A day before his joint press conference with Bahujan Samaj Party chief Mayawati, Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav on Friday said the alliance will get the math right in the upcoming Lok Sabha election and the BJP will face defeat.

The two parties have agreed to an in-principle alliance ahead of the parliamentary elections, SP's national spokesperson Rajendra Chaudhary had said last week.

"Last time we had come together in the Lok Sabha by-elections and BJP had lost the seats (earlier held by) Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya. This time too our math will be right and the BJP will face defeat," Yadav said at a chaupal here.

A formal announcement on the alliance between the two Uttar Pradesh-based parties will be made at Saturday's joint press conference with BSP, he said.

Responding to a question, the former Uttar Pradesh chief minister said the BJP had strengthened because it joined hands with regional parties and his party was also gaining strength by forming a coalition.

"Our (BSP and SP) coming together has not only created fear in the BJP but also in the Congress," Yadav added.

The BSP and SP alliance has virtually shut its doors to Congress in the state.

However, Chaudhary had said the alliance will not field candidates in Amethi and Raebareli, leaving the two Lok Sabha constituencies for Congress president Rahul Gandhi and United Progress Alliance chief Sonia Gandhi.

Yadav gave a slogan for the upcoming polls,&nbsp;"Humara kaam bolta hai, BJP ka dhokha bolta hai" (Our work speaks for itself, BJP's betrayal speaks).

He also took a dig at the BJP-led state government's decision to levy an additional 0.5 per cent cess on excise items to fund cow shelters, saying people will have to drink more liquor now for cow safety.&nbsp;

A day before his joint press conference with Bahujan Samaj Party chief Mayawati, Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav on Friday said the alliance will get the math right in the upcoming Lok Sabha election and the BJP will face defeat.

A day before his joint press conference with Bahujan Samaj Party chief Mayawati, Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav on Friday said the alliance will get the math right in the upcoming Lok Sabha election and the BJP will face defeat. The two parties have agreed to an in-principle alliance ahead of the parliamentary elections, SP's national spokesperson Rajendra Chaudhary had said last week. "Last time we had come together in the Lok Sabha by-elections and BJP had lost the seats (earlier held by) Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya. This time too our math will be right and the BJP will face defeat," Yadav said at a chaupal here. A formal announcement on the alliance between the two Uttar Pradesh-based parties will be made at Saturday's joint press conference with BSP, he said. Responding to a question, the former Uttar Pradesh chief minister said the BJP had strengthened because it joined hands with regional parties and his party was also gaining strength by forming a coalition. "Our (BSP and SP) coming together has not only created fear in the BJP but also in the Congress," Yadav added. The BSP and SP alliance has virtually shut its doors to Congress in the state. However, Chaudhary had said the alliance will not field candidates in Amethi and Raebareli, leaving the two Lok Sabha constituencies for Congress president Rahul Gandhi and United Progress Alliance chief Sonia Gandhi. Yadav gave a slogan for the upcoming polls, "Humara kaam bolta hai, BJP ka dhokha bolta hai" (Our work speaks for itself, BJP's betrayal speaks). He also took a dig at the BJP-led state government's decision to levy an additional 0.5 per cent cess on excise items to fund cow shelters, saying people will have to drink more liquor now for cow safety.

SP-BSP alliance will get its math right in Lok Sabha polls: Akhilesh Yadav

Lok Sabha proceedings were adjourned till noon on Monday following protests by the Congress and other parties on various issues.

Congress members, seeking to raise the Rafale fighter jet deal, trooped into the Well of the House with placards as soon as the House met for the day.

A lone AIADMK member was also in the Well, protesting the construction of a dam across the Cauvery river. He was joined by a TDP member, who was dressed like former Tamil Nadu chief minister M G Ramachandran.

Members from the Left and the SP also sought to raise certain issues from their seats and a few Left members were standing in the aisle.

Within five minutes, Speaker Sumitra Mahajan adjourned the proceedings till noon as the din continued.&nbsp;

Lok Sabha proceedings were adjourned till noon on Monday following protests by the Congress and other parties on various issues. Congress members, seeking to raise the Rafale fighter jet deal, trooped into the Well of the House with placards as soon as the House met for the day.

Lok Sabha proceedings were adjourned till noon on Monday following protests by the Congress and other parties on various issues. Congress members, seeking to raise the Rafale fighter jet deal, trooped into the Well of the House with placards as soon as the House met for the day. A lone AIADMK member was also in the Well, protesting the construction of a dam across the Cauvery river. He was joined by a TDP member, who was dressed like former Tamil Nadu chief minister M G Ramachandran. Members from the Left and the SP also sought to raise certain issues from their seats and a few Left members were standing in the aisle. Within five minutes, Speaker Sumitra Mahajan adjourned the proceedings till noon as the din continued.

Lok Sabha adjourns till noon amid protests over various issues

The BJP top brass has relied on a mix of electoral experience and organisational ability in picking its team of state in-charges to drive the party's 2019 Lok Sabha poll campaign, and as expected from the Modi-Shah duo, they have sprung a few surprises as well with the Hindutva agenda being at the core of the choices.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and party president Amit Shah have entrusted Gordhan Zadaphia, a fellow Gujarati who was long a bitter Modi critic, with the responsibility of Uttar Pradesh, a state where BJP's performance will be central to its dream to retain power at the Centre.

Election in-charges are trusted lieutenants of the party's central leadership and their job is to be a bridge between it and state units, elicit feedback from grassroots and craft and execute poll campaign while being at the background.

