The domestic stock market on Monday closed at a historic high after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/sensex-surges-over-1000-points-may-cross-40000-as-exit-poll-predict-nda-win-220058">witnessing an eventful day of rallying</a> after exit polls predicted an easy win for the Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in Lok Sabha 2019 polls.&nbsp;

BSE Sensex scaled 1,422 points to close at a record high of 39,353 while NSE Nifty surged 421 points to close at an all-time high of 11,828.&nbsp;

Sensex surged over 1000 points during the trade hours, and the rupee appreciated 79 paise against the US dollar. Domestic benchmark indices continued to extend their rally later in the day with the BSE Sensex climbing 1,300 points and Nifty touching 11,800 mark.

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The 30-share index was trading 1,341 points close to the session end, higher at 39,271.77 points. In similar movement, Nifty soared 393.95 points, or 3.45 per cent, to 11,801.10.&nbsp;

Most exit polls Sunday forecast another term for Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with some of them projecting that BJP-led NDA will get more than 300 seats to comfortably cross the majority mark of 272 in the Lok Sabha.

Pollsters predicted the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/bjp-in-countrys-hindi-heartland-exit-polls-spell-thumping-victory-for-party-in-madhya-pradesh-4-other-states-219985">BJP to make a clean sweet in the Hindi heartland</a> of the nation in states like Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Bihar, Rajasthan, Gujarat and the national capital.&nbsp;

The results of the seven-phase polls will come out Thursday.

Meanwhile, European stocks slipped on Monday as concerns about an escalating fallout from a US crackdown on China's Huawei Technologies offset a slightly more positive tone on trade, news agency Reuters reported.&nbsp;

Asian shares managed to reverse some of last week's heavy losses on Monday after the United States said it would lift tariffs in North America, as investors cheered apparent wins by incumbent parties in elections in Australia and India.&nbsp;

Oil prices jumped after Saudi Energy Minister Khalid al-Falih said that there was a consensus among the members of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries to maintain production cuts to "gently" reduce inventories.

Both US crude and Brent crude jumped more than 1.1% on Monday, with West Texas Intermediate fetching $63.5 a barrel and Brent crude at $73.04 per barrel, Reuters reported.&nbsp;

(With inputs from Reuters)&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

The domestic stock market on Monday closed at a historic high after witnessing an eventful day of rallying after exit polls predicted an easy win for the Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in Lok Sabha 2019 polls.

The domestic stock market on Monday closed at a historic high after witnessing an eventful day of rallying after exit polls predicted an easy win for the Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in Lok Sabha 2019 polls. BSE Sensex scaled 1,422 points to close at a record high of 39,353 while NSE Nifty surged 421 points to close at an all-time high of 11,828. Sensex surged over 1000 points during the trade hours, and the rupee appreciated 79 paise against the US dollar. Domestic benchmark indices continued to extend their rally later in the day with the BSE Sensex climbing 1,300 points and Nifty touching 11,800 mark. The 30-share index was trading 1,341 points close to the session end, higher at 39,271.77 points. In similar movement, Nifty soared 393.95 points, or 3.45 per cent, to 11,801.10. Most exit polls Sunday forecast another term for Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with some of them projecting that BJP-led NDA will get more than 300 seats to comfortably cross the majority mark of 272 in the Lok Sabha. Pollsters predicted the BJP to make a clean sweet in the Hindi heartland of the nation in states like Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Bihar, Rajasthan, Gujarat and the national capital. The results of the seven-phase polls will come out Thursday. Meanwhile, European stocks slipped on Monday as concerns about an escalating fallout from a US crackdown on China's Huawei Technologies offset a slightly more positive tone on trade, news agency Reuters reported. Asian shares managed to reverse some of last week's heavy losses on Monday after the United States said it would lift tariffs in North America, as investors cheered apparent wins by incumbent parties in elections in Australia and India. Oil prices jumped after Saudi Energy Minister Khalid al-Falih said that there was a consensus among the members of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries to maintain production cuts to "gently" reduce inventories. Both US crude and Brent crude jumped more than 1.1% on Monday, with West Texas Intermediate fetching $63.5 a barrel and Brent crude at $73.04 per barrel, Reuters reported. (With inputs from Reuters)

After witnessing eventful day, stock markets close at record high; Sensex surges over 1,400 points 

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/time-and-again-exit-polls-have-failed-to-catch-the-peoples-pulse-chandrababu-naidu-220003">Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu</a> on Monday said he is "1,000 per cent confident" that TDP will win the elections in the state.

"I am 1,000 per cent confident that TDP will win the elections. I do not have even 0.1 per cent doubt. We are going to win," he told a press conference.

The simultaneous elections to the 175-member strong Assembly and 25 Lok Sabha seats across Andhra Pradesh were held on April 11.

The counting of votes will begin on May 23. Reiterating his demand for counting of votes in 50 per cent of VVPATs, the TDP supremo said, "I have been fighting over this issue for the last ten years. VVPAT slips are the main issue for us. If we get a printout, we will believe. Now VVPATs will be counted in only five polling booths (per Assembly segment)."

"The Election Commission is complicating the issue by saying that it will take six to seven days to count VVPATs. SY Qureshi (former Chief Election Commissioner) supported our arguments. Not only us, but even former EC officials are raising the matter," he said.

Claiming that the EC is "losing its credibility", Naidu said that VVPAT slips should be counted first and verified properly.

"There are many problems relating to the counting process. The EC should take steps to resolve them. There are many rumours including that printers may have been manipulated and control panels changed," he said.

Naidu also said, "(Prime Minister Narendra) Modi tried till the last minute to influence voters. That is not correct."

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Monday said he is "1,000 per cent confident" that TDP will win the elections in the state. "I am 1,000 per cent confident that TDP will win the elections.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Monday said he is "1,000 per cent confident" that TDP will win the elections in the state. "I am 1,000 per cent confident that TDP will win the elections. I do not have even 0.1 per cent doubt. We are going to win," he told a press conference. The simultaneous elections to the 175-member strong Assembly and 25 Lok Sabha seats across Andhra Pradesh were held on April 11. The counting of votes will begin on May 23. Reiterating his demand for counting of votes in 50 per cent of VVPATs, the TDP supremo said, "I have been fighting over this issue for the last ten years. VVPAT slips are the main issue for us. If we get a printout, we will believe. Now VVPATs will be counted in only five polling booths (per Assembly segment)." "The Election Commission is complicating the issue by saying that it will take six to seven days to count VVPATs. SY Qureshi (former Chief Election Commissioner) supported our arguments. Not only us, but even former EC officials are raising the matter," he said. Claiming that the EC is "losing its credibility", Naidu said that VVPAT slips should be counted first and verified properly. "There are many problems relating to the counting process. The EC should take steps to resolve them. There are many rumours including that printers may have been manipulated and control panels changed," he said. Naidu also said, "(Prime Minister Narendra) Modi tried till the last minute to influence voters. That is not correct."

'1,000% confident' Telugu Desam Party will win elections in Andhra Pradesh: Naidu

Chief Minister Kamal Nath led Congress government in the state will fall on its own, says BJP MLA and Leader of Opposition in the state Assembly Gopal Bhargava.

"You can yourself analyse the current situation. They have the support of one SP MLA, one MLA of BSP and four Independent MLAs. There is bickering within the party," he said while talking to ANI on Monday.

"This government will fall on its own. I don't believe in horse-trading but I feel the government's time has come. It will have to go soon," he said.

"For some, the Congress government is of two and a half CMs; for some of three CMs and for others of 3.5 CMs. There is widespread anarchy in the state under the current dispensation," said Bhargava.

He also spoke about the leadership crisis in the Congress. "You can see the Congress has a leadership crisis as well. This is the main reason for the Congress'&nbsp;decline. We are winning in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh just after six months that we lost in the Assembly polls, all because of the Congress'&nbsp;false promises and faulty policies," he said.

"We will write to the Governor in a few days, requesting her to call the session of Assembly keeping in the people's aspirations and other current issues," he said.

The 231-member MP Assembly has 113 Congress members and 109 BJP members. The ruling coalition is led by the Congress party, supported by two MLAs of SP-BSP, and four Independent MLAs.&nbsp;

Chief Minister Kamal Nath led Congress government in the state will fall on its own, says BJP MLA and Leader of Opposition in the state Assembly Gopal Bhargava. "You can yourself analyse the current situation.

Chief Minister Kamal Nath led Congress government in the state will fall on its own, says BJP MLA and Leader of Opposition in the state Assembly Gopal Bhargava. "You can yourself analyse the current situation. They have the support of one SP MLA, one MLA of BSP and four Independent MLAs. There is bickering within the party," he said while talking to ANI on Monday. "This government will fall on its own. I don't believe in horse-trading but I feel the government's time has come. It will have to go soon," he said. "For some, the Congress government is of two and a half CMs; for some of three CMs and for others of 3.5 CMs. There is widespread anarchy in the state under the current dispensation," said Bhargava. He also spoke about the leadership crisis in the Congress. "You can see the Congress has a leadership crisis as well. This is the main reason for the Congress' decline. We are winning in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh just after six months that we lost in the Assembly polls, all because of the Congress' false promises and faulty policies," he said. "We will write to the Governor in a few days, requesting her to call the session of Assembly keeping in the people's aspirations and other current issues," he said. The 231-member MP Assembly has 113 Congress members and 109 BJP members. The ruling coalition is led by the Congress party, supported by two MLAs of SP-BSP, and four Independent MLAs.

Congress' Madhya Pradesh government will fall on its own: BJP

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Monday asserted that Sabarimala issue did not affect polls in Kerala.

He, in a veiled attack on the BJP, said that it was the latter party which created trouble in the state.

Addressing media persons, he said, "We are going to win big. Sabarimala issue did not affect polls in Kerala. All of us know who created troubles there."

Asserting that those who created trouble during Sabarimala row are facing in-fighting now, Vijayan said, "Now there is in-fight within those people. Some among them have said that a group of people intervened with the intention of creating trouble there."

The Sabarimala temple and surrounding areas witnessed a string of protests since October last year over the Supreme Court`s decision to quash restrictions on the entry of women between 10 and 50 years.

Nearly four months after the apex court permitted women of all ages to enter the temple on September 28 last year, two women aged below 50 years entered the Lord Ayyappa temple to offer prayers.

Violent protests broke out all across the state, while a purification process took place in the temple following the entry of these two women - Bindu Ammini and Kanaka Durga.

In March, this year BJP's Kozhikode Lok Sabha candidate Prakash Babu was also remanded to judicial custody on Thursday for 14 days in a case related to violence at Sabarimala.&nbsp;

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Monday asserted that Sabarimala issue did not affect polls in Kerala. He, in a veiled attack on the BJP, said that it was the latter party which created trouble in the state.

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Monday asserted that Sabarimala issue did not affect polls in Kerala. He, in a veiled attack on the BJP, said that it was the latter party which created trouble in the state. Addressing media persons, he said, "We are going to win big. Sabarimala issue did not affect polls in Kerala. All of us know who created troubles there." Asserting that those who created trouble during Sabarimala row are facing in-fighting now, Vijayan said, "Now there is in-fight within those people. Some among them have said that a group of people intervened with the intention of creating trouble there." The Sabarimala temple and surrounding areas witnessed a string of protests since October last year over the Supreme Court`s decision to quash restrictions on the entry of women between 10 and 50 years. Nearly four months after the apex court permitted women of all ages to enter the temple on September 28 last year, two women aged below 50 years entered the Lord Ayyappa temple to offer prayers. Violent protests broke out all across the state, while a purification process took place in the temple following the entry of these two women - Bindu Ammini and Kanaka Durga. In March, this year BJP's Kozhikode Lok Sabha candidate Prakash Babu was also remanded to judicial custody on Thursday for 14 days in a case related to violence at Sabarimala.

Sabarimala issue didn't affect polls in Kerala: Pinarayi Vijayan

A BJP delegation led by Defence minister Nirmala Sitharaman and Railway minister Piyush Goyal approached the Election Commission (EC) and urged it to conduct repoll in the constituencies where violence had taken place during all the phases of the Lok Sabha polls in some states.

Speaking to media, he said, "We have met the Election Commissioners and informed them about the violence that had taken place in all the seven phases of the Lok Sabha polls and requested for repolling in all the violence-affected constituencies."

"We have also demanded that the EC withdraw the false cases made against BJP leaders in West Bengal," Goyal added.

The Union minister further said, "We have informed the EC about West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee`s threat to people of the state that she will deal with them after the polls."

"We feel that there is a chance of violence in West Bengal now and even after the counting is over. Therefore, we request the poll watch body to ensure that the Central forces will continue to be stationed in the state till the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) is over," added the Union minister.

Expressing concern to ensure that the counting process remains free and fair, Goyal further said, "We requested EC to ensure that in all EVM strongroom, the Central forces should be stationed."

To make sure the counting process remains free and fair, "We have requested the EC observers and special observers to be present in the counting booths in the states of Odisha, West Bengal, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh."

"There should be strict checking in the EVM strongroom. CCTV cameras should be installed in counting rooms in all these states and there should be no entry of any unauthorized person inside the EVM strongroom," he added.

Large scale violence was reported from different parliamentary constituencies across West Bengal on the seventh phase of the general elections with Trinamool and BJP blaming each other for the violence. While vehicles of few leaders were vandalised in poll-related violence, BJP has also accused TMC of beating its office-bearers.

West Bengal that went for polls in all the phases of the Lok Sabha elections witnessed violence in every phase. The counting of votes for the Lok Sabha polls will take place on May 23.&nbsp;

A BJP delegation led by Defence minister Nirmala Sitharaman and Railway minister Piyush Goyal approached the Election Commission (EC) and urged it to conduct repoll in the constituencies where violence had taken place during all the phases of the Lok Sabha polls in some states.

