A polling booth for the least number of voters and one at the highest altitude, Leh has it all among the 11,316 polling stations set up for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls in Jammu and Kashmir.

The polling station for casting votes for the least number of voters - only 12 - has been set up at Gaik village under Leh assembly segment of Ladakh parliamentary constituency, Leh District Electoral Officer Anvy Lavasa said.

"Gaik polling station (number 38) has the lowest voters, only 12," she said. The voters at Gaik village include only five males and seven females, she added.

Similarly, the district also has a polling station at the highest altitude in the country at 14,890 ft above the sea level, she said, adding this polling station with the unique distinction has been set up at a place called Anlay Pho.

She said the two are among the 294 polling stations set up in Leh assembly segment.

A total of 11,316 polling stations have been set up in the state for 78,42,979 voters to exercise their rights of franchise in the multi-phase parliamentary polls in Jammu and Kashmir starting April 11 to choose six MPs.

Out of the six parliamentary constituencies, the Ladakh constituency also has the distinction of having the least number of polling stations, only 559, for the lowest voters numbering 1,71,819.

Leh and Kargil districts, forming parts of Ladakh Lok Sabha constituency, have 294 and 265 polling stations respectively.

As per the official figures, most of the polling stations have been set up at an altitude of 8,001 to 13,000 feet with the maximum number of high-altitude stations, numbering 183, located in Leh assembly segment, followed by 158 in Kargil segment.

Over 190 polling stations have been set up at altitudes between 7,001 to 8,000 feet.

A polling booth for the least number of voters and one at the highest altitude, Leh has it all among the 11,316 polling stations set up for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls in Jammu and Kashmir.

A polling booth for the least number of voters and one at the highest altitude, Leh has it all among the 11,316 polling stations set up for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls in Jammu and Kashmir. The polling station for casting votes for the least number of voters - only 12 - has been set up at Gaik village under Leh assembly segment of Ladakh parliamentary constituency, Leh District Electoral Officer Anvy Lavasa said. "Gaik polling station (number 38) has the lowest voters, only 12," she said. The voters at Gaik village include only five males and seven females, she added. Similarly, the district also has a polling station at the highest altitude in the country at 14,890 ft above the sea level, she said, adding this polling station with the unique distinction has been set up at a place called Anlay Pho. She said the two are among the 294 polling stations set up in Leh assembly segment. A total of 11,316 polling stations have been set up in the state for 78,42,979 voters to exercise their rights of franchise in the multi-phase parliamentary polls in Jammu and Kashmir starting April 11 to choose six MPs. Out of the six parliamentary constituencies, the Ladakh constituency also has the distinction of having the least number of polling stations, only 559, for the lowest voters numbering 1,71,819. Leh and Kargil districts, forming parts of Ladakh Lok Sabha constituency, have 294 and 265 polling stations respectively. As per the official figures, most of the polling stations have been set up at an altitude of 8,001 to 13,000 feet with the maximum number of high-altitude stations, numbering 183, located in Leh assembly segment, followed by 158 in Kargil segment. Over 190 polling stations have been set up at altitudes between 7,001 to 8,000 feet.

A polling booth for least voters and one at highest altitude, Leh has it all

The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) on Monday hinted at the transfer of "cash to the headquarter of a major political party" in the national capital while stating that Income Tax (I-T) Department has detected a well-organised racket of a collection of unaccounted cash of about Rs 281 crore.

"A part of the cash was also transferred to the headquarter of a major political party in Delhi including about Rs 20 crore which was moved through hawala recently to the headquarters of the political party from the residence of a senior functionary at Tughlak Road, New Delhi," said the CBDT in a statement.

"Searches in Madhya Pradesh by Delhi Directorate of Income Tax have detected widespread and well-organised racket of the collection of unaccounted cash of about Rs 281 crore through various persons in different walks of life including business, politics and public service," said the CBDT, which frames policies for the I-T Department.&nbsp;

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Searches in Delhi (group of a close relative of the senior functionary) have further led to seizure incl. cash book recording unaccounted transactions of ₹ 230cr, siphoning off money through bogus billing of more than ₹ 242 cr &amp; evidence of more than 80 companies in Tax havens.
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According to CBDT, "meticulous records of collection and disbursement of cash in the form of handwritten diaries, computer files and excel sheets found and seized corroborate the above findings. Unaccounted cash of Rs 14.6 crore has been found so far, besides 252 bottles of liquor, few arms, and hide-skins of the tiger.

"The searches in Delhi in the group of a close relative of the senior functionary have further led to the seizure of incriminating evidence including cash book recording unaccounted transactions of Rs 230 crore, syphoning off money through bogus billing of more than Rs 242 crore and evidence of more than 80 companies in tax havens," said the CBDT.&nbsp;

Several unaccounted and benami properties at posh locations in the national capital have also been detected. Instances of violations of the Model Code of Conduct are being brought to the notice of the Election Commission of India (ECI), said the Central agency.&nbsp;

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath`s officer on special duty (OSD) Praveen Kakkar`s son Salil Kakkar was picked up on Monday by the I-T sleuths for interrogation, while I-T raids continued at various locations across the country including the residence of Ashwin Sharma, an associate of Praveen Kakkar, who had got most of his companies registered in the name of his son Salil.&nbsp;

On Sunday morning, I-T officials carried out raids at the residences of Nath's private secretary, Praveen Kakkar, in Indore and former advisor R K Miglani in Delhi, on charges of alleged tax evasion. I-T officials conducted searches at several locations in Indore, Bhopal, Goa, and NCR.

The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) on Monday hinted at the transfer of "cash to the headquarter of a major political party" in the national capital while stating that Income Tax (I-T) Department has detected a well-organised racket of a collection of unaccounted cash of about Rs 281 crore.

The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) on Monday hinted at the transfer of "cash to the headquarter of a major political party" in the national capital while stating that Income Tax (I-T) Department has detected a well-organised racket of a collection of unaccounted cash of about Rs 281 crore. "A part of the cash was also transferred to the headquarter of a major political party in Delhi including about Rs 20 crore which was moved through hawala recently to the headquarters of the political party from the residence of a senior functionary at Tughlak Road, New Delhi," said the CBDT in a statement. "Searches in Madhya Pradesh by Delhi Directorate of Income Tax have detected widespread and well-organised racket of the collection of unaccounted cash of about Rs 281 crore through various persons in different walks of life including business, politics and public service," said the CBDT, which frames policies for the I-T Department. Searches in Delhi (group of a close relative of the senior functionary) have further led to seizure incl. cash book recording unaccounted transactions of ₹ 230cr, siphoning off money through bogus billing of more than ₹ 242 cr & evidence of more than 80 companies in Tax havens. — Income Tax India (@IncomeTaxIndia) April 8, 2019 × According to CBDT, "meticulous records of collection and disbursement of cash in the form of handwritten diaries, computer files and excel sheets found and seized corroborate the above findings. Unaccounted cash of Rs 14.6 crore has been found so far, besides 252 bottles of liquor, few arms, and hide-skins of the tiger. "The searches in Delhi in the group of a close relative of the senior functionary have further led to the seizure of incriminating evidence including cash book recording unaccounted transactions of Rs 230 crore, syphoning off money through bogus billing of more than Rs 242 crore and evidence of more than 80 companies in tax havens," said the CBDT. Several unaccounted and benami properties at posh locations in the national capital have also been detected. Instances of violations of the Model Code of Conduct are being brought to the notice of the Election Commission of India (ECI), said the Central agency. Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath`s officer on special duty (OSD) Praveen Kakkar`s son Salil Kakkar was picked up on Monday by the I-T sleuths for interrogation, while I-T raids continued at various locations across the country including the residence of Ashwin Sharma, an associate of Praveen Kakkar, who had got most of his companies registered in the name of his son Salil. On Sunday morning, I-T officials carried out raids at the residences of Nath's private secretary, Praveen Kakkar, in Indore and former advisor R K Miglani in Delhi, on charges of alleged tax evasion. I-T officials conducted searches at several locations in Indore, Bhopal, Goa, and NCR.

Madhya Pradesh’s Rs 281-cr cash collection racket linked to a political party: IT department

The RJD on Monday released its manifesto, titled ‘Pratibadhta Patra’, promising reservation for SCs, STs, EBC and OBCs in the private sector and the higher judiciary, in proportion to their population. The ceiling – a 50 per cent cap – had been broken after giving 10 per cent quota to the weaker sections among the general category so the people belonging to these categories (SCs, STs, EBC and OBCs) should be given reservation on the basis of their population, party leader Tejashwi Yadav said while releasing the manifesto here.

The apex court had fixed a cap of 50 per cent on total reservation and the Centre last month justified in Supreme Court its recent law granting 10-per cent quota for Economically Weaker Sections (EWSs), saying it was brought in to promote “social equality”. Advocating extension of quota for them in higher judiciary and the private sector, the manifesto also vowed to carry out the caste-based census in 2020-21.

Pointing out that the RJD, also agrees with the Congress manifesto, it said, the party “completely endorses” the ‘Nyay’ scheme of the Congress, which would be beneficial to states like Bihar. Tejashwi Yadav was accompanied by Rajya Sabha member and party’s national spokesman Manoj Jha, Bihar RJD chief Ram Chandra Purve and others at the release of the party’s manifesto.

The RJD also demanded from the Centre to make public the Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC) data, carried out by the UPA government. Releasing the manifesto, Tejashwi Prasad Yadav, also the leader of the opposition in the state, said that “it is not the manifesto of RJD, rather it is a ‘pratibadhta patra’ (commitment document) of the party”. A helpline number would be launched and a help centre set up in major cities of the country for the people of Bihar living outside the state, the manifesto said.

The party would ensure that six per cent of the gross domestic product is spent on education and four per cent on health, he said. “If our (party’s) government is formed in Bihar, then we will remove the ‘illegal’ tag on toddy and make it ‘legal’….The move to make toddy illegal has rendered many belonging to economically weaker sections jobless.

“My father Lalu Prasad, when he was the chief minister, had abolished tax on toddy,” the RJD leader said. Replying to a query on his elder brother Tej Pratap Yadav’s recent activities, Tejashwi evaded a direct reply, saying “the press conference has been organized for releasing the manifesto today”. According to the seat-sharing formula for the 40 Lok Sabha seats in Bihar announced by the opposition ‘Mahagathbandhan’, 20 seats will be fought by the RJD and nine by the Congress.

Of the 20 constituencies, the RJD has left the Ara seat to the CPI(ML) Liberation. Upendra Kushwaha’s Rashtriya Lok Samta Party (RLSP) and Mukesh Sahni’s Vikasheel Insan Party (VIP) will field candidates on five and three seats respectively. Former chief minister Jitan Ram Manjhi’s Hindustan Awam Morcha (HAM) has been given three seats. The seven-phase election in Bihar is scheduled from April 11 to May 19.

The RJD on Monday released its manifesto, titled ‘Pratibadhta Patra’, promising reservation for SCs, STs, EBC and OBCs in the private sector and the higher judiciary, in proportion to their population.

The RJD on Monday released its manifesto, titled ‘Pratibadhta Patra’, promising reservation for SCs, STs, EBC and OBCs in the private sector and the higher judiciary, in proportion to their population. The ceiling – a 50 per cent cap – had been broken after giving 10 per cent quota to the weaker sections among the general category so the people belonging to these categories (SCs, STs, EBC and OBCs) should be given reservation on the basis of their population, party leader Tejashwi Yadav said while releasing the manifesto here. The apex court had fixed a cap of 50 per cent on total reservation and the Centre last month justified in Supreme Court its recent law granting 10-per cent quota for Economically Weaker Sections (EWSs), saying it was brought in to promote “social equality”. Advocating extension of quota for them in higher judiciary and the private sector, the manifesto also vowed to carry out the caste-based census in 2020-21. Pointing out that the RJD, also agrees with the Congress manifesto, it said, the party “completely endorses” the ‘Nyay’ scheme of the Congress, which would be beneficial to states like Bihar. Tejashwi Yadav was accompanied by Rajya Sabha member and party’s national spokesman Manoj Jha, Bihar RJD chief Ram Chandra Purve and others at the release of the party’s manifesto. The RJD also demanded from the Centre to make public the Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC) data, carried out by the UPA government. Releasing the manifesto, Tejashwi Prasad Yadav, also the leader of the opposition in the state, said that “it is not the manifesto of RJD, rather it is a ‘pratibadhta patra’ (commitment document) of the party”. A helpline number would be launched and a help centre set up in major cities of the country for the people of Bihar living outside the state, the manifesto said. The party would ensure that six per cent of the gross domestic product is spent on education and four per cent on health, he said. “If our (party’s) government is formed in Bihar, then we will remove the ‘illegal’ tag on toddy and make it ‘legal’….The move to make toddy illegal has rendered many belonging to economically weaker sections jobless. “My father Lalu Prasad, when he was the chief minister, had abolished tax on toddy,” the RJD leader said. Replying to a query on his elder brother Tej Pratap Yadav’s recent activities, Tejashwi evaded a direct reply, saying “the press conference has been organized for releasing the manifesto today”. According to the seat-sharing formula for the 40 Lok Sabha seats in Bihar announced by the opposition ‘Mahagathbandhan’, 20 seats will be fought by the RJD and nine by the Congress. Of the 20 constituencies, the RJD has left the Ara seat to the CPI(ML) Liberation. Upendra Kushwaha’s Rashtriya Lok Samta Party (RLSP) and Mukesh Sahni’s Vikasheel Insan Party (VIP) will field candidates on five and three seats respectively. Former chief minister Jitan Ram Manjhi’s Hindustan Awam Morcha (HAM) has been given three seats. The seven-phase election in Bihar is scheduled from April 11 to May 19.

RJD releases manifesto ‘Pratibadhta Patra’ for Lok Sabha polls, promises reservation

Days before India begins to vote in the world’s largest democratic exercise, thousands of miles away a team of experts maintain round-the-clock vigil on election-related chatter on Facebook, ready to combat the first signs of misinformation, voter manipulation tactics, poll interference and fake news. Facebook — which counts India as one of the biggest base outside the US — has put in motion an elaborate strategy at the headquarters here with ‘information warriors’ at its election war room watching out for hoax, voter supression attempt, suspicious account behaviour, hate messages, fake accounts, and spikes in spam.

Ajit Mohan, Managing Director and Vice President, Facebook India said the platform has also expanded partnerships with third-party fact-checkers to seven accredited organisations in India. “These groups cover eight of the most spoken languages — English, Hindi, Bengali, Marathi, Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam and Gujarati — and we’re looking to add more.

In a country largely driven by local and community news, we knew it was critical to have fact-checking partners who could review content across regions and languages,” Mohan said in a blogpost on Monday. Building on the lessons learnt over the last two years (the planning began nearly 18 months ago), this week Facebook will activate new regional operations centres, focused on election integrity, in Singapore and Dublin. These teams will work closely with staff in Menlo Park, CA headquarters as well as with local experts in Delhi. 
Once the team, manning the election operation centres, identifies attempts of platform abuse, they move in swiftly to contain them. Last week, Facebook removed 687 pages and accounts linked to the Congress and a smaller but far more influential number of what appeared to be pro-BJP accounts for “coordinated inauthentic behaviour” on the social media platform.

