Nearly three weeks after the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) came into force, the Election Commission has seized Rs 613.176 crore worth of cash and other material from 29 states and seven Union Territories (UT).

According to the EC`s seizure report dated March 27, liquor worth Rs 104.49 crore has been seized across the country.

Authorities have seized drugs and narcotics worth Rs 145.384 crore, while precious metals worth Rs 170.708 crore have been seized.

Furthermore, the EC seized freebies and other items worth Rs 11.67 crore across the country, as per data provided by the poll body.

EC seized the highest amount of cash in Andhra Pradesh (Rs 62.29 crore), followed by Tamil Nadu (Rs 49.48 crore).&nbsp;

Uttar Pradesh recorded the maximum seizure of liquor (Rs 24.50 crore), followed by Karnataka (Rs 20.45 crore) and Andhra Pradesh (Rs 17.13 crore).

Punjab recorded the maximum seizure of drugs and narcotics (Rs 92.45 crore), followed by Manipur (Rs 23.58 crore) and Uttar Pradesh (Rs 17.04 crore).

Seven phase elections will be held between April 11 and May 19. Results will be declared on May 23.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Nearly three weeks after the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) came into force, the Election Commission has seized Rs 613.176 crore worth of cash and other material from 29 states and seven Union Territories (UT).

Nearly three weeks after the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) came into force, the Election Commission has seized Rs 613.176 crore worth of cash and other material from 29 states and seven Union Territories (UT). According to the EC`s seizure report dated March 27, liquor worth Rs 104.49 crore has been seized across the country. Authorities have seized drugs and narcotics worth Rs 145.384 crore, while precious metals worth Rs 170.708 crore have been seized. Furthermore, the EC seized freebies and other items worth Rs 11.67 crore across the country, as per data provided by the poll body. EC seized the highest amount of cash in Andhra Pradesh (Rs 62.29 crore), followed by Tamil Nadu (Rs 49.48 crore). Uttar Pradesh recorded the maximum seizure of liquor (Rs 24.50 crore), followed by Karnataka (Rs 20.45 crore) and Andhra Pradesh (Rs 17.13 crore). Punjab recorded the maximum seizure of drugs and narcotics (Rs 92.45 crore), followed by Manipur (Rs 23.58 crore) and Uttar Pradesh (Rs 17.04 crore). Seven phase elections will be held between April 11 and May 19. Results will be declared on May 23.

Lok Sabha polls 2019: Election Commission seizures cross Rs 613 crore

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP president Amit Shah are all set to kick-start the party's campaign in Bengal ahead of the first phase of elections scheduled to be held on April 11, 2019.

The party has set a target of at least 23 of the total 42 Lok Sabha seats in the state and the top leadership is leaving no stone unturned to boost the morale of the state unit and reach out to the masses.

According to the BJP's state unit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will campaign in the state on April 3. He will hold two public rallies on the day. The first rally will be held in North Bengal's Siliguri — part of the Darjeeling constituency — at 1pm and later hold another public meeting in Kolkata at the Brigade Parade Grounds at 3pm.

Brigade Parade Grounds is a significant venue for this is where Trinamool Congress supremo Mamata Banerjee held her first Mahagathbandhan meeting on January 19 early this year.

BJP president Amit Shah will hold two public meetings on March 30 ahead of the first phase of elections.

Shah's first meeting will be held at Cooch Behar and the second at Raigunj in North Dinajpur – both North Bengal districts.

He will return to Bengal again for a second time on April 2 and hold a public meeting at Jalpaiguri.

Sources in the state unit say the party is also trying to rope in Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP president Amit Shah are all set to kick-start the party's campaign in Bengal ahead of the first phase of elections scheduled to be held on April 11, 2019.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP president Amit Shah are all set to kick-start the party's campaign in Bengal ahead of the first phase of elections scheduled to be held on April 11, 2019. The party has set a target of at least 23 of the total 42 Lok Sabha seats in the state and the top leadership is leaving no stone unturned to boost the morale of the state unit and reach out to the masses. According to the BJP's state unit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will campaign in the state on April 3. He will hold two public rallies on the day. The first rally will be held in North Bengal's Siliguri — part of the Darjeeling constituency — at 1pm and later hold another public meeting in Kolkata at the Brigade Parade Grounds at 3pm. Brigade Parade Grounds is a significant venue for this is where Trinamool Congress supremo Mamata Banerjee held her first Mahagathbandhan meeting on January 19 early this year. BJP president Amit Shah will hold two public meetings on March 30 ahead of the first phase of elections. Shah's first meeting will be held at Cooch Behar and the second at Raigunj in North Dinajpur – both North Bengal districts. He will return to Bengal again for a second time on April 2 and hold a public meeting at Jalpaiguri. Sources in the state unit say the party is also trying to rope in Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.

Lok Sabha polls 2019: Modi, Amit Shah to kick-start BJP campaign in Bengal

Just before the last parliamentary elections in 2014, some senior Congress leaders indicated that Priyanka Gandhi Vadra could enter active politics, especially if the Congress party suffered a rout in that election. The Congress suffered its greatest electoral defeat. Its seat tally in the Lok Sabha dwindled to a mere 44 out of 543 seats.&nbsp;

In the years that followed, Congress continued to suffer electoral defeats. Nevertheless, from the brink of a political abyss, the party pulled back; last December, it won assembly elections in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh. After playing a secondary role for some years, Priyanka has waded into direct political activity. 
 
The Congress hopes that her political campaigns and active involvement in organisational work will not only help Rahul Gandhi but also revive the Congress’s political fortunes. &nbsp; &nbsp;

Her focus is on Uttar Pradesh, which has 80 LS seats. Any party or alliance that wins maximum seats in the state will have a powerful say in government formation at the Centre. In 2014, the BJP-led NDA swept the state, bagging 71 seats. &nbsp;

However, the state was a former bastion of the Congress party and the Nehru-Gandhi family. Over the years, the party has witnessed steady erosion of support base to the SP, the BSP and more recently, to the BJP. At present, apart from the two constituencies of Amethi and Rae Bareli, the Congress’ political heft in UP is very limited.&nbsp;

To ensure that anti-BJP votes do not split to the disadvantage of BJP’s political opponents, several parties have tried to form alliances. The Congress, at present, is a relatively emaciated, but it’s still a national party. Though it does not carry enough political weight to secure a dominant position in anti-BJP alliance formations across most states, its trying to position itself as a presiding political entity within the context of the power structure in New Delhi.&nbsp;

Even then, however, it is being challenged by regional parties such as the SP, BSP and West Bengal’s TMC. Successfully navigating the political terrain of UP is a challenge. Since the 1990s, it has been observed that broader the ambit, including community and caste identities, apart from the core vote of a political party, the greater its political expediency. The BSP has been typically supported by the Yadav-led vote bank, while SP’s support derives from a consolidated Yadav vote bloc. The BJP’s vote base was traditionally confined to so-called upper castes. But of late, through an increasing narrative of development, good governance and non-appeasement, it has been successful in accruing a percentage of votes across the board. The aftermath: BJP rode to massive victory in the last state assembly elections.

