Microphones fell silent as weeks of high-octane poll campaigning in the national capital, that had all elements of a political soap opera, ended Friday evening.

The campaigning witnessed an attack on Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, acrimonious exchanges between the AAP and the BJP over allegations of horse-trading, rivals jabbing at one another over alleged discrepancies in affidavits and even a candidate of the ruling party in Delhi breaking down in a press conference.

As many as 164 candidates, including 18 women, are in the fray for the seven Lok Sabha seats in Delhi which goes to polls on Sunday under the sixth phase of the general elections.

It is expected to be a three-cornered fight involving the BJP, AAP and the Congress in the seven parliamentary seats of the national capital all of which were won by the saffron party in 2014.

Prominent candidates in the fray include veteran Congress leader Sheila Dikshit, Olympian boxer Vijender Singh, Union minister Harsh Vardhan, Atishi from AAP and her BJP rival cricketer-turned-politician Gautam Gambhir.

Voting will begin at 7 am on May 12 and scheduled to go on till 6 am.

The 48 hour-period from 6 pm Friday to 6 pm Sunday, known as the silence period, will also be observed as 'dry day'.

Earlier in the day on Friday, Delhi CEO Ranbir Singh told reporters, "The campaigning will end this evening as the 48-hour silence period will kick in at 6 pm today which would stay till 6 pm on Sunday."

A total of 13,819 polling stations will be set up at 2,700 locations in Delhi, with one model polling station in each of the 70 assembly segments. Seventeen polling stations will be staffed only by women.

As many as 523 polling locations have been identified as critical, Singh said, adding, "Special paramilitary forces will be deployed there, besides webcasting and CCTV facilities. Micro-observers would also be there. We have made all arrangements for smooth polling."

Beyond Friday's 6 pm limit, no campaigning shall be allowed, including on social media, Singh said at the press conference, adding, "All print ads need to be pre-certified for publication in any newspaper."

Before the announcement of the silence period, the AAP had scheduled to hold campaigns at few places beyond 6 pm, but the party claimed those events were cancelled.

The campaign which got off to a slow start as alliance talks between the AAP and Congress lingered on till the last days of nomination, gained momentum over the last fortnight with senior leaders drawing huge crowds at mega rallies and road shows in the national capital.

It reached a crescendo in its last lap with Prime Minister Narendra Modi holding a massive rally at the iconic Ramlila Maidan here, Congress President Rahul Gandhi addressing two public meetings, while his sister Priyanka Gandhi Vadra taking out two road shows in the city.

The campaign also saw cine stars -- Hema Malini, Sunny Deol, Prakash Raj, Swara Bhaskar -- garnering support for the candidates.

From trying to strike a personal chord with the voters in parks at six in the morning to holding door-to-door campaigns till late night, the candidates literally sweated it out in the oppressive heat as mercury crossed the 40-degree Celsius mark.

While the BJP's campaign revolved around the party's high-pitched nationalism narrative and the popularity of Modi, the Congress kept him in the cross hairs and sought to hard sell its minimum income guarantee scheme -- Nyay.

The AAP, on the other hand, focussed on the demand for full statehood for Delhi.

Candidates also tried to out-manoeuvre each other before the poll body. AAP candidates Atishi and Raghav Chadha sought rejection of nomination papers of their BJP rivals Gautam Gambhir and Ramesh Bidhuri, respectively.

Poll officers were also hard-pressed as several Model Code of Conduct violations were reported.

In a security breach, Chief Minister Kejriwal was slapped by a man during a roadshow in Moti Nagar. Allegations of horse trading flew thick and fast as two AAP MLAs -- Anil Bajpai and Devinder Sehrawat -- crossed over to the BJP.

The campaigning also saw South Delhi BJP MP Ramesh Bidhuri using a Hindi slur against Kejriwal. On a penultimate day, the AAP and the BJP sparred over a derogatory pamphlet that targeted Delhi's ruling party candidate Atishi.

The AAP alleged her rival Gautam Gambhir was behind it, a charge the former cricketer vehemently denied.

According to the summary of the electoral roll published on April 23, there are over 1.43 crore voters in Delhi -- 78,73,022 male and 64,42,762 female, while 669 belong to the third gender.

While 2,54,723 voters are in the age group of 18 and 19, there are 40,532 electorates with disability who would be provided pick up and drop facility.

As many as 2,674 complaints were found on 'cVigil' app out of which 2,057 were found to be correct. Nearly 270 FIRs and daily diary (DD) entries were registered against political parties and others here till date for violation of poll code, officials said.

The statistics surveillance team of Delhi's Chief Electoral Office, constituted to keep an eye on the expenses of political parties, has seized Rs 4.38 crore in cash and 1,411 kg of narcotics and drugs till date.

Police have registered 1,378 FIRs and arrested 1,381 people under the Excise Act. They have also seized 691 unlicensed arms and weapons, and 3,007 cartridges and explosives, a statement said, adding 1,14,482 people have been booked till date under various sections of the CrPC and the Delhi Police Act.&nbsp;

Microphones fell silent as weeks of high-octane poll campaigning in the national capital, that had all elements of a political soap opera, ended Friday evening. The campaigning witnessed an attack on Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, acrimonious exchanges between the AAP and the BJP over allegations of horse-trading, rivals jabbing at one another over alleged discrepancies in affidavits and even a candidate of the ruling party in Delhi breaking down in a press conference.

Microphones fell silent as weeks of high-octane poll campaigning in the national capital, that had all elements of a political soap opera, ended Friday evening. The campaigning witnessed an attack on Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, acrimonious exchanges between the AAP and the BJP over allegations of horse-trading, rivals jabbing at one another over alleged discrepancies in affidavits and even a candidate of the ruling party in Delhi breaking down in a press conference. As many as 164 candidates, including 18 women, are in the fray for the seven Lok Sabha seats in Delhi which goes to polls on Sunday under the sixth phase of the general elections. It is expected to be a three-cornered fight involving the BJP, AAP and the Congress in the seven parliamentary seats of the national capital all of which were won by the saffron party in 2014. Prominent candidates in the fray include veteran Congress leader Sheila Dikshit, Olympian boxer Vijender Singh, Union minister Harsh Vardhan, Atishi from AAP and her BJP rival cricketer-turned-politician Gautam Gambhir. Voting will begin at 7 am on May 12 and scheduled to go on till 6 am. The 48 hour-period from 6 pm Friday to 6 pm Sunday, known as the silence period, will also be observed as 'dry day'. Earlier in the day on Friday, Delhi CEO Ranbir Singh told reporters, "The campaigning will end this evening as the 48-hour silence period will kick in at 6 pm today which would stay till 6 pm on Sunday." A total of 13,819 polling stations will be set up at 2,700 locations in Delhi, with one model polling station in each of the 70 assembly segments. Seventeen polling stations will be staffed only by women. As many as 523 polling locations have been identified as critical, Singh said, adding, "Special paramilitary forces will be deployed there, besides webcasting and CCTV facilities. Micro-observers would also be there. We have made all arrangements for smooth polling." Beyond Friday's 6 pm limit, no campaigning shall be allowed, including on social media, Singh said at the press conference, adding, "All print ads need to be pre-certified for publication in any newspaper." Before the announcement of the silence period, the AAP had scheduled to hold campaigns at few places beyond 6 pm, but the party claimed those events were cancelled. The campaign which got off to a slow start as alliance talks between the AAP and Congress lingered on till the last days of nomination, gained momentum over the last fortnight with senior leaders drawing huge crowds at mega rallies and road shows in the national capital. It reached a crescendo in its last lap with Prime Minister Narendra Modi holding a massive rally at the iconic Ramlila Maidan here, Congress President Rahul Gandhi addressing two public meetings, while his sister Priyanka Gandhi Vadra taking out two road shows in the city. The campaign also saw cine stars -- Hema Malini, Sunny Deol, Prakash Raj, Swara Bhaskar -- garnering support for the candidates. From trying to strike a personal chord with the voters in parks at six in the morning to holding door-to-door campaigns till late night, the candidates literally sweated it out in the oppressive heat as mercury crossed the 40-degree Celsius mark. While the BJP's campaign revolved around the party's high-pitched nationalism narrative and the popularity of Modi, the Congress kept him in the cross hairs and sought to hard sell its minimum income guarantee scheme -- Nyay. The AAP, on the other hand, focussed on the demand for full statehood for Delhi. Candidates also tried to out-manoeuvre each other before the poll body. AAP candidates Atishi and Raghav Chadha sought rejection of nomination papers of their BJP rivals Gautam Gambhir and Ramesh Bidhuri, respectively. Poll officers were also hard-pressed as several Model Code of Conduct violations were reported. In a security breach, Chief Minister Kejriwal was slapped by a man during a roadshow in Moti Nagar. Allegations of horse trading flew thick and fast as two AAP MLAs -- Anil Bajpai and Devinder Sehrawat -- crossed over to the BJP. The campaigning also saw South Delhi BJP MP Ramesh Bidhuri using a Hindi slur against Kejriwal. On a penultimate day, the AAP and the BJP sparred over a derogatory pamphlet that targeted Delhi's ruling party candidate Atishi. The AAP alleged her rival Gautam Gambhir was behind it, a charge the former cricketer vehemently denied. According to the summary of the electoral roll published on April 23, there are over 1.43 crore voters in Delhi -- 78,73,022 male and 64,42,762 female, while 669 belong to the third gender. While 2,54,723 voters are in the age group of 18 and 19, there are 40,532 electorates with disability who would be provided pick up and drop facility. As many as 2,674 complaints were found on 'cVigil' app out of which 2,057 were found to be correct. Nearly 270 FIRs and daily diary (DD) entries were registered against political parties and others here till date for violation of poll code, officials said. The statistics surveillance team of Delhi's Chief Electoral Office, constituted to keep an eye on the expenses of political parties, has seized Rs 4.38 crore in cash and 1,411 kg of narcotics and drugs till date. Police have registered 1,378 FIRs and arrested 1,381 people under the Excise Act. They have also seized 691 unlicensed arms and weapons, and 3,007 cartridges and explosives, a statement said, adding 1,14,482 people have been booked till date under various sections of the CrPC and the Delhi Police Act.

High-pitched poll campaign in Delhi ends as city votes on Sunday 

The leaders of opposition parties are reportedly contemplating a meeting between May 19 (the last phase of polling) and May 23 (when the results will be announced). The meeting will be held to decide the Prime Ministerial candidate of the national-level alliance - 'Mahagathbandhan'.

On the other hand, there has been another significant development, wherein Telangana Rashtra Samiti chief K Chandrashekhar Rao (KCR) revived his efforts to stitch a&nbsp;'third front'.

KCR met CPM leader and Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan to discuss&nbsp;the&nbsp;'national political scenario'. 
 
Vijayan, after the meeting, said&nbsp;that neither Congress nor BJP will get absolute majority and regional parties will play a key role in the formation of government at the Centre.

However, it's unlikely that Vijayan will back the federal front as CPM is a foe of BJP.

Rao is also scheduled to meet DMK chief Stalin on May 13, though reports say Stalin has turned down his proposal owing to his campaign schedule for the May 19 by-polls.

It's to be noted that DMK has an alliance with the Congress in Tamil Nadu and Stalin has already extended his support to the 'Mahagathbandhan.&nbsp;

He had also recommended Rahul Gandhi's name as the Mahagathbandhan's Prime Ministerial candidate.

Also, Congress has, time and again, accused KCR as the B-team of NDA. According to the party, KCR has been trying to forge a third front to help BJP, in case, the saffron party falls short of numbers.

Furthermore, there are reports which suggest KCR has reportedly asked JD(S) leader and Karnataka chief minister H D Kumaraswamy to help him strike a deal with the Congress. The Karnataka chief minister appears as a facilitator here because JD(S) and Congress alliance is in power in Karnataka and the Mahagathbandhan too has Kumaraswamy's backing.

KCR has probably realised that any alliance without Congress party's participation won't work. Congress is the main opposition party and Rahul Gandhi has emerged as a credible and confident leader. 
 
It's worth noting here that in the Assembly elections, Congress pulled off stunning victories in the three Hindi heartland states under the leadership of Rahul Gandhi

It may be recalled that KCR's arch rival and Andhra Pradesh chief minister, Chandrababu Naidu, too has realised the importance of Congress party's presence in the Mahagathbandhan. 
 
Keeping aside three decades of rivalry, Naidu had reached out to Rahul Gandhi and both the leaders stressed the need to come together to 'save democracy'.

At the national level, most opposition parties have already extended their support to Mahagathbandhan to take on BJP. Congress too is likely to join this national-level alliance.&nbsp;

Last year, KCR had approached several party leaders not aligned with Congress and BJP, including Odisha chief minister Naveen Patnaik, TMC chief Mamata Banerjee, Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav and Karnataka chief minister H D Kumaraswamy.

However, his effort had hit the speed bumps after most parties chose Mahagathbandhan over his federal front. So far, only YSR Congress chief YS Jaganmohan Reddy has openly backed him.

Mahagathbandhan, an idea floated by Mamata Banerjee and promoted by Chandrababu Naidu, also has the support of seasoned political leaders like Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief Sharad Pawar and National Conference (NC) chief Farooq Abdullah.

KCR's idea of a non-Congress front is too weak to take on BJP. And the only way he can garner the support of all like-minded opposition parties, to keep&nbsp;the BJP-led NDA out of power, is by seeking Congress's cooperation. 
 
 
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.) 
&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The leaders of opposition parties are reportedly contemplating a meeting between May 19 (the last phase of polling) and May 23 (when the results will be announced).

The leaders of opposition parties are reportedly contemplating a meeting between May 19 (the last phase of polling) and May 23 (when the results will be announced). The meeting will be held to decide the Prime Ministerial candidate of the national-level alliance - 'Mahagathbandhan'. On the other hand, there has been another significant development, wherein Telangana Rashtra Samiti chief K Chandrashekhar Rao (KCR) revived his efforts to stitch a 'third front'. KCR met CPM leader and Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan to discuss the 'national political scenario'. Vijayan, after the meeting, said that neither Congress nor BJP will get absolute majority and regional parties will play a key role in the formation of government at the Centre. However, it's unlikely that Vijayan will back the federal front as CPM is a foe of BJP. Rao is also scheduled to meet DMK chief Stalin on May 13, though reports say Stalin has turned down his proposal owing to his campaign schedule for the May 19 by-polls. It's to be noted that DMK has an alliance with the Congress in Tamil Nadu and Stalin has already extended his support to the 'Mahagathbandhan. He had also recommended Rahul Gandhi's name as the Mahagathbandhan's Prime Ministerial candidate. Also, Congress has, time and again, accused KCR as the B-team of NDA. According to the party, KCR has been trying to forge a third front to help BJP, in case, the saffron party falls short of numbers. Furthermore, there are reports which suggest KCR has reportedly asked JD(S) leader and Karnataka chief minister H D Kumaraswamy to help him strike a deal with the Congress. The Karnataka chief minister appears as a facilitator here because JD(S) and Congress alliance is in power in Karnataka and the Mahagathbandhan too has Kumaraswamy's backing. KCR has probably realised that any alliance without Congress party's participation won't work. Congress is the main opposition party and Rahul Gandhi has emerged as a credible and confident leader. It's worth noting here that in the Assembly elections, Congress pulled off stunning victories in the three Hindi heartland states under the leadership of Rahul Gandhi It may be recalled that KCR's arch rival and Andhra Pradesh chief minister, Chandrababu Naidu, too has realised the importance of Congress party's presence in the Mahagathbandhan. Keeping aside three decades of rivalry, Naidu had reached out to Rahul Gandhi and both the leaders stressed the need to come together to 'save democracy'. At the national level, most opposition parties have already extended their support to Mahagathbandhan to take on BJP. Congress too is likely to join this national-level alliance. Last year, KCR had approached several party leaders not aligned with Congress and BJP, including Odisha chief minister Naveen Patnaik, TMC chief Mamata Banerjee, Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav and Karnataka chief minister H D Kumaraswamy. However, his effort had hit the speed bumps after most parties chose Mahagathbandhan over his federal front. So far, only YSR Congress chief YS Jaganmohan Reddy has openly backed him. Mahagathbandhan, an idea floated by Mamata Banerjee and promoted by Chandrababu Naidu, also has the support of seasoned political leaders like Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief Sharad Pawar and National Conference (NC) chief Farooq Abdullah. KCR's idea of a non-Congress front is too weak to take on BJP. And the only way he can garner the support of all like-minded opposition parties, to keep the BJP-led NDA out of power, is by seeking Congress's cooperation. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

No takers for federal front: Has KCR realised his idea of a non-Congress front is too weak to take on BJP?