The election operation centre supplements the ongoing efforts of the platform to crackdown on misinformation during the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. Facebook has already brought in transparency initiatives for political ads, teamed up with third party fact checkers for India, and rolled out initiatives like Candidate Connect (a voter outreach feature that allows Lok Sabha candidates to record 20 second videos).

As many as 40 cross-functional teams, drawn from areas like cybersecurity, public policy, data science, legal, engineering, threat intelligence, research and others work together in sync at the command centre to coordinate, detect and respond to situations in real time. And soon, key officials from the US office will fly down to India and Singapore to oversee the functions, as seven phase general elections get underway.

The elections will begin on April 11 and continue till May 19, with counting scheduled on May 23. “…if a report comes that there is a piece that maybe violates our community standards…maybe people are giving wrong information on voting …we will report and a task gets created in the war room and the community operations person then evaluates that piece of content to see if it violates our community standards…minutes of taking a look at that, can take the content down,” says Katie Harbath, Facebook’s Public Policy Director for Global Elections. There could also be instances when these efforts require close coordination with fact checkers and the response time could be a tad longer. “You might get reports that there is violence happening at a place. There could be violence happening or it could be voter suppression tactics to make voters stay away (from an area). That is not a determination we can make, so we direct it to fact checkers to do a review and that can take a bit longer.

As soon as they mark it as false, the content reach will be reduced and we will provide additional context,” says Harbath briefing reporters during a media tour of the election operations centre here. With nearly 900 million voters eligible to cast their votes in a nation that now has over 200 million Facebook users, its election integrity strategy for India is harnessing the full potential of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning in an attempt to defeat ‘bad actors’ who try to game the system through nefarious means.

For instance, these tools help it block or remove approximately one million accounts a day. They also help identify abusive or violating content, quickly locate it across the platform and remove it in bulk – reducing its ability to spread. Facebook continues to expand on this initiative, adding 24 new languages — including 16 for India — to its automatic translation system, Mohan said.

“It’s not just being ready for threats we saw in 2016 or 2018, we recognise that there is always work that is to be done…so many of the investments we have made are particularly around videos…that focused on ensuring that we are ready for next set of challenges including around tamperes videos,” says Kaushik Iyer, Engineering Manager for Civic Integrity at Facebook. While Facebook did not divulge the investments or number of employees at the election operations centre, it says the money that it has ploughed into the entire machinery – leveraged in the past for American midterms and the recent Brazilian elections – is amongst the top things in importance for the company.

“The investment in India is same size and level of importance that we have had for Brazil and the US…,” says Harbath. Mohan said the work to ensure Facebook is not used to influence elections began more than 18 months ago with a detailed planning and risk assessment across its platforms.

“The findings allowed us to concentrate our work on key areas, including blocking and removing fake accounts; fighting the spread of misinformation; stopping abuse by domestic actors; spotting attempts at foreign meddling; and taking action against inauthentic coordinated campaigns,” Mohan said.

Days before India begins to vote in the world’s largest democratic exercise, thousands of miles away a team of experts maintain round-the-clock vigil on election-related chatter on Facebook, ready to combat the first signs of misinformation, voter manipulation tactics, poll interference and fake news.

Days before India begins to vote in the world’s largest democratic exercise, thousands of miles away a team of experts maintain round-the-clock vigil on election-related chatter on Facebook, ready to combat the first signs of misinformation, voter manipulation tactics, poll interference and fake news. Facebook — which counts India as one of the biggest base outside the US — has put in motion an elaborate strategy at the headquarters here with ‘information warriors’ at its election war room watching out for hoax, voter supression attempt, suspicious account behaviour, hate messages, fake accounts, and spikes in spam. Ajit Mohan, Managing Director and Vice President, Facebook India said the platform has also expanded partnerships with third-party fact-checkers to seven accredited organisations in India. “These groups cover eight of the most spoken languages — English, Hindi, Bengali, Marathi, Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam and Gujarati — and we’re looking to add more. In a country largely driven by local and community news, we knew it was critical to have fact-checking partners who could review content across regions and languages,” Mohan said in a blogpost on Monday. Building on the lessons learnt over the last two years (the planning began nearly 18 months ago), this week Facebook will activate new regional operations centres, focused on election integrity, in Singapore and Dublin. These teams will work closely with staff in Menlo Park, CA headquarters as well as with local experts in Delhi. Once the team, manning the election operation centres, identifies attempts of platform abuse, they move in swiftly to contain them. Last week, Facebook removed 687 pages and accounts linked to the Congress and a smaller but far more influential number of what appeared to be pro-BJP accounts for “coordinated inauthentic behaviour” on the social media platform. The election operation centre supplements the ongoing efforts of the platform to crackdown on misinformation during the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. Facebook has already brought in transparency initiatives for political ads, teamed up with third party fact checkers for India, and rolled out initiatives like Candidate Connect (a voter outreach feature that allows Lok Sabha candidates to record 20 second videos). As many as 40 cross-functional teams, drawn from areas like cybersecurity, public policy, data science, legal, engineering, threat intelligence, research and others work together in sync at the command centre to coordinate, detect and respond to situations in real time. And soon, key officials from the US office will fly down to India and Singapore to oversee the functions, as seven phase general elections get underway. The elections will begin on April 11 and continue till May 19, with counting scheduled on May 23. “…if a report comes that there is a piece that maybe violates our community standards…maybe people are giving wrong information on voting …we will report and a task gets created in the war room and the community operations person then evaluates that piece of content to see if it violates our community standards…minutes of taking a look at that, can take the content down,” says Katie Harbath, Facebook’s Public Policy Director for Global Elections. There could also be instances when these efforts require close coordination with fact checkers and the response time could be a tad longer. “You might get reports that there is violence happening at a place. There could be violence happening or it could be voter suppression tactics to make voters stay away (from an area). That is not a determination we can make, so we direct it to fact checkers to do a review and that can take a bit longer. As soon as they mark it as false, the content reach will be reduced and we will provide additional context,” says Harbath briefing reporters during a media tour of the election operations centre here. With nearly 900 million voters eligible to cast their votes in a nation that now has over 200 million Facebook users, its election integrity strategy for India is harnessing the full potential of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning in an attempt to defeat ‘bad actors’ who try to game the system through nefarious means. For instance, these tools help it block or remove approximately one million accounts a day. They also help identify abusive or violating content, quickly locate it across the platform and remove it in bulk – reducing its ability to spread. Facebook continues to expand on this initiative, adding 24 new languages — including 16 for India — to its automatic translation system, Mohan said. “It’s not just being ready for threats we saw in 2016 or 2018, we recognise that there is always work that is to be done…so many of the investments we have made are particularly around videos…that focused on ensuring that we are ready for next set of challenges including around tamperes videos,” says Kaushik Iyer, Engineering Manager for Civic Integrity at Facebook. While Facebook did not divulge the investments or number of employees at the election operations centre, it says the money that it has ploughed into the entire machinery – leveraged in the past for American midterms and the recent Brazilian elections – is amongst the top things in importance for the company. “The investment in India is same size and level of importance that we have had for Brazil and the US…,” says Harbath. Mohan said the work to ensure Facebook is not used to influence elections began more than 18 months ago with a detailed planning and risk assessment across its platforms. “The findings allowed us to concentrate our work on key areas, including blocking and removing fake accounts; fighting the spread of misinformation; stopping abuse by domestic actors; spotting attempts at foreign meddling; and taking action against inauthentic coordinated campaigns,” Mohan said.

Ahead of Lok Sabha polls, team of experts maintain round-the-clock vigil at Facebook’s election war room

India Election Watch: Latest election news

Indian Elections 2019: Jyotiraditya Scindia, Leader, Congress speaks to WION

Senior Congress leader Rajeev Shukla said on Sunday no decision had been taken yet about general secretary<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/priyanka-gandhi-vadras-political-debut-is-just-to-bail-out-her-failed-elder-brother-piyush-goyal-205250"> Priyanka Gandhi Vadra</a> contesting the election against Prime Minister Narendra Modi from Varanasi.

Rajeev Shukla claimed that under the leadership of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/priyanka-gandhi-vadras-ganga-yatra-and-triumph-of-soft-hindutva-204136">Priyanka Gandhi Vadra,</a> who is the party's in-charge of eastern Uttar Pradesh, the Congress would do well in the Lok Sabha election and sweep the 2022 assembly election.

On the recent speculation about Vadra contesting from Varanasi, Shukla told PTI: "In response to a question, she had made a comment which is unnecessarily being talked about now. No definite decision has been taken on her contesting the election.''

During campaigning at Rae Bareli a fortnight ago, Vadra had dropped a hint that she is not averse to taking on Modi in his own Lok Sabha constituency.

"Shouldn't I fight from Varanasi?" Vadra had quipped when a party worker asked her to contest from Rae Bareli, the constituency of her mother and UPA chairperson, Sonia Gandhi.

Shukla said Vadra was getting a very good response from the public wherever she is going for campaigning. "In the past 20 years, the Congress has become very weak in Uttar Pradesh. The party has to be strengthened under her leadership for 2022."

The former Union minister said the common people would benefit from all the promises made in the Congress manifesto. "Providing Rs 72,000 per annum under the Nyay (minimum income) scheme and increasing the agricultural budget will be the priority," he said.

The Congress leader exuded confidence that Nyay could be implemented. "I have been a planning minister, this scheme can be implemented. People who are spreading rumours did the same when our government launched the MGNREGA (rural job guarantee scheme). There will be no burden on the middle class or working class."

Shukla also hit out at the Bharatiya Janata Party on the issue of nationalism. "Nationalism was displayed during the Indira Gandhi government when Pakistan was taught a lesson in 1971. Atal Bihari Vajpayee had also given a fitting reply to Pakistan. Modi has just created a ruckus through false propaganda."

The Congress leader said the party's focus was employment, farmers and women's safety.

"The BJP is only talking about Hindu-Muslim and Pakistan. We are more concerned about the common man," Shukla said. "The biggest problem India is facing is that of unemployment. Our agenda is to give jobs to the youths and look after the issues of farmers and women's safety in the country."

The former Union minister claimed that the "Modi brand" would not work this time, adding that the Opposition was fighting strongly in different states and would collectively get a majority.

Asked if the Opposition parties would accept the leadership of Congress chief Rahul Gandhi after the election, Shukla said: "The Congress president himself has mentioned that there is no dispute over the leadership and later he will accept what everyone decides.''

Senior Congress leader Rajeev Shukla said on Sunday no decision had been taken yet about general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra contesting the election against Prime Minister Narendra Modi from Varanasi.

Senior Congress leader Rajeev Shukla said on Sunday no decision had been taken yet about general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra contesting the election against Prime Minister Narendra Modi from Varanasi. Rajeev Shukla claimed that under the leadership of Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, who is the party's in-charge of eastern Uttar Pradesh, the Congress would do well in the Lok Sabha election and sweep the 2022 assembly election. On the recent speculation about Vadra contesting from Varanasi, Shukla told PTI: "In response to a question, she had made a comment which is unnecessarily being talked about now. No definite decision has been taken on her contesting the election.'' During campaigning at Rae Bareli a fortnight ago, Vadra had dropped a hint that she is not averse to taking on Modi in his own Lok Sabha constituency. "Shouldn't I fight from Varanasi?" Vadra had quipped when a party worker asked her to contest from Rae Bareli, the constituency of her mother and UPA chairperson, Sonia Gandhi. Shukla said Vadra was getting a very good response from the public wherever she is going for campaigning. "In the past 20 years, the Congress has become very weak in Uttar Pradesh. The party has to be strengthened under her leadership for 2022." The former Union minister said the common people would benefit from all the promises made in the Congress manifesto. "Providing Rs 72,000 per annum under the Nyay (minimum income) scheme and increasing the agricultural budget will be the priority," he said. The Congress leader exuded confidence that Nyay could be implemented. "I have been a planning minister, this scheme can be implemented. People who are spreading rumours did the same when our government launched the MGNREGA (rural job guarantee scheme). There will be no burden on the middle class or working class." Shukla also hit out at the Bharatiya Janata Party on the issue of nationalism. "Nationalism was displayed during the Indira Gandhi government when Pakistan was taught a lesson in 1971. Atal Bihari Vajpayee had also given a fitting reply to Pakistan. Modi has just created a ruckus through false propaganda." The Congress leader said the party's focus was employment, farmers and women's safety. "The BJP is only talking about Hindu-Muslim and Pakistan. We are more concerned about the common man," Shukla said. "The biggest problem India is facing is that of unemployment. Our agenda is to give jobs to the youths and look after the issues of farmers and women's safety in the country." The former Union minister claimed that the "Modi brand" would not work this time, adding that the Opposition was fighting strongly in different states and would collectively get a majority. Asked if the Opposition parties would accept the leadership of Congress chief Rahul Gandhi after the election, Shukla said: "The Congress president himself has mentioned that there is no dispute over the leadership and later he will accept what everyone decides.''

No decision yet on Priyanka Gandhi contesting from Varanasi: Rajeev Shukla

The Election Commission has rejected allegations of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee that it ordered the transfer of four police officers at the behest of the ruling BJP at the Centre, saying the decision was based on “cumulative feedback” from one of its top officials and the special police observer.&nbsp;

The Commission also told Banerjee that as per election law, it is “fully within its rights” to transfer and appoint officers during a model code. It said it won’t respond to the averment to prove its image.

Banerjee had on Saturday has written to the EC alleging that the poll panel was working at the behest of the BJP. Responding to Banerjee’s letter, the poll panel said Saturday that “It is the ECI and the governments of states/UTs who are jointly responsible to electors of the largest democracy and are bound to act strictly in the letter and spirit of the respective roles set forth by the founding fathers of the Constitution.”

The letter, written by one of the deputy election commissioners, and addressed to Banerjee, referred to Section 28A of the Representation of the People Act to drive home the point that EC can transfer and post them during the poll code period. It said the Kerala High court has also approved of the provision in one of its judgements.

“It is unfortunate that an exercise carried out by ECI only for the duration of the Model Code of Conduct is being labelled as arbitrary, motivated at the behest of ruling party at the Centre. It would not be correct and dignified to respond to such averments to prove/burnish its credentials,” the letter read.

The Commission pointed out that the transfer of four police officials was “based on the cumulative feedback from the DEC (deputy election commissioner) who oversees electoral process in West Bengal and Special Police Observer”. It said even the officers who have been posted in their place are of similar seniority and being from West Bengal cadre are expected to know about field situation in the state.

“It is understood that the Government of West Bengal has already operationalised the decision of ECI in respect of transfers. This action of the Government of West Bengal amply demonstrates the willingness of the state administration to conduct free, fair, credible and ethical elections in West Bengal and ECI is appreciative of this irrespective of the factually incorrect innuendoes …,” the letter read.

It said, after several rounds of review, including the one in mid-March, EC appointed a Special Police Observer for West Bengal. Similarly, such observers were appointed for Jharkhand, Mizoram, Tripura, Arunachal Pradesh and Telangana. “Thus, it is not as if any particular state was being singled out. Special Expenditure Observers have also been appointed for Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, Gujarat and Maharashtra,” it said.