The Congress has not wielded much influence in the state, circa 1990. Its former winning coalition constituents, the Brahmins, Dalits and Muslims, have drifted to vote other political parties. The changed political scenario, absence of appropriate policies, and lack of concerted leadership to the UP unit of the party have collectively contributed to its decline. Today, it is struggling to recover lost ground. But would it be relatively easier than otherwise?

The SP and the BSP have built their respective political identities around anti-Congress, anti-BJP rhetoric. BSP leader Mayawati and SP President Akhilesh Yadav have explicitly refused to strike any electoral alliance with the Congress. They are confident of their own alliance against the BJP-led NDA. Currently, they are prepared to extend only surface courtesies to Congress.&nbsp;

Priyanka Gandhi has embarked on a boat journey across eastern UP to increase adherence for the Congress. She accuses the BJP of agrarian distress, stressed employment rates, and divisive politics. Whether the amiable reception she receives across the banks of the Ganges would translate to votes for Congress candidates is moot.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, in an interview, the BJP Chief Minister of UP, Yogi Adityanath, has insisted on the relative improvement of law and order in the state, implementation of certain welfare schemes, and non-discriminatory policies of his government. His work will strike a chord with some sections of the electorate. &nbsp;

The way ahead for the Congress seems to be tortuous.

(This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-congress-will-find-up-to-be-a-tough-political-terrain-2733552">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.) 
&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Just before the last parliamentary elections in 2014, some senior Congress leaders indicated that Priyanka Gandhi Vadra could enter active politics, especially if the Congress party suffered a rout in that election.

Just before the last parliamentary elections in 2014, some senior Congress leaders indicated that Priyanka Gandhi Vadra could enter active politics, especially if the Congress party suffered a rout in that election. The Congress suffered its greatest electoral defeat. Its seat tally in the Lok Sabha dwindled to a mere 44 out of 543 seats. In the years that followed, Congress continued to suffer electoral defeats. Nevertheless, from the brink of a political abyss, the party pulled back; last December, it won assembly elections in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh. After playing a secondary role for some years, Priyanka has waded into direct political activity. The Congress hopes that her political campaigns and active involvement in organisational work will not only help Rahul Gandhi but also revive the Congress’s political fortunes. Her focus is on Uttar Pradesh, which has 80 LS seats. Any party or alliance that wins maximum seats in the state will have a powerful say in government formation at the Centre. In 2014, the BJP-led NDA swept the state, bagging 71 seats. However, the state was a former bastion of the Congress party and the Nehru-Gandhi family. Over the years, the party has witnessed steady erosion of support base to the SP, the BSP and more recently, to the BJP. At present, apart from the two constituencies of Amethi and Rae Bareli, the Congress’ political heft in UP is very limited. To ensure that anti-BJP votes do not split to the disadvantage of BJP’s political opponents, several parties have tried to form alliances. The Congress, at present, is a relatively emaciated, but it’s still a national party. Though it does not carry enough political weight to secure a dominant position in anti-BJP alliance formations across most states, its trying to position itself as a presiding political entity within the context of the power structure in New Delhi. Even then, however, it is being challenged by regional parties such as the SP, BSP and West Bengal’s TMC. Successfully navigating the political terrain of UP is a challenge. Since the 1990s, it has been observed that broader the ambit, including community and caste identities, apart from the core vote of a political party, the greater its political expediency. The BSP has been typically supported by the Yadav-led vote bank, while SP’s support derives from a consolidated Yadav vote bloc. The BJP’s vote base was traditionally confined to so-called upper castes. But of late, through an increasing narrative of development, good governance and non-appeasement, it has been successful in accruing a percentage of votes across the board. The aftermath: BJP rode to massive victory in the last state assembly elections. The Congress has not wielded much influence in the state, circa 1990. Its former winning coalition constituents, the Brahmins, Dalits and Muslims, have drifted to vote other political parties. The changed political scenario, absence of appropriate policies, and lack of concerted leadership to the UP unit of the party have collectively contributed to its decline. Today, it is struggling to recover lost ground. But would it be relatively easier than otherwise? The SP and the BSP have built their respective political identities around anti-Congress, anti-BJP rhetoric. BSP leader Mayawati and SP President Akhilesh Yadav have explicitly refused to strike any electoral alliance with the Congress. They are confident of their own alliance against the BJP-led NDA. Currently, they are prepared to extend only surface courtesies to Congress. Priyanka Gandhi has embarked on a boat journey across eastern UP to increase adherence for the Congress. She accuses the BJP of agrarian distress, stressed employment rates, and divisive politics. Whether the amiable reception she receives across the banks of the Ganges would translate to votes for Congress candidates is moot. Meanwhile, in an interview, the BJP Chief Minister of UP, Yogi Adityanath, has insisted on the relative improvement of law and order in the state, implementation of certain welfare schemes, and non-discriminatory policies of his government. His work will strike a chord with some sections of the electorate. The way ahead for the Congress seems to be tortuous. (This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Lok Sabha polls 2019: Congress will find UP to be a tough political terrain

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur said on Tuesday the country needed a "strong" leader like Prime Minister Narendra Modi to continue with the development.

"Today, the country needs strong leadership, which only Prime Minister Narendra Modi can give. During the last five years in his leadership, the country has emerged as a world power and it is the demand of the time that the momentum of development is continued by repeating the government in the Centre," Thakur said in Kangra district.

Thakur said Modi had speeded up the development of Himachal and it was necessary in the interest of the state that he should be given an opportunity to take over the reins of the country again.

For this, the chief minister said, the BJP needed to win all the four parliamentary seats in the state.&nbsp;

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur said on Tuesday the country needed a "strong" leader like Prime Minister Narendra Modi to continue with the development.

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur said on Tuesday the country needed a "strong" leader like Prime Minister Narendra Modi to continue with the development. "Today, the country needs strong leadership, which only Prime Minister Narendra Modi can give. During the last five years in his leadership, the country has emerged as a world power and it is the demand of the time that the momentum of development is continued by repeating the government in the Centre," Thakur said in Kangra district. Thakur said Modi had speeded up the development of Himachal and it was necessary in the interest of the state that he should be given an opportunity to take over the reins of the country again. For this, the chief minister said, the BJP needed to win all the four parliamentary seats in the state.

Nation needs a 'strong' leader like Modi: Himachal CM Jai Ram Thakur

The Supreme Court Tuesday refused to acknowledge the claim of the TTV Dhinakaran-led outfit over ‘pressure cooker’ as common election symbol.

The apex court, however, directed the Election Commission (EC) to consider granting common free election symbol to the candidates of the Dhinakaran-led outfit for the upcoming general and assembly by-elections in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry.

A bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi also made clear that its order asking the EC to consider granting common election symbol would not amount to granting recognition to his outfit as a political group and the candidates of the group would be treated as Independents for all practical purposes.

The bench, which also comprised Justices Deepak Gupta and Sanjiv Khanna, said that it was the duty and the rights of the Election Commission only to consider granting registration to Dhinakaran’s outfit as a political party and it will be done in due course by the poll panel.