Here is a profile of leaders<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/chhattisgarh-cm-baghel-conducts-first-cabinet-expansion-9-mlas-take-oath-186308"> chosen as in-charges for 17 states </a>and Union Territory of Chandigarh.

Gordhan Zadaphia: He had a big fallout with Modi in 2004 when he refused to take oath as minister. He later floated his own party and joined hands with likes of former state CMs, Keshubhai Patel and Suresh Mehta, to take on Modi.

He returned to BJP before 2014 Lok Sabha polls. What is, however, unquestionable is the 64-year-old leader's Hindutva credentials as his ties with RSS and VHP always remained strong.

The junior home minister in Gujarat government during 2002 riots, Zadaphia has already set a target of winning all 80 seats of UP, where BJP had won 71 seats in 2014.&nbsp;

Incidentally, Shah was UP in-charge in 2014.&nbsp;

Bhupender Yadav: A party general secretary, he will be in charge of Bihar. A lawyer and key party spearhead in Parliament, Yadav has been involved with almost every state election in some way since Shah became BJP chief in 2014.&nbsp;

A low profile leader, he enjoys Shah's trust and has long been in-charge of party affairs in Bihar.

His job will be to iron out any differences with allies— CM Nitish Kumar's JD(U) and Union minister Ram Vilas Paswan's LJP. NDA had won 31 of the state's 40 seats in 2014.

Mahendra Singh: A minister in UP government, BJP has appointed him election in-charge for Assam. Party came to power in the state for first time in 2016, with him as in-charge.&nbsp;

Arun Singh: A party general secretary, he will lead a poll campaign in Odisha. &nbsp;A Thakur leader from UP, Singh (53) started his political career with Bhartiya Janata Yuva Morcha, BJP's youth wing, and has since steadily climbed up the organisational ladder.

BJP had won only one seat out of 21 in Odisha in 2014.

Mangal Pandey: A former Bihar BJP chief, he has also looked after party affairs in Himachal Pradesh in past. Now a minister in Bihar government, Pandey (53) has the responsibility of steering campaign in Jharkhand.

Tirath Singh Rawat: A former Uttarakhand BJP chief, Rawat would lead task in Himachal Pradesh. His job will be to ensure a repeat of 2014 feat when the party won all 4 seats.

Nalin Kohli: A lawyer and savvy spokesperson of the party, Kohli is in-charge of Nagaland and Manipur. BJP is in power in Manipur and its ally is at the helm in Nagaland.&nbsp;

Nitin Nabin: An MLA from Bihar, he has been given charge of Sikkim. He is only 38 and has also been associated with BJYM.

Prakash Javadekar, who has been the party's in charge in Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh, likes to take everyone on board.&nbsp;

Due to this quality, he has been given the responsibility of Rajasthan, where BJP under Vasundhara Raje has been at loggerheads with its national leadership over various issues. He has to act as a bridge between both sides.&nbsp;

Javadekar enjoys trust of Modi and Shah. He also has the backing of BJP's ideological mentor Sangh.

Sudhanshu Trivedi has also been again given the responsibility of Rajasthan for 2019 polls.

Trivedi, who has a doctorate in mechanical engineering, rose to prominence during his tenure as political advisor to then BJP chief Rajnath Singh. He is known for his political analysis and deep understanding of caste equations.&nbsp;

Captain Abhimanyu, a minister in BJP government in Haryana, has been given the responsibility of Punjab and Chandigarh. An Amit Shah loyalist, he was in his team for UP during 2014 LS polls.&nbsp;

The Jaat leader handed caste-dominated western UP at that time. Hailing from Haryana, he twice has been in-charge of Punjab in 2012 and 2017.&nbsp; 
BJP's Chhattisgarh in charge Anil Jain is a practitioner surgeon at Apollo Hospital, New Delhi.&nbsp;

Jain maintains a low profile and is essentially a backroom boy. He takes care of Shah's schedule and political programmes. BJP lost Chhattisgarh last month with him as in charge.&nbsp;

O P Mathur, vice-president of the party, will lead the campaign in Gujarat after 16 years. He was state-in-charge in 2002 assembly elections.&nbsp;

BJP's Dalit face and Union minister Thawarchand Gehlot has again been given charge of Uttrakhand. He's also a member of BJP's parliamentary board.&nbsp;

The architect of party's victory in Tripura, Sunil Deodhar has been given a new challenge of making the party a force in Andhra Pradesh.&nbsp;

He is known for his organisation skills especially in strengthening the party on the ground and expanding its network of cadres. He will be assisted by V Muralidharan, party's ex-Kerala unit chief.&nbsp;

The responsibility of Telangana has been given to Aravind Limbavali, sitting MLA from Karnataka and ex-minister.

Swatantra Dev Singh, minister of state (independent charge) in UP, will lead party campaign in Madhya Pradesh. Singh will be accompanied by party's Delhi unit ex-chief Satish Upadhyay.

The BJP top brass has relied on a mix of electoral experience and organisational ability in picking its team of state in-charges to drive the party's 2019 Lok Sabha poll campaign, and as expected from the Modi-Shah duo, they have sprung a few surprises as well with the Hindutva agenda being at the core of the choices.

