The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-manifesto-some-ideas-positively-dangerous-says-bjp-207472">Congress party on Tuesday</a> released a list of 20 candidates for the upcoming Lok Sabha election. Senior Congress leader Pawan Kumar Bansal will contest from the Chandigarh seat.

Besides him, the party has fielded Preneet Kaur from Patiala, Ravneet Singh Bittu from Ludhiana, Rajkumar Chabbewal Hoshiarpur, Santokh Singh Chaudhary from Jalandhar, Gurjit Singh Aujla from Amritsar and Sunil Jakhar from Gurdaspur in Punjab.

In Gujarat, CJ Chavda will contest from Gandhinagar, Geetaben Patel from Ahmedabad East, Somabhai Patel from Surendranagar and Murubhai Kandoriya from Jamnagar.

In Jharkhand, Subodh Kant Sahay will represent the party from Ranchi, Geeta Kora from Singhbhum and Sukhdeo Bhagat from Lohardaga.

The party has also announced names of Pawan Kajal from Kangra (Himachal Pradesh) and Prabhu Ratnabhai Tokiya from Dadra and Nagar Haveli.

In Karnataka, Congress has fielded Vinay Kulkarni from Dharwad and HB Manjappa Davanagere.

The Lok Sabha election will start on April 11 and will end on May 19. The result will be announced on May 23.

Meanwhile, the Congress has also released a list of nine candidates for Odisha Assembly election.

The Congress party on Tuesday released a list of 20 candidates for the upcoming Lok Sabha election. Senior Congress leader Pawan Kumar Bansal will contest from the Chandigarh seat.

The Congress party on Tuesday released a list of 20 candidates for the upcoming Lok Sabha election. Senior Congress leader Pawan Kumar Bansal will contest from the Chandigarh seat. Besides him, the party has fielded Preneet Kaur from Patiala, Ravneet Singh Bittu from Ludhiana, Rajkumar Chabbewal Hoshiarpur, Santokh Singh Chaudhary from Jalandhar, Gurjit Singh Aujla from Amritsar and Sunil Jakhar from Gurdaspur in Punjab. In Gujarat, CJ Chavda will contest from Gandhinagar, Geetaben Patel from Ahmedabad East, Somabhai Patel from Surendranagar and Murubhai Kandoriya from Jamnagar. In Jharkhand, Subodh Kant Sahay will represent the party from Ranchi, Geeta Kora from Singhbhum and Sukhdeo Bhagat from Lohardaga. The party has also announced names of Pawan Kajal from Kangra (Himachal Pradesh) and Prabhu Ratnabhai Tokiya from Dadra and Nagar Haveli. In Karnataka, Congress has fielded Vinay Kulkarni from Dharwad and HB Manjappa Davanagere. The Lok Sabha election will start on April 11 and will end on May 19. The result will be announced on May 23. Meanwhile, the Congress has also released a list of nine candidates for Odisha Assembly election.

Lok Sabha polls 2019: Congress releases list of 20 candidates

The Congress party has said that none of its official pages has been affected and it is awaiting a list of pages/accounts removed by the social media company.

"This is to clarify no official pages run by INC have been taken down. Additionally, all pages run by our verified volunteers are also unaffected. In the meantime, we are awaiting a response from Facebook to provide us with a list of all pages/accounts that they have taken down," Congress said in a tweet.

Congress spokesman Manish Tiwari had said that the "We don’t react to news reports which may just be coming in, we will have to check the veracity of the report whether there are any Facebook pages which are linked to us. Maybe the Pages are not linked to us and maybe the news report is not correct,".

Earlier, Facebook Inc said today that it was removing 687 pages and accounts linked to the Congress party, just days before voting begins in a general election, because of “coordinated inauthentic behaviour” on the social media platform.&nbsp;

Facebook said its investigation found that individuals used fake accounts and joined various groups to disseminate their content and increase engagement. Their posts included local news and criticism of political opponents such as Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

The Congress party has said that none of its official pages has been affected and it is awaiting a list of pages/accounts removed by the social media company. "This is to clarify no official pages run by INC have been taken down.

The Congress party has said that none of its official pages has been affected and it is awaiting a list of pages/accounts removed by the social media company. "This is to clarify no official pages run by INC have been taken down. Additionally, all pages run by our verified volunteers are also unaffected. In the meantime, we are awaiting a response from Facebook to provide us with a list of all pages/accounts that they have taken down," Congress said in a tweet. Congress spokesman Manish Tiwari had said that the "We don’t react to news reports which may just be coming in, we will have to check the veracity of the report whether there are any Facebook pages which are linked to us. Maybe the Pages are not linked to us and maybe the news report is not correct,". Earlier, Facebook Inc said today that it was removing 687 pages and accounts linked to the Congress party, just days before voting begins in a general election, because of “coordinated inauthentic behaviour” on the social media platform. Facebook said its investigation found that individuals used fake accounts and joined various groups to disseminate their content and increase engagement. Their posts included local news and criticism of political opponents such as Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

No official pages taken down, says Congress after Facebook removed 687 pages linked to party

Facebook Inc said on Monday it was removing 687 pages and accounts linked to the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-labelled-peace-loving-hindus-as-terrorists-pm-modi-207160">Congress party,</a>&nbsp;just days before voting begins in a general election, because of “coordinated inauthentic behaviour” on the social media platform.&nbsp;

The announcement marks a rare action from Facebook against a prominent political party in a country where it has more than 300 million users, the highest in the world.

Facebook said its investigation found that individuals used fake accounts and joined various groups to disseminate their content and increase engagement. Their posts included local news and criticism of political opponents such as Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Facebook said.

“While the people behind this activity attempted to conceal their identities, our review found that it was connected to individuals associated with an INC (Indian National Congress) IT Cell,” Nathaniel Gleicher, Head of Cybersecurity Policy at Facebook, said in a statement.

Gleicher added that Facebook was removing accounts based on their behaviour, not the content they posted.&nbsp;

Lok Sabha elections, scheduled to begin on April 11, will end on May 19.

Two of the samples shared by Facebook were of posts that criticized Modi’s initiatives and called for supporting the Congress party and its president, Rahul Gandhi.

The social media giant also said it was removing 103 pages, groups and accounts, also for inauthentic behaviour, as part of a network which originated in Pakistan and was linked to employees of the Inter-Service Public Relations department of the Pakistani military.

Facebook has faced increasing pressure from authorities around the world, including the Indian government, to ensure its platform is not abused for political gains or to spread misinformation, especially ahead of elections.

Facebook has toughened up its rules governing political advertisements in India and many other countries to increase transparency.&nbsp;

Last week, Facebook removed a social media network in the Philippines and took the unusual step of linking it to a businessman who said he had managed the president’s online election campaign in 2016. It has taken similar actions recently against accounts in Russia and Iran.

Separately, Facebook said it had also removed another 227 pages and 94 accounts in India for violating its policies against spam and misrepresentation.

Facebook Inc said on Monday it was removing 687 pages and accounts linked to the Congress party, just days before voting begins in a general election, because of “coordinated inauthentic behaviour” on the social media platform.

Facebook Inc said on Monday it was removing 687 pages and accounts linked to the Congress party, just days before voting begins in a general election, because of “coordinated inauthentic behaviour” on the social media platform. The announcement marks a rare action from Facebook against a prominent political party in a country where it has more than 300 million users, the highest in the world. Facebook said its investigation found that individuals used fake accounts and joined various groups to disseminate their content and increase engagement. Their posts included local news and criticism of political opponents such as Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Facebook said. “While the people behind this activity attempted to conceal their identities, our review found that it was connected to individuals associated with an INC (Indian National Congress) IT Cell,” Nathaniel Gleicher, Head of Cybersecurity Policy at Facebook, said in a statement. Gleicher added that Facebook was removing accounts based on their behaviour, not the content they posted. Lok Sabha elections, scheduled to begin on April 11, will end on May 19. Two of the samples shared by Facebook were of posts that criticized Modi’s initiatives and called for supporting the Congress party and its president, Rahul Gandhi. The social media giant also said it was removing 103 pages, groups and accounts, also for inauthentic behaviour, as part of a network which originated in Pakistan and was linked to employees of the Inter-Service Public Relations department of the Pakistani military. Facebook has faced increasing pressure from authorities around the world, including the Indian government, to ensure its platform is not abused for political gains or to spread misinformation, especially ahead of elections. Facebook has toughened up its rules governing political advertisements in India and many other countries to increase transparency. Last week, Facebook removed a social media network in the Philippines and took the unusual step of linking it to a businessman who said he had managed the president’s online election campaign in 2016. It has taken similar actions recently against accounts in Russia and Iran. Separately, Facebook said it had also removed another 227 pages and 94 accounts in India for violating its policies against spam and misrepresentation.

Lok Sabha polls 2019: Facebook removes 687 pages, accounts linked to Congress IT cell ahead of elections

Democracy in India is 70-years-old but a 107-year-old man here is set to vote for the 17th time in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. Ram Prasad Sharma has been continuously voting in the Lok Sabha elections, first conducted in 1951-52. He is the oldest person in the Semra Village in Khandauli town.

"I have not been keeping well, but I will definitely go to vote this time also. I also request everyone to vote as it is the most important thing we can do for our country," Ram Prasad said.

His 75-year-old son said that he pushes everyone who comes to visit him, to vote. "He reads the newspaper every day to keep himself up to date about whatever is happening in the country. The zeal with which he prompts everyone to vote is commendable," he added.

The seven-phase Lok Sabha polls are set to begin on April 11 and will end on May 19. The counting of votes will take place on May 23.

In Uttar Pradesh, where 80 seats are at stake, polling will be held during all seven phases.

Democracy in India is 70-years-old but a 107-year-old man here is set to vote for the 17th time in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. Ram Prasad Sharma has been continuously voting in the Lok Sabha elections, first conducted in 1951-52.

Democracy in India is 70-years-old but a 107-year-old man here is set to vote for the 17th time in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. Ram Prasad Sharma has been continuously voting in the Lok Sabha elections, first conducted in 1951-52. He is the oldest person in the Semra Village in Khandauli town. "I have not been keeping well, but I will definitely go to vote this time also. I also request everyone to vote as it is the most important thing we can do for our country," Ram Prasad said. His 75-year-old son said that he pushes everyone who comes to visit him, to vote. "He reads the newspaper every day to keep himself up to date about whatever is happening in the country. The zeal with which he prompts everyone to vote is commendable," he added. The seven-phase Lok Sabha polls are set to begin on April 11 and will end on May 19. The counting of votes will take place on May 23. In Uttar Pradesh, where 80 seats are at stake, polling will be held during all seven phases.

Lok Sabha polls 2019: 107-year-old, who voted in the first-ever Lok Sabha elections, set to vote for the 17th time

The BJP Monday announced the names of three more Lok Sabha candidates from Odisha.

With this, the party has announced the names of 374 candidates.&nbsp;

The party has also released the names of 11 more candidates for the Odisha state assembly polls, which will be held in four phases starting from April 11 and ending on April 29.&nbsp;

The BJP has so far announced candidates for all the Lok Sabha seats which will go to polls in the first four phases of the seven-phased election.&nbsp;

The general elections will begin from April 11 and continue till May 19. The counting of votes will be held on May 23.

The BJP had earlier nominated Prime Minister Narendra Modi from Varanasi and Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh from Lucknow. Party chief Amit Shah will contest from Gandhinagar, where L K Advani is the sitting MP.&nbsp;

The BJP Monday announced the names of three more Lok Sabha candidates from Odisha. With this, the party has announced the names of 374 candidates. The party has also released the names of 11 more candidates for the Odisha state assembly polls, which will be held in four phases starting from April 11 and ending on April 29.

The BJP Monday announced the names of three more Lok Sabha candidates from Odisha. With this, the party has announced the names of 374 candidates. The party has also released the names of 11 more candidates for the Odisha state assembly polls, which will be held in four phases starting from April 11 and ending on April 29. The BJP has so far announced candidates for all the Lok Sabha seats which will go to polls in the first four phases of the seven-phased election. The general elections will begin from April 11 and continue till May 19. The counting of votes will be held on May 23. The BJP had earlier nominated Prime Minister Narendra Modi from Varanasi and Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh from Lucknow. Party chief Amit Shah will contest from Gandhinagar, where L K Advani is the sitting MP.

Lok Sabha polls 2019: BJP announces three more Lok Sabha candidates from Odisha

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Saturday said that the BJP will win more than 74 Lok Sabha seats in the state in the Lok Sabha elections. He also termed the alliance of Samajwadi Party and Bahujan Samaj Party as "unmatchable."

“BJP was never weak. It won 73 seats in 2014. BJP won 325 seats in 2017 Assembly elections. In the ensuing Lok Sabha elections, BJP will win more than 74 seats,” the Chief Minister claimed while addressing a press conference here.

Taking a dig at the SP-BSP alliance, the Chief Minister said, “Unmatchable alliance won't succeed. Oil and water cannot be together.”

The Chief Minister was speaking at a press conference organised to induct SP leaders Choudhary Virendra Singh, Manish Chauhan, and Harvinder Chauhan into the party. UP BJP president Mahendranath Pandey was also present on the occasion.

