Union Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Saturday said that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) would provide essential food articles at the price of rupee one under the National Food Security Scheme if voted to power in the state.

"If voted to power in Odisha, BJP will provide the food articles - 5 kg rice, half-kg pulse and salt at rupee one to nearly 3.26 crore beneficiaries under the National Food Security Scheme," said Pradhan, while addressing an election rally at Chaudwar.

"We will raise the salary of Anganwadi workers to Rs 15,000 per month. Furthermore, we will also upgrade all the hospitals in the state and appoint doctors to provide better a better health care facility to the people," he said.

The Lok Sabha and Assembly polls in Odisha are scheduled to be held simultaneously in four phases. The remaining three phases will be held on April 18, 23 and 29. The counting of votes will take place on May 23.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Union Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Saturday said that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) would provide essential food articles at the price of rupee one under the National Food Security Scheme if voted to power in the state.

Union Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Saturday said that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) would provide essential food articles at the price of rupee one under the National Food Security Scheme if voted to power in the state. "If voted to power in Odisha, BJP will provide the food articles - 5 kg rice, half-kg pulse and salt at rupee one to nearly 3.26 crore beneficiaries under the National Food Security Scheme," said Pradhan, while addressing an election rally at Chaudwar. "We will raise the salary of Anganwadi workers to Rs 15,000 per month. Furthermore, we will also upgrade all the hospitals in the state and appoint doctors to provide better a better health care facility to the people," he said. The Lok Sabha and Assembly polls in Odisha are scheduled to be held simultaneously in four phases. The remaining three phases will be held on April 18, 23 and 29. The counting of votes will take place on May 23.

BJP promises 5 kg rice, 1/2 kg pulse and salt for one rupee to poor in Odisha

BJP president Amit Shah on Saturday took a swipe at BSP supremo Mayawati, stating she remembers Bharat Ratna Dr BR Ambedkar only during elections.

"When it is time for elections, Behenji remembers Ambedkar ji. But when she comes to power, she forgets Ambedkar ji and builds her own statues," Shah said while addressing an election rally here.

"It is the BJP government that has built Ambedkar ji's memorial in five years. We have done a lot of works for Dalits in the last five years," added the BJP president.

Reiterating his party's tough stance on infiltrators, Shah said, "Infiltrators are dangerous for the security of our country. They are eating our country like termites. We will not tolerate this. We will ensure that every single infiltrator is thrown out from this country by our party."

Hitting out at Congress, BSP and SP, Shah claimed that these parties could not keep the country safe, and contended that only the BJP could keep the nation safe from its enemies.

Accusing the Congress of ignoring the welfare of poor people, Shah said that the leaders in the grand old party were only "interested" in indulging in corruption.

"In the last 55 years, Rahul Gandhi and his party did not care for the poor. They did not do anything. In the last two years, Uttar Pradesh under Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has done a lot of works for the poor," he said.

Talking about the Congress'&nbsp;pledge to remove poverty from the country, he said, "Those who were giving slogans on 'Garibi Hatao'&nbsp;have been taught a lesson by Prime Minister Narendra Modi by ensuring employment to poor and downtrodden."

"The people of this country want to see Narendra Modi as the Prime Minister again. The entire country is chanting 'Modi, Modi.'&nbsp;The electorates have decided to elect Narendra Modi again," he said.

Earlier addressing an election rally in Badaun, Shah took a jibe at the grand alliance of SP-BSP in Uttar Pradesh, stating that "Mahagathbandhan has no policy and no face. Can they give a befitting reply to terrorism? I want to ask the alliance - Who is your face?"

Highlighting the works done by the BJP, Shah said, "The Narendra Modi government made 9,400 houses for the poor in Badaun, provided insurance to 75,000 people, and opened bank accounts for 80,000 people."

"Around 75, 000 farmers here enjoy the benefit of Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana. We also gave two lakh gas connections to women," he said.

Eight constituencies in Uttar Pradesh, where 80 Lok Sabha seats are at stake, went to polls during the first phase of polling April 11. In the second phase on April 18, eight seats will go to polls. The counting of votes will take place on May 23.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

BJP president Amit Shah on Saturday took a swipe at BSP supremo Mayawati, stating she remembers Bharat Ratna Dr BR Ambedkar only during elections. "When it is time for elections, Behenji remembers Ambedkar ji.

BJP president Amit Shah on Saturday took a swipe at BSP supremo Mayawati, stating she remembers Bharat Ratna Dr BR Ambedkar only during elections. "When it is time for elections, Behenji remembers Ambedkar ji. But when she comes to power, she forgets Ambedkar ji and builds her own statues," Shah said while addressing an election rally here. "It is the BJP government that has built Ambedkar ji's memorial in five years. We have done a lot of works for Dalits in the last five years," added the BJP president. Reiterating his party's tough stance on infiltrators, Shah said, "Infiltrators are dangerous for the security of our country. They are eating our country like termites. We will not tolerate this. We will ensure that every single infiltrator is thrown out from this country by our party." Hitting out at Congress, BSP and SP, Shah claimed that these parties could not keep the country safe, and contended that only the BJP could keep the nation safe from its enemies. Accusing the Congress of ignoring the welfare of poor people, Shah said that the leaders in the grand old party were only "interested" in indulging in corruption. "In the last 55 years, Rahul Gandhi and his party did not care for the poor. They did not do anything. In the last two years, Uttar Pradesh under Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has done a lot of works for the poor," he said. Talking about the Congress' pledge to remove poverty from the country, he said, "Those who were giving slogans on 'Garibi Hatao' have been taught a lesson by Prime Minister Narendra Modi by ensuring employment to poor and downtrodden." "The people of this country want to see Narendra Modi as the Prime Minister again. The entire country is chanting 'Modi, Modi.' The electorates have decided to elect Narendra Modi again," he said. Earlier addressing an election rally in Badaun, Shah took a jibe at the grand alliance of SP-BSP in Uttar Pradesh, stating that "Mahagathbandhan has no policy and no face. Can they give a befitting reply to terrorism? I want to ask the alliance - Who is your face?" Highlighting the works done by the BJP, Shah said, "The Narendra Modi government made 9,400 houses for the poor in Badaun, provided insurance to 75,000 people, and opened bank accounts for 80,000 people." "Around 75, 000 farmers here enjoy the benefit of Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana. We also gave two lakh gas connections to women," he said. Eight constituencies in Uttar Pradesh, where 80 Lok Sabha seats are at stake, went to polls during the first phase of polling April 11. In the second phase on April 18, eight seats will go to polls. The counting of votes will take place on May 23.

Mayawati remembers Dr Ambedkar only during polls: Amit Shah

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Saturday said she can contest from any part of the country but chose not to do so as does not want division of votes, adding that stronghold of regional parties in states is a must.

"I could have fought from several places. People asked me why I'm not contesting as our TMC has got national party recognition. I can contest from Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and Bihar. If I'm winning I can contest from anywhere but I do not want division of votes," she said while addressing a public gathering at Siliguri in West Bengal.

"I want regional parties to go ahead. Lalu Yadav in Bihar, Mayawati and Akhilesh in Uttar Pradesh and AAP in Delhi. I have helped everyone and brought everyone together," she stressed.

Underlying the need for the Opposition to defeat the BJP government, Mamata said, "We contest on 9 seats in Assam, 1 in Andaman, 2 to 4 in Odisha. We will contest from Jharkhand on three to four sets but Bengal is our main focus and loyalty. We will not leave any stone unturned to come into power in the state. Everyone vote is very important to bring development in Bengal."

The Trinamool Congress (TMC) supremo said wherever regional parties are strong they should not lose their votes from their area. "BJP is at no place, CPM is something in Kerala but nothing across the country. Even Congress can do nothing. Whatever little they have in other states let them fight from there...we have no issue with it. But where I am strong why would you vote for the Congress. Where Chandrababu Naidu is strong why would you vote for some other party," she said.

Continuing her tirade against the BJP and Prime Minister Modi for ruling in an authoritative manner, Mamata said, "BJP looted traders, framers, industrialist, young generation and maa-behen (mother-daughter). Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes are facing atrocities. We will not allow this. We will follow the footsteps of Dr BR Ambedkar. No political party has the right to torture the minority."

"Air India no more serves non-vegetarian food. It is like what he (PM Modi) wants to eat everyone has to eat that. We will eat what we want. It is my choice whether I want to eat veg or non-veg. Who is Modi to tell us?" she said.

She added it is dangerous for us that there is a party called RSS who carries "danda (stick) and roam around with goondas" (goons). Asserting that Prime Minister Modi is spreading rumours about two most prominent religious festivals -- Saraswati pooja and Durga Pooja, the TMC chief said, "Is it so? Are not we celebration Durga pooja and Saraswati pooja. Who is he to tell us about our people, state and culture. Can he chant a single mantra? For his whimsical thoughts, he has started behaving like Hitler."

The Lok Sabha polls for 42 parliamentary seats in West Bengal began on April 11 and it is staggered in all seven phases till May 19. The results will be declared on May 23.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Saturday said she can contest from any part of the country but chose not to do so as does not want division of votes, adding that stronghold of regional parties in states is a must.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Saturday said she can contest from any part of the country but chose not to do so as does not want division of votes, adding that stronghold of regional parties in states is a must. "I could have fought from several places. People asked me why I'm not contesting as our TMC has got national party recognition. I can contest from Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and Bihar. If I'm winning I can contest from anywhere but I do not want division of votes," she said while addressing a public gathering at Siliguri in West Bengal. "I want regional parties to go ahead. Lalu Yadav in Bihar, Mayawati and Akhilesh in Uttar Pradesh and AAP in Delhi. I have helped everyone and brought everyone together," she stressed. Underlying the need for the Opposition to defeat the BJP government, Mamata said, "We contest on 9 seats in Assam, 1 in Andaman, 2 to 4 in Odisha. We will contest from Jharkhand on three to four sets but Bengal is our main focus and loyalty. We will not leave any stone unturned to come into power in the state. Everyone vote is very important to bring development in Bengal." The Trinamool Congress (TMC) supremo said wherever regional parties are strong they should not lose their votes from their area. "BJP is at no place, CPM is something in Kerala but nothing across the country. Even Congress can do nothing. Whatever little they have in other states let them fight from there...we have no issue with it. But where I am strong why would you vote for the Congress. Where Chandrababu Naidu is strong why would you vote for some other party," she said. Continuing her tirade against the BJP and Prime Minister Modi for ruling in an authoritative manner, Mamata said, "BJP looted traders, framers, industrialist, young generation and maa-behen (mother-daughter). Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes are facing atrocities. We will not allow this. We will follow the footsteps of Dr BR Ambedkar. No political party has the right to torture the minority." "Air India no more serves non-vegetarian food. It is like what he (PM Modi) wants to eat everyone has to eat that. We will eat what we want. It is my choice whether I want to eat veg or non-veg. Who is Modi to tell us?" she said. She added it is dangerous for us that there is a party called RSS who carries "danda (stick) and roam around with goondas" (goons). Asserting that Prime Minister Modi is spreading rumours about two most prominent religious festivals -- Saraswati pooja and Durga Pooja, the TMC chief said, "Is it so? Are not we celebration Durga pooja and Saraswati pooja. Who is he to tell us about our people, state and culture. Can he chant a single mantra? For his whimsical thoughts, he has started behaving like Hitler." The Lok Sabha polls for 42 parliamentary seats in West Bengal began on April 11 and it is staggered in all seven phases till May 19. The results will be declared on May 23.

I can contest from anywhere but don't want division of votes: Mamata Banerjee

Andhra Pradesh chief minister and Telugu Desam Party chief <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-polls-2019-ysrs-jagan-slams-chandrababu-naidu-for-ignoring-needs-of-poor-and-middle-class-209107">N Chandrababu Naidu</a>&nbsp;on Saturday demanded the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/election-commission-should-work-in-unbiased-manner-andhra-cm-chandrababu-naidu-on-transfer-of-state-chief-secretary-208289">Election Commission of India (ECI)</a> revert to the ballot system. The move comes&nbsp;just a couple of days after the general polls&nbsp;were conducted for 91 Lok Sabha seats on Thursday, along with state assembly elections including in Andhra Pradesh.&nbsp;

Naidu raised questions over the efficacy of the electronic voting machines (EVM) and said that going back to the paper system should be done immediately to "preserve the sanctity and protect the spirit of the electoral process and democracy."

The TDP supremo met officials of the ECI earlier today over the issue of EVM malfunctioning in the ongoing Lok Sabha elections.

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Andhra Pradesh CM Chandrababu Naidu after a meeting with EC officials: Govt of India is interfering through EC. We have complained against EVMs earlier also. EC is an autonomous body but they are working at the instructions of Modi. Transfers of officers in AP is unjustified. <a href="https://t.co/HD2JxWckPC">pic.twitter.com/HD2JxWckPC</a>
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"We demand the Election Commission of India for reverting to paper ballot system immediately to preserve the sanctity and protect the spirit of electoral process and democracy respectively," Naidu said in a letter written to the Chief Election Commissioner.&nbsp;

"I wish to bring to your notice a series of malafide actions of Election Commission of India in managing the election process in Andhra Pradesh that gave rise to serious doubts that the constitutional duties of this great institution are not performed with objectivity, impartiality and, professionalism," he said.

Naidu also claimed that there was inadequate police force at the polling booths despite the request made by the Andhra Pradesh Police Department.

"To aggravate the matters further, the inadequate security arrangements at polling booths, emboldened the criminal elements that resulted in many law and order incidents which resulted in not only loss of lives and injuries but also terrorized the peace-loving voters to come out freely and vote," the Chief Minister said.

Naidu alleged the government of India of "interfering through the ECI".&nbsp;

"We have complained against EVMs earlier also. The EC is an autonomous body but they are working at the instructions of Modi. The transfer of officers in Andhra Pradesh are unjustified."