The BJP top brass has relied on a mix of electoral experience and organisational ability in picking its team of state in-charges to drive the party's 2019 Lok Sabha poll campaign, and as expected from the Modi-Shah duo, they have sprung a few surprises as well with the Hindutva agenda being at the core of the choices. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and party president Amit Shah have entrusted Gordhan Zadaphia, a fellow Gujarati who was long a bitter Modi critic, with the responsibility of Uttar Pradesh, a state where BJP's performance will be central to its dream to retain power at the Centre. Election in-charges are trusted lieutenants of the party's central leadership and their job is to be a bridge between it and state units, elicit feedback from grassroots and craft and execute poll campaign while being at the background. Here is a profile of leaders chosen as in-charges for 17 states and Union Territory of Chandigarh. Gordhan Zadaphia: He had a big fallout with Modi in 2004 when he refused to take oath as minister. He later floated his own party and joined hands with likes of former state CMs, Keshubhai Patel and Suresh Mehta, to take on Modi. He returned to BJP before 2014 Lok Sabha polls. What is, however, unquestionable is the 64-year-old leader's Hindutva credentials as his ties with RSS and VHP always remained strong. The junior home minister in Gujarat government during 2002 riots, Zadaphia has already set a target of winning all 80 seats of UP, where BJP had won 71 seats in 2014. Incidentally, Shah was UP in-charge in 2014. Bhupender Yadav: A party general secretary, he will be in charge of Bihar. A lawyer and key party spearhead in Parliament, Yadav has been involved with almost every state election in some way since Shah became BJP chief in 2014. A low profile leader, he enjoys Shah's trust and has long been in-charge of party affairs in Bihar. His job will be to iron out any differences with allies— CM Nitish Kumar's JD(U) and Union minister Ram Vilas Paswan's LJP. NDA had won 31 of the state's 40 seats in 2014. Mahendra Singh: A minister in UP government, BJP has appointed him election in-charge for Assam. Party came to power in the state for first time in 2016, with him as in-charge. Arun Singh: A party general secretary, he will lead a poll campaign in Odisha. A Thakur leader from UP, Singh (53) started his political career with Bhartiya Janata Yuva Morcha, BJP's youth wing, and has since steadily climbed up the organisational ladder. BJP had won only one seat out of 21 in Odisha in 2014. Mangal Pandey: A former Bihar BJP chief, he has also looked after party affairs in Himachal Pradesh in past. Now a minister in Bihar government, Pandey (53) has the responsibility of steering campaign in Jharkhand. Tirath Singh Rawat: A former Uttarakhand BJP chief, Rawat would lead task in Himachal Pradesh. His job will be to ensure a repeat of 2014 feat when the party won all 4 seats. Nalin Kohli: A lawyer and savvy spokesperson of the party, Kohli is in-charge of Nagaland and Manipur. BJP is in power in Manipur and its ally is at the helm in Nagaland. Nitin Nabin: An MLA from Bihar, he has been given charge of Sikkim. He is only 38 and has also been associated with BJYM. Prakash Javadekar, who has been the party's in charge in Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh, likes to take everyone on board. Due to this quality, he has been given the responsibility of Rajasthan, where BJP under Vasundhara Raje has been at loggerheads with its national leadership over various issues. He has to act as a bridge between both sides. Javadekar enjoys trust of Modi and Shah. He also has the backing of BJP's ideological mentor Sangh. Sudhanshu Trivedi has also been again given the responsibility of Rajasthan for 2019 polls. Trivedi, who has a doctorate in mechanical engineering, rose to prominence during his tenure as political advisor to then BJP chief Rajnath Singh. He is known for his political analysis and deep understanding of caste equations. Captain Abhimanyu, a minister in BJP government in Haryana, has been given the responsibility of Punjab and Chandigarh. An Amit Shah loyalist, he was in his team for UP during 2014 LS polls. The Jaat leader handed caste-dominated western UP at that time. Hailing from Haryana, he twice has been in-charge of Punjab in 2012 and 2017. BJP's Chhattisgarh in charge Anil Jain is a practitioner surgeon at Apollo Hospital, New Delhi. Jain maintains a low profile and is essentially a backroom boy. He takes care of Shah's schedule and political programmes. BJP lost Chhattisgarh last month with him as in charge. O P Mathur, vice-president of the party, will lead the campaign in Gujarat after 16 years. He was state-in-charge in 2002 assembly elections. BJP's Dalit face and Union minister Thawarchand Gehlot has again been given charge of Uttrakhand. He's also a member of BJP's parliamentary board. The architect of party's victory in Tripura, Sunil Deodhar has been given a new challenge of making the party a force in Andhra Pradesh. He is known for his organisation skills especially in strengthening the party on the ground and expanding its network of cadres. He will be assisted by V Muralidharan, party's ex-Kerala unit chief. The responsibility of Telangana has been given to Aravind Limbavali, sitting MLA from Karnataka and ex-minister. Swatantra Dev Singh, minister of state (independent charge) in UP, will lead party campaign in Madhya Pradesh. Singh will be accompanied by party's Delhi unit ex-chief Satish Upadhyay.

BJP bets heavy on electoral experience, organisational ability in selecting Lok Sabha campaign in-charges

The All India Muslim Women Personal Law Board (AIMWPLB) Sunday termed the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rajya-sabha-to-discuss-triple-talaq-bill-on-dec-31-bjp-congress-issue-whips-187344">triple talaq bill</a> as one which will "ruin" families if it is made into a law, and said it will launch an agitation against it.

"The law should had been made according to the Quran. There should have been some scope for agreement. Talaq (divorce) happens when all options exhaust.''

"If the proposed legislation becomes a means of punishment instead of relief for the people, then we will launch an agitation," chairperson of AIMWPLB Shaista Ambar told PTI Sunday.

She claimed the proposed legislation will ruin families.

Lok Sabha Thursday passed the bill which criminalises the practice of instant triple talaq, with the government rejecting the contention that it was aimed at targeting a particular community.

The opposition, which had been demanding that the bill be referred to a 'joint select committee', staged a walkout when its demand was rejected by the government.

The Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill 2018 was passed by the Lower House with 245 voting in favour and 11 opposing the legislation. The bill will now go to Rajya Sabha for approval.

The All India Muslim Women Personal Law Board (AIMWPLB) Sunday termed the triple talaq bill as one which will "ruin" families if it is made into a law, and said it will launch an agitation against it.

The All India Muslim Women Personal Law Board (AIMWPLB) Sunday termed the triple talaq bill as one which will "ruin" families if it is made into a law, and said it will launch an agitation against it. "The law should had been made according to the Quran. There should have been some scope for agreement. Talaq (divorce) happens when all options exhaust.'' "If the proposed legislation becomes a means of punishment instead of relief for the people, then we will launch an agitation," chairperson of AIMWPLB Shaista Ambar told PTI Sunday. She claimed the proposed legislation will ruin families. Lok Sabha Thursday passed the bill which criminalises the practice of instant triple talaq, with the government rejecting the contention that it was aimed at targeting a particular community. The opposition, which had been demanding that the bill be referred to a 'joint select committee', staged a walkout when its demand was rejected by the government. The Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill 2018 was passed by the Lower House with 245 voting in favour and 11 opposing the legislation. The bill will now go to Rajya Sabha for approval.

Triple talaq bill will ruin families, will launch agitation against it: AIMWPLB

The Lok Sabha on Thursday passed Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill, 2018, commonly known as the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/triple-talaq-debate-centre-says-dont-use-a-political-prism-opposition-wants-bill-to-go-to-parliament-panel-186835">Triple Talaq Bill after a heated discussion </a>in the lower house of Parliament.

The bill was passed with 245 votes in favour and 11 against.&nbsp;

During the debate in the Lok Sabha, the Congress and AIADMK staged a walkout as they had called for the bill to be sent to the joint select committee.

While the government reiterated the fresh Bill, which makes the practice of triple talaq among Muslims a penal offence, is about gender equality, the opposition wanted the proposed legislation to be sent to the select committee for detailed deliberations.

Earlier, moving the Bill for passage, Union Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said the Bill was not against any community, religion or belief, rather it would ensure justice to women. Pointing out that 20 Islamic countries had banned triple talaq, Prasad asked why a secular nation like India could not have this.

The fresh Bill to make the practice of triple talaq among Muslims a penal offence was introduced in the Lok Sabha on December 17 to replace an ordinance issued in September.

Under the proposed law, giving instant triple talaq will be illegal and void, and will attract a jail term of three years for the husband. 
The fresh bill will supersede an earlier bill passed in Lok Sabha and pending in the Rajya Sabha.&nbsp;

The earlier bill was approved by the Lower House. But amid opposition by some parties in the upper house, the government had then cleared some amendments, including the introduction of a provision of bail, to make it more acceptable.

However, as the bill continued to face resistance in the Rajya Sabha, the government issued an ordinance in September, incorporating the amendments.

An ordinance has a life of six months. But from the day a session begins, it has to be replaced by a bill which should be passed by Parliament within 42 days (six weeks), else it lapses.

The government is at liberty to re-promulgate the ordinance if the bill fails to get through Parliament.

The Lok Sabha on Thursday passed Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill, 2018, commonly known as the Triple Talaq Bill after a heated discussion in the lower house of Parliament.

The Lok Sabha on Thursday passed Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill, 2018, commonly known as the Triple Talaq Bill after a heated discussion in the lower house of Parliament. The bill was passed with 245 votes in favour and 11 against. During the debate in the Lok Sabha, the Congress and AIADMK staged a walkout as they had called for the bill to be sent to the joint select committee. While the government reiterated the fresh Bill, which makes the practice of triple talaq among Muslims a penal offence, is about gender equality, the opposition wanted the proposed legislation to be sent to the select committee for detailed deliberations. Earlier, moving the Bill for passage, Union Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said the Bill was not against any community, religion or belief, rather it would ensure justice to women. Pointing out that 20 Islamic countries had banned triple talaq, Prasad asked why a secular nation like India could not have this. The fresh Bill to make the practice of triple talaq among Muslims a penal offence was introduced in the Lok Sabha on December 17 to replace an ordinance issued in September. Under the proposed law, giving instant triple talaq will be illegal and void, and will attract a jail term of three years for the husband. The fresh bill will supersede an earlier bill passed in Lok Sabha and pending in the Rajya Sabha. The earlier bill was approved by the Lower House. But amid opposition by some parties in the upper house, the government had then cleared some amendments, including the introduction of a provision of bail, to make it more acceptable. However, as the bill continued to face resistance in the Rajya Sabha, the government issued an ordinance in September, incorporating the amendments. An ordinance has a life of six months. But from the day a session begins, it has to be replaced by a bill which should be passed by Parliament within 42 days (six weeks), else it lapses. The government is at liberty to re-promulgate the ordinance if the bill fails to get through Parliament.

Lok Sabha passes Triple Talaq Bill; Congress, AIADMK stage walkout

The Rajya Sabha was Thursday adjourned for the day without transacting any business after a ruckus in the House over issues ranging from construction of a dam on the Cauvery River to violence in Uttar Pradesh's Bulandshahr district.

While slogan-shouting members of Tamil parties -- AIADMK and DMK trooped -- into the well of the House over construction of Mekadatu Dam on Cauvery River, Samajwadi Party and BSP members raised the issue of mob violence in Bulandshahr that left two dead, including an inspector rank police officer.

A couple of members from Andhra Pradesh too were in the well of the House demanding special status for the state.

Rajya Sabha Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu said nothing that the protesting members were saying would go on record and then adjourned the proceedings for the day.

