The Election Commission on Thursday stated that the total voter turnout in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-polls-2019-phase-2-voting-on-april-18-211287">second phase of Lok Sabha polls</a> has been recorded at 66 per cent. Senior deputy election commissioner Umesh Sinha told media about the total polling percentage today evening.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Moderate to high voter turnout was recorded in the 95 constituencies in 11 states and Puducherry that went to polls in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/general-elections-2019-voters-politicians-celebrities-queue-up-to-vote-in-second-phase-211518">second phase</a> of Lok Sabha elections which were marred by sporadic incidents of <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/tension-prevails-in-bengals-chopra-amidst-voting-raf-deployed-211424">violence in West Bengal</a> and Manipur and EVM glitches.

Isolated incidents of violence, road blockades, bombings and police firing marred the second phase of polling at a few places in the three Lok Sabha constituencies in West Bengal.&nbsp;

<table border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" style="width: 500px;">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>States</td>
			<td>Final polling% figure released by EC</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Assam</td>
			<td>76.22%</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Bihar</td>
			<td>62.38%</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Jammu and Kashmir</td>
			<td>45.5%</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Karnataka</td>
			<td>67.67%</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Maharashtra</td>
			<td>61.22%</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Manipur</td>
			<td>67.15%</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Odisha</td>
			<td>57.97%</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Tamil Nadu</td>
			<td>66.36%</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Uttar Pradesh</td>
			<td>66.06%</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>West Bengal</td>
			<td>76.42%</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Chhattisgarh</td>
			<td>71.40%</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Puducherry</td>
			<td>76.19%</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

Till 7 pm on Thursday, as per the official EC data, the total voter turnout stood at around 64 per cent with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/west-bengal-violence-mars-polling-at-raiganj-chopra-211421">West Bengal</a> registering the highest turnout at 76 per cent despite incidents of violence in many areas.&nbsp;

Technical glitches relating to Electronic Voting Machines (EVM) and Voter Verified Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) machines held up polling in the morning in several <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/political-heavyweights-in-tamil-nadu-cast-their-vote-as-polling-begins-211319">constituencies across Tamil Nadu</a> till the machines were changed.

Tamil Nadu Chief Electoral Officer Satyabrata Sahoo told reporters that 384 faulty EVMs and 692 faulty VVPAT machines were replaced across the state and after that, polling went on smoothly. Voter turnout here till 7 pm was recorded at 63.90 per cent.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-cards="hidden" data-lang="en">
Voter turnout in 2nd phase of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LokSabhaElections2019?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LokSabhaElections2019</a>: 
Assam-76.22% 
Bihar-62.38% 
Jammu and Kashmir-45.5% 
Karnataka-67.67% 
Maharashtra-61.22% 
Manipur-67.15% 
Odisha-57.97% 
Tamil Nadu-66.36% 
Uttar Pradesh-66.06% 
West Bengal-76.42% 
Chhattisgarh-71.40% 
Puducherry-76.19% <a href="https://t.co/CfhR6VJuF0">pic.twitter.com/CfhR6VJuF0</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1118894801984872448?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 18, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

In Odisha, the chief electoral officer recommended re-polling in booth 213 in Sundergarh, booth 129 in Bonai, and booths 210 &amp; 222 in Daspalla assembly constituency due to technical problems in EVM machines and VVPATs. The voter turnout here till 7 pm was recorded at 57.81.&nbsp;

Puducherry saw a high voter turnout of 78 per cent while in Manipur, the polling percentage was nearly 75, sources in the election office said. &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Jammu and Kashmir's Srinagar, which in 2014 witnessed the lowest voter turnout in the country at 25.86 per cent, saw 12.43 per cent polling, with highest 17.1 per cent recorded in Shia-dominated Budgam district till 3 pm. The voter turnout here till 7 pm was recorded at 44.60 per cent.&nbsp;

No untoward incident was reported during polling which was being held amid tight security due to militant threats and a boycott call by separatists in Kashmir.&nbsp;

Besides Tamil Nadu, the polling was conducted in <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-polls-2019-107-year-old-padma-shri-awardee-defies-odds-and-sets-example-casts-vote-from-bangalore-rural-211541">14 seats in Karnataka</a>, 10 in Maharashtra, eight in Uttar Pradesh, five each in Assam, Bihar and Odisha, three each in Chhattisgarh and West Bengal, two in Jammu and Kashmir and one seat each in Manipur and Puducherry besides 35 assembly constituencies in Odisha.&nbsp;

Till 7 pm the total voter turnout for Assam, Bihar, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Manipur, Uttar Pradesh and Chhattisgarh stood at 75.85 per cent, 63.01 per cent, 66.69 per cent, 59.64 per cent, 76.15 per cent, 61.94 per cent and 70.94 per cent respectively. &nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/madras-high-court-upholds-election-commissions-decision-to-cancel-vellore-lok-sabha-polls-211196">Polling in Tamil Nadu's Vellore seat was cancelled</a> on Tuesday by the Election Commission following the recovery of cash allegedly from an associate of a DMK leader recently.

The counting of votes will take place on May 23.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

The Election Commission on Thursday stated that the total voter turnout in the second phase of Lok Sabha polls has been recorded at 66 per cent. Senior deputy election commissioner Umesh Sinha told media about the total polling percentage today evening.

The Election Commission on Thursday stated that the total voter turnout in the second phase of Lok Sabha polls has been recorded at 66 per cent. Senior deputy election commissioner Umesh Sinha told media about the total polling percentage today evening. Moderate to high voter turnout was recorded in the 95 constituencies in 11 states and Puducherry that went to polls in the second phase of Lok Sabha elections which were marred by sporadic incidents of violence in West Bengal and Manipur and EVM glitches. Isolated incidents of violence, road blockades, bombings and police firing marred the second phase of polling at a few places in the three Lok Sabha constituencies in West Bengal. States Final polling% figure released by EC Assam 76.22% Bihar 62.38% Jammu and Kashmir 45.5% Karnataka 67.67% Maharashtra 61.22% Manipur 67.15% Odisha 57.97% Tamil Nadu 66.36% Uttar Pradesh 66.06% West Bengal 76.42% Chhattisgarh 71.40% Puducherry 76.19% Till 7 pm on Thursday, as per the official EC data, the total voter turnout stood at around 64 per cent with West Bengal registering the highest turnout at 76 per cent despite incidents of violence in many areas. Technical glitches relating to Electronic Voting Machines (EVM) and Voter Verified Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) machines held up polling in the morning in several constituencies across Tamil Nadu till the machines were changed. Tamil Nadu Chief Electoral Officer Satyabrata Sahoo told reporters that 384 faulty EVMs and 692 faulty VVPAT machines were replaced across the state and after that, polling went on smoothly. Voter turnout here till 7 pm was recorded at 63.90 per cent. Voter turnout in 2nd phase of #LokSabhaElections2019: Assam-76.22% Bihar-62.38% Jammu and Kashmir-45.5% Karnataka-67.67% Maharashtra-61.22% Manipur-67.15% Odisha-57.97% Tamil Nadu-66.36% Uttar Pradesh-66.06% West Bengal-76.42% Chhattisgarh-71.40% Puducherry-76.19% pic.twitter.com/CfhR6VJuF0 — ANI (@ANI) April 18, 2019 × In Odisha, the chief electoral officer recommended re-polling in booth 213 in Sundergarh, booth 129 in Bonai, and booths 210 & 222 in Daspalla assembly constituency due to technical problems in EVM machines and VVPATs. The voter turnout here till 7 pm was recorded at 57.81. Puducherry saw a high voter turnout of 78 per cent while in Manipur, the polling percentage was nearly 75, sources in the election office said. Jammu and Kashmir's Srinagar, which in 2014 witnessed the lowest voter turnout in the country at 25.86 per cent, saw 12.43 per cent polling, with highest 17.1 per cent recorded in Shia-dominated Budgam district till 3 pm. The voter turnout here till 7 pm was recorded at 44.60 per cent. No untoward incident was reported during polling which was being held amid tight security due to militant threats and a boycott call by separatists in Kashmir. Besides Tamil Nadu, the polling was conducted in 14 seats in Karnataka, 10 in Maharashtra, eight in Uttar Pradesh, five each in Assam, Bihar and Odisha, three each in Chhattisgarh and West Bengal, two in Jammu and Kashmir and one seat each in Manipur and Puducherry besides 35 assembly constituencies in Odisha. Till 7 pm the total voter turnout for Assam, Bihar, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Manipur, Uttar Pradesh and Chhattisgarh stood at 75.85 per cent, 63.01 per cent, 66.69 per cent, 59.64 per cent, 76.15 per cent, 61.94 per cent and 70.94 per cent respectively. Polling in Tamil Nadu's Vellore seat was cancelled on Tuesday by the Election Commission following the recovery of cash allegedly from an associate of a DMK leader recently. The counting of votes will take place on May 23. (With inputs from agencies)

Voter turnout in second phase of Lok Sabha polls recorded at 66%: Election Commission 

CPI(M) candidate from Raiganj constituency Md. Salim’s convoy was attacked on Thursday amidst polling.

Salim was visiting Patagora, Islampur in Raiganj constituency to observe the polling when stones were pelted and his vehicle was attacked. He claimed it was Trinamool Congress’ handiwork.

“I came here after hearing reports that Trinamool Congress’ men were preventing people from casting their votes. When I confronted them, they attacked my vehicle. &nbsp;My driver and assistant were still inside the vehicle when it was attacked with stones and bricks. They had to flee along with the vehicle to save their life,” said Salim.

“Massive rigging was on when I arrived here. Trinamool Congress men also tried to attack me with rods,” added Salim.

Immediately after, the sector officer arrived at the polling booth and asked Salim to wait till Central force jawans arrived at the booth.

Meanwhile, Salim has registered a complaint with the CEO’s office.

Sources in the CEO office says that they are looking into the matter.&nbsp;

CPI(M) candidate from Raiganj constituency Md. Salim’s convoy was attacked on Thursday amidst polling. Salim was visiting Patagora, Islampur in Raiganj constituency to observe the polling when stones were pelted and his vehicle was attacked.

CPI(M) candidate from Raiganj constituency Md. Salim’s convoy was attacked on Thursday amidst polling. Salim was visiting Patagora, Islampur in Raiganj constituency to observe the polling when stones were pelted and his vehicle was attacked. He claimed it was Trinamool Congress’ handiwork. “I came here after hearing reports that Trinamool Congress’ men were preventing people from casting their votes. When I confronted them, they attacked my vehicle. My driver and assistant were still inside the vehicle when it was attacked with stones and bricks. They had to flee along with the vehicle to save their life,” said Salim. “Massive rigging was on when I arrived here. Trinamool Congress men also tried to attack me with rods,” added Salim. Immediately after, the sector officer arrived at the polling booth and asked Salim to wait till Central force jawans arrived at the booth. Meanwhile, Salim has registered a complaint with the CEO’s office. Sources in the CEO office says that they are looking into the matter.

Lok Sabha polls 2019: CPI(M) candidate Md. Salim’s convoy attacked in West Bengal

Empathising with BJP candidate and actor Jaya Prada, Defence Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/no-defence-acquisition-under-modi-has-raked-up-mud-nirmala-sitharaman-211052">Nirmala Sitharaman</a> today said political leaders should apply their minds before they speak about women-related issues.

In an exclusive interview to ANI, Sitharaman said, "100 per cent. It is always easy to hit at a woman when you talk about other things which don't become part of the conversation or which are not germane to the discussion. You easily pick up on things which are very personal or are gender specific and not called for at all. I find that coming very easily without a thought."

"That is where I think all of us think before the word comes out of the vocal cord to the lips. There should be some kind of momentary application of mind at least," said the Defence Minister on Jaya Prada and other women politicians who have to face sexist remarks from male counterparts.

On Sunday, Samajwadi Party (SP) leader Azam Khan had said in a public rally that "I brought her (Jaya Prada) to Rampur. You are a witness that I did not allow anyone to touch her body. It took you 17 years to identify her real face but I got to know in 17 days that she wears khaki underwear."

The Defence Minister asserted that politicians should respect one another.

"We have to draw a line. Irrespective of the party line I think we have all learnt from good public discourse. It should be in the back of our minds what we talk about in politics as that is the legacy we leave behind for the next generation and we have a responsibility towards it," Sitharaman said.

An FIR was registered against Khan for making an objectionable comment against the actor-turned-politician. The SP leader has, however, clarified that he did not name anyone.

Questioned about her meeting Congress MP Shashi Tharoor in a hospital in Thiruvananthapuram, the Defence Minister said she had gone to meet the ailing leader during election campaign there as he had suffered an injury while performing a ritual at a temple.

"So, I thought that it was right that I go to the hospital and wish him well. I had not informed anybody including people in my party circles. On my way back to the airport, I thought I should visit him in the hospital and that is it," the Defence Minister said.

In the times when political leaders are not known to show such civility to political rivals, the picture of Sitharaman calling on the bed-ridden Tharoor has been appreciated very widely on social media.

Empathising with BJP candidate and actor Jaya Prada, Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman today said political leaders should apply their minds before they speak about women-related issues.

Empathising with BJP candidate and actor Jaya Prada, Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman today said political leaders should apply their minds before they speak about women-related issues. In an exclusive interview to ANI, Sitharaman said, "100 per cent. It is always easy to hit at a woman when you talk about other things which don't become part of the conversation or which are not germane to the discussion. You easily pick up on things which are very personal or are gender specific and not called for at all. I find that coming very easily without a thought." "That is where I think all of us think before the word comes out of the vocal cord to the lips. There should be some kind of momentary application of mind at least," said the Defence Minister on Jaya Prada and other women politicians who have to face sexist remarks from male counterparts. On Sunday, Samajwadi Party (SP) leader Azam Khan had said in a public rally that "I brought her (Jaya Prada) to Rampur. You are a witness that I did not allow anyone to touch her body. It took you 17 years to identify her real face but I got to know in 17 days that she wears khaki underwear." The Defence Minister asserted that politicians should respect one another. "We have to draw a line. Irrespective of the party line I think we have all learnt from good public discourse. It should be in the back of our minds what we talk about in politics as that is the legacy we leave behind for the next generation and we have a responsibility towards it," Sitharaman said. An FIR was registered against Khan for making an objectionable comment against the actor-turned-politician. The SP leader has, however, clarified that he did not name anyone. Questioned about her meeting Congress MP Shashi Tharoor in a hospital in Thiruvananthapuram, the Defence Minister said she had gone to meet the ailing leader during election campaign there as he had suffered an injury while performing a ritual at a temple. "So, I thought that it was right that I go to the hospital and wish him well. I had not informed anybody including people in my party circles. On my way back to the airport, I thought I should visit him in the hospital and that is it," the Defence Minister said. In the times when political leaders are not known to show such civility to political rivals, the picture of Sitharaman calling on the bed-ridden Tharoor has been appreciated very widely on social media.

Apply mind before you speak: Defence Minister's advise to politicians on sexist remarks

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath will visit the Ram Lalla temple in Ayodhya on Wednesday, amid the 72-hour ban on campaigning imposed on him by the Election Commission.

Adityanath visited the famous Hanuman Setu temple in Lucknow and offered prayers on Tuesday, a day after the Election Commission barred him from electioneering for three days for likening the ongoing Lok Sabha polls to a contest between 'Ali' and 'Bajrang Bali'.

In Ayodhya, along with the makeshift shrine to Ram Lalla, Adityanath will also pray at the nearby Hanuman Garhi temple on Wednesday.

Faizabad BJP district president Awadhesh Pandey told PTI, "The chief minister's programme is all confirmed; he will offer prayers at Ram Janambhoomi and Hanuman Garhi temple and will meet VHP religious leaders in Ayodhya on Wednesday."

Adityanath will be meeting Ram Janambhoomi Nyas president Mahant Nritya Gopal Das and Digambar Akhara Mahant Suresh Das, he said. According to Mahant Suresh Das, Adityanath will spend Wednesday in Ayodhya and will have lunch with prominent Sadhus of Ayodhya at Digambar Akhara.

In the evening, Adityanath will go to Devipatan, a temple of goddess Durga in Balrampur district, where he would stay the night.

Adityanath reached the Hanuman Setu temple in Lucknow on Tuesday morning and got a rousing reception from his supporters amid slogans of "Jai Gorakhdham" and "Jai Bajrang Bali Ji".

Adityanath, however, refused to take questions from the media persons, following the Election Commission's gag order.

He spent about 25 minutes at the temple and was seen bowing before the deity and sitting with folded hands to recite the "Hanuman Chalisa."

Though Adityanath accepted greetings from the large numbers of morning worshippers present there on a Tuesday, the day dedicated to Lord Hanuman, with a smile, he refrained from interacting with them.

Adityanath also stayed away from Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh's roadshow, held on Tuesday before he filed his nomination papers for the Lucknow Lok Sabha seat. Adityanath also cancelled his rallies in Nagina and Fatehpur Sikri.

The BJP termed the chief minister's visit to the temple "a personal one".

The Election Commission on Monday barred Adityanath from campaigning for 72 hours starting 6 am on Tuesday for his "divisive" comments at a rally in Meerut. "If the Congress, the Samajwadi Party and the BSP have faith in Ali, we too have faith in Bajrang Bali," Adityanath had said there.