The Election Commission has rejected allegations of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee that it ordered the transfer of four police officers at the behest of the ruling BJP at the Centre, saying the decision was based on “cumulative feedback” from one of its top officials and the special police observer.

The Election Commission has rejected allegations of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee that it ordered the transfer of four police officers at the behest of the ruling BJP at the Centre, saying the decision was based on “cumulative feedback” from one of its top officials and the special police observer. The Commission also told Banerjee that as per election law, it is “fully within its rights” to transfer and appoint officers during a model code. It said it won’t respond to the averment to prove its image. Banerjee had on Saturday has written to the EC alleging that the poll panel was working at the behest of the BJP. Responding to Banerjee’s letter, the poll panel said Saturday that “It is the ECI and the governments of states/UTs who are jointly responsible to electors of the largest democracy and are bound to act strictly in the letter and spirit of the respective roles set forth by the founding fathers of the Constitution.” The letter, written by one of the deputy election commissioners, and addressed to Banerjee, referred to Section 28A of the Representation of the People Act to drive home the point that EC can transfer and post them during the poll code period. It said the Kerala High court has also approved of the provision in one of its judgements. “It is unfortunate that an exercise carried out by ECI only for the duration of the Model Code of Conduct is being labelled as arbitrary, motivated at the behest of ruling party at the Centre. It would not be correct and dignified to respond to such averments to prove/burnish its credentials,” the letter read. The Commission pointed out that the transfer of four police officials was “based on the cumulative feedback from the DEC (deputy election commissioner) who oversees electoral process in West Bengal and Special Police Observer”. It said even the officers who have been posted in their place are of similar seniority and being from West Bengal cadre are expected to know about field situation in the state. “It is understood that the Government of West Bengal has already operationalised the decision of ECI in respect of transfers. This action of the Government of West Bengal amply demonstrates the willingness of the state administration to conduct free, fair, credible and ethical elections in West Bengal and ECI is appreciative of this irrespective of the factually incorrect innuendoes …,” the letter read. It said, after several rounds of review, including the one in mid-March, EC appointed a Special Police Observer for West Bengal. Similarly, such observers were appointed for Jharkhand, Mizoram, Tripura, Arunachal Pradesh and Telangana. “Thus, it is not as if any particular state was being singled out. Special Expenditure Observers have also been appointed for Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, Gujarat and Maharashtra,” it said.

Fully within rights to transfer officials during polls: Election Commission tells Mamata Banerjee

The Election Commission (EC) said on Thursday that as many as 10 lakh voters were added to the electoral rolls across the country last week, including four lakh first timers.

It also said that "all preparations" are being made for a smooth conduct of the first and second phases of the Lok Sabha polls, in which over 2,900 candidates are in the fray.

"We have added 10 lakh voters to the list, including four lakh new voters who are in the age group of 18-19," Deputy Election Commissioner Sandeep Saxena told reporters in New Delhi.

When the EC announced the polls on March 10, it had said that there are a total of about 90 crore voters in the country.

He added that preparations for conducting polls in the first two phases on April 11 and 18 are in full swing and all facilities would be provided to all categories of voters.

For the first phase, he said, there are a total of 1,280 candidates in the fray, 1,188 men and 92 women, while for the second phase (April 18), there are 1,674 candidates, 1,549 male and 125 female.

The number of candidates trying their luck in these two phases is 2,954.

Saxena said there were a total of 61 lakh voters in the "persons with disabilities" category.

He added that the 'cVigil' app has been a "big hit" and the commission has received 40,116 complaints through it till now.

The cVIGIL mobile application was launched by the Election Commission last year and complaints on violations of poll code can be uploaded on it.

Almost 99 per cent or 39,900 complaints have been disposed of and 68 per cent of these were found to be correct, Saxena said.

The maximum complaints on this app have come from Kerala, he added.

The Election Commission (EC) said on Thursday that as many as 10 lakh voters were added to the electoral rolls across the country last week, including four lakh first timers.

The Election Commission (EC) said on Thursday that as many as 10 lakh voters were added to the electoral rolls across the country last week, including four lakh first timers. It also said that "all preparations" are being made for a smooth conduct of the first and second phases of the Lok Sabha polls, in which over 2,900 candidates are in the fray. "We have added 10 lakh voters to the list, including four lakh new voters who are in the age group of 18-19," Deputy Election Commissioner Sandeep Saxena told reporters in New Delhi. When the EC announced the polls on March 10, it had said that there are a total of about 90 crore voters in the country. He added that preparations for conducting polls in the first two phases on April 11 and 18 are in full swing and all facilities would be provided to all categories of voters. For the first phase, he said, there are a total of 1,280 candidates in the fray, 1,188 men and 92 women, while for the second phase (April 18), there are 1,674 candidates, 1,549 male and 125 female. The number of candidates trying their luck in these two phases is 2,954. Saxena said there were a total of 61 lakh voters in the "persons with disabilities" category. He added that the 'cVigil' app has been a "big hit" and the commission has received 40,116 complaints through it till now. The cVIGIL mobile application was launched by the Election Commission last year and complaints on violations of poll code can be uploaded on it. Almost 99 per cent or 39,900 complaints have been disposed of and 68 per cent of these were found to be correct, Saxena said. The maximum complaints on this app have come from Kerala, he added.

10 lakh voters added last week, including 4 lakh first timers: Election Commission

The Madras High Court has said it would vacate the stay on a defamation case against DMK president M K Stalin over his remarks linking Tamil Nadu Chief Minister K Palaniswami to the Kodanad estate heist case after the government complained he was repeating the charge.

Justice G K Ilanthiraiyan made the oral observation Thursday on two petitions by city Public Prosecutor (PP) A Natarajan seeking the court to restrain the DMK leader from making any speech regarding the matter during the campaigning for the Lok Sabha elections, particularly at a public meeting to be held on Sunday, and vacate the interim stay on the defamation case.

The judge said the petitioner can record the remarks, if any made by Stalin at the meeting and produce it before the court on April 8.

The PP submitted that Stalin in his campaign speeches was repeatedly linking Palaniswami to the Kodanad case despite facing prosecution for defamation for same remarks earlier.

The judge told the counsel for Stalin that the grievance of the PP was that the DMK leader was already facing prosecution for defamation. But again and again he was making the same allegations and it would amount to interfering with the administration of justice.

The PP has filed two petitions. One to restrain Stalin from making any speech pertaining to Kodanadu case and another to vacate the interim stay granted by the court on the defamation proceedings.

"We will vacate the stay. You face the trial," the judge added.

Stalin's counsel P Kumaresan opposed the petition, saying the PP had already filed a petition seeking similar relief and it had been dismissed by a division bench of the high court on April 1.

He sought time to file a counter affidavit to the present petition.

Earlier, the PP submitted that Sayyan and Manoj, two key accused in the Kodanadu heist-cum watchman murder case had hatched a conspiracy to implicate the chief minister and their allegations against Palaniswami were released in a documentary by a Delhi-based journalist recently.

Subsequently, the bail granted to Sayyan and Manoj was cancelled by the trial court after the government submitted that they were intimidating witnesses. The trial court order had been confirmed by the high court.

Stalin in his election campaign was continuously making speeches linking the chief minister with the case, claiming that it was not his statement but that of the journalist, the PP submitted.

When the matter was sub-judice, Stalin cannot make such statements, he contended.

A total of 10 people had been arrested in connection with the April 23, 2017 robbery attempt at the Kodanad estate in Nilgiris district, which was used by late chief minister J Jayalalithaa. A guard was killed by a gang in the incident.

The Madras High Court has said it would vacate the stay on a defamation case against DMK president M K Stalin over his remarks linking Tamil Nadu Chief Minister K Palaniswami to the Kodanad estate heist case after the government complained he was repeating the charge.

The Madras High Court has said it would vacate the stay on a defamation case against DMK president M K Stalin over his remarks linking Tamil Nadu Chief Minister K Palaniswami to the Kodanad estate heist case after the government complained he was repeating the charge. Justice G K Ilanthiraiyan made the oral observation Thursday on two petitions by city Public Prosecutor (PP) A Natarajan seeking the court to restrain the DMK leader from making any speech regarding the matter during the campaigning for the Lok Sabha elections, particularly at a public meeting to be held on Sunday, and vacate the interim stay on the defamation case. The judge said the petitioner can record the remarks, if any made by Stalin at the meeting and produce it before the court on April 8. The PP submitted that Stalin in his campaign speeches was repeatedly linking Palaniswami to the Kodanad case despite facing prosecution for defamation for same remarks earlier. The judge told the counsel for Stalin that the grievance of the PP was that the DMK leader was already facing prosecution for defamation. But again and again he was making the same allegations and it would amount to interfering with the administration of justice. The PP has filed two petitions. One to restrain Stalin from making any speech pertaining to Kodanadu case and another to vacate the interim stay granted by the court on the defamation proceedings. "We will vacate the stay. You face the trial," the judge added. Stalin's counsel P Kumaresan opposed the petition, saying the PP had already filed a petition seeking similar relief and it had been dismissed by a division bench of the high court on April 1. He sought time to file a counter affidavit to the present petition. Earlier, the PP submitted that Sayyan and Manoj, two key accused in the Kodanadu heist-cum watchman murder case had hatched a conspiracy to implicate the chief minister and their allegations against Palaniswami were released in a documentary by a Delhi-based journalist recently. Subsequently, the bail granted to Sayyan and Manoj was cancelled by the trial court after the government submitted that they were intimidating witnesses. The trial court order had been confirmed by the high court. Stalin in his election campaign was continuously making speeches linking the chief minister with the case, claiming that it was not his statement but that of the journalist, the PP submitted. When the matter was sub-judice, Stalin cannot make such statements, he contended. A total of 10 people had been arrested in connection with the April 23, 2017 robbery attempt at the Kodanad estate in Nilgiris district, which was used by late chief minister J Jayalalithaa. A guard was killed by a gang in the incident.

Plea to restrain Stalin from linking Tamil Nadu chief minister to Kodanad case

As Telangana heads for Lok Sabha elections on April 11, one stark feature that emerges is how much the political stock of the Congress and the TDP has taken a beating.&nbsp;

Once dominant parties in the state, the Congress and the TDP have seen their political fortunes on the downswing in Telangana with the latter not even fielding candidates this time.

The Congress is facing a crisis of sorts in Telangana with as many as 10 of its MLAs among the total 19 announcing their decision to leave the party and join the ruling TRS during the past one month.

Several other key leaders, including former MLAs, have also joined the TRS.

The Congress and the TDP had formed an alliance for the assembly elections held in December but ended up with 19 and two seats respectively in the 119-member house. The TRS bagged 88 seats. 
While the TDP chose not to field candidates in the Lok Sabha polls in Telangana, the Congress is going it alone.

Senior Congress leader and former MLA Marri Shashidhar Reddy said he is not worried about the party's future in Telangana.

He said the Congress did well in the panchayat elections and hoped that it would fare better in the Lok Sabha polls.

"The Congress high command will definitely take stock of the situation and take necessary steps to strengthen the party," he told.

On Congress MLAs leaving the party, Reddy, a former vice-chairman of National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), said there is a need for a re-look at the anti-defection law.

There are a lot of loose ends in the law as the presiding officers of legislatures acted in a way that suited the ruling party, he said.&nbsp;

The TDP said it needs to strengthen itself organisationally as it has cadres and well-wishers in the state.

According to TDP politburo member Ravula Chandrasekhar Reddy, the party has strategically chosen not to contest the Lok Sabha elections in Telangana.&nbsp;

A poor performance in the Lok Sabha polls would have an adverse impact on the party for the coming local body polls, he said.

"We are confident that our party would win in Andhra Pradesh and our say would increase in Delhi. The BJP would lose at the national level. We feel we can strengthen ourselves in Telangana on that basis," he said.

He said defections hurt his party in a big way, adding 13 of 15 TDP MLAs had left the party during 2014 to 2018.&nbsp;

He termed the anti-defection law as toothless in its present form and suggested that a member should cease to be so, the moment he resigns from the party on whose ticket he is elected.

TDP had an alliance with the BJP for the 2014 elections and the latter unilaterally decided to end the alliance, Ravula Reddy said.

Though TDP had contested only 13 seats in 2018 (in alliance with Congress), it won two seats and stood second in almost all the constituencies, he said.

He also claimed there was a massive negative campaign against the TDP during the statehood agitation.&nbsp;

"The (TDP) leaders who are supposed to condemn such campaign and send the correct version to people have switched parties," he said.

The TRS had systematically targeted the TDP (that it is pro-Andhra and anti-Telangana), he claimed.

Political analyst Telakapalli Ravi claimed the Congress would not go down like the TDP in Telangana though it has suffered setbacks.

The internal differences among party leaders and lack of proper direction from the high command are among the reasons for the poor show of Congress, he said.

The party had made strategic mistakes like playing second fiddle to TRS chief K Chandrasekhar Rao during separate Telangana agitation and failing to take him along with it (with the formation of separate state), Ravi said.

"The survival also depends on how it would do at the national level. Still, it will not go down like TDP," he argued.

Like in Andhra Pradesh and West Bengal where YSR Congress and Trinamool were formed by party leaders, Congress in Telangana does not face such a threat, he said.

Talking about the TDP, he said regional parties in the country are more or less confined to a single state. The TDP is in power in neighbouring Andhra Pradesh.

Though the TDP won 15 seats in the assembly polls in 2014, it could not build on it, he said. The party lost grip with the alleged cash-for-vote scandal which also led to the exit of its chief N Chandrababu Naidu (from Telangana), he claimed.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

As Telangana heads for Lok Sabha elections on April 11, one stark feature that emerges is how much the political stock of the Congress and the TDP has taken a beating.