Virendra Singh is currently an MLC from the Samajwadi Party. He has been elected to the state legislature six times and was a Cabinet minister in the Samajwadi Party government.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Pandey described Virendra Singh as someone with “great reputation” in the Gurjar community and especially in the western Uttar Pradesh.

Welcoming them in BJP family, the Chief Minister said that he was happy to see that “the people who wish to see a safe and prosperous India are committed to making Narendra Modi the Prime Minister of this country again.”

“I trust they (newly inducted leaders) will contribute immensely to this mission of development and nationalism, a mission that is embedded with Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, which means that development to everyone without any discrimination,” the Chief Minister said.

Seven-phase Lok Sabha polls are set to begin on April 11 and will go on till May 19. The counting of votes will take place on May 23.

In&nbsp;Uttar Pradesh, where 80 seats are at stake, polling will be held during all seven phases.&nbsp;

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Saturday said that the BJP will win more than 74 Lok Sabha seats in the state in the Lok Sabha elections. He also termed the alliance of Samajwadi Party and Bahujan Samaj Party as "unmatchable.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Saturday said that the BJP will win more than 74 Lok Sabha seats in the state in the Lok Sabha elections. He also termed the alliance of Samajwadi Party and Bahujan Samaj Party as "unmatchable." “BJP was never weak. It won 73 seats in 2014. BJP won 325 seats in 2017 Assembly elections. In the ensuing Lok Sabha elections, BJP will win more than 74 seats,” the Chief Minister claimed while addressing a press conference here. Taking a dig at the SP-BSP alliance, the Chief Minister said, “Unmatchable alliance won't succeed. Oil and water cannot be together.” The Chief Minister was speaking at a press conference organised to induct SP leaders Choudhary Virendra Singh, Manish Chauhan, and Harvinder Chauhan into the party. UP BJP president Mahendranath Pandey was also present on the occasion. Virendra Singh is currently an MLC from the Samajwadi Party. He has been elected to the state legislature six times and was a Cabinet minister in the Samajwadi Party government. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Pandey described Virendra Singh as someone with “great reputation” in the Gurjar community and especially in the western Uttar Pradesh. Welcoming them in BJP family, the Chief Minister said that he was happy to see that “the people who wish to see a safe and prosperous India are committed to making Narendra Modi the Prime Minister of this country again.” “I trust they (newly inducted leaders) will contribute immensely to this mission of development and nationalism, a mission that is embedded with Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, which means that development to everyone without any discrimination,” the Chief Minister said. Seven-phase Lok Sabha polls are set to begin on April 11 and will go on till May 19. The counting of votes will take place on May 23. In Uttar Pradesh, where 80 seats are at stake, polling will be held during all seven phases.

Will win more than 74 Lok Sabha seats in UP: Yogi Adityanath

Nishad Party chief Sanjay Nishad on Saturday said that on Friday he met with Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and that the meeting went well. Nishad stated that Adityanath assured him yesterday "that our grievances will be heard and dealt with".

Nishad added that his party will contest on its own symbol and that "NDA will decide who will contest from where".&nbsp;

Nishad Party chief Sanjay Nishad on Friday <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-polls-nishad-party-quits-alliance-with-spbsp-in-uttar-pradesh-206583">called off the alliance with SP, BSP in Uttar Pradesh</a>. Nishad noted that his party workers and the core committee were upset with the alliance.&nbsp;

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Nishad Party chief, Sanjay Nishad, on joining NDA alliance for Lok Sabha elections: UP CM assured me yesterday that our grievances will be heard &amp; dealt with. Nishad Party will contest on its own symbol. NDA will decide who will contest from where <a href="https://t.co/9FZJHjUula">pic.twitter.com/9FZJHjUula</a>
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"Akhilesh Yadav had said he'll make an announcement on seats for our party. But they didn't put our name on poster/letter or anything. My party workers, authorities, core committee were upset," Nishad told media adding that his party is now free to explore other option or to even go solo in the ensuing general elections.&nbsp;

"So the Nishad party has taken a decision today that we are not with the 'gathbandhan', we are free, can fight elections independently and can look for other options as well. The party is free now," the party chief noted.&nbsp;

Later in the day, Nishad was spotted meeting with Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.&nbsp;

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav on Tuesday announced that Nishad Party and Janvadi Party (Socialist) are now a part of Samajwadi Party-Bahujan Samaj Party-Rashtriya Lok Dal alliance in Uttar Pradesh.&nbsp;

According to the seat-sharing arrangement, Samajwadi Party will contest 37 seats while BSP will fight on 38. Ajit Singh-led Rashtriya Lok Dal was being considered the third wheel of the alliance.&nbsp;

Lok Sabha 2019 will be held in seven phases starting April 11, ending on May 19. Uttar Pradesh will cast vote in seven phases.&nbsp;

Nishad Party chief Sanjay Nishad on Saturday said that on Friday he met with Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and that the meeting went well. Nishad stated that Adityanath assured him yesterday "that our grievances will be heard and dealt with".

Nishad Party chief Sanjay Nishad on Saturday said that on Friday he met with Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and that the meeting went well. Nishad stated that Adityanath assured him yesterday "that our grievances will be heard and dealt with". Nishad added that his party will contest on its own symbol and that "NDA will decide who will contest from where". Nishad Party chief Sanjay Nishad on Friday called off the alliance with SP, BSP in Uttar Pradesh. Nishad noted that his party workers and the core committee were upset with the alliance. Nishad Party chief, Sanjay Nishad, on joining NDA alliance for Lok Sabha elections: UP CM assured me yesterday that our grievances will be heard & dealt with. Nishad Party will contest on its own symbol. NDA will decide who will contest from where pic.twitter.com/9FZJHjUula — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) March 30, 2019 × "Akhilesh Yadav had said he'll make an announcement on seats for our party. But they didn't put our name on poster/letter or anything. My party workers, authorities, core committee were upset," Nishad told media adding that his party is now free to explore other option or to even go solo in the ensuing general elections. "So the Nishad party has taken a decision today that we are not with the 'gathbandhan', we are free, can fight elections independently and can look for other options as well. The party is free now," the party chief noted. Later in the day, Nishad was spotted meeting with Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav on Tuesday announced that Nishad Party and Janvadi Party (Socialist) are now a part of Samajwadi Party-Bahujan Samaj Party-Rashtriya Lok Dal alliance in Uttar Pradesh. According to the seat-sharing arrangement, Samajwadi Party will contest 37 seats while BSP will fight on 38. Ajit Singh-led Rashtriya Lok Dal was being considered the third wheel of the alliance. Lok Sabha 2019 will be held in seven phases starting April 11, ending on May 19. Uttar Pradesh will cast vote in seven phases.

Lok Sabha polls: 'NDA will decide who will contest from where,' says Nishad party chief after quitting SP-BSP alliance

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president Amit Shah will file his nomination papers from Gandhinagar constituency on March 30.

Shah, who is a Rajya Sabha Member of Parliament (MP), will contest the Lok Sabha elections for the first time. He has been fielded from Gandhinagar constituency, which is currently held by BJP veteran LK Advani.

"He will file the nomination at 12:30 pm on Saturday in the presence of Home Minister Rajnath Singh, former Chief Minister of Punjab Parkash Singh Badal, Minister of Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari, Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray, Lok Janshakti Party president Ram Vilas Paswan and BJP`s national general secretary Ram Lal," said Mahendra Panday, BJP secretary, in a press release.

Before filing the nomination, Shah will address a huge election rally in Naranpura area of Ahmedabad, followed by a roadshow which will start from DRH Regency hotel and culminate at Patidar Chowk in Ghatlodia area.

Shiv Sena spokesperson Sanjay Raut told ANI, "Amit Shah called up Uddhav Thackeray and extended a special invitation, requesting our party chief to accompany him to file nomination in Gandhinagar. He has accepted the nomination."&nbsp;

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president Amit Shah will file his nomination papers from Gandhinagar constituency on March 30. Shah, who is a Rajya Sabha Member of Parliament (MP), will contest the Lok Sabha elections for the first time.

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president Amit Shah will file his nomination papers from Gandhinagar constituency on March 30. Shah, who is a Rajya Sabha Member of Parliament (MP), will contest the Lok Sabha elections for the first time. He has been fielded from Gandhinagar constituency, which is currently held by BJP veteran LK Advani. "He will file the nomination at 12:30 pm on Saturday in the presence of Home Minister Rajnath Singh, former Chief Minister of Punjab Parkash Singh Badal, Minister of Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari, Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray, Lok Janshakti Party president Ram Vilas Paswan and BJP`s national general secretary Ram Lal," said Mahendra Panday, BJP secretary, in a press release. Before filing the nomination, Shah will address a huge election rally in Naranpura area of Ahmedabad, followed by a roadshow which will start from DRH Regency hotel and culminate at Patidar Chowk in Ghatlodia area. Shiv Sena spokesperson Sanjay Raut told ANI, "Amit Shah called up Uddhav Thackeray and extended a special invitation, requesting our party chief to accompany him to file nomination in Gandhinagar. He has accepted the nomination."

Amit Shah to file his nomination from Gandhinagar on Saturday

Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray on Saturday said that opposition's defeat is certain in the ensuing Lok Sabha elections in Maharashtra as BJP and Shiv Sena are contesting the polls in an alliance with each other.

Speaking to ANI, Thackeray said, "We did not come here to demonstrate our power. It is obvious that the alliance is already very powerful. Since the BJP and the Shiv Sena are contesting the polls in an alliance, opposition's defeat is certain."

Earlier in the day, he addressed a gathering here, during which he reaffirmed his whole-hearted support to the BJP and its president Amit Shah by asserting that whatever issues they had in past are resolved and they would never ‘stab it in the back.’

Thackeray made these statements while sharing the stage with senior BJP leaders during the filing of the nomination of BJP chief Amit Shah.

He also said that despite having differences in the past, BJP and Shiv Sena are together because of their ideologies.

Maharashtra will go to polls in the first four phases, beginning April 11. Results of the polls will be declared on May 23.&nbsp;

Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray on Saturday said that opposition's defeat is certain in the ensuing Lok Sabha elections in Maharashtra as BJP and Shiv Sena are contesting the polls in an alliance with each other.

Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray on Saturday said that opposition's defeat is certain in the ensuing Lok Sabha elections in Maharashtra as BJP and Shiv Sena are contesting the polls in an alliance with each other. Speaking to ANI, Thackeray said, "We did not come here to demonstrate our power. It is obvious that the alliance is already very powerful. Since the BJP and the Shiv Sena are contesting the polls in an alliance, opposition's defeat is certain." Earlier in the day, he addressed a gathering here, during which he reaffirmed his whole-hearted support to the BJP and its president Amit Shah by asserting that whatever issues they had in past are resolved and they would never ‘stab it in the back.’ Thackeray made these statements while sharing the stage with senior BJP leaders during the filing of the nomination of BJP chief Amit Shah. He also said that despite having differences in the past, BJP and Shiv Sena are together because of their ideologies. Maharashtra will go to polls in the first four phases, beginning April 11. Results of the polls will be declared on May 23.

Opposition's defeat is certain; BJP, Shiv Sena are together in Lok Sabha polls: Uddhav Thackeray

People saw in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lots-to-be-done-to-take-country-forward-im-here-to-complete-that-work-pm-modi-206738">Prime Minister Narendra Modi</a> a leader they had been waiting for the last 70 years, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bjp-president-amit-shah-files-nomination-for-gandhinagar-seat-206682">BJP chief Amit Shah</a> claimed Saturday and asserted that this Lok Sabha polls will be fought only on the issue of who will lead the country.

Addressing a rally here before filing his nomination papers for the Gandhinagar Lok Sabha seat, he said the BJP was his life, and also recalled his journey -- from being a party worker in 1982 to becoming its national president.

Shah has replaced BJP veteran L K Advani, who had been winning uninterrupted from Gandhinagar since 1998, from the prestigious constituency. The BJP chief is contesting the Lok Sabha poll for the first time.

Union ministers Rajnath Singh and Nitin Gadkari and leaders of NDA allies, including Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray, SAD supremo Parkash Singh Badal and LJP founder Ram Vilas Paswan were present on the stage with Shah at the rally.

"This election will be fought on only one issue, and that is, who will lead this country? When I ask who will lead the country, from Himachal to Kanyakumari and from Kamrup to Gandhinagar, only one word is heard, that is, Modi, Modi, Modi," Shah said.

"Why was this trust formed in just five years? Why has a Gujarat chief minister, who had not even contested a panchayat election before becoming the chief minister, became the favourite of the entire country in just five years? It is because people saw in Narendra Modi a leader that they had been waiting to have for the last 70 years," he said.

Shah claimed that only Modi, the BJP and the NDA government can assure security to the country.

"The question before the country is who can assure security to the country? Only one person, only one party can assure this. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the BJP and NDA government can assure security to the country," he said.

Shah said he was fortunate to file his nomination papers from Gandhinagar seat, which was earlier represented by leaders including Advani, Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Purushottam Ganesh Mavlankar. He said he was an MLA for five times from the region, which falls under the Gandhinagar Lok Sabha constituency.