On April 11, all 25 Lok Sabha seats went to polls in Andhra Pradesh, whereas the state also voted for its 175 Assembly seats. Naidu had requested the EC for an extension of polling time in the state after polling in a few districts of Andhra Pradesh was disrupted briefly due to malfunctioning of EVMs.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

Andhra Pradesh chief minister and Telugu Desam Party chief N Chandrababu Naidu on Saturday demanded the Election Commission of India (ECI) revert to the ballot system.

Andhra Pradesh chief minister and Telugu Desam Party chief N Chandrababu Naidu on Saturday demanded the Election Commission of India (ECI) revert to the ballot system. The move comes just a couple of days after the general polls were conducted for 91 Lok Sabha seats on Thursday, along with state assembly elections including in Andhra Pradesh. Naidu raised questions over the efficacy of the electronic voting machines (EVM) and said that going back to the paper system should be done immediately to "preserve the sanctity and protect the spirit of the electoral process and democracy." The TDP supremo met officials of the ECI earlier today over the issue of EVM malfunctioning in the ongoing Lok Sabha elections. Andhra Pradesh CM Chandrababu Naidu after a meeting with EC officials: Govt of India is interfering through EC. We have complained against EVMs earlier also. EC is an autonomous body but they are working at the instructions of Modi. Transfers of officers in AP is unjustified. pic.twitter.com/HD2JxWckPC — ANI (@ANI) April 13, 2019 × "We demand the Election Commission of India for reverting to paper ballot system immediately to preserve the sanctity and protect the spirit of electoral process and democracy respectively," Naidu said in a letter written to the Chief Election Commissioner. "I wish to bring to your notice a series of malafide actions of Election Commission of India in managing the election process in Andhra Pradesh that gave rise to serious doubts that the constitutional duties of this great institution are not performed with objectivity, impartiality and, professionalism," he said. Naidu also claimed that there was inadequate police force at the polling booths despite the request made by the Andhra Pradesh Police Department. "To aggravate the matters further, the inadequate security arrangements at polling booths, emboldened the criminal elements that resulted in many law and order incidents which resulted in not only loss of lives and injuries but also terrorized the peace-loving voters to come out freely and vote," the Chief Minister said. Naidu alleged the government of India of "interfering through the ECI". "We have complained against EVMs earlier also. The EC is an autonomous body but they are working at the instructions of Modi. The transfer of officers in Andhra Pradesh are unjustified." On April 11, all 25 Lok Sabha seats went to polls in Andhra Pradesh, whereas the state also voted for its 175 Assembly seats. Naidu had requested the EC for an extension of polling time in the state after polling in a few districts of Andhra Pradesh was disrupted briefly due to malfunctioning of EVMs.

Just a couple of days after polls, Chandrababu Naidu raises questions over EVMs; asks Election Commission to revert to ballot system

Noting that the level of non-performing loans in India remains high, the International Monetary Fund has favoured bolstering the level of capitalisation of some banks, particularly government-owned banks.&nbsp;

Anna Ilyina, Division Chief of IMF Monetary and Capital Markets Department, said Wednesday that bolstering the level of capitalisation was one of the recommendations of the Financial Sector Assessment Programme (FSAP) for India.&nbsp;

"The level of non-performing loans (NPLs) in India remains high. And the level of the capitalisation of some banks, particularly government-owned banks, should be bolstered," said Ilyina.&nbsp;

"There were some steps that were taken by the authorities to boost capital buffers in banks and also to improve governance in state-owned banks that have had some positive impact," Ilyina said.

The institutional mechanisms for resolution and the recognition of NPLs are, of course, an extremely important part of the process of cleaning up the banking system of non-performing loans, she said adding that the authorities should continue working along these lines.

Tobias Adrian, Financial Counsellor and Director, Monetary and Capital Markets Department of the IMF, said that there continues to be a high stock of Non-performing Assets in India.&nbsp;

"There has been some progression, but we would welcome further progress on the non-performing assets in India,"&nbsp;he said responding to a question on Indian banking system.&nbsp;

The Indian government in February said bad loans fell by Rs 31,168 crore in April-December 2018-19 compared to NPAs worth Rs 8,95,601 crore at March-end 2018.&nbsp;

Noting that the level of non-performing loans in India remains high, the International Monetary Fund has favoured bolstering the level of capitalisation of some banks, particularly government-owned banks.

Noting that the level of non-performing loans in India remains high, the International Monetary Fund has favoured bolstering the level of capitalisation of some banks, particularly government-owned banks. Anna Ilyina, Division Chief of IMF Monetary and Capital Markets Department, said Wednesday that bolstering the level of capitalisation was one of the recommendations of the Financial Sector Assessment Programme (FSAP) for India. "The level of non-performing loans (NPLs) in India remains high. And the level of the capitalisation of some banks, particularly government-owned banks, should be bolstered," said Ilyina. "There were some steps that were taken by the authorities to boost capital buffers in banks and also to improve governance in state-owned banks that have had some positive impact," Ilyina said. The institutional mechanisms for resolution and the recognition of NPLs are, of course, an extremely important part of the process of cleaning up the banking system of non-performing loans, she said adding that the authorities should continue working along these lines. Tobias Adrian, Financial Counsellor and Director, Monetary and Capital Markets Department of the IMF, said that there continues to be a high stock of Non-performing Assets in India. "There has been some progression, but we would welcome further progress on the non-performing assets in India," he said responding to a question on Indian banking system. The Indian government in February said bad loans fell by Rs 31,168 crore in April-December 2018-19 compared to NPAs worth Rs 8,95,601 crore at March-end 2018.

India needs to bolster level of capitalisation of government-owned banks: IMF

Polling is underway Thursday for the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/live-lok-sabha-polls-2019-voting-underway-in-91-seats-in-first-phase-209404"> first phase of seven-phase Lok Sabha elections</a>.

Here are some interesting facts about phase one.

* Constituencies: 91 Lok Sabha constituencies spread across 18 states and two Union territories.

* Total number of polling stations: 1,70,664

* In Mizoram, 15 special polling booths have been set up in Kanhmun at Mizoram-Tripura border for Bru (Reang) refugees who are living in camps in Tripura.

* Mizoram also holds the unique distinction among the parliamentary constituencies with 100 per cent voters having Electors Photo Identity Card (EPIC).

* 52 per cent voters in Meghalaya are women.

* Over 142,054,000 voters to decide fate of 1,279 candidates in the 91 constituencies.&nbsp;

* 7,764 'third gender' voters eligible to cast ballots

* Voting for 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th and 7th phase of the elections will take place on April 18, April 23, April 29, May 6, May 12 and May 19, respectively.

* The counting of votes to constitute the 17th Lok Sabha will take place on May 23.

Polling is underway Thursday for the first phase of seven-phase Lok Sabha elections. Here are some interesting facts about phase one. * Constituencies: 91 Lok Sabha constituencies spread across 18 states and two Union territories.

Polling is underway Thursday for the first phase of seven-phase Lok Sabha elections. Here are some interesting facts about phase one. * Constituencies: 91 Lok Sabha constituencies spread across 18 states and two Union territories. * Total number of polling stations: 1,70,664 * In Mizoram, 15 special polling booths have been set up in Kanhmun at Mizoram-Tripura border for Bru (Reang) refugees who are living in camps in Tripura. * Mizoram also holds the unique distinction among the parliamentary constituencies with 100 per cent voters having Electors Photo Identity Card (EPIC). * 52 per cent voters in Meghalaya are women. * Over 142,054,000 voters to decide fate of 1,279 candidates in the 91 constituencies. * 7,764 'third gender' voters eligible to cast ballots * Voting for 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th and 7th phase of the elections will take place on April 18, April 23, April 29, May 6, May 12 and May 19, respectively. * The counting of votes to constitute the 17th Lok Sabha will take place on May 23.

Key facts about phase-I of Lok Sabha polls

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh said Thursday that the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/chhattisgarh-bjp-convoy-attacked-by-naxals-policemen-mla-killed-209063">sacrifice of BJP MLA Bheema Mandavi </a>and the four policemen who were killed in a Naxal attack will not go in vain, and the perpetrators will be punished.

Addressing an election rally at Basna in Mahasamund Lok Sabha constituency of Chhattisgarh, Singh also slammed the Congress for promising to repeal the sedition law.

Mandavi and four others were killed in Chhattisgarh's Dantewada district Tuesday when the Naxals blew up their vehicle.

"I am pained by the martyrdom of MLA Bheema Mandavi and jawans. Their sacrifice will not go in vain. The perpetrators will not be forgiven," Singh said.

"Change can be brought in Naxal-affected areas through democratic ways, not through guns. The Naxals have now weakened in the country. The Centre stands with the state in its fight against the Naxals," he said.

On Congress' promise to repeal the sedition law, the Union home minister asked the gathering "whether the anti-national people should be forgiven". 
"If our government is elected to power, the law will remain in force," Singh said.

He also said the Congress raised a hue and cry over Rafale fighter aircraft purchase, but had the deal been completed during its tenure, Indian forces would not have needed to venture inside Pakistan to destroy terror camps; the camps could have been hit from inside the Indian territory.

"When we conducted air strike on terror camps in Pakistan, the Congress is asking for evidences. (Then prime minister) Indira Gandhi was praised by Atal Bihari Vajpayee in Parliament for her action against Pakistan (in the 1971 war), then why (prime minister) Modi can not be praised for the air strike (now)," Singh asked.

The senior BJP leader also said that those who level charges of corruption at Modi "should be punished severely".

"Modi has devoted his life for the country. For whom he will indulge in corruption and earn money?" he asked.

Scams such as submarine scam, 2G scam were committed by Congress governments and its leaders were in jail, yet the party was accusing the BJP government of corruption, he said.

The BJP has fielded Chunnilal Sahu from Mahasamund, where polling will be held on April 18, alongwith two other seats in the state, namely, Rajnandgon and Kanker.

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh said Thursday that the sacrifice of BJP MLA Bheema Mandavi and the four policemen who were killed in a Naxal attack will not go in vain, and the perpetrators will be punished.

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh said Thursday that the sacrifice of BJP MLA Bheema Mandavi and the four policemen who were killed in a Naxal attack will not go in vain, and the perpetrators will be punished. Addressing an election rally at Basna in Mahasamund Lok Sabha constituency of Chhattisgarh, Singh also slammed the Congress for promising to repeal the sedition law. Mandavi and four others were killed in Chhattisgarh's Dantewada district Tuesday when the Naxals blew up their vehicle. "I am pained by the martyrdom of MLA Bheema Mandavi and jawans. Their sacrifice will not go in vain. The perpetrators will not be forgiven," Singh said. "Change can be brought in Naxal-affected areas through democratic ways, not through guns. The Naxals have now weakened in the country. The Centre stands with the state in its fight against the Naxals," he said. On Congress' promise to repeal the sedition law, the Union home minister asked the gathering "whether the anti-national people should be forgiven". "If our government is elected to power, the law will remain in force," Singh said. He also said the Congress raised a hue and cry over Rafale fighter aircraft purchase, but had the deal been completed during its tenure, Indian forces would not have needed to venture inside Pakistan to destroy terror camps; the camps could have been hit from inside the Indian territory. "When we conducted air strike on terror camps in Pakistan, the Congress is asking for evidences. (Then prime minister) Indira Gandhi was praised by Atal Bihari Vajpayee in Parliament for her action against Pakistan (in the 1971 war), then why (prime minister) Modi can not be praised for the air strike (now)," Singh asked. The senior BJP leader also said that those who level charges of corruption at Modi "should be punished severely". "Modi has devoted his life for the country. For whom he will indulge in corruption and earn money?" he asked. Scams such as submarine scam, 2G scam were committed by Congress governments and its leaders were in jail, yet the party was accusing the BJP government of corruption, he said. The BJP has fielded Chunnilal Sahu from Mahasamund, where polling will be held on April 18, alongwith two other seats in the state, namely, Rajnandgon and Kanker.

Sacrifice of Mandavi, others won't be in vain: Rajnath Singh

Union Minister and BJP leader Smriti Irani on Thursday filed her nomination from Amethi parliamentary constituency in Uttar Pradesh.&nbsp;

Irani is fighting the Lok Sabha against <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/laser-pointed-at-rahul-gandhis-head-7-times-congress-complains-to-home-ministry-citing-security-breach-in-amethi-209537">Congress President Rahul Gandhi</a>, &nbsp;who has been a three-time Member of Parliament from Amethi.

Gandhi had&nbsp;filed the nomination from Amethi on Wednesday.

Ahead of filing the nomination, Smriti Irani had performed 'puja' along with her husband&nbsp;Zubin Irani.

Polling will be held in Amethi on May 6 during the fifth phase of the general elections.

In the 2014 general elections, Rahul Gandhi had defeated Smriti Irani by a margin of around one lakh votes.

The seven-phase Lok Sabha elections in Uttar Pradesh started today and will end on May 19.&nbsp;

Counting of votes will be held on May 23.

(With inputs from agencies)

Union Minister and BJP leader Smriti Irani on Thursday filed her nomination from Amethi parliamentary constituency in Uttar Pradesh. Irani is fighting the Lok Sabha against Congress President Rahul Gandhi, who has been a three-time Member of Parliament from Amethi.