The Election Commission of India (EC) has declared "void", polls held on April 18 at polling station no-10, Kamaraj Nagar assembly segment of the Puducherry Parliamentary constituency.

In an order on Wednesday, EC stated that the re-polling will be held on May 12 between 7 am to 6 pm.

"After taking all material circumstances into account, the Election Commission hereby declares under Sub-Sections (2) of Section 58 of clause (b) under the Representation of the People Act, 1951 that the poll was taken on April 18, 2019, at Polling Station No. 10 of 10-Kamraj Nagar Assembly Segment of Puducherry parliamentary constituency to be void," an order from the EC to the Returning Officer of Puducherry read.

The ECI directed the Returning Officer to ensure that wide publicity is given in the polling areas.

It also directed the official to inform political parties and contesting candidates about the fresh poll.

Earlier on Tuesday, EC had declared 'void', polls held at 168 polling stations in Tripura West parliamentary constituency on April 11 and ordered re-polling on May 12.

Puducherry Lok Sabha seat went to polls on April 18. The counting of votes will be done on May 23.&nbsp;

The Election Commission of India (EC) has declared "void", polls held on April 18 at polling station no-10, Kamaraj Nagar assembly segment of the Puducherry Parliamentary constituency.

The Election Commission of India (EC) has declared "void", polls held on April 18 at polling station no-10, Kamaraj Nagar assembly segment of the Puducherry Parliamentary constituency. In an order on Wednesday, EC stated that the re-polling will be held on May 12 between 7 am to 6 pm. "After taking all material circumstances into account, the Election Commission hereby declares under Sub-Sections (2) of Section 58 of clause (b) under the Representation of the People Act, 1951 that the poll was taken on April 18, 2019, at Polling Station No. 10 of 10-Kamraj Nagar Assembly Segment of Puducherry parliamentary constituency to be void," an order from the EC to the Returning Officer of Puducherry read. The ECI directed the Returning Officer to ensure that wide publicity is given in the polling areas. It also directed the official to inform political parties and contesting candidates about the fresh poll. Earlier on Tuesday, EC had declared 'void', polls held at 168 polling stations in Tripura West parliamentary constituency on April 11 and ordered re-polling on May 12. Puducherry Lok Sabha seat went to polls on April 18. The counting of votes will be done on May 23.

Lok Sabha polls 2019: Election Commission orders re-polling in one booth in Puducherry

The<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/election-commission-issues-notice-to-pragya-singh-thakur-over-campaigning-despite-72-hour-ban-216032&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiNn7OFoIviAhWv63MBHSouDJIQFjABegQIDhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2xbkyjcJZTsUP6Fb-8TjtT"> Election Commission of India</a> (ECI) has declared `void`, polls held at 168 polling stations in Tripura West parliamentary constituency on April 11 and ordered re-polling on May 12.

"After taking all material circumstances into account, the Election Commission declared under Sub-Sections (2) of Section 58 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951 that the poll was taken on April 11, 2019, at 168 polling stations in 1-Tripura West parliamentary constituency against the assembly segments to be void and appoints May 12 at the date and six hours from 7 am to 5 pm for taking a fresh poll," an official statement said.

The assembly segments in Tripura West include Simna (ST), Mohanpur, Bamutia (SC), Barjala (SC), Khayerpur, Ramnagar, Town Bordowali, Majlishpur, Mandai Bazar, Takarjala (ST), Pratapgarh (SC), Badharghat (SC), Kamalasagar, Bishalgarh, Golghati, Charilam, Boxanagar, Nalchar, Sonamura, Dhanpur, Bagma (ST), Radhakishorepur, Matabari, Kakraban-Salgarah (SC), Rajnagar (SC) and Belonia. The ECI directed the state`s Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) to ensure that wide publicity is given in the polling areas.

It also directed the official to inform political parties and contesting candidates about the fresh poll. As per ECI, the voter turnout in the first phase of Lok Sabha elections conducted across 18 states and two Union Territories on April 11 was 69.43 per cent.

Tripura was among five states that saw the highest voter turnout. "84.96 per cent from Lakshadweep, 83.79 per cent from West Bengal, 83.26 per cent from Tripura, 83.12 per cent from Nagaland and 82.82 per cent from Manipur," the EC said. Polling for two parliamentary constituencies in Tripura was held in two phases - on April 11 and 18. Counting of votes will take place on May 23.&nbsp;

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has declared `void`, polls held at 168 polling stations in Tripura West parliamentary constituency on April 11 and ordered re-polling on May 12.

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has declared `void`, polls held at 168 polling stations in Tripura West parliamentary constituency on April 11 and ordered re-polling on May 12. "After taking all material circumstances into account, the Election Commission declared under Sub-Sections (2) of Section 58 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951 that the poll was taken on April 11, 2019, at 168 polling stations in 1-Tripura West parliamentary constituency against the assembly segments to be void and appoints May 12 at the date and six hours from 7 am to 5 pm for taking a fresh poll," an official statement said. The assembly segments in Tripura West include Simna (ST), Mohanpur, Bamutia (SC), Barjala (SC), Khayerpur, Ramnagar, Town Bordowali, Majlishpur, Mandai Bazar, Takarjala (ST), Pratapgarh (SC), Badharghat (SC), Kamalasagar, Bishalgarh, Golghati, Charilam, Boxanagar, Nalchar, Sonamura, Dhanpur, Bagma (ST), Radhakishorepur, Matabari, Kakraban-Salgarah (SC), Rajnagar (SC) and Belonia. The ECI directed the state`s Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) to ensure that wide publicity is given in the polling areas. It also directed the official to inform political parties and contesting candidates about the fresh poll. As per ECI, the voter turnout in the first phase of Lok Sabha elections conducted across 18 states and two Union Territories on April 11 was 69.43 per cent. Tripura was among five states that saw the highest voter turnout. "84.96 per cent from Lakshadweep, 83.79 per cent from West Bengal, 83.26 per cent from Tripura, 83.12 per cent from Nagaland and 82.82 per cent from Manipur," the EC said. Polling for two parliamentary constituencies in Tripura was held in two phases - on April 11 and 18. Counting of votes will take place on May 23.

Election Commission declares Tripura West polls 'void', re-polling on May 12

Launching a scathing attack on former Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/narendra-modi-emerges-from-rafale-in-better-shape-than-rajiv-gandhi-from-bofors-197586">Rajiv Gandhi</a>, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday alleged that the Rajiv Gandhi had used INS Virat for personal holidays.

Addressing a huge gathering at New Delhi's Ramlila Maidan&nbsp;in support of the candidates of the BJP for the seven Lok Sabha seats in Delhi, PM Modi , hitting back at Congress President Rahul Gandhi over saying Army was not anyone's personal property, said, ''I want to tell the people of our country about those who actually treated our Armed Forces as their personal property. Former PM Rajiv Gandhi took his in-laws and their family members from Italy to a personal holiday on Naval warship INS Viraat.''

"At the time when INS Virat was positioned for protection of maritime boundaries, it was sent to take Rajiv Gandhi and his family to an island for their holiday. &nbsp;Even his in-laws were onboard INS Virat. Was it not a compromise of national security?" he asked.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> PM Modi in Delhi: At the time when, INS Virat was positioned for protection of maritime boundaries, it was sent to take Rajiv Gandhi and his family to an island for their holiday. Even his in-laws were onboard INS Virat. Was it not a compromise of national security? <a href="https://t.co/3RXdtJHF2m">pic.twitter.com/3RXdtJHF2m</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1126141155673088001?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 8, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The Navy was made to host the Gandhi family and Rajiv Gandhi's in-laws, and a helicopter was also deployed in their service, Modi claimed, adding that when a family becomes supreme, the country's security is at stake.

After the Ramlila Maidan speech, PM Narendra Modi also tweeted about it and accused Congress of compromising on the issue of national security.

<img alt="Narendra Modi" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="acd01625-1b5f-4a02-bf99-f3a075cae90b" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Narendra%20Modi1.JPG" />

"Even Navy personnel were put on service of Rajiv Gandhi and his family while they were vacationing at the island. INS Virat was also stationed at the island for 10 days during that time," he added.

Aircraft carrier INS Viraat was commissioned into the Indian Navy in 1987. After nearly 30 years of service, it was decommissioned in 2016.

(With inputs from ANI)

Launching a scathing attack on former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday alleged that the Rajiv Gandhi had used INS Virat for personal holidays.

Launching a scathing attack on former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday alleged that the Rajiv Gandhi had used INS Virat for personal holidays. Addressing a huge gathering at New Delhi's Ramlila Maidan in support of the candidates of the BJP for the seven Lok Sabha seats in Delhi, PM Modi , hitting back at Congress President Rahul Gandhi over saying Army was not anyone's personal property, said, ''I want to tell the people of our country about those who actually treated our Armed Forces as their personal property. Former PM Rajiv Gandhi took his in-laws and their family members from Italy to a personal holiday on Naval warship INS Viraat.'' "At the time when INS Virat was positioned for protection of maritime boundaries, it was sent to take Rajiv Gandhi and his family to an island for their holiday. Even his in-laws were onboard INS Virat. Was it not a compromise of national security?" he asked. #WATCH PM Modi in Delhi: At the time when, INS Virat was positioned for protection of maritime boundaries, it was sent to take Rajiv Gandhi and his family to an island for their holiday. Even his in-laws were onboard INS Virat. Was it not a compromise of national security? pic.twitter.com/3RXdtJHF2m — ANI (@ANI) May 8, 2019 × The Navy was made to host the Gandhi family and Rajiv Gandhi's in-laws, and a helicopter was also deployed in their service, Modi claimed, adding that when a family becomes supreme, the country's security is at stake. After the Ramlila Maidan speech, PM Narendra Modi also tweeted about it and accused Congress of compromising on the issue of national security. "Even Navy personnel were put on service of Rajiv Gandhi and his family while they were vacationing at the island. INS Virat was also stationed at the island for 10 days during that time," he added. Aircraft carrier INS Viraat was commissioned into the Indian Navy in 1987. After nearly 30 years of service, it was decommissioned in 2016. (With inputs from ANI)

Rajiv Gandhi used INS Virat for personal holidays: PM Narendra Modi

The prestigious twin<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/lok-sabha-pollstwo-poll-staffers-die-in-madhya-pradesh-216427&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiN8vbq8oviAhWcknAKHTLeClAQFjACegQIDxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0LhupCBFEF9ncHUN3lkSld"> Lok Sabha constituencies</a> of Phulpur and Allahabad in the district, represented in the past by three prime ministers, are seeing a battle of political turncoats this election as the majority of the main candidates are fighting polls after having switched party allegiance.

In Phulpur, wherefrom Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru won the first three Lok Sabha elections, the BJP has fielded former Zila panchayat chief Keshri Devi Patel while Pankaj Niranjan is fighting from the Congress with Pandhari Yadav forming the third corner of this triangular contest.

The Patel community is an important electoral base and the<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/bjps-five-year-rule-was-just-a-trailer-real-picture-is-yet-to-begin-nitin-gadkari-215995&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwj5scXG84viAhWMinAKHcVyAW0QFjAIegQIARAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw3-oS0o5hxKdeW1VJrDuzr6"> Congress</a> and the SP-BSP alliance is also seeking to corner an important vote share from it. Senior Congress leader from Allahabad, Abhay Awasthi, says, the 2019 general elections in Allahabad this year is essentially a "battle of political turncoats".

"The twin Lok Sabha seats of Phulpur and Allahabad have seen titans fighting the poll in the past. From Nehru winning three times from Phulpur to Lal Bahadur Shastri and V P Singh from Allahabad, and then senior BJP leader M M Joshi, winning three times from Allahabad, these two have been very prestigious seats, but big players are not in the fray this time," he said in the interview.

Aswathi said Keshri Devi Patel is a strong leader of Patel's, and has served multiple time as Zila panchayat president in Allahabad, has a strong hold over voters at the grass-roots level.

"She is fighting for BJP, but she was earlier with the BSP. Patel fought the Lok Sabha elections in 2004 on a BSP ticket but had lost to SP candidate Atiq Ahmed (by over 64,000 votes)," he said.

Pankaj Niranjan, a Patel leader from Apna Dal, is fighting on a Congress ticket. He is a son-in-law of Apna Dal founder late Sonelal Patel, and the grand old party is seeking to woo Patel voters with him as the candidate.

But, parties are betting on turncoats not just in Phulpur but also in Allahabad constituency, where former Congress leader Rita Bahuguna Joshi is trying her luck, pitted against Congress' Yogesh Shukla, who earlier belonged to the BJP.

While Joshi had unsuccessfully fought Lok Sabha elections in 1999, losing to BJP stalwart M M Joshi and finished third, Shukla was fielded by the BJP in 2009 but faced defeat at the hands of SP's Kunwar Rewati Raman Singh and managed to get only the third position.

Shukla had joined the Congress late April just ahead of filing his nomination, Awasthi said.

"More so, SP's Rajendra Singh Patel fielded from Allahabad this time, was earlier with the JD(U) and had served as its vice-president. So, it is indeed a battle of turncoats of sorts this time for the two seats," he said.

Lok Sabha seats of Phulpur and Allahabad fall in the Allahabad district. As many as 14 candidates each are testing their fortunes from the two constituencies in the election here due on May 12.

Phulpur Lok Sabha seat, which Nehru had won in 1952, 1957 and 1962 consists of five assembly segments -- Phaphamau, Soraon, Phulpur, Allahabad West and Allahabad North. Allahabad Lok Sabha seat also consists of five assembly segments -- Meja, Karachhana, Bara, Koraon and Allahabad South.

Lal Bahadur Shashtri, who served as the second prime minister from 1964-66, had won Allahabad seat in 1957 and 1962, while VP Singh had won it in 1988. Akshat Lal, a resident of old Allahabad, which falls in Allahabad constituency, said, "From childhood days, we have heard stories of Nehru, Shastri and how the two seats have been considered bellwether constituencies. But, now caste and community equations are major factors in politics."

Lal, a graduate of Allahabad University, says, Allahabad is a city of Sangam, and, with many turncoats in the fray, it seems "politics are getting mixed up here in unusual ways".

The prestigious twin Lok Sabha constituencies of Phulpur and Allahabad in the district, represented in the past by three prime ministers, are seeing a battle of political turncoats this election as the majority of the main candidates are fighting polls after having switched party allegiance.

The prestigious twin Lok Sabha constituencies of Phulpur and Allahabad in the district, represented in the past by three prime ministers, are seeing a battle of political turncoats this election as the majority of the main candidates are fighting polls after having switched party allegiance. In Phulpur, wherefrom Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru won the first three Lok Sabha elections, the BJP has fielded former Zila panchayat chief Keshri Devi Patel while Pankaj Niranjan is fighting from the Congress with Pandhari Yadav forming the third corner of this triangular contest. The Patel community is an important electoral base and the Congress and the SP-BSP alliance is also seeking to corner an important vote share from it. Senior Congress leader from Allahabad, Abhay Awasthi, says, the 2019 general elections in Allahabad this year is essentially a "battle of political turncoats". "The twin Lok Sabha seats of Phulpur and Allahabad have seen titans fighting the poll in the past. From Nehru winning three times from Phulpur to Lal Bahadur Shastri and V P Singh from Allahabad, and then senior BJP leader M M Joshi, winning three times from Allahabad, these two have been very prestigious seats, but big players are not in the fray this time," he said in the interview. Aswathi said Keshri Devi Patel is a strong leader of Patel's, and has served multiple time as Zila panchayat president in Allahabad, has a strong hold over voters at the grass-roots level. "She is fighting for BJP, but she was earlier with the BSP. Patel fought the Lok Sabha elections in 2004 on a BSP ticket but had lost to SP candidate Atiq Ahmed (by over 64,000 votes)," he said. Pankaj Niranjan, a Patel leader from Apna Dal, is fighting on a Congress ticket. He is a son-in-law of Apna Dal founder late Sonelal Patel, and the grand old party is seeking to woo Patel voters with him as the candidate. But, parties are betting on turncoats not just in Phulpur but also in Allahabad constituency, where former Congress leader Rita Bahuguna Joshi is trying her luck, pitted against Congress' Yogesh Shukla, who earlier belonged to the BJP. While Joshi had unsuccessfully fought Lok Sabha elections in 1999, losing to BJP stalwart M M Joshi and finished third, Shukla was fielded by the BJP in 2009 but faced defeat at the hands of SP's Kunwar Rewati Raman Singh and managed to get only the third position. Shukla had joined the Congress late April just ahead of filing his nomination, Awasthi said. "More so, SP's Rajendra Singh Patel fielded from Allahabad this time, was earlier with the JD(U) and had served as its vice-president. So, it is indeed a battle of turncoats of sorts this time for the two seats," he said. Lok Sabha seats of Phulpur and Allahabad fall in the Allahabad district. As many as 14 candidates each are testing their fortunes from the two constituencies in the election here due on May 12. Phulpur Lok Sabha seat, which Nehru had won in 1952, 1957 and 1962 consists of five assembly segments -- Phaphamau, Soraon, Phulpur, Allahabad West and Allahabad North. Allahabad Lok Sabha seat also consists of five assembly segments -- Meja, Karachhana, Bara, Koraon and Allahabad South. Lal Bahadur Shashtri, who served as the second prime minister from 1964-66, had won Allahabad seat in 1957 and 1962, while VP Singh had won it in 1988. Akshat Lal, a resident of old Allahabad, which falls in Allahabad constituency, said, "From childhood days, we have heard stories of Nehru, Shastri and how the two seats have been considered bellwether constituencies. But, now caste and community equations are major factors in politics." Lal, a graduate of Allahabad University, says, Allahabad is a city of Sangam, and, with many turncoats in the fray, it seems "politics are getting mixed up here in unusual ways".