As Telangana heads for Lok Sabha elections on April 11, one stark feature that emerges is how much the political stock of the Congress and the TDP has taken a beating. Once dominant parties in the state, the Congress and the TDP have seen their political fortunes on the downswing in Telangana with the latter not even fielding candidates this time. The Congress is facing a crisis of sorts in Telangana with as many as 10 of its MLAs among the total 19 announcing their decision to leave the party and join the ruling TRS during the past one month. Several other key leaders, including former MLAs, have also joined the TRS. The Congress and the TDP had formed an alliance for the assembly elections held in December but ended up with 19 and two seats respectively in the 119-member house. The TRS bagged 88 seats. While the TDP chose not to field candidates in the Lok Sabha polls in Telangana, the Congress is going it alone. Senior Congress leader and former MLA Marri Shashidhar Reddy said he is not worried about the party's future in Telangana. He said the Congress did well in the panchayat elections and hoped that it would fare better in the Lok Sabha polls. "The Congress high command will definitely take stock of the situation and take necessary steps to strengthen the party," he told. On Congress MLAs leaving the party, Reddy, a former vice-chairman of National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), said there is a need for a re-look at the anti-defection law. There are a lot of loose ends in the law as the presiding officers of legislatures acted in a way that suited the ruling party, he said. The TDP said it needs to strengthen itself organisationally as it has cadres and well-wishers in the state. According to TDP politburo member Ravula Chandrasekhar Reddy, the party has strategically chosen not to contest the Lok Sabha elections in Telangana. A poor performance in the Lok Sabha polls would have an adverse impact on the party for the coming local body polls, he said. "We are confident that our party would win in Andhra Pradesh and our say would increase in Delhi. The BJP would lose at the national level. We feel we can strengthen ourselves in Telangana on that basis," he said. He said defections hurt his party in a big way, adding 13 of 15 TDP MLAs had left the party during 2014 to 2018. He termed the anti-defection law as toothless in its present form and suggested that a member should cease to be so, the moment he resigns from the party on whose ticket he is elected. TDP had an alliance with the BJP for the 2014 elections and the latter unilaterally decided to end the alliance, Ravula Reddy said. Though TDP had contested only 13 seats in 2018 (in alliance with Congress), it won two seats and stood second in almost all the constituencies, he said. He also claimed there was a massive negative campaign against the TDP during the statehood agitation. "The (TDP) leaders who are supposed to condemn such campaign and send the correct version to people have switched parties," he said. The TRS had systematically targeted the TDP (that it is pro-Andhra and anti-Telangana), he claimed. Political analyst Telakapalli Ravi claimed the Congress would not go down like the TDP in Telangana though it has suffered setbacks. The internal differences among party leaders and lack of proper direction from the high command are among the reasons for the poor show of Congress, he said. The party had made strategic mistakes like playing second fiddle to TRS chief K Chandrasekhar Rao during separate Telangana agitation and failing to take him along with it (with the formation of separate state), Ravi said. "The survival also depends on how it would do at the national level. Still, it will not go down like TDP," he argued. Like in Andhra Pradesh and West Bengal where YSR Congress and Trinamool were formed by party leaders, Congress in Telangana does not face such a threat, he said. Talking about the TDP, he said regional parties in the country are more or less confined to a single state. The TDP is in power in neighbouring Andhra Pradesh. Though the TDP won 15 seats in the assembly polls in 2014, it could not build on it, he said. The party lost grip with the alleged cash-for-vote scandal which also led to the exit of its chief N Chandrababu Naidu (from Telangana), he claimed.

Congress would not go down like the TDP in Telangana: Political analyst

India Election Watch: Sumitra Mahajan says won't contest Lok Sabha polls

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Didn't name anyone in connection with chopper deal, Michel tells Delhi court; PM Modi says charge sheet names 'Ahmed Patel', 'family' Christian Michel, alleged middleman arrested in the AgustaWestland VVIP Chopper scam, told a Delhi court on Friday that he has not named anybody in connection with the deal during the investigation by the Enforcement Directorate, which has filed a supplementary charge sheet, news agency PTI reported.

Didn't name anyone in connection with chopper deal, Michel tells Delhi court; PM Modi says charge sheet names 'Ahmed Patel', 'family' Christian Michel, alleged middleman arrested in the AgustaWestland VVIP Chopper scam, told a Delhi court on Friday that he has not named anybody in connection with the deal during the investigation by the Enforcement Directorate, which has filed a supplementary charge sheet, news agency PTI reported. Egypt kills hundreds of suspected militants in disputed gun battles: Report Mohamed Abu Amer, a landscape gardener, was working in downtown Cairo when national security agents took him away on February 6, 2018, his family said. WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange to be expelled within 'hours to days' from Ecuador embassy; arrest likely A WikiLeaks tweets posted on Friday reported that WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange will be expelled within "hours to days" from the Ecuador embassy and that there already exists an agreement with the United Kingdom for his arrest. Israeli polls see Netanyahu ahead, but many still undecided Final authorised opinion polls published Friday just days ahead of the Israeli general elections showed Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu heading for a fifth term in office, leading a right-wing coalition. Lok Sabha polls: Samajwadi Party releases 'vision document'; calls for mega transformation Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav on Friday released party manifesto ahead of the Lok Sabha polls due next week. Calling the manifesto their "vision document", Yadav said the document will be used for "answering the BJP".

News brief: Big stories of the day

Minutes after filing the nomination papers for Wayanad Lok Sabha seat in Kerala, Congress president Rahul Gandhi said that he understands&nbsp;his brothers and sisters in CPM would attack him but he won't say a word against them.&nbsp;

''I understand that my brothers and sisters in CPM will now speak against me and attack me, but I am not going to say a word against them&nbsp;in my entire campaign,''&nbsp; Rahul said.

The Congress leader said that he had come to Kerala to send a message that India is one, be it North, South, East or West.&nbsp;

There is a feeling in South India that the way Centre, Modi&nbsp;and RSS are working, it's like an assault on culture and languages in South, Gandhi said and added,&nbsp;''My aim is to send a message,'' he said.

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Rahul Gandhi in Wayanad: I understand that my brothers and sisters in CPM will now speak against me and attack me, but I am not going to say a word against the CPM in my entire campaign <a href="https://t.co/IY8Mu10hYe">pic.twitter.com/IY8Mu10hYe</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1113711400747184128?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 4, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Launching a broadside on Modi, he said youngsters in the country are running from state to state for jobs.&nbsp;

Roadshow

Braving the scorching heat, Rahul Gandhi, accompanied by his sister Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, began a roadshow Thursday in the hilly Wayanad constituency as part of his poll campaign for the April 23 Lok Sabha elections.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> Congress President Rahul Gandhi holds a roadshow in Wayanad after filing nomination. Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and Ramesh Chennithala also present. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Kerala?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Kerala</a> <a href="https://t.co/lVxKhDxGrZ">pic.twitter.com/lVxKhDxGrZ</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1113698589572775937?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 4, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The AICC chief, along with the state leaders including former Chief Minister Oommen Chandy and Leader of Opposition in the Kerala Assembly Ramesh Chennithala, came out in an open vehicle after Gandhi completed the nomination procedures at the district collectorate.

As the massive crowd of supporters gathered on both sides of the road, security personnel had a tough time controlling the workers to clear the way for the vehicle, reported news agency PTI.

Gandhi and Priyanka waved to the crowd.

As the vehicle inched forward, Gandhi was seen shaking hands with many elated supporters.

Earlier, Gandhi filed nomination before the district collector A R Ajayakumar.

Heavy security was in place in and around the Collectorate ahead of the high profile visit of the Congress chief.&nbsp;

(With inputs from PTI)

Minutes after filing the nomination papers for Wayanad Lok Sabha seat in Kerala, Congress president Rahul Gandhi said that he understands his brothers and sisters in CPM would attack him but he won't say a word against them.

Minutes after filing the nomination papers for Wayanad Lok Sabha seat in Kerala, Congress president Rahul Gandhi said that he understands his brothers and sisters in CPM would attack him but he won't say a word against them. ''I understand that my brothers and sisters in CPM will now speak against me and attack me, but I am not going to say a word against them in my entire campaign,'' Rahul said. The Congress leader said that he had come to Kerala to send a message that India is one, be it North, South, East or West. There is a feeling in South India that the way Centre, Modi and RSS are working, it's like an assault on culture and languages in South, Gandhi said and added, ''My aim is to send a message,'' he said. Rahul Gandhi in Wayanad: I understand that my brothers and sisters in CPM will now speak against me and attack me, but I am not going to say a word against the CPM in my entire campaign pic.twitter.com/IY8Mu10hYe — ANI (@ANI) April 4, 2019 × Launching a broadside on Modi, he said youngsters in the country are running from state to state for jobs. Roadshow Braving the scorching heat, Rahul Gandhi, accompanied by his sister Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, began a roadshow Thursday in the hilly Wayanad constituency as part of his poll campaign for the April 23 Lok Sabha elections. #WATCH Congress President Rahul Gandhi holds a roadshow in Wayanad after filing nomination. Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and Ramesh Chennithala also present. #Kerala pic.twitter.com/lVxKhDxGrZ — ANI (@ANI) April 4, 2019 × The AICC chief, along with the state leaders including former Chief Minister Oommen Chandy and Leader of Opposition in the Kerala Assembly Ramesh Chennithala, came out in an open vehicle after Gandhi completed the nomination procedures at the district collectorate. As the massive crowd of supporters gathered on both sides of the road, security personnel had a tough time controlling the workers to clear the way for the vehicle, reported news agency PTI. Gandhi and Priyanka waved to the crowd. As the vehicle inched forward, Gandhi was seen shaking hands with many elated supporters. Earlier, Gandhi filed nomination before the district collector A R Ajayakumar. Heavy security was in place in and around the Collectorate ahead of the high profile visit of the Congress chief. (With inputs from PTI)

'Not going to say a word' against CPM in my entire campaign: Rahul Gandhi

Congress releases party manifesto for 2019 Lok Sabha polls

Congress president Rahul Gandhi, in an interaction with students in Pune, said that he loves Prime Minister Narendra Modi and that he has no anger against him.

"I love Narendra Modi and I have no anger for him (at this point )," Rahul Gandhi said amid chants of 'Modi Modi'.

During the interaction, some students asked Rahul for his comments about his sister Priyanka Gandhi calling him courageous. "I deal with what I'm faced with and I am persistent. If I decide to do something I'll do it. I like to stand for people. And I got the courage through experience," said Rahul.

He also talked about the much-talked-about minimum income scheme NYAY introduced in Congress manifesto and said it will be implemented without raising income tax or burdening the middle class. "Money won't be taken from the middle class and income tax won't be raised," he said adding that all calculations have been done to fund the scheme.

He said the Congress manifesto was prepared after taking inputs from all sections of the society, including farmers and the poor.

"The Congress poll manifesto was prepared after speaking to all stakeholders. We spoke to farmers, students and all the stakeholders of the country," Rahul said.

Asked about employment scenario in the country, he said around 27,000 jobs are being lost per hour in India.

The Congress chief promised to reserve 33 per cent seats in Parliament, assemblies for women if his party is voted to power.

Congress president Rahul Gandhi, in an interaction with students in Pune, said that he loves Prime Minister Narendra Modi and that he has no anger against him. "I love Narendra Modi and I have no anger for him (at this point )," Rahul Gandhi said amid chants of 'Modi Modi'.

Congress president Rahul Gandhi, in an interaction with students in Pune, said that he loves Prime Minister Narendra Modi and that he has no anger against him. "I love Narendra Modi and I have no anger for him (at this point )," Rahul Gandhi said amid chants of 'Modi Modi'. During the interaction, some students asked Rahul for his comments about his sister Priyanka Gandhi calling him courageous. "I deal with what I'm faced with and I am persistent. If I decide to do something I'll do it. I like to stand for people. And I got the courage through experience," said Rahul. He also talked about the much-talked-about minimum income scheme NYAY introduced in Congress manifesto and said it will be implemented without raising income tax or burdening the middle class. "Money won't be taken from the middle class and income tax won't be raised," he said adding that all calculations have been done to fund the scheme. He said the Congress manifesto was prepared after taking inputs from all sections of the society, including farmers and the poor. "The Congress poll manifesto was prepared after speaking to all stakeholders. We spoke to farmers, students and all the stakeholders of the country," Rahul said. Asked about employment scenario in the country, he said around 27,000 jobs are being lost per hour in India. The Congress chief promised to reserve 33 per cent seats in Parliament, assemblies for women if his party is voted to power.

I love Narendra Modi, no anger against him: Rahul Gandhi

Union Home minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday said that the country was safe because of its brave soldiers.

Addressing a traders meeting here at the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Convention Centre, Rajnath Singh said, "It is because of the brave jawans of the country that we are safe. If there is any danger to them, each and every citizen of the country will unite and be ready to protect the brave jawans."

"As many as 126 districts of the country were affected by the menace of Naxalism. But in the five years of the BJP government, the menace has been confined to only 5-6 districts. Soon this will also be eliminated," he added.

Asserting that the government wanted better ties with Pakistan, the Union home minister said anyone who tries to harm India would get a befitting reply.

"Pakistan is our neighbour. We want that our ties with it are better. But, if someone casts an evil eye on India, then there will be a befitting reply," he said.

"When the terrorists were attacked in Pakistan, adequate caution was exercised by our jawans so that no innocent (in Pakistan) falls in the ambit of attack," he added.

In a veiled attack on Congress president Rahul Gandhi, he said that he was surprised by the party's promise in their election manifesto to scrap the sedition law.

"Someone threatens to destroy India, and action will not be initiated? How is it possible? I feel ashamed of people who speak these things," he said.

Rajnath Singh also assured the traders that their demands will be looked into after the election process is over.

On the Goods and Services Tax (GST) he said, "I am not saying that the traders did not face any problems due to GST. But, the problems were gradually resolved and solution will be found in future as well."

Union Home minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday said that the country was safe because of its brave soldiers. Addressing a traders meeting here at the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Convention Centre, Rajnath Singh said, "It is because of the brave jawans of the country that we are safe.

Union Home minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday said that the country was safe because of its brave soldiers. Addressing a traders meeting here at the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Convention Centre, Rajnath Singh said, "It is because of the brave jawans of the country that we are safe. If there is any danger to them, each and every citizen of the country will unite and be ready to protect the brave jawans." "As many as 126 districts of the country were affected by the menace of Naxalism. But in the five years of the BJP government, the menace has been confined to only 5-6 districts. Soon this will also be eliminated," he added. Asserting that the government wanted better ties with Pakistan, the Union home minister said anyone who tries to harm India would get a befitting reply. "Pakistan is our neighbour. We want that our ties with it are better. But, if someone casts an evil eye on India, then there will be a befitting reply," he said. "When the terrorists were attacked in Pakistan, adequate caution was exercised by our jawans so that no innocent (in Pakistan) falls in the ambit of attack," he added. In a veiled attack on Congress president Rahul Gandhi, he said that he was surprised by the party's promise in their election manifesto to scrap the sedition law. "Someone threatens to destroy India, and action will not be initiated? How is it possible? I feel ashamed of people who speak these things," he said. Rajnath Singh also assured the traders that their demands will be looked into after the election process is over. On the Goods and Services Tax (GST) he said, "I am not saying that the traders did not face any problems due to GST. But, the problems were gradually resolved and solution will be found in future as well."

India safe because of its brave soldiers: Rajnath Singh

Varanasi is again going to be among the most-watched constituencies in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections as Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who won from here in 2014, will seek re-election.

Unlike the last elections, PM Modi will not be contesting from a second seat this time.

Varanasi which will go to elections on May 19 is now ending up being a jam-packed front line in the general elections.

Congress and SP-BSP alliance haven't announced any candidate from Varanasi yet. But there are others who are challenging PM Modi in this battle royale.

111 Tamil Nadu farmers

The distressed Tamil Nadu farmers, who had taken their protests to the national capital to highlight their demands, have decided to fight the electoral battle against the PM Narendra Modi.

On March 23, Tamil Nadu farmers leader P Ayyakannu said that 111 farmers from the state will contest against PM Modi from Varanasi.

BSF constable Tej Bahadur Yadav

The BSF constable who was dismissed from service in 2017 after he posted a video online complaining about the quality of food served to the troops has said he would take on Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Varanasi.