Union Minister and BJP leader Smriti Irani on Thursday filed her nomination from Amethi parliamentary constituency in Uttar Pradesh. Irani is fighting the Lok Sabha against Congress President Rahul Gandhi, who has been a three-time Member of Parliament from Amethi. Gandhi had filed the nomination from Amethi on Wednesday. Ahead of filing the nomination, Smriti Irani had performed 'puja' along with her husband Zubin Irani. Polling will be held in Amethi on May 6 during the fifth phase of the general elections. In the 2014 general elections, Rahul Gandhi had defeated Smriti Irani by a margin of around one lakh votes. The seven-phase Lok Sabha elections in Uttar Pradesh started today and will end on May 19. Counting of votes will be held on May 23. (With inputs from agencies)

Lok Sabha polls 2019: BJP leader Smriti Irani files nomination from Amethi

Lok Sabha candidate of Jana Sena Party (JSP), Madhusudan Gupta, on Wednesday broke an Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) at a polling booth in Gooty town in Andhra Pradesh alleging that the names of Assembly and Lok Sabha seats had not been properly displayed in the voting chamber.

Gupta reached the polling station at Girls'&nbsp;Higher School in Gooty which falls under Guntakal Assembly constituency, this morning.

Live Lok Sabha polls 2019: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/live-lok-sabha-polls-2019-voting-underway-in-91-seats-in-first-phase-209404">Naxals trigger IED blast at polling booth in Maharashtra; no injuries reported</a>

He alleged that the names of Assembly and Lok Sabha seats had not been properly displayed in the polling chamber.

Election officials tried to pacify him but an angry Gupta threw an EVM on the floor and broke it.

He was later taken into police custody.

Polling is underway for 25 Lok Sabha and 175 Assembly seats in Andhra Pradesh. The state&nbsp;recorded 18 per cent polling till 11 am.

Telangana recorded 22.84 per cent polling.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/indias-general-election-begins-with-voting-in-first-of-seven-phases-209447">India's general election begins with voting in first of seven phases</a>

Meanwhile, TDP MP Kanakamedala Ravindra Kumar met the Election Commission (EC) in Delhi and complained about EVM malfunctioning in the state.&nbsp;

TDP's N Chandrababu Naidu in a letter to Chief Election Commissioner demanded repoll&nbsp;in booths where polling did not commence till 9:30 am due to EVM snag.

Other states going to polls include - Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, J&amp;K, Maharashtra, Nagaland, Odisha, Sikkim, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Telangana, Uttarakhand, West Bengal. Voters in Manipur, Andaman and Lakshadweep will also be exercising their franchise.

(With inputs from agencies)

&nbsp;

Lok Sabha candidate of Jana Sena Party (JSP), Madhusudan Gupta, on Wednesday broke an Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) at a polling booth in Gooty town in Andhra Pradesh alleging that the names of Assembly and Lok Sabha seats had not been properly displayed in the voting chamber.

Lok Sabha candidate of Jana Sena Party (JSP), Madhusudan Gupta, on Wednesday broke an Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) at a polling booth in Gooty town in Andhra Pradesh alleging that the names of Assembly and Lok Sabha seats had not been properly displayed in the voting chamber. Gupta reached the polling station at Girls' Higher School in Gooty which falls under Guntakal Assembly constituency, this morning. Live Lok Sabha polls 2019: Naxals trigger IED blast at polling booth in Maharashtra; no injuries reported He alleged that the names of Assembly and Lok Sabha seats had not been properly displayed in the polling chamber. Election officials tried to pacify him but an angry Gupta threw an EVM on the floor and broke it. He was later taken into police custody. Polling is underway for 25 Lok Sabha and 175 Assembly seats in Andhra Pradesh. The state recorded 18 per cent polling till 11 am. Telangana recorded 22.84 per cent polling. Also read: India's general election begins with voting in first of seven phases Meanwhile, TDP MP Kanakamedala Ravindra Kumar met the Election Commission (EC) in Delhi and complained about EVM malfunctioning in the state. TDP's N Chandrababu Naidu in a letter to Chief Election Commissioner demanded repoll in booths where polling did not commence till 9:30 am due to EVM snag. Other states going to polls include - Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, J&K, Maharashtra, Nagaland, Odisha, Sikkim, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Telangana, Uttarakhand, West Bengal. Voters in Manipur, Andaman and Lakshadweep will also be exercising their franchise. (With inputs from agencies)

Watch: Jan Sena candidate Madhusudan Gupta smashes EVM in polling booth in Andhra Pradesh

YSR Congress Party chief Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy Tuesday slammed the ruling Telugu Desam Party for ignoring the poor and middle class in the last five years.

Reddy alleged subsidy facilities, including education and 'Arogyasri' introduced for the poor and middle classes by the former Andhra Pradesh chief minister, the late YS Rajasekhara Reddy, were completely abandoned by the Chandrababu Naidu government leaving the people to their own fate.

Addressing a well-attended election rally in the temple city on the last day of campaigning for the April 11 first phase of elections, he claimed unemployment was on the rise in the state after Naidu came to power in 2014 with 2.3 lakh vacant posts not being filled.

Referring to Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao's support for Special Category Status for Andhra Pradesh, Reddy said it would be easy to achieve SCS with combined efforts of 25 MPs from AP and 17 MPs from neighbouring Telangana.

"The TDP government has failed to meet all-round development of the state and welfare of the people," Reddy said, urging people to vote for his YSRCP for good governance.

Reddy also faulted some sections of the media in the state for their alleged demonstration of fake videos, photos, audio clips and pre-poll surveys to deliberately malign the image of YSRCP.

Andhra Pradesh, which is going to the polls for 175 assemblies and 25 Lok Sabha seats, is witnessing a multi-cornered contest involving the ruling TDP, YSRCP, Jana Sena of Pawan Kalyan, the Congress and the BJP.

In Tirupati, the main battle would be between two former Chairmen Bhumana Karunakara Reddy of YSRCP and Chadalavada Krishnamurthy of Jana Sena Party and ruling TDP MLA M. Suguna.

YSR Congress Party chief Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy Tuesday slammed the ruling Telugu Desam Party for ignoring the poor and middle class in the last five years. Reddy alleged subsidy facilities, including education and 'Arogyasri' introduced for the poor and middle classes by the former Andhra Pradesh chief minister, the late YS Rajasekhara Reddy, were completely abandoned by the Chandrababu Naidu government leaving the people to their own fate.

YSR Congress Party chief Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy Tuesday slammed the ruling Telugu Desam Party for ignoring the poor and middle class in the last five years. Reddy alleged subsidy facilities, including education and 'Arogyasri' introduced for the poor and middle classes by the former Andhra Pradesh chief minister, the late YS Rajasekhara Reddy, were completely abandoned by the Chandrababu Naidu government leaving the people to their own fate. Addressing a well-attended election rally in the temple city on the last day of campaigning for the April 11 first phase of elections, he claimed unemployment was on the rise in the state after Naidu came to power in 2014 with 2.3 lakh vacant posts not being filled. Referring to Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao's support for Special Category Status for Andhra Pradesh, Reddy said it would be easy to achieve SCS with combined efforts of 25 MPs from AP and 17 MPs from neighbouring Telangana. "The TDP government has failed to meet all-round development of the state and welfare of the people," Reddy said, urging people to vote for his YSRCP for good governance. Reddy also faulted some sections of the media in the state for their alleged demonstration of fake videos, photos, audio clips and pre-poll surveys to deliberately malign the image of YSRCP. Andhra Pradesh, which is going to the polls for 175 assemblies and 25 Lok Sabha seats, is witnessing a multi-cornered contest involving the ruling TDP, YSRCP, Jana Sena of Pawan Kalyan, the Congress and the BJP. In Tirupati, the main battle would be between two former Chairmen Bhumana Karunakara Reddy of YSRCP and Chadalavada Krishnamurthy of Jana Sena Party and ruling TDP MLA M. Suguna.

Lok Sabha polls 2019: YSR's Jagan slams Chandrababu Naidu for ignoring needs of poor and middle class

Karnataka Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy on Tuesday claimed that the secret behind Prime Minister Narendra Modi's glow on the face is due to the makeup he applies every morning, before appearing in front of the cameras.

"Modi wakes up every morning, applies makeup or wax to get a shine on his face and sits in front of cameras," Kumaraswamy told reporters on April 7 after addressing a rally in Karnataka.

The Chief Minister further said, "But we take bath once in the morning and wash our face only the next day. Our faces do not look good on cameras. That is why even media shows only Modi."

The Congress and the Janata Dal (Secular) formed an alliance and came to power in Karnataka last year after the assembly elections threw a hung verdict.

Lok Sabha elections in Karnataka will be held in two phases, April 18 and 23 for 28 parliamentary seats.

The counting of votes will be done on May 23.&nbsp;

Karnataka Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy on Tuesday claimed that the secret behind Prime Minister Narendra Modi's glow on the face is due to the makeup he applies every morning, before appearing in front of the cameras.

Karnataka Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy on Tuesday claimed that the secret behind Prime Minister Narendra Modi's glow on the face is due to the makeup he applies every morning, before appearing in front of the cameras. "Modi wakes up every morning, applies makeup or wax to get a shine on his face and sits in front of cameras," Kumaraswamy told reporters on April 7 after addressing a rally in Karnataka. The Chief Minister further said, "But we take bath once in the morning and wash our face only the next day. Our faces do not look good on cameras. That is why even media shows only Modi." The Congress and the Janata Dal (Secular) formed an alliance and came to power in Karnataka last year after the assembly elections threw a hung verdict. Lok Sabha elections in Karnataka will be held in two phases, April 18 and 23 for 28 parliamentary seats. The counting of votes will be done on May 23.

Modi 'applies make-up' everyday to get shine on face: HD Kumaraswamy

Shiv Sena president Uddhav Thackeray Tuesday asked <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-manifesto-pak-speak-same-language-on-kashmir-related-issues-says-pm-modi-in-latur-208954">Prime Minister Narendra Modi</a> to deal Pakistan such a blow that nothing remains of it to mess with India.

Addressing a poll rally in Maharashtra with Modi, their first since the Shiv Sena and BJP announced their tie-up for the Lok Sabha polls, Thackeray also welcomed the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/national-security-is-bjps-sankalp-as-party-manifesto-vows-to-repeal-articles-370-35a-and-end-left-wing-extremism-208930">BJP's manifesto</a>.

He said the promises made in the BJP manifesto was the reason the two ruling parties joined forces ahead of the polls.

In the manifesto released Monday, the BJP has reiterated its commitment towards the construction of Ram temple and abrogation of Article 370 of the Constitution. It also announced a welfare scheme for farmers if voted to power.

Our government today doesn't just talk about teaching Pakistan a lesson," Thackeray said.

"Pradhan Mantri ji, our only expectation from you now is that deal Pakistan such a blow that nothing of it remains to mess (with India) again," he said.

Thackeray also attacked the Congress for alleging that the BJP manifesto repeated the NDA major's 2014 poll promises. The Sena chief said it was the Congress manifesto which was filled with lies.

He criticised Congress's 'Nyay' scheme that aims to help the poor by ensuring minimum income guarantee.

"Rahul (Gandhi) ji, the poverty eradication slogan was given by your grandmother (late Prime Minister Indira Gandhi). Your poverty vanished, but when the poverty of the poor will disappear? We will do it," Thackeray said.

On the Prime Minister's Crop Insurance Scheme, Thackeray said companies were cheating farmers and asked Modi to "straighten them".

"The insurance companies should have offices in each district (for the convenience of farmers)," he said.

In his speech, Modi called Uddhav his 'younger brother' and recalled that the Congress had 'withdrawn' citizenship of late Bal Thackeray.

Union minister Ramdas Athawale and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis also addressed the rally.

BJP-Sena alliance candidates from Latur and Osmanabad Lok Sabha seats were also present.&nbsp;

Shiv Sena president Uddhav Thackeray Tuesday asked Prime Minister Narendra Modi to deal Pakistan such a blow that nothing remains of it to mess with India. Addressing a poll rally in Maharashtra with Modi, their first since the Shiv Sena and BJP announced their tie-up for the Lok Sabha polls, Thackeray also welcomed the BJP's manifesto.

Shiv Sena president Uddhav Thackeray Tuesday asked Prime Minister Narendra Modi to deal Pakistan such a blow that nothing remains of it to mess with India. Addressing a poll rally in Maharashtra with Modi, their first since the Shiv Sena and BJP announced their tie-up for the Lok Sabha polls, Thackeray also welcomed the BJP's manifesto. He said the promises made in the BJP manifesto was the reason the two ruling parties joined forces ahead of the polls. In the manifesto released Monday, the BJP has reiterated its commitment towards the construction of Ram temple and abrogation of Article 370 of the Constitution. It also announced a welfare scheme for farmers if voted to power. Our government today doesn't just talk about teaching Pakistan a lesson," Thackeray said. "Pradhan Mantri ji, our only expectation from you now is that deal Pakistan such a blow that nothing of it remains to mess (with India) again," he said. Thackeray also attacked the Congress for alleging that the BJP manifesto repeated the NDA major's 2014 poll promises. The Sena chief said it was the Congress manifesto which was filled with lies. He criticised Congress's 'Nyay' scheme that aims to help the poor by ensuring minimum income guarantee. "Rahul (Gandhi) ji, the poverty eradication slogan was given by your grandmother (late Prime Minister Indira Gandhi). Your poverty vanished, but when the poverty of the poor will disappear? We will do it," Thackeray said. On the Prime Minister's Crop Insurance Scheme, Thackeray said companies were cheating farmers and asked Modi to "straighten them". "The insurance companies should have offices in each district (for the convenience of farmers)," he said. In his speech, Modi called Uddhav his 'younger brother' and recalled that the Congress had 'withdrawn' citizenship of late Bal Thackeray. Union minister Ramdas Athawale and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis also addressed the rally. BJP-Sena alliance candidates from Latur and Osmanabad Lok Sabha seats were also present.

Deal Pakistan such a blow that nothing of it remains: Uddhav Thackeray

Curtains were drawn on the high voltage electioneering on Tuesday evening for Odisha's four Lok Sabha and 28 Assembly seats, including several naxal-hit areas, where polling is slated to be held in the first phase on April 11.