Lok Sabha polls 2019: A battle of turncoats for Phulpur, Allahabad Lok Sabha seats in phase 6

The <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-high-court-issues-notice-to-jet-airways-215111&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjIxIHtgoziAhUJK48KHfGiAM8QFjACegQIDhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw3zrNakfd_98p51v0qpt0M-">Delhi High Court</a> Wednesday dismissed a PIL seeking to restrain Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) from making "false" electoral promise of full statehood for Delhi in the ongoing Lok Sabha elections.

The plea came up before a bench of Chief Justice Rajendra Menon and Justice A J Bhambhani which rejected it.

The plea also sought direction to the <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/election-commission-issues-notice-to-pragya-singh-thakur-over-campaigning-despite-72-hour-ban-216032&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwi5m9j_goziAhXLMY8KHfTVAisQFjACegQIDxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw15paoMjd9kEDgRyRo9rBV7">Election Commission</a> to take appropriate action against Kejriwal and AAP for breach of a provision of the Representation of the People Act.

The petition filed by Anil Dutt Sharma said that AAP and Kejriwal have been advertising the promise to get full statehood for Delhi despite knowing that even if they will, they cannot grant it.

"The respondents no. 1 (Kejriwal) and 2 (AAP) do not have powers to make Delhi a complete statehood as they represent and seek to represent on Delhi government while that required to be the ruling party with the majority in both the houses of Parliament to grant Delhi full statehood. Admittedly, they are not contesting on sufficient seats to get them desired majority to amend the Constitution," it said.

On April 25, Kejriwal had said "We will fulfil a 70-year-old demand of the people of Delhi by granting full statehood. Both parties, BJP and Congress, have not fulfilled their promise of giving full statehood to Delhi. If Delhi becomes full statehood, we will not require the Centre's permission. The Anti-Corruption branch will be handled by the Delhi government again."

In Delhi, polling will take place on May 12 in the sixth phase of the Lok Sabha elections and the results will be announced on May 23.&nbsp;

The Delhi High Court Wednesday dismissed a PIL seeking to restrain Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) from making "false" electoral promise of full statehood for Delhi in the ongoing Lok Sabha elections.

The Delhi High Court Wednesday dismissed a PIL seeking to restrain Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) from making "false" electoral promise of full statehood for Delhi in the ongoing Lok Sabha elections. The plea came up before a bench of Chief Justice Rajendra Menon and Justice A J Bhambhani which rejected it. The plea also sought direction to the Election Commission to take appropriate action against Kejriwal and AAP for breach of a provision of the Representation of the People Act. The petition filed by Anil Dutt Sharma said that AAP and Kejriwal have been advertising the promise to get full statehood for Delhi despite knowing that even if they will, they cannot grant it. "The respondents no. 1 (Kejriwal) and 2 (AAP) do not have powers to make Delhi a complete statehood as they represent and seek to represent on Delhi government while that required to be the ruling party with the majority in both the houses of Parliament to grant Delhi full statehood. Admittedly, they are not contesting on sufficient seats to get them desired majority to amend the Constitution," it said. On April 25, Kejriwal had said "We will fulfil a 70-year-old demand of the people of Delhi by granting full statehood. Both parties, BJP and Congress, have not fulfilled their promise of giving full statehood to Delhi. If Delhi becomes full statehood, we will not require the Centre's permission. The Anti-Corruption branch will be handled by the Delhi government again." In Delhi, polling will take place on May 12 in the sixth phase of the Lok Sabha elections and the results will be announced on May 23.

Delhi High Court dismisses plea to restrain Kejriwal, AAP from making full statehood promise for Delhi

Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/terrorist-attacks-had-become-daily-affair-during-congress-pm-modi-in-rajasthan-215640">Narendra Modi </a>is the second most followed politician in the world on social media after former US President Barack Obama, according to a report.

Modi has a total audience of 110.9 million on Facebook, Twitter and<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/2019-lok-sabha-elections-instagram-a-new-game-changer-to-woo-young-voters-186133"> Instagram</a>. Obama's total following stood at 182.7 million, the report released by digital marketing platform SEMrush said on Tuesday.

"With his approximately 110 million followers worldwide, Narendra Modi has overtaken the present US President Donald Trump who has 96 million followers globally. However, Trump still enjoys the second most followed politician position globally on Twitter (with 59.8 million followers)," it said.

According to the report, Modi had over 43 million followers on Facebook, about 47 million followers on Twitter and more than 20 million followers on Instagram.

However, these numbers do not represent unique users, which means that the same person or entity could be following the same politician across various social media platforms.

Congress party President Rahul Gandhi has accumulated 12 million followers on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, the report said.

The report said of all the social media platforms, Twitter served as "the nest of the maximum number of active political audiences, both domestic and global".

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is the second most followed politician in the world on social media after former US President Barack Obama, according to a report. Modi has a total audience of 110.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is the second most followed politician in the world on social media after former US President Barack Obama, according to a report. Modi has a total audience of 110.9 million on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Obama's total following stood at 182.7 million, the report released by digital marketing platform SEMrush said on Tuesday. "With his approximately 110 million followers worldwide, Narendra Modi has overtaken the present US President Donald Trump who has 96 million followers globally. However, Trump still enjoys the second most followed politician position globally on Twitter (with 59.8 million followers)," it said. According to the report, Modi had over 43 million followers on Facebook, about 47 million followers on Twitter and more than 20 million followers on Instagram. However, these numbers do not represent unique users, which means that the same person or entity could be following the same politician across various social media platforms. Congress party President Rahul Gandhi has accumulated 12 million followers on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, the report said. The report said of all the social media platforms, Twitter served as "the nest of the maximum number of active political audiences, both domestic and global".

PM Narendra Modi overtakes Trump, becomes second most followed politician on social media in world

An election watchdog has pointed out discrepancies in the income tax details submitted by the <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/prakash-raj-to-campaign-for-aap-in-delhi-says-people-should-come-together-to-reclaim-the-republic-215873&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjfzp-84oviAhVKqY8KHfTcDrc4ChAWMAF6BAgPEAI&amp;usg=AOvVaw0RJiYolyGJDgyFUATA7Tqw">Aam Aadmi Party</a> (AAP) and Congress candidates in their nominations for the Panaji Assembly bypoll in Goa.

In a release issued on Tuesday, the Association of Democratic Reforms (ADR)said the affidavits filed by AAP nominee Valmiki Naik for the 2017 state Assembly elections and the upcoming bypoll show a difference of over Rs 1 lakh in his I-T returns for the financial year 2015-16.

In his affidavit for the Panaji bypoll, Naik has shown his I-T returns as Rs 3,91,341 for 2015-16, while in his 2017 submission, he mentioned a figure of Rs 2,89,810 for the same period, the ADR said.

It also pointed out that Congress candidate Atanasio Monserratte in his affidavit for the upcoming bypoll has mentioned his I-T returns for 2015-16 as Rs 24,50,076, which is Rs 34,746 less than the Rs 24,84,822 figure submitted by him in his 2017 Assembly election affidavit.

While comparing his 2017 and 2019 affidavits, though Monserratte's net worth went down by about Rs 9 crore in last two years, he declared Rs 1,69,84,756 as his I-T returns for 2017-18 and Rs 33,33,822 cash in hand each (self and spouse) on the date of filing nomination on April 29, the ADR said.

When contacted, North Goa's district election officer R Menaka said she will look into the matter. Naik and Monserratte could not be contacted for their response to ADR's findings.

In the 2017 Assembly polls, BJP leader Siddharth Kunkolienkar won the Panaji seat located in North Goa district, while Monserratte, who then contested as an Independent, stood second, and Naik came third.

Kunkolienkar vacated the seat later that year to allow then chief minister Manohar Parrikar to contest and enter the 40-member Goa Assembly. The Panaji Assembly bypoll was necessitated due to the death of sitting MLA Parrikar on March 17.

The BJP has nominated Kunkolienkar to take on Monserrate, who is now contesting on Congress' ticket, and Naik in the bypoll to be held May 19.&nbsp;

An election watchdog has pointed out discrepancies in the income tax details submitted by the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and Congress candidates in their nominations for the Panaji Assembly bypoll in Goa.

An election watchdog has pointed out discrepancies in the income tax details submitted by the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and Congress candidates in their nominations for the Panaji Assembly bypoll in Goa. In a release issued on Tuesday, the Association of Democratic Reforms (ADR)said the affidavits filed by AAP nominee Valmiki Naik for the 2017 state Assembly elections and the upcoming bypoll show a difference of over Rs 1 lakh in his I-T returns for the financial year 2015-16. In his affidavit for the Panaji bypoll, Naik has shown his I-T returns as Rs 3,91,341 for 2015-16, while in his 2017 submission, he mentioned a figure of Rs 2,89,810 for the same period, the ADR said. It also pointed out that Congress candidate Atanasio Monserratte in his affidavit for the upcoming bypoll has mentioned his I-T returns for 2015-16 as Rs 24,50,076, which is Rs 34,746 less than the Rs 24,84,822 figure submitted by him in his 2017 Assembly election affidavit. While comparing his 2017 and 2019 affidavits, though Monserratte's net worth went down by about Rs 9 crore in last two years, he declared Rs 1,69,84,756 as his I-T returns for 2017-18 and Rs 33,33,822 cash in hand each (self and spouse) on the date of filing nomination on April 29, the ADR said. When contacted, North Goa's district election officer R Menaka said she will look into the matter. Naik and Monserratte could not be contacted for their response to ADR's findings. In the 2017 Assembly polls, BJP leader Siddharth Kunkolienkar won the Panaji seat located in North Goa district, while Monserratte, who then contested as an Independent, stood second, and Naik came third. Kunkolienkar vacated the seat later that year to allow then chief minister Manohar Parrikar to contest and enter the 40-member Goa Assembly. The Panaji Assembly bypoll was necessitated due to the death of sitting MLA Parrikar on March 17. The BJP has nominated Kunkolienkar to take on Monserrate, who is now contesting on Congress' ticket, and Naik in the bypoll to be held May 19.

Association of Democratic Reform finds discrepancies in affidavits of AAP, Congress candidates

BJP <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/india-will-become-superpower-if-modi-becomes-pm-again-amit-shah-216183&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwj3pYPX-oviAhUxguYKHY-KAEcQFjADegQICxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1xRMOlhKWs_6DaPKMfHS4S">President Amit Shah</a> asserted on Wednesday that the only relevant issue in this election is national security and there is only one man who has delivered results on this count and that is Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

"Don`t give a vote for development works to BJP candidate Bidyut Baran Mahto in Jamshedpur,&nbsp;vote for him because Narendra Modi made the country's border security.&nbsp; The Prime Minister has taken effective steps to secure the borders of the country. In the regime of UPA-I and II, enemy forces used to run havoc in the country but no action was taken on that front," he said addressing an election rally.

"In the recent past, our 40 security personnel lost their lives in the attack by Pakistan-aided terrorism in<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/lok-sabha-polls-phase-5-grenade-attack-on-polling-station-in-pulwama-216256&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjdu9e3-oviAhXy63MBHegsDsYQFjADegQIDxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw02VZSsEQlOYC149LgosQTE"> Pulwama</a>. Due to the decisive nature of PM Modi, our brave Indian Air Force (IAF) troops retaliated and entered enemy territory to debase their terror camps. India is only the third country after Israel and the United States of America (USA) to have retaliated to terrorism in this brave manner," Shah asserted.

He attacked the opposition saying, "After our surgical strike, everywhere there was a celebratory atmosphere but there was widespread hopelessness in Pakistan and in the Congress camp."On Jammu and Kashmir, Shah made BJP`s stand clear that they would surely remove article 370 from the state. "Omar Abdullah said that Jammu and Kashmir should have a separate Prime Minister. We will never let that happen and we will surely remove article 370 from Jammu and Kashmir," Shah said.

"I have been to 296 Lok Sabha constituencies around the country and everywhere in the country there is only one wave - `Modi, Modi`. The people of India were looking for a person for 70 years who will not work for his own family but for every person in the country. That man is Narendra Modi," he contended.

Shah spoke about Jamshedpur as being India`s pride. "Jamshedpur is India`s pride. Inspired by Swami Vivekananda, Jamshedji Tata founded India`s first steel factory in Jamshedpur," he said."I want to talk about Jamshedpur. Bidyut Baran Mahto is the MP from Jamshedpur who works day and night for his constituency`s welfare. At the cost of Rs 447 crores, roads have been built in Jamshedpur. At the cost of Rs 1215 crores, 121 km of national highways have been built in Jharkhand. MGM medical college`s graduation work has started," he said about Jamshedpur.

"Under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY), 16,500 people in Jamshedpur have got houses. Duronto express has been flagged off from Jamshedpur. A Regional Passport Office has been opened in Jamshedpur. 3,05,000 children have got scholarships in Jamshedpur. 1.5 lakh houses have got piped water connection in Jamshedpur," he added.

"Along with the central government, the Raghuvar Das government in Jharkhand has also done good work. The state government took the agricultural growth rate from 4.5% to 14% in the state in the last 5 years. More than 35 lakh employment opportunities were created and around one lakh government jobs were created for the people of Jharkhand. 13 Polytechnics and 6 medical colleges were opened. Earlier, there were 300 medical seats,&nbsp;now the figure stands at 900. Naxalism has more or less been wiped off from Jharkhand," he stated.

He finally appealed for votes from the people for BJP in large numbers. Jharkhand has polled in four phases out of which two phases are over and two remain on May 12 and 19. The counting of votes shall take place on May 23.&nbsp;

BJP President Amit Shah asserted on Wednesday that the only relevant issue in this election is national security and there is only one man who has delivered results on this count and that is Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

BJP President Amit Shah asserted on Wednesday that the only relevant issue in this election is national security and there is only one man who has delivered results on this count and that is Prime Minister Narendra Modi. "Don`t give a vote for development works to BJP candidate Bidyut Baran Mahto in Jamshedpur, vote for him because Narendra Modi made the country's border security. The Prime Minister has taken effective steps to secure the borders of the country. In the regime of UPA-I and II, enemy forces used to run havoc in the country but no action was taken on that front," he said addressing an election rally. "In the recent past, our 40 security personnel lost their lives in the attack by Pakistan-aided terrorism in Pulwama. Due to the decisive nature of PM Modi, our brave Indian Air Force (IAF) troops retaliated and entered enemy territory to debase their terror camps. India is only the third country after Israel and the United States of America (USA) to have retaliated to terrorism in this brave manner," Shah asserted. He attacked the opposition saying, "After our surgical strike, everywhere there was a celebratory atmosphere but there was widespread hopelessness in Pakistan and in the Congress camp."On Jammu and Kashmir, Shah made BJP`s stand clear that they would surely remove article 370 from the state. "Omar Abdullah said that Jammu and Kashmir should have a separate Prime Minister. We will never let that happen and we will surely remove article 370 from Jammu and Kashmir," Shah said. "I have been to 296 Lok Sabha constituencies around the country and everywhere in the country there is only one wave - `Modi, Modi`. The people of India were looking for a person for 70 years who will not work for his own family but for every person in the country. That man is Narendra Modi," he contended. Shah spoke about Jamshedpur as being India`s pride. "Jamshedpur is India`s pride. Inspired by Swami Vivekananda, Jamshedji Tata founded India`s first steel factory in Jamshedpur," he said."I want to talk about Jamshedpur. Bidyut Baran Mahto is the MP from Jamshedpur who works day and night for his constituency`s welfare. At the cost of Rs 447 crores, roads have been built in Jamshedpur. At the cost of Rs 1215 crores, 121 km of national highways have been built in Jharkhand. MGM medical college`s graduation work has started," he said about Jamshedpur. "Under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY), 16,500 people in Jamshedpur have got houses. Duronto express has been flagged off from Jamshedpur. A Regional Passport Office has been opened in Jamshedpur. 3,05,000 children have got scholarships in Jamshedpur. 1.5 lakh houses have got piped water connection in Jamshedpur," he added. "Along with the central government, the Raghuvar Das government in Jharkhand has also done good work. The state government took the agricultural growth rate from 4.5% to 14% in the state in the last 5 years. More than 35 lakh employment opportunities were created and around one lakh government jobs were created for the people of Jharkhand. 13 Polytechnics and 6 medical colleges were opened. Earlier, there were 300 medical seats, now the figure stands at 900. Naxalism has more or less been wiped off from Jharkhand," he stated. He finally appealed for votes from the people for BJP in large numbers. Jharkhand has polled in four phases out of which two phases are over and two remain on May 12 and 19. The counting of votes shall take place on May 23.