"I will contest against Prime Minister Narendra Modi from Varanasi constituency as an independent candidate," Yadav said announcing his candidature as an independent.

Bhim Army chief Chandrashekhar

Chandrashekhar Azad Ravan officially declared a month ago that he will be contesting Lok Sabha polls from Varanasi against Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

He has already launched his poll campaign by holding a roadshow in the city. BSP chief Mayawati has, meanwhile, alleged that Azad has the ill-intention of dividing Dalit votes.

Rumours about a star-studded contest in Varanasi peaked after reports that Priyanka Gandhi remarked to party workers during her boat campaign last month, "Why not Varanasi?"

But sources close to Congress party have indicated that Priyanka Gandhi, who is party general secretary in charge of east Uttar Pradesh, will not contest against PM Modi because it will weaken the campaign in the rest of the state.

Uttar Pradesh is a standout amongst the most critical states of the politically charged Hindi heartland. With the Samajwadi Party and Bahujan Samaj Party teaming up and the Congress fielding their trump card Priyanka Gandhi Vadra as a general secretary, the state's decisions will be one to look out for.

Varanasi will vote on May 19, in the last round of seven-phase polls that start on April 11. The results will be declared on May 23.

Varanasi is again going to be among the most-watched constituencies in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections as Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who won from here in 2014, will seek re-election.

Varanasi is again going to be among the most-watched constituencies in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections as Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who won from here in 2014, will seek re-election. Unlike the last elections, PM Modi will not be contesting from a second seat this time. Varanasi which will go to elections on May 19 is now ending up being a jam-packed front line in the general elections. Congress and SP-BSP alliance haven't announced any candidate from Varanasi yet. But there are others who are challenging PM Modi in this battle royale. 111 Tamil Nadu farmers The distressed Tamil Nadu farmers, who had taken their protests to the national capital to highlight their demands, have decided to fight the electoral battle against the PM Narendra Modi. On March 23, Tamil Nadu farmers leader P Ayyakannu said that 111 farmers from the state will contest against PM Modi from Varanasi. BSF constable Tej Bahadur Yadav The BSF constable who was dismissed from service in 2017 after he posted a video online complaining about the quality of food served to the troops has said he would take on Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Varanasi. "I will contest against Prime Minister Narendra Modi from Varanasi constituency as an independent candidate," Yadav said announcing his candidature as an independent. Bhim Army chief Chandrashekhar Chandrashekhar Azad Ravan officially declared a month ago that he will be contesting Lok Sabha polls from Varanasi against Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He has already launched his poll campaign by holding a roadshow in the city. BSP chief Mayawati has, meanwhile, alleged that Azad has the ill-intention of dividing Dalit votes. Rumours about a star-studded contest in Varanasi peaked after reports that Priyanka Gandhi remarked to party workers during her boat campaign last month, "Why not Varanasi?" But sources close to Congress party have indicated that Priyanka Gandhi, who is party general secretary in charge of east Uttar Pradesh, will not contest against PM Modi because it will weaken the campaign in the rest of the state. Uttar Pradesh is a standout amongst the most critical states of the politically charged Hindi heartland. With the Samajwadi Party and Bahujan Samaj Party teaming up and the Congress fielding their trump card Priyanka Gandhi Vadra as a general secretary, the state's decisions will be one to look out for. Varanasi will vote on May 19, in the last round of seven-phase polls that start on April 11. The results will be declared on May 23.

Varanasi: Constituency to watch out for this election

In view of the deployment of Central Reserve Paramilitary Forces (CRPF) in North Bengal in the first and second phase of Lok Sabha elections, the Election Commission of India on withdrew all companies of CRPF from the Maoist-infested districts of the state.

This order comes in the wake of the West Bengal government writing to the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) thrice, asking them not to withdraw force stating that the withdrawal of the CRPF jawans from the LWE (Left Wing Extremism) affected districts may lead to a regrouping of Maoists.

This decision also comes in the wake of the Central Police Observer Vivek Dube holding meetings with the state officials and officials from the central armed paramilitary force like CRPF and BSF over the deployment of central forces.

"The state's stand is still the same. Withdrawal of forces from Jangal Mahal – Maoist infested districts will help Maoists operating in the bordering areas to enter the state. We have written to the MHA thrice stating the concerns relating to the withdrawal of forces," said a senior police official.

While the state has not seen any Maoist activity in the last five years, but several groups are active on the Jharkhand-Bengal border, according to Intel reports.

The state had a total of 35 companies of CRPF. Of the total 35 companies, 29 were deployed in the Jangal Mahal area. In the first phase, 18 and later the remaining companies were withdrawn and deployed in parts of North Bengal going for polls on April 11 and 18.

On the other hand, the state seems unhappy with the commission’s decision.

The West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee even said on Monday, “They want to withdraw the CRPF from Jangal Mahal. We have managed to restore peace there. But withdrawal will mean further disturbance. We have repeatedly requested them to not withdraw it. Now, if there is a Maoist attack, they will be responsible for it."

For the first and second phase of polls, a total of 49 companies of central forces – 20 BSF companies and 29 CRPF companies are being deployed in North Bengal.

In view of the deployment of Central Reserve Paramilitary Forces (CRPF) in North Bengal in the first and second phase of Lok Sabha elections, the Election Commission of India on withdrew all companies of CRPF from the Maoist-infested districts of the state.

In view of the deployment of Central Reserve Paramilitary Forces (CRPF) in North Bengal in the first and second phase of Lok Sabha elections, the Election Commission of India on withdrew all companies of CRPF from the Maoist-infested districts of the state. This order comes in the wake of the West Bengal government writing to the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) thrice, asking them not to withdraw force stating that the withdrawal of the CRPF jawans from the LWE (Left Wing Extremism) affected districts may lead to a regrouping of Maoists. This decision also comes in the wake of the Central Police Observer Vivek Dube holding meetings with the state officials and officials from the central armed paramilitary force like CRPF and BSF over the deployment of central forces. "The state's stand is still the same. Withdrawal of forces from Jangal Mahal – Maoist infested districts will help Maoists operating in the bordering areas to enter the state. We have written to the MHA thrice stating the concerns relating to the withdrawal of forces," said a senior police official. While the state has not seen any Maoist activity in the last five years, but several groups are active on the Jharkhand-Bengal border, according to Intel reports. The state had a total of 35 companies of CRPF. Of the total 35 companies, 29 were deployed in the Jangal Mahal area. In the first phase, 18 and later the remaining companies were withdrawn and deployed in parts of North Bengal going for polls on April 11 and 18. On the other hand, the state seems unhappy with the commission’s decision. The West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee even said on Monday, “They want to withdraw the CRPF from Jangal Mahal. We have managed to restore peace there. But withdrawal will mean further disturbance. We have repeatedly requested them to not withdraw it. Now, if there is a Maoist attack, they will be responsible for it." For the first and second phase of polls, a total of 49 companies of central forces – 20 BSF companies and 29 CRPF companies are being deployed in North Bengal.

Lok Sabha poll 2019: EC withdraws CRPF from Maoist-hit districts of Bengal for redeployment during elections

Seeking to give a tough fight to Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav in a known socialist bastion Azamgarh, BJP fielded Bhojpuri actor Dinesh Lal Yadav from the constituency.

But coming together of Samajwadi Party and Bahujan Samaj Party, the fight for Azamgarh is expected to be a cakewalk for Akhilesh Yadav.

In 2014, the consolidated vote level of the SP's Mulayam Singh Yadav and BSP's Shah Alam Alias Guddu Jamali in Azamgarh was more than 63%, compared to the 28.8% of the BJP candidate Ramakant Yadav.

Bhojpuri superstar Dinesh Lal Yadav aka ‘Nirahua’ had joined the BJP a few days back during a meeting with chief minister Yogi Adityanath on March 27.

Nirahua, who had acted in dozens of 'Bhojpuri' films and enjoys huge popularity, especially in eastern UP &nbsp;and Bihar, had campaigned for the Samajwadi Party patron Mulayam Singh Yadav in Azamgarh in 2014 Lok Sabha polls.

Akhilesh Yadav is replacing father Mulayam in Azamgarh; the move, however, is also a key move to cement Samajwadi Party's position in the important east UP region which includes Varanasi and Gorakhpur, important for the BJP.

In 2014 Lok Sabha elections, Mulayam had contested from two seats -- Azamgarh and Mainpuri. However, he later gave up Mainpuri seat which was subsequently successfully contested by grandnephew of Mulayam Singh Yadav, Tej Pratap Singh Yadav.&nbsp;

The seven-phase Lok Sabha polls are set to begin on April 11 and will go on till May 19. The counting of votes will take place on May 23.

In Uttar Pradesh, where 80 seats are at stake, polling will be held in all seven phases. Azamgarh will vote in the sixth phase - on May 12.

Seeking to give a tough fight to Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav in a known socialist bastion Azamgarh, BJP fielded Bhojpuri actor Dinesh Lal Yadav from the constituency.

Seeking to give a tough fight to Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav in a known socialist bastion Azamgarh, BJP fielded Bhojpuri actor Dinesh Lal Yadav from the constituency. But coming together of Samajwadi Party and Bahujan Samaj Party, the fight for Azamgarh is expected to be a cakewalk for Akhilesh Yadav. In 2014, the consolidated vote level of the SP's Mulayam Singh Yadav and BSP's Shah Alam Alias Guddu Jamali in Azamgarh was more than 63%, compared to the 28.8% of the BJP candidate Ramakant Yadav. Bhojpuri superstar Dinesh Lal Yadav aka ‘Nirahua’ had joined the BJP a few days back during a meeting with chief minister Yogi Adityanath on March 27. Nirahua, who had acted in dozens of 'Bhojpuri' films and enjoys huge popularity, especially in eastern UP and Bihar, had campaigned for the Samajwadi Party patron Mulayam Singh Yadav in Azamgarh in 2014 Lok Sabha polls. Akhilesh Yadav is replacing father Mulayam in Azamgarh; the move, however, is also a key move to cement Samajwadi Party's position in the important east UP region which includes Varanasi and Gorakhpur, important for the BJP. In 2014 Lok Sabha elections, Mulayam had contested from two seats -- Azamgarh and Mainpuri. However, he later gave up Mainpuri seat which was subsequently successfully contested by grandnephew of Mulayam Singh Yadav, Tej Pratap Singh Yadav. The seven-phase Lok Sabha polls are set to begin on April 11 and will go on till May 19. The counting of votes will take place on May 23. In Uttar Pradesh, where 80 seats are at stake, polling will be held in all seven phases. Azamgarh will vote in the sixth phase - on May 12.

Lok Sabha polls 2019: Akhilesh Yadav vs Dinesh Lal Yadav 'Nirahua' fight puts the spotlight on Azamgarh

A week before the first phase of elections, ruling BJP has taken a big lead in advertising on Google and its affiliated platforms such as YouTube with an ad spend of Rs 1.21 crore, while its main rival <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/i-am-not-going-to-say-a-word-against-the-cpm-in-my-entire-campaign-rahul-gandhi-207872">Congress</a> has spent only Rs 54,100, the search engine said.

Google, in a report on political advertisement across its platforms — Google, YouTube and partner properties, said Rs 3.76 crore was spent by advertisers since February 19.

"Our goal is to provide greater transparency in political advertising on Google, YouTube, and partner properties. This report includes information about Lok Sabha election ads that feature or are run by a political party, a political candidate, or a current member of the Lok Sabha," it said.

Chandrababu Naidu-led TDP was the biggest ad spender with a total expenditure of Rs 1.48 crore. His ad spend was by two firms — Pramanya Strategy Consulting (Rs 85.25 lakh) and Digitant Consulting (Rs 63.43 lakh).

<img alt="Political ads" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="3e3108cd-bddc-4fbe-9334-f7c9d504455e" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Top%20Spenders.JPG" />BJP spent Rs 1.21 crore on advertisements during this period.

TDP's rival YSR Congress of Jagan Reddy was a close third with an ad spend of Rs 1.04 crore.

Congress spent Rs 54,100 on Google platforms.

<img alt="Political ads" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="ebec6b27-196a-4a09-8ed7-cb5e5b6306df" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Political%20ads.JPG" />

The remaining spend was by Ethinos Digital Marketing (RS 1.56 lakh), Pammi Sai Charan Reddy (Rs 26,400), Harshnath Human Services (Rs 6,300), Jaskaran Dhillon (Rs 5,400), Vidooly Media Tech (Rs 1,300) and Akula Satyanarayana (Rs 400).

With Andhra Pradesh going to polls in the first phase on April 11, the state saw the biggest ad spend of Rs 1.73 crore, followed by Bihar (Rs 10.5 lakh), Maharashtra (Rs 17.19 lakh), Uttar Pradesh (18.47 lakh).

Advertisement spend by Andhra parties is likely to dry out after April 11. The state will go to polls in a single phase on that day. Polling for all the 25 Lok Sabha constituencies in the state as well as 175 assembly seats will be held on April 11.&nbsp;

A week before the first phase of elections, ruling BJP has taken a big lead in advertising on Google and its affiliated platforms such as YouTube with an ad spend of Rs 1.

A week before the first phase of elections, ruling BJP has taken a big lead in advertising on Google and its affiliated platforms such as YouTube with an ad spend of Rs 1.21 crore, while its main rival Congress has spent only Rs 54,100, the search engine said. Google, in a report on political advertisement across its platforms — Google, YouTube and partner properties, said Rs 3.76 crore was spent by advertisers since February 19. "Our goal is to provide greater transparency in political advertising on Google, YouTube, and partner properties. This report includes information about Lok Sabha election ads that feature or are run by a political party, a political candidate, or a current member of the Lok Sabha," it said. Chandrababu Naidu-led TDP was the biggest ad spender with a total expenditure of Rs 1.48 crore. His ad spend was by two firms — Pramanya Strategy Consulting (Rs 85.25 lakh) and Digitant Consulting (Rs 63.43 lakh). BJP spent Rs 1.21 crore on advertisements during this period. TDP's rival YSR Congress of Jagan Reddy was a close third with an ad spend of Rs 1.04 crore. Congress spent Rs 54,100 on Google platforms. The remaining spend was by Ethinos Digital Marketing (RS 1.56 lakh), Pammi Sai Charan Reddy (Rs 26,400), Harshnath Human Services (Rs 6,300), Jaskaran Dhillon (Rs 5,400), Vidooly Media Tech (Rs 1,300) and Akula Satyanarayana (Rs 400). With Andhra Pradesh going to polls in the first phase on April 11, the state saw the biggest ad spend of Rs 1.73 crore, followed by Bihar (Rs 10.5 lakh), Maharashtra (Rs 17.19 lakh), Uttar Pradesh (18.47 lakh). Advertisement spend by Andhra parties is likely to dry out after April 11. The state will go to polls in a single phase on that day. Polling for all the 25 Lok Sabha constituencies in the state as well as 175 assembly seats will be held on April 11.