"As nobody seems to be interested I have no option but to adjourn the House for the day," he said before adjourning the proceedings till Friday.

The trouble started soon after the House mourned the death of its former members N Rajangam and Jai Narain Prasad Nishad and listed papers were presented to the House.

Members of Tamil parties shouted slogans from the well of the House seeking justice for the state over the Cauvery issue while SP and BSP members stood in their places raising the issue of Bulandshahr violence.

TMC leader Derek O'Brien too was up on his feet trying to a raise an issue but could not be heard in the din.

Thursday was the first sitting of the House after the four-day Christmas break.&nbsp;

The Rajya Sabha was Thursday adjourned for the day without transacting any business after a ruckus in the House over issues ranging from construction of a dam on the Cauvery River to violence in Uttar Pradesh's Bulandshahr district.

The Rajya Sabha was Thursday adjourned for the day without transacting any business after a ruckus in the House over issues ranging from construction of a dam on the Cauvery River to violence in Uttar Pradesh's Bulandshahr district. While slogan-shouting members of Tamil parties -- AIADMK and DMK trooped -- into the well of the House over construction of Mekadatu Dam on Cauvery River, Samajwadi Party and BSP members raised the issue of mob violence in Bulandshahr that left two dead, including an inspector rank police officer. A couple of members from Andhra Pradesh too were in the well of the House demanding special status for the state. Rajya Sabha Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu said nothing that the protesting members were saying would go on record and then adjourned the proceedings for the day. "As nobody seems to be interested I have no option but to adjourn the House for the day," he said before adjourning the proceedings till Friday. The trouble started soon after the House mourned the death of its former members N Rajangam and Jai Narain Prasad Nishad and listed papers were presented to the House. Members of Tamil parties shouted slogans from the well of the House seeking justice for the state over the Cauvery issue while SP and BSP members stood in their places raising the issue of Bulandshahr violence. TMC leader Derek O'Brien too was up on his feet trying to a raise an issue but could not be heard in the din. Thursday was the first sitting of the House after the four-day Christmas break.

Rajya Sabha adjourned for the day without transacting business

Makkal Needhi Maiam chief <a href="http://www.wionews.com/entertainment/kajal-aggarwal-confirms-next-film-with-kamal-haasan-181353">Kamal Haasan</a> Saturday said his party has authorised him to a take a decision on forging an alliance with like-minded parties for next year's Lok Sabha polls.

After discussions, the party executive and administrative panels "authorised me to take a decision on forging an alliance with like-minded parties and a good alliance will fructify," Haasan told reporters here.

The move is seen as a clear signal that Haasan's fledgeling party -founded in February this year does not want to test the waters all alone and would rather prefer to join forces with established parties.

Haasan had said recently that he was not averse to forging poll ties with the Congress if it eased itself out of the DMK-led alliance, which the national party has rejected.

Asked to name the parties with which MNM would strike an electoral alliance, the actor-turned-politician said there was no need to spell out details now.

"We will let you know after taking a decision. Now there is no urgency to disclose it," he said.

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The ideology of the party with which they may forge ties may be different, but the thought process should be in favour of Tamil Nadu, he said.

His party's propaganda for the Lok Sabha election would be based on the growth of Tamil Nadu, he said.

"The time has come to correct the injustices meted out to the state and aspects like these will be the focal points of our poll propaganda," he said.

Asked if his party would forge an alliance with Congress or the BJP, he said his party "would not strike a poll deal with a party that tries to change the DNA of Tamil Nadu," which is perceived as against the BJP.

Haasan said a panel has been set up to pick party nominees for the 40 Parliamentary constituencies; 39 in Tamil Nadu and one in neighbouring Puducherry.

A party functionary told PTI that while nominees will be ready for all the Lok Sabha&nbsp;seats, it may be 'tailored' as per the coalition needs.

To a question on facing the local body polls expected in 2019, he said: "We are preparing for it and there is no need to determine now if we will go it alone or will have the poll deal with other parties."

Haasan said his party would field candidates "if by-elections are held to 20 Assembly constituencies."

Eighteen AIADMK MLAs were disqualified and constituencies represented by them fell vacant. Two more seats became vacant following the deaths of incumbents.

However, Haasan said only after the declaration of by-election to the 20 constituencies would he be able to disclose if the party would face it alone or in alliance with other parties.

On the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, expected next month to Tamil Nadu to address a party event, he said it was preparatory to the Lok Sabha election.

Makkal Needhi Maiam chief Kamal Haasan Saturday said his party has authorised him to a take a decision on forging an alliance with like-minded parties for next year's Lok Sabha polls.