Vote for National Security, says Amit Shah in a rally in Jamshedpur

India has decided to fully utilise its share of unused water from rivers that have been flowing into Pakistan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Wednesday during a poll rally in Kurukshetra.

While addressing the farmers and his supporters in his first rally in the state of Haryana during general elections this year, Prime minister Narendra Modi has said that in his governance India will no longer share even a single drop of water with Pakistan.

"Many rivers go to Pakistan from India but sadly this water belongs to our farmers. Congress failed to do anything on this but your chowkidar will ensure that every Indian farmer gets every drop of water. The water from Indian rivers will not go to Pakistan," the Prime Minister said.

PM Narendra Modi slammed the main opposition party Congress for its softer stance against Pakistan in the past and promised with his return to power, India’s share of river water won’t go to Pakistan.

PM Modi said that the previous governments of Congress were never considerate to preserve the water of Indian rivers for the advantage of Indian farmers.&nbsp;

There are more than a few Indian rivers which reach Pakistan and instead of Indians, the Pakistani farmers are yielding profits. PM blamed Congress for failing to take any decisive step to stop water sharing with Pakistan.

India is not a water-poor country, however, the demand for water among the farmers of Haryana, Punjab and Rajasthan is increasing every day due to the growing population and inefficient use of water resources.

Under the Indus Waters Treaty, India shares the waters of the Beas and Sutlej rivers with Pakistan. There have been several occasions that the current Indian government spoke of regulations and not sharing water with Pakistan.

After the Uri incident, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said: “Blood and water cannot flow together.” &nbsp;

After Pulwama attack, Indian minister Nitin Gadkari had said that the government was planning to build three projects on three rivers, water of which was flowing to Pakistan.

India has decided to fully utilise its share of unused water from rivers that have been flowing into Pakistan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Wednesday during a poll rally in Kurukshetra.

India has decided to fully utilise its share of unused water from rivers that have been flowing into Pakistan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Wednesday during a poll rally in Kurukshetra. While addressing the farmers and his supporters in his first rally in the state of Haryana during general elections this year, Prime minister Narendra Modi has said that in his governance India will no longer share even a single drop of water with Pakistan. "Many rivers go to Pakistan from India but sadly this water belongs to our farmers. Congress failed to do anything on this but your chowkidar will ensure that every Indian farmer gets every drop of water. The water from Indian rivers will not go to Pakistan," the Prime Minister said. PM Narendra Modi slammed the main opposition party Congress for its softer stance against Pakistan in the past and promised with his return to power, India’s share of river water won’t go to Pakistan. PM Modi said that the previous governments of Congress were never considerate to preserve the water of Indian rivers for the advantage of Indian farmers. There are more than a few Indian rivers which reach Pakistan and instead of Indians, the Pakistani farmers are yielding profits. PM blamed Congress for failing to take any decisive step to stop water sharing with Pakistan. India is not a water-poor country, however, the demand for water among the farmers of Haryana, Punjab and Rajasthan is increasing every day due to the growing population and inefficient use of water resources. Under the Indus Waters Treaty, India shares the waters of the Beas and Sutlej rivers with Pakistan. There have been several occasions that the current Indian government spoke of regulations and not sharing water with Pakistan. After the Uri incident, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said: “Blood and water cannot flow together.” After Pulwama attack, Indian minister Nitin Gadkari had said that the government was planning to build three projects on three rivers, water of which was flowing to Pakistan.

India will 'stop' flow of our share of water to Pakistan: PM Modi at Kurukshetra poll rally

Delhi chief minister and APP chief Arvind Kejriwal on Wednesday accused Congress president Rahul Gandhi and his sister Priyanka Gandhi Vadra of not campaigning in places where Congress is in a direct fight with the BJP. &nbsp;

Rahul Gandhi and his sister Priyanka Gandhi Vadra are not going to places like Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh where their party is in a direct fight with the BJP, news agency PTI reported quoting Kejriwal.&nbsp;

He also said Priyanka Gandhi, the Congress general secretary for Uttar Pradesh (East), will be "wasting" her time campaigning in the national capital.&nbsp;

Priyanka Gandhi will kickstart her campaign for Congress candidates in the national Capital from Wednesday by holding roadshows in North East and South Delhi constituencies.

"She (Priyanka) is wasting her time in the national capital, why doesn't she campaign in Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh? he reportedly asked.&nbsp;

"She's doing rallies in Uttar Pradesh against SP-BSP, she's doing rallies in Delhi against the AAP. Both the brother and sister aren't going to those places where there's direct fight with the BJP," he said.

Delhi goes to polls on Sunday. The results would be announced on May 23.

(With inputs from PTI)

Delhi chief minister and APP chief Arvind Kejriwal on Wednesday accused Congress president Rahul Gandhi and his sister Priyanka Gandhi Vadra of not campaigning in places where Congress is in a direct fight with the BJP.

Delhi chief minister and APP chief Arvind Kejriwal on Wednesday accused Congress president Rahul Gandhi and his sister Priyanka Gandhi Vadra of not campaigning in places where Congress is in a direct fight with the BJP. Rahul Gandhi and his sister Priyanka Gandhi Vadra are not going to places like Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh where their party is in a direct fight with the BJP, news agency PTI reported quoting Kejriwal. He also said Priyanka Gandhi, the Congress general secretary for Uttar Pradesh (East), will be "wasting" her time campaigning in the national capital. Priyanka Gandhi will kickstart her campaign for Congress candidates in the national Capital from Wednesday by holding roadshows in North East and South Delhi constituencies. "She (Priyanka) is wasting her time in the national capital, why doesn't she campaign in Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh? he reportedly asked. "She's doing rallies in Uttar Pradesh against SP-BSP, she's doing rallies in Delhi against the AAP. Both the brother and sister aren't going to those places where there's direct fight with the BJP," he said. Delhi goes to polls on Sunday. The results would be announced on May 23. (With inputs from PTI)

Priyanka Gandhi will be 'wasting' her time campaigning in Delhi: Kejriwal

The BJP lodged its protest with the <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/635-per-cent-voter-turnout-in-phase-5-election-commission-216589&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjo9u6M3IviAhWD7XMBHXw4DO0QFjAHegQIBRAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0CGd9ZdYMh_gAZ9RTwacps">Election Commission</a> on Wednesday over "delay" in action against the AAP leaders including its chief Arvind Kejriwal, on complaints of model code of conduct violations.

The Leader of Opposition in Delhi Assembly <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/kejriwal-yet-to-respond-to-election-commission-notice-for-asking-voters-to-take-money-from-bjp-congress-215159&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiIu8Kg3IviAhXe7XMBHf9bCAwQFjAAegQIEhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw3CGgeTtTGcPotOvOJDvL9b">Vijender Gupta</a> met the EC officials and demanded strict action against the AAP leaders including "gagging" them for the alleged violations.

"We have lodged complaints with the EC and the Chief Electoral Officer (Delhi) against the AAP leaders with evidence. But no action has been taken which hints unexpected favour to the AAP by the EC," Gupta said after the meeting.

Unless urgent and immediate action is taken, the complaints will become futile. Delay in deciding the complaints or representation will only result in denial of our right to remedies, he said.&nbsp;

"The Honourable Election Commission of India has a Constitutional obligation to ensure free and fair elections. It has a duty to take action against violators of poll rules and regulations for conducting the elections in a free and fair manner", it said.

The BJP leaders have lodged several complaints of violations of model code of conduct (MCC) against the AAP, relating to alleged misuse of public funds for appeasement politics, paid news, spreading lies against BJP candidate Hans Raj Hans, asking voters to take money from BJP and Congress but vote for the AAP.&nbsp;

The fresh complaint filed by Gupta charged that despite various complaints and multiple representations, no concrete, tangible and substantial actions have been taken by the EC.&nbsp;

In a democratic set up like India, the Election Commission is entrusted with the obligation not only to sustain the democratic consciousness amongst the voters but also to strengthen it further by taking necessary actions on MCC violations, Gupta added.

The BJP lodged its protest with the Election Commission on Wednesday over "delay" in action against the AAP leaders including its chief Arvind Kejriwal, on complaints of model code of conduct violations.

The BJP lodged its protest with the Election Commission on Wednesday over "delay" in action against the AAP leaders including its chief Arvind Kejriwal, on complaints of model code of conduct violations. The Leader of Opposition in Delhi Assembly Vijender Gupta met the EC officials and demanded strict action against the AAP leaders including "gagging" them for the alleged violations. "We have lodged complaints with the EC and the Chief Electoral Officer (Delhi) against the AAP leaders with evidence. But no action has been taken which hints unexpected favour to the AAP by the EC," Gupta said after the meeting. Unless urgent and immediate action is taken, the complaints will become futile. Delay in deciding the complaints or representation will only result in denial of our right to remedies, he said. "The Honourable Election Commission of India has a Constitutional obligation to ensure free and fair elections. It has a duty to take action against violators of poll rules and regulations for conducting the elections in a free and fair manner", it said. The BJP leaders have lodged several complaints of violations of model code of conduct (MCC) against the AAP, relating to alleged misuse of public funds for appeasement politics, paid news, spreading lies against BJP candidate Hans Raj Hans, asking voters to take money from BJP and Congress but vote for the AAP. The fresh complaint filed by Gupta charged that despite various complaints and multiple representations, no concrete, tangible and substantial actions have been taken by the EC. In a democratic set up like India, the Election Commission is entrusted with the obligation not only to sustain the democratic consciousness amongst the voters but also to strengthen it further by taking necessary actions on MCC violations, Gupta added.

Model Code of Conduct violations: BJP lodges protest with Election Commission over 'delay' in action against AAP leaders

Predicting that no single party will get a majority in Election 2019, Congress leader<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/lok-sabha-polls-2019-priyankas-roadshows-rahuls-rallies-to-heat-up-campaigning-in-delhi-215439&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwju2q7u14viAhVHgI8KHYfPB904ChAWMAR6BAgSEAI&amp;usg=AOvVaw0PSfORO0ToOzb3spmgcxqI"> Jyotiraditya Scindia</a> says his party will forge a strong alliance of like-minded entities to create a "UPA plus plus" government at the Centre and end five years of "injustice".

The days of coalition governments are here to stay, the Congress general secretary, who is seeking a fresh mandate from the electorate of Madhya Pradesh's Guna-Shivpuri seat for a fifth term, said in an interview.&nbsp;

Asked about the <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/robert-mueller-should-not-testify-before-us-congress-trump-216223&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwja3Zr514viAhWMLI8KHQ3ADGQQFjABegQIAhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw38bQ8rklnW815WQBl03O7R">Congress' </a>chances after five rounds of the seven-phase elections, Scindia said he never quantifies the number of seats but can see that the mood of the people is against the present BJP dispensation.

"My assessment is the Congress party, the UPA government will form the government at the Centre and I am very confident of our performance as a coalition," he said.&nbsp; 
"I think the people of India are waiting for the moment to respond to the injustice that has been meted out to them by the Narendra Modi government over the last five years," Scindia said during his election campaign in the region.

It goes without saying that no single party, be it the BJP or the Congress or any other party, is going to get an absolute majority, he said. "It will be a coalition government at the Centre as it is now or has been for the past 25-30 years in the country," the 48-year-old said.&nbsp;"That being said, I firmly believe the UPA will be able to stitch together a very strong coalition government," he added.&nbsp;

Asserting that he is not an astrologer, he said he predicted that the Congress and its allies will put together a "very strong performance". "We look forward to putting together a strong coalition government with like-minded parties which will be the UPA or UPA plus plus," he said.&nbsp;The United Progressive Alliance, formed after the 2004 polls and led by the Congress, ruled the country for 10 years with Manmohan Singh as the prime minister and Sonia Gandhi as its chairperson.&nbsp;

BJP'S NATIONALISM CAMPAIGN

The son of the late Congress stalwart Madhavrao Scindia said the Bharatiya Janata Party was harping on subjects related to nationalism as it had nothing to say on development issues.

"That's very understandable. Because we have always come on the plank of economic growth, development and progress. We have come on the plank of alleviation of poverty. "The BJP has nothing to talk about in its last five years of governance. The last time they were in government, they talked about India Shining. And India was shining only for the BJP but not for the rest of the country," he said.

This time, Scindia added, they came up with the slogan 'ache din' which applied only to a sub-section of a limited coterie of the BJP.&nbsp;"If you ask the common worker of the BJP or even its MPs, not even their 'ache din' have arrived," the former Union minister said. He recalled the mathematical concept of LCM (least common multiple) to say, "The LCM for the BJP is Hindutva and phoney rashtravad (nationalism)," he said.

NYAY&nbsp;

The Congress leader, who holds sway in the Gwalior-Chambal belt of Madhya Pradesh, said he didn't agree that the party's minimum income scheme (NYAY) promise to provide Rs 72,000 per annum to about five crore poor households has not clicked with the masses.

"The judgement will come on (counting day) May 23. So, let's wait. I am very confident the people of India have understood the concept of NYAY. It is not a very difficult concept," he said.

RAHUL GANDHI AS PM&nbsp;

An important member of<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/rahul-gandhis-act-of-trashing-ordinance-was-height-of-arrogance-sushma-swaraj-216965&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjMm_2M2IviAhXMQo8KHYuzDtIQFjAHegQIBhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw3-opH-JPQXb5gf2AY2GWpl"> Rahul Gandhi's</a> core committee, Scindia said the Congress president is the obvious PM choice for them but a final decision will be taken by the UPA's constituents. "We are not like the BJP which believes one man, one way or the highway. We believe in working together and taking everyone along," he said. 
"The Congress party is one constituent of the UPA and as far as Congress party is concerned, our voice is very clear that it should be Rahul Gandhi but it will be a collective decision," he said.

Why are these elections important for the Congress?

"It is because of two reasons. One is that we want to save the country from this dictatorial and authoritarian rule that is smashing our Constitution and two, to be able to give a vision for India, for the farmers, for our youth in terms of employment to take our country forward.

"The Congress took the country forward in 10 years of the UPA by delivering a 7.8 per cent compounded annual growth rate of over a decade which is a stupendous achievement that lifted about 25 million people out of poverty. This government has just taken us 20 years back," he said.

So, it's a twin purpose -- it is to salvage our democracy and Constitution and freedom of liberty and rights and to take the country forward, he added.

PM'S COMMENTS ON RAJIV GANDHI&nbsp;

Modi's recent comment on the late prime minister Rajiv Gandhi, calling him "corrupt no 1", was distasteful and sad, Scindia said.&nbsp;"It is very hurtful to see that the person occupying the highest chair of this country talking about another person who occupied that same very chair and who is no longer in this world and cast slurs on that person. It does not behove someone who occupies that chair and sad to see that this is the level of politics that Mr Modi has come down to," he said.&nbsp;

Predicting that no single party will get a majority in Election 2019, Congress leader Jyotiraditya Scindia says his party will forge a strong alliance of like-minded entities to create a "UPA plus plus" government at the Centre and end five years of "injustice".