While Ali is a revered figure in Islam, Bajrang Bali is another name for Lord Hanuman.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath will visit the Ram Lalla temple in Ayodhya on Wednesday, amid the 72-hour ban on campaigning imposed on him by the Election Commission.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath will visit the Ram Lalla temple in Ayodhya on Wednesday, amid the 72-hour ban on campaigning imposed on him by the Election Commission. Adityanath visited the famous Hanuman Setu temple in Lucknow and offered prayers on Tuesday, a day after the Election Commission barred him from electioneering for three days for likening the ongoing Lok Sabha polls to a contest between 'Ali' and 'Bajrang Bali'. In Ayodhya, along with the makeshift shrine to Ram Lalla, Adityanath will also pray at the nearby Hanuman Garhi temple on Wednesday. Faizabad BJP district president Awadhesh Pandey told PTI, "The chief minister's programme is all confirmed; he will offer prayers at Ram Janambhoomi and Hanuman Garhi temple and will meet VHP religious leaders in Ayodhya on Wednesday." Adityanath will be meeting Ram Janambhoomi Nyas president Mahant Nritya Gopal Das and Digambar Akhara Mahant Suresh Das, he said. According to Mahant Suresh Das, Adityanath will spend Wednesday in Ayodhya and will have lunch with prominent Sadhus of Ayodhya at Digambar Akhara. In the evening, Adityanath will go to Devipatan, a temple of goddess Durga in Balrampur district, where he would stay the night. Adityanath reached the Hanuman Setu temple in Lucknow on Tuesday morning and got a rousing reception from his supporters amid slogans of "Jai Gorakhdham" and "Jai Bajrang Bali Ji". Adityanath, however, refused to take questions from the media persons, following the Election Commission's gag order. He spent about 25 minutes at the temple and was seen bowing before the deity and sitting with folded hands to recite the "Hanuman Chalisa." Though Adityanath accepted greetings from the large numbers of morning worshippers present there on a Tuesday, the day dedicated to Lord Hanuman, with a smile, he refrained from interacting with them. Adityanath also stayed away from Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh's roadshow, held on Tuesday before he filed his nomination papers for the Lucknow Lok Sabha seat. Adityanath also cancelled his rallies in Nagina and Fatehpur Sikri. The BJP termed the chief minister's visit to the temple "a personal one". The Election Commission on Monday barred Adityanath from campaigning for 72 hours starting 6 am on Tuesday for his "divisive" comments at a rally in Meerut. "If the Congress, the Samajwadi Party and the BSP have faith in Ali, we too have faith in Bajrang Bali," Adityanath had said there. While Ali is a revered figure in Islam, Bajrang Bali is another name for Lord Hanuman.

Amid Election Commission campaign ban, Yogi Adityanath to visit Ayodhya today

Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-narendra-modi-gets-highest-civilian-award-of-russia-209806">Narendra Modi</a> Tuesday slammed the Congress for being "soft" towards terrorism for 40 years and said India can now talk about peace after it exhibited the strength by destroying terror camps across the border.

He said his government has taken measures to weed out the Congress-aided middlemen to ensure that the entire central funds percolate down to the poor.

While addressing rallies at Sambalpur in western Odisha and state capital Bhubaneswar, Modi announced a slew of measures for the welfare of farmers and fishermen, if the BJP was voted to power.

"No one had listened to India earlier when it pleaded for peace. However, now the entire world is with us after witnessing our strength. Only the strong and powerful can talk about peace. No one listens to a weak nation," Modi said.

"If we display our courage, peace will prevail not only in India but in the entire sub-continent," he said asserting that BJP is keen to build a "new India" based on confidence and courage.
<img alt="BJP supporter" data-align="center" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="97e05e15-cae8-4fd3-b63d-3d10ed5643df" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2810%29_2.jpg" />
A BJP supporter wears a poster of Prime Minister Narendra Modi during Vijay Sankalp Sabha, an election campaign by Modi for the Lok Sabha polls, in Bhubaneswar, Tuesday, April 16, 2019. (PTI Photo)&nbsp; 
 
Asking the crowds whether or not the armed forces be given a free hand to deal with terrorism, the prime minister said, "For 40 long years we had been tolerating terrorism and shedding tears. How long should we tolerate this?" Mounting a blistering attack on the Congress, Modi accused it of being a silent spectator to the loot of public money besides being embroiled in multiple controversies and scams before the BJP-led government put brakes on these corrupt practices.

"During the Congress era, only 15 paise of a rupee would reach the poor and the rest was swindled by unscrupulous elements. No one bothered to stop it. Now, we have ensured that central funds reach the poor," Modi said. The Congress has lost credibility among the people as it has no mission and its leader (Rahul Gandhi) lacks vision, he said.

"People are not angry with Modi or the BJP-led government. They are angry with Congress and its 'Mahamilawati' (highly adulterated) friends for their behaviour. They have been spreading lies and making false allegations," the prime minister said."The party and its friends have only one agenda - that of 'Modi Hatao'," he said adding that the Congress can go to any extent for its vote bank.

Maintaining that there is no dearth of resources, Modi said the previous dispensations never paid attention to proper utilisation of funds and natural resources, while his government has taken concrete steps for its optimum use. Seeking to reach out to farmers in western Odisha, the prime minister said his government has hiked the Minimum Support Price for paddy 1.5 times, but the state's BJD government failed to take proper steps for its procurement.

As a result, the entire process is being controlled by middlemen and farmers are unable to get remunerative price for their produce, he said.

Modi's statement was a counter to the recent claim by Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik that the Centre has no sympathy for the farmers of the state.

Hitting out at the Patnaik government, Modi accused it of depriving the farmers of the benefits of PM-KISAN scheme by not cooperating with the Centre in its execution.

Accusing the BJD government of failing to provide a complete list of farmers, the prime minister said only 8.5 lakh peasants of the state could benefit from the scheme in the first phase due to the state government's apathy.

Modi promised that all eligible farmers would get assistance under the PM-KISAN scheme immediately after the BJP forms government at the Centre once again.

"We will also ensure that the farmers get the entire benefit without diversion by middlemen," he said.

In a bid to woo farmers and the fishermen community, the prime minister announced that separate ministries of fisheries and 'Jal shakti' would be set up for their benefit, if the saffron party is re-elected.

A Rs 10,000 crore scheme will also be launched for the welfare of fisherfolk in the country, Modi said.

Modi alleged the BJD government was protecting those involved in mining and chit fund scam cases.

Accusing the Patnaik government of betraying people by claiming central schemes as its own, the prime minister said the Centre's contribution in the much-trumpeted Re 1 per kg rice scheme in the state is a whopping Rs 29 to Rs 30 per kg.

He charged the Congress and the BJD with discriminating between people on the basis of region and caste and claimed that the state remained backwards because of this approach.

Claiming that the people of Odisha have been "blindly" electing the BJD to power for the last 20 years, Modi said the ruling dispensation needs to be replaced and people should elect a "double engine" government by voting the BJP to power both at the Centre and in the state for speedy development. Assembly election in Odisha is being held along with Lok Sabha polls in four phases.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Tuesday slammed the Congress for being "soft" towards terrorism for 40 years and said India can now talk about peace after it exhibited the strength by destroying terror camps across the border.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Tuesday slammed the Congress for being "soft" towards terrorism for 40 years and said India can now talk about peace after it exhibited the strength by destroying terror camps across the border. He said his government has taken measures to weed out the Congress-aided middlemen to ensure that the entire central funds percolate down to the poor. While addressing rallies at Sambalpur in western Odisha and state capital Bhubaneswar, Modi announced a slew of measures for the welfare of farmers and fishermen, if the BJP was voted to power. "No one had listened to India earlier when it pleaded for peace. However, now the entire world is with us after witnessing our strength. Only the strong and powerful can talk about peace. No one listens to a weak nation," Modi said. "If we display our courage, peace will prevail not only in India but in the entire sub-continent," he said asserting that BJP is keen to build a "new India" based on confidence and courage. A BJP supporter wears a poster of Prime Minister Narendra Modi during Vijay Sankalp Sabha, an election campaign by Modi for the Lok Sabha polls, in Bhubaneswar, Tuesday, April 16, 2019. (PTI Photo) Asking the crowds whether or not the armed forces be given a free hand to deal with terrorism, the prime minister said, "For 40 long years we had been tolerating terrorism and shedding tears. How long should we tolerate this?" Mounting a blistering attack on the Congress, Modi accused it of being a silent spectator to the loot of public money besides being embroiled in multiple controversies and scams before the BJP-led government put brakes on these corrupt practices. "During the Congress era, only 15 paise of a rupee would reach the poor and the rest was swindled by unscrupulous elements. No one bothered to stop it. Now, we have ensured that central funds reach the poor," Modi said. The Congress has lost credibility among the people as it has no mission and its leader (Rahul Gandhi) lacks vision, he said. "People are not angry with Modi or the BJP-led government. They are angry with Congress and its 'Mahamilawati' (highly adulterated) friends for their behaviour. They have been spreading lies and making false allegations," the prime minister said."The party and its friends have only one agenda - that of 'Modi Hatao'," he said adding that the Congress can go to any extent for its vote bank. Maintaining that there is no dearth of resources, Modi said the previous dispensations never paid attention to proper utilisation of funds and natural resources, while his government has taken concrete steps for its optimum use. Seeking to reach out to farmers in western Odisha, the prime minister said his government has hiked the Minimum Support Price for paddy 1.5 times, but the state's BJD government failed to take proper steps for its procurement. As a result, the entire process is being controlled by middlemen and farmers are unable to get remunerative price for their produce, he said. Modi's statement was a counter to the recent claim by Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik that the Centre has no sympathy for the farmers of the state. Hitting out at the Patnaik government, Modi accused it of depriving the farmers of the benefits of PM-KISAN scheme by not cooperating with the Centre in its execution. Accusing the BJD government of failing to provide a complete list of farmers, the prime minister said only 8.5 lakh peasants of the state could benefit from the scheme in the first phase due to the state government's apathy. Modi promised that all eligible farmers would get assistance under the PM-KISAN scheme immediately after the BJP forms government at the Centre once again. "We will also ensure that the farmers get the entire benefit without diversion by middlemen," he said. In a bid to woo farmers and the fishermen community, the prime minister announced that separate ministries of fisheries and 'Jal shakti' would be set up for their benefit, if the saffron party is re-elected. A Rs 10,000 crore scheme will also be launched for the welfare of fisherfolk in the country, Modi said. Modi alleged the BJD government was protecting those involved in mining and chit fund scam cases. Accusing the Patnaik government of betraying people by claiming central schemes as its own, the prime minister said the Centre's contribution in the much-trumpeted Re 1 per kg rice scheme in the state is a whopping Rs 29 to Rs 30 per kg. He charged the Congress and the BJD with discriminating between people on the basis of region and caste and claimed that the state remained backwards because of this approach. Claiming that the people of Odisha have been "blindly" electing the BJD to power for the last 20 years, Modi said the ruling dispensation needs to be replaced and people should elect a "double engine" government by voting the BJP to power both at the Centre and in the state for speedy development. Assembly election in Odisha is being held along with Lok Sabha polls in four phases.

Only strong can talk about peace, nobody listens to a weak nation: PM Modi in Odisha

Several PDP leaders, including party's district president Leh Tashi Gyalson, have joined the BJP, a spokesperson of the party said in Jammu on Wednesday.

Almost the entire Leh unit of the PDP led by Gyalson joined the BJP at the party headquarters on Tuesday evening, he said.

Chairman and chief executive councillor of the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC) and BJP's candidate for the Ladakh parliamentary constituency Jamyang Tsering Namgyal welcomed the new entrants into the party fold.

Besides Gyalson, others who have joined the BJP include women wing president and nominated councillor Rinchen Lhamo, vice president Tsewang Dorjay Onpo, zonal president Nubra Capt Phunstog, general secretary Sangay Dorjay and executive members Tundup and Phuntsog, the spokesman said.

Gyalson, who joined the PDP in 2008, said they were highly impressed by the BJP slogan 'Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas' and decided to join the party.

The spokesman said their joining will strengthen the party at the grassroots level in the region which is going to polls in the final phase of the Lok Sabha polls on May 6.

Veteran leader Thupstan Chhewang had won the seat for the BJP for the first time in 2014 by a slight margin of 36 votes, but he resigned from the primary membership of the party in November last year, saying that all promises made by the BJP sounded like an "empty rhetoric".

Several PDP leaders, including party's district president Leh Tashi Gyalson, have joined the BJP, a spokesperson of the party said in Jammu on Wednesday. Almost the entire Leh unit of the PDP led by Gyalson joined the BJP at the party headquarters on Tuesday evening, he said.

Several PDP leaders, including party's district president Leh Tashi Gyalson, have joined the BJP, a spokesperson of the party said in Jammu on Wednesday. Almost the entire Leh unit of the PDP led by Gyalson joined the BJP at the party headquarters on Tuesday evening, he said. Chairman and chief executive councillor of the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC) and BJP's candidate for the Ladakh parliamentary constituency Jamyang Tsering Namgyal welcomed the new entrants into the party fold. Besides Gyalson, others who have joined the BJP include women wing president and nominated councillor Rinchen Lhamo, vice president Tsewang Dorjay Onpo, zonal president Nubra Capt Phunstog, general secretary Sangay Dorjay and executive members Tundup and Phuntsog, the spokesman said. Gyalson, who joined the PDP in 2008, said they were highly impressed by the BJP slogan 'Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas' and decided to join the party. The spokesman said their joining will strengthen the party at the grassroots level in the region which is going to polls in the final phase of the Lok Sabha polls on May 6. Veteran leader Thupstan Chhewang had won the seat for the BJP for the first time in 2014 by a slight margin of 36 votes, but he resigned from the primary membership of the party in November last year, saying that all promises made by the BJP sounded like an "empty rhetoric".

Several PDP leaders join BJP in Ladakh

BJP candidate from Gorakhpur Ravi Kishan on Wednesday called on Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, a former MP from the seat.

The Bhojpuri actor sought the chief minister's blessings and exuded confidence of winning the Gorakhpur constituency, presently held by the Samajwadi Party.

"There is no challenge for me in Gorakhpur as I have the blessings of Baba Gorakhnath and Yogi Adityanath. Apart from this, we have people's blessings for the work done by Prime Minister Narendra Modi," he said after meeting Adityanath.

Slamming the opposition parties, he said "the 'Gathbandhan' (anti-BJP alliance) will divide the country" if voted to power.

"The opposition in order to realise its vested interest, makes the public forget many things, so we will knock every door and tell people about the various welfare schemes and projects launched by this government for different sections of the society," Ravi Kishan said.

He said the general election is a battle between a "selfless prime minister and a conglomeration of dynastic parties".

The Gorakhpur seat, which was considered as a bastion of Adityanath, was lost to Praveen Nishad in the bypolls, who had fought on a Samajwadi Party ticket with the support of the Bahujan Samaj Party.

Gorakhpur goes to polls on May 19, the last phase of the seven-phase Lok Sabha election.

BJP candidate from Gorakhpur Ravi Kishan on Wednesday called on Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, a former MP from the seat. The Bhojpuri actor sought the chief minister's blessings and exuded confidence of winning the Gorakhpur constituency, presently held by the Samajwadi Party.

BJP candidate from Gorakhpur Ravi Kishan on Wednesday called on Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, a former MP from the seat. The Bhojpuri actor sought the chief minister's blessings and exuded confidence of winning the Gorakhpur constituency, presently held by the Samajwadi Party. "There is no challenge for me in Gorakhpur as I have the blessings of Baba Gorakhnath and Yogi Adityanath. Apart from this, we have people's blessings for the work done by Prime Minister Narendra Modi," he said after meeting Adityanath. Slamming the opposition parties, he said "the 'Gathbandhan' (anti-BJP alliance) will divide the country" if voted to power. "The opposition in order to realise its vested interest, makes the public forget many things, so we will knock every door and tell people about the various welfare schemes and projects launched by this government for different sections of the society," Ravi Kishan said. He said the general election is a battle between a "selfless prime minister and a conglomeration of dynastic parties". The Gorakhpur seat, which was considered as a bastion of Adityanath, was lost to Praveen Nishad in the bypolls, who had fought on a Samajwadi Party ticket with the support of the Bahujan Samaj Party. Gorakhpur goes to polls on May 19, the last phase of the seven-phase Lok Sabha election.

Lok Sabha polls: Ravi Kishan meets Yogi Adityanath, seeks blessings for election victory

The sitting BJP MP in Aligarh, which was at the centre of a raging controversy last year over Muhammad Ali Jinnah's portrait at the distinguished Aligarh Muslim University, is facing strong anti-incumbency and anger from traders, making the Lok Sabha election a three-cornered contest.

Satish Gautam of Bharatiya Janata Party is fighting "mahagathbandhan" candidate Ajeet Baliyan of Bahujan Samaj Party and Bijendra Singh of Congress in the election to be held on Thursday.

The BJP candidate appears to be banking on a division of the Muslim vote while the two opposition candidates are hoping for its consolidation in favour of one of them.

Sameer Mishra, a businessman, said he does not like the hard-line Gautam takes.

"People, like me, chose him to bring pro-people policies and not instigate controversies like the one he did in Aligarh Muslim University," Mishra said.

In May 2018, Gautam demanded the portrait of Jinnah, the founder of Pakistan, be removed from AMU student union office where it had been for decades. Violent protests ensued.

"This aggressive and communal attitude has shown him in bad light. We would have supported another BJP candidate but not him again," Mishra added.

But other residents of the city admitted that Gautam has a strong Brahmin voter base, about five lakh in the constituency.

Brahmins, Vaishya and Chatriya together make up about seven lakh of the total 18.73 lakh voters in Aligarh, a lock-making hub in western Uttar Pradesh.

There are 3.50 lakh Muslims voters while Jat, Yadav and Lodi account for four lakh. Around 3.50 lakh voters belong to SC/ST communities.

In 2014, Gautam won the seat by beating BSP's Arvind Kumar Singh by over two lakh votes. "But that time Gautam was riding on Modi wave. Things have changed since," said a BJP member, who did not wished to be named.

"There is strong opposition for Gautam by veteran leader Kalyan Singh who did not support his candidature and was vocal about it too within party cadres," the BJP member added.

"Another factor which might act against him is the anger brewing among lock industrialists who are extremely angry with him over demonetisation and high GST rate," said Tribhuvan Sarmisht, a tea seller on Shahjamal Road, a hub of small lock industries in the area.

Prakash Sharma, the owner of Rajput locks, agrees with him.

"Most of the industries on this road closed post demonetisation and GST implementation. Even my business is running in loss, it would definitely reflect in the result of the polls," Sharma said.

"I know Gautam wasn't directly responsible for demonetisation and GST but even our demands and situation was put forward by him which is his responsibility as an elected member," he said.

This anti-incumbency may benefit both Congress and mahagathbandhan who have promised to focus on education and improve the city's infrastructure, many residents feel.

A split in Muslim votes between Congress and mahagathbandhan may prove a challenge, the residents say, and added the mahagathbandhan candidate, Baliyan, a newcomer and Jat leader, has a better chance due to his strong support base also among SC/ST voters.

"It is high time that Muslims do tactical voting as that could play a very important role in the turnout in the election," said Ali Nadeem Rezavi, a professor at Aligarh Muslim University.

Nusrat Jahan, a primary school teacher, said the Congress candidate, Singh, has fought the election 12 times so she is thinking of giving the mahagathbandhan candidate a chance.