The Supreme Court Tuesday refused to acknowledge the claim of the TTV Dhinakaran-led outfit over ‘pressure cooker’ as common election symbol. The apex court, however, directed the Election Commission (EC) to consider granting common free election symbol to the candidates of the Dhinakaran-led outfit for the upcoming general and assembly by-elections in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry.

The Supreme Court Tuesday refused to acknowledge the claim of the TTV Dhinakaran-led outfit over ‘pressure cooker’ as common election symbol. The apex court, however, directed the Election Commission (EC) to consider granting common free election symbol to the candidates of the Dhinakaran-led outfit for the upcoming general and assembly by-elections in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. A bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi also made clear that its order asking the EC to consider granting common election symbol would not amount to granting recognition to his outfit as a political group and the candidates of the group would be treated as Independents for all practical purposes. The bench, which also comprised Justices Deepak Gupta and Sanjiv Khanna, said that it was the duty and the rights of the Election Commission only to consider granting registration to Dhinakaran’s outfit as a political party and it will be done in due course by the poll panel.

Lok Sabha polls 2019: Setback to TTV Dhinakaran, SC rejects claim to ‘pressure cooker’ symbol

It may well be a Jai Ram versus Sukh Ram poll battle for the Mandi Lok Sabha seat in Himachal Pradesh in the ensuing general elections, even though neither of them is actually in the fray.&nbsp;

Former Union Telecom Minister Sukh Ram and Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur’s prestige will be at stake in Mandi seat, which is going to the polls along with three other parliamentary seats of the hill state on May 19.

The BJP has already renominated its sitting MP Ramswaroop Sharma, whose candidature was openly supported by Thakur despite Sukh Ram’s grandson Aashray Sharma vying for the BJP ticket from the seat.

With Sukh Ram joining the Congress along with his grandson on Monday, the Congress will most probably give the ticket to Aashray Sharma, a senior Congress leader said.

Mandi being the chief minister’s home district, ensuring Ramswaroop Sharma’s victory will be a matter of personal prestige for Thakur.

On the other hand, Sukh Ram too will leave no stone unturned to get his grandson to win this seat. Ninety-one-year-old Sukh Ram, the former Union telecom minister in P V Narasimha Rao-led Congress government, has represented Mandi thrice in the Lok Sabha — in 1984, 1991 and 1996.

Sukh Ram’s grandson Aashray has already been electioneering in Mandi for weeks, even before joining the Congress.

“I have already campaigned in 15 out of 17 assembly segments except Seraj and Jogindernagar falling under Mandi parliamentary constituency,” Sharma, 33, told PTI.

Interestingly, Sukh Ram’s son and Aashray’s father Anil Sharma is currently the power minister in Jai Ram Thakur-led BJP government in the state. Sukh Ram joining the Congress along with his grandson has left his son Anil Sharma’s political career in a quandary. State BJP president Satpal Singh Satti told PTI, “It is up to Anil Sharma to decide whether to remain as a minister or quit.”

Anil Sharma has been elected as MLA for four times so far and was also a minister during the Virbhadra Singh-led Congress government in the state from 1993 to 1996 and from 2013 to 2017.

Sitting BJP MP Ramswaroop Sharma had won the seat by a margin of nearly 40,000 votes in 2014. He had secured 3,62,824 votes in 2014, defeating Congress candidate and Virbhadra Singh’s wife Pratibha Singh, who had got 3,22,968 votes. Amid the prospect of the two Rams testing their electoral power in Mandi, this Lok Sabha constituency is set to become a hot seat in Himachal Pradesh.

It may well be a Jai Ram versus Sukh Ram poll battle for the Mandi Lok Sabha seat in Himachal Pradesh in the ensuing general elections, even though neither of them is actually in the fray.

It may well be a Jai Ram versus Sukh Ram poll battle for the Mandi Lok Sabha seat in Himachal Pradesh in the ensuing general elections, even though neither of them is actually in the fray. Former Union Telecom Minister Sukh Ram and Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur’s prestige will be at stake in Mandi seat, which is going to the polls along with three other parliamentary seats of the hill state on May 19. The BJP has already renominated its sitting MP Ramswaroop Sharma, whose candidature was openly supported by Thakur despite Sukh Ram’s grandson Aashray Sharma vying for the BJP ticket from the seat. With Sukh Ram joining the Congress along with his grandson on Monday, the Congress will most probably give the ticket to Aashray Sharma, a senior Congress leader said. Mandi being the chief minister’s home district, ensuring Ramswaroop Sharma’s victory will be a matter of personal prestige for Thakur. On the other hand, Sukh Ram too will leave no stone unturned to get his grandson to win this seat. Ninety-one-year-old Sukh Ram, the former Union telecom minister in P V Narasimha Rao-led Congress government, has represented Mandi thrice in the Lok Sabha — in 1984, 1991 and 1996. Sukh Ram’s grandson Aashray has already been electioneering in Mandi for weeks, even before joining the Congress. “I have already campaigned in 15 out of 17 assembly segments except Seraj and Jogindernagar falling under Mandi parliamentary constituency,” Sharma, 33, told PTI. Interestingly, Sukh Ram’s son and Aashray’s father Anil Sharma is currently the power minister in Jai Ram Thakur-led BJP government in the state. Sukh Ram joining the Congress along with his grandson has left his son Anil Sharma’s political career in a quandary. State BJP president Satpal Singh Satti told PTI, “It is up to Anil Sharma to decide whether to remain as a minister or quit.” Anil Sharma has been elected as MLA for four times so far and was also a minister during the Virbhadra Singh-led Congress government in the state from 1993 to 1996 and from 2013 to 2017. Sitting BJP MP Ramswaroop Sharma had won the seat by a margin of nearly 40,000 votes in 2014. He had secured 3,62,824 votes in 2014, defeating Congress candidate and Virbhadra Singh’s wife Pratibha Singh, who had got 3,22,968 votes. Amid the prospect of the two Rams testing their electoral power in Mandi, this Lok Sabha constituency is set to become a hot seat in Himachal Pradesh.

Lok Sabha polls 2019: In Ram vs Ram, a battle of prestige in Himachal Pradesh’s Mandi

The Supreme Court Monday refused to entertain a plea filed by a former DGP of Uttar Pradesh seeking a direction to the Election Commission of India to ban roadshows and bike rallies during polls.

"We are not inclined to entertain this," a bench comprising Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi and Justice Deepak Gupta told advocate Virag Gupta, who was appearing for petitioners Vikram Singh and Shaivika Agrawal.

Singh, a former Director General of Police of Uttar Pradesh, said in his petition that the roadshows and bike rallies violate EC's instructions and cause damage to the environment.

The Supreme Court Monday refused to entertain a plea filed by a former DGP of Uttar Pradesh seeking a direction to the Election Commission of India to ban roadshows and bike rallies during polls.

The Supreme Court Monday refused to entertain a plea filed by a former DGP of Uttar Pradesh seeking a direction to the Election Commission of India to ban roadshows and bike rallies during polls. "We are not inclined to entertain this," a bench comprising Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi and Justice Deepak Gupta told advocate Virag Gupta, who was appearing for petitioners Vikram Singh and Shaivika Agrawal. Singh, a former Director General of Police of Uttar Pradesh, said in his petition that the roadshows and bike rallies violate EC's instructions and cause damage to the environment.

