhi, Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, the future name in this row is still left," Shah added.

Comparing the BJP with the Congress party, Shah asserted, "Internal democracy is quite strong in the BJP because elections are held periodically for all internal positions. The BJP is not the party of any family, it’s a party of karyakartas."

"The Northeast contribution was 20 per cent after independence but it came to 2.3 under the rule of Congress. It was Prime Minister Narendra Modi under whose leadership, Northeast was given special credit and all the sectors starting from roads, railways and education sector, the state witnessed immense development. We brought Ayushman Bharat scheme, provided free electricity, gas connections and toilets to crores of people across the country. Most importantly, we provided security and peace to the Northeast region."

"Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, people in Northeast are living in peace without fear of any bomb blast or terror attack," he added.

Praising the efforts of BJP Karyakartas in Northeast, Shah said, "BJP karyakartas are working day and night to see more development in Assam. We brought NRC (National Register of Citizens) and soon we have also formed a committee for Schedule 6, which will be implemented by the next Modi government."

Earlier in the day, Shah also addressed a public rally at Lakhimpur in Assam, where he said, “We will not allow Assam to become another Kashmir. That is why we have brought NRC. We will deport each and every infiltrator with the help of NRC. We are committed to that.”

BJP president Amit Shah on Sunday said, his party will include Citizenship Amendment Bill in its 2019 general elections' manifesto. The Citizenship Amendment Bill provides Indian citizenship to non-Muslims from Bangladesh, Pakistan and Afghanistan.

BJP president Amit Shah on Sunday said, his party will include Citizenship Amendment Bill in its 2019 general elections' manifesto. The Citizenship Amendment Bill provides Indian citizenship to non-Muslims from Bangladesh, Pakistan and Afghanistan. Addressing a public gathering at Assam BJP State office in Guwahati, Shah said, "Assam cannot prosper without Citizenship Amendment Bill (CAB). We passed it in the Lok Sabha but the Centre failed to table it in the Rajya Sabha. The CAB will be added in our manifesto of the Lok Sabha elections and we are committed to take the Bill to the far reaches of Assam." The BJP chief further took a dig at Congress president Rahul Gandhi and said, "The BJP is a not regional party, it's a party based on ideology, spreading its wings from Kamrup to Kutch and Kashmir to Kanyakumari. The party follows the Constitution and maintains democracy. There are parties which gradually became parties of families. And even if the son (Rahul Gandhi) of the party leader is brainless, he has to join politics and become a president of that party. Now, he even wants to become the Prime Minister." "Parties without internal democracy cannot strengthen democracy of the nation. Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira Gandhi, Sanjay Gandhi, Rajiv Gandhi, Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, the future name in this row is still left," Shah added. Comparing the BJP with the Congress party, Shah asserted, "Internal democracy is quite strong in the BJP because elections are held periodically for all internal positions. The BJP is not the party of any family, it’s a party of karyakartas." "The Northeast contribution was 20 per cent after independence but it came to 2.3 under the rule of Congress. It was Prime Minister Narendra Modi under whose leadership, Northeast was given special credit and all the sectors starting from roads, railways and education sector, the state witnessed immense development. We brought Ayushman Bharat scheme, provided free electricity, gas connections and toilets to crores of people across the country. Most importantly, we provided security and peace to the Northeast region." "Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, people in Northeast are living in peace without fear of any bomb blast or terror attack," he added. Praising the efforts of BJP Karyakartas in Northeast, Shah said, "BJP karyakartas are working day and night to see more development in Assam. We brought NRC (National Register of Citizens) and soon we have also formed a committee for Schedule 6, which will be implemented by the next Modi government." Earlier in the day, Shah also addressed a public rally at Lakhimpur in Assam, where he said, “We will not allow Assam to become another Kashmir. That is why we have brought NRC. We will deport each and every infiltrator with the help of NRC. We are committed to that.”

BJP will include Citizenship Amendment Bill in its 2019 poll manifesto: Amit Shah

Speaking in the Lok Sabha on the last day of parliament before the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that the country's confidence is at an all-time high.&nbsp;

"I think this is a very good sign because such confidence gives a&nbsp;boost to development," Modi said on Wednesday.&nbsp;

He went on to tell his fellow parliamentarians that we "will be proud of this sixteenth Lok Sabha, as it saw the highest number of women members (44) elected to the house."&nbsp;

Modi added that this Lok Sabha also "passed laws to fight the menace of black money and corruption" and the GST bill.