"It is yet to be seen how other voters think but for now, I think, Baliyan has a better chance as he would have the combined support of BSP-SP-RLD voters," she said.

Aligarh goes to poll in the second phase of elections on April 18. Khair, Baroli, Atroli, Kol and Aligarh city are assembly segments in the constituency.&nbsp;

The sitting BJP MP in Aligarh, which was at the centre of a raging controversy last year over Muhammad Ali Jinnah's portrait at the distinguished Aligarh Muslim University, is facing strong anti-incumbency and anger from traders, making the Lok Sabha election a three-cornered contest.

The sitting BJP MP in Aligarh, which was at the centre of a raging controversy last year over Muhammad Ali Jinnah's portrait at the distinguished Aligarh Muslim University, is facing strong anti-incumbency and anger from traders, making the Lok Sabha election a three-cornered contest. Satish Gautam of Bharatiya Janata Party is fighting "mahagathbandhan" candidate Ajeet Baliyan of Bahujan Samaj Party and Bijendra Singh of Congress in the election to be held on Thursday. The BJP candidate appears to be banking on a division of the Muslim vote while the two opposition candidates are hoping for its consolidation in favour of one of them. Sameer Mishra, a businessman, said he does not like the hard-line Gautam takes. "People, like me, chose him to bring pro-people policies and not instigate controversies like the one he did in Aligarh Muslim University," Mishra said. In May 2018, Gautam demanded the portrait of Jinnah, the founder of Pakistan, be removed from AMU student union office where it had been for decades. Violent protests ensued. "This aggressive and communal attitude has shown him in bad light. We would have supported another BJP candidate but not him again," Mishra added. But other residents of the city admitted that Gautam has a strong Brahmin voter base, about five lakh in the constituency. Brahmins, Vaishya and Chatriya together make up about seven lakh of the total 18.73 lakh voters in Aligarh, a lock-making hub in western Uttar Pradesh. There are 3.50 lakh Muslims voters while Jat, Yadav and Lodi account for four lakh. Around 3.50 lakh voters belong to SC/ST communities. In 2014, Gautam won the seat by beating BSP's Arvind Kumar Singh by over two lakh votes. "But that time Gautam was riding on Modi wave. Things have changed since," said a BJP member, who did not wished to be named. "There is strong opposition for Gautam by veteran leader Kalyan Singh who did not support his candidature and was vocal about it too within party cadres," the BJP member added. "Another factor which might act against him is the anger brewing among lock industrialists who are extremely angry with him over demonetisation and high GST rate," said Tribhuvan Sarmisht, a tea seller on Shahjamal Road, a hub of small lock industries in the area. Prakash Sharma, the owner of Rajput locks, agrees with him. "Most of the industries on this road closed post demonetisation and GST implementation. Even my business is running in loss, it would definitely reflect in the result of the polls," Sharma said. "I know Gautam wasn't directly responsible for demonetisation and GST but even our demands and situation was put forward by him which is his responsibility as an elected member," he said. This anti-incumbency may benefit both Congress and mahagathbandhan who have promised to focus on education and improve the city's infrastructure, many residents feel. A split in Muslim votes between Congress and mahagathbandhan may prove a challenge, the residents say, and added the mahagathbandhan candidate, Baliyan, a newcomer and Jat leader, has a better chance due to his strong support base also among SC/ST voters. "It is high time that Muslims do tactical voting as that could play a very important role in the turnout in the election," said Ali Nadeem Rezavi, a professor at Aligarh Muslim University. Nusrat Jahan, a primary school teacher, said the Congress candidate, Singh, has fought the election 12 times so she is thinking of giving the mahagathbandhan candidate a chance. "It is yet to be seen how other voters think but for now, I think, Baliyan has a better chance as he would have the combined support of BSP-SP-RLD voters," she said. Aligarh goes to poll in the second phase of elections on April 18. Khair, Baroli, Atroli, Kol and Aligarh city are assembly segments in the constituency.

In Aligarh, BJP candidate facing strong anti-incumbency; residents say unhappy over AMU row

The NCP has dared the government to carry out raids at the home of MNS chief Raj Thackeray, who has been asking party workers to vote against the ruling BJP. NCP spokesperson Nawab Malik’s remarks came after the Maharashtra BJP sought to know which Lok Sabha candidate would incur expenses of the poll rallies of Thackeray, whose party has not fielded any candidate for the Lok Sabha polls.

Thackeray, who supported the BJP in the 2014 polls, has already addressed a few public meetings in Nanded, Solapur and Kolhapur and is expected to hold rallies in Satara and Baramati, where the NCP has fielded its sitting MPs Udayanraje Bhosale and Supriya Sule, respectively. The MNS leader’s move asking his party workers to vote against the BJP this time is likely to help the electoral cause of the opposition Congress and NCP. “The government should conduct raids at Raj Thackeray’s residence if it has guts,” Malik told reporters here on Tuesday.

“Thackeray backed the BJP in the last (Lok Sabha) elections. But since he is addressing rallies opposing Modi now, the details of expenses of his rallies are being sought,” he claimed. The BJP on Saturday wrote to state Chief Electoral Officer(CEO) seeking to know which Lok Sabha candidate would incur the cost of Thackeray’s ongoing political rallies. In a letter addressed to CEO Ashwani Kumar, senior BJP minister Vinod Tawde said Thackeray has been holding political rallies across the state, despite theMNSnot contesting the Lok Sabha elections.

The NCP has dared the government to carry out raids at the home of MNS chief Raj Thackeray, who has been asking party workers to vote against the ruling BJP. NCP spokesperson Nawab Malik’s remarks came after the Maharashtra BJP sought to know which Lok Sabha candidate would incur expenses of the poll rallies of Thackeray, whose party has not fielded any candidate for the Lok Sabha polls.

The NCP has dared the government to carry out raids at the home of MNS chief Raj Thackeray, who has been asking party workers to vote against the ruling BJP. NCP spokesperson Nawab Malik’s remarks came after the Maharashtra BJP sought to know which Lok Sabha candidate would incur expenses of the poll rallies of Thackeray, whose party has not fielded any candidate for the Lok Sabha polls. Thackeray, who supported the BJP in the 2014 polls, has already addressed a few public meetings in Nanded, Solapur and Kolhapur and is expected to hold rallies in Satara and Baramati, where the NCP has fielded its sitting MPs Udayanraje Bhosale and Supriya Sule, respectively. The MNS leader’s move asking his party workers to vote against the BJP this time is likely to help the electoral cause of the opposition Congress and NCP. “The government should conduct raids at Raj Thackeray’s residence if it has guts,” Malik told reporters here on Tuesday. “Thackeray backed the BJP in the last (Lok Sabha) elections. But since he is addressing rallies opposing Modi now, the details of expenses of his rallies are being sought,” he claimed. The BJP on Saturday wrote to state Chief Electoral Officer(CEO) seeking to know which Lok Sabha candidate would incur the cost of Thackeray’s ongoing political rallies. In a letter addressed to CEO Ashwani Kumar, senior BJP minister Vinod Tawde said Thackeray has been holding political rallies across the state, despite theMNSnot contesting the Lok Sabha elections.

NCP dares government to conduct raids at MNS chief Raj Thackeray’s home

Srinagar is going to the polls for the second time in two years and this Lok Sabha constituency - comprising three districts of Srinagar, Budgam and Ganderbal – is scheduled to go for polls on April 18 in the second phase of the five-phased elections in the state. &nbsp; &nbsp;

In 2017 by-election, only seven per cent voters turned out to exercise their franchise and during large scale violence, nine people died.

It was a relatively low key campaign in Srinagar with only Farooq Abdullah, who is seeking a fourth term in the lower house of Parliament from the seat, making his presence felt like a candidate.

Abdullah is pitched against political greenhorns Aga Moshin of the PDP, Irfan Ansari of the People's Conference and Khalid Jehangir of the BJP.

An election official said there were only 46 rallies in Srinagar district, a city of over 12 lakh residents, during the campaign period.

The polling on April 18 will be keenly watched within and outside Kashmir as the constituency recorded an all-time low of 7.2 per cent voter turn out in 2017 bye-election, marred by violence on polling day that left nine persons dead and scores of others injured.

Stringent security measures have been put in place for the polling as additional security personnel have been deployed across the Srinagar constituency to ensure peaceful and smooth conduct of elections, the official said.

As many as 12,90,318 voters are eligible to cast their votes with authorities having set up 1,716 polling stations in the constituency.&nbsp;

For migrant voters of the constituency, 26 polling stations have been set up with 21 in Jammu, one in Udhampur and four in New Delhi.&nbsp;

The Lok Sabha polls are being held in seven-phases for 543 seats on April 11, April 18, April 23, April 29, May 6, May 12 and May 19, and counting will be on May 23.

Srinagar is going to the polls for the second time in two years and this Lok Sabha constituency - comprising three districts of Srinagar, Budgam and Ganderbal – is scheduled to go for polls on April 18 in the second phase of the five-phased elections in the state.

Srinagar is going to the polls for the second time in two years and this Lok Sabha constituency - comprising three districts of Srinagar, Budgam and Ganderbal – is scheduled to go for polls on April 18 in the second phase of the five-phased elections in the state. In 2017 by-election, only seven per cent voters turned out to exercise their franchise and during large scale violence, nine people died. It was a relatively low key campaign in Srinagar with only Farooq Abdullah, who is seeking a fourth term in the lower house of Parliament from the seat, making his presence felt like a candidate. Abdullah is pitched against political greenhorns Aga Moshin of the PDP, Irfan Ansari of the People's Conference and Khalid Jehangir of the BJP. An election official said there were only 46 rallies in Srinagar district, a city of over 12 lakh residents, during the campaign period. The polling on April 18 will be keenly watched within and outside Kashmir as the constituency recorded an all-time low of 7.2 per cent voter turn out in 2017 bye-election, marred by violence on polling day that left nine persons dead and scores of others injured. Stringent security measures have been put in place for the polling as additional security personnel have been deployed across the Srinagar constituency to ensure peaceful and smooth conduct of elections, the official said. As many as 12,90,318 voters are eligible to cast their votes with authorities having set up 1,716 polling stations in the constituency. For migrant voters of the constituency, 26 polling stations have been set up with 21 in Jammu, one in Udhampur and four in New Delhi. The Lok Sabha polls are being held in seven-phases for 543 seats on April 11, April 18, April 23, April 29, May 6, May 12 and May 19, and counting will be on May 23.

Srinagar: A high stakes battle for PDP, National Conference

Ruling BJD president and Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik is the richest among the 244 candidates contesting the assembly elections, in the 2nd phase, scheduled on April 18, a report released by Odisha Election Watch said Monday.

The Odisha Election Watch is a part of the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR).

"Of the 244 candidates in the fray for the 35 assembly segments, 70 are crorepatis," said Odisha Election Watch Convenor Ranjan Mohanty, adding that 13 candidates have assets worth Rs. 5 crore and above, and 24 others have assets between Rs. 2 crore and Rs 5 crore.

While Mr Patnaik, who is contesting from two assembly segments, Hinjili and Bijepur, tops the list of rich candidates with total assets worth Rs. 63 crore, BJP candidate KV Singhdeo contesting from Patnagarh segment in Bolangir district stands second with total assets worth Rs 37 crore, the report said.

BJD's Jharsuguda candidate, Naba Kishore Das, is in the third place with total assets worth Rs 33 crore, it said.

Mr Das is followed by BJD candidate Saroj Kumar Meher of Patnagarh seat with total assets worth Rs 31 crore.

Other rich candidates are BJP's Bijay Kumar Swain (Rs. 15 cr), BJD's Arkesh Narayan Singhdeo (Rs. 15 crore), BJD's Nandini Devi (Rs. 11 crore), BJP's Dinesh Jain (Rs. 8 cr), BJP's Pitamber Acharya (Rs. 7 crore) and BJD's Kishore Kumar Mohanty (Rs. 7 crore), the report added.

BSP candidate Narayan Versa contesting from Bhatli assembly segment only has Rs. 8,044.

Incidentally, KV Singhdeo's wife Sangeeta Singhdeo was also on the top of the list of candidates for the Lok Sabha with assets worth Rs 37 crore.

 
Of the 35 candidates contesting for five Lok Sabha seats in the second phase of the elections, 11 are crorepatis, he said.

Ruling BJD president and Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik is the richest among the 244 candidates contesting the assembly elections, in the 2nd phase, scheduled on April 18, a report released by Odisha Election Watch said Monday.

Ruling BJD president and Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik is the richest among the 244 candidates contesting the assembly elections, in the 2nd phase, scheduled on April 18, a report released by Odisha Election Watch said Monday. The Odisha Election Watch is a part of the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR). "Of the 244 candidates in the fray for the 35 assembly segments, 70 are crorepatis," said Odisha Election Watch Convenor Ranjan Mohanty, adding that 13 candidates have assets worth Rs. 5 crore and above, and 24 others have assets between Rs. 2 crore and Rs 5 crore. While Mr Patnaik, who is contesting from two assembly segments, Hinjili and Bijepur, tops the list of rich candidates with total assets worth Rs. 63 crore, BJP candidate KV Singhdeo contesting from Patnagarh segment in Bolangir district stands second with total assets worth Rs 37 crore, the report said. BJD's Jharsuguda candidate, Naba Kishore Das, is in the third place with total assets worth Rs 33 crore, it said. Mr Das is followed by BJD candidate Saroj Kumar Meher of Patnagarh seat with total assets worth Rs 31 crore. Other rich candidates are BJP's Bijay Kumar Swain (Rs. 15 cr), BJD's Arkesh Narayan Singhdeo (Rs. 15 crore), BJD's Nandini Devi (Rs. 11 crore), BJP's Dinesh Jain (Rs. 8 cr), BJP's Pitamber Acharya (Rs. 7 crore) and BJD's Kishore Kumar Mohanty (Rs. 7 crore), the report added. BSP candidate Narayan Versa contesting from Bhatli assembly segment only has Rs. 8,044. Incidentally, KV Singhdeo's wife Sangeeta Singhdeo was also on the top of the list of candidates for the Lok Sabha with assets worth Rs 37 crore. Of the 35 candidates contesting for five Lok Sabha seats in the second phase of the elections, 11 are crorepatis, he said.

Naveen Patnaik richest candidate contesting second phase of Odisha polls

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has said that no order has been issued by it so far regarding cancellation of Lok Sabha elections in Tamil Nadu`s Vellore constituency.

The clarification comes after various media reports claimed that the poll body is mulling over cancelling polls in the Vellore parliamentary constituency over the alleged use of money to influence voters.

However, ECI's official spokesperson Sheyphali Sharan said no such order has been issued yet. Vellore parliamentary constituency is scheduled to go to polls on April 18. The results of the elections will be announced on May 23.

As per the seat-sharing arrangement of Congress-DMK alliance, the Vellore seat has gone to DMK. Similarly, an alliance of BJP-AIADMK and other regional parties has conceded the seat to AIADMK.

The DMK has fielded Kadhir Anand from Vellore Parliamentary constituency against AIADMK`s AC Shanmugam.

Last month, the Income Tax department and Election Commission officials had raided DMK treasurer Durai Murugan's residence in Vellore, and reportedly seized a large amount of unaccounted cash. Raids were also conducted at Kingston Engineering College and Durai Murugan B.Ed College, which are owned by Kadhir Anand.&nbsp;

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has said that no order has been issued by it so far regarding cancellation of Lok Sabha elections in Tamil Nadu`s Vellore constituency.

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has said that no order has been issued by it so far regarding cancellation of Lok Sabha elections in Tamil Nadu`s Vellore constituency. The clarification comes after various media reports claimed that the poll body is mulling over cancelling polls in the Vellore parliamentary constituency over the alleged use of money to influence voters. However, ECI's official spokesperson Sheyphali Sharan said no such order has been issued yet. Vellore parliamentary constituency is scheduled to go to polls on April 18. The results of the elections will be announced on May 23. As per the seat-sharing arrangement of Congress-DMK alliance, the Vellore seat has gone to DMK. Similarly, an alliance of BJP-AIADMK and other regional parties has conceded the seat to AIADMK. The DMK has fielded Kadhir Anand from Vellore Parliamentary constituency against AIADMK`s AC Shanmugam. Last month, the Income Tax department and Election Commission officials had raided DMK treasurer Durai Murugan's residence in Vellore, and reportedly seized a large amount of unaccounted cash. Raids were also conducted at Kingston Engineering College and Durai Murugan B.Ed College, which are owned by Kadhir Anand.

Lok Sabha polls 2019: No order issued for cancellation of election in Vellore, says Election Commission

The Lucknow parliamentary seat is considered to be a BJP bastion and has been its stronghold since the Atal Bihari Vajpayee era.&nbsp;

BJP has been on a winning spree here winning the prestigious parliamentary seat continuously since 1991.

After Vajpayee, this seat was won by Lalji Tandon and then by Rajnath Singh in 2014. Rajnath Singh is seeking a second term form Lucknow.

Singh had contested from Lucknow parliamentary constituency for the first time in 2014 and registered an easy victory over the Congress candidate. Singh's nearest rival then was Rita Bahuguna Joshi who is now in BJP and a minister in UP government.

<table border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" style="width: 483px;">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>State</td>
			<td style="width: 339px;">Uttar Pradesh</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Constituency number</td>
			<td style="width: 339px;">35</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Constituency Status</td>
			<td style="width: 339px;">General</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Current Member of Parliament</td>
			<td style="width: 339px;">Rajnath Singh (Bharatiya Janata Party)</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Assembly Constituencies</td>
			<td style="width: 339px;">Lucknow West, Lucknow North, Lucknow East, Lucknow Central, Lucknow Cantt.</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Total voters</td>
			<td style="width: 339px;">19,49,956</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Female voters</td>
			<td style="width: 339px;">8,97,785</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Male voters</td>
			<td style="width: 339px;">10,52,171</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Reserved</td>
			<td style="width: 339px;">No</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Delimited</td>
			<td style="width: 339px;">Yes</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td style="width: 339px;">&nbsp;</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

Samajwadi Party has fielded Bollywood actor-turned-politician Shatrughan Sinha’s wife Poonam Sinha against Rajnath Singh.