Predicting that no single party will get a majority in Election 2019, Congress leader Jyotiraditya Scindia says his party will forge a strong alliance of like-minded entities to create a "UPA plus plus" government at the Centre and end five years of "injustice". The days of coalition governments are here to stay, the Congress general secretary, who is seeking a fresh mandate from the electorate of Madhya Pradesh's Guna-Shivpuri seat for a fifth term, said in an interview. Asked about the Congress' chances after five rounds of the seven-phase elections, Scindia said he never quantifies the number of seats but can see that the mood of the people is against the present BJP dispensation. "My assessment is the Congress party, the UPA government will form the government at the Centre and I am very confident of our performance as a coalition," he said. "I think the people of India are waiting for the moment to respond to the injustice that has been meted out to them by the Narendra Modi government over the last five years," Scindia said during his election campaign in the region. It goes without saying that no single party, be it the BJP or the Congress or any other party, is going to get an absolute majority, he said. "It will be a coalition government at the Centre as it is now or has been for the past 25-30 years in the country," the 48-year-old said. "That being said, I firmly believe the UPA will be able to stitch together a very strong coalition government," he added. Asserting that he is not an astrologer, he said he predicted that the Congress and its allies will put together a "very strong performance". "We look forward to putting together a strong coalition government with like-minded parties which will be the UPA or UPA plus plus," he said. The United Progressive Alliance, formed after the 2004 polls and led by the Congress, ruled the country for 10 years with Manmohan Singh as the prime minister and Sonia Gandhi as its chairperson. BJP'S NATIONALISM CAMPAIGN The son of the late Congress stalwart Madhavrao Scindia said the Bharatiya Janata Party was harping on subjects related to nationalism as it had nothing to say on development issues. "That's very understandable. Because we have always come on the plank of economic growth, development and progress. We have come on the plank of alleviation of poverty. "The BJP has nothing to talk about in its last five years of governance. The last time they were in government, they talked about India Shining. And India was shining only for the BJP but not for the rest of the country," he said. This time, Scindia added, they came up with the slogan 'ache din' which applied only to a sub-section of a limited coterie of the BJP. "If you ask the common worker of the BJP or even its MPs, not even their 'ache din' have arrived," the former Union minister said. He recalled the mathematical concept of LCM (least common multiple) to say, "The LCM for the BJP is Hindutva and phoney rashtravad (nationalism)," he said. NYAY The Congress leader, who holds sway in the Gwalior-Chambal belt of Madhya Pradesh, said he didn't agree that the party's minimum income scheme (NYAY) promise to provide Rs 72,000 per annum to about five crore poor households has not clicked with the masses. "The judgement will come on (counting day) May 23. So, let's wait. I am very confident the people of India have understood the concept of NYAY. It is not a very difficult concept," he said. RAHUL GANDHI AS PM An important member of Rahul Gandhi's core committee, Scindia said the Congress president is the obvious PM choice for them but a final decision will be taken by the UPA's constituents. "We are not like the BJP which believes one man, one way or the highway. We believe in working together and taking everyone along," he said. "The Congress party is one constituent of the UPA and as far as Congress party is concerned, our voice is very clear that it should be Rahul Gandhi but it will be a collective decision," he said. Why are these elections important for the Congress? "It is because of two reasons. One is that we want to save the country from this dictatorial and authoritarian rule that is smashing our Constitution and two, to be able to give a vision for India, for the farmers, for our youth in terms of employment to take our country forward. "The Congress took the country forward in 10 years of the UPA by delivering a 7.8 per cent compounded annual growth rate of over a decade which is a stupendous achievement that lifted about 25 million people out of poverty. This government has just taken us 20 years back," he said. So, it's a twin purpose -- it is to salvage our democracy and Constitution and freedom of liberty and rights and to take the country forward, he added. PM'S COMMENTS ON RAJIV GANDHI Modi's recent comment on the late prime minister Rajiv Gandhi, calling him "corrupt no 1", was distasteful and sad, Scindia said. "It is very hurtful to see that the person occupying the highest chair of this country talking about another person who occupied that same very chair and who is no longer in this world and cast slurs on that person. It does not behove someone who occupies that chair and sad to see that this is the level of politics that Mr Modi has come down to," he said.

No party will get majority, Congress will forge alliance for 'UPA plus plus' govt: Jyotiraditya Scindia

Union Minister<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/videos/smriti-irani-alleges-voters-being-forced-to-vote-for-congress-216384&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiMy6ui14jiAhXS7nMBHSRfAkIQFjAIegQIBhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw03qzuEilU0CXJuZVJMu1RV"> Smriti Irani </a>on Monday hit out at Congress president Rahul Gandhi for cancelling his visit to <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/photos/lok-sabha-elections-smriti-irani-rahul-gandhi-face-off-in-fifth-phase-polls-216380&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiMy6ui14jiAhXS7nMBHSRfAkIQFjAEegQIBRAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1OigluUO7MaLqWxplwLqjg">Amethi on the polling day</a>, which she said is "an insult to the people" of the constituency.

"Rahul Gandhi has once again cheated the people of Amethi. I did not know that Rahul Gandhi could become so egotistic that he will not appear on the polling day. At least, he should have not insulted the people of his constituency. The person who can lie on the matter of his tours should never be trusted by the people," Irani said while speaking to ANI.

In response to Irani`s statement, Congress MLC Deepak Singh said,&nbsp;"Smriti Irani is frustrated as she is losing her deposit in Amethi. Her allegation shows that people have given mandate in favour of Congress. People of Amethi told Rahul Gandhi to look after the country and they will look after Amethi. This is the reason Rahul Gandhi did not come to Amethi today."

Irani has faced Rahul in Amethi Lok Sabha seat for which the polling took place on Monday.

Gandhi has been winning this seat since 2004.

In the last Lok Sabha polls, he had defeated Irani by a margin of over one lakh votes.

The counting of votes will take place on May 23.

Union Minister Smriti Irani on Monday hit out at Congress president Rahul Gandhi for cancelling his visit to Amethi on the polling day, which she said is "an insult to the people" of the constituency.

Union Minister Smriti Irani on Monday hit out at Congress president Rahul Gandhi for cancelling his visit to Amethi on the polling day, which she said is "an insult to the people" of the constituency. "Rahul Gandhi has once again cheated the people of Amethi. I did not know that Rahul Gandhi could become so egotistic that he will not appear on the polling day. At least, he should have not insulted the people of his constituency. The person who can lie on the matter of his tours should never be trusted by the people," Irani said while speaking to ANI. In response to Irani`s statement, Congress MLC Deepak Singh said, "Smriti Irani is frustrated as she is losing her deposit in Amethi. Her allegation shows that people have given mandate in favour of Congress. People of Amethi told Rahul Gandhi to look after the country and they will look after Amethi. This is the reason Rahul Gandhi did not come to Amethi today." Irani has faced Rahul in Amethi Lok Sabha seat for which the polling took place on Monday. Gandhi has been winning this seat since 2004. In the last Lok Sabha polls, he had defeated Irani by a margin of over one lakh votes. The counting of votes will take place on May 23.

On polling day, Rahul Gandhi cancels Amethi visit; Smriti Irani says insult to people

&nbsp;A voter turnout of 63.5 per cent was recorded in the fifth phase of the <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-election-watch-know-5-crucial-points-about-phase-5-216501&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwimxaT71YjiAhVUmuYKHRlOD_QQFjAHegQIBhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2SIFkZ3QIKeYWEkwZ7z0k9">Lok Sabha elections</a>, which is the lowest in all the phases so far, Election Commission data shows.

According to the Commission's Voter Turnout android application, at 9.00 PM, the turnout in the Monday's polling was 63.5 per cent.&nbsp;

The voter turnout has recorded a decreasing trend so far this election.

At 69.50 per cent, the polling in phase-1 is the highest in the five phases&nbsp;so far.

In phase-2, the turnout was 69.44 per cent, it was 68.40 in phase-3 and 65.51 per cent in phase-4.

Senior Deputy Election Commissioner Sandeep Saxena told reporters here that as compared to 2014, in the first four phases (barring Monday's phase five), 7.85 crore more people eligible to cast vote.&nbsp;

He also said that six crore more voters participated in the democratic exercise in the first four phases as compared to 2014 LS polls in its four phases.&nbsp;

The Anantnag Parliamentary Constituency in Jammu &amp; Kashmir went to polls in Phase III, Phase IV &amp; Phase V, the only such instance in the country.

The overall voter turnout there was 8.76 per cent this year as compared to 28.54 per cent in 2014 Lok Sabha polls.

The Ladakh constituency of the state, which went to polls Monday, recorded a turnout of 71.10 per cent at 10 PM as per the EC app. In 2014, the turnout was nearly the same at 71.9 per cent.

A total of 51 constituencies in seven states voted Monday. In this phase, the least number of states were involved.

Over 8.75 crore electors were to decide the fate of 674 candidates, including top leaders such as Congress president Rahul Gandhi, UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi and Home Minister Rajnath Singh, in this phase.

The Election Commission set up over 96,000 polling booths, which included a maximum of 28,072 in Uttar Pradesh, for smooth conduct of polls.

A voter turnout of 63.5 per cent was recorded in the fifth phase of the Lok Sabha elections, which is the lowest in all the phases so far, Election Commission data shows.

A voter turnout of 63.5 per cent was recorded in the fifth phase of the Lok Sabha elections, which is the lowest in all the phases so far, Election Commission data shows. According to the Commission's Voter Turnout android application, at 9.00 PM, the turnout in the Monday's polling was 63.5 per cent. The voter turnout has recorded a decreasing trend so far this election. At 69.50 per cent, the polling in phase-1 is the highest in the five phases so far. In phase-2, the turnout was 69.44 per cent, it was 68.40 in phase-3 and 65.51 per cent in phase-4. Senior Deputy Election Commissioner Sandeep Saxena told reporters here that as compared to 2014, in the first four phases (barring Monday's phase five), 7.85 crore more people eligible to cast vote. He also said that six crore more voters participated in the democratic exercise in the first four phases as compared to 2014 LS polls in its four phases. The Anantnag Parliamentary Constituency in Jammu & Kashmir went to polls in Phase III, Phase IV & Phase V, the only such instance in the country. The overall voter turnout there was 8.76 per cent this year as compared to 28.54 per cent in 2014 Lok Sabha polls. The Ladakh constituency of the state, which went to polls Monday, recorded a turnout of 71.10 per cent at 10 PM as per the EC app. In 2014, the turnout was nearly the same at 71.9 per cent. A total of 51 constituencies in seven states voted Monday. In this phase, the least number of states were involved. Over 8.75 crore electors were to decide the fate of 674 candidates, including top leaders such as Congress president Rahul Gandhi, UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi and Home Minister Rajnath Singh, in this phase. The Election Commission set up over 96,000 polling booths, which included a maximum of 28,072 in Uttar Pradesh, for smooth conduct of polls.

63.5% voter turnout in Phase 5: Election Commission

BJP general secretary <a href="http://13.232.42.114/india-news/digvijaya-singh-needed-proper-challenger-bjps-ram-madhav-on-pragya-thakur-211565">Ram Madhav</a> on Tuesday mocked attempts by Telangana Chief Minister <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/kcr-and-kerala-cm-pinarayi-vijayan-to-meet-in-trivandrum-today-discuss-contemporary-politics-216232&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiN64nRwYniAhWS7nMBHbHGBxkQFjAHegQIABAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1dy2-_vRLDWLl2Y0aB4Qtd">K Chandrasekhara Rao</a> for a possible post-poll role of a kingmaker saying 'BJP has got the king and won't be requiring a kingmaker'.&nbsp;

"I know KCR has an ambition of becoming the kingmaker. This is what his party workers and his son tell the people of Telangana. I want to tell him we already have a king with us and we don`t need kingmakers," he told ANI in an interview.

His statement came hours after Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan asserted that his meeting with Rao on Monday was highly significant as regional parties will play a major role in the formation of a government after the Lok Sabha elections. Madhav claimed that BJP would get a comfortable majority in the elections.

"Based on ground reports that we get from our caders, we are confident BJP will be able to do as good as 2014 if not better. With the help of NDA, we will have good seats to run another a stable government."On our own, we are confident of securing the required numbers, maybe more than what we have in the ongoing parliament.

We already have a pre-poll alliance with more than two dozen parties. Together the NDA alliance will have absolute comfortable majorities," added Madhav.On the controversy over the remarks made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi against late Rajiv Gandhi, Madhav said, "Everybody should ask Congress whether they have moral right to ask questions to other leaders. The kind of language they use for the current Prime Minister, they have to answer the people. When we talk about Congress party then we have to talk from corruption scandals right from 1950s` jeep scandal to Bofors, which is a black spot on Congress`s history. We talk all this for Congress history."

Last week, the Prime Minister, while addressing a rally in Uttar Pradesh, had said, "Your (Rahul Gandhi) father (Rajiv Gandhi) was termed `Mr Clean` by his courtiers, but his life ended as `Bhrashtachari No 1." Madhav also asserted that talking about past leaders during election campaigns is not a new thing."We talk about leaders who are there and aren`t there anymore. When we talk about Emergency we talk about Indira Gandhi. So we talk about ex-leaders. It is natural we have to talk about leaders when we talk about the history of partisan governments," said Madhav.

He also criticised West Bengal Chief Minister Mamta Banerjee for making statements against Modi and said, "For Mamata Banerjee everything is politics. There is no civility in her. In her state, there is "jungle raaj" and dictatorship. There is extreme violence so much so that Election Commission has to deploy central forces in almost 100 per cent polling booths to ensure smooth elections. People of West Bengal will teach Mamata Banerjee a lesson in these elections."

On Monday, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had said that she doesn`t consider Narendra Modi as a prime minister, adding that she will speak to the "next prime minister" of the country. Madhav also lambasted Banerjee on her alleged refusal to speak to Prime Minister in the wake of severe cyclonic storm Fan. "The CM of West Bengal was so rude to PM that she didn`t take the call of Prime Minister or returned it. He is prime minister of 130 Crore people which includes Bengali people. Prime Minister wanted to help people of Bengal and wanted to go to the state but the chief minister had said that he is not welcome. This is very unfortunate."

Prime Minister Modi, who flew down to Bhubaneswar on Monday to visit the areas hit by Fani and take stock of the situation, wanted to do the same for West Bengal. The state government, however, refused to hold the review meeting stating that officials were busy with elections.On opposition`s apprehensions about the Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), Madhav said, "When they win, EVMs are fine. Chandra Babu Naidu has himself fought and won many elections using these same EVM`s. Supreme Court has taken the right decision by dismissing their petition."

The Supreme Court on Tuesday rejected a review plea filed by 21 Opposition parties seeking a direction to increase Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) verification from five to at least 50 per cent of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) during the counting of votes at the end of the ongoing elections. On Shashi Tharoor`s tweet about Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan, Madhav said, "Sashi Tharoor`s love for neighbours and hate for our own leaders is very well known. He uses choicest abuses for our leaders and he has a great love for people across the border. He has to think of what he is doing. People know what kind of politics theses congress leader practice."

On Tuesday, Tharoor had praised Imran Khan recalling Tipu Sultan on his death anniversary."One thing I personally know about Imran Khan is that his interest in the shared history of the Indian subcontinent is genuine and far-reaching. He reads; he cares. It is disappointing, though, that it took a Pakistani leader to remember a great Indian hero on his punyathithi", said Tharoor in a tweet.

BJP general secretary Ram Madhav on Tuesday mocked attempts by Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhara Rao for a possible post-poll role of a kingmaker saying 'BJP has got the king and won't be requiring a kingmaker'.