Lok Sabha polls: BJP has spent Rs 1.21 crore on advertising on Google, Congress Rs 54,100

With barely two weeks left for the polling day (April 18th) in Tamil Nadu, Election commissioners Ashok Saxena and Sushil Chandra along with Tamil Nadu Chief Electoral Officer(CEO) Satyabrata Sahoo, met the media and &nbsp;clarified their stance on issues ranging from seizures of unaccounted cash, raids on residences of political leaders and also the controversy over the sudden seizure of to-be-released books on the Rafale scam among others.&nbsp;

The officials said that they have concluded their 3-day review in Tamil Nadu for forthcoming elections. ”During our visit, we met all political parties and all deputy commissioners, collectors, police officials and senior officials of the state Government among others. These include officials of Income Tax, RBI, Excise and taxation department, Narcotics control bureau and the airport director and all others involved in enforcement activities”.

Speaking of the important issues listed by political parties, they mentioned that, people belonging to weaker sections should be provided security to cast vote freely and fairly, CCTV cameras within the booth and outside the polling station, Bye-elections for the vacant assembly seats, provision of adequate minimum facilities such as supply of water, and tents at polling booths to help voters brave the summer.&nbsp;

Regarding the confiscation of to-be-released books on the alleged Rafale Scam, the officials responded saying that, it was brought to our knowledge through the electronic media, we were informed that CEO had not authorized this kind of action by flying squad. The concerned flying squad has been changed and the Book launch took place in the evening. All officials associated with that incident have been removed, we are awaiting a full report.&nbsp;

Responding to questions on the rampant cash seizures across Tamil Nadu and their alleged political links, they said, &nbsp;whenever such seizures are made, the preliminary report is given to EC. The EC doesn't name anyone or any party, but after the report, there is a comprehensive procedure of law enforcement that is to be followed. We are finding that so far cash seizure of Rs.127crore has been reported in TN. This is much more than previous elections. Prosecuting is done after comprehensive enquiry, &nbsp;EC doesn't prosecute. &nbsp;

Enlisting the challenges faced by the EC in conducting the polls across the country they said, Sheer scale and size are a challenge. We have 10.35 lakh polling stations, 12 million people involved in the conduct of elections, Informing people of new technology that is adopted and preventing the use of money and muscle power.

The officers also responded to the reports of the candidate Mohanraj who had declared his cash holding as 1.76 lakh crore and liabilities as 4 Lakh crore world bank loan. They said, “Whenever a candidate files his nomination papers and gives document in the laid down format, the returning officer is responsible and empowered to take a decision. If there is a deficiency in the affidavit or nomination form, the returning officer can inform of deficiency and decision to accept or reject is finally of the returning officer. He/she &nbsp;need not go into veracity, as it involves a long process of adjudication.”

Mobile applications such as cVigil and Suvidha are also being used for the effective interface between the ECI and voters, candidates. While the Suvidha application facilitates single window clearance from rally and vehicles, cVigil&nbsp;enables all to take pictures or videos of illegal activity or model code violation and it goes straight to control room and a response can be expected within 100 minutes.

With barely two weeks left for the polling day (April 18th) in Tamil Nadu, Election commissioners Ashok Saxena and Sushil Chandra along with Tamil Nadu Chief Electoral Officer(CEO) Satyabrata Sahoo, met the media and clarified their stance on issues ranging from seizures of unaccounted cash, raids on residences of political leaders and also the controversy over the sudden seizure of to-be-released books on the Rafale scam among others.

With barely two weeks left for the polling day (April 18th) in Tamil Nadu, Election commissioners Ashok Saxena and Sushil Chandra along with Tamil Nadu Chief Electoral Officer(CEO) Satyabrata Sahoo, met the media and clarified their stance on issues ranging from seizures of unaccounted cash, raids on residences of political leaders and also the controversy over the sudden seizure of to-be-released books on the Rafale scam among others. The officials said that they have concluded their 3-day review in Tamil Nadu for forthcoming elections. ”During our visit, we met all political parties and all deputy commissioners, collectors, police officials and senior officials of the state Government among others. These include officials of Income Tax, RBI, Excise and taxation department, Narcotics control bureau and the airport director and all others involved in enforcement activities”. Speaking of the important issues listed by political parties, they mentioned that, people belonging to weaker sections should be provided security to cast vote freely and fairly, CCTV cameras within the booth and outside the polling station, Bye-elections for the vacant assembly seats, provision of adequate minimum facilities such as supply of water, and tents at polling booths to help voters brave the summer. Regarding the confiscation of to-be-released books on the alleged Rafale Scam, the officials responded saying that, it was brought to our knowledge through the electronic media, we were informed that CEO had not authorized this kind of action by flying squad. The concerned flying squad has been changed and the Book launch took place in the evening. All officials associated with that incident have been removed, we are awaiting a full report. Responding to questions on the rampant cash seizures across Tamil Nadu and their alleged political links, they said, whenever such seizures are made, the preliminary report is given to EC. The EC doesn't name anyone or any party, but after the report, there is a comprehensive procedure of law enforcement that is to be followed. We are finding that so far cash seizure of Rs.127crore has been reported in TN. This is much more than previous elections. Prosecuting is done after comprehensive enquiry, EC doesn't prosecute. Enlisting the challenges faced by the EC in conducting the polls across the country they said, Sheer scale and size are a challenge. We have 10.35 lakh polling stations, 12 million people involved in the conduct of elections, Informing people of new technology that is adopted and preventing the use of money and muscle power. The officers also responded to the reports of the candidate Mohanraj who had declared his cash holding as 1.76 lakh crore and liabilities as 4 Lakh crore world bank loan. They said, “Whenever a candidate files his nomination papers and gives document in the laid down format, the returning officer is responsible and empowered to take a decision. If there is a deficiency in the affidavit or nomination form, the returning officer can inform of deficiency and decision to accept or reject is finally of the returning officer. He/she need not go into veracity, as it involves a long process of adjudication.” Mobile applications such as cVigil and Suvidha are also being used for the effective interface between the ECI and voters, candidates. While the Suvidha application facilitates single window clearance from rally and vehicles, cVigil enables all to take pictures or videos of illegal activity or model code violation and it goes straight to control room and a response can be expected within 100 minutes.

Election commission clarifies on major issues during preparedness review in Chennai

The quaint region of Wayanad is witnessing some hectic political activity.&nbsp;AICC President Rahul Gandhi has chosen Wayanad as his second seat to contest the Lok Sabha elections - also being called as his safe seat by many owing to its substantial minority population.&nbsp;

Wayanad is a picturesque district nestled in the eco-sensitive Western Ghats, but the parliamentary constituency spreads across three districts - Wayanad, Malappuram and Kozhikode.&nbsp;

Under Wayanad district, the constituency has Mananthavady, Sulthan Bathery and Kalpetta, Thiruvamabady in Kozhikode district and Nilambur, Wandoor and Eranad in Malappuram.&nbsp;

According to the 2011 census data, Wayanad has 28.8% Muslims, 21.5% Christians and 49.5% Hindus. In Mallapuram the Muslim population is stronger at 70%, Christians at 21.5% and Hindus at 28%. In Kozhikode too, Muslims play a decisive role in electorally with a population of 39.24%.&nbsp;

But there is more than one reason for Rahul Gandhi to contest from this second seat. While one popular perception is that the AICC chief needed a safer seat than Amethi, the truth is Congress in Kerala also desperately needed the national leader to hold its factions together.&nbsp;

The two warring groups within the state Congress, one led by former Chief Minister Oommen Chandy and the other led by Leader of Opposition Ramesh Chennitala, were at loggerheads over the candidate from Wayanad.&nbsp;

Though Oommen Chandy's close aide T Siddique was finally chosen for the job, the party looked up to Rahul Gandhi to save it from self-destructive dissidence.&nbsp;

'All the rank and file of the party and UDF are in a good mood to welcome Rahul Ji. The people of Wayanad now feel that through Rahul Ji's candidature their problems will finally be addressed and heard at the national level. It is for the first time Kerala is witnessing such a candidature' asserted Siddique while speaking to WION, as the two factions seem to have finally united for the elections.&nbsp;

But in its supposed battle for secularism against the BJP, Congress seems to have rubbed off the LDF in Kerala. Wayanad has barely any presence of the saffron party and the state's ruling LDF is its prime opposition.&nbsp;

The Left candidate from Wayanad, PP Suneer, has been vocally critical of the Congress leader's candidature from the region. 'Rahul Gandhi's decision is a Himalayan blunder. It is disappointing to the secular, democratic forces in India. This is a direct fight between LDF and UDF. The BJP has no presence. Around 600 farmers committed suicide in the district during the UPA government's tenure and the previous Congress MP Shanavas failed to address many problems. Wayanad will be Rahul Gandhi's Waterloo. He will be surely defeated' says Suneer as he carries on his third round of the door-to-door campaign. In response, Congress claims the Left is merely rattled. 'In the elections, the LDF has decided to contest some seats in Kerala. According to a survey report, they will not get any seats in West Bengal, they will lose in Tripura and they had hopes only with Kerala. But with Rahul Gandhi's candidature, their hopes have been dashed' responded Congress' Siddique. However, LDF asserts that it will put up a tough fight as it has 4 out of the 7 MLAs, 4 out of the 5 municipalities and 29 out of 50-gram panchayats in the constituency.&nbsp;

The third candidate pitted against Rahul Gandhi is NDA'S Thussar Vellapally. The President of Bharat Dharma Jana Sena or BDJS that has entered into an alliance with the BJP, Thussar Vellapally is the son of Vellapally Natesan, the tallest Ezhava Caste leader, a backward community that enjoys substantial strength in the region.&nbsp;

'We are only talking about development. Kerala is not like other states. We are not here to communally balance. BDJS has followers from all communities. All communities will vote for me. There are 50% Hindus here. I will get votes from all communities' says Thussar Vellapally while speaking to WION.&nbsp;

Interestingly senior Vellapally who is the General Secretary of the community organisation SNDP has backed LDF and portrays opposing views on several issues like the Women's Wall in Kerala on the Sabarimala issue.&nbsp;

This is the first time Rahul Gandhi will be contesting from the South of India where surveys indicate that he enjoys more popularity than Prime Minister Narendra Modi.&nbsp;

Though other states like Tamil Nadu and Karnataka had also urged the party president to contest, Rahul Gandhi seems to have chosen Kerala where Congress continues to enjoy dominance.

The quaint region of Wayanad is witnessing some hectic political activity. AICC President Rahul Gandhi has chosen Wayanad as his second seat to contest the Lok Sabha elections - also being called as his safe seat by many owing to its substantial minority population.

The quaint region of Wayanad is witnessing some hectic political activity. AICC President Rahul Gandhi has chosen Wayanad as his second seat to contest the Lok Sabha elections - also being called as his safe seat by many owing to its substantial minority population. Wayanad is a picturesque district nestled in the eco-sensitive Western Ghats, but the parliamentary constituency spreads across three districts - Wayanad, Malappuram and Kozhikode. Under Wayanad district, the constituency has Mananthavady, Sulthan Bathery and Kalpetta, Thiruvamabady in Kozhikode district and Nilambur, Wandoor and Eranad in Malappuram. According to the 2011 census data, Wayanad has 28.8% Muslims, 21.5% Christians and 49.5% Hindus. In Mallapuram the Muslim population is stronger at 70%, Christians at 21.5% and Hindus at 28%. In Kozhikode too, Muslims play a decisive role in electorally with a population of 39.24%. But there is more than one reason for Rahul Gandhi to contest from this second seat. While one popular perception is that the AICC chief needed a safer seat than Amethi, the truth is Congress in Kerala also desperately needed the national leader to hold its factions together. The two warring groups within the state Congress, one led by former Chief Minister Oommen Chandy and the other led by Leader of Opposition Ramesh Chennitala, were at loggerheads over the candidate from Wayanad. Though Oommen Chandy's close aide T Siddique was finally chosen for the job, the party looked up to Rahul Gandhi to save it from self-destructive dissidence. 'All the rank and file of the party and UDF are in a good mood to welcome Rahul Ji. The people of Wayanad now feel that through Rahul Ji's candidature their problems will finally be addressed and heard at the national level. It is for the first time Kerala is witnessing such a candidature' asserted Siddique while speaking to WION, as the two factions seem to have finally united for the elections. But in its supposed battle for secularism against the BJP, Congress seems to have rubbed off the LDF in Kerala. Wayanad has barely any presence of the saffron party and the state's ruling LDF is its prime opposition. The Left candidate from Wayanad, PP Suneer, has been vocally critical of the Congress leader's candidature from the region. 'Rahul Gandhi's decision is a Himalayan blunder. It is disappointing to the secular, democratic forces in India. This is a direct fight between LDF and UDF. The BJP has no presence. Around 600 farmers committed suicide in the district during the UPA government's tenure and the previous Congress MP Shanavas failed to address many problems. Wayanad will be Rahul Gandhi's Waterloo. He will be surely defeated' says Suneer as he carries on his third round of the door-to-door campaign. In response, Congress claims the Left is merely rattled. 'In the elections, the LDF has decided to contest some seats in Kerala. According to a survey report, they will not get any seats in West Bengal, they will lose in Tripura and they had hopes only with Kerala. But with Rahul Gandhi's candidature, their hopes have been dashed' responded Congress' Siddique. However, LDF asserts that it will put up a tough fight as it has 4 out of the 7 MLAs, 4 out of the 5 municipalities and 29 out of 50-gram panchayats in the constituency. The third candidate pitted against Rahul Gandhi is NDA'S Thussar Vellapally. The President of Bharat Dharma Jana Sena or BDJS that has entered into an alliance with the BJP, Thussar Vellapally is the son of Vellapally Natesan, the tallest Ezhava Caste leader, a backward community that enjoys substantial strength in the region. 'We are only talking about development. Kerala is not like other states. We are not here to communally balance. BDJS has followers from all communities. All communities will vote for me. There are 50% Hindus here. I will get votes from all communities' says Thussar Vellapally while speaking to WION. Interestingly senior Vellapally who is the General Secretary of the community organisation SNDP has backed LDF and portrays opposing views on several issues like the Women's Wall in Kerala on the Sabarimala issue. This is the first time Rahul Gandhi will be contesting from the South of India where surveys indicate that he enjoys more popularity than Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Though other states like Tamil Nadu and Karnataka had also urged the party president to contest, Rahul Gandhi seems to have chosen Kerala where Congress continues to enjoy dominance.

Kerala’s Wayanad: The other constituency Congress chief Rahul Gandhi is fighting from

The Supreme Court Wednesday asked<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bimal-gurung-suspended-from-gorkha-janmukti-morcha-tamang-new-chief-24689"> Gorkha Janmukti Morcha </a>(GJM) leaders<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/darjeeling-violence-kolkata-high-court-tell-west-bengal-government-to-restore-peace-16902/amp"> Roshan Giri and Bimal Gurung</a>, who are seeking protection to participate in campaigning for the Lok Sabha polls, to approach Calcutta High Court within four days for the relief.

A bench of Justices Arun Mishra, M M Shantanagoudar and Navin Sinha said no coercive action be taken against the leaders till then.

The court said the Calcutta High Court will decide the matter expeditiously. Giri had on Tuesday told the apex court that Mamata Banerjee led West Bengal government was “vindictive” towards him and has implicated him in several “bogus cases”.