Makkal Needhi Maiam chief Kamal Haasan Saturday said his party has authorised him to a take a decision on forging an alliance with like-minded parties for next year's Lok Sabha polls. After discussions, the party executive and administrative panels "authorised me to take a decision on forging an alliance with like-minded parties and a good alliance will fructify," Haasan told reporters here. The move is seen as a clear signal that Haasan's fledgeling party -founded in February this year does not want to test the waters all alone and would rather prefer to join forces with established parties. Haasan had said recently that he was not averse to forging poll ties with the Congress if it eased itself out of the DMK-led alliance, which the national party has rejected. Asked to name the parties with which MNM would strike an electoral alliance, the actor-turned-politician said there was no need to spell out details now. "We will let you know after taking a decision. Now there is no urgency to disclose it," he said. Kamal Haasan: I will definitely contest in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. pic.twitter.com/jU9RyA1oTw — ANI (@ANI) December 22, 2018 × The ideology of the party with which they may forge ties may be different, but the thought process should be in favour of Tamil Nadu, he said. His party's propaganda for the Lok Sabha election would be based on the growth of Tamil Nadu, he said. "The time has come to correct the injustices meted out to the state and aspects like these will be the focal points of our poll propaganda," he said. Asked if his party would forge an alliance with Congress or the BJP, he said his party "would not strike a poll deal with a party that tries to change the DNA of Tamil Nadu," which is perceived as against the BJP. Haasan said a panel has been set up to pick party nominees for the 40 Parliamentary constituencies; 39 in Tamil Nadu and one in neighbouring Puducherry. A party functionary told PTI that while nominees will be ready for all the Lok Sabha seats, it may be 'tailored' as per the coalition needs. To a question on facing the local body polls expected in 2019, he said: "We are preparing for it and there is no need to determine now if we will go it alone or will have the poll deal with other parties." Haasan said his party would field candidates "if by-elections are held to 20 Assembly constituencies." Eighteen AIADMK MLAs were disqualified and constituencies represented by them fell vacant. Two more seats became vacant following the deaths of incumbents. However, Haasan said only after the declaration of by-election to the 20 constituencies would he be able to disclose if the party would face it alone or in alliance with other parties. On the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, expected next month to Tamil Nadu to address a party event, he said it was preparatory to the Lok Sabha election.

Kamal Haasan's party to scout for allies to face Lok Sabha polls

&nbsp;The government is making efforts to bring back people involved in financial irregularities to the country through Look Out Circulars, Red Corner Notice and <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/mallya-extradition-to-speed-up-loan-recovery-process-sbi-183208">extradition requests</a>, Lok Sabha was informed on Wednesday.

Minister of State for External Affairs V K Singh, in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha, listed 29 people, including liquor baron <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/mallya-extradition-to-speed-up-loan-recovery-process-sbi-183208">Vijay Mallya</a>, and diamantaires <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/interpol-issues-red-corner-notice-against-nirav-modi-for-money-laundering-148356">Nirav Modi</a> and <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pnb-bank-case-interpol-issues-red-corned-notice-against-mehul-choksi-183652">Mehul Choksi</a>, as those involved in financial irregularities who have fled the country or are living abroad for the years 2015-18 as per the details provided by the Central Bureau of Investigation .

According to the information provided by the Enforcement Directorate, there are 41 people involved in financial irregularities who fled the country or are living abroad, including Mallya, Modi and Choksi, he said.

Five persons -- Hamel Mahendrabhai Langalia, Rajeev Verma, Syed Zainul Hasan, Modi and Choksi -- were found involved in various violations of Customs Act, 1962, and have fled the country or are living abroad, Singh said, citing information given by Directorate of Revenue Intelligence.

"Efforts are being made for securing the presence of these accused in the country by way of issuance of LOC (Look Out Circulars), RCN (Red Corner Notice) and extradition requests," he said.

An action under the Fugitive Economic Offenders Act, 2018, has also been initiated in suitable cases, he said.&nbsp;

Mallya remains on bail after his extradition was recently ordered by Westminster Magistrates' Court in London, an order which now awaits a sign-off by UK home secretary Sajid Javid.

For Modi, 18 letters of request (LRs) have been sent to different countries and <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/vijay-mallya-faces-bankruptcy-proceedings-in-uk-high-court-184975">two separate extradition requests have been forwarded to the UK</a> in August 2018. 
RCN has been opened and LRs sent to Hong Kong, Singapore, Thailand and USA for Choksi.

The government is making efforts to bring back people involved in financial irregularities to the country through Look Out Circulars, Red Corner Notice and extradition requests, Lok Sabha was informed on Wednesday.

The government is making efforts to bring back people involved in financial irregularities to the country through Look Out Circulars, Red Corner Notice and extradition requests, Lok Sabha was informed on Wednesday. Minister of State for External Affairs V K Singh, in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha, listed 29 people, including liquor baron Vijay Mallya, and diamantaires Nirav Modi and Mehul Choksi, as those involved in financial irregularities who have fled the country or are living abroad for the years 2015-18 as per the details provided by the Central Bureau of Investigation . According to the information provided by the Enforcement Directorate, there are 41 people involved in financial irregularities who fled the country or are living abroad, including Mallya, Modi and Choksi, he said. Five persons -- Hamel Mahendrabhai Langalia, Rajeev Verma, Syed Zainul Hasan, Modi and Choksi -- were found involved in various violations of Customs Act, 1962, and have fled the country or are living abroad, Singh said, citing information given by Directorate of Revenue Intelligence. "Efforts are being made for securing the presence of these accused in the country by way of issuance of LOC (Look Out Circulars), RCN (Red Corner Notice) and extradition requests," he said. An action under the Fugitive Economic Offenders Act, 2018, has also been initiated in suitable cases, he said. Mallya remains on bail after his extradition was recently ordered by Westminster Magistrates' Court in London, an order which now awaits a sign-off by UK home secretary Sajid Javid. For Modi, 18 letters of request (LRs) have been sent to different countries and two separate extradition requests have been forwarded to the UK in August 2018. RCN has been opened and LRs sent to Hong Kong, Singapore, Thailand and USA for Choksi.

Efforts on to bring back 29 economic offenders including Vijay Mallya, Nirav Modi, Mehul Choksi: Government

CPI(M) leader Sitaram Yechury on Monday met DMK chief MK Stalin at his residence in Chennai. After the meeting, Yechury told media that the CPI(M) will extend support to DMK in Tamil Nadu for the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections.&nbsp;

"We have decided today that in Tamil Nadu we will be with the DMK in the forthcoming elections," Yechury said.&nbsp;

"We are together on the issue of saving the unity, integrity and harmony of the people of India and the country's constitutional institutions," he added.