A galaxy of high profile leaders of all major political parties including BJP, Congress and Biju Janata Dal (BJD) undertook whirlwind tours of the constituencies, mostly in south Odisha, to bolster the prospects of their candidates at the hustings.

Spearheading the campaign for BJP, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and party President Amit Shah crisscrossed the poll-bound segments addressing a host of election rallies in a bid to arm the saffron party with extra strength.

Balloting in Kalahandi, Nabarangapur, Berhampur and Koraput Lok Sabha seats and 28 Assembly segments coming under these four parliamentary constituencies will be held on April 11.

A battery of other leaders also hit the campaign trail to give steam to the BJP campaign. They included Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Jharkhand Chief Minister Raghubar Das, former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and many Union Ministers.

Virtually camping in the state was Union Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, who hails from Odisha, as BJP made all out efforts to put up a formidable challenge to the BJD, which has been in power since 2000.

The Congress campaign, on the other hand, was led single-handedly by party president Rahul Gandhi who attended poll rallies in places like Koraput and Bhawanipatna besides holding special interactions with women and others. Gandhi was joined by senior leaders including Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhepesh Baghel and Odisha Congress chief Niranjan Patnaik.

For the ruling BJD, party president and Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, seeking a fifth term this time, geared up and undertook extensive tours of the poll-bound areas.

Besides trading charges, the national parties like Congress and BJP hit out at the BJD government in the state accusing it of having failed to ensure development in the state despite being in power for 19 years. The BJD, on its part, accused both BJP and Congress of meting out step-motherly approach towards Odisha.

Candidates left no stone unturned to woo voters by holding large rallies, street corner meetings and road shows.

As the cacophony of electioneering fell silent at 5 pm, the candidates and their supporters readied for engaging in inter-personal canvassing.

The first phase polling will decide the electoral fate of 26 candidates, including many heavyweights, who are in the fray in four Lok Sabha seats, while there are 191 candidates in 28 Assembly seats. The state has 21 Lok Sabha and 147 Assembly seats.

Trying his luck at the hustings is Congress stalwart and former Union Minister Bhakta Charan Das who is crossing swords with BJP state unit president Basant Panda and BJD heavyweight and former state minister Pushpendra Singhdeo in Kalahandi Lok Sabha constituency.

Similarly, former Union Minister Chandra Sekhar Sahu is in the fray from Berhampur Lok Sabha seat where BJP has fielded its state unit general secretary Bhrugu Baxipatra.

State minister Ramesh Majhi is locking horns as a BJD nominee with state Congress working president and former MP Pradip Majhi in tribal-dominated Nabarangpur Lok Sabha seat.

Assembly election will witness high profile contest in several seats in the first phase with state minister S N Patro contesting from Digapahandi, Congress chief whip Tara Prasad Bahinipati from Jeypore and former minister Pradeep Panigrahi from Gopalpur.

The Election Commission, security forces including state Police and other officials have taken necessary steps to ensure free, fair and peaceful conduct of elections, an official said.

B K Sharma, who is DGP In-charge, said police has geared up to face challenges in to ensure peaceful conduct of elections in Maoist-affected areas many of which go to polls in the first phase.

Similarly, officials in-charge of polling duty along with security personnel have been mobilised to make arrangements for the polls in these constituencies.

More than 60 lakh voters are eligible to exercise their franchise in the first phase of polling to be held in 7,233 booths, the official said.&nbsp;

Curtains were drawn on the high voltage electioneering on Tuesday evening for Odisha's four Lok Sabha and 28 Assembly seats, including several naxal-hit areas, where polling is slated to be held in the first phase on April 11.

Curtains were drawn on the high voltage electioneering on Tuesday evening for Odisha's four Lok Sabha and 28 Assembly seats, including several naxal-hit areas, where polling is slated to be held in the first phase on April 11. A galaxy of high profile leaders of all major political parties including BJP, Congress and Biju Janata Dal (BJD) undertook whirlwind tours of the constituencies, mostly in south Odisha, to bolster the prospects of their candidates at the hustings. Spearheading the campaign for BJP, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and party President Amit Shah crisscrossed the poll-bound segments addressing a host of election rallies in a bid to arm the saffron party with extra strength. Balloting in Kalahandi, Nabarangapur, Berhampur and Koraput Lok Sabha seats and 28 Assembly segments coming under these four parliamentary constituencies will be held on April 11. A battery of other leaders also hit the campaign trail to give steam to the BJP campaign. They included Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Jharkhand Chief Minister Raghubar Das, former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and many Union Ministers. Virtually camping in the state was Union Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, who hails from Odisha, as BJP made all out efforts to put up a formidable challenge to the BJD, which has been in power since 2000. The Congress campaign, on the other hand, was led single-handedly by party president Rahul Gandhi who attended poll rallies in places like Koraput and Bhawanipatna besides holding special interactions with women and others. Gandhi was joined by senior leaders including Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhepesh Baghel and Odisha Congress chief Niranjan Patnaik. For the ruling BJD, party president and Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, seeking a fifth term this time, geared up and undertook extensive tours of the poll-bound areas. Besides trading charges, the national parties like Congress and BJP hit out at the BJD government in the state accusing it of having failed to ensure development in the state despite being in power for 19 years. The BJD, on its part, accused both BJP and Congress of meting out step-motherly approach towards Odisha. Candidates left no stone unturned to woo voters by holding large rallies, street corner meetings and road shows. As the cacophony of electioneering fell silent at 5 pm, the candidates and their supporters readied for engaging in inter-personal canvassing. The first phase polling will decide the electoral fate of 26 candidates, including many heavyweights, who are in the fray in four Lok Sabha seats, while there are 191 candidates in 28 Assembly seats. The state has 21 Lok Sabha and 147 Assembly seats. Trying his luck at the hustings is Congress stalwart and former Union Minister Bhakta Charan Das who is crossing swords with BJP state unit president Basant Panda and BJD heavyweight and former state minister Pushpendra Singhdeo in Kalahandi Lok Sabha constituency. Similarly, former Union Minister Chandra Sekhar Sahu is in the fray from Berhampur Lok Sabha seat where BJP has fielded its state unit general secretary Bhrugu Baxipatra. State minister Ramesh Majhi is locking horns as a BJD nominee with state Congress working president and former MP Pradip Majhi in tribal-dominated Nabarangpur Lok Sabha seat. Assembly election will witness high profile contest in several seats in the first phase with state minister S N Patro contesting from Digapahandi, Congress chief whip Tara Prasad Bahinipati from Jeypore and former minister Pradeep Panigrahi from Gopalpur. The Election Commission, security forces including state Police and other officials have taken necessary steps to ensure free, fair and peaceful conduct of elections, an official said. B K Sharma, who is DGP In-charge, said police has geared up to face challenges in to ensure peaceful conduct of elections in Maoist-affected areas many of which go to polls in the first phase. Similarly, officials in-charge of polling duty along with security personnel have been mobilised to make arrangements for the polls in these constituencies. More than 60 lakh voters are eligible to exercise their franchise in the first phase of polling to be held in 7,233 booths, the official said.

Lok Sabha polls 2019: High voltage campaigning for first phase election ends

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday said that the BJP never made promises of transferring Rs 15 lakhs into people's bank accounts during the campaign for Lok Sabha election in 2014.

"Never said that Rs 15 lakh will come (to accounts of people). This was never said. (Bilkul nahi kaha tha ki Rs 15 lakh aenge. Ye kabhi nahi kaha tha). We had said that we will take action (karyawahi) against black money. Action is being taken against black money. It was our government which made SIT on the topic of black money," Rajnath told ANI in an exclusive interview.

His statement comes at a time when opposition parties have been criticising the BJP for having made “false promises" to woo the people of India ahead of 2014 general elections and now repeating it in 2019.

Bringing black money stashed abroad was one of the key issues for 2014 elections and the BJP had promised to crack down on black money parked in foreign banks. In this year’s manifesto, there is a mention of cracking down on parallel economy but it doesn’t occupy pride of place in speeches by political leaders.

The opposition, especially the Congress party, has been quick to point out that the BJP has not delivered on ‘bringing back home illegal wealth stashed abroad’ as was promised.&nbsp;

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday said that the BJP never made promises of transferring Rs 15 lakhs into people's bank accounts during the campaign for Lok Sabha election in 2014.

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday said that the BJP never made promises of transferring Rs 15 lakhs into people's bank accounts during the campaign for Lok Sabha election in 2014. "Never said that Rs 15 lakh will come (to accounts of people). This was never said. (Bilkul nahi kaha tha ki Rs 15 lakh aenge. Ye kabhi nahi kaha tha). We had said that we will take action (karyawahi) against black money. Action is being taken against black money. It was our government which made SIT on the topic of black money," Rajnath told ANI in an exclusive interview. His statement comes at a time when opposition parties have been criticising the BJP for having made “false promises" to woo the people of India ahead of 2014 general elections and now repeating it in 2019. Bringing black money stashed abroad was one of the key issues for 2014 elections and the BJP had promised to crack down on black money parked in foreign banks. In this year’s manifesto, there is a mention of cracking down on parallel economy but it doesn’t occupy pride of place in speeches by political leaders. The opposition, especially the Congress party, has been quick to point out that the BJP has not delivered on ‘bringing back home illegal wealth stashed abroad’ as was promised.

Never said that Rs 15 lakh will come to people's accounts: Rajnath Singh

A&nbsp;great revolution is never the fault of the people, but of the government, the famous German writer JW von Goethe had said. Gurcharan&nbsp;Das, noted Indian author and former head of Proctor and Gamble India, recently pointed out a problem that voters across India may face during the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. Disillusioned by a string of factors that form a major chunk of the entire election process, the voter in 2019 might be finally left with only a limited choice. While the NOTA&nbsp;will be an option, the bigger mathematics is who shall rise to power after standard tenets of the median voter theorem are taken care of. As April 11 nears, the question that haunts many citizens is whether the political entrepreneurship stymied and muted in our country.

To start with, the Election Commission of India (ECI) data suggests that currently there are 7 national parties in India. The eligibility to become one is to win at least 2 per cent seats in the Lok Sabha (LS), the upper house of the Indian Parliament. In addition, they have to win at least win four Lok Sabha seats. The national parties also have to get the recognition as a state party in at least four states. While one can debate whether these cut-offs need a revisiting or if these restrictions are prohibitive, seven national parties for a country of 1.33 billion seem less. It immediately suggests that a market power is being exercised by the dominant ones rather than the ones on the fringes. What heightens the curiosity is that 1999, and also the last LS polls, saw the classification of a national party, namely the Nationalist Congress&nbsp;&nbsp;Party.&nbsp;

Since then, we have had 5 national elections and the story gradually turned to state parties. The ECI data suggests that there are&nbsp;55 such parties today, with 14 new entrants from 2010 to 2019. Eight state parties entering in the 2000s, 10 in the 1990s, 7 in the 1980s, 5&nbsp;&nbsp;in the 1970s, 3 in the 1960s, and 3 more post-Independence, the rest&nbsp;&nbsp;pre-1947.&nbsp;

And even without going into their survival probabilities,&nbsp;one can see competition from even the less-recognised bunch of regional parties. Clearly, as we get familiar with the Indian politics which is now highly decentralised, we see the national competition is being substituted by a sub-national flavour.&nbsp;

Another point to take away from here is the potentially average conversion ratio of a state party to a national party, which is declining over the years.

So what explains the trend? The micro-foundations of entrepreneurship and pathways related to politics as a career could provide a starting answer. There are no estimates, but one wonders if it has become costlier to pursue active politics as a&nbsp;&nbsp;career opportunity. In addition, the controversial and fuzzy electoral bonds are perfect instruments as entry barriers for incumbents. Also, with the 1991 liberalisation, India has seen the advent of market forces, such that the role of the state as a social planner has become more corrective in nature (when there are market distortions), rather than being directive.&nbsp;

Yet, since puzzlingly&nbsp;&nbsp;India’s crony capitalism and chaebol point to an unsteady system in existence where marginal returns to becoming a politician, potentially&nbsp;exists within one’s ethical compass on the edge. That may explain entry&nbsp;of criminals and contentious religious leaders, but the successful entry from the average middle class remains a far cry. In fact, India’s growing middle class, predominantly young and aspirations, may no longer be beholden to a behavioural mind set of thinking of the state as the go-to secure fallback for livelihood and even as an influencer of life. They want to move on, and over the years, Infosys or the current&nbsp;&nbsp;Flipkart-generation may prioritise the value of bazaars in guiding life’s satisfaction.&nbsp;

Normatively this may be fine, but one wonders if this comes at the cost of turning the oblivious to inequalities that market forces are bringing forth and the negative externalities created tomorrow even in their private lives with their short-term thinking.&nbsp;&nbsp;For those who are sensitive to these trade-offs, the way to solve India’s ills seem to be becoming agrarian entrepreneurs, embedding oneself in rural India, blending in innovation, technology and new business models to solve the ills afflicting life beyond metros.

One wishes that many of them, indeed, endogenously or exogenous, turn into political entrepreneurs and would advance governance and public policy in India. A final point can be drawn from Imran Khan, the current&nbsp;&nbsp;Pakistani Prime Minister, interviewed last year on the Australian TV&nbsp;&nbsp;programme for 60 minutes.&nbsp;&nbsp;His was an observation that could be equally true for much of South Asia when he noted that maybe Pakistan needs a revolution. Today, with smart phones in their hand and aspirations in their mind, India’s youth may prioritize WhatsApp, malls,&nbsp;&nbsp;Instagram. But if they have the foresight (even selfish ones for that matter are fine), they should also ponder taking their future in their hands.&nbsp;&nbsp;From being amnesiac here, to the death anniversary of Bhagat&nbsp;&nbsp;Singh last week was not exactly a great sign to this regard, but one would like to remain hopeful that tomorrow young India will still be inspired by him and that will spur political competition.