According to sources, the Congress is likely to extend support to Sinha’s candidature, with the aim to dent BJP’s votes and keep Singh confined to his constituency. &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Samajwadi Party is banking on the caste equation of Lucknow. There are four lakh Kayastha voters and 1.3 lakh Sindhi voters in Lucknow, apart from 3.5 lakh Muslims. Poonam Sinha is a Sindhi while her husband Shatrughan Sinha is a Kayastha.&nbsp;

Lucknow naturally meets all requirements to be a prominent seat by being a Lok Sabha constituency that has been represented by former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee for five times.

Vajpayee who contested from Lucknow five times scarcely ever needed to confront a political heavyweight of his stature as a rival.&nbsp;

Most popular of the individuals who lost against him were senior Advocate Ram Jethmalani as an independent candidate, Dr Karan Singh of Congress, movie producer Muzaffar Ali and Raj Babbar from Congress in 2004, 1999, 1998, 1996 separately. And&nbsp;every one of them was defeated with huge margins.

Lucknow is going to polls on May 6 along with a total of 51 constituencies across seven states in the fifth phase of the Lok Sabha election.&nbsp; 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

The Lucknow parliamentary seat is considered to be a BJP bastion and has been its stronghold since the Atal Bihari Vajpayee era. BJP has been on a winning spree here winning the prestigious parliamentary seat continuously since 1991.

The Lucknow parliamentary seat is considered to be a BJP bastion and has been its stronghold since the Atal Bihari Vajpayee era. BJP has been on a winning spree here winning the prestigious parliamentary seat continuously since 1991. After Vajpayee, this seat was won by Lalji Tandon and then by Rajnath Singh in 2014. Rajnath Singh is seeking a second term form Lucknow. Singh had contested from Lucknow parliamentary constituency for the first time in 2014 and registered an easy victory over the Congress candidate. Singh's nearest rival then was Rita Bahuguna Joshi who is now in BJP and a minister in UP government. State Uttar Pradesh Constituency number 35 Constituency Status General Current Member of Parliament Rajnath Singh (Bharatiya Janata Party) Assembly Constituencies Lucknow West, Lucknow North, Lucknow East, Lucknow Central, Lucknow Cantt. Total voters 19,49,956 Female voters 8,97,785 Male voters 10,52,171 Reserved No Delimited Yes Samajwadi Party has fielded Bollywood actor-turned-politician Shatrughan Sinha’s wife Poonam Sinha against Rajnath Singh. According to sources, the Congress is likely to extend support to Sinha’s candidature, with the aim to dent BJP’s votes and keep Singh confined to his constituency. Samajwadi Party is banking on the caste equation of Lucknow. There are four lakh Kayastha voters and 1.3 lakh Sindhi voters in Lucknow, apart from 3.5 lakh Muslims. Poonam Sinha is a Sindhi while her husband Shatrughan Sinha is a Kayastha. Lucknow naturally meets all requirements to be a prominent seat by being a Lok Sabha constituency that has been represented by former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee for five times. Vajpayee who contested from Lucknow five times scarcely ever needed to confront a political heavyweight of his stature as a rival. Most popular of the individuals who lost against him were senior Advocate Ram Jethmalani as an independent candidate, Dr Karan Singh of Congress, movie producer Muzaffar Ali and Raj Babbar from Congress in 2004, 1999, 1998, 1996 separately. And every one of them was defeated with huge margins. Lucknow is going to polls on May 6 along with a total of 51 constituencies across seven states in the fifth phase of the Lok Sabha election. (With inputs from agencies)

Lucknow: Shatrughan Sinha’s wife Poonam takes on Rajnath Singh in BJP's stronghold

The electoral battle in Jaipur Rural constituency in Rajasthan can easily be billed as a clash of the titans as two former Olympians - the BJP's Rajyavardhan Rathore and Congress's Krishna Poonia - are pitted against each other from here for the Lok Sabha polls.

Rathore, a former Colonel in the Indian Army, started his political innings by joining the BJP in September 2013 after taking voluntary retirement.

In 2014, he was elected as Member of Parliament (MP) in Lok Sabha from Jaipur Rural seat and was sworn in as the Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting.

In 2017, the Padma Shree awardee was given independent charge of the Ministry of Sports and Youth Affairs.

Krishna Poonia, who is the first Indian woman track-and-field athlete to win an individual gold in the 2010 Commonwealth Games, represents Churu district's Sadulpur assembly seat. She was named the Congress candidate from Jaipur Rural Lok Sabha seat on April 1.

She joined Congress party at an election rally in Churu in 2013 and believes that Congress was the natural choice for her as her family has traditionally supported the party.

The Jaipur Rural Lok Sabha seat, which has 19.33 lakh electorates, 9.12 lakh of them female, is dominated by the Jat community, followed by Brahmin, Yadav and Scheduled Caste voters. The caste equation is favourable for Poonia who belongs to the Jat community.

Of the eight assembly segments in the Lok Sabha constituency, the ruling Congress has five seats, two are with the BJP and one is with an Independent MLA. During the 2014 Lok Sabha election, the BJP had five seats while the Congress had two assembly seats falling under the Jaipur Rural constituency.

The 25 parliamentary constituencies of Rajasthan will go to polls in two phases.

Polling will be held in 13 constituencies in the fourth phase on April 29.

The rest of the 12 seats including Jaipur Rural will vote in the fifth phase on May 6.

(With inputs from agencies)

The electoral battle in Jaipur Rural constituency in Rajasthan can easily be billed as a clash of the titans as two former Olympians - the BJP's Rajyavardhan Rathore and Congress's Krishna Poonia - are pitted against each other from here for the Lok Sabha polls.

The electoral battle in Jaipur Rural constituency in Rajasthan can easily be billed as a clash of the titans as two former Olympians - the BJP's Rajyavardhan Rathore and Congress's Krishna Poonia - are pitted against each other from here for the Lok Sabha polls. Rathore, a former Colonel in the Indian Army, started his political innings by joining the BJP in September 2013 after taking voluntary retirement. In 2014, he was elected as Member of Parliament (MP) in Lok Sabha from Jaipur Rural seat and was sworn in as the Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting. In 2017, the Padma Shree awardee was given independent charge of the Ministry of Sports and Youth Affairs. Krishna Poonia, who is the first Indian woman track-and-field athlete to win an individual gold in the 2010 Commonwealth Games, represents Churu district's Sadulpur assembly seat. She was named the Congress candidate from Jaipur Rural Lok Sabha seat on April 1. She joined Congress party at an election rally in Churu in 2013 and believes that Congress was the natural choice for her as her family has traditionally supported the party. The Jaipur Rural Lok Sabha seat, which has 19.33 lakh electorates, 9.12 lakh of them female, is dominated by the Jat community, followed by Brahmin, Yadav and Scheduled Caste voters. The caste equation is favourable for Poonia who belongs to the Jat community. Of the eight assembly segments in the Lok Sabha constituency, the ruling Congress has five seats, two are with the BJP and one is with an Independent MLA. During the 2014 Lok Sabha election, the BJP had five seats while the Congress had two assembly seats falling under the Jaipur Rural constituency. The 25 parliamentary constituencies of Rajasthan will go to polls in two phases. Polling will be held in 13 constituencies in the fourth phase on April 29. The rest of the 12 seats including Jaipur Rural will vote in the fifth phase on May 6. (With inputs from agencies)

Lok Sabha elections 2019: Two Olympians slug it out in Rajasthan’s Jaipur Rural

Veteran actor and former BJP leader Shatrughan Sinha's wife Poonam Sinha joined&nbsp;Samajwadi Party on Tuesday in the presence of Kannauj MP Dimple Yadav.

The development comes just 10 days after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-polls-shatrughan-sinha-to-challenge-ravi-shankar-prasad-in-bihars-patna-sahib-208336">Shatrughan Sinha joined Congress</a> and was given a ticket from Bihar's Patna Sahib. Poonam Sinha is set to take Union Minister and BJP leader Rajnath Singh from Lucknow Lok Sabha seat. Poonam Sinha will&nbsp;file nomination on April 18.

The SP has urged Congress party not to field a candidate from Lucknow to ensure BJP's defeat.&nbsp;

"We appeal to the Congress that do not field your candidate from here so that BJP can be defeated," Samajwadi Party's Ravidas Mehrotra told media on Tuesday.

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Ravidas Mehrotra, SP: Poonam Sinha ji (wife of Shatrughan Sinha) will be the SP-BSP-RLD candidate from Lucknow. She will file nomination on April 18. We appeal to the Congress that do not field your candidate from here so that BJP can be defeated. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LokSabhaElections2019?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LokSabhaElections2019</a> <a href="https://t.co/Xp2y3M6Wz1">pic.twitter.com/Xp2y3M6Wz1</a>
— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANINewsUP/status/1118098123190964224?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 16, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Samajwadi Party MP and chief Akhilesh Yadav's wife Dimple Yadav welcomed Sinha to the party. Yadav has been critical in inducting key candidates into the party. She was instrumental in foraying talks with the Congress' Priyanka Gandhi Vadra for an alliance in Uttar Pradesh which didn't end up materialising.&nbsp;

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Lucknow: Shatrughan Sinha's wife Poonam Sinha joins Samajwadi Party in presence of Dimple Yadav. <a href="https://t.co/sgFg3C5oRm">pic.twitter.com/sgFg3C5oRm</a>
— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANINewsUP/status/1118091817877065728?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 16, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Shatrughan Sinha is set to take BJP leader and Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad from the Bihar's key Patna Sahib&nbsp;constituency.&nbsp;

Shatrughan Sinha had a long association with the BJP. He was the minister for shipping and health and family welfare during former Prime Minister Vajpayee's term.

He won the Patna Sahib Lok Sabha seat in 2009 and then again during the BJP wave under Narendra Modi in 2014.

Veteran actor and former BJP leader Shatrughan Sinha's wife Poonam Sinha joined Samajwadi Party on Tuesday in the presence of Kannauj MP Dimple Yadav. The development comes just 10 days after Shatrughan Sinha joined Congress and was given a ticket from Bihar's Patna Sahib.

Veteran actor and former BJP leader Shatrughan Sinha's wife Poonam Sinha joined Samajwadi Party on Tuesday in the presence of Kannauj MP Dimple Yadav. The development comes just 10 days after Shatrughan Sinha joined Congress and was given a ticket from Bihar's Patna Sahib. Poonam Sinha is set to take Union Minister and BJP leader Rajnath Singh from Lucknow Lok Sabha seat. Poonam Sinha will file nomination on April 18. The SP has urged Congress party not to field a candidate from Lucknow to ensure BJP's defeat. "We appeal to the Congress that do not field your candidate from here so that BJP can be defeated," Samajwadi Party's Ravidas Mehrotra told media on Tuesday. Ravidas Mehrotra, SP: Poonam Sinha ji (wife of Shatrughan Sinha) will be the SP-BSP-RLD candidate from Lucknow. She will file nomination on April 18. We appeal to the Congress that do not field your candidate from here so that BJP can be defeated. #LokSabhaElections2019 pic.twitter.com/Xp2y3M6Wz1 — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) April 16, 2019 × Samajwadi Party MP and chief Akhilesh Yadav's wife Dimple Yadav welcomed Sinha to the party. Yadav has been critical in inducting key candidates into the party. She was instrumental in foraying talks with the Congress' Priyanka Gandhi Vadra for an alliance in Uttar Pradesh which didn't end up materialising. Lucknow: Shatrughan Sinha's wife Poonam Sinha joins Samajwadi Party in presence of Dimple Yadav. pic.twitter.com/sgFg3C5oRm — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) April 16, 2019 × Shatrughan Sinha is set to take BJP leader and Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad from the Bihar's key Patna Sahib constituency. Shatrughan Sinha had a long association with the BJP. He was the minister for shipping and health and family welfare during former Prime Minister Vajpayee's term. He won the Patna Sahib Lok Sabha seat in 2009 and then again during the BJP wave under Narendra Modi in 2014.

Shatrughan Sinha's wife Poonam Sinha joins SP, set to take Rajnath Singh from Lucknow

Income tax officials Tuesday carried out coordinated<a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/it-raids-continue-at-various-locations-in-madhya-pradesh-security-heightened-208681&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwi0_Yr7itThAhUM6XMBHSm7AzYQFggFMAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw3oa_gTVL_qZZMX3hh6t4Mz"> raids</a> at premises owned by people allegedly linked to JD(S) in Mandya and Hassan districts, where party supremo H D Deve Gowda's grandsons Nikhil Kumaraswamy and Prajwal Revanna are contesting their maiden Lok Sabha elections.

Sources in the I-T department said the searches were conducted by four teams, each comprising 15 officials at the offices, residences and factory premises of people allegedly associated with the JD(S) leadership.

The officials were accompanied by CRPF personnel.

JD(S) and its ally Congress have been alleging that the BJP-led government at the Centre has been "misusing" central agencies to pursue its "politics of vendetta."

On March 28, leaders of both the parties led by chief minister H D Kumaraswamy, former chief minister Siddaramaiah, deputy chief minister G Parameshwara had staged a demonstration outside the income tax office when the raids began.

The Principal Chief Commissioner of Income Tax (Karnataka-Goa region) B R Balakrishnan had even written to the Chief Electoral Officer of Karnataka seeking action against those who staged demonstrations, threatened the officials and interrupted them from discharging their duties under various sections of the IPC.

Meanwhile, an income tax department release said, "Today the Income-tax department is carrying out searches in Hassan, Mandya and Bangalore.

The searches being conducted today are based on credible intelligence that certain businessmen have earned income not disclosed to tax and are in possession of undisclosed assets."

"The taxpayers covered in today's search operations are engaged in real estate, quarrying and stone crushing, executing government contracts, operating petrol bunks, sawmill and managing cooperative Banks.

These are sectors which are prone to generation of black money," it said.

The release further said five residences in Hassan, one in Bangalore and one in Mandya along with their business premises were covered as part of the search operations.&nbsp;

Income tax officials Tuesday carried out coordinated raids at premises owned by people allegedly linked to JD(S) in Mandya and Hassan districts, where party supremo H D Deve Gowda's grandsons Nikhil Kumaraswamy and Prajwal Revanna are contesting their maiden Lok Sabha elections.

Income tax officials Tuesday carried out coordinated raids at premises owned by people allegedly linked to JD(S) in Mandya and Hassan districts, where party supremo H D Deve Gowda's grandsons Nikhil Kumaraswamy and Prajwal Revanna are contesting their maiden Lok Sabha elections. Sources in the I-T department said the searches were conducted by four teams, each comprising 15 officials at the offices, residences and factory premises of people allegedly associated with the JD(S) leadership. The officials were accompanied by CRPF personnel. JD(S) and its ally Congress have been alleging that the BJP-led government at the Centre has been "misusing" central agencies to pursue its "politics of vendetta." On March 28, leaders of both the parties led by chief minister H D Kumaraswamy, former chief minister Siddaramaiah, deputy chief minister G Parameshwara had staged a demonstration outside the income tax office when the raids began. The Principal Chief Commissioner of Income Tax (Karnataka-Goa region) B R Balakrishnan had even written to the Chief Electoral Officer of Karnataka seeking action against those who staged demonstrations, threatened the officials and interrupted them from discharging their duties under various sections of the IPC. Meanwhile, an income tax department release said, "Today the Income-tax department is carrying out searches in Hassan, Mandya and Bangalore. The searches being conducted today are based on credible intelligence that certain businessmen have earned income not disclosed to tax and are in possession of undisclosed assets." "The taxpayers covered in today's search operations are engaged in real estate, quarrying and stone crushing, executing government contracts, operating petrol bunks, sawmill and managing cooperative Banks. These are sectors which are prone to generation of black money," it said. The release further said five residences in Hassan, one in Bangalore and one in Mandya along with their business premises were covered as part of the search operations.

IT raids at premises of people linked to JDS in Mandya, Hassan

The BJP is likely to revive its "Operation Kamala" to topple the Congress-JD(S) government in Karnataka after the ongoing general election, but it will not succeed in its effort, Coalition Coordination Committee chairman Siddaramaiah has said.

There is no "threat" to the Congress-Janata Dal (Secular) government, which is "very much stable" and functioning smoothly without hiccups, he told PTI on Monday.

The Congress Legislature Party (CLP) leader further said "Operation Kamala 2.0" will not succeed as the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is unlikely to return to power at the Centre.

"Operation Kamala" (Operation Lotus) refers to the successful attempt of the BJP to engineer the defection of opposition legislators to ensure the stability of the BS Yeddyurappa government in Karnataka in 2008. It is widely believed that the saffron party is attempting "Operation Kamala 2.0" to form the government in the southern state by trying to lure the legislators of the ruling coalition.

The BJP had tried to engineer defections soon after the May 2018 Assembly polls when it emerged as the single-largest party with 104 seats but fell short of a majority. However, the Congress-JD(S) coalition was on guard.

"They may try Operation Kamala again and I do not think they will succeed," Siddaramaiah told PTI in an exclusive interview.

He was responding to a query on the possibility of the BJP, if it returns to power at the Centre, reviving its "poach-all" operation to stake claim to form the government in Karnataka.

"The BJP cannot come to power at the Centre as it will not win a good number of seats in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. In the 2014 (Lok Sabha) election, it had won 102 of the 120 seats in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. Is it possible to win the same number of seats again? How can you say the BJP will come to power?," the former Karnataka chief minister said, adding that the saffron party may not get 50 per cent of the seats it had bagged in these two states five years ago.

"In Gujarat, the BJP had won all the 26 seats and do you think it is possible this time? Where is the Modi wave? Why is the Modi wave created? I want to know what factors are contributing to the Modi wave," he said.

Dismissing reports of any threat to the Congress-JD(S) coalition government in Karnataka, he said, "We do not have any fear. It is the BJP which is saying the government is not stable. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is also saying it."

The Congress-JD(S) coalition has 117 MLAs, whereas the BJP has 104. The saffron party will have to get at least 13 legislators from the ruling alliance to resign from the Assembly in order to bring down the strength of the House, allowing it to stake claim to form the government in the southern state.

The defecting MLAs cannot join the BJP straightaway as in that case, they will attract disqualification under the anti-defection law.

Karnataka goes to the polls in the second and third phases on April 18 and 23.

The BJP is likely to revive its "Operation Kamala" to topple the Congress-JD(S) government in Karnataka after the ongoing general election, but it will not succeed in its effort, Coalition Coordination Committee chairman Siddaramaiah has said.