A BJP delegation led by Defence minister Nirmala Sitharaman and Railway minister Piyush Goyal approached the Election Commission (EC) and urged it to conduct repoll in the constituencies where violence had taken place during all the phases of the Lok Sabha polls in some states. Speaking to media, he said, "We have met the Election Commissioners and informed them about the violence that had taken place in all the seven phases of the Lok Sabha polls and requested for repolling in all the violence-affected constituencies." "We have also demanded that the EC withdraw the false cases made against BJP leaders in West Bengal," Goyal added. The Union minister further said, "We have informed the EC about West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee`s threat to people of the state that she will deal with them after the polls." "We feel that there is a chance of violence in West Bengal now and even after the counting is over. Therefore, we request the poll watch body to ensure that the Central forces will continue to be stationed in the state till the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) is over," added the Union minister. Expressing concern to ensure that the counting process remains free and fair, Goyal further said, "We requested EC to ensure that in all EVM strongroom, the Central forces should be stationed." To make sure the counting process remains free and fair, "We have requested the EC observers and special observers to be present in the counting booths in the states of Odisha, West Bengal, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh." "There should be strict checking in the EVM strongroom. CCTV cameras should be installed in counting rooms in all these states and there should be no entry of any unauthorized person inside the EVM strongroom," he added. Large scale violence was reported from different parliamentary constituencies across West Bengal on the seventh phase of the general elections with Trinamool and BJP blaming each other for the violence. While vehicles of few leaders were vandalised in poll-related violence, BJP has also accused TMC of beating its office-bearers. West Bengal that went for polls in all the phases of the Lok Sabha elections witnessed violence in every phase. The counting of votes for the Lok Sabha polls will take place on May 23.

BJP requests Election Commission to conduct re-polling in booths affected by violence in Lok Sabha polls

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/exit-polls-2019-pm-modi-returning-to-power-with-300-plus-seats-say-pollsters-219927">Going by the exit polls</a>, Mamata Banerjee-led All India Trinamool Congress will retain her hold in West Bengal but at the cost of loss of seat share. The BJP, on the other hand, is predicted to make significant inroads into the state bagging seats in double-digits.&nbsp;

While 'Poll of polls'&nbsp;predicted 15 seats for the NDA and 25 for the TMC, Times Now-VMR showed 11 seats going to the NDA and 28 to the TMC.&nbsp;

ABP Neilsen survey said that the TMC will keep 24 Lok Sabha seats in the state while 16 will go to the BJP. Of the total 42 seats in West Bengal, the NDA is likely to win 11 and TMC would settle with 29 seats, Republic C-Voter predicted.

<img alt="exit polls GFX" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="41f80082-cc24-466d-9922-6eae95464e8c" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Exit%20poll%20GFX_0.jpg" />

The predictions pronounce a significant shift in voting trend in West Bengal as the TMC is shown to bear a loss of as many as 10 seats this Lok Sabha polls while the NDA is likely to benefit on around 14 seats.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
It must be remembered that during the last Lok Sabha polls, Banerjee's TMC registered&nbsp;a massive victory on over 34 seats. The Congress kept 4 seats while the CPI(M) and the BJP settled with two seats each. &nbsp;&nbsp;

This year's Lok Sabha polls witnessed a dramatic political play in West Bengal with many incidents of violence and unrest reported in almost phases of the seven-phased general elections. West Bengal also topped the turnout tally in almost all phases of the general elections. TMC and BJP workers sparred at many incidents and time and again the West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee alleged Centre's interference in the state.&nbsp;

The Modi-wave however, seemed to have a significant drive in the state. The exit polls predict that BJP's strengthened image and Modi's increased popularity may affect the electoral outcome in the state.&nbsp;

While the exit polls predict the electoral battle in West Bengal to result in a dramatic swing of seats from TMC's kitty to BJP's bag, final results are awaited and will be announced on May 23.&nbsp;

Watch: Exit Polls show BJP emerges as second largest party in West Bengal

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Meanwhile, Banerjee has dubbed exit polls as "gossip" and has said that she doesn't trust such surveys as the "game plan" is to use them for "manipulation" of EVMs.

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I don’t trust Exit Poll gossip. The game plan is to manipulate or replace thousands of EVMs through this gossip. I appeal to all Opposition parties to be united, strong and bold. We will fight this battle together
— Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) <a href="https://twitter.com/MamataOfficial/status/1130112216202526720?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 19, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"I don't trust Exit Poll gossip. The game plan is to manipulate or replace thousands of EVMs through this gossip. I appeal to all Opposition parties to be united, strong and bold. We will fight this battle together," Banerjee said in a tweet.

 
&nbsp;

Going by the exit polls, Mamata Banerjee-led All India Trinamool Congress will retain her hold in West Bengal but at the cost of loss of seat share. The BJP, on the other hand, is predicted to make significant inroads into the state bagging seats in double-digits.

Going by the exit polls, Mamata Banerjee-led All India Trinamool Congress will retain her hold in West Bengal but at the cost of loss of seat share. The BJP, on the other hand, is predicted to make significant inroads into the state bagging seats in double-digits. While 'Poll of polls' predicted 15 seats for the NDA and 25 for the TMC, Times Now-VMR showed 11 seats going to the NDA and 28 to the TMC. ABP Neilsen survey said that the TMC will keep 24 Lok Sabha seats in the state while 16 will go to the BJP. Of the total 42 seats in West Bengal, the NDA is likely to win 11 and TMC would settle with 29 seats, Republic C-Voter predicted. The predictions pronounce a significant shift in voting trend in West Bengal as the TMC is shown to bear a loss of as many as 10 seats this Lok Sabha polls while the NDA is likely to benefit on around 14 seats. It must be remembered that during the last Lok Sabha polls, Banerjee's TMC registered a massive victory on over 34 seats. The Congress kept 4 seats while the CPI(M) and the BJP settled with two seats each. This year's Lok Sabha polls witnessed a dramatic political play in West Bengal with many incidents of violence and unrest reported in almost phases of the seven-phased general elections. West Bengal also topped the turnout tally in almost all phases of the general elections. TMC and BJP workers sparred at many incidents and time and again the West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee alleged Centre's interference in the state. The Modi-wave however, seemed to have a significant drive in the state. The exit polls predict that BJP's strengthened image and Modi's increased popularity may affect the electoral outcome in the state. While the exit polls predict the electoral battle in West Bengal to result in a dramatic swing of seats from TMC's kitty to BJP's bag, final results are awaited and will be announced on May 23. Watch: Exit Polls show BJP emerges as second largest party in West Bengal × Meanwhile, Banerjee has dubbed exit polls as "gossip" and has said that she doesn't trust such surveys as the "game plan" is to use them for "manipulation" of EVMs. I don’t trust Exit Poll gossip. The game plan is to manipulate or replace thousands of EVMs through this gossip. I appeal to all Opposition parties to be united, strong and bold. We will fight this battle together — Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) May 19, 2019 × "I don't trust Exit Poll gossip. The game plan is to manipulate or replace thousands of EVMs through this gossip. I appeal to all Opposition parties to be united, strong and bold. We will fight this battle together," Banerjee said in a tweet.

In West Bengal, pollsters predict considerable loss to Mamata; NDA to make significant inroads

Barely five days ahead of the results to country's general election, best-selling author Chetan Bhagat was in Chennai to launch his latest non-fiction work ‘India Positive’.

He addressed the gathering at the India Positive Conclave on Saturday which aimed to drive a conversation around positive political culture and constructive politics.&nbsp;

Bhagat’s latest book is a collection of short essays on contemporary political issues and examines a wide array of subjects such as education, GST (Goods and Services Tax), corruption and casteism.

Speaking at the book launch, the author highlighted the heightened political awareness and curiosity amongst the youth and netizens by taking the example of the recent Twitter poll where he found that over 84 per cent of the respondents believed that the election results on May 23 were more exciting or as exciting as the Cricket World Cup finale.&nbsp;

The author said that his book was written keeping in mind the attention span and the curiosity of the current generation. The book comprises a compilation of essays, each of which is two to three pages in length.&nbsp;

Adding a personal touch to this speech, Chetan referred to his wife’s Tamil origins and spoke about the humility of Tamil people. Referring to Tamil Nadu’s notable rate of growth and development, he said that Tamil culture did not encourage marketing, as they are good at performing. He also stated that there is no shame in marketing good work. He even hoped to see a Tamilian Prime Minister in the years to come.

Making a specific reference to the political scenario in the country, Bhagat said that 'India Positive' is not about who wins the elections and that the biggest problem is not one particular party. He highlighted the need to stop promoting hate against other religions and emphasized on the need to focus on issues such as infrastructure and pollution.&nbsp;

The conclave also featured a panel discussion by eminent politicians, entrepreneurs and public figures of Tamil Nadu, on the need and scope for positive politics for the benefit of the state and its population.&nbsp;

The discussion that was moderated by Actress Kasturi Shankar involved State Minister for Tamil language and Culture K Pandiarajan, BJP spokesperson Narayanan Thirupathy, TN Congress committee working president Mohan Kumaramangalam, Ponraj of Abdul Kalam Vision India Party and entrepreneur CK Kumaravel.&nbsp;

While the panel discussion did occasionally witness verbal duels between the political opponents, there were also rare scenes of political courtesy and civility when the politicians credited the achievements and schemes of their respective opponents.&nbsp;

The discussion on 'India Positive' had the BJP spokesperson appreciating the Congress party for its RTI and 'Unique Identity' project and the Congress’ representative reciprocated by appreciating the BJP for its implementation of the GST.&nbsp;

The AIADMK minister also appreciated the efforts of the Congress and the DMK referring to the 100-days employment guarantee scheme and the DMK’s move to introduce reforms in education at the state level.

Barely five days ahead of the results to country's general election, best-selling author Chetan Bhagat was in Chennai to launch his latest non-fiction work ‘India Positive’.

Barely five days ahead of the results to country's general election, best-selling author Chetan Bhagat was in Chennai to launch his latest non-fiction work ‘India Positive’. He addressed the gathering at the India Positive Conclave on Saturday which aimed to drive a conversation around positive political culture and constructive politics. Bhagat’s latest book is a collection of short essays on contemporary political issues and examines a wide array of subjects such as education, GST (Goods and Services Tax), corruption and casteism. Speaking at the book launch, the author highlighted the heightened political awareness and curiosity amongst the youth and netizens by taking the example of the recent Twitter poll where he found that over 84 per cent of the respondents believed that the election results on May 23 were more exciting or as exciting as the Cricket World Cup finale. The author said that his book was written keeping in mind the attention span and the curiosity of the current generation. The book comprises a compilation of essays, each of which is two to three pages in length. Adding a personal touch to this speech, Chetan referred to his wife’s Tamil origins and spoke about the humility of Tamil people. Referring to Tamil Nadu’s notable rate of growth and development, he said that Tamil culture did not encourage marketing, as they are good at performing. He also stated that there is no shame in marketing good work. He even hoped to see a Tamilian Prime Minister in the years to come. Making a specific reference to the political scenario in the country, Bhagat said that 'India Positive' is not about who wins the elections and that the biggest problem is not one particular party. He highlighted the need to stop promoting hate against other religions and emphasized on the need to focus on issues such as infrastructure and pollution. The conclave also featured a panel discussion by eminent politicians, entrepreneurs and public figures of Tamil Nadu, on the need and scope for positive politics for the benefit of the state and its population. The discussion that was moderated by Actress Kasturi Shankar involved State Minister for Tamil language and Culture K Pandiarajan, BJP spokesperson Narayanan Thirupathy, TN Congress committee working president Mohan Kumaramangalam, Ponraj of Abdul Kalam Vision India Party and entrepreneur CK Kumaravel. While the panel discussion did occasionally witness verbal duels between the political opponents, there were also rare scenes of political courtesy and civility when the politicians credited the achievements and schemes of their respective opponents. The discussion on 'India Positive' had the BJP spokesperson appreciating the Congress party for its RTI and 'Unique Identity' project and the Congress’ representative reciprocated by appreciating the BJP for its implementation of the GST. The AIADMK minister also appreciated the efforts of the Congress and the DMK referring to the 100-days employment guarantee scheme and the DMK’s move to introduce reforms in education at the state level.

Ahead of Lok Sabha polls result, Chetan Bhagat launches non-fiction book titled ‘India Positive’

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Saturday wrote to the state's Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) to initiate action against BSP supremo Mayawati for allegedly violating Model Code of Conduct (MCC) by posting tweets to influence voters after the end of campaigning for the seventh phase of Lok Sabha elections.

Earlier today, Mayawati had cornered Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the issue of development in eastern Uttar Pradesh and asserted that it would be 'more historic than a win'&nbsp;if the Prime Minister loses from Varanasi - his Lok Sabha constituency -&nbsp;where polling will be held on Sunday.

Taking to Twitter, Mayawati had attacked the 'Gujarat model of development'&nbsp;and wrote, "The Gujarat model of PM Modi was not at all successful in eliminating extreme poverty, unemployment and backwardness of the Purvanchal region of Uttar Pradesh. This is blatant deceit. Instead of development, the Modi-Yogi double-engined government has only given communal tension, hatred and violence to the country."

"This deception and betrayal happened with people of Purvanchal even when PM and UP's CM, both represent this region. If Yogi can be turned down by Gorakhpur, wouldn't the defeat of PM Modi from Varanasi be more historic than his win? Will Varanasi repeat what Raebareli did in 1977?" she added.

Mayawati was referring to the 1977 elections in which the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi was defeated from Raebareli constituency.

Campaigning in the bitterly-fought high-stakes Lok Sabha elections, in which Prime Minister Modi is seeking a second-term, came to an end on Friday evening with parties making claims about their victory ahead of polling in 59 constituencies spread over six states and one union territory on May 19.