Supreme Court dismisses plea seeking ban on roadshows, bike rallies during polls

In the perception battle ahead of the forthcoming Lok Sabha polls, the Indian electorate has been inundated, rattled, one might even say bedazzled, by slogans galore. Competing for attention as also for votes, these slogans have galvanised the campaign, leading to several witty, creative, even brilliant moves, counter-moves, and exchanges. All of which add to the zest, spice, and savour of Indian elections, making them unlike any other on the planet. Of these, perhaps none has captured the public imagination as much as the “chowkidar” vs “chor” slanging match that’s still playing itself out over mainstream and social media.

At its heart are two slogans. The one that started the clash was coined by the main opposition party, the Congress: “Chowkidar Chor Hai”— the guard or gatekeeper is the thief. Clearly directed at the Prime Minister, the slogan meant not only to cast aspersions on Narendra Modi’s reputation as an honest and clean leader, but also to call into question the anti-corruption image of the Bharatiya Janata Party. The latter’s counter, “Main Bhi Chowkidar”— I too am a guard — resulted in many party members, including senior ministers, not to mention millions of Modi supporters, changing their social media handles to include the prefatory self-appellation “Chowkidar.” The hashtag has reportedly been tweeted over 20 lakh times. Many a “convertee” or “me-too” Chowkidar also received personalised congratulatory and thank you messages from the Prime Minister’s handle itself, which they promptly went on to proudly blazon and recirculate.

So, who is winning this battle of slogans, media catchphrases, and clickbaits? This was a closely-contested skirmish, with the Congress starting with the upper hand, but now the tide clearly seems to have turned. There is a simple reason for this. Not only is the BJP media cell more active and aggressive, but so is the PM himself. Modi has the uncanny knack of turning around everything that is thrown at him with a redoubled force so that it crashes back into the opposition like a boomerang. His political genius lies in his ability to connect spontaneously with his audience no matter whether they are poor, semi-literate, so-called “unwashed” masses or the top echelons of Lutyens Delhi and corporate czars.&nbsp;

No wonder, Modi made it a point to address a specifically targeted audience of some 25 lakh chowkidars or security guards via a radio speech. He made it a point to say he was sorry for the insult heaped upon them by the Congress: “I apologise to all chowkidars that some people, for their own interests, have been abusing chowkidars and saying chowkidar chor hai, raising questions about the integrity of the chowkidars of the nation.” Obviously, it was an attack on Rahul Gandhi for using that refrain against him. Modi added that the slogan was harmful to the whole country. He was right. Just imagine: If our security guards were really thieves, wouldn’t it spell a terrible security crisis for all of us? Wouldn’t it be quite detrimental therefore to call into question their devotion to duty or their honesty?

We know that the profession of security guards is one of our fastest growing. It is a respectable job, even if not highly paying. Requiring neither high skills, education levels nor, indeed, strenuous labour, it attracts a huge contingent of our unemployed rural workforce. By praising chowkidars all over the country, upholding their dignity and status, the PM was scoring a point over the opposition. He was also hitting out at Arvind Kejriwal, another opposition leader, who mocked Modi for promoting the job of a chowkidar over that of an engineer. Modi, by emphasising the dignity of labour, cleverly turned Kejriwal’s aspirational jibe against the Aam Aadmi (common person’s) Party.

In doing so, he was the garnering sympathy of neutral onlookers too. That is because “Main Bhi Chowkidar” extends the sphere of the responsibility of protection of the state from those in positions of power to the common citizenry. While “Chowkidar Chor Hai” is revealed, on closer analysis, not just to be negative, but demeaning, “Main Bhi Chowkidar,” arguably, shows solidarity with watchmen and guardians of the state.&nbsp;

Just prior to his speech to chowkidars, the PM added another feather to his cap. His sur-namesake, Nirav Modi, was jailed in London. The capture of the fugitive diamond merchant, wanted for defrauding Indian banks of a staggering two billion dollars, seemed to prove that the long arm of PM Modi as chowkidar extended outside India. Nirav in a British jail, with its different time zone, gave some credence to PM Modi’s “24x7 Chowkidar” boast. Milking the opportunity to his advantage, Modi concluded by saying, “No matter how much they insult us calling us chor, we don’t have to be afraid and we should embrace such insults like ornaments.”&nbsp;

Touche.&nbsp;

(This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-main-bhi-chowkidar-vs-chowkidar-chor-hai-who-is-winning-2732122">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

In the perception battle ahead of the forthcoming Lok Sabha polls, the Indian electorate has been inundated, rattled, one might even say bedazzled, by slogans galore.

In the perception battle ahead of the forthcoming Lok Sabha polls, the Indian electorate has been inundated, rattled, one might even say bedazzled, by slogans galore. Competing for attention as also for votes, these slogans have galvanised the campaign, leading to several witty, creative, even brilliant moves, counter-moves, and exchanges. All of which add to the zest, spice, and savour of Indian elections, making them unlike any other on the planet. Of these, perhaps none has captured the public imagination as much as the “chowkidar” vs “chor” slanging match that’s still playing itself out over mainstream and social media. At its heart are two slogans. The one that started the clash was coined by the main opposition party, the Congress: “Chowkidar Chor Hai”— the guard or gatekeeper is the thief. Clearly directed at the Prime Minister, the slogan meant not only to cast aspersions on Narendra Modi’s reputation as an honest and clean leader, but also to call into question the anti-corruption image of the Bharatiya Janata Party. The latter’s counter, “Main Bhi Chowkidar”— I too am a guard — resulted in many party members, including senior ministers, not to mention millions of Modi supporters, changing their social media handles to include the prefatory self-appellation “Chowkidar.” The hashtag has reportedly been tweeted over 20 lakh times. Many a “convertee” or “me-too” Chowkidar also received personalised congratulatory and thank you messages from the Prime Minister’s handle itself, which they promptly went on to proudly blazon and recirculate. So, who is winning this battle of slogans, media catchphrases, and clickbaits? This was a closely-contested skirmish, with the Congress starting with the upper hand, but now the tide clearly seems to have turned. There is a simple reason for this. Not only is the BJP media cell more active and aggressive, but so is the PM himself. Modi has the uncanny knack of turning around everything that is thrown at him with a redoubled force so that it crashes back into the opposition like a boomerang. His political genius lies in his ability to connect spontaneously with his audience no matter whether they are poor, semi-literate, so-called “unwashed” masses or the top echelons of Lutyens Delhi and corporate czars. No wonder, Modi made it a point to address a specifically targeted audience of some 25 lakh chowkidars or security guards via a radio speech. He made it a point to say he was sorry for the insult heaped upon them by the Congress: “I apologise to all chowkidars that some people, for their own interests, have been abusing chowkidars and saying chowkidar chor hai, raising questions about the integrity of the chowkidars of the nation.” Obviously, it was an attack on Rahul Gandhi for using that refrain against him. Modi added that the slogan was harmful to the whole country. He was right. Just imagine: If our security guards were really thieves, wouldn’t it spell a terrible security crisis for all of us? Wouldn’t it be quite detrimental therefore to call into question their devotion to duty or their honesty? We know that the profession of security guards is one of our fastest growing. It is a respectable job, even if not highly paying. Requiring neither high skills, education levels nor, indeed, strenuous labour, it attracts a huge contingent of our unemployed rural workforce. By praising chowkidars all over the country, upholding their dignity and status, the PM was scoring a point over the opposition. He was also hitting out at Arvind Kejriwal, another opposition leader, who mocked Modi for promoting the job of a chowkidar over that of an engineer. Modi, by emphasising the dignity of labour, cleverly turned Kejriwal’s aspirational jibe against the Aam Aadmi (common person’s) Party. In doing so, he was the garnering sympathy of neutral onlookers too. That is because “Main Bhi Chowkidar” extends the sphere of the responsibility of protection of the state from those in positions of power to the common citizenry. While “Chowkidar Chor Hai” is revealed, on closer analysis, not just to be negative, but demeaning, “Main Bhi Chowkidar,” arguably, shows solidarity with watchmen and guardians of the state. Just prior to his speech to chowkidars, the PM added another feather to his cap. His sur-namesake, Nirav Modi, was jailed in London. The capture of the fugitive diamond merchant, wanted for defrauding Indian banks of a staggering two billion dollars, seemed to prove that the long arm of PM Modi as chowkidar extended outside India. Nirav in a British jail, with its different time zone, gave some credence to PM Modi’s “24x7 Chowkidar” boast. Milking the opportunity to his advantage, Modi concluded by saying, “No matter how much they insult us calling us chor, we don’t have to be afraid and we should embrace such insults like ornaments.” Touche. (This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