"I am fortunate that BJP has made me the candidate from Gandhinagar seat that was represented by Lal Krishna Advani, Atalji and Purushottam Ganesh Mavalankar. It is this region from where I was elected MLA for five times. From this region, I successfully did electoral politics with your support," he said.

Asserting that he would carry forward Advani's legacy once he gets elected from the Gandhinagar parliamentary constituency, Shah said, "Development of Gandhinagar seat is the commitment of all of BJP party workers.

"Today, Gandhinagar seat is among the most developed seat in the country and I will humbly and from the bottom of my heart try to carry forward the legacy of Advaniji," he said.

Recalling his days as a BJP worker in 1982, Shah said, "If you remove BJP from my life, then what is left is zero. Whatever I have received, learnt and tried to give to the country and the state is what was given to me by the BJP."

The BJP chief's Lok Sabha poll debut from the Gandhinagar constituency replacing Advani marks a generational shift in the party. The state BJP feels that Shah's nomination will energise the party in Gujarat and help it win all the 26 Lok Sabha seats in the state.

People saw in Prime Minister Narendra Modi a leader they had been waiting for the last 70 years, BJP chief Amit Shah claimed Saturday and asserted that this Lok Sabha polls will be fought only on the issue of who will lead the country.

People saw in Prime Minister Narendra Modi a leader they had been waiting for the last 70 years, BJP chief Amit Shah claimed Saturday and asserted that this Lok Sabha polls will be fought only on the issue of who will lead the country. Addressing a rally here before filing his nomination papers for the Gandhinagar Lok Sabha seat, he said the BJP was his life, and also recalled his journey -- from being a party worker in 1982 to becoming its national president. Shah has replaced BJP veteran L K Advani, who had been winning uninterrupted from Gandhinagar since 1998, from the prestigious constituency. The BJP chief is contesting the Lok Sabha poll for the first time. Union ministers Rajnath Singh and Nitin Gadkari and leaders of NDA allies, including Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray, SAD supremo Parkash Singh Badal and LJP founder Ram Vilas Paswan were present on the stage with Shah at the rally. "This election will be fought on only one issue, and that is, who will lead this country? When I ask who will lead the country, from Himachal to Kanyakumari and from Kamrup to Gandhinagar, only one word is heard, that is, Modi, Modi, Modi," Shah said. "Why was this trust formed in just five years? Why has a Gujarat chief minister, who had not even contested a panchayat election before becoming the chief minister, became the favourite of the entire country in just five years? It is because people saw in Narendra Modi a leader that they had been waiting to have for the last 70 years," he said. Shah claimed that only Modi, the BJP and the NDA government can assure security to the country. "The question before the country is who can assure security to the country? Only one person, only one party can assure this. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the BJP and NDA government can assure security to the country," he said. Shah said he was fortunate to file his nomination papers from Gandhinagar seat, which was earlier represented by leaders including Advani, Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Purushottam Ganesh Mavlankar. He said he was an MLA for five times from the region, which falls under the Gandhinagar Lok Sabha constituency. "I am fortunate that BJP has made me the candidate from Gandhinagar seat that was represented by Lal Krishna Advani, Atalji and Purushottam Ganesh Mavalankar. It is this region from where I was elected MLA for five times. From this region, I successfully did electoral politics with your support," he said. Asserting that he would carry forward Advani's legacy once he gets elected from the Gandhinagar parliamentary constituency, Shah said, "Development of Gandhinagar seat is the commitment of all of BJP party workers. "Today, Gandhinagar seat is among the most developed seat in the country and I will humbly and from the bottom of my heart try to carry forward the legacy of Advaniji," he said. Recalling his days as a BJP worker in 1982, Shah said, "If you remove BJP from my life, then what is left is zero. Whatever I have received, learnt and tried to give to the country and the state is what was given to me by the BJP." The BJP chief's Lok Sabha poll debut from the Gandhinagar constituency replacing Advani marks a generational shift in the party. The state BJP feels that Shah's nomination will energise the party in Gujarat and help it win all the 26 Lok Sabha seats in the state.

People saw in Modi the leader they waited for 70 years: Amit Shah

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/in-the-northeast-lotus-first-bloomed-in-arunachal-pradesh-pm-modi-206651">Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said</a> although a lot has been done by his government, a lot more is left to be done to take the country forward.&nbsp;

"Despite doing many things, still a lot is required to be done for taking the country forward. If something is left to be done somewhere, if speed was slow somewhere, if priorities were changed somewhere, I am here for your blessings to complete the work," Prime Minister Modi said while addressing a rally in Gohpur, Assam on Saturday.

The Prime Minister said that he never claimed to have completed all that needs to be done in five years.&nbsp;

"I have tried my best with sincerity to serve Assam and people of the nation, but my dear brothers and sisters I do not claim that I have completed all the work in five years. If those who have stayed for 70 years cannot claim then how can a person who is there for 5 years claim this?" he asked while making a veiled reference to Congress.&nbsp;

The Prime Minister also referred to himself as the 'chowkidar' whom the Opposition is afraid of.&nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> "Mein ek chowkidar hun, mein ek chowkidar hun...aap bhi hain na?", asks Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the public present at his rally in Gohpur, Assam. <a href="https://t.co/MhmtlI5Z46">pic.twitter.com/MhmtlI5Z46</a>
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"I am a chowkidar...you are also the same right?" he asked the public present at the rally. "I am the kind of chowkidar you all love but they are afraid of," he added.

In an oblique reference to Manmohan Singh, Prime Minister Modi said that Assam has given a Prime Minister which the people of the state do not remember.

"You have given a Prime Minister also. He was the Prime Minister that people of Assam don't even remember about," he quipped.

Citing Lachit Borphukan he said: "No Mama (maternal uncle) is bigger than the nation."

"But for the Congress, every 'Mama' is bigger than the nation who support and help them in their vested interest and greed. Congress has Michel Mama, Quattrocchi Mama and many more Mamas for whom they can even put the country at stake," he claimed.&nbsp;

The&nbsp;Lok Sabha election will be held in Assam on April 11, 18 and 23. Counting of votes will take place on May 23.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said although a lot has been done by his government, a lot more is left to be done to take the country forward. "Despite doing many things, still a lot is required to be done for taking the country forward.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said although a lot has been done by his government, a lot more is left to be done to take the country forward. "Despite doing many things, still a lot is required to be done for taking the country forward. If something is left to be done somewhere, if speed was slow somewhere, if priorities were changed somewhere, I am here for your blessings to complete the work," Prime Minister Modi said while addressing a rally in Gohpur, Assam on Saturday. The Prime Minister said that he never claimed to have completed all that needs to be done in five years. "I have tried my best with sincerity to serve Assam and people of the nation, but my dear brothers and sisters I do not claim that I have completed all the work in five years. If those who have stayed for 70 years cannot claim then how can a person who is there for 5 years claim this?" he asked while making a veiled reference to Congress. The Prime Minister also referred to himself as the 'chowkidar' whom the Opposition is afraid of. #WATCH "Mein ek chowkidar hun, mein ek chowkidar hun...aap bhi hain na?", asks Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the public present at his rally in Gohpur, Assam. pic.twitter.com/MhmtlI5Z46 — ANI (@ANI) March 30, 2019 × "I am a chowkidar...you are also the same right?" he asked the public present at the rally. "I am the kind of chowkidar you all love but they are afraid of," he added. In an oblique reference to Manmohan Singh, Prime Minister Modi said that Assam has given a Prime Minister which the people of the state do not remember. "You have given a Prime Minister also. He was the Prime Minister that people of Assam don't even remember about," he quipped. Citing Lachit Borphukan he said: "No Mama (maternal uncle) is bigger than the nation." "But for the Congress, every 'Mama' is bigger than the nation who support and help them in their vested interest and greed. Congress has Michel Mama, Quattrocchi Mama and many more Mamas for whom they can even put the country at stake," he claimed. The Lok Sabha election will be held in Assam on April 11, 18 and 23. Counting of votes will take place on May 23.

Lots to be done to take the country forward, I'm here to complete that work: PM Modi

AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal Friday met members of the party's Punjab unit and asked them to dispel rumours of any alliance with the Congress in the state for the Lok Sabha polls, sources said.

Kejriwal held the meeting at his residence with AAP Punjab chief Bhagwant Mann, eight of the 13 Lok Sabha candidates declared by the party and the Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the Punjab Vidhan Sabha Harpal Singh Cheema.

"The meeting was to dispel rumours surrounding an alliance with the Congress in Punjab and to clarify that there would be no such alliance between the AAP and the Congress," party sources said.

During the meeting, the names of the five remaining candidates were discussed along with the campaign strategy, the sources said.

The eight names announced by AAP so far include Justice Zora Singh (retd) from Jalandhar, Baljinder Singh Chaundha from Fatehgarh Sahib and Peter Masih Cheeda from Gurdaspur, Bhagwant Mann from Sangrur, Ravjot Singh from Hoshiarpur, Sadhu Singh from Faridkot, Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal from Amritsar and Narinder Singh Shergill from Anandpur Sahib.

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leadership said the candidates for the remaining constituencies, including Bathinda, Ferozepur, Ludhiana, Khadoor Sahib and Patiala, would be announced soon.

Polling will be held in Punjab in a single phase on May 19 and results will be announced on May 23.&nbsp;

AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal Friday met members of the party's Punjab unit and asked them to dispel rumours of any alliance with the Congress in the state for the Lok Sabha polls, sources said.

AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal Friday met members of the party's Punjab unit and asked them to dispel rumours of any alliance with the Congress in the state for the Lok Sabha polls, sources said. Kejriwal held the meeting at his residence with AAP Punjab chief Bhagwant Mann, eight of the 13 Lok Sabha candidates declared by the party and the Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the Punjab Vidhan Sabha Harpal Singh Cheema. "The meeting was to dispel rumours surrounding an alliance with the Congress in Punjab and to clarify that there would be no such alliance between the AAP and the Congress," party sources said. During the meeting, the names of the five remaining candidates were discussed along with the campaign strategy, the sources said. The eight names announced by AAP so far include Justice Zora Singh (retd) from Jalandhar, Baljinder Singh Chaundha from Fatehgarh Sahib and Peter Masih Cheeda from Gurdaspur, Bhagwant Mann from Sangrur, Ravjot Singh from Hoshiarpur, Sadhu Singh from Faridkot, Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal from Amritsar and Narinder Singh Shergill from Anandpur Sahib. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leadership said the candidates for the remaining constituencies, including Bathinda, Ferozepur, Ludhiana, Khadoor Sahib and Patiala, would be announced soon. Polling will be held in Punjab in a single phase on May 19 and results will be announced on May 23.

Kejriwal asks Punjab party leaders to dispel rumours of alliance with Congress

Nishad Party chief Sanjay Nishad on Friday called off the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-polls-nishad-party-and-janvadi-party-socialist-join-sp-bsp-rld-alliance-in-uttar-pradesh-205715">alliance with SP, BSP in Uttar Pradesh</a>. Nishad noted that his party workers and the core committee were upset with the alliance.&nbsp;

"Akhilesh Yadav had said he'll make an announcement on seats for our party. But they didn't put our name on poster/letter or anything. My party workers, authorities, core committee were upset," Nishad told media adding that his party is now free to explore other option or to even go solo in the ensuing general elections.&nbsp;

"So the Nishad party has taken a decision today that we are not with the 'gathbandhan', we are free, can fight elections independently and can look for other options as well. The party is free now," the party chief noted.&nbsp;

Later in the day, Nishad was spotted meeting with Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.&nbsp;

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Nishad Party chief Sanjay Nishad meets Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath in Lucknow <a href="https://t.co/MNvdVzOiXQ">pic.twitter.com/MNvdVzOiXQ</a>
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The development came just a few days after Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav on Tuesday announced that Nishad Party and Janvadi Party (Socialist) are now a part of Samajwadi Party-Bahujan Samaj Party-Rashtriya Lok Dal alliance in Uttar Pradesh.&nbsp;

According to the seat-sharing arrangement, Samajwadi Party will contest 37 seats while BSP will fight on 38. Ajit Singh-led Rashtriya Lok Dal was being considered the third wheel of the alliance.&nbsp;

Lok Sabha 2019 will be held in seven phases starting April 11, ending on May 19. Uttar Pradesh will cast vote in seven phases.&nbsp;

Nishad Party chief Sanjay Nishad on Friday called off the alliance with SP, BSP in Uttar Pradesh. Nishad noted that his party workers and the core committee were upset with the alliance.