On the other hand, he said, this Lok Sabha "has also put an end to over 1,400 laws, it had become a jungle-like situation with too many laws. This is a good beginning but more work needs to be done... <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/i-want-you-to-become-pm-again-mulayam-singh-yadav-to-narendra-modi-197166">for which Mulayam Singh Yadav has given me his blessing</a>".&nbsp;

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PM Narendra Modi in Lok Sabha: 3 dashak ke baad ek purn bahumat wali sarkaar bani aur azaadi ke baad pehli baar Congress gotra ki nahi hai aisi sarkaar bani hai. Congress gotra nahi aisi milijuli pehli sarkaar Atal ji ki thi aur aisi purn bahumat wali sarkaar 2014 mein bani <a href="https://t.co/Nh0Ss62fZY">pic.twitter.com/Nh0Ss62fZY</a>
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On the last day of parliament, Modi referred back to when he had first entered the house, saying he had learnt so much in parliament. "Pehli baar mujhe pata chala ki gale milne aur gale padne mein kya antar hai (For the first time I understood that there is a difference between hugging someone and going for his throat.")

And he once again lashed out at his favourite target of attack — Congress president Rahul Gandhi.&nbsp;

He harked back to when Rahul had said he would make such a big announcement that there would be an earthquake. None came, Modi said on Wednesday.&nbsp;

He also referred to when Congress MPs had flown paper planes in parliament to protest against the Rafale deal. The dignity of democracy is so high, Modi said Wednesday, that no plane could touch it.&nbsp;

And of course he brought up Rahul's wink in parliament.

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PM Modi: Mein pehli baar yahan aya, bahut si cheezein jaanne ko mili. Pehli baar mujhe pata chala ki gale milne aur gale padne mein kya antar hai. Pehli baar dekh raha hun ki sadan mein aankhon se gustakhiyaan hoti hain. <a href="https://t.co/tuSHdq5bHn">pic.twitter.com/tuSHdq5bHn</a>
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"Pehli baar dekh raha hun ki sadan mein aankhon se gustakhiyaan hoti hain," Modi said.&nbsp;

Speaking in the Lok Sabha on the last day of parliament before the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that the country's confidence is at an all-time high.

Speaking in the Lok Sabha on the last day of parliament before the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that the country's confidence is at an all-time high. "I think this is a very good sign because such confidence gives a boost to development," Modi said on Wednesday. He went on to tell his fellow parliamentarians that we "will be proud of this sixteenth Lok Sabha, as it saw the highest number of women members (44) elected to the house." Modi added that this Lok Sabha also "passed laws to fight the menace of black money and corruption" and the GST bill. On the other hand, he said, this Lok Sabha "has also put an end to over 1,400 laws, it had become a jungle-like situation with too many laws. This is a good beginning but more work needs to be done... for which Mulayam Singh Yadav has given me his blessing". PM Narendra Modi in Lok Sabha: 3 dashak ke baad ek purn bahumat wali sarkaar bani aur azaadi ke baad pehli baar Congress gotra ki nahi hai aisi sarkaar bani hai. Congress gotra nahi aisi milijuli pehli sarkaar Atal ji ki thi aur aisi purn bahumat wali sarkaar 2014 mein bani pic.twitter.com/Nh0Ss62fZY — ANI (@ANI) February 13, 2019 × On the last day of parliament, Modi referred back to when he had first entered the house, saying he had learnt so much in parliament. "Pehli baar mujhe pata chala ki gale milne aur gale padne mein kya antar hai (For the first time I understood that there is a difference between hugging someone and going for his throat.") And he once again lashed out at his favourite target of attack — Congress president Rahul Gandhi. He harked back to when Rahul had said he would make such a big announcement that there would be an earthquake. None came, Modi said on Wednesday. He also referred to when Congress MPs had flown paper planes in parliament to protest against the Rafale deal. The dignity of democracy is so high, Modi said Wednesday, that no plane could touch it. And of course he brought up Rahul's wink in parliament. PM Modi: Mein pehli baar yahan aya, bahut si cheezein jaanne ko mili. Pehli baar mujhe pata chala ki gale milne aur gale padne mein kya antar hai. Pehli baar dekh raha hun ki sadan mein aankhon se gustakhiyaan hoti hain. pic.twitter.com/tuSHdq5bHn — ANI (@ANI) February 13, 2019 × "Pehli baar dekh raha hun ki sadan mein aankhon se gustakhiyaan hoti hain," Modi said.

Country's confidence at all-time high, Modi says on last day of parliament before elections

The CPI(M)-led Left Front in West Bengal will organise a rally in Kolkata on Sunday to give a call to oust Trinamool Congress in the state and the BJP at the Centre.