'Main bhi chowkidar' vs 'Chowkidar chor hai': Who is winning?

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-polls-bjp-releases-list-of-36-candidates-sambit-patra-to-contest-from-puri-204967">BJP has announced the names</a> of 297 candidates for the Lok Sabha polls in six lists released so far, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi from Varanasi and party chief Amit Shah from Gandhinagar.&nbsp;

The lists include almost all candidates for those seats where polling will be held in first two phases.

In the first list released Thursday, the party announced the names of 184 candidates, including the prime minister and the BJP chief. Later on the same day, the party announced its candidate for Daman and Diu constituency as well.

The party released three lists on Friday and one on Saturday.

Home Minister Rajnath Singh will again contest from Lucknow while party's senior leader and Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad from Patna Sahib in Bihar and national spokesperson <a href="Lok Sabha polls: BJP releases list of 36 candidates, Sambit Patra to contest from Puri">Sambit Patra from Puri in Odisha</a>.

The party fielded Union ministers Narendra Singh Tomar, Jayant Sinha, Shripad Naik from Morena (Madhya Pradesh), Hazaribagh (Jharkhand), North Goa seats respectively.

Party leader Anurag Thakur has been renominated from Hamirpur. 
Veteran party leader and sitting Kangra MP Shanta Kumar has been replaced by Kishan Kapoor as the BJP nominee from Kangra in Himachal Pradesh.

With these candidates, the party has so far announced the name of its 297 candidates for the election to the 543-member Lok Sabha which will be held in seven phases beginning on 11 April and ending on 19 May. The counting will take place on 23 May.

The names for the first two phases have been cleared by the BJP's central election committee (CEC), headed by its chief Amit Shah and including Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The names of its 17 candidates for Bihar Lok Sabha seats were shared with media by the BJP in a joint press conference with its allies in Patna.

The party is contesting on 40 Lok Sabha seats of Bihar in alliance with JD(U) and the LJP, where both BJP and JD(U) will fight on 17 seats each and the LJP on remaining six.

The big names which were announced on Saturday include Ravi Shankar Prasad who will be now the party's candidate from Patna Sahib replacing film actor and sitting MP Shatrughan Sinha.

The party also announced the candidature of its national spokesperson Sambit Patra from Puri, where Modi's name was also speculated as a candidate.

The party has also changed the seat of Union minister Giriraj Singh from Nawada to Begusarai in Bihar.&nbsp;

The highlight of the first list was the party's decision to field Shah from Gandhinagar in place of its veteran leader L K Advani.&nbsp;

The BJP has announced the names of 297 candidates for the Lok Sabha polls in six lists released so far, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi from Varanasi and party chief Amit Shah from Gandhinagar.

The BJP has announced the names of 297 candidates for the Lok Sabha polls in six lists released so far, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi from Varanasi and party chief Amit Shah from Gandhinagar. The lists include almost all candidates for those seats where polling will be held in first two phases. In the first list released Thursday, the party announced the names of 184 candidates, including the prime minister and the BJP chief. Later on the same day, the party announced its candidate for Daman and Diu constituency as well. The party released three lists on Friday and one on Saturday. Home Minister Rajnath Singh will again contest from Lucknow while party's senior leader and Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad from Patna Sahib in Bihar and national spokesperson Sambit Patra from Puri in Odisha. The party fielded Union ministers Narendra Singh Tomar, Jayant Sinha, Shripad Naik from Morena (Madhya Pradesh), Hazaribagh (Jharkhand), North Goa seats respectively. Party leader Anurag Thakur has been renominated from Hamirpur. Veteran party leader and sitting Kangra MP Shanta Kumar has been replaced by Kishan Kapoor as the BJP nominee from Kangra in Himachal Pradesh. With these candidates, the party has so far announced the name of its 297 candidates for the election to the 543-member Lok Sabha which will be held in seven phases beginning on 11 April and ending on 19 May. The counting will take place on 23 May. The names for the first two phases have been cleared by the BJP's central election committee (CEC), headed by its chief Amit Shah and including Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The names of its 17 candidates for Bihar Lok Sabha seats were shared with media by the BJP in a joint press conference with its allies in Patna. The party is contesting on 40 Lok Sabha seats of Bihar in alliance with JD(U) and the LJP, where both BJP and JD(U) will fight on 17 seats each and the LJP on remaining six. The big names which were announced on Saturday include Ravi Shankar Prasad who will be now the party's candidate from Patna Sahib replacing film actor and sitting MP Shatrughan Sinha. The party also announced the candidature of its national spokesperson Sambit Patra from Puri, where Modi's name was also speculated as a candidate. The party has also changed the seat of Union minister Giriraj Singh from Nawada to Begusarai in Bihar. The highlight of the first list was the party's decision to field Shah from Gandhinagar in place of its veteran leader L K Advani.