Speaking in recent months to prominent healthcare leaders and entrepreneurs in&nbsp;&nbsp;India, former North American diplomats and faculty colleagues, this idea, as to whether India needs a revolution intriguingly keeps coming back in conversations. But to be substantive about it, it would be wiser to create conditions and incentives guiding Indian youth towards a&nbsp;&nbsp;systematic approach here to foster revolution with national political rivalry. The emergence of a Jignesh Mevani, Alpesh Thakor, Hardik Patel,&nbsp;&nbsp;Kanhaiya Kumar, Sheila Rashid or Shah Faesal is good regionally, but maybe India’s national parties need the animal spirits of competition to stay rooted to their broader social welfare mission. That could give&nbsp;&nbsp;India its newest revolution (with political entrepreneurship), beyond its digital or fin-tech revolution.

(This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-a-stymied-political-career-2736699">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)&nbsp;&nbsp;

A great revolution is never the fault of the people, but of the government, the famous German writer JW von Goethe had said. Gurcharan Das, noted Indian author and former head of Proctor and Gamble India, recently pointed out a problem that voters across India may face during the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.

A great revolution is never the fault of the people, but of the government, the famous German writer JW von Goethe had said. Gurcharan Das, noted Indian author and former head of Proctor and Gamble India, recently pointed out a problem that voters across India may face during the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. Disillusioned by a string of factors that form a major chunk of the entire election process, the voter in 2019 might be finally left with only a limited choice. While the NOTA will be an option, the bigger mathematics is who shall rise to power after standard tenets of the median voter theorem are taken care of. As April 11 nears, the question that haunts many citizens is whether the political entrepreneurship stymied and muted in our country. To start with, the Election Commission of India (ECI) data suggests that currently there are 7 national parties in India. The eligibility to become one is to win at least 2 per cent seats in the Lok Sabha (LS), the upper house of the Indian Parliament. In addition, they have to win at least win four Lok Sabha seats. The national parties also have to get the recognition as a state party in at least four states. While one can debate whether these cut-offs need a revisiting or if these restrictions are prohibitive, seven national parties for a country of 1.33 billion seem less. It immediately suggests that a market power is being exercised by the dominant ones rather than the ones on the fringes. What heightens the curiosity is that 1999, and also the last LS polls, saw the classification of a national party, namely the Nationalist Congress Party. Since then, we have had 5 national elections and the story gradually turned to state parties. The ECI data suggests that there are 55 such parties today, with 14 new entrants from 2010 to 2019. Eight state parties entering in the 2000s, 10 in the 1990s, 7 in the 1980s, 5 in the 1970s, 3 in the 1960s, and 3 more post-Independence, the rest pre-1947. And even without going into their survival probabilities, one can see competition from even the less-recognised bunch of regional parties. Clearly, as we get familiar with the Indian politics which is now highly decentralised, we see the national competition is being substituted by a sub-national flavour. Another point to take away from here is the potentially average conversion ratio of a state party to a national party, which is declining over the years. So what explains the trend? The micro-foundations of entrepreneurship and pathways related to politics as a career could provide a starting answer. There are no estimates, but one wonders if it has become costlier to pursue active politics as a career opportunity. In addition, the controversial and fuzzy electoral bonds are perfect instruments as entry barriers for incumbents. Also, with the 1991 liberalisation, India has seen the advent of market forces, such that the role of the state as a social planner has become more corrective in nature (when there are market distortions), rather than being directive. Yet, since puzzlingly India’s crony capitalism and chaebol point to an unsteady system in existence where marginal returns to becoming a politician, potentially exists within one’s ethical compass on the edge. That may explain entry of criminals and contentious religious leaders, but the successful entry from the average middle class remains a far cry. In fact, India’s growing middle class, predominantly young and aspirations, may no longer be beholden to a behavioural mind set of thinking of the state as the go-to secure fallback for livelihood and even as an influencer of life. They want to move on, and over the years, Infosys or the current Flipkart-generation may prioritise the value of bazaars in guiding life’s satisfaction. Normatively this may be fine, but one wonders if this comes at the cost of turning the oblivious to inequalities that market forces are bringing forth and the negative externalities created tomorrow even in their private lives with their short-term thinking. For those who are sensitive to these trade-offs, the way to solve India’s ills seem to be becoming agrarian entrepreneurs, embedding oneself in rural India, blending in innovation, technology and new business models to solve the ills afflicting life beyond metros. One wishes that many of them, indeed, endogenously or exogenous, turn into political entrepreneurs and would advance governance and public policy in India. A final point can be drawn from Imran Khan, the current Pakistani Prime Minister, interviewed last year on the Australian TV programme for 60 minutes. His was an observation that could be equally true for much of South Asia when he noted that maybe Pakistan needs a revolution. Today, with smart phones in their hand and aspirations in their mind, India’s youth may prioritize WhatsApp, malls, Instagram. But if they have the foresight (even selfish ones for that matter are fine), they should also ponder taking their future in their hands. From being amnesiac here, to the death anniversary of Bhagat Singh last week was not exactly a great sign to this regard, but one would like to remain hopeful that tomorrow young India will still be inspired by him and that will spur political competition. Speaking in recent months to prominent healthcare leaders and entrepreneurs in India, former North American diplomats and faculty colleagues, this idea, as to whether India needs a revolution intriguingly keeps coming back in conversations. But to be substantive about it, it would be wiser to create conditions and incentives guiding Indian youth towards a systematic approach here to foster revolution with national political rivalry. The emergence of a Jignesh Mevani, Alpesh Thakor, Hardik Patel, Kanhaiya Kumar, Sheila Rashid or Shah Faesal is good regionally, but maybe India’s national parties need the animal spirits of competition to stay rooted to their broader social welfare mission. That could give India its newest revolution (with political entrepreneurship), beyond its digital or fin-tech revolution. (This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Lok Sabha polls 2019: Voters might be left with only limited choice

A look at PM Narendra Modi's general election campaign

BJP is all set to launch its election campaign blitzkrieg in Bihar for the ensuing Lok Sabha polls with back-to-back visits by the top guns of the party.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Bihar on April 2, party sources said on Monday.

He is expected to address election rallies in Jamui and Gaya.

But before his visit, BJP president Amit Shah is scheduled to visit Bihar on March 29.

He too will address public meetings in Aurangabad and Nawada.

NDA had finalised a seat-sharing plan in Bihar under which JD(U) and BJP will contest on 17 seats each while the LJP will contest the remaining six seats.

In 2014, NDA won 31 out of 40 seats in Bihar with leading the tally at 22. JD(U) could only manage to win two seats.

In Bihar, the different constituencies will see elections on April 11, 18, 23, and 29 and May 6, 12 and 19.

The counting of votes will take place on May 23.

 
&nbsp;

BJP is all set to launch its election campaign blitzkrieg in Bihar for the ensuing Lok Sabha polls with back-to-back visits by the top guns of the party. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Bihar on April 2, party sources said on Monday.

BJP is all set to launch its election campaign blitzkrieg in Bihar for the ensuing Lok Sabha polls with back-to-back visits by the top guns of the party. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Bihar on April 2, party sources said on Monday. He is expected to address election rallies in Jamui and Gaya. But before his visit, BJP president Amit Shah is scheduled to visit Bihar on March 29. He too will address public meetings in Aurangabad and Nawada. NDA had finalised a seat-sharing plan in Bihar under which JD(U) and BJP will contest on 17 seats each while the LJP will contest the remaining six seats. In 2014, NDA won 31 out of 40 seats in Bihar with leading the tally at 22. JD(U) could only manage to win two seats. In Bihar, the different constituencies will see elections on April 11, 18, 23, and 29 and May 6, 12 and 19. The counting of votes will take place on May 23.

BJP to kick off campaign blitz in Bihar as poll heat picks up

The BJP Sunday announced SS Ahluwalia as its candidate from the Durgapur Lok Sabha seat of West Bengal. In the current Lok Sabha, the 67-year-old represents the Darjeeling seat in the same state.&nbsp;

“I'm grateful to Waheguru &amp; thankful to the Party, Shri Narendra Modiji &amp; Shri Amit Shahji for reposing faith in me yet again &amp; nominating me to contest Lok Sabha from Bardhaman-Durgapur, an area I spent most of my youth in. I look fwd to serving the people of Bardhaman and Durgapur,” Ahluwalia wrote on Twitter.&nbsp;

According to sources in the party, BJP’s electoral ally in the Darjeeling hills - Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) led by party chief Bimal Gurung had objected to Ahluwalia’s candidature being announced from the Darjeeling seat.&nbsp;

Sources in the GJM said that the people of the hills were upset with Ahluwalia, as he never turned up even once during the violent Gorkhaland unrest in 2017 when the hills experienced a shutdown for 104 days as many as 13 people were killed.&nbsp;

Party insiders reveal that Ahluwalia had asked for a ticket from Asansol where he is originally from. However, senior leaders in the party were of the opinion that shifting sitting MP Babul Supriyo who has a good local connect in his own constituency would yield no results.&nbsp;

Eventually, he was offered Asansol adjoining seat - Burdwan-Durgapur.

With this, the party has announced 408 candidates for the seven-phase Lok Sabha polls which will start on April 11 and continue till May 19. The counting of the votes will take place on May 23.

The BJP Sunday announced SS Ahluwalia as its candidate from the Durgapur Lok Sabha seat of West Bengal. In the current Lok Sabha, the 67-year-old represents the Darjeeling seat in the same state.

The BJP Sunday announced SS Ahluwalia as its candidate from the Durgapur Lok Sabha seat of West Bengal. In the current Lok Sabha, the 67-year-old represents the Darjeeling seat in the same state. “I'm grateful to Waheguru & thankful to the Party, Shri Narendra Modiji & Shri Amit Shahji for reposing faith in me yet again & nominating me to contest Lok Sabha from Bardhaman-Durgapur, an area I spent most of my youth in. I look fwd to serving the people of Bardhaman and Durgapur,” Ahluwalia wrote on Twitter. According to sources in the party, BJP’s electoral ally in the Darjeeling hills - Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) led by party chief Bimal Gurung had objected to Ahluwalia’s candidature being announced from the Darjeeling seat. Sources in the GJM said that the people of the hills were upset with Ahluwalia, as he never turned up even once during the violent Gorkhaland unrest in 2017 when the hills experienced a shutdown for 104 days as many as 13 people were killed. Party insiders reveal that Ahluwalia had asked for a ticket from Asansol where he is originally from. However, senior leaders in the party were of the opinion that shifting sitting MP Babul Supriyo who has a good local connect in his own constituency would yield no results. Eventually, he was offered Asansol adjoining seat - Burdwan-Durgapur. With this, the party has announced 408 candidates for the seven-phase Lok Sabha polls which will start on April 11 and continue till May 19. The counting of the votes will take place on May 23.

Lok Sabha polls 2019: BJP fields SS Ahluwalia from Burdwan-Durgapur seat

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/this-time-lotus-will-bloom-in-odisha-modi-at-a-rally-in-sundargarh-208307">Prime Minister Narendra Modi</a> will arrive here on April 13 to campaign for the BJP ahead of the Lok Sabha elections, party sources said.

He will address an election rally at Nehru Maidan in the city at 3.30 pm in which more than a lakh people will take part, the sources said.

Meanwhile, election officer and Dakshina Kannada deputy commissioner Sasikanth Senthil held a meeting here to finalise the security arrangements to be made for the visit.

District superintendent of police B M Laxmi Prasad, city police commissioner Sandeep Patil and zilla panchayat chief executive officer R Selvamani attended the meeting.

The Lok Sabha elections will be held in two phases in Karnataka on April 18 and 23.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will arrive here on April 13 to campaign for the BJP ahead of the Lok Sabha elections, party sources said. He will address an election rally at Nehru Maidan in the city at 3.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will arrive here on April 13 to campaign for the BJP ahead of the Lok Sabha elections, party sources said. He will address an election rally at Nehru Maidan in the city at 3.30 pm in which more than a lakh people will take part, the sources said. Meanwhile, election officer and Dakshina Kannada deputy commissioner Sasikanth Senthil held a meeting here to finalise the security arrangements to be made for the visit. District superintendent of police B M Laxmi Prasad, city police commissioner Sandeep Patil and zilla panchayat chief executive officer R Selvamani attended the meeting. The Lok Sabha elections will be held in two phases in Karnataka on April 18 and 23.

Lok Sabha polls 2019: PM Modi to campaign in Mangaluru on April 13

BJP leader and Union Minister Smriti Irani on Saturday asserted that farmers have understood the "injustice" done to them over the years by the "naamdar" Congress government.

Addressing a public meeting in Salon block here, she said, "Over the years, people of this block here have understood the injustice done to them by the 'naamdar' (dynast) government and now they are giving chance to our 'kaamdar'&nbsp;Bharatiya Janata Party."

"For the first time, you have a roof over your head and toilets in your homes. This would not have been possible if it were not for the son of a poor mother itself," she said, referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Urging people to vote for the BJP, Irani said, "People must vote for the son a poor mother, who has deposited Rs 6,000 in your bank accounts under the PM-Kisan scheme and supplied LPG cylinders to your houses under the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana."

Smriti Irani is on a two-day visit to Amethi from where she is slated to contest elections. Rahul Gandhi has represented Amethi since 2004.

In the ensuing Lok Sabha elections, he will be facing a challenge in Amethi from Irani.

The seven-phase elections in the country are slated to begin on April 11 and will go on till May 19.

Counting of votes will be held on May 23. There are 80 Lok Sabha seats at stake in Uttar Pradesh, polling for which will be held in all seven phases.&nbsp;

BJP leader and Union Minister Smriti Irani on Saturday asserted that farmers have understood the "injustice" done to them over the years by the "naamdar" Congress government.