The BJP is likely to revive its "Operation Kamala" to topple the Congress-JD(S) government in Karnataka after the ongoing general election, but it will not succeed in its effort, Coalition Coordination Committee chairman Siddaramaiah has said. There is no "threat" to the Congress-Janata Dal (Secular) government, which is "very much stable" and functioning smoothly without hiccups, he told PTI on Monday. The Congress Legislature Party (CLP) leader further said "Operation Kamala 2.0" will not succeed as the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is unlikely to return to power at the Centre. "Operation Kamala" (Operation Lotus) refers to the successful attempt of the BJP to engineer the defection of opposition legislators to ensure the stability of the BS Yeddyurappa government in Karnataka in 2008. It is widely believed that the saffron party is attempting "Operation Kamala 2.0" to form the government in the southern state by trying to lure the legislators of the ruling coalition. The BJP had tried to engineer defections soon after the May 2018 Assembly polls when it emerged as the single-largest party with 104 seats but fell short of a majority. However, the Congress-JD(S) coalition was on guard. "They may try Operation Kamala again and I do not think they will succeed," Siddaramaiah told PTI in an exclusive interview. He was responding to a query on the possibility of the BJP, if it returns to power at the Centre, reviving its "poach-all" operation to stake claim to form the government in Karnataka. "The BJP cannot come to power at the Centre as it will not win a good number of seats in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. In the 2014 (Lok Sabha) election, it had won 102 of the 120 seats in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. Is it possible to win the same number of seats again? How can you say the BJP will come to power?," the former Karnataka chief minister said, adding that the saffron party may not get 50 per cent of the seats it had bagged in these two states five years ago. "In Gujarat, the BJP had won all the 26 seats and do you think it is possible this time? Where is the Modi wave? Why is the Modi wave created? I want to know what factors are contributing to the Modi wave," he said. Dismissing reports of any threat to the Congress-JD(S) coalition government in Karnataka, he said, "We do not have any fear. It is the BJP which is saying the government is not stable. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is also saying it." The Congress-JD(S) coalition has 117 MLAs, whereas the BJP has 104. The saffron party will have to get at least 13 legislators from the ruling alliance to resign from the Assembly in order to bring down the strength of the House, allowing it to stake claim to form the government in the southern state. The defecting MLAs cannot join the BJP straightaway as in that case, they will attract disqualification under the anti-defection law. Karnataka goes to the polls in the second and third phases on April 18 and 23.

BJP may revive 'Operation Kamala' post LS polls, but it will not succeed: Siddaramaiah

Azam Khan on Monday clarified that he did not make any <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/azam-khan-fighting-polls-to-legalise-his-acts-jaya-prada-208710">objectionable remarks</a> against film actor and BJP candidate Jaya Prada, fighting the Lok Sabha polls from Rampur against him.

Khan’s clarification came after he allegedly while addressing a poll campaign rally in Rampur, made a below-the-belt remark against Prada.

“I brought her (Jaya Prada) to Rampur. You are a witness that I did not allow anyone to touch her body. It took you 17 years to identify her real face, but I got to know in 17 days that she wears khaki underpants,” Khan purportedly said on Sunday.

Asserting that he did not name anyone, the Samajwadi leader said he would withdraw his candidature from the ongoing polls if proven guilty.

"I said that people took time to know a real face in reference to a man, who once said he brought 150 rifles with him, and if he sees Azam, he would have shot him dead. My leaders also made a mistake. Now, it has been revealed that he has an RSS pant on his body. Shorts are worn by men," Khan told ANI.

"I was a nine-time MLA from Rampur and have been a minister. I know what to say. "If anyone proves that I have named anyone and insulted anyone by name, I will step back from the elections," he added.

Khan also accused the media of misinterpreting his comments.

"I am disappointed. The media did not like me; I also did not like them. They have caused damage to the country," he said.

Actor-turned-politician Jaya Prada had won the Rampur Lok Sabha seat in 2004 and 2009 on a Samajwadi Party ticket, but she was expelled on account of alleged anti-party activities in 2010. She joined the BJP last month.

The election to 80 Lok Sabha seats in Uttar Pradesh is scheduled to be conducted in all seven phases. Eight seats in the state went to the polls in the first phase on 11 April. The final phase of voting will take place on 19 May. The results will be announced on 23 May.

Azam Khan on Monday clarified that he did not make any objectionable remarks against film actor and BJP candidate Jaya Prada, fighting the Lok Sabha polls from Rampur against him.

Azam Khan on Monday clarified that he did not make any objectionable remarks against film actor and BJP candidate Jaya Prada, fighting the Lok Sabha polls from Rampur against him. Khan’s clarification came after he allegedly while addressing a poll campaign rally in Rampur, made a below-the-belt remark against Prada. “I brought her (Jaya Prada) to Rampur. You are a witness that I did not allow anyone to touch her body. It took you 17 years to identify her real face, but I got to know in 17 days that she wears khaki underpants,” Khan purportedly said on Sunday. Asserting that he did not name anyone, the Samajwadi leader said he would withdraw his candidature from the ongoing polls if proven guilty. "I said that people took time to know a real face in reference to a man, who once said he brought 150 rifles with him, and if he sees Azam, he would have shot him dead. My leaders also made a mistake. Now, it has been revealed that he has an RSS pant on his body. Shorts are worn by men," Khan told ANI. "I was a nine-time MLA from Rampur and have been a minister. I know what to say. "If anyone proves that I have named anyone and insulted anyone by name, I will step back from the elections," he added. Khan also accused the media of misinterpreting his comments. "I am disappointed. The media did not like me; I also did not like them. They have caused damage to the country," he said. Actor-turned-politician Jaya Prada had won the Rampur Lok Sabha seat in 2004 and 2009 on a Samajwadi Party ticket, but she was expelled on account of alleged anti-party activities in 2010. She joined the BJP last month. The election to 80 Lok Sabha seats in Uttar Pradesh is scheduled to be conducted in all seven phases. Eight seats in the state went to the polls in the first phase on 11 April. The final phase of voting will take place on 19 May. The results will be announced on 23 May.

Will not contest polls if proven guilty, says Azam Khan on derogatory remarks against Jaya Prada

The country was heading towards a coalition government as neither the Congress nor the BJP are unlikely to get an absolute majority despite claims by political leadership, former Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said Monday.&nbsp;

He said the mood of the country is clearly in favour of bringing in a UPA government to reject communal and divisive forces.

The senior Congress leader observed that neither of the two national parties were in a position to cross the 150 marks out of 543, despite claims to the contrary by BJP leaders including Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

In Karnataka, he said the Congress along with its ally JD(S) is expected to win around 20 seats out of 28 parliamentary constituencies.&nbsp;

The first phase of polling is scheduled on April 18 in the state.&nbsp;

Talking to PTI in an exclusive interview during a campaign trail, Siddaramaiah said: "Both Congress and BJP appear not to be in a position to get an absolute majority on their own. The UPA will, however, get a clear majority."&nbsp;

Holding that claims and reality are two different things, he said there is no Modi wave. On the contrary, there is a growing wave of people wanting to curb divisive and communal forces. This has put a full stop to the second term for the NDA.

"According to me, the UPA will get enough seats and will emerge as a single largest front. Naturally, other regional parties will rally around," he said and added the Mahagathbandhan (the grand-alliance) has taken place so that the secular votes are not divided.&nbsp;

He said, "The campaign is against the BJP which is a communal party. All secular forces which were fighting each other, have come together to prevent the division of votes among secular parties. We are fighting against the communal party."

Siddaramaiah, who is also chairman of the Congress-JD(S) coalition committee in the state, is, however, confident that the Congress will be able to make major inroads in Karnataka along with the JD(S), limiting the BJP to anywhere between 8 and 10 seats out of 28 parliamentary constituencies.

The Congress, which is contesting 21 seats in the state, would win 13-14 seats and its ally JD(S) will take the combined tally to around 20, he said.&nbsp;

Rubbishing claims that there was lack of coordination between Congress and JD(S) workers resulting from an unfair allocation of seats, he said the two parties were in perfect harmony and the campaigning was going on satisfactorily.

"This issue has been verified because myself and JD(S) chief H D Deve Gowda jointly toured all constituencies. Look, myself and G T Devegowda of JD(S) fought against each other during the last assembly elections, now we have come together. We have asked workers to work together," he said.

Three out of seven seats allocated to JD(S) are being contested by former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda and his two grandsons, forcing the JD(S) leadership to concentrate on three constituencies of Tumkur, Mandya and Hassan.

Gowda is contesting from Tumkur, his grandson and chief minister H D Kumaraswamy's son Nikhil Kumaraswamy from Mandya and elder son H D Revanna's son Ujwal Revanna from Hassan.&nbsp;

Asserting that the Congress-JD(S) alliance will benefit in this Lok Sabha poll, Siddaramaiah said, "Our vote share will be definitely more than the BJP. Both voters, irrespective of what Congress and JD(S) got in the assembly poll, put together will get more votes."&nbsp;

On too much of Modi bashing in the election campaign, he said, "It is because Modi is prime minister of this country and has completed five years. Who else should I attack? If you attack Modi, it means we are attacking the RSS. He is a symbol of RSS."

He said Congress's narrative of the election campaign is positive, unlike the BJP which is not raising issues concerning the poor people, farmers, youth and women.&nbsp;

"Is Modi discussing these issues in the public meeting? Why he is not mentioning his achievements in the public meeting? He is talking only about surgical strikes" the Congress leader said.

"There were 12 surgical strikes in the past. In the first war against Pakistan in 1948-49, Narendra Modi was not even born then. In 1977, when Indira Gandhi was PM and Bangladesh was liberated, where was he? Was he a soldier in the Indian army?" Siddaramaiah said adding these surgical strikes are taking place frequently in the country after Independence.

Even the BJP's manifesto talks of the same old issues such as the scrapping of Article 370 and construction of Ram temple. "It is raising emotional and very old issues. These issues were there since 1982," he noted.

The country was heading towards a coalition government as neither the Congress nor the BJP are unlikely to get an absolute majority despite claims by political leadership, former Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said Monday.

The country was heading towards a coalition government as neither the Congress nor the BJP are unlikely to get an absolute majority despite claims by political leadership, former Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said Monday. He said the mood of the country is clearly in favour of bringing in a UPA government to reject communal and divisive forces. The senior Congress leader observed that neither of the two national parties were in a position to cross the 150 marks out of 543, despite claims to the contrary by BJP leaders including Prime Minister Narendra Modi. In Karnataka, he said the Congress along with its ally JD(S) is expected to win around 20 seats out of 28 parliamentary constituencies. The first phase of polling is scheduled on April 18 in the state. Talking to PTI in an exclusive interview during a campaign trail, Siddaramaiah said: "Both Congress and BJP appear not to be in a position to get an absolute majority on their own. The UPA will, however, get a clear majority." Holding that claims and reality are two different things, he said there is no Modi wave. On the contrary, there is a growing wave of people wanting to curb divisive and communal forces. This has put a full stop to the second term for the NDA. "According to me, the UPA will get enough seats and will emerge as a single largest front. Naturally, other regional parties will rally around," he said and added the Mahagathbandhan (the grand-alliance) has taken place so that the secular votes are not divided. He said, "The campaign is against the BJP which is a communal party. All secular forces which were fighting each other, have come together to prevent the division of votes among secular parties. We are fighting against the communal party." Siddaramaiah, who is also chairman of the Congress-JD(S) coalition committee in the state, is, however, confident that the Congress will be able to make major inroads in Karnataka along with the JD(S), limiting the BJP to anywhere between 8 and 10 seats out of 28 parliamentary constituencies. The Congress, which is contesting 21 seats in the state, would win 13-14 seats and its ally JD(S) will take the combined tally to around 20, he said. Rubbishing claims that there was lack of coordination between Congress and JD(S) workers resulting from an unfair allocation of seats, he said the two parties were in perfect harmony and the campaigning was going on satisfactorily. "This issue has been verified because myself and JD(S) chief H D Deve Gowda jointly toured all constituencies. Look, myself and G T Devegowda of JD(S) fought against each other during the last assembly elections, now we have come together. We have asked workers to work together," he said. Three out of seven seats allocated to JD(S) are being contested by former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda and his two grandsons, forcing the JD(S) leadership to concentrate on three constituencies of Tumkur, Mandya and Hassan. Gowda is contesting from Tumkur, his grandson and chief minister H D Kumaraswamy's son Nikhil Kumaraswamy from Mandya and elder son H D Revanna's son Ujwal Revanna from Hassan. Asserting that the Congress-JD(S) alliance will benefit in this Lok Sabha poll, Siddaramaiah said, "Our vote share will be definitely more than the BJP. Both voters, irrespective of what Congress and JD(S) got in the assembly poll, put together will get more votes." On too much of Modi bashing in the election campaign, he said, "It is because Modi is prime minister of this country and has completed five years. Who else should I attack? If you attack Modi, it means we are attacking the RSS. He is a symbol of RSS." He said Congress's narrative of the election campaign is positive, unlike the BJP which is not raising issues concerning the poor people, farmers, youth and women. "Is Modi discussing these issues in the public meeting? Why he is not mentioning his achievements in the public meeting? He is talking only about surgical strikes" the Congress leader said. "There were 12 surgical strikes in the past. In the first war against Pakistan in 1948-49, Narendra Modi was not even born then. In 1977, when Indira Gandhi was PM and Bangladesh was liberated, where was he? Was he a soldier in the Indian army?" Siddaramaiah said adding these surgical strikes are taking place frequently in the country after Independence. Even the BJP's manifesto talks of the same old issues such as the scrapping of Article 370 and construction of Ram temple. "It is raising emotional and very old issues. These issues were there since 1982," he noted.

Lok Sabha polls 2019: Country heading towards coalition government, says Siddaramaiah

Reacting to Samajwadi Party leader <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/will-not-contest-polls-if-proven-guilty-says-azam-khan-on-khaki-underwear-remark-210455">Azam Khan’s objectionable comment </a>against herself actor-turned-politician Jaya Prada on Monday said that Azam Khan shouldn't be allowed to contest Lok Sabha Elections as there’ll be no place for women in society if he wins.

“It isn’t new for me. You might remember that I was a candidate from his party in 2019 when no one supported me after he made comments against me. I’m a woman and I can’t even repeat what he said. I don’t know what I did to him that he is saying such things…He shouldn’t be allowed to contest elections. Because if this man wins, what will happen to democracy? There’ll be no place for women in society. Where will we go? Should I die, then you’ll be satisfied? Do you think that I’ll get scared &amp; leave Rampur? But I won’t leave,” she was quoted as saying by news agency ANI.

Earlier on Sunday during a rally Azam Khan said that “I brought her (Jaya Prada) to Rampur. You are a witness that I did not allow anyone to touch her body. It took you 17 years to identify her real face, but I got to know in 17 days that she wears khaki underpants”.

An FIR has also been registered against Samajwadi Party leader Azam Khan for making objectionable remarks against actor-turned-politician Jaya Prada, who is fighting the Lok Sabha polls from Rampur against Khan.

Meanwhile, National Commission for Women (NCW) has sent a notice to SP leader over his remark.&nbsp;

National Commission for Women Chairperson Rekha Sharma termed Khan's below-the-belt remarks against the actor as "extremely disgraceful".

Jaya Prada had won the Rampur Lok Sabha seat in 2004 and 2009 on a Samajwadi Party ticket, but she was expelled on account of alleged anti-party activities in 2010. She joined the BJP last month.

The election to 80 Lok Sabha seats in Uttar Pradesh is scheduled to be conducted in all seven phases. Eight seats in the state went to the polls in the first phase on 11 April. The final phase of voting will take place on 19 May. The results will be announced on 23 May.

(With inputs from agencies)

Reacting to Samajwadi Party leader Azam Khan’s objectionable comment against herself actor-turned-politician Jaya Prada on Monday said that Azam Khan shouldn't be allowed to contest Lok Sabha Elections as there’ll be no place for women in society if he wins.

Reacting to Samajwadi Party leader Azam Khan’s objectionable comment against herself actor-turned-politician Jaya Prada on Monday said that Azam Khan shouldn't be allowed to contest Lok Sabha Elections as there’ll be no place for women in society if he wins. “It isn’t new for me. You might remember that I was a candidate from his party in 2019 when no one supported me after he made comments against me. I’m a woman and I can’t even repeat what he said. I don’t know what I did to him that he is saying such things…He shouldn’t be allowed to contest elections. Because if this man wins, what will happen to democracy? There’ll be no place for women in society. Where will we go? Should I die, then you’ll be satisfied? Do you think that I’ll get scared & leave Rampur? But I won’t leave,” she was quoted as saying by news agency ANI. Earlier on Sunday during a rally Azam Khan said that “I brought her (Jaya Prada) to Rampur. You are a witness that I did not allow anyone to touch her body. It took you 17 years to identify her real face, but I got to know in 17 days that she wears khaki underpants”. An FIR has also been registered against Samajwadi Party leader Azam Khan for making objectionable remarks against actor-turned-politician Jaya Prada, who is fighting the Lok Sabha polls from Rampur against Khan. Meanwhile, National Commission for Women (NCW) has sent a notice to SP leader over his remark. National Commission for Women Chairperson Rekha Sharma termed Khan's below-the-belt remarks against the actor as "extremely disgraceful". Jaya Prada had won the Rampur Lok Sabha seat in 2004 and 2009 on a Samajwadi Party ticket, but she was expelled on account of alleged anti-party activities in 2010. She joined the BJP last month. The election to 80 Lok Sabha seats in Uttar Pradesh is scheduled to be conducted in all seven phases. Eight seats in the state went to the polls in the first phase on 11 April. The final phase of voting will take place on 19 May. The results will be announced on 23 May. (With inputs from agencies)

If this man wins, there'll be no place for women in society: Jaya Prada on Azam Khan's derogatory remarks

Good works of mine and that of Prime Minister Narendra Modi led NDA government at the Centre will help me win this Lok Sabha election again, said actor-turned-politician <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/good-works-of-mine-pm-modi-will-help-me-win-lok-sabha-polls-again-says-hema-malini-210135&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwjJvNOBhc_hAhVc7HMBHcLGCvIQFggIMAE&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw13CMwgvcwIz8p-HWYGloQ3">Hema Malini </a>on Saturday.

"I am very confident of my win because I have done good works. My government has also done good work. So I am sure people will support us," said Malini in an exclusive interview to ANI.

She also expressed confidence that the next government at the Centre will again be formed by the BJP under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi.

"The whole system is changing. People want development. They want quick decisions to be taken for whatever is happening in the country. People belonging to different castes -- all want PM Modi," she said.