Nishad Party chief Sanjay Nishad on Friday called off the alliance with SP, BSP in Uttar Pradesh. Nishad noted that his party workers and the core committee were upset with the alliance. "Akhilesh Yadav had said he'll make an announcement on seats for our party. But they didn't put our name on poster/letter or anything. My party workers, authorities, core committee were upset," Nishad told media adding that his party is now free to explore other option or to even go solo in the ensuing general elections. "So the Nishad party has taken a decision today that we are not with the 'gathbandhan', we are free, can fight elections independently and can look for other options as well. The party is free now," the party chief noted. Later in the day, Nishad was spotted meeting with Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. Nishad Party chief Sanjay Nishad meets Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath in Lucknow pic.twitter.com/MNvdVzOiXQ — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) March 29, 2019 × The development came just a few days after Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav on Tuesday announced that Nishad Party and Janvadi Party (Socialist) are now a part of Samajwadi Party-Bahujan Samaj Party-Rashtriya Lok Dal alliance in Uttar Pradesh. According to the seat-sharing arrangement, Samajwadi Party will contest 37 seats while BSP will fight on 38. Ajit Singh-led Rashtriya Lok Dal was being considered the third wheel of the alliance. Lok Sabha 2019 will be held in seven phases starting April 11, ending on May 19. Uttar Pradesh will cast vote in seven phases.

Lok Sabha polls: Nishad Party quits alliance with SP, BSP in Uttar Pradesh

As the Lok Sabha polls draw closer, WION's Editor-in-chief Sudhir Chaudhary spoke to Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on a range of issues - from Balakot air strikes to the Bharatiya Janata Party's poll preparedness ahead of the general elections.&nbsp;

WION: You were the party president in the last election. You are the Home Minister in this election. At that time, your decision proved as a turning point. You declared Modi ji a candidate for the post of Prime Minister. What is the difference between the two elections?

Rajnath Singh: This time the BJP will win more seats as compared to 2014 because for the first time people got to know Modi as a CM. Now people know him as a Prime Minister. Narendra Bhai has increased the trust of people. And people want the country's leadership to be in strong hands.

WION: Modi wave was there last time. This time most people are saying that the wave is not there.

Rajnath Singh: Last time everyone was not aware. But many people had the information ... so people gave us the opportunity. Now after 5 years Modi ji fulfilled the expectations of the people, so this time our seats will increase.

WION: Can you say that your achievement was such that the voters will not look at any other side this time?&nbsp;

Rajnath Singh: Economically, India registered the fastest growth in 5 years. The growth rate of GDP increased. Bank accounts for the poor were opened by the Prime Minister's Jandhana Yojana. The poor were insured. Electricity connections, water connections and gas are being given in every house.

WION: Political pundits say that there is no vote in the name of development in the country but on other issues, your comments?&nbsp;

Rajnath Singh: &nbsp;I do not agree with this. People don't vote on miracles or on charisma. People see which government worries about public interest. Which government is about to work and can honour the dignity of the country.

WION: Do you think Balakot air strikes will prove as a turning point?

Rajnath Singh: I would not want to call the airstrikes as a turning point in terms of the election, however, it has instilled trust. It shows that our Prime Minister is decisive, the one who takes decisions and isn't afraid. People can see that the country is in safe hands, people have come about to trust.&nbsp;

WION: Pakistan has said that the information given in the dossier to them is not complete. Pakistan is also seeking evidence, the people of our own country, the opposition demands evidence.

Rajnath Singh: It is a matter of great irony that Pakistan is also seeking evidence and even those who are living here are also demanding evidence. I understand that in this regard the public will decide what to do.

I would like to say that no matter how many dossiers we give to Pakistan or all the evidence, they always behave like this. I would like to say that India is not weak. Pakistan will have to change its ways and crack down on terrorism and terror emanating from its soil, if it is not able to do the same on its own, ask us, India will help achieve the same.&nbsp;

WION: Did you ever think that after Balakot we should assume that now it is the end of this story or anything else can happen after this?

Rajnath Singh: I would like to tell you that India has never been an expansionist. India has never invaded any country in the world. But if you hurt the self-esteem, then India will not sit quietly. India responds.

WION: You would have first-hand information on the number of those killed in Balakot. Do we have any evidence, if yes, then when are we going to go public with it?&nbsp;

Rajnath Singh: There is no reason to doubt the bravery and valour of our Army. The operation was done on the basis of credible intelligence input, there is no doubt about this operation. If it wasn't a successful strike, then Pakistan would have not been bothered but Pakistan is getting disturbed because of this strike, we also have people of some political parties, they are having trouble too.

WION: But did we try to find out how much damage has happened? This is indeed a huge achievement

Rajnath Singh: Let's see, generally no country can tell what was the damage, how many people killed, no country in the world. Everything will be exposed on time, and I want to say that if nothing had happened then why was Pakistan so disturbed?

WION: But you must have calculated your risk that it is very risky to enter a country and attack there. Pakistan, after all, is also nuclear-armed.

Rajnath Singh: See, if it comes on self-esteem, then the person does not even calculate the risk. It is not necessary to evaluate what decision was take. Whatever strikes took place, it was an outcome of well-intentioned and calculated thought. There was no other option.&nbsp;

As the Lok Sabha polls draw closer, WION's Editor-in-chief Sudhir Chaudhary spoke to Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on a range of issues - from Balakot air strikes to the Bharatiya Janata Party's poll preparedness ahead of the general elections.

As the Lok Sabha polls draw closer, WION's Editor-in-chief Sudhir Chaudhary spoke to Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on a range of issues - from Balakot air strikes to the Bharatiya Janata Party's poll preparedness ahead of the general elections. WION: You were the party president in the last election. You are the Home Minister in this election. At that time, your decision proved as a turning point. You declared Modi ji a candidate for the post of Prime Minister. What is the difference between the two elections? Rajnath Singh: This time the BJP will win more seats as compared to 2014 because for the first time people got to know Modi as a CM. Now people know him as a Prime Minister. Narendra Bhai has increased the trust of people. And people want the country's leadership to be in strong hands. WION: Modi wave was there last time. This time most people are saying that the wave is not there. Rajnath Singh: Last time everyone was not aware. But many people had the information ... so people gave us the opportunity. Now after 5 years Modi ji fulfilled the expectations of the people, so this time our seats will increase. WION: Can you say that your achievement was such that the voters will not look at any other side this time? Rajnath Singh: Economically, India registered the fastest growth in 5 years. The growth rate of GDP increased. Bank accounts for the poor were opened by the Prime Minister's Jandhana Yojana. The poor were insured. Electricity connections, water connections and gas are being given in every house. WION: Political pundits say that there is no vote in the name of development in the country but on other issues, your comments? Rajnath Singh: I do not agree with this. People don't vote on miracles or on charisma. People see which government worries about public interest. Which government is about to work and can honour the dignity of the country. WION: Do you think Balakot air strikes will prove as a turning point? Rajnath Singh: I would not want to call the airstrikes as a turning point in terms of the election, however, it has instilled trust. It shows that our Prime Minister is decisive, the one who takes decisions and isn't afraid. People can see that the country is in safe hands, people have come about to trust. WION: Pakistan has said that the information given in the dossier to them is not complete. Pakistan is also seeking evidence, the people of our own country, the opposition demands evidence. Rajnath Singh: It is a matter of great irony that Pakistan is also seeking evidence and even those who are living here are also demanding evidence. I understand that in this regard the public will decide what to do. I would like to say that no matter how many dossiers we give to Pakistan or all the evidence, they always behave like this. I would like to say that India is not weak. Pakistan will have to change its ways and crack down on terrorism and terror emanating from its soil, if it is not able to do the same on its own, ask us, India will help achieve the same. WION: Did you ever think that after Balakot we should assume that now it is the end of this story or anything else can happen after this? Rajnath Singh: I would like to tell you that India has never been an expansionist. India has never invaded any country in the world. But if you hurt the self-esteem, then India will not sit quietly. India responds. WION: You would have first-hand information on the number of those killed in Balakot. Do we have any evidence, if yes, then when are we going to go public with it? Rajnath Singh: There is no reason to doubt the bravery and valour of our Army. The operation was done on the basis of credible intelligence input, there is no doubt about this operation. If it wasn't a successful strike, then Pakistan would have not been bothered but Pakistan is getting disturbed because of this strike, we also have people of some political parties, they are having trouble too. WION: But did we try to find out how much damage has happened? This is indeed a huge achievement Rajnath Singh: Let's see, generally no country can tell what was the damage, how many people killed, no country in the world. Everything will be exposed on time, and I want to say that if nothing had happened then why was Pakistan so disturbed? WION: But you must have calculated your risk that it is very risky to enter a country and attack there. Pakistan, after all, is also nuclear-armed. Rajnath Singh: See, if it comes on self-esteem, then the person does not even calculate the risk. It is not necessary to evaluate what decision was take. Whatever strikes took place, it was an outcome of well-intentioned and calculated thought. There was no other option.

Balakot air strikes instilled faith in people, showed nation is in safe hands: Rajnath Singh to WION

Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot's son Vaibhav Gehlot will contest the ensuing Lok Sabha elections from Jodhpur parliamentary constituency.

Jodhpur is considered as the stronghold of Ashok Gehlot which may work in favour of Vaibhav in the polls.

According to the list of candidates released by Congress party on Thursday night, Manvendra Singh son of veteran BJP leader Jaswant Singh will fight from Barmer seat whereas former Union Minister Bhanwar Jitendra Singh will contest from Alwar seat.

The list has total names of 31 candidates - 19 from Rajasthan, 6 each for Gujarat and Uttar Pradesh.

Polling in Rajasthan on 25 seats will be held on April 29 (Phase 4) and May 6 (Phase 5).

Uttar Pradesh will go to polls in seven phases, from April 11 to May 19.

Polling in Gujarat on 26 seats will take place on April 23.

Results of the polls will be declared on May 23.&nbsp;

Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot's son Vaibhav Gehlot will contest the ensuing Lok Sabha elections from Jodhpur parliamentary constituency. Jodhpur is considered as the stronghold of Ashok Gehlot which may work in favour of Vaibhav in the polls.

Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot's son Vaibhav Gehlot will contest the ensuing Lok Sabha elections from Jodhpur parliamentary constituency. Jodhpur is considered as the stronghold of Ashok Gehlot which may work in favour of Vaibhav in the polls. According to the list of candidates released by Congress party on Thursday night, Manvendra Singh son of veteran BJP leader Jaswant Singh will fight from Barmer seat whereas former Union Minister Bhanwar Jitendra Singh will contest from Alwar seat. The list has total names of 31 candidates - 19 from Rajasthan, 6 each for Gujarat and Uttar Pradesh. Polling in Rajasthan on 25 seats will be held on April 29 (Phase 4) and May 6 (Phase 5). Uttar Pradesh will go to polls in seven phases, from April 11 to May 19. Polling in Gujarat on 26 seats will take place on April 23. Results of the polls will be declared on May 23.

Lok Sabha 2019: Congress releases list of candidates for Rajasthan, Gujarat, UP; Ashok Gehlot's son to contest from Jodhpur

Taking a swipe at the grand alliance of opposition parties, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley Friday said the '<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/mahagathbandhan-in-bihar-allocates-seats-for-alliance-partners-for-lok-sabha-poll-phases-3-to-7-206478">mahagathbandhan</a>' is a 'non-bandhan', political circus and a recipe for chaos.

Several political parties, mostly traditional BJP opponents, have come together to take on the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in the ensuing general elections beginning April 11.

In a blog post, Jaitley said that over the last several months, India was "exhausted" with the talk of a 'Mahagathbandhan'.&nbsp;

The rationale, he said, was that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP were very strong and could not be challenged by an individual party.&nbsp;

Stressing that Indians judge politicians by their merit and capacity and no longer by any traditional loyalty, he said, "We were promised a 'coalition of rivals' because India had to be saved. We were promised a common minimum agenda. Each leader amongst the aspirant Prime Ministers wanted to become a 'sutradhar' (anchor) of the alliance. He/she would periodically organise shows in his/her State and invite the entire bandwagon."&nbsp;

In opposition camp, Jaitley said there is a tussle for leadership as already multiple candidates have made their desire clear to take over the mantle of the leadership.&nbsp;

According to him, each one of them is interested to see the strength of the other party's contender depleting and also have high hopes in a chaotic and highly hung Parliament.&nbsp;

"He/ she believes that only in a chaotic situation he/she has a chance," said Jaitley, who is heading the BJP's publicity division of the seven-phase Lok Sabha elections.&nbsp;

The past track record of such governments in terms of policy, longevity and growth has to be borne in mind, he said adding their track record of corruption is equally well-known.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;

Jaitley further said it is only because of the size of the BJP and clarity on leadership in the last coalition that a successful government was run under Prime Minister Modi.&nbsp;

"Today you have no 'gathbandhan' let alone 'mahagathbandhan'. It is a 'non-bandhan'. You have no leader, no programme, no meeting of minds.&nbsp;

"Stability, which is paramount, is a major casualty. The only thing in common is the negative agenda 'remove one man'. It is a recipe for chaos," he said in the blog titled 'A Political Circus Called 'Mahagathbandhan'.&nbsp;

The nominations for the first two phases of polling are over and those for the third phase are about to happen. The results will be announced on May 23.&nbsp;

Taking a swipe at the grand alliance of opposition parties, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley Friday said the 'mahagathbandhan' is a 'non-bandhan', political circus and a recipe for chaos.