BJP general secretary Ram Madhav on Tuesday mocked attempts by Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhara Rao for a possible post-poll role of a kingmaker saying 'BJP has got the king and won't be requiring a kingmaker'. "I know KCR has an ambition of becoming the kingmaker. This is what his party workers and his son tell the people of Telangana. I want to tell him we already have a king with us and we don`t need kingmakers," he told ANI in an interview. His statement came hours after Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan asserted that his meeting with Rao on Monday was highly significant as regional parties will play a major role in the formation of a government after the Lok Sabha elections. Madhav claimed that BJP would get a comfortable majority in the elections. "Based on ground reports that we get from our caders, we are confident BJP will be able to do as good as 2014 if not better. With the help of NDA, we will have good seats to run another a stable government."On our own, we are confident of securing the required numbers, maybe more than what we have in the ongoing parliament. We already have a pre-poll alliance with more than two dozen parties. Together the NDA alliance will have absolute comfortable majorities," added Madhav.On the controversy over the remarks made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi against late Rajiv Gandhi, Madhav said, "Everybody should ask Congress whether they have moral right to ask questions to other leaders. The kind of language they use for the current Prime Minister, they have to answer the people. When we talk about Congress party then we have to talk from corruption scandals right from 1950s` jeep scandal to Bofors, which is a black spot on Congress`s history. We talk all this for Congress history." Last week, the Prime Minister, while addressing a rally in Uttar Pradesh, had said, "Your (Rahul Gandhi) father (Rajiv Gandhi) was termed `Mr Clean` by his courtiers, but his life ended as `Bhrashtachari No 1." Madhav also asserted that talking about past leaders during election campaigns is not a new thing."We talk about leaders who are there and aren`t there anymore. When we talk about Emergency we talk about Indira Gandhi. So we talk about ex-leaders. It is natural we have to talk about leaders when we talk about the history of partisan governments," said Madhav. He also criticised West Bengal Chief Minister Mamta Banerjee for making statements against Modi and said, "For Mamata Banerjee everything is politics. There is no civility in her. In her state, there is "jungle raaj" and dictatorship. There is extreme violence so much so that Election Commission has to deploy central forces in almost 100 per cent polling booths to ensure smooth elections. People of West Bengal will teach Mamata Banerjee a lesson in these elections." On Monday, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had said that she doesn`t consider Narendra Modi as a prime minister, adding that she will speak to the "next prime minister" of the country. Madhav also lambasted Banerjee on her alleged refusal to speak to Prime Minister in the wake of severe cyclonic storm Fan. "The CM of West Bengal was so rude to PM that she didn`t take the call of Prime Minister or returned it. He is prime minister of 130 Crore people which includes Bengali people. Prime Minister wanted to help people of Bengal and wanted to go to the state but the chief minister had said that he is not welcome. This is very unfortunate." Prime Minister Modi, who flew down to Bhubaneswar on Monday to visit the areas hit by Fani and take stock of the situation, wanted to do the same for West Bengal. The state government, however, refused to hold the review meeting stating that officials were busy with elections.On opposition`s apprehensions about the Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), Madhav said, "When they win, EVMs are fine. Chandra Babu Naidu has himself fought and won many elections using these same EVM`s. Supreme Court has taken the right decision by dismissing their petition." The Supreme Court on Tuesday rejected a review plea filed by 21 Opposition parties seeking a direction to increase Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) verification from five to at least 50 per cent of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) during the counting of votes at the end of the ongoing elections. On Shashi Tharoor`s tweet about Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan, Madhav said, "Sashi Tharoor`s love for neighbours and hate for our own leaders is very well known. He uses choicest abuses for our leaders and he has a great love for people across the border. He has to think of what he is doing. People know what kind of politics theses congress leader practice." On Tuesday, Tharoor had praised Imran Khan recalling Tipu Sultan on his death anniversary."One thing I personally know about Imran Khan is that his interest in the shared history of the Indian subcontinent is genuine and far-reaching. He reads; he cares. It is disappointing, though, that it took a Pakistani leader to remember a great Indian hero on his punyathithi", said Tharoor in a tweet.

‘We don’t need any kingmaker, have the king,’ says Ram Madhav

CPI(M) general secretary <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/fir-registered-against-cpm-general-secretary-sitaram-yechury-215984&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjFkNWzu4niAhWz8XMBHWhXAP0QFjAAegQIABAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1flZBxL08aZh5n1xWWH9yC">Sitaram Yechury </a>Tuesday attacked the BJP government, alleging that the country's economy and security have been run into the ground in the last five years.&nbsp;

In a series of tweets, he listed the "failures" of the government since 2014 and said <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/modi-dares-mamata-to-arrest-him-for-chanting-jai-shri-ram-216402&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjsy7yXvIniAhUE63MBHak3Br8QFjABegQIEBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0Q-2LNlSWcBnFlMDYPDtPr">Prime Minister Narendra Modi</a> cannot escape the pitfalls. "The plot and more has been lost under the Modi govt. Jobs and Spending down, benefitting no one, except the cronies who have been taken care of. At least Rs 5.5 lakh crore of public loans waived off for them since 2014."

"A litany of failures, which Modi can't escape: Modi govt has run the Economy into the ground. Terror attacks in J&amp;K were up 176% even though the harebrained Notebandi was to cut off terror funding. Truce violations by Pakistan increased 100% since 2014," Yechury tweeted.

On Monday, a war of words broke out between Modi and Yechury after the prime minister hit out at the Left leader for his alleged "derogatory" remarks against two great Hindu epics.&nbsp;Yechury had retaliated by alleging that Modi had "distorted" what he had said.

CPI(M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury Tuesday attacked the BJP government, alleging that the country's economy and security have been run into the ground in the last five years.

CPI(M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury Tuesday attacked the BJP government, alleging that the country's economy and security have been run into the ground in the last five years. In a series of tweets, he listed the "failures" of the government since 2014 and said Prime Minister Narendra Modi cannot escape the pitfalls. "The plot and more has been lost under the Modi govt. Jobs and Spending down, benefitting no one, except the cronies who have been taken care of. At least Rs 5.5 lakh crore of public loans waived off for them since 2014." "A litany of failures, which Modi can't escape: Modi govt has run the Economy into the ground. Terror attacks in J&K were up 176% even though the harebrained Notebandi was to cut off terror funding. Truce violations by Pakistan increased 100% since 2014," Yechury tweeted. On Monday, a war of words broke out between Modi and Yechury after the prime minister hit out at the Left leader for his alleged "derogatory" remarks against two great Hindu epics. Yechury had retaliated by alleging that Modi had "distorted" what he had said.

Narendra Modi government has run economy, security into the ground: Sitaram Yechury

A<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/special-vote-underway-in-south-africa-ahead-of-general-election-216626&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiz9OifsYniAhUC5o8KHQOXBY0QFjABegQIDhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0UUgbXsQIUIB2qe9h2r2-C"> polling officer </a>died while 24 others, including security personnel, were injured when their vehicle overturned in the district, officials said Tuesday.

The accident took place when they were on way to deposit EVM machines after polling on Monday.

The deceased has been identified as Om Prakash (40) assistant district information officer SD Yadav said.

A polling officer died while 24 others, including security personnel, were injured when their vehicle overturned in the district, officials said Tuesday. The accident took place when they were on way to deposit EVM machines after polling on Monday.

A polling officer died while 24 others, including security personnel, were injured when their vehicle overturned in the district, officials said Tuesday. The accident took place when they were on way to deposit EVM machines after polling on Monday. The deceased has been identified as Om Prakash (40) assistant district information officer SD Yadav said.

Polling officer dies, 24 injured as vehicle overturns in Amethi

BJP president Amit Shah Tuesday alleged that West Bengal <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/pm-modi-could-not-talk-to-mamata-over-cyclone-as-his-calls-were-not-returned-official-216063&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjwuvfrs4niAhUR148KHdBmDIEQFjACegQIEBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw12ROzDIs4EIgRlnxFChs_6">Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee</a> is not allowing people to chant 'Jai Shri Ram' in the state, and wondered if the Lord's name cannot be taken in India, will it be uttered in Pakistan.

Speaking at an election rally here, he said that polls in<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/alert-in-west-bengal-as-cyclone-fani-advances-215108&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjOoq3-s4niAhWA8HMBHRtJBHoQFjABegQIDxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1q2Vsp51QCBF_GpHmOugm4"> West Bengal</a> are for restoring democracy in the state, where the BJP will win "more than 23 seats" out of the total 42 Lok Sabha seats.

"Lord Ram is a part of the culture of India... Can anybody stop people from taking his name? I want to ask Mamata didi, if Shri Ram's name is not taken in India, will it be chanted in Pakistan?" Shah said.

A video had appeared in the social media that showed Banerjee stopping her car at a place in West Midnapore district on Saturday, and chasing some persons who chanted 'Jai Shri Ram' as her carcade was crossing the area.

"The Narendra Modi government has given Rs 4,24,800 crore to West Bengal in its five-year tenure, but it has not reached the people, and, instead, gone to the syndicates," Shah claimed.

He said the UPA-II government under the then prime minister Manmohan Singh had granted only around Rs 1,32,000 crore to the state. At another election meeting at Keshiari in Paschim Medinipur district, Shah said, "What wrong has PM Narendra Modi done by saying that the Bofors scam happened during Rajiv Gandhi's tenure."

The BJP president was referring to Modi's recent remarks at a rally in Uttar Pradesh, where he said that Rajiv Gandhi's life ended as "bhrashtachari no. 1" (corrupt no. 1 ). 
"Rahul baba says his father has been insulted. Is it an insult to be reminded of what had happened?" he said.

Shah also asked Rahul Gandhi whether or not the Bofors scandal, the Bhopal gas tragedy, the blunder of sending a peacekeeping force to Sri Lanka or the massacre of Kashmiri pandits happen during his father's tenure as prime minister from 1984 to 1989.

He claimed that the Congress and its partners in the 'Mahagathbandhan' have abused Modi on "51 different occasions". The BJP chief reiterated his party's resolve to implement the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in West Bengal to flush out illegal migrants from Bangladesh.

BJP president Amit Shah Tuesday alleged that West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is not allowing people to chant 'Jai Shri Ram' in the state, and wondered if the Lord's name cannot be taken in India, will it be uttered in Pakistan.

BJP president Amit Shah Tuesday alleged that West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is not allowing people to chant 'Jai Shri Ram' in the state, and wondered if the Lord's name cannot be taken in India, will it be uttered in Pakistan. Speaking at an election rally here, he said that polls in West Bengal are for restoring democracy in the state, where the BJP will win "more than 23 seats" out of the total 42 Lok Sabha seats. "Lord Ram is a part of the culture of India... Can anybody stop people from taking his name? I want to ask Mamata didi, if Shri Ram's name is not taken in India, will it be chanted in Pakistan?" Shah said. A video had appeared in the social media that showed Banerjee stopping her car at a place in West Midnapore district on Saturday, and chasing some persons who chanted 'Jai Shri Ram' as her carcade was crossing the area. "The Narendra Modi government has given Rs 4,24,800 crore to West Bengal in its five-year tenure, but it has not reached the people, and, instead, gone to the syndicates," Shah claimed. He said the UPA-II government under the then prime minister Manmohan Singh had granted only around Rs 1,32,000 crore to the state. At another election meeting at Keshiari in Paschim Medinipur district, Shah said, "What wrong has PM Narendra Modi done by saying that the Bofors scam happened during Rajiv Gandhi's tenure." The BJP president was referring to Modi's recent remarks at a rally in Uttar Pradesh, where he said that Rajiv Gandhi's life ended as "bhrashtachari no. 1" (corrupt no. 1 ). "Rahul baba says his father has been insulted. Is it an insult to be reminded of what had happened?" he said. Shah also asked Rahul Gandhi whether or not the Bofors scandal, the Bhopal gas tragedy, the blunder of sending a peacekeeping force to Sri Lanka or the massacre of Kashmiri pandits happen during his father's tenure as prime minister from 1984 to 1989. He claimed that the Congress and its partners in the 'Mahagathbandhan' have abused Modi on "51 different occasions". The BJP chief reiterated his party's resolve to implement the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in West Bengal to flush out illegal migrants from Bangladesh.

Will Lord Ram's name be taken in Pakistan, if not in India: Amit Shah

&nbsp;A <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/burqa-ban-not-demand-of-shiv-sena-or-uddhav-says-raut-216131&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiAgN3dt4niAhUjmeYKHdALCeAQFjAAegQIARAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw320ezS-vXPDkNYpGvuCW0s">Shiv Sena leader</a> has echoed BJP general secretary Ram Madhav's statement that the latter's party may fall short of an absolute majority in the Lok Sabha, prompting it to depend on allies to form the next government.

Senior Sena leader Sanjay Raut said that it looks a "bit difficult" for the BJP to reach the 280-seat mark as it did in the 2014 polls. "What Ram Madhav says is right. The NDA will form the next government. The BJP will be the single largest party. As of now, it looks a bit difficult for the BJP to reach the 280- 282 figure on its own but our NDA "parivar" (family) will cross the majority mark," Raut told a TV channel.

Raut told PTI Tuesday that the Sena would be happy if Narendra Modi becomes the prime minister again. Raut said, "I welcome Ram Madhav's statement and the Shiv Sena would be a part of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA). We would be happy if Modi becomes the prime minister again."

The Uddhav Thackeray-led party has 18 members in the outgoing Lok Sabha and is a major ally of the BJP. It is also a part of the BJP-led government in Maharashtra.

Ram Madhav said in a media interview last week that the BJP will require the support of allies to form the next government after the Lok Sabha polls. "If we get 271 seats on our own, we will be very happy," Madhav had said. "With NDA we will have a comfortable majority," he added.

A Shiv Sena leader has echoed BJP general secretary Ram Madhav's statement that the latter's party may fall short of an absolute majority in the Lok Sabha, prompting it to depend on allies to form the next government.

A Shiv Sena leader has echoed BJP general secretary Ram Madhav's statement that the latter's party may fall short of an absolute majority in the Lok Sabha, prompting it to depend on allies to form the next government. Senior Sena leader Sanjay Raut said that it looks a "bit difficult" for the BJP to reach the 280-seat mark as it did in the 2014 polls. "What Ram Madhav says is right. The NDA will form the next government. The BJP will be the single largest party. As of now, it looks a bit difficult for the BJP to reach the 280- 282 figure on its own but our NDA "parivar" (family) will cross the majority mark," Raut told a TV channel. Raut told PTI Tuesday that the Sena would be happy if Narendra Modi becomes the prime minister again. Raut said, "I welcome Ram Madhav's statement and the Shiv Sena would be a part of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA). We would be happy if Modi becomes the prime minister again." The Uddhav Thackeray-led party has 18 members in the outgoing Lok Sabha and is a major ally of the BJP. It is also a part of the BJP-led government in Maharashtra. Ram Madhav said in a media interview last week that the BJP will require the support of allies to form the next government after the Lok Sabha polls. "If we get 271 seats on our own, we will be very happy," Madhav had said. "With NDA we will have a comfortable majority," he added.

Looks difficult for Bharatiya Janata Party to reach 280-mark: Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut

Replying to a notice sent by the Delhi poll panel, <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/delhi-police-man-who-attacked-cm-was-aap-supporter-215994&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwj1tZWDroniAhUKv48KHYRPCpwQFjADegQIEBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw29cbuLXYBrL1QFL677SR4U">Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia</a> Tuesday said he had no hesitation in accepting that he was trying to convince people to vote for education and health instead of Mandir-Masjid (politics of religion).

Sisodia was issued a notice by the Delhi chief electoral officer following a complaint by the BJP which alleged that the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) used public funds for issuing letters seeking votes by highlighting achievements of the government.

"However, as far as the complaint of <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/mahagatbandhan-isnt-a-challenge-for-bharatiya-janata-party-rajnath-singh-216271&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjh9YidroniAhVYiHAKHUQCBroQFjAAegQIABAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2oyzYhtb8wlIKl0MWhvqeu">Bharatiya Janata Party</a>&nbsp;leader is concerned, I would like to say that this is nothing but the expression of their frustration. The letters have been written by me to individuals in my personal capacity. No public fund has been used in sending the letters," he said in his reply.

The minister also urged the BJP not to indulge in "petty politics" and try to seek votes on the basis of work "if they have done any". 
He said the Election Commission should "also encourage political parties to seek votes on the issues like education, health, water, electricity, jobs, etc, and discourage parties who are seeking votes in the name of hate".

Citing that the pass percentage of Delhi government schools in class 12 has increased and crossed 94 per cent, which is a record in the history of national capital, Sisodia said not only education but the infrastructure of schools and several other things have undergone a drastic change.

"It's a matter of pride for me to be the Education Minister of Delhi and I have no hesitation to accept that I am trying to convince people of Delhi to vote on the issues of education, health, etc. Instead of issues of Mandir-Masjid and other fictitious issues being raised by BJP and its leader Sh. Narender Modiji," he said in the reply.

Replying to a notice sent by the Delhi poll panel, Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia Tuesday said he had no hesitation in accepting that he was trying to convince people to vote for education and health instead of Mandir-Masjid (politics of religion).