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We have decided today that in Tamil Nadu we will be with the DMK in the forthcoming elections. We are together on the issue of saving the unity, integrity and harmony of the people of India and the country's constitutional institutions: CPI (M) leader Sitaram Yechury in Chennai <a href="https://t.co/NpzlAGf2eq">pic.twitter.com/NpzlAGf2eq</a>
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Last month, CPI(M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury announced that the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/cpim-to-work-on-maximising-anti-bjp-votes-in-lok-sabha-polls-sitaram-yechury-171603">party's agenda in the 2019 Lok Sabha polls</a> was to maximise the anti-BJP votes in the country.

He added that the party will work to defeat the saffron party in states where it will be in a direct fight with the Congress.&nbsp;

The Left party would, however, have no alliance with the Congress, he noted, adding that it will support regional parties which were not in the government and were opposed to the BJP.

Citing examples, he said the Left party will support the Samajwadi Party-Bahujan Samaj Party alliance in Uttar Pradesh, the Rashtriya Janata Dal and other secular forces in Bihar, the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) in Maharashtra, the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) in Tamil Nadu and other like-minded parties in different states, news agency PTI reported.&nbsp;

CPI(M) leader Sitaram Yechury on Monday met DMK chief MK Stalin at his residence in Chennai. After the meeting, Yechury told media that the CPI(M) will extend support to DMK in Tamil Nadu for the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections.

CPI(M) leader Sitaram Yechury on Monday met DMK chief MK Stalin at his residence in Chennai. After the meeting, Yechury told media that the CPI(M) will extend support to DMK in Tamil Nadu for the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections. "We have decided today that in Tamil Nadu we will be with the DMK in the forthcoming elections," Yechury said. "We are together on the issue of saving the unity, integrity and harmony of the people of India and the country's constitutional institutions," he added. We have decided today that in Tamil Nadu we will be with the DMK in the forthcoming elections. We are together on the issue of saving the unity, integrity and harmony of the people of India and the country's constitutional institutions: CPI (M) leader Sitaram Yechury in Chennai pic.twitter.com/NpzlAGf2eq — ANI (@ANI) November 13, 2018 × Last month, CPI(M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury announced that the party's agenda in the 2019 Lok Sabha polls was to maximise the anti-BJP votes in the country. He added that the party will work to defeat the saffron party in states where it will be in a direct fight with the Congress. The Left party would, however, have no alliance with the Congress, he noted, adding that it will support regional parties which were not in the government and were opposed to the BJP. Citing examples, he said the Left party will support the Samajwadi Party-Bahujan Samaj Party alliance in Uttar Pradesh, the Rashtriya Janata Dal and other secular forces in Bihar, the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) in Maharashtra, the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) in Tamil Nadu and other like-minded parties in different states, news agency PTI reported.

Will be with DMK in Tamil Nadu for Lok Sabha elections: Sitaram Yechury

Karnataka's ruling Congress-JD(S) is set to clinch four of the five seats&nbsp;that went to the polls last weekend.

The Congress has won 1 of the 3 Lok Sabha seats being contested, and leads in another. It has also won the two assembly seats&nbsp;being contested.&nbsp;

That left the BJP with just one win — in Shivamogga, where its state party chief B S Yeddyurappa's son B Y Raghavendra was ahead of former chief minister S Bangarappa's son Madhu Bangarappa of JD(S) by 36,351 votes.

Making inroads in the BJP-held Ballari Lok Saba constituency, Congress' V S Ugrappa was leading over BJP's J Shantha by 1,74,294 votes, officials said.

Shantha is the sister of B Sriramulu, who gave up the seat after being elected to the state assembly in the polls in May this year.

JD(S) candidate L Shivarame Gowda established an unassailable lead of 99,198 votes against the BJP's new face Dr Siddaramaiah, a former official, in the party bastion of Mandya in the Vokkaliga belt in the old Mysuru region.

Of the three Lok Sabha seats that went to the by-polls, BJP had held Shivamogga and Ballari and JD(S) Mandya.

In the Ramanagara assembly seat, Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy's wife Anitha Kumaraswamy established a huge lead of 71,613 votes over BJP's L Chandrashekar, who pulled out of the contest but officially still remains the party candidate.

Chandrashekhar joined the BJP ahead of the polls but returned to the Congress weeks later, leaving the saffron party red-faced. 
Facing a no-contest, it will be a walkover for Anitha Kumaraswamy.

In the Jamkhandi assembly segment in north Karnataka, Congress candidate Anand Nyamgouda was ahead of BJP's Srikant Kulkarni by a margin of 32,933 votes, riding on a sympathy wave following his father and sitting MLA Siddu Nyamagoudas death in a road accident.

The Ramanagara assembly seat was held by the JD(S) and Jamkhandi by the Congress.

The parliamentary by-elections were necessitated after BJP's Yeddyurappa (Shivamogga) and Sriramalu (Ballari), and C S Puttaraju of the JD(S) (Mandya) resigned as MPs on their election to the assembly in May.

The by-election to the Jamkhandi assembly seat was caused by the death of Congress MLA Siddu Nyamagouda. The Ramanagara seat fell vacant after

Kumaraswamy gave up the seat, preferring Chennapatna, the other constituency from where he had won.

The by-elections are being seen as a popularity test of the Congress-JD(S) coalition, cobbled together after the May assembly polls that threw up a fractured verdict.