Taking a swipe at the grand alliance of opposition parties, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley Friday said the 'mahagathbandhan' is a 'non-bandhan', political circus and a recipe for chaos. Several political parties, mostly traditional BJP opponents, have come together to take on the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in the ensuing general elections beginning April 11. In a blog post, Jaitley said that over the last several months, India was "exhausted" with the talk of a 'Mahagathbandhan'. The rationale, he said, was that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP were very strong and could not be challenged by an individual party. Stressing that Indians judge politicians by their merit and capacity and no longer by any traditional loyalty, he said, "We were promised a 'coalition of rivals' because India had to be saved. We were promised a common minimum agenda. Each leader amongst the aspirant Prime Ministers wanted to become a 'sutradhar' (anchor) of the alliance. He/she would periodically organise shows in his/her State and invite the entire bandwagon." In opposition camp, Jaitley said there is a tussle for leadership as already multiple candidates have made their desire clear to take over the mantle of the leadership. According to him, each one of them is interested to see the strength of the other party's contender depleting and also have high hopes in a chaotic and highly hung Parliament. "He/ she believes that only in a chaotic situation he/she has a chance," said Jaitley, who is heading the BJP's publicity division of the seven-phase Lok Sabha elections. The past track record of such governments in terms of policy, longevity and growth has to be borne in mind, he said adding their track record of corruption is equally well-known. Jaitley further said it is only because of the size of the BJP and clarity on leadership in the last coalition that a successful government was run under Prime Minister Modi. "Today you have no 'gathbandhan' let alone 'mahagathbandhan'. It is a 'non-bandhan'. You have no leader, no programme, no meeting of minds. "Stability, which is paramount, is a major casualty. The only thing in common is the negative agenda 'remove one man'. It is a recipe for chaos," he said in the blog titled 'A Political Circus Called 'Mahagathbandhan'. The nominations for the first two phases of polling are over and those for the third phase are about to happen. The results will be announced on May 23.

Mahagathbandhan is political circus, recipe for chaos: Arun Jaitley

In a big blow to the Congress, Patidar leader Hardik Patel has been barred from contesting the ensuing Lok Sabha polls owing to his conviction in a 2015 rioting case.

According to reports, the Gujarat High court on Friday rejected <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/hardik-patel-to-fight-lok-sabha-polls-congress-says-may-join-party-195669">Patel's plea seeking suspension of his conviction</a> in a 2015 rioting case in Mehsana.&nbsp;

As per the Representation of the People Act, 1951, Patel won't be able to contest the upcoming Lok Sabha Election due to his conviction.

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Gujarat High court rejects Congress leader Hardik Patel's plea seeking suspension of his conviction in a rioting case of 2015 in Mehsana. As per the Representation of the People Act, 1951, Hardik Patel won't be able to contest the upcoming Lok Sabha Election due to his conviction <a href="https://t.co/qmiuGwHMa3">pic.twitter.com/qmiuGwHMa3</a>
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Patel was barred from entering Mehsana by a court in the 2015 Mehsana riot case. He had filed a plea in the Gujarat high court against the lower court order.

In February sources from Congress were quoted by news agency PTI saying, "If the HC vacates the ban on his entry into Mehsana district, he is most likely to contest from Mehsana (in north Gujarat).... Amreli (in Saurasthra) is another seat which has been offered to him".

Patel's entry into the electoral fray will have an impact in Gujarat, where the Bharatiya Janata Party has been winning assembly elections since 1995. In the 2014 general election, the BJP had won all the 26 Lok Sabha seats in the state.&nbsp;

(With inputs from PTI)&nbsp;

In a big blow to the Congress, Patidar leader Hardik Patel has been barred from contesting the ensuing Lok Sabha polls owing to his conviction in a 2015 rioting case.

In a big blow to the Congress, Patidar leader Hardik Patel has been barred from contesting the ensuing Lok Sabha polls owing to his conviction in a 2015 rioting case. According to reports, the Gujarat High court on Friday rejected Patel's plea seeking suspension of his conviction in a 2015 rioting case in Mehsana. As per the Representation of the People Act, 1951, Patel won't be able to contest the upcoming Lok Sabha Election due to his conviction. Gujarat High court rejects Congress leader Hardik Patel's plea seeking suspension of his conviction in a rioting case of 2015 in Mehsana. As per the Representation of the People Act, 1951, Hardik Patel won't be able to contest the upcoming Lok Sabha Election due to his conviction pic.twitter.com/qmiuGwHMa3 — ANI (@ANI) March 29, 2019 × Patel was barred from entering Mehsana by a court in the 2015 Mehsana riot case. He had filed a plea in the Gujarat high court against the lower court order. In February sources from Congress were quoted by news agency PTI saying, "If the HC vacates the ban on his entry into Mehsana district, he is most likely to contest from Mehsana (in north Gujarat).... Amreli (in Saurasthra) is another seat which has been offered to him". Patel's entry into the electoral fray will have an impact in Gujarat, where the Bharatiya Janata Party has been winning assembly elections since 1995. In the 2014 general election, the BJP had won all the 26 Lok Sabha seats in the state. (With inputs from PTI)

Hardik Patel won't contest Lok Sabha polls, Gujarat HC rejects plea to stay his conviction in riots case

The Bharatiya Janata Party on Friday released its 12th <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bjp-releases-first-list-of-182-candidates-for-lok-sabha-polls-modi-to-contest-from-varanasi-again-204704">list of candidates for the ensuing Lok Sabha polls</a>. The list contains names of 11 candidates in Jammu and Kashmir, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra and Rajasthan.&nbsp;

The party has announced names of 367 candidates so far for the polls which will be held in seven phases starting April 11.&nbsp;

The list includes three candidates each from Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan and one each from Maharashtra and Jammu and Kashmir.

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BJP releases 12th list of 11 candidates in Jammu &amp; Kashmir, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra &amp; Rajasthan for <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LokSabhaElections2019?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LokSabhaElections2019</a> <a href="https://t.co/6GNeE0K0Ab">pic.twitter.com/6GNeE0K0Ab</a>
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi will contest from his home constituency Varanasi while Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh will fight from Lucknow. Party chief Amit Shah will contest from Gandhinagar.&nbsp;

Textiles Minister Smriti Irani will challenge Congress president Rahul Gandhi in Gandhi-family bastion Amethi. &nbsp;

VK Singh (Ghaziabad), Hema Malini (Mathura), Sakshi Maharaj (Unnao) are some of the other prominent figures announced in the first list. &nbsp;

Jugal Kishore to contest from Jammu, Dr Jitendra Singh from Udhampur, Sofi Yousuf from Anantnag and Khalid Jehangir will contest from Srinagar.

Babul Supriyo will contest from Asanasol, Rahul Sinha from Kolkata North and CK Bose from Kolkata South.

Subhash Bhamre to contest from Dhule, Hansraj Ahir from Chandrapur, Poonam Mahajan from Mumbai North Central.

The Bharatiya Janata Party on Friday released its 12th list of candidates for the ensuing Lok Sabha polls. The list contains names of 11 candidates in Jammu and Kashmir, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra and Rajasthan.

The Bharatiya Janata Party on Friday released its 12th list of candidates for the ensuing Lok Sabha polls. The list contains names of 11 candidates in Jammu and Kashmir, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra and Rajasthan. The party has announced names of 367 candidates so far for the polls which will be held in seven phases starting April 11. The list includes three candidates each from Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan and one each from Maharashtra and Jammu and Kashmir. BJP releases 12th list of 11 candidates in Jammu & Kashmir, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra & Rajasthan for #LokSabhaElections2019 pic.twitter.com/6GNeE0K0Ab — ANI (@ANI) March 29, 2019 × Prime Minister Narendra Modi will contest from his home constituency Varanasi while Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh will fight from Lucknow. Party chief Amit Shah will contest from Gandhinagar. Textiles Minister Smriti Irani will challenge Congress president Rahul Gandhi in Gandhi-family bastion Amethi. VK Singh (Ghaziabad), Hema Malini (Mathura), Sakshi Maharaj (Unnao) are some of the other prominent figures announced in the first list. Jugal Kishore to contest from Jammu, Dr Jitendra Singh from Udhampur, Sofi Yousuf from Anantnag and Khalid Jehangir will contest from Srinagar. Babul Supriyo will contest from Asanasol, Rahul Sinha from Kolkata North and CK Bose from Kolkata South. Subhash Bhamre to contest from Dhule, Hansraj Ahir from Chandrapur, Poonam Mahajan from Mumbai North Central.

Lok Sabha polls: BJP releases 12th list of 11 candidates

The CPI Friday announced that it would give a minimum pension of Rs 9,000 per month, grant full statehood to Delhi and Puducherry and a one-time comprehensive loan waiver for farmers as part of its manifesto for the Lok Sabha polls.&nbsp;

The Communist Party of India (CPI) also proposed a law for agricultural workers and a separate budget for agriculture.

The party said it would increase the number of guaranteed employment days under the MNREGA scheme to 200 days per family and ensure wage payment within the period of a guaranteed statute and at par with legal minimum wages for unskilled farm labour.

CPI leader D Raja, who released the manifesto, came down hard on the RSS-BJP and said that they, along with its other allied right-wing extremist organisations, had become "aggressive in pushing their ideology and agenda" which are "divisive, sectarian, communal and fascist."

"There is a systematic attack on our constitutional bodies and institutions... Authoritarianism and demagogy are the characteristics of Prime Minister Modi... The RSS ideology always played the politics of polarisation and alienation of the Muslims...The foreign policy of the BJP government is even a larger mess of failures... The use of armed forces for political mileage is condemnable and detrimental to the morale of the forces," he said.

It also announced that it was for the implementation of the one rank one pension to all the retired defence personnel, the universalisation of the PDS system, ensuring allocation of six per cent of GDP to health sector and the functional autonomy of the EC, CAG, RBI, CBI, CVC and other institutions of oversight.&nbsp;

The CPI Friday announced that it would give a minimum pension of Rs 9,000 per month, grant full statehood to Delhi and Puducherry and a one-time comprehensive loan waiver for farmers as part of its manifesto for the Lok Sabha polls.

The CPI Friday announced that it would give a minimum pension of Rs 9,000 per month, grant full statehood to Delhi and Puducherry and a one-time comprehensive loan waiver for farmers as part of its manifesto for the Lok Sabha polls. The Communist Party of India (CPI) also proposed a law for agricultural workers and a separate budget for agriculture. The party said it would increase the number of guaranteed employment days under the MNREGA scheme to 200 days per family and ensure wage payment within the period of a guaranteed statute and at par with legal minimum wages for unskilled farm labour. CPI leader D Raja, who released the manifesto, came down hard on the RSS-BJP and said that they, along with its other allied right-wing extremist organisations, had become "aggressive in pushing their ideology and agenda" which are "divisive, sectarian, communal and fascist." "There is a systematic attack on our constitutional bodies and institutions... Authoritarianism and demagogy are the characteristics of Prime Minister Modi... The RSS ideology always played the politics of polarisation and alienation of the Muslims...The foreign policy of the BJP government is even a larger mess of failures... The use of armed forces for political mileage is condemnable and detrimental to the morale of the forces," he said. It also announced that it was for the implementation of the one rank one pension to all the retired defence personnel, the universalisation of the PDS system, ensuring allocation of six per cent of GDP to health sector and the functional autonomy of the EC, CAG, RBI, CBI, CVC and other institutions of oversight.

Lok Sabha polls: CPI releases manifesto, announces assured pension of Rs 9,000 per month

The Bhartiya Janta Party's national president Amit Shah launched a blistering attack on Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress (TMC) supremo Mamata Banerjee on Friday and claimed that the party will implement NRC in Bengal if voted to power.

“We give equal respect to all religions in the country. But Mamata didi gives a monthly stipend to Imams only. But the same monthly stipend is not given to the pandits. This is minority appeasement. She forcibly imposes Urdu language in schools. She alloted Rs 4,000 crore budget to Madrasa but the entire higher education budget is less than 4,000 crore depriving children of becoming engineers and doctors,” Shah said during a campaign rally in Alipurduar district of Bengal.

He added that if voted to power, the party will implement the NRC in the state. “We are going to implement the NRC in West Bengal and kick out all infiltrators. I want to assure all refugees that we will give you shelter through the Citizenship Amendment Bill. Mamata ji wants to kick out the refugees but we will not allow that,” added Shah.

The BJP national president once again raised the issue of the Rath Yatra permission being denied by the authorities and claimed that democracy does not prevail in the state.

“When we were to take out the Rath Yatra we were not given permission. Helicopter’s permission was denied to me, Rajnath Singh ji and Yogi Adityanath ji. Mamata ji doesn't allow villagers to cast their vote. I want to tell everyone that TMC's time is up and we are confident of getting 23 seats here,” he said.

The Bhartiya Janta Party's national president Amit Shah launched a blistering attack on Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress (TMC) supremo Mamata Banerjee on Friday and claimed that the party will implement NRC in Bengal if voted to power.