Replying to a notice sent by the Delhi poll panel, Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia Tuesday said he had no hesitation in accepting that he was trying to convince people to vote for education and health instead of Mandir-Masjid (politics of religion). Sisodia was issued a notice by the Delhi chief electoral officer following a complaint by the BJP which alleged that the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) used public funds for issuing letters seeking votes by highlighting achievements of the government. "However, as far as the complaint of Bharatiya Janata Party leader is concerned, I would like to say that this is nothing but the expression of their frustration. The letters have been written by me to individuals in my personal capacity. No public fund has been used in sending the letters," he said in his reply. The minister also urged the BJP not to indulge in "petty politics" and try to seek votes on the basis of work "if they have done any". He said the Election Commission should "also encourage political parties to seek votes on the issues like education, health, water, electricity, jobs, etc, and discourage parties who are seeking votes in the name of hate". Citing that the pass percentage of Delhi government schools in class 12 has increased and crossed 94 per cent, which is a record in the history of national capital, Sisodia said not only education but the infrastructure of schools and several other things have undergone a drastic change. "It's a matter of pride for me to be the Education Minister of Delhi and I have no hesitation to accept that I am trying to convince people of Delhi to vote on the issues of education, health, etc. Instead of issues of Mandir-Masjid and other fictitious issues being raised by BJP and its leader Sh. Narender Modiji," he said in the reply.

Trying to convince people to vote for education, health instead of religion: Sisodia

The NCP on Tuesday alleged that the<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/election-commission-issues-notice-to-pragya-singh-thakur-over-campaigning-despite-72-hour-ban-216032&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiC1d6Oo4niAhWb7HMBHX6aDw8QFjABegQIEBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2iwEufGpNsWKONzAvHyCKz"> Election Commission</a> (EC) is "swayed" by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

NCP national spokesperson<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/if-not-for-lok-sabha-ncp-may-have-tie-up-with-mns-for-state-polls-215441&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwit3o7-ooniAhWv8HMBHRzCB6AQFjAAegQIAhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw22bjuVOekr85AwscxiJl1M"> Nawab Malik</a> made the comment after the Supreme Court dismissed the plea of 21 opposition parties seeking a review of its April 8 order directing the EC to increase random matching of VVPAT slips with EVMs to five polling booths per Assembly segment.

Malik alleged that the EC did not find a way out despite there being a possibility of votes polled through the electronic voting machines (EVMs) and the voter-verified paper audit trail (VVPAT) slips not tallying.

The NCP leader also expressed the possibility of rigging on the day poll results would be announced (May 23) due to the same reason.

"The NCP is trying to ensure people repose faith in the democracy. But the Election Commission is being swayed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi," Malik said.

The NCP on Tuesday alleged that the Election Commission (EC) is "swayed" by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. NCP national spokesperson Nawab Malik made the comment after the Supreme Court dismissed the plea of 21 opposition parties seeking a review of its April 8 order directing the EC to increase random matching of VVPAT slips with EVMs to five polling booths per Assembly segment.

The NCP on Tuesday alleged that the Election Commission (EC) is "swayed" by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. NCP national spokesperson Nawab Malik made the comment after the Supreme Court dismissed the plea of 21 opposition parties seeking a review of its April 8 order directing the EC to increase random matching of VVPAT slips with EVMs to five polling booths per Assembly segment. Malik alleged that the EC did not find a way out despite there being a possibility of votes polled through the electronic voting machines (EVMs) and the voter-verified paper audit trail (VVPAT) slips not tallying. The NCP leader also expressed the possibility of rigging on the day poll results would be announced (May 23) due to the same reason. "The NCP is trying to ensure people repose faith in the democracy. But the Election Commission is being swayed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi," Malik said.

Election commission  'swayed' by PM Modi, alleges National Congress Party

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/cyclone-fani-naidu-requests-election-commission-to-relax-model-code-of-conduct-in-4-coastal-districts-215134&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwj5lceqq4niAhXMuY8KHa3jDesQFjABegQIEBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2GhSHkLR5AvkCjjrLUVDdZ"> N Chandrababu Naidu</a> will participate in poll rallies of his West Bengal counterpart, TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee in the state.

According to a highly-placed source in the Andhra Pradesh government, Naidu will arrive here Wednesday morning and participate in two campaign rallies of Banerjee one scheduled at Jhargram and the second at Haldia.

After spending Wednesday night at Haldia, Naidu, who is also the Telegu Desam Party president, will speak at another campaign rally at Kharagpur the next day, the official told PTI.

After the meeting in Kharagpur, both the chief ministers will head towards Kolkata where they are likely to have a close door meeting on Thursday evening, he said adding Naidu is scheduled to leave that night itself, the source said.

Naidu shares a very cordial relationship with Banerjee. He had joined the Trinamool Congress' mega opposition rally here in January and visited Banerjee during her dharna in February against CBI's attempt to question the Kolkata Police chief in connection with chit fund scams.

Banerjee had also participated in a political rally organised by Naidu in Vizag.&nbsp;

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu will participate in poll rallies of his West Bengal counterpart, TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee in the state. According to a highly-placed source in the Andhra Pradesh government, Naidu will arrive here Wednesday morning and participate in two campaign rallies of Banerjee one scheduled at Jhargram and the second at Haldia.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu will participate in poll rallies of his West Bengal counterpart, TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee in the state. According to a highly-placed source in the Andhra Pradesh government, Naidu will arrive here Wednesday morning and participate in two campaign rallies of Banerjee one scheduled at Jhargram and the second at Haldia. After spending Wednesday night at Haldia, Naidu, who is also the Telegu Desam Party president, will speak at another campaign rally at Kharagpur the next day, the official told PTI. After the meeting in Kharagpur, both the chief ministers will head towards Kolkata where they are likely to have a close door meeting on Thursday evening, he said adding Naidu is scheduled to leave that night itself, the source said. Naidu shares a very cordial relationship with Banerjee. He had joined the Trinamool Congress' mega opposition rally here in January and visited Banerjee during her dharna in February against CBI's attempt to question the Kolkata Police chief in connection with chit fund scams. Banerjee had also participated in a political rally organised by Naidu in Vizag.

Chandrababu Naidu to participate in Mamata Banerjee's poll rallies

Bollywood actor and BJP's Lok Sabha candidate,<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/sunny-deol-offers-prayers-at-dera-baba-nanak-gurdwara-215436&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiLotuFoIniAhXM6nMBHUU-ApQQFjAAegQIBRAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1pwcZJ7G2R33581kze8z0o"> Sunny Deol</a> says he is focused on the task ahead and is not affected by his opponents dubbing him an "outsider". 
The BJP has pitted the 62-year-old actor against sitting MP and Punjab Congress president Sunil Jakhar from<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/sunny-deol-offers-prayers-at-dera-baba-nanak-gurdwara-215436&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjj3IunoIniAhVE6nMBHf7vAHIQFjADegQICRAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2disWGKQq2_p9_RVoOYkL4"> Gurdaspur.</a>

"People keep asking me this question (on rivals dubbing him an outsider) and I say, I am not here to reply to what all is being said.'' I have come here to work and serve the people, I have come here to do my job. My job is to understand my people, my constituency'', Deol said during his campaign trail here.

The son of veteran actor and former MP Dharmendra, Deol has been accused by the opposition of having no understanding about Punjab and has been termed an "outsider" and a "parachute" candidate. Waving at crowds from the sunroof of a Range Rover or from atop a mini-truck, Deol has been attracting a large number of people at his roadshows. He is being accompanied by leaders of the BJP and its ally Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD).

He said, if elected, he will never let the people down, and "never betray their trust. ''The love they have shown towards me is just overwhelming. I am that kind of person who likes to take peoples' sorrows and make them happy, this is my nature,''&nbsp;said Deol, who is famous for his hit films like 'Border', 'Gadar: Ek Prem Katha', 'Ghayal' and 'Damini'.

"I am a newcomer, but I am 'Ziddi' (stubborn) and I will go on to achieve what I set out for,&nbsp;said the actor.' Ziddi' was one of his popular movies. I speak dialogues in films when I play a character in films, that is what I have been doing. In real life, I am what every person should be, which is truthful, hardworking and sincere in what one is doing.'' Rest, it is up to 'Waheguru', Deol said.

Congress candidate Jakhar has accused Deol of having no understating of Punjab's issues and asked him to share his vision for the Gurdaspur constituency, telling him that "politics is a serious business and not a time pass activity".

I am from Punjab and belong here,&nbsp;Deol said, adding that opponents may keep saying what they feel like but that does not affect him.&nbsp;There are many issues in Gurdaspur, mostly related to farmers and youth, he said and assured "I will look for solutions to these issues.

When asked why he chose the BJP, Deol said: ''I chose this party because I like Narendra Modi quite a lot, he has taken the nation forward during the past five years, our country has progressed."&nbsp;

"India's global prestige has increased under this government. We need a strong leader,&nbsp;he said. My father had connected with (the then prime minister, late Atal Bihari) Vajpayee Ji and now, I got an opportunity to connect with Modi Ji," Deol said.

The 13 Lok Sabha seats in Punjab, including Gurdaspur, will go to polls in the seventh and final phase of polling on May 19. 
Jakhar won the seat in the 2017 bypoll, which was necessitated after the death of actor-turned-politician Vinod Khanna of the BJP in April that year.&nbsp;

Bollywood actor and BJP's Lok Sabha candidate, Sunny Deol says he is focused on the task ahead and is not affected by his opponents dubbing him an "outsider". The BJP has pitted the 62-year-old actor against sitting MP and Punjab Congress president Sunil Jakhar from Gurdaspur.

Bollywood actor and BJP's Lok Sabha candidate, Sunny Deol says he is focused on the task ahead and is not affected by his opponents dubbing him an "outsider". The BJP has pitted the 62-year-old actor against sitting MP and Punjab Congress president Sunil Jakhar from Gurdaspur. "People keep asking me this question (on rivals dubbing him an outsider) and I say, I am not here to reply to what all is being said.'' I have come here to work and serve the people, I have come here to do my job. My job is to understand my people, my constituency'', Deol said during his campaign trail here. The son of veteran actor and former MP Dharmendra, Deol has been accused by the opposition of having no understanding about Punjab and has been termed an "outsider" and a "parachute" candidate. Waving at crowds from the sunroof of a Range Rover or from atop a mini-truck, Deol has been attracting a large number of people at his roadshows. He is being accompanied by leaders of the BJP and its ally Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD). He said, if elected, he will never let the people down, and "never betray their trust. ''The love they have shown towards me is just overwhelming. I am that kind of person who likes to take peoples' sorrows and make them happy, this is my nature,'' said Deol, who is famous for his hit films like 'Border', 'Gadar: Ek Prem Katha', 'Ghayal' and 'Damini'. "I am a newcomer, but I am 'Ziddi' (stubborn) and I will go on to achieve what I set out for, said the actor.' Ziddi' was one of his popular movies. I speak dialogues in films when I play a character in films, that is what I have been doing. In real life, I am what every person should be, which is truthful, hardworking and sincere in what one is doing.'' Rest, it is up to 'Waheguru', Deol said. Congress candidate Jakhar has accused Deol of having no understating of Punjab's issues and asked him to share his vision for the Gurdaspur constituency, telling him that "politics is a serious business and not a time pass activity". I am from Punjab and belong here, Deol said, adding that opponents may keep saying what they feel like but that does not affect him. There are many issues in Gurdaspur, mostly related to farmers and youth, he said and assured "I will look for solutions to these issues. When asked why he chose the BJP, Deol said: ''I chose this party because I like Narendra Modi quite a lot, he has taken the nation forward during the past five years, our country has progressed." "India's global prestige has increased under this government. We need a strong leader, he said. My father had connected with (the then prime minister, late Atal Bihari) Vajpayee Ji and now, I got an opportunity to connect with Modi Ji," Deol said. The 13 Lok Sabha seats in Punjab, including Gurdaspur, will go to polls in the seventh and final phase of polling on May 19. Jakhar won the seat in the 2017 bypoll, which was necessitated after the death of actor-turned-politician Vinod Khanna of the BJP in April that year.

Not affected by criticism of opponents, focused on task ahead: Sunny Deol

Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao (KCR) will be heading to the capital city of Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram, on Monday to meet his counterpart Pinarayi Vijayan.&nbsp;

The two chief ministers are expected to meet at around 6pm today and discuss contemporary politics in the wake of the ongoing Lok Sabha polls.

"Rao will meet Chief Minister of Kerala Pinarayi Vijayan in Thiruvananthapuram on Monday at 6 pm. In view of the parliament elections, both the CMs will discuss contemporary politics," an official release said.&nbsp;

Before returning to Hyderabad, Rao will be paying a visit to Rameswaram and Srirangam temples.&nbsp;

The TRS chief has been a vocal proponent of a non-BJP, non-Congress federal front at the Centre.&nbsp;

Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan had previously said that Congress chief Rahul Gandhi contesting from Wayanad means that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rahul-gandhi-fighting-from-wayanad-means-he-is-fighting-left-not-bjp-kerala-cm-pinari-vijayan-206965">he is fighting against the Left and not the BJP</a>.&nbsp;

There was no need to attach any special importance to the Congress president contesting from the state and Gandhi was just one among the 20 candidates of the opposition UDF, who are trying their luck from Kerala, he said.

"If Gandhi's fight is against the BJP, he should have contested against the saffron party. In Kerala, the fight is between LDF and UDF in the elections," Vijayan said recently.

Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao (KCR) will be heading to the capital city of Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram, on Monday to meet his counterpart Pinarayi Vijayan.

Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao (KCR) will be heading to the capital city of Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram, on Monday to meet his counterpart Pinarayi Vijayan. The two chief ministers are expected to meet at around 6pm today and discuss contemporary politics in the wake of the ongoing Lok Sabha polls. "Rao will meet Chief Minister of Kerala Pinarayi Vijayan in Thiruvananthapuram on Monday at 6 pm. In view of the parliament elections, both the CMs will discuss contemporary politics," an official release said. Before returning to Hyderabad, Rao will be paying a visit to Rameswaram and Srirangam temples. The TRS chief has been a vocal proponent of a non-BJP, non-Congress federal front at the Centre. Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan had previously said that Congress chief Rahul Gandhi contesting from Wayanad means that he is fighting against the Left and not the BJP. There was no need to attach any special importance to the Congress president contesting from the state and Gandhi was just one among the 20 candidates of the opposition UDF, who are trying their luck from Kerala, he said. "If Gandhi's fight is against the BJP, he should have contested against the saffron party. In Kerala, the fight is between LDF and UDF in the elections," Vijayan said recently.

KCR and Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan to meet in Trivandrum today, discuss 'contemporary politics' 

The final voter turnout in the fifth phase of ongoing Lok Sabha elections held on May 6 stood at 62.56 per cent, according to data released by the Election Commission of India (EC) on Monday.&nbsp;

Rajasthan recorded 63.72&nbsp;per cent turnout over 12 seats in its last phase of voting; the overall percentage is 66.12 for all 25 seats.

58 per cent voter turnout was recorded in 14 Lok Sabha constituencies in Uttar Pradesh where Union ministers Rajnath Singh and Smriti Irani, UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi and Congress president Rahul Gandhi are in the fray.

Till 6 pm, the closing time, 58&nbsp;per cent polling was witnessed in the state, Election Commission officials said.

The final figure is expected to go up when the votes of those still in the queue at this time are taken into account.

In this phase, the BJP is defending 39 seats -- all 12 in Rajasthan and a similar number in Uttar Pradesh, all seven in Madhya Pradesh, three in Bihar, all four in Jharkhand and one in Jammu and Kashmir.

In West Bengal, all seven seats were won by the Trinamool Congress, in Bihar, one was won by BJP ally Lok Janshakti Party and one by then ally Rashtriya Lok Samta Party, and in Jammu and Kashmir, one seat was won by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

The Congress had only bagged two -- Amethi and Rae Bareli.

With the fifth phase, voting is now completed in all seats of Rajasthan and Jammu and Kashmir.

The seven-phase Lok Sabha elections started on April 11 and would conclude on May 19. Counting of votes will take place on May 23.

Total voter turnout: 62.56%

Bihar - 57.76%

Jammu and Kashmir - 18.24%

Madhya Pradesh - 65.24%

Rajasthan - 63.72%

Uttar Pradesh - 57.31%

West Bengal - 74.42%

Jharkhand - 64.63%

The final voter turnout in the fifth phase of ongoing Lok Sabha elections held on May 6 stood at 62.56 per cent, according to data released by the Election Commission of India (EC) on Monday.