BJP leader and Union Minister Smriti Irani on Saturday asserted that farmers have understood the "injustice" done to them over the years by the "naamdar" Congress government. Addressing a public meeting in Salon block here, she said, "Over the years, people of this block here have understood the injustice done to them by the 'naamdar' (dynast) government and now they are giving chance to our 'kaamdar' Bharatiya Janata Party." "For the first time, you have a roof over your head and toilets in your homes. This would not have been possible if it were not for the son of a poor mother itself," she said, referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Urging people to vote for the BJP, Irani said, "People must vote for the son a poor mother, who has deposited Rs 6,000 in your bank accounts under the PM-Kisan scheme and supplied LPG cylinders to your houses under the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana." Smriti Irani is on a two-day visit to Amethi from where she is slated to contest elections. Rahul Gandhi has represented Amethi since 2004. In the ensuing Lok Sabha elections, he will be facing a challenge in Amethi from Irani. The seven-phase elections in the country are slated to begin on April 11 and will go on till May 19. Counting of votes will be held on May 23. There are 80 Lok Sabha seats at stake in Uttar Pradesh, polling for which will be held in all seven phases.

Farmers have understood 'injustice' done to them by 'naamdar' government: Smriti Irani

Reposing confidence on its sitting MPs, BJP on Saturday released a list of 24 candidates in Haryana, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, Odisha and Madhya Pradesh for the ensuing Lok Sabha election.

The party has announced eight candidates for Haryana, four of Uttar Pradesh, three each of Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Jharkhand and one each for West Bengal and Odisha.

In Haryana, six tickets out of eight have gone to sitting MPs while only on two seats, BJP has announced new candidates-Sanjay Bhatia and Nayab Singh Seni.

Bhatia has replaced current MP Ashwani Kumar. Besides this, in Madhya Pradesh, BJP has put forward Nathan Shah against Chief Minister Kamal Nath's son in Chhindwara.

Meanwhile, in Rajasthan, BJP has announced four candidates for Bharatpur, Karoli, Badmer and Rajsamand Lok Sabha seats. Interestingly, Diya Kumari who was not given any ticket in the last assembly election of Rajasthan will this time contest from Rajsamand constituency on the BJP seat.

Replacing the current MP of Bandha in Uttar Pradesh, BJP has declared that RK Patel will contest the upcoming election.

After Uma Bharti denied contesting the election, her seat was given to Anurag Sharma. In addition to that, BJP on Saturday also announced two candidates for upcoming assembly election in Odisha.

The party also declared two bye-election candidates for Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh.

While Vivek Sahu will contest from Chhindwara, Shashank Sharma candidature has been announced from Uttar Pradesh's Nighasan.

The Lok Sabha election will start on April 11 and will end on May 19. The result will be announced on May 23.&nbsp;

Reposing confidence on its sitting MPs, BJP on Saturday released a list of 24 candidates in Haryana, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, Odisha and Madhya Pradesh for the ensuing Lok Sabha election.

Reposing confidence on its sitting MPs, BJP on Saturday released a list of 24 candidates in Haryana, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, Odisha and Madhya Pradesh for the ensuing Lok Sabha election. The party has announced eight candidates for Haryana, four of Uttar Pradesh, three each of Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Jharkhand and one each for West Bengal and Odisha. In Haryana, six tickets out of eight have gone to sitting MPs while only on two seats, BJP has announced new candidates-Sanjay Bhatia and Nayab Singh Seni. Bhatia has replaced current MP Ashwani Kumar. Besides this, in Madhya Pradesh, BJP has put forward Nathan Shah against Chief Minister Kamal Nath's son in Chhindwara. Meanwhile, in Rajasthan, BJP has announced four candidates for Bharatpur, Karoli, Badmer and Rajsamand Lok Sabha seats. Interestingly, Diya Kumari who was not given any ticket in the last assembly election of Rajasthan will this time contest from Rajsamand constituency on the BJP seat. Replacing the current MP of Bandha in Uttar Pradesh, BJP has declared that RK Patel will contest the upcoming election. After Uma Bharti denied contesting the election, her seat was given to Anurag Sharma. In addition to that, BJP on Saturday also announced two candidates for upcoming assembly election in Odisha. The party also declared two bye-election candidates for Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh. While Vivek Sahu will contest from Chhindwara, Shashank Sharma candidature has been announced from Uttar Pradesh's Nighasan. The Lok Sabha election will start on April 11 and will end on May 19. The result will be announced on May 23.

Lok Sabha polls: BJP releases list of 24 candidates

Union Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-has-achieved-success-in-getting-pakistan-isolated-sushma-swaraj-208266">Sushma Swaraj </a>Friday hit out at Congress president Rahul Gandhi's reported remarks that terrorism was not an issue and asked if that was the case, he should renounce his SPG security cover.

"He (Rahul Gandhi) says a job is an issue, not terrorism. I want to tell Rahul Gandhi ji, if terrorism is not an issue and there is no terrorism in the country, then why do you go around with SPG security?

"From the period of the assassination of (former Prime Minister and Rahul's father) Rajiv Gandhi till now all your family is under the security cover of SPG."

If you feel that terrorism is not an issue then I want to tell you, you write it and give that you do not need SPG security because you feel there is no terrorism in this country and you are not afraid of anybody," she said.

At an election meeting here, Swaraj referred to the air strikes on terror camps in Pakistan's Balakot following the Pulwama attack and said opposition parties who do not have faith in Prime Minister Narendra Modi were taking his Pakistan counterparts statements for granted.

The External Affairs Minister said the air strikes received international support and she received calls from leaders of several countries appreciating India's stand on terrorism.

Opposition parties in the country were taking exception to the BJP claiming credit for the air strikes on Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) in February, she said.

She said the UPA Government should have taken strong action against Pakistan when the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, in which 166 people including 40 foreign nationals were killed, took place.

Narrating the NDA government's initiatives for people, Swaraj said the ruling party's poll plank will be on three issues- security, development and welfare.

She said as many as 1.16 lakh villages have been connected with fibre optic network.

"There were only 77 passport centres in the country now it has gone up to 505 and in Telangana, they were just four and it has gone up to 19," Swaraj added.&nbsp;

Union Minister Sushma Swaraj Friday hit out at Congress president Rahul Gandhi's reported remarks that terrorism was not an issue and asked if that was the case, he should renounce his SPG security cover.

Union Minister Sushma Swaraj Friday hit out at Congress president Rahul Gandhi's reported remarks that terrorism was not an issue and asked if that was the case, he should renounce his SPG security cover. "He (Rahul Gandhi) says a job is an issue, not terrorism. I want to tell Rahul Gandhi ji, if terrorism is not an issue and there is no terrorism in the country, then why do you go around with SPG security? "From the period of the assassination of (former Prime Minister and Rahul's father) Rajiv Gandhi till now all your family is under the security cover of SPG." If you feel that terrorism is not an issue then I want to tell you, you write it and give that you do not need SPG security because you feel there is no terrorism in this country and you are not afraid of anybody," she said. At an election meeting here, Swaraj referred to the air strikes on terror camps in Pakistan's Balakot following the Pulwama attack and said opposition parties who do not have faith in Prime Minister Narendra Modi were taking his Pakistan counterparts statements for granted. The External Affairs Minister said the air strikes received international support and she received calls from leaders of several countries appreciating India's stand on terrorism. Opposition parties in the country were taking exception to the BJP claiming credit for the air strikes on Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) in February, she said. She said the UPA Government should have taken strong action against Pakistan when the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, in which 166 people including 40 foreign nationals were killed, took place. Narrating the NDA government's initiatives for people, Swaraj said the ruling party's poll plank will be on three issues- security, development and welfare. She said as many as 1.16 lakh villages have been connected with fibre optic network. "There were only 77 passport centres in the country now it has gone up to 505 and in Telangana, they were just four and it has gone up to 19," Swaraj added.

Rahul Gandhi should renounce SPG security if terror not an issue: Swaraj

The ruling Telugu Desam Party in Andhra Pradesh Saturday released its manifesto for the general elections promising doles to the tune of Rs 2 lakh to each family every year, with the monetary benefits starting from womb to tomb.

Releasing his party manifesto, TDP president and Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu said while Congress chief Rahul Gandhi promised Rs 72,000 per annum to each poor family, his government if voted back to power, would be giving out Rs 2 lakh to each family every year.

"Nobody can match us in extending such largesse even in imagination," he said.

The TDP promised to continue the Centre's PM Kisan Samman scheme with a matching grant from the state, giving a benefit of up to Rs 15,000 to each farmer per annum.

The principal opposition YSR Congress party also released its manifesto, hours ahead of the TDP, matching the largesse in equal measure, if not more.

The Assembly and Lok Sabha elections are being held simultaneously in Andhra Pradesh which goes to the polls in the first phase on April 11.

While the TDPs promises include raising the limits of various existing schemes for different sections, the YSRC party added several new components to the Nava Ratnalu it announced on the eve of its president Y S Jaganmohan Reddys 'paada yatra' in November 2017.

Officials estimated that the cash-starved state government will require at least Rs 1.5 lakh crore to Rs 2 lakh crore to fulfill the promises of either party.

With the two parties promising 30-45 lakh free houses for different sections, besides waiver of existing loans on old houses, that bill alone is expected to cross over Rs 40,000 crore.

Neither the TDP nor YSRC announced a farm loan waiver but promised several benefits to farmers in varied measures.

The YSRC, on the other hand, promised to introduce the YSR Rythu Bharosa scheme that will give annual benefits from Rs 12,500 to Rs one lakh to each farmer.

Tenant farmers would be given Rs 12,500, according to Jagan Mohan Reddy.

The highlight of YSRC's promises is a health insurance scheme Aarogya Sri, first introduced by former Chief Minister, the late Y S Rajasekhara Reddy, without any cap to ensure universal health coverage.

The YSRC also announced a stipend of Rs 60,000 to junior lawyers, a first-of-its-kind incentive. Besides, a Rs 100 crore Lawyer Welfare Fund would also be created.

While the YSRC chief promised to fill all 2.3 lakh existing vacant jobs in the state government, the Chief Minister merely said all vacancies would be filled, without specifying the number.

Both, however, promised to take up recruitment drive every year to fill future vacancies in the government.

Naidu promised to continue the Pasupu-Kumkuma scheme under which Rs 10,000 would be given to each member of women self-help groups (SHGs).

The YSRC promised Rs 50,000 per annum to SHG women and also interest-free loans.

The TDP promised free higher education and a Rs 25 lakh grant for overseas education while the YSRC promised total fee reimbursement and also an annual Rs 20,000 per student to cover food and accommodation expenses.

Every woman would be given Rs 15,000 a year for sending her children to school.

Another highlight of the YSRC manifesto is a grant of Rs 75,000 for each woman over the age of 45, belonging to the SC, ST, BC and minorities under 'YSR Cheyuta.'

The opposition party also promised liquor prohibition, making it available only in five-star hotels.

A Rs 3,000 crore price stabilization fund for the farm sector, Rs 4,000 crore Natural Calamity Fund and Rs 75,000 crore BC Welfare Fund are the other major promises of the YSRC.

The TDP has also come forward to set up a price stabilisation fund with a corpus of Rs 5,000 crore.

Naidu announced a "five-point vision" for AP development listing interlinking of rivers, construction of capital Amaravati into a world-class city, development of a 974-km long Beach Road with interlink to National Highways and airports, industrial development through 175 MSME Parks and use of pollution-free energy consumption as the key priorities.

"Creating a healthy and happy Andhra Pradesh that is free of poverty is my ultimate aim," Naidu noted, with the slogan 'Your Future-My Responsibility.'&nbsp;

The ruling Telugu Desam Party in Andhra Pradesh Saturday released its manifesto for the general elections promising doles to the tune of Rs 2 lakh to each family every year, with the monetary benefits starting from womb to tomb.

The ruling Telugu Desam Party in Andhra Pradesh Saturday released its manifesto for the general elections promising doles to the tune of Rs 2 lakh to each family every year, with the monetary benefits starting from womb to tomb. Releasing his party manifesto, TDP president and Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu said while Congress chief Rahul Gandhi promised Rs 72,000 per annum to each poor family, his government if voted back to power, would be giving out Rs 2 lakh to each family every year. "Nobody can match us in extending such largesse even in imagination," he said. The TDP promised to continue the Centre's PM Kisan Samman scheme with a matching grant from the state, giving a benefit of up to Rs 15,000 to each farmer per annum. The principal opposition YSR Congress party also released its manifesto, hours ahead of the TDP, matching the largesse in equal measure, if not more. The Assembly and Lok Sabha elections are being held simultaneously in Andhra Pradesh which goes to the polls in the first phase on April 11. While the TDPs promises include raising the limits of various existing schemes for different sections, the YSRC party added several new components to the Nava Ratnalu it announced on the eve of its president Y S Jaganmohan Reddys 'paada yatra' in November 2017. Officials estimated that the cash-starved state government will require at least Rs 1.5 lakh crore to Rs 2 lakh crore to fulfill the promises of either party. With the two parties promising 30-45 lakh free houses for different sections, besides waiver of existing loans on old houses, that bill alone is expected to cross over Rs 40,000 crore. Neither the TDP nor YSRC announced a farm loan waiver but promised several benefits to farmers in varied measures. The YSRC, on the other hand, promised to introduce the YSR Rythu Bharosa scheme that will give annual benefits from Rs 12,500 to Rs one lakh to each farmer. Tenant farmers would be given Rs 12,500, according to Jagan Mohan Reddy. The highlight of YSRC's promises is a health insurance scheme Aarogya Sri, first introduced by former Chief Minister, the late Y S Rajasekhara Reddy, without any cap to ensure universal health coverage. The YSRC also announced a stipend of Rs 60,000 to junior lawyers, a first-of-its-kind incentive. Besides, a Rs 100 crore Lawyer Welfare Fund would also be created. While the YSRC chief promised to fill all 2.3 lakh existing vacant jobs in the state government, the Chief Minister merely said all vacancies would be filled, without specifying the number. Both, however, promised to take up recruitment drive every year to fill future vacancies in the government. Naidu promised to continue the Pasupu-Kumkuma scheme under which Rs 10,000 would be given to each member of women self-help groups (SHGs). The YSRC promised Rs 50,000 per annum to SHG women and also interest-free loans. The TDP promised free higher education and a Rs 25 lakh grant for overseas education while the YSRC promised total fee reimbursement and also an annual Rs 20,000 per student to cover food and accommodation expenses. Every woman would be given Rs 15,000 a year for sending her children to school. Another highlight of the YSRC manifesto is a grant of Rs 75,000 for each woman over the age of 45, belonging to the SC, ST, BC and minorities under 'YSR Cheyuta.' The opposition party also promised liquor prohibition, making it available only in five-star hotels. A Rs 3,000 crore price stabilization fund for the farm sector, Rs 4,000 crore Natural Calamity Fund and Rs 75,000 crore BC Welfare Fund are the other major promises of the YSRC. The TDP has also come forward to set up a price stabilisation fund with a corpus of Rs 5,000 crore. Naidu announced a "five-point vision" for AP development listing interlinking of rivers, construction of capital Amaravati into a world-class city, development of a 974-km long Beach Road with interlink to National Highways and airports, industrial development through 175 MSME Parks and use of pollution-free energy consumption as the key priorities. "Creating a healthy and happy Andhra Pradesh that is free of poverty is my ultimate aim," Naidu noted, with the slogan 'Your Future-My Responsibility.'