The rally of the Left Front at Brigade Parade grounds on February 3 comes 15 days after Mamata Banerjee headed TMC's had organised <a href="http://www.wionews.com/photos/west-bengal-cm-mamata-banerjees-grand-opposition-rally-who-said-what-191441#farooq-abdullah-national-conference-leader-191420">mega opposition parties rally </a>at the same venue on January 19 last.

Though there were more than two dozen leaders of 22 opposition parties, the Left parties had kept a distance from the TMC rally.

"We will give the call to oust TMC in Bengal and the BJP at the Centre. The people of this country are fed up with the Modi government, they want a change," CPI(M) state secretary Surya Kanta Mishra said.

The CPI(M)-led front is pulling all stops to ensure that the February 3 rally turns out to be a massive success. The event is also seen as an attempt by the Left to regain its lost ground in West Bengal.

The Left Front comprises of 10 parties including CPI(M), RSP, CPI and Forward Bloc.

Once a formidable force in West Bengal, the Left Front which lost to the TMC in 2011, ending a 34-year regime in the state, is now fighting hard to make their presence felt in the state.

The Left in last several elections has witnessed a sharp decline in its vote share with BJP outsmarting it to become the main opposition in Bengal.

The role of Left parties in national politics largely depends on the number of seats it will win from Bengal.

In 2004, when CPI(M)-led Left front played a pivotal role in forming the UPA-I government by winning 35 Lok Sabha seats from the state. Nationally, the front had won 62 seats.

In 2014, the CPI(M) had won just two seats in Bengal, while Left Front secured 11 seats.

From flags, posters, slogans and roadside meetings to social media messages on Twitter and Facebook, the party is making all efforts to reach out to the masses.

Apart from senior Left leaders, Kanhaiya Kumar, the former JNU students union president, will be one of the key speakers at the rally.

The CPI(M)-led Left Front in West Bengal will organise a rally in Kolkata on Sunday to give a call to oust Trinamool Congress in the state and the BJP at the Centre.

The CPI(M)-led Left Front in West Bengal will organise a rally in Kolkata on Sunday to give a call to oust Trinamool Congress in the state and the BJP at the Centre. The rally of the Left Front at Brigade Parade grounds on February 3 comes 15 days after Mamata Banerjee headed TMC's had organised mega opposition parties rally at the same venue on January 19 last. Though there were more than two dozen leaders of 22 opposition parties, the Left parties had kept a distance from the TMC rally. "We will give the call to oust TMC in Bengal and the BJP at the Centre. The people of this country are fed up with the Modi government, they want a change," CPI(M) state secretary Surya Kanta Mishra said. The CPI(M)-led front is pulling all stops to ensure that the February 3 rally turns out to be a massive success. The event is also seen as an attempt by the Left to regain its lost ground in West Bengal. The Left Front comprises of 10 parties including CPI(M), RSP, CPI and Forward Bloc. Once a formidable force in West Bengal, the Left Front which lost to the TMC in 2011, ending a 34-year regime in the state, is now fighting hard to make their presence felt in the state. The Left in last several elections has witnessed a sharp decline in its vote share with BJP outsmarting it to become the main opposition in Bengal. The role of Left parties in national politics largely depends on the number of seats it will win from Bengal. In 2004, when CPI(M)-led Left front played a pivotal role in forming the UPA-I government by winning 35 Lok Sabha seats from the state. Nationally, the front had won 62 seats. In 2014, the CPI(M) had won just two seats in Bengal, while Left Front secured 11 seats. From flags, posters, slogans and roadside meetings to social media messages on Twitter and Facebook, the party is making all efforts to reach out to the masses. Apart from senior Left leaders, Kanhaiya Kumar, the former JNU students union president, will be one of the key speakers at the rally.

West Bengal: Left to organise rally Sunday to show strength before Lok Sabha polls

The All India Trinamool Congress on Sunday announced that the party will fight upcoming Lok Sabha elections in 14 States including Odisha.

Addressing media persons in Bhubaneswar, TMC leader Derek O'Brien said, "We are ready to fight elections. The TMC will fight coming Lok Sabha polls in 14 states including Odisha. January 19 was a historic day as all anti-BJP parties united on that day. In 2019, the BJP will be finished."

While talking about West Bengal, the TMC leader said, "In West Bengal, we will fight on 42 Lok Sabha seats."

In December last year, while addressing an event in Mumbai the BJP president Amit Shah had said that the party was aiming to win 23 seats out of the 42 in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections in West Bengal.