In the last Lok Sabha elections in 2014, Malini, who is also popular among masses as `Basanti` for her stellar role in blockbuster `Sholay,` had defeated the Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) leader Jayant Chaudhary by a margin of over three lakh votes.

When asked if SP-BSP-RLD alliance candidate Narendra Singh will queer the pitch for her this time by eating into Jat votes, she said: "I am sure that he will get some votes. But I will get much more votes than him because I have worked for everybody irrespective of his caste. For me, all the people are Brijwasis."

Talking about Union Minister Maneka Gandhi`s controversial speech at Sultanpur, she said: "On the issue of Triple Talaq, many minority community women support us. Even if they do not, you have to help everybody. It does not matter who voted for us and who did not. This kind of feeling does not come to me."

Union Minister Gandhi on Friday, while addressing an election rally at Turab Khani village in Sultanpur from where she is contesting the Lok Sabha poll this time, told Muslims that she was all set to win and that they should vote for her as they would need her help in future.

"I am winning...But if my victory is without support from Muslims, I will not feel that good. Then when a Muslim comes to me for work, I think let it be. How does it matter," Union Minister Gandhi had said.

When asked if being an actor has helped her in politics, said: "People are able to recognise me. They at least listen to me. Other leaders have to work hard to reach out to the people."

In response to the way she was trolled on social media for reaping the wheat crop during her campaign in a village in<a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/i-share-divine-connection-with-mathura-hema-malini-206595&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwjJvNOBhc_hAhVc7HMBHcLGCvIQFggFMAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw2f3RRnlLDvwKQjtEnsi0rp"> Mathura</a>, Hema Malini said: "I felt like doing that and I do not think that there was any problem. I go to the field. I work for my farmers in Mathura and help them so much. I have a right to enter the field. I had gone there just to take a picture. It was a pleasure to have the picture," she said.

Talking about the works done for her constituency in the past five years, Hema Malini said: "I have provided water, electricity facility to all areas in the constituency. I have also got a passport office open in Mathura. Earlier the people had to go to Aligarh or other towns for making passports. Roads have been widened. Connectivity has improved a lot," she said.

Election to Mathura Lok Sabha constituency is slated to be held in the second phase of seven-phased General Elections on April 18. The counting of votes will take place on May 23. 
&nbsp;

Good works of mine and that of Prime Minister Narendra Modi led NDA government at the Centre will help me win this Lok Sabha election again, said actor-turned-politician Hema Malini on Saturday.

Good works of mine and that of Prime Minister Narendra Modi led NDA government at the Centre will help me win this Lok Sabha election again, said actor-turned-politician Hema Malini on Saturday. "I am very confident of my win because I have done good works. My government has also done good work. So I am sure people will support us," said Malini in an exclusive interview to ANI. She also expressed confidence that the next government at the Centre will again be formed by the BJP under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi. "The whole system is changing. People want development. They want quick decisions to be taken for whatever is happening in the country. People belonging to different castes -- all want PM Modi," she said. In the last Lok Sabha elections in 2014, Malini, who is also popular among masses as `Basanti` for her stellar role in blockbuster `Sholay,` had defeated the Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) leader Jayant Chaudhary by a margin of over three lakh votes. When asked if SP-BSP-RLD alliance candidate Narendra Singh will queer the pitch for her this time by eating into Jat votes, she said: "I am sure that he will get some votes. But I will get much more votes than him because I have worked for everybody irrespective of his caste. For me, all the people are Brijwasis." Talking about Union Minister Maneka Gandhi`s controversial speech at Sultanpur, she said: "On the issue of Triple Talaq, many minority community women support us. Even if they do not, you have to help everybody. It does not matter who voted for us and who did not. This kind of feeling does not come to me." Union Minister Gandhi on Friday, while addressing an election rally at Turab Khani village in Sultanpur from where she is contesting the Lok Sabha poll this time, told Muslims that she was all set to win and that they should vote for her as they would need her help in future. "I am winning...But if my victory is without support from Muslims, I will not feel that good. Then when a Muslim comes to me for work, I think let it be. How does it matter," Union Minister Gandhi had said. When asked if being an actor has helped her in politics, said: "People are able to recognise me. They at least listen to me. Other leaders have to work hard to reach out to the people." In response to the way she was trolled on social media for reaping the wheat crop during her campaign in a village in Mathura, Hema Malini said: "I felt like doing that and I do not think that there was any problem. I go to the field. I work for my farmers in Mathura and help them so much. I have a right to enter the field. I had gone there just to take a picture. It was a pleasure to have the picture," she said. Talking about the works done for her constituency in the past five years, Hema Malini said: "I have provided water, electricity facility to all areas in the constituency. I have also got a passport office open in Mathura. Earlier the people had to go to Aligarh or other towns for making passports. Roads have been widened. Connectivity has improved a lot," she said. Election to Mathura Lok Sabha constituency is slated to be held in the second phase of seven-phased General Elections on April 18. The counting of votes will take place on May 23.

Good works of mine, PM Modi will help me win Lok Sabha poll again, says Hema Malini

With the Lok Sabha campaign gaining momentum in Mumbai, the Congress faces an uphill task of reviving itself in five constituencies in the megapolis where it had drawn a blank in 2014. What has made its job difficult is the BJP sealing a pre-poll alliance with the Shiv Sena despite the strained relations between the two saffron allies.

On the other hand, the 'X-factor' that may help the grand old party is MNS chief Raj Thackeray's support. Of the six seats in Mumbai, the Congress is contesting five and its ally NCP is contesting one.

Riding on the Modi wave, the BJP and Sena bagged three seats each last time, defeating Congress stalwarts Milind Deora (Mumbai South), Priya Dutt (Mumbai North Central), Gurudas Kamat (Mumbai North West), Eknath Gaikwad (Mumbai South Central) and Sanjay Nirupam (Mumbai North). BJP's Kirit Somaiya defeated NCP's Sanjay Dina Patil in Mumbai North East.

Five years on, the main contestants are the same, except that the BJP replaced Kirit Somaiya with Manoj Kotak and Kamat is no more. Deora is pitted against sitting Sena MP Arvind Sawant in Mumbai South, Dutt is in the fray against BJP MP Poonam Mahajan in Mumbai North Central, Gaikwad is facing his Sena rival and sitting MP Rahul Shewale in South Central.

Nirupam is trying his luck in Mumbai North West this time while the Congress has fielded actor Urmila Matondkar in Mumbai North against sitting BJP MP Gopal Shetty. Perennial issues of housing, transportation, open spaces, sanitation and crumbling infrastructure continue to dominate the discourse this time too.

Priya Dutt had initially refused to contest, but city Congress leaders persuaded her to change her mind. Dutt's loss in 2014 came as a shock, as Mumbai North Central was a Congress bastion and her father, actor-turned-politician late Sunil Dutt, had represented the seat five times.

A BJP leader claimed that the Congress will put up a real fight only in Mumbai South and Mumbai North West. In the latter, Nirupam can give a tough fight to Sena's Gajanan Kirtikar, especially in Andheri-Versova areas, he said.

In Mumbai South, Sena's Sawant does not have much connection with non-Maharashtrian voters, which could help Deora, who was recently appointed as city Congress chief, the BJP source said. As for Dutt, he claimed that she has been politically inactive for five years, and has no local support as Congress MLA Mohammed Arif Naseem Khan, who wanted a ticket, would not be working wholeheartedly for her.

In Mumbai North, BJP's Shetty, who had defeated Nirupam by a massive 4.46 lakh votes in 2014, is facing Bollywood actor Urmila Matondkar who recently joined the Congress. Matondkar has launched an impressive campaign, reaching out to voters as well as party workers. She is also being seen as articulate.

The BJP is highlighting her marriage with a Kashmiri businessman and is demanding to know her views on Article 370 and 35-A, two laws specific to the restive northern state. Article 35-A, which was incorporated in the Constitution by a 1954 Presidential Order, accords special rights and privileges to the citizens of Jammu and Kashmir and denies property rights to a woman who marries a person from outside the state.

All candidates are holding padyatras (foot marches). Gaikwad and Matondkar are going out on a morning walk to interact with voters.

While Gaikwad is accompanied by MNS leader Sandeep Deshpande during his morning walk at Shivaji Park in Dadar, Matondkar visits Sanjay Gandhi National Park in Borivali. After losing all five seats to the Sena-BJP in 2014, the Congress also performed poorly in the civic elections in 2017.

But Maharashtra Navnirman Sena chief Raj Thackeray's blistering campaign against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP has given it hope. The question is whether the crowds at Thackeray's rallies will translate into votes for Congress. In 2009, MNS candidates had got about one lakh votes in each of the six constituencies, eating into Sena-BJP votes and helping the Congress-NCP combine make a clean sweep.

Deora and Matondkar have been meeting local MNS leaders during their campaigns. A local Congress leader said there is no Modi wave now, and the Congress is not fighting anti-incumbency factor.

"There is no anti-Congress or pro-Congress trend. This works in the Congress' favour. We are weak in terms of organisation, compared to the BJP and Sena. But we have public support," he claimed. Moreover, the MNS' campaign against Modi is helping the Congress, he said, adding, "The fight for Mumbai will not be one-sided like in 2014." Mumbai will go to polls on April 29.

With the Lok Sabha campaign gaining momentum in Mumbai, the Congress faces an uphill task of reviving itself in five constituencies in the megapolis where it had drawn a blank in 2014.

With the Lok Sabha campaign gaining momentum in Mumbai, the Congress faces an uphill task of reviving itself in five constituencies in the megapolis where it had drawn a blank in 2014. What has made its job difficult is the BJP sealing a pre-poll alliance with the Shiv Sena despite the strained relations between the two saffron allies. On the other hand, the 'X-factor' that may help the grand old party is MNS chief Raj Thackeray's support. Of the six seats in Mumbai, the Congress is contesting five and its ally NCP is contesting one. Riding on the Modi wave, the BJP and Sena bagged three seats each last time, defeating Congress stalwarts Milind Deora (Mumbai South), Priya Dutt (Mumbai North Central), Gurudas Kamat (Mumbai North West), Eknath Gaikwad (Mumbai South Central) and Sanjay Nirupam (Mumbai North). BJP's Kirit Somaiya defeated NCP's Sanjay Dina Patil in Mumbai North East. Five years on, the main contestants are the same, except that the BJP replaced Kirit Somaiya with Manoj Kotak and Kamat is no more. Deora is pitted against sitting Sena MP Arvind Sawant in Mumbai South, Dutt is in the fray against BJP MP Poonam Mahajan in Mumbai North Central, Gaikwad is facing his Sena rival and sitting MP Rahul Shewale in South Central. Nirupam is trying his luck in Mumbai North West this time while the Congress has fielded actor Urmila Matondkar in Mumbai North against sitting BJP MP Gopal Shetty. Perennial issues of housing, transportation, open spaces, sanitation and crumbling infrastructure continue to dominate the discourse this time too. Priya Dutt had initially refused to contest, but city Congress leaders persuaded her to change her mind. Dutt's loss in 2014 came as a shock, as Mumbai North Central was a Congress bastion and her father, actor-turned-politician late Sunil Dutt, had represented the seat five times. A BJP leader claimed that the Congress will put up a real fight only in Mumbai South and Mumbai North West. In the latter, Nirupam can give a tough fight to Sena's Gajanan Kirtikar, especially in Andheri-Versova areas, he said. In Mumbai South, Sena's Sawant does not have much connection with non-Maharashtrian voters, which could help Deora, who was recently appointed as city Congress chief, the BJP source said. As for Dutt, he claimed that she has been politically inactive for five years, and has no local support as Congress MLA Mohammed Arif Naseem Khan, who wanted a ticket, would not be working wholeheartedly for her. In Mumbai North, BJP's Shetty, who had defeated Nirupam by a massive 4.46 lakh votes in 2014, is facing Bollywood actor Urmila Matondkar who recently joined the Congress. Matondkar has launched an impressive campaign, reaching out to voters as well as party workers. She is also being seen as articulate. The BJP is highlighting her marriage with a Kashmiri businessman and is demanding to know her views on Article 370 and 35-A, two laws specific to the restive northern state. Article 35-A, which was incorporated in the Constitution by a 1954 Presidential Order, accords special rights and privileges to the citizens of Jammu and Kashmir and denies property rights to a woman who marries a person from outside the state. All candidates are holding padyatras (foot marches). Gaikwad and Matondkar are going out on a morning walk to interact with voters. While Gaikwad is accompanied by MNS leader Sandeep Deshpande during his morning walk at Shivaji Park in Dadar, Matondkar visits Sanjay Gandhi National Park in Borivali. After losing all five seats to the Sena-BJP in 2014, the Congress also performed poorly in the civic elections in 2017. But Maharashtra Navnirman Sena chief Raj Thackeray's blistering campaign against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP has given it hope. The question is whether the crowds at Thackeray's rallies will translate into votes for Congress. In 2009, MNS candidates had got about one lakh votes in each of the six constituencies, eating into Sena-BJP votes and helping the Congress-NCP combine make a clean sweep. Deora and Matondkar have been meeting local MNS leaders during their campaigns. A local Congress leader said there is no Modi wave now, and the Congress is not fighting anti-incumbency factor. "There is no anti-Congress or pro-Congress trend. This works in the Congress' favour. We are weak in terms of organisation, compared to the BJP and Sena. But we have public support," he claimed. Moreover, the MNS' campaign against Modi is helping the Congress, he said, adding, "The fight for Mumbai will not be one-sided like in 2014." Mumbai will go to polls on April 29.

In Mumbai, Congress banks on lack of Modi wave and MNS support

Gorkha Janamukti Morcha (GJM) leader Bimal Gurung, on the run since the 2017 agitation in the Hills, has claimed that the BJP leadership gave him assurances that it would look into his statehood demand if it returns to power at the Centre. Statehood is a dream for every Gorkha living in the Hills, he said, adding that the saffron party's pitch for a permanent political solution was also "very encouraging".

The BJP, which is eyeing a third straight term in Darjeeling, has made no mention of statehood in its manifesto, but assured a "permanent political solution" in the Hills and scheduled tribe tags for eleven Gorka communities. "We have sent a memorandum to the BJP, demanding Gorkhaland. They(BJP) have assured us that they will look into it. We are happy that their (BJP's) manifesto speaks about bringing a permanent solution to the region," Gurung told PTI in an interview over the phone.

Lauding Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP president Amit Shah for "being sympathetic towards the problems of the Hills", he alleged that Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, on the other hand, has been pursuing "vote-bank politics" to gain her party's foothold in the region. "She(Banerjee) has never addressed the real issues here. She is not interested in developing the region," he claimed, demanding that the Trinamool Congress (TMC) supremo present a white paper on her welfare initiative in the Hills.

Asked what he thought about the BJP not taking any measure in the last five years to create Gorkhaland, the GJM leader was quick to defend the saffron party, claiming that the "the Narendra Modi government's priority was to improve the living standards of people". "Gorkhaland tops our agenda and I will keep fighting for it till the end. But the central government needs to focus on the overall development of the country first. Everything else is secondary. We are hoping that it (BJP) will look into the Gorkhaland issue in the next term," Gurung said.

Refuting opposition's allegation that the sitting BJP MP from Darjeeling, SS Ahluwalia, has done little to develop the Hills, Gurung claimed that the parliamentarian has been trying to work "honestly and sincerely" in the region, but the TMC-led government in the state thwarted his initiatives. "He (Ahluwalia) had tried to initiate several projects in the region, but the local administration and the state government did not cooperate with him. This is why utilization certificates were not issued," Gurung said.

According to records, Ahluwalia has utilized 56.30 per cent of the allotted MPLAD funds. People have not forgotten the atrocities committed by the TMC during the 104-day-long agitation over statehood demand in 2017, Gurung claimed.

"The voters in the Hills are with Modiji. This time, we have urged them to vote against every bullet fired by the TMC during the Gorkhaland agitation. This election is a fight for the restoration of democracy," he asserted. Gurung, then GJM supremo, had gone into hiding after the June 2017 clashes in Darjeeling. The agitation also led to a split in the Morcha, with Binay Tamang, his deputy, emerging as the leader of one of the factions.

"Our boys along with cadres of the Gorkha National Liberation Front and other hill parties are reaching out to the masses to garner support for BJP candidate Raju Singh Bisht. I can assure you that this time we will win by a bigger margin. Winning this election will take us a step closer to realising our dreams," he said. For the first time in about three decades, the demand for a separate Gorkhaland has not figured in the list of poll issues in Darjeeling as parties, including the local GJM and GNLF, have sought development and democracy in the region.

Bisht, who has the support of Gorkha National Liberation Front (GNLF) and the Bimal Gurung faction of the GJM, is pitted against TMC candidate Amar Singh Rai. The Binay Tamang faction and other smaller outfits in the Hills are backing Rai.

Referring to his one-time protege Tamang, who "expelled" him from the party after he fled the Hills, Gurung said people of Darjeeling constituency will never forgive him. "If he (Tamang) is not loyal to me and the Gorkha people, how will he be loyal to Mamata Banerjee?" he wondered.

Asked about his plans to return to the Hills, Gurung said he had wanted to do so, but the police have cordoned off the Bagdogra airport in Siliguri. "I hope to return to the hills soon. Despite the Supreme Court's order, I don't understand why the police want to stop me," he said.

In view of the elections, the Supreme Court had earlier this month allowed GJM leaders Bimal Gurung and Roshan Giri to approach the Calcutta High Court for anticipatory bail in connection with the cases filed against them. 
&nbsp;

Gorkha Janamukti Morcha (GJM) leader Bimal Gurung, on the run since the 2017 agitation in the Hills, has claimed that the BJP leadership gave him assurances that it would look into his statehood demand if it returns to power at the Centre.