However, the West Bengal government has strongly opposed his contentions and said Giri was an absconder and there were several incriminating materials against him which allegedly showed his complicity in various cases of heinous nature. Giri and Gurung are among the accused in the 2010 Madan Tamang murder case.

Besides this, several other cases are pending against them in West Bengal. Police have claimed Tamang, who was the All India Gorkha League (AIGL) president, was hacked to death in Darjeeling on May 21, 2010, in broad daylight when he was overseeing preparations for a public meeting. Giri has been charged with alleged “criminal conspiracy for murder”, along with several other sides of him, in the murder case of Tamang.

The Supreme Court Wednesday asked Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) leaders Roshan Giri and Bimal Gurung, who are seeking protection to participate in campaigning for the Lok Sabha polls, to approach Calcutta High Court within four days for the relief.

The Supreme Court Wednesday asked Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) leaders Roshan Giri and Bimal Gurung, who are seeking protection to participate in campaigning for the Lok Sabha polls, to approach Calcutta High Court within four days for the relief. A bench of Justices Arun Mishra, M M Shantanagoudar and Navin Sinha said no coercive action be taken against the leaders till then. The court said the Calcutta High Court will decide the matter expeditiously. Giri had on Tuesday told the apex court that Mamata Banerjee led West Bengal government was “vindictive” towards him and has implicated him in several “bogus cases”. However, the West Bengal government has strongly opposed his contentions and said Giri was an absconder and there were several incriminating materials against him which allegedly showed his complicity in various cases of heinous nature. Giri and Gurung are among the accused in the 2010 Madan Tamang murder case. Besides this, several other cases are pending against them in West Bengal. Police have claimed Tamang, who was the All India Gorkha League (AIGL) president, was hacked to death in Darjeeling on May 21, 2010, in broad daylight when he was overseeing preparations for a public meeting. Giri has been charged with alleged “criminal conspiracy for murder”, along with several other sides of him, in the murder case of Tamang.

GJM leaders move SC seeking protection for Lok Sabha campaign, asked to approach Calcutta High Court

Has Congress president Rahul Gandhi taken a wrong step forward (or backward) by deciding to contest for the Lok Sabha from Wayanad in Kerala? In principle, this is not so, but in practical detail, I think the answer is yes.

It seems to be that the keenly contested general elections this year has begun to resemble a snakes and ladders game. When the Pulwama attack happened, it seemed like the BJP had hit the mouth of a snake, but when the Balakot strikes happened, Prime Minister Narendra Modi seemed to have converted a potential snake into a ladder as national security became mainstream in the election discourse.

Again, when the Congress president upped the ante for Modi and BJP president Amit Shah by announcing a Rs 6,000-per-month basic income scheme for the poorest Indians to counter the NDA government's PM KISAN scheme that offers a fraction of that to farmers, it seemed Rahul Gandhi had begun climbing a ladder.

However, the Wayanad move has turned out to be a snake for Rahul Gandhi, in my opinion, because it gave Modi a chance to hit out against minority-centric politics. We thought the Congress had begun to avoid the minority-ist tag after Rahul Gandhi declared himself a Shiv bhakt to counter insinuations that he was not for Hindus.

BJP's national-security-plus-Hindutva pitch seems to be working substantially across the Hindi belt, though I would not say that about the regions south of the Vindhyas and east of Patna. In this see-saw, snakes-and-ladders election year, Rahul Gandhi is stronger than what his critics might say but is weaker than what his supporters might think.

The Wayanad gambit invites charges that the Congress needs to avoid if it is to remain a national party because the sentiments whipped up by the BJP are such that even a please-all manifesto of the kind Congress released this week has limitations despite its sense of painstaking detail. The cynic might say speeches matter more than manifestos.

I have also been reading that the anti-incumbency factor in elections has been receding since 2002 in India, and this means Congress needs to go more than that extra mile.

The Wayanad shift by Rahul Gandhi has made the CPM counter the Congress when one thought they were teaming up to beat the BJP. With friends like that, Congress is definitely on a tricky wicket. If you had asked me which seat Rahul G would contest from if the south was a priority, I would have guessed Medak in Telangana because that is the place from where his grandmother Indira Gandhi won in 1980 on her comeback after the Congress suffered a humiliating defeat in the post-Emergency elections in 1977. Of course, this would mean playing ball with K Chandrashekar Rao, the Telangana Chief Minister, who won the seat in 2014 before relinquishing it to become the CM of the newly-carved state. KCR now is pulling his own line as a "Third Front" leader, mocking both the Congress and the BJP.

Now, here is the deal. Mainstream Telugu parties like the YSR Congress and Telugu Desam Party are discredited in Telangana because they staunchly opposed the division of the erstwhile Andhra Pradesh. KCR is enjoying a long political honeymoon thanks to his decades of leadership for the movement that created the state he is ruling. But somewhere, the anti-incumbency factor kicks in, and that would help the Congress. Given that KCR walks the tightrope between the BJP and Muslim groups alike, befriending him would have helped the Congress as a tactical alliance. The Congress is the natural inheritor of the opposition mantle in Telangana, given its support for the formation of the state and its socio-economic platform that helps farmers, Dalits and minorities in the region. Being gracious to KCR's Telangana Rashtra Samiti here now would have fortified Congress in the north while building a beach-head in the south. That would have required Rahul Gandhi to go that extra mile.

But if there is one thing the Congress does not know, it is going that extra mile. Like the Maharajas who sported their royal turbans long after Independence in 1947, the Congress has an identity crisis in which it has to choose between defeating the BJP and retaining its identity.

The Congress is reluctant to live down memories of an overarching, imperious "Grand Old Party" of India. It does not know that winning and keeping allies is an art. Modi won power in 2014 on the BJP's own strength, but his party has been nice to those who stood by him in difficult times and has even kissed and made up with a difficult ally like Nitish Kumar of Janata Dal (United) in Bihar.&nbsp;

Under a fourth-generation PM aspirant, one would have thought Congress would shed its modern maharaja attitude under Rahul Gandhi. There is not enough sign of it so far, though the manifesto he has outlined is a dramatically democratic one. Given that he is coming out with his own ideas and crafting his own set of advisers, his decision to contest from Wayanad is strange because the move smells of the Congress of yore. Habits die hard, it seems.

What all this means on the political chessboard is that by gaining a pawn in Kerala, Congress may be losing a rook and a bishop in Rajasthan or MP. In plain English, Rahul Gandhi may win in Wayanad, but Modi's BJP will win more seats in the north thanks to that.&nbsp;

Ultimately, politics is a game in which when a throw of dice is done well, the board changes from snakes and ladders to chess. That's dicey.

(This article was originally published on The Zee News. Read the <a href="https://zeenews.india.com/blogs/rahul-gandhis-mistake-congress-may-have-gained-if-he-contested-in-the-north-than-wayanad-2192177.html">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.) 
&nbsp;

Has Congress president Rahul Gandhi taken a wrong step forward (or backward) by deciding to contest for the Lok Sabha from Wayanad in Kerala? In principle, this is not so, but in practical detail, I think the answer is yes.

Has Congress president Rahul Gandhi taken a wrong step forward (or backward) by deciding to contest for the Lok Sabha from Wayanad in Kerala? In principle, this is not so, but in practical detail, I think the answer is yes. It seems to be that the keenly contested general elections this year has begun to resemble a snakes and ladders game. When the Pulwama attack happened, it seemed like the BJP had hit the mouth of a snake, but when the Balakot strikes happened, Prime Minister Narendra Modi seemed to have converted a potential snake into a ladder as national security became mainstream in the election discourse. Again, when the Congress president upped the ante for Modi and BJP president Amit Shah by announcing a Rs 6,000-per-month basic income scheme for the poorest Indians to counter the NDA government's PM KISAN scheme that offers a fraction of that to farmers, it seemed Rahul Gandhi had begun climbing a ladder. However, the Wayanad move has turned out to be a snake for Rahul Gandhi, in my opinion, because it gave Modi a chance to hit out against minority-centric politics. We thought the Congress had begun to avoid the minority-ist tag after Rahul Gandhi declared himself a Shiv bhakt to counter insinuations that he was not for Hindus. BJP's national-security-plus-Hindutva pitch seems to be working substantially across the Hindi belt, though I would not say that about the regions south of the Vindhyas and east of Patna. In this see-saw, snakes-and-ladders election year, Rahul Gandhi is stronger than what his critics might say but is weaker than what his supporters might think. The Wayanad gambit invites charges that the Congress needs to avoid if it is to remain a national party because the sentiments whipped up by the BJP are such that even a please-all manifesto of the kind Congress released this week has limitations despite its sense of painstaking detail. The cynic might say speeches matter more than manifestos. I have also been reading that the anti-incumbency factor in elections has been receding since 2002 in India, and this means Congress needs to go more than that extra mile. The Wayanad shift by Rahul Gandhi has made the CPM counter the Congress when one thought they were teaming up to beat the BJP. With friends like that, Congress is definitely on a tricky wicket. If you had asked me which seat Rahul G would contest from if the south was a priority, I would have guessed Medak in Telangana because that is the place from where his grandmother Indira Gandhi won in 1980 on her comeback after the Congress suffered a humiliating defeat in the post-Emergency elections in 1977. Of course, this would mean playing ball with K Chandrashekar Rao, the Telangana Chief Minister, who won the seat in 2014 before relinquishing it to become the CM of the newly-carved state. KCR now is pulling his own line as a "Third Front" leader, mocking both the Congress and the BJP. Now, here is the deal. Mainstream Telugu parties like the YSR Congress and Telugu Desam Party are discredited in Telangana because they staunchly opposed the division of the erstwhile Andhra Pradesh. KCR is enjoying a long political honeymoon thanks to his decades of leadership for the movement that created the state he is ruling. But somewhere, the anti-incumbency factor kicks in, and that would help the Congress. Given that KCR walks the tightrope between the BJP and Muslim groups alike, befriending him would have helped the Congress as a tactical alliance. The Congress is the natural inheritor of the opposition mantle in Telangana, given its support for the formation of the state and its socio-economic platform that helps farmers, Dalits and minorities in the region. Being gracious to KCR's Telangana Rashtra Samiti here now would have fortified Congress in the north while building a beach-head in the south. That would have required Rahul Gandhi to go that extra mile. But if there is one thing the Congress does not know, it is going that extra mile. Like the Maharajas who sported their royal turbans long after Independence in 1947, the Congress has an identity crisis in which it has to choose between defeating the BJP and retaining its identity. The Congress is reluctant to live down memories of an overarching, imperious "Grand Old Party" of India. It does not know that winning and keeping allies is an art. Modi won power in 2014 on the BJP's own strength, but his party has been nice to those who stood by him in difficult times and has even kissed and made up with a difficult ally like Nitish Kumar of Janata Dal (United) in Bihar. Under a fourth-generation PM aspirant, one would have thought Congress would shed its modern maharaja attitude under Rahul Gandhi. There is not enough sign of it so far, though the manifesto he has outlined is a dramatically democratic one. Given that he is coming out with his own ideas and crafting his own set of advisers, his decision to contest from Wayanad is strange because the move smells of the Congress of yore. Habits die hard, it seems. What all this means on the political chessboard is that by gaining a pawn in Kerala, Congress may be losing a rook and a bishop in Rajasthan or MP. In plain English, Rahul Gandhi may win in Wayanad, but Modi's BJP will win more seats in the north thanks to that. Ultimately, politics is a game in which when a throw of dice is done well, the board changes from snakes and ladders to chess. That's dicey. (This article was originally published on The Zee News. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Lok Sabha polls 2019: Rahul Gandhi's Wayanad choice could hurt Congress in the North

BSP supremo Mayawati Wednesday termed the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/what-exactly-does-the-congress-manifesto-promise-207487"> Congress manifesto</a> as a “showoff” and an “illusion” and said there was no credibility of the promises made by the party due to its past. Congress and BJP are no different when it comes to<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-scrapping-afspa-sedition-law-to-farmer-budget-key-takeaways-from-congress-manifesto-207507"> non-fulfilment of promises</a>, the former Uttar Pradesh chief minister said in a tweet.

“Congress election manifesto appears to be a showoff and illusion like its previous promises. Due to continuous working against its promises, there is no credibility left for Congress among the people. Congress and BJP are no different in non-fulfilling promises,” she said in the tweet.

Congress President Rahul Gandhi Tuesday released his party’s manifesto for Lok Sabha polls, making jobs creation, addressing farm distress, bringing a single moderate rate of GST and giving Rs 72,000 per annum to poor families as the key focus if the party comes to power.

Claiming the BJP was afraid of the SP-BSP-RLD alliance, Mayawati said, “They (BJP) are so afraid that instead of talking of issues, they indulge in unnecessary casteist statements on the top leader of (alliance). No one should be provoked by them (statements) and give them befitting reply by showing good results”.

BSP supremo Mayawati Wednesday termed the Congress manifesto as a “showoff” and an “illusion” and said there was no credibility of the promises made by the party due to its past.

BSP supremo Mayawati Wednesday termed the Congress manifesto as a “showoff” and an “illusion” and said there was no credibility of the promises made by the party due to its past. Congress and BJP are no different when it comes to non-fulfilment of promises, the former Uttar Pradesh chief minister said in a tweet. “Congress election manifesto appears to be a showoff and illusion like its previous promises. Due to continuous working against its promises, there is no credibility left for Congress among the people. Congress and BJP are no different in non-fulfilling promises,” she said in the tweet. Congress President Rahul Gandhi Tuesday released his party’s manifesto for Lok Sabha polls, making jobs creation, addressing farm distress, bringing a single moderate rate of GST and giving Rs 72,000 per annum to poor families as the key focus if the party comes to power. Claiming the BJP was afraid of the SP-BSP-RLD alliance, Mayawati said, “They (BJP) are so afraid that instead of talking of issues, they indulge in unnecessary casteist statements on the top leader of (alliance). No one should be provoked by them (statements) and give them befitting reply by showing good results”.

Congress manifesto for 2019 polls an illusion, says Mayawati, reminds party of past record

UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi had an issue with the colour scheme used in the election manifesto released by the Congress on Tuesday. Mrs Gandhi, the former president of the party, spoke to Rajeev Gowda, the head of party's research department right before the function to release the manifesto at Congress headquarters in New Delhi. Sources told WION that she wanted lighter colours on the cover of the manifesto instead of the dark theme used currently.

Gowda, the convener of the manifesto committee of Congress, acknowledged the conversation with Mrs Gandhi. "We did not put leaders' face on the manifesto because we wanted to put people on the cover. This cover is a departure from past and decision was reached after many rounds of meeting which included senior leaders like Sam Pitroda," he said.

Sonia Gandhi, after going through the manifesto, suggested that photograph published on page nine of the party's manifesto could have been used as the cover picture. The photograph showed Congress president Rahul Gandhi sitting with a group of rural women with ghoonghat (veil).

<img alt="Rahul-Congress" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="6571a73e-2586-463b-8474-aec4a2d3d050" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/sonia-rahul-congress-manifesto-ANI_0.jpg" />

(The photo which was used as the cover of Congress's manifesto)

Sources said that the said photo was dropped for the wrong messaging it would have done. "The picture looked very good in context of colour scheme but women were in ghooghat and we were against putting this photograph on the front page," sources told WION.