The BJP and the Congress-JD(S) combine launched an all out offensive to break into each other's bastions to gain advantage before the 2019 Lok Sabha polls.

Karnataka's ruling Congress-JD(S) is set to clinch four of the five seats that went to the polls last weekend. The Congress has won 1 of the 3 Lok Sabha seats being contested, and leads in another.

Karnataka's ruling Congress-JD(S) is set to clinch four of the five seats that went to the polls last weekend. The Congress has won 1 of the 3 Lok Sabha seats being contested, and leads in another. It has also won the two assembly seats being contested. That left the BJP with just one win — in Shivamogga, where its state party chief B S Yeddyurappa's son B Y Raghavendra was ahead of former chief minister S Bangarappa's son Madhu Bangarappa of JD(S) by 36,351 votes. Making inroads in the BJP-held Ballari Lok Saba constituency, Congress' V S Ugrappa was leading over BJP's J Shantha by 1,74,294 votes, officials said. Shantha is the sister of B Sriramulu, who gave up the seat after being elected to the state assembly in the polls in May this year. JD(S) candidate L Shivarame Gowda established an unassailable lead of 99,198 votes against the BJP's new face Dr Siddaramaiah, a former official, in the party bastion of Mandya in the Vokkaliga belt in the old Mysuru region. Of the three Lok Sabha seats that went to the by-polls, BJP had held Shivamogga and Ballari and JD(S) Mandya. In the Ramanagara assembly seat, Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy's wife Anitha Kumaraswamy established a huge lead of 71,613 votes over BJP's L Chandrashekar, who pulled out of the contest but officially still remains the party candidate. Chandrashekhar joined the BJP ahead of the polls but returned to the Congress weeks later, leaving the saffron party red-faced. Facing a no-contest, it will be a walkover for Anitha Kumaraswamy. In the Jamkhandi assembly segment in north Karnataka, Congress candidate Anand Nyamgouda was ahead of BJP's Srikant Kulkarni by a margin of 32,933 votes, riding on a sympathy wave following his father and sitting MLA Siddu Nyamagoudas death in a road accident. The Ramanagara assembly seat was held by the JD(S) and Jamkhandi by the Congress. The parliamentary by-elections were necessitated after BJP's Yeddyurappa (Shivamogga) and Sriramalu (Ballari), and C S Puttaraju of the JD(S) (Mandya) resigned as MPs on their election to the assembly in May. The by-election to the Jamkhandi assembly seat was caused by the death of Congress MLA Siddu Nyamagouda. The Ramanagara seat fell vacant after Kumaraswamy gave up the seat, preferring Chennapatna, the other constituency from where he had won. The by-elections are being seen as a popularity test of the Congress-JD(S) coalition, cobbled together after the May assembly polls that threw up a fractured verdict. The BJP and the Congress-JD(S) combine launched an all out offensive to break into each other's bastions to gain advantage before the 2019 Lok Sabha polls.

Karnataka bypolls: Congress-JD(S) combine win 4 out of 5 seats

Senior Congress leader Priyanka Chaturvedi Friday said the party would forge an alliance with like minded parties for the 2019 general elections and would return to power.

The Congress, however, would not compromise on the ideology and values of the party, Chaturvedi said.

"We are not compelled to compromise on our ideology and values just for the sake of stitching up alliances. We will be reaching out to all political opposition parties and alliance will be formed on the basis of our and their understanding of the situation," said Chaturvedi, a national spokesperson of the party.

Asked whether the Congress's proposed opposition alliance would include the Trinamool Congress too, she said it would include all political parties that believe in basic ethos and idea of our country and do not believe in dividing people of religious and caste lines.

On NCP president Sharad Pawar's comment on Rafale scam, she said Pawar has not given a clean chit to anybody.

"Sharad Pawar has gone on record saying he was misquoted, misrepresented and asked specific questions to the government. He has not at all given any clean chit to the Modi government," she said.

In an interview to a Marathi news channel earlier this week, Pawar said he didn't think that people have doubts about Modi's intentions in the Rafale deal.

Later, the NCP clarified that Pawar had not given any clean chit to Modi on the Rafale issue, and reiterated its demands that the central government disclose the price of the fighter jets and order a JPC probe.&nbsp;

Senior Congress leader Priyanka Chaturvedi Friday said the party would forge an alliance with like minded parties for the 2019 general elections and would return to power.

Senior Congress leader Priyanka Chaturvedi Friday said the party would forge an alliance with like minded parties for the 2019 general elections and would return to power. The Congress, however, would not compromise on the ideology and values of the party, Chaturvedi said. "We are not compelled to compromise on our ideology and values just for the sake of stitching up alliances. We will be reaching out to all political opposition parties and alliance will be formed on the basis of our and their understanding of the situation," said Chaturvedi, a national spokesperson of the party. Asked whether the Congress's proposed opposition alliance would include the Trinamool Congress too, she said it would include all political parties that believe in basic ethos and idea of our country and do not believe in dividing people of religious and caste lines. On NCP president Sharad Pawar's comment on Rafale scam, she said Pawar has not given a clean chit to anybody. "Sharad Pawar has gone on record saying he was misquoted, misrepresented and asked specific questions to the government. He has not at all given any clean chit to the Modi government," she said. In an interview to a Marathi news channel earlier this week, Pawar said he didn't think that people have doubts about Modi's intentions in the Rafale deal. Later, the NCP clarified that Pawar had not given any clean chit to Modi on the Rafale issue, and reiterated its demands that the central government disclose the price of the fighter jets and order a JPC probe.

Will form alliance with like minded parties for LS polls: Congress

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