TDP releases manifesto, promises Rs 2 lakh to each family

Congress party on Saturday announced that veteran actor and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/former-bjp-leader-shatrughan-sinha-joins-congress-208300">former BJP leader Shatrughan Sinha</a> will contest the ensuing Lok Sabha elections from Bihar's Patna Sahib constituency.&nbsp;

The development came within hours after Sinha officially joined the Congress party today.&nbsp;

Shatrughan Sinha, a vocal critic of the BJP leadership, was denied the BJP ticket from Patna Sahib parliamentary constituency in Bihar. The party fielded Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad from the seat instead.&nbsp;

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Shatrughan Sinha to contest from Patna Sahib, Bihar on Congress ticket. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LokSabhaElections2019?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LokSabhaElections2019</a> <a href="https://t.co/giqXNGrEQJ">pic.twitter.com/giqXNGrEQJ</a>
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Sinha had a long association with the BJP. He was the minister for shipping and health and family welfare during former Prime Minister Vajpayee's term.

He won the Patna Sahib Lok Sabha seat in 2009 and then again during the BJP wave under Narendra Modi in 2014.

The National Democratic Alliance, last month, released its list Lok Sabha candidates in Bihar and named <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-polls-nda-releases-list-of-candidates-for-bihar-ravi-shankar-prasad-replaces-shatrughan-sinha-in-patna-sahib-seat-205017">Prasad its candidate from Patna Sahib seat</a>.&nbsp;

The Bharatiya Janata Party, which will contest the general polls in Bihar in alliance with Nitish Kumar's Janata Dal (United) and Ram Vilas Paswan-led Lok Janshakti Party (LJP), will contest 17 seats.&nbsp;&nbsp;

According to reports, the JD(U) will also fight on 17 seats while 6 seats go to the LPJ.&nbsp;

Bihar will vote in all the seven phases of the general election from April 11 to May 19. Counting of votes will take place on May 23.&nbsp;

Congress party on Saturday announced that veteran actor and former BJP leader Shatrughan Sinha will contest the ensuing Lok Sabha elections from Bihar's Patna Sahib constituency.

Congress party on Saturday announced that veteran actor and former BJP leader Shatrughan Sinha will contest the ensuing Lok Sabha elections from Bihar's Patna Sahib constituency. The development came within hours after Sinha officially joined the Congress party today. Shatrughan Sinha, a vocal critic of the BJP leadership, was denied the BJP ticket from Patna Sahib parliamentary constituency in Bihar. The party fielded Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad from the seat instead. Shatrughan Sinha to contest from Patna Sahib, Bihar on Congress ticket. #LokSabhaElections2019 pic.twitter.com/giqXNGrEQJ — ANI (@ANI) April 6, 2019 × Sinha had a long association with the BJP. He was the minister for shipping and health and family welfare during former Prime Minister Vajpayee's term. He won the Patna Sahib Lok Sabha seat in 2009 and then again during the BJP wave under Narendra Modi in 2014. The National Democratic Alliance, last month, released its list Lok Sabha candidates in Bihar and named Prasad its candidate from Patna Sahib seat. The Bharatiya Janata Party, which will contest the general polls in Bihar in alliance with Nitish Kumar's Janata Dal (United) and Ram Vilas Paswan-led Lok Janshakti Party (LJP), will contest 17 seats. According to reports, the JD(U) will also fight on 17 seats while 6 seats go to the LPJ. Bihar will vote in all the seven phases of the general election from April 11 to May 19. Counting of votes will take place on May 23.

Lok Sabha polls: Shatrughan Sinha to challenge Ravi Shankar Prasad in Bihar's Patna Sahib 

Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan on Friday announced her decision not to contest the general elections and said that BJP is free to name a candidate from Indore parliamentary constituency.

In a press statement, Mahajan, an eight-time Member of Parliament (MP) from Indore, said that the reason behind the decision was the delay in announcing the BJP candidate from the Indore seat.

"BJP has not declared its candidate from Indore. Why this state of indecision? Possibly the party has some hesitation in taking a decision. Even though I had a discussion with the leadership long back and left the decision to the party, it seems they are still in a dilemma. Therefore, I announce that I will not contest the Lok Sabha polls and the party is free to decide, without any hesitation," she said.

Reacting to Mahajan's decision, BJP leader Shivraj Singh Chouhan said, "Sumitra tai is our senior leader. She has refused to contest the elections; hence, we are looking for a candidate."

Apart from Mahajan, senior BJP leaders like LK Advani, Murli Manohar Joshi, Kalraj Mishra, and BC Khanduri have announced that they will not to contest the polls.

In Madhya Pradesh, polling will take place in four phases on April 29, May 6, May 12 and May 19. Indore parliamentary constituency will vote on May 19. Counting of votes will be&nbsp;held on May 23.

 
&nbsp;

Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan on Friday announced her decision not to contest the general elections and said that BJP is free to name a candidate from Indore parliamentary constituency.

Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan on Friday announced her decision not to contest the general elections and said that BJP is free to name a candidate from Indore parliamentary constituency. In a press statement, Mahajan, an eight-time Member of Parliament (MP) from Indore, said that the reason behind the decision was the delay in announcing the BJP candidate from the Indore seat. "BJP has not declared its candidate from Indore. Why this state of indecision? Possibly the party has some hesitation in taking a decision. Even though I had a discussion with the leadership long back and left the decision to the party, it seems they are still in a dilemma. Therefore, I announce that I will not contest the Lok Sabha polls and the party is free to decide, without any hesitation," she said. Reacting to Mahajan's decision, BJP leader Shivraj Singh Chouhan said, "Sumitra tai is our senior leader. She has refused to contest the elections; hence, we are looking for a candidate." Apart from Mahajan, senior BJP leaders like LK Advani, Murli Manohar Joshi, Kalraj Mishra, and BC Khanduri have announced that they will not to contest the polls. In Madhya Pradesh, polling will take place in four phases on April 29, May 6, May 12 and May 19. Indore parliamentary constituency will vote on May 19. Counting of votes will be held on May 23.

Lok Sabha polls: Sumitra Majahan won't contest, says BJP free to name candidate from Indore

Karnataka BJP chief B S Yeddyurappa Friday exuded confidence that his party will win 22 of the state's 28 Lok Sabha seats, and claimed the "differences" between ruling Congress and JD(S) would reach its peak after the results and may lead to the fall of the government.

The 76-year-old leader also said he was not worried about the party "neglecting" him, after stalwarts such as LK Advani, Murli Manohar Joshi and Sumitra Mahajan were denied tickets, and vowed to work for the growth of the BJP regardless of being given any position or not.

"I'm a responsible karyakarta of a national party. Whatever party leadership decides, I will abide by it. I have worked for the party as a common karyakarta for the last 40 years, without any position for the most part of it....In the days to come whether any position is given or not, I will continue to work for party," he said.

On state senior BJP leader K S Eshwarappa's comments that the BJP would not give tickets to Muslims as the minority community did not believe in the party, Yeddyurappa said, "We are not confident of fielding and ensuring victory of a Muslim candidate as of today."&nbsp;

However, he added the BJP considers Hindus, Christians and Muslims as children of one mother.

He claimed there was a "BJP wave" in Karnataka and the party would win 22 of the state's 28 Lok Sabha seats. "In my opinion, compared to 2014, we will gain 14-15 per cent more votes this time."

"As soon as we win 22 seats the differences between Congress and JD(S) will reach its peak. They will fight against each other, and there is feeling among many that in such a situation the government will not survive. Let's wait and watch," he said.

Among the people, he said, he could sense anger against the coalition government and affection towards the BJP.&nbsp;

"If we win 22 seats, infighting between them (the Congress and the JDS) will increase. What stand the disgruntled Congress legislators take will determine the change in the government. We can only wait and watch. There is no question of any operation (lotus)," he added.

Since its formation after the May 2018 assembly polls, the coalition has faced repeated turbulence, with internal dissidence and alleged attempts by the BJP to poach their MLAs to bring down the government.

Yeddyurappa said he visited most of the Lok Sabha constituencies in the state and found that compared to 2014 Lok Sabha polls, "in 2019, the liking towards Prime Minister Narendra Modi has increased".

"Across the country, we will win more than 300 Lok Sabha seats," he said.

Yeddyurappa said the alliance between the Congress and JD(S) would benefit the BJP.

On BJP not fielding a candidate in Mandya, Yeddyurappa said Sumalatha Ambareesh, who is an independent, asked for support. "So without fielding a candidate, we have given unconditional support."

"We have not pressured her to join the BJP, our only intention is that she should win, and she will win," he said.

On denying ticket to Tejaswini, the widow of former Union minister Ananth Kumar, Yeddyurappa said the party state unit had sent only her name for the Bangalore South seat, but the high command cleared the name of Tejasvi Surya, a youth-wing leader.

"We are confident that he will win with a margin of over 2 lakh votes."

Yeddyurappa also said former prime minister H D Deve Gowda, veteran Congress leaders MallikarjunKharge and K H Muniyappa will lose in this poll.

"Write it down, a 100 per cent our candidate in Gulbarga Umesh Jadhav, who recently resigned as Congress MLA, will win against Kharge. The situation of Deve Gowda is also same in Tumkur," he said, adding the situation is similar in Kolar, where Muniyappa is a Congress candidate.&nbsp;

Karnataka BJP chief B S Yeddyurappa Friday exuded confidence that his party will win 22 of the state's 28 Lok Sabha seats, and claimed the "differences" between ruling Congress and JD(S) would reach its peak after the results and may lead to the fall of the government.

Karnataka BJP chief B S Yeddyurappa Friday exuded confidence that his party will win 22 of the state's 28 Lok Sabha seats, and claimed the "differences" between ruling Congress and JD(S) would reach its peak after the results and may lead to the fall of the government. The 76-year-old leader also said he was not worried about the party "neglecting" him, after stalwarts such as LK Advani, Murli Manohar Joshi and Sumitra Mahajan were denied tickets, and vowed to work for the growth of the BJP regardless of being given any position or not. "I'm a responsible karyakarta of a national party. Whatever party leadership decides, I will abide by it. I have worked for the party as a common karyakarta for the last 40 years, without any position for the most part of it....In the days to come whether any position is given or not, I will continue to work for party," he said. On state senior BJP leader K S Eshwarappa's comments that the BJP would not give tickets to Muslims as the minority community did not believe in the party, Yeddyurappa said, "We are not confident of fielding and ensuring victory of a Muslim candidate as of today." However, he added the BJP considers Hindus, Christians and Muslims as children of one mother. He claimed there was a "BJP wave" in Karnataka and the party would win 22 of the state's 28 Lok Sabha seats. "In my opinion, compared to 2014, we will gain 14-15 per cent more votes this time." "As soon as we win 22 seats the differences between Congress and JD(S) will reach its peak. They will fight against each other, and there is feeling among many that in such a situation the government will not survive. Let's wait and watch," he said. Among the people, he said, he could sense anger against the coalition government and affection towards the BJP. "If we win 22 seats, infighting between them (the Congress and the JDS) will increase. What stand the disgruntled Congress legislators take will determine the change in the government. We can only wait and watch. There is no question of any operation (lotus)," he added. Since its formation after the May 2018 assembly polls, the coalition has faced repeated turbulence, with internal dissidence and alleged attempts by the BJP to poach their MLAs to bring down the government. Yeddyurappa said he visited most of the Lok Sabha constituencies in the state and found that compared to 2014 Lok Sabha polls, "in 2019, the liking towards Prime Minister Narendra Modi has increased". "Across the country, we will win more than 300 Lok Sabha seats," he said. Yeddyurappa said the alliance between the Congress and JD(S) would benefit the BJP. On BJP not fielding a candidate in Mandya, Yeddyurappa said Sumalatha Ambareesh, who is an independent, asked for support. "So without fielding a candidate, we have given unconditional support." "We have not pressured her to join the BJP, our only intention is that she should win, and she will win," he said. On denying ticket to Tejaswini, the widow of former Union minister Ananth Kumar, Yeddyurappa said the party state unit had sent only her name for the Bangalore South seat, but the high command cleared the name of Tejasvi Surya, a youth-wing leader. "We are confident that he will win with a margin of over 2 lakh votes." Yeddyurappa also said former prime minister H D Deve Gowda, veteran Congress leaders MallikarjunKharge and K H Muniyappa will lose in this poll. "Write it down, a 100 per cent our candidate in Gulbarga Umesh Jadhav, who recently resigned as Congress MLA, will win against Kharge. The situation of Deve Gowda is also same in Tumkur," he said, adding the situation is similar in Kolar, where Muniyappa is a Congress candidate.