In the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, the BJP had won only two seats--Asansol and Darjeeling--in the state.

The All India Trinamool Congress on Sunday announced that the party will fight upcoming Lok Sabha elections in 14 States including Odisha. Addressing media persons in Bhubaneswar, TMC leader Derek O'Brien said, "We are ready to fight elections.

The All India Trinamool Congress on Sunday announced that the party will fight upcoming Lok Sabha elections in 14 States including Odisha. Addressing media persons in Bhubaneswar, TMC leader Derek O'Brien said, "We are ready to fight elections. The TMC will fight coming Lok Sabha polls in 14 states including Odisha. January 19 was a historic day as all anti-BJP parties united on that day. In 2019, the BJP will be finished." While talking about West Bengal, the TMC leader said, "In West Bengal, we will fight on 42 Lok Sabha seats." In December last year, while addressing an event in Mumbai the BJP president Amit Shah had said that the party was aiming to win 23 seats out of the 42 in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections in West Bengal. In the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, the BJP had won only two seats--Asansol and Darjeeling--in the state.

Trinamool Congress to fight Lok Sabha polls in 14 states

The Congress on Wednesday appointed Priyanka Gandhi Vadra general secretary for Uttar Pradesh (East). Besides this, Jyotiraditya Scindia has been appointed party general secretary for Uttar Pradesh (West).&nbsp;

KC Venugopal will take over as Congress general secretary (Organisation).

"The party appreciates the contribution of Shri Ashok Gehlot as AICC General Secretary (Organisation)," the letter, signed by Rajasthan chief minister and incumbent party general secretary Ashok Gehlot read.&nbsp;

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra will take charge with effect in the first week of February.&nbsp;

Leader of the Opposition in Rajya Sabha Ghulam Nabi Azad&nbsp;has been appointed Congress general secretary for Haryana with immediate effect.&nbsp;

"The party appreciates the contribution of Shri Ghulam Nabi Azad as AICC General Secretary of Uttar Pradesh. He will now be AICC General Secretary for Haryana with immediate effect," the letter stated.

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Priyanka Gandhi Vadra appointed Congress General Secretary for Uttar Pradesh East. <a href="https://t.co/rkl57AFVzw">pic.twitter.com/rkl57AFVzw</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1087973234983743488?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 23, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Congress president Rahul Gandhi reacted to the latest development saying,&nbsp;"Priyanka Gandhi and Jyotiraditya Scindia are powerful leaders. We wanted the young leaders to change Uttar Pradesh politics."

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Congress President Rahul Gandhi: Priyanka Gandhi and Jyotiraditya Scindia are powerful leaders. We wanted the young leaders to change Uttar Pradesh politics. <a href="https://t.co/fnMeWLyxIm">pic.twitter.com/fnMeWLyxIm</a>
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The appointment initiates Priyanka Gandhi Vadra's active participation in country's politics right ahead of the Lok Sabha polls.&nbsp;

The decision is seen as significant and pivotal for Congress' electoral plan ahead of this year's general elections.&nbsp;

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Jyotiraditya Scindia appointed Congress General Secretary for 
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The move closely follows the announcement of the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/bsp-sp-to-contest-38-seats-each-alliance-will-give-sleepless-nights-to-modi-shah-says-mayawati-189793">SP-BSP alliance</a> in Uttar Pradesh earlier this month, leaving Congress out in cold.&nbsp;

Akhilesh Yadav and Mayawati to contest 38 each of Uttar Pradesh's 80 seats leaving two seats for other parties in the alliance.&nbsp;

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Congress President Rahul Gandhi on Priyanka Gandhi: Mujhe personally bahut khushi ho rahi hai ki woh ab mere saath kaam karengi, woh bahut karmat hain. Jyotiraditya Scindia bhi bahut dynamic leader hain. BJP wale ghabraaye hue hain. <a href="https://t.co/8QpfJjJdO3">pic.twitter.com/8QpfJjJdO3</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1087993006299533312?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 23, 2019</a></blockquote>
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SP-BSP alliance will not field any candidates in Amethi and Rae Bareli and will leave both the seats for the Congress, BSP chief Mayawati said earlier this month.&nbsp;

In an interview with news agency PTI, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-kept-out-of-up-alliance-to-correct-poll-arithmetic-akhilesh-yadav-191942">SP chief Akhilesh Yadav</a>&nbsp;said that despite his "immense respect" for Congress President Rahul Gandhi, the grand old party was kept out of the SP-BSP alliance in Uttar Pradesh to correct "poll arithmetic" in order to defeat the BJP.