The final voter turnout in the fifth phase of ongoing Lok Sabha elections held on May 6 stood at 62.56 per cent, according to data released by the Election Commission of India (EC) on Monday. Rajasthan recorded 63.72 per cent turnout over 12 seats in its last phase of voting; the overall percentage is 66.12 for all 25 seats. 58 per cent voter turnout was recorded in 14 Lok Sabha constituencies in Uttar Pradesh where Union ministers Rajnath Singh and Smriti Irani, UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi and Congress president Rahul Gandhi are in the fray. Till 6 pm, the closing time, 58 per cent polling was witnessed in the state, Election Commission officials said. The final figure is expected to go up when the votes of those still in the queue at this time are taken into account. In this phase, the BJP is defending 39 seats -- all 12 in Rajasthan and a similar number in Uttar Pradesh, all seven in Madhya Pradesh, three in Bihar, all four in Jharkhand and one in Jammu and Kashmir. In West Bengal, all seven seats were won by the Trinamool Congress, in Bihar, one was won by BJP ally Lok Janshakti Party and one by then ally Rashtriya Lok Samta Party, and in Jammu and Kashmir, one seat was won by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). The Congress had only bagged two -- Amethi and Rae Bareli. With the fifth phase, voting is now completed in all seats of Rajasthan and Jammu and Kashmir. The seven-phase Lok Sabha elections started on April 11 and would conclude on May 19. Counting of votes will take place on May 23. Total voter turnout: 62.56% Bihar - 57.76% Jammu and Kashmir - 18.24% Madhya Pradesh - 65.24% Rajasthan - 63.72% Uttar Pradesh - 57.31% West Bengal - 74.42% Jharkhand - 64.63%

Lok Sabha polls 2019: 62.56% total voter turnout recorded in phase 5

Known for blowing hot and cold against ally BJP, Suheldev Bhartiya Samaj Party chief Om Prakash Rajbhar claimed Monday he has resigned from the<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/lok-sabha-polls-2019-smriti-irani-visits-amethi-more-than-rahul-gandhi-says-yogi-adityanath-214907&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjO8b_r64biAhUx8HMBHebmBrw4ChAWMAJ6BAgQEAI&amp;usg=AOvVaw1uHz5nTSEnNpvxH5kiCsiA"> Yogi Adityanath government </a>and it was up to the saffron party to decide on it.

"I tendered resignation as minister on April 13. It is up to the BJP to decide whether to accept or reject it," Rajbhar, a cabinet minister in the UP government, told reporters here."I have nothing to do with the government now," he said.

The SBSP chief alleged the BJP was misusing his party's name and flag in the election underway. "Even during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's roadshow, they were used. I have filed a complaint in this regard with the Election Commission," Rajbhar said. 
Rajbhar has often publicly criticised the BJP, its ally in Uttar Pradesh.

Last month, he said his party will contest the Lok Sabha election in the state alone and announced candidates on 39 seats, prompting BJP leader and Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya to say that "Rajbhar has been with the BJP and will remain with it".

But he has continued with his criticism of the BJP, alleging it was trying to weaken his party. On Monday, the SBSP chief claimed the SP-BSP-RLD alliance will win more seats than BJP in the state. He also claimed that the BJP was worried over Congress chief Rahul Gandhi's continuous attacks on it.

Rajbhar has fielded candidates on some 40 of the 80 Lok Sabha seats in the state after he failed to have an understanding with the BJP for Lok Sabha polls and has making adverse comments against the bigger NDA partner.

The Rajbhars constitute 20 per cent of the Purvanchal population and are regarded as the second-most politically dominant community after Yadavs in eastern UP, parts of which will vote during the sixth and seventh phase polls on May 12 and 19, respectively.

The SBSP won four seats in 2017 UP assembly elections. Rajbhar had said the BJP was under an impression it could win all 80 Lok Sabha seats in the state and 400 seats in the country "but the reality will dawn on May 23".&nbsp;

Known for blowing hot and cold against ally BJP, Suheldev Bhartiya Samaj Party chief Om Prakash Rajbhar claimed Monday he has resigned from the Yogi Adityanath government and it was up to the saffron party to decide on it.

Known for blowing hot and cold against ally BJP, Suheldev Bhartiya Samaj Party chief Om Prakash Rajbhar claimed Monday he has resigned from the Yogi Adityanath government and it was up to the saffron party to decide on it. "I tendered resignation as minister on April 13. It is up to the BJP to decide whether to accept or reject it," Rajbhar, a cabinet minister in the UP government, told reporters here."I have nothing to do with the government now," he said. The SBSP chief alleged the BJP was misusing his party's name and flag in the election underway. "Even during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's roadshow, they were used. I have filed a complaint in this regard with the Election Commission," Rajbhar said. Rajbhar has often publicly criticised the BJP, its ally in Uttar Pradesh. Last month, he said his party will contest the Lok Sabha election in the state alone and announced candidates on 39 seats, prompting BJP leader and Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya to say that "Rajbhar has been with the BJP and will remain with it". But he has continued with his criticism of the BJP, alleging it was trying to weaken his party. On Monday, the SBSP chief claimed the SP-BSP-RLD alliance will win more seats than BJP in the state. He also claimed that the BJP was worried over Congress chief Rahul Gandhi's continuous attacks on it. Rajbhar has fielded candidates on some 40 of the 80 Lok Sabha seats in the state after he failed to have an understanding with the BJP for Lok Sabha polls and has making adverse comments against the bigger NDA partner. The Rajbhars constitute 20 per cent of the Purvanchal population and are regarded as the second-most politically dominant community after Yadavs in eastern UP, parts of which will vote during the sixth and seventh phase polls on May 12 and 19, respectively. The SBSP won four seats in 2017 UP assembly elections. Rajbhar had said the BJP was under an impression it could win all 80 Lok Sabha seats in the state and 400 seats in the country "but the reality will dawn on May 23".

I have quit Uttar Pradesh government, says SBSP chief Rajbhar

Two persons, including a <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/tourists-excited-over-imminent-birth-of-british-royal-baby-watch-windsors-changing-of-guard-214843&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwidzLPM5obiAhUG4HMBHbguAuwQFjAEegQIBhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw3Pq1PUZ2pR7TYqIqWETqBx">Home Guard</a>, engaged in election duty died in separate incidents in Madhya Pradesh, an official said on Monday.

Home Guard Mahesh Dubey, who was deployed at a polling booth in Betul Lok Sabha constituency, died due to cardiac arrest on Monday morning, state Chief Electoral Officer <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/phase-five-lok-sabha-polls-evm-issues-reported-in-madhya-pradesh-216253&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjFrbO85obiAhXFRY8KHbYlCx4QFjABegQIEBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw01uS-N_ijK08_rhIrWMqvx">V L Kantha Rao</a> said.

Besides, a kotwar (village watchman), Nandulal Nagle, who was also engaged in poll duty in Betul constituency, died after suffering a heart attack on Saturday, he said.

Financial help was being extended to the kin of the deceased, Rao added.

Polling was underway since Monday morning in the state's seven Lok Sabha constituencies of Betul, Tikamgarh, Damoh, Khajuraho, Satna, Rewa and Hoshangabad.&nbsp;

Two persons, including a Home Guard, engaged in election duty died in separate incidents in Madhya Pradesh, an official said on Monday. Home Guard Mahesh Dubey, who was deployed at a polling booth in Betul Lok Sabha constituency, died due to cardiac arrest on Monday morning, state Chief Electoral Officer V L Kantha Rao said.

Two persons, including a Home Guard, engaged in election duty died in separate incidents in Madhya Pradesh, an official said on Monday. Home Guard Mahesh Dubey, who was deployed at a polling booth in Betul Lok Sabha constituency, died due to cardiac arrest on Monday morning, state Chief Electoral Officer V L Kantha Rao said. Besides, a kotwar (village watchman), Nandulal Nagle, who was also engaged in poll duty in Betul constituency, died after suffering a heart attack on Saturday, he said. Financial help was being extended to the kin of the deceased, Rao added. Polling was underway since Monday morning in the state's seven Lok Sabha constituencies of Betul, Tikamgarh, Damoh, Khajuraho, Satna, Rewa and Hoshangabad.

Lok Sabha polls 2019:Two poll staffers including Home Guard die in Madhya Pradesh

Veteran Communist leader Suravaram Sudhakar Reddy sees a coalition of parties supported by the Congress to form the government at the Centre-- similar to the United Front regime more than two decades ago.

The General Secretary of the Communist Party of India feels neither the NDA nor the UPA may get the majority to form the government."It may be a hung Parliament this time", Reddy told PTI Monday.

Asked if Left parties were in favour of joining hands with the<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/kcr-and-kerala-cm-pinarayi-vijayan-to-meet-in-trivandrum-today-discuss-contemporary-politics-216232&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwinlvHh44biAhUEiXAKHcpzAHoQFjAEegQIARAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0qNnwQLv7soSAzrUs7YgX8"> non-Congress</a>, non-BJP federal front of regional outfits proposed by Telangana Rashtra Samiti supremo and Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao, Reddy said they want to wait till the Lok Sabha election results come and then decide.

"We are more inclined that there should be the anti-BJP government. This front which KCR (Telangana CM) is proposing is trying to create an impression as if the regional parties get the majority. They will not get majority," he said.

According to him, they have to either get the support of the BJP or the Congress or they have to support one of the fronts -- UPA or NDA.

"And it shows, he (KCR) is more anti-Congress than anti-BJP. We (Left parties) are more anti-BJP than taking an anti-Congress stand. So, we have to wait and see the developments. We are not opposed to non-BJP, non-Congress government at the Centre, with the support of the Congress but not with the support of the BJP", Reddy said.

"Maybe it's like United Front (government) earlier", he predicted, referring to the 13-party coalition between 1996 and 1998 supported from outside by the Congress.

There might be a possibility the NDA may get the largest number of seats but it will be "very far off from the majority that's needed to form the government," Reddy claimed.

Veteran Communist leader Suravaram Sudhakar Reddy sees a coalition of parties supported by the Congress to form the government at the Centre-- similar to the United Front regime more than two decades ago.

Veteran Communist leader Suravaram Sudhakar Reddy sees a coalition of parties supported by the Congress to form the government at the Centre-- similar to the United Front regime more than two decades ago. The General Secretary of the Communist Party of India feels neither the NDA nor the UPA may get the majority to form the government."It may be a hung Parliament this time", Reddy told PTI Monday. Asked if Left parties were in favour of joining hands with the non-Congress, non-BJP federal front of regional outfits proposed by Telangana Rashtra Samiti supremo and Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao, Reddy said they want to wait till the Lok Sabha election results come and then decide. "We are more inclined that there should be the anti-BJP government. This front which KCR (Telangana CM) is proposing is trying to create an impression as if the regional parties get the majority. They will not get majority," he said. According to him, they have to either get the support of the BJP or the Congress or they have to support one of the fronts -- UPA or NDA. "And it shows, he (KCR) is more anti-Congress than anti-BJP. We (Left parties) are more anti-BJP than taking an anti-Congress stand. So, we have to wait and see the developments. We are not opposed to non-BJP, non-Congress government at the Centre, with the support of the Congress but not with the support of the BJP", Reddy said. "Maybe it's like United Front (government) earlier", he predicted, referring to the 13-party coalition between 1996 and 1998 supported from outside by the Congress. There might be a possibility the NDA may get the largest number of seats but it will be "very far off from the majority that's needed to form the government," Reddy claimed.

Left leader sees Congress-backed United Front-type govt after Lok Sabha Polls

Delhi chief minister and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) convener<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/dont-think-there-have-been-such-attacks-on-any-chief-minister-in-nations-history-arvind-kejriwal-216051&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwi6yL_S34biAhXUQ3wKHX_cBeYQFjAAegQIBRAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1RM0pPjK0uznk-XtOOigWG"> Arvind Kejriwal</a> on Monday said that if his party wins all the seven parliamentary seats here then he will be able to stop sealing drives against businesses.

At a press conference here, Kejriwal said, "Traders have been facing problem due to sealing drives for the past two years, if AAP wins all seats from Delhi then we will be able to stop sealing drives.''

"We have managed to stop sealing drives in many areas of the national capital, using the court`s stay and Mayapuri area is a recent example. If we get all seats in Delhi we will surely stop sealing," he added.

Hitting out at <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/appalled-to-see-congress-speaking-the-language-of-pakistan-pm-modi-215927&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjTz_vp34biAhV763MBHaXFBr0QFjABegQIDhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1aM2CpGrdKMUo1PC06fUjh">Prime Minister Narendra Modi</a>, Kejriwal said, "Traders, who were supporters of BJP are unhappy with Prime Minister Modi. Traders are approaching me and complaining that they have supported BJP through donations and votes in the past but now they want an alternative.''

This has happened due to policies of Prime Minister Modi like demonetization and GST which have caused huge loss to the economy."Demonetization was the biggest scam in independent India. GST was also implemented without any planning and understanding," added Kejriwal.

Criticising the Income Tax (I-T) and Enforcement Directorate (ED) raids and notices, the AAP leader said, "These raids and notices have created an atmosphere of fear against common traders, who are not corrupt. This is a sort of tax terrorism that has caused harm to trade and economy in the country.''

"Some traders are still supporting PM Modi despite complaining that they have suffered a huge loss in their business. They say that the will vote for Modi because of nationalism," the AAP leader added.

Kejriwal further said, "I want to tell those traders supporting BJP Modi that PM Modi`s nationalism is fake nationalism."Citing Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan`s statement that he wanted Narendra Modi to become Prime Minister of India again, Kejriwal alleged, "if Pakistan`s Prime Minister wants Modi to become Prime Minister of India again then this shows that Modi has good relations with Pakistan.''

"If any question is asked regarding this then that person will be attacked even though he might be a chief minister of a state," added Kejriwal indirectly referring to attack on him during an election rally on Saturday in Delhi.

The AAP leader said, "There can be no nationalism without good trade and economy. A country is strong only when its people have good income and trade is prosperous.''

Referring to PM Modi`s comment last month during an election rally that 40 Trinamool Congress MLAs are in touch with him and there is nothing that can save Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, the AAP leader also alleged, "Prime Minister Modi has been trying to do horse trading in West Bengal."

Delhi will go to polls on May 6. The counting for Lok Sabha Polls will begin on May 23.&nbsp;

Delhi chief minister and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) convener Arvind Kejriwal on Monday said that if his party wins all the seven parliamentary seats here then he will be able to stop sealing drives against businesses.

Delhi chief minister and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) convener Arvind Kejriwal on Monday said that if his party wins all the seven parliamentary seats here then he will be able to stop sealing drives against businesses. At a press conference here, Kejriwal said, "Traders have been facing problem due to sealing drives for the past two years, if AAP wins all seats from Delhi then we will be able to stop sealing drives.'' "We have managed to stop sealing drives in many areas of the national capital, using the court`s stay and Mayapuri area is a recent example. If we get all seats in Delhi we will surely stop sealing," he added. Hitting out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Kejriwal said, "Traders, who were supporters of BJP are unhappy with Prime Minister Modi. Traders are approaching me and complaining that they have supported BJP through donations and votes in the past but now they want an alternative.'' This has happened due to policies of Prime Minister Modi like demonetization and GST which have caused huge loss to the economy."Demonetization was the biggest scam in independent India. GST was also implemented without any planning and understanding," added Kejriwal. Criticising the Income Tax (I-T) and Enforcement Directorate (ED) raids and notices, the AAP leader said, "These raids and notices have created an atmosphere of fear against common traders, who are not corrupt. This is a sort of tax terrorism that has caused harm to trade and economy in the country.'' "Some traders are still supporting PM Modi despite complaining that they have suffered a huge loss in their business. They say that the will vote for Modi because of nationalism," the AAP leader added. Kejriwal further said, "I want to tell those traders supporting BJP Modi that PM Modi`s nationalism is fake nationalism."Citing Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan`s statement that he wanted Narendra Modi to become Prime Minister of India again, Kejriwal alleged, "if Pakistan`s Prime Minister wants Modi to become Prime Minister of India again then this shows that Modi has good relations with Pakistan.'' "If any question is asked regarding this then that person will be attacked even though he might be a chief minister of a state," added Kejriwal indirectly referring to attack on him during an election rally on Saturday in Delhi. The AAP leader said, "There can be no nationalism without good trade and economy. A country is strong only when its people have good income and trade is prosperous.'' Referring to PM Modi`s comment last month during an election rally that 40 Trinamool Congress MLAs are in touch with him and there is nothing that can save Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, the AAP leader also alleged, "Prime Minister Modi has been trying to do horse trading in West Bengal." Delhi will go to polls on May 6. The counting for Lok Sabha Polls will begin on May 23.

Will stop sealing drives in Delhi if we get all 7 Lok Sabha seats, says Arvind Kejriwal

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