The Bhartiya Janta Party's national president Amit Shah launched a blistering attack on Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress (TMC) supremo Mamata Banerjee on Friday and claimed that the party will implement NRC in Bengal if voted to power. “We give equal respect to all religions in the country. But Mamata didi gives a monthly stipend to Imams only. But the same monthly stipend is not given to the pandits. This is minority appeasement. She forcibly imposes Urdu language in schools. She alloted Rs 4,000 crore budget to Madrasa but the entire higher education budget is less than 4,000 crore depriving children of becoming engineers and doctors,” Shah said during a campaign rally in Alipurduar district of Bengal. He added that if voted to power, the party will implement the NRC in the state. “We are going to implement the NRC in West Bengal and kick out all infiltrators. I want to assure all refugees that we will give you shelter through the Citizenship Amendment Bill. Mamata ji wants to kick out the refugees but we will not allow that,” added Shah. The BJP national president once again raised the issue of the Rath Yatra permission being denied by the authorities and claimed that democracy does not prevail in the state. “When we were to take out the Rath Yatra we were not given permission. Helicopter’s permission was denied to me, Rajnath Singh ji and Yogi Adityanath ji. Mamata ji doesn't allow villagers to cast their vote. I want to tell everyone that TMC's time is up and we are confident of getting 23 seats here,” he said.

Lok Sabha polls: 'TMC's time is up, will implement NRC in state if voted to power,' says Amit Shah in Bengal

The 'mahagathbandhan' (grand alliance) in Bihar on Friday announced the seats to be contested by each of the alliance partners -- the RJD, Congress, RLSP, HAM and VIP -- in phases three to seven of the general elections.

Out of the 40 Lok Sabha seats in Bihar, polling would be held in 31 constituencies in phases three to seven between April 23 and May 19.

Announcing the seat-sharing arrangement at a press conference here, RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav also declared the name of his party's candidates and said that no nominee would be fielded by the alliance in Ara to help the CPI(ML) Liberation. He said the candidate for Sheohar seat "will be decided in two-three days".

Senior leaders of the Congress were conspicuous by their absence at the press conference.

Yadav also said his party would contest the Darbhanga seat, which has emerged as a bone of contention between the RJD and the Congress with the latter insisting on having the seat as it wanted to field sitting MP Kirti Azad, who had recently joined the party after quitting the BJP.

Senior RJD leader Abdul Bari Siddiqui would fight from Darbhanga.

Among the other prominent RJD candidates, Lalu Prasad's eldest daughter Misa Bharti would contest from Pataliputra, which she had lost to her father's former loyalist-turned-BJP leader Ram

Kripal Yadav in 2014. Chandrika Rai the father of Tej Pratap Yadav's estranged wife Aishwarya, will be fight from Saran.

Tejashwi also claimed that the Congress, which was represented at the press conference by former MLC Narendra Kumar Singh, had cleared the names of some of its candidates which included sitting MP from Supaul Ranjeet Ranjan and former Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar who would try her luck from Sasaram.

Meira Kumar has been contesting from her Sasaram parliamentary constituency for many years but had lost in the 2014 Lok Sabha polls.

The 'mahagathbandhan' (grand alliance) in Bihar on Friday announced the seats to be contested by each of the alliance partners -- the RJD, Congress, RLSP, HAM and VIP -- in phases three to seven of the general elections.

The 'mahagathbandhan' (grand alliance) in Bihar on Friday announced the seats to be contested by each of the alliance partners -- the RJD, Congress, RLSP, HAM and VIP -- in phases three to seven of the general elections. Out of the 40 Lok Sabha seats in Bihar, polling would be held in 31 constituencies in phases three to seven between April 23 and May 19. Announcing the seat-sharing arrangement at a press conference here, RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav also declared the name of his party's candidates and said that no nominee would be fielded by the alliance in Ara to help the CPI(ML) Liberation. He said the candidate for Sheohar seat "will be decided in two-three days". Senior leaders of the Congress were conspicuous by their absence at the press conference. Yadav also said his party would contest the Darbhanga seat, which has emerged as a bone of contention between the RJD and the Congress with the latter insisting on having the seat as it wanted to field sitting MP Kirti Azad, who had recently joined the party after quitting the BJP. Senior RJD leader Abdul Bari Siddiqui would fight from Darbhanga. Among the other prominent RJD candidates, Lalu Prasad's eldest daughter Misa Bharti would contest from Pataliputra, which she had lost to her father's former loyalist-turned-BJP leader Ram Kripal Yadav in 2014. Chandrika Rai the father of Tej Pratap Yadav's estranged wife Aishwarya, will be fight from Saran. Tejashwi also claimed that the Congress, which was represented at the press conference by former MLC Narendra Kumar Singh, had cleared the names of some of its candidates which included sitting MP from Supaul Ranjeet Ranjan and former Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar who would try her luck from Sasaram. Meira Kumar has been contesting from her Sasaram parliamentary constituency for many years but had lost in the 2014 Lok Sabha polls.

'Mahagathbandhan' in Bihar allocates seats for alliance partners for Lok Sabha poll phases 3 to 7

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said his government had taken measures to set up a 'chowkidar' in space and asked people to vote for a government that can take concrete decisions and not just raise slogans.

Launching his campaign in eastern India with a rally in Jeypore area of Odisha's Koraput district, the prime minister said the NDA government wouldn't have been able to do any development work in the country without the support of the people.

He sought blessings from his supporters for the 2019 Lok Sabha elections and asserted that the NDA government has left no stone unturned to bring about development in the state.

"The NDA government has been working hard to develop road and rail infrastructure in the state. There is no dearth of funds when it comes to development work in the country.

"In the last five years, the government has been able to build homes for eight lakh families, light up 3,000 houses and provide gas connections to 40 lakh homes," Modi stated.

Referring to Mission Shakti, when India demonstrated anti-satellite (ASAT) missile capability by shooting down a live satellite, he said the government has taken measures to set up a 'chowkidar' (watchman ) in space.

He came down heavily on opposition parties who he said "belittled" the space achievement.

"Those that are criticising the anti-satellite technology will be given a befitting reply in the elections," he claimed, urging people to vote for a government that can take concrete decisions, not the one that only raises slogans.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said his government had taken measures to set up a 'chowkidar' in space and asked people to vote for a government that can take concrete decisions and not just raise slogans.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said his government had taken measures to set up a 'chowkidar' in space and asked people to vote for a government that can take concrete decisions and not just raise slogans. Launching his campaign in eastern India with a rally in Jeypore area of Odisha's Koraput district, the prime minister said the NDA government wouldn't have been able to do any development work in the country without the support of the people. He sought blessings from his supporters for the 2019 Lok Sabha elections and asserted that the NDA government has left no stone unturned to bring about development in the state. "The NDA government has been working hard to develop road and rail infrastructure in the state. There is no dearth of funds when it comes to development work in the country. "In the last five years, the government has been able to build homes for eight lakh families, light up 3,000 houses and provide gas connections to 40 lakh homes," Modi stated. Referring to Mission Shakti, when India demonstrated anti-satellite (ASAT) missile capability by shooting down a live satellite, he said the government has taken measures to set up a 'chowkidar' (watchman ) in space. He came down heavily on opposition parties who he said "belittled" the space achievement. "Those that are criticising the anti-satellite technology will be given a befitting reply in the elections," he claimed, urging people to vote for a government that can take concrete decisions, not the one that only raises slogans.

Government has taken measures to set up 'chowkidar' in space: Modi in Odisha

At least 83 per cent of 521 sitting MPs are ‘crorepatis’ and 33 per cent of them have criminal cases against them, according to a report by election watchdog Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR).&nbsp;

The ADR, an NGO working in electoral reforms, has compiled the report after analysing self-sworn affidavits of the 521 MPs out of 543 members elected to the Lok Sabha in the 2014 elections.

“Out of the 521 Sitting MPs analysed, 430 (83 pc) are crorepatis. While 227 of them are from BJP, 37 are from Congress, 29 from AIADMK, among others,” the report said.

The average assets per sitting MP for Lok Sabha 2014 elections are Rs 14.72 crore.

While 32 sitting MPs have declared more than Rs 50 crore worth of assets, only two sitting MPs have declared assets less than worth Rs 5 lakh.

At least 33 per cent sitting MPs have declared criminal cases against them in the affidavits.

“While 106 of them have declared serious criminal cases including cases related to murder, attempt to murder, communal disharmony, kidnapping and crimes against women, 10 sitting MPs have declared cases related to murder. Out of these, 4 sitting MPs are from BJP, 1 MP from INC, NCP, LJP, RJD, Swabhimani Paksha each and one MP is an Independent,” the report said.

“14 sitting MPs have declared cases of attempt to murder. Out of these, eight sitting MPs are from BJP and one MP each from INC, AITC, NCP, RJD, Shiv Sena and Swabhimani Paksha. 14 sitting MPs declared cases related to causing communal disharmony. Out of them, 10 sitting MPs are from BJP and 1 MP from TRS, PMK, All India Majlis-E-Ittehadul Muslimeen and AIUDF each,” it added.

At least 83 per cent of 521 sitting MPs are ‘crorepatis’ and 33 per cent of them have criminal cases against them, according to a report by election watchdog Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR).

At least 83 per cent of 521 sitting MPs are ‘crorepatis’ and 33 per cent of them have criminal cases against them, according to a report by election watchdog Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR). The ADR, an NGO working in electoral reforms, has compiled the report after analysing self-sworn affidavits of the 521 MPs out of 543 members elected to the Lok Sabha in the 2014 elections. “Out of the 521 Sitting MPs analysed, 430 (83 pc) are crorepatis. While 227 of them are from BJP, 37 are from Congress, 29 from AIADMK, among others,” the report said. The average assets per sitting MP for Lok Sabha 2014 elections are Rs 14.72 crore. While 32 sitting MPs have declared more than Rs 50 crore worth of assets, only two sitting MPs have declared assets less than worth Rs 5 lakh. At least 33 per cent sitting MPs have declared criminal cases against them in the affidavits. “While 106 of them have declared serious criminal cases including cases related to murder, attempt to murder, communal disharmony, kidnapping and crimes against women, 10 sitting MPs have declared cases related to murder. Out of these, 4 sitting MPs are from BJP, 1 MP from INC, NCP, LJP, RJD, Swabhimani Paksha each and one MP is an Independent,” the report said. “14 sitting MPs have declared cases of attempt to murder. Out of these, eight sitting MPs are from BJP and one MP each from INC, AITC, NCP, RJD, Shiv Sena and Swabhimani Paksha. 14 sitting MPs declared cases related to causing communal disharmony. Out of them, 10 sitting MPs are from BJP and 1 MP from TRS, PMK, All India Majlis-E-Ittehadul Muslimeen and AIUDF each,” it added.

430 MPs out of 521 sitting MPs are ‘crorepatis’, 33% have criminal cases: Report

Kanyakumari and Sivaganga constituencies in Tamil Nadu are where one can expect a close and direct contest between candidates of the National parties BJP and Congress, in a state where the majority of seats are swept by the Dravidian parties.&nbsp;

In Kanyakumari, incumbent BJP MP Pon. Radhakrishnan would be taking on H Vasantha Kumar of the Congress, whereas it would be H.Raja(BJP) versus Karti Chidambaram in Sivaganga.

However, there is a stark contrast that appears on scrutinizing the affidavits that the candidates have filed along with their nominations. Vasantha Kumar, the Congress candidate has declared movable assets worth Rs. 230,20,95,302, whereas the immovable assets are valued at Rs. 182,25,00,000. Thus taking the total value of his assets to Rs. 412,45,95,302. he has also declared liabilities amounting to 154,75,11,439.

Vasanthakumar is a sitting MLA in the Tamil Nadu assembly and is a promoter of a very popular chain of consumer electronics, appliances and also a TV channel. When comparing the amount shown in his income tax returns between 2013-14 and 2017-18, it is Rs.19,87,47,960 and Rs.28,93,59,990. This is an increase of about 45%.

In the case of the BJP candidate, Pon. Radhakrishnan, he has declared moveable assets of Rs.50,56,298 and inherited assets of Rs. 6,99,40,155, while there are no liabilities mentioned. Regarding the income he has shown under the income tax returns, there is a drop from Rs. 9,67,009 (2013-14) to Rs. 7,72,850 (2017-18), while it had risen to &nbsp;Rs. 15,03,610 during 2015-16.

The candidate contesting for Kamal Haasan’s Makkal Needhi Maiam, in Kanyakumari is J.Ebenezer. The candidate who would be representing the party that is making its electoral debut has declared movable assets of Rs. 40,96,628 and immovable assets of Rs. 2,00,00,000. Under the liabilities section, the candidate has declared Rs.46,64,663. His income has gone from Rs. 5,41,928 in 2013-14 to Rs, 5,31,881 in 2017-18.