Congress leader Ajay Rai, who lost to Modi in the last elections, will again face the Prime Minister while SP has fielded Shalini Yadav from the seat.

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Saturday wrote to the state's Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) to initiate action against BSP supremo Mayawati for allegedly violating Model Code of Conduct (MCC) by posting tweets to influence voters after the end of campaigning for the seventh phase of Lok Sabha elections.

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Saturday wrote to the state's Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) to initiate action against BSP supremo Mayawati for allegedly violating Model Code of Conduct (MCC) by posting tweets to influence voters after the end of campaigning for the seventh phase of Lok Sabha elections. Earlier today, Mayawati had cornered Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the issue of development in eastern Uttar Pradesh and asserted that it would be 'more historic than a win' if the Prime Minister loses from Varanasi - his Lok Sabha constituency - where polling will be held on Sunday. Taking to Twitter, Mayawati had attacked the 'Gujarat model of development' and wrote, "The Gujarat model of PM Modi was not at all successful in eliminating extreme poverty, unemployment and backwardness of the Purvanchal region of Uttar Pradesh. This is blatant deceit. Instead of development, the Modi-Yogi double-engined government has only given communal tension, hatred and violence to the country." "This deception and betrayal happened with people of Purvanchal even when PM and UP's CM, both represent this region. If Yogi can be turned down by Gorakhpur, wouldn't the defeat of PM Modi from Varanasi be more historic than his win? Will Varanasi repeat what Raebareli did in 1977?" she added. Mayawati was referring to the 1977 elections in which the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi was defeated from Raebareli constituency. Campaigning in the bitterly-fought high-stakes Lok Sabha elections, in which Prime Minister Modi is seeking a second-term, came to an end on Friday evening with parties making claims about their victory ahead of polling in 59 constituencies spread over six states and one union territory on May 19. Congress leader Ajay Rai, who lost to Modi in the last elections, will again face the Prime Minister while SP has fielded Shalini Yadav from the seat.

BJP seeks action against Mayawati for violating Model Code of Conduct

The Naga People's Front (NPF) on Saturday announced to pull out of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/npf-to-review-its-alliance-with-bjp-in-manipur-219359">BJP-led coalition government in the state</a> soon after the Lok Sabha election process is completed.

"We had a long meeting at NPF central office in Kohima and decided to withdraw support in principle from the BJP-led Manipur government," Achumbemo Kikon, Naga People's Front (NPF) spokesperson told ANI.

NPF leader and former Nagaland Chief Minister TR Zeliang also took to Twitter and said that his party is upset with the "indifferent attitude" of the BJP.

"After an intense deliberation and review meeting with the party functionaries and the NPF MLAs of Manipur state, the NPF has decided in principle to pull out our 4 NPF MLAs from the BJP led government in Manipur headed by N Biren Singh soon after the LS election is completed," Zeliang tweeted.

"This decision at this juncture is necessitated due to the indifferent attitude of the BJP towards us, its coalition partner in Manipur and also in the State of Nagaland. Further implementation of this decision will be finalised after the election process," he added.

This comes after Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh on Thursday said the demands of NPF would be taken up for consideration after the Lok Sabha elections conclude.

Speaking to ANI, Singh said, "There was an understanding between NPF and BJP during the formation of the government in the state."

"But due to some unavoidable circumstances, the demands of NPF leaders are pending. These will be taken up by senior party leaders in the state after the Lok Sabha elections are over," he said.

On being asked about the possibility of a reshuffle in the government, Singh said,&nbsp;"Right now I cannot say anything about this. We are in election mood now. I am here in Delhi for the election campaign. I am positive that BJP is coming back to power at the Centre. Modiji is coming back again."

In the polls conducted last year for the 60-member Manipur state assembly, INC got 28 seats, BJP (21 seats), NPF (4 seats), NPP (4 seats), AITC (1 seat), Independent (1 seat) and LJP (1 seat).

The Congress party is also monitoring the political situation in Manipur closely.AICC in-charge for Manipur, Luziheno Falerio told ANI that the party is "observing the current political situation of Manipur and chalking out the strategy and will take a final call day after tomorrow because hearing of a petition is on Monday in the Supreme Court on the disqualification of Congress MLA who joined BJP and became minister in the state government."&nbsp;

The Naga People's Front (NPF) on Saturday announced to pull out of BJP-led coalition government in the state soon after the Lok Sabha election process is completed.

The Naga People's Front (NPF) on Saturday announced to pull out of BJP-led coalition government in the state soon after the Lok Sabha election process is completed. "We had a long meeting at NPF central office in Kohima and decided to withdraw support in principle from the BJP-led Manipur government," Achumbemo Kikon, Naga People's Front (NPF) spokesperson told ANI. NPF leader and former Nagaland Chief Minister TR Zeliang also took to Twitter and said that his party is upset with the "indifferent attitude" of the BJP. "After an intense deliberation and review meeting with the party functionaries and the NPF MLAs of Manipur state, the NPF has decided in principle to pull out our 4 NPF MLAs from the BJP led government in Manipur headed by N Biren Singh soon after the LS election is completed," Zeliang tweeted. "This decision at this juncture is necessitated due to the indifferent attitude of the BJP towards us, its coalition partner in Manipur and also in the State of Nagaland. Further implementation of this decision will be finalised after the election process," he added. This comes after Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh on Thursday said the demands of NPF would be taken up for consideration after the Lok Sabha elections conclude. Speaking to ANI, Singh said, "There was an understanding between NPF and BJP during the formation of the government in the state." "But due to some unavoidable circumstances, the demands of NPF leaders are pending. These will be taken up by senior party leaders in the state after the Lok Sabha elections are over," he said. On being asked about the possibility of a reshuffle in the government, Singh said, "Right now I cannot say anything about this. We are in election mood now. I am here in Delhi for the election campaign. I am positive that BJP is coming back to power at the Centre. Modiji is coming back again." In the polls conducted last year for the 60-member Manipur state assembly, INC got 28 seats, BJP (21 seats), NPF (4 seats), NPP (4 seats), AITC (1 seat), Independent (1 seat) and LJP (1 seat). The Congress party is also monitoring the political situation in Manipur closely.AICC in-charge for Manipur, Luziheno Falerio told ANI that the party is "observing the current political situation of Manipur and chalking out the strategy and will take a final call day after tomorrow because hearing of a petition is on Monday in the Supreme Court on the disqualification of Congress MLA who joined BJP and became minister in the state government."

NPF to 'pull out' of BJP-led government in Manipur after Lok Sabha poll process is over

Trinamool Congress supremo and West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee Saturday wrote to the Election Commission to ensure "peaceful and impartial" elections in the state without the interference of the BJP.

The EC should ensure that Sunday's polling is held without the "undue interference of the central government" and any "intervention by the ruling party at the Centre", Banerjee, West Bengal chief minister said.

"In the final phase of the election tomorrow, I would request your good office to kindly ensure that election is completed peacefully, impartially and without any undue interference of the Central government and any intervention by the ruling party at the centre," Banerjee wrote to Chief Election Commissioner Sunil Arora.

She also requested the poll body to "protect democratic institutions and federal structure of the country and extend due respect to the opposition parties".&nbsp;

Trinamool Congress supremo and West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee Saturday wrote to the Election Commission to ensure "peaceful and impartial" elections in the state without the interference of the BJP.

Trinamool Congress supremo and West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee Saturday wrote to the Election Commission to ensure "peaceful and impartial" elections in the state without the interference of the BJP. The EC should ensure that Sunday's polling is held without the "undue interference of the central government" and any "intervention by the ruling party at the Centre", Banerjee, West Bengal chief minister said. "In the final phase of the election tomorrow, I would request your good office to kindly ensure that election is completed peacefully, impartially and without any undue interference of the Central government and any intervention by the ruling party at the centre," Banerjee wrote to Chief Election Commissioner Sunil Arora. She also requested the poll body to "protect democratic institutions and federal structure of the country and extend due respect to the opposition parties".

Mamata Banerjee asks EC to ensure peaceful and impartial voting in West Bengal in last phase

Congress's Lok Sabha candidate from Lucknow parliamentary constituency, Acharya Pramod Krishnam on Friday criticised party leader Shatrughan Sinha for not following 'party dharma'&nbsp;and taking politics 'lightly'.

Addressing media persons hours after Congress President Rahul Gandhi campaigned for Shatrughan Sinha in Patna, Krishnam said, "Rahul ji joined Shatrughan ji's roadshow as he was following 'party dharma'&nbsp;but Shatrughan ji didn't follow 'party dharma'.

He's taking politics lightly. Politics is related to India's future, there should be sensibility.

"Krishnam also advised Sinha to give 'respect'&nbsp;to the party and added, "It is the large-heartedness of Rahul Gandhi that he gave respect to Shatrughan Sinha but Shatrughan Sinha should also give respect to the party."

Earlier in April, Sinha had campaigned for his wife and SP-BSP-RLD grand alliance candidate Poonam Sinha who is contesting against Krishnam from Lucknow parliamentary constituency.

Krishnam at that time also had criticised Sinha and asked him to campaign for his own party.

"Shatrughan Sinha has come here and fulfilled his duty as a husband, but I would like to tell him that he should now campaign for his party and fulfil his political dharma," Krishnam had said.

Polling in Lucknow for the Lok Sabha elections took place on May 6 and the result will be announced on May 23.&nbsp;

Congress's Lok Sabha candidate from Lucknow parliamentary constituency, Acharya Pramod Krishnam on Friday criticised party leader Shatrughan Sinha for not following 'party dharma' and taking politics 'lightly'.

Congress's Lok Sabha candidate from Lucknow parliamentary constituency, Acharya Pramod Krishnam on Friday criticised party leader Shatrughan Sinha for not following 'party dharma' and taking politics 'lightly'. Addressing media persons hours after Congress President Rahul Gandhi campaigned for Shatrughan Sinha in Patna, Krishnam said, "Rahul ji joined Shatrughan ji's roadshow as he was following 'party dharma' but Shatrughan ji didn't follow 'party dharma'. He's taking politics lightly. Politics is related to India's future, there should be sensibility. "Krishnam also advised Sinha to give 'respect' to the party and added, "It is the large-heartedness of Rahul Gandhi that he gave respect to Shatrughan Sinha but Shatrughan Sinha should also give respect to the party." Earlier in April, Sinha had campaigned for his wife and SP-BSP-RLD grand alliance candidate Poonam Sinha who is contesting against Krishnam from Lucknow parliamentary constituency. Krishnam at that time also had criticised Sinha and asked him to campaign for his own party. "Shatrughan Sinha has come here and fulfilled his duty as a husband, but I would like to tell him that he should now campaign for his party and fulfil his political dharma," Krishnam had said. Polling in Lucknow for the Lok Sabha elections took place on May 6 and the result will be announced on May 23.

Shatrughan Sinha didn't follow 'party dharma', taking politics lightly: Acharya Pramod Krishnam

In his last election rally on Friday, PM Narendra Modi gave an indication as to what his priority will be in his second term if his party is elected back to power.

In his second term, his prime focus will be water management. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/would-never-be-able-to-forgive-pragya-for-godse-remark-pm-modi-219397">In Madhya Pradesh's Khargone yesterday, PM Modi said</a>, "Fifty years ago, Lohia told Jawaharlal Nehru that the most important issues facing women were water and sanitation... I am fulfilling Lohia's wish. After constructing toilets and giving dignity to women, I will focus my next term on ensuring clean drinking water."

BJP's manifesto has promised the setting up of a unified Ministry of Water to end the water woes of the country.

The Centre issued a drought advisory to Maharashtra, Gujarat, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Tamil Nadu, asking them to use water judiciously in the coming weeks as water storage in dams dropped to a critical level.

With almost all of rural India depending on monsoon rain for agriculture and domestic purpose, there is a desperate need for water management.

If Modi gets a second term and manages to achieve&nbsp;this, in addition to augmenting Swachh Bharat, Ujwala Yojana and Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, he would have secured the confidence of at least 50 per cent of the electorate - women voters.

Currently, management of water resources is fragmented between six or seven ministries, a centralised system would plug loopholes and even put the river clean up missions in the country on track.

Ganga clean up action was Modi's commitment to his constituency and electorate but in the past five years, things have not moved in the pace that he had envisioned.

Hundreds of crores of rupees set-aside for the Namami Gange plan lie unspent. Almost 400 million people's lives depend on Ganga water. If Modi can actually get a team to focus on cleaning up the river, manage it in such a manner that the water is piped into every home in the region in the next two to three years, it would mean a sure shot electoral victory as well as a huge improvement in the lives of millions.

It is estimated that 200,000 Indians die every year due to inadequate access to safe water.&nbsp;

In his last election rally on Friday, PM Narendra Modi gave an indication as to what his priority will be in his second term if his party is elected back to power.

In his last election rally on Friday, PM Narendra Modi gave an indication as to what his priority will be in his second term if his party is elected back to power. In his second term, his prime focus will be water management. In Madhya Pradesh's Khargone yesterday, PM Modi said, "Fifty years ago, Lohia told Jawaharlal Nehru that the most important issues facing women were water and sanitation... I am fulfilling Lohia's wish. After constructing toilets and giving dignity to women, I will focus my next term on ensuring clean drinking water." BJP's manifesto has promised the setting up of a unified Ministry of Water to end the water woes of the country. The Centre issued a drought advisory to Maharashtra, Gujarat, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Tamil Nadu, asking them to use water judiciously in the coming weeks as water storage in dams dropped to a critical level. With almost all of rural India depending on monsoon rain for agriculture and domestic purpose, there is a desperate need for water management. If Modi gets a second term and manages to achieve this, in addition to augmenting Swachh Bharat, Ujwala Yojana and Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, he would have secured the confidence of at least 50 per cent of the electorate - women voters. Currently, management of water resources is fragmented between six or seven ministries, a centralised system would plug loopholes and even put the river clean up missions in the country on track. Ganga clean up action was Modi's commitment to his constituency and electorate but in the past five years, things have not moved in the pace that he had envisioned. Hundreds of crores of rupees set-aside for the Namami Gange plan lie unspent. Almost 400 million people's lives depend on Ganga water. If Modi can actually get a team to focus on cleaning up the river, manage it in such a manner that the water is piped into every home in the region in the next two to three years, it would mean a sure shot electoral victory as well as a huge improvement in the lives of millions. It is estimated that 200,000 Indians die every year due to inadequate access to safe water.