Gorkha Janamukti Morcha (GJM) leader Bimal Gurung, on the run since the 2017 agitation in the Hills, has claimed that the BJP leadership gave him assurances that it would look into his statehood demand if it returns to power at the Centre. Statehood is a dream for every Gorkha living in the Hills, he said, adding that the saffron party's pitch for a permanent political solution was also "very encouraging". The BJP, which is eyeing a third straight term in Darjeeling, has made no mention of statehood in its manifesto, but assured a "permanent political solution" in the Hills and scheduled tribe tags for eleven Gorka communities. "We have sent a memorandum to the BJP, demanding Gorkhaland. They(BJP) have assured us that they will look into it. We are happy that their (BJP's) manifesto speaks about bringing a permanent solution to the region," Gurung told PTI in an interview over the phone. Lauding Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP president Amit Shah for "being sympathetic towards the problems of the Hills", he alleged that Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, on the other hand, has been pursuing "vote-bank politics" to gain her party's foothold in the region. "She(Banerjee) has never addressed the real issues here. She is not interested in developing the region," he claimed, demanding that the Trinamool Congress (TMC) supremo present a white paper on her welfare initiative in the Hills. Asked what he thought about the BJP not taking any measure in the last five years to create Gorkhaland, the GJM leader was quick to defend the saffron party, claiming that the "the Narendra Modi government's priority was to improve the living standards of people". "Gorkhaland tops our agenda and I will keep fighting for it till the end. But the central government needs to focus on the overall development of the country first. Everything else is secondary. We are hoping that it (BJP) will look into the Gorkhaland issue in the next term," Gurung said. Refuting opposition's allegation that the sitting BJP MP from Darjeeling, SS Ahluwalia, has done little to develop the Hills, Gurung claimed that the parliamentarian has been trying to work "honestly and sincerely" in the region, but the TMC-led government in the state thwarted his initiatives. "He (Ahluwalia) had tried to initiate several projects in the region, but the local administration and the state government did not cooperate with him. This is why utilization certificates were not issued," Gurung said. According to records, Ahluwalia has utilized 56.30 per cent of the allotted MPLAD funds. People have not forgotten the atrocities committed by the TMC during the 104-day-long agitation over statehood demand in 2017, Gurung claimed. "The voters in the Hills are with Modiji. This time, we have urged them to vote against every bullet fired by the TMC during the Gorkhaland agitation. This election is a fight for the restoration of democracy," he asserted. Gurung, then GJM supremo, had gone into hiding after the June 2017 clashes in Darjeeling. The agitation also led to a split in the Morcha, with Binay Tamang, his deputy, emerging as the leader of one of the factions. "Our boys along with cadres of the Gorkha National Liberation Front and other hill parties are reaching out to the masses to garner support for BJP candidate Raju Singh Bisht. I can assure you that this time we will win by a bigger margin. Winning this election will take us a step closer to realising our dreams," he said. For the first time in about three decades, the demand for a separate Gorkhaland has not figured in the list of poll issues in Darjeeling as parties, including the local GJM and GNLF, have sought development and democracy in the region. Bisht, who has the support of Gorkha National Liberation Front (GNLF) and the Bimal Gurung faction of the GJM, is pitted against TMC candidate Amar Singh Rai. The Binay Tamang faction and other smaller outfits in the Hills are backing Rai. Referring to his one-time protege Tamang, who "expelled" him from the party after he fled the Hills, Gurung said people of Darjeeling constituency will never forgive him. "If he (Tamang) is not loyal to me and the Gorkha people, how will he be loyal to Mamata Banerjee?" he wondered. Asked about his plans to return to the Hills, Gurung said he had wanted to do so, but the police have cordoned off the Bagdogra airport in Siliguri. "I hope to return to the hills soon. Despite the Supreme Court's order, I don't understand why the police want to stop me," he said. In view of the elections, the Supreme Court had earlier this month allowed GJM leaders Bimal Gurung and Roshan Giri to approach the Calcutta High Court for anticipatory bail in connection with the cases filed against them.

BJP has promised to look into our Gorkhaland demand: Gurung

Congress leader Hardik Patel on Saturday said his party gave a lot of respect and power to MLA Alpesh Thakor which the latter could not handle. 
"Congress party had given so much respect and power but he could not handle it. He started playing blame games," Mr Patel told ANI.

Mr Thakor, who had joined the Congress party in 2017, ahead of last Gujarat Assembly polls, tendered his resignation after 18 months from all party posts on Wednesday evening.

Hardik Patel further alleged that the BJP tried its best to stop him from contesting the Lok Sabha polls.

"I am accepting the decision of the High Court. BJP lawyers tried their best so that I could not contest the ongoing elections. Congress wanted to take me to the Parliament. I am a 25-year-old young man and many elections will come in the future," he said.

The Supreme Court had declined urgent hearing on Hardik Patel's plea seeking suspension of his conviction in a case of rioting and arson in Mehsana district of Gujarat during the Patidar quota stir in 2015.

Mr Patel had moved the top court challenging the order of the Gujarat High Court, which in August last year suspended his jail sentence but not the conviction. He had joined Congress on March 12 and was given a party ticket to contest the election from Jamnagar in Gujarat.

When questioned about the mention of amending sedition law in Congress's manifesto, he said, "BJP misguided the people. Congress said to remove sedition charges but will not tolerate anti-nationalism. The BJP does not have any issue to fight the elections that is why they always come with issues like anti-nationalism."

The Patidar leader who led the Patidar agitation in 2015 claimed that his community is happy with his decision of joining the Congress party.

"There are a huge number of Patidars who like me and my leadership. Patidar community is happy with my decision of joining the Congress. I believe they will support me and will help in fighting this battle."

Speaking about his campaign for Congress, Mr Patel said: "I will do 42 rallies and we will try to make Congress candidates win. Congress is in favour of the poor and farmers. Achhe din aayenge, Rahul Layenge (Good days will come, Rahul Gandhi will bring them)."

Polling for 26 Lok Sabha seats at stake in Gujarat will be held in a single phase on April 23. The counting of votes will take place on May 23.

Congress leader Hardik Patel on Saturday said his party gave a lot of respect and power to MLA Alpesh Thakor which the latter could not handle. "Congress party had given so much respect and power but he could not handle it.

Congress leader Hardik Patel on Saturday said his party gave a lot of respect and power to MLA Alpesh Thakor which the latter could not handle. "Congress party had given so much respect and power but he could not handle it. He started playing blame games," Mr Patel told ANI. Mr Thakor, who had joined the Congress party in 2017, ahead of last Gujarat Assembly polls, tendered his resignation after 18 months from all party posts on Wednesday evening. Hardik Patel further alleged that the BJP tried its best to stop him from contesting the Lok Sabha polls. "I am accepting the decision of the High Court. BJP lawyers tried their best so that I could not contest the ongoing elections. Congress wanted to take me to the Parliament. I am a 25-year-old young man and many elections will come in the future," he said. The Supreme Court had declined urgent hearing on Hardik Patel's plea seeking suspension of his conviction in a case of rioting and arson in Mehsana district of Gujarat during the Patidar quota stir in 2015. Mr Patel had moved the top court challenging the order of the Gujarat High Court, which in August last year suspended his jail sentence but not the conviction. He had joined Congress on March 12 and was given a party ticket to contest the election from Jamnagar in Gujarat. When questioned about the mention of amending sedition law in Congress's manifesto, he said, "BJP misguided the people. Congress said to remove sedition charges but will not tolerate anti-nationalism. The BJP does not have any issue to fight the elections that is why they always come with issues like anti-nationalism." The Patidar leader who led the Patidar agitation in 2015 claimed that his community is happy with his decision of joining the Congress party. "There are a huge number of Patidars who like me and my leadership. Patidar community is happy with my decision of joining the Congress. I believe they will support me and will help in fighting this battle." Speaking about his campaign for Congress, Mr Patel said: "I will do 42 rallies and we will try to make Congress candidates win. Congress is in favour of the poor and farmers. Achhe din aayenge, Rahul Layenge (Good days will come, Rahul Gandhi will bring them)." Polling for 26 Lok Sabha seats at stake in Gujarat will be held in a single phase on April 23. The counting of votes will take place on May 23.

Alpesh Thakor couldn't handle power given by congress: Hardik Patel

Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav Saturday said the 2019 Lok Sabha elections are "historic" as they will take the nation in a new direction and restore respect for the poor.

"The BJP wants to create a gulf of hatred," he said at a joint rally of the SP-BSP-RLD alliance in favour of Samajwadi Party candidate Dharmendra Yadav here.

The BJP wants to divide the society for gaining power in the manner in which the British divided us," he said.

"These elections are historic," Yadav said. "They are not just for winning the Lok Sabha, but to take the nation in the new direction, to bring change and restore the respect of the poor who have been humiliated."

Taking potshots at Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, the SP chief said, "Mayawatiji had said that our 'baba mukhyamantri' (chief minister)) has talked about the caste of God.

He referred to claims last year over the community to which Lord Hanuman belonged and blamed BJP leaders for it. This time, the gods are not happy with these people," he said.

Yadav said he did not need to give a certificate of the work done by him when he was the chief minister. Whenever the SP or the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) come to power, development takes place in the state.

"Roads and bridges were constructed, and arrangement for power was made, but the BJP government stopped all the facilities," he said.

"The BJP says the borders are safe as it is their government at the Centre, but I want to tell them that the borders and the country are safe because of our brave Soldiers, he said.

Governments keep coming and going, but the jawans posted at the borders keep the country safe," the SP leader added.

He said people spread rumours, tell lies, hatch conspiracies and misuse the official machinery, but he has faith in them that on the day of polling, they will ensure that SP and BSP candidates are victorious.

Yadav said the country faced issues of hunger, disease and education, and only the opposition alliance can find a solution to them.

"This is an alliance for the poor people living in villages," he said.

The first phase of polling was held on April 11. 
&nbsp;

Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav Saturday said the 2019 Lok Sabha elections are "historic" as they will take the nation in a new direction and restore respect for the poor.

Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav Saturday said the 2019 Lok Sabha elections are "historic" as they will take the nation in a new direction and restore respect for the poor. "The BJP wants to create a gulf of hatred," he said at a joint rally of the SP-BSP-RLD alliance in favour of Samajwadi Party candidate Dharmendra Yadav here. The BJP wants to divide the society for gaining power in the manner in which the British divided us," he said. "These elections are historic," Yadav said. "They are not just for winning the Lok Sabha, but to take the nation in the new direction, to bring change and restore the respect of the poor who have been humiliated." Taking potshots at Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, the SP chief said, "Mayawatiji had said that our 'baba mukhyamantri' (chief minister)) has talked about the caste of God. He referred to claims last year over the community to which Lord Hanuman belonged and blamed BJP leaders for it. This time, the gods are not happy with these people," he said. Yadav said he did not need to give a certificate of the work done by him when he was the chief minister. Whenever the SP or the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) come to power, development takes place in the state. "Roads and bridges were constructed, and arrangement for power was made, but the BJP government stopped all the facilities," he said. "The BJP says the borders are safe as it is their government at the Centre, but I want to tell them that the borders and the country are safe because of our brave Soldiers, he said. Governments keep coming and going, but the jawans posted at the borders keep the country safe," the SP leader added. He said people spread rumours, tell lies, hatch conspiracies and misuse the official machinery, but he has faith in them that on the day of polling, they will ensure that SP and BSP candidates are victorious. Yadav said the country faced issues of hunger, disease and education, and only the opposition alliance can find a solution to them. "This is an alliance for the poor people living in villages," he said. The first phase of polling was held on April 11.

Lok Sabha polls historic, will restore respect for poor: Akhilesh Yadav

As per a notice issued by the state government to tea companies, the Tea garden workers in North Bengal will get a 'paid leave' to participate in the electoral process, however, most of the workers are unaware of this announcement.

Alok Chakraborty, Central Committee President, INTUC (National Union of Plantation Workers) said, " Tea garden workers especially those who stay in remote areas are completely unaware of paid leaves concept and the tea companies for their own benefits do not even bother to inform them of this existing notice."

A tea estate worker from North Bengal said, "I know that voting is my right and I go to the polling booth to cast my vote however my company declares it as an off day and we lose a day's pay."

With tea export business witnessing a boom, the present scenario of tea market is pleasant but the condition of tea garden workers remains poor.

A study shows that with the increasing demand for Indian tea in the international market, especially Assam and Darjeeling tea is doing a fair amount of business. However, because of poor coordination between state and central government, the labourers are unable to reap the benefits.

"Equation between the Central and State government is not well, and as an obvious consequence, the tea garden workers pay the price," Chakraborty said.

As per the latest direction by the state government, the daily wage of a tea worker should be Rs 176. They are also liable to receive provident fund and gratuity.

As per a notice issued by the state government to tea companies, the Tea garden workers in North Bengal will get a 'paid leave' to participate in the electoral process, however, most of the workers are unaware of this announcement.

As per a notice issued by the state government to tea companies, the Tea garden workers in North Bengal will get a 'paid leave' to participate in the electoral process, however, most of the workers are unaware of this announcement. Alok Chakraborty, Central Committee President, INTUC (National Union of Plantation Workers) said, " Tea garden workers especially those who stay in remote areas are completely unaware of paid leaves concept and the tea companies for their own benefits do not even bother to inform them of this existing notice." A tea estate worker from North Bengal said, "I know that voting is my right and I go to the polling booth to cast my vote however my company declares it as an off day and we lose a day's pay." With tea export business witnessing a boom, the present scenario of tea market is pleasant but the condition of tea garden workers remains poor. A study shows that with the increasing demand for Indian tea in the international market, especially Assam and Darjeeling tea is doing a fair amount of business. However, because of poor coordination between state and central government, the labourers are unable to reap the benefits. "Equation between the Central and State government is not well, and as an obvious consequence, the tea garden workers pay the price," Chakraborty said. As per the latest direction by the state government, the daily wage of a tea worker should be Rs 176. They are also liable to receive provident fund and gratuity.

West Bengal: Unaware of 'paid leave' concept on polling day, tea garden workers lose day's pay 

In a technology-driven world where markets are inundated with fancy machine-made goods, many handmade crafts are fading into insignificance. One such craft form that is facing a bleak future is clay art making in Begusarai in Bihar.

Begusarai is home to a large number of clay artisans who have been making idols of gods, water pots, decorative homeware and toys for generations. But poor monetary returns and the absence of any government support has meant a steady decline in the number of artisans engaged in the profession.

Bimal Devi, who has been making clay idols all her life, says her children have no interest in joining the family business. "This is our family business. Nowadays I only manage to earn daily wages to survive. Nothing much can be done with this paltry sum of money. My children are not ready to join this profession as there is no money in it. Making a small idol takes about an hour and it fetches me only Rs 10 or 12," she says.

While many artisans are moving on in search of better paying work, several like Kailash Pandit have been left behind not because of their love for the profession, but because of lack of choice due to little or no educational qualifications.

"I am in this profession since I was 12. Though I do not get any benefits out of it, I will have to continue with this profession as I have no other option or alternative." Pandit's children have, however, chosen to take up other professions.

The artisans are now hoping that the government looks into their plight and takes necessary steps to breathe life into the fast-dying profession.

Sudhir Kumar, the head of the community, says, "The government should take initiative to promote this art. The clay that is used for making these idols and pieces of art, is very expensive and the government should provide them at subsidised rates. They should also provide us with a platform where we can sell these artistically-rich products.

In a technology-driven world where markets are inundated with fancy machine-made goods, many handmade crafts are fading into insignificance. One such craft form that is facing a bleak future is clay art making in Begusarai in Bihar.

In a technology-driven world where markets are inundated with fancy machine-made goods, many handmade crafts are fading into insignificance. One such craft form that is facing a bleak future is clay art making in Begusarai in Bihar. Begusarai is home to a large number of clay artisans who have been making idols of gods, water pots, decorative homeware and toys for generations. But poor monetary returns and the absence of any government support has meant a steady decline in the number of artisans engaged in the profession. Bimal Devi, who has been making clay idols all her life, says her children have no interest in joining the family business. "This is our family business. Nowadays I only manage to earn daily wages to survive. Nothing much can be done with this paltry sum of money. My children are not ready to join this profession as there is no money in it. Making a small idol takes about an hour and it fetches me only Rs 10 or 12," she says. While many artisans are moving on in search of better paying work, several like Kailash Pandit have been left behind not because of their love for the profession, but because of lack of choice due to little or no educational qualifications. "I am in this profession since I was 12. Though I do not get any benefits out of it, I will have to continue with this profession as I have no other option or alternative." Pandit's children have, however, chosen to take up other professions. The artisans are now hoping that the government looks into their plight and takes necessary steps to breathe life into the fast-dying profession. Sudhir Kumar, the head of the community, says, "The government should take initiative to promote this art. The clay that is used for making these idols and pieces of art, is very expensive and the government should provide them at subsidised rates. They should also provide us with a platform where we can sell these artistically-rich products.

Begusarai clay artisans want govt support for their dying art 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Sunday slammed the Abdullahs and Muftis, saying two families "ruined" three generations of Jammu and Kashmir and he will not allow them to "divide" India.

The prime minister was referring to NC leader Omar Abdullah's demand for a separate prime minister for Jammu and Kashmir.

He also targeted the Congress for the migration of Kashmiri Pandits from the Valley and said his government was committed to settling the displaced community in their native places and that work has started in this direction.

The Prime Minister also hit out at Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh for skipping Saturday's event to pay respects to martyrs of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre.

On doubts raised by some opposition leaders on the Balakot air strikes, Modi said Congress has never trusted valour of Indian armed forces.

He said the wave in favour of the BJP was stronger this time than in 2014.

According to opinion polls and surveys, the BJP will get thrice the seats that Congress will win, he said.

By coming out to vote in large numbers in Baramulla and Jammu, voters have given a befitting reply to terrorist leaders and opportunists, he added.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Sunday slammed the Abdullahs and Muftis, saying two families "ruined" three generations of Jammu and Kashmir and he will not allow them to "divide" India.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Sunday slammed the Abdullahs and Muftis, saying two families "ruined" three generations of Jammu and Kashmir and he will not allow them to "divide" India. The prime minister was referring to NC leader Omar Abdullah's demand for a separate prime minister for Jammu and Kashmir. He also targeted the Congress for the migration of Kashmiri Pandits from the Valley and said his government was committed to settling the displaced community in their native places and that work has started in this direction. The Prime Minister also hit out at Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh for skipping Saturday's event to pay respects to martyrs of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre. On doubts raised by some opposition leaders on the Balakot air strikes, Modi said Congress has never trusted valour of Indian armed forces. He said the wave in favour of the BJP was stronger this time than in 2014. According to opinion polls and surveys, the BJP will get thrice the seats that Congress will win, he said. By coming out to vote in large numbers in Baramulla and Jammu, voters have given a befitting reply to terrorist leaders and opportunists, he added.