In the case of Karti Chidambaram, son of former Finance Minister P.Chidambaram who is contesting from Sivaganga, the total movable assets are declared as Rs. 24,13,73,168 and the immovable assets are declared at Rs. 22,88,89,303, whereas the liabilities are declared as Rs. 8,97,44,503.&nbsp;

H.Raja from the BJP, who would be taking on Karti in Sivaganga has declared his movable assets as Rs. 50,97,544, immovable assets as Rs. 77,90,000, and also liabilities as Nil.&nbsp;

The candidates in Kanyakumari from the major National parties and also the candidate who would be representing the debutant party Makkal Needhi Maiam are ‘crorepatis’, having declared assets that run over a crore. However, as far as the assets, liabilities declaration goes, the Congress candidate has far outnumbered his fellow contestants.&nbsp;

Tamil Nadu goes to the polls on April 18th, in the second phase of what would be a seven-phase poll. The ruling party in the state, the AIADMK has allied with the BJP, PMK, DMDK and other smaller outfits while the DMK which is the major opposition party in the State seemly has alliances with the Congress, Left parties and other smaller outfits.

Kanyakumari and Sivaganga constituencies in Tamil Nadu are where one can expect a close and direct contest between candidates of the National parties BJP and Congress, in a state where the majority of seats are swept by the Dravidian parties.

Kanyakumari and Sivaganga constituencies in Tamil Nadu are where one can expect a close and direct contest between candidates of the National parties BJP and Congress, in a state where the majority of seats are swept by the Dravidian parties. In Kanyakumari, incumbent BJP MP Pon. Radhakrishnan would be taking on H Vasantha Kumar of the Congress, whereas it would be H.Raja(BJP) versus Karti Chidambaram in Sivaganga. However, there is a stark contrast that appears on scrutinizing the affidavits that the candidates have filed along with their nominations. Vasantha Kumar, the Congress candidate has declared movable assets worth Rs. 230,20,95,302, whereas the immovable assets are valued at Rs. 182,25,00,000. Thus taking the total value of his assets to Rs. 412,45,95,302. he has also declared liabilities amounting to 154,75,11,439. Vasanthakumar is a sitting MLA in the Tamil Nadu assembly and is a promoter of a very popular chain of consumer electronics, appliances and also a TV channel. When comparing the amount shown in his income tax returns between 2013-14 and 2017-18, it is Rs.19,87,47,960 and Rs.28,93,59,990. This is an increase of about 45%. In the case of the BJP candidate, Pon. Radhakrishnan, he has declared moveable assets of Rs.50,56,298 and inherited assets of Rs. 6,99,40,155, while there are no liabilities mentioned. Regarding the income he has shown under the income tax returns, there is a drop from Rs. 9,67,009 (2013-14) to Rs. 7,72,850 (2017-18), while it had risen to Rs. 15,03,610 during 2015-16. The candidate contesting for Kamal Haasan’s Makkal Needhi Maiam, in Kanyakumari is J.Ebenezer. The candidate who would be representing the party that is making its electoral debut has declared movable assets of Rs. 40,96,628 and immovable assets of Rs. 2,00,00,000. Under the liabilities section, the candidate has declared Rs.46,64,663. His income has gone from Rs. 5,41,928 in 2013-14 to Rs, 5,31,881 in 2017-18. In the case of Karti Chidambaram, son of former Finance Minister P.Chidambaram who is contesting from Sivaganga, the total movable assets are declared as Rs. 24,13,73,168 and the immovable assets are declared at Rs. 22,88,89,303, whereas the liabilities are declared as Rs. 8,97,44,503. H.Raja from the BJP, who would be taking on Karti in Sivaganga has declared his movable assets as Rs. 50,97,544, immovable assets as Rs. 77,90,000, and also liabilities as Nil. The candidates in Kanyakumari from the major National parties and also the candidate who would be representing the debutant party Makkal Needhi Maiam are ‘crorepatis’, having declared assets that run over a crore. However, as far as the assets, liabilities declaration goes, the Congress candidate has far outnumbered his fellow contestants. Tamil Nadu goes to the polls on April 18th, in the second phase of what would be a seven-phase poll. The ruling party in the state, the AIADMK has allied with the BJP, PMK, DMDK and other smaller outfits while the DMK which is the major opposition party in the State seemly has alliances with the Congress, Left parties and other smaller outfits.

Congress’ Kanyakumari candidate has assets worth over Rs 420 cr, liabilities of Rs 154 cr; far outnumbers fellow contenders 

Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel's father Nand Kumar Baghel on Monday expressed his willingness to contest the upcoming Lok Sabha elections against Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Nand Kumar Baghel is not a member of any political party. Addressing reporters outside the Congress headquarters here, he said, "I want to contest election against Prime Minister Narendra Modi. If Congress gives me a ticket, I will contest to defeat him and make Rahul Gandhi the next Prime Minister of India."

Terming Prime Minister as "dictator", he said, "He (Modi) has made false promises to the country. Congress should field me against him."

"Congress party should not ally with regional parties and if the alliance happens, it should happen only on condition that Rahul Gandhi will be the next Prime Minister," he added.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is once again set to contest general elections from Varanasi Lok Sabha constituency, the seat from which he won in 2014 polls.

The Lok Sabha elections are scheduled to be conducted in seven phases. The counting of votes will be done on May 23.&nbsp;

Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel's father Nand Kumar Baghel on Monday expressed his willingness to contest the upcoming Lok Sabha elections against Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel's father Nand Kumar Baghel on Monday expressed his willingness to contest the upcoming Lok Sabha elections against Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Nand Kumar Baghel is not a member of any political party. Addressing reporters outside the Congress headquarters here, he said, "I want to contest election against Prime Minister Narendra Modi. If Congress gives me a ticket, I will contest to defeat him and make Rahul Gandhi the next Prime Minister of India." Terming Prime Minister as "dictator", he said, "He (Modi) has made false promises to the country. Congress should field me against him." "Congress party should not ally with regional parties and if the alliance happens, it should happen only on condition that Rahul Gandhi will be the next Prime Minister," he added. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is once again set to contest general elections from Varanasi Lok Sabha constituency, the seat from which he won in 2014 polls. The Lok Sabha elections are scheduled to be conducted in seven phases. The counting of votes will be done on May 23.

Lok Sabha polls: Chhattisgarh CM's father wishes to contest against PM Modi

Model Code of Conduct is a set of guidelines laid down by the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/election-commission-fixes-timeline-for-political-parties-to-release-manifesto-203758">Election Commission</a> to govern the conduct of<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/election-commission-to-deploy-more-special-expenditure-observers-120-sensitive-seats-identified-205583"> political parties and candidates </a>in the run-up to an election.

Simply, it comprises all the rules to ensure free and fair polls.

The rules range from issues related to speeches, polling day, polling booths, portfolios, the content of election manifestos, processions and general conduct so that free and fair elections are conducted.

Model Code of Conduct comes into force from the date the election schedule is announced until the date that results are out. As a result, it kicked in from March 11 evening and will remain in effect until the election process is concluded.

What restrictions does the Model Code of Conduct impose on government and political parties?

According to the Model Code of Conduct, any political party — whether at the Centre or in the States — should ensure that it does not use its official position for campaigning.

Ministers and other government authorities cannot announce financial grants in any form.

The ruling government cannot make any ad-hoc appointments in Government, Public Undertakings etc.

No project or scheme which may have the effect of influencing the voter can be announced.

Politicians and officers cannot use executive machinery for the election campaign or any purposes to influence voters.

What happens at the violation of Model Code of Conduct

If a political party, a candidate or a government official is found violating or not adhering to the rules prescribed under the MCC, the citizens can apprise the Election Commission of India (ECI) of such violation through specified means.

The ECI will deliberate on the issue and can take a range of actions: Impose a fine, file an FIR that leads to imprisonment or even cancel the polls in that constituency.

cVIGIL mobile app

Citizens can report violations of model code via cVIGIL mobile app introduced by the ECI. All one has to do is click a picture or a video, describe the activity and upload it via the app. Flying squads will reach the spot in minutes. The identity and other details of the complainant will be kept anonymous in the app.

Model Code of Conduct is a set of guidelines laid down by the Election Commission to govern the conduct of political parties and candidates in the run-up to an election.

Model Code of Conduct is a set of guidelines laid down by the Election Commission to govern the conduct of political parties and candidates in the run-up to an election. Simply, it comprises all the rules to ensure free and fair polls. The rules range from issues related to speeches, polling day, polling booths, portfolios, the content of election manifestos, processions and general conduct so that free and fair elections are conducted. Model Code of Conduct comes into force from the date the election schedule is announced until the date that results are out. As a result, it kicked in from March 11 evening and will remain in effect until the election process is concluded. What restrictions does the Model Code of Conduct impose on government and political parties? According to the Model Code of Conduct, any political party — whether at the Centre or in the States — should ensure that it does not use its official position for campaigning. Ministers and other government authorities cannot announce financial grants in any form. The ruling government cannot make any ad-hoc appointments in Government, Public Undertakings etc. No project or scheme which may have the effect of influencing the voter can be announced. Politicians and officers cannot use executive machinery for the election campaign or any purposes to influence voters. What happens at the violation of Model Code of Conduct If a political party, a candidate or a government official is found violating or not adhering to the rules prescribed under the MCC, the citizens can apprise the Election Commission of India (ECI) of such violation through specified means. The ECI will deliberate on the issue and can take a range of actions: Impose a fine, file an FIR that leads to imprisonment or even cancel the polls in that constituency. cVIGIL mobile app Citizens can report violations of model code via cVIGIL mobile app introduced by the ECI. All one has to do is click a picture or a video, describe the activity and upload it via the app. Flying squads will reach the spot in minutes. The identity and other details of the complainant will be kept anonymous in the app.

Lok Sabha polls 2019: What is Model Code of Conduct?

Rahul Gandhi-led Congress party on Tuesday released its list of star campaigners ahead of the Lok Sabha polls. The list includes party president Rahul Gandhi, UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi, former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and party in-charge of eastern Uttar Pradesh Priyanka Gandhi Vadra.&nbsp;

Some of the other prominent leaders in the list are Ghulam Nabi Azad, Jyotiraditya Scindia, Ashok Chavan, Mallikarjun Kharge, Prithviraj Chavan, KC Venugopal, Sushil Kumar Shinde, Milind Deora and cricketer-turned-politician Mohammad Azharuddin, among others. &nbsp;

The Bharatiya Janata Party also released its list of star campaigners and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-polls-bjps-list-of-star-campaigners-skips-advani-murli-manohar-joshi-205654">skipped some of its veteran leaders</a>. The BJP, for this year's Lok Sabha polls, has decided not to field <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-2019-bjp-snubs-veteran-leaders-murli-manohar-joshi-asked-not-to-contest-205698">veteran leaders ageing above 75 years</a> in its move to promote younger candidates.&nbsp;

Akhilesh Yadav's Samajwadi Party, last week, in its 'star campaigners' list left out party patriarch and former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mulayam Singh Yadav who was hastily added back to the list a day later.&nbsp;

Rahul Gandhi-led Congress party on Tuesday released its list of star campaigners ahead of the Lok Sabha polls. The list includes party president Rahul Gandhi, UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi, former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and party in-charge of eastern Uttar Pradesh Priyanka Gandhi Vadra.

Rahul Gandhi-led Congress party on Tuesday released its list of star campaigners ahead of the Lok Sabha polls. The list includes party president Rahul Gandhi, UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi, former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and party in-charge of eastern Uttar Pradesh Priyanka Gandhi Vadra. Some of the other prominent leaders in the list are Ghulam Nabi Azad, Jyotiraditya Scindia, Ashok Chavan, Mallikarjun Kharge, Prithviraj Chavan, KC Venugopal, Sushil Kumar Shinde, Milind Deora and cricketer-turned-politician Mohammad Azharuddin, among others. The Bharatiya Janata Party also released its list of star campaigners and skipped some of its veteran leaders. The BJP, for this year's Lok Sabha polls, has decided not to field veteran leaders ageing above 75 years in its move to promote younger candidates. Akhilesh Yadav's Samajwadi Party, last week, in its 'star campaigners' list left out party patriarch and former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mulayam Singh Yadav who was hastily added back to the list a day later.

Lok Sabha polls: Congress' list of star campaigners includes Gandhi clan, former CM, party bigwigs and Mohammad Azharuddin

Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday stated that he is pretty sure of another term for Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Singh, in middle of his statement, got caught in a poetic frenzy and said, "Chowkidar is not a chor, he is pure and another term for him is sure".&nbsp;

Earlier this month, Prime Minister Narendra Modi changed his Twitter handle to '<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-changes-name-on-twitter-to-chowkidar-narendra-modi-amit-shah-piyush-goyal-follow-suit-203811">Chowkidar' Narendra Modi</a>. Scores of BJP bigwigs, including party president Amit Shah and Railway Minister Piyush Goyal, followed suit.&nbsp;

"Your Chowkidar is standing firm &amp; serving the nation," Modi had tweeted on.&nbsp;

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Union Minister &amp; BJP leader Rajnath Singh at a public rally in Delhi: Chowkidar chorr nahi, Chowkidar pure hai. Chowkidar ka dobara PM banana sure hai, desh ki samasyaon ka woh hi cure hai. <a href="https://t.co/5hcvCV6M96">pic.twitter.com/5hcvCV6M96</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1110433156560310274?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 26, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"But, I am not alone," he said. "Everyone who is fighting corruption, dirt, social evils is a Chowkidar. Everyone working hard for the progress of India is a Chowkidar."&nbsp;

"Today, every Indian is saying-#MainBhiChowkidar," he added.&nbsp;

The Prime Minister had first referred to himself as the chowkidar (watchman) of the nation in the run-up to the 2014 general elections. "Na khaoonga, na khaane doonga (I will not be corrupt, I will not let others be corrupt)," he had said then. &nbsp;

On March 16, Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged his supporters to take the 'main bhai chowkidar' (I too am watchman) pledge, saying he is not alone in the fight against graft and social evils.