Water management to be prime focus if NDA is re-elected: PM Modi

Andhra Pradesh chief minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/tdp-chief-naidu-meets-rahul-discusses-firming-up-anti-bjp-front-219558">N Chandrababu Naidu</a> urged the Election Commission to count votes through Voter-verified paper audit trail (VVPAT) instead of EVMs during counting for the Lok Sabha polls.

At an event held for discussing measures to increase transparency in elections, Naidu said, "The Election Commission has allowed for five per cent random matching of EVMs in an assembly segment with VVPAT. The poll watch body has argued that the matching cannot be exceeded to 50 per cent because it will take six additional days to declare the result of the polls. I am asking why can`t the Election Commission counts VVPAT directly instead of counting EVMs, which I feel is a more complicated process."

"The officials will count EVMs first then they will check 5 per cent of EVMs with VVPAT. After this, if there is any discrepancy is found then they will take VVPAT count as final. If such is the case then why can`t the officials directly count VVPAT trails," he added.

Earlier on Friday Naidu hit out at the Election Commission, calling it a 'biased body'&nbsp;which gave "controversial and pro-government decisions". Naidu made the remarks after a meeting with Chief Election Commission Sunil Arora regarding repolling in five polling stations under the Chittoor parliamentary constituency in Andhra Pradesh on May 19.

The counting of votes for the Lok Sabha polls will take place on May 23.&nbsp;

Andhra Pradesh chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu urged the Election Commission to count votes through Voter-verified paper audit trail (VVPAT) instead of EVMs during counting for the Lok Sabha polls.

Andhra Pradesh chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu urged the Election Commission to count votes through Voter-verified paper audit trail (VVPAT) instead of EVMs during counting for the Lok Sabha polls. At an event held for discussing measures to increase transparency in elections, Naidu said, "The Election Commission has allowed for five per cent random matching of EVMs in an assembly segment with VVPAT. The poll watch body has argued that the matching cannot be exceeded to 50 per cent because it will take six additional days to declare the result of the polls. I am asking why can`t the Election Commission counts VVPAT directly instead of counting EVMs, which I feel is a more complicated process." "The officials will count EVMs first then they will check 5 per cent of EVMs with VVPAT. After this, if there is any discrepancy is found then they will take VVPAT count as final. If such is the case then why can`t the officials directly count VVPAT trails," he added. Earlier on Friday Naidu hit out at the Election Commission, calling it a 'biased body' which gave "controversial and pro-government decisions". Naidu made the remarks after a meeting with Chief Election Commission Sunil Arora regarding repolling in five polling stations under the Chittoor parliamentary constituency in Andhra Pradesh on May 19. The counting of votes for the Lok Sabha polls will take place on May 23.

Naidu suggests Election Commission to count votes through VVPATs

As the Lok Sabha election reaches its last leg, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu is slated to meet Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Saturday&nbsp;in Delhi and will fly to Lucknow later in the day to meet Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav and Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) supremo Mayawati.

The Telugu Desam Party (TDP) chief is also likely to meet NCP leader Sharad Pawar, CPI secretary general Suravaram Sudhakar Reddy, and Loktantrik Janata Dal (LJD) leader Sharad Yadav.

On Friday, Naidu met Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Sunil Arora regarding re-elections at five polling stations that fall under Chittoor parliamentary constituency in Andhra Pradesh on May 19.

Accusing the Election Commission of being a "biased body" that takes "pro-government decisions," Naidu, while speaking to reporters here, had said, "It is unfortunate that we are fighting against the EC. In Andhra Pradesh, they ordered re-polling in five polling stations."

"I do not want re-polling. I want the EC to be transparent. The way the EC is working, I am questioning that as a senior politician of the country. I have never seen such an attitude of the EC in the last 25 years of my political career," he said.

Naidu had also written a letter to the poll body, saying, "The EC has already conducted re-polling in five other polling stations in three districts of Andhra Pradesh on May 6, based on certain complaints. If there were any issues in the polling stations in Chandragiri assembly constituency, why didn't the Commission enquire into the same and conduct the re-polling on May 6?"

He even criticised the EC for taking cognisance of the complaints filed by the YSRCP and ordering re-polling. "We have seen polling being conducted in different phases, but have never come across re-polling also being held in phases," he said.

Hours after his meeting with Arora, Naidu visited Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal at the latter's residence. Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia was also present in the meeting.

The TDP chief also met CPI (M) leader Sitaram Yechury.

The Seven-phased Lok Sabha elections, which began on April 11, will conclude on May 19.

The 25 Lok Sabha and 175 assembly seats at stake in Andhra Pradesh went for polls simultaneously on April 11. The counting of votes will take place on May 23.&nbsp;

As the Lok Sabha election reaches its last leg, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu is slated to meet Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Saturday in Delhi and will fly to Lucknow later in the day to meet Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav and Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) supremo Mayawati.

As the Lok Sabha election reaches its last leg, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu is slated to meet Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Saturday in Delhi and will fly to Lucknow later in the day to meet Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav and Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) supremo Mayawati. The Telugu Desam Party (TDP) chief is also likely to meet NCP leader Sharad Pawar, CPI secretary general Suravaram Sudhakar Reddy, and Loktantrik Janata Dal (LJD) leader Sharad Yadav. On Friday, Naidu met Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Sunil Arora regarding re-elections at five polling stations that fall under Chittoor parliamentary constituency in Andhra Pradesh on May 19. Accusing the Election Commission of being a "biased body" that takes "pro-government decisions," Naidu, while speaking to reporters here, had said, "It is unfortunate that we are fighting against the EC. In Andhra Pradesh, they ordered re-polling in five polling stations." "I do not want re-polling. I want the EC to be transparent. The way the EC is working, I am questioning that as a senior politician of the country. I have never seen such an attitude of the EC in the last 25 years of my political career," he said. Naidu had also written a letter to the poll body, saying, "The EC has already conducted re-polling in five other polling stations in three districts of Andhra Pradesh on May 6, based on certain complaints. If there were any issues in the polling stations in Chandragiri assembly constituency, why didn't the Commission enquire into the same and conduct the re-polling on May 6?" He even criticised the EC for taking cognisance of the complaints filed by the YSRCP and ordering re-polling. "We have seen polling being conducted in different phases, but have never come across re-polling also being held in phases," he said. Hours after his meeting with Arora, Naidu visited Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal at the latter's residence. Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia was also present in the meeting. The TDP chief also met CPI (M) leader Sitaram Yechury. The Seven-phased Lok Sabha elections, which began on April 11, will conclude on May 19. The 25 Lok Sabha and 175 assembly seats at stake in Andhra Pradesh went for polls simultaneously on April 11. The counting of votes will take place on May 23.

Chandrababu Naidu to meet Rahul Gandhi, Akhilesh and Mayawati on Saturday

Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Friday said that a decision on the prime ministerial post of a non-BJP government at the Centre would be taken after the Lok Sabha poll results are out on May 23.

"People will deliver their mandate on May 23. I will not comment on it before their decision is out. I do not want to prejudge the judgment of Indian people. We will take the decision on the basis of what people decide," Gandhi said during a press conference when ANI asked if the Congress would compromise on the PM's post.

Gandhi's comment comes a day after senior Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad said that his party does not have any problem if it did not get the Prime Minister's post as it wants to dislodge the NDA government at the Centre.

"We have already made our stand clear. If a consensus is made in favour of the Congress, then the party will take the leadership but our aim has always been that the NDA should not come to power again. We will go with the unanimous decision," Azad had told the media persons in Patna on Wednesday.

Azad said, "We are not going to make an issue that we (Congress) will not let anyone else become the Prime Minister if it is not offered to us (Congress)."&nbsp;

Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Friday said that a decision on the prime ministerial post of a non-BJP government at the Centre would be taken after the Lok Sabha poll results are out on May 23.

Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Friday said that a decision on the prime ministerial post of a non-BJP government at the Centre would be taken after the Lok Sabha poll results are out on May 23. "People will deliver their mandate on May 23. I will not comment on it before their decision is out. I do not want to prejudge the judgment of Indian people. We will take the decision on the basis of what people decide," Gandhi said during a press conference when ANI asked if the Congress would compromise on the PM's post. Gandhi's comment comes a day after senior Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad said that his party does not have any problem if it did not get the Prime Minister's post as it wants to dislodge the NDA government at the Centre. "We have already made our stand clear. If a consensus is made in favour of the Congress, then the party will take the leadership but our aim has always been that the NDA should not come to power again. We will go with the unanimous decision," Azad had told the media persons in Patna on Wednesday. Azad said, "We are not going to make an issue that we (Congress) will not let anyone else become the Prime Minister if it is not offered to us (Congress)."

Will decide on PM's post after results are out on May 23: Rahul Gandhi

The Election Commission (EC) asked star campaigners and other political leaders to refrain from addressing the media by way of press conferences and giving interviews on election matters during the silence period beginning Friday evening ahead of the last phase of Lok Sabha polls on May 19.

"In a multi-phased election, the silence period of the last 48 hours may be on in certain constituencies while the campaign is ongoing in other constituencies. In such an event, there should not be any direct or indirect reference amounting to soliciting support for parties or candidates in the constituencies observing the silence period," an EC statement said.

"During the silence period, star campaigners and other political leaders should refrain from addressing the media by way of press conferences and giving interviews on election matters," it said.

The statement came in reference to queries received by the poll body on telecasting interviews of star campaigners during the silence period. The campaigning for the seventh and the final phase of the Lok Sabha election ended at 5.00 pm today.

Counting of votes will be held on May 23.&nbsp;

The Election Commission (EC) asked star campaigners and other political leaders to refrain from addressing the media by way of press conferences and giving interviews on election matters during the silence period beginning Friday evening ahead of the last phase of Lok Sabha polls on May 19.

The Election Commission (EC) asked star campaigners and other political leaders to refrain from addressing the media by way of press conferences and giving interviews on election matters during the silence period beginning Friday evening ahead of the last phase of Lok Sabha polls on May 19. "In a multi-phased election, the silence period of the last 48 hours may be on in certain constituencies while the campaign is ongoing in other constituencies. In such an event, there should not be any direct or indirect reference amounting to soliciting support for parties or candidates in the constituencies observing the silence period," an EC statement said. "During the silence period, star campaigners and other political leaders should refrain from addressing the media by way of press conferences and giving interviews on election matters," it said. The statement came in reference to queries received by the poll body on telecasting interviews of star campaigners during the silence period. The campaigning for the seventh and the final phase of the Lok Sabha election ended at 5.00 pm today. Counting of votes will be held on May 23.

Election Commission asks star campaigners, leaders to refrain from addressing media during silence period

BSP chief Mayawati on Friday downplayed the Congress'&nbsp;'Nyay'&nbsp;scheme and promised to introduce a better one to eradicate poverty from the country if 'Mahagathbandhan'&nbsp;comes to power at the Centre.

"Like the BJP, the Congress is also making big promises. Its promise to give Rs 6,000 per month to the poor will not help in eradicating poverty. If we get a chance to form government at the Centre, we will make provisions to permanently employ poor people in government and private sectors," Mayawati said at an election rally.

The former Uttar Pradesh chief minister appealed to the people to vote for the SP-BSP-RLD alliance so that it can form the government at the Centre.

Attacking the ruling BJP for what she called 'communal, casteist, and RSS-influenced policies," she said the Congress is responsible for the saffron party's rise and its "dictatorial and egoistic rule" rule in most of the states and at the Centre.

She said,&nbsp;"Actually the Congress is responsible for the BJP's dictatorial and egoistic rule in most of the states and at the Centre today. Had the Congress party worked with honesty and dedication for the people, we would not have seen the BJP in power in major parts of the country."

The BSP leader claimed that BJP would be ousted from power in the Lok Sabha elections because the ruling party failed to fulfil its "tall and false" promises made in the last Lok Sabha elections. Mayawati defended SP chief Akhilesh, son of her long-time arch rival Mulayam Singh, over his comment on the BJP which she alleged was twisted by Prime Minister Modi at a rally.

She said, "Yesterday PM Narendra Modi, at a rally here, indicated to Akhilesh Yadav saying that BJP starts and ends its discourse on the toilet. Akhilesh said the BJP constructed toilets but they do not have even basic amenities like water and door."

"I urge the BJP workers to go and tell the Prime Minister that we cared about daughters more than anyone would have cared," she said."I have got developed many villages under Dr Ambedkar Gram Vikas Yojana during my four terms as the chief minister of the state. We constructed toilets with door and water, schools, concrete roads in these villages. My government constructed much more toilets that the BJP has done so far," she said.

Stepping up her attack on the BJP, she said,&nbsp;"Since they know they are going to lose power, they are misleading people. Bad days will start from May 23 for Narendra Modi and his followers. And the preparation will also start to send Yogi to his 'Math'&nbsp;(in Gorakhpur)."