Without ruling out the possibility of working with the Congress after polls, Akhilesh said he has good relations with the party and would be "happy" if the next prime minister was from his home state.

Asked if the SP was open to working with Congress after the polls, Akhilesh said, "We can't answer it right now. We will answer it after the elections. But I can say this much that the country wants a new prime minister and it will have one after polls".

Meanwhile, Congress chief Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday clarified that the Congress has no "enmity" with BSP supremo Mayawati and that Congress will "cooperate with them wherever possible."

(With inputs from agencies)

The Congress on Wednesday appointed Priyanka Gandhi Vadra general secretary for Uttar Pradesh (East). Besides this, Jyotiraditya Scindia has been appointed party general secretary for Uttar Pradesh (West).

The Congress on Wednesday appointed Priyanka Gandhi Vadra general secretary for Uttar Pradesh (East). Besides this, Jyotiraditya Scindia has been appointed party general secretary for Uttar Pradesh (West). KC Venugopal will take over as Congress general secretary (Organisation). "The party appreciates the contribution of Shri Ashok Gehlot as AICC General Secretary (Organisation)," the letter, signed by Rajasthan chief minister and incumbent party general secretary Ashok Gehlot read. Priyanka Gandhi Vadra will take charge with effect in the first week of February. Leader of the Opposition in Rajya Sabha Ghulam Nabi Azad has been appointed Congress general secretary for Haryana with immediate effect. "The party appreciates the contribution of Shri Ghulam Nabi Azad as AICC General Secretary of Uttar Pradesh. He will now be AICC General Secretary for Haryana with immediate effect," the letter stated. Priyanka Gandhi Vadra appointed Congress General Secretary for Uttar Pradesh East. pic.twitter.com/rkl57AFVzw — ANI (@ANI) January 23, 2019 × Congress president Rahul Gandhi reacted to the latest development saying, "Priyanka Gandhi and Jyotiraditya Scindia are powerful leaders. We wanted the young leaders to change Uttar Pradesh politics." Congress President Rahul Gandhi: Priyanka Gandhi and Jyotiraditya Scindia are powerful leaders. We wanted the young leaders to change Uttar Pradesh politics. pic.twitter.com/fnMeWLyxIm — ANI (@ANI) January 23, 2019 × The appointment initiates Priyanka Gandhi Vadra's active participation in country's politics right ahead of the Lok Sabha polls. The decision is seen as significant and pivotal for Congress' electoral plan ahead of this year's general elections. Jyotiraditya Scindia appointed Congress General Secretary for Uttar Pradesh West. KC Venugopal appointed Congress General Secretary (Organisation). https://t.co/IkrLwCzwLV — ANI (@ANI) January 23, 2019 × The move closely follows the announcement of the SP-BSP alliance in Uttar Pradesh earlier this month, leaving Congress out in cold. Akhilesh Yadav and Mayawati to contest 38 each of Uttar Pradesh's 80 seats leaving two seats for other parties in the alliance. Congress President Rahul Gandhi on Priyanka Gandhi: Mujhe personally bahut khushi ho rahi hai ki woh ab mere saath kaam karengi, woh bahut karmat hain. Jyotiraditya Scindia bhi bahut dynamic leader hain. BJP wale ghabraaye hue hain. pic.twitter.com/8QpfJjJdO3 — ANI (@ANI) January 23, 2019 × SP-BSP alliance will not field any candidates in Amethi and Rae Bareli and will leave both the seats for the Congress, BSP chief Mayawati said earlier this month. In an interview with news agency PTI, SP chief Akhilesh Yadav said that despite his "immense respect" for Congress President Rahul Gandhi, the grand old party was kept out of the SP-BSP alliance in Uttar Pradesh to correct "poll arithmetic" in order to defeat the BJP. Without ruling out the possibility of working with the Congress after polls, Akhilesh said he has good relations with the party and would be "happy" if the next prime minister was from his home state. Asked if the SP was open to working with Congress after the polls, Akhilesh said, "We can't answer it right now. We will answer it after the elections. But I can say this much that the country wants a new prime minister and it will have one after polls". Meanwhile, Congress chief Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday clarified that the Congress has no "enmity" with BSP supremo Mayawati and that Congress will "cooperate with them wherever possible." (With inputs from agencies)

Ahead of Lok Sabha polls, Congress appoints Priyanka Gandhi Vadra general secretary for Uttar Pradesh East

As Karnataka's ruling coalition constituents Congress and JD(S) get down to brass tacks for the Lok Sabha polls, Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy said his party should not be treated as "third-grade citizen" and the partners should adopt a "give and take policy" to put up a united fight against the BJP.&nbsp;

With the coalition partners expected to hold talks on the tricky seat-sharing issue amid pressure within the Congress not to cede much to Janata Dal (Secular), Kumaraswamy stressed there should not be any "pettiness" on both sides.