Will not allow Abdullahs, Muftis to divide India: PM Modi in Kathua

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/who-will-do-nyay-to-governments-of-the-great-mgr-asks-pm-modi-in-tamil-nadu-210024">Prime Minister Narendra Modi</a> Saturday mocked Congress' "dream" of forming a government at the Centre and castigated it on national security and Jammu and Kashmir issues, asking people to punish it in such a way that the party would not be able to save its deposits in the Lok Sabha polls.

Addressing a massive rally in Bengaluru, he said the Congress has promised to remove the Army from Jammu and Kashmir, saying "exactly what Pakistan says word to word in Pakistan's language."

Devoting most parts of his speech to national security, Modi said the Congress had spoken about coming to power in its manifesto and added, "who can stop one from dreaming? "&nbsp;

"But let them dream about forming the government. I can understand it because a chaiwala has robbed the opportunity of four generations of Sultanate," he said.

Modi said what was worrying was that the Congress has said in its manifesto that if they form the government in Delhi, they would "remove" AFSPA (Armed Forces Special Powers Act) that gives special powers to the soldiers.

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PM:When Congress' 'mahamilavati remote govt' was at centre, didn't blasts occur in Bengaluru?Didn't the nation was living under fear of terror attacks?Did any major blast took place in last 5 yrs of your "chowkidaar's chowkidaari".It was power of your 1 vote that made it possible <a href="https://t.co/Go5tyjbXEV">pic.twitter.com/Go5tyjbXEV</a>
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"Which way are they going? Didn't you feel the pain and anger hearing this? The Jammu Kashmir for which thousands of soldiers were martyred, you want to make soldiers unarmed, helpless?" he asked the crowd.

Modi said Congress had also said in Pakistan's language that they would remove the army from Jammu and Kashmir.

"Is this okay with you, will you be able to forgive Congress?.

Pandit Nehru sowed the seed of fire in Kashmir and still, the country is bearing it, now they say they will remove the army from there, what is the meaning of it?"

Modi also referred to the talk about having two prime ministers -one in Hindustan and the other in J&amp;K (by National Conference leader Farooq Abdullah).

"Their talk of removing the law (AFSPA), removing the military and their Milavati friends talk about second Prime Minister.

If you see all these together, does Congress want to save Kashmir? Will you allow Kashmir to go away? The land on which our soldiers have shed their blood," Modi asked.

The Congress manifesto said the party proposed to reduce the presence of the Indian Army and central armed police forces (CAPFs) in the Kashmir valley.

It said the AFSPA and the Disturbed Areas Act in Jammu and Kashmir would be reviewed.

Referring to the air strike and surgical strike on terror camps in Pakistan and launch of ASAT (Anti Satellite) by India, Modi said the whole world was with India.

"Earlier whenever such things or statements were made, Russia used to be with us and the entire world with Pakistan. Now what has happened is China alone is with Pakistan while the entire world was with us. 
Isn't it India's strength? he asked.

"You might have felt Congress processor is slow, but their software is corrupt.

Their process is fast the only when something has to be done against the country's security and demoralise our brave soldiers," Modi said.

The Prime Minister also hit out at the Congress for its promise to review the sedition law, saying it wants to remove law to punish those who indulge in treason.

"Will you accept such Congress and their allies?"

Making such promises, can we forgive the Congress that has such a mindset?, he asked, telling voters that "in this election, punish Congress in such a way and also their allies that they should not be able to save their deposits."

The prime minister also took exception to the political row created by the ruling Congress-JDS alliance over the recent Income Tax raids on several JDS men across Karnataka.

Modi asked the crowd, "should the law be followed or not whether it is PM or CM or minister? Why get scared if you have not committed anything&nbsp; 
wrong?" he asked.

On March 28, the Income Tax department carried out raids at multiple locations in Bengaluru, Mysuru, Mandya, Ramanagara, Shivamogga and Hassan, triggering a strong reaction from Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy and Congress leaders, who accused the Centre of promoting the politics of vendetta.

Kumaraswamy had even called the I-T officers as BJP agents and led a protest by the ruling Congress-JDS coalition in front of the IT department office here.

In his rally at Mangaluru, Modi said the ruling Congress-JDS coalition in Karnataka and parties alike were inspired by "Pariwarvad" (dynasty) and believed in giving power to even the last member of the family.

Addressing a massive rally, Modi said unlike the Congress, JDS and others, BJP's inspiration came from "Rashtrawad" (nationalism).

He said the Lok Sabha polls was not about who became an MP or prime minister or minister, but about how the "New India" should be and what should be its inspiration.

"Inspiration of Congress-JD(S) and parties like them is pariwarwad (dynasty) and our inspiration is rashtrawad (nationalism).

They look for ways to give power to even the last member of their family, while we are striving to bring those people ahead who are in the last line of society."

"Their darshan is vamshoday, while ours is antyodaya (uplifting the weaker sections of society).

Because of their vamshoday there will be corruption and injustice and because our antyodaya the glory of transparency and honesty will increase", Modi said.

Continuing to target the dynasty politics of Congress on the second consecutive day of his campaign in Karnataka, Modi said, "this vamshoday will ignore their own party senior leaders, while our antyodaya will make a tea seller the Prime Minister."&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Saturday mocked Congress' "dream" of forming a government at the Centre and castigated it on national security and Jammu and Kashmir issues, asking people to punish it in such a way that the party would not be able to save its deposits in the Lok Sabha polls.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Saturday mocked Congress' "dream" of forming a government at the Centre and castigated it on national security and Jammu and Kashmir issues, asking people to punish it in such a way that the party would not be able to save its deposits in the Lok Sabha polls. Addressing a massive rally in Bengaluru, he said the Congress has promised to remove the Army from Jammu and Kashmir, saying "exactly what Pakistan says word to word in Pakistan's language." Devoting most parts of his speech to national security, Modi said the Congress had spoken about coming to power in its manifesto and added, "who can stop one from dreaming? " "But let them dream about forming the government. I can understand it because a chaiwala has robbed the opportunity of four generations of Sultanate," he said. Modi said what was worrying was that the Congress has said in its manifesto that if they form the government in Delhi, they would "remove" AFSPA (Armed Forces Special Powers Act) that gives special powers to the soldiers. PM:When Congress' 'mahamilavati remote govt' was at centre, didn't blasts occur in Bengaluru?Didn't the nation was living under fear of terror attacks?Did any major blast took place in last 5 yrs of your "chowkidaar's chowkidaari".It was power of your 1 vote that made it possible pic.twitter.com/Go5tyjbXEV — ANI (@ANI) April 13, 2019 × "Which way are they going? Didn't you feel the pain and anger hearing this? The Jammu Kashmir for which thousands of soldiers were martyred, you want to make soldiers unarmed, helpless?" he asked the crowd. Modi said Congress had also said in Pakistan's language that they would remove the army from Jammu and Kashmir. "Is this okay with you, will you be able to forgive Congress?. Pandit Nehru sowed the seed of fire in Kashmir and still, the country is bearing it, now they say they will remove the army from there, what is the meaning of it?" Modi also referred to the talk about having two prime ministers -one in Hindustan and the other in J&K (by National Conference leader Farooq Abdullah). "Their talk of removing the law (AFSPA), removing the military and their Milavati friends talk about second Prime Minister. If you see all these together, does Congress want to save Kashmir? Will you allow Kashmir to go away? The land on which our soldiers have shed their blood," Modi asked. The Congress manifesto said the party proposed to reduce the presence of the Indian Army and central armed police forces (CAPFs) in the Kashmir valley. It said the AFSPA and the Disturbed Areas Act in Jammu and Kashmir would be reviewed. Referring to the air strike and surgical strike on terror camps in Pakistan and launch of ASAT (Anti Satellite) by India, Modi said the whole world was with India. "Earlier whenever such things or statements were made, Russia used to be with us and the entire world with Pakistan. Now what has happened is China alone is with Pakistan while the entire world was with us. Isn't it India's strength? he asked. "You might have felt Congress processor is slow, but their software is corrupt. Their process is fast the only when something has to be done against the country's security and demoralise our brave soldiers," Modi said. The Prime Minister also hit out at the Congress for its promise to review the sedition law, saying it wants to remove law to punish those who indulge in treason. "Will you accept such Congress and their allies?" Making such promises, can we forgive the Congress that has such a mindset?, he asked, telling voters that "in this election, punish Congress in such a way and also their allies that they should not be able to save their deposits." The prime minister also took exception to the political row created by the ruling Congress-JDS alliance over the recent Income Tax raids on several JDS men across Karnataka. Modi asked the crowd, "should the law be followed or not whether it is PM or CM or minister? Why get scared if you have not committed anything wrong?" he asked. On March 28, the Income Tax department carried out raids at multiple locations in Bengaluru, Mysuru, Mandya, Ramanagara, Shivamogga and Hassan, triggering a strong reaction from Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy and Congress leaders, who accused the Centre of promoting the politics of vendetta. Kumaraswamy had even called the I-T officers as BJP agents and led a protest by the ruling Congress-JDS coalition in front of the IT department office here. In his rally at Mangaluru, Modi said the ruling Congress-JDS coalition in Karnataka and parties alike were inspired by "Pariwarvad" (dynasty) and believed in giving power to even the last member of the family. Addressing a massive rally, Modi said unlike the Congress, JDS and others, BJP's inspiration came from "Rashtrawad" (nationalism). He said the Lok Sabha polls was not about who became an MP or prime minister or minister, but about how the "New India" should be and what should be its inspiration. "Inspiration of Congress-JD(S) and parties like them is pariwarwad (dynasty) and our inspiration is rashtrawad (nationalism). They look for ways to give power to even the last member of their family, while we are striving to bring those people ahead who are in the last line of society." "Their darshan is vamshoday, while ours is antyodaya (uplifting the weaker sections of society). Because of their vamshoday there will be corruption and injustice and because our antyodaya the glory of transparency and honesty will increase", Modi said. Continuing to target the dynasty politics of Congress on the second consecutive day of his campaign in Karnataka, Modi said, "this vamshoday will ignore their own party senior leaders, while our antyodaya will make a tea seller the Prime Minister."

Let them dream about forming government: PM Modi mocks Congress

Congress on Saturday came out with the list of 18 candidates for the Lok Sabha elections in Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh, including Deepender Singh Hooda from Rohtak, Ashok Tanwar from Sirsa and Kumari Selja from Ambala in Haryana.

Kumari Selja is sitting Rajya Sabha MP from Haryana.

Candidates for three other seats have been announced in Haryana. The party has fielded Shruti Chaudhary from Bhiwani-Mahendragarh, Captain&nbsp;Ajay Singh Yadav from Gurgaon and Lalit Nagar from Faridabad.

Shruti Choudhry is the daughter of Kiran Choudhry, the Congress Legislature Party Leader in Haryana.

Haryana has 10 parliamentary seats that will go to vote on May 12 in the sixth phase of ongoing general elections. Counting of votes will take place on May 23.

It announced candidates for nine seats in Uttar-Pradesh including Ghazipur, Bhadohi, Gonda, Basti, Jaunpur, Ambedkar Nagar, Mohanlalganj (SC), Chandauli and Salempur. The party has fielded Ajit Pratap Kushwah from Ghazipur against Union Minister Manoj Sinha.

In Madhya Pradesh, the party has fielded Dewasish Jararia from Bhind, Ashok Singh from Gwalior and Dinesh Girwal from Dhar. For the 29 Lok Sabha seats in Madhya Pradesh elections are due on fourth, fifth, sixth and seventh phase.

Uttar Pradesh voted for its 8 Lok Sabha seats on April 11 while voting is due in the rest of phases. UP is voting in all the seven phases for its 80 seats. Counting of votes will take place on May 23.

Congress on Saturday came out with the list of 18 candidates for the Lok Sabha elections in Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh, including Deepender Singh Hooda from Rohtak, Ashok Tanwar from Sirsa and Kumari Selja from Ambala in Haryana.

Congress on Saturday came out with the list of 18 candidates for the Lok Sabha elections in Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh, including Deepender Singh Hooda from Rohtak, Ashok Tanwar from Sirsa and Kumari Selja from Ambala in Haryana. Kumari Selja is sitting Rajya Sabha MP from Haryana. Candidates for three other seats have been announced in Haryana. The party has fielded Shruti Chaudhary from Bhiwani-Mahendragarh, Captain Ajay Singh Yadav from Gurgaon and Lalit Nagar from Faridabad. Shruti Choudhry is the daughter of Kiran Choudhry, the Congress Legislature Party Leader in Haryana. Haryana has 10 parliamentary seats that will go to vote on May 12 in the sixth phase of ongoing general elections. Counting of votes will take place on May 23. It announced candidates for nine seats in Uttar-Pradesh including Ghazipur, Bhadohi, Gonda, Basti, Jaunpur, Ambedkar Nagar, Mohanlalganj (SC), Chandauli and Salempur. The party has fielded Ajit Pratap Kushwah from Ghazipur against Union Minister Manoj Sinha. In Madhya Pradesh, the party has fielded Dewasish Jararia from Bhind, Ashok Singh from Gwalior and Dinesh Girwal from Dhar. For the 29 Lok Sabha seats in Madhya Pradesh elections are due on fourth, fifth, sixth and seventh phase. Uttar Pradesh voted for its 8 Lok Sabha seats on April 11 while voting is due in the rest of phases. UP is voting in all the seven phases for its 80 seats. Counting of votes will take place on May 23.

Congress fields Kumari Selja from Ambala, Deepender Singh Hooda from Rohtak

Good works of mine and that of Prime Minister Narendra Modi led NDA government at the Centre will help me win this Lok Sabha election again, said actor-turned-politician Hema Malini on Saturday.

"I am very confident of my win because I have done good works. My government has also done good work. So I am sure people will support us," said Malini in an exclusive interview to ANI.

She also expressed confidence that the next government at the Centre will again be formed by the BJP under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi.

"The whole system is changing. People want development. They want quick decisions to be taken for whatever is happening in the country. People belonging to different castes -- all want PM Modi," she said.

In the last Lok Sabha elections in 2014, Malini, who is also popular among masses as 'Basanti'&nbsp;for her stellar role in blockbuster 'Sholay,'&nbsp;had defeated the Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) leader Jayant Chaudhary by a margin of over three lakh votes.

When asked if SP-BSP-RLD alliance candidate Narendra Singh will queer the pitch for her this time by eating into Jat votes, she said, "I am sure that he will get some votes. But I will get much more votes than him because I have worked for everybody irrespective of his caste. For me, all the people are Brijwasis."

Talking about Union Minister Maneka Gandhi's controversial speech at Sultanpur, she said, "On the issue of Triple Talaq, many minority community women support us. Even if they do not, you have to help everybody. It does not matter who voted for us and who did not. This kind of feeling does not come to me."

Union Minister Gandhi on Friday, while addressing an election rally at Turab Khani village in Sultanpur from where she is contesting the Lok Sabha poll this time, told Muslims that she was all set to win and that they should vote for her as they would need her help in future.

"I am winning...But if my victory is without support from Muslims, I will not feel that good. Then when a Muslim comes to me for work, I think let it be. How does it matter," Union Minister Gandhi had said.

When asked if being an actor has helped her in politics, said, "People are able to recognise me. They at least listen to me. Other leaders have to work hard to reach out to the people."

In response to the way she was trolled on social media for reaping the wheat crop during her campaign in a village in Mathura, Hema Malini said, "I felt like doing that and I do not think that there was any problem."

"I go to the field. I work for my farmers in Mathura and help them so much. I have a right to enter the field. I had gone there just to take a picture. It was a pleasure to have the picture," she said.

Talking about the works done for her constituency in the past five years, Hema Malini said, "I have provided water, electricity facility to all areas in the constituency. I have also got a passport office open in Mathura. Earlier the people had to go to Aligarh or other towns for making passports. Roads have been widened. Connectivity has improved a lot," she said.

Election to Mathura Lok Sabha constituency is slated to be held in the second phase of seven-phased General Elections on April 18. The counting of votes will take place on May 23.&nbsp;

Good works of mine and that of Prime Minister Narendra Modi led NDA government at the Centre will help me win this Lok Sabha election again, said actor-turned-politician Hema Malini on Saturday. "I am very confident of my win because I have done good works. My government has also done good work. So I am sure people will support us," said Malini in an exclusive interview to ANI. She also expressed confidence that the next government at the Centre will again be formed by the BJP under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi. "The whole system is changing. People want development. They want quick decisions to be taken for whatever is happening in the country. People belonging to different castes -- all want PM Modi," she said. In the last Lok Sabha elections in 2014, Malini, who is also popular among masses as 'Basanti' for her stellar role in blockbuster 'Sholay,' had defeated the Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) leader Jayant Chaudhary by a margin of over three lakh votes. When asked if SP-BSP-RLD alliance candidate Narendra Singh will queer the pitch for her this time by eating into Jat votes, she said, "I am sure that he will get some votes. But I will get much more votes than him because I have worked for everybody irrespective of his caste. For me, all the people are Brijwasis." Talking about Union Minister Maneka Gandhi's controversial speech at Sultanpur, she said, "On the issue of Triple Talaq, many minority community women support us. Even if they do not, you have to help everybody. It does not matter who voted for us and who did not. This kind of feeling does not come to me." Union Minister Gandhi on Friday, while addressing an election rally at Turab Khani village in Sultanpur from where she is contesting the Lok Sabha poll this time, told Muslims that she was all set to win and that they should vote for her as they would need her help in future. "I am winning...But if my victory is without support from Muslims, I will not feel that good. Then when a Muslim comes to me for work, I think let it be. How does it matter," Union Minister Gandhi had said. When asked if being an actor has helped her in politics, said, "People are able to recognise me. They at least listen to me. Other leaders have to work hard to reach out to the people." In response to the way she was trolled on social media for reaping the wheat crop during her campaign in a village in Mathura, Hema Malini said, "I felt like doing that and I do not think that there was any problem." "I go to the field. I work for my farmers in Mathura and help them so much. I have a right to enter the field. I had gone there just to take a picture. It was a pleasure to have the picture," she said. Talking about the works done for her constituency in the past five years, Hema Malini said, "I have provided water, electricity facility to all areas in the constituency. I have also got a passport office open in Mathura. Earlier the people had to go to Aligarh or other towns for making passports. Roads have been widened. Connectivity has improved a lot," she said. Election to Mathura Lok Sabha constituency is slated to be held in the second phase of seven-phased General Elections on April 18. The counting of votes will take place on May 23.

Good works of mine, PM Modi will help me win Lok Sabha polls again, says Hema Malini

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