The voting for 13 Lok Sabha seats including Mirzapur and Robertsganj seats will go to polls in the last phase of General Elections on May 23. The counting of votes will take place on May 23.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

BSP chief Mayawati on Friday downplayed the Congress' 'Nyay' scheme and promised to introduce a better one to eradicate poverty from the country if 'Mahagathbandhan' comes to power at the Centre.

BSP chief Mayawati on Friday downplayed the Congress' 'Nyay' scheme and promised to introduce a better one to eradicate poverty from the country if 'Mahagathbandhan' comes to power at the Centre. "Like the BJP, the Congress is also making big promises. Its promise to give Rs 6,000 per month to the poor will not help in eradicating poverty. If we get a chance to form government at the Centre, we will make provisions to permanently employ poor people in government and private sectors," Mayawati said at an election rally. The former Uttar Pradesh chief minister appealed to the people to vote for the SP-BSP-RLD alliance so that it can form the government at the Centre. Attacking the ruling BJP for what she called 'communal, casteist, and RSS-influenced policies," she said the Congress is responsible for the saffron party's rise and its "dictatorial and egoistic rule" rule in most of the states and at the Centre. She said, "Actually the Congress is responsible for the BJP's dictatorial and egoistic rule in most of the states and at the Centre today. Had the Congress party worked with honesty and dedication for the people, we would not have seen the BJP in power in major parts of the country." The BSP leader claimed that BJP would be ousted from power in the Lok Sabha elections because the ruling party failed to fulfil its "tall and false" promises made in the last Lok Sabha elections. Mayawati defended SP chief Akhilesh, son of her long-time arch rival Mulayam Singh, over his comment on the BJP which she alleged was twisted by Prime Minister Modi at a rally. She said, "Yesterday PM Narendra Modi, at a rally here, indicated to Akhilesh Yadav saying that BJP starts and ends its discourse on the toilet. Akhilesh said the BJP constructed toilets but they do not have even basic amenities like water and door." "I urge the BJP workers to go and tell the Prime Minister that we cared about daughters more than anyone would have cared," she said."I have got developed many villages under Dr Ambedkar Gram Vikas Yojana during my four terms as the chief minister of the state. We constructed toilets with door and water, schools, concrete roads in these villages. My government constructed much more toilets that the BJP has done so far," she said. Stepping up her attack on the BJP, she said, "Since they know they are going to lose power, they are misleading people. Bad days will start from May 23 for Narendra Modi and his followers. And the preparation will also start to send Yogi to his 'Math' (in Gorakhpur)." The voting for 13 Lok Sabha seats including Mirzapur and Robertsganj seats will go to polls in the last phase of General Elections on May 23. The counting of votes will take place on May 23.

Will bring better scheme than Congress' 'Nyay' if voted to power: Mayawati

As the long and torrid <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/election-campaigning-for-the-2019-lok-sabha-polls-to-end-today-219293">election campaign came to an end on Friday</a>, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/vote-for-national-security-appeals-amit-shat-at-election-rally-in-deoria-219245">BJP president Amit Shah</a> and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/would-never-be-able-to-forgive-pragya-for-godse-remark-pm-modi-219397">PM Modi</a> addressed a press conference at the party&nbsp;headquarters in New Delhi.&nbsp;

Addressing the press conference, BJP president Amit Shah said the party ran the most extensive campaign in its history. Amit Shah declared that the party will form the government once again.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/i-got-a-sense-that-a-majority-government-will-come-to-power-again-pm-modi-in-joint-press-conference-with-amit-shah-219416">I got a sense that a majority government will come to power again: PM Modi in joint press conference with Amit Shah</a>

"The Modi experiment has been accepted," Amit Shah said, adding, "I guarantee that BJP, under Narendra Modi's leadership, is going to form the next government." "133 schemes were launched,"&nbsp;he said.

"In 2014 we had six state government, in 2016 the BJP had 16 state governments." "Everyone in the country has benefitted by the 133 schemes launched by the Narendra Modi-led government," he stated.&nbsp;

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BJP President Amit Shah: We started our election campaign from January 16...Our target was to win 120 Lok Sabha seats which we couldn't win the last time. We are confident that we'll receive good results <a href="https://t.co/P80DRk8Tqz">pic.twitter.com/P80DRk8Tqz</a>
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"People have understood that multi-party democratic system can take the country forward on the path of developments, the success of 133 schemes proves it," the BJP president asserted.

"It was the first election when inflation and corruption were&nbsp;not the election issues," he said.&nbsp;

"The 125 crore people of India are not worried about the country's security today because of PM Modi," Shah said.

"The government has successfully launched many schemes for farmers, Dalits and women." "Our economy made strides in all the 5 years, and this is laudable," he added.

"During the last five years, India's economy jumped to the 6th spot from 11th position," he said.

"We focussed on 120 seats which were not won by the BJP in 2014 and the results on May 23 will give us good news in these seats,"&nbsp;he added.

"Our focus was on strengthening the BJP as an organisation. Political maturity will help us make gains in 80 of the 120 seats," Amit Shah said.

"The government focussed on farmers and women," he said.&nbsp;

"Main Bhi Chowkidar" campaign was a success in the country, it actually came from the people," Shah stated.

"15,682 in 161 BJP call centres connected with the people and made our campaign a success," he said.

The press briefing came shortly after the campaigning for the Lok Sabha polls officially ended on Friday.&nbsp;

The last leg of the seven-phased Lok Sabha polls is scheduled for May 19.

Around 59 constituencies spread over seven states and one union territory will go to polls on Sunday.

The counting of votes&nbsp;will take place on May 23, results will be announced the same day.&nbsp;

As the long and torrid election campaign came to an end on Friday, BJP president Amit Shah and PM Modi addressed a press conference at the party headquarters in New Delhi.

As the long and torrid election campaign came to an end on Friday, BJP president Amit Shah and PM Modi addressed a press conference at the party headquarters in New Delhi. Addressing the press conference, BJP president Amit Shah said the party ran the most extensive campaign in its history. Amit Shah declared that the party will form the government once again. I got a sense that a majority government will come to power again: PM Modi in joint press conference with Amit Shah "The Modi experiment has been accepted," Amit Shah said, adding, "I guarantee that BJP, under Narendra Modi's leadership, is going to form the next government." "133 schemes were launched," he said. "In 2014 we had six state government, in 2016 the BJP had 16 state governments." "Everyone in the country has benefitted by the 133 schemes launched by the Narendra Modi-led government," he stated. BJP President Amit Shah: We started our election campaign from January 16...Our target was to win 120 Lok Sabha seats which we couldn't win the last time. We are confident that we'll receive good results pic.twitter.com/P80DRk8Tqz — ANI (@ANI) May 17, 2019 × "People have understood that multi-party democratic system can take the country forward on the path of developments, the success of 133 schemes proves it," the BJP president asserted. "It was the first election when inflation and corruption were not the election issues," he said. "The 125 crore people of India are not worried about the country's security today because of PM Modi," Shah said. "The government has successfully launched many schemes for farmers, Dalits and women." "Our economy made strides in all the 5 years, and this is laudable," he added. "During the last five years, India's economy jumped to the 6th spot from 11th position," he said. "We focussed on 120 seats which were not won by the BJP in 2014 and the results on May 23 will give us good news in these seats," he added. "Our focus was on strengthening the BJP as an organisation. Political maturity will help us make gains in 80 of the 120 seats," Amit Shah said. "The government focussed on farmers and women," he said. "Main Bhi Chowkidar" campaign was a success in the country, it actually came from the people," Shah stated. "15,682 in 161 BJP call centres connected with the people and made our campaign a success," he said. The press briefing came shortly after the campaigning for the Lok Sabha polls officially ended on Friday. The last leg of the seven-phased Lok Sabha polls is scheduled for May 19. Around 59 constituencies spread over seven states and one union territory will go to polls on Sunday. The counting of votes will take place on May 23, results will be announced the same day.

The Modi experiment has been accepted: Amit Shah in joint press conference with PM Modi

Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Friday held a roadshow in Uttar Pradesh's Kushinagar Lok Sabha constituency on the last day of poll campaigning.

Priyanka, sitting atop a black car along with Congress candidate from Kushinagar seat, RPN Singh, waved to the crowd and shook hands while urging people to vote on May 19.

Singh is contesting against BJP's Vijay Kumar Dubey from Kushinagar seat, where polling will be held in the seventh and the final phase of the Lok Sabha election on Sunday.

Earlier today, Priyanka also held a roadshow in Mirzapur while campaigning for Congress leader from the constituency, Lalitesh Pati Tripathi.

While addressing the crowd, Priyanka said that it would have been great if they had chosen legendary actor Amitabh Bachchan as the Prime Minister.

"You have chosen the greatest actor as Prime Minister. It would have been better if you had made Amitabh Bachchan as Prime Minister, anyhow they did not do anything for you," she said candidly.

The election campaigning will end at 5:00 pm today.

The result will be announced on May 23.&nbsp;

Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Friday held a roadshow in Uttar Pradesh's Kushinagar Lok Sabha constituency on the last day of poll campaigning. Priyanka, sitting atop a black car along with Congress candidate from Kushinagar seat, RPN Singh, waved to the crowd and shook hands while urging people to vote on May 19.

Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Friday held a roadshow in Uttar Pradesh's Kushinagar Lok Sabha constituency on the last day of poll campaigning. Priyanka, sitting atop a black car along with Congress candidate from Kushinagar seat, RPN Singh, waved to the crowd and shook hands while urging people to vote on May 19. Singh is contesting against BJP's Vijay Kumar Dubey from Kushinagar seat, where polling will be held in the seventh and the final phase of the Lok Sabha election on Sunday. Earlier today, Priyanka also held a roadshow in Mirzapur while campaigning for Congress leader from the constituency, Lalitesh Pati Tripathi. While addressing the crowd, Priyanka said that it would have been great if they had chosen legendary actor Amitabh Bachchan as the Prime Minister. "You have chosen the greatest actor as Prime Minister. It would have been better if you had made Amitabh Bachchan as Prime Minister, anyhow they did not do anything for you," she said candidly. The election campaigning will end at 5:00 pm today. The result will be announced on May 23.

On last day of poll campaigning, Priyanka Gandhi holds roadshow in Uttar Pradesh's Kushinagar

Slamming West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee over the violence at BJP chief Amit Shah's Kolkata road-show, Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani Friday said she had lost her mental balance and was indulging in 'didigiri' (bullying).

Talking to media in Vadodara, he also said people of West Bengal would give a fitting reply to Mamata and her party, All India Trinamool Congress.

"It seems that Didi (Mamata) has completely lost her mental balance. She is losing her ground. She tarnished the democracy and indulged in 'didigiri' (similar to Hindi word 'dadagiri', meaning bullying)," Rupani told reporters.

"People of India and West Bengal will not tolerate such behaviour. People of West Bengal will give a befitting reply to her in the polls," he said.

During the last phase of campaigning, there was a pitched battle between BJP and TMC in West Bengal. Clashes broke our during Shah's roadshow on Wednesday.

A statue of social reformer Ishwarchandra Vidhyasagar was vandalised, for which both the parties are blaming each other.&nbsp;

Slamming West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee over the violence at BJP chief Amit Shah's Kolkata road-show, Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani Friday said she had lost her mental balance and was indulging in 'didigiri' (bullying).

Slamming West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee over the violence at BJP chief Amit Shah's Kolkata road-show, Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani Friday said she had lost her mental balance and was indulging in 'didigiri' (bullying). Talking to media in Vadodara, he also said people of West Bengal would give a fitting reply to Mamata and her party, All India Trinamool Congress. "It seems that Didi (Mamata) has completely lost her mental balance. She is losing her ground. She tarnished the democracy and indulged in 'didigiri' (similar to Hindi word 'dadagiri', meaning bullying)," Rupani told reporters. "People of India and West Bengal will not tolerate such behaviour. People of West Bengal will give a befitting reply to her in the polls," he said. During the last phase of campaigning, there was a pitched battle between BJP and TMC in West Bengal. Clashes broke our during Shah's roadshow on Wednesday. A statue of social reformer Ishwarchandra Vidhyasagar was vandalised, for which both the parties are blaming each other.

Mamata doing 'didigiri', lost her mental balance: Vijay Rupani

Lok Sabha 2019 polls: National capital's bigwigs cast their votes in phase 6

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/every-resident-contesting-on-my-behalf-pm-modis-emotional-message-to-varanasi-218651">Prime Minister Narendra Modi </a>on Tuesday threw an open challenge to the Opposition to prove if he had amassed any assets or kept money in any foreign bank.

Addressing an election meeting here, Modi said: "I throw an open challenge to these 'mahamilavati' (highly-adulterated) people to show if I have any benami property, farmhouse, shopping complex or money in any foreign bank, or whether I have purchased any property abroad or bought a luxury car."

The prime minister was here to seek support for BJP and NDA ally candidates in eastern Uttar Pradesh that go to polls in the seventh and last phase on Sunday.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-election-watch-pm-modi-slams-entire-opposition-218481/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"The people will give a befitting reply through votes to the abuses hurled at me by these 'mahamilavati' parties," Modi said. "These 'mahamilavati' people dabble in caste politics and replenish their coffers, build bungalows and palaces for themselves and their relatives."

On the alliance between the Samajwadi Party and the Bahujan Samaj Party, the prime minister claimed that the parties, which he said used to abuse each other, will again be at each other's throats the moment results are out.

"I have been the CM of Gujarat for more than the terms of Mayawati and Akhilesh Yadav combined (as Uttar Pradesh chief ministers).