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Your Chowkidar is standing firm &amp; serving the nation. 
 
But, I am not alone. 
 
Everyone who is fighting corruption, dirt, social evils is a Chowkidar. 
 
Everyone working hard for the progress of India is a Chowkidar. 
 
Today, every Indian is saying-<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MainBhiChowkidar?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MainBhiChowkidar</a>
— Chowkidar Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1106759555315314689?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 16, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"Your Chowkidar is standing firm and serving the nation. But, I am not alone. Everyone who is fighting corruption, dirt, social evils is a Chowkidar. Everyone working hard for the progress of India is a Chowkidar. Today, every Indian is saying-#MainBhiChowkidar," he wrote on Twitter.

He also posted a three-minute long video to drive home his message.

PM Modi has often described himself as a "chowkidar" by the opposition.

Congress president Rahul Gandhi has been repeatedly hurling the "chowkidar chor hai" (watchman is the thief) jibe at the Prime Minister to claim irregularities and favouritism in the Rafale fighter jet deal, a charge the BJP-led government has rejected.

Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday stated that he is pretty sure of another term for Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Singh, in middle of his statement, got caught in a poetic frenzy and said, "Chowkidar is not a chor, he is pure and another term for him is sure".

Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday stated that he is pretty sure of another term for Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Singh, in middle of his statement, got caught in a poetic frenzy and said, "Chowkidar is not a chor, he is pure and another term for him is sure". Earlier this month, Prime Minister Narendra Modi changed his Twitter handle to 'Chowkidar' Narendra Modi. Scores of BJP bigwigs, including party president Amit Shah and Railway Minister Piyush Goyal, followed suit. "Your Chowkidar is standing firm & serving the nation," Modi had tweeted on. Union Minister & BJP leader Rajnath Singh at a public rally in Delhi: Chowkidar chorr nahi, Chowkidar pure hai. Chowkidar ka dobara PM banana sure hai, desh ki samasyaon ka woh hi cure hai. pic.twitter.com/5hcvCV6M96 — ANI (@ANI) March 26, 2019 × "But, I am not alone," he said. "Everyone who is fighting corruption, dirt, social evils is a Chowkidar. Everyone working hard for the progress of India is a Chowkidar." "Today, every Indian is saying-#MainBhiChowkidar," he added. The Prime Minister had first referred to himself as the chowkidar (watchman) of the nation in the run-up to the 2014 general elections. "Na khaoonga, na khaane doonga (I will not be corrupt, I will not let others be corrupt)," he had said then. On March 16, Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged his supporters to take the 'main bhai chowkidar' (I too am watchman) pledge, saying he is not alone in the fight against graft and social evils. Your Chowkidar is standing firm & serving the nation. But, I am not alone. Everyone who is fighting corruption, dirt, social evils is a Chowkidar. Everyone working hard for the progress of India is a Chowkidar. Today, every Indian is saying-#MainBhiChowkidar — Chowkidar Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 16, 2019 × "Your Chowkidar is standing firm and serving the nation. But, I am not alone. Everyone who is fighting corruption, dirt, social evils is a Chowkidar. Everyone working hard for the progress of India is a Chowkidar. Today, every Indian is saying-#MainBhiChowkidar," he wrote on Twitter. He also posted a three-minute long video to drive home his message. PM Modi has often described himself as a "chowkidar" by the opposition. Congress president Rahul Gandhi has been repeatedly hurling the "chowkidar chor hai" (watchman is the thief) jibe at the Prime Minister to claim irregularities and favouritism in the Rafale fighter jet deal, a charge the BJP-led government has rejected.

Chowkidar is pure, another term for him is sure: Rajnath Singh goes poetic on Modi

The Congress has released its list of candidates for the upcoming assembly polls in Odisha. According to reports, the party has fielded Biren Senapati, Ramesh Purohit, Shyamghan Pradhan and Shambhunath Panigrahi from Rourkela, Patnagarh, G Udaygiri and Hinjili, respectively.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/lok-sabha-polls-congress-releases-sixth-list-of-candidates-204430">The Congress, last week, released its 6th list of candidates</a> for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections - seven from Maharashtra and two from Kerala, for the Lok Sabha election.&nbsp;

With this, the party has released names of 146 candidates for the election starting on April 11.

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-polls-bjp-announces-list-of-100-candidates-for-odisha-assembly-polls-204777">Bharatiya Janata Party also released a list of 100 candidates</a> for assembly polls in Odisha last week.&nbsp;

Damodar Rout, Kusum Tete, Prakash Behera, and K Narayan Rao, who recently joined BJP after quitting BJD, have been given tickets to contest polls in the state. Rout has been fielded from Balikuda-Ersama assembly constituency, Prakash Behera from Salepur, Kusum Tete from Sundergarh and K Narayan Rao from Paralakhemundi, news agency ANI reported.&nbsp;

In the 2014 Assembly elections, BJP had won 10 out of 147 seats in Odisha.&nbsp;

Odisha will go to polls in four phases on April 11, 18, 23 and 29. The state will be voting simultaneously for the 21 Lok Sabha and 147 Assembly seats in Odisha.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The Congress has released its list of candidates for the upcoming assembly polls in Odisha. According to reports, the party has fielded Biren Senapati, Ramesh Purohit, Shyamghan Pradhan and Shambhunath Panigrahi from Rourkela, Patnagarh, G Udaygiri and Hinjili, respectively.

The Congress has released its list of candidates for the upcoming assembly polls in Odisha. According to reports, the party has fielded Biren Senapati, Ramesh Purohit, Shyamghan Pradhan and Shambhunath Panigrahi from Rourkela, Patnagarh, G Udaygiri and Hinjili, respectively. The Congress, last week, released its 6th list of candidates for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections - seven from Maharashtra and two from Kerala, for the Lok Sabha election. With this, the party has released names of 146 candidates for the election starting on April 11. The Bharatiya Janata Party also released a list of 100 candidates for assembly polls in Odisha last week. Damodar Rout, Kusum Tete, Prakash Behera, and K Narayan Rao, who recently joined BJP after quitting BJD, have been given tickets to contest polls in the state. Rout has been fielded from Balikuda-Ersama assembly constituency, Prakash Behera from Salepur, Kusum Tete from Sundergarh and K Narayan Rao from Paralakhemundi, news agency ANI reported. In the 2014 Assembly elections, BJP had won 10 out of 147 seats in Odisha. Odisha will go to polls in four phases on April 11, 18, 23 and 29. The state will be voting simultaneously for the 21 Lok Sabha and 147 Assembly seats in Odisha. (With inputs from agencies)

Congress releases list of candidates for Odisha assembly polls

The Bharatiya Janata Party on Tuesday&nbsp;released its list of star campaigners for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls.&nbsp;

According to reports, BJP's star campaigners include Prime Minister Narendra Modi, party chief Amit Shah along with union ministers like Rajnath Singh, Nitin Gadkari, Arun Jaitley, Sushma Swaraj.&nbsp;

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BJP has released list of star campaigners for <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LokSabhaElections2019?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LokSabhaElections2019</a> for UP. PM Narendra Modi, Amit Shah, Rajnath Singh, Nitin Gadkari, Arun Jaitley, Sushma Swaraj, Uma Bharti feature on the list. Names of LK Advani &amp; Murli Manohar Joshi missing from the list 40 star campaigners
— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANINewsUP/status/1110374857169166338?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 26, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Interestingly, the party has kept out some of the tallest party leaders and political bigwigs like LK Advani and Murli Manohar Joshi out from its list of 40 star campaigners.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, the party is all set to launch its <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bjp-to-kick-off-campaign-blitz-in-bihar-as-poll-heat-picks-up-205646">Lok Sabha election campaign in Bihar</a>.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Bihar on July 2, party sources said on Monday. He is expected to address election rallies in Jamui and Gaya.

Before PM's visit, party chief Amit Shah is scheduled to visit Bihar on March 29.

(With inputs from ANI)&nbsp;

The Bharatiya Janata Party on Tuesday released its list of star campaigners for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls. According to reports, BJP's star campaigners include Prime Minister Narendra Modi, party chief Amit Shah along with union ministers like Rajnath Singh, Nitin Gadkari, Arun Jaitley, Sushma Swaraj.

The Bharatiya Janata Party on Tuesday released its list of star campaigners for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls. According to reports, BJP's star campaigners include Prime Minister Narendra Modi, party chief Amit Shah along with union ministers like Rajnath Singh, Nitin Gadkari, Arun Jaitley, Sushma Swaraj. BJP has released list of star campaigners for #LokSabhaElections2019 for UP. PM Narendra Modi, Amit Shah, Rajnath Singh, Nitin Gadkari, Arun Jaitley, Sushma Swaraj, Uma Bharti feature on the list. Names of LK Advani & Murli Manohar Joshi missing from the list 40 star campaigners — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) March 26, 2019 × Interestingly, the party has kept out some of the tallest party leaders and political bigwigs like LK Advani and Murli Manohar Joshi out from its list of 40 star campaigners. Meanwhile, the party is all set to launch its Lok Sabha election campaign in Bihar. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Bihar on July 2, party sources said on Monday. He is expected to address election rallies in Jamui and Gaya. Before PM's visit, party chief Amit Shah is scheduled to visit Bihar on March 29. (With inputs from ANI)

Lok Sabha polls: BJP's list of star campaigners skips Advani, Murli Manohar Joshi

The Bharatiya Janata Party has asked former BJP president and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-polls-bjps-list-of-star-campaigners-skips-advani-murli-manohar-joshi-205654">Lok Sabha MP Murli Manohar</a> Joshi not to contest the upcoming Lok Sabha polls, his office said.

The move is being seen in line of the party's decision to not field some its veteran candidates, those ageing over 75 years.&nbsp;

BJP leaders said the party has taken a "principled decision" that veterans should make the way for younger leaders.

The BJP has also not given tickets to likes of BC Khanduri, Kariya Munda, Kalraj Mishra, Bijoya Chakravarty - all many term MPs and over 80 years of age - besides Advani (91).

Joshi's office confirmed the development saying that the 85-year-old leader has issued a statement in Kanpur, the Lok Sabha constituency from where he won in 2014 Lok Sabha polls.&nbsp;

The statement said BJP general secretary (organisation) Ram Lal, a Rashtriya Swayamsewak Sangh (RSS) appointee, had conveyed Joshi the party leadership's decision that he should not be contesting the elections.

He had vacated Varanasi seat, which he had won in 2009, for Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2014.

The Bharatiya Janata Party on Tuesday released its list of star campaigners for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls.&nbsp;

According to reports, BJP's star campaigners include Prime Minister Narendra Modi, party chief Amit Shah along with union ministers like Rajnath Singh, Nitin Gadkari, Arun Jaitley, Sushma Swaraj.&nbsp;

Here also, the party has kept out some of the tallest party leaders and political bigwigs like LK Advani and Murli Manohar Joshi out from its list of 40 star campaigners.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The Bharatiya Janata Party has asked former BJP president and Lok Sabha MP Murli Manohar Joshi not to contest the upcoming Lok Sabha polls, his office said. The move is being seen in line of the party's decision to not field some its veteran candidates, those ageing over 75 years.

The Bharatiya Janata Party has asked former BJP president and Lok Sabha MP Murli Manohar Joshi not to contest the upcoming Lok Sabha polls, his office said. The move is being seen in line of the party's decision to not field some its veteran candidates, those ageing over 75 years. BJP leaders said the party has taken a "principled decision" that veterans should make the way for younger leaders. The BJP has also not given tickets to likes of BC Khanduri, Kariya Munda, Kalraj Mishra, Bijoya Chakravarty - all many term MPs and over 80 years of age - besides Advani (91). Joshi's office confirmed the development saying that the 85-year-old leader has issued a statement in Kanpur, the Lok Sabha constituency from where he won in 2014 Lok Sabha polls. The statement said BJP general secretary (organisation) Ram Lal, a Rashtriya Swayamsewak Sangh (RSS) appointee, had conveyed Joshi the party leadership's decision that he should not be contesting the elections. He had vacated Varanasi seat, which he had won in 2009, for Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2014. The Bharatiya Janata Party on Tuesday released its list of star campaigners for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls. According to reports, BJP's star campaigners include Prime Minister Narendra Modi, party chief Amit Shah along with union ministers like Rajnath Singh, Nitin Gadkari, Arun Jaitley, Sushma Swaraj. Here also, the party has kept out some of the tallest party leaders and political bigwigs like LK Advani and Murli Manohar Joshi out from its list of 40 star campaigners.

Lok Sabha polls 2019: Murli Manohar Joshi asked not to contest, says his office

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