BJP will win 22 of Karnataka's 28 seats, Congress-JD(S) government may fall after results: Yeddyurappa

Congress president Rahul Gandhi will file his nomination from the Amethi Lok Sabha seat on April 10 and UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi will do the same from the Rae Bareli parliamentary constituency on April 11, party sources said on Thursday.

Newly-appointed Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra will be present with her brother and mother when they file their nomination papers.&nbsp;

The family will be together on both days with Rahul Gandhi accompanying his mother in Rae Bareli and Sonia Gandhi present while he files his papers in Amethi, the sources said.&nbsp;

They said the filing of nomination papers will be a big show of strength and the top Congress leadership will be present.&nbsp;

A road show is also likely to be taken out after the filing of papers, the sources added.

While both Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi are contesting from the constituencies they have represented for many years, the Congress chief has this time also decided to contest from Wayanad in Kerala.&nbsp;

Rahul Gandhi filed his <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rahul-gandhi-files-nomination-from-wayanad-parliamentary-constituency-207840">nomination papers on Thursday in Wayanad</a>, where he was accompanied by his sister.&nbsp;

Elections in Amethi and Rae Bareli will be held in the fifth phase of elections on May 6. The process of filing of nomination starts on April 10 and continues till April 18.&nbsp;

The Congress has decided to go it alone in Uttar Pradesh after it was left out of the alliance between SP and BSP. They said they will not field any candidates for the two seats being contested by the top Congress leadership.&nbsp;

Congress president Rahul Gandhi will file his nomination from the Amethi Lok Sabha seat on April 10 and UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi will do the same from the Rae Bareli parliamentary constituency on April 11, party sources said on Thursday.

Congress president Rahul Gandhi will file his nomination from the Amethi Lok Sabha seat on April 10 and UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi will do the same from the Rae Bareli parliamentary constituency on April 11, party sources said on Thursday. Newly-appointed Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra will be present with her brother and mother when they file their nomination papers. The family will be together on both days with Rahul Gandhi accompanying his mother in Rae Bareli and Sonia Gandhi present while he files his papers in Amethi, the sources said. They said the filing of nomination papers will be a big show of strength and the top Congress leadership will be present. A road show is also likely to be taken out after the filing of papers, the sources added. While both Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi are contesting from the constituencies they have represented for many years, the Congress chief has this time also decided to contest from Wayanad in Kerala. Rahul Gandhi filed his nomination papers on Thursday in Wayanad, where he was accompanied by his sister. Elections in Amethi and Rae Bareli will be held in the fifth phase of elections on May 6. The process of filing of nomination starts on April 10 and continues till April 18. The Congress has decided to go it alone in Uttar Pradesh after it was left out of the alliance between SP and BSP. They said they will not field any candidates for the two seats being contested by the top Congress leadership.

Rahul to file nomination from Amethi on April 10, Sonia from Rae Bareli on April 11

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-polls-2019-akhilesh-yadav-vs-dinesh-lal-yadav-nirahua-fight-puts-the-spotlight-on-azamgarh-207977">Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav</a> on Friday released party manifesto ahead of the Lok Sabha polls due next week. Calling the manifesto their "vision document", Yadav said the document will be used for "answering the BJP".&nbsp;

The 16-page document called for 'mahaparivartan' (mega transformation) and emphasised the gaping chasm between the rich and the poor. &nbsp;&nbsp;

While releasing the document, the SP chief said the future of the country should be better for all sections, including farmers and Muslims. &nbsp;

Asked whether the document is an election manifesto, Yadav said, "If I say it is a manifesto, you will ask are you going to form a government. This is a vision document or message to party cadre with which they will reply to the BJP and understand the party's stand on various issues. Our party candidates and workers will take it to people."

"We feel the future of the country should be better for all sections - be it farmers, youth or Muslims. The chasm between rich and poor has become very wide," he said.

The document, studded with the photographs of Akhilesh and party patriarch Mulayam Singh Yadav, also carried Ram Manohar Lohia's quote, "The fight against poverty is a farce till there is discrimination on basis of caste and sex."

(With inputs from PTI)

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav on Friday released party manifesto ahead of the Lok Sabha polls due next week. Calling the manifesto their "vision document", Yadav said the document will be used for "answering the BJP".

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav on Friday released party manifesto ahead of the Lok Sabha polls due next week. Calling the manifesto their "vision document", Yadav said the document will be used for "answering the BJP". The 16-page document called for 'mahaparivartan' (mega transformation) and emphasised the gaping chasm between the rich and the poor. While releasing the document, the SP chief said the future of the country should be better for all sections, including farmers and Muslims. Asked whether the document is an election manifesto, Yadav said, "If I say it is a manifesto, you will ask are you going to form a government. This is a vision document or message to party cadre with which they will reply to the BJP and understand the party's stand on various issues. Our party candidates and workers will take it to people." "We feel the future of the country should be better for all sections - be it farmers, youth or Muslims. The chasm between rich and poor has become very wide," he said. The document, studded with the photographs of Akhilesh and party patriarch Mulayam Singh Yadav, also carried Ram Manohar Lohia's quote, "The fight against poverty is a farce till there is discrimination on basis of caste and sex." (With inputs from PTI)

Lok Sabha polls: Samajwadi Party releases 'vision document'; calls for mega transformation

The BJP on Wednesday dropped its sitting MP Kirit Somaiya, whose name was opposed by ally Shiv Sena, as its candidate from Mumbai North East and also announced its nominees for the Lok Sabha election against key opposition leaders like Sonia Gandhi of the Congress and SP's Akhilesh Yadav.

The BJP has pitted well-known Bhojpuri actor and singer Dinesh Lal Yadav against Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav from Azamgarh.

It has fielded Prem Singh Shakya against Yadav's father Mulayam Singh Yadav from Mainpuri.

The BJP has named Dinesh Pratap Singh, a local strongman who had left the Congress to join it last year, as its candidate against Sonia Gandhi in Rae Bareli.

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BJP releases 16th list of 6 candidates in Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh for <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LokSabhaElections2019?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LokSabhaElections2019</a> . Manoj Kotak to contest from Mumbai North East (where Kirit Somaiya is the sitting MP), Dinesh Lal Yadav 'Nirhua' to contest from Azamgarh (UP) against SP's Akhilesh Yadav. <a href="https://t.co/uQvwJpGRSl">pic.twitter.com/uQvwJpGRSl</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1113395158731587585?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 3, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The seat has long been a bastion of the Gandhi family with the former Congress president representing it in Lok Sabha since 2004.

The party has replaced sitting Machhlishahr MP Ram Charitra Nishad with V P Saroj.

On Mumbai North East constituency, Shiv Sena had been bitterly opposed to Somaiya's candidature. And the BJP's decision to replace him with Manoj Kotal underscores its keenness to keep its Hindutva ally in good humour.

Somaiya, an old BJP hand and one of its leading speakers on economic issues in Parliament, had been a trenchant critic of the Sena.

The BJP named Chandra Sen Jadun as its candidate from Firozabad. The SP had won from Azamgarh, Mainpuri and Firozabad in 2014, with members of its ruling Yadav family emerging victorious.

The BJP on Wednesday dropped its sitting MP Kirit Somaiya, whose name was opposed by ally Shiv Sena, as its candidate from Mumbai North East and also announced its nominees for the Lok Sabha election against key opposition leaders like Sonia Gandhi of the Congress and SP's Akhilesh Yadav.

The BJP on Wednesday dropped its sitting MP Kirit Somaiya, whose name was opposed by ally Shiv Sena, as its candidate from Mumbai North East and also announced its nominees for the Lok Sabha election against key opposition leaders like Sonia Gandhi of the Congress and SP's Akhilesh Yadav. The BJP has pitted well-known Bhojpuri actor and singer Dinesh Lal Yadav against Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav from Azamgarh. It has fielded Prem Singh Shakya against Yadav's father Mulayam Singh Yadav from Mainpuri. The BJP has named Dinesh Pratap Singh, a local strongman who had left the Congress to join it last year, as its candidate against Sonia Gandhi in Rae Bareli. BJP releases 16th list of 6 candidates in Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh for #LokSabhaElections2019 . Manoj Kotak to contest from Mumbai North East (where Kirit Somaiya is the sitting MP), Dinesh Lal Yadav 'Nirhua' to contest from Azamgarh (UP) against SP's Akhilesh Yadav. pic.twitter.com/uQvwJpGRSl — ANI (@ANI) April 3, 2019 × The seat has long been a bastion of the Gandhi family with the former Congress president representing it in Lok Sabha since 2004. The party has replaced sitting Machhlishahr MP Ram Charitra Nishad with V P Saroj. On Mumbai North East constituency, Shiv Sena had been bitterly opposed to Somaiya's candidature. And the BJP's decision to replace him with Manoj Kotal underscores its keenness to keep its Hindutva ally in good humour. Somaiya, an old BJP hand and one of its leading speakers on economic issues in Parliament, had been a trenchant critic of the Sena. The BJP named Chandra Sen Jadun as its candidate from Firozabad. The SP had won from Azamgarh, Mainpuri and Firozabad in 2014, with members of its ruling Yadav family emerging victorious.

Lok Sabha polls 2019: BJP drops Kirit Somaiya, names candidates against Sonia, Mulayam, Akhilesh

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ethiopian-airlines-crash-official-report-states-crew-followed-procedures-ceo-says-proud-of-crashed-pilots-efforts-to-save-flight-207903">Ethiopian Airlines crash: Crew followed Boeing's procedures but could not regain control of </a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ethiopian-airlines-crash-official-report-states-crew-followed-procedures-ceo-says-proud-of-crashed-pilots-efforts-to-save-flight-207903">plane</a>

Ethiopia’s minister of transport delivered the first official report on the airplane disaster and stated that the Ethiopian Airlines pilots followed proper procedures when their Boeing MAX 8 airplane repeatedly nosedived before a March 10 crash that killed 157 people, news agency Reuters reported.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/chhattisgarh-4-bsf-jawans-killed-in-encounter-with-naxals-207898">Chhattisgarh: 4 Border Security Force jawans killed in </a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/chhattisgarh-4-bsf-jawans-killed-in-encounter-with-naxals-207898">encounter</a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/chhattisgarh-4-bsf-jawans-killed-in-encounter-with-naxals-207898"> with Naxals</a>

Four BSF jawans have been killed and two injured in an encounter battle with Naxals in southern Chhattisgarh.&nbsp;Police said the encounter took place in the district of Kanker.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/trumps-criticizes-india-for-tremendously-high-tariffs-on-us-goods-says-its-one-of-the-highest-taxing-nations-in-world-207904">India one of the world's 'highest-taxing nations': US President Donald Trump</a>

India is one of the world's "highest-taxing nations", US President Donald Trump has alleged as he again criticised the country for imposing 100 per cent tariffs on American products, including the iconic Harley-Davidson motorcycles.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bjp-takes-lead-in-advertising-on-google-youtube-with-rs-121-cr-spend-207865">Lok Sabha polls: BJP has spent Rs 1.21 crore on advertising on Google, Congress Rs 54,100</a>

A week before the first phase of elections, ruling BJP has taken a big lead in advertising on Google and its affiliated platforms such as YouTube with an ad spend of Rs 1.21 crore, while its main rival Congress has spent only Rs 54,100, the search engine said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-slams-un-experts-who-condemned-deportation-of-rohingyas-207935">India slams UN experts who 'condemned' deportation of Rohingyas</a> 
 
India has slammed the UN human rights experts who "condemned" the Indian government’s decision to deport three Rohingya to Myanmar, saying the statements made by them are misleading and incorrect and that New Delhi's action is in accordance with Indian laws.

Ethiopian Airlines crash: Crew followed Boeing's procedures but could not regain control of plane Ethiopia’s minister of transport delivered the first official report on the airplane disaster and stated that the Ethiopian Airlines pilots followed proper procedures when their Boeing MAX 8 airplane repeatedly nosedived before a March 10 crash that killed 157 people, news agency Reuters reported.

Ethiopian Airlines crash: Crew followed Boeing's procedures but could not regain control of plane Ethiopia’s minister of transport delivered the first official report on the airplane disaster and stated that the Ethiopian Airlines pilots followed proper procedures when their Boeing MAX 8 airplane repeatedly nosedived before a March 10 crash that killed 157 people, news agency Reuters reported. Chhattisgarh: 4 Border Security Force jawans killed in encounter with Naxals Four BSF jawans have been killed and two injured in an encounter battle with Naxals in southern Chhattisgarh. Police said the encounter took place in the district of Kanker. India one of the world's 'highest-taxing nations': US President Donald Trump India is one of the world's "highest-taxing nations", US President Donald Trump has alleged as he again criticised the country for imposing 100 per cent tariffs on American products, including the iconic Harley-Davidson motorcycles. Lok Sabha polls: BJP has spent Rs 1.21 crore on advertising on Google, Congress Rs 54,100 A week before the first phase of elections, ruling BJP has taken a big lead in advertising on Google and its affiliated platforms such as YouTube with an ad spend of Rs 1.21 crore, while its main rival Congress has spent only Rs 54,100, the search engine said. India slams UN experts who 'condemned' deportation of Rohingyas India has slammed the UN human rights experts who "condemned" the Indian government’s decision to deport three Rohingya to Myanmar, saying the statements made by them are misleading and incorrect and that New Delhi's action is in accordance with Indian laws.

News brief: Big stories of the day

Star power in 2019 Lok Sabha elections

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