In an interview to PTI, the chief minister said Prime Minister Narendra Modi's charisma was "fading" with growing anti-incumbency, and pitched for Congress president Rahul Gandhi for the top job while also admitting that there was a lack of consensus among anti-BJP parties on choosing Gandhi.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;

As his government completed seven months in office, the JD(S) leader downplayed reports of contradictions within the coalition and said he would overcome all the "bitterness" smoothly.&nbsp;

"Both of us (Congress-JD(S)) should go together (in Lok Sabha polls) is our opinion. Because the reason behind forming this government (in Karnataka) is to stop the BJP from coming to power and improve the atmosphere in the country..." Kumaraswamy said when asked whether the JD(S) would go it alone if seat-sharing talks fail.

He said after the formation of the coalition government in the southern state, a lot of changes had taken place in the country's political landscape, including BJP's downslide and Congress victory in some bypolls and assembly elections in three states.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;

"...In my opinion, if Congress loses its way and tries to move with overconfidence, what will happen they will understand, with their past political experience, I do not think they will forget them.&nbsp;

"They should treat us respectfully. They should not treat us as a third-grade citizen. There should be given and take policy," Kumaraswamy said.&nbsp;

The JD(S) has demanded 12 out of 28 seats for the Lok Sabha polls, to which the Congress has expressed its reservations.

In the 2014 polls, BJP had won 17 seats in the state, Congress 9 and JD(S) 2 seats.

Seat-sharing is expected to be a litmus test for the Congress-JD(S) combine, mostly in the old Mysuru region constituencies, where the JD(S) is a dominant force in the Vokkaliga heartland and the Congress has its sitting MPs.

Reiterating that the coalition intends to face the Lok Sabha polls together, the Karnataka chief minister said leaders of both the parties are expected to discuss and come to a final decision later this month.

"Our national president (H D Deve Gowda) feels that after the government formation, for everything two-third (for Congress) and one-third (for JD(S)) concept was adopted like in the ministry or board corporation appointments. There are 28 seats...They (Congress) should take two- thirds and give us one-third, this is what his feeling is, and mostly, I feel they will also agree," he said.&nbsp;

Asked whether his party's demand for 12 seats was negotiable, Kumaraswamy did not give a direct response. He, however, said the two-third and one-third was the Congress' formula for the coalition.

Congress and JD(S) had bitterly fought the May 2018 assembly polls but joined hands as the polls threw up a hung verdict.

"Some may say that it (coalition) may survive only till parliament elections. I want to say that after the parliamentary election also the government that will be formed in Delhi and the environment that will be created will lead to a situation where the Karnataka government continues to work safely," the chief minister said.

Meanwhile, Kumaraswamy accused the BJP of attempting to destabilise his government by trying to poach coalition MLAs.&nbsp;

"I know who they (BJP) are approaching, what they are offered to MLAs. I am collecting all the news and doing whatever (possible) from my side to see to that BJP does not disturb the government..." he said.

Kumaraswamy said the coming together of BSP's Mayawati and SP's Akhilesh Yadav was a "strong combination" and it may scuttle and slow the BJP's speed in Uttar Pradesh.

He also claimed that Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's image has "diminished", while Lalu Prasad Yadav-led RJD was getting sympathy, and in Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh, the BJP did not perform well as it did the last time.&nbsp;

Asked about possible cracks in the anti-Modi front, the chief minister said, "I feel a strong combination may emerge against the BJP. I also feel that the 'mahagatbandhan' may emerge as an alternative to national parties".&nbsp;

Regarding projecting Rahul Gandhi as the prime ministerial face of the anti-BJP combine, Kumaraswamy said Deve Gowda had announced JD(S) support to the Gandhi scion and that "others will also come on board".&nbsp;

"I feel after the results, everyone will agree on a common leadership despite differences," he said.&nbsp;

Kumaraswamy also termed the Centre's latest move of providing reservation to economically backward among the general category as a "desperate" step ahead of polls.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

As Karnataka's ruling coalition constituents Congress and JD(S) get down to brass tacks for the Lok Sabha polls, Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy said his party should not be treated as "third-grade citizen" and the partners should adopt a "give and take policy" to put up a united fight against the BJP.