Lok Sabha polls: BJP announces names of 297 candidates in six lists

WION India Election Watch, 19th March, 2019

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bjps-pramod-sawant-takes-oath-as-goa-chief-minister-says-will-never-be-able-to-do-as-much-as-parrikar-204182">BJP's Pramod Sawant sworn in as new Goa chief minister, says 'will never be able to do as much as Parrikar'</a>

The BJP's Pramod Sawant was sworn in as chief minister of Goa at 1.50 am on Tuesday. Eleven ministers were sworn in along with him.&nbsp;

"I will not be able to work as much as Manohar Parrikar ji but I will definitely try to work as much as possible," Sawant said shortly after taking office. He added that it was Parrikar who had brought him into politics.&nbsp;

 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/media-working-overtime-to-blame-me-for-new-zealand-mosque-attacks-204207">Media 'working overtime to blame me' for New Zealand mosque attacks: Trump</a>

US President Donald Trump has said the media is "working overtime to blame me" for the New Zealand mosque attacks.&nbsp;

The attacks on the two mosques last Friday in Christchurch have left 50 people dead. Trump has condemned the attacks but he has refused to come down as strongly on white nationalism.&nbsp;

 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/over-1000-feared-dead-in-mozambique-storm-204202">Over 1,000 feared dead in Mozambique storm</a>

More than a thousand people are feared to have died in a cyclone that smashed into Mozambique last week, while scores were killed and more than 200 are missing in neighbouring Zimbabwe.

 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-zealand-pm-ardern-vows-mosque-gunman-will-face-full-force-of-law-204206">New Zealand PM Ardern vows mosque gunman will face 'full force of law'</a>

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern promised on Tuesday that the man responsible for last week's deadly mosque massacres would face "the full force of the law", as she vowed never to utter his name.

"He sought many things from his act of terror, but one was notoriety —&nbsp;that is why you will never hear me mention his name," Ardern said in an emotional address to a special meeting of parliament, which she opened with the Arabic greeting "as salaam aleikum" —&nbsp;'peace be upon you'.

 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/akshay-kumar-is-not-planning-to-contest-2019-lok-sabha-elections-204188">Akshay Kumar not planning to contest 2019 Lok Sabha elections</a>

If there is an actor who has been making films with the theme of nation-building, it's Akshay Kumar. The actor's past few blockbuster hits have all had nationalism as their theme which made many speculate if the actor was planning to join politics.&nbsp;

There were also rumours that the BJP was planning on making Akshay contest the 2019 Lok Sabha elections from Amritsar.&nbsp;

Quashing rumours about his debut in politics, Akshay said, "Politics is not on my agenda. I feel what I am doing through my films, I will never be able to do that through politics." The actor was speaking to the press while promoting his upcoming film 'Kesari'.&nbsp;

BJP's Pramod Sawant sworn in as new Goa chief minister, says 'will never be able to do as much as Parrikar' The BJP's Pramod Sawant was sworn in as chief minister of Goa at 1.

BJP's Pramod Sawant sworn in as new Goa chief minister, says 'will never be able to do as much as Parrikar' The BJP's Pramod Sawant was sworn in as chief minister of Goa at 1.50 am on Tuesday. Eleven ministers were sworn in along with him. "I will not be able to work as much as Manohar Parrikar ji but I will definitely try to work as much as possible," Sawant said shortly after taking office. He added that it was Parrikar who had brought him into politics. Media 'working overtime to blame me' for New Zealand mosque attacks: Trump US President Donald Trump has said the media is "working overtime to blame me" for the New Zealand mosque attacks. The attacks on the two mosques last Friday in Christchurch have left 50 people dead. Trump has condemned the attacks but he has refused to come down as strongly on white nationalism. Over 1,000 feared dead in Mozambique storm More than a thousand people are feared to have died in a cyclone that smashed into Mozambique last week, while scores were killed and more than 200 are missing in neighbouring Zimbabwe. New Zealand PM Ardern vows mosque gunman will face 'full force of law' New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern promised on Tuesday that the man responsible for last week's deadly mosque massacres would face "the full force of the law", as she vowed never to utter his name. "He sought many things from his act of terror, but one was notoriety — that is why you will never hear me mention his name," Ardern said in an emotional address to a special meeting of parliament, which she opened with the Arabic greeting "as salaam aleikum" — 'peace be upon you'. Akshay Kumar not planning to contest 2019 Lok Sabha elections If there is an actor who has been making films with the theme of nation-building, it's Akshay Kumar. The actor's past few blockbuster hits have all had nationalism as their theme which made many speculate if the actor was planning to join politics. There were also rumours that the BJP was planning on making Akshay contest the 2019 Lok Sabha elections from Amritsar. Quashing rumours about his debut in politics, Akshay said, "Politics is not on my agenda. I feel what I am doing through my films, I will never be able to do that through politics." The actor was speaking to the press while promoting his upcoming film 'Kesari'.

News brief: Big stories of the day

Senior Congress leader from Maharashtra, Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil, has resigned from the party. He is expected to join BJP.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/vikhe-patils-a-powerful-family-in-maharashtra-with-cross-party-loyalties-204290">Vikhe Patil</a> was Leader of Opposition in the Maharashtra assembly. Vikhe Patil's resignation comes a week after his son Sujay walked over to the BJP as he was denied ticket from Ahmednagar constituency.

Sujay wanted to contest from 2019 Lok Sabha elections from Ahmednagar, but as per the arrangement between Congress and Nationalist Congress Party, NCP chief Sharad Pawar refused to vacate that seat. Ahmednagar has been traditionally a stronghold of Vikhe Patils.

Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil served as minister in Ashok Chavan's government and was elected from Shirdi constituency in 2014. He had earlier threatened to boycott campaigning for the NCP in Ahmednagar after Sharad Pawar's refusal to give up the seat.

The Vikhe-Patils, based in Ahmednagar district, are a formidable name in Maharashtra's political history and also considered pioneers of the sugar co-operative movement in the state.

Members of the Vikhe Patil family, whose interests go beyond politics, have been part of almost all major parties in the last 70 years.

The biggest contribution of the family in Maharashtra has been its role in setting up Asia's first cooperative sugar mill in Ahmednagar right after Independence by late Vitthalrao Vikhe Patil under the guidance of then Congress stalwart Dhananjayrao Gadgil.

It changed the rural economy and introduction of sugarcane as a cash crop contributed to uplift of people in villages and towns in several parts of Maharashtra.

The family flourished under the leadership of Balasabhe Vikhe Patil, the son of Vitthalrao Vikhe Patil.

Under Balasabhe Vikhe Patil, the family entered the education sector where it set up schools, medical and engineering colleges and also social organisations, thereby expanding its dominance in western Maharashtra.

Balasaheb Vikhe Patil, who was in the Congress for a long time, won the erstwhile Ahmednagar North Lok Sabha seat seven times.

(With PTI inputs)

Senior Congress leader from Maharashtra, Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil, has resigned from the party. He is expected to join BJP. Vikhe Patil was Leader of Opposition in the Maharashtra assembly.