Gowda, meanwhile, clarified that no discussion took place about the size of Rahul Gandhi's photograph on the cover, nor there was any suggestion on part of Sonia Gandhi to add photographs of other leaders. When WION enquired about absence of Mahatma Gandhi on the cover, Gowda said, "It is not easy to use Gandhi's picture during election time for various reasons." Rajeev Gowda said that manifesto signals professionalism and show case a modern approach. When asked whether Sonia Gandhi enquired about absence of other leaders on manifesto, Gowda said, "No conversation of this nature took place." Though it is being said Sonia Gandhi also enquired about the absence of photographs of older leaders like Jawaharlal Nehru.

Former finance minister P Chidambaram is the chairman of the manifesto committee.

The much-talked-about manifesto was released by Rahul Gandhi with a tagline "Congress Will Deliver". The manifesto promised the Congress will create jobs, address farm distress, bring in a single moderate rate of GST and give Rs 72,000 per annum to poor families if it comes to power in the Lok Sabha polls.

In the 55-page document, the Congress also promised to come out with separate budget for farmers, fill up 22 lakh government vacancies, allocate six per cent of GDP to education, assured 50 more days of guaranteed jobs from current 100 under the MNREGA, boosting healthcare infrastructure and enhance safety of women.

UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi had an issue with the colour scheme used in the election manifesto released by the Congress on Tuesday. Mrs Gandhi, the former president of the party, spoke to Rajeev Gowda, the head of party's research department right before the function to release the manifesto at Congress headquarters in New Delhi.

UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi had an issue with the colour scheme used in the election manifesto released by the Congress on Tuesday. Mrs Gandhi, the former president of the party, spoke to Rajeev Gowda, the head of party's research department right before the function to release the manifesto at Congress headquarters in New Delhi. Sources told WION that she wanted lighter colours on the cover of the manifesto instead of the dark theme used currently. Gowda, the convener of the manifesto committee of Congress, acknowledged the conversation with Mrs Gandhi. "We did not put leaders' face on the manifesto because we wanted to put people on the cover. This cover is a departure from past and decision was reached after many rounds of meeting which included senior leaders like Sam Pitroda," he said. Sonia Gandhi, after going through the manifesto, suggested that photograph published on page nine of the party's manifesto could have been used as the cover picture. The photograph showed Congress president Rahul Gandhi sitting with a group of rural women with ghoonghat (veil). (The photo which was used as the cover of Congress's manifesto) Sources said that the said photo was dropped for the wrong messaging it would have done. "The picture looked very good in context of colour scheme but women were in ghooghat and we were against putting this photograph on the front page," sources told WION. Gowda, meanwhile, clarified that no discussion took place about the size of Rahul Gandhi's photograph on the cover, nor there was any suggestion on part of Sonia Gandhi to add photographs of other leaders. When WION enquired about absence of Mahatma Gandhi on the cover, Gowda said, "It is not easy to use Gandhi's picture during election time for various reasons." Rajeev Gowda said that manifesto signals professionalism and show case a modern approach. When asked whether Sonia Gandhi enquired about absence of other leaders on manifesto, Gowda said, "No conversation of this nature took place." Though it is being said Sonia Gandhi also enquired about the absence of photographs of older leaders like Jawaharlal Nehru. Former finance minister P Chidambaram is the chairman of the manifesto committee. The much-talked-about manifesto was released by Rahul Gandhi with a tagline "Congress Will Deliver". The manifesto promised the Congress will create jobs, address farm distress, bring in a single moderate rate of GST and give Rs 72,000 per annum to poor families if it comes to power in the Lok Sabha polls. In the 55-page document, the Congress also promised to come out with separate budget for farmers, fill up 22 lakh government vacancies, allocate six per cent of GDP to education, assured 50 more days of guaranteed jobs from current 100 under the MNREGA, boosting healthcare infrastructure and enhance safety of women.

This is the photograph Sonia Gandhi wanted on Congress manifesto cover

Lok Sabha polls 2019: Decoding Congress's manifesto

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The law permits a candidate to contest from two seats, and so there is nothing irregular in Rahul Gandhi deciding to contest from two Lok Sabha constituencies. But the law is not the issue here; the issue is political in nature. From the time it became officially known that the Congress president would fight from Wayanad in Kerala, in addition to re-contesting from Amethi — from where he is the sitting Member of Parliament — his party has been trying to justify the decision using various ways. Whether that defence sounds credible is one matter, but the fact that the Congress has been pushed to the back foot should be a source of satisfaction for the Bharatiya Janata Party.&nbsp; 
 
Congress has given two broad explanations. The first is that it is not unusual for politicians to contest from two constituencies. The party has pointed to Narendra Modi fighting the 2014 Lok Sabha polls from Varanasi and Vadodara. There are many other examples too, but the Modi analogy is flawed. Leaders generally take this route to be ‘safe’, in case the feedback from one constituency is not very assuring. Modi was not a Lok Sabha MP when he decided to take the national plunge. He had 26 ‘safe’ seats in Gujarat, and thus safety could not have been a reason for his choice of Varanasi as an additional constituency.&nbsp;

The idea was to energise his party in Uttar Pradesh where once the BJP was strong but had fallen on bad times since the previous two decades. Besides, Uttar Pradesh, with 80 Lok Sabha seats, was the key to win over the Centre. We now know that the strategy worked wonderfully for the party.&nbsp; 
 
Rahul Gandhi won in 2014 with a vastly reduced margin as compared to 2009 from Amethi. And this happened when he faced a newcomer to electoral politics, Smriti Irani. It needs to be remembered that, in a show of arrogance which is characteristic of the Nehru-Gandhi family, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra had then quipped: “Irani who?” Since then, Irani has maintained close touch with the constituency, arguably visiting it more frequently than the incumbent MP. The so-called Nehru-Gandhi bastion fell to the BJP in the 2017 State elections, where the Congress could not win a single Assembly constituency. &nbsp;

Over the last five years, with the BJP regime at the Centre and later in the state, Rahul Gandhi’s constituency has benefitted from the equation. The development in the period and lack of it in the previous times despite the Congress chief being its representative is the narrative that the BJP has been relentlessly pushing in the constituency. There is an additional factor to be considered — the refusal of the SP-BSP combine to put up a candidate in the constituency. Apparently, this has been done as a token of magnanimity, and to also ensure that the anti-BJP votes do not split. But it is a double-edged sword. There is no certainty that a majority of the votes that would have gone to SP-BSP candidate will fall in the Congress’s kitty. There is a possibility that some of them might end up in the BJP’s coffer, especially if neither Mayawati nor Akhilesh campaigns for Rahul Gandhi.&nbsp;

In sum, the Congress president faces a tougher contest than even the last time, and this is probably the reason why he has chosen a ‘safe’ seat in Wayanad. How safe even that, remains to be seen, given that the Communist Party of India (Marxist), which too in the fray from that constituency, has vowed to defeat the Congress heavyweight.&nbsp;

The second explanation the Congress has given for the Wayanad choice is that the party wants to ‘bridge’ the north-south divide, carry forward Indira Gandhi’s south-bound legacy, and boost the Congress’s prospects in Kerala. The fact is that Indira Gandhi had contested from Chikmagalur in Karnataka after facing a shocking and humiliating defeat from Rae Bareli in the post-Emergency elections. Karnataka had big leaders from the ruling Janata Dal at the Centre, and yet she won because by then the Janata Party experiment had just about begun to fall apart. The narrative of the north-south divide is specious because by that logic there must have been a west-north divide too when Modi contested from Vadodara and Varanasi — and he managed to bridge it! As for boosting the Congress’s chances in the state, that, for now, remains a fond hope.&nbsp;

The fact is: The choice of Wayanad is self-explanatory, and it has nothing to do with bridging any regional divide or taking a legacy forward. According to the 2011 Census, the percentage of Muslim and Christian population taken together is over 50 per cent, and the Congress believes that the demographics provided a safe enough cushion for Rahul Gandhi to emerge victorious. As per the same Census, nearly 95 per cent of the population lives in rural regions which, the Congress calculates, can be exploited in the party’s favour. &nbsp; 
 
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.) 
&nbsp;&nbsp;

The law permits a candidate to contest from two seats, and so there is nothing irregular in Rahul Gandhi deciding to contest from two Lok Sabha constituencies. But the law is not the issue here; the issue is political in nature.

The law permits a candidate to contest from two seats, and so there is nothing irregular in Rahul Gandhi deciding to contest from two Lok Sabha constituencies. But the law is not the issue here; the issue is political in nature. From the time it became officially known that the Congress president would fight from Wayanad in Kerala, in addition to re-contesting from Amethi — from where he is the sitting Member of Parliament — his party has been trying to justify the decision using various ways. Whether that defence sounds credible is one matter, but the fact that the Congress has been pushed to the back foot should be a source of satisfaction for the Bharatiya Janata Party. Congress has given two broad explanations. The first is that it is not unusual for politicians to contest from two constituencies. The party has pointed to Narendra Modi fighting the 2014 Lok Sabha polls from Varanasi and Vadodara. There are many other examples too, but the Modi analogy is flawed. Leaders generally take this route to be ‘safe’, in case the feedback from one constituency is not very assuring. Modi was not a Lok Sabha MP when he decided to take the national plunge. He had 26 ‘safe’ seats in Gujarat, and thus safety could not have been a reason for his choice of Varanasi as an additional constituency. The idea was to energise his party in Uttar Pradesh where once the BJP was strong but had fallen on bad times since the previous two decades. Besides, Uttar Pradesh, with 80 Lok Sabha seats, was the key to win over the Centre. We now know that the strategy worked wonderfully for the party. Rahul Gandhi won in 2014 with a vastly reduced margin as compared to 2009 from Amethi. And this happened when he faced a newcomer to electoral politics, Smriti Irani. It needs to be remembered that, in a show of arrogance which is characteristic of the Nehru-Gandhi family, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra had then quipped: “Irani who?” Since then, Irani has maintained close touch with the constituency, arguably visiting it more frequently than the incumbent MP. The so-called Nehru-Gandhi bastion fell to the BJP in the 2017 State elections, where the Congress could not win a single Assembly constituency. Over the last five years, with the BJP regime at the Centre and later in the state, Rahul Gandhi’s constituency has benefitted from the equation. The development in the period and lack of it in the previous times despite the Congress chief being its representative is the narrative that the BJP has been relentlessly pushing in the constituency. There is an additional factor to be considered — the refusal of the SP-BSP combine to put up a candidate in the constituency. Apparently, this has been done as a token of magnanimity, and to also ensure that the anti-BJP votes do not split. But it is a double-edged sword. There is no certainty that a majority of the votes that would have gone to SP-BSP candidate will fall in the Congress’s kitty. There is a possibility that some of them might end up in the BJP’s coffer, especially if neither Mayawati nor Akhilesh campaigns for Rahul Gandhi. In sum, the Congress president faces a tougher contest than even the last time, and this is probably the reason why he has chosen a ‘safe’ seat in Wayanad. How safe even that, remains to be seen, given that the Communist Party of India (Marxist), which too in the fray from that constituency, has vowed to defeat the Congress heavyweight. The second explanation the Congress has given for the Wayanad choice is that the party wants to ‘bridge’ the north-south divide, carry forward Indira Gandhi’s south-bound legacy, and boost the Congress’s prospects in Kerala. The fact is that Indira Gandhi had contested from Chikmagalur in Karnataka after facing a shocking and humiliating defeat from Rae Bareli in the post-Emergency elections. Karnataka had big leaders from the ruling Janata Dal at the Centre, and yet she won because by then the Janata Party experiment had just about begun to fall apart. The narrative of the north-south divide is specious because by that logic there must have been a west-north divide too when Modi contested from Vadodara and Varanasi — and he managed to bridge it! As for boosting the Congress’s chances in the state, that, for now, remains a fond hope. The fact is: The choice of Wayanad is self-explanatory, and it has nothing to do with bridging any regional divide or taking a legacy forward. According to the 2011 Census, the percentage of Muslim and Christian population taken together is over 50 per cent, and the Congress believes that the demographics provided a safe enough cushion for Rahul Gandhi to emerge victorious. As per the same Census, nearly 95 per cent of the population lives in rural regions which, the Congress calculates, can be exploited in the party’s favour. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Lok Sabha polls 2019: Rahul Gandhi chose to contest from Wayanad because Amethi may no longer be a 'safe' seat for him

Putting an end to speculation, Congress on Sunday said that the party president Rahul Gandhi will contest from Wayanad in Kerala along with family bastion Amethi, Uttar Pradesh in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.

Congress leader AK Antony made the announcement in a press conference at the party headquarters on Sunday and said Gandhi has agreed to fight from two seats.&nbsp;

''Rahul ji has given his consent to contest from two seats, very happy to inform you that he will also contest from Wayanad in Kerala,'' Antony was quoted as saying.

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AK Antony,Congress: Rahul ji has given his consent to contest from two seats, very happy to inform you that he will also contest from Wayanad in Kerala. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LokSabhaElections2019?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LokSabhaElections2019</a> <a href="https://t.co/Rt7IDNxr0D">pic.twitter.com/Rt7IDNxr0D</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1112227066186006528?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 31, 2019</a></blockquote>
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When asked whether Rahul Gandhi was not confident in Amethi, Congress spokesperson Randeep Surjewala retorted: ''Why did Modi ji leave Gujarat and contest from Varanasi? Was he not confident in Gujarat? These are immature and childish comments, he said and added ''She (Smriti Irani) will complete a hat-trick of losses''.

Earlier, Kerala Congress had requested Rahul to contest from&nbsp;Wayanad Lok Sabha constituency.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Putting an end to speculation, Congress on Sunday said that the party president Rahul Gandhi will contest from Wayanad in Kerala along with family bastion Amethi, Uttar Pradesh in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.

Putting an end to speculation, Congress on Sunday said that the party president Rahul Gandhi will contest from Wayanad in Kerala along with family bastion Amethi, Uttar Pradesh in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. Congress leader AK Antony made the announcement in a press conference at the party headquarters on Sunday and said Gandhi has agreed to fight from two seats. ''Rahul ji has given his consent to contest from two seats, very happy to inform you that he will also contest from Wayanad in Kerala,'' Antony was quoted as saying. AK Antony,Congress: Rahul ji has given his consent to contest from two seats, very happy to inform you that he will also contest from Wayanad in Kerala. #LokSabhaElections2019 pic.twitter.com/Rt7IDNxr0D — ANI (@ANI) March 31, 2019 × When asked whether Rahul Gandhi was not confident in Amethi, Congress spokesperson Randeep Surjewala retorted: ''Why did Modi ji leave Gujarat and contest from Varanasi? Was he not confident in Gujarat? These are immature and childish comments, he said and added ''She (Smriti Irani) will complete a hat-trick of losses''. Earlier, Kerala Congress had requested Rahul to contest from Wayanad Lok Sabha constituency.

Lok Sabha polls 2019: Rahul Gandhi to contest from Wayanad in Kerala in addition to Amethi  

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