As Karnataka's ruling coalition constituents Congress and JD(S) get down to brass tacks for the Lok Sabha polls, Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy said his party should not be treated as "third-grade citizen" and the partners should adopt a "give and take policy" to put up a united fight against the BJP. With the coalition partners expected to hold talks on the tricky seat-sharing issue amid pressure within the Congress not to cede much to Janata Dal (Secular), Kumaraswamy stressed there should not be any "pettiness" on both sides. In an interview to PTI, the chief minister said Prime Minister Narendra Modi's charisma was "fading" with growing anti-incumbency, and pitched for Congress president Rahul Gandhi for the top job while also admitting that there was a lack of consensus among anti-BJP parties on choosing Gandhi. As his government completed seven months in office, the JD(S) leader downplayed reports of contradictions within the coalition and said he would overcome all the "bitterness" smoothly. "Both of us (Congress-JD(S)) should go together (in Lok Sabha polls) is our opinion. Because the reason behind forming this government (in Karnataka) is to stop the BJP from coming to power and improve the atmosphere in the country..." Kumaraswamy said when asked whether the JD(S) would go it alone if seat-sharing talks fail. He said after the formation of the coalition government in the southern state, a lot of changes had taken place in the country's political landscape, including BJP's downslide and Congress victory in some bypolls and assembly elections in three states. "...In my opinion, if Congress loses its way and tries to move with overconfidence, what will happen they will understand, with their past political experience, I do not think they will forget them. "They should treat us respectfully. They should not treat us as a third-grade citizen. There should be given and take policy," Kumaraswamy said. The JD(S) has demanded 12 out of 28 seats for the Lok Sabha polls, to which the Congress has expressed its reservations. In the 2014 polls, BJP had won 17 seats in the state, Congress 9 and JD(S) 2 seats. Seat-sharing is expected to be a litmus test for the Congress-JD(S) combine, mostly in the old Mysuru region constituencies, where the JD(S) is a dominant force in the Vokkaliga heartland and the Congress has its sitting MPs. Reiterating that the coalition intends to face the Lok Sabha polls together, the Karnataka chief minister said leaders of both the parties are expected to discuss and come to a final decision later this month. "Our national president (H D Deve Gowda) feels that after the government formation, for everything two-third (for Congress) and one-third (for JD(S)) concept was adopted like in the ministry or board corporation appointments. There are 28 seats...They (Congress) should take two- thirds and give us one-third, this is what his feeling is, and mostly, I feel they will also agree," he said. Asked whether his party's demand for 12 seats was negotiable, Kumaraswamy did not give a direct response. He, however, said the two-third and one-third was the Congress' formula for the coalition. Congress and JD(S) had bitterly fought the May 2018 assembly polls but joined hands as the polls threw up a hung verdict. "Some may say that it (coalition) may survive only till parliament elections. I want to say that after the parliamentary election also the government that will be formed in Delhi and the environment that will be created will lead to a situation where the Karnataka government continues to work safely," the chief minister said. Meanwhile, Kumaraswamy accused the BJP of attempting to destabilise his government by trying to poach coalition MLAs. "I know who they (BJP) are approaching, what they are offered to MLAs. I am collecting all the news and doing whatever (possible) from my side to see to that BJP does not disturb the government..." he said. Kumaraswamy said the coming together of BSP's Mayawati and SP's Akhilesh Yadav was a "strong combination" and it may scuttle and slow the BJP's speed in Uttar Pradesh. He also claimed that Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's image has "diminished", while Lalu Prasad Yadav-led RJD was getting sympathy, and in Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh, the BJP did not perform well as it did the last time. Asked about possible cracks in the anti-Modi front, the chief minister said, "I feel a strong combination may emerge against the BJP. I also feel that the 'mahagatbandhan' may emerge as an alternative to national parties". Regarding projecting Rahul Gandhi as the prime ministerial face of the anti-BJP combine, Kumaraswamy said Deve Gowda had announced JD(S) support to the Gandhi scion and that "others will also come on board". "I feel after the results, everyone will agree on a common leadership despite differences," he said. Kumaraswamy also termed the Centre's latest move of providing reservation to economically backward among the general category as a "desperate" step ahead of polls.

Congress shouldn't treat JD(S) as 'third-grade citizen' in seat sharing: Kumaraswamy 

The manifesto committee of the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) for the 2019 Lok Sabha election met for the first time on Sunday at the party's Headquarter in New Delhi.

The 20-member committee, constituted by BJP national President Amit Shah, is headed by Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh.

"In today's meeting, we have discussed the structure of 'Sankalp Patra'&nbsp;(manifesto). A decision has been taken to constitute 15 sub committees which will include stakeholders from various fields to establish direct communication with the public," Rajnath Singh told media after the meeting.