Senior Congress leader from Maharashtra, Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil, has resigned from the party. He is expected to join BJP. Vikhe Patil was Leader of Opposition in the Maharashtra assembly. Vikhe Patil's resignation comes a week after his son Sujay walked over to the BJP as he was denied ticket from Ahmednagar constituency. Sujay wanted to contest from 2019 Lok Sabha elections from Ahmednagar, but as per the arrangement between Congress and Nationalist Congress Party, NCP chief Sharad Pawar refused to vacate that seat. Ahmednagar has been traditionally a stronghold of Vikhe Patils. Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil served as minister in Ashok Chavan's government and was elected from Shirdi constituency in 2014. He had earlier threatened to boycott campaigning for the NCP in Ahmednagar after Sharad Pawar's refusal to give up the seat. The Vikhe-Patils, based in Ahmednagar district, are a formidable name in Maharashtra's political history and also considered pioneers of the sugar co-operative movement in the state. Members of the Vikhe Patil family, whose interests go beyond politics, have been part of almost all major parties in the last 70 years. The biggest contribution of the family in Maharashtra has been its role in setting up Asia's first cooperative sugar mill in Ahmednagar right after Independence by late Vitthalrao Vikhe Patil under the guidance of then Congress stalwart Dhananjayrao Gadgil. It changed the rural economy and introduction of sugarcane as a cash crop contributed to uplift of people in villages and towns in several parts of Maharashtra. The family flourished under the leadership of Balasabhe Vikhe Patil, the son of Vitthalrao Vikhe Patil. Under Balasabhe Vikhe Patil, the family entered the education sector where it set up schools, medical and engineering colleges and also social organisations, thereby expanding its dominance in western Maharashtra. Balasaheb Vikhe Patil, who was in the Congress for a long time, won the erstwhile Ahmednagar North Lok Sabha seat seven times. (With PTI inputs)

Week after son, Maharashtra Congress leader Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil quits party

WION India Election Watch, 18th March, 2019

India Election Watch: Can Priyanka Gandhi revive Congress in Uttar Pradesh?

India Election Watch: Defections continue ahead of Lok Sabha polls

India Election Watch: Parties announce list of key candidates

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra embarks on 3-day Ganga sojourn

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath on March 16 said if party colleague Digvijaya Singh wants to contest upcoming Lok Sabha polls, he should choose the "toughest seat" in the state.

While Nath did not mention any seat, in particular, he said there were "2-3-4 seats" in MP which the Congress had not won in the past "30-35" years.

Singh, a former chief minister and multiple times Lok Sabha MP, is currently a Rajya Sabha member.

"I have requested Digvijaya Singh that if he wants to contest Lok Sabha polls, then he should do so from the toughest seat. There are 2-3-4 seats from where we have not won elections since the last 30-35 years," Nath told reporters here.

Congress functionaries said he may have been referring to Bhopal and Indore Lok Sabha seats, both of which have been held by the BJP since 1989.

Congress sources said Nath is keen that Singh contest from Bhopal. Former President late Shankar Dayal Sharma was the last Congress winner from the seat in the 1984 general elections.

Nath, in reply to a query, however, said it was for Singh to decide from where he wants to contest.

He also added that the Congress would announce Lok Sabha candidates from the state in the next three-four days.

Nath arrived in Chhindwara on a two-day visit to address 11 rallies, with his son Nakul Nath, in all likelihood, is the Congress' Lok Sabha candidate.

Nath, who is a nine-time MP from Chhindwara, is fighting an Assembly bypoll from here scheduled for April 23.

Nath has to get elected to the MP Assembly in order to continue as chief minister. 
 
The Chhindwara Assembly seat was vacated by Dipak Saxena, who had won it in the 2018 state polls so that Nath could get an entry into the 230-member House.&nbsp;

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath on March 16 said if party colleague Digvijaya Singh wants to contest upcoming Lok Sabha polls, he should choose the "toughest seat" in the state.

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath on March 16 said if party colleague Digvijaya Singh wants to contest upcoming Lok Sabha polls, he should choose the "toughest seat" in the state. While Nath did not mention any seat, in particular, he said there were "2-3-4 seats" in MP which the Congress had not won in the past "30-35" years. Singh, a former chief minister and multiple times Lok Sabha MP, is currently a Rajya Sabha member. "I have requested Digvijaya Singh that if he wants to contest Lok Sabha polls, then he should do so from the toughest seat. There are 2-3-4 seats from where we have not won elections since the last 30-35 years," Nath told reporters here. Congress functionaries said he may have been referring to Bhopal and Indore Lok Sabha seats, both of which have been held by the BJP since 1989. Congress sources said Nath is keen that Singh contest from Bhopal. Former President late Shankar Dayal Sharma was the last Congress winner from the seat in the 1984 general elections. Nath, in reply to a query, however, said it was for Singh to decide from where he wants to contest. He also added that the Congress would announce Lok Sabha candidates from the state in the next three-four days. Nath arrived in Chhindwara on a two-day visit to address 11 rallies, with his son Nakul Nath, in all likelihood, is the Congress' Lok Sabha candidate. Nath, who is a nine-time MP from Chhindwara, is fighting an Assembly bypoll from here scheduled for April 23. Nath has to get elected to the MP Assembly in order to continue as chief minister. The Chhindwara Assembly seat was vacated by Dipak Saxena, who had won it in the 2018 state polls so that Nath could get an entry into the 230-member House.

Lok Sabha polls 2019: MP CM Kamal Nath wants Digvijaya Singh to take up 'toughest seat'

He is honest and nice, let's go with Nitish says the new poll catchphrase coined by the Bihar chief ministers party which is seeking to reinvent itself as an ally of the NDA, the coalition which it had dumped ahead of the previous Lok Sabha elections.

‘Sacha hai, acha hai, chalo Nitish ke saath’ is the message of the posters released at the JD(U) state headquarters here on Wednesday. The subtext ‘Sankalp hamara NDA dobara (our resolve, NDA again) is also there but relegated to a corner, in smaller fonts.’

Releasing the posters, the party's national general secretary Ram Chandra Prasad Singh said: “We want to convey the message to the voters that Nitish Kumar is a man who fulfils the promises he makes and does not lie.”

Kumar has called the shots in the party ever since it came into being a couple of decades ago but formally took over as its president only in 2016 when he relieved Sharad Yadav, now in a sulk and out of the party and struggling to find a foothold in the opposition Grand Alliance, of the post.

A year before he assumed the top post in the party, Kumar had made a record of sorts by romping home as chief minister for the third consecutive term. He had fought the elections in alliance with Lalu Prasad's RJD and the Congress but remained in the centre stage as the 2015 slogan ‘Bihar mein bahar hai Nitish Kumar hai’ (Bihar blossoms under the leadership of Nitish Kumar) reverberated through the landscape.

The shift of focus from the celebration of the states economic turnaround to the chief ministers “honesty” comes at a time when Kumar faces a trust deficit in the wake of his volte-face of 2017 when he resigned guided by his “inner voice” but formed a new government less than 24 hours later, dumping his pre-poll allies and joining hands with the BJP, which he had bitterly fought. The dramatic turnaround has earned him the unsavoury epithet “Palturam” though Kumar has been at pains to explain that he took the drastic step keeping the best interests of Bihar in mind given that the BJP was also in power at the Centre and in keeping with his “zero tolerance of corruption”.

However, it seemed to be an insufficient explanation to critics and surprisingly to his confidant Prashant Kishor, who occupies the post of national vice-president in the JD(U). Kishor ruffled many feathers in the party when in a recent interview to a news portal he said he “disagreed” with the method adopted by Kumar for realigning with the BJP and that ideally, the chief minister “should have sought a fresh mandate”. Although the BJP is expected to highlight issues such as national security and the need for a strong government at the Centre, the alliance as a whole – is likely to go with the JD(U) line by focusing on the performance of its government in Bihar and clean image of Kumar.