"I have contested elections and made others contest, but never took the help of my caste (to garner votes)," Modi added.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday threw an open challenge to the Opposition to prove if he had amassed any assets or kept money in any foreign bank. Addressing an election meeting here, Modi said: "I throw an open challenge to these 'mahamilavati' (highly-adulterated) people to show if I have any benami property, farmhouse, shopping complex or money in any foreign bank, or whether I have purchased any property abroad or bought a luxury car.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday threw an open challenge to the Opposition to prove if he had amassed any assets or kept money in any foreign bank. Addressing an election meeting here, Modi said: "I throw an open challenge to these 'mahamilavati' (highly-adulterated) people to show if I have any benami property, farmhouse, shopping complex or money in any foreign bank, or whether I have purchased any property abroad or bought a luxury car." The prime minister was here to seek support for BJP and NDA ally candidates in eastern Uttar Pradesh that go to polls in the seventh and last phase on Sunday. "The people will give a befitting reply through votes to the abuses hurled at me by these 'mahamilavati' parties," Modi said. "These 'mahamilavati' people dabble in caste politics and replenish their coffers, build bungalows and palaces for themselves and their relatives." On the alliance between the Samajwadi Party and the Bahujan Samaj Party, the prime minister claimed that the parties, which he said used to abuse each other, will again be at each other's throats the moment results are out. "I have been the CM of Gujarat for more than the terms of Mayawati and Akhilesh Yadav combined (as Uttar Pradesh chief ministers). "I have contested elections and made others contest, but never took the help of my caste (to garner votes)," Modi added.

Prove I have benami property, money in foreign bank: PM Modi challenges Opposition

The 2019 Lok Sabha election&nbsp;has seen an increase in the number of criminal&nbsp;and crorepati candidates.

The report released by the National Election Watch and Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) on Monday stated that out of the 7,928 candidates analysed in the current election, 2,297 were crorepatis.

The figure was 2,217 during the 2014 elections while 1,249 during the 2009 elections. Around 8,205 candidates were analysed during the 2014 elections while 7,810 candidates during the 2009 elections.

The ADR report also showed an increase in the number of criminal candidates fighting the 2019 elections.

Around 342 candidates with criminal cases are contesting the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, the National Election Watch and Association for Democratic Reforms said.

Out of the 7,928 candidates analysed for Lok Sabha 2019, 1,500 (19 per cent) candidates have declared criminal cases against themselves, the ADR said.

Out of 8,205 candidates analysed during the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, 1,404 (17 per cent) candidates had declared criminal cases against themselves, and out of 7,810 candidates analysed during the 2009 elections, 1158 (15 per cent) candidates had declared criminal cases against themselves, it stated.

The ADR claimed that as many as 1,070 (13 per cent) candidates contesting in the 2019 polls have declared serious criminal cases, including cases related to rape, murder, attempt to murder, kidnapping, crimes against women.&nbsp;

Out of 8.205 candidates analysed during the 2014 polls, 908 (11 per cent) candidates had declared serious criminal cases against themselves, and out of 7,810 candidates analysed during the 2009 elections, 608 (8 per cent) candidates had declared serious criminal cases against themselves.&nbsp;

As many as "56 candidates have declared convicted cases against themselves," according to ADR.

While the Congress has fielded 47 more candidates with criminal cases in 2019 than in 2009, the BJP has named 59 more such candidates.

(With inputs from agencies)

The 2019 Lok Sabha election has seen an increase in the number of criminal and crorepati candidates. The report released by the National Election Watch and Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) on Monday stated that out of the 7,928 candidates analysed in the current election, 2,297 were crorepatis.

The 2019 Lok Sabha election has seen an increase in the number of criminal and crorepati candidates. The report released by the National Election Watch and Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) on Monday stated that out of the 7,928 candidates analysed in the current election, 2,297 were crorepatis. The figure was 2,217 during the 2014 elections while 1,249 during the 2009 elections. Around 8,205 candidates were analysed during the 2014 elections while 7,810 candidates during the 2009 elections. The ADR report also showed an increase in the number of criminal candidates fighting the 2019 elections. Around 342 candidates with criminal cases are contesting the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, the National Election Watch and Association for Democratic Reforms said. Out of the 7,928 candidates analysed for Lok Sabha 2019, 1,500 (19 per cent) candidates have declared criminal cases against themselves, the ADR said. Out of 8,205 candidates analysed during the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, 1,404 (17 per cent) candidates had declared criminal cases against themselves, and out of 7,810 candidates analysed during the 2009 elections, 1158 (15 per cent) candidates had declared criminal cases against themselves, it stated. The ADR claimed that as many as 1,070 (13 per cent) candidates contesting in the 2019 polls have declared serious criminal cases, including cases related to rape, murder, attempt to murder, kidnapping, crimes against women. Out of 8.205 candidates analysed during the 2014 polls, 908 (11 per cent) candidates had declared serious criminal cases against themselves, and out of 7,810 candidates analysed during the 2009 elections, 608 (8 per cent) candidates had declared serious criminal cases against themselves. As many as "56 candidates have declared convicted cases against themselves," according to ADR. While the Congress has fielded 47 more candidates with criminal cases in 2019 than in 2009, the BJP has named 59 more such candidates. (With inputs from agencies)

2019 Lok Sabha polls witness an increase in criminal and crorepati candidates

A local court here on Monday directed AAP candidate from East Delhi parliamentary constituency Atishi Marlena to record pre-summoning evidence in the alleged <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/really-hope-the-best-candidate-wins-lok-sabha-polls-gautam-gambhir-217718">two voter ID cards case against BJP candidate Gautam Gambhir</a>.

Atishi, the complainant in the case, was asked by the court to appear before it to record her statement in the matter, on next hearing - May 31.

Marlena has accused Gambhir of possessing two voter ID cards.

The AAP leader had claimed that Gambhir is a registered voter in Karol Bagh and Rajinder Nagar areas of Delhi.

During a hearing on May 1, Atishi's counsel said, "We have a screenshot of the national voter list. There is one entry of Karol Bagh and on the next page, there is the registration of the voter from Rajendra Nagar.

"Judge Viplav Dabas had then said, "What is the relevance of bringing this case here. You may go to the Election Commission."

On Monday, Atishi, who is facing Gambhir and Arvinder Singh Lovely of the Congress in East Delhi Lok Sabha constituency, wrote to the Returning Officer (RO), accusing Gambhir of repeatedly violating the Model Code of Conduct (MCC).

Atishi had requested the Returning Officer (RO) to take strong action on her complaint and register an FIR against Gambhir.

She also sought a 72 hour-ban on Gambhir from campaigning in the Lok Sabha polls for allegedly violating the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) several times.

Delhi with seven Lok Sabha seats at stake went to polls on May 12. The counting of votes will take place on May 23.&nbsp;

A local court here on Monday directed AAP candidate from East Delhi parliamentary constituency Atishi Marlena to record pre-summoning evidence in the alleged two voter ID cards case against BJP candidate Gautam Gambhir.

A local court here on Monday directed AAP candidate from East Delhi parliamentary constituency Atishi Marlena to record pre-summoning evidence in the alleged two voter ID cards case against BJP candidate Gautam Gambhir. Atishi, the complainant in the case, was asked by the court to appear before it to record her statement in the matter, on next hearing - May 31. Marlena has accused Gambhir of possessing two voter ID cards. The AAP leader had claimed that Gambhir is a registered voter in Karol Bagh and Rajinder Nagar areas of Delhi. During a hearing on May 1, Atishi's counsel said, "We have a screenshot of the national voter list. There is one entry of Karol Bagh and on the next page, there is the registration of the voter from Rajendra Nagar. "Judge Viplav Dabas had then said, "What is the relevance of bringing this case here. You may go to the Election Commission." On Monday, Atishi, who is facing Gambhir and Arvinder Singh Lovely of the Congress in East Delhi Lok Sabha constituency, wrote to the Returning Officer (RO), accusing Gambhir of repeatedly violating the Model Code of Conduct (MCC). Atishi had requested the Returning Officer (RO) to take strong action on her complaint and register an FIR against Gambhir. She also sought a 72 hour-ban on Gambhir from campaigning in the Lok Sabha polls for allegedly violating the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) several times. Delhi with seven Lok Sabha seats at stake went to polls on May 12. The counting of votes will take place on May 23.

Gautam Gambhir voter ID case: Atishi to record her statement; matter fixed for May 31

The long electoral exercise is heading towards an end in India, with only the seventh and last phase of voting remaining. The politicians are now eagerly waiting for election results, scheduled to be announced on May 23.

But before the results are out, tongues are wagging and regional leaders - who many say will hold the key to government formation - are predicting not-so-bright future for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

One such politician is <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/bjp-will-see-reduced-seat-count-in-up-draw-blank-in-seven-other-states-mamata-banerjee-217832">West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress (TMC) chief Mamata Banerjee</a> who said that the BJP will not win more than 150 seats in the Lok Sabha elections.

On the campaign trail, she spoke to Zee 24 Ghanta, Zee Media's Bengali language channel. "I have attended more than 100 meetings and undertook pad yatras (march on foot) in this heatwave. I think I am dehydrated," said Banerjee, smiling. But as the conversation moved towards election results and BJP's future, she turned combative.

"The BJP formed the government in 2014 because of the high number of seats it won in Uttar Pradesh. They won 73 out of 80 Lok Sabha seats in the state. But this time, they will not get more than 17 seats in UP. The alliance of Akhilesh Yadav and Mayawati will win 55 seats, so if you deduct 55 from 73, you'll get the actual number of seats that BJP will get," Banerjee told Zee 24 Ghanta.

"The BJP's tally will reduce to half in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra. So how will they come back to power?" Banerjee added.

When asked if Congress will support a PM face from regional parties, Banerjee said, "The regional parties will get more seats than the BJP and the Congress. If there is such a situation, we can ask for Congress's support. We want to make a stable government." At the same time, she also ruled out supporting BJP in case there is a need. "I don't know how BJP is saying it will win all 42 seats in West Bengal? Everything will be clear on May 23. But the TMC will never support BJP," said Banerjee.

"If someone gives love, we are ready to wash dishes at that person's house. But if someone threatens us, we will not spare that person," added Banerjee.

Banerjee has been instrumental in forging the 'Mahagathbandhan', a group of like-minded parties who have come together to stop the BJP from forming the government. She, along with Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, has met leaders of various parties to take on the BJP.

Nine constituencies of West Bengal will vote in the final phase of the seven-phased Lok Sabha election on May 19. The staggered election exercise has seen more than seven weeks of campaigning.

The long electoral exercise is heading towards an end in India, with only the seventh and last phase of voting remaining. The politicians are now eagerly waiting for election results, scheduled to be announced on May 23.

The long electoral exercise is heading towards an end in India, with only the seventh and last phase of voting remaining. The politicians are now eagerly waiting for election results, scheduled to be announced on May 23. But before the results are out, tongues are wagging and regional leaders - who many say will hold the key to government formation - are predicting not-so-bright future for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). One such politician is West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress (TMC) chief Mamata Banerjee who said that the BJP will not win more than 150 seats in the Lok Sabha elections. On the campaign trail, she spoke to Zee 24 Ghanta, Zee Media's Bengali language channel. "I have attended more than 100 meetings and undertook pad yatras (march on foot) in this heatwave. I think I am dehydrated," said Banerjee, smiling. But as the conversation moved towards election results and BJP's future, she turned combative. "The BJP formed the government in 2014 because of the high number of seats it won in Uttar Pradesh. They won 73 out of 80 Lok Sabha seats in the state. But this time, they will not get more than 17 seats in UP. The alliance of Akhilesh Yadav and Mayawati will win 55 seats, so if you deduct 55 from 73, you'll get the actual number of seats that BJP will get," Banerjee told Zee 24 Ghanta. "The BJP's tally will reduce to half in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra. So how will they come back to power?" Banerjee added. When asked if Congress will support a PM face from regional parties, Banerjee said, "The regional parties will get more seats than the BJP and the Congress. If there is such a situation, we can ask for Congress's support. We want to make a stable government." At the same time, she also ruled out supporting BJP in case there is a need. "I don't know how BJP is saying it will win all 42 seats in West Bengal? Everything will be clear on May 23. But the TMC will never support BJP," said Banerjee. "If someone gives love, we are ready to wash dishes at that person's house. But if someone threatens us, we will not spare that person," added Banerjee. Banerjee has been instrumental in forging the 'Mahagathbandhan', a group of like-minded parties who have come together to stop the BJP from forming the government. She, along with Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, has met leaders of various parties to take on the BJP. Nine constituencies of West Bengal will vote in the final phase of the seven-phased Lok Sabha election on May 19. The staggered election exercise has seen more than seven weeks of campaigning.

BJP will not get more than 150 seats in Lok Sabha polls: Mamata Banerjee

A Delhi court on Monday admitted a criminal defamation case against BJP leaders Manoj Tiwari and Harish Khurana for allegedly making defamatory statements against Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal after he was slapped by a man on May 4.

The case in this regard was filed by President of Aam Admi Party Jhuggi Jhopdi (JJ) cell Sushil Chauhan.

"Both the BJP party leaders showed a photo of the attacker in the press conference and Twitter and claimed that he was an AAP member," Chauhan said in his petition, calling the allegations levelled by the BJP leaders, baseless.

Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate (ACMM) Samar Vishal has directed the petitioner to bring evidence, CD or pen drive and documents proofs to ascertain his claims, in the next hearing.

The matter is slated to be heard on May 30. On May 4, Kejriwal was slapped by a man, who was later identified as Suresh, in West Delhi while campaigning for the Lok Sabha elections.

The CM had stepped on to an open jeep and was shaking hands with supporters and waving at the gathering when Suresh wearing a maroon shirt climbed on to the vehicle and landed a slap on his face.

AAP supporters immediately pulled him down and thrashed him.&nbsp;

A Delhi court on Monday admitted a criminal defamation case against BJP leaders Manoj Tiwari and Harish Khurana for allegedly making defamatory statements against Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal after he was slapped by a man on May 4.