The meeting was attended by Amit Shah and other members of the committee. The BJP's manifesto committee includes - Arun Jaitley, Nirmala Sitharaman, Thawar Chand Gahlot, Ravi Shankar Prasad, Piyush Goyal, Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi, KJ Alphons, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Kiran Rijiju, Sushil Kumar Modi, Keshav Prasad Maurya, Arjun Munda, Ram Madhav, Bhupendra Yadav, Narayan Rane, Meenakshi Lekhi, Sanjay Paswan, Hari Babu, and Rajendra Mohan Singh Cheema.

 
&nbsp;

The manifesto committee of the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) for the 2019 Lok Sabha election met for the first time on Sunday at the party's Headquarter in New Delhi.

The manifesto committee of the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) for the 2019 Lok Sabha election met for the first time on Sunday at the party's Headquarter in New Delhi. The 20-member committee, constituted by BJP national President Amit Shah, is headed by Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh. "In today's meeting, we have discussed the structure of 'Sankalp Patra' (manifesto). A decision has been taken to constitute 15 sub committees which will include stakeholders from various fields to establish direct communication with the public," Rajnath Singh told media after the meeting. The meeting was attended by Amit Shah and other members of the committee. The BJP's manifesto committee includes - Arun Jaitley, Nirmala Sitharaman, Thawar Chand Gahlot, Ravi Shankar Prasad, Piyush Goyal, Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi, KJ Alphons, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Kiran Rijiju, Sushil Kumar Modi, Keshav Prasad Maurya, Arjun Munda, Ram Madhav, Bhupendra Yadav, Narayan Rane, Meenakshi Lekhi, Sanjay Paswan, Hari Babu, and Rajendra Mohan Singh Cheema.

BJP manifesto committee meets to prepare 'Sankalp Patra' for 2019 Lok Sabha elections

BJP chief Amit Shah Saturday asked party workers not to lose hope due to adverse results in recent Assembly elections in the three states, saying the upcoming parliamentary polls were "very important" for the party.

He also asked all party workers to ensure that the votes of their families and friends are cast by 10.30 AM on the polling day.

He mounted an attack on the Congress, saying the "cancer" of casteism, nepotism and appeasement policy was its contribution, which, he said, "weakened the democracy and halted development".

"In the elections in the three states (Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh) our opponents won but we were not defeated. The results were not good but we have not lost our ground. The workers need not lose their hope," he said in his address at the BJP's national convention at Ramlila Ground here.

The BJP lost power to the Congress in the three Hindi heartland states in assembly polls held recently.

The meaning of "defeat" is reflected by the Congress which has vanished from states like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and West Bengal, he said.

"Lok Sabha elections are very important for us. If we manage a massive victory, the BJP will rule the country from Panchayat to Parliament for a long time," he said.

He asked his party workers to ensure that every voter is contacted in an intensive campaign for the elections.&nbsp;

Shah asked them to go back to their respective states with a pledge to ensure BJP's victory in the parliamentary elections and make Narendra Modi prime minister for a second term.

BJP chief Amit Shah Saturday asked party workers not to lose hope due to adverse results in recent Assembly elections in the three states, saying the upcoming parliamentary polls were "very important" for the party.

BJP chief Amit Shah Saturday asked party workers not to lose hope due to adverse results in recent Assembly elections in the three states, saying the upcoming parliamentary polls were "very important" for the party. He also asked all party workers to ensure that the votes of their families and friends are cast by 10.30 AM on the polling day. He mounted an attack on the Congress, saying the "cancer" of casteism, nepotism and appeasement policy was its contribution, which, he said, "weakened the democracy and halted development". "In the elections in the three states (Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh) our opponents won but we were not defeated. The results were not good but we have not lost our ground. The workers need not lose their hope," he said in his address at the BJP's national convention at Ramlila Ground here. The BJP lost power to the Congress in the three Hindi heartland states in assembly polls held recently. The meaning of "defeat" is reflected by the Congress which has vanished from states like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and West Bengal, he said. "Lok Sabha elections are very important for us. If we manage a massive victory, the BJP will rule the country from Panchayat to Parliament for a long time," he said. He asked his party workers to ensure that every voter is contacted in an intensive campaign for the elections. Shah asked them to go back to their respective states with a pledge to ensure BJP's victory in the parliamentary elections and make Narendra Modi prime minister for a second term.

Don't lose hope by results in 3 states, Lok Sabha polls very important: Amit Shah tells BJP workers

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