He is honest and nice, let's go with Nitish says the new poll catchphrase coined by the Bihar chief ministers party which is seeking to reinvent itself as an ally of the NDA, the coalition which it had dumped ahead of the previous Lok Sabha elections.

He is honest and nice, let's go with Nitish says the new poll catchphrase coined by the Bihar chief ministers party which is seeking to reinvent itself as an ally of the NDA, the coalition which it had dumped ahead of the previous Lok Sabha elections. ‘Sacha hai, acha hai, chalo Nitish ke saath’ is the message of the posters released at the JD(U) state headquarters here on Wednesday. The subtext ‘Sankalp hamara NDA dobara (our resolve, NDA again) is also there but relegated to a corner, in smaller fonts.’ Releasing the posters, the party's national general secretary Ram Chandra Prasad Singh said: “We want to convey the message to the voters that Nitish Kumar is a man who fulfils the promises he makes and does not lie.” Kumar has called the shots in the party ever since it came into being a couple of decades ago but formally took over as its president only in 2016 when he relieved Sharad Yadav, now in a sulk and out of the party and struggling to find a foothold in the opposition Grand Alliance, of the post. A year before he assumed the top post in the party, Kumar had made a record of sorts by romping home as chief minister for the third consecutive term. He had fought the elections in alliance with Lalu Prasad's RJD and the Congress but remained in the centre stage as the 2015 slogan ‘Bihar mein bahar hai Nitish Kumar hai’ (Bihar blossoms under the leadership of Nitish Kumar) reverberated through the landscape. The shift of focus from the celebration of the states economic turnaround to the chief ministers “honesty” comes at a time when Kumar faces a trust deficit in the wake of his volte-face of 2017 when he resigned guided by his “inner voice” but formed a new government less than 24 hours later, dumping his pre-poll allies and joining hands with the BJP, which he had bitterly fought. The dramatic turnaround has earned him the unsavoury epithet “Palturam” though Kumar has been at pains to explain that he took the drastic step keeping the best interests of Bihar in mind given that the BJP was also in power at the Centre and in keeping with his “zero tolerance of corruption”. However, it seemed to be an insufficient explanation to critics and surprisingly to his confidant Prashant Kishor, who occupies the post of national vice-president in the JD(U). Kishor ruffled many feathers in the party when in a recent interview to a news portal he said he “disagreed” with the method adopted by Kumar for realigning with the BJP and that ideally, the chief minister “should have sought a fresh mandate”. Although the BJP is expected to highlight issues such as national security and the need for a strong government at the Centre, the alliance as a whole – is likely to go with the JD(U) line by focusing on the performance of its government in Bihar and clean image of Kumar.

‘Sacha hai, acha hai, chalo Nitish ke saath’: JD-U launches slogan for Lok Sabha polls, banks on Nitish’s ‘honest’ image

Lok Sabha Polls: Hardik Patel to join Congress today

Congress to kick-off Lok Sabha poll campaign in Gujarat today

Exclusive: Former J&K CM Farooq Abdullah questions Election Commission's decision

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/mainstream-parties-in-jammu-and-kashmir-ask-eci-to-hold-simultaneous-elections-201125">The Election Commission (EC)</a> is set to announce on Sunday schedule for the high-voltage <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-elections-parliamentary-panel-asks-twitter-to-engage-more-with-election-commission-summons-facebook-whatsapp-officials-on-march-6-199651">Lok Sabha elections</a>, which is likely to be spread over seven to eight phases in April-May.

The poll panel will be holding a press conference at 5 pm at Vigyan Bhavan here.

The term of the present Lok Sabha ends on June 3.

As soon as the elections, in which Prime Minister Narendra Modi will make his bid to return to power amid hectic parleys by several political parties to put a united fight against the ruling BJP, are announced, the model code of conduct will come into force.

Amongst other things, the code bars the government from announcing policy decisions.

Notification for the first phase could be issued by the end of March for voting sometime in early April, sources suggested.

There is a strong possibility that the EC may go by the precedent and hold assembly elections in Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh along with the Lok Sabha polls.

Since the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly has been dissolved, the EC is bound to hold fresh polls there as well within a six-month period, which will end in May.

While there is a view that the J-K assembly elections can be held along with the Lok Sabha polls, a lot depends on the complex security situation in the state given the heightened tension along the India-Pakistan border.

The Centre and the state administration, being managed by the Centre-appointed Governor, are against holding the two elections together.

However, all political parties in the state favoured simultaneous polls during a meeting with the Election Commission earlier this week.

The J-K assembly's six-year term was to end on March 16, 2021, but it got dissolved after a ruling coalition between the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) fell apart.

The other state assemblies and Lok Sabha have five-year terms.

The required electronic voting machines and paper trail machines are in place to be deployed in nearly 10 lakh polling stations across 543 Lok Sabha constituencies.

There is a high probability of the elections being spread across seven to eight phases this time.

In 2014, the EC had announced the election schedule on March 5 and the nine-phase electoral exercise was spread across April and May. 
While the first phase polling was on April 7, the last phase was on May 12.

The Election Commission (EC) is set to announce on Sunday schedule for the high-voltage Lok Sabha elections, which is likely to be spread over seven to eight phases in April-May.

The Election Commission (EC) is set to announce on Sunday schedule for the high-voltage Lok Sabha elections, which is likely to be spread over seven to eight phases in April-May. The poll panel will be holding a press conference at 5 pm at Vigyan Bhavan here. The term of the present Lok Sabha ends on June 3. As soon as the elections, in which Prime Minister Narendra Modi will make his bid to return to power amid hectic parleys by several political parties to put a united fight against the ruling BJP, are announced, the model code of conduct will come into force. Amongst other things, the code bars the government from announcing policy decisions. Notification for the first phase could be issued by the end of March for voting sometime in early April, sources suggested. There is a strong possibility that the EC may go by the precedent and hold assembly elections in Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh along with the Lok Sabha polls. Since the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly has been dissolved, the EC is bound to hold fresh polls there as well within a six-month period, which will end in May. While there is a view that the J-K assembly elections can be held along with the Lok Sabha polls, a lot depends on the complex security situation in the state given the heightened tension along the India-Pakistan border. The Centre and the state administration, being managed by the Centre-appointed Governor, are against holding the two elections together. However, all political parties in the state favoured simultaneous polls during a meeting with the Election Commission earlier this week. The J-K assembly's six-year term was to end on March 16, 2021, but it got dissolved after a ruling coalition between the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) fell apart. The other state assemblies and Lok Sabha have five-year terms. The required electronic voting machines and paper trail machines are in place to be deployed in nearly 10 lakh polling stations across 543 Lok Sabha constituencies. There is a high probability of the elections being spread across seven to eight phases this time. In 2014, the EC had announced the election schedule on March 5 and the nine-phase electoral exercise was spread across April and May. While the first phase polling was on April 7, the last phase was on May 12.

Lok Sabha polls 2019 schedule to be announced by Election Commission today at 5 pm

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