A Delhi court on Monday admitted a criminal defamation case against BJP leaders Manoj Tiwari and Harish Khurana for allegedly making defamatory statements against Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal after he was slapped by a man on May 4. The case in this regard was filed by President of Aam Admi Party Jhuggi Jhopdi (JJ) cell Sushil Chauhan. "Both the BJP party leaders showed a photo of the attacker in the press conference and Twitter and claimed that he was an AAP member," Chauhan said in his petition, calling the allegations levelled by the BJP leaders, baseless. Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate (ACMM) Samar Vishal has directed the petitioner to bring evidence, CD or pen drive and documents proofs to ascertain his claims, in the next hearing. The matter is slated to be heard on May 30. On May 4, Kejriwal was slapped by a man, who was later identified as Suresh, in West Delhi while campaigning for the Lok Sabha elections. The CM had stepped on to an open jeep and was shaking hands with supporters and waving at the gathering when Suresh wearing a maroon shirt climbed on to the vehicle and landed a slap on his face. AAP supporters immediately pulled him down and thrashed him.

Delhi court admits defamation case against Manoj Tiwari, Harish Khurana

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday slammed the Congress party saying that they ask for votes in the name of legacy but "when questioned on their (ancestors) misdeeds, they say 'hua to hua'".

The Prime Minister was referring to Congress leader <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-bjp-slam-pitroda-over-remarks-on-1984-anti-sikh-riots-congress-distances-itself-217586">Sam Pitroda's remarks on the 1984 riots</a>.&nbsp;

Pitroda, on Thursday, said, "hua to hua" (So what, it happened) about the anti-Sikh riots. He made this remark in response to a question on the riots by a newsman in Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh.

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PM Narendra Modi in Solan, Himachal Pradesh: They ask for votes in the name of their ancestors, but when questioned on their (ancestors) misdeeds, they say "hua to hua" <a href="https://t.co/9jI8pWISa5">pic.twitter.com/9jI8pWISa5</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1127881289959333889?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 13, 2019</a></blockquote>
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While addressing a rally in Solan, Himachal Pradesh today, PM Modi continued&nbsp;to sharpen his attack on the Congress and said that "those who are themselves on bail search new words from their dictionary daily to abuse your 'chowkidaar'".

He said that he is not going to budge by those abuses, adding "aakhirkar humne bhi to Solan ka mushroom khaya hai (after all, I have also eaten Solan's mushrooms)".

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PM Modi in Solan, Himachal Pradesh: Those who are themselves on bail search new words from their dictionary daily to abuse your 'chowkidaar'. But your 'chowkidaar' is not going to budge because of their abuses, "aakhirkar humne bhi to Solan ka mushroom khaya hai" <a href="https://t.co/byvqi6Sfvb">pic.twitter.com/byvqi6Sfvb</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1127880860206653440?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 13, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Meanwhile, Congress chief Rahul Gandhi today said that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/you-should-be-ashamed-rahul-gandhi-hits-out-at-sam-pitroda-for-remarks-on-1984-riots-218338">Pitroda should be "ashamed" of his remarks</a> on anti-Sikh riots.&nbsp;

"What Sam Pitroda said about 1984 (anti-Sikh riots) was totally wrong and he should seek an apology from the country. I am saying this publicly and I also said the same to him over the phone. Pitroda ji, what you had said was completely wrong and you should be ashamed of yourself. You should seek a public apology," Gandhi said during a rally in Punjab's Khanna.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday slammed the Congress party saying that they ask for votes in the name of legacy but "when questioned on their (ancestors) misdeeds, they say 'hua to hua'".

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday slammed the Congress party saying that they ask for votes in the name of legacy but "when questioned on their (ancestors) misdeeds, they say 'hua to hua'". The Prime Minister was referring to Congress leader Sam Pitroda's remarks on the 1984 riots. Pitroda, on Thursday, said, "hua to hua" (So what, it happened) about the anti-Sikh riots. He made this remark in response to a question on the riots by a newsman in Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh. PM Narendra Modi in Solan, Himachal Pradesh: They ask for votes in the name of their ancestors, but when questioned on their (ancestors) misdeeds, they say "hua to hua" pic.twitter.com/9jI8pWISa5 — ANI (@ANI) May 13, 2019 × While addressing a rally in Solan, Himachal Pradesh today, PM Modi continued to sharpen his attack on the Congress and said that "those who are themselves on bail search new words from their dictionary daily to abuse your 'chowkidaar'". He said that he is not going to budge by those abuses, adding "aakhirkar humne bhi to Solan ka mushroom khaya hai (after all, I have also eaten Solan's mushrooms)". PM Modi in Solan, Himachal Pradesh: Those who are themselves on bail search new words from their dictionary daily to abuse your 'chowkidaar'. But your 'chowkidaar' is not going to budge because of their abuses, "aakhirkar humne bhi to Solan ka mushroom khaya hai" pic.twitter.com/byvqi6Sfvb — ANI (@ANI) May 13, 2019 × Meanwhile, Congress chief Rahul Gandhi today said that Pitroda should be "ashamed" of his remarks on anti-Sikh riots. "What Sam Pitroda said about 1984 (anti-Sikh riots) was totally wrong and he should seek an apology from the country. I am saying this publicly and I also said the same to him over the phone. Pitroda ji, what you had said was completely wrong and you should be ashamed of yourself. You should seek a public apology," Gandhi said during a rally in Punjab's Khanna.

They want votes in name of legacy but when it comes to answering questions, they say 'hua to hua': PM Modi

Trinamool Congress and Bharatiya Janata Party cadres clashed again over the cancelled programme of BJP president Amit Shah who was supposed to hold a rally at Jadavpur constituency in West Bengal today. &nbsp;

Shah would now hold only two rallies in the state instead of three.

In his first rally in North 24 Parganas district, an angry Shah attacked West Bengal Chief Minister Mamta Banerjee and said that the reason why he was not allowed to hold a rally in Jadavpur was that Banerjee fears that her nephew may lose the elections.&nbsp;

Teasing Mamata, he said that the state administration can arrest him for chanting 'Jai Shri Ram' in the public. A couple of days back, Mamata had derided a youth for chanting 'Jai Shri Ram' when her cavalcade was passing by.

The BJP has approached the Election Commission against the state administration's move to bar Shah from holding a rally in Jadavpur.&nbsp;

The party has emerged as a powerful opposition in the state after the 2014 general elections where its voter share crossed double digit.

The BJP sees states like Odisha and West Bengal as the new harvest areas that can help offset losses in Uttar Pradesh in the case of the 'grand alliance' succeeding in the state this general polls.&nbsp;

Trinamool Congress and Bharatiya Janata Party cadres clashed again over the cancelled programme of BJP president Amit Shah who was supposed to hold a rally at Jadavpur constituency in West Bengal today.

Trinamool Congress and Bharatiya Janata Party cadres clashed again over the cancelled programme of BJP president Amit Shah who was supposed to hold a rally at Jadavpur constituency in West Bengal today. Shah would now hold only two rallies in the state instead of three. In his first rally in North 24 Parganas district, an angry Shah attacked West Bengal Chief Minister Mamta Banerjee and said that the reason why he was not allowed to hold a rally in Jadavpur was that Banerjee fears that her nephew may lose the elections. Teasing Mamata, he said that the state administration can arrest him for chanting 'Jai Shri Ram' in the public. A couple of days back, Mamata had derided a youth for chanting 'Jai Shri Ram' when her cavalcade was passing by. The BJP has approached the Election Commission against the state administration's move to bar Shah from holding a rally in Jadavpur. The party has emerged as a powerful opposition in the state after the 2014 general elections where its voter share crossed double digit. The BJP sees states like Odisha and West Bengal as the new harvest areas that can help offset losses in Uttar Pradesh in the case of the 'grand alliance' succeeding in the state this general polls.

West Bengal government stops Amit Shah from holding rally in Jadavpur, BJP chief cries foul 

BJP candidate <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/attack-on-bjp-candidate-by-trinamool-congress-in-west-bengal-act-of-frustration-javadekar-218097">Bharati Ghosh was attacked in West Bengal</a> and a poll officer was allegedly beaten up by an MLA of the saffron party in Uttar Pradesh during the Lok Sabha poll's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/lok-sabha-polls-2019-633-total-voter-turnout-recorded-in-phase-6-election-commission-218138">sixth and penultimate phase on Sunday</a> in which over 63 per cent turnout was recorded in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/live-lok-sabha-phase-6-elections-voting-begins-for-59-constituencies-across-seven-states-217872">59 seats across six states and the national capital</a>.

Elections were held in 14 seats in Uttar Pradesh, 10 seats in Haryana, eight constituencies each in Bihar, Madhya Pradesh and West Bengal, four in Jharkhand and seven seats in Delhi where votes were cast by a number of public figures, including President Ram Nath Kovind, Congress chief Rahul Gandhi, UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj.

With today's polling, votes have already been cast in nearly 89 per cent of the 543 constituencies, while the last phase of voting will take place on May 19 for the remaining 59 seats.&nbsp;

The Election Commission (EC) announced 63.3 per cent turnout across the states and Delhi, with West Bengal recording over 80 per cent polling and the national capital registering just 60 per cent.&nbsp;

Union ministers Radha Mohan Singh, Harsh Vardhan and Maneka Gandhi, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav and Congress leaders Digvijay Singh, Jyotiraditya Scindia and Sheila Dikshit as also celebrity contestants Gautam Gambhir, Vijender Singh, Dinesh Lal Yadav 'Nirahua', Ravi Kishan and Hans Raj Hans were among several prominent faces in the fray.

Delhi&nbsp;saw a dip in its turnout from 65 per cent in 2014, despite a three-cornered contest between the BJP, Congress and AAP with several high profile candidates, while the EC also appeared disappointed at the low polling figure even after its enhanced efforts to draw the voters to polling booths&nbsp;

Over 80 per cent polling was recorded in eight seats in West Bengal, where BJP's Ghatal candidate and former IPS officer Bharati Ghosh was attacked twice by local people when she tried to visit polling stations in her constituency.&nbsp;

Ghosh suffered minor injuries when a group of women allegedly attacked her when she tried to take a BJP agent inside a polling booth at Keshpur area, officials said.

Following this, bombs were hurled and stones were pelted towards her convoy when she was going to visit another booth at Dogachia in Keshpur after receiving complaints of rigging there. One of her security guards was injured and a vehicle was damaged, they said.

In the politically crucial state of Uttar Pradesh, 54 per cent polling was reported in 14 constituencies. SP president Akhilesh Yadav and Maneka Gandhi are in the fray in the state that sends 80 members to Lok Sabha.

Maneka Gandhi and her rival BSP candidate Chandra Bhadra Singh had a face-off in Sultanpur, with the BJP leader warning him that hooliganism will not work. Singh dismissed her charge.

In Badohi, BJP MLA Dinanath Bhaskar and four others allegedly beat up a presiding officer in the Aurai assembly segment, accusing the official of deliberately slowing the polling process. Poll officials have sought a report on the matter.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;

In Azamgarh, Akhilesh is trying to retain his father and SP founder Mulayam Singh Yadav's seat against Bhojpuri film star 'Nirahua' of the BJP&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 
In Bihar, around 59.38 per cent turnout was recorded for the eight Lok Sabha seats.

In Sheohar Lok Sabha constituency, a polling officer was killed at a booth in a freak incident of firing by a home guard before polling started.

A few incidents of malfunctioning of EVMs were reported from various booths, officials said.

Haryana recorded around 66.30 per cent turnout in 10 Lok Sabha seats and officials said no untoward incident was reported and polling remained peaceful in the state.

However, Congress' Rohtak candidate Deepender Singh Hooda, who is seeking re-election for a fourth term, accused Haryana Minister and Rohtak MLA Manish Grover of "intimidating" voters by forcibly entering some polling booths.

Grover, however, rejected the charge claiming that Deepender, who is the son of former CM Bhupinder Singh Hooda, made baseless allegations in the face of "imminent defeat".

Union ministers Rao Inderjit Singh and Krishan Pal Gurjar are among the 223 candidates in fray in Haryana.

In Jharkhand, an estimated 64.46 per cent turnout was recorded for four Lok Sabha seat and officials said no untoward incident was reported.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Madhya Pradesh, which recorded 59.96 per cent turnout, saw several heavyweights contesting the polls. Eight constituencies went to polls Sunday.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;

In Bhopal, Congress veteran Digvijay Singh was locked in a battle with BJP candidate and 2008 Malegaon blast accused Pragya Singh Thakur.

Congress general secretary Jyotiraditya Scindia, who is seeking re-election from Guna seat, is locked in a battle with BJP's K P Yadav, who is contesting his first general election.

Former chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and his family members exercised their franchise at their native village Jait, which falls under the Vidisha Lok Sabha seat.

Union minister Narendra Singh Tomar, who is the sitting MP from Gwalior, is in the fray from the Morena seat this time.

BJP candidate Bharati Ghosh was attacked in West Bengal and a poll officer was allegedly beaten up by an MLA of the saffron party in Uttar Pradesh during the Lok Sabha poll's sixth and penultimate phase on Sunday in which over 63 per cent turnout was recorded in 59 seats across six states and the national capital.

BJP candidate Bharati Ghosh was attacked in West Bengal and a poll officer was allegedly beaten up by an MLA of the saffron party in Uttar Pradesh during the Lok Sabha poll's sixth and penultimate phase on Sunday in which over 63 per cent turnout was recorded in 59 seats across six states and the national capital. Elections were held in 14 seats in Uttar Pradesh, 10 seats in Haryana, eight constituencies each in Bihar, Madhya Pradesh and West Bengal, four in Jharkhand and seven seats in Delhi where votes were cast by a number of public figures, including President Ram Nath Kovind, Congress chief Rahul Gandhi, UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj. With today's polling, votes have already been cast in nearly 89 per cent of the 543 constituencies, while the last phase of voting will take place on May 19 for the remaining 59 seats. The Election Commission (EC) announced 63.3 per cent turnout across the states and Delhi, with West Bengal recording over 80 per cent polling and the national capital registering just 60 per cent. Union ministers Radha Mohan Singh, Harsh Vardhan and Maneka Gandhi, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav and Congress leaders Digvijay Singh, Jyotiraditya Scindia and Sheila Dikshit as also celebrity contestants Gautam Gambhir, Vijender Singh, Dinesh Lal Yadav 'Nirahua', Ravi Kishan and Hans Raj Hans were among several prominent faces in the fray. Delhi saw a dip in its turnout from 65 per cent in 2014, despite a three-cornered contest between the BJP, Congress and AAP with several high profile candidates, while the EC also appeared disappointed at the low polling figure even after its enhanced efforts to draw the voters to polling booths Over 80 per cent polling was recorded in eight seats in West Bengal, where BJP's Ghatal candidate and former IPS officer Bharati Ghosh was attacked twice by local people when she tried to visit polling stations in her constituency. Ghosh suffered minor injuries when a group of women allegedly attacked her when she tried to take a BJP agent inside a polling booth at Keshpur area, officials said. Following this, bombs were hurled and stones were pelted towards her convoy when she was going to visit another booth at Dogachia in Keshpur after receiving complaints of rigging there. One of her security guards was injured and a vehicle was damaged, they said. In the politically crucial state of Uttar Pradesh, 54 per cent polling was reported in 14 constituencies. SP president Akhilesh Yadav and Maneka Gandhi are in the fray in the state that sends 80 members to Lok Sabha. Maneka Gandhi and her rival BSP candidate Chandra Bhadra Singh had a face-off in Sultanpur, with the BJP leader warning him that hooliganism will not work. Singh dismissed her charge. In Badohi, BJP MLA Dinanath Bhaskar and four others allegedly beat up a presiding officer in the Aurai assembly segment, accusing the official of deliberately slowing the polling process. Poll officials have sought a report on the matter. In Azamgarh, Akhilesh is trying to retain his father and SP founder Mulayam Singh Yadav's seat against Bhojpuri film star 'Nirahua' of the BJP In Bihar, around 59.38 per cent turnout was recorded for the eight Lok Sabha seats. In Sheohar Lok Sabha constituency, a polling officer was killed at a booth in a freak incident of firing by a home guard before polling started. A few incidents of malfunctioning of EVMs were reported from various booths, officials said. Haryana recorded around 66.30 per cent turnout in 10 Lok Sabha seats and officials said no untoward incident was reported and polling remained peaceful in the state. However, Congress' Rohtak candidate Deepender Singh Hooda, who is seeking re-election for a fourth term, accused Haryana Minister and Rohtak MLA Manish Grover of "intimidating" voters by forcibly entering some polling booths. Grover, however, rejected the charge claiming that Deepender, who is the son of former CM Bhupinder Singh Hooda, made baseless allegations in the face of "imminent defeat". Union ministers Rao Inderjit Singh and Krishan Pal Gurjar are among the 223 candidates in fray in Haryana. In Jharkhand, an estimated 64.46 per cent turnout was recorded for four Lok Sabha seat and officials said no untoward incident was reported. Madhya Pradesh, which recorded 59.96 per cent turnout, saw several heavyweights contesting the polls. Eight constituencies went to polls Sunday. In Bhopal, Congress veteran Digvijay Singh was locked in a battle with BJP candidate and 2008 Malegaon blast accused Pragya Singh Thakur. Congress general secretary Jyotiraditya Scindia, who is seeking re-election from Guna seat, is locked in a battle with BJP's K P Yadav, who is contesting his first general election. Former chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and his family members exercised their franchise at their native village Jait, which falls under the Vidisha Lok Sabha seat. Union minister Narendra Singh Tomar, who is the sitting MP from Gwalior, is in the fray from the Morena seat this time.

Lok Sabha polls 2019: 63% voting in sixth phase; BJP candidate attacked in Bengal, poll official beaten up in UP

Social media on Sunday evening had a field day trolling Congress president Rahul Gandhi's brother-in-law Robert Vadra for his tweet wherein he posted a picture of himself with an inked finger and added the emoji of Paraguay's national flag instead of the Indian Tricolour.&nbsp;

In his tweet, which was later deleted, Vadra had urged everyone to step out and vote.&nbsp;

"Our right, our strength!! Everyone must step out and vote... we need all support to create a combined future for our loved ones and for a secular, safe and productive future of our country," Vadra's tweet read and sported the emoji of the Lok Sabha elections along with the symbol of Paraguay's flag.&nbsp;

Twitterati didn't bat an eye to target Vadra and slam him on his ignorance.&nbsp;

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India lives in my heart &amp; I salute Tiranga.Using a Paraguay flag in my post was just an aberration.I very well know tht”You all know it was posted by mistake" but u decided to”play up my mistake”,whn thr r such glaring issues to be discussed. It saddens me, but never mind! 😊👍 <a href="https://t.co/ZPDva2eWSW">pic.twitter.com/ZPDva2eWSW</a>
— Robert Vadra (@irobertvadra) <a href="https://twitter.com/irobertvadra/status/1127577717874913280?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 12, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Vadra, however, was quick to react and posted a tweet saying "India lives in my heart". His post carried a picture&nbsp;of him with the national flag. He clarified that using Paraguay's flag in his post was a mistake, "just an aberration".&nbsp;

He added that people decided to "play up" his mistake.&nbsp;

"India lives in my heart and I salute Tiranga. Using a Paraguay flag in my post was just an aberration. I very well know that you all know it was posted by mistake but u decided to play up my mistake when there are such glaring issues to be discussed. It saddens me, but never mind!" Vadra tweeted out.&nbsp;

Vadra's post came shortly after he cast his vote in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/live-lok-sabha-phase-6-elections-voting-begins-for-59-constituencies-across-seven-states-217872">the sixth and penultimate phase of the Lok Sabha elections today</a>.&nbsp;

As many as 14 seats in Uttar Pradesh, 10 in Haryana, eight seats each in West Bengal, Bihar and Madhya Pradesh, seven in Delhi and four in Jharkhand went to polls today.&nbsp;

According to the Election Commission, the overall voter turnout was recorded at <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/lok-sabha-polls-2019-633-total-voter-turnout-recorded-in-phase-6-election-commission-218138">63.3 per cent</a> in today's polls.&nbsp;

Social media on Sunday evening had a field day trolling Congress president Rahul Gandhi's brother-in-law Robert Vadra for his tweet wherein he posted a picture of himself with an inked finger and added the emoji of Paraguay's national flag instead of the Indian Tricolour.

Social media on Sunday evening had a field day trolling Congress president Rahul Gandhi's brother-in-law Robert Vadra for his tweet wherein he posted a picture of himself with an inked finger and added the emoji of Paraguay's national flag instead of the Indian Tricolour. In his tweet, which was later deleted, Vadra had urged everyone to step out and vote. "Our right, our strength!! Everyone must step out and vote... we need all support to create a combined future for our loved ones and for a secular, safe and productive future of our country," Vadra's tweet read and sported the emoji of the Lok Sabha elections along with the symbol of Paraguay's flag. Twitterati didn't bat an eye to target Vadra and slam him on his ignorance. India lives in my heart & I salute Tiranga.Using a Paraguay flag in my post was just an aberration.I very well know tht”You all know it was posted by mistake" but u decided to”play up my mistake”,whn thr r such glaring issues to be discussed. It saddens me, but never mind! 😊👍 pic.twitter.com/ZPDva2eWSW — Robert Vadra (@irobertvadra) May 12, 2019 × Vadra, however, was quick to react and posted a tweet saying "India lives in my heart". His post carried a picture of him with the national flag. He clarified that using Paraguay's flag in his post was a mistake, "just an aberration". He added that people decided to "play up" his mistake. "India lives in my heart and I salute Tiranga. Using a Paraguay flag in my post was just an aberration. I very well know that you all know it was posted by mistake but u decided to play up my mistake when there are such glaring issues to be discussed. It saddens me, but never mind!" Vadra tweeted out. Vadra's post came shortly after he cast his vote in the sixth and penultimate phase of the Lok Sabha elections today. As many as 14 seats in Uttar Pradesh, 10 in Haryana, eight seats each in West Bengal, Bihar and Madhya Pradesh, seven in Delhi and four in Jharkhand went to polls today. According to the Election Commission, the overall voter turnout was recorded at 63.3 per cent in today's polls.

You all decide to play upon my mistake, India lives in my heart: Vadra clarifies after using Paraguay's flag in tweet

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/live-lok-sabha-phase-6-elections-voting-begins-for-59-constituencies-across-seven-states-217872">Polling for the sixth phase of the ongoing Lok Sabha elections</a> came to an end on Sunday evening. Till 7 pm, the overall voter turnout was recorded at 61 per cent. The Election Commission is yet to notify the final turnout figure.&nbsp;

As many as 14 seats in Uttar Pradesh, 10 in Haryana, eight seats each in West Bengal, Bihar and Madhya Pradesh, seven in Delhi and four in Jharkhand went to polls today.&nbsp;

Incidents of unrest were reported in West Bengal, despite which a whopping 80 per cent turnout was reported in the state till 7 pm.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/lok-sabha-polls-2019-bjp-candidate-attacked-twice-in-west-bengal-ceo-seeks-report-217994">BJP's West Bengal candidate Bharati Ghosh was attacked</a> which the party termed as an "act of frustration" by the ruling Trinamool Congress in the state and claimed that the days of the Mamata Banerjee government are numbered.

Ghosh was allegedly attacked twice by locals on Sunday when the former IPS officer tried to visit polling stations in Ghatal Lok Sabha constituency, where she is the BJP candidate when polling was underway.

BJP leader Mukul Roy accused Mamata government of acting out of political vendetta after his convoy was searched by the local police.

He said the police was acting like "stooges of the state government".

"All of a sudden some police officers came in front of my vehicle and told me that they were going to search my car. I told them they had every right to search but let the press people come," he said.

Reports of EVM glitches surfaced in the national capital. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/raghav-chadha-alleges-bogus-voting-by-bjp-workers-in-south-delhi-218118">AAP's South Delhi candidate Raghav Chadha</a> said on Sunday that voting in the city-state was a positive sign for his party but the BJP workers had done 'bogus votes' in Sangam Vihar during the sixth phase of the Lok Sabha election. Turnout here was recorded at 56 per cent till 7 pm.

Haryana, Madhya Pradesh and Jharkhand witnessed brisk polling with voter turnout at 62.91, 60.40 and 64.46 per cent respectively till 7 pm.&nbsp;

In Bihar, an attempt was made to attack Sanjay Jaiswal, BJP candidate from West Champaran Parliamentary Constituency, outside polling booth no. 162, 163. The state recorded 59.29 per cent turnout till 7 pm.&nbsp;

Uttar Pradesh witnessed the lowest turnout of all at 53.37 per cent till 7 pm. Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav and Union minister Maneka Gandhi were among key contestants in the second-last phase of polling in 14 Lok Sabha seats in Uttar Pradesh today.

 
&nbsp; 
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Polling for the sixth phase of the ongoing Lok Sabha elections came to an end on Sunday evening. Till 7 pm, the overall voter turnout was recorded at 61 per cent.

Polling for the sixth phase of the ongoing Lok Sabha elections came to an end on Sunday evening. Till 7 pm, the overall voter turnout was recorded at 61 per cent. The Election Commission is yet to notify the final turnout figure. As many as 14 seats in Uttar Pradesh, 10 in Haryana, eight seats each in West Bengal, Bihar and Madhya Pradesh, seven in Delhi and four in Jharkhand went to polls today. Incidents of unrest were reported in West Bengal, despite which a whopping 80 per cent turnout was reported in the state till 7 pm. BJP's West Bengal candidate Bharati Ghosh was attacked which the party termed as an "act of frustration" by the ruling Trinamool Congress in the state and claimed that the days of the Mamata Banerjee government are numbered. Ghosh was allegedly attacked twice by locals on Sunday when the former IPS officer tried to visit polling stations in Ghatal Lok Sabha constituency, where she is the BJP candidate when polling was underway. BJP leader Mukul Roy accused Mamata government of acting out of political vendetta after his convoy was searched by the local police. He said the police was acting like "stooges of the state government". "All of a sudden some police officers came in front of my vehicle and told me that they were going to search my car. I told them they had every right to search but let the press people come," he said. Reports of EVM glitches surfaced in the national capital. AAP's South Delhi candidate Raghav Chadha said on Sunday that voting in the city-state was a positive sign for his party but the BJP workers had done 'bogus votes' in Sangam Vihar during the sixth phase of the Lok Sabha election. Turnout here was recorded at 56 per cent till 7 pm. Haryana, Madhya Pradesh and Jharkhand witnessed brisk polling with voter turnout at 62.91, 60.40 and 64.46 per cent respectively till 7 pm. In Bihar, an attempt was made to attack Sanjay Jaiswal, BJP candidate from West Champaran Parliamentary Constituency, outside polling booth no. 162, 163. The state recorded 59.29 per cent turnout till 7 pm. Uttar Pradesh witnessed the lowest turnout of all at 53.37 per cent till 7 pm. Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav and Union minister Maneka Gandhi were among key contestants in the second-last phase of polling in 14 Lok Sabha seats in Uttar Pradesh today.

Lok Sabha polls phase six: 61% voter turnout till 7pm, West Bengal tops with 80%; Delhi, UP register lowest

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